Smew in or near Cambridgeshire?

[climberchris]

Hi everyone,

I recently moved to Cambridge and as a long term resident of the Northern Highlands previously, I have always wanted to see a Smew, so I thought this winter would be the perfect opportunity.

I don't have a car, so I was wondering if anyone had good recommendations for Smew spotting within not-massively-too-far-by-public-transport distance. It doesn't have to be in Cambridgeshire - somewhere like Lee Valley is probably accessible, right? - but somewhere I can reasonably get to and from in a day.

Any suggestions or recent sightings much appreciated. Thanks!

Chris

[Arbu]

This is exactly the issue that was on my mind. I'm going to Cambridge tomorrow and want to see some Smew, either tomorrow or on Saturday. The Cambridgeshire Bird Club site says there are a number at Fen Drayton currently. This seems a fairly big site - can anyone give me more precise information on where I might find them? I note there's a map herehttp://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/

climberchris, I think that Fen Drayton is reasonably easy to reach from Cambridge by public transport or even by bicycle. Or if you PM me I might be able to give you a lift on the Saturday morning if you're interested.

[dbradnum]

Chris

The Lee Valley would be a very easy option by train from Cambridge, I did it a few times when I was a student there.

See this map: http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk/en/flash/documents/leevalleymap.pdf

You'd need to get off at Cheshunt, and then if you explore the trails around Bowyers Water, Hooks Marsh, 70 Acres and Holyfield Lakes, you should be in with a very good chance. It's a big area so allow plenty of time.

Keep an eye on this link for recent sightings, though news from the valley seems to be bit thin on the ground.

http://www.elbf.co.uk/2010%20sightings/bird%20sightings%2010/birdsightings%2010.htm

[TomSmith]

Fen Drayton Lakes are cycle-able from Cambridge. (There's a "Guided Busway" being built that will go very near but I don't think it's finished yet. Don't remember if there's other public transport).

For detailed information your best bet is the Cambirds Yahoo group. (Google it!)

[Arbu]

Four female and three male smew there today. Beautiful! Also a bittern flew over.

[oceancol]

Fen Drayton Lakes are cycle-able from Cambridge. (There's a "Guided Busway" being built that will go very near but I don't think it's finished yet. Don't remember if there's other public transport).

For detailed information your best bet is the Cambirds Yahoo group. (Google it!)

Tom is indeed correct about the Guided Busway. Still not up and running but when it is it will at least benefit bird watchers going to the Bird reserve at Fen Drayton or St Ives pits. The council have stopped giving out opening dates as they are now a year behind with the opening.

There will be a cycle track for the length of the busway as well.