RSPB Fen Drayton - 27th July 2022

The last time I visited Fen Drayton was for a Red Footed Falcon, but reports of up to 11 Glossy Ibis there were enough to tempt me back for a visit. Viewing from the platform near the car park gave distant views of one or two birds so I decided to make a circuit of the main lagoon. Brown Hawkers were everywhere as were these Common Pond Skaters.

Grey Heron and Little Egret were added on the river as I walked round.

It is obviously a good spot for Cattle Egret as I counted seven in total, though always too distant for pictures. Another bonus was a single Hobby hunting the hirundines. The Glossy Ibis were fairly central on the lagoon, so whilst distant I managed a few shots.

They were fairly spread out, but I certainly counted at least ten individuals. Heading back to the car park I spent some time in the scrub and hedgerows finding this cracking Linnet.

Also, a very obliging Common Whitethroat.

But possibly the star of the show was a Turtle Dove. I was tipped off with a couple of potential good locations and the first one came up trumps! I could hear it purring and managed some shots. What a beautiful bird, though sadly declining! A great end to a very pleasant day.