randombirder

A decent end-of-April push for incoming migrant birds topped by a trip of dotterel in Gamlingay on the 24th April found by Mark Thomas. On my visit, seven birds were present viewed distantly from one of the convenient parking areas but numbers fluctuated during their two-week stay with a maximum of 13 observed across this period.  The weather was glorious this weekend so a trip to Wilstone on the 25th, a rare visit to my former local patch produced a nice range of species including the long-staying lesser scaup , a first-summer little gull ,  cuckoo , garden warbler and a  common sandpiper . On the 26th, a visit to Ouse Fen RSPB produced another nice selection of birds including three bearded tit , crane , 13 hobby , great egret and a cuckoo .

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.   The lake held a family group of five Little Egret , a single Oystercatcher , 14 Lapwing and two vocal Kingfisher .