To El' And Back

 Regular birding pal Shozzer decided that he wanted to pop over to the wind magnet that is Eldernell today and given the relatively benign conditions I opted to join him. With the first sustained sunshine for what seems like ages it was nowhere near as unhospitable as it often can be and we enjoyed quite a productive day. 

Cranes and Pink-footed Geese

Our birding day began at March Farmers where a reported flock of Bean Geese had the bad manners to move on before we arrived. A large though distant flock of Whoopers were more obliging whilst a Peregrine caused widespread panic amongst the birds out on the washes. Two Cranes provided a welcome flypast while a thousand plus Pink-footed Geese caused quite a spectacle as they flew past. After what seemed like an entertaining hour or more we moved on the short distance to Eldernell.

Bewick's and Whooper Swan

Here we sought and eventually saw one of the regular roosting Long-eared Owls though it was deep within cover and far from easy to see, I couldn't get an acceptable pic though Alan managed some pretty credible results.  Cranes featured here too with an initial flock of about twenty five swelling to an impressive forty or so just as dusk began to fall. More Whoopers and at least half a dozen Bewick's Swans were noted while several Marsh Harriers criss-crossed the reed fringed dykes and channels. A good sized flock of Black-tailed Godwits were present with lesser numbers of Ruff and Golden Plovers while Alan also heard a Spotted Redshank. We left as the sun began to set and ended our day at the NVB brewery tap in Oundle where several good pints went down very well indeed.

Black-tailed Godwits and more Pinkies.