3rd Jan - sunny spell am, high cloud, mod SW, 9C

A change of scenery today by heading off to the Nene Washes area.  Firstly, checking the fields off New Cut lane near Thorney.  A flock, c80 Whooper Swans, was feeding in a winter wheat field at mid-distance.  Eventually, two Bewick Swans were spotted among the Whoopers.  A Kestrel hunted nearby.

Then to Eldernell to walk here and to view the marshes, this is a great area and if you have never visited you really should make a visit.   Although still early afternoon, two Short-eared Owls were sitting out, preening and snoozing, very close to the car park at the base of some bushes.  They were very obliging today.

In this area other birds included Marsh Harrier, Little Egret. Grey Heron,  Kestrel, Whooper and Mute Swans.

The marshes closest to the car park were relatively dry, but the distant ones towards March Farmers held water and large numbers of Ducks, Lapwings and Golden Plovers could be seen.