Due to high water levels on the Ouse Washes the largest number of birds to see are diving ducks in the day and swans from dusk. Lady Fen is providing the greater variety of birds, fantastic views from the visitor centre.
1 min read • 18 January 2020
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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
