A Russian White-fronted Goose at Fowlmere

8th February 2026

On Saturday 7th February Ade Cooper found a Russian White-fronted Goose at Fowlmere feeding with about 30 Greylags in the field at the southern end of the bridleway that runs down the eastern boundary of the reserve. I was visiting the reserve on Sunday to see how the harriers were doing so stopped off at the gate to have a look, but no sign of the goose. As I made my way round to the Reed Bed Hide I could hear several geese on the mere so was fairly confident it would be there, but a quick scan soon proved that to be overly optimistic. Later on the whole flock flew off.

I spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon looking out for and photographing the female Marsh Harrier and when I looked back at the mere the Greylags had re-appeared and the White-front was amongst them, but typically by the furthest bank.

At that point they all decided to fly off again and I was able to grab some flight shots.

This shot shows the White-front is slightly smaller than a Greylag, but also has a mucher slighter build and much smaller head and bill.

Well that was a nice surprise.

Thank you Ade.

I Wonder How The Harriers Are Getting On?

8th February 2026

Marsh Harriers have been breeding at Fowlmere for several years now and have traditionally returned to the site during late February/early March. However during the last two years they have returned much earlier in January so time for a look to see how they are getting on.

The first sighting of the female this year was on the 31st January (Peter Kenyon) and the second on the 7th February (Ade Cooper), but still no sign of the male.

The female was still present today from first light and caught a prey item on site at 10.15am (Jan Michalec).  The prey item was partially eaten but from the size and the dark feathers it was probably a Moorhen. When I arrived at 10.30am she was sitting in her favourite bush next to the old nest.

She did have a few short flights around the reed bed, but soon landed again on her bush or in the reeds.

Let's hope the male is OK and will arrive soon.

Also good to have a catch-up with Chris Kenyon, Ade Cooper, Roy Balne and Laura, and to meet Andrew Parish, and thanks to Chris Kenyon, Ade Cooper and Jan Michalec for the additional information.

Lots of Activity at Two Tree Island

4th February 2026

Here is Monty's Lookout which will be home for the morning. OK, no central heating, not even any doors..............

...........................but look at the view!!!!!!!!

Still three hours before high tide so not many birds around apart from a few duck including a dozen or so Teal and a pair of Shelduck.

The female was having a bath so I waited for the compulsory wing-flap to dry her wings.

There were more Wigeon on the lagoon today than usual, but still insignificant compared to the number on the estuary.

With the breeding season just around the corner, tempers can get a bit strained.

The only waders there initially were a couple of distant Avocets and about 20 Redshanks.

Over Hadleigh Ray were 30+ Black-tailed Godwits wheeling around, but didn't come near the lagoon and seem to be coming less and less common at this time of year.

Amongst the birds starting to arrive was a Grey Plover......................

....................and some Knot. 

At that point a Sparrowhawk flew through and spooked everything and caused absolute chaos.

Then the main influx got underway starting with the Ringed Plovers.....................

........................followed by the Redshanks......................

And finally the most numerous wader today by far, the Dunlins, with a few Knot and Redshank thrown in.

WOW, what a spectacle and Two Tree Island never disappoints. Now on to see what Gunners Park has to offer so.....................

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!