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

This will be our December social stroll around RSPB Fen Drayton. The weather hasn't been too bad so far this winter, so the paths should still be pretty clear, and the winter migrant waterfowl should now be with us: we have good chance of seeing Goldeneye - and possibly even watching their courtship dance if we get lucky! - along with Shoveler, Teal, and maybe even Pintail. I'll do my best to scout the reserve beforehand and try to lead us to anything interesting that is going on. There should be Redwing and Fieldfare out on the fields and in the hedges, and as it gets towards dusk and we head back to the carpark, a chance to see early owls out hunting, or a starling murmuration.

I aim to be out for about 1.5 to 2 hours, 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. There'll be some mud, but the paths are currently pretty open, and I'll stick to the firmer routes.

I know the reserve very well, and 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!

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 it's winter, so some of the paths will be a quite muddy, 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.

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.

I've had to increase the pricing for these events, as the costs to host the Meetup group continue to increase: any excess over the running costs (we haven't had one yet!) will be set aside for a special event with a paid expert.