Welney Ducks

After the wonderful sunrise, the rest of the day was fairly dull weatherwise but there was plenty of duck activity to keep us amused. Here Pochards, Tufted ducks and Mallard competing for space especially at the feed times and, far in the distance, my favourite ducks, the Pintails

New Year's Day Wildlife Walk

I had volunteered to help with Paxton Pit's Wildlife Walk yesterday but, as the organiser said he had enough other helpers, I decided to do my task of recording what plants are in bloom on New Year's Day or just after. The answer was not much - 2 grasses plus Groundsel, Germander Speedwell and White Deadnettle. Bird life was abundant with all the expected duck species plus Goosander (Merganser merganser), Red-Breasted Mergansers (flew off before photograph!)  and Red Crested Pochard  - all a bit distant for my lens.

Waders and Wildfowl at Welney

One of the most spectacular sights at Welney are the large flocks of Black-tailed Godwits and Lapwings that rest of the islands on the wash, taking to the air every time a Marsh Harrier or other raptor passed overhead.

Bradgate Park Early Snow

It snowed heavily for about 30 minutes after I arrived at Bradgate this morning giving some very attractive landscapes with a Chinese painting feel. The snow chnaged to rain so it was a very transient effect. The light level was low so it was difficult to record the deer in the snow.

Spring is in the Air

Wonderful to hear a couple of Skylarks trilling away at Trumpington Meadows - not enough for the collective  'Exultation of larks' but still enough to raise the spirits. Plenty of other activity among the rooks, waterbirds, gulls and jackdaws