Otter family

Just over a month ago, as dusk settled, I stumbled upon a mother Otter and her two cubs. Though my view was brief and partially obscured, it was great to see such a young family for the first time. It wasn't until another evening, armed with a thermal imager, that I caught up with them again. They were playing and messing around and making chattering noise I had never heard Otters make before.

Fast forward to last week, during one of my customary pre-work walks, I found the family in a moment of separation, One of the young cubs had strayed from the safety of it's mother and sibling. Their reunion was filled with squeaking and then lots of running up and down the river bank opposite, but often out of view and never great for the camera. 

As they swam upstream, the mother Otter took a moment to attend to her cubs, grooming and scent marking. However, their tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected presence of another Otter- a dog Otter intruder under the bank I was stood. The ensuing commotion, filed with chatter and alarm, culminated in the trio bravely chasing off the welcome guest. 

The rest of the week passed without an encounter, which of course made this, all the more special.

False eyes

Been spending a bit of time photographing this Little Owl this month. Check out the false face on the back of the head, a fantastic defence against predators for this diminutive Owl. 

Here, Hare, Here!

The Brown Hare is an iconic species of the British countryside, and I spotted this particularly confiding individual when driving through the south Lincolnshire Fens, a few weeks ago. This region is known for it's expansive agricultural land, which provides an ideal backdrop for the hare. 

Spoonbills visit the patch

Mike Weedon found these two Spoonbills on my patch on Monday morning and thanks to his early call, I managed to get fantastic views before work. Spoonbills have been nearly annual since 2017 to my patch but this is the earliest record in the year during that time. These birds were present until mid-morning on Wednesday. 

Young Otters

I assume these two Otters are both youngsters, making their way on their own but it's possible it's a mum and fully grown youngster. Regardless, they were typically fearless of me, as they fed in the rapids of the Welland. My first prolonged encounter of the year of these wonderful animals.

180

It's been a remarkable 180 days since I first found this Glossy Ibis at Deeping Lakes LWT. A captivating presence, this elegant bird has been a popular draw for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike with it's striking bronze gloss and graceful demeanour.

Throughout it's stay, the Glossy Ibis has shown a preference for West Pit, offering wonderful views and memorable moments to those fortunate enough to witness it's beauty. However, this weekend brought a delightful surprise as the Glossy Ibis decided to explore the offerings of East pit, providing a new perspective and fresh excitement for admirers. 

As the seasons transition and nature prepares for the warmer months ahead, the Glossy Ibis has yet to moult into it's summer adult plumage, retaining it's distinctive bronze hues that have become synonymous with it's identity.

Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits

A couple of shots of the stunning Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits, Part of an at least 3000 strong flock near Peterborough, at the weekend. A stunning spectacle, that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.

Little Owl with attitude

 

Fen Little Owl

Look forward to watching this Little Owl over the spring and summer, to see if even smaller owls follow....

Local Long-eared Owls

I enjoyed some fantastic views of local Long-eared Owls today, including this female (top) and male (below), which displayed after sunset, at a private site. 
 

More Waxwings

The Waxwings have increased to six in Peterborough. I made another visit at the weekend and enjoyed yet more fantastic views.

Mad March Marsh Harrier with Hare

 

Over the weekend, Amy and I set out in search of Short-eared Owls, but stumbled upon a fascinating encounter with a female Marsh Harrier instead. It appeared captivated by the local Hares, making an incredible spectacle to witness their interaction. Truly an ambitious hunt for the Marsh Harrier!

Mad as a March Hare

Yesterday was truly remarkable, filled with unforgettable encounters with our local wildlife. The early morning light cast a magical glow out on the Hares during my fenland drive, offering a breath-taking sight. It's incredible how abundant they were; this time of year sees the fields teeming with courting Hares, engaging in liviely chases and the occasional boxing - truly as 'mad as a march hare'!

More Waxwing

 

Drinking Waxwings

Recently, I've been fascinated by a group of Waxwings in Peterborough. Their unique drinking habits, preferring puddles  after berries, have caught my attention. Even when faced with frozen puddles, they cleverly find ways to hydrate, showcasing their adaptability, finding water droplets in the trees.