Shepreth L-moor

Torrential rain all day. Had to get out so went to Shepreth with Sam where we flushed three Snipes.

Fowlmere, Shepreth L-moor, and Reed

Rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds early in the day predictably meant little was seen. Two female Teal at Fowlmere and the normal large numbers of Redwing at Shepreth. Towards dusk the sun came out and the wind died, and I had another try at Reed, but only four Buzzards were seen.

Fowlmere and Reed

Very quiet at a sunny but bitterly cold and windy Fowlmere. A Buzzard being the only notable bird. Several flocks of Long-tailed Tits and large numbers of Redwing also being present.

No sign of the Rough-legged Buzzard in what should have been ideal conditions (it was seen once in the morning.) At least six different Buzzards were seen (probably many more.)

Rough-legged Buzzard

A Rough-legged Buzzard was reported at Reed yesterday and despite the poor weather, it showed itself for short periods this afternoon.

Ring-necked Parakeets at Loftus Road

Whilst watching QPR lose at home to Burnley, a flock of Ring-necked Parakeets flew over the pitch!

Fowlmere

A Chiffchaff was calling and seen briefly, and seven Grey Partridges flew over the mere.

Fowlmere & Shepreth L-moor

A cold, blustery, early morning at Fowlmere with non of the recently reported birds been seen (Bittern, Bearded Tit, Hen Harrier.) Lots of Redwings, and a few sightings of Fieldfare, Skylark, and Bulfinch was about all to see, with pretty much the same later at Shepreth.

An odd sighting was a covey of eleven Red-legged Partridges walking along the road near Fowlmere village.

Foxton

Tom, Sam, and I caught this late Hornet in the house!

In the evening, around one hundred Starlings were gathering to roost.

Tree Sparrows

About sixty Tree Sparrows roosted at Orton Brick-pit near Peterborough this evening.

Waxwings at Shepreth L-moor

After giving up trying to brave the traffic to Peterborough for work, I went to a foggy Shepreth and spent a good hour there. Many thrushes as usual feeding on the numerous berries, and very interesting views of a young Wood Mouse (possibly Yellow-necked?) foraging. It was completely unperturbed by my presence, so much so that I was able to pick it up.

Ten Siskins flew over, plus (rather curiously) my first ever Sparrowhawk at Shepreth, a large female. I then heard a trilling call I was vaguely familiar with but could not put a name to. I walked towards it and noticed three Starlings fly over which at first I ignored. I then realised that they were actually Waxwings, the source of the call. The misty conditions didn't help, but I was able to note the generally pale colour compared to Starling, the smaller size, and the different flight pattern.