Spring is stirring at Strumpshaw Fen - the sun is shining (for the moment!), snowdrops are peeping up through the woodland floor, and woodpeckers are drumming to proclaim their territories. But winter's not quite over yet - there are still large winter flocks of wigeon, teal, and golden plover at Buckenham and Cantley Marshes. Peregrines and buzzards have also been spotted there.
At Strumpshaw, bitterns and otters have been showing regularly at Fen Hide. Nuthatches and treecreepers are showing well in the woods, while a flock of 12 bullfinches is frequently feeding along Sandy Wall. The winter marsh harrier roost peaked at 18 individuals in January, joined by a single female hen harrier. There must have been something in the air on 30 January as two rather unusual visitors turned up: a female smew outside Reception Hide and a Slavonian grebe on the river.
Now is the perfect time to get out and spot the first signs of spring. Some of the paths are rather muddy though, so do bring a good stout pair of boots or wellies!
Bullfinch photo by John Bridges