Friday 31 December 2010

A 10k run this morning along my usual 10k route. The path along Quy Water and through the woods at Anglesey Abbey was very muddy. Weather was cool but dry, although slightly misty. A slow time of 58'24". Lode Mill was working today.

5 Moorhens and 2 Little Egrets along Bottisham Lode, also a male Kestrel. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew into the Poplar trees at the Lodestar fields. Again plenty of Blackbirds and Fieldfares around. Just before the railway track there were several Chaffinches and a Goldfinch. In Station Road, Quy there was a flock of about 8 House Sparrows.

Thursday 30 December 2010

An afternoon run with Joanna. Now the snow has all gone we avoided the tracks and fields which would be muddy and ran an all path/road route round Bottisham and Quy. It was raining as we left, but this soon stopped.

A Weasel ran across the path along the Newmarket Road.

Sunday 26 December 2010

A Boxing Day visit to Brandon Country Park. Still snow on the ground but warmer than it has been lately. I ran the Blue Cycle Route plus the extra 2 miles at Mayday Farm.

Not a lot of wildlife to see, but I managed to see a couple of Jays and a Roe Deer.

Friday 24 December 2010

Having finished work early today for Christmas, I had an afternoon 10 mile run to Oily Hall. The ground was still frozen and covered in snow, so the conditions were good for running. Time was 1 hour 27'06".

Along Bottisham Lode there were a few Moorhens and a Little Egret ( a first on my runs), just before the bridge a Kingfisher flew down the stream. At Oily Hall a Buzzard flew over and 3 Roe Deer were seen in an adjacent field. A Kestrel was hunting over Oily Hall and I followed him along the road for a while, where he made a couple of attempts to catch voles.

Another Buzzard was seen over the Lodestar field. A flock of about 12 Partridges flew across the field here. There were many winter thrushes about, with many Blackbirds, several Fieldfares and at least 1 Redwing.

Thursday 16 December 2010

Same route again today in a time of 49'30". It was darker this morning. The weather was not too cold, but there was a head wind along the old railway track and the bridleway. The railway track is quite muddy at the moment as it has been churned up by tractors.

An Owl flew across Albert Road. Several Blackbirds seen or heard. 3 Moorhens at the pond.

Tuesday 14 December

Bottisham and Lode Mill this morning. Left home just before 7 and still dark, but was quite a bit lighter by the time I got to the mill. Weather was mild, but a little misty. After a mild rainy night there was no frost this morning. Time was 50'25".

A singing Robin was heard in the darkness in Bottisham. Blackbirds and Fieldfares seen along the railway track. In Station Road there was a flock of over 100 Jackdaws and there were 5 Moorhens at the pond. A Kestrel flew onto a house roof just before Stow Road.

Saturday 11 December 2010

Brandon Country Park. We ran the 10k Blue Cycle Route, plus I also added on a 2 mile loop at Mayday Farm. The weather was cool (around 6 degrees) and bright. There was very little cloud cover.

3 Jays were seen and a Roe Deer along at Mayday farm. At the small pond at Mayday farm there were 2 Yellowhammers sitting in atree and Sparrowhawk flew away as I approached. On the feeders at the visitor centre there were Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Chaffinches.

Wednesday 8 December 2010

9k Bottisham and Lode Mill run again today. Weather was cold, frosty and misty and didn't really get very light at all. Time was 50'19".

Due to darkness and mist not much seen. However there was a Hare along the railway track and a few blackbirds. 2 Moorhens seen at the pond.

Sunday 5 December 2010

A 5.5 mile run to Bottisham and Lode. The weather had warmed up over the weekend and all the snow and ice had gone.

2 Roe Deer seen in the field along the railway track at Anglesey Abbey.

Sunday 28 November 2010

A 10.5 mile run this morning to Bottisham, Swaffham Bulbeck and White Fen. I added a extra bit in Swaffham Bulbeck up Quarry Lane. Weather was bright but cold and frosty. Time was OK at 1hour 33'04".

A pair of Swans on Swaffham Bulbeck Lode. A Roe Deer near White Fen. Otherwise not much seen today.

Friday 26 November 2010

A good run this morning on a cold frosty morning. The temperature was around -2 to -3. I ran the same route as yesterday, but set off later (having driven Joanna to Stansted Airport). It was already starting to get light, but Jupiter could still be seen well over the A14. A very quick time this morning of 45'55".

A group of House Sparrows were heard in a garden in Albert Road and just before "The Missing Sock" 2 Muntjacs ran across the road, narrowly avoiding an oncoming car.

Lots of Blackbirds around and at the end of the old railway line there were several Fieldfares. A Cormorant flew over the old railway line and 2 more over Station Road. At the start of the bridleway there was a flock of around 20 Starlings. Just before Station Road a Buzzard was seen flying away across the field.

4 Moorhens again at the pond.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

My first run after Sunday's half marathon. Feeling fine only slight stiffness. I ran the 9k route to Bottisham, Lode Mill and back along the railway line. A very good time of 48'33". The weather was cold and frosty, with the sky just beginning to get light as I left home. Jupiter was shinging brightly in the South East.

2 Buzzards were in the woods between Lode Mill and the old railway line. A heron and 4 Moorhens were at the pond in Station Road.

St Neots - Half Marathon - Sunday 21 November 2010

My first half marathon. Weather was cool but not too cold at around 7 degrees. There was also quite a bit of a breeze. With a forecast time of 1 hour 52 I decided to try to stick with the 1 hour 45 pacers.

The race started up the hill out of St Neots on Potton Road and then headed to Abbotsley. The first mile was quick at just over 7 and half minutes. The second mile was just under 8 minutes and the third about the same. Just after 3 miles the route turned right up a steep incline along High Green and continued uphill along Pitsdean Road. This was very energy sapping and the water station at the top of the hill was very welcome.

Just before the 4 mile mark the route turned left towards Waresley. This section was flat at first and then became a steep downhill stretch. Here I was able to open up a bit and pulled ahead of the pacers where there was less runners. The downhill soon became another uphill to the 5 mile mark. The total time at this point was still within 8 minutes per mile. The road flattened out again before turning right, the route was then downhill into the village of Waresely. At the bottom of the hill the road turned left again along the B1040. At 6 and half miles (halfway) we had another water station. Just before 7 miles the road again turned left back towards Abbotsley. I was starting to fall behind the pacing group at this stage so I took my energy gel.

I closed the gap a bit as we approached the 8 mile mark just before Abbotsley, but with the hill again at the Green and Pitsdean Road I decided to let them go, as I was already ahead of my target and didn't want to overstretch myself. The second time up Pitsdean Road didn't actually seam as bad as the first time. At 9 miles we were at the water station again. After this the road turned right at the top this time along Drewels Lane towards St Neots.

A flat section followed for the next mile. Then from the 10 mile mark the route was all downhill. The foul smell of a chicken and turkey farm (sorry about the pun!) was enough incentive to push a lit harder at the stage. The route then twisted its way past the Abbotsley Golf Course, before the final water station at 11 and half miles. Immediately after the 12 mile marker we were back on the B1046 having completed the figure of 8. The road then retraced our steps over the A428 and the railway line down into St Neots. Near the end of Potton Road the route turned into Ridgeway through the housing estate past the 13 mile marker and finally to the finish - in a time of 1 hour 47'15".

A Buzzard was seen soaring over the woods along the road to Waresley and 2 more over Waresley village.

Thursday 18 November 2010

My route this morning was through Bottisham and Lode to the start of White Fen Drove, then back along the old railway line. Set off before sunrise but quite a bit warmer this morning. 7.4 miles in 1 hour 5'30".

A few early Blackbirds in Quy and Bottisham. About 30 Jackdaws heading over Lode, following by a larger mixed flock of Jackdaws and Rooks. 2 Herons in the usual places along Bottisham Lode. A flock of about 18 partridges was flushed by the first Heron. Also along Bottisham Lode a male Kestrel was seen just before the bridge. A Green Woodpecker was in a grassy field along the track to Quy Fen. Another Heron was at the pond in Quy.

Tuesday 16 November 2010

A cold and frosty morning. Not so muddy today due to the frost, apart from a few places. I ran 8 miles to the end of White Fen Drove and back. After my face had warmed up (after about 1 mile) it was a pleasant run, particularly at about 5 miles where the route heads back to the railway track. Here the sun had just risen over the trees and was lighting up the white frost fields.

Large number of Jackdaws and Rooks in the field along Quy Water again. There were also 2 Herons along Quy Water just before Anglesey Abbey, one of which stayed just ahead of me all the way to the mill pond. Another Heron just before White Fen Drove and as I turned into the drove another was heading towards me across the fields. A covey of 11 partridges in a field along White Fen Drove.

As I headed back over the bridge there were Redwings, Fieldfares and 3 Long-Tailed Tits. At the end of the avenue of poplars there was a Buzzard. Along the railway track were more Long-Tailed Tits and a Fox was walking down the track by the gate towards Quy Water. A Kestrel was seen along the bridleway.

Saturday 13 November 2010

An 11.5 mile run at Brandon Country Park this Saturday. Called in at Brandon Brewery on the way, but they were closed. Weather was dry and not too cold. The ground conditions were very good.

We did the Blue Cycle Route and 2 laps of the extension at Mayday Farm.

Have bought a season ticket for the car park, so will try and go several times over the next few months. Had a nice sandwich, coffee, pot of tea and cake in the visitor centre tearoom.

Not many birds to see - A Jay, Green Woodpecker and a few Great Tits were about all. The feeders at the visitor centre hadn't been filled up, so nothing here. Some Grey Squirrels and at Mayday Farm lots of deer tracks of various sizes - Muntjac, possibly both Roe and Red Deer too.

Wednesday 10 November 2010

A 10k run this morning. The weather was cold but dry and a little windy, however there were a few spots of rain towards the end. Not a quick time at 58 minutes. Very muddy through the trees at Anglesey Abbey.

2 coveys of Partridges were seen with about 12 at Quy Water and around 18 along Fen Road. A large flock or Rooks and Jackdaws in the field just before Anglesey Abbey. 2 Herons seen along Bottisham Lode, opposite the cottages and near the bridge by White Fen Drove. Previously I have assumed that these double sightings represent the same bird flying on ahead of me, but today the 2 came together. Another Heron was at the pond in Station Road. Also in Station Road a Wren was singing away.

A Buzzard was low overhead along the railway line.

Sunday 7 November 2010

A run of just under 10 miles today to Oily Hall (NT). It was quite cold when I left home at just before 9, but by half way it was feeling much warmer.

A Grey Heron was seen in Bottisham Lode. A flock of about 50 Goldfinches were at Oily Hall. There were several gulls on the Polo Club fields, including Lesser and Greater Black-Backed.

A party of Fieldfares were seen along Quy Water. Several fish seen in Bottisham Lode.

Friday 5 Novemeber 2010

Ran to Bottisham and Lode this morning, then on to the start of White Fen Drove. The weather was dry, but cloudy and windy. It had been raining overnight so the ground was wet and very muddy in the usual places. Distance 7.4 miles in around 1 hour 8 minutes.

Grey Heron seen along Bottisham Lode and a couple of Moorhens. Also along Bottisham Lode in the trees opposite the cottages I heard a Great-Spotted Woodpecker and eventually managed to see it as I looked back over my shoulder as I ran passed. Another Great-Spotted Woodpecker was along the bridleway, and here there were 3 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls in a field. About 18 (Red-Legged) Partridges flew across the track between the barley fields. 2 Grey Squirrels seen along the railway track. Finally a Mistle Thrush was in Station Road.

Wednesday 3 November 2010

The usual 10k run this morning. Fairly slow as still recovering from Sunday's 12 miles - just over 57 minutes. With the clocks having gone back at the weekend, it was much lighter than last week.

Starting to look Autumnal now, the strong winds this week blowing many of the leaves off the trees. Also getting muddier, especially through the woods along Quy Water at Anglesey Abbey and the end of the bridleway.

Grey Heron seen just before Anglesey Abbey and another one along Bottisham Lode. Also 2 Kestrels seen - Bottisham Lode and Station Road, Quy.

A Kingfisher was seen along Bottisham Lode and a few Moorhens. A couple of Skylarks were in the barley field.

Sunday 31 October 2010

My longest run to date. I extended my route to Swaffham Bulbeck by continuing to Swaffham Prior and reaching White Fen via Station Road. At 12 miles this was good training for my upcoming half marathon. My time of 1 hour 51'19" was not too bad.

In Swaffham Bulbeck a runner came out of his house ahead of me and ran down the street at a fair pace. I thought to myself "I'm sure he's not doing 12 miles". Sure enough, after about 100 metres he turned into the volunteer fire station and proceeded to open up the appliance garage doors. A few moments later 2 cars came up the street at high speed. I didn't get to see the fire engine heading to whatever the emergency was, as I had turned off the main road. Full respect to the men who do these jobs in their spare time!

I passed a Kestrel sitting on a telegraph pole just outside Swaffham Prior and another near Lode. Along the railway track there was a group of about 20 Fieldfares, my first sighting of these Scandanavian visitors this winter.

Thursday 28 October 2010

An early start this morning, well before sunrise, hence it was pretty dark for most of the run. Today I ran to down Albert Road to Bottisham and then to Lode, passed the mill and back along the railway line. A distance of 9k in 51'19".

Not much seen due to lack of light, but several blackbirds and robins heard signing. Blackbirds seen in the latter part of the run. A Muntjac was flushed out of the field immediately after Lode Mill.

19 October 2010 - Deer Lake, Boyne Falls, MI

On our trip to Michigan we stayed here for a week, at the Mountain Run at Boyne resort in Boyne Falls. The resort is popular for winter sports. About 3 miles from Boyne Falls is Deer Lake. A 10.5 mile run took me over the mountain, right round the lake and back again.






The run started off flat for the first mile and went passed the Grand Lodge. On the small lake opposite the Lodge there were some Mallards and many Canada Geese.










After passing the Lodge the route turned left along Mountain Pass Road and started the 1 mile or so climb.

Blue Jays, American Robins and Song Sparrows were seen.

From the top the final half a mile to the Lake is downhill and passes the golf course on the left-hand side.

There was a flock of Canada Geese on Deer Lake.

At the bottom of Mountain Pass Road, I turned right along Deer Lake Road to circle the lake anti-clockwise.

After about half a mile I turned left to go along the Northern edge of the Lake.

A mile along this stretch and then the road turned left again to go South down the E Jordan - Boyne City Road. Along this mile and a half stretch I saw a White-Breasted Nuthatch in a garden.

The road then turned left again onto the C48 Deer Lake Road.

From here it was a mile back to Mountain Pass Road. Along this stretch a Woodpecker was heard calling, but unfortunately not seen. There was also a roadkill skunk at the side of the road. Once I had run past it I could smell its strong musky odour.

Back at the Golf Course and ready to start the climb back up Mountain Pass Road.

At the chair lift the worst of the climb is over.






From here it's a nice downhill run back to the Lodge. Some Black-Capped Chickadees were seen in the trees.

Mountain Run at Boyne condos with the ski slope behind.

http://gb.mapometer.com/en/running/route_815748.html

11 October 2010 - Grand Rapids, MI

Our run of around 6 miles centred on Richmond Park in the NW suburbs of Grand Rapids. Setting out along Bristol Ave NW we turned into Richmond St NW passed the Washington Park Memorial Gardens then entered Richmond Park. House Sparrows and American Robins were seen along Richmond St. In Richmond Park we ran around the edge of the pond, which had many Mallards, Canada Geese and Ring-Billed Gulls.

We then turned onto Tamarack Ave and then right onto Sylvia St. This residential area became more industrial as we turned left onto Alpine Ave. Here we headed up to the railway line and turned left onto Parnell Ave just before the railway bridge. This road took us along beside the railway line into Walker township and back to Bristol Ave. More Robins were seen here as well as Mourning Doves and Blue Jays.

Turning left on Bristol Ave took us passed more industrial units then the West Catholic Central High School. As we crossed a small stream, just before the high school, a Great Blue Heron flew out. At the side of the road a bit further on was a roadkill Opossum.

Having completed the circuit we headed back down Richmond St again to the park where we headed into the woods at the edge of the park. This took us a steep hill and then back down again into the park. From here we headed home and saw a male Red Cardinal in a garden in Bristol St.

Thursday 7 October 2010

An 8 mile run this morning down White Fen Drove. A cold morning with mist over the fields near Quy Water. Still a bit dark when I set off as sun had not quite risen. I avoided the grassy section by returning along the road to Lode. Off-road the route was quite muddy in places. Finished in a time of 1 hour 7'30".

In the dim pre-dawn light several blackbirds were seen or heard. Mallards and Moorhens were flushed from Quy Water. A Grey Heron was in the field along Bottisham Lode, and in the lode itself on the return leg. Another Grey Heron was seen flying over Stow Road in Quy on the way back. 4 Roe Deer were in the field just before White Fen Drove, another was seen at the far end of the field next to the Crane farm and 2 more in a field along the railway track.

Over 300 corvids (mainly Jackdaws and several Rooks) flew towards Lode and several more were sitting on electricity cables along White Fen Drove.

A Green Woodpecker was seen along the bridleway and a Cormorant flew over. A Swallow flew over Vicarage Meadow.

Saturday 2 October 2010

Ran 10.2 miles this morning through Bottisham and Swaffham Bulbeck, then back along Swaffham Bulbeck Lode and through White Fen to White Fen Drove. The weather was fine and dry however the grass sections of the run were very wet and muddy in places. Finished in a decent time of 1 hour 32'41".

A late Swallow was seen in Bottisham. Along Swaffham Bulbeck Lode there was a Green Woodpecker and a pair of Mute Swans with 6 full-grown young. A Great-Spotted Woodpecker was heard in Quy Park.

Thursday 30 September 2010

A cold morning. Many places, particularly through the woods at Anglesey Abbey, were rather muddy. The grass along White Fen Droveway was very wet. I set out to do the 10k route, but when I got to White Fen Drove decided to do the extra couple of miles. At 1 hour 11'42" the time was not quick.

Pigeons and Corvids were again the main bird sightings. About 4 Moorhens seen/heard. Several signing Wrens heard. A male Kestrel was sitting on a telegraph pole along Fen Road, but flew off as I ran past. A Jay was seen along White Fen Droveway and another along the railway track. 10 Roe Deer in 4 small groups seen along White Fen Drove. On the return to Quy a Grey Heron was sitting on the bank of Quy Water at the start of the footpath.

Thursday 23 September 2010

The usual 10k run again today. Left home at 6.30 still quite dark, but light enough to see where I was going. Weather was cool and windy, but a light drizzle at times. A slow time today of 55'50".

Several Mallards at the start of Quy Water, flushed noisily from the water as I ran past in the dull light. 6 Moorhens on Quy Water today and 2 on Bottisham Lode. The Grey Heron was i its usual spot along Bottisham Lode, and a Kestrel was hunting here too.

3 Wrens heard along Quy Water and 1 seen at the end of the bridleway. A Green Woodpecker seen and Great-Spotted heard. Just past the half-way point a flock of about 50 Jackdaws and Rooks flew over, heading away from their nighttime roost.

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was cool, dry and misty. The grass was very dewy. A good consistent run this morning in a time of 52'08".

Not many birds to be seen, however there were 4 Moorhens at the pond, 7 along Quy Water and another on Bottisham Lode. Also along Bottisham Lode a Grey Heron was in the usual spot. A few partridges around and plenty of Woodpigeons, corvids and gulls. A Great-Spotted Woodpecker flew over Main Street/Stow Road in Quy.

Sunday 19 September 2010

Another 10k afternoon run. Today the weather was dry.

A Kestrel was sitting on the roof of a small barn along Quy Water. A Swallow was seen heading South along Quy Water. A Green Woodpecker seen again just before Lode Mill. A Kingfisher was seen briefly along Bottisham Lode. From the railway track a Buzzard was seen being mobbed by crows over the woods of Anglesey Abbey.

Saturday 18 September 2010

An afternoon run along the 10k route with Joanna. Weather was cool and after about a mile a steady little drizzle persisted.

A lot of House Martins over Station Road. A Grey Heron was seen flying across the field just before Anglesey Abbey. Green Woodpecker just before Lode Mill. A Kingfisher at the pond in Quy.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

The usual 10k run again this morning. Weather was dry and bright but with a cold wind. Generally fairly dry underfoot, but a few muddy patches. A good time of 52'54".

Several Jackdaw seen on chimney pots in both Station Road, Quy and Mill Road, Lode. Several Moorhens along Quy Water. Grey Heron seen along Bottisham Lode and another at the pond in Quy. 4 Roe Deer in a field to the North of Bottisham Lode. 3 Skylark in what was the barley field. Green Woodpecker seen on the track heading to the railway line. 2 Song Thrushes in Station Road.

Monday 13 September 2010

A gentle 4 mile run to Lode Mill this morning. Weather was dry and cool.

2 Jays seen flying into the woods at Anglesey Abbey and another/the same(?) along the railway track on the way back. A Green Woodpecker heard and a Great Spotted Woodpecker heard along the bridleway. 3 Roe Deer between the railway line and Quy Fen again.

Thursday 9 September 2010

Back after more than 2 weeks, due to back injury and bad weather. Ann evening 10k run, in warm dry weather. The course was surprisingly dry after the recent heavy rain. The run was quite hard work and seemed slower than the reasonable time of 55'13".

Fairly quiet in respect of birds, apart from Wood Pigeons and Magpies. 2 Moorhens seen along Quy Water and a Green Woodpecker just before Lode Mill. A female Grey Wagtail was at the mill. A few Swallows and House Martins around. 5 Partridges were along the track between the barley fields.

3 Roe Deer seen in the field between the railway track and Quy Fen.

Tuesday 24 August 2010

A cold but bright and dry morning. A gentle 10k with Joanna this morning.

About 50 House Martins in Station Road and almost as many in Lode. A Grey Heron again along Bottisham Lode. 2 Reed Buntings seen between the barley fields (which have now been harvested), but no sign of any Skylarks. A flock of about 15 Goldfinches seen and a Green Woodpecker heard.

Friday 20 August 2010

A slow 10k this morning - not feeling 100%. Time was just over 57 minutes. Weather was dry and cool.

House Martins and Swallows in the usual places. A Buzzard flew out of the bushes along Quy Water. A bit further on at the start of Anglesey Abbey there was a Jay and a little further on a Grey Heron. Another Heron seen along Bottisham Lode. 2 Skylarks between the barley fields. One of the fields has started to be harvested. A couple of small groups of Goldfinches seen. A Green Woodpecker heard along Station Road.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

8 miles this evening. Started off fairly warm, but started to rain 2 miles from home. Turned into a heavy shower when I got to the railway line and this continued all the way home. Time was not too bad at 1 hour 8'22".

Harvest has started, but still much left to do.

Not many birds about. Several House Martins and Swallows seen, but just 1 Swift. Most of the Swifts have now already left for Africa. A Grey Heron seen along Bottisham Lode. A Jay was seen at the end of White Fen Drove and another along the bridleway.

2 Skylarks and a Reed Bunting between the barley fields.

Monday 16 August 2010

A gentle run to Lode this morning. Weather was dry but cold and a bit windy. 4.6 miles in around 47 minutes.

Not many birds seen this morning. Plenty of House Martins in Station Road though (about 50). A Green Woodpecker along the railway line and about 10 Goldfinches feeding on thistles along Quy Water. The water level at the mill was very low. There were quite a few fish here.

Saturday 14 August 2010

A PB in the Parkrun this morning of 23'01". A quick start in 4'39" and I managed to maintain the pace throughout the 5k, although I was feeling tired for the last 2k.

Wednesday 11 August 2010

An evening run today. Weather was dry and fairly warm. 8 mile run down White Fen Drove. Started out quick with a time to the Lode Mill checkpoint of just 15'55" (a new record). A headwind along Fen Road used up a lot of my energy, but managed to finish in a good time of 1 hour 05'52" (my second best time).

Several House Martins in Station Road. 2 Kingfishers seen 1 at the pond in Quy and 1 along Bottisham Lode. A green Woodpecker heard in the horse fields at the start of Quy Water and 2 seen on the way back along the bridleway. 6 Partridges at the entrance to the crane farm. 4 Skylarks over the barley fields. 3 Greenfinches at the end of the bridleway.




The spindly old oaks along the bridleway.


















The end of the bridleway, where it joins Station Road.

Monday 9 August 2010

10k this morning. Weather was dry and fine. A reasonable time of 55'01".

House Martins in Vicarage Meadow, Station Road and Lode. Several juvenile Moorhens seen along Quy Water and Bottisham Lode. Mute Swan flew towards me along Quy Water.

10-12 Swallows at the cottages along Fen Road, Lode. Several Chub in Bottisham Lode. Skylarks seen over the barley fields. A group of about 50 finches along the track parallel to the railway track.

Wednesday 4 August 2010

8 mile run to the end of White Fen Drove in a good time of 1 hour 6'55". There was a light drizzle as I left but this cleared up half way along Quy Water. The ground was obviously wet underfoot.

A Kingfisher was sent at the start of Quy Water and another just before the turn to White Fen Drove. 2 Green Woodpeckers were seen too. Along Bottisham Lode a Hare was in the road and a Roe Deer in the field on the northern side of the road. A Grey Heron was in its usual place in the lode.

About 10 Swallows at the Crane farm and 2 Red-Legged Partridges were seen along White Fen Drove. 2 Reed Buntings (pair) between the barley fields at a Skylark.

In Station Road there was a flock of about 20 House Sparrows and probably close to 100 House Martins. Finally a Pied Wagtail was seen in Vicarage Meadow.

Wednesday 28 July 2010

8 mile run this morning to the end of White Fen Drove. A slow time of 1 hour 10'50".

Usual bird sightings.

Monday 26 July 2010

A gentle 10k run with Joanna this morning. Some ominous grey clouds produced only a few spots of rain at the start, otherwise it was dry and cool.


A Grey Heron was seen flying off along Quy Water and further on was sitting on top of a tree. 4 separate sightings of Moorhen chicks - 2 almost full-grown along Quy Water, A mother brooding some very small chicks along Bottisham Lode and then further along another single almost full-grown, followed by 2 almost full-grown.

Some large fish at Lode Mill. About 12 Jackdaws on rooftops in Mill Road.

A Kingfisher flew along Bottisham Lode and a male Kestrel was seen hunting. At least 4 Skylarks in the Barley fields and a male Reed Bunting.

A Green Woodpecker was along the bridleway. Very few Swifts and House Martins seen today.

Saturday 24 July 2010

Cambridge Parkun. It was quite a bit warmer than I expected. Got off to a slow start as stuck in the crowd for the first 500m. Overall my time was 23'53".

A Green Woodpecker was heard at the finish line and a Sparrowhawk was soaring over Tesco's car park.

Thursday 22 July 2010

10k this morning. Weather was warm and sunny and slightly windy. A touch of dew on the grass. A decent time of 53'41".

A large number of House Martins in Station Road again today. 2 separate fairly large Moorhen chicks seen along Quy Water. I nearly missed a lovely Kingfisher at Lode Mill as I was initially blinded by the sun as I turned the corner to cross the stream.

The Swifts in Mill Road were all up high today. 2 adult Moorhens with 2 small chicks along Bottisham Lode and also a Grey Heron. 1 Skylark seen over the barley fields and several Goldfinches and Chaffinches in various places. A Green Woodpecker was along the bridleway.

A Chiffchaff was heard along Station Road and the mother Swan and 2 cygnets were at the pond.

The path off Station Road along Quy Water.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

An evening run to Oily Hall (NT), a total distance of 9.8 miles. Weather was dry and warm, but I had a head wind for the final 4 miles. Generally a nice route however the field between White Fen and Oily Hall was very thistly and I had to stop after crossing it to remove the thistles from my socks and shoes. I got off to a good start but lost some time towards the end in the wind. Finished in 1 hour 30'21".

House Martins in Station Road. The skies above Lode were full of Swifts, well over 50, some low flying screaming ones too. 2 Moorhen chicks seen along Quy Water.

Oily Hall is being grazed by rare breed Longhorn cattle.

Several Swallows around the Polo Club. On returning to Bottisham Lode there was a Green Woodpecker and a Grey Heron. Skylarks were singing in the fields to the south of the lode. A Reed Bunting again between the barley fields. 2 LBB Gulls in a field near the railway line. A Kestrel seen over the bridleway.

Monday 19 July 2010

10k this morning. A rather slow run today - lacking in energy. Weather was dry and warm. Time of over 57 minutes was slow by recent standards.

House Martins and Swifts in usual places. Swifts screaming in both Station Road, Quy and Mill Road, Lode. In Mill Road a Swift was again noted going into the roof of a pink cottage.
A Grey Heron was along Bottisham Lode and at the junction with White Fen Drove there were 2 Partridges.

About 12 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls in the field between the poplar trees and the barley fields. It appears that there is a large movement of LBB Gulls at the moment in the county.

A Jay was along the railway track, a Green Woodpecker and a Kestrel along the bridleway. A Kingfisher was seen flying over Station Road pond. Several Goldfinches about in various places.

A lot of the encroaching reeds have been cut along Quy Water and Bottisham Lode by the Environment Agency. The water level is very low in the lode at the moment, don't know if this is just due to the drought, or whether it has been deliberately lowered for the reed cutting.

Saturday 17 July 2010

Parkrun this morning. Identical time to last weeks PB of 23'32". Weather was cooler today and a few spots of rain initially.

Friday 16 July 2010

10k run again this morning. Weather was warm, dry and sunny but rather windy. Along the track just after the half-way point 2 large branches had been blown off the Poplar trees. A steady run in a time of 55'36".

A significant increase in the number of House Martins in Station Road, with up to 40 birds present (fledglings?) A large number were sitting on the roof of one house.

A Buzzard flew out from the bushes along Quy Water just before Anglesey Abbey. A Grey Heron and a Kestrel were along Bottisham Lode. 2 Green Woodpeckers were near the poplar trees. Between the barley fields were up to 6 Skylarks, with 4 seen at the same time also a male Reed Bunting.

A Hare was in the field at the start of the bridleway.

Along Quy Water to the start of Anglesey Abbey. Buzzard flew out from the left.

Wednesday 14 July 2010

A gentle 10k run with Joanna this morning. Weather was dry and a bit warmer than the last couple of days.

5 Green Woodpeckers seen this morning - 1 at the pond in Quy, 3 together (presumably a family) at the start of White Fen Drove and 1 more near the railway line. House Martins and Swifts in the usual places. A Roe Deer was in the Barley fields and crossed the ditch and path right in front of me. A lot of fish (Roach/Rudd) at Lode Mill and along Bottisham Lode. A Jay was seen along the old railway line.

Still a good show of wild flowers along the railway track and the bridleway.

Tuesday 13 July 2010

A drizzly start to the day so I decided to run a route I've not been on for a while. This took me along the road to Bottisham and then into Lode before heading off to the start of White Fen Drove. Then back along my now normal route. The drizzle fortunately didn't get any heavier and cleared up by the time I was on the railway line. 7.4 miles run in just over 1 hour 4 minutes.

A Kestrel was over the cricket pitch in Quy. A Great-Spotted Woodpecker was heard between Bottisham and Lode. A few large fish (Chub) seen in Bottisham Lode. Not much else to report today other than a group of about 8 Goldfinches near the railway line.

Saturday 10 July 2010

Another Cambridge Parkrun today. Weather was very warm, even so I managed a new PB of 23'32". This is an improvement of just 7 seconds. For the first time I have achieved a WAVA score of over 60%.

Coots, Mallards and Greylag Geese seen on the lakes.

Friday 9 July 2010

Quite a bit warmer this morning. A 10k run today. Started very quick with a time to the checkpoint just after Lode Mill of 16'02" (best ever). Again built in some speed runs, but felt more tired today. 1 minute speed runs through Lode, along the railway track to the gate and in the final half mile. End result was my fastest ever 10k of 51'42". My previous best was my first ever 10k (Cancer Research Run 10k, Ixworth House, Suffolk in October 2008).

7 Lapwings flew over Vicarage Meadow as I left, but no House Martins here today. House Martins seen in Station Road and Lode as usual and again up to 20 Swifts in Mill Road. Heron seen along Quy Water and a male Kestrel along Bottisham Lode. A large fish was seen n Bottisham Lode, probably a Chub. 3 Skylarks today between the barley fields and a Green Woodpecker along the bridleway.

Wednesday 7 July 2010

8 mile run to the end of White Fen Drove again today. Weather was pleasantly cool after some light rain (and a few more spots in Lode). A quick start to the mill. I decided to try adding a few 1 minute speed runs which I did at just after 4 miles, just after 6 miles and again in the last half mile. It took a little while for my breathing to recover after the first speed run but the next 2 were easier. This resulted in my best ever time for this course by more than 2 minutes with a finish time of 1 hour 04'55".

House Martins in Vicarage Meadow (with 3 confirmed nests - all but 1 are hard to locate under the eaves) and in Station Road. Up to 20 Swifts in Mill Road, Lode. A Heron was seen along Bottisham Lode. The verges along Bottisham Lode (with the cow parsley having now finished flowering) have been cut, unfortunately no kingfishers seen today. 3 Yellowhammers heard singing along the grassy section of White Fen Drove.

Between the barley fields were 2 Reed Buntings and at least 4 Skylarks. A Greenfinch in Station Road, Quy.


A lot of wild flowers along the railway line and bridleway.

Monday 5 July 2010

A cooler morning today, but a bit breezy. 8 miles run to the end of White Fen Drove in a time of 1 hour 08'20".

Several House Martins in Vicarage Meadow, Station Road and Lode. The ones in Lode were up high, the Quy ones were lower and visiting their nests. A couple of Swifts over Mill Road. A Heron was along Quy Water as was the female Swan with her 2 cygnets. Song Thrush and Chiffchaff singing at the start of Anglesey Abbey woods. A female Grey Wagtail was sitting at the edge of the water at Lode Mill.

A male Kestrel was along Fen Road in Lode and here a wet track across the road appeared to be where a Deer had crossed the stream.

Between the 2 barley fields were 2 Skylarks and several Swallows were hunting low over the ears of barley. Along the track leading back to the railway line a lovely Little Owl flew across the track and then sat in a dead tree for a few moments, before flying off in the direction of Quy Fen. A Green Woodpecker was here too.

Finally a Kingfisher was seen at the pond in Quy.

Swan and cygnets

The pond on Quy Water along Station Road

Tuesday 2 July 2010

Too warm this morning so run was kept short at 4.8 miles. This run took me into Lode and back along the railway line.

Whitethroats seen and heard. A Jay was heard at Anglesey Abbey woods.

Tuesday 29 June 2010

A gentle 4 mile run with Joanna to Lode Mill this morning. We had some rain overnight and there was some light rain as we ran down Station Road. The temperature was comfortably cool.

A mother Swan with 2 fairly large cygnets was on the pond in Quy (the male bird was shot a few weeks ago - so she's done well to bring up 2 young). 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers together along the Bridleway. 3 Roe Deer were in a wheat field along the railway track. A Chiffchaff and several wrens heard. 3 Kingfishers were sitting in a dead tree along Quy Water at the start of Anglesey Abbey woods.





Looking back to Quy from Anglesey Abbey. The Kingfishers were in the tree (overhanging the water) in the centre of the picture.

Saturday 26 June 2010

Parkrun today in 24'14". Stiffness in the calves prevented a faster time. Weather was fairly warm.

At least 3 Chiffchaffs heard.

Thursday 24 June 2010

A slow 10k this morning in 58'17". I appeared to have little energy this morning. The weather was fine, sunny but not too warm. The grass was dewy.

A Kingfisher was seen flying away from Quy Water, just before Anglesey Abbey. Plenty of House Martins and Swifts in Station Road and in Lode. Swallows at the cottages in Fen Road, Lode and at the end of the bridleway. A Grey Heron was seen along Bottisham Lode and a Hare was running along the bridleway. A Green Woodpecker was along the track by the poplar trees. Song Thrush singing in Lode. Finally 2 Partridges were in Station Road near the pond.

Tuesday 22 June 2010

A late evening run today to the end of White Fen Drove. The weather had cooled down a lot after a very warm day and was very comfortable for running. 7.9 miles run in 1 hr 07'39".

Several House Martins in Station Road Quy and several screaming Swifts in Mill Road, Lode and a few in Station Road on the way back. A Grey Heron along Bottisham Lode and a Kestrel was sitting half way up an electricity pylon along White Fen Drove. Whitethroat and 2 Skylarks between the barley fields. A Brown Rat was seen at the pond in Quy.

The Cranes (captive) along White Fen Drove were quite vocal this evening. There are a number of species one was making an Ow-Wow-Wow call.

Monday 21 June 2010

A slower 10k to Lode this morning. Suffering from some stiffness in the calves for the first half, fortunately this eased off for the latter part. Final time of 56'30" reflects the early problems.

A fledged Song Thrush seen in Quy. A few Swifts and House Martins seen, but only 4 Swallows. 6 Moorhens along Quy Water and another one with 2 young along Bottisham Lode. 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers together along the bridleway and a flock of about 10 Goldfinches. A Sedge Warbler was heard along the ditch heading back towards the railway line and a Buzzard flew out along the track just before the railway line.

Saturday 19 June 2010

Another Parkrun and another PB. I had a quick start (1st km 4'40" and managed to keep up the pace). Got to the finishing straight with plenty of time to spare, so didn't bother with a sprint finish. Finished in a good time of 23'39".

A Turtle Dove was heard purring on the first main lap of the lakes.

Friday 18 June 2010

10k run to Lode this morning, coming back via the alternative route. Weather was cool with a light drizzle. The grass was drier this morning as there was no dew. I decided from the start to try for a quick time and made good progress to Lode Mill. I managed to keep up the effort to finish in a good time of 53'22", my fastest non-competition 10k.

Chifchaff and Wrens singing at the start of Anglesey Abbey woods. Several Swallows, Swifts and House Martins all around. Along the track after White Fen Drove there was a Roe buck. I then heard and subsequently saw a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, immediately followed by hearing a Green Woodpecker. Heading back to the railway track (between 2 Barley fields) there were 4 Skylarks and again a pair of Reed Buntings. Another Chiffchaff was heard just before the railway track, At the end of the bridleway were 4 Goldfinches including recently fledged birds.

Wednesday 16 June 2010

An 8 mile run to the end of White Fen Drove. I came back a different way to normal by carrying straight on after returning down White Fen Drove towards Quy Fen, and joined the railway line further down.

Weather was cool with some breeze. The grass (quite long in places) was dewy. My time was 1 hr 08'18".

Again lots of Swallows, House Martins and Swifts around. A Grey Heron seen along Bottisham Lode and (another) was flying passed the end of White Fen Drove. A Pied Wagtail also along Bottisham Lode. Along the new route back 2 Reed Buntings were seen and 2 Skylarks.

The field boundaries along White Fen Drove had many Poppies.

Poppy

Monday 14 June 2010

A 10k run to Lode today. Fairly tiring, as still not back into shape. A quick start to Lode Mill and a finish time of 54'30".

A Grey Heron was at the pond in Station Road. Mallard with young duckings along Quy Water and a bit further on a Moorhen chick. Song Thrush and Chiffchaff singing at start of Anglesey Abbey Woods. Along Bottisham Lode Whitethroats, Yellowhammers and Sedge Warblers singing, also a Pied Wagtail was seen. A lot of Swallows, House Martins and Swifts in the usual places. A Swift was seen visiting its nest in a cottage roof in Mill Road, Lode.

Saturday 12 June 2010

A couple of weeks off for Holiday then a bad cold. Cambridge Parkrun this morning. Still blocked up with cold so had trouble breathing. Managed a decent time though of 24'33". Weather was quite cool.

Chiffchaffs and Wrens heard singing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker heard calling.

Saturday 29 May 2010

My 2nd Cambridge Parkrun. A lot cooler than last week. At least the rain held off until later in the morning. A much improved time with a new PB of 23'57". I was a bit held up at the start my slower runners in front, but once I was clear I thought I was a lot faster than last week. However the first 1km time was only 2 seconds quicker. I picked up the pace for the 2nd and 3rd km, and managed to keep going for the final 2 km although feeling slightly tired.

A Turtle Dove heard near the back of the Cambridge Newspaper building and a Chiffchaff heard too.

Friday 28 May 2010

The 10k route to Lode again today. Weather conditions were much the same as Tuesday, perhaps slightly more breeze. A good time of 53'47".

Several House Martins in Vicarage Meadow, including birds nesting on the new houses. 2 Swifts and many more House Martins in Station Road. No sign of Swifts in Mill Road, but several House Martins in Lode and 2 Swifts over the village. Swallows at the end of Fen Road.

A Buzzard was again seen just before Anglesey Abbey, also a Lapwing in the field here. 2 More Lapwings in a field along Bottisham Lode and a Grey Heron. 2 Chiffchaffs heard in Anglesey Abbey woods. Many Wrens heard. Mallard with at least 3 ducklings on the pond in Quy.

Tuesday 25 May 2010

I did the 10k run through Lode to White Fen Drove this morning. Weather was dry but noticeably cooler than it has been over the last week. A fairly strong Northerly breeze. 55minutes was a reasonable time.

A couple of Swifts in Station Road Quy and several House Martins. Several Swifts (some screaming) in Mill Road Lode. Usual pair of Swallows at the stat of White Fen Drove. A Green Woodpecker seen in a farmyard in Station Road, Quy and another along Bottisham Lode. A Buzzard flew low over Quy Water into the woods of Anglesey Abbey. A Kingfisher was seen a bit further along Quy Water. A Pied Wagtail was seen along Fen Road, and Whitethroats. On the way back along the old railway track a fox was seen across the field.

The start of White Fen Drove.

Old tree by White Fen Drove.

Saturday 22 May 2010

I took part in my first Parkrun today at Milton Country Park.








This is a weekly 5km run held at a number of sites across the UK and Europe. Although the distance is less than I'm used too it was good experience at running at race speed. My leg was still giving me a bit of trouble at the start however I managed a decent time of 24'34". My km times were fairly consistent at 4'54", 5', 5', 5' and a final dash at 4'40". The weather was very warm. Fortunately most of the course is fairly shady.

Chiffchaffs were heard signing around the lakes.

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cambridge/Home.aspx

Friday 21 May 2010

Last week's run was clearly too early to return to running after my injury. A few more days has made a big difference as I was able to run 10k fairly comfortably today, in a time of 55'45". What a difference a week makes to the weather too. Last week the nighttime temperatures were below zero, we now have day time temperatures in the mid 20's. This morning it was dry, sunny and warm (even before 7 am). The grass along Quy Water was a bit dewy though.

Swallows, House Martins and a Swift in Station Road and a few screaming swifts in Mill Road, Lode. Along Bottisham Lode I managed to see a Kingfisher despite the fact that the verge has become overgrown with Cow Parsley (anthriscus sylvestris). Further along Bottisham Lode towards the start of White Fen Drove were a couple of Swallows and a Kestrel in the usual place, and a small patch of Bluebells. Yellowhammers and Whitethroats seen in various places.





Bottisham Lode - through the Cow Parsley.














Bluebells on the verge.

Thursday 13 May 2010

A short run to Lode Mill (4.6 miles) after a break of almost 2 weeks due to a thigh injury. Although walking has become easier now the running was still quite difficult, hence a slow time of around 45 minutes. Weather was cold and frosty, but quite a bit of warmth in the sun in a cloudless sky. Currently experiencing the coldest May nights for 15 years.

3 Goldfinches in Station Road a couple of House Martins here and 3 in Vicarage Meadow. A Garden Warbler was heard singing along Quy Water just before Anglesey Abbey. The Mallards on Quy Water still have 4 (now quite big) ducklings. Whitethroats and Wrens also seen and heard.

Friday 30 April 2010

This morning's run was to Bottisham and Lode, then back via Lode Mill along the old railway line. Weather was dry but slightly cloudy and quite windy, not too cold. The track was damp from yesterday's rain but not muddy. Still some stiffness so a slow time of 53'10" for this 9km route.

A single Swallow seen at either end of Bottisham, a couple over Station Road, Quy where the bridleway joins and a couple further on. Also in Station Road there were at least 14 House Martins and another 1 in Vicarage Meadow. A Great Spotted Woodpecker in Mill Road, Lode. A couple of Chiffchaffs heard singing. 2 Jays along the railway line.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

A gentle run to Lode Mill with Joanna this morning. Weather was dry, bright and cool. Distance 4.6miles in around 48 minutes.

A Swallow over the house as we set out. 6 House Martins in Station Road today and 6 Whitethroats heard singing. A fairly large carp was in Quy Water near the mill. A Green Woodpecker in the grounds of Anglesey Abbey by the mill and a Muntjac in the grounds near the house. Another Muntjac was seen in Station Road. A Reed Bunting along Quy Water and 2 Lapwings flying around the field bordering the Anglesey Abbey woods. A Mallard duck on Quy Water with 4 ducklings.

Tuesday 27 April 2010

A morning run to the end of White Fen Drove (7.8 miles). The weather was bright and sunny and fairly warm by the end. The paths were dry, despite the rain at the weekend, but the grassy stretches were dewy. Time 1hr15'03".

4 House Martins in Station Road Quy and 2 Swallows a further 3 Swallows in Lode, 1 in the usual place at the cottages and 2 at the start of White Fen Drove. At least 8 Whitethroats seen/heard in various places and about 3 Chiffchaffs. A Grey Wagtail was at Lode Mill. A mle Linnet was just passed the farm on White Fen Drove. A Green Woodpecker seen towards the end of White Fen Drove, also a single Roe Deer here. Several Wrens, Yellowhammers, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Great Tits singing. A few Goldfinches and Greenfinches seen. A Heron was flying near Quy Water, a Kestrel was near the old station in Lode and a Jay along the old railway track.

The grassy stretch of White Fen Drove.