Okay, it's blowing a gale today, so not the best day to visit. But when it all calms down you'll be wanting to blow off those xmas cobwebs with some good old fresh air and exercise.
So here's an idea of what might be in store if you visit Strumpshaw Fen for your post-xmas walkabout:
Bitterns and otters have been appearing regularly at reception and fen hide, including a female otter and her cub. Chinese water deer have been spotted swimming more often than usual!
Large flocks of finches have been a winter highlight for many visitors – flocks of around 80 goldfinches have been joined by around 20 siskins, 14 lesser redpolls, and one mealy redpoll. They like to feed on the alder seeds and tend to move around in the trees near the pond-dipping platform, birdfeeders and car park. There's also a good chance of spotting nuthatches and treecreepers in the woods (thanks to volunteer Brian Tubby for this lovely photo of a treecreeper).
The harrier roost has built up to 21 marsh harriers and a single hen harrier. Look out for the marsh harrier with the green wing tags - this was tagged by the Hawk and Owl Trust at a farm near Reedham as part of a project to monitor their movements.
Happy Christmas from everyone at Strumpshaw Fen!!