Blogger: Mike Burdekin, Off Site Warden - Ouse Washes

The conditions on the reserve are excellent. The current water level has created a wide variety of feeding opportunities for both wildfowl and waders. Most species of wildfowl are plentiful and many of the whooper and Bewick's swans have taken to staying on the reserve or the farmland immediately behind the hides. This is a fantastic opportunity to see them close up before they return to their breeding grounds. There are thousands of lapwing and lesser numbers of golden plover on the areas that are now relatively free of water and these always present the possibility of 'lunch' for the hunting peregrines.

The visitor centre is still providing superb views of a large flock of finches, buntings and sparrows, which are using the feeding area at the rear throughout the day. At this time of year the reserve is often under several metres of water so if there is a right time to visit; it is now.

To find out more about our great site visit: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/o/ousewashes/index.aspx