Visitors to Minsmere in recent weeks have been able to see the reserve from an entirely new perspective, thanks to some new temporary nature trails.
For the first time, we opened a new trail along the edge of the reedbed to view pools that were previously out of sight to visitors. This has given many opportunities to see little egrets and waders such as green sandpipers, greenshanks and black-tailed godwits – and there was even an excellent to chance to see spoonbills here for a few weeks.
This temporary trail will close very soon to reduce disturbance to wintering ducks using the pools. Instead, this week we have opened another temporary trail. This one goes through the North Bushes, giving visitors the chance to get close to migrant songbirds.
Several warblers, including lesser whitethroats and garden warblers, are feeding on brambles in these bushes before heading south to Africa. In their place, we will soon be welcoming the first redwings, fieldfares and bramblings. Other common birds along this path include greenfinches and goldfinches, and we hope that maybe someone will be lucky enough to stumble across a wryneck.
With Minsmere’s list of sightings for the year edging closer to a record number – we’re up to 235 already – I had an expected sighting myself this week. Sadly the bird in question – a male Reeves’s pheasant – was an escapee so can’t be added to the list. It was, however, an absolutely stunning bird. The most surprising thing is that it has been here for about six months now but has been only a handful of times.
We are planning to run some extra deer watching events this autumn so you can experience the impressive annual rut. The guided walks in early October are always popular, but there are still some places available. Look out for details of some extra deer watching events during early October – details will be available early next week. Why not take the chance to watch these stunning beasts this autumn?