Strumpshaw Fen - Recent threads

A cold day for a first visit to Strumpshaw Fen!

Limpy — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 18:10:01 GMT

Good evening, all. My wife and I went to Strumpshaw Fen for the first time today - it was very cold but we saw some lovely birds anyway!

A beautiful Goldcrest.

Mr Crow making sure we behave!

Kestrel in between hovers

A magnificent Marsh Harrier

Not a young red deer as we first thought, a Chinese Water Deer!

The friendliest Robin in Norfolk - I came within an inch of touching him! Delightful.

Marsh Tit - understandably missing from our home feeders!

Finally, an adorable Long-tailed Tit.

We hope you enjoy looking at these - I'm looking forward to going back in warmer weather. Lovely reserve!

Pics from recent visit

Paul Rowe — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:10:27 GMT

Some pics from 2 enjoyable visits this year, including the Waxwings from a few weeks ago.

http://www.essexbirds.com/strumpshaw

cheers

Paul

October Fog @ Strumpshaw

Old Taoist — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:12:31 GMT

Greetings all.

Monday October 22nd.

Having not been out for 10 days the need for fresh air was almost desperate! As usual, a short trip to Strumpshaw saw me arrive by 3pm on what was a foggy day throughout. There appeared to be not many people around. After saying hello to the 3 good folks in Reception I headed westwards along the side of the meadow, initially looking for Bearded Tits (which I still have not seen!)

It was quiet, very, very quiet. The atmosphere was quiet too, sounds being blanketed by the fog which hung in the air, obscuring all but the nearest items in a veil of mist that somehow made the place look different. Nothing at all stirred amongst the reed-beds of the Fen trail. Following my instinct I walked towards the old pump house. Across the meadows I could see a Heron (Harnser) guarding his woodland edge patch jealously and also searching for food in the dyke (Norfolk for "ditch", in case you are foreign; e.g. from Yorkshire or Essex, etc,. ;-). Something flew behind the pump house as I approached slowly, but I could see no trace of it.

Heading towards the woods was another story. First I watched a Harnser take off and fly across the front of the woods on the Buckenham side. Then the pleasant sight of a graceful barn Owl flying the opposite way, from the Strumpshaw woods to the other side. (see below) It was shrouded in the fog, but still worthy of an image grabbed quickly as it glided past in the distance.

Heading around the 'Z' band I disturbed another Barn Owl that was on the floor in the woods, quite near to the corner. When I say "I disturbed.." I was actually trying to move slowly and quietly but the "crunchy gravel" laid along that path frustrates even the best efforts at stalking closer to wildlife! Why can't we have some nice quiet top-soil on it too?

Just after that I met a couple who were "lost", apparently having missed the turn-off to Reception and the car park. Just as well I was there as they wished to get away quickly and may well have ended up back at Tower Hide had I not been! Knowing that all in the woods would be disturbed, there was no point in looking too hard; plus being foggy it was quite dark too under the trees.

By 5.30 I was back at the Reception Hide and all on my own, save for the site manager in his workshop. I sat by the opening and watched. Not long passed before the Kingfisher came and bagged a late supper. I was hoping that maybe, now it was quiet, a Bittern may creep by. Then I saw the first batch of starlings arriving. For over 20 minutes they circled and swooped over the reeds before settling down.

This little flock, of around 100 birds, appears to be the first ones back at Strumpshaw. I had earlier seen a larger flock flying N.E. towards Buckenham or beyond. Seeing them disappear into the fog and then reappear was quite fascinating, but as it was getting quite dark, too dark for any more photo's or to see anything clearly, I headed home.

The moral of this story is that even on a foggy day, when virtually all others appear to abandon the site, there is till something wonderful to see. So instead of huddling indoors around the fires or watching mind-numbing day-time TV programs, get out and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Strumpshaw in the Fog.

Strumpshaw Funds

Old Taoist — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:56:02 GMT

Greetings all.

Over the last two years I have become a hardened fan of Strumpshaw Fen. Not only is it convenient for me to visit but it has a special feel about it and has a calming effect; even with the trains and boats passing by.

Having just opted to renew my membership for the coming year I was concerned to find out that the funds go directly to Bedfordshire and "HQ", rather than going to Strumpshaw Fen (SF) as I'd hoped most of it would. We need more funds for improvements at Strumpshaw!

How can we get more funds directed to Strumpshaw Fen?

There are numerous people using the site that may or may not pay visitor's fees, including the annoying "joggers" in their bright red Lycra, or the brisk walkers who, when you see them walking, talking loudly and waving their arms about, are obviously not bothered about the wildlife! It would be nice to have more signs regarding these issues, but more importantly for Norfolk's so-called "Honey Pot" site, it would be a vast improvement having a Reception center, with shop and cafe; like Minsmere (Suffolk). New hides are soon needed too, plus maintenance and materials.

It has been my pleasure to put forward one suggestion to Lotte (which is "under wraps" at the moment.. the idea, not Lotte.... Doh, sounds dodgy whichever way I say it!) ;-) but this idea will take at least a year to get under way, let alone raise funds.

If any of you own farms, building trades and/or transport that can move the earth - as in Dumper Trucks - then otherwise wasted basic materials can be used by Tim and Co. to bolster the foundations for hides and paths - and I'm sure we'd all like to see the riverside and dyke paths raised a few inches so we are not transformed into Waders!

How about fencing posts, logs (large), sand, shingle, topsoil and bark chippings? These could all be used; but do ask Tim first! I'd love to help in this practical way but at the most, due to hectic work and family commitments, plus not having a lorry to hand, can offer ideas and a "spotting" service; e.g. Tim, there's a farm on Arminghall Lane that has piles and piles of topsoil, hardcore and felled trees outside. I have no idea whether they wish to get rid of it for free but it's worth a look.

Come on you lot, let's push for Strumpshaw! I'm going to start the ball rolling by writing to HQ and stating that I want more of my SF based membership fees to go to our home project! :-)

Osprey

Old Taoist — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:51:09 GMT

I've posted in the Forum but apart from "Doggie" nobody seems to go on there!

Having got a few pic's of the Osprey (see Member's board in Reception) I am keen to find out where it's from.

I have been in contact with a few Osprey fans but as yet had no replies. What I call "our Osprey" has a blue tag on its left leg and what looks like a gold/white one on right leg. Although I got some nice snaps it was till way over the other side of the water from Tower hide, so can't make out letters on the ring/s.

If anyone has seen it or has a clearer shot of the rings please let me know.

Cheers

Mike

Poor chaffinch :(

Sosunny — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:24:01 GMT

On looking again at the photographs that I took last week, I noticed that the little female chaffinch has a very abnormal looking foot. I feel really bad now as she was so easy to photograph and I didn't notice that she had a problem. Now I am worried that it might be some sort of fungus infection and maybe infectious to other birds. Does anyone know about these things and whether anything can be done to help this little chaffinch (if the laws of nature haven't already claimed her). She was at the feeding area on the woodland walk, just behind the sandy pit area. I have added some more pictures which I have tried to zoom in on and sharpen so you can see it better.

Photos from visit today

Paul Rowe — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:52:20 GMT

Some pics from an enjoyable visit today.

cheers

Paul

http://www.essexbirds.com/strumpshaw

Grey seal at Strumpshaw?

MadMarchHare — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:42:11 GMT

Hi, I have just joined as I wanted to ask has anyone else seen a grey seal at Strumpshaw? My husband, son and myself were walking along the river bank about 4.30 yesterday; I was watching a small boat motoring towards the coast towing something behind it...only to recognise it as a grey seal which seemed to be following the boat going towards the coast. Seals are marine mammals; is it unusual to see one so far inland?

Thinking of visiting!

Hawky — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:12:18 GMT

Hi everyone, have never visited the official rspb site before so not sure if im meant to be in the group or not, but had to be to post this :P

Me and my mum are considering a 2 day visit in the summer, and i have a few questions if anyone would be kind enough to offer their experience :)

It will probably be late July - is this a good time to visit, bird wise? We would like to see some birds we dont get to see here in Leicestershire and want the trip to be as good as we can time it. Any ideas on what we might see?

Also was thinking about accomodation - is there anywhere close and cheap to the site? Any reccomendations for two would be great thanks!

Thanks
JP Hawky

Visit to Strumpshaw Fen

MARYEDMONDS — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:43:25 GMT

We hope to come to Strumpshaw Fen on Sunday to watch the starlings but will be arriving by camper van which needs a clearance of about 3 meters. Can anyone tell me if there are any height restrictions on the car parks. Thanks very much would love to visit the site sounds very exciting at the moment. Mary

Marsh Harriers

theharrier — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:49:56 GMT

I am very lucky that where I live Marsh Harriers fly over quite regularly. Saw last evening. It soared overhead but never made a 'V'. Do Harriers do this? We had a Red Kite fly over last year. I wonder if this was not a Harrier at all, couldn't see its tale as it was too distant.

Hares

Norfolk visitor — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:19:32 GMT

Drove up Station Road Buckenham from the car park to the T junction after a visit to the marshes this afternoon. Stopped. Ahead of me on the large ploughed field were two hares boxing.

The female resisted the advances of the male to her left.

Having parked by and off the road, I watched the antics of up to nine hares.

Otters

Norfolk visitor — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:03:51 GMT

Walking along the river from the Pumphouse a dog otter showed regularly, only staying on the surface on most occasions for a second or two.

Passed the track back to Reception and he was still there, if elusive.

Stopped at the end of the dyke which runs from Reception Hide past Fen Hide to the river. Dog otter on far side, mainly submerged but showing much of the time.

A female otter and two cubs appeared. The youngsters played and called to each other in the middle of the river. The male and female met up and she responded to his attempts to court her for a short while. Both otters bending around each other.

They split up and a noisy boat when past and another. No previous river traffic. Otters still calling, unseen by me as I left.

Back at Reception I was told the mother and cubs would be together for a few more months yet.

Beautiful Bittern!

Melanie — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 13:29:55 GMT

As a reception volunteer it wasn't my first sighting of a bittern, but today's sighting was definately one of the best. It wasn't even the first sighting of the day! It flew directly towards us from the back of the broad, down the centre before doing not one but two anti clockwise circuits of the broad then landing in the reedbed in the direction of Fen hide! Bitterns usually skim the tops of the reeds but this one just seemed so brazen as if it wanted everyone to see it! It also seemed lighter in colour - was this a juvenille I wonder? I would have considered that a good morning but not to be outdone the Kingfisher popped in several times to say hello!

This group/site.

tappilappi — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:11:34 GMT

I only stumbled on this part of the RSPB site a couple of weeks ago, but it does seem rather quiet in here ...

Is it "new" and people have not discovered it yet, or are people put off because it can be slow to load. Considering how many "regular visitors" I recognise from my visits to the reserve, I thought there would be many more than the 38 members there are at present.

Or am I missing something?

Osprey

Ponty Cyclops — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:47:47 GMT

I visted Strumpshaw last week, whilst on holidays in North Norfolk.

Did anyone postively ID an Osprey there in the end, or was it just a female Marsh Harrier doing impressions? ;o)

Ant

changes to Buckenham Marshes

theharrier — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:23:21 GMT

Just been to Buckenham Marshes, I do pick the weather!!! Really liked the new observation building. Great to see good views of the water there. Not much around the reserve, but an enjoyable walk.

Visit 24 June

fittmonk — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 22:13:25 GMT

First time visit, hoping for three things ..

The walk across the meadow soon provided the first success - a swallowtail hurried across our path, but it didn't tarry and I couldn't get any photos. Sadly there were no others showing later - perhaps a little too cloudy and close after the previous days of sun?

Once over the bridge the dragonflies began to perform well, bringing on target no 2 - the Norfolk Hawker. At no time did I see one touch down, so I felt lucky to get even this:

Far more accommodating was a four spot chaser

and then a black tailed skimmer on the path to the Fen Hide

and patrolling the reedbeds and strimmed off nettles in a clearing some Scarce Chasers

The tower hide eventually produced a glimpse of target 3 - as a bittern was chased across the water and into the distant reedbed by a pair of gulls (again no photo!) At least the tern put on a bit of a show

Walking around towards the boardwalk we spotted a nice Large Skipper

and serenading us a reed bunting

Sunning himself at the boardwalk - both on our arrival and departure - was this common lizard - moving quickly when sensing our presence!

A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a day off work.

Early morning Strumpshaw.

Seaeagle — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:50:50 GMT

Wow, What a great early morning me and my sister Pat have just had we arrived at strumpshaw at 4.15am to the sounds of a cuckoo and a bitten the weather turned very cold as dawn broke with haunting mist all around us,it was great. we saw three kingfishers a sparrow hawk, common sandpiper,loads of sedge warblers,and many more wonderfull sounds and sights,Including the otter swimming past us at fen hide.

Already looking forward to the next time.

Seen any butterflies?

Jenny — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:17:03 GMT

Butterfly season is here! The first to come out at Strumpshaw are always the bright yellow brimstones - like little packets of sunshine. There are lots around at the moment, and a few peacocks too.

I'd like to start a thread for people to add their butterfly sightings at Strumpshaw (or anywhere else in the Broads). Any advances on brimstones and peacocks?

Learning bird calls - is it possible to start in adulthood?

Lotte Large — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:33:49 GMT

I've only been 'learning my birds' for a few months now and its amazing how easy it is to learn here at Strumpshaw Fen when you're constantly surrounded by birds all day long.

Yesterday, I had a crash course in bird songs and calls. This I found really difficult. To my untrained ears, a robin, blackbird and blackcap all sound the same when they are singing in the trees. But I know that, to the more experienced person, they sound distinctly different and are easy to seperate.

Does anyone have any tips for me as someone new to birdwatching (and listening) but very keen to learn? I'm intrigued whether it is indeed possible to train my ears to the differences - or did I need to have started as a child to get the hang of it?

All ideas, opinions, stories and suggestions welcome!

Lotte

Buckenham and Cantley Marshes - what's about?

Jenny — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:24:00 GMT

Buckenham and Cantley Marshes are right next door to Strumpshaw Fen, and well worth a visit. Has anyone been there recently? What did you see?