A sunny Spring day in the Fens…

Today we left Bramley House behind but not before our genial hostess, Jan, gave us some press cuttings regarding the local wildlife that she had saved for us speciallly.  A lovely lady.

Our destination was Strumpshaw Fen, an RSPB reserve set in the fens of Norfolk with the river Yare in its midst. The day was bright and sunny, although with a chilly wind at times. When we arrived we were told about the Cranes which had been flying over the reserve for the last couple of days. We could see them in the distance but they went to ground before we had a chance to get the cameras out unfortunately. The wardens are hoping that they will choose Strumpshaw Fen to nest in.

We set off for the nearest hide, the appropriately named Fen Hide, but there was really nothing much to see.

When we visited this reserve last October we hadn’t ventured past the first hide but today was so beautiful we decided to visit the Tower Hide as well.

There are a generous number of wooden seats throughout the reserve and it was wonderful to have a rest and sit in the sun while Peter used the long lens to capture the wildlife.

The photos which follow are from both of us.

Cock Pheasant

A Black Swan which apparently escaped from a local estate and has remained at Strumpshaw ever since

Great Crested Grebe

One of the many river craft that ply the Yare

Even this little Dunnock looked striking in the sunshine

A Long-tailed Tit

Brimstone butterfly

Stunning blossom

Singing Jenny Wren

We found the Tower Hide eventually…

…but the only unusual creature there was this Chinese Water Deer – note the fangs!

So, we decided to wend our way back again…

Blushing Bracket fungus

Peacock butterflies were everywhere – can’t resist another photo!

Blue Tit – see the pollen round his beak!

Willow Warbler

Tiger Moth!

We left Strumpshaw Fen after a really delightful day and headed off to the little chain operated ferry across the Yare at Reedham. We discovered it last October and wanted to experience it again. It’s great that something that has been running for so many years still exists and, judging from the substantial queue (eight cars) when we got there, it is as popular as ever. It takes just two cars at a time so there was a fair wait but worth it!

From here it was but a short drive to our last campsite of the holiday, near Southwold. We have decided to drive home tomorrow, after a brief visit to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. The weather forecast is dire so it seems a good idea not to hang around.

We have been so lucky with the weather on this short break and we really can’t complain!