Bird Song at RSPB Fen Drayton (BYO Picnic lunch)

Rather than our normal stroll around RSPB Fen Drayton, this event will focus on bird song, and we'll look to find a quiet and comfortable space we can stop for a picnic, a chat - and a listen to whatever the trees have to tell us. The reserve has an excellent population of songbirds and warblers, and there should be plenty to hear.

I am very much not an expert on bird calls but hope to invite some much more knowledgeable friends (please check comments below, I'll post updates as I get them) to guide us - and will in any case come prepared with my choice of apps to help put a name to a song: please bring yours! There will be a short talk on small changes we can make to protect our precious songbirds during the lunch.

Assuming that the weather is pleasant, I invite you to bring a picnic, and those who wish can share if they want. I'll aim for about 2-3 hours, start to finish, with a bit of time to find a good spot, a relaxed lunch, and then some time to wander back again: however, we'll never be very far from the car park, so please do feel free to leave earlier if you wish.

Aside from bird calls, there should be plenty of damselflies and dragonflies to see, as well as wild flowers. I'm happy to share the little I know, but as always, the more everyone pitches in their knowledge, the more we all learn!

Binoculars strongly recommended, if you have any: I don't have spares to share, but it will still be a nice nature stroll without. The paths around the reserve are all clear and dry at the moment, but there are plenty of nettles and brambles beside the paths in places, so please wear suitable footwear, and - as always! - come prepared for British Weather. I will keep an eye on the forecast, and may update or change the event if it looks like 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.
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.