RSPB Fen Drayton :: 30 August 2025

Kev @kev07713 and I weren’t sure where to head, but with heavy rain forecast to sweep in from the west, we decided to make our way east. The obvious target was the white-winged tern reported at RSPB Fen Drayton, with perhaps the added bonus of a drake ring-necked duck – a species that has managed to evade me a couple of times already this year. It would also be our first ever visit to the site, which felt like the perfect chance to try it out and see if it’s somewhere we’d like to return to in the future.

After a minor detour thanks to a wrong turn, we eventually rolled into the reserve. As we approached the car park, we spotted a familiar figure heading in the opposite direction - David Wall. We pulled over for a quick chat and, sure enough, he was also here in search of the white-winged tern. It was good to compare notes before he carried on - with luck, we’d bump into him again later in the day and find out whether he’d had any success.

Nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is a haven for wildlife. Once a network of working gravel pits, the site has been transformed into a rich mosaic of lakes, wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, now supporting an incredible variety of birds and other species. With a network of walking trails - features roughly 16 km of trails spanning mixed terrain (earth, loose chippings, grass), with varying degrees of accessibility - there are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching, and with many views over open water, Fen Drayton is a place to witness the resilience of landscapes given the chance to thrive.

Walking down the track we came across the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, a unique public transport system stretching approximately 25 km, largely built on the old Cambridge-Huntingdon railway line. Buses travel on a special concrete guideway, allowing smooth, speedy travel, paired with a tarmac path alongside for walking, cycling, and other active travel.

Fen Drayton Lakes benefits from a dedicated guided busway request stop, meaning passengers must signal to the driver if they wish to alight there, and similarly request pick-up. The stop is directly adjacent to the reserve, making access by foot, bike, or bus especially convenient and includes a sheltered platform and a moderately ramped platform with handrails, affording easier access to many users. We should have followed the path running alongside the busway but as was becoming the norm today, we took a wrong turn and added almost a mile to our walk - pleasant though it was, it was not ideal.

We eventually arrived at Moore's Lake where many previous sightings had been reported - would it still be here as it had been clear overnight and present for quite a few days. This sighting marked the 35th ever recorded in Cambridgeshire, with three previous occurrences at Fen Drayton in 2009, 2023, and in early June this year. Our bird was reported to be a juvenile, observed reliably between 23rd and 29th August. As the bird seems to have spent much of its time around Moore Lake, hawking gracefully over the water, dipping for insects, and occasionally settling to rest, this seemed the best place to start.

Juveniles are subtler than the striking adults seen in spring, showing pale grey upperparts, dark ear coverts, and clean white underwings, but no less elegant. For many local birders, it was a chance to study this scarce migrant up close, and for some, it would tick off a county rarity.

We took the turn toward the hide overlooking Moore Lake and settled by the fence line to set up our scopes. From there we had a sweeping view across the water, though a couple of the islands were frustratingly half-hidden from sight. Above us, three hobbies circled high, one darting low and fast across the lake. A handful of common terns were also on the wing, their plumage catching our attention - three revealed themselves to be juveniles - a great white egret paced through the shallows, pausing now and then to strike at unsuspecting prey.

As terns appeared across the water, we investigated each one and always concluded that they were common terns. Both green and common sandpipers fed on the edges of islands and a single ruff worked the same areas. Kev called David to check where he was and found that he'd made his way down to the hide and confirmed that he had seen the same birds as us - he left the hide and walked back up the track to where we were - we watched and chatted with no change.

Eventually we decided that we'd have a look for the ring-necked duck reported on Birdguides about an hour before and found it wasn't too far away, although on the other side of the busway on Drayton Lagoon. We reached the viewing point and set about scanning the birds but failed to locate our duck. After 20 minutes or so three birders went passed and told us that the pin drop on Birdguides was incorrect and that that our bird had been seen on Elney Lake - the pin drop was just a lazy reposting of the previous day's sighting - a bit frustrating.

Then the skies above Fen Drayton treated us to an unexpected airshow. Two aircraft appeared in the distance, their engines growling across the reserve. One, with its graceful elliptical wings and Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, was instantly recognisable as a Spitfire; the other, with sharper lines, proved to be a Messerschmitt. The pair swept back and forth overhead, climbing, diving, and circling each other in a mock dogfight that seemed to bring history vividly to life above the wetlands. It was a surreal and thrilling contrast - the echoes of wartime aviation playing out over a landscape now dedicated to peaceful pursuits and wildlife. We couldn’t have asked for a better vantage point, with mostly clear views, even if the action was a little distant. No apologies for the number of photos below as it was such an experience - probably our favourite "birds" of the day - big metal ones.

We retraced our steps along the track and headed down to the hide overlooking Moore Lake, giving it a good half hour of scanning. Despite our efforts, there was still no sign of the bird we were hoping for. We tried to stay optimistic, but it was beginning to feel as though we’d missed our chance - that it had slipped away overnight or in the early hours. From there we carried on to the far side of Elney Lake, where the earlier sighting had been reported. Plenty of terns were about, but not the one we wanted. The ducks were mostly tufted, with a few mallards and gadwall mixed in for variety. While scanning the reed edge on the distant bank, I was pleased to pick out a water rail creeping in and out of cover, working its way along the margins. It’s always a treat to see one, and this was my first in several months. With no sign of our duck we started to relocate further along the track hoping to be able to see the lake from a different angle. We saw a kingfisher land on an elevated tree branch where it stayed for at most 15 seconds, before dropping onto a lower branch for a further 15 seconds, and left.

As we made our way along the path, we bumped into a couple of birders coming the other way, just as a BirdGuides update came through: the ring-necked duck had relocated to the far eastern end of the lake and was now viewable from the small car park and viewpoint between Elney and Oxholme Lakes. The pair confirmed they’d already seen it, so we pressed on with renewed purpose. Before long we reached the spot, where another couple were already watching and taking photographs. The bird was a long way off - too distant for decent photos or video, and at first I thought it would only be possible to appreciate it properly through the scope. Even so, I gave it a try and was pleased to come away with a couple of passable shots, and the video wasn’t too bad either. I’ve recently fitted a plate to the base of my camera that lets me mount it directly onto my tripod, and it definitely helped with stability at that range.

As we stood watching the lake, the air again filled with the unmistakable roar of Merlin engines. Two Spitfires cruised overhead in tight formation, flying straight, their sleek outlines only briefly visible as they appeared through a gap in the trees behind us. The sound lingered long after they’d gone, reverberating across the reserve. A little later, one of the aircraft returned, its engine note drifting back to us, though this time it stayed mostly hidden beyond the treeline and never passed directly above our position.

The ring-necked duck kept to its routine of preening and diving, stubbornly staying at a frustrating distance with no sign that it would drift any closer. All the diving ducks seemed content to remain in the same area, well out of reach. After a final scan, we said our goodbyes to David, who decided to give Moore Lake one last check, while we turned back towards the car. Later we heard from him that his return visit hadn’t added anything new to his day list, and there had been no further sign of the white-winged tern.

We wrapped up our visit with a final look over Ferry Lagoon, where once again there were plenty of terns but not the one we’d hoped for. A couple of kingfishers flew through. It was a fitting end to a day of near-misses and good encounters. Fen Drayton is a great reserve, but it’s also a large, sprawling site and one where you need to be ready for some walking if you want to make the most of it.

Year list: 232.

Eyebrook Reservoir & Hanging Houghton :: 23 August 2025

Eyebrook Reservoir never disappoints and this Saturday, Kev @kev07713 and I spent a few hours scanning from the side of the reservoir, and once again the place delivered a great mix of birds.

We’d set out with one particular target in mind: osprey. Eyebrook is a well-known site for them, especially when they drop in to fish, and it’s always one of the most reliable spots to add one to the year list. That said, our timing was a little later in the season than when we’d usually visit, so there was a touch of uncertainty - there were recent reports though.

Our first stop was the small parking area overlooking the water. From there, we could take in the usual spread of wildfowl scattered across the reservoir, a reassuring start but not the main reason we’d come. The real draw lay further along, down in the shallows, where the receding water had left stretches of exposed mud. These muddy fringes often act like magnets for waders, pulling in a changing cast of species.

After a short scan and a few notes on what was immediately in view, we decided to press on. The perimeter road that skirts Eyebrook is ideal for working methodically along the edges, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves edging further down to find what the mud might be holding.

Common terns were the first to catch our attention, graceful as always. Among them were juveniles, still with that fresh, neat plumage and a touch of hesitancy in their flight compared to the adults. It was good to see signs of successful breeding and repicates what we've encountered at other sites.

It didn’t take long before the wader activity began to show. A busy flock of ruff was scattered across the mud, feeding in that slightly restless, jerky way of theirs, heads dipping down constantly, picking and probing, sometimes wading deeper to sweep their bills through the shallows. Among them, smaller dunlin bustled about, darting quickly between around the larger birds, the two species creating a shifting pattern as they fed side by side.

We saw three waders coming in from distance - three greenshank flew in, their elegant long legs dangling before they dropped onto the edge of the mud. For a few minutes they stood out beautifully against the paler ruff, probing the water with that deliberate, rhythmic motion that marks them out instantly - but the ruff weren’t in a welcoming mood. Before long, they surged at the new arrivals, chasing the greenshank further along the shoreline. The encounter was brief before the greenshanks flew across the bay and onto the opposite shore, but it added a sudden burst of energy to the scene.

Time marched on and we wern't seeing any unusual terns or our target osprey - scanning along the reservoir I spotted a juvenile peregrine as swept the far shore and then through in a classic fly-by, quick enough to leave everything momentarily on edge, with terns rising to push it through. It was all over in an instant but we would see the bird briefly a couple more times but at distance.

Not long after, a juvenile marsh harrier appeared, quartering slowly across the far shore of the reservoir, its flight powerful but unhurried. Its rich, chocolate-brown plumage caught the light beautifully, set off by the striking cream crown and throat that mark out a young bird. Compared to the blistering speed of the peregrine we’d seen earlier, the harrier’s progress was almost leisurely - broad wings held in that classic shallow “V” rocking gently as it quartered the reedbed edges.

It was again the terns that seem to take the responsibiity of ushering the bird through but instead it turned back and worked along the reed line in the opposite direction, not stalling as they do when thinking of dropping onto prey. Two young raptors in one session; fantastic timing.

As the morning wore on, we were more than content to soak up the comings and goings on the mud, but there was still no sign of our main target. After nearly four hours of scanning, we admitted defeat on the osprey front and decided a change of scene was in order. Rutland Water beckoned with the promise of coffee, cake, and perhaps a fresh bird or two.

We pulled in at Rutland Water Park and spent a while scanning the open water and spits. Gulls and terns were scattered across the spits, the usual assortment shifting positions - cormorants moved through steadily, but before long they began to gather in a purposeful flock. Working together, they drove a shoal of fish into one of the bays. The spectacle quickly drew in the terns, which dived into the concentrated fish, before returning to the spits, bills gleaming with their catch.

Two large gulls had been sitting on the spit in front of us and I'd assumed they were herring gulls - they stood up and quickly drew my attention - yellow legged gulls, and my first of the year. Yellow-legged gulls are an interesting one for the UK birder - not rare enough to be a true scarcity, but never quite common either, so they always feel like a good bird to pin down. are primarily a southern European species, breeding around the Mediterranean and into parts of central Europe. In the UK they’re treated as a scarce but regular visitor, especially in late summer and early autumn. They don’t breed here (though there are occasional reports of mixed-pair attempts), but they turn up reliably each year. Peak season is July to September, when post-breeding dispersal brings birds north into the UK. Places like Rutland Water, Grafham Water, and the Cotswold Water Park see fairly regular birds.

After our coffee and cake we decided to relocate again and visit Hanging Houghton - on the route home. There had been reports of whinchat, common redstarts and a hen harrier earlier and you never know your luck.

We arrived to find Stuart Mundy @MundyStuart coming the other way - I already knew from Facebook that it was his birthday, so we paused to pass on our best wishes. Stuart mentioned he might swing back later, though he reported that the birds seen earlier had all gone to ground when he’d checked. We left hoping our luck might turn up something ...

We got out of the car and started up a track when Kev paused to scan the hedgerow - sure enough, he’d picked out a couple of whinchats perched distantly on the hedge line. Wanting a closer look, I edged forward to cut the distance in half. Just then another birder appeared from the opposite direction, and by the time he reached the bottom of the hedge the birds had taken flight - whether flushed by him or me, I knew exactly what Kev was thinking.

Fortunately, the whinchats hadn’t gone far. They dropped into the adjacent field and began working their way around the patches of scrub, giving us good but distant views. As we watched, more birds showed themselves until we had at least five in sight. The other birder lingered for a short while, clearly pleased when we pointed them out as he’d missed them earlier when he’d passed that same hedge.

We returned down the track and soon crossed paths with Stuart, who had just come back from checking for yellow wagtails. As we chatted, Kev suddenly called out, a raptor had skimmed low along the nearest hedge line before pitching up into a tree. For a moment there was some debate: peregrine or sparrowhawk? The way it hugged the hedge and its quick, darting flight gave the answer - it was a male sparrowhawk - confirmed when I was sent to investigate along the track.

We chatted with Stuart for a while and scanned looking for signs of the hen harrier or common redstart. Despite being within a few hundred metres of Elenor she posted an update "Goshawk seen well slowly circling in area below Hanging Houghton and bird drifted off towards Brixworth. Also, family of Hobby 's and 2 Osprey over. All seen whilst scanning from a high point and within a 10 min window". Where were we when all this was happening - just shows you've got to be observant.

We packed up and headed for home.

It was a Bank Holiday weekend, and on Monday, with Charlotte off playing pickleball, I took the chance to slip out in search of a little stint reported at Farmoor. The bird had been seen the previous day and again that morning.

I set off along the causeway, scanning carefully along both water’s edges as I went. Nearing the far end, I paused to chat with a birder coming back the other way. He’d just seen the stint but said it had flown from the end of the causeway, possibly back past me. With that, I turned and retraced my steps. It didn’t take long before the little stint came into view through my binoculars, busy and confiding. We soon caught up with it properly, and the bird showed beautifully.

The little stint is the smallest of the regular Calidris sandpipers seen in Britain. They don’t breed here - their nesting grounds are in the high Arctic of Scandinavia and Russia, but they pass through the UK on migration. August to October is the peak time to catch up with little stints in Britain, as juveniles make their southward journey to Africa. Most records fall in September.

After taking photos I stopped to talk with the young birder and discovered his name was Tim Salkeld @SalkeldTim, a birder from around Chippenham, Wiltshire. Very nice lad.

We also picked out a lone ringed plover, but with lunchtime likely approaching by the time I’d get back home, I didn’t linger for long.

Year list: 231.