I've followed with interest Hugh Dorrington's and Ian Misselbrook's recent reports from Dunsby Fen. I spent an enjoyable afternoon there today (Wed), mostly in the company of Peter, an old birding friend from Metheringham.
There were at least 5 Short -eared Owls around giving more or less continuous and excellent close views during my visit from 1.00 - 4.15pm. ( a photographer's dream).
Also including :
Merlin in low,swift flight across the Fen Road, landing in a ploughed field
70+ Fieldfare
250 Lapwing
200+ Golden Plover
Barn Owl on my leaving the Fen.....plus another near Aswarby en route home.
Peter had also shown me photos of a Ring-tail Hen Harrier he had taken earlier in the afternoon.
Also pleased to meet up again with Hugh during the afternoon.
Thanks Hugh and Ian for the info and for the incentive to visit.
Freddy
PS. Further to Hugh's General Lincs Birding post of 13 Nov re French's Farm Granary :
an excellent and comprehensive website, well worth perusing.....and the Farm is also a good general area from which to enjoy the Fen's interesting birdlife. It is certainly in an attractive and peaceful setting.
PPS. The local landowner, who told me that he had specifically promoted the SEO area by not planting crops on it, had a lengthy chat with me in which he viewed his displeasure at seeing birders recently leaving the Fen Road and trespassing on his land. Please note and stay on the Fen Road.....he was not a happy man.
but saw Hen Harrier twice (same bird?) around 80 Fieldfare, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and large groups of Wood Pigeon, Lapwing and I think Golden Plover over during my 3 hours there.
