Today I spent another day in the company of Alan Shorrock as we journeyed to both the Nene and Ouse Washes on our travels. First off we headed towards Welney where the possibility of seeing Cattle Egrets and Bewick's Swans was the draw. It was a mild though grey sort of day where thankfully the birding made up from the drab and dreary conditions.
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Whooper and Bewick's Swans
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A roadside stop between Chatteris and Manea produced sightings of plenty of Whooper and one small party of Bewick's, Welney added further sightings of both species. Also showing at Welney were two Cattle Egrets which showed well if rather distantly. Amongst the wildfowl plenty of Pintails were the highlight while well over a hundred Black-tailed Godwits were noted. Pick of the passerines were a small number of Tree Sparrows and we also heard a Chiffchaff.
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| Cattle Egret and Tree Sparrows |
Eldernell turned out to be excellent with owls in particular to the fore. First up was a Short-eared roosting in a hawthorn hedge, it was one of four about today. Nearby at least two Long-eareds upped the ante though they were well concealed and difficult to photograph. A short walk along the drain took us to a spot where a roosting Tawny Owl was showing well if rather distantly. Away from the owl action a male Hen Harrier showed fairly well as it quartered the marsh, I saw it on two occasions. Our owl spotting activities had not quite ended for the day however as at least four Barn Owls were out hunting before we set off.
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