RSPB Fen Drayton regular (Feb): social stroll / share identification skills

This will be our March social stroll around Fen Drayton Lakes. I'll scout the reserve beforehand and try to lead us to anything interesting that is going on.

Late March is a perfect time of year to try to spot and identify songbirds - leaves are still mostly off the trees, but the songs of spring are in full flow. So on this walk, I'll be looking to find some quiet places to wait, watch and listen, and see what turns up. It's also just a glorious time to be out at the lakes, with all the spring buds starting to open - so I will try to do a bit of prep on catkins and tree blossom.

I aim to be out for about 2 hours, looking to get back to the car park around dusk, but you are welcome to leave earlier: the paths all loop back to the busway, so it's never too hard to find the way back to the car park. With the fairly dry weather we've had lately, more of the paths should be open, so we should have more options.

I know the reserve very well, can ID some of the things we stand a chance of seeing, but I'm a long way from an expert. I'd really love everyone to be pitching in what they know: the world is full of things to understand and explore, and the more you look, the more you see! In particular, this year I would like to start to observe lichens, so anyone who can help me learn them will be very welcome!

Binoculars strongly recommended, if you have any: I don't have spares to share, but it will still be a nice nature stroll without. I will try to stick to the firmer paths, but the whole reserve will be very wet and muddy at this time of year so please wear suitable footwear, and - as always! - come prepared for British Weather. I will keep an eye on the forecast, and cancel or move the event it looks like it will be very heavy rain. RSPB Fen Drayton has been flooded several times throughout 2024, so I will also move the event if the site is underwater.

This event is appropriate for children. Rules for dogs can be found on the RSPB site below: please do follow them, to help preserve the nature we are here to enjoy!

Directions here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/fen-drayton-lakes/location
NOTE THAT the lane to the car park is quite rough, and if coming from Fen Drayton has quite deep potholes, so if you are coming by car please do take care.

The reserve is easily reached from the guided busway. If you are coming on the bus, you will find us at the car park about 100m North from the busway stop.

During the event I will take a voluntary subscription (£2 / attendee suggested): the running costs for the Meetup group have been shooting up, so it's unlikely there will be anything left over, but if there is I'll put it into a pot for a special event with a real (paid) expert to talk us through something interesting.