A party of 12 Nature Group Members met on Sunday in the Visitor Centre at 9.30am.
However, various members of the party had arrived at dawn (6.30am) or a bit later and climbed up onto the bank that runs along the river protecting the road and surrounding land from flooding. There was no colourful sunrise but it was still a great experience watching the Whooper Swans fly out from their overnight roosting place to return and feed on the fields. The spectacle and sounds of hundreds/thousands of swans flying out is one to be remembered for a long while. Once most had left, Julis and Ann drove back along the road towards Little Downham stopping to watch the Swans feeding on a pile of sugar beet and in arable feeds.
We enjoyed time in the cafe with a warming drink and breakfast and then onto the main reserve overlooking the Ouse Washes. The water levels were so high only the heated main hide and its two adjacent 'photographers' hides were open. The Warden gave us a very interesting talk about the history and the current conservation problem and projects on the Ouse Washes.
We enjoyed watching the antics of the various ducks in the choppy water and flying in and out. An occasional Marsh harrier drifted across and there were views of Roe Deer and Chinese Water Deer, Great Egrets and big flocks of Lapwing
Images by Ann Miles, Julia Andrew, Greg Lovett, Peter Ward,
