Just like that, November has ended in a flash! It was a crazy month where the temperature dropped, we had plenty of floods and Storm Bert battered Strumpshaw. We even had snow at one point as well. Trails continue to close due to the high tide flooding as expected for this time and due to the high winds over the weekend, the reserve as a whole was out of bounds for your safety. You can find out the latest on closures on our social media.
Meanwhile, on our sightings board, we've had plenty of wintery wildlife encounters as provided by you, our visitors. It is time once again as we delve into some of them.
One species that has been drawing some interest amongst those who are really into birds were water pipits. If you wait inside Fen Hide long enough, you should have one of these charming little birds turn up (as well as a kingfisher or two). These pipits are less streaky, a little paler and with a slight faint flush of pink and are actually misnamed. Though in the UK they spend most of their time near water, they are really a bird from the mountains. They migrate here from the Alps and the Pyranees to escape the worst of the cold from the high altitudes there. A great little bird to tick off your list if you have yet to do so.
Water Pipit, credit: Murray Smith
There's been an increase of fieldfares at Strumpshaw recently. The apple trees along the Fen Trail have been attracting plenty of them and is your best area to look. Redwings are everywhere right now and in large numbers, just listen out for their 'tseep' calls.
Bramblings, redpolls and siskins are also around and we've even had a woodcock in the woods that surprised the visitors that spooked it up. Still no waxwings yet.
Buckenham is often a great place to visit around this time of year and there's definitely been plenty of birds out on the marshes to see. From the thousands of wigeon and pink-footed geese to a much smaller gaggle of white-fronted geese, the occasional whooper swan flock passing by (7 flew by Nov 2nd) and even the odd hawfinch and a pale-bellied brent goose.
If you are wondering if we've had any starling murmurations this year, the answer is only a very small one but it has increased in size almost daily. How long will they continue to roost in front of reception is anyone's guess. Our raptor roost is a lot more worth visiting for as at least 18+ marsh harriers are coming into the reedbeds each night. Meanwhile, the rook roost at Buckenham is always worth a watch.
Kingfishers, otters and bitterns continue to appear from our three hides this month. Bearded tits can be seen from Fen Hide and from the Sandy Wall. Water rails, grey wagtails, green sandpipers, snipe and stonechats are also around if you scan hard enough. We also had one interesting sighting of note of a pair of ring-necked parakeets seen coming into roost on the reserve on Nov 17th.
On Nov 10th, we hosted a biofluorescent night walk (sadly the second of these walks had to be cancelled due to Storm Bert). It was a huge success and those who went got to see Strumpshaw in a new light (literally). Using a UV light, certain insects and fungi lit up in a fantastic glow of colour. Keep your eye on our website as we will be planning more of these walks in the New Year.
Turkey Tail Fungi under UV light, Credit Richard Weal
Earlier this month, the light by the reception's door malfunctioned and was continuously left on. A study of the surrounding walls revealed many winter-time moths that were attracted to it. This included species such as November moth, the sprawler and umber moths. If you are hoping to check the walls now, though, you'd be disappointed as the light has now been fixed.
My plant of the month for November is the spindle tree. There's not many other choices this month as winter is kicking in, but it is the berries that really stand out amongst anything else. The casings of the berry is bright pink and a closer look and you will see it is lobed and not rounded. When the berry is ripe, this pink casing split to reveal the actual neon-orange berry inside. Don't eat these, however, as it is highly poisonous to humans.
Spindle, credit: Elizabeth Dack
Next month is of course December, the final month of the year already! A reminder that the reception will be closed on Christmas Day, but if you do fancy walking off the turkey, our trails will remain open. You'll never know what will show up as the temperature drops even more, so keep your eyes peeled. Merry Christmas everyone!