Cambridgeshire Birding

[martinf]

As several areas of the UK have their own threads, thought I'd start one for Cambridgeshire. While not held in as high esteem as some of its neighbours, it nevertheless has some very good and varied birding. Living in Cambridge, the county offers some good sites, most of which I imagine I haven't discovered!

Lots of info for starters
http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/england_cambridgeshire.html

[Chris Monk]

Find more sites in the Gazetteer:

http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/

Join Cambirds here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cambirds/

[whomes]

As several areas of the UK have their own threads, thought I'd start one for Cambridgeshire. While not held in as high esteem as some of its neighbours, it nevertheless has some very good and varied birding. Living in Cambridge, the county offers some good sites, most of which I imagine I haven't discovered!

Lots of info for starters
http://www.fatbirder.com/links_geo/europe/england_cambridgeshire.html

Very useful - could have done with the info this morning when deciding where to spend the day - ended up at Grafham Water, but did Fowlmere dawn and dusk also.

Great site, thanks.

[Chris Monk]

Peterborough Bird Club's web site for bird news in the north of the county:

http://pbc.codehog.co.uk/

Birding sites here:

http://pbc.codehog.co.uk/sites.htm

Join the Peterbirder Newsgroup here:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/peterbirder/

[martinf]

Very useful - could have done with the info this morning when deciding where to spend the day - ended up at Grafham Water, but did Fowlmere dawn and dusk also.

Great site, thanks.


actually, it was your post this morning that made me think that Cambridgeshire probably deserved its own thread!

[martinf]

American Wigeon at Needingworth Quarry Lakes again today (TL365734)

[whomes]

American Wigeon at Needingworth Quarry Lakes again today (TL365734)

A few sightings of Tree Sparrows at Fowlmere over the past few days - the first for years.

[Brian Stone]

An immature Shag at Dog in a Doublet (http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=52.5773&lon=-0.1206&scale=25000&icon=x). This site is the number one place for this species in the area and, being the tidal limit of the River Nene, also hosts other normally coastal birds. There are few pictures here including an outrageous one of it with a flat fish:
http://peterboroughbirdclub.blogspot.com/

Shag is just about annual in Cambs I should think.

[Brian Stone]

Tree Sparrows are also making a comeback in the north of the county. They are returning to former sites and doing well at a couple of new ones.

[Brian Stone]

Nipped out to see the Shag this lunchtime. It posed throughout on rocks near the sluice. The green colour ring on it's left leg with the white letters CPL identify it as a bird ringed in the nest on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth on 11th July 2006.

[whomes]

Probably as stupid question, but I'll ask anyway.

May head towards Ouse Washes tomorrow, but there's quite a strong westerly wind forecast.

Is this likely to have any effect on what I might see?

[Brian Stone]

Yep, it'll make your tripod shake. ;)

[whomes]

Yep, it'll make your tripod shake. ;)


My tripod shakes all the time, I'm of that age!

Remember I'm fairly new to all this, is it still worth a visit tomorrow?

[Brian Stone]

Always worth a visit. The westerlies won't make much odds.

Just a bit to the north there's an adult Dotterel been located today with Golden Plover at TF390016.
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=52.5944&lon=0.0507&scale=25000&icon=x

[whomes]

Always worth a visit. The westerlies won't make much odds.

Just a bit to the north there's an adult Dotterel been located today with Golden Plover at TF390016.
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=52.5944&lon=0.0507&scale=25000&icon=x

Cheers, Brian - now just got to convince the wife that there's a major shopping centre nearby!

(Has there ever been a thread on non-birding partners? She enjoys walking (in good weather!), but usually takes a book into the hides and sits at the back reading, much to the distain of some of the more twitchy twitchers.)

[Brian Stone]

(Has there ever been a thread on non-birding partners?

Yes, there has.

[Chris Monk]

Cheers, Brian - now just got to convince the wife that there's a major shopping centre nearby!

(Has there ever been a thread on non-birding partners? She enjoys walking (in good weather!), but usually takes a book into the hides and sits at the back reading, much to the distain of some of the more twitchy twitchers.)

Don't worry about your wife, :gh: take her to new 5* WWT bird hide at Welney and she'll be cosy in the heated, glass-fronted luxury of it all. She could even buy you your Christmas present in the WWT gift shop and eat cakes washed down by copious amounts of tea in the cafe! ;) Meanwhile you could do some birding and be back in time for the evening feeding the swans spectacle. Even a non-birder should be impressed by that! :bounce:

[whomes]

Don't worry about your wife, :gh: take her to new 5* WWT bird hide at Welney and she'll be cosy in the heated, glass-fronted luxury of it all. She could even buy you your Christmas present in the WWT gift shop and eat cakes washed down by copious amounts of tea in the cafe! ;) Meanwhile you could do some birding and be back in time for the evening feeding the swans spectacle. Even a non-birder should be impressed by that! :bounce:

Sounds just the ticket, I'll definintely give it a go when the weather's poor!

[whomes]

Went to the Ouse Washes early this morning - nice sunrise, causing the problem that you're always looking into the sun from the hides. Having said that, saw Great Crested Grebe, Wigeon, Lapwings, Teal and Mute Swans clearly, no big deal for some you I'm sure, but I'm happy with that.

Stayed from 7.30am until 10.00am and had every hide to myself. Not complaining, but very surprised there wasn't more people about.

[martinf]

Laughing Gull at Grafham Water today

[robert burgess]

hi cambs birders,i am up in cambridgeshire around the ely area on tuesday from about 11,just wondering iff anyone can suggest the best place for a days birding,haven't really been to cambs birding before apart from graffham water but fancy trying somewhere different.Anyone help please???

[Helenelizabeth2]

hi cambs birders,i am up in cambridgeshire around the ely area on tuesday from about 11,just wondering iff anyone can suggest the best place for a days birding,haven't really been to cambs birding before apart from graffham water but fancy trying somewhere different.Anyone help please???

Hi, Robert. Depends on what you're looking for, really. In one direction, Welney WWT and the Ouse Washes RSPB are not too far away and both worth a visit for Swans, Geese, Waders and Raptors. Ouse Washes is much quieter but they have good coffee and more swans at Welney. The Brecks are also within reasonably easy distance from Ely for woodland birds - the Hawfinches have been reliable at Lynford Arboretum and there are lots of Brambling about. There had been a Great Grey Shrike at Santon but we failed to find it yesterday. If you're interested in rarities there's been an American Wigeon at Needingworth for some time - see above in this thread and a Red-Necked Grebe at Fen Drayton recently.

Happy birding.
Helen

[robert burgess]

thanks very much helen,will definatly get to at least one of the above mentioned places,just got to make my mind up but once again thanks very much!

[Daffyduck]

Was visiting Ferry Meadows yesterday (first time) and amongst a large group of canda geese was a lonesome Barnacle goose.

Does anyone know if this is an escapee/ resident? or was I just lucky with that spot!

Rest of area was pretty quiet.

[Brian Stone]

There are a few feral Barnacle Geese present all year in this area and it's not unusual to find one or two with Canada or Greylag flocks.

[Karl J]

dunno if it gets a lot of coverage as a birding site but just spent nearly 3 weeks as a guest of the good people at Addenbrooks hospital

try as i might i just couldn't get the ward sister to let me take an evening wander across that big field outside though ... but anyhow - from the window, had a lovely Barn Owl across the field several evenings, lots of Swifts (incredibly therapeutic just laying back and watching them wheeling about the sky), maybe a couple of Nightjars (bit distant and no bino's), bats too but i dont know what sort.

Dunno if i missed anything peculair to the area, but i guess its likeley

[whomes]

Spent a couple of hours at Fen Drayton yesterday - fantastic place.

Plenty of Cormorants, Tufted Duck, Widgeon and Pochards, lovely stately Grey Heron and many Mute Swans. 2 hours didn't really do it justice, and I'm sure the more experienced out there would have identified more.

Very few birders there - give it a go!

[On-Firecrest]

this is the first time i have seen this thread! I love birding in cambs there is normally something good about, which there never is at west suffolk.
i went to the ouse washes yesterday for a quick trip, not much about, the purple heron hasnt been seen since tuesday. A couple of tree sparrows on the feeders were nice birds giving comparisons to the house sparrows.
Is it to late for dotterel this year? or do they migrate later?
Hope to see some of you down fen drayton or wicken fen this winter!:t:

[On-Firecrest]

just thought, whats fen drayton like now it was brought by the rspb http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/fendraytonlakes/index.asp
has this affected accsess and are there still fisherman on it?

[Daffyduck]

Hi, I was at Fen Drayton lakes last Sunday (rspb had an organised walk x 2hrs around part of the reserve - very interesting)

Fab weather last week and the lakes are starting to fill up with wildfowl - seen pochard, teal, tuftys, widgeon, one golden eye, shovelers and usual suspects mallard, coot etc. Also a few great crested grebes, comorants and herons.

Anyway apparently rspb have big plans for the reserve to make it more wildlife friendly and a better experience for us birders. One down side is that the guided bus scheme from Huntingdon to cambs will cut right through the reserve - building work starts next spring which will mean a certain amount of disruption to all - hence why I dont think they are marketing the site yet til the majority of the work is complete.

Still, a nice site and handy for me - and last sunday, the light was fabulous showing off the ducks/lake/trees to its best.

[Penny Clarke]

Female Scaup and Female Smew at Welney from main hide today.:t:

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[On-Firecrest]

does anyone have any information on the st neots cattle egret? how easy is it to see?

[Daffyduck]

Fen Drayton yesterday produced drake smew with female, golden eye, green woodpecker plus all the usual waterfowl along with well over 1000 golden plover conducting an impressive aerial display. Many of the roads are flooded (now just two huge lakes!). On field oppersite Fenstanton to Fen drayton road (near A14) near to 100 fieldfares.

[mcmerlin]

Hi all,
just wondering in anybody could help- im going to stay with grandparents in the village of Duxford, near Cambridge. any ideas of good places to go birding? i know about Fowlmere, and thats where i usually go when i stay in Duxford. just wondering if anybody knows of any other good birding sites nearby. is there somewhere at Royston? i seem to remember hearing that there is? if so, could anybody tell me what it is and how to get there?
Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated,
Guy

[whomes]

Hi all,
just wondering in anybody could help- im going to stay with grandparents in the village of Duxford, near Cambridge. any ideas of good places to go birding? i know about Fowlmere, and thats where i usually go when i stay in Duxford. just wondering if anybody knows of any other good birding sites nearby. is there somewhere at Royston? i seem to remember hearing that there is? if so, could anybody tell me what it is and how to get there?
Thanks, any help would be greatly appreciated,
Guy

Guy

I don't know anyway near Royston apart from Fowlmere, it depends on how far you want to travel. You could probably reach Lakenheath in 40 minutes,
as well as Thetford Forest. In the other direction Paxton Pits, Fen Drayton are favourites of mine, again about 40 minutes.

Royston Heath is a nice walk, if you're determined to stay local.

[whomes]

Marsh Harriers are back nest building at Fowlmere.

[joannec]

Just seen this thread being revived....I've got a few days in Cambridge next week with one day birding somewhere near Cambridge. I was thinking of Fowlmere. Is that the best place close to C? I've never birded there so open to the best suggestions, want to make the most of only one day but will probably manage a short walk along the river too. Thanks.

Joanne

[deboo]

Fowlmere is a good spot. North of Cambridge there's Wicken Fen. Have a check on the Cambridge Bird Club website and see what's about and how to get there!

http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/

Good Birding

dave...

[joannec]

Thanks Dave...if you could only go to one, which would it be, Fowlmere or Wicken Fen?

Joanne

[whomes]

Depends how far you want to travel really. Fowlmere, Wicken Fen and Fen Drayton are all about 20 - 25 minutes. Lackford Lakes near Bury St Edmunds is only 40 minutes at the most, and Paxton Pits, Sandy Lodge, Grafham Water about the same.

I'm biased towards Fowlmere, but admit it can sometimes be hit and miss. The Marsh Harriers were clearly visable working hard from the elevated hide today, as were the Little Grebes.

[TomSmith]

Just seen this thread being revived....I've got a few days in Cambridge next week with one day birding somewhere near Cambridge. I was thinking of Fowlmere. Is that the best place close to C? I've never birded there so open to the best suggestions, want to make the most of only one day but will probably manage a short walk along the river too. Thanks.

Joanne

You might find this thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=107387) from a few weeks ago useful too.

Tom

[joannec]

Thanks Dave, whomes and Tom.

I've just got back today....had a wonderful day at Fowlmere in between visiting my son in Cambridge, (who assures me I am a guest and not a visitor,) and seeing the sights....went punting on the Cam:-O, no didn't fall in and saw a nesting moorhen close up. Yesterday was a beautiful day at Fowlmere, gorgeous sunshine and pleasantly warm. We didn't see anything out of the ordinary but were magnificently entertained by the greylag geese. We saw numerous blackcap, willow warbler and chiffchaff and got good views of all in the mostly leafless woods. I really liked the reedbed hide on stilts; we've got nothing like that in Sussex, it's got class, from which we heard but did not see sedge warbler . Saw about 35 species altogether but missed the marsh harriers but did see one in flight on the way back today from the M11 south of Cambridge.

Joanne

[Daffyduck]

Good to see this thread moving again, I pop in from time to time but tend to view the Norfolk thread as it is so active! It would be great if we could keep this one going!

For your info, another couple of short walks around the Royston Area that has produced good birding over the last 4 weeks these are:

Meldreth (footpath opersite the Church) x 2 mile return trip which is pretty and follows a little stream/river that apparently has kingfishers on it - produced yesterday blackcaps/chiffchaffs/willow warblers/mistle thrush/muncjack deer to name but a few. I was on the look out for treecreepers but dipped on them this time round.

I also cover 2 Tetrads around the Bassingbourn Kneesworth area for the Bird Atlas work and the tetrad at the back of Kneesworth hospital (see ordance survey for footpaths). 3 weeks ago this patch produced 5 buzzards (2 displaying), meadow pipits, 6 mistle thrushes (2 fighting), woodpeckers, skylarks, and in a copse opersite the hospital across the fields, numerous finches and yellowhammers (feeding on corn left over from harvest). We only had our binoculars so couldnt make out everything but what should have been an hour walk took over 3 hours due to the amount of birdlife around! There is normally a good passage of gulls here too as they make their way to the sewage works at the top of the hill near the A505. We also saw 3 hares and sadly a dead badger.....

In my garden in Bassingbourn we had bramblings for the first time this year - 6 - that arrived in Feb and stayed til the end of march.

Tina

[whomes]

Joanne, glad you enjoyed Fowlmere - there was a Green Sandpiper there Saturday and a Firecrest the week before - sadly none of the unusual ones seem to stay long!

Might try the Meldreth walk sometime Daffy. There seems to be more Blackcaps around this year, saw quite a few at Lackford Lakes at the weekend as well as at Fowlmere.

[Daffyduck]

Just heard that there is an organised walk lead by fowlmere's warden - this Saturday through Meldreth wood - 8.45 meeting point Meldreth Church car park - if anyone is interested? Cost - nil - but donations gratefully received.

[eric kitchmo]

It may be of interest to some that a new cambridgeshire day list record has been set.The team name 'cambs diehards' are 4 of cambs top birder's.They are-Jonny taylor (nene),Richard patient(cambridge),Steve cooper(south cambs) and Mark ward(little paxton).

On 10th may the team saw 135 species in the county,smashing the old record,set last year by 4! This is a mammoth score and set to be unbeaten for quite some time.It would take a hell of a day to do so!

Some highlight's were-Temminck's stint at maxey and caspian gull at paxton.Best of the day was a Goshawk at grafham water(which miffed the dam walker's a tad!)
Last bird of the day (Number 135) was the only Dunlin of the day at paxton.

[hen harrier]

Hi I'm Ken user name Hen Harrier I'll will be visiting Cambridgeshire this August with my wife. I was wondering if anyone from around your area would be kind enough to advice us where we would have the best chance of seeing Hen Harriers and Hobbies please, of course I only mean in general as I would not expect anyone to give a way nest sites only right and proper. I'm from the Durham area of England and would be pleased to exchange any birding information that I know of to any one of you if you were to visit the Durham area. Any Dartford warblers in the area to please. Thanking you all in anticipation of any help. Good birding to you all.

[Brian Stone]

It would be good to know which bit of Cambs you are going to be visiting.

A Hen Harrier in Cambs in August would be very early. They are mainly winter visitors here. In fact you stand a better chance of Montagu's in August when often one will join one of the Marsh Harrier roosts.

Hobby will be straightforward once we know where you will be.

[hen harrier]

Thank you Brian for bothering to reply I am very grateful. We will be staying at a farm in Landbeach just north of Cambridge, but we will be doing a tour of cambridgeshire so we could pop in anywhere really. But it would of great interest to know what is local to Landbeach. I notice Wicken Fen is just up the road. Thanks again for any help that you can give us Brian, Good Birding to you.

[Daffyduck]

Hi HenHarrier,
if you are near wicken fen then I would also suggest Lakenheath (although technically its in Suffolk) as a good spot for hobbies, warblers and if you are v. lucky golden oriales and then weeting heath (just round the corner) for stone curlew. You may find out more info on the suffolk thread.
Tina

[whomes]

A few photos of visitors to Fowlmere over the past 3 weeks all in excellent voice (except the Tern!) Would appreciate a positive ID on the first pic. The Tern stayed for over a week.

[KnockerNorton]

If it was in excellent voice it should be easy! Was it saying 'chiff chaff'? Or a tumble down the scale?

[hen harrier]

Hen Harrier here thank you Daffy Duck for your time and effort to help me. Good birding to you. Thanks.

[whomes]

If it was in excellent voice it should be easy! Was it saying 'chiff chaff'? Or a tumble down the scale?

Tumble down the scale as I recall, certainly not 'Chiff Chaff' - which makes it a Willow Warbler?

[Daffyduck]

Tumble down the scale as I recall, certainly not 'Chiff Chaff' - which makes it a Willow Warbler?

Yes, its a willow warbler.

:t:

[Karl J]

Anyone see this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7537716.stm) on the dinnertime news, about Salmon in the River Nene. Sounds like good news.

[Jono L]

If anybody wants good views of a pair of juvenile Spoonbills, check out the lagoon hide at Grafham Water, where they have been showing well for over a week now. Please approach the hide with care.
Cheers

[KnockerNorton]

Anyone see this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7537716.stm) on the dinnertime news, about Salmon in the River Nene. Sounds like good news.

Unfortunately though, every Roach in the Nene is hermaphroditic and unable to breed properly due to the high levels of synthetic (and real) hormones in the river system from the urban areas. So I wouldn't fancy having a salmon out of there for my dinner, unless i wanted a free boob job!

[abagguley]

You could always change your name to Knockers Norton ;)

[jimmyg]

Somebody at Welney WWT today told me about a Glossy Ibis flying between Earith and Sutton, apparently he'd seen it on CBC website. Also mentioned Cattle Egret. I was pretty sure he meant recently, but would have noticed them on birdguides and saw nothing on CBC website... I am quite confused!

[Jono L]

Glossy Ibis is an absolute mega in Cambs. The last one was seen by only a couple of people in 2002. The last Cattle Egret was this year, near Earith on the Ouse Washes during the summer.
Cheers

[marklhawkes]

Somebody at Welney WWT today told me about a Glossy Ibis flying between Earith and Sutton,

Hi James,

Was this someone from the WWT staff or another visitor?

No reports of Ibis in Cambs recently - fingers crossed the Yorkshire bird makes its way south through the county sometime soon!

[jimmyg]

Thanks! It was a visitor, not staff.

Doesn't look like the east coast action has hit Cambs quite yet - did Denver Sluice today which produced very little, but a few more robins than usual plus redwings and song thrushes bodes well for the near future. :t:

[jimmyg]

Glossy Ibis at Sutton Gault just come out on RBA and Birdguides! Does anybody have any more information please? It seems the guy at Welney knew something we didn't... Anybody been suppressing a Cattle Egret as well!?

[Jono L]

Shows what we know, eh Mark!!!
Doh!
Jono

[marklhawkes]

Still there this morning. Flew north past Chain Corner at 7am, then on flood to south of Sutton Gault at 7.40am (and very nice it is too).

It was seen (and apparently photographed) on Monday, but yesterday was the first sighting since.

[Penny Clarke]

Still there this morning. Flew north past Chain Corner at 7am, then on flood to south of Sutton Gault at 7.40am (and very nice it is too).

It was seen (and apparently photographed) on Monday, but yesterday was the first sighting since.

Hi Mark

Would you be able to give me directions to this please? I know how to get to Ely and thats about it!, not familiar with this area at all. I would be coming from King's Lynn.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[jimmyg]

Went to see the Glossy Ibis today - looked lovely in evening light! I was talking to a local (who is on Birdforum and has photos of the bird, but I have forgotten his name!) and he said for the past few days it has been disappearing just after 6pm, which is what it did whilst we weren't looking, presumably to roost. So for anyone who goes after work, make sure you get there in good time!

[marklhawkes]

Hi Mark

Would you be able to give me directions to this please? I know how to get to Ely and thats about it!, not familiar with this area at all. I would be coming from King's Lynn.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:


Sorry, only just noticed your message.
From A10 at Ely, head along A142 to Sutton, then turn left into Sutton at first round about (onto B1381). Straight over next mini roundabout, then at T-junction, turn right. After a few hundred yards there is a right hand turn, signed to Sutton Gault. Drive down here until you come to the pub/rivers. Park carefully, and then walk south down the east side of the washes (the footpath is next to the pub). View first flood to south after a few hundred yards.

Good luck

[Penny Clarke]

Went to see the Glossy Ibis today - looked lovely in evening light! I was talking to a local (who is on Birdforum and has photos of the bird, but I have forgotten his name!) and he said for the past few days it has been disappearing just after 6pm, which is what it did whilst we weren't looking, presumably to roost. So for anyone who goes after work, make sure you get there in good time!

Well done James:t: Glad you saw it. I have not been yet, may go tomorrow.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[Penny Clarke]

Sorry, only just noticed your message.
From A10 at Ely, head along A142 to Sutton, then turn left into Sutton at first round about (onto B1381). Straight over next mini roundabout, then at T-junction, turn right. After a few hundred yards there is a right hand turn, signed to Sutton Gault. Drive down here until you come to the pub/rivers. Park carefully, and then walk south down the east side of the washes (the footpath is next to the pub). View first flood to south after a few hundred yards.

Good luck

Thank you very much Mark:t::t:

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[mr.sim]

Isn't it best to walk along the path the other side of the river from the pub. James and I did this today and got good enough views. Some people had walked along the path next to the pub but thats the other side of the river from the flood. You can still abtain good views as the bank next to the pub is higher, but for photos i suggest the other one Penny...sorry to confuse by mentioning so many banks...

Below is a very poor record shot because it was distant, bad light, and windy...

[Penny Clarke]

Thanks to Mark, Simeon and James for help and instructions to the Glossy Ibis.

Drove from Holme to Sutton Gault and watched Glossy Ibis at 5pm until it went to roost at 6.20pm. Also here barn owl, sparrowhawk, bar headed goose, snipe, mute swans, herons and a water rail squealing. AND guess what just after 6pm some came scurrying along the path it was BF Reader (John) who had driven from Coventry and just saw it in time before it got up and flew against the sunset. Got some distant records shots! but can't post tonight as have to get up VERY VERY early tomorrow for spot of seawatching;)

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[amelia1730]

Is the Glossy Ibis still about at Sutton Gault?

Thanks

[Peewit]

Is the Glossy Ibis still about at Sutton Gault?

Thanks

Hi Amelia

Interesting to know what is around SG and would love to know more of this birds whereabouts. :-O

Kathy
x

[marklhawkes]

Yes, still there this morning, directions as before

[amelia1730]

Thankyou Mark.

Is it easy to get views (as someone less able-bodied) or is a bit of a trek required?

Amelia

[marklhawkes]

It can sometimes be seen distantly from the road/bridge, but otherwise you need to go south down the raised bank for 300-400 yards. The path is through grass, and not paved.

[amelia1730]

Many thanks again Mark. Just got back. Was a bit of a difficult walk for me on my own but well worth the effort. What a glorious morning to be visiting this spot for the first time, although I'm ashamed to say this as it is virtually on my doorstep! Glossy Ibis, Bar-headed goose, Herons, Swans and a lovely Marsh Harrier. Only stayed a very short while but wil be back very soon.

[Daffyduck]

I was watching the glossy ibis on Friday afternoon and noticed the "strange goose" with the swans. Everyone else was focusing on the Ibis so I took a few shots and was trying to identify it (as it was at distance) and I just put it down as a farmyard mix! (and was too embarrassed to mention it to others as no one said anything!)

Do we know any more about its whereabouts and is it definately a bar head? I will try and upload my photos later - but as said - it was quite far off to digiscope it and it was blowing a fair wind!
Tina

[marklhawkes]

Yes, there has been a Bar-headed Goose there for awhile now. It is presumed to be an escaped bird from somewhere. There are several at large in Cambridgeshire (like most other counties)

[Daffyduck]

Thanks Mark. By the way I heard that the Glossy Ibis goes to Fen Drayton to Roost. Haven't been there for a while so thought I would head down there this week end. You usually get loads of redwing and fieldfare and a good selection of wildfowl in the Autumn/Winter.
Tina

[mr.sim]

Yes, from the reports on Birdguides, it looks like the bird remains at Sutton Gault during the day, but is sometimes seen at Earith, then every evening it is reported at Fen Drayton. It then reappears at Sutton Gault the next morning, so it must roost at Fen Drayton. I was lucky enough to get down to Sutton Gault about a week ago and had distant (but nice) views of the bird in the sunset. It struck me how small the bird was - about the same size as some of the nearby Mallards! Good luck to everyone who goes for it, and lets hope it remains for many to enjoy...

[mr.sim]

Does anyone know whereabouts Over Fen is? I presume it's near Over village. AG Plover there this morning according to Birdguides, so I was understandably interested...
Cheers
Sim

[marklhawkes]

Over Fen (now known as Ouse Fen), is at TL375725. The bird is actually at Mare Fen now. The best place to view is to go down the Overcote road in Over until you come to the river opposite the Pike & Eel. Park there and walk left over the stile for about
a quarter of a mile to view. (Walk on the track leading slightly away from the
river not along the river bank).
It is not possible to see the birds from the Over to Swavesey road. And for
those who don't know - that road is closed to through traffic from Swavesey at
the moment.

The bird is with 1500 Golden Plovers. Good luck

[Jonny Crossbill]

Hi there,

Planning a trip to Graffham Water, Nene/Ouse Washes area this weekend.

Never been to the area before but would love to see the reported Gt N'ern Diver, Bar Headed Goose and Bewick Swans.

Any tips from Cambs locals would be much appreciated.

With thanks in advance:t:

[marklhawkes]

Jonny

You can find a lot of information here http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/

Look at the Top sites page for some information about various sites

and here http://cbcwhatsabout.blogspot.com/ for updated news

The Diver was still at Grafham this morning - viewed from the dam, but often mobile

[Jonny Crossbill]

Jonny

You can find a lot of information here http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/

Look at the Top sites page for some information about various sites

and here http://cbcwhatsabout.blogspot.com/ for updated news

The Diver was still at Grafham this morning - viewed from the dam, but often mobile

That's great, thank you very much for the quick response.

[Jonny Crossbill]

Brilliant visit to Grafham Water this morning - saw the Black-Necked Grebe - a 1st for me along with Red-Breasted Merganser. Didn't manage Gt Northern Diver or Red-Necked. But a Peregrine hunting over the water more than made up for that. Superb, I'll defo get back to G-Water.

Then nipped up to Ouse Washes - oodles of Whoopers and cracking views of the Tree Sparrows from the visitors center along with Brown Rats!

Brilliant birding County Cambs - 60 species inland was a top Sunday.

[marklhawkes]

Hi Jonny - glad you had a good visit yesterday. I found the Black-necked early morning, and the Red-necked was often present in the same area. The Diver was close -in to the the dam, and there was a Common Scoter at the west end of the reservoir. Where was the Merganser? I spent 4 hours there yesterday and didn't see it.

Cheers
Mark

[Jonny Crossbill]

Hi Jonny - glad you had a good visit yesterday. I found the Black-necked early morning, and the Red-necked was often present in the same area. The Diver was close -in to the the dam, and there was a Common Scoter at the west end of the reservoir. Where was the Merganser? I spent 4 hours there yesterday and didn't see it.

Cheers
Mark

Hi MarK,

Blimey, gutted I missed out on Red-Necked & Diver. Never mind.

Had two views of Merganser one male & one female. Both in flight, first one from the car park with the visitors center from which you can walk up to the hides (possibly Mandeer?) then the male from the next car park along towards Ellington (think its called Plummer - although the gates are closed for winter).

Was a brilliant spot, really deserves longer than the morning we spent there - next time I'll set aside a full day I reckon.

Cheers.

[marklhawkes]

Hi Jonny

Thanks for the extra info. Were they definately Mergansers and not Goosanders? Goosanders are regular here in winter, Mergansers are scarce visitors

[Jonny Crossbill]

1st bird was defo a Merganser - I got really good views as did the group of birders I was with.

2nd view - I got a less prolonged view although I would have said Merganser, as did the birders behind me who got better views. I was scoping my 1st Black-Necked Grebe at the time! Edit: Having double checked the guidebooks - this 2nd bird could have been a Goosander... I am not confident enough in the view I got. Defo one good sighting tho.

Happy hunting anyway.

Cheers.

[marklhawkes]

So was the first sighting of male or female?

[Jonny Crossbill]

First bird female, second bird male.

Just had a look & Red Breasted Merganser were widely reported on G-Water last week.

I was there all morning and failed to see the Scoter or Diver its is a big old bit of water. So no matter how good your birding prowess its not unlikely you could have missed it - they were both in flight.

There is a tendency to doubt and question on this forum which can be productive, but more often that not ruins positive threads - other Grafham Water birders saw the RBM with my m8 and me, worth askin round if my sighting isn't satisfactory for ya.

If it helps I have wintering Goosander on my local patch and worked Wales with RBM last year - I am familiar with both birds.

[marklhawkes]

Jonny, I'm not doubting you, just trying to get the correct facts for the Clubs database.

Where is your information coming from? there was only one report of RBM at Grafham Water last week (seen briefly on Wednesday 5th by Colin Addington, our resident birder, and he hasn't seen it since).

I have been watching Grafham for 10 years now, and am fully aware how hard it can be to find things there. There are only four regular watchers, and we were all out Sunday morning, and none of us saw the RBM (so I'm not sure who you mean when you say other Grafham birders saw this bird). None of the regulars saw a RBM on Sunday, and no-body has reported one to either the Bird Club website, or cambirds forum.

[Jonny Crossbill]

All I can do is confirm the first sighting - include as you see fit.

birdguides reported the sighting you mention above. I cannot vouch for who the birders with me were - although one was with me when I first spotted the Peregrine at the visitors center & then again while watching the Black Necked Grebe. While watching the grebe one chap got a call regarding the Diver off the dam by the tower.

Was there a lot of Goosander present on Sunday, and you suspect mis-identification? Is that your point?

I just find the above dialogue frustrating.

[marklhawkes]

The guy who got the phone call was Colin - it was me who rung him to report the diver close-in by the dam (as I knew birders were looking for it). He said he hasn't seen a RBM since Wednesday - so, is this the chap who was with you?

Where did you get the info that they had been "widely reported"?

You have already said the second may have been misidentifed.

[Jonny Crossbill]

The guy who got the phone call was Colin - it was me who rung him to report the diver close-in by the dam (as I knew birders were looking for it). He said he hasn't seen a RBM since Wednesday - so, is this the chap who was with you?

Where did you get the info that they had been "widely reported"?

You have already said the second may have been misidentifed.

Bored of this now. If that's the case then yep Colin was with me when the 2nd bird flew over as one another chap who was with us earlier on, we were then joined by a 3rd birder & moved over to get better views on the black necked grebe.

I said it was widely reported as I remembered it been reported on birdguides.

Have you seen the following websites:

www.mynameismarklhawkesandiamwellupsetididntseeare dbreasted merganserattheweekend.com

Or try,

www.becauseimissedabirdongrafhamwateronsundayitwas ntthere.com

You have bored me to this.

[marklhawkes]

I don't know what your problem is Jonny - may be you need to take a step back and chillout just a little.

I'm just trying to find out what was seen where and when. I've found a number of RBM's at Grafham over the years (it wouldn't even be a patch year-tick!), so I can asure you that I'm not bothered about missing it. As you only saw the Black-necked Grebe after I pointed you in the right directions with the relevant websites (and then found it for you!) perhaps you should have a little more respect.

If you took the time to check Birdguides, you will see there was only the one brief sighting last week!

You may well be bored (no-one is forcing you to read this though!), but your immature attitude does little to inspire confidence. I wonder why you have become so defensive....

[Jonny Crossbill]

Well I wasnt aware there was a Black-Necked Grebe there - I had gone on the back of the G'Nern Diver and Red-Necked Grebe reports. Although BNG was an absolute treat.

Colin can clarify the 2nd bird - I have clarified the 1st report away.

I am immature all over, I posted back here after an excellent day out and your manor has rubbed me up the wrong way.

Perhaps do future questioning via PM's or even just ask Colin & that'll save time.

I'll give respect where & when due... I'll probably make this me last post eh. Stick to the Suffolk thread...

[marklhawkes]

I actually congratulated you on having a good day, then asked where you had seen the Merganser? It was you who got all defensive.....

No-doubt it was Colin who put you on the Black-necked Grebe, after I had told him about it. I even rung him to tell him about the diver so he could tell the small crowd watching the grebe (which no-doubt included yourself).

And I have asked Colin - he said he didn't see a Merganser on Sunday. Thats not to say you didn't, only that no-one else has claimed one, which is odd, as there were a lot of birders around Sunday morning....

Hope that clears things up. Chill out a little Jonny. Stress and birding aren't meant to go together (thats stress and twitching ;) )

[marklhawkes]

On a lighter note - the Great Northern Diver is still at Grafham this afternoon (per Colin Addington)

[amelia1730]

It's this kind of dialogue that puts me off ever reporting anything.

Been there, done that, got the T shirt - also, the doubters.

Just because no one else sees it, doesn't mean it wasn't there ..................

[marklhawkes]

amelia - before you too take it the wrong way, please re-read the thread - I never said I doubted Jonny (in-fact, I actually said the opposite!).....

...its posts like yours that only add fuel to the fire ;)

[amelia1730]

I certainly wouldn't want to do that (and obviously I'm in danger of that merely by replying to this) but I have been on the receiving end of posts of a similar tone.
Perhaps not what was said but the way in which it was said.......................
I am a birder of only 5/6 years so am even more sensitive!

[Daffyduck]

Hi, has anyone been to Milton the last couple of days? I was down there today and spotted a possible Scaup among the gadwall and mallards...but didnt want to put it out if I was wrong!

If you are intending to take a look I saw it on Dickersons Pit (from the deep pool end looking back up the Pit and over to the left). Only the bottom end of the pit is exposed water as the rest is covered in ice so finding it should be relatively ;) easy. Small brown duck with white on base of bill. I have seen scaup x tufty hybrids but this one looked as if it had more white than one of those type.

Would like to hear your thoughts. If in the meantime I manage to get a picture I will post it here.
Tina

[marklhawkes]

Could be a Scaup. The best method for ID'ing Scaup is the size and shape of the bird compared to Tufted Duck. Scaup is larger, with a bigger body, and usually a high back posture. Also, the bill is larger, and the head very rounded. Any suggestion of a peak on the crown would point to it being a Tufted Duck or hybrid. Also, female and immature males have a lot of pale edging to the flank feathers and mantle feathers, making them look paler, and often a suggestion of an ear-spot.

No one has reported one from there today.

[Daffyduck]

After looking at a few photos I think it was probably too small and more of tufted duck size to be a scaup - probably a hybrid :-C. I will drop by tomorrow on way to work and take my scope for a better look - it will only take a few mins then to ID it. I will let you know tomorrow.
Tina

[jimmyg]

Tina, if you are unsure about ID you could always upload your photos to the bird identification QandA thread.

Does anybody know anything about a possible Black-throated Thrush in Bluntisham near Earith?

[marklhawkes]

Does anybody know anything about a possible Black-throated Thrush in Bluntisham near Earith?

Seen by a single observer this morning - and no sign since. I am awaiting some extra details for him. Last seen flying towards Earith. Hopefully it might be re-found yet.

[jimmyg]

Seen by a single observer this morning - and no sign since. I am awaiting some extra details for him. Last seen flying towards Earith. Hopefully it might be re-found yet.

Has the observer been in contact yet? I don't think it is going to be refound unless by accident, but it would still be interesting to know.

[marklhawkes]

Yes, he has been in contact. He has been to look for it, and no sign of it since.

[jimmyg]

Thanks :t:

[Daffyduck]

Managed to see a Red Kite today as I was driving up the A1 just North of Peterborough, couldnt believe my eyes - but definate ID, it was right in front of me crossing the A1.
Tina

[marklhawkes]

Tina, I can well believe it - this is a good area to see this species nowadays

[mr.sim]

Bit of a random request: I know there is a fairly good site somewhere in Wisbech, that gets the occasional inland skua and passage waders etc. I was wondering if anyone knew what it is called and if they have directions/grid reference?
This would be handy, because next year I will be in the 6th form, and so I will get free periods. I go to school in Wisbech so wouldnt mind having a wander down there every so often during a free period/lunch hour!
Also, how do I find out what's been seen there recently?
Any help much appreciated!
Thanks
Sim

[marklhawkes]

Bit of a random request: I know there is a fairly good site somewhere in Wisbech, that gets the occasional inland skua and passage waders etc. I was wondering if anyone knew what it is called and if they have directions/grid reference?
This would be handy, because next year I will be in the 6th form, and so I will get free periods. I go to school in Wisbech so wouldnt mind having a wander down there every so often during a free period/lunch hour!
Also, how do I find out what's been seen there recently?
Any help much appreciated!
Thanks
Sim

Hi Sim,

Sounds like you are thinking of Wisbech sewage works - however, this once wonderful site has now gone, it was last active in the 1980s - it has been replaced by agricultural fields now. In its prime, it was a premier site for waders and wildfowl.

Last year myself and another observer witnessed a large passage of skuas moving inland along the River Nene at Foul Anchor (north of Wisbech, and c.1 mile south of the bridge at Sutton) - it included 2 Long-tailed Skuas, 5 or more Pomarine, 19 Great Skuas and c.30 Arctics - an unprecedented movement. I am in the process of writing an article for the forth-coming 2008 Cambs Bird Report about inland skua movements (which will include more details on dates and weather conditions)

In the right conditions, the River Nene (even in Wisbech itself) can produce good birds (Fulmar and Little Auk are recent examples)

Recent news from Cambridgeshire can be found here

http://cbcwhatsabout.blogspot.com/

and for more info about the Cambs Bird Club see here

http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/

[mr.sim]

Thanks Mark, I've heard of Foul Anchor and that's the place I was thinking about, don't know where I got the idea of it being a good area for waders though! What kind of habitat is it there, or is it just a watchpoint?
I remember seeing the report on Birdguides of all those skuas last year - I also remember being envious as I was at school just down the river at the time. I haven't had many interesting birds at school, but the bird that will stick in my memory was a juv. Gannet that a mate and I saw drifting over the grounds! It was brilliant and I was very surprised to get it inland. I think it was in September because I remember there were still lots of people on the playing fields so it must have been warm! Cant give an exact date but I think it was 3 years ago!

[marklhawkes]

Foul Anchor is just a small collection of houses nestled next to the River Nene. It is more of a view point than anything else, although if you look east across the river (into Norfolk) you can see the fields were the famous Sewage Works used to be

Inland Gannets are great birds to see. It is a shame you don't have a record of the date, as it would have been nice to include this record in the Cambs Bird Reports. Make sure you keep a note of dates in the future, and get a note book ;)

[mr.sim]

I have a notebook - I was just at school and wasn't into recording everything back then!
Will record everything in future though!

[jimmyg]

get a note book ;)

:-O A good thing you didn't have one Simeon - that would have lost you all your street cred in one go!

[mr.sim]

:-O A good thing you didn't have one Simeon - that would have lost you all your street cred in one go!

But remembering the date of the record is probably worth losing "street cred" - and I wouldn't have lost it anyway... 8-P

[Daffyduck]

Had a couple of good hours at paxton today and it was sooo busy.

On the heron lake male and female golden eye displaying, tufties, pochard, gadwall, cormorants nest building along with Herons sitting on nests! Little and Great crested grebes present.
At the sailing lake, no sign of the red crested pochards, but 2 little gulls present. Near the visitor centre, a stunning BullFinch along with redwing, fieldfare and reed bunting plus all the other usual suspects. Good light for some photography too:t:

[marklhawkes]

Hi Daffy,

Little Gulls are unusual in Cambs in winter - what age were the birds you saw yesterday?

Mark

[Daffyduck]

Hi Mark, just gone back to my notes again to check and they were Yellow Legged Gulls, sorry to give you a shock :eek!: will make sure my shorthand is better next time!

[marklhawkes]

Thanks for the clarification ;)

[matt green]

Not sure if I'm on the right section for this, had two Cranes feeding from a field while traveling from Norwich to Ely yesterday just before Lakenheath (to the south of the reserve)

Currently away from my PC so have limited time to check grid ref's and exect location etc!!

Matt

[marklhawkes]

Hi Matt

Sounds like these will have been in Suffolk - and are probably the two which have been around for some time now

Cheers
Mark

[Daffyduck]

Having dipped :-Con the Penduline Tit at Lakenheath I thought I would go home via Ely.

I finally managed to catch up with the RLB today just outside Coveney. Not having been to that area before I had to hunt around for the black barn and the Esso tanker. In the end found it but couldnt see anything then driving down to the little bridge I pulled over as the 'blob' at the end of the hedges looked too solitary to be a crow (they were all in a tree closer to me) and was definately bigger. Jumped out and grabbed my scope - Yep, what a beauty. I did take a few digiscope shots but as I was without my release lead the images are a little bit foggy but fine for a record shot. It was around til just past 4pm and then dropped down behind the hedge. Now officially my favorite bird - well for the moment:t:
Tina

[Daffyduck]

Thought I would drop by on my way to Norfolk to see if I could get a better picture of the RLB. When I got to the lst layby near the bridge 2 buzzards circling to the north over the trees. Another birder approached and asked if it was the RLB. In bins looked like a common and in scope confirmed that both were common. One was dark on the back but perched on the tree, legs were definately clean.

I drove further up the road and there were about 6 birders there so pulled in to ask about the egret. They were chatting about the RLB over in the far tree. Again on looking in my scope ( I have a nikon 82ED) I thought it was a common and was not the bird I saw the other day. Time was now 2pmish so I left them to debate and went over to see the GWE.

Just as I was pulling in behind a parked car the GWE took off! :eek!: I jumped out the car and watched as it flew over the field into a drain that ran between the green field and the plough. Another birder showed me great photos of it and another birder pulled up behind. We waited about 10 mins and it popped its head and neck out of the drain. A police car pulled up :eek!: I thought we were going to get told off for parking on the side of the road, but no, happened to be a birding policeman what luck eh;) Then to make us all happy GWE took off, did a fly pass and land in the drain on the oppersite side of the road to the digger.
BTW, by the digger was one little egret and a heron clearly waiting for frogs etc to be disturbed by the machine. They weren't bothered at all.

Anyway friendly policeman said that he had heard the RLB was at Haddenham (? not sure where that is or how to spell it!) that morning and usually goes back to coveney to roost about 330ish. I had to push on to Norfolk but other birder turned and went back to wait. Hope he got it.

BTW, garden on left down the road past the bridge near the GWE was full of fieldfare and mistlethrushes. I couldnt believe how many in one garden!

Tina

[Daffyduck]

Hi folks please take a look at this web site:

www.printablebirdchecklists.homestead.com

extremely useful to take a checklist before you go on hols and an incredible piece of work by this guy. More experienced birders may wish to contact him to advise him if the cambs. checklist is accurate:t:

[marklhawkes]

I've had a quick look. It is surprisingly up to date, but one obvious error - Lesser Redpoll is missing from the list.

[Daffyduck]

Managed to complete two of my tetrads this week on Wednesday and today. Ive got high numbers of fieldfare around the village at the moment and in surrounding farmers fields - one flock was 100+ does anyone else have this at the moment? In one small tree in a village garden I counted 15 yet I have never had one in my garden and I back onto farm land:eek!: Not sure what was attracting them to that particular house?

Also high numbers of blue tits and singing male great tits, very low numbers of greenfinch and long tailed tits compared with last year. No redwings around at all but high numbers of blackbirds. Woodpeckers were out in force both GSW and GW (the latter clambering up a telegraph pole) Reed bunting (and I even had one in my garden on Thursday - that was a first) and a bull finch, plenty of Kestral and sparrowhawks and the best one today - a snipe! Never seen one in my village before (well it was by the little stream/river in farmland/wooded area). It took off as soon as it saw me but I waited and it returned. Very shy though and as soon as I tried to get a photo it was off like a shot again. There could have been two as something else shot down the river away from me whilst i was watching the snipe in flight. A great tick for the village.:t:

Only one more late tetrad to do - so here's hoping for another bright sunny day next week.
Tina

[Daffyduck]

Finally did my last tetrad of the season yesterday at the very edge of South Cambridgeshire. Despite beautiful sunshine and warmer temperatures there was very little about. I was however covering mainly farmland with hedged footpath and normally the fields would be filled with corvids or gulls and fieldfares etc but nothing. Then met another birder who confirmed that the farmer had been doing alot of clearing up - gassing rabbits and sure enough, new fencing:C which had disturbed alot of the fauna. The way he has cleared the path way is great for walkers but it was a beautiful butterfly and bird haven last summer and I only hope he hasnt ruined all the nettles and wild scabious:eek!: However what seemed to be thriving in this new environment were Dunnocks - I saw ten in the space of 20 feet.

Anyway, wandered over to the second part of my tetrad and again, pretty dim, reason being a shooter was on the horizon:-C and I dont think he took to me watching him through bins:eek!: I was really worried as this part of my patch is where my 2 buzzards live so instead of doing my usual hike I shadowed the shooter - from a distance to ensure he was only after Woodpigeons and rabbits. I dont mind organised shoots but single shooters always concern me. Anyway glad to say I spotted one of my buzzards in the far copse:t: and other birds of note were 4 redwing 1 meadow pipit and 2 mistle thrushes by the chicken farm, singing chaffinches, longtail tits and a laughing green woody. Plenty of blackbirds, blue tits and robins around.

Tina

[PaulE]

hi all
it was suggested that i post a request for info on this thread as follows
i'm going to peterborough on saturday and i will have about 5 hours to kill i am thinking of either going to the nene or ouse washes can anyone suggest which would be better or is there another site near to the area which would be good
any help appreciated
cheers

[Brian Stone]

The Ouse is doing a lot better at the moment (e.g. the two Great White Egrets) although the Nene is perhaps suffering from a lack of coverage. The Cranes that were there have relocated.

If you want to stay nearer Peterborough, Woodwalton Fen is a good place to spend a few hours. It can be hard work but is usually rewarding with a range of good woodland and wetland species possible.

[PaulE]

The Ouse is doing a lot better at the moment (e.g. the two Great White Egrets) although the Nene is perhaps suffering from a lack of coverage. The Cranes that were there have relocated.

If you want to stay nearer Peterborough, Woodwalton Fen is a good place to spend a few hours. It can be hard work but is usually rewarding with a range of good woodland and wetland species possible.
thanks brian
ended up at nene washes lots of birds mainly wigeon,teal,pintail,shoveller and tufties on the duck front all told i had distant views of about 30 whoopers plus large numbers of pipits everyone i got on with the scope was a meadow also plenty of wagtails and fieldfares about probably the highlight was good views of at least 3 marsh harriers i also had 2 buzzards one of which i think was a pale phase as it was very light underneath and had white on the "shoulders" and also a white tail it was showing over the trees opposite the carpark if anyone with more knowledge wants to go take a look and rule out something more exotic
cheers

[Brian Stone]

Pale Buzzards are not uncommon (e.g. pic).

Glad you had a good day. I came across a lot of the wild swans (a few hundred in a field) today quite some way from the usual wash area on North Fen just east of Peterborough.

thanks brian
ended up at nene washes lots of birds mainly wigeon,teal,pintail,shoveller and tufties on the duck front all told i had distant views of about 30 whoopers plus large numbers of pipits everyone i got on with the scope was a meadow also plenty of wagtails and fieldfares about probably the highlight was good views of at least 3 marsh harriers i also had 2 buzzards one of which i think was a pale phase as it was very light underneath and had white on the "shoulders" and also a white tail it was showing over the trees opposite the carpark if anyone with more knowledge wants to go take a look and rule out something more exotic
cheers

[Hippo]

Decided to pay a visit as I have not been to this area before arriving at 0715 in time to see a Barn Owl hunting around the car park and Eldernell Farm. What a delight the Nene Washes are and I was to have it all to myself. Started walking west and highlight of the day was observing a Bittern fly between the reed beds in the pond west of Eldernell Farm. About 30 Whooper Swans were keeping their distance on the north bank with others taking flight eastwards. I was hoping for a Hen Harrier, but hunting Buzzard and Marsh Harrier made up for the no-show. Fantastic numbers of wildfowl with Shelduck, Shoveler, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall, Teal, Pintail and Mallard. Waders included Redshank, Oystercatcher and Snipe.

This is a delightful spot that obviously does not get the birders that Welney gets. The feeling of solitude is fantastic. I shall return!

A couple of pics - could not get near the Whoopers!
.
.
.

[Daffyduck]

Had a couple of hours at paxton pits today and finally managed to catch up with the pair of Smew before they leave to go North:t: I kept dipping on that species this year.

Also great views of a pair of kingfishers from Heron Hide, chasing each other backwards and forwards - they were such a delight in the sunshine.

Singing Chiffchaff near Kingfisher Hide and all the other usual tits making quite a noise. Drumming GSW and good views of laughing Green woodpecker. In all a very nice afternoon out which finished with a small flock of skylarks.:t:

Hope to try and catch up with the garganey at Cam washes tomorrow. Does anyone know where it is best to view (and park) and Ive never visited the washes before?
ta
Tina

[Daffyduck]

Well didnt find the cam washes - got a bit lost |:$|- but now that Ive been told where it is will take a look this week.:t:

Went to RSPB reserve near Mepal yesterday and got good views of treesparrows near visitor centre along with reed bunting and usual tits.

On the way saw a small group of whoopers hanging around with some mute swan on the pymoor to welney road - was one of them Snow Cloud? Couldnt see any tags (see this website re. superwhooper tracking - snow cloud has yet to leave the washes! http://whooper.wwt.org.uk/whooper)

Out on the washes, numerous ducks getting ready to leave: pintail, wigeon, pochard, gadwall, teal etc along with mallards and shovlers. A few redshank dotted around along with Lapwing looking like they were starting to protect territory. A couple of displaying Gt Crested grebes was nice.

On the way back saw a large flock 50+ of fieldfare and red legged partridge. A nice sunday afternoon drive!

[marklhawkes]

This site, provided by the Cambs Bird Club has links to most birding sites:

http://www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/sitepages/gazetteer.htm

The Cam Washes can be viewed from either Upware or Waterbeach - the later seems to be better for viewing at the moment. Access is along the (very) Long Drove at the end of Banhold Road on the east side of Waterbeach. Note - this road is very rough towards the end and parking is very limited. Please park carefully.

[Daffyduck]

Thanks for the info Mark - especially the road. People are amazed at the place I take my car to and it is usually the scruffiest in the street because of the muddy routes I take!

[Daffyduck]

American black vulture spotted over Sandy (The Lodge) this morning around 11am - probably an escapee from the Shuttleworth collection...........

[Jono L]

Summer migrants at Grafham Water in the last few days:
Wheatear on the dam, Blackcap singing in the lagoons, Chiffchaffs singing all over and Sand Martins in Savages.
Cheers,

[Jono L]

Grafham Water in the last few days:
Common Scoter, 3 (31st March)
Scaup, female still present in Plummer area
Sedge Warbler, 1 lagoons (1st April)
Swallow, 1-3 (since 29th March)
LRP, 2 (29th March)
Green Sandpiper, 1 (1st April)
Lots of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps now in.

[mr.sim]

Hi
I'm thinking of undertaking a small project of mapping out Buzzards migration along the coast and slightly inland.
Could you please let me know of all the possibe migrant Buzzard sightings you get. It is more difficult to determine whether they are migrating or not, inland, but I am certain that most of the birds James and I have seen moving through Denver Sluice aren't local residents.
Being very high up, heading in a given direction strongly, and circling on thermals are all factors I consider to be associated with migrating birds from my experience. But then again, I'm sure all residents do those three too!
Please PM me with your sightings, including location, number of birds, and general direction of their flight.
Thanks very much
Simeon

[Robert Williamson]

Hi all

Anyone get the Golden Eagle at Fen Drayton today. I assume its a escapee.

[Robert Williamson]

Fen Drayton-
2x Cetti's
2x Kingfisher
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
Ruddy Duck
Golden Eye
Bullfinch
Willow Warbler
Green Sand
Bearded Tit
Swallow
House and Sand Martin

Other bird saw by the other people in the group but not me.
Common Turn

Also a Golden Eagle was reported!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but i didn't see it :-C

[marklhawkes]

Hi Robert,

Where was the Bearded Tit? Was it a male or female? This is a good bird for Fen Drayton Lakes.

The Eagle was not identified as a Golden, but merely a large Aquila-type Eagle - but probably still an escape.

[Jono L]

Grafham Water bird highlights over the weekend:
Common Scoter, 4
Black-tailed Godwit, 2
Yellow Wagtail, 5+
Wheatear, 1
Scaup, 1 fem
Goosander, 2
Peregrine, 1 flew east on Sunday
Cheers

[Robert Williamson]

Sadly I didn't manage to sex the Tits but the birds were in a reedbed on Ferrey Mere.

The warden had told us and writen on the board that it was a Golden Eagle but I did notice on bird guides that it was reported as a eagle sp but yesterday wasn't there a Golden eagle reported at the Nene Washes?

[marklhawkes]

Sadly I didn't manage to sex the Tits but the birds were in a reedbed on Ferrey Mere.

The warden had told us and writen on the board that it was a Golden Eagle but I did notice on bird guides that it was reported as a eagle sp but yesterday wasn't there a Golden eagle reported at the Nene Washes?

I don't know anything about an Eagle on Nene yesterday, but there was an unconfirmed report of an Aquila Eagle here several weeks ago.

How many Bearded Tits were there? Were they calling?

[Brian Stone]

I don't know anything about an Eagle on Nene yesterday, but there was an unconfirmed report of an Aquila Eagle here several weeks ago.

One over very high on 29/3 seen by a party visiting from Rugby.

[marklhawkes]

Hi Robert,

Just had a quick look at your blog - some nice photos you have on there. However, the birds you have photographed as Yellow-legged Gulls are actually Lesser Black-backed Gulls (the mantle is too dark, and the bills too small).

[Robert Williamson]

2 Bearded Tit seen and heard pinging possible more around.

[Jono L]

Grafham Water today:
House Martin (12+), Wheatear (1), Sedge Warbler (5), Willow Warbler (15+), LRP (2), Oyk (2), Yellow Wagtail (several), Scaup (usual female), Goosander (1 female), Goldeneye (3+).
Cheers
Jono Leadley

[Jono L]

Grafham Water Saturday morning:
3 Arctic Terns c8.15am only. 2 Common Scoter off Marlow then later (12 noon) off Mander, Whitethroat singing at Marlow, 1 LRP, 2 Redshank and 2 Oyk on dam. Lots of Yellow Wags and hirundines around.
Cheers

[Daffyduck]

Hi sorry bit of a late post....
Went to Paxton Pits on Easter Monday - nightingales singing (one really close near the main path near Heron Hide), GS woody, 4 Green Woody's, no sign of the R C Pochard or the Med gulls. Cetti's warbler singing well, and plenty of chiff chaff. Also caught sight of my first willow warbler of the year - in good song near the meadow path.
Tina

[Daffyduck]

Paxton Pits last night (walking around heronry lakes):
We counted 10 singing nightingales, lots of garden warblers, willow warblers, 1 x yellowhammer, 30+ common terns feeding at Heronry Nth, blackcaps, green woodpecker calling, chiffchaffs and all the other usual suspects. In all a lovely evening walk albeit a bit breezy. To top it off, a fox sitting in the reeds watching us watching him!

[tophillbirder]

Are the Muscovy Duck's around Ely now considered self-sustaining and therefore tick-able? A friend of mine, a 500+ British listers, says they are and recommends twitching them but the BOU currently, along with other populations, includes them in category E.

[marklhawkes]

Are the Muscovy Duck's around Ely now considered self-sustaining and therefore tick-able? A friend of mine, a 500+ British listers, says they are and recommends twitching them but the BOU currently, along with other populations, includes them in category E.

Ha ha! Was that a joke? ;)

On a serious note - No. They are not considered self-sustaining, and the last I heard the JNCC were looking into this still. The majority of the population relies on hand-outs from people feeding them bread! They are still on category E

[Jonny Crossbill]

Are the Muscovy Duck's around Ely now considered self-sustaining and therefore tick-able? A friend of mine, a 500+ British listers, says they are and recommends twitching them but the BOU currently, along with other populations, includes them in category E.

If you wanna gets an insurance tick these two are resident on Needham Market Lake... ;)

Also, there is a Muscovy duck thread in the Suffolk section... cutting edge stuff :king:

[Johnny Allan]

Hi there,

I'm trying to find out which Counties still use the Watsonian Vice County system to record birds in and which go by whatever the political boundary may change to (and why).

The Watsonian Vice County system was set to accurately record and compare historical and modern data and it seems that there can be/is confusion when some counties no longer use this system whilst others do. Does anyone in your county have a view on this ? Discussion here if anyone has a comment:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=142074

ps this is not about getting more or less county ticks, more a question about uniformity in recording.

Johnny Allan

[mr.sim]

Does anyone know about the Stork sp. reported at Ely today? It came up on BirdGuides initially as White Stork present at 7:40pm. I had noticed a report of one in Bedfordshire a few hours earlier and presumed it was the same individual heading North so I raced to my patch (Denver Sluice, Norfolk) to see if by any chance it would fly over.
Unfortunately it never materialised, but I did get Barn Owl, Turtle Dove, 2 Grey Heron etc. I also noted that Ely was a lot closer to my patch than I thought - from the river bank I managed to see Ely cathedral with just my bins...
I then got home, rather dissapointed, and have just noticed on BirdGuides that the report has been turned into Stork sp.
I'm quite confused so could someone please clear it up for me! Does anyone get the full message on BirdGuides? If so, what did it say?
Thanks
Sim

P.S. - I'll be heading down to Denver Sluice again in the morning just in case it decided to roost in a field between Ely and here!

[Daffyduck]

Hi Sim
it was reported on Cam Bird club messages yesterday - try this link it may help you in your quest!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cambirds/messages?o=1

tina

[marklhawkes]

Hi Sim,

The observer put the news out as two Storks, and described the plumage as probably that of Black Stork, but the information services reported them as White Storks - it was only later that I put a note on Cambirds to correct the situation.

They were seen circling up very high, and lost to view.

[mr.sim]

Thanks for that information. Good to know I probably wouldn't have got them, even if I had been looking at the right time! Never mind...there will always be more!

[Andrew Tongue]

Nuthatch - South side of Cloudy Pit by 'The Beach' in trees above 'Riverside' sign.
Yellow-legged gull: Two adults plus at least two second summer birds.
Little egret: 1
Gadwall: 21
Ringed plover: 3 adults seen plus the brood of four chicks still present.
Oystercatcher: 5 adults, 2 chicks (one brood seen).
Buzzard: 1
Dunlin: 1
Curlew: 1
Shelduck: 2
Lesser black-backed gull: 38 chicks counted.
Wigeon: 2
Cuckoo: One territory
LRP: 1

Andrew Tongue & Martin Davis

[marklhawkes]

Nuthatch - monster Paxton Pits bird! I bet Martin was pleased

[Andrew Tongue]

Grafham 0515 - 0835 (Mander to Dudney Creek hide / Lagoons / Plummer):

Turtle dove: 1 territory (Lagoons)
Avocet: At least four adults and three young seen (Lagoons)
Yellow-legged gull: 4 (Reservoir)
Little grebe: 3 (Lagoons)
Shelduck: 2 (Lagoons)
Redshank: At least 2 (Lagoons)
Lapwing: 5 (Lagoons)
Gadwall: 21 (Lagoons and Dudney Creek)
Sparrowhawk (Mander)

Diddington and Pumphouse Pits 0845 - 1020 (Andrew Tongue & Martin Davis):

Diddington - Spotted flycatcher
Little egret: 1
Greenshank: 1
Hobby: 1
Wigeon: 1
Turtle dove: One territory
LRP: 1
Ringed plover: 3
Oystercatcher: One chick on Diddington Pit.
Lesser black-backed gull: One with a red Darvic ring. Lettering not readable.
Bar-headed goose still present.
Fox dragging decapitated adult Canada goose.

[marklhawkes]

Andrew,

The colour-ringed Lesser BB Gull has been present here (and breeding) since at least February 2007 (assuming it was NVZ on left leg) and probably since 2006.

It was ringed on 15.07.00 Orfordness, Suffolk - ringed as pullus

Cheers
Mark

[Andrew Tongue]

One Nightingale still singing and showing well at Wray House garden, Paxton at 1630 today (Monday).

[amelia1730]

Returning home from Silverstone today (6.30pmish) saw a Red Kite flying quite low over the A14 between Titchmarsh and Bythorn turnoffs. Returned from Wales Saturday where we saw plenty of them so another didn't seem unusual until I remembered where we were driving! Still good to see though.

[cheersm8]

Hi all.
I'm posting this in the 'Cambridgeshire' forum because that is where I am.
I've just got back into birding after 20 years! Yes, I am like a kid with a new toy, it's brilliant. I didn't get my scope, bins etc until june so I missed the springtime 'excitiment' but it's been pretty cool so far. Surprisingly, even after 20 years, I hadn't lost my field craft or my 'nose for birds', and a little jaunt around the lanes within a 10 mile radius of wisbech the other evening resulted in seeing 67 different species. Won't list them and bore you, but the highlights were an obliging little owl that posed for me like a star, and a lazy little egret at foul anchor, doing what egrets and herons do, standing doing nothing ( 3:-) ), and a very raggedy marsh harrier hunting over fields near guyhurn bridge. I had no idea there was such a variety of bird life so close to skanky little wisbech. I'm not a 'ticker and lister' ( been there done that, and no more traveling to the other side of the country to see a gyr falcon for three minutes ), but it was fun, and enlightening to do a quick '3 hour tally' to see what is about so close to home.

ps: the raptors on this little trip were marsh harrier. sparrowhawk carrying prey, and a kestrel, and the owl species were tawny, barn, and little.

pps: A cabriolet is the best birding accessory ever for a slow crawl along the local lanes, backroads, and farm tracks.
, so, despite what everyone says, they are not something that blokes buy just because they are going through a midlife crisis. 3:-)

An after thought: Anybody know if vole numbers are down this year as as the barn owls I have seen recently in various places are all hunting over huge areas.

[Andrew Tongue]

Grafham Water 0515 - 0800 Saturday:

Lagoons:

Little Egret: 4
Turtle Dove: At least one territory.
Common Tern: 16 including at least three juvs.
Green Sandpiper: 1
Avocet: Three adults seen.
Redshank: 2
Gadwall: 4 juv, 1 ad.
Teal: 4
Little Grebe: 2
Tufted 16, plus three small ducklings.
Green Woodpecker: 1

Mander:

A quick scan from the car park revealed good numbers of wildfowl (predominantly Tufted Duck and Coot) in the reserve area.

Plummer:

Little Egret: Three in trees (therefore possibly up to seven birds at Grafham this morning).
Great crested Grebe: 38
Coot: 87
Shelduck: 1

Little of note at The Dam or at Hill Farm.

[Daffyduck]

Hi all.


An after thought: Anybody know if vole numbers are down this year as as the barn owls I have seen recently in various places are all hunting over huge areas.

Hi, welcome to Cambs Cheersm8, yep its not a bad area once you start to get to know the patches.

re. the voles - my cats are both bringing lots of voles and shrews at the moment |:$| so in my opinion they are quite a few around!

I had a great garden tick this morning - a kingfisher went right past my nose in the garden as I was having a cup of tea! unbelieveable! set me up nicely for the rest of the day:king:
tina

[Jonny Crossbill]

Dear Cambs Briders,

Does anyone have any more info on the poss Nigh Heron @ Fen Drayton? That'd draw me over the border :t:

Cheers.

[marklhawkes]

It was first seen on Sunday evening as a definate Night Heron, heading north over Ferry Lagoon towards Needingworth - it had possibly been roosting on the reserve, and was heading out to feed at night.

Last night, a small dark heron was seen heading east over Ferry Lagoon at 9pm, but it was distant, too dark, and only seen heading away, which didn't make for ideal viewing! On both occasions it wasn't seen to leave a roost area, so pinning it down to a certain spot may be impossible (given the huge number of potential roost sites at Fen Drayton). Last nights bird didn't come out of the Little Egret roost trees, as it was already quite high-up when spotted - so perhaps it came from somewhere else further west on the lakes complex).

[Jonny Crossbill]

It was first seen on Sunday evening as a definate Night Heron, heading north over Ferry Lagoon towards Needingworth - it had possibly been roosting on the reserve, and was heading out to feed at night.

Last night, a small dark heron was seen heading east over Ferry Lagoon at 9pm, but it was distant, too dark, and only seen heading away, which didn't make for ideal viewing! On both occasions it wasn't seen to leave a roost area, so pinning it down to a certain spot may be impossible (given the huge number of potential roost sites at Fen Drayton). Last nights bird didn't come out of the Little Egret roost trees, as it was already quite high-up when spotted - so perhaps it came from somewhere else further west on the lakes complex).

Many thanks Mark superb stuff. Good to know there has been a confirmed sighting birdguides had it as possible.

Hope to get there for a look tonight or tomorrow:t:

[cheersm8]

Started doing a regular 'migration watch' at Foul Anchor from the beginning of August.
Pretty quiet so far although there is always some 'movement'. Thursday 20/08/2009 being quite a good couple of hours, with Swallows, House martins and Sand martins moving up the river in considerable numbers, a surprise Hobby also flying upriver, a couple of common terns flying through along with a huge flock of BH guls. 12 Common sandpipers were feeding and resting at the north level outfall with a small group of 8 Lapwing on the point and 2 Cormorants out in the river.. A flyby by a lone Kingfisher was a bonus.

[jimmyg]

Hi all, I am now regretting not going to search for the Pallid Harrier this morning! Is it still being seen from the same place as yesterday?

[marklhawkes]

Hi all, I am now regretting not going to search for the Pallid Harrier this morning! Is it still being seen from the same place as yesterday?

Yes, being seen in same area. Details here:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=151023

[jimmyg]

Thanks Mark, well done for checking this morning! I saw it on its last showing this evening and will hopefully be there tomorrow as well.

[ColonelBlimp]

Anyone got any ideas of a very underwatched but potentially good area walkable/bikable from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, as I will be needing a 'patch' soon for my uni days.

I would mega appreciate advice!!!

[marklhawkes]

The "backs" have good potential for passerines (this is basically some of the uni grounds and gardens). Cherry Hinton pits used to get some good birds, but has been very quiet (underwatched) for many years now. Otherwise, you will have to travel east out of the City to Little Wilbraham Fen (near the A14), or travel to Wicken Fen, Cam Washes at Waterbeach or perhaps the Gog Magog (south of the city) a large area of woodlands, and part of the chalk ridge that runs the south edge of the county (potential for raptors and passerines).

[oceancol]

Anyone any idea what the excitement was at the Sludge lagoons on Sunday??

Many telescopes and people on the shore looking north.

Only things I saw all day were Cormorants, Gulls and the odd Grebe.

[marklhawkes]

There was a Grey Phalarope just off-shore, and a juv Curlew Sandpiper on the shoreline (plus 2 Jack Snipe in the lagoons)

[TomSmith]

The "backs" have good potential for passerines (this is basically some of the uni grounds and gardens). Cherry Hinton pits used to get some good birds, but has been very quiet (underwatched) for many years now. Otherwise, you will have to travel east out of the City to Little Wilbraham Fen (near the A14), or travel to Wicken Fen, Cam Washes at Waterbeach or perhaps the Gog Magog (south of the city) a large area of woodlands, and part of the chalk ridge that runs the south edge of the county (potential for raptors and passerines).

I thoroughly recommend Little Wilbraham Fen - I went there regularly last year when I was studying. I popped in two weeks ago and got 39 species in 2 hours. Upware is really good but you have to be quite keen to bike there regularly; the same goes for Fen Drayton, though that might get easier when they open the guided busway. You can also reach Fowlmere easily by bike, train or a combination of both.

Tom

edit: just realised you said "underwatched". Little Wilbraham is definitely what you want - I only ever met another birder there twice.

[cwpbirder]

I hope to try for the Buff-breasted Sandpiper tomorrow if still there today, I would appreciate any more detailed directions for Diddington pit as I don't know the area? Thanks in advance.

[marklhawkes]

I hope to try for the Buff-breasted Sandpiper tomorrow if still there today, I would appreciate any more detailed directions for Diddington pit as I don't know the area? Thanks in advance.

Access from A1 (easier if coming southbound) into Diddington village. Turn-off carriageway, and drive down to bottom of village and park carefully at the end in the small car park. Then walk back (only 300 yards) to the farm in the SE corner of village, and go over style, and take public footpath across field to large gap in hedge. The pit in-front of you is Diddington pit. The bird favours the small shingle islands in the middle.

Please park carefuly and don't access working areas of the quarry.

Good luck

[cwpbirder]

Mark, thanks for info, hope it reappears.....

[ColonelBlimp]

Just had a female goshawk go over the road from Trumpington to Grantchester.

My first scarcity for the region! I'm very pleased!

[marklhawkes]

Red-rumped Swallow at Witcham this morning - lingering around Silver Street 09.30-09.45ish

[jimmyg]

Hello, who watches Sutton Gault and/or Earith please, or for that matter anywhere along that river system south of Downham Market? I'd like to know what sort of movements they see during migration.

[marklhawkes]

Both Earith and Sutton Gault have local birders who cover them as their patches, but I'm not sure if they read Birdforum.

The Ouse Washes main reserve is possibly one of the most under-watched areas in the county (apart from some coverage from the wardens and WeBS counts). A couple of people watch the area around Pymoor, but it is certainly not covered on a daily basis.

What sort of movements are you interested in James?

[jimmyg]

Both Earith and Sutton Gault have local birders who cover them as their patches, but I'm not sure if they read Birdforum.

The Ouse Washes main reserve is possibly one of the most under-watched areas in the county (apart from some coverage from the wardens and WeBS counts). A couple of people watch the area around Pymoor, but it is certainly not covered on a daily basis.

What sort of movements are you interested in James?

Well, everything really! I'd just like to know if the whole river system is used as a flyway... how far up the birds go I suppose, as they certainly go through Denver Sluice (mainly observed passerines and raptors, but also gulls). I am doing a project on it for my degree, looking at potential for windfarm fatalities.

[marklhawkes]

Birds seen at Grafham Water this weekend include:

Black-throated Diver, 1 adult
Great Northern Diver, 4 (2 adults, 2 juveniles)
Black-necked Grebe 1
Whooper Swan 6
Scaup 2 (drk and female)
Goosander 1
Little Egrets, Green Sandpipers and Yellow-legged Gulls.

[marklhawkes]

Puffin seen last week on New Bedford River (Ouse Washes) at Mepal. Probably came through Denver Sluice at some point! Gutted. Last Cambs record was in 1996.

photo here:
http://cambsbirdclub.blogspot.com/2009/11/puffin.html

[jimmyg]

[QUOTE=marklhawkes;1642539]Puffin seen last week on New Bedford River... Probably came through Denver Sluice at some point! [QUOTE]

Darn! Mark, if you do have any info such as an email address for the people who watch Earith/Sutton Gault would you mind giving them to me please? I promise not to bother them too much!