February is almost over and though it has been feeling warmer in the last week or so, this month has actually been one of the coldest Februarys in recent years. It has been bone chilling at times. The reserve froze over on occasion and when it wasn’t, it was very muddy. Spring had to wait, but it seems to have awoken at long last. Blossom is finally coming into bloom on some trees, catkins dangling on others and snowdrops are now in full display along our woodland trails. But what about the other highlights that were seen this month? It is time to delve into the sightings reported throughout February by you, our amazing visitors.
Before we get into the wildlife highlights, I need to tell you that the Fen Hide is currently closed off for structural inspections due to concerns that the hide is unsafe for public use. You can still use the viewpoints on either side of it, but please do not enter the hide until further notice.
Our marsh harriers have been very active this month. Roost numbers have peaked at 46 birds, though this number is slowly dwindling as winter moves to spring and their interest is moving from roosting to sky dancing. Males are now displaying in the sky, up and down like an avian yo-yo. Earlier this month, a ringtail (a female hen harrier) continued to join the raptor roosts on occasion. We’ve also had sightings of a peregrine swooping over the reception area, possibly attracted by the increase of wildfowl numbers out there.
Otters have been a regular sight from the Reception Hide. On Feb 10th, two were out on the broad at the same time. Bittern sightings are also becoming quite frequent, especially from Tower Hide. There’s even been signs that they are warming up their vocal chords with the sound of grunting being heard since Feb 13th. They will be booming very soon!
European otter Lutra lutra, swimming, Norfolk, England, Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
In the woods, the birds are beginning to find their voices and the sound of woodpeckers drumming echo across the reserve. Winter visitors such as siskins, bramblings, redpolls and redwings continue to linger in large flocks in the canopy. On the ground, blood red specs of scarlet elfcup fungi can be seen vividly amongst the moss and leaf litter while other fungi encrust rotting stumps in impressive displays of brackets protruding from the decaying bark.
Over at Buckenham Marshes, wader and wildfowl continue to be in good numbers. White-fronted geese especially have totalled to about 80 individuals, though most days were around 30-60. No sign of any Taiga bean geese this winter, sadly. With spring around the corner, waders like avocets have returned to the marshes to breed.
As we move into March and the weather is becoming more pleasant, the mud is likely to dry out more to allow more of you to walk over to Tower Hide. The warmer conditions will also attract more wildlife from their slumber and we should hear some migratory birds adding their voices very soon from chiffchaffs to blackcaps. Will we get any rarities joining them? Find out next month! See you in March!