Water Rail at Fowlmere

It was a surprise when a Water Rail showed itself in the reeds at Fowlmere and then walked out into open water and walked across the pool to disappear into foliage on the other side. The Moorhens seemed unperturbed.

Fowlmere Composites

A walk round Fowlmere RSPB reserve was pretty devoid of visible birds as usual so I had a play with multiple exposures and different blending modes. Here a few that I liked from the session (the first is a Photoshop composite (overlay mode) but didn't record ME mode!).

Marsh Harrier Hunting

A late afternoon display by the male Marsh Harrier at Fowlmere showing the effect of the light from different angles on the plumage. Good to see a Barn Owl (?pair) is using the owl box among the reeds. Not much else other than geese and crows!

 

Marsh Harrier Display at RSPB Fowlmere

We spent around an hour watching a pair of Marsh Harriers displaying at Fowlmere. A Fallow Deer also came out to drink while a Mallard dropped in to have a wash.

Fowlmere RSPB Reserve

With the garden and local walks dried up in all the heat and lack of rain, we thought that Fowlmere with its abundant water supply might produce a few more insects and possibly a bird or two. Certainly there were plenty of butterflies including my favourite little gem, the Brown Argus. Also Common Bblue, Small Heath and Speckled Wood. A sprinkling of other insects including a Volucella zonaria - Hornet Mimic Hoverfly, and a matching coloured Bug, Common Blue Damselfly and Ruddy Darter. Phil watched a young Water Rail for a long while.

Beautiful Light but Limited Wildlife at Fowlmere RSPB Reserve

There was some beautiful late sunshine on Friday so we went for a walk around Fowlmere - very few birds around but great to see a group of four Fallow Deer feeding in the reeds.

 

Cetti's Warbler Show-Stopper at Fowlmere RSPB Reserve

Normally a very secretive bird, this Cetti's Warbler at Fowlmere RSPB Reserve is a positive show-off - perching in the open and singing his heart out. Also seen from the Reed Bed Hide Linnet, Reed Bunting and mouse as well as lots of flitting Reed Warblers too far to photograph.