Shepreth L-moor

A quick walk around in the snow at dusk hoping for Waxwing (lots about locally.) None seen but ten Grey Partridges.

No Birds!

Didn’t go birding, but hardly any birds in the garden, despite all the food put out. Perhaps they’ve gone elsewhere in these harsh conditions (-11°C.) There were a few Blackbirds feeding on the apples I put out (leftover windfalls stored for such an occasion) and a Linnet popped in briefly, but none of the regular Tit flocks for example.

Fowlmere Photography

Feeling very hung over from a party, did no birding. Built a snowman with Sam and went to Fowlmere with a couple of friends (Shaun and James) who were keen to do some photography. They were impressed with the Crow roost even though it had barely started by the time we left (too cold, too dark for photography, and too hung over – so went to the White Horse instead!)

Shaun took this photo…

Northern Harrier

Thornham, Norfolk for the Northern Harrier. Seen well after about an hours wait. Often with a Marsh Harrier (a male mobbed it when it caught a prey item) which gave a nice size comparison. A Peregrine was also seen.

Then went to Titchwell where the I took several pictures of common birds: Robin, Duncock, Wood Pigeon, and Blackbird.

  

Highlights at Titchwell were:

Jack Snipe – excellent views in flight.
Merlin – female.
Bewick’s Swan x 2 in flight.
Bar-tailed Godwit x 8
Sanderling x c. 20
Brent Goose x c. 300
Pink-footed Goose x c. 500
Common Scoter x c.50
Bearded Tit – heard.

On the journey to Norfolk, two bevys of Grey Partridges were seen: Twelve just outside Foxton, and fourteen just north of Cambridge. Despite being told by Michelle that I should return due to heavy snow, I encountered none until about five miles north of Cambridge. The last few miles however took about an hour to drive due to the amount of snow.

Fowlmere

Cold, foggy, icy, gloomy. Lots of Redwings and quite a few Jays. Also a poor Grey Heron that I seemed to flush from every ditch I passed and this even poorer Pygmy Shrew…

Fowlmere

 

Got a message to say there were four Waxwings at Fowlmere. Went with Sam who is keen to see some. No sign, and nobody looking. Lots of berries though, hence lots of  Redwings…

Fowlmere

Not a bad few hours (a couple in the morning and then another at dusk.) Mere still frozen but looked pretty…

Lots of small birds moving (Meadow Pipits, Corn Buntings, Reed Buntings) followed by a sighting of several raptors. First was a couple of Buzzards from the hide. Then, whilst watching a Kestrel I noticed a very large female Sparrowhawk, followed immediately by a swooping Peregrine at top speed (lost to view so don’t know what it was after.)

A Woodcock was seen in the evening.