Otterly annoying

As is the way with most wildlife the otters tantalised everyone in the last posting, leading to a hide full all week for which on the whole they stayed well away! They did show off on Friday for Alan Walkington here:

And on Saturday this dog otter was larking about in Watton NR for the reserve walk:

A successful morning also unearthed the cetti's warbler again on South Marsh West and this fox:

The covering of mist seemed to have extended the morning activity of many individuals like this kingfisher on North Lagoon:

This kingfisher on North Marsh by Alan was perhaps a sign of things to come:

Kingfisher at Hempholme by Roy Vincent:

Whereas this abstract picture of heron, coot and kingfisher on Watton by Roy Vincent is a strange composition!

Best birds of last week were a pair of red kite which overflew the D res - an uncommon visitor to the lowlands of the valley from their wolds stronghold.  The marsh harriers have been active and perhaps are a more acclimatised resident.  Geoff Dobbs reports with near certainty that the male present here us that which has been at North Cave over this winter; having a prominent forked tail with a central feather projecting.  Given it spent its winter break eating water hens it would certainly sound like ours! Roy Vincent snapped this Tophill celebrity courting in the spring sun - the fabled white buzzard of Watton and friend:

Other sightings have included med gull on the 2nd and 3rd (see Steve's and Erich's blogs for the latest Kumlien's write ups), an oft present pintail on South Marsh East, little egrets on Hempholme Meadow, peregrine over north marsh, 60 pink footed geese south over D res yesterday.  Great tit above the feeders by Paul Linton:

This male reed bunting was snapped by Kay Rooney also on the feeders:

Otherwise the nesting contingent are starting to get going in earnest - barn owl on North Scrub by Hana Scott:
Shelduck on North Lagoon:

Oystercatchers on Watton:

Roe deer - getting ready for their spring rut as opposed to the autumn of most other deer sp.:

And a scarce commodity this year; song thrush in O woods:

Keep an eye out in coming days for spring migrants - clement weather and southerly winds are set to blow in the first sand martins, chiffchaffs and little ringed plovers of the year.  We just hope there isn't a cold snap to follow.