I'm delighted to say that we have been able to re-open the reserve today although there is still limited acces to parts of the trail and there is no vehicle access to Denge Marsh hide.
Seven goosanders and a drake smew were seen from Dennis's hide first thing and there are good numbers of other ducks on Burrowes pit - enough to attract the attentions of a hungry marsh harrier.
A male penduline tit was spotted from the Hanson-ARC hide first thing this morning and surprisingly remained in view either there or along the willow trail for most of the day.
A water pipit near the Springfield bridge and a firecrest near the viewing screen were also of note. The long-tailed duck, at least 14 smew, the great white egret and several bitterns are all still present.
Apologies but due to dangerous conditions on the entrance track and trails the reserve is closed today. The condition of the Dungeness Road is not too good either.
There has been little improvement in the condition of the entrance track and trails so, unfortunately, the reserve will remain closed today.
About 40 Bewick’s swans came off the ARC pit at about 9.15, heading towards Lydd.
The cold snap has certainly got things on the move. Smew numbers rose from the five we have had for most of the winter to 17 yesterday, including two drakes. Four female and one male goosander are on Burrowes pit today along with about a dozen pintails and increased numbers of gadwall and shoveler. Finch numbers have also increased with small flocks of chaffinches and greenfinches (quite an unusual sight in recent times) coming to the car park feeders.
At the ARC site two bitterns were showing off in front of the hide this morning having ventured from the icy reedbeds. A possible green-winged teal was reported about an hour ago but it seems it might be a hybrid - watch this space.