Wildlife on the reserve:
Summer is well on its way, as we have all felt from the recent high temperatures, and the breeding season is drawing to a close. The spring symphony has passed and an aural tranquillity has settled over the reserve. However the quiet is not to be mistaken for inactivity, there is still plenty happening at Strumpshaw Fen!
Increasingly emboldened, families of birds are venturing further from nest sites and into view. A family of bullfinches can be seen moving around the fringes of the woodland near the wood circle and juvenile blackcaps have been seen perched above the first picnic benches. Out in the fen, young bearded tits are becoming more visible as they cautiously emerge from the depths of the reed. Fen Hide is a great place from which to view bearded tit, reed bunting and reed and sedge warblers as they flit between the channels, keeping an eye on the periphery of the broad for a family of water rail.
Marsh harriers have had a good year at Strumpshaw Fen, with we believe 20 juveniles fledging. Now a little older now and more practiced at flying, the young birds will travel further afield; however they can still be seen regularly across the reserve. Keep an eye out for food passes, for as it is with any young teen, they might be initially motivated to leave the nest, but more so to return home for dinner. Last week a female marsh harrier carried a weasel over the yard and reception broad where it made a food pass to a juvenile butterfingers - more practice required.
It has been a hard year so far for butterflies with the cold spell in late spring; however, there are currently a number of peacock, red admiral and large white on the wing. The woodland path is still a good place to look for the rare white admiral, though it can be seen anywhere around the woodland areas of the reserve. Last week a white admiral was loitering around the pin badge table, petitioning for adequate representation no doubt.
Dragonflies are putting on a fantastic show at the moment. A stroll through the meadows will uncover hundreds of damselflies, including the beautiful willow emerald that has just begun to emerge. Since the tall vegetation has been cut back in front of the hides, the small red-eyed damselfly can be seen around the border of the broad and pond by reception. Walking anywhere on the reserve southern and migrant hawkers are patrolling the skies so remember to look up!
In the coming weeks we will be expecting to see the beginning of passage migrants and more waders arriving at Buckenham and Cantley marshes; last week saw in particular an increase in numbers of black-tailed godwit, ruff and green sandpiper.
However the most exciting report of the week is the 11 garganey seen from Tower Hide, the largest number recorded in Norfolk since 1998.
What we’re up to:
Looking into the middle of the fen this week you may have spotted a somewhat rare species in an unusual habitat, the mud-coated warden. Now that the breeding season has finished we are able to perform management in the reedbeds. Cutting on rotation, this essential management creates variation in age and height of the reedbeds, opens up areas and creates border habitats that are vital for the maintenance of biodiversity and stops succession to scrub. We also cut back the view points in front of all the hides to prevent a succession of reed into the broad and to allow a better view of the fantastic wildlife that call it home.
What you can get up to:
Whatever the time of year, there is always plenty to enjoy in the Mid Yare Valley.
Wild Fridays: Come and have a wild time with the RSPB at Strumpshaw Fen. For the duration of the summer holiday are offering free guided activities including pond dipping, mini-beast hunting and art and crafts (mud included). Suitable for the whole family, everyone can get up close and personal with nature. For more information have a look at the events page on the RSPB website: www.rspb.org.uk/strumpshawfen
Bike hire: Get active in nature by hiring a bike from Strumpshaw Fen. Bike hire is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Whether a quick trip down the road to Buckenham reserve, or venturing further afield, the gentle gradient and quite country lanes offer great scope to explore mid yare valley by bike. For information about pricing and availability have a look at the website: www.rspb.org.uk/strumpshawfen
Enjoy the peace and quiet: Slow things down a little and enjoy a peaceful wander about the reserve. Open dawn until dusk, why not linger by the viewing screens and watch a kingfisher hovering over the broad; find a bench to relax on and look up to a sky filled with dragonflies; or pause a moment to take a closer look at the flora and the insects feeing on the rich nectar. All the trails are currently open and the paths in good condition, although suitable walking shoes are advised.
Whatever you get up to this week, whether it is wild, active or peaceful, have a great one!
Laura Shelbourn