Ouse Washes on 16th April with Mandy, Tony, Michael and Emily-Rose

Yesterday morning the Fantastic Five loaded the birding gear into Tony's Pajero and drove the 25 miles to the RSPB site for a few hours of birding and a few challenges for Michael (13) and Emily-Rose(10).

Upon our arrival we noted a few species, 1st of these being a Blue Tit and then House Sparrows.

We had a quick look in the visitor centre before starting the walk. We started the walk and a Dunnock was seen atop of a bush near the bridge giving us a song in the sunshine. A Pheasant was heard calling and Magpies and a few Swallows also spotted  and a Green Woodpecker could be heard calling loudly. Michael spotted the 1st Robin for the list.

 A Marsh Harrier was spotted at close range on one occasion and a few more times during the 3 hours we were there. Carrion Crows spotted and a Cockeral (this was heard only) and a total of 4 Grey Herons during the visit. Lapwings were also spotted displaying and a few Mute Swans were spotted. Wigeon and Coots also spotted along with Mallards and Shovelors and a few Tufted Ducks.

Also whilst scanning with the scope I spotted a Curlew.

 Next along were a lot of Icelandic Black Tailed Godwits and Mandy spotted a Cormorant, and Great Crested Grebes also spotted. We next had a lovely view of a pair of Redshanks that landed on the fence posts jst a small distance away from us.(see photos)

Reed Bunting were next up on the list and then whilst scanning with the scope I spotted a Little Egret and then a 1st for me a Pintail, no photo though but follow the link to view one!http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/pintail/index.aspx 

We made our way back to the visitor centre and from here we spotted Goldfinch, Great Tit, Collared Dove,Great Tit, Greenfinch,Wood Pigeon and Blackbird.

 Reed Bunting

Great Crested Grebe

 A Fly in Macro mode

From left to right, Emily-Rose, Tony, Michael, Myself and Mandy

Sleeping Redshank

 Redshank

Mute Swan

This is Emily and Michaels thoughts on the day!

We had a task that Uncle Phil set us where we had to find or spot the following birds: Great Crested Grebe,Mute Swan, Blackbird,Robin,Great Spotted Woodpecker,Cuckoo,Lapwing,Black Headed Gull and Snipe. We found Great Crested Grebe,Mute Swan,Robin, Lapwing and Black Headed Gull and we heard a Woodpecker. We were using binoculars and Uncle Phils spotting scope to view the birds. We also saw a Redshank through the scope, there were lots of different birds for us to see. We saw a Marsh Harrier that spooked a flock of Black Tailed Godwits and a few Herons. We had a very good day and a nice b b q when we got home.