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Map of Nene Washes
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Views of RSPB Nene Washes reserveSnipe 'drumming' (display flight)Damselfly at the Lodge nature reserve
Male marsh harrier over reedbedSouthern hawker in flightPortrait of singing corncrake, Scotland
Short-eared owl perching on fencepostCattle grazing grassland at RSPB Nene WashesMale stonechat on bramble stem
Drake pintail preeningAdult peregrine in flight overheadWhooper swan, spreading wings close up

Top things to do in Spring

  1. The spectacle of displaying wading birds, including the aggressive black-tailed godwits and 'drumming' snipe
  2. After dark, listen for the calls of the elusive spotted crakes and corncrakes
  3. Find the beautiful and rare drake garganeys lurking in the ditches

Top things to do in Summer

  1. Corncrakes continue to call into July, so it's still worth a listen
  2. Watch marsh harriers and hobbies out hunting
  3. Barn owls float over the washes, looking for voles to feed their young

Top things to do in Autumn

  1. Large numbers of yellow wagtails gather around the cattle in August and September
  2. Short-eared owls are best seen before dusk when they join the barn owls
  3. Cheeky stonechats arrive in late September

Top things to do in Winter

  1. Watch for Bewick's and whooper swans feeding and roosting on the washes
  2. How many species of bird of prey can you see in a day? Peregrine, merlin, hen and marsh harriers...
  3. If the washes are flooded, check the flocks of wintering wigeons and pintails to find something unusual

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Extend your stay

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