RUTLAND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

RSPB Reserve Nene Washes

 8^th June 2010

After a day of torrential rain, the evening of Tuesday 8^th June miraculously turned to dry, bright sunny intervals, and not a breath of wind. 

The result was a very good turn out of 24 members of Rutland Natural History Society, who assembled at Long Drove, on the Nene Washes, just north of Whittlesey, for their June field meeting.

One of the main species hoped for was found immediately, as the cars trundled along the rugged track to the meeting point. This was the Corn Crake, which was calling from the edge of the cereal fields. What a good start!

The Rutland Naturalists were met by warden of the reserve: Charlie Kitchen who gave a comprehensive outline to the reserve, and told members about the management techniques of this vast area.

The group then set off slowly stopping at various points to observe an amazing wildlife spectacle. Barn Owls were already out hunting over the terrain as members arrived. Highlights of the evening included: displaying Black Tailed Godwits (their calls echoing over the fields), and later, an amazing aerial confrontation with a Marsh Harrier, as four Godwits mobbed the predator, diving and swooping, and almost coming to physical buffeting, but not quite.   

Whilst all this was going on, the audience were treated to more aerial manoeuvres, this time by Snipe, with this birds fascinating breeding display, as it soared upwards into the heavens, then diving down, causing the familiar bleating sound, produced by wind flowing rapidly through the tail feathers.  Hobbys were observed hunting over the crops, and Meadow Pipits completed the displays, with their ascent, followed by the attractive parachute descent, with the bird singing all the time.

All the way along the drove, more Corn Crakes were heard; Sedge Warblers were in the scrub and dykes, their erratic songs very prominent.  The much quieter song of the many Reed Buntings was heard, and the stunning males perched on reeds and sedges, provided a final, evocative image of these birds of the fenlands.

The group returned along the Long Drove just before dusk.  Warden, Mr. Charlie Kitchen was thanked for his extensive knowledge of the reserve, and for taking the time to accompany the Rutland Naturalists on an evening of spectacular sights and sounds.

Phil Rudkin.

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