This week has seen a return of the cold conditions, with a northerly airflow bringing frost, ice and even some flurries of snow on Thursday.
The highlight of the week has continued to be the starling murmuration, with as many as 30,000 now being seen in the roost. I am told that birds are still piling in on the North Norfolk coast so we may see even more in the coming weeks. Wrap up warm and get in position for around 15.15 (but depends on cloud cover) and enjoy the spectacle of thousands of starlings as well as around 12-18 marsh harriers trying their luck with catching them for dinner.
The other highlight of this week has been the return of the first three taiga bean geese at Buckenham. They were seen in the long vegetation in the North East of the reserve near to the railway and could be observed from the main track, but closer views could be had from the riverbank just beyond the mill. They do spook easily and like to hide in the longer vegetation so you need patience and a bit of luck to see them. The other grey geese seem to spend more time in the open feeding and at present there are around 100 pink-footed geese as well as 65 White-fronted geese, so it’s nice to be able to compare the bean geese with their similar cousins. The image above, taken a few years ago shows some the key details to look for; 1-orange legs 2- fairly long orange bill 3-very bulky appearance (almost graylag goose like, with long neck and swan shaped head) 4-upright stance 5-no black belly bars (like white-fronts, but beware that juvenile whitefronts show orange legs, bill and no belly bars too!).
Wigeon are on the increase, but we do have slightly lower numbers than expected at this time of the year; the northerly wind and cold conditions should see an increase very soon though. Also at Buckenham on Wednesday were two peregrines and at least three buzzards, a merlin was seen at the weekend too, the latter being quite a rarity in recent years on the marshes.
Strumpshaw Fen has remained much as last week in terms of sightings; regular bittern flights, up to 21 marsh harriers can be seen coming in to roost (including three very nice grey males), best seen from the river end of Sandy Wall or the sluice looking South over the river at 15.30. Water pipits are still present at the fen, however they don’t appear to be being seen on the ground at all, most sightings relate to flyovers, so learning the call is very handy indeed. Kingfishers are still present and wide ranging at the moment, being heard and seen just about anywhere on the reserve, even in the woodland.
There are several small flocks of finches present throughout the woodland, car park and Reception area, they consist mainly of goldfinches, but every now and then attract other birds such as siskin, brambling and redpoll so it’s well worth a check of the flock to see what is tagging on.
Otter sightings are still fairly regular and a stoat appears to have become fairly regular in front of Reception Hide in recent days, although you need to be quick to see it as it runs by.
With the onset of wintery weather we can hope that our wildfowl numbers pick up and hopefully a few more taiga bean geese will join the three birds at Buckenham. We could also hope for an increase in some winter passerines such as brambling, redpoll, waxwings or even one of the parrot crossbills from the invasion that is currently occurring in England.
The reserve has been hit by several high tides in the past few weeks, with water overtopping the path in places, so although the whole reserve is currently open, the riverbank to Tower Hide and beyond remains wet and muddy so wellingtons are recommended.