Plan B Delivers The Goods.

 Shozzer and I had pencilled in a trip to Eldernell today to try and find the two Tundra Bean Geese that have been hanging around there for a week or so. The weather forecast suggested that freezing fog might be an issue in this part of the country and that was enough to force a postponement. Conditions in Northants seemed fairly promising however so when we were looking for an alternative option we decided to visit Cogenhoe where a White-fronted Goose has been associating with the local Greylags.

Wintery scene and Ring-necked Parakeet

 Visibility at Gogenhoe was excellent with plenty of sunshine and blue skies to enjoy. A Raven called as we got out of the car before making our way down to the lock. Ring-necked Parakeets were very vocal too as they called from the tops of the trees surrounding Glebe Lake. Few geese were visible and none were White-fronted and after a while we decided to wander along to Ecton SF. Several Great White Egrets were noted though it was a Curlew that stole the show, I heard it call several times before we managed to get a view. I thought it had flown on towards Northampton but it came down in the meadow next to the Nene where several other observers managed to see it.

Green Sandpiper and Chiffchaff

From bridge K121 we were treated to a variety of birds attracted by the open water. Several Water Rails squealed from the waterside vegetation while at least two Green Sandpipers were flying up and down the channel. Growing numbers of Chiffchaffs were flitting back and forth across the water and a Grey Wagtail showed well. At one point a cream-crowned Marsh Harrier appeared but it didn't hang around and moved on before I could get a picture. A couple of Snipe also showed while a Kingfisher caught at least one fish. Another birder arrived and mentioned that a Cattle Egret had been seen from near the lock and we set off to have a look.

Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher

It took a little while but the egret did eventually show in a field of sheep between the village and the river. The bird was distant and did not show for more than five minutes before it disappeared out of view, this weather can't be good for this relatively recent arrival. Once again we failed to find the White-fronted Goose and it doesn't appear that anyone else did either, if it lingers in the area we might return. More than happy with our day's birding we eventually gave up on the goose and headed into Wellingborough for some refreshment.

Mallards