Reflective Blackbird

 

Scarce Chaser season at Deeping Lakes

Last year the first Scarce Chasers were found at Deeping Lakes, so I took a walk along the Welland yesterday afternoon. To my surprise, they have quickly established themselves as the most common dragonfly I saw on my walk. 

Golden Hour Goosander

Back in April, I spent a few evenings virtually standing in the river during the golden hour, hoping for a few close encounters. This female Goosander was a brilliant surprise as she quietly cruised past in the warm evening light, seemingly completely relaxed by my presence.

I’ve recently added one of these images as a greetings card on my Etsy page too, alongside plenty more of my British wildlife photography and nature prints. www.justwildimages.co.uk

Mute Swan from Lincoln

This Mute Swan was ringed as a cygnet in November 2024 on the River Witham at Lincoln, last recorded there in January with its siblings and parents.

Fast forward to now, and I found it resting on the 2nd May 2026, on the River Welland at Deeping Lakes, where the Maxey Cut meets the river.

Thanks to Jenny at the Lincoln Swan Project for sharing this individual’s history.

Patch Little Tern

After a call from my friend Hugh — who had just picked up a Little Tern on his patch at Maxey/Etton Pits heading in my direction — I kept a close eye on the skies at Deeping Lakes. Sure enough, just under an hour later, it appeared.

I’ve only seen a handful of Little Terns at Deeping Lakes, so it’s a great addition to my patch year list, which now stands at 144. It’s been a productive spell too, with a pair of Spoonbills added this afternoon.

Glossy Glossy

I’ve almost become a bit complacent about the three Glossy Ibis at Deeping Lakes, but recently the two adults have really come into their own. That rich chestnut and iridescent sheen in the evening light… hard to ignore.

Fieldfare

 

Willow Tree Wigeon

 

Mad March Hare Season

A Hare taking a moment on a frosty morning last March. 

A few more Kittiwake

 

A few more of the Deeping Lakes Kittiwake, from Tuesday morning.

Perfect Camouflage

Even when the Jack Snipe was out in the open and we knew roughly where it was, it was still surprisingly difficult to pick out. This photo really shows why. The mix of yellows, golds, browns and blacks in its plumage mirrors the colours of wet mud, dead grass and vegetation perfectly.

It’s easy to see how a bird like this can remain completely invisible in a tussocky meadow. Even in relatively open ground, your eye just slides past it unless the bird moves. That incredible camouflage is exactly why most encounters with Jack Snipe happen when one suddenly bursts from under your feet.

Looking Up!

 

Inland Kittiwake

 

A few of the Kittiwake I found Tuesday morning at Deeping Lakes. My second of the year on the patch and not a bird I see annually here! Perhaps reward for visiting every morning I can!