Ouse Fen RSPB

This was a first visit to Ouse Fen RSPB a reasonable drive into the heart of Cambridgeshire. It was a lovely warm morning with the walk starting at a small car park onto the defined paths that lead alongside reedbeds and areas of open water.

Areas of mixed woodland and scrub revealed at least two Lesser Whitethroat and five Blackcap with a minimum of three Willow Warbler around the reserve. A surprise Crossbill flew over shortly before a Bittern was seen flying languidly past before dropping down into the reeds.

The reserve is punctuated by lakes and pools. Following the Barleycroft Trail leads to unsurprisingly to Barleycroft Lake that held most of the interesting sightings.

The highlight were at least three purring Turtle Dove with one individual perched high up on a willow.