First up was a trip to Grafham Water, a vast reservoir with several nice walks dotted around the woodland surround. The usual Blackcaps and Tits were abundant, and some of the scrub looked like it would be a key site in breeding season, and for over-wintering birds.
I managed this Common Toad amongst the gravel but that was it for herpetofauna. The habitat looked ripe for Grass Snakes and Common Lizards but I had no joy finding any on this occasion
The reservoir itself was abundant in Tufted Ducks, GC Grebes, various Gulls and Cormorants, in particular one jetty which was stocked full of these large water birds drying their wings and taking a breather between hunting trips. There were a few Pochards and Shovellers about, I can well imagine that over winter the wildfowl numbers are spectacular here.
Bird of the day was certainly this Red Kite, my first of the year. Once persecuted to near extinction in this country, it's awesome seeing them doing well in certain areas, and it surely can't be long before I see my first back in Kent. They were one of the targets I had in mind coming to this area, and are always great to see.
The evening brought a flyover Sparrowhawk and a Hobby chasing Swallows from the garden, and after a few drinks we took a nice stroll around the area and found two Hedgehogs, my first for absolutely ages!
The following day took us to Riverside County Park in St Neots, followed by a walk up the River Ouse to Paxton Pits reserve. Very reminiscent of the Thames in its upriver sections, this quaint waterway was littered with bird life and small boats, along with grand houses backing onto private jetties (lucky bastards!)
Paxton Pits itself consists of a series of pools dotted around a functional quarry just off the river, with walks and hides dotted around. There wasn't much about today save for the standard Coots and Herons, like Grafham Water I imagine this is a place to visit when the winter roosts arrive, or when the breeding season is in full swing. Still, an enjoyable walk in a gorgeous setting!
The return trip down the Ouse was the highlight of the day, we were treated to fly bys from two Kingfishers. I'm on a mission to get a perched photo of one of these guys, and try as we might we just couldn't find one, instead getting the cliche blue and orange flash as they zip by. Hopefully when winter comes their bright colours will make them a bit more obvious against the barer backgrounds.
A great trip with fantastic company and some excellent walks, until the next one!
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