and myself just outside Holme village, Cambridgeshire.
David was a Bird Club member quite some time ago and now in his retirement has picked
up his binoculars again.
Reed Bunting. RDG |
Whooper Swan Mark Williams |
Although the sky was still grey four Whoopers flew past, others with Mutes could be seen
on the distance dykes.
Whooper Swan Bob gill |
Rough Legged Buzzard Bob Gill |
Rough Legged Buzzard Mark Williams |
Slowly moving on to the north end of the loop Mark ever vigilant pointed out a large bird
hovering in the distance.
All bins were aimed at a distant Rough legged Buzzard, a winter migrant from Scandinavia.
This was our main quarry, the black tipped white tail spread prominently, dark carpel patches
on whitish wings coupled with a dark lower belly against a whitish chest is a typical
Rough Leg.
Hanging around, the Rough leg decided not to approach nearer and eventually flew out of site.
Cue for a cuppa and cake. Ambling back, the big bright thing in the sky decided to shine.
Fungi RDG |
Everybody happy especially David, a walk in the fen woodland produced a tit flock, partying
through the birch trees along with a few fungi still in evidence. On the lake were the usual
culprits with the Gadwall being quite vocal.
Fen view Bob Gill |
Gadwall RDG |
A little more scoff, then back along the B660 to a point advised earlier by Alan Coles.
area. Then our second Rough Leg came into view. A little closer than our first but still
distant.
Rough Legged Buzzard Mark Williams |
Red Kite Mark Williams |
About this time Bird Club member David Arden turned up, having been to Eldernel and
not seeing much.
About twenty minutes away near the A1 lies Ferry Meadows our last stop. Here a Red Necked
Grebe and Red Breasted Merganser had been reported.
Great Crested Grebe Bob Gill |
anything but a record image.
R N Grebe Kipping' RDG |
No sign of a Red Breasted Merg but a close female Goosander
was very nice.
Female Goosander Bob Gill |
The problem with this time of year are the short days so paying the car parking charge we cruised
down the A605 and home.