Walk Along The Nene

 For the first time in what seems like ages I decided to board the X4 and head over to Oundle. My plan was to walk along the stretch of the Nene between the north bridge and the marina and afterwards take a look at Barnwell CP. Conditions were poor, although it mostly stayed dry the light quality was awful from the start and did not improve to any great extent during the day.

Stonechat and Redwing.

My best bird of the day was also one of the first when a Crossbill flew over calling as it went near Ashton footbridge. In the same area a Marsh Tit was noted near the mill, others were seen further along the river and also at Barnwell. Another species showing more than once during my walk was Kingfisher though none hung around long enough for pictures. Between Ashton footbridge and Ashton lock a female Stonechat was found as she moved along a fence line near the river. Plenty of winter thrushes were seen with Fieldfares outnumbering Redwings by some margin. The floods near Lower Barnwell Lock seemed a little quiet with just a single drake Shoveller joining fifty or so Wigeon.

Shovellers and Nuthatch

At Barnwell CP there were at least two Chiffchaffs as well as the usual selection of commoner species. A fairly large flock of Siskins were feeding in alders next to the Nene and I enjoyed good views of Nuthatches from Kingfisher Hide as well as some close Shovellers. I left after a relatively short space of time pausing long enough to enjoy a couple of pints before boarding my bus home.

Siskin and Wren.