Colourful TreesWe enjoyed sunshine and clear skies for our much anticipated visit to Thorpe Marsh YWT reserve. We were greeted warmly by Mike Townsend who guided us around the reserve in a very knowledgable fashion. He gave us an update on Eric Danby who had volunteered on the reserve and was known to Joan, myself and others. Eric's dedication and enthusiasm had been obviously transferred to Mike. We were introduced to the varied wildlife of the reserve. In all 33 bird species were recorded :-willow tit, coal tit, bullfinch, kingfisher, buzzard, jay, green woodpecker, gadwall, teal, widgeon, grey lag geese, cormorant and goldcrest were seen. However the long-eared owl which has recently returned to the reserve was elusive. We enjoyed the colour of the trees and the berries on this lovely winter's day.
Unidentified FungiThe very varied interest in the reserve includes an ancient ridge and furrow pasture with associated special flowers (broad leaved helleborine was seen from the path on our visit) dragonfly and butterfly species including brown argus. This was a splendid final outing of our year.Thorpe Marsh was felt by all as deserving of another visit in the summer season.
Margaret