A very similar week to last week weather-wise; strong winds to begin followed by a calm spell of pleasant early spring weather.
One of the key themes of the week has been departure: flocks of fieldfare and redwing have been seen throughout the week, mostly at dawn and dusk. These birds appear to be gathering in preparation for moving back north, my peak flocks have been 46 redwings on Tuesday and 63 fieldfares on Friday morning. Other birds leaving our shores have included Bewick’s swans, 32 were seen flying east over the reception on Wednesday morning and a further two or three flocks were seen on Thursday all heading towards their breeding grounds in response to day length and mild conditions.
The resident species have upped the volume in the past few days with reed bunting, chaffinch and dunnock added to the list of birds in song on the reserve. Great spotted woodpeckers have been drumming in the woodland, bullfinch have been seen regularly between the reception and the fingerpost clearing, goldcrests have been singing well from the same area.
Bitterns have been seen flying over the reedbed on a few occasions throughout the week, a flock of 14 bearded tits were seen from lackford run on Friday and marsh harriers have started to ‘chitter’ over their new territories. Two Jack snipe were seen on Tuesday afternoon and again on Wednesday morning, these are always challenging to see, but are frequently present as are the water pipits on the reserve, two of which were seen this week, (one photographed above)
There have been no records of otter this week, however that does not mean that they have not been seen. However, Chinese water deer have been seen well throughout the week, in the cut plots mostly from the hides.
The paths remain muddy along the riverbank, lackford run and the meadow trail diversion; I would recommend wellingtons for all of these paths. Sandy Wall and Fen Hide are accessible with shoes/walking boots. The flood along Low Road has been fixed properly so access to the reserve is easier now. From the 15th February Strumpshaw Road will be closed at the new housing estate for up to nine days, I am currently unsure of the diversion route but be prepared to follow the diversion signs through Blofield, if you are coming via A47 it may even be best to go through Lingwood.
A new challenge is available in the reception to celebrate our 40th year of managing Strumpshaw Fen. This is a challenge to see if you can see all 40 species on the printed sheet within the year, it is a free challenge so please get involved and let us know how you are doing via facebook at ‘RSPB Norfolk’. The 40 species are a mixture of birds, mammals, plants, fungi and invertebrates. Some species are out now, while some on the list are only out in the summer months, see how many you can find, can you get to 40 first?