April 24, 2008
Cambridge miscellany
I was delighted to spend much of my 30th birthday with Davis birding buddy Marcel and his fiance Elham on the tourist trail in Cambridge (King's Chapel, cream tea at Fitzbillies). During our pub lunch sitting on the terrace by the river, we were entertained by this smart Grey Wagtail.
My bike ride to work takes me alongside some fields and past some small reeded ponds, which from time to time are frequented by this Kingfisher.
A black squirrel is often foraging by the bike path through the astronomy lab.
The university farm provides an opportunity to see some arable birds close to the city centre, such as Red-legged Partridge and Kestrel.
The meadow next to the Genetics field station is excellent for cowslips.
Among the many insects feeding on the weeds around the field station were these smart irridescent flea beetles.
In an attempt to get Ring Ouzel on my county list, I tried the Devil's Dyke, a frequent stopover site. No joy with this species, but 150+ Fieldfare were hanging on.
The ancient hedgerows make it attractive to Yellowhammers...
... and it was great to hear a couple of Corn Buntings giving their jangling territorial song.
At least 10 singing Willow Warblers were present, as well as my first of the year Lesser Whitethroats.
Heading out to the Cam Washes at Upware, I came across a pair of Egyptian Geese.
The washes themselves were holding a good variety of ducks (still no Garganey), while waders included 4 Avocet and 2 Oystercatchers.
Posted by rjhall at April 24, 2008 8:39 PM