Nene Wash

Could not have planned a better way to end the birding year with cold, frosty and atmospheric wander around various locations on the Nene Wash between Whittlesey and Guyhirn in wintery sunshine. Arrived early and soon well cladded surrounded by owls and our visit just got better as the day progressed.

Barn Owl 4 between Eldernell Car Park and Lord Holts Wood

Short-eared Owl 4 all from Eldernell car park
Long-eared Owl probable hounded by corvids from its roost site
Bittern flew over car just after sunrise
Common Crane 5 seen on our second visit to Eldernell in front of Decoy Wood
Hen Harrier ringtail
Marsh Harrier 3
Buzzard 6 including a very pale bird claimed as Rough-legged by other birders
Merlin 2
Peregrine 1 Eldernell
Sparrowhawk March Farmers
Whooper Swan 1000+ east of decoy wood slowly dispersed to nearby feeding grounds
Bewick’s Swan a few amongst the above
Tundra Bean Goose 2 Goose Tree Farm but distant with mixed wild swan flock
Pink-footed Goose 6 Goose Tree Farm but distant mixed with wild swan flock
Stonechat 8 with 2 March Farmers and 6 west of Lord Holts Wood
Kingfisher
Snipe and Redshank many at March Farmers