A Wood Sandpiper was reported at Burwell Fen over the weekend so headed out early again this morning to see if it was still about. Another hot day was forecast so its best to be up and about early for the dogs to get a good walk before the heat gets too us all.
The lower pools were very quiet with little around other than numerous Coot with young. One attarcted my attention as it was dragging its left leg as it moved around. The lonesome Egyptian Goose had been joined by another and there were a few Teal, Gadwall and Mallard around.
The middle pool towards the barn is pretty much water-less and it will not be long before it is baked dry, if this heat continues.
Headed up towards Pouts Hall and the upper pools. These, I understand, are deeper and so hold the water longer than Lower Burwell. The far middle pool was crammed with Little Egret with at least 56 present in that area alone and a high number of Grey Heron.
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| Grey Heron (gaining shelter or showing amazing signs of evolution and now house building? |
Forty-nine Black-tailed Godwit were present and busy feeding and grooming. Amongst them were nineteen Ruff and two Greenshank. A couple of Dunlin in full breeding plumage were feeding on one of the islands as were seven Little Ringed Plover.
Good numbers of Green Sandpiper were showing well and bingo not one but two Wood Sandpiper tucked into one of the far banks. Distant views but worth the effort.
45 species recorded
Tuesday 11th
Covered the local patch this morning, going along the old railway sidings, cross the railway line and along the river towards Angle Common. Weather warm and its going to be another hot day.
A family group of Bullfinch along the sidings with the parents feeding four young. Although I had brought the camera I hadn't checked the battery and it was flat so another opportunity missed! Hopefully they might be around for a few days so I'll get another chance.Other than that, pretty much the usual.
Friday 13th
Early morning return to Burwell Fen with another hot day the making. Other than the main ditch the bottom end of the fen near the path to the old barn is pretty much dried out and is beginning to be baked hard. The ditch is holding lots of Coot with a few Little Grebe and a couple of Moorhen. Plenty of young around as well.
Further up the far pool seems to be holding the main gathering of Grey Heron, Little Egret and Canada and Grey Goose. A good number of Cormorant loafing on the islands.
The top pool and the pool around Pouts Hall are rapidly drying out. On Monday there was a covering of water in both areas, now it is dry down to just beyond the research pen. Lots of exposed mud so lets hope it attracts the waders before it becomes too baked, which, sadly I think will happen sooner than later.
A family group of four Avocet was pleasing to see as I have not had any in this location since the 16th May 2017.
Six Little Ringed Plover spread out across the drying mud and eleven Black-tailed Godwit were feeding on the far side. The number of Ruff are increasing and many have some interesting plumage as the breeding session ends.
Tuesday 11th
Covered the local patch this morning, going along the old railway sidings, cross the railway line and along the river towards Angle Common. Weather warm and its going to be another hot day.
A family group of Bullfinch along the sidings with the parents feeding four young. Although I had brought the camera I hadn't checked the battery and it was flat so another opportunity missed! Hopefully they might be around for a few days so I'll get another chance.Other than that, pretty much the usual.
Friday 13th
Early morning return to Burwell Fen with another hot day the making. Other than the main ditch the bottom end of the fen near the path to the old barn is pretty much dried out and is beginning to be baked hard. The ditch is holding lots of Coot with a few Little Grebe and a couple of Moorhen. Plenty of young around as well.
Further up the far pool seems to be holding the main gathering of Grey Heron, Little Egret and Canada and Grey Goose. A good number of Cormorant loafing on the islands.
The top pool and the pool around Pouts Hall are rapidly drying out. On Monday there was a covering of water in both areas, now it is dry down to just beyond the research pen. Lots of exposed mud so lets hope it attracts the waders before it becomes too baked, which, sadly I think will happen sooner than later.
A family group of four Avocet was pleasing to see as I have not had any in this location since the 16th May 2017.
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| Avocet (Mobiscoped) |
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| Avocet (Mobiscoped) |
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| Avocet (Coolpix P900) |
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| Avocet (Coolpix P900) |
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| Ruff |
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| Ruff |
At least six Green Sandpiper and two Greenshank and three Redshank around along with two Snipe and Dunlin.
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