A Day at the Washes

24th February 2018

Time for a visit to The Washes and the first stop was the Ouse Washes at Welches Dam. On the approach road a compact flock of some 100+ Whoopers Swans were feeding close to the road, so pulled up in a layby to grab the first shots of the day. The birds were unbelievably close and, although they were obviously aware of our presence, were apparently unconcerned and soon resumed feeding. This was also an usually compact flock allowing some nice group shots.

At Welches Dam it was nice and warm in the visitor's centre so time to sit and enjoy the Tree Sparrows on the feeders. Unfortunately, the Tree Sparrows now seem to favour the feeders behind the centre so viewing and photographing is through glass. However, there is only one small colony left in my home county of Hertfordshire, so lets make the most of it.

At the front of the centre the feeders were only attracting House Sparrows, as well as the usual complement of finches.

First stop was Welches Dam Hide where it was soon apparent that the water levels were very high and there were only a few distant wildfowl to be seen. Therefore our attention was concentrated on the beach where a single Pied Wagtail was searching for food amongst the wrack.

On the 45-degree banks a few Meadow Pipits were feeding amongst the tussocky grass which made photography a tad difficult, but with a little patience the pipits did eventually poke their heads up for a shot.

But the bonus today was the 2-3 Water Pipits that were also feeding along the wrack, initially quite distant, but eventually coming a lot nearer for some nice close-up shots.

We did visit some of the other hides on the southern bank, but the high water levels had covered any mud and all the wildfowl were very distant. However, on the way back to the car park, a Buzzard flew low overhead giving some great opportrunities.

Now on to the Nene Washes in the hope of seeing some Short-eared Owls. On our last visit on the 18th December 2017 there were five shorties flying, but I had heard that they were not showing anywhere near as well, with mainly distant singletons. This proved to be the case today with just one seen sitting on a post at the far side of the wash. However, the local Kestrel was on hand to entertain the assembled crowds.................

....................with a supporting cast of a fly-by Buzzard.

But the stars of the show today were a pair of Stonechat which were performing right next to the car park and keeping the photographers happy. Well, no photographs of any shorties, but nevertheless a great sunny albeit freezing day.