RPS Visit to Wicken Fen

Unlike my usual luck when arranging Nature Outings for the RPS, the weather remained fine and warm on Sunday and the Short-Eared Owls behaved and appeared on cue on Burwell Fen. I missed the best shots of the day when one SEO camer very close as the Highland Cattle were between me and the owl!! We also enjoyed great view of Yellow Hammer, Stonechat and Reed Buntings who were displaying well.

Short-Eared Owls on Burwell Fen

We wondered what the Owls made of the unseasonably warm sunshine yesterday - they certainly weren't put off hunting on a beautiful golden evening. A Kestrel waited around hoping to steal any catch and a grumpy heron sat among the Konig ponies. 

Wicken Fen on Cloudy Day

We visited Wicken yesterday morning on a dull day with intermittent showers but found a handful of birds to photograph along with the scenery and Konik ponies.The Long-tailed tits were surprisingly brave as the feeders have been repositioned very close to the hide.  We also had a very close view of a Kestrel and distant views of several Marsh Harriers.

 

Wicken Fen on a Warm Windy Day

Wicken is looking at its best with the water lilies in full bloom and lots of dragonflies and damselflies (Emperor, Blue-tailed, Azure, Common Darter, and Black-tailed Skimmer). There were also sufficient Hoverflies to keep me happy and several cuckoos for Phil to photograph.

Wicken Fen on a Windy day

We didn't see a lot of birds on our windy walk at Wicken Fen yesterday though this Little Grebe came close enough to snap from the New Hide and the Gadwall were looking in great condition. There were lots of St Mark's flies everywhere as well as several hoverflies,  parastitic wasps and a splendid small spider that signalled with its palps in an entertaining way.