3rd February 2024 - Abington Nature Watch Trip to WWT Welney.
A slightly smaller than expected group of three of us visited the WWT Welney nature reserve on Saturday (other members sadly succumbing to various winter illnesses). It was World Wetlands Day and the Ouse Washes, on which Welney sits, are flooded at this time of year providing the perfect wetland habitat for a good variety of ducks, swans and geese, as well as other water birds such as egrets and waders.
Following heavy rains last month, the water levels had dropped again such that the islands were once again above water, and there was good access to most of the hides.
Of particular interest was a Scaup, a scarce duck that visits the UK in winter, and which is similar in many respects to a Tufted Duck, but has a grey back. Around the main observatory there were good numbers of Pochard, and of Whooper Swan (best identified from other swans by the yellow wedge-shaped markings on the bill), and more distantly, it was lovely to see good numbers of Pintail and a few Goldeneye, both very strikingly elegant ducks, as well as Wigeon, Teal, Shovelor and Shelduck.
In terms of waders, there were very large numbers of Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit, alongside an occasional Redshank and Dunlin, often rising en masse when a Marsh Harrier flew over a little too close for comfort. A Great White Egret was also visible on the far side of the wash.
On the Lady Fen side, a flock of 10 (!) Cattle Egret was easily visible from the cafe, as were the usual Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow and a few Reed Bunting on the feeders.
Overall a total of 32 species were enjoyed!
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