I’m back from my break so hopefully regular updates will once again resume (usually on a Friday, but not always).
A quick update from the past month first; highlight birds have included a stunning yellow browed warbler, this Siberian rarity has turned up in large numbers to the UK this autumn so its great that we managed to get one here from 26 September to 1 October. The glossy ibis returned from 28 September to 3 October at least, I assume it is the same bird as visited in last summer, but we have no way of being sure. A great white egret was seen from Tower Hide on 12 September.
Back to present day; I have just got back from Tower Hide and am pleased to report that its absolutely stacked full of birds (the broad, not the hide!) I counted 1130 teal with one garganey hiding in amongst them, 124 shoveler, 16 snipe, gadwall and a few mallards, as well as all the wildfowl a bittern, grey herons and little egrets were also on show. A jack snipe was seen from reception early this morning, it or another has also been seen in recent days from Fen Hide. A female hen harrier has been seen over the weekend; on Saturday afternoon it was passing through Buckenham and on Sunday was seen in the morning and afternoon at Strumpshaw. The bearded tits are still showing well from Sandy Wall and can be seen with patience and finally the kingfishers are still showing very well on occasion from Reception Hide.
The wintery feel to the reserves has been increased by the winter thrushes passing overhead; on Sunday afternoon flocks of fieldfare and redwing were all on the move as well as 500+ pink footed geese and 5 white-fronted geese. Other typical autumn species have included an increase in goldcrest numbers, a few redpolls and siskin have also flown over.
Unfortunately I have not had a chance to go and count the birds at Buckenham and Cantley since I have returned, but judging by the geese flying over Brundall would suspect that there are a few hundred pink-footed and white-fronted geese present, teal and wigeon numbers should also be increasing, hopefully more information from the marshes on next Friday’s update.
For those that are taking part in the 40 species challenge, the shaggy ink caps have now emerged, this is the final species needed for quite a few people. So we have our first few people reaching the magic 40 mark, congratulations to all and I hope you have enjoyed the challenge.
The wet weather and high tides have meant that the trails have taken on a wintery feel too unfortunately! The riverbank path to Tower Hide is a little bit greasy when wet and beyond Tower Hide the Lackford run is muddy in places already; (almost all of the Lackford Run was under about three inches of water last week.) The meadow trail has closed for the year, but all other paths remain open, it is however once again wellington season... but there is still plenty to see and enjoy around the reserve!