Cambridgeshire Birding (1 Viewer)

[Jonny Rankin]

Hi

I'm visiting Cambridge this weekend and will probably go to Welney, any other advice?

Thanks

Hi,

Welney is just over the border in Norfolk I think - but always worth a visit. Loads of good sightings and good reserves / spots in Cambs mentioned here:

http://cbcwhatsabout.blogspot.com/

Happy birding :t:

Jonny

 

[OwenW]

Does anyone know if there are Bewick's and whoopers at RSPB Ouse Washes? If not, any recommendations for alternative locations in the vicinity would be welcome!

Thanks

 

[Steve Dudley]

I'm sure there are, but if you're coming down from Leeds you'll be driving within spitting distance of the Nene Washes and there are plenty of both east of the main Eldernell car park (accessed north along minor road immediately east of Coates on A605 - look for the John Deere centre 'Anker of Coates' on corner of the minor road turn).

Also in this area most afternoons are up to 7 Cranes (which if not here are likely to be on fields near the Chill Out cafe along the A47 west of Guyhirn), double-figure counts of Short-eared Owl, Marsh and Hen Harriers and occasional Peregrine, Merlin and Long-eared Owl.

 

[OwenW]

Many thanks for that - I was looking at the Nene Washes as a possible stopping point given that we are heading through to Norfolk ultimately.

Are the SEOs being seen at any particular time of day?

 

[OwenW]

Oh - and is the Chill Out cafe a decent spot for breakfast? We were thinking of trying to find somewhere in the vicinity of Peterborough...

Thanks!

 

[Steve Dudley]

Oh - and is the Chill Out cafe a decent spot for breakfast? We were thinking of trying to find somewhere in the vicinity of Peterborough...

Wouldn't know - I eat mine at home being local!

 

[Andy Benson]

I've got a work appointment at Leighton Bromswold, near Huntingdon tomorrow, and may have a spare hour or two for birding. Is there any accessable tips/ lakes nearby or on the way back torwards Norfolk for seeing 'white-headed' gulls? I've got a cachinnans itch that I need to scratch!

 

[Di Stone]

Just wondering if there is usually much about on the various pools between Somersham and Earith? Will be down that way in couple of weeks and wondered if they might be worth a walk around. If not, anywhere else close by worth visiting?

Di

 

[Alcina]

I was wondering how Paxton Pits was looking now in terms of summer migrants? Usually by the 20th or so of April I seem to remember lots of whitethroats, lesser whitethroats, garden warblers, etc. But this year the weather has been appalling. Has anyone been there in the last couple of days and cen let me know if most of the migrants are in place?

 

[gareth_blockley]

Common Cranes

Evening. Does anyone know if the Cranes are still hanging around in the area of the Chill Out Cafe along the A47?

Cheers
Gareth

 

[Matthebirder]

Golden Orioles in Cambs 19 May; three birds apparently, anyone willing to give details assuming migrants rather than breeders of course. Many reports around the UK so presumably a good year. If I have one in the garden I'll certainly tell everyone and arrange access!! (Free entry off course including tea and coffee)

 

[Matthebirder]

Anyone interested in good views of a Yellow-legged gull then there is a 'resident' near adult at Grafham Water usually just off the fishing lodge (Mander car park). It rests up on the floating boom and can be viewed from the gates in front of the lodge. There are other Yellow legged at the res but this one is much more tolerant of people. Common Terns are ususally present and often use the same boom.

 

[Matthebirder]

Two Turnstones and a Dunlin on Grafham dam early afternoon today

 

[Matthebirder]

Two Dunlin on Grafham dam this morning and Yellow-legged gull off Mander Carpark still. Very few swifts or hirundines today unlike yesterday in the strong winds. Certainly no Storm petrels.........surprised to see the late news report from the RSPB Fen Drayton reserve from Saturday of Storm peterl. This would have been of great interest to most inland birders surely had they known it was there?

 

[Matthebirder]

Grafham Water: Very wet this evening; Single Ringed Plover and Yellow-legged Gull on the Dam. Also a Hobby flew low over the water just off the dam scattering the wagtails. As always in the bad weather lots of House Martins feeding over the water and still no Storm Petrels....

 

[Tully]

Will be in St Ives for a couple of nights towards end of month. Any suggestions of good sites for evening visits.
Cheers

 

[Matthebirder]

Grafham Water, Thursday evening; Yellow-legged Gull feeding on dead fish on the dam. Also Little Egret at Plummer Carpark. Red Kite and regular Buzzards overhead.

Currently plenty of large dead fish at Grafham so the large gulls and the few Black headed Gulls are having a good time. The Dam is usually the best spot to get close up views. The regular Yellow-legged Gull (near adult) is a bit wary though and best watched from Mander Carpark especially if roosting in front of the Fishing Lodge.

 

[Matthebirder]

Will be in St Ives for a couple of nights towards end of month. Any suggestions of good sites for evening visits.
Cheers

I'd try Grafham Water but obviously I'm biased! Find us a good tern if you visit!

Some examples of typical Grafham birds:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aves-and-more/sets/72157625164915244/with/7355684366/

 

[Matthebirder]

Grafham Water 15 June, Yellow-legged Gull seen at various locations this evening with several Great-black backs hanging around. Quite a few Yellow Wagtails feeding along the dam.

 

[Matthebirder]

Grafham Water 24 June: 6 plus yellow-legged Gulls this morning and a nice patch of Bee orchids near Marlow carpark.