Today's sightings - 18/01/2020

The Ouse Washes are currently providing an essential role as a flood relief area. The high water levels on the reserve are protecting tens of thousands of hectares of farmland and thousands of homes in towns and villages, all along the River Great Ouse. The depth of the water on the reserve is resulting in fantastic numbers of diving ducks during the day - particularly pochard, with tufted ducks in amongst the flock. The swans that have been feeding out in the fields throughout the day are returning to the reserve at dusk, gliding down onto the water in front of the main hide. Good numbers of swans can be seen at the floodlit feeds on Saturdays and Sundays.

Lady Fen is providing a greater variety of birds, with the best views from the visitor centre and car

park. If you arrive before the centre opens at 10am, bring a hot drink and from the car park you can enjoy watching the swans flying out. During the day enjoy watching flocks of wigeon, lapwing and golden plover, as well as highlights including pintail, shoveler, teal, shelduck, great white egret.

Barn owl
Bewick's swan
Goldeneye
Tree sparrow
House sparrow
Reed bunting
Goldfinch
Lapwing
Wigeon
Whooper swan
Mute swan
Redshank
Shoveler
Teal
Pochard
Tufted duck
Mallard
Marsh harrier
Coot
Little egret
Golden plover
Dunlin
Curlew

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