31 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton showing well in paddocks between village and river, also several Grey Wagtails on flooded fields (Peter Bullett).
Milton Tip 2 1st w Caspian Gulls (Dick Newell).
Prior's Fen GP Jack Snipe (Steve Dudley).
Flag Fen 3 Green Sands (Steve Dudley).
Nene Washes 20,000+ Lapwings. At Eldernell Barn Owl and Long-eared Owl. At March Farmers ringtail Hen Harrier, Merlin, Short-eared Owl (Gordon Hamlett).
30 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton. From the level crossing between Hinxton and Ickleton head north for 300 m and view second field on right (Birdguides).
Grafham Water SCAUP 1st w male from Valley Creek hide, Red-necked Grebe, 6 Ruddy Ducks, 10 Goosanders. Also partially albino argenteus Herring Gull in roost again - first seen on 28/12 (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley).
Elton ad Med Gull (Brian Stone).
Godmanchester GP/Tip ad Caspian Gull, ad Yellow-legged Gull at the tip and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gull on main pit. Also Stonechat (Paul J Andrew).
Paxton Pits Red-necked Grebe and 7 Smew including 3 males (Paul J Andrew).
Beechwoods NR 50+ Bramblings, 5 Bullfinch, 1 Goldcrest (Paul Rule).
At Wicken Fen, Tower Hide 2+ Hen Harriers - male & 1+ ringtail (George Lendrum, John Oates).
Nene Washes, Eldernell Bittern, Little Egret, Water Pipit, Tree Sparrow, 7 Corn Bunting. At March Farmers 2 Little Owls, Grey Wag, 14 Ruff, 24 Golden Plover, 13,500 Lapwing. At Blackbush Drove 4 Grey Partridge, 6 Corn Bunting (Steve Dudley).
29 December 2002
Ad Caspian Gull in flooded fields at Grunty Fen (Richard Thomas).
Milton Tip 1st w Yellow-legged Gull, possibly Portugese (Dick Newell).
Fen Drayton GP 4 Smew inc 2 drakes (Alan Wadsworth).
On 28/12 Milton female Brambling in a private Garden (Derek Wall).
On 28/12 Wood Duck King's Dyke around Church Street, Whittlesey TL269966 (Howard Rowley).
28 December 2002
Wicken Fen Bittern at 1.00 pm (Daniel Osborne). Recent Bitterns include singles at Ely BF on 24/12 (Mark Grooms) and Fowlmere RSPB on 25/12 (Mick Amos).
SAKER FALCON Ouse Washes at Earith, presumably the same one as last winter. It was harried by a female/imm Merlin (David Griffiths, Earith).
Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE still present (Birdguides).
Nene Washes, Eldernell Bittern flew into reeds at dusk (Birdguides).
Paxton Pits Red-necked Grebe, male Merlin, male Red-crested Pochard, 7 Smew (3 males), 2 Goosanders (1 male), 3 Shelducks, Ruff, 14 Dunlins, 32 Golden Plovers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 162 Cormorants in roost. On 24/12 Common Sandpiper reported (Julian Hughes).
At Grafham Water 1st w Caspian Gull and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad, near ad, 1st w, 2nd w) in the roost off Mander/Dudney. Also a 1st w drake SCAUP in Valley Creek before moving to Dudney, Red-necked Grebe from Dudney hide, 22 Goosanders, drake Pintail and 2+ Ruddy Ducks (Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
At Godmanchester GP 1W Caspian Gull, 1W and ad Med Gulls, 1W and 3W Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Grey Wagtails (Richard Patient).
30+ Bramblings just north-east of Newmarket, off the Norwich road along the old coach road TL 659 655 (Peter Bullett).
Beechwoods NR, Gog Magogs 19+ Brambling with Chaffinch. Also 7 Corn Bunting (Ade Cooper/Mark Ward).
27 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton, showing well on power lines south of ford (Paul Rule).
Red-throated Diver on the River Great Ouse at Roswell Pits, Ely TL557805. Sadly the Diver is severely injured due to fishing wire and probably also hooks. The RSPCA have been informed, but too late to get there today (John Oates et al).
Fen Drayton GP Bittern, 16+ drake Pintail (David Chandler).
Paxton Pits Smew 2 drake and 2 redheads on the southern section of Heronry Pit (RBA).
20+ Bramblings still at Beechwoods NR (Jack Harrison).
At Cherry Hinton c3600 Golden Plovers (including one with completely white wings) and a Ruff in fields at approx TL497573 (John Oates).
26 December 2002
RED-THROATED DIVER at Roswell Pits, Ely TL557805. Last seen heading towards the river. Also Grey Wagtail and 2 Kingfishers (Sarah Whitcher).
Little Egret in a dyke north of the Dog in a Doublet. Also Stonechat male at Eldernell, Bewicks Swan 10 at March Farmers (Ray and William Bowell) & Bittern roosted at Eldernell (Jane and Trevor Williams).
Cherry Hinton Brook near St Bedes Crescent Chiffchaff and 5 Siskins (Paul Rule).
Black Swan with Whoopers on arable on the Cambs side of the Norfolk border on the east side of the Ouse Washes (Mark Ward).
25 December 2002
Fen Drayton GP 13 Smew on Far Fen Lake, including the 3 drakes (John Oates).
c300 Bewick's Swans, c80 Corn Buntings Somersham Fen & redhead Goosander on River Delph at Earith Bridge (Mark Ward).
Great Wilbraham, Fulbourn Rd 8 Grey Partridge (Paul Rule).
24 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton & 32 Grey Wagtails in a flooded field there (Brian Ellis).
Grafham Water BRENT GOOSE by the dam 11.25am (Colin Addington).
SLAVONIAN GREBE Fen Drayton GP at the south east corner of Ferry Lagoon (Birdguides).
Godmanchester GP 1CY Caspian Gull - the 5th one there recently (Dick Newell).
Bittern at Wicken Fen, from West Mere hide. On 22/12 2 Bitterns there (Ralph Sargeant).
At Beechwoods NR 40+ Bramblings (John Oates, Paul Rule).
At the Cam Washes, Upware 7 Ruff, 20 Golden Plovers, 15 Redshanks (John Oates).
On 22/12 ad male Peregrine and Curlew at Witcham Gravel (David Hopkins).
23 December 2002
HAWFINCH Milton Road, Impington feeding with Greenfinches and Chaffinches for 3-4 mins before flying off west towards Histon c.10.40 am (David Wege).
At Fen Drayton GP 14+ Smew (including 3 drakes), drake hybrid Pochard x Tufted Duck, 20 Ruddy Ducks, 6+ Pintail. Also plenty of Wigeon and Teal. Couldn't find the Slav Grebe. The water has risen and the track between Ferry Lagoon and Holywell Lake is flooded - wellies recommended if going this way (John Oates).
22 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Hinxton still west of the village between the River Cam and the railway; walk north for 500m from the level crossing to view, please note that the river has flooded and that wellingtons are required (Birdguides).
Fen Drayton GP Slavonian Grebe on Holywell Lake, also 12+ Smew (3 drakes) on Swavesey Pit (Dave Anderson).
5 Smew (2 males), male Goosander, Red-necked Grebe, 87 Siskins, 4 Ruddy Ducks, 27+ Golden Plovers, 12 Dunlins, 28 Redshanks, 2 Green Sandpipers, 250+ Teal (Julian Hughes et al).
4 Goosanders (3 drakes) Hatley St. George on small lake near church (RBA).
2 Common Buzzards N over A428 at Croxton 11.57am (Stuart Elsom).
Male Blackcap at Cambridge Bus station (Rich Billington).
White Stork, Cottenham, Long Drove (Birdguides).
Ferry Meadows CP 12-15 Siskins (Peter Herkenrath).
21 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Hinxton west of the village in fields between the River Cam and the railway (Birdguides).
At Godmanchester GP 3 Caspian Gulls, also ad and 1W Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Pintails (Richard Patient, Dick Newell).
Kennett 1CY Caspian Gull loafing all on its own in a pool just off the A11. See www.magikcircle.com/birds/image.asp?title_id=169 (Dick Newell).
At Beechwoods NR (on the Gog Magogs) 15+ Bramblings (Paul Rule).
At Fen Drayton GP Slavonian Grebe still on Holywell Lake, 6 Water Rails and 5-8 redhead Smews (very flighty) on Far Fen Lake / Trout Pond - all redheads (Mark Ward, Richard Patient)
20 December 2002
Ferry Meadows HAWFINCH flew from bushes behind Ham Farm House to trees on the pitch & putt course. Also seen on 4/12 & 6/12 (Chris Park).
GREAT GREY SHRIKE Hinxton still between the river and the railway and a Merlin took a Linnet (Birdguides). 10 Corn Buntings on 19/12 (Alan Wadsworth).
RED-THROATED DIVER Grafham Water juvenile off Marlow car park late morning (Birdguides).
At Beechwoods NR (on the Gog Magogs) 42 Bramblings (Paul Rule).
Snowy Owl escaped from the Raptor Foundation along the St Ives-Somersham road, last seen heading towards Woodhurst. If anyone sees it please contact the foundation on 01487 741140 or contact david.griffiths@surf3.net (David Griffiths, Earith).
19 December 2002
At Grafham Water RED-THROATED DIVER off Plummer, Red-necked Grebe off the dam, 18+ Siskins between the dam & Marlow, 8+ Goosanders off Mander and a splendid Chinese Goose in Mander car park! (Richard Hall, John Oates). Note Dudney Creek Hide is closed for refurbishment (a drinks machine would be nice) and Plummer car park is closed for the winter.
At Fen Drayton GP Slav Grebe on Holywell Lake, redhead Smew on Trout Pit (Richard Hall, John Oates). Also 4 Smew (2 Drakes) on Swavesey Lake, Little Owl and a Common Buzzard over (RBA).
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton (RBA).
1st w Caspian Gull near Kennet GP (Dick Newell).
Maxey GP 16 Goosander - 12 drakes, 4 ducks (Brian Stone and Katie Fuller).
Etton GP 2 Green Sandpipers (Brian Stone and Katie Fuller).
Trumpington 2 Brambling 6 Chaffinches at the edge of fields/old railway cutting between Addenbrooks and Trumpington, also 50 Golden Plover with 250 Lapwing (Peter Holt).
At Farcet Skylark 110+, Corn Bunting 75+, Yellowhammer 65+, Reed Bunting 15+. At Farcet Fen Corn Bunting 40+ (Steve Dudley).
18 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE by the Hinxton/Ickleton level crossing at the west side of Hinxton Park, walk north along the footpath on the east side of the railway (Birdguides).
RED-THROATED DIVER, 2 Mandarins - pair, and Knot still at Grafham Water (Colin Addington).
17 December 2002
RED-THROATED DIVER and Knot still at Grafham Water (Bruce Martin).
Adult male Merlin sitting on a post between Trumpington and Addenbrookes this morning (not far from the covered sugar beat mound). Also 4 Grey Partridges there, 12 Siskins along the disused railway line and 250+ Golden Plovers flew over (John Oates).
16 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton, on electric wires crossing fields by river at back of Hinxton.Ford at Duxford 3 feet deep so access is difficult and wet (Guy Hillyard). Probably best to park near the level crossing between Hinxton & Ickleton and then walking north along the footpath on the east side of the railway.
RED-THROATED DIVER and Red-necked Grebe still at Grafham Water (RBA).
Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE & 2 Bitterns on Holywell Lake (RBA).
Swaffham Prior Fen 3 ad Bewick's Swans still and just north of Upware at Bewick's Swans - 2 ad & 3 juvs (John Oates).
15 December 2002
RED-THROATED DIVER Ouse Washes swimming north viewed from Rickwood's Hide (per Robert Coleman). No sign later but a redhead Goosander there (John Oates).
Paxton Pits 5 Smew (1 drake) on Heronry South Pit (RBA).
Fen Drayton GP 3 Short-eared Owls over the Trout Lake. Also 2 redhead Smew on here (Andy Massey).
2 Green Sandpipers and a Redshank at Milton Tip (Dick Newell).
Pair of Blackcaps in garden, Eaton Ford 14-15/12 (Richard Bashford).
14 December 2002
Juv RED-THROATED DIVER, 1st w Red-necked Grebe, 7 Goosanders and Knot still at Grafham Water (RBA).
FIRECREST with large flock of Goldcrests and tits near Valley Creek Hide (Mike Wilkinson). 2 Chiffchaffs on 14 Dec at Grafham Water around the lagoons (Simon Henderson, Jeremy Holding, Phil Yates).
Godmanchester GP 2 Caspian Gulls - ad & 1st CY (Dick Newell, Simon Stirrup).
Paxton Pits Red-necked Grebe still on Sailing Lake; 1 male and 3 redhead Smew, 117 Cormorants at dusk, Black Swan on Heronry South (Julian Hughes).
At Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE on Holywell Lake (RBA), 15 smew (3 ad drakes) on Swavesey pit, pair of Stonechat along river bank, Treecreeper west side of Holywell pit (Dave Anderson).
Cherry Hinton Hall 200+ Chaffinches, 5+ Bramblings and a Siskin. Nearby, about 15 Siskins in alders by Cherry Hinton Pit (Richard J Hall).
Male Merlin mobbed by magpies along the Trumpington disused railway line. Also 10-12 Siskins in the plantation opposite the allotments, (8+ present since 1/12/02). Other birds Kingfisher, 98 Lapwing, 68 Fieldfare east, 50 Redwing west (Marcus Kohler ).
3 ad Bewick's Swans with Mute Swans this afternoon at Swaffham Prior Fen (John Oates).
White Stork, Cottenham, Long Drove (RBA).
Ouse Washes, Grey Wagtail near Old Bedford Bridge, Sutton Gault (Paul Rule).
13 December 2002
Adult RED-THROATED DIVER at Sutton Gault 2.00pm this afternoon on the Old Bedford river swimming and diving, working its ways south along the river towards Chain Corner. The bird had a small patch of oil on its lower breast (Mark Peck).
RED-THROATED DIVER still at Grafham Water. Also Red-necked Grebe, Dunlin, Common Sand (Mark Hawkes).
At Fen Drayton GP 16 Smew (inc 3 ad males and a probable 1st winter male), Curlew and 3 Short-eared Owls. The Smew were on Swavesey Lake. Also an oiled female Goldeneye on Trout Pit (John Oates)
12 December 2002
RED-THROATED DIVER Grafham Water off lagoons, Knot on the south shore (Julian Hughes, JH, Jamie Wells)
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton showing well on hedges and power lines south of ford (Paul Rule)
Paxton Pits 4 Smew (1 drake) on Heronry South (RBA).
Ouse Washes, Oxlode - Pymoor Goosander (John Kemp), 1 f Merlin, 23 Black-tailed Godwit flew NE, 10 Dunlin, 1 pr Stonechat (Owen Marks). Also 70 Blackwits (Mark Ward).
11 December 2002
Drake AMERICAN WIGEON still on the east side of the Ouse Washes, Oxlode 3.15pm (Owen Marks).
RED-THROATED DIVER Grafham Water, off the lagoons (Richard J Hall, John Oates).
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton (RBA).
SCAUP fem/imm and Turnstone at Prior's fen GP (Steve Dudley).
Peregrine at 12:10 drifted south-east over the BirdLife office in Girton (Mike Crosby, David Wege)
Ringtail Hen Harrier and 3 Stonechats at Farcet Fen (Steve Dudley).
White Stork, Cottenham, Long Drove (RBA).
10 December 2002
Drake AMERICAN WIGEON still on the east side of the Ouse Washes, between Oxlode and the Pymoor railway bridge before flying north with a small group of Wigeons. There are 100's of Wigeons in the area - almost 12,000 on 19/11 along the washes. It did not seem to show any hybrid characters. Curlew also seen. (John Oates, Mark Hawkes, Bruce & Gwen Martin).
RED-THROATED DIVER juvenile at Grafham Water, in company of Red-necked Grebe - best viewed from north edge of lagoons. Also 3 Goosander off there, 5 Dunlin flew through (Colin Addington and Mark Hawkes).
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still at Hinxton (Lee Evans).
WeBS counts of interest:
Nene Washes on 8/12/02 include 5000 Lapwing, Pintail 1683, Teal 4046 (new site record), Wigeon 10074, Ruff 133, Whooper Swan 121, Bewicks Swan 446, Gadwall 187, Turnstone 1, Grey Plover 2, Black-tailed Godwit 11, Peregrine 2, Hen Harrier 3, Short Eared Owl 25, Bearded tit 2, Stonechat 6 (Jonathan Taylor).
Little Paxton Pits, male Smew (Heronry South), Red-necked Grebe (Sailing Lake), Pink-footed Goose (fields west of Haul Road), plus 3 Egyptian geese and 5 goosanders on Heronry Lakes on 7/12/02, but no sign this morning (Julian Hughes).
Etton GP, Green Sandpiper, 6 (Brian Stone).
White Stork still at Cottenham (Lee Evans).
9 December 2002
Drake AMERICAN WIGEON viewable from Oxlode, east side of the washes. Seen at about 12.30 today. Green eye flash and cream forehead not showing to full extent so hybrid not one hundred percent ruled out but exhibited all other characteristics (Robert Coleman).
GREAT GREY SHRIKE still present 3pm-4pm, either side of road by ford between Hinxton and Duxford (Colin Kirtland).
Also 12 Brent Geese flew east over Grafham Water
8 December 2002
Grafham Water – female Scaup, drake
Common Scoter, up to 12 Goosander, 3 Brambling and the Red-necked Grebe still.
(Jono Leadley, Mark Hawkes, John
Oates, et al).
Nene Washes – 2 Grey Plover, Turnstone
Fen Drayton - Jack Snipe, Elney Lake - male Smew & 3 red heads (Clive Sinclair)
Priors Fen - GLAUCOUS GULL
Paxton GP - Male Smew (Heronry South), Red-necked Grebe (Sailing Lake), Pink-footed Goose (fields west of Haul Road), 30 Golden Plovers, 17 Dunlins, 4 Ruffs. (Julian Hughes)
7 December 2002
Godmanchester GP - 2 adult Caspian Gulls, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls
(1W,2W,4W,ad),adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Pintails and 2 Grey Wagtails (Richard
Patient,
Simon Stirrup)
GREAT GREY SHRIKE showing well this morning at 9.45. View across field looking north from Hinxton-Duxford Rd just on the Duxford side of the Ford.(Dave Griffiths)
6 December 2002
GREAT GREY SHRIKE either side of road by ford between Hinxton and Duxford (John Oates et al)
Paxton Pits - 3 Egyptian Geese
Grafham Water – Red-breasted Merganser (f)
Bittern at Eldernell Pits flew out twice just after sunset, Peregrine, 30+ Short Eared Owl (Jonathan Taylor)
5 December 2002
Ouse Washes -Mediterranean Gull (Mark Ward)
GREAT GREY SHRIKE either side of road by ford between Hinxton and Duxford (Guy Hillyard)
4 December 2002
Long Drove, Cottenham - White Stork was still present late am. (John Oates)
Lode - Common Buzzard at 3pm, NE of the village. (John Oates)
3 December 2002
Barleycroft GP -Mediterranean Gull (1cy), 5000+ Golden Plovers, 25 Dunlins,
4 Lesser Redpolls, 2 Stonechats (pair), Grey Wag
and 5 Barnacle Geese. (John Oates)
Ouse Washes -Water Pipit:, Grey Wagtail: pair (male singing and in display with female) (Mark Ward)
Ferry Meadows - Hawfinch (Chris Park), Lesser Redpoll (Brian Stone)
2 December 2002
Ouse Washes – Red-Throated Diver flying south (Mark Ward), Rock Pipit
1 December 2002
Grafham Water – 4 Common Scoter (all im)
March Farmers – 3 Common Crane (2 adults and juvenile) (Birdguides)
Milton 1/12/02 1st W Caspian Gull (Dick Newell)
Paxton Pits - Red-necked grebe, ruddy duck (fem), Grey Wagtail, Male Goosander
30 November 2002
Godmanchester GP - 5 Common Scoter (inc 1 ad m), Mediterranean Gull (1cy) (Richard Patient)
Grafham Water – 6 Common Scoter (4 imm, 2m), Mediterranean Gull, Caspian Gull
Paxton Pits – Red-necked grebe, 2+ Siskins (Neal Parkin) Firecrest, Brambling, 12 Jack Snipe (site record), 33 Snipe, 7 Ruffs, 115 Redshanks (probably a site record), 19 Dunlins, 9 Ruddy Ducks, Pink-footed Goose, 2 Green Sandpipers (Martin Davis/Julian Hughes/Jamie Wells). Also, redhead Goosander reported.
Nene Washes - 3 cranes at March Farmers, at 11 am, showing well 200 yards
east of viewing area opposite Nissen hut (Julian Hughes), Bittern,3 Merlin(adult
male, 2 females), Peregrine, Hen Harrier minimum of 3 ringtails throughout the
day,19-20 Short-eared Owl, Turnstone, 3 Kingfisher, 4+ Water Rail, Stonechat,
Chiffchaff, Pink-footed Goose, 250+ Bewick's/Whooper Swan, c40 Ruff (Mark Ward)
28 November 2002
Cambridge – Shag at the Mill Pond Newnham
3 COMMON CRANES still on the Nene Washes, also 1 ringtail Hen Harrier, 12 Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, (Monica & Owen Marks)
Cam Washes Upware - male Stonechat, 7 Dunlin, 1 Ruff (John Oates).
Shropshire's Reservoir - male Stonechat and 5 Grey Partridges (John Oates).
27 November 2002
3 COMMON CRANES on Nene Washes at Poplar's Farm
Caldecote, Manor Farm – 4 Buzzard (Bob Scott)
Barleycroft GP – Oystercatcher, Jack Snipe
Fen Drayton GP - 4 Smew including a moulting drake on Far Fen Lake. Also 15 Pintail, 15 Ruddy Ducks, 250 Fieldfares and 15 Redwings. (John Oates)
26 November 2002
Swaffham Prior Fen - 5 Short-eared Owls, also visiting Adventurer's Fen.
Wicken Fen - Whooper Swan flew over, male Stonechat near Baker's Fen. (John
Oates)
3 COMMON CRANES still on the Nene Washes
(Mark Hawkes)
25 November 2002
3 COMMON CRANES still on the Nene Washes between Eldernell and March Farmers, also At least half a dozen short-eared owls along the south bank.
Paxton Pits - red-necked grebe still on Sailing Lake (Martin Davis)
Grafham Water - Red-necked Grebe still off Mander car park this evening -
also 4 Common Scoters (fems/imms) still viewable distantly from there - adult
Yellow-legged Gull in roost
24 November 2002
3 COMMON CRANES (2 ad, 1juv) on the Nene Washes between Eldernell and March Farmers present until dusk (Monica & Owen Marks et al) Also c20 Short-eared Owls, 2 Barn Owls, ringtail Hen Harrier (John Oates et al).
Grafham Water - Caspian Gull 4th w in the roost off Mander car park from 15:30 with a Mediterranean Gull, an adult Yellow-legged Gull, and Red-necked Grebe, 4 female/immature Common Scoters. Also 2 drake Common Scoters off the dam (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley)
Fen Drayton GP - 7+ redhead Smew (6+ on Far Fen Lake inc 1 imm drake, &
1 on Moore Lake), Water Rail, drake hybrid Pochard x Tufted Duck (Dave
Anderson, John Oates et al).
Paxton Pits - Red-necked Grebe still on the sailing lake, also 3 Jack Snipe
(Martin Davis).
Fowlmere RSPB 2 Tree Sparrows in bushes/fields adjacent to the north-east side of the reserve. Also 2 Bramblings and 2+ Siskins (Ade Cooper, Mark Ward).
23 November 2002
Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE still at Drayton Lake, Water Rail 4+, Goldeneye 30+, Bittern flew in to roost on Holywell Lake at 4.10pm (Stuart Elsom, Jill Williams).
Drake Goosander at Roswell pits, Ely visible from sailing club (Paul Atkinson).
Male Stonechat & 5 Siskins, around the balance pond, Cottenham (Vicki Harley).
White Stork, Cottenham, Long Drove still (Birdguides).
22 November 2002
Nene Washes Little Egret 1 flew east at Eldernell 11 am, Bittern at fishing pits to the south of the washes (possibly different bird seen on 20/11), Peregrine 1 juv (Jonathan Taylor).
Whitethroat in Broad Lane, Cottenham. According to the checklist 2000 there have only been 2 later records than this (Vicki Harley).
At Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE still showing very well on Drayton Lagoon, just off the boat ramp, 8 redhead Smew - 1 on Moore Lake and 7 (including a moulting drake) on Far Fen Lake, and a Woodcock along the disused railway line (John Oates).
Grafham Water Red-necked Grebe off Mander, 4 Goosander inc 2 drakes (Mark Hawkes)
Cam Washes, Upware 7 Dunlin (John Oates).
2 Siskins flew South over Little Paxton village 08:00 am (Jamie Wells).
Paxton Pits NR 2 drake Goosander, 23 Goldeneye, Kingfisher (RBA).
Common Buzzard NE of Lode at 8.30am (John Oates)
21 November 2002
Peregrine male over Wicken Fen am (Ralph Sargeant).
Ouse Washes (Mepal Gault to Sutton Gault) Rock Pipit & 2 Water Pipits Also Kingfisher north of Mepal Gault and c350 Fieldfares (Mark Ward).
At Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE on Drayton Lagoon, 2 redhead Smews on Far Fen Lake and a Blackcap (RBA).
Grafham Water Red-necked Grebe off Fishing Lodge, 4 Common Scoters near Savages Creek, Goosander and a Merlin (Colin Addington et al).
Etton GP Green Sandpiper (Brian Stone).
Maxey GP Goosander male, Goldeneye 2, Barnacle Goose 2 (Brian Stone).
Chiffchaff in private garden along Grange Road, Cambridge (Richard J Hall).
20 November 2002
Bittern Nene Washes 250 yards E of Eldernell car park (RBA).
At Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE still showing very well on Drayton Lagoon (near the boat ramp), 4 redhead Smew and Barnacle Goose (Bruce Martin, John Oates).
Early am 2 Short-eared Owls and a Barn Owl at the Ouse Washes, north of the Pymoor railway bridge (John Oates).
Nene Washes, Eldernell 5 Bewick's Swan flew east, 120 Ruff and 45 Black-tailed Godwits (Brian Stone).
Common Crossbill over Little Paxton village early am (per Jamie Wells).
3 Redpolls Priory Park, St. Neots (Bob Scott)
Chiffchaffs today at Monks Wood (Rich Broughton) and in Cambridge (Rita Lingard).
19 November 2002
Nene Washes male Black Redstart at Elderenell sluice gates, 1st w Little Gull, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, 20,650 Lapwing, 4320 Golden Plovers, 1384 Pintail, 2660 Teal, 6987 Wigeon, 19 Whooper Swans, 2 ringtail Hen Harriers at March Farmers and 47 Short-eared Owl - most along the barrier banks with the main roost containing 28 birds (Jonathan Taylor).
Ouse Washes, Four Balls Fm - Cambs/Norfolk boundary 14.30 - 16.30 2 Whooper Swans, 85 Bewick's Swans in fields, 1m Goldeneye, 1m Goosander, c3000 Lapwing, 8 Turnstone flew sw, 1 Short-eared Owl, 2 Barn Owl, 1m Stonechat (Owen Marks. Ian Barton).
Godmanchester GP ad CASPIAN GULL, 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls, redhead Smew, 8 Goldeneye, 3 Pintail, 3 Grey Wagtails, 3 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Water Rail, Woodcock flushed, partially albino Coot (Mark Ward).
Fen Drayton GP SLAVONIAN GREBE showing well on Drayton Lagoon, 3 Grey Wagtails, 3 redhead Smew on Trout Lake, Ruddy Duck, 15+ Goldeneye, 6 Dunlin west, c20,000 Starlings roosted, 10+ Water Rails calling, 3+ Kingfishers calling, 3+ Sparrowhawks at Starling roost, Woodcock (Mark Ward).
Paxton Pits Red-necked Grebe on sailing lake (RBA), Pink-footed Goose, Pintail, Ruddy Duck 2, Snipe 72, Jack Snipe, Green Sand 2, Grey Wagtail (Martin Davis).
18 November 2002
Red-necked Grebe at Godmanchester GP (John Clark).
17 November 2002
FIRECREST with Goldcrests and Long-tailed Tits in a private garden along Grange Road, Cambridge (Richard J Hall).
Fen Drayton GP 3 redhead Smew on the Trout lake (Richard Allison). SLAV GREBE still on Drayton Lagoon. Water level very high (Andy Massey).
Ad Med Gull at Smithey Fen (Richard Thomas).
Nene Washes, Eldernell up to a mile east towards March Farmers pm 6-8 Short-eared Owls, ringtail Hen Harrier (Dave Griffiths, Cambridge) and up to 1/4 mile west pm 6-10 Short-eared Owls (Matt Francis).
White Stork still Long Drove, Cottenham (Ian Barton, Kathleen Rosewarne).
Grafham Water Red-necked Grebe off Plummer, 3 Goosander, 20+ Goldeneye, Pintail at Dudney Hide (Mark Hawkes, Colin Addington)
Paxton Pits Pink-footed Goose, Red-necked Grebe, Water Rail, 24 Ruddy Ducks, Brambling, 8 Pintails, 7+ Siskins, 84 Snipe (highest ever at Paxton?), 8 Jack Snipe, 21 Dunlins, 2000+ Lapwings, 250+ Golden Plovers, 2 Ruffs, 5 Green Sands, 19 Redshanks (Julian Hughes).
Bainton GP Barnacle Goose, Bar-headed Goose, 3 Ruddy Duck, 3 Goosander, female Red-crested pochard, 2 Water Rail (Bob Titman).
Maxey GP Bar-headed Goose, Barnacle Goose, male Red-crested Pochard, 3 Goldeneye (Bob Titman).
16 November 2002
Grey Plover on the Nene Washes RSPB reserve (Mike Weedon)
Godmanchester GP 1 adult CASPIAN GULL, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Water Rails, 1 Brambling, 1 Stonechat (Richard Patient).
White Stork, Cottenham, Long Drove still (Birdguides).
15 November 2002
Nene Washes 12,000 Lapwing, 2000 Goldies, 30 Blackwits, 1000's Wigeon, 276 Ruff, 3 ringtail Hen Harriers roosted at March Farmers. Also during the week 50-60 Short-eared owls, up to 50 Kestrels, 37 Stonechat (Jonathan Taylor).
SLAVONIAN GREBE still on Drayton Lagoon, Fen Drayton GP (Richard Allison).
FIRECREST still at St Marys Church, St Neots (Martin Davies).
Ringtail Hen Harrier again over fields just north of Lode early am (John Oates).
Sutton Gault 1 Water Rail; 1 Short-eared Owl; 4 Water Pipits; 2 Stonechat; 1 Kingfisher; 1 Chiffchaff (Mark Peck)
Wicken Fen Water Pipit in front of Trevelyans Hide (Martin Lester).
Pied Wagtail roost at addenbrookes has been between 100 and 300 birds each day this week (Louise Bacon).
14 November 2002
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER juv still from the dam at Grafham Water. Juv Goosander off Mander (John Oates et al). 4 Common Scoters still (Ian Barton & Kathleen Rosewarne).
FIRECREST still at St Marys Church, St Neots (Martin Davies).
SLAVONIAN GREBE still Fen Drayton GP, Drayton Lagoon (Bruce Martin, John Oates et al).
Bottisham Village, a female Crossbill in a spruce behind the old people's home (Adrian Cooper).
13 November 2002
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, one from the dam at Grafham Water this afternoon (Colin Addington et al.).
FIRECREST, one in yew tree at entrance to St Marys Church at St Neots (Paul Lippett & Martin Davies).
FIRECREST, one trapped at Wicken Fen this morning (Ralph Seargent)
SLAVONIAN GREBE & 2 Ruddy Ducks on Drayton Lagoon, Fen Drayton GP. Drake LONG-TAILED DUCK still on Far Fen Lake (Mark Pettit)
Further news from 10 November, 25 Dunlin at Grafham Water (Mark Hawkes and Jono Leadley), Bittern at Wicken Fen, from Trevelyan Hide flew towards Burwell Lode, plus Green Sandpiper there, with a Short-eared Owl and 2 Grey Partridges on Swaffham Prior Fen (John Oates).
12 November 2002
SLAVONIAN GREBE on Drayton Lagoon, LONG-TAILED DUCK still on Far Fen Lake, Fen Drayton (Mark Pettit).
3 Goldeneye Block Fen GP, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, 20 Redshank, Siskin, c400 Wigeon Ouse Washes, Mepal (Mark Ward).
Some late news from 9 November, in square TL 3450 next to Wimpole Hall, adult male peregrine, common buzzard and approx 300 fieldfare in several large flocks (Vincent John Lea and Louise Bacon).
11 November 2002
At Grafham Water, 4 Common Scoters still (Mark Hawkes).
LONG-TAILED DUCK still on Far Fen Lake, Fen Drayton (Richard Allison).
10 November 2002
At Grafham Water, no sign of the Slavonian or Red-necked Grebes today, but now 5 Common Scoters present (4 fem/imms off Mander CP and 1 drake off the dam), and 2 Goosander (Mark Hawkes, Jono Leadley et al) Also, a Yellow-legged Gull in the roost (Duncan Ritchie).
LONG-TAILED DUCK still at Fen Drayton on Far Fen lake, with a Stonechat nearby (Richard Allison). Also, a Grey Plover flew around and then off west mid-afternoon, and a Bittern came into roost at Holywell Lake at 16.35 (Mark Ward).
9 November 2002
At Grafham Water, one SLAVONIAN GREBE, the Red-necked Grebe, a a 1st winter CASPIAN GULL, a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and 4 Common Scoters (Mark Hawkes, Richard Patient and John Oates).
At Little Paxton GP, the Red-necked Grebe still (Julian Hughes).
The LONG-TAILED DUCK still at Fen Drayton on Far Fen lake (Julian Hughes).
On the Nene Washes - March Farmers towards Guyhirn, c8 Whooper Swans, c150 Bewicks Swans, 4 Water Rail, 3 Ringtail Hen Harrier, 7 Kestrel, 9 Short-eared Owl, 2 Long- eared Owl, 1 Little Owl, 3 Ruff, c 1000 Golden Plover, c8000 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Dunlin, 2 male Stonechat, 22 Pied Wagtail (Monica & Owen Marks, Bruce & Gwen Martin).
At Eldernell, 1 female Hen Harrier, 21 Short-eared Owl, 1 Barn Owl, 18 Ruff and a few Stonechat (Bill Meek).
2 Goosander at Upware (Mark Pettit).
The White Stork is still at Cottenham (Clive Sinclair).
8 November 2002
LONG-TAILED DUCK still showing well on Far Fan Lake, Fen Drayton, this morning, viewed best from the railway (Jono Leadley).
At Godmanchester GP, 2 Green Sandpipers (Jono Leadley).
7 November 2002
Adult RING-BILLED GULL briefly at lunchtime at Tanholt Main Pit, near Dogsthorpe, Peterborough (George Walthew).
At Little Paxton, a Water Pipit, the Red-necked Grebe still, 5 Green Sandpipers and a single Common Sandpiper (Bob Scott, Martin Davies and Jamie Wells).
Adult drake LONG-TAILED DUCK still at Far Fen Lake, Fen Drayton (RBA).
One Bittern at Wicken Fen over reedbed near Burwell Lode (Adrian Colston). Nearby, a Lon-eared Owl at the west end of Harrisons Drove (John Oates).
One male Hen Harrier near Aldreth (Mark Peck).
4 Short-eared Owls on Adventurers Fen, near Swaffham Prior Fen on 5 November (John Oates).
6 November 2002
At Fen Drayton adult drake LONG-TAILED DUCK still at Far Fen Lake. Nearby, the DOTTEREL was seen again with 1000+ Golden Plovers by the Swavesey entrance track. Also, a Bittern came in to roost at Holywell Lake along with c45,000 Starlings (John Oates, Bruce & Gwen Martin et al).
Negative news of the American Golden Plover, despite much searching, but 5 Siskin, 1 Brambling, a Redpoll sp and a Grey Wagtail over there (Mark Ward).
At Cottenham Long Drove late last night, one Long-eared Owl (David Heath).
5 November 2002
At Far Fen Lake, Fen Drayton adult male LONG-TAILED DUCK (John Oates).
One 1st year Red-necked Grebe at Little Paxton, on the sailing lake (Julian Hughes).
The DOTTEREL was seen again near the Swavesey road at Fen Drayton (per Duncan Ritchie).
On the Nene Washes, 2 BEARDED TITS (in a private area), 2-3 Water Pipits, 21 Stonechats, 16 Short-eared Owls (Eldernell), 15 Ruff, 30 Dunlin and 45 (!) Kestrels (Jonathan Taylor).
An adult Mediterranean Gull at Dogsthorpe Star Pit (Brian Stone, Steve Dudley and Katie Fuller).
4 November 2002
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER still at Holme Fen south of Haddenham (John Oates).
At Fen Drayton, a DOTTEREL with the Golden Plover flock in the ploughed field near the humpback bridge, south of the Swavesey Road (Richard Patient).
At Chain Corner up to 5 Water Pipits, a Stonechat anda Swallow (Mark Peck, Owen & Monica Marks).
Near Peterborough, at Orton BP, a Buzzard (Brian Stone).
Further news for yesterday, 3/11/02, concerns a Merlin at Smithey Fen (Richard Thomas) and the White Stork still at Cottenham (Neil Howard).
3 November 2002
At Holme Fen AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER still present (RBA).
At Grafham Water, 6 Common Scoters, one 1st winter Red-necked Grebe, over 35 Goldeneye and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (Mark Hawkes, Simon Stirrup, John Oates).
On the Nene Washes, one Knot, 17 Dunlin, 16 Short-eared Owls, 1 Long-eared Owl (John Oates).
At Stanground Wash, 1 Swallow, 1 Green Sandpiper (Steve Dudley).
In Cambridge, 1 Swallow over Wilberforce Road (Hugh Venables).
2 November 2002
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER again with about 1000 Golden Plover just south of Aldreth in a ploughed field mid-morning until flushed by a fox hunt (Jono Leadley, Mark Hawkes et al).
At Ferry Meadows, 2 Hawfinches in Yew trees by the railway track (per John Oates).
At Eldernell a Black Redstart (Steve Dudley).
At Prior's Fen, 4 Jack Snipe and at least 7 Woodcock, plus the Spotted Redshank is still present (Steve Dudley).
At Godmanchester GP, 2 Green Sandpipers (Jono Leadley, Mark Hawkes).
Elsewhere on the Nene, at least 11 Stonechats and 720 Fieldfares passed over
mid-morning (Steve Dudley).
1 November 2002
At Swaffham Prior Fen, a male Merlin (John Oates).
31 October 2002
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER at Holme Fen (John Oates).
The county record of Short-eared Owls was smashed, with a massive 47 being logged from the Nene Washes, possibly due to high numbers of voles in the area (Jonathan Taylor).
One female Smew at Grafham Water (Colin Addington).
At Wicken Fen, still one Water Pipit and two Stonechats (John Oates). 20 Bewick's Swans flew over here (Christoph Zockler).
At Gunwade Lake, Ferry Meadows, the Rock Pipit still present (RBA).
30 October 2002
On 29/10/02, CETTI'S WARBLER, one possible heard in a large osier bed, north of Mepal Bridge, east of the River Delph. Also, up to five Water Pipits in the area (Mark Ward).
At Orton Brick Pit, Peterborough, one Jack Snipe was flushed from "the mound". It landed nearby (Brian Stone).
Nearby, at Gunwade Lake, Ferry Meadows, a Rock Pipit on the shore (Mark Ward and Mike Weedon).
29 October 2002
Little of note, with no reports of the American Golden Plover received. Short eared Owl at Chain Corner was the only news of note (Mark Peck).
28 October 2002
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER adult, Smithey Fen and possibly on Holme Fen too, with several hundred Golden Plovers (Richard Thomas). Thought possibly to be one of last year's birds returning.
At Prior's Fen, still one Spotted Redshank (Brian Stone).
A late Reed Warbler still at Sutton Gault (Mark Peck).
One Wheatear on the dam at Grafham Water (Duncan Ritchie).
Further news for 26/10/02 involves 15+ Bramblings over the Great Eastern Road in Cambridge (Peter Holt) and on 27/10/02, an adult Yellow-legged Gull in fields north of Cottenham Long Drove pools (Richard Thomas).
27 October 2002
Grafham Water 1st w Kittiwake off Mander c11.30 am (Richard J Hall, John Oates), a Peregrine over the north shore (Richard Patient), ad & 1st w Little Gulls off Mander (Julian Hughes), 1st w Med Gull, 2nd w Little Gull and ad Yellow-legged Gull off Plummer (Richard J Hall, Mark Hawkes, John Oates).
Orton BP 9 Pinkfeet roosted (Steve Dudley).
White Stork, Long Drove,Cottenham (RBA).
26 October 2002
Grafham Water Rock Pipit Grey Wag & drake Mandarin at the dam (Richard J Hall, John Oates). AM Red-necked Grebe off the dam, Rock Pipit on the north shore, Yellow-legged Gull & Tawny Owl at Mander late pm (Mark Hawkes). Female Mandarin north shore (Duncan Ritchie).
4 Red-crested Pochard, Fen Drayton GP Oxholme lake (David Heath).
Water Pipit Ouse Washes, Welches Dam (Mark Nowers). Also Sutton Gault to Chain Corner 15.00 - 16.45 hrs 7 Cormorant, 3 ad Whooper Swan, 55 Mute Swan, Sparrowhawk, 5 Water Pipit (on spit next to cormorant nests), 1 White Wagtail, 15 Pied Wagtail (Monica & Owen Marks).
14 Pinkfeet at Soham great fen am on stubble near the entrance to Mettleham Farm TL 603 774, but no sign of them pm (Peter Bullett)
White Stork, Long Drove,Cottenham (Daniel Osborne).
25 October 2002
2 WOODLARKS very low WSW prior to 10am over Bishop's Rd, Trumpington. May have gone down nearby - possibly in fields around J11 M11 (Marcus Kohler).
2+ BEARDED TITS, 8 Goldeneye and 6 Whooper Swans at Prior's Fen (Mike Weedon). Please keep to the public footpath which runs along the track (Mike Weedon).
Yellow-legged Gull 4th w, Goldeneye fem Godmanchester GP, Cow Lane (Mark Hawkes).
Red-necked Grebe still Grafham Water off Marlow car park, 2 Goldeneye along dam. Buzzard and Redshank at Mander car park (Mark Hawkes).
White Stork, Long Drove,Cottenham (Bruce Martin). Also 3 ad Yellow-legged Gull on spoil heap on east side (Dick Newell).
At Ferry Meadows the Jack Snipe was present until 22/10 (RBA).
24 October 2002
Ad CASPIAN GULL Godmanchester GPs from 2.20-2.45pm at least. Present on main lake - on the tip side - just passed the end of the row of poplars / willows, towards the smaller islands at the far end. Large numbers of gulls today (the 5 common species). Also 2 Green Sandpipers (Paul Andrew ).
At Fen Drayton GP 4 Red-crested Pochards (including 2 nice drakes) on Windsurfing Pit, 2 Ruddy Ducks on Elney Lake and 2 Goldeneyes on Far Fen Lake (John Oates).
Red-necked Grebe still at Grafham Water (Mark Hawkes).
At Wicken Fen Bittern from Brett's Hide, 1+ BEARDED TIT in the main reedbed. Also Blackcap, Green Sand. No sign of any Water Pipits. (John Oates). Also ringtail Hen Harrier and White Wag (RBA). Access to hides to permit holders and NT members only.
Ringtail Hen Harrier and Marsh Harrier at Nene Washes, Eldernell mid-afternoon. On 23/10 probable Saker (Duncan Ritchie).
At the Cam Washes, Upware a Marsh Harrier (John Oates).
23 October 2002
At least one Water Pipit still showing well at Wicken Fen from Trevelyan Hide. Also Lesser Redpoll, Chiffchaff and several Water Rails around (John Oates).
One Buzzard over Girton (Richard Thomas).
22 October 2002
Two Water Pipits showing from Trevelyan Hide at Wicken Fen (John Oates). Also, two Water Rails and two Green Sandpipers.
One Garden Warbler at Girton, possibly the latest Cambridgeshire record ever! (Richard Thomas).
21 October 2002
At the Nene Washes GREAT GREY SHRIKE still impaling small mammals near the Dog-in-a-Doublet bridge. Also here, a female Merlin, one Water Pipit. 3 Stonechats and a Short-eared Owl (Mark Ward).
At Eldernell, at least 13 Short-eared Owls, Merlin and the first year Marsh Harrier (Mark Ward).
At Ferry Meadows, a FIRECREST found by Matt Webb, between Lynch and Overton Lakes. Had disappeared by 12.45 (Steve Dudley). Also, a Jack Snipe present this morning in front of Ian Prestt Hide (Matt Webb).
Late news from 19 October 2002, concerns 2 Buzzards at Little Paxton (Steve May, Martin Shadbolt).
20 October 2002
At the Nene Washes GREAT GREY SHRIKE present all day from the Dog-in-a-Doublet bridge and surrounding area.
At Little Paxton, a Jack Snipe, Short-eared Owl and 4 Green Sandpipers. Nearby at Diddington village, a Brambling and over 400 Greenfinches! (per Julian Hughes).
One Red-necked Grebe at Grafham Water today. The juvenile is moulting rapidly towards first winter plumage and has changed in appearance markedly from when it first arrived (Mark Hawkes, Duncan Poyser).
At Woodwalton, male Merlin, Buzzard and a Barn Owl feeding young (Duncan McNiven and Debbie Pain). Please note that access requires a permit.
19 October 2002
At the Nene Washes, near the Dog-in-a-Doublet, GREAT GREY SHRIKE was found at 3pm by Jono Leadley, Mark Hawkes and Duncan Poyser. The bird, seen to dispatch and consume a mouse and a number of bumblebees, later moved to fenceposts by the western end of the central drove and was present until dusk. 15 Swallows still in the area.
Elsewhere on the Nene, 13 Short-eared Owls, including 3 at Bassen Hally, 4 at Lords Holt and 6 together mobbing a Marsh Harrier between Eldernell and March Farmers. Also, a Fulvous Whistling Duck Flew over with Greylags towards Priors Fen (Jono Leadley, Mark Hawkes, Duncan Poyser). Also, a TWITE and at least ten Stonechats (Jonathan Taylor).
At Woodwalton Fen, 1+ BEARDED TIT calling frequently and seen once from the tower hide. Also, a BITTERN flew across the lagoon here at midday. Nearby, a singing male FIRECREST showed well late morning, and a couple of Bramblings around the area (Jono Leadley, Mark Hawkes, Duncan Poyser).
At Prior's Fen, an adult male BEARDED TIT seen in the morning but not subsequently (George Walters).
At Cottenham Long Drove, the White Stork still present (Tim Inskipp).
At Grafham Water, a Rock Pipit on the dam and another juvenile Red-necked Grebe has joined the first! (Colin Addington).
At Fowlmere, a Jack Snipe still showing on the mere (Doug Radford).
At Prior's Fen, a Curlew Sandpiper, plus 22 Fieldfare and at High Wash, a male Hen Harrier (Steve Dudley).
At the Ouse Washes, a female Hen Harrier and one Marsh Harrier (Peter Herkenrath).
18 October 2002
On the Nene Washes a RICHARD'S PIPIT two thirds of the way along the central drove. Also, a LAPLAND BUNTING flew north and a single TWITE flew south, one Water Pipit and a Peregrine (Jonathan Taylor).
The White Stork still present at Cottenham Long Drove (David Heath).
Near Peterborough at Dogsthorpe Tip, an adult Yellow-legged Gull (Brian Stone).
At Fowlmere, a Short-eared Owl (Doug Radford).
17 October 2002
At Fletton BP, a 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, which later flew towards Orton BP. Also, plenty of Fieldfares and Redwings in the area (Mike Weedon and Steve Dudley).
Over at Orton BP, the Black-necked Grebe has been re-discovered (Mike Weedon). 2 Bramblings also at OBP (George Walters).
Between Hilton and the A14, a Merlin (Duncan McNiven).
Lots of visible migration in Cambridgeshire at the moment, including 60 Skylarks, 250 Redwings, 20 Song Thrushes, 5 Bramblings, a Redpoll, 3 Siskins and a Grey Wagtail all flying over Chatteris (Mark Ward).
At Welches Dam RSPB, 3 Spotted Redshanks and at least 100 Ruff (Doug Radford).
At Stetchworth Key, several Bramblings in a finch flock at Basefield Wood (Peter Bullett).
16 October 2002
White Stork still present at Cottenham Long Drove (Mike Pearson).
On the Nene Washes, a late Black Tern (Jonathan Taylor).
Two Stonechats at Sutton Gault (Mark Peck).
At Ferry Meadows, one Buzzard over, plus a Redpoll (Chris Park) and 2 Green Sandpipers and 353 (!) Skylarks counted passing over (Steve Dudley).
At Priors Fen, a Spotted Redshank, 4 Whooper Swans and 13 Swallows (Brian Stone).
At Abbotsley, a Buzzard over (Duncan McNiven).
At Grafham a Merlin was watched chasing a Peregrine! (Owen & Monica Marks).
15 October 2002
At the Nene Washes, 8 Short-eared Owls around the reserve, 2 Water Pipits, 7 Stonechats, a female Peregrine and 39 Bewick's Swans (Jonathan Taylor).
At Fowlmere, a Jack Snipe still present, along with a Green Sandpiper and a female Marsh Harrier (Doug Radford).
The juvenile Red-necked Grebe is still showing from Marlow CP, at Grafham Water (Birdguides.co.uk).
At Cottenham, the White Stork is still present along with a Whinchat (Bruce Martin).
On 13 October, a Merlin was seen in a Landbeach garden (Dick Newell).
Also, from 13 October, a report of at least 5 Waxwings from a hedgerow in Oakington, near Cambridge (BJ Pettit).
14 October 2002
GREAT WHITE EGRET southwest of Sawtry, had been seen in flight just south of here at 07.30, and was seen next to the B1043 in a ditch, between 10.20 and 14.10, when it flew high west over the A1 (per Mark Hawkes, Steve Dudley et al). It or another, was then seen over the M11, southwest of Cambridge at 3.30pm (Steve Dudley).
Red-necked Grebe, juvenile, still at Grafham Water, from Marlow car park, 4 Goldeneye along dam and 4 House Martins, 20 Yellowhammers. The Dark-bellied Brent Goose is still in field opposite Dudney Hide (no sign of Little Egret). Also adult Little Gull and adult Kittiwake reported off Mander car park late pm (Mark Hawkes, Julian & Sandra Hughes).
Male Peregrine over Willingham towards Swavesey (Mark Ward).
Still small numbers of Swallows around the county (Mark Ward, Brian Stone et al.)
At Cottenham Long Drove, the White Stork still present on Sunday (Simon Stirrup).
13 October 2002
In Bury Lane, Witcham, one Firecrest (Dave Hopkins).
At Ditton Park Wood, 14 Crossbills, 25 Bramblings, 2 Willow Tits, 45 Redwings, several Siskins, Little and Tawny Owls and a Buzzard (Peter Bullett).
6 Yellow-legged Gulls (3 adults, 1 4th Calendar year, 2 2nd calendar year) at Milton Tip, (Dick Newell).
At Fletton BP, a Stonechat, one adult Kittiwake and a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull. Nearby, at Orton BP, Short-eared Owl, Woodcock, Hobby and another Stonechat. The Black-necked Grebe appears to have gone (Steve Dudley).
13 House Martins, Cambridge (Davie Wege).
On 12th October at Fowlmere, 2 Jack Snipe from the Reedbed Hide still (Alan Wadsworth)
12 October 2002
At Grafham Water, one Wheatear on the dam, plus the juvenile Red-necked Grebe, one Little Egret and the Brent Goose, still present (Mark Hawkes).
At Ferry Meadows, Peterborough, 2nd Winter Mediterranean Gul, 2 House Martins and a Swallow. Also, 2 Common Terns over Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough (Steve Dudley)
11 October 2002
At Hauxton, the Osprey still present (Birdguides.co.uk).
At Grafham Water, Brent Goose and Little Egret (Mark Hawkes).
10 October 2002
At Grafham Water, the juvenile Red-necked Grebe still off Marlow Car Park. Also, Dark-bellied Brent Goose still in the field opposite Dudney Hide. Yesterday, a male Brambling near Dudney Hide and Black Swan off Plummer Car Park (Mark Hawkes, Colin Addington).
At Eldernell this morning, 2 Peregrine, immature male and female (J. Taylor).
At Hauxton, the Osprey still present (Sue Rogers et al.).
One Buzzard over Great Chishill (Jack Harrison).
At Overton, one Kittiwake passed through (George Walters).
Ring-necked Parakeet, over St Neots, at 08.15, presumably the Grafham bird? (Mark Hawkes).
9 October 2002
Hauxton, the Osprey still present in usual tree until midday at least (per Bruce Martin).
At Grafham Water a Brent Goose from Dudney Hide (Colin Addington).
At the Cam washes, Upware, Brambling, Marsh Harrier, Black tailed Godwit (John Oates).
At Swaffham Prior Fen, one Buzzard (John Oates).
At Priors Fen, 4 Whooper Swans, 4 Bewicks Swans plus a flock of 19 over heading north, plus 1 Ruff, 5 Golden Plovers with Lapwings and 47 Wigeon (George Walters).
At Orton Brick Pit, Tree Pipit 1 at southern end around the newt pits, Short-eared Owl, Redwing 4 over, but no sign Black-necked Grebe (Steve Dudley). 1 Barn Owl near Stilton at 07.00 (Ashley Wheal).
8 October 2002
Grafham Water Red-necked Grebe juv off Marlow car park Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Common Sand, 4 Lesser Redpolls, Siskin, imm drake Goldeneye but no sign of yesterdays Leach's Petrel (John Oates et al).
Juvenile Osprey Hauxton 11 am (RBA).
Jack Snipe at Ferry Meadows, Presst Hide (Matt Webb).
14+ Redwings over Park Road, Peterborough @ 16.10pm heading west (Steve Dudley).
2 Parakeets flying north over the A1 at Stibbington (Chris Park).
Orton BP 32 Redwing over, c10 Song Thrush, 12 Blackbird (Brian Stone).
On 6/10 RAVEN over Elsworth (Paul Harding).
7 October 2002
Grafham Water LEACH'S PETREL off Mander c5-5.30pm (Peter Dobson), Red-necked Grebe juv off Marlow car park & Curlew Sand (Colin Addington).
Juv Osprey Hauxton (RBA).
3 Common Buzzards over Swaffham Prior village at 2pm (John Oates).
Ferry Meadows Sand Martin, Chiffchaff, Lesser Redpoll 4, Siskin 9, Ruddy Duck 6, Water Rail 3+, Jay 3 (Steve Dudley).
6 October 2002
Red-crested Pochard (f) at Somersham GP
Priors Fen – 2 Spotted Redshank (Steve Dudley) 1-2 Rock Pipit 1-2 mobile, Common Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail 1 (Brian Stone)
Fowlmere NR – Ringtail Hen Harrier, Ring Ouzel (Adrian Cooper)
Fen Drayton GP – 2 Jack Snipe
Elsworth - RAVEN
5 October 2002
Ouse Washes - Ringtail Hen Harrier
Isleham – Osprey
Juv Osprey Hauxton (Richard Hall).
Prior's Fen -2 Spotted Redshank, 8 Whooper Swan, Short-eared Owl (Steve Dudley)
White Stork again at Cottenham Long Drove (Graeme Reed)
4 October 2002
Fowlmere RSPB 1+ Jack Snipe from Reedbed Hide (Jono Leadley).
At Cottenham Long Drove, the White Stork still present (Tim Inskipp).
Nene Washes - 5 Stonechat (Christine M Taylor)
Cam Washes Upware - 2 Blackwits and lots of Snipe (Jono Leadley, John Oates)
Two buzzards sat in a field by the minor road to Hilton from the A1198 at 0845 this morning.(Duncan McNiven)
BLACK-NECKED GREBE - still at far (southern) end of Orton BP (Brian Stone).
Wicken Fen - White Wagtail from Trevelyan's Hide (Jono Leadley, John Oates).
Juv Osprey Hauxton (Jono Leadley et al).
3 October 2002
Stretham – Turtle Dove
2 October 2002
BLACK-NECKED GREBE - still at far (southern) end of Orton BP (Steve Dudley).
At Grafham Water - juvenile Red-necked Grebe
Godmanchester GP – Garganey
Fowlmere RSPB, early evening now 2 Jack Snipe showing very well (Adrian
Cooper)
1 October 2002
Orton BP - BLACK-NECKED GREBE (Mark Ward), 2 Common Buzzard together over Jones's Covert (Brian Stone)
At Grafham Water – Ring-necked Parakeet in the lagoons (per Mark Hawkes c5pm), plus 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in roost. A few Chiffchaffs and lots of Goldcrests around. (Jono Leadley)