Bright warm sunshine for the majority of the week, with several days above 20 degrees, the week ended on a cooler note with warm overcast conditions.
Swallowtails were very much in evidence for the whole week, they are showing well at the reception nectar garden, with at least three seen together on Wednesday. They have also been seen in the meadows, along the riverbank, Lackford Run and the fen boardwalk; one person suggested that they saw at least ten individuals on Monday. The swallowtails should continue to show well as long as there is warm sun and little wind (although they were seen today and the sun has not been seen at all!)
Staying with the insects; dragonflies are buzzing around all over the place now with all of the early summer species on show. Norfolk hawker, scarce chaser, black-tailed skimmer and hairy dragonfly make up the larger species, while large-red, azure, red-eyed, variable and common blue damselflies are all flying too.
A small wave of painted lady butterflies were seen this week at the fen, weather this is the start of a larger migration or not is yet to be seen.
Bird news; Bitterns have been seen in flight and heard booming throughout the week. Marsh harriers are still feeding their young, who by now will be having a large appetite so there are plenty of food passes to be witnessed. Bearded tits can be seen and heard from all over the fen, the best locations at the moment are Fen Hide, Sandy Wall and Lackford Run. A grasshopper warbler has been singing well halfway along the Lackford Run as well as another bird near the river end of Sandy Wall. The great crested grebes at reception have had their young swimming around the broad, these striped humbugs are quite comical to watch as the get on their parents back and jump off to try and tackle the oversized fish that the parents supply. All migrants are still present and singing best in the early morning or evening, two to three cuckoos are still around the fen as well as reed, sedge, garden and willow warblers, blackcap and chiffchaffs too while the occasional hobby can also be seen taking advantage of the glut of dragonflies.
Chinese water deer are present in the woodland and meadows, an otter has been showing with some regularity from reception, last being seen on Friday morning. Lizards are showing all over the reserve with the wooden edge of Sandy Wall and the fen boardwalk being the two best areas.
The reserve is fully open and trail conditions are good, come and enjoy the fen at its very peak!