Ouse Washes & Wicken Fen, 27th January 2023.

A day out in the Fens with a few friends and certainly more of a birding day than a photography as I knew most birds would be fairly distant. First stop was the RSPB Ouse Washes reserve with some common species around the Visitor centre including this Reed Bunting.

It used to be a good site for Tree Sparrows though it seems no longer! A walk to the two hides that were open rewarded us with Meadow Pipits, Stonechat, Redwing, Fieldfare, Kingfisher, Common Buzzard and Kestrel. The views across the flood and to Ely Cathedral were stunning.

Scanning across we saw a couple of Marsh Harriers, Grey Wagtail, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Ducks and Pintail. The key performers however were the Whooper Swans and during the day we saw hundreds.

We decided on a quick stop at Welney and on the way managed to see Green Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk. It was also great to see a lot of Kestrels. Welney allowed us to add Tree Sparrows and Cattle Egrets to the day list before we finished off at Wicken Fen for the Harrier roost. I think we had 10+ Marsh Harriers coming in and I managed a couple of evocative record shots in the fading light.

Two Hen Harriers came into the roost as well and we had a magical close encounter with a Barn Owl. Apart from the birds we also saw Hare and three deer species - Muntjac, Roe and Chinese Water Deer. I will leave you with a few shots as it grew dark at Wicken Fen. A great day out and special thanks to Mel for organising.