A cold week with a mixture of snow showers, bright sunny days and dull wet conditions on Friday.

This week has seen a couple of standout species; on Monday a lesser spotted woodpecker was briefly observed in the woodland behind the overflow car park, a female goshawk was also seen from reception hide on Thursday. These two species are more associated with Breckland than Broadland so, if confirmed would be fantastic records for Strumpshaw, lesser spotted woodpeckers once bred in the woods at Strumpshaw, so it would be amazing if they are set to return once again.

Three pintail were a noteworthy sighting from Reception hide on Wednesday. There have been several sightings of bittern this week after what seemed like a very poor January for them, either way it’s good to see that they are still here. Marsh harriers appear to be spending more time throughout the day at the fen, a change from their dawn and dusk appearances throughout the main winter period. Bearded tits have remained at the fen throughout the winter and appear to be doing well, they have been seen from various places around the fen with Fen Hide and riverbank viewpoints being the best areas.

The finch flock remains in the reception/car park area and still contains a decent mixture of siskin, redpoll and goldfinch, the bullfinch flock remains mobile in a similar area too.

An otter has been showing relatively frequently throughout the week from Reception Hide, as well as most probably passing through Fen Hide too. Snowdrops are seemingly at their peak and adding a dash of colour to the woodland floor.

The paths are all open, however the riverbank is particularly muddy after all the wet stuff that has fallen in the past week on top of recent flooding events, but as I say it is passable and I would recommend wellingtons. The woodland circuit is in a fairly good condition (hard stone for the most part) however there are a few muddy patches to be encountered.

Spring is slowly marching on so it’s a great time to get out and hear the birds singing as well as see the first green leaves shooting from the ground.