We entered the next hide, noticing it was beginning to cloud over (as per the forecast), and before I'd even sat down Spotter McGurk (as Mrs PB is affectionately known whilst we're out wildlifing) said "incoming"... and she was right, an Avocet
A little further towards the reedbeds, a bigger surprise than the Spoonbill... lots of Spoonbills!!
Nothing much else was happeing, so we moved on to the next hide, and on the way the earlier Wren was uncharacteristically quiet...
There wasn't anything to see out the windows.... but IN one of the windows... A Blue-Eyed Camouflage Wing Fly (NB I may have made that up)
Also in the hide were two swallows nests, which were serviced regularly whilst we were there (staff had mentioned it was there, and to basically duck if necessary lol)
The Spoonbills flew off as we were headed back to the previous hide
A Ruddy Darter, on the fence top
I missed the catching of it, but the Great Egret had a biggy
Out of nowhere a Heron blundered in
And the Egret slipped away to have its meal in peace, only slightly ruffled!
Leaving the poor Heron in his wake
We headed on back toward the centre, beginning to think of lunch, and a bit of a Warbler party started.... I'm guessing all Reed, unless someone can advise me differntly?
A female Ruddy Darter
Probably a Black Tailed Skimmer, but possibly a Scarce Chaser... unfortunately I was peering through a hole in a fence and couldn't get a better angle
On the bridge back to the welcome centre, a proper coloured Pied Wagtail
And peering from the top level, a pair of Black Tailed Godwits (Welney is part of the breeding and relocation programme for them, and I think they've relocated 20-odd chicks this year, mostly to Slimbridge, to diversify and strengthen the population)
A little deeper in the pool was Shoveller and chicks
We had lunch and Mrs PB decided (being wise like she is) that it was going to start raining and she would go back to the cottage. Me being a fool thought nah, will only be a bit spitty, I'll head round Lady Fen. I set off in good spirits, ad spotted a Small Tortoiseshell
And then Spotter was proved right, and as I got back to the centre, a young Dunnock was singing
And that brought to an end Mondays delectations and delights.
I decided small bite-size bits were better than one unwieldy massive post, hope you agree, and have enjoyed it.
Stay Safe All
Wow, spoonbills too ........... I'm almost getting the car out ready to go after seeing the fabulous variety of birds, etc., on offer LOL. glad you had such a rewarding few days. Thanks for making a dull cloudy day so bright with the lovely photos !
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Regards, Hazel
Well done sorting that lot out PB, envious of your spoon bills. I think the maximum I have seen their is 3. You found a good selection of subjects
Thanks Snappy, but that was 1/2 day Sunday and Monday.... 1700 from Wednesday to go through yet, when we went down the summer trail
Thanks Hazel... I highly recommend it. We've been twice at different times and both have been great. If the weather turns you're less than an hour from Ely and Cambridge, and a load of NT places in the area too.
No more, I can't handle any more lol, absolutely fabulous and delighted all the birds and beasties turned out for you...thanks for sorting and sharing...I need a holiday now
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
Another day to go, but still got square eyes from sorting the last lot!!
Finally reached the end of day 4 and very pleased to read that there will be more to come ... a fabulous selection of great pics PB, has been a pleasure to share!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Thanks Wendy, for wading through lol
WendyBartter said:the end of day 4
That lot were Sunday afternoon and Monday.... you'll be pleased to know Tuesday was wet and so there's only Wednesday to go lol
Looking forward to it PB, shame you lost a day to the rain though!
Nah, it's OK... gives Mrs PB a break from wildlifing....she prefers history really... so we went to Anglesey Abbey