A cold clear start to the week replaced by damp cloudy but very warm air saw a very different feel to the end of the week.
Highlight bird of the week has to go to the great-white egret that was seen on Sunday afternoon and again on Thursday morning, only seen in flight though. There are currently at least two birds in the valley towards Norwich, the bird seen here could well be one of those two having a wander, or it could even be a third bird.
Other highlights included the Jack snipe being seen regularly from Reception and Fen Hide although they are capable of hiding in the slightest bit of vegetation! For good comparison common snipe are also being seen regularly from Reception and Fen Hides too. Bitterns have been seen throughout the week in flight over the reedbed, I think we have three different individuals at the moment, but there may be more. Marsh harriers are still roosting in good numbers with around 15 being seen most evenings, hen harriers have been seen on a number of occasions at dusk too. The starling roost seems to have disappeared, but they are certainly still in the area and are still roosting at the fen on occasion; on Thursday night 1000 roosted in front of reception, but prior to that the peak was 25 on Tuesday!
The woodland is currently home to all regular tit species, a good number of goldcrests, treecreepers as well as great spot and green woodpeckers. The tall trees around reception have been home to a flock of 30 goldfinch, while the sand pit Alders have had a small group of siskin feeding on them with the occasional lesser redpoll coming in to join them.
The apple trees along the riverbank are providing a very good food source to a whole load of species including fieldfare, blackbird, song thrush, water rail, brown rat and probably many more, if you sit quietly things will start to happen.
Buckenham has seen a slight increase in ‘taiga’ bean geese with the maximum report this week of 34, however there were more consistent counts closer to 20. The distance that they choose to keep and the rough vegetation they like feeding in makes counting difficult, pink-footed geese also join them occasionally which makes counting even more problematic, but the main news is that they have returned and are viewable from the main track from the station to the hide. Also present on the marshes are increasing numbers of wigeon, teal and lapwing as well as seven species of goose! Peregrines can be seen on the gateposts, buzzards circling the wood, marsh harriers going towards Strumpshaw to roost and 60,000+ rooks heading to roost can all combine to make it a rewarding visit at the moment.
All paths are open, the riverbank to Tower Hide is a little muddy at present as is the Lackford Run, so wellingtons are recommended for these trails, the woodland circuit and path to fen hide are in better condition and passable with good outdoor footwear.