A couple of days ago, in unusually bright sunny weather, I decided to try the Wildlife & Wetlands Trust at Welney, just a 20 minute drive from home. For those unfamiliar with the site, it is located on the Eastern side of the Ouse Washes and is an important wintering ground for ducks and swans.

The website warned that the reserve was badly affected by floods and that only the observatory and wing hides were accessible. The crossover road A1101 was also closed due to flooding.  However, the high water levels can force small mammals to the roadside verges and ,with little traffic, can bring Owls and Raptors close.

Travelling through Pymore, Cambs on the way, there was a flock of Jackdaws by the roadside and, never to pass up the opportunity to take a shot, I stopped and managed a couple of shots from the car before carrying on.

In the reserve, the very high water levels resulted in fewer birds than usual, a mix of Mallard, Pochard, Mute and a few Whooper Swans. 

One Cormorant appeared causing some surprise when it surfaced right replica audemars piguet underneath some Mallard

The Swan Feed was scheduled for 3.30pm and a bus load of 50 odd people made the hides rather tight but brought in a few Whooper Swans with some attractive backlit shots possible int the late afternoon sun.

Leaving during the feed, I went to look for the Barn Owls by the roadside. In previous years there have always been 3 or 4 but this time none - a sad breitling replica reflection on a bad breeding year for the species.

A few more images are available in the Recent Additions section of this website.