Things are picking up pace. With the flow of spring migrants arriving and winter migrants starting to head off, March was an exciting month on the reserve. Flooding was the main feature which forced parts of the reserve to be cut off. It also flooded out the washes forcing the large Black-tailed Godwit flock to move up to Fen Drayton Lakes, a traditional movement in high water times. The flock peaked at 3400 individuals, an amazing sight. They also included one rather special visitor, a 27 year old bird, which holds the world record for oldest Black-tailed Godwit. Hopefully there's a few years left in the old bird yet!

Oldest known Black-tailed Godwit in the world (Photo: Richard Bradbury)

Oldest known Black-tailed Godwit in the world! Photo: Richard Bradbury.

Elsewhere on the reserve it was very busy for birding including:

  • Fieldfare - 120 over Middle Fen on 1st, appeared to be migrating in lots of small flocks
  • Woodcock - flushed from Elney on 1st and 28th
  • Avocet - 2 on Moore on 3rd, 8 on Ferry on 17th
  • Rock Pipit - Ferry on 4th
  • Smew - 2 drakes back on Moore briefly on 5th
  • Goosander - redhead on Moore on 5th
  • Crane - 2 over Middle Fen on 11th, one over Ferry on 26th
  • Pink-footed Goose - Ferry on 11th and on Middle Fen on 16th
  • Pintail - 157 on Middle Fen on 13th
  • Sand Martin - 10 on Drayton on 15th, 56 on 21st
  • Chiffchaff - 4 singing on 17th
  • Ruff - 5 on Ferry on 17th, 6 on 26th
  • Corn Bunting - singing male on Middle Fen on 18th
  • Med Gull - Middle Fen on 21st
  • Swallow - Moore on 25th
  • Yellow Wagtail - Ferry 25th
  • Dunlin - 2 on Ferry on 26th
  • Goldeneye - still 40 on reserve on 26th
  • Shelduck - Ferry on 27th

The first butterflies were out during sunnier spells with Brimstones, Green-veined White and Peacock seen. Also there have been some Stoat and Weasel sightings along the entrance road.

Henry Cook
Assistant Warden – Fen Drayton Lakes