Tiny New Arrivals at Willow Tree Fen – Common Crane Chicks Hatched!

Over the past couple of weekends, I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time watching a pair of Common Cranes at Willow Tree Fen in Lincolnshire—an experience made all the better by having my friend Matt alongside, who’s currently volunteering on site.

We’d been watching the pair closely and began to notice a subtle but clear change in behaviour over the weekend. The adults were a little more alert, a little more cautious, and something just felt different. We allowed ourselves to hope—maybe the chicks had hatched.

Yesterday afternoon, Matt confirmed it: two tiny Common Crane chicks, fresh out of the nest and following their parents through the grass.

I couldn’t get there straight away, but after work this evening, I finally made it back—and what a relief to see both chicks safe and visible, sticking close to their towering parents. They could so easily have remained hidden in the tall vegetation, but luck was on our side.

Amy and I were treated to some truly special views as these tiny, ginger-fluffed chicks waddled clumsily around the feet of the adult cranes. Seeing the size contrast in real life is always a bit surreal—these tiny things being guided and protected by such elegant, tall birds.

It’s moments like this that really stay with you. Willow Tree Fen continues to deliver unforgettable wildlife experiences, and the success of this crane pair is a huge credit to the habitat and care being put into the site.

Fingers crossed these little ones stay safe as they grow. I’ll definitely be checking back in over the coming weeks.

A Fenland Icon on a Fenland Perch – Barn Owl at Sea Level

Sometimes the best photos aren’t just about the bird—they’re about the setting too. This Barn Owl, perched perfectly on an old fenland drain measuring post, couldn’t have been more symbolic of the landscape it calls home.

Likely no more than five feet above sea level, it’s a striking reminder of just how low and open this landscape is. This scene captures everything that makes the Lincolnshire Fens so special: vast skies, subtle light, and the quiet presence of iconic wildlife going about its business.

Barn Owls are one of the true symbols of the Fens—ghosting low over the drains and dykes, quartering the rough margins for voles in the twilight. To see one so still and alert, right in the heart of its territory, is always a moment to savour.

What made this encounter all the more special was just how ‘of the place’ it felt. The owl, the post, the green backdrop—everything rooted in the fenland character. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting perch for such a classic bird of this landscape.

A Crane Encounter to Remember at Willow Tree Fen

Despite Willow Tree Fen being just down the road, it’s a place I don’t visit nearly as often as I should. That might just change after this weekend.

I headed over on a bit of a whim and was rewarded with something pretty special—brilliant views of Common Cranes. And not just distant silhouettes either—these were close-up, lingering views of these incredible birds, going about their business in the open.

Watching them was a real privilege. Their size alone is impressive, but what struck me most was their behaviour and communication. They weren’t just standing around. They were active—feeding, preening, and occasionally breaking into that iconic, echoing call. What surprised me most was how their calls changed depending on what they were doing—so expressive and layered once you’re tuned in.

It’s not every day you get such intimate views of Common Cranes in Lincolnshire, especially in such a peaceful, open landscape. The light was kind, the wind stayed down, and I ended up spending far longer there than planned. No complaints.

Safe to say, Willow Tree Fen is now firmly back on my local rotation. Cranes or not, it’s got a charm all of its own—and if the birds happen to show like this again, all the better.

Leucistic Marsh Harrier

Over the winter, an incredible and rare leucistic Marsh Harrier has been drawing attention around Willow Tree Fen in south Lincolnshire. This striking bird, with its unusually white plumage, is originally from Otmoor in Oxfordshire—while its sibling has been reported wintering in Gloucestershire.

Now looking a little worn after the colder months, it’s still an amazing sight in the skies, particularly when seen against clear blue like this. The leucism gives it a ghostly appearance in flight—more white than the typical brown tones of a Marsh Harrier, making it stand out instantly.

It’s not often you get to see such a distinctive raptor so regularly, and it’s been a real treat for local birders and photographers alike to enjoy its presence throughout the season. Willow Tree Fen has offered the perfect habitat—open reedbeds, wide skies, and plenty of space for this elegant hunter to roam.

Little Gulls visit Deeping Lakes

Little Gulls have always been one of my favourite species and it was great to find a flock of around 15 birds yesterday morning before work. They were all adults about from one 1st winter. I counted 18 in the afternoon, but they were hard to count among the masses of Black-headed Gulls. Probably my biggest flock on the patch.

Patch Med Gull

Still quite a rare bird for Deeping Lakes, so was pleased to find this 2nd summer on Thursday morning, before work.

Dark-breasted Barn against a dark background

More Dark-breasted Barn Owl

Some more of the very popular Dark-breasted Barn Owl currently near Bourne.

Sleeping Tawny Owl

It’s not often I get to see a Tawny Owl, so when one sets up a winter roost not far from home, you'd think I'd be straight there. But despite this bird being in the same spot for its second—or maybe even third—winter, I hadn’t made the trip until last week.

I arrived to find it dozing in its usual roost hole, perfectly nestled into the bark like a woodland spirit. It only woke briefly for a quick preen before settling back down, eyes closed, soaking up the dappled sunlight.

Even though I didn’t catch it at its most active, I was still thrilled to get this classic image—a sleepy Tawny, tucked into the tree as if it were carved from the wood itself.

I’ll definitely have to return soon before spring kicks off in full and this magical little corner of the woods changes with the season.

Frosty March Hares

Last weekend offered up one of those magical moments that make all the early starts and frozen fingers completely worth it. It was an absolute treat to photograph Brown Hares in the frost, and what a morning it turned out to be.

With around ten hares scattered across the field, the scene was full of energy and classic hare behaviour—chasing, dodging, and, of course, boxing. The frosty ground added a beautiful shimmer to the landscape, making every movement stand out just that little bit more.

Every now and then, one curious hare would sprint straight towards me, completely unaware I was tucked away quietly at the edge of the field. It’s always a thrill when wildlife comes to you on its own terms—moments like that feel like a real connection.

Photographing Brown Hares in their natural winter habitat is a special kind of challenge and reward. Their speed, alertness, and interactions make for an unpredictable but always exciting shoot. I feel really lucky to have witnessed such a lively gathering in those stunning frosty conditions.

Here’s hoping for more crisp mornings and a few more close encounters soon.

More Dark-breasted Barn Owl

It's been an enjoyable few weeks photographing this Dark-breasted Barn Owl. More to come.

Shocked Shortie!

The weather has been challenging lately, and life has thrown in a few distractions (more on those soon!), so my visits to see the Short-eared Owls have been a bit less frequent. But late last month, I had one of those moments that make the wait worthwhile—a truly incredible encounter.

I was lucky enough to find a Short-eared Owl perched on a post right by the road. It was completely unfazed by my presence, allowing me to approach and watch it from just a few metres away. For half an hour, I had the privilege of observing and photographing it as it scanned the fields, occasionally shifting its position from post to post in search of prey. It was a magical experience—just me, the owl, and the fading light of the evening.

So, why do these photos show it looking less than relaxed? Well, a couple of passing cyclists changed the mood. The owl wasn't happy about their sudden appearance and decided to put on its best Long-eared Owl impression—elongating its body and pulling in its feathers to look more camouflaged. It wasn’t fooling anyone, though! This tense posture didn’t last long, and once the cyclists were gone, it quickly returned to its usual relaxed state.

Hopefully, I'll be able to spend more time with them again soon!

This male Marsh Harrier was ringed and tagged on the Nene Washes in 2023. A few of us saw it heading south on Saturday, over Bourne south fen.

Dark-breasted Barn Owl Surprise

This stunning Dark-breasted Barn Owl has been gracing the area for a few weeks now, and over the weekend, I was lucky enough to enjoy some incredible close-up views of this rare visitor. The contrast in its rich, dusky plumage compared to our native Barn Owls is striking—giving it a completely different appearance.

Interestingly, its behaviour also seems different. Unlike the typical British Barn Owl, which favours open fields and low perches, this individual often hunts from trees and chooses to roost deep within an evergreen—a behaviour I’ve rarely seen from our resident Barn Owls!

More Short-eared Owl in flight

The Short-eared Owls have been absolutely incredible to photograph lately—not just perched gracefully on posts but also in flight, which has been an exhilarating challenge. There’s something truly captivating about these owls; their effortless glides, piercing eyes, and unpredictable movements make them endlessly fascinating.

Every evening, I’ve found myself completely drawn to their behavior, constantly trying to refine my shots and capture their magic in new ways. Whether it’s the way they hover against the golden light of dusk or the intensity of their gaze as they scan the ground, these owls have a way of pulling you in. It’s been such a rewarding experience to see my photos improve with each outing, and I’m already looking forward to the next session.

Tree Sparrow

It’s always a special moment when you spot a bird that’s become a rare sight in your local area. That’s exactly what happened last autumn when my friend Hugh and I visited Spurn. Among the many incredible sights, we were thrilled to enjoy some wonderful views of Tree Sparrows—a species that’s sadly becoming increasingly uncommon around us these days.

I’ve been absolutely loving my time observing not just the Short-eared Owls but also getting to know the local Barn Owls. The day before I captured this shot of the perched Barn Owl, something incredible happened—Amy and I had a Short-eared Owl land on the exact same post! It was such a surprise, as it flew up from a ditch below eye level, and honestly, I was so stunned that I missed the chance to take any photos. The Short-eared Owl didn’t stick around long enough for me to recover from the excitement!

This time, though, I was ready. When the Barn Owl appeared, I stayed calm and focused, and thankfully, I managed to snap some great shots. I particularly love how the grass in front of the post adds a natural frame to the image, giving it a bit of extra depth and character. It’s these little details that make wildlife photography so rewarding.

A few More Short-eared Owls

Barn Owls and Roads – A Deadly Combination

Barn Owls are one of Britain’s most iconic and mesmerising birds, their ghostly white shape drifting silently over fields and fens at dusk. However, their beauty and unique hunting style put them in grave danger when it comes to roads.

While out with my camera recently, I captured a couple of photos of Barn Owls flying over and alongside a road—an all too familiar sight, and a stark reminder of why so many are tragically hit by cars. These birds often hunt low over grass verges, where the shorter grass attracts small mammals such as voles and mice. With their focus locked onto the ground below, they are often unaware of the fast-moving traffic around them until it’s too late.

If you're driving in rural areas, particularly near farmland and wetlands, slowing down at dawn and dusk can make all the difference. Small actions like these can help protect one of our most enchanting birds and prevent unnecessary loss.

It’s always a privilege to watch these owls in action, but it’s bittersweet knowing that their breathtaking flight is often cut short by human activity. Hopefully, with greater awareness and conservation efforts, we can reduce the number of Barn Owls lost to our roads.

Have you ever had a close encounter with a Barn Owl while driving? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Long-tailed Tit

Last autumn, I spent countless hours exploring my local patch, hoping to spot a Yellow-browed Warbler. While I didn’t have any luck finding one, I was rewarded with the chance to photograph Long-tailed Tits as they flitted through the trees in their roaming flocks. A great reminder that even when the target bird doesn’t appear, there’s always something special to capture in nature.