Tag: Otter

It has been a lovely lingering spring, the cold nights ensuring a prolonged blossom time. Bumble Bees and a few Butterflies have emerged, though insect life is still slow to start.  The winter birds have gone – the Rooks departing to their nesting sites and most of the Jackdaws also disappeared.  Siskin were seen in the colder months: these are small yellowish finches, which are resident UK breeders and most numerous in Scotland and Wales. In winter, however, birds also arrive here from Europe. They love the Alder catkins in the reserve.

Spring migrants arrived in late March and early April.  As you enter from the Owlstone Rd end, Blackcaps are singing and can be seen sitting on the tops of low trees, defending territory. Chiffchaffs are everywhere and I was delighted to hear, and then see a Willow Warbler. I think he was just passing through – they are not common summer residents here and I have not heard him since. Another recent treat was the sight of a pair of Treecreepers, working their way up a large willow trunk.  

Mallard Ducklings and Moorhens have appeared in the last week too.  There are a lot of big Pike in the river here, so mortality rates will be high on the river. No Cygnets yet – I am not sure where Swans are nesting this year.  I get the impression that Heron numbers are down and sadly there are no singing Song Thrushes this year.

There are seven remaining White Feral Geese, from a flock that once numbered more than 20 and nested on the Triangle opposite Paradise.  In the last few years, there have been no Goslings and recently they deserted this area and went further downstream on to Coe Fen.  However, instinct is strong – I see they are now back on the Triangle, but I fear the disturbance here will again prevent successful breeding.

Water Voles can be seen occasionally in Snob’s Brook (the mill stream below the first bridge) and today I was told of one in the main River Cam by Paradise.  There is evidence of Otters too, lower down on Sheep’s Green, by the Granta Mill Pond. There were some large fish scales and a dead Bream on the bank.  Bats have emerged from hibernation and are flying again – Paradise can claim an impressive eight species. These were probably either Common or Soprano Pipistrelles.

Vic (City Ecologist) has been very busy last week, with measures to reduce the width of the riverbank path.  Because of the winter flooding and consequent mud, the paths had become ever wider as people looked for firm footing. Small willow saplings have been planted and logs laid to mark the edges. She also moved the four big logs, which had become the focus for nocturnal partying, with big fires and massive litter. These have been replaced singly, so still fulfilling their original purpose.  With the help of Conservation Volunteers and a volunteer work party from Carter Jonas, wood chips have been laid along the riverbank path and the area of Butterbur was weeded.  Many thanks to all.

New notices at each gate request that dogs are kept on a leash.  Today, I saw two Muntjac Deer quite close to the path. Loose dogs chasing the deer risk injury from their sharp tusks and will also disturb nesting birds. Many thanks to all who regularly pick up litter.  Most visitors are appreciative of the beauty and tranquillity of the reserve and just at the moment, it is looking its very best.