randombirder

Clear skies, light winds, the sun shining, and seven waxwing on an industrial estate in Stevenage. A blessed start to 2024.  After my hour of deference to these glorious birds, the year-list got under way at Welney WWT where many had gathered to walk off their festive excesses and spend time at this great reserve. Among the highlights were at least seven cattle egret , great egret , a first winter male scaup , tree sparrow , pintail ,  marsh harrier , and of course the thousands of wildfowl spread across the flooded landscape.

Not too far from the place of a forgettable year at uni, these two waxwing delighted the crowds predictably in a residential street in the village of Cranfield. On a lovely crisp winter morning, these gems radiated warmth in the low winter sun.