February 21st 2010

Saturday was a shopping day visiting focus optics to replace my magnifying glass before the mothing season takes off so very little seen and as we both did not fancy the patch today we decided to give the Nene Wash at Endernell, Cambridgeshire another look and set out early full of hope. We new there was a chance of snow but we hadn’t anticipated how heavy it would be so what should have been a pleasant 6 mile walk turned in to bit of an ordeal. Having seen both Barn and Tawny Owl on the way we arrived just before dawn and started our walk just as the first few flakes started falling. For the first hour visibility was good, wind light and very cold but we picked up Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 3 possibly 5 Barn Owl, Shelduck, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 300 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Oystercatchers while March Farmers held at least 3000 Wigeon, 300 Pintail, 300 Bewick’s and 600 Whooper Swan.
As we neared Poplar Farm the wind increased and the snow became heavier and the next two hours were a white out with reduced visibility and we struggled to add to the list but did manage Ruff, Snipe Golden Plover and Fieldfare before returning to the car looking like two drowned Lobsters. Also seen were 4 Roe Deer and 14 Hare.
As we searched for somewhere for breakfast and dry out we managed a few Red-legged Partridge but the state of our clothes indicated that once our bellies were sated we would call it a day and head home.
In my absence the patch produced 3 Red-crested Pochard at the pond and a Little Egret was over Woolscott so something to go for tomorrow.

Richard