Following up on last month’s “The Beaver Diaries February” our recent visit to Sculthorpe Moor Reserve on March 7th revealed lingering effects from February’s floods. While water levels have receded, much of the dragonfly meadow remained submerged, and accessing the reserve was challenging due to overflow from the river Wensum. Unfortunately, like last year at this time, beaver activity on the trail cameras appeared diminished, with no new signs of them in accessible areas, and work on expanding the main beaver lodge appeared to have halted. Access to the enclosure was once again limited to t ..read more

Wading Birds in Britain Quiz – How are you at recognising birds. 25 How well can you recognise these Waders? 1 / 20 The plumage of this wader is highly variable, especially in breeding males. Ruff Red Knot Common RedShank 2 / 20 A passage migrant in the UK, breeding in Northern Europe and wintering in Africa. Wood Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper 3 / 20 This wader can be found inhabiting a wide range of wetland habitats, from damp meadows to saltmarshes. Jack Snipe Woodcock Common Snipe 4 / 20 Which of the sandpipers is this one?   Curlew S ..read more

Following January’s heavy rainfall, February brought even more rain to East England, with a notable threefold increase. Access to the Beaver Enclosure was mainly through the scrape hide gate. This constant rainfall led to renewed flooding at Sculthorpe Moor, making it difficult to retrieve footage from our trail cameras spread throughout the reserve. During one inspection, only one of the six cameras was safely accessible. On another visit, we had to borrow waders to reach the beaver wood due to the flooding. Dragonfly Meadow in the flood Flooding on the Hawk & Owl Reserve The persistent ..read more

A quick quiz (with clues) about  birds of prey from around the world – How are you at recognising these birds 12 Birds of Prey Quiz Can you recognise these birds of Prey ? Each image has a clue to help  Try playing this simple quiz. There are no prizes. It's just a bit of light-hearted fun 1 / 20 What's the name of this Raptor? Clue Named after an eminent european ornithologist. Bonelli's Eagle Verreaux's Eagle Wallace's Hawk-Eagle 2 / 20 What's the name of this Raptor? Clue Often seen over grassy areas beside roads and at airports. Kestrel Sparrowhawk Ho ..read more

In the heart of Norfolk lies the Hawk and Owl Trust Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, a small but important sanctuary nestled in the Wensum Valley near Fakenham. Since April 2022, this reserve has taken on new significance with the arrival of a pair of beavers, thanks to a project supported by the UK Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. Over the past 18 months, both staff and volunteers have had the unique opportunity to observe and record the behaviours of these beavers, adding to the ongoing story of the reserve’s rich biodiversity. After our beaver duo arrived – one from Scotland, the ..read more

As summer gives way to winter each year wildlife photographers eagerly anticipate one of nature’s grandest spectacles – the autumn deer rut. This annual event often unfolds within the grounds of stately homes and royal parks, where herds of red and fallow deer grace the landscape. Despite these mammals living within a park the rut is a captivating event that offers both seasoned and novice photographers thrilling yet challenging opportunities. These can ultimately result in the capture of some dramatic images. Red Deer Stags on the Skyline Ridge When the Rut Starts Most of the deer species fou ..read more

Cahuita National Park, spanning 2,711 acres of land and 600 acres of coral reef. Our day began after breakfast, as we embarked on a walk from the southern entrance of the park to the town. This walk would follow the coastline, dense rainforest and the beautiful Caribbean beach. Walking in the Cahuita National Park At 8.00 a.m. we left and drove to the park’s southern gate. After getting our passes, we set off onto the trail, ready to see the wonders of this natural paradise. Common Mantled Howler Monkey Common Mantled Howler Monkey The walk was interesting with lots of wildlife to see and ph ..read more

With the afternoon to ourselves, we spent time around Savegre Lodge Natural Reserve capturing images of the wonderful birds that call this place home. The lodge, nestled at an altitude of 7000 feet within a vast cloud forest reserve near Los Quetzales National Park, is a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, and the surrounding areas are a haven for wildlife. Flame-coloured Tanager Savegre Lodge’s gardens Hosting nearly 200 bird species, Savegre Lodge is a birdwatcher’s dream. During our visit we were able spot a remarkable variety of species. From the vibrant Tanagers with their striking co ..read more

Diary of a Year Volunteering The Beginnings Our connection with the Beavers began with a request for volunteers to help at the Hawk and Owl Trust Sculthorpe Moor reserve. Initially it was to help with the construction of an enclosure. Erecting posts and fixing a 2 kilometre wire fence so that they couldn’t dig their way out. This was a daunting task in itself. Also some ditches and streams were dug within a wooded area of the enclosure enabling the beavers to move around the woodland areas . All of this was completed by any army of enthusiastic volunteers and staff over the winter of 2021. Thi ..read more

Diary of a Year Volunteering The Beginnings Our connection with the Beavers began with a request for volunteers to help at the Hawk and Owl Trust Sculthorpe Moor reserve. Initially it was to help with the construction of an enclosure. Erecting posts and fixing a 2 kilometre wire fence so that they couldn’t dig their way out. This was a daunting task in itself. Also some ditches and streams were dug within a wooded area of the enclosure enabling the beavers to move around the woodland areas . All of this was completed by any army of enthusiastic volunteers and staff over the winter of 2021. Thi ..read more