Red-necked Grebe

Tom and I went to see the wintering Red-necked Grebe at Buckden gravel pits. Found fairly easily, but views were distant.


Red-necked Grebe by Tom

Ring-necked Parakeets

Six Ring-necked Parakeets - probably flying to roost - seen whilst walking to the pub after QPR's disappointing 1-1 home draw with Sheffield Utd.

Red-legged Partridge and Buzzard

During a quick lunchtime walk in the sun around the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge, I was very surprised to find a confused looking Red-legged Partridge scurrying in all directions away from the tourists and strolling office workers.

More usual was a Buzzard perched just west of the M11 between Hauxton and Little Shelford, seen from the train on the way home.

Wicken Fen

Went to Wicken Fen with Tom and Sam to see the wintering Great Grey Shrike. I wasn't overly optimistic given that it ranges widely and Wicken Fen has a huge area of great looking habitat for a shrike to spend its time. However, find it we did, although it was somewhat distant.



Before this we found a fly-over Whooper Swan and a male Pintail, as well as a couple of Marsh Harriers. On the way back around our chosen route, we had good views of two Cetti's Warblers, out of a total of five birds heard.



On the drive home, just south of Upware, we stumbled upon two Short-eared Owls. We watched these for half an hour as they gave exceptionally close views whilst they tangled with each other and a nearby Kestrel.





Short-eared Owls by Tom

Pochard

A female Pochard at a cold and frosty Fowlmere was not only an addition to the year list, but actually a first for me at Fowlmere.

Barn Owl

One Barn Owl seen along Fowlmere road whilst driving home late in the evening.

Fowlmere

A foggy hour in the hide with Tom at dusk where the Barn Owl was once again seen.