A day in Cambridgeshire, 4th July 2021

A brilliant day out in Cambridgeshire which included a first visit to a privately owned reserve, Kingfisher Bridge near Ely. It was a fairly brief visit so will be returning soon but has breeding Redshank and Oystercatcher plus Bittern and Marsh Harrier. It also has great views across to Ely Cathedral.

There are also a couple of small Sand Martin colonies and it was great to watch them buzzing over a small pond and back to the nest bank.

An all too brief visit, but then a quick visit to Dernford Reservoir. This is a relatively new site, a disused quarry with meadowland around. Last Autumn when the water levels were lower it attracted a number of wading birds. As soon as we arrived a Kestrel was hunting right by the car park.

Walking along the edge of the pit a Common Tern was keeping a close eye on us.

Another widespread resident is Skylark and one in particular obligingly perched up for a few shots.

The next and final stop was at RSPB Fowlmere. Marsh Harriers have bred there this year for the first time and fledged two young. The adults are foraging slightly further afield and indeed one was sighted on the approach road. Also on the road in was a Corn Bunting perched up on a wire. Always amazed at that beak!

On the boardwalk was a large caterpillar which I am reliably informed is from the Drinker Moth.

The Barn Owl box was obscured by lush growth but I understand they are still around. A family of Kestrels were in the air together with one landing by the Mere edge.

The Mere hide is a good place to observe some of the smaller birds including Reed Bunting, one of which must have had a bath.

I also had some great views of Reed Warbler that were nesting close to the hide.

A great day out and I will be returning soon to Kingfisher Bridge.