Hard to believe, but it is past mid-March and we still have a bittern and it is still incredibly obliging and, unusually, seemingly very much habituated to the toing and froing of large camera lenses through the window openers. I’m not sure if there is anyway of actually knowing whether this particular bittern is the most photographed individual ever, but if not ever it must surely be the most photographed in the UK this winter!
Many thanks to Richard Jacobs for emailing these fantastic shots to blashfordlakes@hiwwt.org.uk this week:
Although redpoll remain in evidence, brambling have very much been noticeable by their absence this Spring and continue to be very occasional rarities. Bullfinch on the other hand are being seen relatively regularly and often, as they usually are at this time of the year, on the willow buds – many thanks to Lynda Miller for sharing this gorgeous picture with us!
ADVANCE WARNING OF WORKS NEXT WEEK
Work continues next week with contractors continuing with the installation of the new Tern Hide. More significant to visitors will be the closure of the Centre car park either in its entirety, or possibly on occasion just in part, for all of next week and probably some of the following week as well. Please use the larger main reserve car park north of Ellingham Drove. The car park closure is to allow for the re-surfacing of both the car park itself and some of the teaching area at the back of the centre as well.
We appreciate that this will be frustrating to some, but is unfortunately necessary in order to carry out the works. Do keep an eye on the blog for further updates about the work which has been made possible thanks to funds from the Veolia Environmental Trust.
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve 
Excellent photos all round!