A FEW MORE YEARTICKS

I’ve just returned from a few days away birding with my good friend Owen Parsons, and we were fortunate to encounter some truly cracking species.

Our adventure began at Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, where we were after a Richard’s Pipit. The bird proved elusive at times, weaving through the undergrowth before eventually offering excellent views as it foraged and then flew past us, calling. It was a treat to see this scarce species, as I hadn’t recorded one in several years.

Birders on site

From there, we headed north to Welney WWT in Norfolk, where the reserve’s winter waterfowl were on show. A Black-necked Grebe in winter plumage and four Bewick’s Swans were highlights. Although six Tundra Bean Geese were reportedly present on the reserve, we couldn’t locate them during our visit.

Black Necked Grebe

       Owen scoping through the swan herd, where we found four Bewick's Swans

Our next stop was Warham Greens, where we were delighted to enjoy close views of a female Pallid Harrier. 

Female Pallid Harrier

The area also offered sightings of two Barn Owls, a Short-eared Owl, two Hen Harriers, and two Marsh Harriers, all set against a stunning Norfolk sunset. After a full day of birding, we retired to King’s Lynn for a well-earned night’s rest.

Sunset At Warham Greens

The following morning, we ventured into Cambridgeshire, beginning at Eldernell, at the northern end of the Nene washes. After some searching, we located four Common Cranes feeding in the waterlogged fields, a striking sight against the winter landscape.

Common Crane

Continuing into West Deeping in Lincolnshire, we connected with a flock of 32 Red-crested Pochard, the largest number I’ve personally seen. This location had been recommended by my friend Josh Jones, who recorded 162 Red-crested Pochard in the area during 2022.

         Josh recorded 162 Red Crested Pochard 

In this area in 2022.

Our final highlight came at Winteringham in North Lincolnshire, where a rare Eastern Yellow Wagtail was discovered interacting with eight Pied Wagtails. The bird’s distinctive call had already been heard by the finder and a few on-site birders before we arrived, and we were able to enjoy excellent views.

It was a thoroughly rewarding few days, packed with scarce birds and winter specialties, and a welcome addition of several year ticks to the list before returning home.