Rutland Water Walk 2. Other Birds

The variety of birds that we saw at Rutland was great but the viewing distance and photographing into the sun for most shots means they definitely come into the 'for ID and Memories' category only. The Osprey(s) kept us entertained most of the day, soaring and hovering in the distance while Kestrel and Marsh harrier also hunted in the distance plus the usual wetland species.

Stars of RSPB Blacktoft Sands

The RPS Nature Group outing to Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve near Goole produced some great close views of commoner waders (including Blacktailed Godwit),ducks etc plus one star species, White-winged Lapwing (last image - an accidental from Iran), at a distance. It was very cold and icy there and 4 of the 6 hides produced no birds at all but was compensated by these great views (all quickly converted from Raw files - will process fully when home and replace)

 

Wicken Fen on a Dull Afternoon

On Friday we visited Wicken Fen with a group from the RPS Nature Group. It was very devoid of birds generally but good views of Kestrel and the Konig ponies and in the distance Marsh Harriers playing and Hen Harriers coming into roost ( we saw total of 3 males (not shown) and 2 females), which was a wonderful experience even if too dark to photograph properly.

 

Norfolk Tour - Welney WWT Reserve

Welcome to Norfolk to Jan and David from one cute and very small jumping spider and a rather muddy swallow. This was the first stop on our tour round some of Norfolk's bird reserves. Beautiful warm sunny day with enough birds to keep us occupied all day - Reed Warblers, Reed Bunting, Black-Tailed Godwit, Marsh Harrier, Lapwing, Peregrine and Heron (with  lots of nesting Avocets)

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.