Wicken Fen

A walk with the family late afternoon to try out Michelle’s and Sam’s new binoculars! Three Marsh Harriers, a Barn Owl, and a Woodcock were seen, as well as a Ross’s Goose (with Greylag Geese) and an obviously captive Trumpeter Swan.

Shepreth L-moor

Another couple of Snipe flushed whilst walking around Shepreth.

Fowlmere and Shepreth L-moor

Apart from a close views of a perched male Sparrowhawk, there was little of interest at Fowlmere. Shepreth produced between four and six flushed Snipes.

Fen Drayton

One Little Egret and around four-hundred Golden Plovers during a pre-dusk walk.

In the evening, the midnight mass Christmas Carols were heard from the church side of the garden whilst a Tawny Owl called from the other. As usual, it couldn’t be seen.

Ring-necked Parakeet

One Ring-necked Parakeet heard outside Loftus Road before the 3-2 win over Preston!

Fowlmere

Wet and windy. Very little seen during quick circuit of Fowlmere; just five Teals (four male.)

Rough-legged Buzzard

Not much action in the morning at Fowlmere (apart from very large numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare), so went off to Reed for the last hour of the day. The Rough-legged Buzzard hadn’t been seen for a few hours but performed really well the moment I arrived and continued to do so until dusk. Three Common Buzzards seen as well, making a nice comparison, especially when one of them saw off the Rough-legged.