Welney WWT & Frampton Marsh

Starting the year off at Welney WWT where the array of wildfowl as viewed from the main observatory is always an impressive sight.  Along with plenty of our common wintering species of duck was a roosting adult drake Ring-necked Duck.  

There were good numbers of Bewick Swan, Whooper Swan, and a scattering of Pintail.  At least a thousand Black-tailed Godwit were congregated on the exposed mud. 

Heading further north to Frampton Marsh and despite being unable to located the long-staying Long-billed Dowitcher, a sparkling adult male Hen Harrier and a quartering Short-eared Owl were present on the marsh.

A juvenile male Merlin was causing havoc among decent numbers of Starling, Lapwing, and Golden Plover dashing its way over the floods before settling on a post by the farmhouse.

The fields were rammed full with wildlife particularly Wigeon and Dark-bellied Brent Goose.