randombirder

It's becoming a theme now but before entering Cambs, the day started with an hour immersed in the Big Garden Birdwatch.  No garden, but a balcony and a skylight revealed 20 species (23 recorded last year) with the highlight being a flyover grey heron and a cracking sunrise. Shortly after, a quick trip down to Bramfield where at least three hawfinch were flying around the trees adjacent to St Andrews Church not settling down for any time to capture these lovely birds. Heading north into Cambs, the first stop was Comberton where the great grey shrike was present in trees not far from the parking area.  The bird along with the lovely people that were present there made it a great experience. Next stop was Milton Country Park where it took almost two hours to pin down the yellow-browed warbler , initially observed distantly along the hedgeline north of the wooden bridge.  Heading closer, the YBW was seen at close range calling boldly as it skipped through the woodland, provi...

This was my first visit to Frampton Marsh in Lincolnshire.  I'd heard positive things about it so I knew it was going to be good.  It was great!  A sweeping manageable reserve with defined paths that lead up to the saltmarsh, open fields, and a massive sky, all made for an environment that was teaming with birds. The undoubted highlight was the majestic male  Hen Harrier  that moved low along the marsh as viewed from the ridge that spreads out onto The Wash.  It exuded pure class as it made slow but purposeful progress to the south. The fields were a chorus of yapping  Dark-bellied Brent Goose ,  Wigeon , and  Teal .  The pools held a few smart drake  Pintail . A  Merlin  was zipping around causing havoc amongst the birds congregated on the flood. Merlin The skies were alive with birds.  Clouds of Golden Plover and Lapwing , a good selection of waders that included four wintering...