Going Cuckoo for Springwatch!

Today was my second day of volunteering for the RSPB at Minsmere. The first was on Tuesday when the weather was atrocious! Got very wet and looked pretty bedraggled on the episode of Unsprung that evening.

There is a fantastic buzz about the place at the moment, despite the weather being more barmy than balmy. It being half term there are lots of families visiting and visitor numbers are up on usual attendance, even on a wet day like Tuesday.

If you have caught any of the Springwatch programmes you will know that there is a lot of enthusiasm about being at Minsmere. It is an incredibly rich area for nature of all kinds and has been described as an Ark where threatened species have been brought back from the brink of extinction.

The iconic species is, of course, the Bittern and I have blipped about them several times - most recently here. It is still an incredibly rare bird in the UK and a significant proportion of the total population is at Minsmere and nearby reserves. Minsmere has been carefully managed to support this species and there are now thought to be up to 20 of the birds on the reserve. It is difficult to be precise as they are so elusive. However, at this time of year they are much more in evidence and have certainly been enjoying their star status this week. Visitors have been treated to some fabulous views and today was no exception. I think I saw at least 5 individual birds today i.e. a quarter of the estimated population, including one out in the open on a path!

Another star species today were the Swifts, which were flying over the reedbed and scrape in significant numbers, and Marsh Harrier were also putting on good displays including food passes between the adults.

I spent the morning in the Bittern Hide as a guide and was priviledged to ntroduce these species to many visitors who were new to the reserve and/or new to watching wildlife. This included many children. There may have been a Bittern in the reeds outside the hide but one little girl got her kicks out of the Mute Swan and its cygnet. As a hide guide you are not expected to be an expert but you do need some knowledge of what you are seeing or likely to see.

However, everyone was very surprised at my clear excitement at seeing the bird in the picture. Up to today I have NEVER (to my knowledge) seen a Cuckoo so this is what is called in birding circles a 'lifer' for me. It's not a very good photo but you know what? I don't care!!! I think my enthusiasm rubbed of on people and there was a real buzz in the hide which was lovely to be part of given that hides can be rather staid places.

I stayed on the reserve this afternoon to meet with a Twitter friend who is actually working for Springwatch as a story developer so I got an insight into the efforts that go on to bring us the wonderful footage we see on our screens.

If you haven't already, go to the BBC website and look on the Springwatch page for past episodes and the webcams. Coverage in the UK is also available on the red button. Or even better, pay Minsmere a visit. It's well worth it!