Ouse Washes 22-09-12
I felt a tad birdy this morning and seeing the weather forecast, I decided to get out today rather than tomorrow.
Not been to the Ouse Washes for a long time and was mightily impressed by how the reserve is being managed. The scrapes were full of birds. It was Coot City in places and the variety of species seen was as good as I can remember.
I thought I'd field-test my £20 'Tento wonders' and they performed admirably. Could have done with more reach from a scope - but that's in hand :t:
First bird to catch my eye as I walked the mile or so to Churchmans Hide was a juv Spotted Flycatcher sat atop an Elderberry tree near the Ship Inn. That was a 2012 first for me and quite possibly a scarce bird in Cambs.
From the hides - Churchmans and Stockdales I had great views of the birds on and around the scrapes. Spotted the Great White Egret being chased by a Heron. 2 Spoonbills actually doing something other than sleeping - i.e flying about and then sweep feeding. Loads of waders about. I managed to i.d through my little bins - Green Sandpiper x2, Curlew Sandpiper x3, Spotted Redshank poss 2, Greenshank at least 2, 5 Black Tailed Godwits, plenty of Ruff and Snipe and beaucoup de Peewit. I also spied 4 different species of raptor. The male Sprawk had some fun having a go at the masses of Starlings. Lots of Duck too - a scope would have clinched an id of Garganey I reckon, but hey ho I wanted to add Glossy Ibis to my British List. I did, and don't really care if it might have had a BarclayCard tucked under it's wing - it's on my list now
All in all a very enjoyable visit to Ouse Washes RSPB - a proper old skool reserve, that's doing a great job for the birds. Just be careful of the road from Mainee - it could easily be a ride at Alton Towers in the future
dave..