Little Gulls at Maxey/Etton pits, Cambridgeshire

Yesterday the whole country seemed to have Little Gulls passing through. We had a fair share in the Peterborough area with a couple at Ferry Meadows CP, 7 reported at Deeping lakes and at least 5 at Maxey/Etton pits, where I managed to take the above images. At least 3 of the Maxey birds seemed to be in full summer plumage, a stunning bird with an all black hood, black bill and a slight pink tinge to the breast, which is hopefully obvious in a couple of the photos.

Definitely not just a "sea"gull!

Mandarin at sunset

Nuthatch in Bluebell Wood at Ferry Meadows CP

Red Kites

Male Stonechat at Ferry Meadows CP

Long-eared Owl in Cambridgeshire

I have never had the 'clearest' of views of a Long-eared Owl, not surprising really as they are famous for roosting in dense, thick shrubbery and staying stock still. This is probably the best views that I have had of this shy and secretive bird, only 15-20 metres from my vantage point, but always obscured, although some people who know of the site have been walking closer to try and achieve a clear view! Hopefully, this sort of idiotic behaviour will not disturb the bird.

A smaller owl than a lot of people realise, noticeably smaller than a Tawny Owl and about the same size as a Barn Owl. A bird that is pretty much nocturnal, although it can be crepuscular as well.