Ok, I know we said we'd do this weekly... sorry! This blog will be as regular as we can make it!
Mid Yare Wildlife Update from Ben Lewis, Assistant Warden
2 Red Kites over the pumphouse track on Tuesday 3/7, including one blue wing-tagged bird (more details to follow hopefully)
Kingfisher - regular sightings from all hides this week..
Hobby - a pair have been present on the reserve, best seen from the pumphouse looking north.
Osprey - a single bird was seen briefly over Buckenham on Tuesday 3/7
Marsh harrier - many juveniles can now be seen over the fen with their chocolate coloured feathers and ginger caps.
Bittern - birds still present but no nests have been confirmed yet.
Green sandpiper - 3 migrants in front of Tower hide on 4/7
Whimbrel - one flew over fen calling on 4/7
All warblers still present and singing occasionally, family groups being seen all around the trails.
Common lizards - easiest to see on the fen boardwalk basking in the sun.
Orchids - many southern marsh and common spotted orchids still present in the meadows.
Bearded tit - family parties still present in reedbed, look just to the right of reception for an active nest, with adults bringing in food regularly.
Purple hairstreak - one seen in the woodland on 3/7
Swallowtail butterflies - individuals still present at time of writing on 11/7
Larger dragonflies are now abundant including Norfolk and southern hawkers as well as the grand emperor dragonflies. The meadows are covered in common emeralds and common darters are beginning to emerge too.
Moth trap catch on 8/7 - 67 species from 2 traps
Trails all in good condition, cue some good weather and enjoy your walk!
Water level is being lowered now so more muddy edges will be appearing, these are not only great for waders such as Green Sandpipers but also allow the wardens to get into the reedbed to cut and maintain a healthy fen and reedbed.