Yet another time filler!

Friday 23rd August and haven't posted since May! Quick catch up..... not a lot going on at Burwell Fen. The usual species were around but not in significant numbers. Again the year has passed with only a couple of times listening to the drumming of the Snipe.

The vegetation seems to have taken a strong hold on the areas that held water and in the past produced good areas of mud. Now they are covered and at this point in time seem to hold very little. Maybe they could indulge in a little bit of topping and judicious harrowing to keep some areas clear and tempting for waders, however the concerns still seem to be for the horses and cattle not the birds! 

On 15th July I came across a Grass Snake swimming across the pool at Pout's Hall, which was interesting to observe.

Grass Snake

Grass Snake

A walking trip to Austria at the beginning of August, proved to be a most enjoyable time. The Dachstein area was stunningly beautiful, with high mountains and flower rich meadows. The walking was great despite the hot weather and the mountain huts certainly kept us going with great food and lots of apple juice and soda! The cakes were out of this world and sadly missed. 

Three new species were added to my list with good numbers of Alpine Chough, two Three toed Woodpecker and a single Grey-headed Woodpecker.