IDLE WASHLANDS Waders and wildfowl without leaving the car!
Expect reedbed and scrubland birds in abundance
This wide expanse of pools, scrapes and flooded fields has an excellent record of attracting wildfowl and waders, including some scarce and rare birds during migration periods. You can easily walk it, but it’s also suited to driving through slowly, using your car as a hide, especially during or just after bad weather.
WHERE TO WATCH
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Newington Flash: Actually in South Yorkshire, this flash can be viewed from the flood bank near the Ship Inn. Good for Wigeon and Teal in winter, plus waders, with notable records in recent years including Temminck’s Stint and Pectoral Sandpiper.
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Hagg Lane Flash: Go down Hagg Lane, and continue where it turns into a rougher track, then pull in and view. Water levels on the flash vary, but it’s particularly good for waders on passage. Redshank, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper and Ruff can be expected, and scarcer species such as Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank are almost annual. Check for both Great White and Little Egrets, while wildfowl can include Garganey in spring, and good numbers of
Wigeon and Teal in winter, plus the odd Pintail. Water Pipits are also likely in spring.
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Slaynes Lane: The track runs all the way to West Street, Misson, with pits on the left-hand (north) side and the river, some smaller pits and sometimes flooded fields on the right. On the water, the same wildfowl as at Hagg Lane can be expected, while all sorts of waders are possible – scarcities have included Grey Phalarope. Check fenceposts for Stonechats in winter (and Whinchats during passage), when raptors can include Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Shorteared Owl, Little Owl and Barn Owl. Hobbies are present in summer.
This massively undervisited clay pit turned SSSI and LNR (managed by the local Wildlife Trust), three miles north east of Peterborough city centre, comprises an extensive reedbed surrounded by scrub and rough grassland. Some 63 species of water beetle live in the water; but we are here for the birds (and dragonflies and mammals, perhaps). Expect reedbed specialists including booming Bittern at the right time of year, and breeding Marsh Harrier.
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WHERE TO WATCH
There is room for a few cars where White Post Road bends to the right. Enter the reserve here and follow any of the paths heading south. The bushes around here have plenty of warblers in summer, and the taller trees used to hold Turtle Dove, but these may have recently been lost. Redstart and even Yellowbrowed Warbler have been recorded in the bushes, nearby, in autumn.
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Scan over the massive reedbed below you to the south. Marsh Harriers patrol there, and Bitterns can be heard booming (and occasionally are seen flying). This was one of Peterborough’s first strongholds for Cetti’s Warbler and you should hear them here and just about anywhere. Listen carefully for calls, and scan for Bearded Tits. Listen also for reeling Grasshopper Warbler, which can occur in spring/summer. 3
The Hawthorns here used to hold a winter roost of Long-eared Owls and it is possible they are still here. Only a wait until well after sunset will prove whether they come out to hunt. Don’t try to clamber over the piles of brash and bramble laid down to prevent exploration and potential disturbance, though. 4
The bench here offers great allround views of the site. Look for Marsh Harriers and perhaps Bearded Tits over the top of the reeds. Roe Deer are doing very well around the site; scan for them, too. In the evening, bats including Noctules hunt around in very good numbers. The large area of rough grass and scrub to the west is largely unexplored by any local birdwatchers. Here is a chance for glory for a visiting bird-finder…