Fishers Green....anything about?

[SimonC]

Hello all,

I'm thinking of going to Fishers Green this weekend (first time in a few years!) just wondering if there's anything there currently I should look out for?
Are there any Long Eared Owls this year? And what about Bittern? anyone had good sightings recently?

Cheers

[qwark]

Hello Simon
I have seen the Bittern(s) quite a few times, the last few times I have been to Fishers Green ( Bittern Hide ) I have never failed to see at least one Bittern just after day break - about 8 o'clock I'd guess, usually fishing , often in the open.
Usually with abit of patience you can see at least one of 3 ( i have been told , never seen more than two myself.
The last time I went last Saturday I saw 4 smew near the bridge on 70 acres lake

[SimonC]

Thanks Qwark

That's interesting about the Smew, never seen them there (might mean I won't have to do Amwell on the way home!)
Any interesting Grebes this winter that you know of? I've seen Red-necked there (quite a while ago)
Is Water Rail still regular from the Bittern hide? My best ever view of one was from there, walked right under the "windows" (while everyone else was straining to see a very elusive Bittern!)

Cheers

[Andrew]

Went there last Saturday and got the Bittern and five Smew (3 Drakes) from the Bittern Watchpoint. Also in the oak tree near the visitor centre is a Little Owl. From Holyfield Lake (Grand Weir Hide) there were Goldeneyes.

[SimonC]

Also in the oak tree near the visitor centre is a Little Owl.
That would be a bonus if it's there when I go, I've always found them pretty much "hit or miss" (same with Tawny actually)

Looks like I could get a few more for my "January 100"!

Cheers for the input people!

[deboo]

Simon,

Have you seen a LEO......you g#t....I've never ever seen ONE!

I'm off to Lynford on Sunday.....According to the forecast, it's gonna be sunny and still....Hawfinches galore!!!!!!!

FOCL

Dave

[SimonC]

Simon,

Have you seen a LEO......you g#t....I've never ever seen ONE!

I'm off to Lynford on Sunday.....According to the forecast, it's gonna be sunny and still....Hawfinches galore!!!!!!!

FOCL

Dave
Nope I've not seen A LEO, I've seen five.....all together.....in the same tree.....all in one go. <we really need a "tongue-in-cheek" smiley on this forum you know!>
At Fishers Green actually, Jan 2000
Good luck at Lynford then, don't scare all the Hawfinches away before I get there though will you :)

[deboo]

Damn your eyes!!!

Did manage 6 Hawfinches in 1 scope view at Lynford last year......|Touche.

Apparently there are Fudge Duck and Bean Goose at Welney.... I may reach 20 for my year list yet....!

Dave.

[qwark]

Thanks Qwark

That's interesting about the Smew, never seen them there (might mean I won't have to do Amwell on the way home!)
Any interesting Grebes this winter that you know of? I've seen Red-necked there (quite a while ago)
Is Water Rail still regular from the Bittern hide? My best ever view of one was from there, walked right under the "windows" (while everyone else was straining to see a very elusive Bittern!)

Cheers

Yes Simon I saw 2 Water Rail for about 30 seconds whilst the Bittern was fishing last Saturday about 8.30 am
Tom

[qwark]

Yes Simon I saw 2 Water Rail for about 30 seconds whilst the Bittern was fishing last Saturday about 8.30 am
Tom

PS Simon just out of interest my Avatar (Icon?) is of the Bittern last year from the Bittern hide.

[SimonC]

PS Simon just out of interest my Avatar (Icon?) is of the Bittern last year from the Bittern hide.
I thought it might be, but it's not too clear on my PC!
Thanks for telling me about the Rails, I was hoping it was still the case. Cheers

[SimonC]

No sighting of Bittern today - far too many people in the hide to stand any chance really :C but a Water Rail put in a most welcome appearance right where I remember them showing!

No Smew either but the closest views of Goosander (& the most i've seen in one go!) I've ever had were well worth the trip!

Cheers

[pduxon]

Damn your eyes!!!

Did manage 6 Hawfinches in 1 scope view at Lynford last year......|Touche.

Apparently there are Fudge Duck and Bean Goose at Welney.... I may reach 20 for my year list yet....!

Dave.

Can confirm Bean Geese at Welney :)

[lou]

pretty decent Buzzard by farm, Tree Sparrow,
Plus flock of about 50 Siskin and Redpoll mixed, by cormorant colony.