Beasts from the East

The cold weather from 'Storm Darcy has been producing a few coastal waders this week in the Deepings but today, after work, I enjoyed something of bonanza of coastal water birds found by others. A stunning Red-throated Diver found on the Highbank was followed by a Red-necked Grebe at Maxey GP and a Shag on the Highbank at dusk. 

Storm Darcy seemed to have taken it's toll on the Diver and Grebe didn't seem to be in the best of health. The Diver seemed to have something wrong with a foot, swimming lopsided and often holding it out the water and diving exaggeratedly, as well as closing it's eyes often. The Grebe was also quite sleepy and kept retching. 

Deeping's worst kept secret

Deeping's worst kept secret! An obliging female has been ranging across the Deepings, along the Welland over the past few years. Yesterday, she popped up less than a metre away, shocked herself but reappeared two metres away still- incredible scenes! Her young have also learnt to be care free of humans and thus they have all found a place in the hearts of the locals. 

With several families in the Nene Valley being incredibly cooperative as well; we are very blessed to be able to enjoy such terrific views of Otters within a few minutes of our house!

Juvenile Iceland Gull

 

Stunning views were had yesterday (after around 30 loaves) of the original juvenile (and 2nd winter) Iceland Gulls at Fitzwilliam Bridge. Well worth enduring hypothermia for. 

Second winter Iceland Gull

The Fitzwilliam Bridge has turned out to be a great place to get photos of the white wingers that are wintering in the Peterborough area. Josh Jones was the first to start feeding them last weekend and ever since, they have been pretty reliable. This 2nd winter is particularly partial to a loaf of bread or two. 

More Otter

This afternoon two Otters showed well, with one catching two large fish and bringing them to shore. Alas the weather wasn't kind but quite like the rain hitting the water in these photos.  

The King

Last weekend, I took my first photos of Kingfisher. In the poor light, they weren't great. I will be honest; Kingfisher has never been a subject I have bothered with previously. They have been photographed well, with staged photos, etc meaning the chance of something special seemingly unlikely. However, today I got these. Not text book amazing but nevertheless, I love the detail and the colour and even the perch and background. And lets be honest, Kingfishers are great! 
 

Cambs Iceland Gull record equaled

The two juvenile and second winter Iceland Gulls that have been frequenting the Peterborough area, were all on the same island on Stanground Wash this afternoon- an equal Cambs record for Iceland Gulls! Great to share with Josh Jones. 

First Otter of the Year

I'm so lucky to have Otters regular at lots of sites near me these days. This one was in the Nene Valley this morning and I always look for something different in my Otter encounters. Today's encounter had this individual 'Popoising', over and over.; something brand new to me! Fantastic animals! 

Three Sharkeys!

 

With the water levels dropping on the Welland, three Great White Egrets gathered along the Highbank with more Little Egrets than I have ever seen along here as well. 

White Nun

This drake Smew was at Ferry Meadows on the 2nd January whilst Amy and I were looking for Otters- a rare visitor to FM, especially a drake! Fantastic to see- especially after seeing the two drakes at Baston & Langtoft GP the day before!