There have been spectacular starling murmurations at Lackford Lakes recently, with around 2,000-3,000 birds flying above the reserve in synchronised formations. Visit the reserve from 3pm to get the best chance of seeing them. 

Also known as scambled egg slime mould, this was spotted at Carlton Marshes by warden Andy Hickinbotham, whilst he was working to widen the track to Peto’s Marsh. Slime moulds belong to their own classification of single celled organisms, which can move around in search of food. 

Lound Lakes warden Andy Hickinbotham was called up early this week to clear a fallen branch that was blocking the road. He teamed up with Health and Safety Road Closure and contractors from Essex & Suffolk Water to cut and clear a large limb which had been shed by a Corsican pine. Working in partnership in this way meant the road was safe and clear well before Radio's Suffolk and Norfolk broadcast their morning travel warnings.  

The hedgerows at Winks Meadow are laden with colourful berries this week. This highlights the importance of hedgerows for winter wildlife - they offer shelter for invertebrates, birds and small mammals and provide a plethora of fruits that sustain resident and migrant birds. Warden Dan Doughty spotted several fieldfare and redwing on a recent visit. 

Warden Lewis Yates and the North East Reserves Team have been replacing fencing and gates at Carlton Marshes, this will enable livestock to safely graze a marsh that was open to the interaction between livestock and the public previously. 

Our wardens have discovered even more lovely fungi across the county this week. 

Reserves Intern Ella Broom has been working hard at removing bamboo at Newbourne Springs. Bamboo is a non-native plant, which we are removing before it dominates the native flora. 

A buzzard had already started checking out one of the freshly made culverts at Stanny Marshes, mere seconds after the excavator moved off the crossing. Buzzards eat small birds, mammals, and carrion, but will also eat large insects and earthworms when prey is in short supply. Listen out for their cat-like,'kee-yaaa' calls as they soar in high circles over grassland, farmland, and woodlands.