Wetlands Immersion

After a disturbed night of Muntjac barking, we emerged bleary eyed, but ready for another wetland adventure. The weather looked okay-ish, with "only" a 25% chance of rain as we headed for Ouse (pronounced ooze) Fen, about 30 minutes away in Over (yes, that's the town name).

We hadn't got far along the trail when it started raining, and this being an open wetland, there were few trees within walking distance to give us cover, so we crouched on gravel behind a wooden barrier at the lookout point. 

It wasn't stopping, and we were getting soaked (our fault for not bringing rain gear), so we ran back to the car to sit it out there. When it abated and we'd steamed up the windows, we set off again, enjoying 'gripping' new bird species along the way.

I could swear these 2 guys were following me around - they keep popping up wherever I go!

There was so much activity, both visually and auditorily, and even though it rained on us a few more times, we knew we'd dry off quickly in the wind each time the rain paused for a bit (as it kept doing). This was a truly immersive wetlands experience. I loved hearing the cuckoos - it seemed as if there were cuckoo clocks in the trees bordering the swamp. Such a gorgeous setting!

Lunchtime was dry! Some aquatic samples joined us at the table.

At our next stop, Kingfishers Bridge in Wicken, we had the most spectacular views EVER of a barn owl hunting in the daylight, flitting and diving into the grasses around us for at least 20 minutes - what a supremely special experience!