randombirder

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 .

Well this was more like it.  A much better day with a bit more quality around mainly due to the improved weather conditions.  It remained a bit grey but after an early shower, but it dried up and was noticeably still making finding stuff a lot easier. It started well at the dump clump where I finally managed to catch up with the Turtle Dove albeit a poor bedraggled individual.  I hope it makes it out of here soon. Further along, the Red-breasted Flycatcher failed to appear again with two Spotted Flycatcher there. Heading away and into the Old Town cemetery, I noticed something flitting high up in the tree-line that turned out to be a Melodious Warbler .  Perhaps a different bird to the one seen around ten days ago.  Nearby, the Red-eyed Vireo was still present and much more active then the day it was first seen. There was plenty being reported around the island and it was difficult to know where to head next. After a brief respite at the apartm...

These are heady days, footballing success coupled with a protracted period of hot weather.  Some might call these 'good times'. Oare Marshes was bathed in glorious summer sunshine, the warmth tempered by a refreshing breeze.  A three week gap between visits and how different it was since the last trip down to this fabulous wetland site. Wader numbers have increased as have the variety in species.  Autumn migration has commenced, evidenced by greater numbers of 'Icelandic' Black-tailed Godwit , some very smart individuals in their fantastic rustic plumage. There were more Avocet than a few weeks ago, a few juveniles were feeding on the flood.  Similarly, Common Redshank numbers were up with many young birds present.  At least six Ruff had arrived still in their breeding attire, as had a Spotted Redshank similarly in it's dark summer plumage.  Two juvenile Little Ringed Plover were scampering along the fringes of the ...