RSPB Fen Drayton regular (Nov): social stroll / share identification skills

This will be our November social stroll around Fen Drayton Lakes. I'll scout the reserve beforehand and try to lead us to anything interesting that is going on.

We are now into the autumn migration season, so there should be plenty of waterfowl to enjoy on the lakes, from all-year joys like Tufted Ducks to seasonal delights like Teal and Goldeneye, and with luck there should be just the last of the autumnal splendour on the trees to enjoy.

I'll aim to bring us back to the carpark about 4pm, with an optional short extra stroll to enjoy dusk and the sunset. Fen Drayton occasionally gets impressive murmurations of starlings as night begins to fall - with attendant sparrowhawks - and it's worth a little effort to see them!

I know the reserve very well, can ID some of the things we stand a chance of seeing, but I'm a long way from an expert. I'd really love everyone to be pitching in what they know: the world is full of things to understand and explore, and the more you look, the more you see!

Binoculars strongly recommended, if you have any: I don't have spares to share, but it will still be a nice nature stroll without. I will stick to the drier paths, but at this time of year there is always mud, especially after the flooding we have had in October, so please wear suitable footwear, and - as always! - come prepared for British Weather. I will keep an eye on the forecast, and cancel or move the event it looks like it will be very heavy rain.

This event is appropriate for children. Rules for dogs can be found on the RSPB site below: please do follow them, to help preserve the nature we are here to enjoy!

Directions here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/fen-drayton-lakes/location
NOTE THAT the lane to the car park is quite rough, and if coming from Fen Drayton has quite deep potholes, so if you are coming by car please do take care. The reserve is easily reached from the guided busway.

During the event I will take a voluntary subscription (£1 / attendee suggested): this will go towards the running cost for the Meetup group, and then anything left over I'll put into a pot - and when we have enough I'll put it towards a special even with a real (paid) expert to talk us through something interesting.