Floods and starlings.

Well what a week we've had here at the reserve. The heavy rain over we had during Sunday and Sunday night led to the River Lark flooding which in turn meant that several trails around the reserve were closed, cutting off some hides in the process.

Some paths were a bit wet.

As of today, we still have some flooding on site with limited access to the East Lakes, Atlas hide being the only one available there. But the Kingfisher trail is now fully open.

Sightings

Still Goosander, Goldeneye, Kingfisher and Goldcrest are being spotted and the Tree sparrows have been seen too. 

Goldcrest by Rich Berry (via Twitter @BritishWhiskey) 

The Starling murmuration is going from strength to strength with the estimated number of around 15,000 birds, which are giving wonderful displays right behind the Visitor Centre. This is a perfect way to end a wonderful day walking around the reserve. There is always something good to see on the reserve, including a Pintail which turned up today, or the flocks of Siskins which can be seen along the paths. Another treat to look out for are the Bullfinches which can also be spotted along the paths. The time the murmuration starts varies from day to day, but it's best to get yourself in the Visitor Centre by 3pm, where, after a nice walk around the reserve, you can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee/soup and a nice slice of lovely cake whilst waiting for the wonderful display to begin. Who knows, you might even get to see the Kingfisher whilst you wait, it has been showing a lot later at the centre lake.

We have tried to get some video of the murmuration, but it doesn't do it any justice, so it's best if you  get yourself down here and experience it for yourself. After all, that really is the best way to see it, especially when they begin to dive down into the roost, which is best viewed from the centre itself.  

A very small part of the murmuration over the reserve.