22/1/2015: Ouse Washes: Bank to Bank Water

Thursday 22nd January

Arrived at 09.00 to find the car park empty, just the way I like it! As I passed the water pumping station via the lower path a Water Rail scuttled from the undergrowth giving a wonderful view. The Washes were flooded from bank to bank and seemed very quiet. There were the usual Wigeon, Tufted, Pochard and Mallard but not in great numbers. A couple of shots from the left of Kingfisher Hide might be an indication of why so few birds. A number of wildfowlers were present and so the ducks were keeping their heads down.

Moving up to Stockdale I was able to get a close look at the wildfowlers and the string of decoy ducks one or more had put out. Is one allowed to add Scaup and Pintail to your list if decoys? I think not!

Sitting for so long in the cold and damp hides I was thankful for my latest piece of equipment purchased at Mountain Warehouse, a foldable seat mat. No more frozen bottom!

A distant view of Goldeneye was confirmed by a quick swop of lens. I recently purchased on a whim and because it was vastly reduced on Amazon a x75 eyepiece for my Nikon EDG. With such magnification the light has to be pretty good, which sadly it wasn't, but I was still able to get a good, closer view of the Goldeneye on the far side of the Washes. I'm sure the lens will be of some benefit, particularly as most of my birdwatching seems to be over vast fens and the birds are always on the far side. However it will be what I will call a 'hide lens' as a good steady scope is required to reduce tremor.

On the way back to the car park a single Ringed-Necked Parakeet flew over screeching its presence as it passed by. Returned to the still empty car park at 11.00. The advantage of semi retirement!

Duration: 2hrs

Number of species recorded: 28

Highlight: Water Rail: close views but sadly no photo!

Soon back on the Road 

Following the sad death of the Octavia due to the horrors of Burwell Fen road, my trips out and about have been sadly reduced. Thankfully that will soon be over with the purchase of a Skoda Yeti! Higher clearance assured so no more crashes from the undercarriage..... hopefully!