Kingfisher’s to Wicken to Tubney Fen

Did a bit of a marathon fenland crawl yesterday. Started mid-morning at Kingfisher’s Bridge Nature Reserve and learned a lot about the local setup and the Cranes, the Marsh Harriers, the otters, and the buffalo there from Bruce Martin. That’s a name any Cambridgeshire birder will know, he holds the record for the longest ticked list of species in the county, apparently, well over three hundred. Here are a few snaps from Kingfisher’s Bridge, NT Wicken Fen and Tubney/Burwell.

View from the left-hand hide up the mountain facing out over the lake

Unwanted otter in the lake despite the predator barrier (500m away)

Marsh Harrier harrying coots. It didn’t catch one.

Only mares allowed. The Konik pony stallions have been relocated to preclude breeding.

Disgruntled Sparrowhawk failed to catch the Kingfisher he chased into the reed bed.

Reach Bridge takes you over the waterway to NT Tubney Fen

Rusty Fenmen – Skater, Eel Catcher and Entomologist. Public art at NT Tubney Fen.

Birdlist for the day: Marsh Harrier, Coot, Wigeon, Pochard, Shelduck, Shoveler, Pintail, Whooper Swan, Sparrowhawk, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mallard, Mute Swan, Kingfisher, Reed Bunting, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, Kestrel, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gully, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Cormorant, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Egyptian Geese, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Wren, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Starling, Little Egret, Teal, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Buzzard, House Sparrow. Mammals seen: Buffalo, cattle, Muntjac deer, otter, grey squirrel, Konik ponies.