14th-20th November 2011

Monday 14th - had to go to some NBN-related meetings in Peterborough. Passed Lakenheath at dawn, seeing at least four Marsh Harriers rising from a roost. Later, about 1000 swans were visible around the Ouse Washes from the train, and as usual they were mostly too distant to identify to species; some in flight were definitely Whoopers though (and given the late arrival of Bewick's this year, perhaps most were Whoopers).

Tuesday 15th - Nunnery Lakes at lunchtime, given that Dawn had seen 3 White-fronted Geese over the reserve on Sunday, and Nick had eight over first thing today, I wandered down with some hope but low expectations. However, I struck lucky, with a fine flock of 10 flying east overhead against a clear blue sky, my 151st species for the Nunnery. No photo unfortunately, as I was trying to contact John on the phone. Three Wigeon were also new in, whilst a Common Darter was a sign of the continuing mild weather.

Wednesday 16th - another lunchtime walk at the lakes, but nothing of note except for the latest hybrid goose (Ross's x something?)

Thursday 17th - a Crossbill heard from the office window, but nothing down the lakes.

Friday 18th - London all day.

Saturday 19th - did the Whitlingham WeBS a little later in the day than I usually do, which may have been the cause of the highlight: three Yellow-legged Gulls with about 100 Lessers that had clearly dropped in for a bath from the pig fields. Little else of note though, except for some Hedgerow Cranesbill (I think) in flower, which to my limited botanical knowledge seems rather exceptional. In the afternoon, we went for our second try at counting roosting Hen Harriers at Sutton Fen. No luck again, but at least six, probably more, Marsh Harriers, and a Peregrine again.

Sunday 20th - foggy all day. Could have gone off to look for the long-staying Hume's Warblers in Lowestoft, but failed to muster the enthusiasm. A Nuthatch in the garden was the highlight.

Hybrid goose (probably involving a Ross's Goose), Nunnery Lakes.

Perhaps Hedgerow Cranesbill at Whitlingham? Whatever it is, it's flowering rather late.