I can’t quite believe it is already October, but looking outside all the signs are there! In the past few weeks we have had the full spectrum of weather from warm sunshine to persistent horizontal rain!
The reserve has seen the majority of its summer migrants now leave us, whilst the winter birds are beginning to arrive. This passage of incoming birds is most obvious on relatively calm days when large number of siskins, redpolls, redwings, skylarks and meadow pipits can be seen migrating overhead, if you are lucky you may pick out something special also passing through.
The bearded tit flock has once again gathered and is certainly putting on a good display if you are lucky. The past couple of mornings there have been at least 60 bearded tits between reception and the riverbank at the end of Sandy Wall, listen out for their distinctive pinging calls and watch them erupt out of the reedbed in small flocks.
Some of the old favourites are still here, so kingfishers are being seen very regularly, although they don’t appear to be particularly loyal to any viewing area currently. Marsh harriers are still to be seen hunting over the reeds and bitterns are also being seen on occasion, mostly in flight from the three hides. Other recent sightings include several hobbys, red kite, two reed warblers and plenty of tit flocks containing chiffchaffs, willow warblers and goldcrests throughout the riverbank scrub.
The otters have also been spotted, but have not been reported to us too frequently.
Insects are still just about hanging on, when the sun shines there are still a lot of darters and migrant hawkers present, with a willow emerald or two also still being seen.
Please let us know your sightings via twitter: @rspb_strumpshaw or facebook: @rspbstrumpshaw
Trail conditions; The riverbank path to Tower Hide and the Lackford Run were all underwater at the weekend and for a large part of this week as a result of the heavy rain and strong winds. These areas are now open again, however wellingtons are recommended if heading around the Fen Trail and past Tower Hide. We are expecting a number of weather systems over the coming months which could flood the paths again at any time, so even with wellingtons it is safest to turn back if you encounter any flooding along the paths. The woodland trail circuit remains in good condition and can be walked with walking boots.
Our temporary reception booth is currently closed for renovation to make it a warmer more comfortable environment for our volunteers over the winter months. Please pay attention to any signage on display whilst the reception is closed as it will give you the information needed regarding trail closures, sightings and any other relevant information.
A reminder that face coverings must be warn in all hides (unless exempt) and please do not spend too long in the hides, please let others use the hides if you have been present for 10 minutes or so. If these rules are not followed, we will have no choice but to close the hides again, and nobody really wants that.
Enjoy autumn in all its splendour, it really is a fantastic season of changing colours at the fen with comings and goings of birds, fungi popping up overnight and rapidly changing weather all keeping us on our toes.