Little Hadham Birding: New Year list starts at Rye Meads and Amwell

Early start and arrived at Stanstead Innings at first light. Usual fare as I wandered around to the Otter Hide near the River Lea. Nothing unusual here but the light was better so some pleasing shots of Gadwall and Cormorant.

The website stated that Rye Meads reserve was closed, so I decided against walking all the way around via the water treatment works. Long walk to discover I couldn't access the reserve, so back to the car and I drove around. Not only was it open, but the busiest I have ever seen it.

Not too much on the board so I headed off to visit the hides. Again, nothing unexpected until a small bird flew overhead as I came out of the Kingfisher Hub. It dipped down into a row of willows near the boardwalk and was lost to view. Spent half an hour checking for this bird to confirm it was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker but was unable to find it. Later in the day it showed well and some lucky souls got photos.

A female Blackcap by the Ashby Hide was pleasing before a final check on the Draper Hide but just Shoveler, Gadwall, single duck pochard and a Green woodpecker.

Off to Amwell in what remained good light until around 2.15 when it clouded over. Again, expected birds here, with Long Tailed tits everywhere. Highlight was two pairs of Red crested pochard.

Red kites and Common buzzards overhead and a Kestrel on the way home with plenty of photos to process.