Saturday 20 December 2014

Better than Africa

Well an exciting week at the reserve this week, especially with the opening of our new hide at Steggall's. The hide was funded by Paul Holness and Val Wallace and was designed by  our volunteer and trustee James Robinson. It was all built by our reserves team volunteers and wood turner Mike Harding added a beautiful acorn to adorn the top.
Wood turned Acorn by Mike Harding tops the new hide.
The new Steggall's hide is about 1km from the centre and is octagonal in shape and is named after Peter Steggall, a champion of the reserve in the 1980's, who with Bernard Tickner, gifted the reserve to the Trust. It is situated in between Plover Lake and Wilson's Flood and its shape gives it an all round view of both lakes. It's been constructed from sustainable timber and because it was built by our wonderful volunteers, we managed to construct it for a sixth of the price! This in itself, just goes to show just how valuable our volunteers are.

Paul and Val officially open the new hide.
The weather was unseasonably warm, around 12ÂșC and dry thankfully, so the turn out was good.
Volunteers and onlookers turned out to see the opening.
Volunteers of the reserves team along will Giles Cawston and Will Cranstoun 
Well done to all who were involved with the project, your work is greatly appreciated not only by the Trust, but by all those who visit our reserve too. Great job!

Better than Africa?

Well, there's been some new sightings on the reserve this week along with the usual suspects of Goosander, Goldeneye, Pintail, Kingfisher and over 290 Teal on the Slough. There's also been a sighting of a family of otters around Bess' and Atlas hide around 3pm and a suspected sighting of Bittern to the NE of the Double-decker hide. We haven't had any other sightings of it yet, but watch this space and we'll keep you posted! 

Last evening (19th Dec) a House Martin was spotted by birder Nick Moran and those gathered to watch the Starling murmuration. This is most unusual, as the last recorded House Martin in the UK (according to Birdtrack) is the 3rd December. It is unlikely that this bird will now complete its journey to Africa, where it should be by now. So it looks like it might see it's Xmas in colder climes.

Female Goldeneye by Ian Goodall
 
Goosanders on the Slough by Ian Goodall

Xmas opening

Just a reminder that the visitor centre will be closed from Christmas Eve right through to the 31st December and this will be the last blog post of 2014. We've had a wonderful year here at Lackford with some exciting times and we have even more exciting times ahead for us in 2015. Everyone here at Lackford would like to thank all our visitors and members and wish them and their families a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2015.

Saturday 13 December 2014

Walking in a winter wonderland!

Well the Xmas season is well and truly upon us by now and these cold winter days sees the reserve looking beautiful with mists rolling across the still lakes, the lovely sunrises and sunsets, Lackford really is the place to spend a little quality time with a long quiet walk around our beautiful reserve.
Still morning sunrise
The view from the Double-decker hide
Bring your binoculars along with you, or hire some from our visitor centre to use around the reserve. There are plenty of winter ducks spread across the several lakes such as Goosander, Goldeneye and Pintail and most are visible from our 11 hides. 
Tufted duck by Ian Goodall
We currently have Bullfinches showing on the paths and around the centre as well as Siskin and new this week, Redpoll's have also arrived.

You might even get to see a Nuthatch like this one taken by Rich Berry:

Nuthatch finds a tasty little morsel by Rich Berry
If you want to see something a little different, why not look out for some Snipe on the Slough.
Snipe by Peter Rutt
And on the way back, look to the sailing lake for our 10,000+ gull roost. If all this hasn't quenched your thirst, then why not finish your walk in our lovely warm visitor centre where you can sit down with a nice warm drink and slice of cake and watch the birds on our feeders, you may even get a chance to see our regular visitor, the Kingfisher, like this one snapped by Ellie Stones.

Ellie Stones first ever shot of a Kingfisher, and what a shot too!
There's still one more wonder to see whilst in the visitor centre and that's our wonderful Starling murmuration which happens right outside the centre and can be viewed from the comfort and warmth inside. Last week the murmuration reached around 17,000 birds, but as the reed bed the Starlings are roosting in becomes more and more unsuitable (several thousand birds create a lot of waste) the numbers are beginning to drop. So make a visit soon before this amazing natural spectacle comes to an end. 

Christmas shopping all done?

Not many shopping days left now and for those of you who are still struggling to find that special something to give as a gift this Christmas, you need look no further than our on site shop.

Our selection of bird feed and feeders ideal for any garden.
We have plenty of bird feed and feeders for any bird loving gardener, or books for the nature lover in your family.
A fine selection of gift ideas for Xmas
And for the younger members of your family, we also have a fine selection of soft cuddly wildlife toys, or face masks, or for the more intrepid young explorers, we also have bug hunting kits.
Some of our cuddly owls
If you would like to give something just that bit more special, why not give a Suffolk Wildlife Trust membership? For a minimum monthly direct debit donation of £4 a month, you can give a gift of our beautiful members book by Steve Alyward that details all our beautiful reserves, a regular magazine that keeps our members up to date with all that is happening within the trust, a wildlife project and spotters book for our younger members in the family membership is also included. ALSO, this special offer also includes The Mammals of Suffolk Book by Dr Simone Bullion which details all of Suffolk's mammals with detailed colour pictures and distribution data and a lovely cotton bag to take it all away in. 

The new hide

As many of you will know, the path down to Steggall's hide has been closed for the last week whilst the reserves team finish off the new hide and remove the old one. The new hide will be officially opened on 18th December from midday, please come down and have a look, the reserve's team of volunteers have done a wonderful job.

Highlights of 2014

Well, as 2014 comes to an end, it's time to look back at some of the highlights over the last year at Lackford.

We had a great number of fledging birds on the reserve with many numbers of birds having 2nd and 3rd broods and 7 Barn Owl's also fledged, which is a great number for this species. Also 11 Great Crested Grebe's also fledged.

Nightingales and Turtle Doves were recorded breeding on the reserve.

A Great Reed Warbler stopped over for 24hrs

9 Black Tern were recorded using the Sailing lake

6 Cuckoo's were recorded egg laying on the reserve too.

We had a great butterfly year this year with Grayling being recorded for the first time at Lackford.

Dragonflies and damselflies also had a good year with 18 species being recorded.

And last but not least, a brand new, fantastic looking hide was built which will be opened this week.

Looking forward to 2015

We have lots of exciting new ideas for 2015 including a bit of a revamp for the centre as well as some new live wildlife cameras and a Bioblitz are just a few things happening at the reserve. Keep an eye on our blog for more updates about latest events. 

Xmas opening

The visitor centre will be closed from 24th December to 31st December.

Frozen Festive Fun!

There are still few spaces left for this event on 22nd December 1-3pm, but places need to be booked in advance. Cost is £4 per child (4-10 year olds), there will a winter trail and they will be able to create 'Frozen' inspired festive crafts and other Xmas decorations. This is a good opportunity to finish the Christmas shopping whilst the kids have some fun!








Saturday 6 December 2014

It's getting chilly!


Well, it's now December and the chilly mornings are with us. Despite the various flooding events last week that saw much of the reserve closed, the birds were not deterred from visiting with Pintails  and Goosander being spotted on the Slough, Goldeneye on the sailing lake and our regular Kingfisher and Sparrowhawk on the visitor centre pond. Bullfinches have also been seen around the centre in the car park and by the pond. Redwings and Fieldfare still continue to be seen on the track leading to the reserve.

Pintail by Ian Goodall

The Starlings are still murmuring and numbers are growing with an estimated 17,000 at last count. The time the murmuration happens is never set and can be early or late. Best to get here around 2pm so you can have a nice walk around the reserve and then settle in the visitor centre with a nice cuppa to see the display, which last week, was quite spectacular.

The new hide

The new hide is nearing completion and is on course for its grand opening on the 18th December. The path to Steggall's is closed from the Atlas hide onwards this week whilst the old hide is removed from the site.

Looking good, new hide is almost complete.


Well it's now December and the weather has begun to turn. Despite the various flooding last week due to the River Lark bursting its banks, it hasn't deterred the birds. A few Pintails have been sighted on the Slough as well as more Fieldfares and Redwings spotted around the reserve. The Kingfisher is still showing well at the centre lake. Goosanders, Goldeneye's, Bullfinches and a Little Egret have also been spotted around our reserve and the Sparrowhawk is still a regular visitor.

Naturally Art

We had one of our Naturally Art workshops this week where children get to create things inspired by the natural world.

Rosie and a friend get to work
All getting ready to start the day

Wonder what these will grow into????
The finished creations from our Naturally Art participants

We have a Naturally Art workshop on a Saturday once a month, why not bring your child to express their imaginations! Or, if you can't wait till next month, why not bring them along to our Frozen Festive Fun Christmas Activity Afternoon on 22nd December 1-3pm for 4-10 year olds. There will be a winter trail, Frozen inspired festive craft activities and other decorations and all for only £4.

Pre-booking is essential for this event as places fill quickly, to book your place call 01284 728706






Saturday 29 November 2014

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.

Friday 21 November 2014

Murmuration

Murmuration!

Last week we reported that there were around 800 starlings roosting at Lackford and that we could only hope that this would get bigger. Well it seems a lot of you were hoping too, because this week the murmuration increased to over 8000 starlings! As you can imagine, this is a sight to see and is well worth the trip. The murmuration happens right outside the Visitor Centre so you don't have to stand outside in the cold waiting for it to happen. You can come in and sit in the warmth with a cup of tea, coffee or chocolate and a nice slice of cake and wait for the aerial display to begin!

A small video can be seen here on our Facebook page. For those of you who cannot see this post on Facebook, here's some images. Hopefully, we'll get some more video that we can upload next week. In the meantime, if you have any pictures that you taken of this murmuration that you would like to share with us, please do, the link is on the right.

At ~8000 birds, this murmuration can be impressive, but don't forget, it wasn't many years ago when Lackford had over 30,000 birds murmuring here. So keep your fingers crossed. The best time to be here to grab a seat is around 3pm.

Just part of the murmuration over the Bernard Tickner hide

The path towards Bernard Tickner's hide.

Other sightings

We forgot to mention last week that Tree Sparrows were still being heard around the reserve, although not seen. So it's nice to know they are still about. Other sightings include 7 Goosanders, Goldeneye, Redwings, Coal and Marsh tits and Fieldfare, which seem to be on the increase this week. We've also heard via Twitter, that Waxwings have started to arrive on the Suffolk coastline, so here's hoping some make it further inshore too.

We also found this beauty visiting the Visitor Centre on Thursday 20th.

Peacock Butterfly looking for somewhere to overwinter.
These along with some other butterflies are always looking to come indoors now to sleep the winter out and if you find one in your home the best thing you can do is place it in your shed. Just make sure your shed has a few holes in it so that it can escape come spring.

Steggall's Hide

Work at the new hide has been proceeding well and it is now starting to look more like a hide thanks to all the work put it by our reserve team volunteers.

The walkway to the hide with screened sides.
In all weathers, the team work hard.
Looking good
Reserve Manager Will with some of the volunteers

The birds view of the hide.

Roof section on and the wonderful volunteers

Upcoming events

Don't forget to always check our forthcoming events on the righthand side of the blog, there may always be something there of interest for all. Next up is the Bird Identification and Song Guided Walk with our bird expert Paul Holness. We still have spaces, so if you're interested, get in touch and book your place!


Friday 14 November 2014

Stoats and Starlings

Well there hasn't been much change of late with sightings on the reserve. Goosander, Snipe and Goldeneye are still showing well and Siskin, Redwings and Fieldfares are also being seen. There were still Common Darter dragonflies still being spotted on Wednesday. 

We had a possible sighting of a Goshawk on Sunday, unfortunately, no photo. One for you to keep your eyes open for and if you get a photo, we would love to see it.

There seems to be a Stoat living in a hole in front of the visitor centre and spent most of today (Friday) catching and bringing back Shrews to his hole. Again, no photos, but we might try and get the trail cam set up to see if we can get some good pictures of it.

One new sighting this week however, was that of a Grey Wagtail by Sarah Steggall and what's more Sarah sent us the photo of said Wagtail, thanks Sarah.

Grey Wagtail © Sarah Steggall
The Sparrowhawk has also been making regular visits to the feeder area outside the centre, looking for an unsuspecting Blue tit or similar. David Ward sent us this photo of it flying around the reserve.

Sparrowhawk © David Ward
 David also shared his pictures of our most favourite visitor to the reserve, the Kingfisher.

Kingfisher with fish © David Ward

Diving Kingfisher © David Ward
People have also been sharing their photos with us on Twitter (@SWTLackfordLake) as well. Here's one from Nick Ford

Kingfisher by Nick Ford
If you would like to share your photos with us on the blog, we would welcome them. Just send them to us in an email lackford.centre@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Starlings!

Tonight we had around 800 starlings fly in and roost on site. This is a huge increase to the 100 or so last week and we can hope that it will only increase and that the murmurations just get bigger, such a fantastic sight.

Winter Dusk Walk

There are still places available on our Winter Dusk Walk with Site Manager Will Cranstoun on Friday 21st November 2-4pm. This will be a very informative walk looking at our winter wildfowl including the spectacular Gull roost and is good for all ages. Whats more, it's only £3 per person, but you will need to book beforehand to secure your place. You can do this by either calling the centre on 01284 728706 or by email lackford.education@suffolkwildlifetrust.org Don't miss out!

Christmas Cards

Have you bought your Christmas cards to send to friends yet? If not, why not come down to us and buy your cards here from our lovely Christmas collection.
Our lovely Christmas cards from £2.75 a pack
You can enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake and look for Kingfishers whilst you decide what cards to buy. But be quick, they're going fast!
  

Stoats and Starlings

Well there hasn't been much change of late with sightings on the reserve. Goosander, Snipe and Goldeneye are still showing well and Siskin, Redwings and Fieldfares are also being seen. There were still Common Darter dragonflies still being spotted on Wednesday. 

We had a possible sighting of a Goshawk on Sunday, unfortunately, no photo. One for you to keep your eyes open for and if you get a photo, we would love to see it.

There seems to be a Stoat living in a hole in front of the visitor centre and spent most of today (Friday) catching and bringing back Shrews to his hole. Again, no photos, but we might try and get the trail cam set up to see if we can get some good pictures of it.

One new sighting this week however, was that of a Grey Wagtail by Sarah Steggall and what's more Sarah sent us the photo of said Wagtail, thanks Sarah.

Grey Wagtail © Sarah Steggall
The Sparrowhawk has also been making regular visits to the feeder area outside the centre, looking for an unsuspecting Blue tit or similar. David Ward sent us this photo of it flying around the reserve.

Sparrowhawk © David Ward
 David also shared his pictures of our most favourite visitor to the reserve, the Kingfisher.

Kingfisher with fish © David Ward

Diving Kingfisher © David Ward
People have also been sharing their photos with us on Twitter (@SWTLackfordLake) as well. Here's one from Nick Ford

Kingfisher by Nick Ford
If you would like to share your photos with us on the blog, we would welcome them. Just send them to us in an email lackford.centre@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Starlings!

Tonight we had around 800 starlings fly in and roost on site. This is a huge increase to the 100 or so last week and we can hope that it will only increase and that the murmurations just get bigger, such a fantastic sight.

Winter Dusk Walk

There are still places available on our Winter Dusk Walk with Site Manager Will Cranstoun. This will be a very informative walk looking at our winter wildfowl including the spectacular Gull roost and is good for all ages. Whats more, it's only £3 per person, but you will need to book beforehand to secure your place. You can do this by either calling the centre on 01284 728706 or by email lackford.education@suffolkwildlifetrust.org Don't miss out!

Christmas Cards

Have you bought your Christmas cards to send to friends yet? If not, why not come down to us and buy your cards here from our lovely Christmas collection.
Our lovely Christmas cards from £2.75 a pack
You can enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake and look for Kingfishers whilst you decide what cards to buy. But be quick, they're going fast!
  

Saturday 8 November 2014

Say cheese!

Well the unseasonal weather continues here at Lackford with butterflies and dragonflies still being seen. Our Goosander numbers are slowly increasing from 2 last week, they are now up to 6 and are often found on Slough, Steggall's or the sailing lake. It's best to check first at the centre for their location when you arrive. Goldeneye's have also arrived at the reserve and hopefully many more will not be far behind.

Goldeneye at Sailing lake and Bess'
Our usual array of ducks have been showing well too along with a few wigeon too. Snipe are still visible at Steggall's despite the building of the new hide.

Looking away from the water and into the trees and bushes the smaller birds have been seen and heard. Cettis Warblers have been heard along some of the paths and Bullfinches have been seen flitting amongst the trees and bushes throughout the reserve including the car park. On the feeders we have a newcomer in the shape of a Coal tit.

Coal tit showing its distinctive white crest stripe.
The Marsh tits are still visiting the feeders regularly and provide entertainment for those watching and waiting for the Kingfisher on the Centre pond, which still turns up frequently.

Marsh tit.
A Fieldfare was spotted on the berry bush in front of the centre this weekend and Redwings are in abundance around the reserve. Also being spotted in varying flock sizes from a couple to around 50, are Siskin's.

Siskin
In the evenings near dusk we have been seeing a small (~100) starlings beginning to gather and beginning to start a rather small murmuration. We can only hope that as time goes on, this flock will grow bigger and bigger.

Other wildlife

The stoat is still being spotted at various parts around the site including the centre where it can often be seen running past the observation windows to much excitement to those watching on.

For the past 2 weeks, we've had a trail cam set up on the reserve to catch whatever may pass in front of it and wow did we catch some wildlife. First up to take advantage of the scattered peanuts we had laid down as bait was a Rabbit.


Rabbit caught early evening.
Then there was the Muntjac

Muntjac just passing through
Then the morning came and with it a curious Jay

A Jay eyes up and possibly wonders how did those peanuts get there?

Maybe it's got something to do with this camera on a tree?
The rabbit was back again

Found another peanut nom nom nom...
Then something a little bit smaller and always a favourite in any garden, a hedgehog.

Hedgehog making a hasty retreat after eating his fill.
Then last, but not least, we captured what we were hoping to get

Badger!

Nom nom nom

So good
So the trail cam got some lovely images and hopefully we'll get some more in the future, watch this space.

In other news

The hide construction at Steggall's is coming on very well and many visitors have been saying how excited they are for its completion.
Flooring in place
Volunteers get to work
A well deserved tea break.
Our Winter Book Fair is also on this weekend, so come on down and grab yourself a bargain!

All those lovely books looking for a new home

Photos please

There are many good photographers that visit our reserve and we really want to see and share your photos please. So if you want to showcase your work on our blog, please get in touch.

Also don't forget, you can follow us on Twitter (@SWTLackfordLake) and on Facebook too!