That's Better

All thoughts of yesterday's grey and gloomy conditions were soon forgotten as soon as I got to walking along the Nene at Oundle. A beautiful palette of pastel pinks, oranges and blues  greeted the sunrise and there was just a hint of mist to soften the colours a little. Frost had coated the grass white but while it was much colder than yesterday it was an altogether much nicer experience.

A couple of river views.

Wrens were my constant companions, hyperactive little balls of feathers churring as they foraged in riverside vegetation. Occasionally one would burst into song joining the many Robins in a winter chorus. Somewhat further on a Great Tit was giving its teacher teacher call, a little optimistic given the cold weather we will have to endure between now and Spring. Mallards, Mute Swans and Moorhens were once again the commonest species and there was the odd Cormorant or Heron fishing along the river.

Unusual visitors to this stretch of the Nene.

The recent cold snap had clearly moved a few waterfowl on as a group of about fifteen Wigeon, four Gadwall and a Dabchick were seen on the Nene. Numbers of both Canada and Grey Lag Geese had increased and a large gaggle were feeding near to the Lower Barnwell Lock. Although it was frozen today the flooded area that attracted waders in the Spring is growing larger and may produce further goodies a little later into the season. At the moment it seemed to be a magnet for Pied Wagtails and Meadow Pipits, a flock of about ten Lapwings choosing to pass over rather than land.

Wren and Long-tailed Tit.

Closer to the marina a Kingfisher showed briefly and there were two Egyptian Geese next to the clubhouse. Most of the lakes were frozen over which meant that wildfowl away from the river were scarce. Barnwell CP once again provided good views of passerines from Lowlands Hide with Marsh Tit in particular showing well. Other parts of the park had Siskins and the winter thrushes but that was it as far as things went.

Egyptian Geese.

These walks along the river never really provide any truly unusual birds, you could probably see nearly everything I see within about two minutes of hitting Pitsford or another lake but sometimes it's more about the all-round experience and a pleasant walk in lovely conditions is a pretty fine way of spending time. Oh and the chance to swig a couple of pints of Pedigree while going through photos in the pub is none too shoddy either!

Three from Barnwell.