Despite the strong winds, a wide range of birds were at Fen Drayton Lakes today, with a grand total of 77 species recorded. Some highlights on the "Lazy Sunday" guided walk included hearing the different calls of a male and a female cuckoo, as well as a singing grasshopper warbler. We also saw a bar-tailed godwit (what was that doing here?) and had two kingfisher sightings. The big question was, did we see two different birds, or did we see the same kingfisher twice? However, I think the most impressive sight was the scores, even hundreds, of common swifts zooming around the lakes, particularly along and over the high hedges.
The next event we focus on will be very different.
There is an area to the north of Willingham that is labelled Weathersome Common on the Ordnance Survey map. It is currently arable farmland, but if you had been there around three thousand years ago, you’d probably have wet feet.
This is the site if Willingham Mere, long since drained, and perhaps soon to reveal some secrets.
Experts from Cambridge Archaeological Unit are soon to begin excavating an area at the edge of the former mere, with the help of a team of enthusiastic local people. Some are members of the Fen Edge Archaeology Group, and many will be taking part in their first-ever archaeological dig.
Previous excavations in the area between Needingworth and Haddenham have produced bones of animals that can still be found in the area, such as herons, ducks and swans, but they’ve also revealed animals that are locally extinct. Can you imagine how exciting it would be if Willingham Mere reveals more skeletal remains of beavers, white-tailed eagles or Dalmatian pelicans?
There are still a few places available for people to join the team, if they can commit to a couple of days between 31 May and 10 June. Phone 01954 233260 if you would like to take part.
If you cannot join the archaeological work, you can visit the site, as short tours will run at 11am and 2pm daily, from 1st to 10th June.