31st May
On the Nene Washes RSPB Spoonbill 07:30 flying around, then at March Farmers (west end), also 20 Ringed Plover and Little Gull (Jonathan Taylor).
Up to 5 Hobbies around the Orton BP/Hampton area recently, particularly evenings (Steve Dudley).
The St Neots drake Goosander has been resident around the riverside park/bridge over the river for at least 18 months and seems to be flightless. Whether it is injured or feral isn't quite clear, but it is fairly tame nonetheless. (Rich Broughton)
30th MayAt Sutton Gault: 12.10pm: ringtail Montagu's Harrier over heading East. (Mark Peck).
Drake Goosander in St Neots by River Ouse bridge (RBA).
No sign of Marsh Warbler AM NE of St Neots, but 1 Grey Wag over South and a Nightingale singing (Jamie Wells).
29th May
MARSH WARBLER NE of St Neots by railway bridge at TL200613 6.45 AM - 7.30 AM (Mark Hawkes, Julian Hughes). Again very elusive later but reported late afternoon (RBA).
Black Kite reported again over A1 (RBA).
2 Common Buzzards soaring over a St Neots garden 12.00 - 12.15 PM until they drifted off N (Stuart Elsom).
In fields near Milton Tip opp A10 layby 1 or 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (Dick Newell).
28th May
MARSH WARBLER singing NE of St Neots by railway bridge at TL200613 at 8.30AM (BOB SCOTT). Very elusive later on but reported once or twice singing (RBA).
At Fen Drayton GP Little Egret (by river), 4+ Hobbies, 2 Ringed Plovers, possible hybrid Whitefront x Lesser Whitefront (Richard Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates). At 1.15 PM Little Egret flying west to east over north pits (Martin Kendall).
At Eldernell, Nene Washes 6 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hobby& 1 1st s Little Gull. Plus Hairy Dragonfly (Simon Stirrup).
Quail 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/B1368 junction TL414414 (Richard Hall, John Oates).
At Over railway line 2 Grizzled Skippers and 6+ Wall Browns (Simon Stirrup).
27th May
Honey Buzzard reported W over A1 2 miles S of Stamford 4.55PM (RBA).
At Milton 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (Dick Newell).
At Wicken Fen 8 Ringed Plovers on Baker's Fen (John Oates).
Quail 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/B1368 junction TL414414 (RBA).
On 26/5 Spotted Crake heard calling from Eldernell, Nene Washes (Gordon Shaw).
On 26/5 Hobby hassling Swifts over Peterbrough Cathedral (Rich Broughton).
26th May
RED-FOOTED FALCON female flew north over Fen Drayton GP c1.00 PM. Also 4 Hobbies (Richard Patient). On the south side of Far Fen Lake a possible hybrid Whitefront x Lesser Whitefront. Drake Goldeneye on Elney Lake (John Oates).
A Black Kite was reported in the vicinity of Sawtry by 3 separate car loads of birders speeding up the A1(M) to twitch the Little Swift in Notts. However Red Kite in the same area seen by stationary birders using optical aids (RBA, Mark Hawkes, John Oates et al).
Black Kite reported Paxton Pits NR at Heronry South Pit 1.55 PM (per Julian Hughes).
On the Nene Washes Spoonbill, 1st s Little Gull, drake Garganey, Hobby, usual Marsh Harriers. View from the south side bank accessed from Eldernell or Bassenhally (Mark Hawkes, John Oates, Jonathan Taylor). Please note the Spoonbill is present mainly early AM and late PM between Eldernell and Bassenhally (Jonathan Taylor).
In Cambridge 1 or 2 Quail migrating during the night west over Eachard/Huntingdon Road area! (Christoph Zockler).
Quail 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/B1368 junction TL414414 (RBA).
Red Kite seen soaring over Brampton village at 10.30am, heading towards Grafham Water (Mark Hill).
On the Ouse Washes RSPB 4 drake Garganey (RBA).
At Cow Lane GP 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 LRP's, Kingfisher, 2 Hobbies (John Oates).
25th May
2 Quails 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/B1368 junction TL414414 (Jono Leadley).
2 Peregrines over Orton Brick Pits (RBA).
24th May
At Wicken Fen AM 2 LRPs on Baker's Fen. Also Hairy Dragonfly along Wicken Lode (John Oates).
On the Cam Washes at Upware drake Garganey, Greenshank, Barn Owl (John Oates).
Quail 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/B1368 junction TL414414 (RBA).
Hobby over Alconbury Weston this lunchtime (Rich Broughton).
On 23/5 Black Tern on the Nene Washes (Chris Dawn/Peterbirder). On 20/5 several Variable Damselflies along the central drove (Richard Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
On 23/5 Little Wilbraham Fen 5+ separate Groppers, 1 Hobby, Long-eared Owl, 2 Redshank (Michael Holdsworth).
23rd May
RED-FOOTED FALCON adult female at Wicken Fen AM only. No sign all afternoon (RBA). 2 Hobbies, 2 Marsh Harriers, LRP, 2+ Woodcocks (John Oates, Richard Patient, Mike Weedon).
3+ Quails 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/b1368 junction TL414414 - 1 seen briefly in flight (RBA).
On the Ouse Washes, Churchmans Hide Little Egret & drake Garganey (RBA).
At Fen Drayton GP Green Sandpiper flew overhead (Martin Phillips).
On 22/5 At Fen Drayton GP on Moore Lake 3 Common Sands and drake Goldeneye (Dave Anderson).
22nd May
RED-FOOTED FALCON adult female at Wicken Fen still at approx TL545697 early AM until late evening, viewed from the Wicken to Upware footpath (various observers). Also 7 Hobbies (RBA). 4 Common Sands on Baker's Fen (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
Quail 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/b1368 junction TL414414 (RBA).
Red Kite circling over A1 near Huntingdon 2.15 PM (RBA).
23 Nightingales singing at Paxton Pits NR, also Ruff (RBA).
SPOONBILL still on the Nene washes from the Nene Way, also 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hobbies, 2 Garganey (RBA).
21st May
RED-FOOTED FALCON female at Wicken Fen 9.00 PM on a post and hawking at approx TL545697 viewed from the Wicken to Upware footpath. Also Hobby there. (John Oates). Still present at 9.30 PM when flew away over the main reedbed - presumably to roost (Ian Delgado).
SPOONBILL still on the Nene Washes from the Nene Way E of Bassenhally Farm (RBA).
Quail 1.5 miles NW of Great Chishill still E of road 3/4 mile S of A505/b1368 junction. Red Kite over there at 8.30 AM (RBA).
On the Cam Washes, Upware this evening 2 Avocets, Ruddy Shelduck (flew towards Wicken Fen) and a Turtle Dove. (Ian Delgado). Avocets still present at 8.45 PM, but no sign of the Ruddy Shelduck (John Oates).
At Paxton Pits NR Black Tern 2; Hobby 1; Turtle Dove 3; Blackcap 25 singing; Common Tern 114; Reed Warbler 35 singing; Chiffchaff 20 singing; Great Crested Grebe 19 pairs; Sedge Warbler 35 singing; Willow Warbler 35 singing; Garden Warbler 8 singing; Tufted Duck 25 male; 16 female; Gadwall 5; Shoveler 1; Bullfinch pair; Ruff male in full plumage; Oystercatcher pr plus three young (Bob Scott).
On 20/5 Little Egret flew high S early PM at Earith (RBA). Nearby drake Garganey at Bury Fen, just off the road to Needingworth close to Earith (Richard Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
20th May
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW at the Ouse Washes Welches dam visitor centre, often on wires from 3.25 PM (Peter Herkenrath et al). No sign after 6.40 PM (BLEA). This will be the first properly documented Cambs record (2 previous records were not submitted to BBRC - Checklist 2000). Photos of the bird can be seen at Dick Newells website http://www.magikcircle.com/birds under Cambridge. Also in the area male Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Yellow Wags, 6 Garganey, Tree Sparrows (Various observers).
On the Nene Washes 1st s SPOONBILL, Osprey, 2 Garganey, 2 Hobby, 6+ Marsh Harrier, 15 Blackwit, 7 Dunlin, Corn Bunting, several Yellow Wags (Richard Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates, BLEA). Also Whooper Swan still at March Farmers (Trevor Williams).
Calling Quail 0745 hrs between Flint Cross and Great Chishill in scruffy rape field on east side of road, TL414414 about half way between Icknield Way and New Buildings Farm (Jack Harrison/Cambirds). Still present late evening (RBA). Also 1.5 miles NNW Great Chishill 3 Quails (BLEA).
At Wicken Fen on Baker's Fen 3 LRP, 1 Greenshank (Richard Hall, John Oates).
6 Hobbies at Fen Drayton GP (Dick Newell).
At Ramsey Fen Hobby 2; Reed Warbler 13; Corn Bunting 2; Sedge Warbler 8; Pied Wagtail 27; Gadwall male; Tufted Duck 10; Yellow Wagtail 4. At White Fen Skylark 19; Corn Bunting 2; Meadow Pipit 5; Yellow Wagtail 6. At Benwick village Sparrowhawk male; Lesser Whitethroat 1 singing (Bob Scott).
19th May
SPOONBILL flew SE over Werrington at 17:50hrs (Jonathan Taylor).
At Long Drove, Cottenham Whimbrel, Kingfisher (Ian Delgado, John Oates).
On the Ouse Washes (Mepal, Fortrey Hall & reserve) Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 drake Garganeys, 12 Blackwits (Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
At Bainton GP 1 Hobby, Nightingales singing in at least 6 different locations, lots of Garden Warblers and Whitethroats, 2 Common Terns (Matt Francis).
1 male Mandarin Duck (the possible hybrid) on river Cam in Cambridge near Elizabeth Way bridge (Peter Herkenrath).
Cam Washes Upware: 2 Yellow Wags (Peter Herkenrath).
18th May
At Chippenham Fen a BLACK KITE for 5 mins at c10.30AM. Drifted SE 10.35 AM. (Kevin Warrington per Bruce Martin).
At 17:30 Ruddy Shelduck at Long Drove, Cottenham (George Lendrum).
At Wicken Fen 7+ Hobbies, 4 Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellow Wags, Nightingale. The Hobbies were feeding very low along Wicken Lode, past The Mere and showing extremely well. Most of them were 1st-summers (John Oates).
16th May
Hobby at Fen Drayton GP (Dave Suddaby).
On the Ouse Washes recently up to 6 Little Egrets (per Dave Suddaby).
On 16/5 s large raptor heading NE over Little Paxton village - probably a Buzzard (Jamie Wells)
16th May
At Fen Drayton GP 6 Hobbies (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
Imm Peregrine at Barton (Bob Scott).
At Wicken Fen on Baker's Fen 3 Ringed Plovers, 2 Yellow Wags (John Oates).
15th May
On the Ouse Washes at Fortrey's Hall: 3 Little Egret; 1 Hobby (Mark Peck)
At Fen Drayton GP 2 Black Terns, ad Little Gull & 1 kingfisher (surfing pit). Also 1 Greenshank and 2 Common Sand (Dave Anderson, Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
At Long Drove, Cottenham 2 Whimbrel, 1 Ruff, pair of Garganey (Bruce & Gwen Martin, Richard Thomas).
At Wicken Fen, Baker's Fen 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Greenshank. (Jono Leadley, Bruce & Gwen Martin, John Oates).
At Paxton Pits NR 9 Hobbies over Meadow near visitor centre (RBA). Also 5 Turnstones, 2 Sanderlings, 10 Dunlins, 1 Common Sand, 2 LRP, Oyk on the new workings & a Black Tern on Pumphouse Pit. (Jamie Wells, Martin Davis). On 14/5 1st s Little Gull on the sailing lake (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
At Grafham Water Black Tern from Mander, Turnstone & 6 Common Sands from the dam (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker). Also 8 Sanderlings (RBA).
3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hobbies, Kingfisher around Eldernell, Nene Washes (Chris Monk/Peterbirder).
14th May
Ouse Washes RSPB: we are reopening our Visitor Centre and seven of the ten hides on the reserve as of Wednesday 16 May (Dave Suddaby, RSPB).
At Chain Corner: 1 Grey Plover; 2 drake Garganey (Mark Peck)
At Fen Drayton GP 2 Black Terns on Ferry Lake (Dave Anderson). On 12/5 9 Yellow Wagtails, 8 Pochards, 6 Ringed Plovers, 3 Golden Plovers (Richard Patient)
At Wicken Fen 10 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 2 Greenshanks, c5 Yellow Wags, Sparrowhawk (John Oates).
At Long Drove, Cottenham 2 Whimbrel, 2 Garganey (pair), Dunlin, Gt Cr Grebe. At the weekend 2 Wheatears in nearby fields (Richard Thomas). On 13/5 female Marsh Harrier, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 1 LRP, 2 Whimbrel (Simon Stirrup).
On 12/5 at Grafham Water at the Dam 2 Black Tern, 6 Shelduck over, 1 Whinchat & on 11/5 3 Black Tern, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sand (Mark Telfer).
At Kennett, near Red Lodge 12/5 pair Ringed Plover, Nightingale, Common Sand (Mark Telfer).
North of Mepal bridge 13/5 2 male Garganey (Simon Stirrup).
At Paxton Pits 13/5 Barwit and 5 Black Terns on Pumphouse Pit and Turnstone on the new workings (Jamie Wells).
On 13/5 2 Sparrowhawks and an all-dark Marsh Harrier soaring over Long Reach Road, Chesterton north to south (Richard Thewlis).
13th May
At Meadow Lane GP male GOSHAWK over PM and drifted off north (Mark Hawkes).
At Paxton Pits NR Buzzard over (Jamie Wells), 5 Black Terns and 3 Blackwits (RBA).
On the Ouse Washes at Chain Corner: 4 Grey Plover; 1 Turnstone; 4 Ruff; 2 Greenshank; 1 Dunlin; 2 Oystercatcher; 2 male Garganey; 1 female Goldeneye; 64 occupied Cormorant nests. (Mark Peck).
At Fen Drayton GP 4 Grey Plovers (north side of Ferry Lake, by river), 1 Turnstone (Moore Lake), 2 Ruddy Ducks (Dave Anderson, Mark Hawkes, John Oates). Also 2+ Hobbies, Ringed Plover (David Griffiths, Cambridge).
At Cow Lane GP 1st s Little Gull, Common Sand (Mark Hawkes).
At Wicken Fen Barwit, Wood Sand, 2 Grey Plovers, Turnstone, 3 Greenshanks, 2 Yellow Wags, 2 Garganey (pair), Gropper, Nightingale, Marsh Harrier (John Oates). On 12/5 LRP on Baker's Fen (Carol & Tim Inskipp).
On the Nene Washes at the Western end of reserve 1 Spotted Redshank flew over calling (Put down in north-eastern corner of reserve) , 4 Ringed Plover, 2+ Marsh Harriers hunting, 1/2 drake Garganey (Matt Francis/Peterbirder). At Eldernell 2 Pochards, Marsh Harriers, 2 Greenshank, 15+ "Commic" Terns flew through and Yellow Wagatils. At March Farmers 3 Black Terns, Common Terns, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Marsh Harriers, Yellow Wagtails, 1 Kestrel and 1 Sparrowhawk. (Will Bowell/Peterbirder).
2 male and a female Mandarin Duck on the river Cam in Cambridge near Jesus Lock (including the suspected hybrid male). Also a Muscovy Duck on the Cam nearer to Chesterton (Peter Herkenrath).
On the Cam Washes, Upware male Ruff (John Oates).
Nearby in Norfolk on the Ouse Washes south of the Welney Road at 18.00, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 30 Dunlin flying north out of Cambs, and an adult Little Egret 18.00 which flew south towards Cambs (Monica & Owen Marks).
On 12/5 Ouse Washes at Pymoor 3 Avocet, 4 Ringed Plover (north), 3 Grey Plover (sum) & 5 Barwit north. There were about 30+ Common Terns also moving north (Steve Cooper, Richard Patient). At Chain Corner, 1 Spoonbill, 1m Garganey, 3 Greenshank. At Fortrey Hall, 2 Little Egrets flew in from SW at 19.15 and landed further N on the Washes, 1m Garganey, 1m Ruff (Monica and Owen Marks). Note. Foot and Mouth notices prevent access south on the west side and north on the east side from Sutton Gault because of sheep. However access remains open from Mepal Road Bridge on the west side north even though cattle are present.
12th May
At Fen Drayton GP ad SPOONBILL flew north (see below!), Little Egret, 2 single Ospreys flew west (c11.40 AM & 1205 PM), 6 Hobbies, Turnstone, Common Sand, 8 Black Terns (Steve Cooper, Richard Patient). Also 5 Black Terns north side of ferry lagoon 5.05 PM (Dave Anderson).
On the Ouse Washes at Chain Corner 1 ad SPOONBILL (Mark Peck, Simon Stirrup), still present in the afternoon (several observers) but no sign late evening (John Oates). Also 4 Greenshank, 1 male Garganey. At Sutton Gault, 1 Greenshank and north of Mepal 2 Greenshank, 2 male Garganey, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Ruff (Simon Stirrup). 2 Little Egrets at Fortrey hall (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Wicken Fen Barwit, Wood Sand, Grey Plover, Turnstone, 3 Greenshanks, Common Sand, 2 Dunlins, Oystercatcher, 10+ Redshanks, 5 Yellow Wags all on Baker's Fen. (John Oates).
On the Cam Washes, Upware 2 Ruff, 2 Yellow Wags (John Oates).
At Cow Lane GP 4 Black Terns, Common Sand, Hobby (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley, John Oates).
At Grafham Water at the dam 6 Black Terns, 10+ Yellow Wags - including a variant male with grey mantle (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley, John Oates).
At Little Paxton GP 3 Barwits, 13 Black Terns. Also Grey Plover, Turnstone, Little Egret reported (Jono Leadley, Jamie Wells, RBA).
11th May
At Wicken Fen 2 LITTLE TERNS on Baker's Fen at 3 PM (Nick Davis per Martin Lester). Still present at 7.35 PM, but seemed to fly off north. Also 3 Wood Sands, 1 Barwit, 1 Common Sand, 2 Dunlins, pair of Garganey, 1+ Barn Owl, Woodcock roding, Nightingale, Marsh Harrier, a few Yellow wags, Lesser Whitethroat (John Oates). On 10/5 Wicken Fen 1 Hobby, 1 or 2 Wood sandpiper flying over (Guy Dutson).
At Grafham Water Greenshank, 3 Turnstones, 3 Common Sands (RBA).
At Sutton Gault: 5 Garganey (4 male, 1 female): 6 Arctic Tern through NE; 1 Yellow Wagtail (Mark Peck)
At Fen Drayton 10/5 Wheatear, 8 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Grey Plover, male Bar-tailed Godwit (Richard Patient). Also 7 Common Sands, 9 Yellow Wags, Wheatear, 15 Common Tern, C20 Shelduck, fem Goldeneye and again 3 Hobbies feeding on far fen. No sign of B N Grebe (Dave Anderson).
Nearby in Norfolk on the Ouse Washes 10/5 between the Welney Road walking South to the Cambs Boundary on the West Side 19.30 until 21.00. 1 Spotted Crake calling within 20 yards of the Cambs Boundary 20.20 to 20.45, 4 Arctic Tern flying north, 3 Black Terns, 1 imm Little Gull, 9 Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 16 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 20 Redshank, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 1 Little Stint, 1 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Kingfisher, 45 Sand Martin flying north 21.00. (Monica and Owen Marks)
At Upware 10/11 3 Wheatear (Guy Dutson).
On 10/5 Hobby over Alconbury Weston at 1.30pm (Richard Broughton).
10th May
WRYNECK in a Soham garden, midday (Greg Deacon per Richard Allison).
At Fen Drayton GP male Wheatear, male Ruddy Duck and 4 Yellow Wags (Richard Allison).
At Sutton Gault: 13 Ringed Plover: 3 Dunlin: 3 Oystercatcher: 10 Shelduck: 3 Wheatear: 3 Oystercatcher: 1 Yellow Wagtail: 1 Turtle Dove. On 9/5 2 Little Ringed Plover: 5 Oystercatcher: 18 Yellow Wagtail: 6 Pied Wagtail: 1 Turtle Dove (Mark Peck).
Wood Sand and Greenshank at High Wash (RBA).
At Eldernell, Nene Washes 5 Marsh Harriers, 3 Blackwits (RBA).
At Grafham Water 3 Turnstones on the dam, also LRP, Hobby. On 8/5 2 Curlew Sands, 4 Dunlin (RBA).
Male Marsh Harrier still present at Teversham Fen plus Grasshopper Warbler and a Cuckoo (David Griffiths, Cambridge).
On 9/5 Hobby over Long Reach Road, Cambridge at 6.30 PM (Richard Thewlis).
No sign of any Dotterels 9/5 on the Gog Magogs, but 2 Corn Buntings (Richard Thewlis).
9th May
Black-necked Grebe on Moore Lake (Hunts pit). 3 Hobbies feeding over S W corner of Far Fen pit. Also there Wheatear, 10 Yellow Wags, Corn Bunting. On north side of ferry lake 20+ Shelduck and 15 Redshank. This area looks extremely promising for waders. (Dave Anderson).
At Grafham Water this evening, off the dam, Black Tern and 4 Common Sands (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
Male Marsh Harrier at Teversham Fen this evening, also 1+ reeling Gropper (Dave Griffiths Cambridge).
At Wicken Fen a pair of Garganey on Baker's Fen (John Oates).
On 8/5 Spotted Crake calling at the Nene Washes. Also Osprey over at 12.30 PM, 6 Garganey (RBA).
On 6/5 at Paxton Pits NR Whinchat 1/2 way down Haul Rd (Jamie Wells).
8th May
BLACK KITE reported east over March at 11.40AM (RBA).
At Fen Drayton PM male Wheatear, White-fronted Goose, 2 male Mandarins, c12 Yellow Wags (no sign of the Common Scoter).(Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
7th May
At Sutton Gault: 1 Grey Plover; 24 Ruff lekking; 1 Oystercatcher; 1 Yellow Wagtail (Mark Peck). Also 3 male and 1 female Garganey, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Ruff (Simon Stirrup).
At Wicken Fen Greenshank, 7 Hobbies, 2 Marsh Harriers, Gropper (again by path near Brett's Hide). (John Oates). Also a pair of Garganey still present, Nightingale, 2 Groppers (Guy Dutson, Dave Gandy).
2 male and 3 female Mandarin Ducks and 1 male Wood Duck on the River Cam in Cambridge near Jesus Lock. 1 of the male Mandarins might be a hybrid (Peter Herkenrath).
At Fen Drayton GP 1 Red Kite drifting west to east across pits being mobbed by Rook and Gull 10.45 AM, 1 Hobby, female Common Scoter still present on Moore Lake (Martin Kendall). Also 1 Greenshank (Dick Newell), 3 Hobbies (RBA). At c.7PM a male and female Marsh Harrier feeding over fields along the entrance track to the gravel pits, before flying off over the disused railway line and the main lake. (Matthew Brackley).
On the Ouse Washes at Chain Corner 1 Goldeneye, 2 Blackwits & north of Mepal 35 Ruff (lekking), 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sands (Simon Stirrup). At Fortrey Hall male Garganey, 1 Greenshank and 34 Ruff. (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
Whimbrel at Tick Fen (S & R Henderson, J Holding, J Lindsell).
At Paxton Pits NR Nightingale still showing well, near burnt car at the entrance Also 3 Hobbies (RBA).
6th May
At Wicken Fen pair of Garganey on the scrape under the tree with roosting Cormorants. Also 2+ Grasshopper Warblers, 2+ Woodcock, 1 male and 3 female Marsh Harrier there. On Baker's Fen 1 Grey Plover in almost complete breeding plumage and 5+ Yellow Wagtails (Peter Herkenrath, Christoph Zockler). Also 6+ Ringed Plover, 1-2 LRP, Barn Owl (S & R Henderson, J Holding, J Lindsell).
At Fen Drayton GP Common Scoter on Moore Lake, also 3 Ruddy Duck (2 drk), 1 White wagtail, 3 Yellow Wags, LRP, 2 Oyks and 2 Shelduck (Richard Allison). Also Common Scoter, 12 Common Terns, 1 Arctic Tern, Wheatear, 2 Common Sandpipers, White-fronted Goose, 3 Ruddy Duck, Goldeneye, Nightingale (Richard Patient), 4+ Hobbies, Common Scoter, Wheatear (S & R Henderson, J Holding, J Lindsell).
Common Sand at Paxton Pits NR (S & R Henderson, J Holding, J Lindsell).
Osprey over Diddington (per Mark Hawkes) and possibly the same at Grafham Water (RBA). Common Sand at Grafham Water on the dam (S & R Henderson, J Holding, J Lindsell).
At Sutton Gault 2 male Garganey, 14 Ruff (12 males lekking) and at Chain Corner 1 Ruff, 3 Black-tailed Godwits (Simon Stirrup)
In Cottenham Grasshopper Warbler still singing (Simon Stirrup)
On 5/5 Bainton Pits 7.30 PM onwards 14 Arctic Terns on 'Main Pit' (Mike Weedon).
5th May
SPOONBILL flew north over the Swavesey end of Fen Drayton GP at 5.00 PM. Also Hobby (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
TREE PIPIT in sub-song at Milton Ferry Bridge, Ferry Meadows. Also 6 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroats and 25 Common Terns (Matt Webb per Gordon Hamlett/Peterbirder).
At Sutton Gault: 3 male Garganey; 26 Ruff; 1 Grasshopper Warbler; 3 Yellow Wagtail; (Mark Peck).
On the Cam Washes, Upware drake Garganey (John Oates).
At Teversham Fen male Marsh Harrier, 6+ Groppers (John Oates).
At Fowlmere RSPB fem Marsh Harrier at 7.00 PM over mere. Also Willow Tit on nuts by entrance 6.45 PM (RBA).
4th May
At Wicken Fen sum plum Spotshank, Ringed Plover, 25+ Yellow Wags, 2+ Marsh Harriers, Hobby (John Oates).
At Fen Drayton GP 2 male Wheatears, 2 White Wags and 11 Yellow Wags. Common Scoter still on Moore Lake (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
At the Ouse Washes RSPB Grey and Yellow Wagtail (Welches Dam). Large falcon on ground in field behind Welches Dam hide at 1330 for around 10 minutes. ID difficult because of distance and heat haze - but it looked like a Saker. No jesses visible. Also 2 Cuckoos, Turtle (Dave Allen/Cambiirds).
At Paxton Pits NR 11 Nightingales heard, 3 confiding birds seen beside the Kingfisher hide (Dave Allen/Cambiirds).
At 4.45pm 1 Hobby flew west over Brampton, Cambs towards Grafham Water (Martin R Adlam).
3rd May
Curlew Sandpiper still present at Paxton Pits NR. Also 2 yellow Wags on Pumphouse Pit (per Martin Smith/Jamie Wells).
At Sutton Gault 9.20 AM 3 Greenshank; 9 Ruff; 2 Snipe; 2 Common Tern; 3 Swift; 1 Yellow Wagtail (Mark Peck). At lunchtime 2 Greenshank, 1 Hobby, 20 Ruff (Alan Hitchings).
2nd May
At Sutton Gault: Grasshopper Warbler reeling (TL 426 798) 1 drake Garganey; 94 Mute Swan; 10 Shelduck; 20 Ruff; 1 Greenshank; 2 Snipe; 2 Yellow Wagtail; 1 Swift. On 1/5 Hobby; 1 pair Garganey (Mark Peck).
Arctic Tern at Grafham Water (Mark Hawkes). On 1/5 on the Dam 9+ Yellow Wags, LRP (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
On 29/4 Garganey pair opp Fish & Duck Marina, Cambridge on Popes Corner, viewable from footpath south of Marina (RBA).
1st May
At Grafham Water Arctic Tern and 1st s little Gull feeding with Common Terns off Mander car park (Mark Hawkes).
At Fen Drayton GP PM 1 Common Scoter 1 (Moore Lake), 1 Ringed Plover (Alan Hitchings).
On the River Cam in Cambridge 5 Mandarins (2 drakes) and a drake Wood Duck, near the Graduate Pub (Cal Lamont).
At Tennyson Avenue, St Ives: 1 Hobby over AM (Mark Telfer).
At Fen Drayton GP 30/4 4 Cuckoos 28 Common Tern 5 Goldeneyes (2 sub adult drakes) and the Common Scoter still present (Dave Anderson).
On 30/4 at the Nene Washes Dog in a Doublet 7.30-7.40 PM 12 Ruff on flood opposite sluice, 1 Black-tailed Godwit. At Eldernell 7.50-8.15 PM 1 Greenshank, 4 Marsh Harrier (Steve Dudley).
On 29/4 at Grafham Water, Mander Car Park 2 Whimbrel flew by, c.40 Common Tern, Cuckoo, Nightingale, 2 Yellow Wagtail, male Goldeneye, c.400 House Martin, c. 200 Swallow, c. 50 Sand Martin, c. 50 Swift, 3 Shelduck. At the dam: 1 White Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat, 1 LRP, 1 Common Sand, 35 Yellow Wagtails (Mark Telfer).
On 30/4 at Sutton Gault: Pair Garganey, 22 Ruff (some displaying males), 2 Oystercatchers, 4 Shelduck, 2 Cuckoo, 1 Snipe, 3+ Yellow Wag (Mark Telfer). Also 5 Garganey, 18 Ruff, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Swift (Alan Hitchings).
30th April
WOOD WARBLER again at Paxton Pits briefly PM near Hayden Hide by Heronry South Pit (per Mark Hawkes/Jamie Wells). Curlew Sand & Dunlin on flood opp Washout Pit across river (Jamie Wells).
Turnstone at Grafham Water from the dam. Also LRP, 20 Common Terns (RBA).
At Sutton Gault: 1 Grasshopper Warbler: 1 Pair Garganey; 2 Oystercatcher (Mark Peck)
At Wicken Fen 2 Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlins, 5+ Yellow Wags (Ian Barton, John Oates, Kathleen Rosewarne).
On 28/4 Pied Flycatcher, female in a Chesterton garden for 50 minutes (Richard Thewlis).
On the Gog Magog Hills 28/4 Hobby (sat in a field for 40 minutes!), 3 Wheatears, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Corn Buntings, 3 Swifts. Impressive visual migration of total of c. 200 Swallows and c. 20 House Martins continually moving north in small groups. On 29/4 Hobby, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroat, 3+ Wheatear, 2 northern form Golden Plover. (Richard Thewlis).
On 29/4 at Fen Drayton GP Barwit in the SW corner of Moore Lake. Common Scoter still present (Dave Hatton per Richard Allison).
On 29/4 at Nene Washes, Eldernell 7.30-8.10 PM Water level dropped quite a bit since Saturday and the place looks fantastic. 1 Greenshank, 4 Marsh Harrier (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
29th April
WOOD WARBLER at Paxton Pits near Hayden Hide by Heronry South Pit. First reported on 27/4. (per Jamie Wells). No sign later but 2 Hobbies, several Nightingales (including 2 singing in the open) and Curlew Sand on flood opp Washout Pit across river (John Oates et al).
PIED FLYCATCHER 1st s male at Landbeach around the SE corner of the moat at TL475651 (BLEA). Still present in the afternoon (Bruce & Gwen Martin et al).
At Sutton Gault: 1 Black Tern and 1 Arctic Tern flying SW; 9 Ruff; 9 Black-tailed Godwit; 1 Oystercatcher; 1 Ruff; 1 Snipe; 3 Yellow Wagtail (Mark Peck). On 27/4 3 Barwits (Mark Ward).
At Earith, Ouse Washes the sluice was opened a day or two ago and the Washes are flooded again. Black Tern and 2 Arctics passing through this afternoon. Garganey have been around since the middle of last week with up to 2 pairs near the Jolly Banker's bridge (David Griffiths, Earith/Cambirds).
On the Ouse Washes at Mepal Black Tern & Garganey (Dave Buckingham).
Garganey on the Cam Washes at Upware (Dave Buckingham).
On the Nene Washes at Eldernell 3pm Garganey (pair) - NE as you look out from the car park & 1 male Marsh Harrier (Matt Francis). Also Dog in Doublet 13 Dunlin, 100+ Black tailed Godwit, 10+ House Martins, 5 Common Terns & at Eldernell 1 Hobby, 5 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and 3 Sedge Warblers (Will Bowell/Peterbirder).
28th April
COMMON CRANE east over Dog in a Doublet at 4.10pm, losing height and lost from view as it reached Eldernell area, but no further sign. Also in the area 28 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Marsh Harrier, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 8+ Common Swift, 84 Black-tailed Godwit (Steve Dudley et al/Peterbirder).
Common Scoter still at Fen Drayton, Moore Lake. Also 10+ Common Terns (John Oates).
At Cottenham Gropper still singing. Pair of Garganey still on Long Drove TL481692 in evening (Simon Stirrup).
Common Buzzard W over A10 4 miles N of Ely 9.40 AM (RBA).
2 Ruddy Shelducks over Wicken Fen visitor centre at 6.30 PM. Also Hobby (RBA). Earlier 2 Dunlins, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Marsh Harriers (John Oates).
At Limepit Hill, Fulborne Hobby, 3 Wheatears, Yellow Wag, 2 Corn Buntings (RBA).
27th April
At Wicken Fen around Baker's Fen AM 1 Green Sand, 2 Dunlins, 2 Yellow Wags, male Marsh Harrier, 3 Groppers (2 reeling, 1 in willows by footpath near Brett's Hide), Reed Warbler (John Oates).
2 Sandwich Terns at Orton BP for a couple of minutes between c.1.50-1.55 when they flew off north towards Hampton, but I couldn't find them there or at Fletton BP by 2.30pm (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
On the Ouse washes at Mepal 3 Garganey (2 drake), 14 Ruff (RBA).
At Long Drove, Cottenham pair of Garganey (Richard Thomas).
3 Hobby together between Orton BP and Hampton (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
LRP at Hampton near McDonalds roundabout (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
At Fen Drayton GP 2 Hobbies, female Common Scoter (RBA). On 26/4 1 Yellow Wag, 12 Common Tern, 3 Goldeneye + 3 immature drakes, 1 Swift, 1 Common Sand, 1 Common Scoter, drake Ruddy Duck, Cuckoo, Kingfisher and 1 Hobby.(Dave Anderson).
At Sutton Gault: pair Garganey; female Marsh Harrier through; 18 Ruff; 3 Dunlin 1 Oystercatcher (Mark Peck)
5 Common Terns at Ferry Meadows CP (Richard Allison).
At Cherry Hinton pits, Cambridge on 26/4 1 Swift, 1 Common Sandpiper (2 on 24/4), 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (Guy Dutson).
On 26/4 4 Common Sands at Grafham Water on the dam (Mark Hawkes).
26th April
For site access details and maps (including Bainton GP) in the PBC area please visit www.peterboroughbirdclub.org.uk
No sign of yesterdays Velvet Scoter or Serin (several observers).
WRYNECK reported in Cambridge this AM at Coldhams Common between allotments and swimming pool. From Newmarket Road, near Cambridge United Football Ground follow sign to swimming pool (per Monica & Owen Marks). No sign early PM (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
At Fen Drayton GP c3.35pm 1 Osprey flying W TL346700, being mobbed by 2 Oystercatchers. Also around a few Common Terns, 1 Yellow Wagtail, singing Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warblers, Reed warbler. (Jim Guthrie) .
On the Nene Washes at Eldernell PM 1 adult summer Little Gull, 1 Greenshank, male Marsh Harrier, Barn Owl, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 Blackwit. Still no access apart from the car park. (Gordon Hamlett/Peterbirder)
At Ouse Washes, Pymore Rail Bridge. 7.15 - 8.30 PM 2 Arctic Terns, 18 Black-tailed Godwits flying N, 1 Greenshank flying N, 1 Ruff flying N, 18 Dunlin flying N, 1 Whitethroat.(Monica & Owen Marks).
At Sutton Gault: Drake Garganey; 1 Spotted Redshank; 19 Ruff; 3 Swift; 8 House Martin; 2 Lesser Whitethroat; 1 Cuckoo (Mark Peck).
At Orton BP AM 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Turtle Dove, 6 Fieldfares (George/Peterbirder). Also Reed Warbler (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
At Hampton Hargate Lakes Golden Plover roost is still using it also 22 Redshank, Lapwings 4 Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Oystercatcher (George/Peterbirder).
At Grafham Water 5 Swift, 3 Lesser Whitethroat and 5 Nightingales (Jono Leadley et al).
At Paxton Pits NR Willow Warbler 46 singing; Blackcap 13 singing; Common Tern 18; Chiffchaff 18 singing; Sedge Warbler 23 singing; Reed Bunting 5 male, one female; Gadwall 3 male; Shoveler 5 male; Redshank 22; Whimbrel 1; Lapwing 21; Oystercatcher 6; Black-tailed Godwit 1; Ringed Plover 10; Dunlin 2; Reed Warbler 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat 1 singing; Nightingale 10 singing; Swift 2; House Martin 3; Goldeneye one male four female; Ruddy Duck pair (Bob Scott). 2 Black Terns 25/04 at 7pm (Richard Cox per Jono Leadley).
On the Ouse Washes RSPB, Welches Dam 2.30 - 3.30 PM, 23 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 "Commic" Terns, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 15 Corn Bunting, 1 Kingfisher (Martin R Adlam/Cambirds).
Male Marsh Harrier Warboys High Fen at 3.50 PM TL355835 (Martin R Adlam/Cambirds).
On 25/4 Pied Flycatcher still Bainton GP at the L-shaped pit (Edwin Simpson). Excellent views of singing Grasshopper Warblers (3+) up on the rough high ground (at c8.30pm). Also 3 singing Nightingales and hooting Tawny Owl. (Mike Weedon).
Recent records from Ferry Meadows include Hobby on 24/4, Common Swift, Common Tern (60), large Lesser Black-backed Gull passage, and big arrival of Willow and Sedge warblers 25/4 (per Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
On 25/4 at Fen Drayton GP Common Scoter, 6 Goldeneye, 8 Common Tern & 14 Fieldfare (Dave Anderson).
25th April
VELVET SCOTER male with 5 Common Scoters (drake, 4 females) off Plummer and Marlow car parks late PM. Present until dusk. Off the dam a Black Tern (Mark Hawkes et al.). Redstart reported at Littless Wood (per Mark Hawkes). Also 30 Common Terns and a House Martin (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
SERIN briefly in Cambridge, on Hobart St off Mill Road late PM (Gary Allport).
A Whimbrel flying north along Earith Washes late AM (David Griffiths, Earith/Cambirds).
At Sutton Gault 8.00 AM 1 Ruddy Duck; 1 Sparrowhawk; 2 Grey Partridge; 1 Ruff; 1 Oystercatcher; 2 Snipe; 3 Common Tern; 2 Cuckoo; 10 Swallow; 1 House Martin; 10 Sedge Warbler; 5 Willow Warbler; 1 Whitethroat; 2 Yellow Wagtail. At 1.00 PM 1 drake Garganey; 1 Greenshank (Mark Peck)
Nightingale at Little Paxton NR by the burnt out car showed well again at about 5.30 PM (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
24th April
No sign of Firecrest at Fowlmere RSPB this am. Reed warbler there (Bruce & Gwen Martin). Ring Ousel in paddocks but flew off. Also 5 Lesser Whitethroats (Ade Cooper per Bruce & Gwen Martin). The Willow Tit was still around recently (Steve Cooper).
At Wicken Fen on Baker's Fen Bar-tailed Godwit still present. Near Brett's Hide 1 Gropper showing well in Willows. Lesser Whitethroat in hedge by staff car park near visitor centre (John Oates).
At Sutton Gault: 57 Ruff; 1 Green Sandpiper; 11 Black-tailed Godwit; 8 Common Tern; 1 Cuckoo; 5 Fieldfare; 1 Lesser Whitethroat (Mark Peck).
Female Common Scoter at Fen Drayton GP (RBA). 2 Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, several Blackcaps, House Martins, Common Sandpiper, Cuckoo (David Griffiths, Earith/Cambirds). Also 5 Common Terns (Richard Allison).
Gropper still singing in Cottenham (Simon Stirrup).
On 23/4 the Nightingale at Little Paxton showed well again near the mound just inside the main gate (near the now burnt out Ford Escort) at about 6pm (also a Barnacle Goose Flew over!). (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
On 23/4 Hampton Hargate Lakes pm Grey Plover feeding on slope above the main lake opp the Bovis housing (behind a lifebuoy) - very difficult to see from the Bovis housing, but good views from the tesco end of the lake, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Ringed Plover (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
On 21/4 1500 Black-ailed Godwit, 26 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Tern, 7 Snipe (Alan Hitchings).
23rd April
FIRECREST singing at Fowlmere till 7pm at least from the Bridleway nr the reception (Doug Radford per BLEA).
At Wicken Fen on Baker's Fen 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Yellow Wags, 2 Groppers, male Marsh Harrier (John Oates). Recently a Long-eared Owl late evening from Tower Hide (Ian Barton).
Blue-headed Wagtail at Ferry Meadows (Matt Webb per Gordon Hamlett).
At Sutton Gault: 1 Drake Garganey; 89 Ruff (Lekking); 15 Black-tailed Godwit; 35 Yellow Wagtail: 6 Pied Wagtail; 1 Barn Owl (Mark Peck). Also 2 drake Garganey, 100+ Ruff, Common Tern through and Lesser Whitethroat (Mark Ward). On 21/4 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey (Drake) (Ken Griffin).
WAXWING (only 1) still in the King's Hedges area of Cambridge (RBA).
Fen Drayton pm 29 Yellow Wags and 95 Blackwits on north side of ferry mere (Dave Anderson). 26 Yellow Wags, 6 Common Terns on 22/4 (Dave Buckingham) On 21/4 6 Goldeneye, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Ruddy Duck (Drake), 20+ Sand Martin, 5 Swallow, 4 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 12 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Sedge Warbler. (Ken Griffin).
Single Lesser Whitethroats at Lime Kiln Hill and Lime Pit Hill, just S of Cambridge on 22/4 (Richard Thewlis).
At Long Drove, Cottenham 21/4 14 Redshank, 6 Little Grebe, 5 Shelduck, 1 Yellowhammer, 1 Common Tern, 3 Reed Bunting, 5 Swallow (Ken Griffin).
22nd April
At Bainton GP male PIED FLYCATCHER south of the L shaped pit, 1 Redpoll (Will Bowell/Peterbirder).
At Fen Drayton GP female Common Scoter, 2 ad summer Little Gulls, 3 Common Terns, Common Sand (all on Moore Lake AKA Hunts Pit), LRP, Dunlin, 5+ Yellow Wags, Whitethroat, 3 Ruddy Ducks, 10 Goldeneyes (John Oates et al). Also Common Buzzard (Richard Patient).
At Grafham Water Sanderling flying about the north end and relocated on the Dam, with 2 LRP, 25+ Yellow Wags. Off Mander 3 Common Terns (John Oates). NOTE The Nature Reserve and Hides are out of bounds due to deer population and FMD. The cycle track and all car parks are open.
At Wicken Fen on Baker's Fen Spotshank, Curlew, Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin (Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne).
Black Redstart briefly in an Alconbury garden 8am (RBA).
WAXWING (only 1) still in the King's Hedges area of Cambridge (Bruce Martin et al). On 21/4 a singing Grasshopper Warbler also there! (Dick Newell, Simon Stirrup).
At Sutton Gault 66 Ruff (Some lekking); 12 Black-tailed Godwit; 6 Golden Plover; 1 Oystercatcher; 1 Snipe drumming; 1 Yellow Wagtail. On 21/4 1 Green Sandpiper; 48 Ruff; 70 Black-tailed Godwit; 1 Oystercatcher; 1 Snipe drumming; 13 Yellow Wagtail; 1 White Wagtail (Mark Peck). Also today 60+ Blackwits, 45+ Ruffs lekking (at least three males were in nearly full summer plumage) (Julian Hughes).
On the Nene Washes March Farmers pair of Garganey in Mortons Leam floodplain, 3 Yellow Wags. At Eldernell 3 Marsh Harriers (1 male, 2 females) and on 21/4 2 ad male Marsh Harriers, 20+ Snipe (several drumming), 4 Blackwits, 7 Oystercatchers, c20 Redshank, 25 Sand Martins, 1+ Tree Sparrow along the lane, 1 Barn Owl (Matt Francis/Peterbirder).
Paxton Pits NR 3 Dunlins, 2 LRPs, 2 Common Terns, Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Nightingales, 4 Oystercatchers (inc 1 on a nest). For more info, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk. (Julian Hughes). Also Garden Warbler today (RBA).
Grasshopper Warbler in SE Cottenham (Simon Stirrup).
Wood Duck and Mandarin pair still on the Cam at Chesterton (Cal Lamont).
21st April
On the Cam Washes, Upware 1 female RED-BREASTED MERGANSER until 10.40am when flew towards Wicken Fen. Also male Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Yellow Wag, Ringed Plover (Ian Delgado, Dick Newell, John Oates).
At Grafham Water Ring Ousel briefly this morning in setaside field near Dudney Creek hide (Colin Addington per Mark Hawkes). This evening 2 ARCTIC TERNS, 1 summer plumaged BLACK-NECKED GREBE, 3 Common Terns, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls (Richard Patient).
Paxton Pits NR 8 Nightingales (including one that has been showing well regularly, on the ground behind the 'mound' near the reserve entrance), Whitethroat, Common Tern on nesting island, Oystercatcher nesting on Sailing Lake island (Julian Hughes). Hit www.paxton-pits.org.uk for more info.
Fordham Woods this evening 2 Willow Tits, 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers calling and drumming, 2 Woodcock (Ian Delgado).
WAXWINGS still at the corner of Kings Hedges Road & Northfield Avenue TL455618 (1/2 mile SE Histon flyover on the A14) (Bruce Martin et al).
At Milton Tip, Butt Lane 1 3CY Yellow-legged Gull, 1000 LBBG's with birds from Lancashire (Black with yellow letters), Holland (Green) and Essex (Red) with a few intermedius amongst them, and still a small number of Northern Herring Gulls (Dick Newell).
Ouse Washes, Pymore Railbridge, 1 ARCTIC TERN flying north, 150 Black-tailed Godwit, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 1 BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL, 2 Sedge Warbler. Nearby at Oxlode, 1 female Marsh Harrier flying north, 6 Herons's nests occupied (Monica and Owen Marks).
At Ouse Washes, Sutton Gault, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Ruff lekking. Nearby at Chain Corner, 58 Cormorant nests all appeared occupied, 1 Common Tern, (Monica and Owen Marks).
At Ouse Washes, Mepal Bridge to Fortrey Hall, 16 Shelduck, 2 male Garganey, 4 Goldeneye, 31 Heron's nests all appeared occupied, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 pair Kingfisher, 8 Swallow, 100 Sand Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler, 7 Yellow Wagtail, (Monica and Owen Marks).
Note. Ouse Washes north of Welney Wildfowl Trust (Norfolk), 1 Goldeneye, 1 adult Little Gull moving north, 2 Avocet, 2 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 12 Yellow Wagtails. (WWT now Open) (Monica and Owen Marks).
At Fen Drayton GP 1 European Whitefront, 10 Yellow Wags, 25 Goldeneyes (John Oates).
At Wicken Fen, Tower hide 6.30pm to dusk 4 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 3 roding Woodcocks, 3 Water Rails, Barn Owl, Sparrowhawk, female Ruddy Duck (John Oates).
20th April
FULMAR at Grafham Water off Mander this evening (Colin Addington, per Mark Hawkes).
WAXWINGS still at the corner of Kings Hedges Road & Northfield Avenue TL455618 (1/2 mile SE Histon flyover on the A14) (Cal Lamont, Bruce Martin).
At Paxton Pits NR 3 Nightingales (1 behind Kingfisher Hide, 1 in scrub N of car park, 1 singing in open before post 12). Also 1 Barnacle Goose - Heronry south (Martin R Adlam).
Marsh Harrier flew W at Ely am (RBA).
Black Redstart again at RAF Wyton Headquarters Site (Bob Frost).
At Grafham Water 1pm 19/04 LRP on the dam, 15 Yellow Wagtails, 6 Pied Wagtail. At Mander 3 Common Tern (Jono Leadley).
19th April
Male Black Redstart passed through RAF Wyton Headquarters Site at c5.05 pm (Bob Frost).
News from Wicken Fen: First Hobby of the spring over the education area at 2.30 pm. Up 6 Marsh Harriers, 2 male Hen Harriers (16th), Swallows still low in number, sprinkling of Groppers, steady increase in Sedge Warbler numbers. (Martin Lester).
5 WAXWINGS still at the corner of Kings Hedges Road & Northfield Avenue TL455618 (1/2 mile SE Histon flyover on the A14) at 7.20am (Kathleen Rosewarne) and 12.30pm (Owen & Monica Marks). 6 there later on (RBA).
Ring Ousel in Huntingdon was taken by a female Sparrowhawk today (RBA).
At Fen Drayton GP A few Swallows, 18 Blackwits & c150 up across river. 2 Ruddy Duck, 1 Wheatear (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
18th April
Ring Ousel Huntingdon on Ermine Business Park by bench at small pond opp TC Harrison r'about till 1.30pm at least (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
5 WAXWINGS still at the corner of Kings Hedges Road & Northfield Avenue TL455618 (1/2 mile SE Histon flyover on the A14) (Richard Allison, Mark Peck).
At Sutton Gault: 27 Black-tailed Godwit; 18 Ruff; 6 Dunlin; 2 Oystercatcher; 1 Blackcap; 2 Chiffchaff; 1 Bullfinch; 7 Swallow (Mark Peck).
At Paxton Pits 08.10 - 10.50am 17/4 4 Nightingales - 2 in the scrub north of the Car Park, 1 along "Nightingale Avenue" and a very visible individual behind the Kingfisher Hide. Also 8 Goldeneyes (Martin R Adlam)
17th April
5 WAXWINGS again at the corner of Kings Hedges Road & Northfield Avenue TL455618 (1/2 mile SE Histon flyover on the A14). They were sitting in Alders and close by are a lot of Guelder Rose bushes with plenty of berries (Bruce Martin).
At Sutton Gault 12 Ruff; 2 Oystercatcher; 6 Yellow Wagtail; 1 White Wagtail; 1 Lesser Whitethroat; 3 Willow Warbler; 1 Chiffchaff; 1 Sedge Warbler; 3 Swallow; 30+ Sand Martin (Mark Peck).
On the Cam Washes, Upware Green Sand, Marsh Harrier (John Oates).
At Fen Drayton this afternoon 54 Goldeneye, 280 Blackwits, 20+ Yellow Wags & 1 Swallow (Bruce Martin).
16th April
There are 5 WAXWINGS at the corner of Kings Hedges Road & Northfield Avenue TL455618 (1/2 mile SE Histon flyover on the A14). They were sitting in Alders and close by are a lot of Guelder Rose bushes with plenty of berries (Bruce Martin).
5 probable Common Cranes flying East over road to Whittlesey just past the traffic lights next to Peterborough Power Station at 7:45pm (Matt Francis/Peterbirder).
Cam Washes, Upware 10 am, 12 Shelduck, 2 Avocet, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 150 Sand Martin. (Monica & Owen Marks)
Wicken Fen 10.50 - 13..30, 2 male & 1 female Marsh Harrier, 4 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Sedge Warbler. (Monica & Owen Marks)
Ouse Washes, Pymore Rail Bridge 14.00 - 16.00, 215 Black-tailed Godwits flying NE., 2 Dunlin flying NE, 1 Curlew flying NW, 2 Arctic Terns with Black-headed Gulls, 35 Sand Martin, (Monica & Owen Marks)
Roswell Pits, 2 House Martin, 1 Swallow, 20 Sand Martin, (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Milton Tip 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, from A14 layby (RBA).
3 Blackwits along the strip of land parallel to the Whittlesey Wash road (Matt Francis/Peterbirder).
15th April
At Fen Drayton GP drake Garganey, Common Sandpiper, Water Rail, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Common Tern, 25 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, 3 Lesser Redpolls, Ruddy Duck (Richard Patient).
Milton Tip early pm 400 Lesser Black-backed, 20 Herring and 10 Black-headed Gulls, a singing Willow Warbler and a Sparrowhawk over (Peter Herkenrath).
Reported to www.paxton-pits.org.uk (per Julian Hughes)Lesser Whitethroat, Whimbrel (Jamie Wells/Martin Davis), Grasshopper Warbler, Goldcrest carrying nesting material (Steve Blain). No sign of Ring Ouzel in the village today.
Cam Washes Upware, pm 3+ Common Snipe, Greylag Goose with 6 young, 2 pairs of Wigeon, 4 male and 3 female Pochard, 1 Common Gull (2nd cal yr), 1 Yellow Wagtail over, dozens of Sand Martins, 1+ Swallow. (Peter Herkenrath).
At King's Dyke male Marsh Harrier, female Ruddy Duck (Gordon Hamlett/Peterbirder).
14th April
Male Ring Ouzel on Little Paxton playing fields, from noon to 3 pm at least (access from the High Street, opposite the end of Gordon Road). www.paxton-pits.org.uk (per Julian Hughes).
At Sutton Gault 94 Black-tailed Godwits flying north, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Ruff, 1 Ringed Plover, 20 Sand Martin. Nearby, Mepal to Fortrey Hall. 18 Shelduck, 15 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 2 Oystercatcher, 200 + Sand Martin, 2 Swallow, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher (Monica and Owen Marks)
King's Dyke NR 1 Pochard, 2 Ruddy Ducks, 3 Redshank, 20+ Sand Martins, singing Willow Warbler and a single hobby flew over (Gordon Shaw/Peterbirder).
Dog in a Doublet bridge, Whittlesey wash totally flooded c350-400 Blackwits flew west Nearby at Eldernell a pair of Garganey. Washes are totally flooded (Gordon Shaw/Peterbirder).
13th April
On the Ouse Washes, Earith Blue-headed Wagtail and a White Wagtail associating with a group of 6 Yellow Wagtails (David Griffiths, Earith/Cambirds).
News from www.paxton-pits.org.uk (per Julian Hughes) 2 Egyptian Geese, 3 Ruff, 4 Ruddy Ducks, 10 Shelducks, Little Ringed Plover, Reed Warbler, 81 Shovelers, 20+ Yellow Wagtails, 2 White Wagtails, 121 occupied Cormorant nests.
12th April
At Fen Drayton GP Blackwit 15 (flew over), 6 Sedge Warblers, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcap, 1 male Ruddy Duck, 12 Goldeneye and about 100 Sand martins in the morning (Richard Allison).
11th April
WHITE STORK south over Cambridge Botanical Gardens at 3.30pm (RBA).
At Sutton Gault 1 Little-ringed Plover, 8 Ruff, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Willow Warbler (Mark Peck).
At Fen Drayton 10/11 51 Goldeneye and 40 Blackwits on edge of Ferry Mere, Swallow and lots of Sand Martins (Dave Anderson).
10th April
At Wicken Fen drake Garganey on Baker's Fen (John Oates).
On the Cam Washes at Upware at lunchtime 9/4 1 White Wagtail, 14 Yellow Wagtails, 1 Ruddy Shelduck (Dick Newell).
On 9/4 at Earith BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL with 15 Yellow Wagtails but no sign today (David Griffiths, Earith/Cambirds).
At Fen Drayton GP on 9/4 600 Golden Plover, 11 Oystercatchers, 26 Goldeneye (Dave Anderson).
At Grafham Water 9/4 Whitethroat at the lagoons (Jono Leadley).
In Cambridge Mandarins and Wood Ducks on the River Cam east of Jesus Lock (Simon Stirrup).
9th April
At Cam Washes, Upware 2 Avocet, 2 Oystercatcher, 7 Yellow Wagtail, 200 Sand Martin, (Monica and Owen Marks). No sign of the avocets this evening (Ian Delgado, John Oates).
At Sutton Gault 30 Shoveler; 5 Ruff; 2 Oystercatcher; 2 Yellow Wagtail; 30+ Sand Martin; 1 Willow Warbler (Mark Peck).
2 Ruddy Ducks at Ely beet factory (RBA).
On 8/4 2 Tree Sparrows along the Eldernell Lane (Matt Francis).
8th April
Sightings reported to www.paxton-pits.org.uk over the weekend (per Julian Hughes) on 7/4 Nightingale, Reed Warbler, Cuckoo, 3 Grey Heron chicks in a nest & on 8/4 FIRECREST - north side of Washout Pit (Jamie Wells), Common Tern, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 6-8 Yellow Wagtail, 1000+ Sand Martins, 2 LRPs, 3 White Wagtails, 3 Nightingales, 5 Green Sandpipers (Julian Hughes).
At Ely BF 1 male and 1 female Marsh Harrier, 77 Sand Martin, 1 Willow Warbler. Nearby, at Roswell Pits 1 Kingfisher, 1 Starling with a pure white tail, (Monica and Owen Marks)
At Pymore Rail Bridge, Ouse Washes 1 female Marsh Harrier flying NE, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Also 1 Fulmar per Polish Student who spoke to us briefly and asked the way to Ely and walked off into the distance! (Monica and Owen Marks).
At Sutton Gault flooded meadow 4 Ruff, 1 Ringed Plover later flew off E (Monica and Owen Marks).
At Bakers Fen, Wicken 1 female Marsh Harrier, 1 male Hen Harrier, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Swallow (Monica and Owen Marks).
At West Perry, Grafham Water this am 1 Cuckoo (Mark Peck).
At Fen Drayton GP 1 Marsh Harrier (heading towards Earith) and many Sand Martins (Martin & Wendy Phillips).
3 Green Sands, Chesterton Fen (RBA).
7th April
At Wicken Fen a pair of Garganey & 3 Dunlin on Baker's Fen, also male Marsh Harrier (Richard J Hall, John Oates).
On the Cam Washes at Upware drake Garganey, 9+ Yellow Wags (Richard J Hall, John Oates).
At Fen Drayton GP Brambling, 12 Sedge Warblers (Richard Patient). Also 1000+ Sand Martins, 11 Swallows, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Ruddy Duck, 74 Wigeon, 5 Redshank, 3 Oystercatchers, 22 Goldeneyes (Stuart Elsom & Tony Humes).
On 6/4 1 male Wood Duck and a male Mandarin with 2 females (possibly Mandarins) on the River Cam near Chesterton/Stourbridge Common at 10.10 pm! - they were displaying (Peter Herkenrath).
6th April
At Ferry Meadows CP 4-6 Common Tern (incl. 2 at Orton Mere), 5 Yellow Wagtails on Heron Meadow (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
At Fen Drayton GP Wheatear still this am and on 5/4 a White Wagtail (Dean Harlow, Trudy Parker).
This am at Sutton Gault male Merlin through garden! 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, still loads of water (Mark Peck).
At Wicken Fen drake Garganey on Baker's Fen and 2 Marsh Harriers (John Oates). On 1/4 2 Avocets (per Martin Lester).
On the Cam Washes at Upware 5 Yellow Wags, many Sand Martins (John Oates).
At Paxton Pits NR 2 LRPs, 7 Snipe, 1 Jack Snipe (new workings), 4 Shelducks, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Ruddy Ducks (2 drakes) (Island Pit), 1 Sedge Warbler (singing in scrub east of the Farm Pit). Also c400 Sand Martins on Heronry Lakes with at 3+ Swallows and a House Martin (Jamie Wells & Martin Davis).
Recent news from the Ouse Washes: on 4/4 between Mepal and Welches Dam 3 Yellow Wagtails, 60 Sand Martins, 2+ Willow Warblers 2+, Common Tern, Little Gull, 20 Dunlins, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Grey Wagtails. 0n 5/4 at Sutton Gault Short-eared Owl 1 & at Welches Dam Grey Wagtail (Dave Suddaby)
5th April
At Sutton Gault 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Oystercatcher, 30+ Sand Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher (Mark Peck).
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker this am in birch trees at Gilbert Road, near corner with Courtney Way, in Cambridge (Peter Herkenrath).
At Grafham Water imm male Goosander, 2 Ruddy Ducks, House Martin, but no sign of the Sandwich tern this evening (Richard J Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
At Fen Drayton GP 300+ Golden Plovers along the Swavesey entrance track. Also Wheatear, 2 Ruddy Ducks, 10+ Goldeneyes. No sign of the Black-necked Grebe (Richard J Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
4th April
At Fen Drayton GP partial summer plumage BLACK-NECKED GREBE on Far Fen Lake. Also Yellow Wag, Wheatear, many Sand Martins and 1+ Swallow (Bruce & Gwen Martin, John Oates). On 3/4 1000+ Sand Martins and 48 Goldeneyes (Dave Anderson).
SANDWICH TERN again at Grafham Water off Mander this pm (Colin Addington per Mark Hawkes).Female Common Scoter at Grafham Water off the dam (RBA).
On the Cam Washes, Upware 1 Ruddy Shelduck flew over, 72 Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Sand Martins (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Bury Fen, Earith 110 Sand Martins. Nearby at Earith Bridge 100 Sand Martins (Owen Marks).
At Ely BF 1 male 1 female 1 juv female Marsh Harrier, 2 Swallows, 50 Sand Martins. Nearby at Roswell Pits 45 Sand Martins (Monica & Owen Marks).
3rd April
SANDWICH TERN lingering at Grafham Water this am off Mander, though can go missing. Still present at about 11.20am. (Colin Addington). No sign in the afternoon, but Common Tern there (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley, John Oates).
At Paxton Pits NR Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling at Heronry North. Also Goldeneyes and 400 Sand Martins there. Sedge Warbler singing nr the Kingfisher hide. Several Blackcaps & Willow Warblers in the area (Jamie Wells).
Merlin just north of Little Wilbraham 7.15am (Ian Delgado).
Male White Wagtail just south of Yaxley FC on the Holme Road (Gordon Hamlett/Peterbirder)
60 Black-tailed Godwits on Cam Washes, Upware this evening (Ian Delgado).
At Fen Drayton GP 3 Sedge and 3 Willow Warblers, a singing Corn Bunting and approx. 300 Golden Plovers (Dean Harlow).
At Hinchingbrooke park a singing Nuthatch (Dean Harlow).
At Sutton Gault 2/4 1 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 15 Golden Plover, 15 Snipe, 3 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Shelduck, 9 Sand Martin, 17 Fieldfare, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler (Mark Peck).
On 2/4 at Wicken Fen 2 male Marsh Harriers,1 female Hen Harrier, 60+ Sand Martin, Woodcock 3 or 4 displaying (Carol Inskipp, Christoph Zockler).
Nearby in Leicestershire a pair of Ring-necked Ducks at the north end of Eyebrook Res (RBA). Showing very well this evening (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley, John Oates).
2nd April
Sedge Warbler at Long Drove, Cottenham. Nearby a Wheatear near Twenty Pence pub (Ian Barton).
At Fen Drayton GP 30 Sand Martins & 2 White Wags (Bruce & Gwen Martin). Also Willow Warbler (RBA). On 1/4 pair of Garganey, Redpoll and Sedge Warbler (plus a grass snake in extreme close-up!) (Simon Henderson). Also 200+ Sand Martins bunched into a single flock, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 LRP (Mark Telfer).
At Wicken Fen an imm Peregrine and 5 Dunlins. Also Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and 30+ Sand Martins (John Oates).
On the Cam Washes at Upware approx TL537697 200 Blackwits, 1 LRP, 1 Dunlin, albino Black-headed Gull (John Oates). Also 250+ Sand Martins (Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne).
No sign of the Waxwings at Orton Mere (approx TL166972, west of Peterborough. Access off Oundle Road). 3 Willow Warblers and 2 Grey Wags (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder)
Egyptian Goose, adult, in front of the remaining hide in Ferry Meadows CP at 8.30 am (Charles Harvey/Peterbirder).
At the Nene Washes, Dog in a Doublet c70 Black-tailed Godwit near the cow sheds with several hundred more at even greater distance (Brian Stone/Peterbirder).
On 1/4 at the Cam Washes, Upware Willow Warbler, 6 Sand Martins moving through (Keith Honnor).
At Paxton Pits NR on 1/4 a Common Buzzard and Blackcap (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
On 1/4 at Dogsthorpe Star Pit, Peterborough 2 Willow Warblers and 7 Sand Martins passing through westwards, also 4 Yellowhammer (Rich Broughton)
On 1/4 c30 Sand Martins in St Ives (Mark Telfer).
1st April
5 WAXWINGS at 7.30 pm in trees just to the south of Orton Mere signal box (Charles Harvey).
On the Cam Washes at Upware Little Egret again (John Oates, Simon Stirrup et al). Also Merlin, escaped large falcon, 2 Marsh Harriers, 400 Blackwits, 2 Ruffs, 5 Oystercatchers, 30 Snipes, 10 Fieldfares, Yellow Wagtail (several observers). Also Peregrine reported 9.15am (RBA).
At Sutton Gault 1 Little Egret flying south west towards Chain Corner at 7.10pm. (Mark Peck).
At Fen Drayton GP 1 Common Buzzard flew NE, 1st s Little Gull, 1 Chiloe Wigeon, 60 Black-tailed Godwits, 43 Golden Plovers, 10 Pintails, 1 Kingfisher, 140 + Sand Martins, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wag (Monica & Owen Marks, Richard Patient).
At Ely BF 2 Marsh Harriers. Nearby at Roswell Pits, female Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 2 male & 2 female Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaffs, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (Monica & Owen Marks).
On the Ouse Washes at Pymore Rail Bridge 38 Black-tailed Godwits flying SW, 15 Pochard, 22 Fieldfares, 1 Willow Warbler (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Over Fen 2 Garganey, just west of Over. Also Spotshank, 50 Ruff, 127 Blackwits, 2 Sand Martins (Richard Fowling per Richard Allison).
At Earith Yellow Wagtail. On 30/3 Pinkfoot still present at the gravel pits and a male Hen Harrier (David Griffiths, Earith/Cambirds).
At Wicken Fen 150 Blackwits, 1 Marsh Harrier (Dean Harlow, John Oates, Trudy Parker).
31st March
At Long Drove, Cottenham 1 male Merlin, 1 Blackwit, 2 Sand Martins. On 30/3 c600 Blackwits flew over in the evening heading WSW (Richard Thomas).
At Wicken Fen 850+ Blackwits, 2 Dunlins, male Hen Harrier, 2 Marsh Harriers (Jono Leadley, John Oates).
On the Cam Washes at Upware 1 or 2 Swallows, 5 Sand Martins, 4 Marsh Harriers (2 males, 2 females over Wicken), 2 Ruff (Bruce & Gwen Martin, John Oates). Also 1000 Blackwits, Yellow Wag, LRP (RBA).
At Milton Tip 1 very pale gull, apparently a leucistic 2nd CY Herring Gull, or possibly a Herring x Glauc/Iceland hybrid (Richard Thomas). Also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (Jono Leadley) and an albino Black-headed Gull (Peter Herkenrath).
On the Nene Washes a Grey Wagtail at Dog in a Doublet sluice (Matt Francis/Peterbirder). Also 30 Black-tailed Godwits flew over (Bill Meek/Peterbirder). At Eldernell 2 Marsh Harriers, Kingfisher and Barn Owl (RBA).
At Paxton Pits NR (www.paxton-pits.org.uk) on 28/3 LRP, on 30/3 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcaps, 16 Golden Plovers, 2 Ruddy Ducks and on 31/3 2 Willow Warblers, 60+ Blackwits, 30 Redshanks, 100+ Sand Martins, 4 Teals (per Julian Hughes).
At Cage Lane, Stretham female Black Redstart for 15 minutes late am (Ian Barton, Monica & Owen Marks, Kathleen Rosewarne).
30th March
At Wicken Fen 3 Marsh Harriers (2 males), 1 male Hen Harrier, 4 Buzzards, 1 female Peregrine, 848 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Willow Warbler (Ian Barton, Martin Lester).
At Ferry Meadows CP Common Tern (Steve Dudley & Chas Harvey/Peterbirder) and 2 Willow Warblers (Chas Harvey/Peterbirder).
At Grafham Water Harrier sp east of dam (RBA). Plummer Car park was reopened to the Public today (Martin R Adlam/Cambirds).
A Curlew flew north-west 7.45am at the Wilburton to 20 Pence Road (Monica & Owen Marks).
On the Cam Washes at Upware 5.35pm 194 Black-tailed Godwits, 32 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers, 14 Fieldfares (Monica & Owen Marks). Later on 82 Redshanks, 5 Ruffs, 11 Pochards, 25 Tufted Ducks (John Oates).
On Swaffham Prior Fen 1 juv male Merlin, 2 Grey Partridges near carrot factory and 2 male Marsh Harriers towards Wicken Fen (Monica & Owen Marks).
3 Marsh Harriers at Queen Adelaide (RBA).
2 Grey wags at Dog in a Doublet (Brian Stone/Peterbirder).
29th March
Drake Garganey briefly at Long Drove, Cottenham (Richard Thomas).
On the Cam Washes at Upware c900 Blackwits (Ian Barton per Richard Thomas). Late pm on 28/3 4 Ruff, 2 Oystercatchers, 40 Redshank, 28 Snipe, 2 Sand Martins, 2 Barn Owls (Carol Inskipp, Monica & Owen Marks, Christoph Zockler).
At Grafham Water 6 Goosanders, up to 100 Sand Martins and several Chiffchaffs. No sign of the Red-breasted Mergansers. The nature reserve is open as usual, as are the fisherman's car park and Marlow car park. Plummer car park remains closed (not due to FMD). There are still some footpath restrictions. (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley, Bruce Martin).
At Paxton Pits NR female Red-crested Pochard on South Heronry pit, 4 Ruddy Ducks, 8 Redwings, singing Blackcap, 40 Sand Martins, 20 singing Chiffchaff (Martin R Adlam/Cambirds, Bruce Martin).
At Fen Drayton GP female Wheatear on the access road from Swavesey. Also Chiloe Wigeon on Moore Lake & 64 Pintail. (Rick Frolich, Bruce Martin).
On 26/3 a Merlin north of Cottenham (flew south-east). (Monica & Owen Marks).
28th March
At Grafham Water a pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS off the fishing lodge, Mander car park till dusk (Colin Addington, Mark Hawkes).
27th March
At Milton Tip, Butt Lane 2+ 2nd CY Yellow-legged Gulls with c2000 large gulls (Dick Newell).
Red Kite over Wicken Fen am (Ian Barton). Please view this area only from surrounding roads (e.g. at Upware).
Willow Warbler, 11 Sand martins, 2 Chiffchaffs at Orton Mere (RBA).
At Kings Dyke NR am 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jack Snipe, pair of Ruddy Ducks(George/Peterbirder).
At Fen Drayton GP 780 Blackwits, 6 Ruff, c500 Golden Plovers (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
On the Cam Washes 5 Blackwits (John Oates) and a Peregrine (Bruce & Gwen Martin). Recently also LRP and Ruff (Ian Barton).
26th March
At the Cam Washes, Upware escaped large Falcon again this am. Also 16 Blackwits, 35 Redshanks and 2 Sand Martins (John Oates).
At Ferry Meadows early pm 25+ Lesser Redpoll, very flighty, but mainly between Bluebell Bridge and the remaining hide. c15 Chiffchaff, c20 Reed Buntings, 2 Sparrowhawks (Charles Harvey/Peterbirder).
At the Ouse Washes RSPB visitor centre 1 Swallow and a Chiffchaff at the visitor centre today, plus still good numbers of Tree Sparrows, Corn Buntings & Yellowhammers (Dave Suddaby).
Cuckoo reported flying north over Little End Road, St. Neots early am (RBA).
25th March
At Milton Tip 2nd s Med Gull and 2 2CY and 1 3CY Yellow-legged Gulls (Dick Newell, Simon Stirrup). Access to the tip by permit only.
On the Cam Washes at Upware pm 2nd s Med Gull (probably the same as Milton above), 89 Blackwits, 40 Redshanks, male Marsh Harrier, Merlin, 5 Sand Martins, 1 White Wag, 1 Grey Wag (Monica & Owen Marks, John Oates).
At Fen Drayton GP 104 Blackwits. This site is very flooded and access is limited. (Monica & Owen Marks). Also 1 Redshank, 1 White Wagtail with flock of 10-15 Pied Wagtails, 2 Probable ChiffChaffs (Martin Phillips).
On the Nene Washes 1 female Marsh Harrier and a group of 3-4 Tree Sparrows down Eldernell Lane pm(Matt Francis/Peterbirder). At Dog in a doublet, good selection of wildfowl viewable from bridge, also Sand Martin 9, Ruff 1, large flock of Golden Plovers (Bob Titman/Peterbirder). Apparently on 24th when the water was lower there were 500+ Blackwits viewable from the bridge. (per Jake Ward/Bob Titman/Peterbirder).
24th March
On the Cam Washes at Upware drake Garganey, 4 Pintails (2 pairs), LRP (flew north), Dunlin, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Marsh Harriers (male flew west, female flew north) (John Oates, Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne et al). Also Peregrine flew over (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Milton Tip ad summer Med Gull from the A10 footbridge (Mark Hawkes). Also 2 3rd CY Yellow-legged Gulls (Dick Newell).
At Ely beet factory 4.30pm male Marsh Harrier & 3 Sand Martins flew west (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Grunty Fen Blackwit (Richard Thomas) and a Grey Plover flew over (Dick Newell).
23rd March
On the Cam Washes at Upware a Knot (John Oates). More news for 22/3 late pm 1 Oystercatcher, 30 Redshank, 2 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 12 Sand Martin, 1 Chiffchaff (Christoph Zockler).
Marsh Harrier at Roswell Pit, Ely, pm (RBA).
In Cambridge Mandarin female on the River Cam, downstream of Jesus Lock (RBA).
A Waxwing released in Peterborough on 22/3 after being found injured in Birmingham (RBA)
At lunchtime on 22/3 ca1200 large gulls at Milton Tip - ca 300 on Butt Lane, 900 on A14, roughly 3/4's LBBG. Also 1 3CY Yellow-legged Gull. ( Dick Newell).
22nd March
At Fen Drayton GP a pair of Common Scoters on Moore Lake, displaying and mating, up to 6pm. Also 1 redhead Smew, 2 Sand Martins and 2 Oystercatchers. Green Sand around trout pit and 200+ Blackwits and a few Pintail on island area in centre of ferry lagoon. (Dave Anderson).
On the Cam Washes at Upware 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Dunlin (Bruce & Gwen Martin, John Oates).
5 Sand Martins and 4 Goosanders (1 drake) at Grafham, Mander car park this evening. The only access is to Mander (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley).
21st March
At Paxton Pits NR late pm redhead Smew, female Red-crested Pochard, 7 Ruddy Ducks (4 males, 3 females), 2 Shelduck, 102 Goldeneye, 1 Ringed Plover, 9 Golden Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 27 Redshank, 52 Lapwing, 5 Sand Martins, 3 Chiffchaffs (Mark Cornish).
20th March
At Fen Drayton GP 9 Sand Martins on the windsurf pit and further on past the Hunts pit (Moore Lake) on the opposite side c250 Blackwits (Bruce Martin).
At Paxton Pits NR between 10.15 am - 12.20pm 53 species seen. Pick of the bunch 2 Shelduck, 1 redhead Smew, c15 Goldeneye, 6 Gadwall, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 5 Sand Martin, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Treecreeper, 3 Bullfinch, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Redwing, also c700 Woodpigeon including 1 dark phase and a leucistic, for more details on their location please e-mail Martin on: martin@malda.freeserve.co.uk (Martin Adlam).
More from Paxton Pits pm female Marsh Harrier (4.15 - 4.50pm), on Island Pit redhead Smew, 6 Ruddy Duck, on Heronry Pit 6 Sand Martins. Also 80 Goldeneye (in total), 2 Oystercatcher, 11 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail and 40+ Linnets over north. (Mark Cornish).
On Swaffham Prior Fen, near Upware an escaped large Falcon, possibly a hybrid around the carrot factory this afternoon. It has at least one strap on its legs. Presumably the same bird was seen yesterday in the same area towards dusk. Also a Wheatear, 20 Golden Plovers, 150 Fieldfares, 10 Redwings, 2 Corn Buntings (John Oates).
19th March
On the Cam Washes 2 Ruff (John Oates).
Short-eared Owl at St Ives (RBA).
At St Ives BLACK REDSTART still early am (Mark Hawkes).
At Fen Drayton GP 2 House Martins, 8 Sand Martins, 2 Chiffchaffs (RBA).
Stonechat (male) by slip road off A14 at westbound Histon Road exit 08.25 am (Neil Larner).
18th March
At St Ives BLACK REDSTART midday south of the town bridge. Also c200 Blackwits on the floods (James Oates, John Oates). Black Redstart still present at 3 pm (Mark Telfer).
On the Cam Washes at Upware 11.45 am 1 almost adult Peregrine flew over twice, 3 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, Ruff, 1 Dunlin (Monica and Owen Marks). In the evening 2 Oystercatchers, 60 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 6 Ruff, 30+ Snipe, 100+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls roosting with several hundred Black-headed Gulls (Christoph Zockler).
At Paxton Pits NR 1.30 pm 1 Redhead Smew, c20 Goldeneye, 3 Sand Martins, 1 Chiffchaff (Monica and Owen Marks). Also 10+ Sand Martins, 2 Shelducks, 2 Chiffchaffs, female Red-crested Pochard, redhead Smew, Goldcrest, 79 occupied Cormorant nests, Teal, 70 Goldeneyes, 8 Ruddy Ducks, 2 Oystercatchers, 7+ Redshanks, 13 Fieldfares (Julian Hughes www.paxton-pits.org.uk)
Grafham Water from Mander Car Park 4.30 pm, 1 female Goosander, 1 Sparrowhawk (Monica and Owen Marks).
On Holywell GP Chiloe Wigeon (James Oates, John Oates).
At Fen Drayton GP 5 Sand Martins, 15 Goldeneyes (James Oates, John Oates).
On 17/3 on Hemingford Meadow 140 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Redshank, 6 Ruff, 1 Dunlin and 4 Shelduck (Mark Telfer).
On 16/3 at Paxton Pits 30 Fieldfares, Redwing, 2 Shelducks, 2 Chiffchaffs, 50 Linnets (Jamie Wells per Julian Hughes www.paxton-pits.org.uk) and on 17/3 12 Redwings, 8 Ruddy Ducks, 4 Shelducks, 4 Dunlins, 6 Oystercatchers, 80 Meadow Pipits (Martin Davis per Julian Hughes www.paxton-pits.org.uk).
17th March
At Paxton Pits NR female Red-crested Pochard, Sand Martin, 3 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldeneyes (James Oates, John Oates, Mark Ward).
At St. Ives BLACK REDSTART in residential complex south east of town bridge (RBA). No sign late PM, but 50 Blackwits and 2 Ruffs on floods (Mark Hawkes, James Oates, John Oates).
15th March
Female BLACK REDSTART in St Ives this morning, from the road south of the humpback bridge over the Great Ouse (Bridge St/ London Road). It was feeding either side of the road, and commuting from one side to the other through the arches under the road. (Mark Telfer). still present early PM around the bridge (Bruce Martin).
At the Cam Washes, Upware 2 Pintails, 1 Blackwit, 2 Dunlins, 9 Ruffs, 2 Oystercatchers, 26 Golden Plovers, 40 Redshanks, 30 Snipes (John Oates). On 14/3 16 Ruff, 3 Dunlin, 40 Redshanks, 40+ Snipes, 2 Pintails, 6 Shovelers, 1 Barn Owl (Carol Inskipp, Christoph Zöckler).
Near Roswell Pits, Ely a Marsh Harrier (RBA).
14th March
At Paxton Pits, recent reports to www.paxton-pits.org.uk 3 Whooper Swans south, 24 Sand Martins, possible Swallow, 28 Golden Plovers, 7 Ruddy Duck, redhead Smew, 7 Snipe (per Julian Hughes).
At Grunty Fen 3rd CY Caspian Gull, 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls, 350 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 100 Herring Gulls (Mark Ward).
At the Cam washes, Upware 2 Pintails, 7 Ruff (John Oates).
13th March
At Fen Drayton GP 5 Sand martins, 200 Blackwits and Goshawk reported (RBA).
At Paxton Pits, recent reports to www.paxton-pits.org.uk 2 Sand Martins, 3 Chiffchaffs, 50-60 occupied Cormorant nests. On 11/3 redhead Smew, Water Rail (per Julian Hughes).
12th March
On the Cam Washes at Upware 1 Sand Martin, 14 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 40 Redshanks, 25 Snipes, 2 Pintails (John Oates).
At Grafham Water 5 Bewick's Swans off Plummer car park. View only from road (Colin Addington per Mark Hawkes).
In Cambridge Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling at Sherlock Road near Huntingdon Road. Bird was visible in large tree in garden behind flat detached houses (Christoph Zockler).
On 11/3 Little Paxton one female Smew, about 6 singing Chiffchaffs (Christoph Zockler).
11/3 a female Stonechat at the edge of a field S of Fulbourn hospital (Richard Thewlis).
11th March
On the Cam Washes at Upware this afternoon LITTLE EGRET, 3 Sand Martins, 17 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 40 Redshanks, Oystercatcher (Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne, Richard Thomas, John Oates).
At Grunty Fen 2nd CY Yellow-legged Gull this morning and yesterday (Mark Ward).
At Milton Tip 3 CY Yellow-legged Gull from the A14 layby (Dick Newell).
At Paxton Pits 4 Sand Martins, 2 Chiffchaffs, ad Yellow-legged Gull, 38 Goldeneyes, 6 Ruddy Ducks, 8 Jack Snipe, 28 Snipe, 8 Golden Plovers, 7 Fieldfares, 2 Redwings. Paxton Pits remains open (except for the public footpath to Diddington, through Broughton Farm). Visitors are asked to keep to the trails. For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (per Julian Hughes).
10th March
On the Ouse Washes at Earith 5 Sand Martins flew south. Also Saker again and a Pinkfoot with Greylags. (David Griffiths @ Earith/Cambirds).
At Fen Drayton GP 3 Sand Martins feeding on Far Fen pond, 7 Smew (2 drakes) extreme SW corner of Moore Lake (4 redheads there last weekend). Also 2 Oystercatchers and 1 Shelduck (Dave Anderson).
At Paxton Pits 3 Chiffchaffs, ad Yellow-legged Gull, Dunlin, 17 Ringed Plovers, Goosander, 2-4 Oystercatchers Paxton Pits remains open (except for the public footpath to Diddington, through Broughton Farm). Visitors are asked to keep to the trails. For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk.(per Julian Hughes).
At Milton Tip leucistic Black-headed Gull (Simon Stirrup). Access to permit holders only.
9th March
At Sutton Gault this morning 1 SAND MARTIN, 150 Black-tailed Godwit, 120 Lapwing, 36 Golden Plover, 7 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 14 Common Gull (Mark Peck).
7th March
At Grunty Fen ad Caspian Gull, 1st w Med Gull & Eastern Jackdaw (Mark Ward).
At Little Paxton 9 Smew and female Red-crested Pochard still (RBA).
An escaped Saker seen heading towards Wyton, nr Huntingdon. It's wearing jesses and a bell. (Rich Broughton).
At Sutton Gault: 500 Black-tailed Godwit, 43 Golden Plover, 31 Ruff, 20 Redshank, 187 Fieldfare. (Mark Peck).
Nearby in Lincs 6/3 at Deeping High Bank (Welland Bank) 3.30 - 4.25 pm 7 Goosanders and 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser. The start of the bank is at approx. TF230107 (OS map sheet 131). The Merganser was in close company with a female Goosander, about 2 miles away from the rest of the group (Bob Frost).
6th March
At Sutton Gault 440+ Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 7 Ruff, 2 Kingfisher (Mark Peck).
At Meadow Lane GP 3 Green Sand, 2 Ruff, 8 Redshank (Mark Hawkes).
On 4/3 from the humpback bridge in St Ives centre, 1 Knot, 2 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, c.10 Redshank, 2 Shelduck, c.300 Golden Plover, c.300 Lapwing on meadows (Mark Telfer).
5th March
No sign of any Geese at Fodder Fen Common, Manea, early afternoon today (Mark Peck).
At Sutton Gault 460 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover, 22 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 7 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 159 Fieldfare, 22 Redwing (Mark Peck).
Red-crested Pochard female still at Little Paxton (RBA).
A female-type hybrid Scaup x Pochard at Fen Drayton GP's on 4/3. The bird is very similar to an imm. female Scaup. (Dave Buckingham per Mark Telfer).
Nearby in Lincs Red-breasted Merganser male along Deeping High bank (generally opposite the first turn off to Deeping St. Nicholas, perhaps 2 miles NE of the water tower) with several Goosander and (on 4/3 with a male and a redhead Smew). Bird was first found by John Holmes last Saturday. It has been displaying frantically to the redhead Goosanders.(Andy Brown/Peterbirder)
4th March
At Fodder Fen Common, north of Manea 8 GREENLAND WHITEFRONTS, 2 Pinkfeet, 1 European Whitefront (RBA).
3 WAXWINGS on the A10 in trees either side near a garden with rosehips at the front just south of where the sign/turn for Stretham village is. They flew off very high to the east at about 5.15pm (Mark Ward).
At Sutton Gault 2 Goldeneye, 400 Black-tailed Godwit, 47 Ruff, 15 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (Mark Peck).
At Paxton Pits, which remains open 4 Smew (2 drakes), male Goosander, 11 Ruddy Duck (7 drakes), Jack Snipe, 2 Shelduck, Knot, 5 Redshank (Also female Red-crested Pochard reported on 3/2). For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes).
3rd March
At Fodder Fen Common, north of Manea 8 GREENLAND WHITEFRONTS, 2 Pinkfeet, 1 European Whitefront, 1 Greylag, 40 Bewick's Swans, 5 Whooper Swans and 15 Golden Plovers viewable from minor road at TL485928 (John Oates).
GLAUCOUS GULL 1st w at March Tip (BLEA).
At Grunty Fen Sacpian Gull 2nd w/3rd s (Richard Millington).
At Milton Tip 2nd w Yellow-legged Gull (Simon Stirrup).
2nd March
Ad Kittiwake at the quay in St Ives. untill 11 am at least. It fights with the rest of the Black-headed Gulls for the bits of bread thrown out for them. When the bird isn't feeding it drifts on the river down toward the by-pass bridge. (Bob Frost, Darren Frost). Still present in the afternoon (Mark Telfer).
1st March
At Grafham Water 3 FULMARS late afternoon (1 Plummer - looking very ill close inshore & 2 Mander). (Mark Hawkes).
At about 2.20pm a FULMAR flew over A1096/A1123 near St Ives and seemed to land on Meadow Lane GP (the lake where the Lesser Scaups were). (Marcus Kohler per Richard Thomas). No sign later (Mark Hawkes).
FULMAR 5 miles SW of Cambridge in ploughed field by A603, 10am at least (RBA). No sign late AM (Mark Hawkes).
At the Cam Washes, Upware 5 Pintails, 10 Snipe, 10 Shelducks, 400 Wigeon, 30 Teal (John Oates).
Stonechat at Kingfisher's Bridge (John Oates).
Nearby in Norfolk 2 Fulmars at Welney. Reserve now closed due to Foot and Mouth (RBA).
In Beds 3 Fulmars at Brogborough Lake
Blue-winged Teal still at Earls Barton, but reserve closed due to Foot and Mouth (RBA).
28th February
At Little Paxton 5 Smew (2 drakes) on Heronry pit (RBA).
1 Grey Wagtail Mill pond on Cam (Michael Holdsworth).
27th February
The Whitefronts were feeding at Manea on arable with wild Swans (Alex Thomas). This is the flock containgin the Greenland Whitefronts.
On 25/2 at TL523597 D'Engaynes Fen (L Wilbraham Fen SSSI) by A14/Newmarket Rd roundabout) 1 Stonechat, 250 Golden Plover on flooded field, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Sparrowhawk, 25 Fieldfare, 4 Snipe (Michael Holdsworth).
26th February
At Grafham Water 1st w GLAUCOUS GULL again in the roost (RBA).
At Little Paxton 9 Smew (3 drakes) (RBA).
On the Ouse Washes redhead Smew on the Barrier bank side past the railway and ROCK PIPIT on the Cradge bank past the railway and at Earith 120 Blackwits and a Merlin. On 23/2 31 Tree Sparrows, 24 Corn Buntings, 8 Yellowhammers all around the visitor centre. (Alex Thomas)
At Sutton Gault 5 Shelduck, 90 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 176 Fieldfares. (Mark Peck).
On River Cam in Cambridge, behind the Graduate pub, downstream of Jesus lock, (TL 453594) at 9.40am today, male and female Mandarin again together with male Wood Duck. (David Bradnum).
On the Cam Washes at Upware 10 Pintails, 400 Wigeons, 30 Shelducks 1 Dunlin, 7 Ruffs, 8 Redshanks and 15 Snipe (John Oates).
Nearby in Northants drake Blue-winged Teal on Pete Wilde Lake, Summerleys NR (RBA).
25th February
At Grafham Water imm GLAUCOUS GULL off Mander car park 5.15pm. Also 2 KITTIWAKES (1st w and ad) and 2 Med Gulls (ad and 2nd w) off Plummer car park. (Mark Hawkes).
GLAUCOUS GULL 1st w Grunty Fen early AM (RBA).
At Milton Tip 2 1st winter Caspian Gulls, 1 2CY GLAUCOUS GULL, 2 2CY Yellow-legged Gulls and ca 5 Redpolls (Dick Newell)
At Sutton Gault: 3 Goosander (2 male + 1 female) (Mark Peck).
At Little Paxton Chiffchaff, 7 Goosanders, 2 Jack Snipe, 25 Snipe, Green Sand, 4 Pink-footed Geese, 16 Ringed Plovers, 14 Ruddy Ducks, 3 Shelducks, 8 Smew (Jamie Wells, Steve May, Ray Pressley, Jim & Doreen Mackman per Julian Hughes) For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk
On the Nene Washes at March Farmers Barnacle Goose, 5 Bewick's Swans and 100 Whooper Swans. Nearby at Eldernell Peregrine perched in east end of trees immediately in front of car park, before flying off (Matt Francis/Peterbirder).
22 Woodcock at Wicken Fen, counted from the first gate up from Upware on Wicken Lode at dusk (Ian Barton & Kathleen Rosewarne).
A male Merlin at Hill Farm, Thorney (George/Peterbirder).
5 Whooper Swans and 25 Golden Plovers at Priors Fen on arable (George/Peterbirder).
Egyptian Goose on the river in the centre of Stamford (Rich Broughton).
In Cambridge a pair of mandarins and a drake Wood Duck downstream of Jesus Lock by Graduate pub (RBA).
On 24th At Cottenham Long Drove a male Merlin and at the Cam washes, Upware 7 Dunlin, 5 Ruff among loads of Lapwings and Golden Plovers (Ian Barton & Kathleen Rosewarne).
Nearby in Northants drake Blue-winged Teal on Mary's Lake, Summerleys NR, Earls Barton.
In Norfolk at Welney the 8 Greenland Whitefronts and 1 European Whitefront (RBA).
24th February
At Grunty Fen: 1 male Stonechat, 1 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull (michahellis), 1 1st winter Glaucous Gull. (Dick Newell).
At Milton Tip: an elegant albino Black-headed Gull. 2 Lesser Redpoll. (Peter Herkenrath).
At Wicken Fen: 2 male Hen Harrier, 2 Barn Owl, 1 Peregrine. (Bruce Martin).
23rd February
At Needingworth: 114 Redshank, 1150 Black-tailed Godwit, 313 Dunlin, c6000 Golden Plover, c2000 Lapwing, 1 Spotted R edshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. (Bruce Martin).
21st February
At March Farmers, Nene Washes: 152 Whooper Swan, 821 Bewick's Swan and a Barnacle Goose feeding amongst them. (Jonathan Taylor).
At Sutton Gault: 200 Coot, 200 Black-tailed Godwit, 9 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Barn Owl. (Mark Peck)
20th February
At the Pike & Eel, Needingworth: The flood waters are going down and behind the marina the Black-tailed Godwits (790) are still there, together with c2000 each of Golden Plover & Lapwing, 123 Dunlin and uncounted Ruff, ( they disappeared whilst I was checking colour rings!) A wonderful sight to see. (Bruce Martin).
18th February
Paxton Pits: Bittern reported twice (Thursday and Saturday), 8 Smew (3 males), 7 Goosanders (5 males), pair of Pintail, 25 Snipe, Shelduck, Green Sandpiper, 6 Golden Plovers, 2 pairs of Yellowhammers (all Sunday). For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (per Julian Hughes)
17th February
Cam Washes: Loads of Wigeon and Lapwing, 40+ Snipe, 18 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Sand. Water receded a lot and looking good. Flock of 100+ Corn Bunting on Long Drove Waterbeach. (Kathleen Rosewarne/ Ian Barton).
16th February
Saker Falcon back at Earith again this morning being mobbed by a Peregrine, the pair heading north along the Washes spreading panic amongst other birds. No sign of yesterday's LS Woodpecker, though. (David Griffiths).
Nene Washes: Bittern seen in flight over Eldernell Pits heading east. Sparrowhawk in pursuit of Green Woodpecker at Lord's Holt. Wigeon in big numbers on North Bank alongside flooded Nene Washes both east and west of car park at Eldernell. Plenty of Swans on field at March Farmers. (Chris Monk).
Paxton Pits: 4 Ruddy Duck, 1 Barnacle Goose, 1 Bar-wit, 10 Dunlin, 20 Redshank, 15 Ringed Plover & 20 Golden Plover (per Martin Smith), (Jamie Wells).
Milton Tip: 3 Yellow- legged Gulls (michahellis) 1 3CY, 2 2CY's. One of the 2CY's looked small and dark with a not very white head - I suspect Portuguese, c2000 Lapwing. (Dick Newell).
At Wicken Fen Peregrine over the Mere, plus 1 Bittern seen flying about 5.15. 2 Dunlin on Baker's Fen. (Kathleen Rosewarne/Ian Barton).
15th February
Ouse Washes: Update on geese - still present at Fodder Fen Common, Manea (TL485928), White-fronts - A.a.flavirostris 2 adults and 6 juv's, A.a.albifrons 1 juv, Pink-foot - 2. Today at Ouse Visitor Centre area - Corn Bunting 145 and Stonechat 2, (Dave Suddaby).
Paxton Pits: Waxwing near Visitor Centre at midday (Chris Sargeant), Buzzard east over Sailing Lake at 2 pm, 8 Ruddy Duck, 3 males, (Jim Mackman). For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes).
At Kingfisher's Bridge. 2 female Ruddy Shelduck. (Bruce Martin)
14th February
At Milton Tip: A 2CY Glaucous Gull, it could be viewed in fields from the A14 layby. (Steve Cooper).
13th February
At Kingfisher's Bridge. 1 female Ruddy Shelduck. (Bruce Martin/ James Cadbury).
From Wicken Fen: 420 Black-tailed Godwits on Baker's Fen, 1 Marsh Harrier, it's a 2nd yr male so is more likely to be an over-wintering bird than a very early arrival (I think!!). One of the Bitterns is being very obliging of late. It has regularly been seen either on the Sedge Fen or on the flooded grass between the lode bank and reed bed directly in front of the Tower Hide. (Martin Lester).
12th-13th February
Nene Washes: If somebody has lost 2000 Pochard we've got them! count of 4060 (previous record was 2250!), Pintail 2670 (highest count since 1968), Wigeon 10,800, Tufted Duck 750, Bewick's Swan 773, Whooper Swan 111, Water Pipit 15, Peregrine 1 adult ( 2 adults last week, quite easy to see a round Eldernell Decoy). Knot 2 east, Black-tailed G odwit 280, Lapwing 7100, Stonechat 3, b.h.gull 15,000 roost on reserve and March Farmers. (Jonathan Taylor).
12th February
At Grunty Fen 1st winter michahellis (Yellow-legged Gull), 1st winter cachinnans (Caspian Gull). (Dick Newell).
10th-11th February. Late News.
At Wicken Fen: Up to three Bitterns, three male and one rt Hen Harrier, one Marsh Harrier, two Peregrines, one Merlin and one Barn Owl. (Martin Lester).
11th February
At Wicken Fen: Up to 3 Bittern, 4 Hen Harrier (3 male), 2 Peregrine, 1 Merlin, 1 Barn Owl.
Near Pike & Eel, Needingworth: 950 Black-tailed Godwit, 35 Ruff, 25 Dunlin, 55 Redshank, c1500 Golden Plover.
A14 between Bar Hill and Longstanton: a Merlin chasing a Skylark).(Peter Herkenrath).
At Paxton Pits: Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, 8 Pintail, 10 Goosander, female Red-crested Pochard, 10 Smew (3 drakes), 3 Ruddy Duck (2 drakes). For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes).
At Cherryhinton: DARTFORD WARBLER a female /1st winter spent 30 minutes in a Bridewell Road garden on Feb 4th. (Chris Kelly). If accepted this will constitute the first record for Cambridgeshire
10th February
At Grunty Fen Tip: 1, 1st winter Glaucous Gull x Herring Gull hybrid.(Simon Stirrup).
At Milton Tip: 1 Eastern Jackdaw, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult & 2nd winter). (Simon Stirrup & Peter Herkenrath).
At Sutton Gault: 1 Saker Falcon, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Stonechat, 40 Corn Bunting, 9 Black-tailed Godwit, 40 Tufted Duck, 3 Ruddy Duck, 4 Whooper Swan. (Mark Peck).
At Fen Drayton GP: 3 Smew (2 male), 404 Pintail.(Bruce Martin).
9th February
At Fen Drayon GP: 780 Black-tailed Godwit, 27 Ruff (Bruce Martin).
8th February
Dog in a Doublet: At least 1 Water Pipit with a small party of Meadow Pipits on the flooded field immediately opposite the pub. (Brian Stone).
Tennis Court Road Cambridge this am, a male Goshawk over briefly. (Richard Billington).
TL3628. That is between Fenstanton and Fen Drayton. 4 Black-tailed Godwit on the edge of flood water. (John Le Gassick).
7th February
Around the visitor centre at the Ouse Washes; 26 Tree Sparrows, 40 Corn Buntings, 25 Yellow Hammers, 12 Reed Buntings and in the morning the Saker falcon. (Alex Thomas RSPB).
6th February
Same juv Glaucous Gull at Grunty Fen this am.(Dick Newell)
5th February
At Sutton Gault: 180 Pochard, 72 Tufted Duck, 3 Ruddy Duck, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Ruff, 680 Golden Plover, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 pair Stonechat. (Mark Peck).
4th February
Ouse Washes (Welches Dam), c30 Tree Sparrows, 100+ Corn Buntings around the visitor centre. (S Henderson & Jem Holding).
Wicken Fen, male Hen Harrier, male Goosander. A Pochard hybrid. The bird was a female and was very stumpy with a short bill compared to pochard. It also had a white face with very distinct dark markings around the outside of the face. The general shape of the bird did not seem like a diving duck and I'm wondering if it was a hybrid with an anas type duck. (Richard Billington). Anyone else seen this bird? Bruce.
Paxton Pits: 14 Smew (inc 4 males), the highest count ever at the Pits. 144 Cormorants in the roost (including 20 on nests), 104 Stock Doves and 3000 corvids in roost, 15 Fieldfares (Wed 7th). For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes).
3rd February
At Milton Tip, 2nd cal yr GLAUCOUS GULL, 1200 Lapwing, 60 Golden Plover (Peter Herkenrath). Access to the tip by permit only.
At Grunty Fen, 1 juv Glaucous Gull, large bird (male?), probably a new bird because looked different (darker and more strongly marked) from the large bird at Milton in January - this must be a record year for G laucous in Cambs, 1 1st winter Caspian Gull (Dick Newell).
At Eldernell, 1 Stonechat, 3 Barn Owls, 30 Fieldfares, 1 Kestrel, 100 Yellowhammers, 50 Reed Buntings, 10 Long-tailed Tits and 3 Redshanks. (William Bowell).
At Wicken Fen, Male Hen Harrier, Bullfinch (pair), Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk. Also several calling Water Rail (Ken Griffin).
2nd February
Warden today reported 2 Long-eared Owls roosting in dense hawthorn scrub on the northern edge of the Dogsthorpe Star Pit reserve.(Brian Stone).
At Paxton Pits, 8 Smew (3 male), 1 male Goosander, 5 Lesser Redpoll (Bruce Martin, Mark Ward).
At Grafham Water, 15 Ruddy Duck & 1 Common Sandpiper.(per Colin Addington).
31st January
At Eldernell, Nene Washes pm Bittern flushed by dog from dyke near small pumphouse west of car park. Also 54 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Ruff, 10 Redshank, 20 Dunlin, 87 Bewick's and 3 Whooper Swans, Barn Owl and 3 Water Rails (Mark Cornish).
In Beds the Laughing Gull again at Stewartby Lake this am (RBA).
30th January
Goshawk (probably female) over Lovell Road, Cambridge - near the Golden Hind pub on A10 Milton Road (Richard Bashford & Jeff Stenning per Richard Thewlis).
At Fowlmere RSPB Willow Tit at 1.30pm along river (RBA).
In Beds the Laughing Gull again at Stewartby Lake this am (RBA).
29th January
At Cottenham, Long Drove COMMON CRANE (BLEA).
Possible Goshawk this am over Girton (Guy Dutson).
On 28/1 5 Tree Sparrows at Ouse Washes RSPB visitor centre. Nearby 2 Pinkfeet and 9 Whitefronts (8 ad, 1 imm - thought to have been European but seen in bad light) with mixed flock of swans north of Manea on road to Welney (Brian Cleary, Simon Stirrup).
On 28/1 pm at Wicken Fen, Tower Hide 3 Bitterns, 2 male Hen Harriers, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Tawny Owls and 1 Long-eared Owl (Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne). Also 2 Stonechats (Martin Lester).
On 28/1 at Southey Wood 2 Woodcocks (Richard Patient).
In the Morborne area on 28/12 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites (Richard Patient)
On the Nene Washes at March Farmers on 28/1 male Hen Harrier, 15 Whoopers, 49 Bewick's, 16 Ruffs (Richard Patient) .
On 27/1 Green Sandpiper in flooded field next to allotments in Impington (along with c.200 Fieldfare, 30 Redwings). Also 2 Little Owls in Impington (David Wege).
In Beds the Laughing Gull again at Stewartby Lake this AM, but no sign in the evening (RBA).
28th January
FERRUGINOUS DUCK drake at Cow Lane GP Also Green Sand (John Oates).
On the Nene Washes at Eldernell 4pm 20 Black Tailed Godwits, 12 Ruff, 100+ Golden Plover, 1 Barn Owl. At March Farmers 4.45pm 2 ad Caspian Gulls very close with large gull roost just behind metal farm buildings. Plenty of Bewicks Swans coming into roost + 12 Whoopers (Matt Francis).
At Paxton Pits 10 Smew (3 drakes), 11 Redpolls, 2 Goosanders, fem Red-crested Pochard, fem Ruddy Duck, 70+ Goldeneyes, flock of 43 Snipe, Oystercatcher, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Redshanks. For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes)
At Fen Drayton GP 4 Smew (2 drakes), 15 Blackwits, 200 Pintails, 20 Goldeneyes (John Oates). Bittern seen in flight around Holywell Lake (per John Oates).
At Barleycraft GP 1 Stonechat, 3 Ruffs, 18 Dunlins
At Grafham Water, Mander car park 7 Goosanders (3 drakes) (John Oates).
Nearby in Beds 1st w Laughing Gull Stewartby Lake 4.30-5.00pm at least from Sailing Club (RBA).
27th January
At Milton Tip 1w GLAUCOUS GULL (BLEA). Access to the tip by permit only.
Lesser spotted Woodpecker around the Fen Causeway, Cambridge this AM and Black Swan still about (Rich Billington).
At Earith GP Bittern still present. Nearby on the Ouse Washes a probable Goshawk (David Griffiths @ Earith/Cambirds).
At Little Paxton 10 Smew (BLEA).
At Grafham Water Common Sand, 11 Ruddy Ducks & 3 Buzzards E of dam (BLEA). Also 2 Goosanders (John Oates).
Nearby in Beds 1st w Laughing Gull Stewartby Lake 4.00-4.30pm then flew west (RBA).
26th January
At Swaffham Prior Fen male Hen Harrier, 2 Grey Partridges, 500 Golden Plovers (John Oates).
24th January
At Wicken Fen, Tower Hide late afternoon, 1 Bittern, 2 male Hen Harriers, Barn Owl, several calling Water Rails (John Oates).
At Little Paxton 6 Smew (3 Drakes) on Heronry Pit TL 196 629 (RBA).
At Graham Water Common Sand, Grey Wag (RBA).
Blackcap near Green End Road/Milton Road corner in Chesterton (Peter Herkenrath).
Several Corn Buntings and Tree Sparrows at the Ouse Washes RSPB (RBA).
23rd January
At Little Paxton 10 Smew (3 drakes) on Heronry Pit South (BLEA/RBA).
At Grafham Water; 8 Goosander, 15 Ruddy Duck (BLEA).
At Fen Drayton GP drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 7 Ruddy Ducks, 6 Goldeneyes, 2 Pintails, 3 Golden Plovers (John Oates).
22nd January
On Swaffham Prior Fen male Hen Harrier, 4 Grey Partridges (John Oates).
At Orton Longueville 14 Pinkfeet flew over at 8.45am and 2 Pinkfeet flew over at 2.40pm RBA, Steve Dudley/Peterbirder).
Nearby in Beds 4 Common Cranes flew SE over Biggleswade towards Stansted (RBA).
21st January
At Orton Brick Pit this am 1st w GLAUCOUS GULL on ice, 8+ Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Water Rail (George/Peterbirder).
At Milton Tip 1st w GLAUCOUS GULL (BLEA). Access to the tip by permit only.
GLAUCOUS GULL imm at Cow Lane GP again (RBA).
At Grafham Water GLAUCOUS GULL off Mander car park (RBA). Also 4 Smew, 4 Goosander, Knot & 16 Ruddy Duck (BLEA).
At the Ouse Washes redhead Smew (Welches Dam Hide), 60 Corn Buntings & 5 Tree Sparrows (centre), 25 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatchers, 40 Ruff, 1 Blackwit (all north of Mepal), 150+ Whooper Swans, 50+ Bewick's Swans, 1 Black Swan (most of the swans north of the railway bridge), 20 Pintails, 1 poss Tundra Bean Goose flew north. Also good numbers of Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Pochard (John Oates).
20th January
1st w GLAUCOUS GULL still at Dogsthorpe Tip (BLEA).
GLAUCOUS GULL imm (probably) 1st w Grafham Water in the roost, but distant (Colin Addington, John Oates). Also 4 redhead Smew and 16 Ruddy Ducks from Dudney Creek hide (Colin Addington/BLEA) and 4 Goosanders (3 drakes) from Plummer car park (John Oates).
At Cow Lane GP imm GLAUCOUS GULL reported (BLEA).
At Wicken Fen Bittern showed well 30 m from the West Mere hide (looking sharp left) just before dusk for 5 mins before flying off E and landing in reeds (Dave Hatton). Also Peregrine flew over the Lode Bank late afternoon (Carol Inskipp)
At Little Paxton on Heronry Lake 3 Smew (2 drake), female Red-crested Pochard, male Goldeneye, male Goosander. Also 2 Bullfinch and several Fieldfare and Redwing in scrub by Heronry Lake (Ken Griffin).
At Milton Tip Herring x Glauc hybrid and Yellow-legged Gull (Simon Stirrup).
At Fen Drayton GP 2 Smew (1 drake), 120 Pintails, 25 Goldeneyes, drake Tufted Duck x Pochard hybrid, 1 Blackwit (John Oates).
At the Nene Washes RSPB Water Pipit at Eldernell 9am (Mark Cornish per Stuart Elsom/BLEA).
No sign of any Waxwings at Beechwoods this am (John Oates).
19th January
At Dogsthorpe 1st w GLAUCOUS GULL and ad or near-adult Caspian Gull (Mark Ward).
GLAUCOUS GULL 2nd or 3rd w Grafham Water this pm. Also 4 redhead Smew and 16 Ruddy Ducks (RBA).
At Little Paxton 3 drake Smew on Heronry North Pit, 30+ Siskins along the West side of Sailing Lake (Martin Smith per Jamie Wells)
At Sutton Gault 81 Dunlin, 43 Ruff, 45 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 1 Water Rail (Mark Peck).
WAXWINGS at Beechwoods NR 18/1 on the Gog Magogs (per David Griffiths @ Cambridge).
On 18/1 at the Ouse Washes RSPB from Welches Dam to the Norfolk border (west side) 4 redhead Smew, 11 Goldeneyes, ad male Peregrine (railway area) , drakeTufted x Pochard hybrid, 24 Tree Sparrows (at feeding station), 120 Corn Buntings (around centre) , 1 Black Swan, 600 Bewick's swans, 100 Whooper Swans, drake Ruddy Duck. No sign of the Ferruginous Duck (Mark Ward).
On 17/1 13 Tree Sparrows with Chaffinches and Yellowhammers just north of Abbotts Ripton (Richard Bashford).
18th January
GLAUCOUS GULL 1st w on Star Pit Dogsthorpe, 12.45-12.55pm at least. Early it was seen in flight over Dogsthorpe Tip. Also at least 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull (Steve Dudley/Peterbirder). Earlier 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls (Philip Precey/Peterbirder)
At Wicken Fen 3 Bitterns at Wicken Fen at 1.30pm from the Tower Hide. Still a Stonechat there (Ian Barton per Kathleen Rosewarne).
At Grafham Water Knot (RBA).
17th January
GLAUCOUS GULL 1st w at Dogsthorpe Pits. Also ad Yellow-legged Gull (RBA).
At Sutton Gault 590 Pochard, 119 Tufted Duck, 30 Cormorant, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail, 19 Redshank, 4 Snipe, 1 Barn Owl am, and 21 Ruff, 38 Snipe pm (Mark Peck).
16th January
At Milton Tip 2 1st w GLAUCOUS GULLS still present (Dick Newell). Access to permit holders only.
At Little Paxton 6 redhead Smew (RBA).
At Grafham Water 13 Ruddy Ducks (RBA).
FERRUGINOUS DUCK drake on the Ouse Washes 1.5 miles north of the railway bridge on the west side 15/1. Also Saker again. (RBA).
On the Nene Washes 15/1 at March Farmers 2230 Pochards, 2 Knots flew east, 1 Water Pipit. Along washes 5 Stonechats, 18 Blackwits, 30 Ruffs, 180 Redshanks, 1100 Pintails. Gull Roost: 1350 large gulls, 80-90% herring, 100+ GBB's, large proportion of immatures. GLAUCOUS GULL 1 1st/2nd winter, Med Gull 1 adult reported, Common Gull 750+, BHG 4500+.1050 of the large gulls pre-roost gathered at east end of reserve then flew to March Farmers at dusk. Majority of gulls came from Peterborough i.e Dogsthorpe. (Jonathan Taylor).
15th January
Drake Common Scoter at Romsey Town Pit, Cherry Hinton Cement Pits, Cambridge. On the 1st pit, closest to the bottom end of Mill Road. From the E end of Mill Road go straight across the traffic lights. At the bend in the road, follow the footbridge/cycle lane for 50 m to view the pit on the right. (Jeff Stenning per Richard Thewlis).
At Grafham Water female Brambling in Hill farm car park, drake Mandarin at the dam (Stuart Elsom).
At Little Paxton 6 Smew (1 drake) on Heronry Pit, also Woodcock, 3 Goosanders (RBA).
At Sutton Gault 462 Pochards, 127 Tufted Ducks, 9 Pintails, 1 female Goldeneye, 50 Ruffs, 2 Water Rails, 1 male Stonechat, 1 Barn Owl, (Mark Peck).
At Cow Lane GP's on 14/1 1 Chiffchaff at Lake No. 8 and 1 Redshank over the main pit (Mark Telfer).
On 14/1 male and female Stonechat still at Wilbraham Fen. On Teversham Fen (flooded field): 120 Golden Plovers, 60 Lapwings, 21 Wigeons and a few Teal (David Wege).
On 14/1 at Wicken Fen at approx. 3.30 pm 1 Bittern and 1 Peregrine from West Mere Hide (Brian Cleary and Jane Vine).
Merlin flew north over Thorpe Road near roundabout with Nene Parkway on 13/1 (Mike Weedon/Peterbirder).
At Fen Drayton GP on 13/1 19 Blackwits, Spotted Redshank, 3 Water Rails, 2 Stonechat, 5 Ruddy Ducks, Chiffchaff, Whooper Swan (Richard Patient).
Nearby in Beds on 13/1 2 Twite on Biggleswade Common (Dave Buckingham per Mark Telfer).
14th January
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER at Little Paxton, Island Pit (RBA) present until about 12.15pm when flew off and was last seen at 12.29pm when it disappeared to the west (Mark Hawkes, John Oates). Slavonian Grebe and Red-necked Grebe reported on A1 Pit (RBA) but no sign of either early afternoon (Mark Hawkes, John Oates). Other news 8 Smew (inc 3 drake) (Tim Allwood, Julian Hughes, Mark Hawkes), 9 Jack Snipes (Tim Allwood, Julian Hughes), 3 Goosanders, Green Sandpiper, 14 Golden Plovers, Dunlin, 198 Cormorants in roost. WeBS count included 360 Gadwall (a Pit record) and 217 Teal (the highest count since October 1982). Also Red-necked Grebe reported yesterday, For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes).
At Milton Tip 2 1st w GLAUCOUS GULLS from A14 layby. (RBA). Access to the tip by permit only.
At Grafham Water in the gull roost 1 1st w GLAUCOUS GULL. From Dudney Hide 7 Goosanders (3 drakes) (Mark Hawkes, John Oates). Also Common Sand still present (Mark Hawkes).
3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull at Dogsthorpe Star Pit, Peterborough, at about 2pm but disturbed by scrambler bikes and flew off (Rich Broughton).
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming and calling on Jesus Green, Cambridge (Richard J Hall).
At the Ouse Washes, near the railway bridge Barnacle Goose, 2 Bewick's Swans, 50 Whooper Swans, 1 Black Swan and 30 Pintails (John Oates).
On 13/1 at Wicken Fen 3 male Hen Harriers coming in to roost and a Barn Owl (Simon Stirrup).
On 13/1 1000+ Bewicks Swans coming in off the fields at March Farmers, Nene Washes at around 4pm. A few Whoopers scattered about as well. (Matt Francis).
13th January
FERRUGINOUS DUCK drake at Cow Lane GP (BLEA, John Clark per Stuart Elsom). still present late afternoon with Tufted Ducks and Pochards on the main pit. Also Green Sand. (Cal Lamont, John Oates).
At Paxton Pits SLAVONIAN GREBE, Bar-tailed Godwit, female Red-crested Pochard, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Pintail, 6 Jack Snipe, 4 Smew (inc 1 drake), 4 Goosanders and a pair of Mute Swans mating! For more information, visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk (Julian Hughes)
At Milton Tip 2 1st w GLAUCOUS GULLS (Dick Newell, John Oates, Simon Stirrup).
At Fen Drayton GP 2 1st w GLAUCOUS GULLS flew over late afternoon, presumably the Milton birds (Richard Allison, Richard Patient). Possibly on their way to roost at Grafham? Also 7 Smew (2 drakes) (Richard Allison), and 2 Stonechats (Bruce & Gwen Martin).
12th January
4 WAXWINGS 1.5 miles south of Wisbech in village of Elm but mobile (RBA).
Bittern seen flying into a small reedbed at Earith GP here this morning (David Griffiths).
At Fen Drayton GP 70 Ruff, 19 Blackwit, 25 Dunlin, 3 Ruddy Ducks, 10 Goldeneyes, 50 Pintails (John Oates).
At Sutton Gault 1 male Stonechat, 1 drake Ruddy Duck (Mark Peck).
Common Sand still at Grafham Water (RBA).
11th January
Green Sand at Grafham Water (RBA).
10th January
At Milton Tip 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad & 1st w). (John Oates). On 9/1 prob ad Glaucous Gull (RBA). Access by permit only.
At Fen Drayton GP Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Ruff, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and around 120 Pintail (Tim Allwood).
At Sutton Gault 1 drake Goosander (Mark Peck).
At White Fen, Benwick 1 Peregrine, 270 Bewick's Swans but only 7 Skylarks! (BobScott) .
9th January
WAXWING again in St Ives this morning. As last Tuesday morning, it was feeding in a berry-laden tree in the front garden of 6, Shakespeare Avenue, just off Acacia Avenue. It was there from 0850 to 0910, viewed at c. 20' range. From Huntingdon, come into St Ives on the A1123, turn left at the first traffic lights into Hill Rise, 2nd right into Acacia Avenue, then first left into Shakespeare Avenue. No 6 is on the right and the tree will be obvious. (Phil Lambdon, Mark Telfer).
The Saker Falcon back on the Ouse Washes just south of Chain Corner this morning, then flew strongly south-east. Also male Ruddy Duck with Pochard and Little Owl and Chiffchaff in trees near the Jolly Bankers Bridge. A Grey Wagtail flew over calling near Earith village (David Griffiths/Cambirds).
At Sutton Gault 2.00pm 297 Pochards, 73 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goldeneyes (1 male, 3 Female), 2 Shovelers, 4 Whooper Swans, 22 Snipes, 2 Water Rails, 1 GC Grebe, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Stonechats (Mark Peck).
8th January
2 Smew (ad drake & 1st w drake) and 2 Grey Wags at Little Paxton, Heronry South Pit (RBA).
Merlin at Barnack Hills and Holes(Tony Stones/Peterbirder)
At Kingfisher's Bridge Spotted Redshank (John Oates).
Peregrine at Grunty Fen Tip about 8.45 am on 6/1 (Ian Barton, Kathkeen Rosewarne).
At Wicken Fen on 6/1 a nomonate philomelos Song Thrush trapped on Saturday. Also Green Sand there (Rich Billington) and at dusk Barn Owl and at least 3 Tawny Owls calling, plus 2 Woodcock (Ian Barton, Kathkeen Rosewarne) .
7th January
11 Whitefronts Manea with Whooper and Bewick's Swans at 12.20pm (RBA).
At Grafham Water, Mander car park 1st w Yellow-legged Gull, 8 Goosanders (4 drakes), Common Sand, Kingfisher, Grey Wag (John Oates, Richard Patient).
At Fen Drayton GP 2 Smew on Far Fen lake (redhead and drake) (Peter Leonard et al), Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 7 Lesser Redpolls (along road near Rik's Surf Shack) (John Oates, Richard Patient), Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (per John Oates).
At Milton Tip 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (Richard Patient). Access by permit only.
Flock of Golden Plover seen descending north of Fenstanton was located just north of Fenstanton church in flooded field. Approx. 1000 Golden Plovers, 20 Redshanks, 15 Dunlins and 10 Ruffs (Peter Leonard).
At Lode ad Peregrine flew south at about 9.20am (John Oates).
6th January
Bird news from Paxton Pits: two WAXWINGS in scrub to the east of Heronry South (between the two hides) on Saturday afternoon - they flew a short distance north at 3.30 pm but probably roosted in the area; also 3 Green Sandpipers and 3 redhead Smew and 142 Cormorants in the roost. Drake Smew on Heronry South on Wednesday (3/1). Visit www.paxton-pits.org.uk for more information (Julian Hughes).
At Grafham Water redhead Smew in Savages Creek, Common Sand near the fishing lodge (Colin Addington), 7 Goosanders (3 male) from Mander car park and a 1st w Yellow-legged Gull in the roost there.
At Fen Drayton GP am Bittern (flying over Far Fen Lake 10.30 towards the workings then lost to view), 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose with Canada Geese, 4 Smew (1 male), 5 Ruddy Ducks, 1 Merlin flying south (Richard Allison, Monica & Owen marks).
On the Nene Washes at Eldernell Peregrine, Merlin, 2 Barn Owls (RBA).
5th January
Water Pipit on the Ouse Washes at Earith and nearby redhead Smew on Earith GP (David Griffiths/Cambirds).
At the Nene Washes between 10am-12:30pm in green field on the other side of the counter drain adjacent to the trig point along the Nene Way between Eldernell and March Farmers 1 Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 2 Whooper Swans, 7 Bewicks Swans (Matt Francis/Peterbirder)
2 Common Buzzards at Elton over A605 nr Keeper's Cottage (Brian Stone/Peterbirder).
4th January
30 WAXWINGS in Helpston, Peterborough (Heath Road). Also present on 3/1 (John Crudass & Jennifer Britton per Bob Scott).
At Fen Drayton GP Dark-bellied Brent Goose still present (Richard Allison).
3rd January
At Sutton Gault Water Pipit (Mark Peck).
At Kingfisher's Bridge Spotshank, Common Chiffchaff, 2 Pintails, 2 Goldeneyes (John Oates).
At Southey Wood Crossbill (heard), 2 Willow Tits, 2 Marsh Tits, 15 Siskins (Gordon Hamlett/ Peterbirder).
On 2/1 male and female Stonechat and 4+ Water Rail at Wilbraham Fen, 200 Golden Plover; 200 Lapwing; 15 Wigeon at Teversham Fen (David Wege)
On 31/12 80+ Meadow Pipits, 60 Skylarks, 15+ Snipe at Teversham Fen (David Wege).
On 29/12 male Peregrine at Addenbrooks Hospital, Cambridge (David Wege).
2nd January
WAXWING in St Ives am on Acacia Avenue, associating with a flock of Starlings, and feeding on berries on an ornamental shrub. Coming into St Ives from Huntingdon, turn left at the first lights into Hill Rise, then 2nd right is Acacia Avenue. It was between this junction, and the junction with Shakespeare Road.(Phil Lambdon per Rich Broughton/Mark Telfer).
At Fen Drayton GP Bittern am around the small reed fringed lake adjacent to Ferry Lake, also Brent Goose, 5 Blackwit, up to 14 Ruddy duck (Steve Cooper) Also 2 Redhead Smew from windsurfing shack and Green Sand (Rich Billington).
Female Merlin at Chain Corner (Steve Cooper).
At Wicken Fen 1/2 no sign of the Waxwings, but did male Hen Harrier, Barn Owl and Bittern (flying over the Mere about 3.30 pm). (Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne).
A Black Swan seems to have joined the feral Geese on the Fen Causeway, Cambridge (Rich Billington).
1st January
FERRUGINOUS DUCK drake again at Fen Drayton GP on Ferry Lake. Also 2 Smew (Bruce & Gwen Martin). Ferruginous Duck also seen on 31/12 (per Bruce Martin).
WAXWING at Mepal along road from A142 (Monica & Owen Marks).
At Fowlmere RSPB 5 Kittiwakes flew south 9.00am. Also Willow Tit along the river (Steve Cooper).
At Barleycraft GP female Red-crested Pochard (Alan Hitchings).
At Grafham Water this afternoon, 6 Goosanders (1 male) (Martin Adlam).