More Short-eared Owl

The local Short-eared Owls have been drawing plenty of attraction in the past week and I confess have become my addition as well. Amy and I went for a drive on New Year's eve afternoon and once again came across the obliging bird. The last few photos are from when it spotted another Owl or BOP; it's whole facial expression and colour changed dramatically.  

Iceland Gulls

Josh Jones has found three Iceland Gulls in the Tanholt Tip area in the past few days. As I headed toward the area, Paul Bolton had the 2nd winter bird at the pits so I headed there. Sadly, the bird had left minutes later but I was fortunate enough to find the original juvenile on the north pit, until it flew off towards the tip. Both Paul and my sightings were kind of remarkable, as both involved them being present with under 20 large Gulls (at one point my bird was with one of four large gulls on the pit!).

Afterwards I checked Flag Fen and found Josh's new juvenile from this morning (last photo); amazing how such a small area has attracted three Icelands- a joint county record it seems. 

Gone Barny!

We enjoyed more views of the Short-eared Owl this evening but with better weather, it was much more active. This Barn Owl was very obliging and proved a distraction from SEO photography. Sadly, after last winter's weeks of wind, this species is pretty scarce locally this winter but this individual found three voles in about 15 minutes this evening- here is hoping they do alright next spring!

The next level

During the Christmas period, I cracked and got myself a thermal imaging monocular, which arrived today. Straight after work I headed to a local spot known for Jack Snipe. Sadly, most seem to have moved on during the recent wet weather. This individual was spotted using the new toy and these photos take with my macro lens. No wonder you only see them usually when you nearly tread on them! Excited as to the possibilities this device brings to future photography and wildlife finding!
 

Get Shortie

After a close encounter yesterday morning and a distant view yesterday, Amy and I were just giving up this evening when in the last light this obliging bird finally showed very well. One of my favourite Owl species- always special to see. This winter appears to be a good one locally.

Wet Buzzard

This wet Buzzard had been feeding in the ditches by the river this afternoon and was drying off. It allowed for great views. 

More Diver

 

Great Northern Diver on the Welland

 

This fantastic first winter Great Northern Diver is only the fourth I have seen in the area and the second on the Deeping Highbank. Found by Mike Weedon on Sunday, unfortunately work is full on at the moment so only had an hour window this afternoon. Usually completely un-phased by people (unless stood on top of the bank!) as Divers often are, was great fun predicting where it would next appear. 

Great Northern close up....

 

Glossy Ibis

This Glossy Ibis was found on the Nene Washes on Tuesday 27th. On Friday it was relocated further along the Nene at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough. Confiding, as Ibis often are; I spent an enjoyable hour or so watching it on the meadow with Mike Weedon and co. This is the third Ibis I have seen in the Peterborough area, after individuals at Maxey GP and Deeping Lakes as long ago as 2014.