OUSE WASHES RSPB RESERVE

The washes are looking amazing at the moment. Currently the water levels are perfect and there is a bird spectacle from every hide. To add to the good numbers of dabbling ducks (thousands of wigeon, teal, pintail, shoveler and gadwall) are the views of Whooper and Bewick's Swans feeding on the washes throughout the day. One of the best hides is Rickwood which is only a ten minute walk from the car park. There are ducks, wild swans and waders such as Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing, Common Redshank and even Ruff. For people who like to walk further, the last three hides of Cadbury, Cottier and Stevens are also worth the hike. As well as the previously mentioned birds there is also the chance of seeing, Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Pink-footed Goose and even GREAT WHITE EGRET.

Below are the figures for the reserve counted yesterday (Monday 19 January) and include all figures from Earith to Welmore. (including numbers from WWT)

Bewick's Swan (3458)
Whooper Swan (5979)
Eurasian Wigeon (29,658)
Gadwall (1455)
Common Teal (5351)
Mallard 3024
NORTHERN PINTAIL (1697)
Shoveler (867)
Pochard (2251)
Tufted Duck (1296)
Coot (5092)
Lapwing (4315)
Dunlin (40)
Ruff (114)
Black-tailed Godwit (705)
*TUNDRA BEAN GEESE (7 Welney WWT)
Eurasian White-fronted Geese (29)
Pink-footed Goose (1)
Marsh Harrier (1)
Peregrine (1)
BEARDED TIT (3 Welney WWT)

Alex Thomas, Assistant Warden, RSPB Ouse Washes Reserve