Fen Drayton walks

[colincurry]

These pictures cover walking on 21 Feb and 2 Mar along the River Great Ouse, and around Fen Drayton lakes and lakes in Meadow Road St Ives. On both days, the water levels were very high and there was a great deal of flooding that provided great havens for waterfowl.

On my way down from Swavesey, I was lucky enough to get this shot



Across the flooded fields, lapwings, golden plover (and other birds that might be more apparent to the experts amongst us) wheeled around in large flocks



Then it was almost a case of deja vue. I came across another old geezer in olive green clothing, a baseball cap, grey beard and behind a scope. He had come to the same spot four days running to see the black tailed godwits, in an effort to read their rings through his scope to see if they had come from Iceland. I have to admit that that is not my sort of bird watching or level of commitment, but where would we be without those such as he.



This next picture gives an idea of the level of flooding - and the beauty of the area



There was a pair of Canada geese on an isolated lake on the way into St Ives near to where I had observed a pair of nesting great crested grebe previously - see the thread on photographing nesting birds.



This chap is a regular on the final lake before entering St Ives where duty dictates that I call into Waitrose for supplies. I am not at all embarrassed to shop there in Wellies - but I do try to get the worst of the mud off first.



These next pictures were taken on 2 March. I did come across a few fieldfare, but, unlike my previous walk, there were no redwings to be found.

This handsome fellow was in a hedgerow near when I caught the crow chasing off the kestrel



No trip would be complete without a robin picture!



I love long tailed tits for their beauty and business; and the challenge they present to snappers like me



At this stage, I decided to try out my 1.4 converter, and specifically the AF. I did have problems focusing on a great tit on the tip of a branch against the sky; but the next few were not too difficult; and include these two:



These are so handsome that I find them irresistible - these are not the nesting grebes mentioned earlier!

[HARIMAU1610]

I must say I am rather envious of your walks lovely photos Col, keep up the good work

Ian