Waxwings

Two Waxwings showed well opposite the Salisbury Arms in Cambridge at lunchtime. An added bonus is that the bush they feed on can easily be seen from inside the pub!

 

Photograph taken on same day by Tony Mills (from Birdguides.)

Blackcap

A male Blackcap was on the garden feeders at first light.

Fowlmere

On a sunny afternoon, the Mealy Redpoll was again seen (very briefly) amongst Lesser Redpolls, Goldfinches, and a couple of male Siskins. A couple of Grey Partridges were also seen and the mere held four duck species: Teal (a pair plus four males), Tufted Duck (male), Gadwall (two males and a female) and several Mallards, as well as the six Mute Swans (four immature.) A female Sparrowhawk was also showing well by the mere at dusk and there was also a flyover Little Egret and Woodcock.

Fowlmere

Spent a lot of the afternoon at Fowlmere, much of it searching for the Redpoll flock. About ten were seen, but no sign of the Mealy. A Buzzard was seen as well as the Barn Owl. On the mere there were six Mute Swans (four immature) and three pairs of Teal.

Mealy Redpoll

Eventually saw the Mealy Redpoll feeding with four Lesser Redpolls and several Goldfinches. It’s taken about seven hours for a five minute view but it’s on the Fowlmere list! A Buzzard was the only other bird of note.

Grey Partridges

Eleven Grey Partridges in fields near Adenbrookes seen from train in the morning.

Shepreth L-moor

A single Snipe was flushed at dusk.