Key points

1

The rough ground here is where great grey shrikes have hunted in the past – also look out for finches such as Linnets and goldfinches, and stonechats.

2

more rough ground provides good hunting areas for Kestrels, buzzards and Red Kites, as well as being a good place to look for Rough-legged buzzards – the larger raptors often soar over the belt of trees along the northern edge.

3

The large expanses of open fen here are the main place to look for hunting raptors, again including Rough-legged buzzard. The lane is little-used, so you can park safely in one of the run-off areas and scan at length with a scope. expect plenty of meadow Pipits in winter, plus roving finch flocks, corn buntings, and the likes of sky Lark passing overhead. Keep an eye out for passing herons, egrets and even cranes, too.

4

The fields here are also used for hunting by raptors, but are generally the best areas to look for owls, with barn owls present all year and short-eareds joining them in autumn. The copse near holme Lode Farm often attracts a large roost of Red Kites in winter – watch them start gathering from mid-afternoon.