Dawn Walk, RSPB Fen Drayton

For our February event, while dawn is still late enough for a dawn walk to not be too much hassle, but far enough into spring for the birds to be full into their dawn chorus, let's try to get out early and see what we can see!

There have been some really super mornings around the Lakes this year, and it's a great time to be out: mist on the fields, air is full of birdsong, and a chance of seeing deer, fox, owls... possibly even badgers or otters if we're quiet enough!

There's still a lot of winter migrant waterfowl around to see: Pochard, Shoveler, Teal, Widgeon, Goldeneye... and in the hedges and bushes there are Fieldfare and Redwing. I've heard Bullfinch, and if we get out early, and don't make too much noise, we have a chance to see them.

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. Many of the paths are very slippery and muddy: I'll stick to the firmer routes as well as I can, but please come prepared. Binoculars strongly recommended, if you have any: I don't have spares to share, but it will still be a nice nature stroll without. It will be cold, and there's always a chance of rain: I will keep an eye on the forecast, and while a couple of showers won't affect plans, I'll cancel or move the event it looks like it will be very heavy rain.

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!

This event is appropriate for children with a strong interest in nature. 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.

Suggested voluntary donation at the event £5, cash only, 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.