Tuesday 20 December

Bottisham, Lode to the start of White Fen Drove this morning.  Very dark for most of the run, and cold (but not freezing).  Time was 1 hour 02'04".

Again not a lot to see apart from Blackbirds and the odd Fieldfare.  About 30 Jackdaws were roosting in a tree in Station Road.

Saturday 17 December 2011

9k run this morning to Bottisham and Lode.  Weather was cold and a bit rainy.  The paths were quite slippery in places as the rain had fallen on overnight ice.  Had to take it easy so my time was a bit slower than usual at 47'30".

Not much seen, but a Kingfisher at Lode made up for the rest of the run.

Wednesday 14 December

9k run this morning to Bottisham and Lode.  Rather dark this morning, but not too cold.  A reasonable time of 46'29".

Too dark to see many birds, but a Song Thrush heard in Lode.  4 Moorhens were at the pond in Station Road.

Sunday 11 December 2011

A late morning run along the Lode 10k route.  Weather was cool and windy and there was some rain at times.

The 5 Swans were on Quy Water.  A Treecreeper flew across the river at the start of the Anglesey Abbey woods and was then seen climbing a tree.

A Green Woodpecker was seen along Fen road and another along the track parallel to the old railway line.  A male Kestrel was also seen along Fen Road perched on a telegraph wire over Bottisham Lode and another(/the same?) male seen just after the sugar beet fields.  A Heron was standing at the far side of the right-hand sugar beet field.

Saturday 10 December 2011

A very cold Cambridge Parkrun this morning, with the temperature at 0 degrees.  My finish time was a bit down on recent runs at 21'58".

Thursday 8 December 2011

9k run to Bottisham and Lode this morning.  It was dark for most of the run.  The weather was cold and dry.  The ground was a bit wet after overnight rain.  A course record time of 46'09".

Blackbirds seen and heard.  Along the old railway track I heard alarm calls and saw feathers coming out of the hedge followed by a Fieldfare and a Sparrowhawk.  4 Moorhens were on the pond in Station Road and lots of Mallards.  A little further on a Mistle Thrush was flushed by a cat at the bend in the road

Sunday 4 December

Lode 10k route.  Weather was dry and not too cold.  A decent time of 50'42".

Only 2 Moorhens seen along Quy Water this morning.  A large flock of at least 100 Fieldfares passed over just before Anglesey Abbey and a smaller group were along the track to the Lodestar fields.

A Heron and a Kestrel were seen along Fen Road.

Saturday 3 December 2011

A fairly good Cambridge Parkrun today in my second best time of 21'35".  The ground was fairly wet and muddy in places after overnight rain, but it was not too cold.

Thursday 1 December 2011

A 9k run to Bottisham and Lode today.  Dark at first with some light rain, fairly mild.

A Sparrowhawk was seen at Bottisham Village College.

Tuesday 29 November 2011

My route this morning was through Bottisham to Lode and then back across the Lodestar fields.  7.3 miles in 1 hour 1'41".  Weather was dark until Lode then dull and very windy, not cold though.

Blackbirds seen in the early gloom.  A Song Thrush heard in Lode.  Along Bottisham Lode there was a Kestrel and a Heron.  After the sugar beet fields 2 Roe Deer were seen across the next field.

A Jay was seen along the old railway line.  Over 100 Jackdaws and a few Rooks were flying along Bottisham Lode towards Lode, and another smaller group of about 40 Jackdaws and Rooks were in Station Road, Quy.

Sunday 27 November 2011

A gentle run around the Blue Cycle Route at Brandon Country Park.  Weather was dry.  It was quite warm in the sun but there was a strong cold wind blowing.

Redpolls and a Great Spotted Woodpecker seen at Mayday Farm.  At the Orchard Car Park there were lots of Chaffinches and a few Bramblings.

Another area has now been felled, just near the Country Park.

Saturday 26 November 2011

Cambridge Parkrun.  Weather was dry and cool.  A tiring run, probably shouldn't have run yesterday morning.  Finished in 21'40" again, 10 seconds off a PB.

A couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers heard.

Friday 25 November 2011

Lode 10k again this morning.  Weather was dry and cool.  The ground was wet as there had been quite a bit of overnight rain.  A gentle run today in 53'07".

11 Moorhens and the 5 Swans seen on Quy Water.  At least 50 Jackdaws in Mill Road. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard and then seen at the top of a tree along Bottisham Lode, opposite the cottages.

2 Herons seen just before the bridge over Bottisham Lode.

A large group of Fieldfares were seen just before the old railway line.

Wednesday 23 November 2011

A fairly tiring Lode 10k this morning - still recovering from Sunday's half marathon.  Weather was dry but cold, with a touch of frost in places.  Finish time was 51'25".

A female Sparrowhawk flew over the trees at the edge of Quy Park. Swan family and 8 Moorhens seen along Quy Water.

A Heron was again seen along Bottisham Lode and a Woodpecker flew past.  In a field to the right there was a single Roe Deer, 4 more were seen running across the sugar beet field.

2 Woodpeckers flew over the track leading to the old railway line.  At the end of the old railway line there were about 50 Lapwings in a field with Black-Headed Gulls.

On the way back along Station Road a Buzzard flew low over the rooftops.

Sunday 20 November 2011

St Neots Riverside half-marathon.  This was my second time at this event. Previous time in 2010 was 1 hour 47:15.  This year the weather was foggy and at the start it was rather cold.  With a target of 1 hour 45, I set out with the 1:45 pacers and kept alongside them for the first mile.  At this point I decided to push on a bit.  With the hill in Abbotsley between 2 and 4 miles out of the way, I used the downhill section towards Waresley to gain some momentum.  Last year I started to flag at 7 miles but this time I was till going strong and feeling comfortable.  The second time up the hill at Abbotsley was soon out of the way and I had enough energy to push on to the finish.  At 10 miles my time was just over 1 hour 17, well ahead of my 10 mile PB.  A surge down the hill from mile 12 led me to the finish in 1 hour 40:30. 

The fog lingered throughout the race so there was no wildlife to be seen.

Friday 18 November 2011

Another fairly steady Lode 10k.  Weather was fairly bright, after the sun came up, but with a cold wind.  Finished in a time of 52'41".

A Heron was seen at the start of Quy Water and another in the usual place along Bottisham Lode.  8 Moorhens were seen along Quy Water this morning and the 5 Swans were just before the Mill.  A Muntjac ran off across the field as I rounded the corner at the Mill.

Again several House Sparrows heard in Mill Road. 

A male Kestrel was perched on top of a telegraph pole along the track to the Lodestar fields.  5 Skylarks and 2 Roe Deer were seen in the sugar beet fields.  The Deer stayed with me for about half a mile, bounding off ahead each time I caught up with them. 

A Group of about 50 Black-Headed Gulls were in a field alongside the old railway line.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

A fairly gentle Lode 10k this morning in a time of 52'51".  Weather was dull and grey but not too cold.

About 50 Jackdaws were in the trees in Station Road near the pond.  Swan family (+3) were on Quy Water in the woods at Angelsey Abbey.  8 Moorhens seen along this stretch today.  A Green Woodpecker was heard in the woods.

In Mill Road a Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard.

A Heron and a male Kestrel were seen along Bottisham Lode.

Sunday 13 November 2011

My longest run ever today of 14.7 miles. I started out towards Lode Mill with the intention of doing the 10 mile loop past Oily Hall and the polo club. When I got to the end of White Fen Drove I decided to extend the run through White Fen and down Swaffham Bulbeck Lode to the River Cam. When I got to the Cam I was still feeling good so decided to carry on down to Clayhithe and then on to Baits Bite Lock to come back through Honey Hill.

The weather was dry and bright and quite warm. It was a very enjoyable run in around 2 and quarter hours.

The Swan family (with 3 young) were on Quy Water. 2 Jays seen just before Anglesey Abbey. As I turned into White Fen Drove a Heron was seen in the middle of the field off to the left.

Along Swaffham Bulbeck Lode a Merlin darted across the lode just in front of me and a bit further on a female Marsh Harrier was seen hunting along a ditch in the field to my right. The Harrier swooped down into the ditch so I stopped for a minute or so but she didn't reappear. Obviously a successful catch.

Several Swans seen on the Cam and at just before Clayhithe there were a several Coots. Having crossed the bridge to the towpath to Baits Bite Lock 3 Little Grebes were seen diving for food.

A Green Woodpecker and a Kestrel were also seen. Several Goldfinches again just before the A14 bridge.

Saturday 12 November 2011

Cambridge Parkrun this morning. Weather was dry and bright and a good running temperature. The ground was a little slippery in laces especially on the first lap where there were a lot of fallen leaves on the track. A rather tiring run in my second best time of 21'38".

Thursday 10 November 2011

A rather tiring Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dull with grey skies, but not cold. A Reasonable time of 51'58".

13 Moorhens along Quy Water, with 2 more just after the mill. The Swan family (2 adults, 3 young) were on Quy Water just after the bridge at the back entrance to Anglesey Abbey.

House Sparrows were again heard from bushes on both sides of Mill Road.

A Kestrel and Heron were seen along Fen Road. A Skylark was at the sugar beet fields. Surprised to note that the left-hand field has still not been completely harvested, just a strip near the road.

Along the track to the old railway line there was a Song Thrush, Jay and Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 6 November 2011

Impington Bonfire Burn 10k. A great run on a nice flat course, starting along the Guided Busway to the Cambridge Science Park, then back along the Mere Way track and Butt Lane to Impington. Weather was cool, dry and rather windy.

Got off to a quick start with the first 2km in 8'01". At 5km I was at a new PB for that distance of 21'25" (let's see if I can beat that at Parkrun on Saturday). Head wind and tiredness slowed me up for the second half, but still finished in a good new PB of 44'32".

Wednesday 2 November 2011

An 8 mile run this morning to the end of White Fen Drove. Weather was dry and bright. Mornings are lighter again now that the clocks have gone back. Although the run didn't seem particular fast, and was relatively effortless, I managed a new PB for this course of 1 hour 3'44".

The adult Swans and 3 young were o Quy Water feeding with the domestic white geese from the village pond. This is the second time now that I've only seen 3 young with the adults. I presume the other 4 have "left home" rather than died or been attacked. This view could be true as I saw a youngster (1 of the 4 missing?) on Bottisham Lode.

11 Moorhens counted today on Quy Water, 3 more on Bottisham Lode and 3 at the start of the track to the Lodestar fields. A Kestrel and a Jay were also seen and a Heron was on Bottisham Lode.

Several House Sparrows were heard in Mill Road, Lode and there were several Jackdaws and Starlings here.

5 Skylarks seen just before the bridleway. Here a Cormorant flew over. A Barn Owl was perched at the entrance to its barn in Station Road.

Sunday 30 October 2011

An 8.5 mile run at Brandon Country Park mainly along the Blue Cycle Route with an extension at Mayday Farm. The weather was dry and fairly warm with quite a strong breeze. I started at Mayday Farm for a change having had a 2 mile walk around the area first birdwatching. The birdwatching was a bit disappointing with not a lot to see. The usual top spots around water holes were birdless and the water had dried up.

Some of the paths were closed (But the sign said this did not include weekends) as there is currently a lot of tree felling going on. At Mayday farm as you head along the yellow bird trail the view is quite different with the trees ahead all cut down.

Mainly Pigeons, Corvids and Gulls seen, although I did see a large flock of Chaffinches and a mixed group of tits with a Coal Tit. A Green Woodpecker was seen near the large (dried up) pond at Mayday Farm.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Another late start so again just a short run to Lode. Weather was dry but quite cold. After a steady start for the first 3/4 of a mile I picked up the pace to finish in a PB of 36'03", over a minute quicker than previous best.

A Heron was again seen along Quy Water. At the start of Anglesey Abbey woods a Sparrowhawk dashed across the river. Today I counted 10 Moorhens along Quy Water, with another 2 at the mill pond and 3 at the Station Road pond. Several Blackbirds and Wrens heard in the woods at Anglesey Abbey.

12 Partridges were in the field at the start of the bridleway, a bit further on a Buzzard flew out from the oak trees. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard in Station Road and just before the crossroads another flew down the road.

Monday 24 October 2011

A late start so just a short run to Lode (just under 5 miles). Weather was dry and not as cold as recent mornings. Wind was strong though.

A Barn Owl was seen in the usual place in Station Road. Along Quy Water a Heron was seen and the Swan family (only 3 young seen today). Moorhen sightings were down due to the low light, especially through the woods, but 6 seen today.

A couple of small flocks of Fieldfares seen. A Kestrel and a Green Woodpecker seen along the old railway line.

Saturday 22 October 2011

Another good Parkrun this morning. A record attendance of 324. Finished in a time of 21'40", 10 seconds down on last week's PB. This week's effort was more tiring.

2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers heard.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry but cold and windy. Not too dark this morning as the half-moon was bright in the cloudless sky, before the sun came up. A slower run than recent ones in a time of 52'13".

Twelve Moorhens seen along Quy Water and 2 more just after the mill. Along Fen Road a Heron and Kestrel were seen and a Green Woodpecker heard.

The right-hand sugar beet field has now been harvested and the left-hand one has been started. A large group of Partridges in the field after the sugar beet fields. Another Green Woodpecker was seen along the track to the old railway line.

2 Pied Wagtails were on a house roof in Station Road.

Monday 17 October 2011

Another dry, bright and cold morning. A later start today so a shorter run of 4.8 miles to Lode and back. A good time of 37'20".

The Swan family were feeding on Quy Water in the woods at Anglesey Abbey. 15 Moorhens seen along this stretch this morning. Many of then were on the path and jumped into the water as I ran past. Another Moorhen was at the mill pond.

A Kestrel was seen along the bridleway.

Saturday 15 October 2011

A dry, bright but cold morning. A very good Parkrun in a new PB time of 21'30".

Thursday 13 October 2011

An evening run again along the Lode 10k route. Weather was dry after light rain for most of the day. Another quick run with a new PB of 48'24" (15'29" again to the Mill).

A Heron and 10 Moorhens seen along Quy Water. Another Heron and a Kestrel along Bottisham Lode. A Green Woodpecker was heard at Anglesey Abbey.

I saw my first Fieldfare of the winter fly across the track leading to the old railway line and a Jay was sen a bit further on.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

8 mile Horningsea run this morning. Left home before sunrise so still fairly dark at first. Weather was not too cold but again quite windy. A reasonable time of 1 hour 6'04".

A Fox ran across the road just before the turning to the Honey Hill bridge over the A14. A Muntjac was seen just after Allicky Farm. Surprising the Muntjac didn't run away even though I was less than 5 Metres away as I ran past. It must have felt safe with the ditch between us!

On the bird front not a lot seen. A couple of Jays and the usual Pigeons, Corvids and game birds. Of interest though were some Reeves Pheasants at Allicky Farm. The Quy village news had noted that there were some about.

The Swan family were swimming under the bridge away from the pond towards Anglesey Abbey.

Monday 10 October 2011

An early evening run straight after work today. Just enough time for the Lode 10k route before it got too dark. Weather was warm but very windy. I made good time to Lode Mill (15'31") and with 2.5 miles to go found myself maintaining a good pace and not feeling tired. I managed to keep this up (and even increased the pace slightly) to the end to finish in a PB of 48'50", 50 seconds quicker than previous best.

The Swan family were on the pond in Station Road. Today's Moorhen count along Quy Water was 12. 3 or 4 White Pheasants were at the edge of the woods at Anglesey Abbey, a batch of these must have been released for the shoot.

2 groups of Partridges seen.

Friday 7 October 2011

8 mile run to Horningsea this morning. Today I ran in the opposite (i.e.clockwise) direction than usual. Left home before sunrise so light was quite dim, not too cold though. A PB time for this route of 1 hour 5'11".

Not many birds seen mainly Pigeons, Corvids, Pheasants and Partridges. I did however see a Kestrel flying across the fields just before the Horningsea to Fen Ditton road.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

10k Lode route again this morning. Weather was dry, overcast and windy. Mornings are getting noticeably darker now. I did some speed work in the first half of the run and achieved my best time to Lode Mill of 15'29". I was tired for the second half and had a head wind, but managed to finish in a good time of 50'08".

A Heron flew up from the bank of Quy Water. 11 Moorhens seen along Quy Water this morning and another 3 on Bottisham Lode and 3 in the field at the start of the track to the Lodestar fields. 2 Roe Deer were seen in a field towards White Fen.

4 Swallows flew over at the end of the sugar beet fields, making slow progress in the wind. A Jay and a Kestrel were seen along the old railway line.

A Cormorant flew over Main Street in Quy.

Monday 3 October 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry, bright and fairly warm. A tiring run in a time of 52'43".

The Swan family were on Quy Water. A Great-Spotted Woodpecker was heard in the trees on the other side of the horse field. A Cormorant flew over just before Anglesey Abbey. Another high Moorhen count on Quy Water of 13. I think I heaed a Chiffchaff in Mill Road just after the mill,

A Heron was along Bottisham lode. A Green Woodpecker was seen along the track to the Lodestar fields and at least 3 Skylarks were over the Sugar Beet fields.

Saturday 1 October 2011

Parkrun this morning. A tiring run in a good time of 22'02".

Several Coots on the lakes.

Friday 30 September 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry, cool and misty - more so in Quy than Lode. An easy run this morning in 52'51".

A Heron flew up from Quy Water at the horse fields. A Little further on the Swan family were feeding. Another pair of Swans were just past the back entrance to Anglesey Abbey. Another double figure count of Moorhens on Quy Water this morning with 12 seen. At the edge of woods at Anglesey Abbey there were 2 white hen Pheasants.

At the start of Mill Road a lot of House Sparrows were heard calling on both sides of the road. A Jay was seen along the old railway line and 2 Cormorants flew over. A Green Woodpecker was heard along the bridleway.

About half a dozen House Martins were feeding over Vicarage Meadow.

Tuesday 27 September 2011

8 mile run to Horningsea this morning. Weather was dry and started fairly bright with a slight mist, but got a lot more misty by the halfway point. It was fairly cool too and the grass was dewy.

A Green Woodpecker was seen where the bridleway crosses the old railway line. A Jay was seen along the track to Allicky Farm. A Kestrel was seen flying past at Snout Corner. 4 Roe Deer could just about be seen in the mist at Honey Hill and 8 Goldfinches were in the bushes at the start of the ramp over the A14.

Sunday 25 September 2011 - Bourn to Run 10k

A great 10k run this morning. Weather was dry, bright and fairly warm. There was also a fairly strong breeze (head-wind coming back!)

I made a good time of 47'05", a new PB for 10k. The first part of the course was a fast downhill through Bourn and my time was 4'11". The next 4k were generally uphill so a bit slower. Somehow I missed the 5K marker so didn't get a split time for the halfway point, but it was probably just over 23 minutes.

Friday 23 September 2011

An 8 mile run to Horningsea this morning. Weather was dry and fairly bright after the sun had come up. Noticeably darker at the start now that the days are getting shorter. A very good time with a PB of 1 hour 5'27".

Not a lot of interesting birds around this morning. A Wren flew across the track right in front f me towards Honey Hill and the flock of Goldfinches were in the usual place at the bottom of the bridge over the A14. Otherwise plenty of Woodpigeons, Corvids and Gulls.

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Lode 10k route again this morning. Weather was dry and fairly bright. The ground was wet though due to overnight rain. A slower time today of 53'44".

2 Buzzards seen along Quy Water. One over the horse field at the start of the footpath heading towards to Quy Hall and a second one flew into the trees at the start of Angelsey Abbey. There were 2 Kingfishers here too.

A total of 16 Moorhens counted along Quy Water. A Grey Wagtail was seen at Lode Mill, initially flying up onto the roof and then down into the pond after the mill.

A group of around 15 Partridges again seen just after the sugar beet fields.

Several Finches and Tits seen along the track leading to Quy Fen.

Sunday 18 September 2011

A tiring Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry, bright and warm. The ground was wet in places though due to overnight rain. Not a bad time of 50'50".

A Kingfisher flew along Quy Water in the direction of Station Road pond. There was also a Heron here and 4 Moorhens. A few Swallows and House Martins around.

4 Roe Deer were in a field along Fen Road.

In Station Road on the way back a Barn Owl was seen perched on a barn door.

Saturday 17 September 2011

A tiring run at the Cambridge Parkrun this morning. Not a PB, but my second best time of 22'08".

Thursday 15 September 2011

A good run along the Lode 10k route this morning. Weather was dry and bright but cold. At least the wind has died down now. I managed to knock over a minute off my PB for the route with a time of 49'40". For the last mile and three quarters I quickened my pace to my 5k race speed.

Along Quy Water there were a few Mallards, the Swan family and 11 Moorhens (5 juveniles). At the horse fields at the start of Quy Water there were 2 Green Woodpeckers. Just before Anglesey Abbey woods a Kestrel flew over and a Bullfinch flew into the woods. 2 Squirrels seen in the woods too. A little further on a Heron took off from the water and another Green Woodpecker was seen just before Lode Mill.

Another Heron was standing alongside a ditch near the track to the Lodestar fields. Through the poplar trees along the track I heard another Green Woodpecker and a Jay.

2 Skylarks were seen over the sugar beet fields and along the track at the end about 15 Partridges flew up. 2 more Squirrels were along the old railway line. In Station Road there were a few House Martins and a Swallow. 4 more House Martins at Vicarage Meadow.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

An 8 mile run to Horningsea this morning. Weather was dry and bright but very windy. At the start it was quite cold in the wind, however towards the end of the run it was quite warm. A good time today of 1 hour 5'51".

3 Swallows seen at Allicky farm and a few more hirundines high over Horningsea. There were a lot of Partridges around today in various places.

At Honey Hill a group of 6 Buzzards flew out together from the bushes and just around the corner another was on the track, which flew off to join the others. At the start of the bridge over the A14 there was a flock of around 30-40 Goldfinches.

Sunday 11 September 2011

A 12 mile run this morning to Swaffham Prior. Weather was dry and warm but very windy. A good time of 1 hour 39'40".

Several House Martins over Vicarage Meadow and a lot in Main Street, including around 25 on telephone wires. 2 Green Woodpeckers in Swaffham Bulbeck. A Kestrel was seen as I entered Swaffham Prior and another as I left the village near the football ground on Station Road.

A Corn Bunting was perched on telephone wires along the road to Upware. Another Green Woodpecker was seen along the track to the Lodestar fields. 1 or 2 Swallows seen too.

Saturday 10 September 2011

A good Parkrun this morning. A new PB of 21'51".

A pair of Mute Swans with 3 juveniles on Deep Pit.

Friday 9 September 2011

Lode 10k route this morning. Weather was overcast and not as windy as Wednesday. Time was not too bad at 53'31".

A Grey Heron and half of the Swan family (1 adult and 4 juveniles) were on Quy Water. Only a few House Martins seen over Station Road, have most of them left now?

There were plenty of Moorhens around though, with 2 at the pond, 13 on Quy Water, 1 at Lode Mill and another in a field off Fen Road. Several of the Moorhens were juveniles. 4 Green Woodpeckers seen/heard too - 1 heard at Anglesey Abbey, 2 feeding on the grass towards Quy Fen and another seen at the start of the bridleway.

There were about 6 Reed Buntings between the sugar beet fields. A flock of about 20 House Sparrows in Station Road.

Also 4 Grey Squirrels were seen. 2 at Anglesey Abbey and 2 on the old railway line.

Wednesday 7 September

An 8 mile run this morning to the end of White Fen Drove. Weather was dry but cool with a strong South-Westerly wind. My time was a reasonable 1 hour 7'30".

A few House Martins and Swallows around. The Swan family were on Quy Water as well as 6 Moorhens, including 1 juvenile. 2 Jays flew across the track just before Lode Mill. A Kestrel was seen at the Jack of Clubs and another at the Crane farm.

Along the track to the Lodestar fields a Jay was heard and a Green Woodpecker seen. There were 4 Reed Buntings in the ditch between the sugar beet fields.

It was a very good morning for mammals. A Muntjac was seen in the woods at Anglesey Abbey. A total of 8 Roe Deer - 5 in a field to the North of Fen Road and another 3 in the field just before White Fen. Here at the the end of the track there were 2 Hares. On the way back down White Fen Drove a Stoat came out of the undergrowth and promptly ran back in again when it saw me. And of course there were the usual dozens of Rabbits.

Sunday 4 September 2011

8 mile run this morning to the end of White Fen Drove. Weather was dry and warmish. The run was fairly slow at 1 hour 8'34".

A Kingfisher flew along Quy Water and the Swan family were seen here too. On the way back down White Fen Drove a Ring-Necked Parakeet flew noisily across the road from the Crane farm towards Lode. This is the first time I've seen one of these colourful "aliens" outside of London.

Saturday 3 September 2011

Cambridge Parkrun this morning. Weather was dry and cool. Feeling tired after long run on Friday morning, so only managed a time of 22'34".

Some Coots and a pair of Swans with 2 large Cygnets on the lake by the visitor centre.

Friday 2 September 2011

A 10.5 mile run today to Clayhithe and along the River Cam to Baits Bite Lock. Weather was dry but rather cool. Time was 1 hour 32'14".

There were a lot of House Martins feeding high above Vicarage Meadow and a few in Station Road. A Green Woodpecker was heard along the track to Allicky Farm.

Along the 2 mile stretch of the River Cam there were 19 Moorhens, of which 6 were juveniles. I also saw a Cormorant perched in the top of a dead tree. Just after Horningsea I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker walking along a tree branch and a Grey Heron standing on the tow-path just before Baits Bite Lock. A Mute Swan was on the Cam at the lock.

Just after crossing the river a single Goldfinch was seen and at the bridge over the A14 another flock of 14. A Green Woodpecker here too.

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was overcast and cool. No stopwatch this morning so no time available.

Marquees have started to be put up for the Lodestar Festival this weekend.

A lot of House Martins in Station Road. The Swan family were swimming along Quy Water in the wooded section at Anglesey Abbey. A Heron was on Bottisham Lode, also a few Moorhens including 1 young bird.

A Green Woodpecker was seen along the track to the Lodestar fields. Along the ditch between the sugar beet field there were 6 Reed Buntings (presumably a family group) and also a Skylark. A Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the track just before the railway line and another Green Woodpecker was seen along the bridleway. Finally another young Moorhen was seen at the pond on Station Road.

Saturday 27 August 2011

No parkrun this morning as I was marshaling. When I got back I went out for a 10 mile run to Oily Hall (NT). The weather was warm and dry. A good time of 1 hour 25'39". My time to the mill was an impressive 15'50".

A Kestrel was seen along Fen Road and at the end of White Fen Drove I heard then saw 2 Buzzards circling. The Buzzards pretty much followed me to the farm track at the end of Oily Hall, at which point they were low overhead, at treetop level.

About 6 Pied Wagtail were on the grass at the polo fields. On the further field a polo match was taking place. As I got back to bridge over Bottisham Lode a Heron was standing in the middle of the field.

Wednesday 24 August 2011

Lode 10k this morning. I came back along the road to the railway line at Lode rather than across the wet grass at the Lodestar fields. Weather was cool with the odd spot of drizzle. A good time of 53 minutes exactly.

A Barn Owl flew across Station Road in the usual place. Good numbers of House Martins (Station Road) and Swallows (Fen Road, Lode). The Swan family were on Quy Water just past the back entrance to Anglesey Abbey. A Jay was heard in the woods just before Lode Mill. A Heron was in the usual place on Bottisham Lode. About 12 House Sparrows in Station Road.

A few fish seen at Lode Mill.

Monday 22 August 2011

An 8 mile run this morning to the end of White Fen Drove. Weather was dry and bright but rather cold. The grass was quite dewy. Time was not too bad at 1 hour 07'10".

Following on from Friday's note about the harvest, there are still a few wheat fields Left along White Fen Drove. The Linseed has been harvested though.

Large numbers of Swallows and House Martins seen this morning. Over 100 House Martins perched on telegraph wires and feeding in Station Road. Around 25 Swallows perched on telegraph wires along Fen Road, Lode.

A Green Woodpecker was heard along Quy Water and a Grey Heron was in the usual place along Bottisham Lode. The Swan family were swimming along Quy Water - the cygnets (all 7 still surviving) are now getting quite big. A Kestrel was seen along Fen Road.

Saturday 20 August 2011

Cambridge Parkrun. Weather was dry, bright and fairly warm. Finished in a time of 22:27.

A Chiffchaff was heard.

Friday 19 August 2011

As it had been raining all say on Thursday, I chose a primarily road route today. I ran the 9km route through Bottisham to Lode Mill. Weather was dry and bright.

All the fields along the route have now been harvested except for the Linseed near Angelsey Abbey.

Apart from several Swallows and House Martins nothing of note seen today.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

An 8 mile run this morning to Horningsea. Weather was dry and bright. Not a particularly quick time at 1 hour 9'27".

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard in Main Street. A large flock of House Martins were flying around Station Road. A Buzzard flew across the track to Allicky Farm and a bit further on a Hare ran along the track.

A Kestrel flew from its perch in on a Pylon at the start of the track around Fen Ditton and hovered over the field. The 2 Buzzards were seen and heard calling. Another Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard at the pink farm house at Honey Hill and a little further on a Green Woodpecker was seen. Just before the bridge over the A14 4 very small Partridge chicks flew up from the edge of the track.

Wednesday 10 August 2011 - Kretowiny, Poland

Whilst on holiday in the Warminsko-Mazurskie region of NE Poland I enjoyed a couple of runs around the local area at Kretowiny. The first run of 10k took me out of the resort area, which is set in a peninsular at the southern edge of Jezioro Narie (Lake Narie) along the road to the T-Junction at the end of the lake. A short distance along the road a sandy track headed into the forest past a small reed-bordered lake. The track then crossed under the railway line or headed back past a very small lake into the forest. At this point not knowing where either track ended up, I turned back to the road. Half a mile along the road a track headed back into the forest at Kretowiny

Several Swallows were seen around the route. Along the road heading out of Kretowiny there were some Tree Sparrows in a garden. A Marsh Tit was seen in the forest on some cut logs near the railway line.

On the way back 2 Common Cranes were in a grass field on the shore of Lake Narie. Their bugling calls were very loud and could clearly be heard even the birds were 300 metres away.

Setting off

Jezioro Narie, Kretowiny

Roadside shrine at Kretowiny

Small lake in the forest

Track heading back to Kretowiny

Distant view of 2 Cranes

The Forest at Kretowiny

Jezioro Narie at the top end of Kretowiny

Friday 5 August 2011

This morning I ran roughly the same route as Wednesday - the difference being that I came back along the road to Lode and along the railway track rather than across the Lodestar fields. Yesterday it rained nearly all day and I didn't fancy the wet long grass! A much better run today with a time of 1 hour 4'10".

Up to 50 House Martins sitting on a roof in Station Road. 10 Swallows at the cottages along Fen Road, Lode and 6 sitting on telegraph wires by the bridge at the start of White Fen Drove. Heron in the usual plave along Bottisham lode. A Moorhen with 2 young on Quy Water.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

A slow run today to the end of White Fen Drove. 8 miles in 1 hour 12'49". Weather was dry and fairly warm, especially towards the end. Due to overnight rain the grass was wet, especially the long grass between the sugar beet fields.

Several House Martins in Vicarage Meadow and Station Road. The Swan family were all resting on the bank of Quy Water. A Green Woodpecker was seen in the woods at Anglesey Abbey. A Heron was in the usual place along Bottisham Lode, there was a male Kestrel here too. Far fewer sightings of the Kestrel this year compared to last year. At the bridge opposite White Fen Drove there were about 30 Swallows.

Monday 1 August 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry, warm but cloudy. Time was not too bad at 54'15".

Lots of House Martins flying around Vicarage Meadow and Station Road. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard in Station Road and one seen just before the old railway line. The Swan family were at the pond in Station Road. A large flock of goldfinches along Quy Water again this morning. A Heron was in Bottisham Lode just before the bridge. 1 Reed Bunting and 3 Skylarks at the sugar beet fields.

Saturday 30 July 2011

Parkrun again this morning. A good run in a time of 22'11".

No bird sighting to report, but I got stung by a wasp, just after the first 1km.

Friday 29 July 2011

A short run to Lode again this morning. Weather was again dry. A bit quicker today at 38'39".

Wednesday 27 July 2011

A short run to Lode this morning. Feeling the effects of my Abs training. A slow time of 39'46". Weather was cloudy and cool.

About 250 House Martins were perched on telegraph wires over a field along Station Road. A flock of about 30 Goldfinches were feeding on thistles along Quy Water. A group of 8 Long-Tailed Tits flew into an oak tree at the start of the bridleway.

Monday 25 July 2011

An 8 mile run this morning to Horningsea. The weather was dry, bright but quite cool. My time was 1 hour 8'27".

A Green Woodpecker was seen along the track to Allicky Farm. A group of about 10 young Red-Legged Partridges flew away from the track to Horningsea. A Buzzard and a Hare seen at Honey Hill. A few Reed Buntings, Skylarks and other small birds seen.

Saturday 23 July 2011

Parkrun. Despite some stiffness in my right thigh I managed a new PB today of 22'09".

A Chiffchaff was heard singing at the Community Centre end of the park.

Friday 22 July 2011

A short run this morning to Lode and back along the old railway line. Weather was dry, bright but quite cool and the grass was dewy. 4.8 miles in 37'59".

A Green Woodpecker was seen along Quy Water. The Swan family were on the bank in the usual place. A Moorhen was seen with a chick at Lode Mill. A flock of about 8 Goldfinches feeding along the old railway line. A good sized flock (about 50) of House Martins were flying around Station Road and a few Swifts.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Lode 10k run this morning, I did 3 fartlek sessions during the run. Weather was cool,cloudy and slightly windy. A better time today of 53'00".

House Martins and Swifts in Quy and Lode. A flock of around 20 Goldfinches were feeding on thistles along Quy Water. One moorhen with chick along Bottisham Lode. A Green Woodpecker was seen along the track to the Lodestar fields and also a Roe Deer. 2 more Roe Deer were sitting down in a field to the left of the railway track. 2 Reed Buntings, 5 Skylarks and 7 Partridges were seen in the sugar beet fields.

Monday 18 July 2011

A dull windy morning with light rain for 5-10 minutes. I ran passed Allicky Farm to Horningsea and back along the byway around the edge of Fen Ditton. 7.9 miles in 1 hour 7'57".

A flock of about 40 Swifts seen over Main Street in Quy. 2 Roe Deer along the track to Allicky Farm and a Buzzard here too.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Another Parkrun today. Heavy rain just before the run, but it stayed dry throughout the run itself. A good time of 22'36" but not quite a PB this week.

Pair of Swans seen with at least 2 large cygnets.

Friday 15 July 2011

Another slow run along the Lode 10k route, around 56 minutes (I must get my stopwatch sorted before the next run!), Weather was dry, bright, quite warm and quite windy.

Barn Owl again seen in Station Road - what a lovely sight. Several House Martins and a few Swifts in Quy and Lode. Family of Swallows sitting on telegraph cables by the cottages along Fen Road.

Moorhen with young chicks on Quy Water and 2 with young chicks along Bottisham Lode plus 3-4 single adults along the lode. A Jay was seen just before Lode Mill.

Reed Buntings and Skylarks again just after the Lodestar fields and another Skylark singing over the barley field along the railway line. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen along Bottisham Lode and a very vocal Green Woodpecker along the bridleway. Also along the bridleway a covey of 12 Red-Legged Partridges flew away into the field.

Along the track parallel to the old railway line there were lots of small birds, including: Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Blue Tits and 2 Long-Tailed Tits.




Lode Mill

Wednesday 13 July 2011

A dull, cool and windy morning. A slow 10k run this morning of around 55 minutes.


Several House Martins in Station Road. A Green Woodpecker was on the path at the start of Anglesey Abbey Woods. A Heron was in the usual place along Bottisham Lode. A Buzzard was seen along the track to the Lodestar fields. 2 Reed Buntings and 2 Skylarks were in the sugar beet fields and another 2 Skylarks were singing over the barley field at the end of the old railway line.



Lode Mill - railings over the water wheel

Monday 4 July 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was warm and sunny. Time was 53'19".

A Barn Owl flew across Station Road. Several House Martins and Swifts in Station Road and lots more in Lode. A Swallow family were flying around at the cottages in Fen Road. A male Kestrel was sitting on a telegraph post just before the Jack of Clubs farm.

A pair of Reed Buntings and a few Skylarks seen in the usual field and 2 more Skylarks at the end of the old railway track. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen along the track to Quy Fen and a Green Woodpecker was at the end of the old railway track.

Saturday 2 July 2011

Parkrun. A warm morning but I still managed my third PB in a row with a time of 22'20".

Family of Mute Swans and Coots with young seen on the lake before the start of the run. 3 Chiffchaffs heard.

Friday 1 July 2011

A short run this morning to Lode and back along the old railway line. Weather was dry, bright but quite cool. 4.8 miles in 39'29".

The swan family were feeding along Quy Water. Whitethroat seen along the railway line. A few Swifts about. Otherwise not much to report.

More flowers along the railway line now.

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry and bright but rather windy. Felling a bit stiff after long run at the weekend, so not a quick run (54'20").

Family of Swans were in the same place on the bank of Quy Water. Several Swifts were feeding along here. A little further on there was a family of fledged Blue Tits and in the woods at Anglesey Abbey a Blackcap was singing.

A Mallard with very small ducklings was on the bank of Bottisham Lode. At the bridge 6 Swallows, including young birds, were flying around. A Jay was seen again along the track to the Lodestar fields and at the end of the track there was a Hare.

No sightings of Lapwings since the large flock seen a week or so ago. They must have moved on now after breeding. A male Yellowhammer was almost camouflaged as it sat on a falling tree along the railway line.

A Chiffchaff was singing at Quy Hall, and a Coot with a chick was on the pond. The highlight of the day was a lovely Barn Owl in Station Road. This was a very pale, ghostly white bird.

Sunday 26 June 2011

A new route this morning. Initially I intended to run about 8 miles to Horningsea and Fen Ditton, but at Horningsea decide to go a bit further and run up to Clayhithe and back along the River Cam to Baits Bite Lock. Then when I got back to Feb Ditton I decided to extend the route again to go along the edge of Little Wilbraham Fen and back along the Six Mile Bottom road to the Missing Sock and Albert Road. The total distance was 13.5 miles in a time of 2 hours 1'40". The weather was warm and dry, but with enough cloud for it not to be too warm.

A Heron was standing on the bridge in Station Road. Several Whitethroats and about 3 Chiffchaffs heard. A Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpeckers and lots of Skylarks seen too. Swallows were seen along the Cam and a Hare was along the track round Fen Ditton.

Thursday 23 June 2011

The same 10k route today. Weather was cloudy but dry and still windy. I included 3 Fartlek sessions today. Finished in a good time of 53'23".

A Flock of about 40 Starlings flew over Main Street. A Heron flew low over Station Road towards the park. Another Heron was along Quy Water. The Swan family were in the same place as Tuesday. A Chiffchaff was singing at the start of Anglesey Abbey Woods and another heard on the way back at Quy Hall.

2 Green Woodpeckers seen by the bridge on Fen Road and then another 2 along the Lodestar track. 2 Swallows again at the bridge.

Several Skylarks in the field today and a male Reed Bunting, no sign of any Lapwings. A Song Thrush was singing at the top of a dead tree along the track to the old railway line.

In Station Road there were 6 Swallows flying around the cottage (fledged birds?). Just before the crossroads 2 Kestrels flew over Station Road towards the park.

Song Thrush at the top of a dead tree

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Lode 10k. Weather was dry and bright, but the grass was dewy.

A Buzzard was flying low over Quy Park. 2 Coots with a large chick were on Quy Water just through the first gate. The Swan family were resting on the bank a bit further on. Usual sightings of House Martins, Swallows and Swifts.

A Jay was along the track to the Lodestar fields. On the grass field there was a flock of about 15 Lapwings. A couple of Skylarks and a Reed Bunting over the sugar beet field.

Sunday 19 June 2011

Mill Road - Lode

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was dry but cloudy.

A Kestrel was seen over the horse fields at the start of Quy Water. A Green Woodpecker was on the grass just before Lode Mill and a young bird was seen along the track to the Lodestar fields. 2 Lapwings and 4 or 5 Skylarks were over the fields. Another Skylark was seen towards the end of the railway track.

A large fish (Chub?) was seen from the bridge over Bottisham Lode.

Saturday 18 June 2011

Cambridge parkrun. Weather was dull and rainy early on, but had cleared by the time the run started. It was then quite warm, but lots of puddles around. At the end of the first 1km I realised that I hadn't set my stopwatch, so pacing was a bit difficult. After 3.5km I was overtaken by the 23 minute pacer so pushed on a bit to keep up. It turned out that he has ahead of his time and I finished in a very good PB of 22'27".

Before the run a Great Crested Grebe with 2 chicks was seen from the visitor centre along with a Kingfisher. During the run 3 Chiffchaffs were heard.

Thursday 16 June 2011

The same route as Tuesday. Weather was similarly dry and bright (perhaps a bit warmer). Today I included 4 sessions of Fartlek and achieved a PB for the course of 1 hour 4'53".

The Swan family was seen along Quy Water with, I'm pleased to note, all 7 cygnets. A young Moorhen was also seen a bit further along.

For the first time this year I saw a male Kestrel by the Jack of Clubs farm just before White Fen Drove (although I did see him there on Sunday when cycling). Here I also saw what could have been Roe Deer ears sticking out above the ears of wheat.

Along the track to the Lodestar fields a Great-Spotted Woodpecker was heard and further away to my right a Cuckoo was calling. 2 Lapwings, a Reed Bunting and a Skylark were in the next fields. Another Lapwing flew over just before the railway track.

Tuesday 14 June 2011

8 mile run this morning to the end of White Fen drove. Weather dry and bright. A good time of 1 hour 5'35".

Usual sightings of House Martins, Swallows, Swifts and Whitethroats. Heron seen along Bottisham Lode. Along White Fen drove an Egret (Little Egret of maybe even Cattle Egret) was seen sitting in a tree across the field - too far away for positive ID.

Saturday 11 June 2011

A new PB at Cambridge Parkrun this morning. I kept up with the 22.5 minute pacer for the first 2k or so then gradually dropped back to finish in a time of 22'50".

Before the run a large carp was seen from the visitor centre.

4 Chifchaffs heard and a Cetti's Warbler was singing in the bushes at the northern end of Deep Pool. Several Coots on the lakes some with young.

Thursday 9 June 2011

The same 8 mile route as Tuesday. Weather was cool, dry but mostly cloudy. A better time today of 1 hour 6'53".

On Quy Water there was a Mallard with 6 small ducklings and another one with 6 almost fully grown. A Cormorant flew over. A Blackcap was singing in the woods at Angelsey Abbey. A little further on a Heron flew up from Quy Water.

At the Lodestar fields there was a Lapwing and in the fields beyond a pair of Reed Buntings and a Skylark.

Tuesday 7 June 2011

This morning's run was to the end of White Fen Drove (8 miles). Weather was dry, fairly bright but a little dewy on the grass. Time was 1 hour 8'05".

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was calling in the grounds of the old vicarage in Quy. The Swan family were on Quy Water - the cygnets are growing well (at least 4 seen this morning). A single Roe Deer was in the field between Quy Water and the railway track.

A Sparrowhawk flew along Fen Road in Lode. A Reed Warbler was seen clearly along White Fen Drove. There were also Reed Buntings here. In amongst the wheat there are lots of poppies.

A Jay was seen again along the track to the Lodestar fields. A Green Woodpecker was seen at the end of the bridleway.

Several Whitethroats seen and heard and the usual House Martins, Swallows, one or two Swifts and a couple of Skylarks.

Sunday 5 June 2011

Lode 10k route again but I added on a visit to Quy on the way back. Weather was cooler than yesterday and rather cloudy.

A lot of fish seen at Lode Mill. A Great Spotted Woodpecker heard along the track to the Lodestar fields and a Lapwing and a few skylarks in the fields after.

Saturday 4 June 2011

Cambridge Parkrun this morning. A large turnout on a warm sunny morning. My best time this year at 23'04". This was 1 second quicker than my last run but tantalizingly still 3 seconds behind my PB.

2 Chiffchaffs heard.

Friday 3 June 2011

Initially a cool, cloudy and slightly misty morning. The sun soon broke through the clouds to lift the mist and the temperature warmed up. I ran the usual Lode 10k route in a better time than recently of 52'04", having made good time over the last couple of miles.

A Little Owl was perched on a shed roof in the horse field along Quy Water. The pair of Swans were on Quy Water again with at least 5 cygnets.

7 Moorhens were seen including one young bird along Bottisham Lode. Here there was again a Heron.

Along the track to the Lodestar fields there was a Jay and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. 3 Lapwings seen in the fields past the Lodestar fields (planted with sugar beet this year) and a couple of Skylarks and a male Reed Bunting.

Several House Martins and Swallows seen but only 1 Swift. A pair of Mistle Thrushes seen in Lode.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Lode 10k with Joanna this morning. Weather was dry and bright.

House Martins and Swifts in the usual places. Green Woodpecker heard yaffling along Quy Water. Moorhen chicks seen at Anglesey Abbey and along Bottisham Lode. A Heron was also seen along Bottisham Lode.

2 Skylarks seen, but no Reed Buntings today.

Monday 30 May 2011

A gentle late morning (Bank Holiday) run along the Lode 10k route. Weather was dry, bright and fairly warm.

Several House Martins in Vicarage Meadow and Station Road. A Green Woodpecker was heard in the horse field along Quy Water. At Anglesey Abbey there was a pair of Mute Swans with 7 small cygnets.

Swifts head screaming in Mill Road. 2 Skylarks were seen over the usual field. A Chiffchaff was heard along Station Road near the pond and a Buzzard was soaring over Quy village.

Thursday 26 May 2011

Same 10k route again, marginally quicker than Tuesday at 54'32". Weather was dry, slightly cloudy and still windy. (A welcome light shower started shortly after I got back).

House Martins in Vicarage Meadow and several in Station Road. More House Martins and a few Swifts in Lode. A Heron seen again this morning along Quy Water. Chiffchaffs heard singing in Station Road and Anglesey Abbey. A Blackcap was singing just before the railway track. A few skylarks and a single (male) Reed Bunting. A Green Woodpecker flew along the track to the Lodestar fields.

At the end of the bridleway 2 Buzzards were soaring low over the fields.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

A dry bright but windy morning. I ran the Lode 10k route again today. A little slower than the last time at 54'45".

A Grey Heron was seen along Quy Water just before Anglesey Abbey and another in the usual spot along Bottisham Lode, just before the bridge. Several House Martins in Station Road and a few more in Mill Road. No sign of Swifts in Mill Road though.

2 Pairs of Reed Buntings in the usual place and 2 Skylarks here too. 2 Roe Deer were in a field towards Angelsey Abbey.

2 Chiffchaffs heard and several Wrens and Whitethroats.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was bright and reasonably warm. Feeling fairly tired this morning. Time was 53'48".

4 House Martins and 2 Swifts over Vicarage Meadow, about 8 House Martins and 2 Swallows in Station Road and 5 Swifts and about 10 House Martins in Mill Road. A Grey Heron seen along Quy Water just before Anglesey Abbey and another along Bottisham Lode. A Kestrel flew over the Lodestar fields. Here there were

also 2 Lapwings. Along the ditch between the 2 fields after Lodestar were a pair of Reed Buntings and at the far end another female. A Skylark was singing over the right-hand field.

Along the railway track a Hobby was seen. Several Wrens heard singing this morning and 2-3 Chiffchaffs. In Station Road there were 3 Goldfinches and in Stow Road 2 Greenfinches.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Early morning run through Little Wilbraham Fen. Weather was cool and bright. The conditions through the fen were not good. The grass (and nettles!) have grown quite long along the central track, and this was very dewy this morning. A good time of 1 hour 8 minutes for the 7 and half mile run.

A few House Martins and Swallows seen in Quy. Fledgling Rooks were on the ground at Vicarage Meadow and through the trees alongside the park.

At Wilbraham fen, a female Marsh Harrier was sitting in a tree in the middle of the reedbed. A few Whitethroats and at least 3 Chiffchaffs were heard. Reed and Sedge Warblers heard.

2 Hares were seen in the field just before Little Wilbraham village.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Lode 10k route this morning. Weather was same as yesterday but even colder. I incorporated a few fast runs into my usual routine and achieved a new record time of 50'46".

No House Martins seen this morning, but a Swallow over Station Road and 2 sitting on wires just before White Fen Drove. A Heron flew out from Bottisham Lode.

In the field after the Lodestar fields a Skylark was heard and a migrant Wheatear was seen. Again several Whitethrots heard and a couple of Chiffchaffs.

Tuesday 3 May 2011

A 4.6 mile slow/fast/exercise run this morning to Lode along Quy Water. Weather was dry and bright but very cold and slightly frosty.

3 House Martins in Vicarage Meadow and a single in Station Road. Several Whitethroats heard including 1 in full view on a telegraph wire in Station Road. A Muntjac was seen along the railway track.

Sunday 17 April 2011

A 7 mile run this morning along my usual 10k route through Lode, but coming back through Quy Fen. Weather was dry, bright and quite warm.

A single House Martin (my first this year) was inspecting an old nest in Station Road. A single Swallow was by the cottages along Fen Road, Lode. Further down Fen Road a Sparrowhawk flew along the side of the road and then circled around by the bridge at the start of White Fen Drove.

A couple of Lapwings were seen in the usual fields. A Green Woodpecker was heard along the track to Quy Fen and another at Quy Fen itself. A Buzzard flew over Quy Fen and another over the bridleway. A Heron flew over Station Road in Quy.

Several wrens and Whitethroats were heard along the route.

Friday 15 April 2011

A run to Oily Hall (NT) this morning. Weather was cloudy and cool, but warmer then earlier this week. Some light overnight rain in Quy, but roads were dry in Lode. Just under 10 miles in 1 hour 27'19". A pair of Reed Buntings were seen along Quy Water just before the start of Anglesey Abbey, and a Sedge Warbler was heard here. A Green Woodpecker was seen just before Lode Mill. A Roe Deer was in the field at the end of White Fen Drove. On the way back a Swallow was flying along Bottisham Lode by the bridge at the start of White Fen Drove. Another Reed Bunting (male) was seen in the usual ditch just after the Lodestar fields and 6 Lapwings in the fields here too. A Buzzard flew low over the bridleway. The Marsh Marigolds are again flowering well this year in the single clump along Bottisham Lode.

Wednesday 13 April 2011

A 9.5 mile run this morning to Little Wilbraham Fen. Weather was bright and cool. Time was 1 hour 20'54". I felt pretty comfortable throughout the run. A pair of Pied Wagtails were seen on Man Street Quy and another 1 in Albert Road. A Green Woodpecker flew along the driveway to Quy Park. A Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were all seen over the fen. A few Whitethroats and Chiffchaffs were heard singing. Along the track at the far end of the reserve were 2 hairs and a male Linnet. In the field just before the Six Mile Bottom road there were a couple of skylarks.

Monday 11 April 2011

A run to the end of White Fen Drove this morning. Weather was bright and cool. 7.8 miles in 1 hour 7'23". A dead rat was on the path along Quy Water. A drumming Great-Spotted Woodpecker at Anglesey Abbey woods also a Chiffchaff here. A Grey Wagtail was at Lode Mill. 2 Swallows (first for this year) were seen in Lode. 2 Roe Deer were at the end of White Fen Drove and 2 Reed Buntings. Another pair of Reed Buntings were in the usual spot as well as a Lapwing in the field. A Kestrel was along the Bridleway and a Greenfinch was seen in Station Road.

Saturday 9 April 2011

A good run at Parkrun this morning. Just short of my PB at 23'05".

Friday 8 April 2011

A break for a few days following food poisoning! A short 4.8mile run this morning to Little Wilbraham Fen. Weather was bright, but quite cold. Mist was hanging over the reedbeds. My time of 41'14" was good. Along the cycle path leading to Newmarket Road a pair of Jackdaws came out of what looks like a Kestrel nestbox. A Buzzard was sitting in tree in the middle of the reedbed. Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers were seen. Wrens and a possible Cetti's Warbler were heard. At the start of the track leading to the Six Mile Bottom road a Green Woodpecker was heard. At the end of the track a Lapwing was seen and a Skylark was singing. Just before the bridge over the A14 a Sparrowhawk flew past.

Sunday 3 April 2011

Sandy 10. My second time for this 10 mile run. Weather was warm and sunny for the early uphill stages. The water station just after 3 miles was very welcome. This year there was no water station at the halfway stage which was a pity. It was cooler for the latter part but with a headwind. I finished in a time of 1 hour 22'43", over half a minute quicker than last year.

Thursday 31 March 2011

Lode 10k this morning. Weather was cool, dull and windy. The ground was wet from overnight rain, but fortunately not too muddy. A slow time of 57'35". 2 Green Woodpeckers heard and a Great-Spotted Woodpecker was drumming hear the house at Anglesey Abbey. Chiffchaffs heard singing at the start of Anglesey Abbey woods and along the track leading to the railway line. 3 pairs of partridges seen. A pair of Reed Buntings were in the usual spot and about 5 Skylarks here in the fields. Another Skylark was seen in the field along the bridleway. At the end of the bridleway there was a flock of about 100 Fieldfares, they will probably use the strong SW wind today to head back up North. A Jay was seen just before Lode Mill and a pair at the Lodestar fields. 2 Roe Deer were in the field along Fen Road.

Tuesday 29 March 2011

Now that BST has started I can run after work. Tonight I ran just under 10 miles to Oily Hall (NT). Weather was cool and a little drizzly. Time was 1 hour 28'37". Moorhens seen on Bottisham Lode. Skylarks and Meadow Pipits at Oily Hall.

Sunday 27 March 2011

Brandon Country Park blue cycle route with the extra loop at Mayday farm. Weather was dry, bright and quite warm. Lots of birds about today especially finches (Chaffinches, Bramblings and Redpoll). Chiffchaff heard. Green Woodpecker seen and heard.

Saturday 26 March 2011

Parkrun this morning. Weather was dry and just a little cool. A good time of 23'17" (my second best). Consistent kms at just around 4'40" each. Great Crested Grebes on the lake. 4 Chiffchaffs heard (2 seen) and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Friday 25 March 2011

Little Wilbraham Fen again this morning, but a slightly different route. On reaching the Fen, I ran down the centre of the Fen to L. Wilbraham, then back past the windmill along the left hand path then crossed Engaynes Field again to the right hand side of the Fen. I ran down the track towards L. Wilbraham again and turned left just before the end to reach the Quy to Six Mile Bottom road. From here the route was back over the A14 and into Quy via Albert Road. Whether was cold but warm in the sun. The grass was little frost in places early on. Legs felt comfortable on the run, but some back ache. Time of 1 hour 15'25" for 8.5 miles.

2 Marsh Harriers over the reed beds, several Lapwings and a few Hares again. A Muntjac was seen in the same place as Wednesday. A Chiffchaff was heard singing here too. On the final lap a Green Woodpecker was heard. Heading back to the road there were 2 Skylarks and another 3 along Albert Road.

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Been forced to take a break for a few days by a stinking cold! Ran a loop of Little Wilbraham Fen this morning. 7.5 miles in 1 hour 13'14". Weather was mild but cloudy. Great Spotted Woodpecker heard drumming by the Wheatsheaf pub in Quy. A Cormorant flew over. Muntjac along L. Wilbraham River, 5 Hares along the footpath leading back into the fen and a bit further on there was a Fox. Several Yellowhammers seen along the hedgerows bordering the footpath. 2 Moorhens were seen in a ditch just before the first farm. At the end of the fen, just before the boardwalk a Buzzard was sitting on top of a bush, but flew away as I approached. Otherwise lots of Pigeons, Corvids, Blackbirds and Chaffinches about.

Thursday 17 March 2011

The 5.5 mile Bottisham, Lode Mill route this morning. Weather was quite cold and misty with a steady light drizzle. Feeling tired this morning so a slow time of 52'19".

A Great-Spotted Woodpecker drumming loudly at Lode Mill. The bird was seen at the top of a poplar tree. Yellowhammer again at the bend in the bridleway.

2 Coots on Quy Water heading toward the pond and a Kingfisher flew across the pond to sit in an overhanging tree. Heron flew over Stow Road and over the park. A Song Thrush was on the grass in the park.

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Lode 10k route today. Weather was cool and dry.

Green Woodpecker in horse paddock at start of Quy Water. A Great Spotted Woodpecker at the start of the Lodestar fields. A Grey Partridge was on the road along Fen Road and a Heron in the usual place. At least 3 (possibly 5) Reed Buntings along the ditch. 2 Skylarks and a Lapwing here too.

A group of about 20 Fieldfares seen along the bridleway. Yellowhammer at the bend in the bridleway.

Sunday 13 March 2011

This morning Joanna joined me for the 10.5 mile run to Swaffham Bulbeck and White Fen.

A Green Woodpecker was heard yaffling at Bottisham Park. A Buzzard flew over White Fen Drove. In the field along Fen Road a few Lapwing were defendingtheir terretories.

Friday 11 March 2011

Having found on Wednesday that the path along Quy Water is fairly dry, I reverted back to my summer route this morning. Along Quy Water to Lode Mill out to the end of White Fen Drove and then back via the Lodestar fields. Just under 8 miles in 1 hour 10'59". Weather was cool but bright. Quite windy though, with headwind coming back.

Great-Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Station Road, a Green Woodpecker seen just before the mill and another heard just before White Fen Drove. A Lapwing was displaying in the field just before Anglesey Abbey. A female Grey Wagtail was sitting on the fence at Lode Mill. 4-5 Roe Deer were in the field to the North of Fen Road. A Jay was seen along the grassy stretch of White Fen Drove.

Several gulls on the Lodestar fields including Lesser Black-Backed, Common and Black-Headed. 2 Skylarks were singing over the fields just passed Lodestar and about 6 Lapwings were displaying. Reed Bunting seen here too.

Just before the railway track there were several Yellowhammers.

Wednesday 9 March 2011

An 11 mile afternoon run to Swaffham Bulbeck and White Fen. Surprising the river bank was quite dry. Weather was warm and bright. Time was 1 hour 40'49".

Not many birds seen, but 5 Roe Deer in the field alongside White Fen and another ran across White Fen.

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Bottisham and Lode again this morning. Cold and frosty, but bright and sunny. The frost meant that there was no mud this morning. A respectable time of 1 hour 4'45".

At the end of Bottisham Lode there were 2 Herons, A Green Woodpecker heard calling and a Lapwing and Stock Dove flying over. A Lesser Black-Backed Gull was seen over the Lodestar fields. Passed the fields were the usual Reed Bunting and a Skylark. Another 10-12 Lapwing flew over. 3 pairs of Partridges seen. A few Yellowhammers were seen and along the track leading to the old railway line there was a Jay.

Along the bridleway another group of about 10 Lapwings were in the field.

Thursday 3 March 2011

A slightly longer run to Bottisham and Lode this morning going passed Quy Church. Weather was cold but dry. The railway track and bridleway had dried out quite a bit since Tuesday.

A single Moorhen and a Heron seen along Bottisham Lode. 5 pairs of Partridges in the fields passed the Lodestar area and a Reed Bunting and 3 Skylarks.

Tuesday 1 March 2011

7.5 mile route to Bottisham, Lode as far as the start of White Fen Drove. Back via Lode Mill and the railway line. Weather was mild and dry. Time was 1 hour 6'21".

Along Bottisham Lode there were 5 Moorhens, 2 Green Woodpeckers, a Heron and 2 pairs of Mallards (one of which had a domestic white drake). A Yellowhammer was heard in the bushes opposite the lode and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in the bushes opposite the cottages.

Song Thrushes and Wrens heard singing again this morning.

Thursday 24 February 2011

7.5 miles this morning through Bottisham and Lode to the start of White Fen Drove. Not too cold this moring and dry. Very muddy from the Lodestar fields to the end of the bridleway. Feeling very exhausted this morning especially after 5 miles, however time of 1 hour 06'54" was not too bad.

A few Song Thrushes heard singing and two seen chasing in Lode. A Buzzard was sitting on a fence post along Bottisham Lode. 2 Greenfinches seen at the end of the bridleway and another was singing along Station road. Green Woodpecker seen flying away. 5 pairs of Partridges seen and a group of 4. Wrens were heard singing. A Cormorant flew over Lode and a small group of about 4 House Sparrows were seen in Lode.

In the usual feilds after the Lodestar, there were 3 Skylarks and a Reed Bunting along the ditch. Along the railway line a Sparrowhawk flew low along the bottom of a hedge.

Tuesday 22 February 2011

5.5 mile route to Bottisham and Lode this morning. Weather was cool and dry after a few initial spots of rain. The ground was wet though and very muddy along the railway track and bridleway. My legs were feeling tired after the weekend. Time was 50'03".

A couple of Song Thrushes heard, several Blackbirds and Chaffinches. A Grey Heron flew over Vicarage Meadow. Lots of Snowdrops at the start of the bridleway and thousands at Quy Hall. Buds are starting to come out on the hawthorn bushes.

Sunday 20 February 2011

A new route round Brandon Country Park today. Starting from the usual place we initially crossed the road and followed the Blue cycle route to High Lodge. From here we took the Green cycle route passed "Go Ape" and along the eastern edge of the forest crossing the road again at Mayday Farm. We then took the Blue route back to the country park car park via the short cut. Total distance of 9.1 miles.

Several Chaffinches seen and a Coal Tit heard.

Saturday 19 February 2011

Park Run. The course was very wet and muddy. The slippery surface produced a below average time of 24:03.

Saturday 5 February 2011

A 9 mile run at Brandon Country Park. Weather was fairly warm, but with a strong wind. The wind was fortunately behind us for the final stretch up the hill.

Only Great Tits seen on the feeders. A Jay, and a few Crows and Black-Headed Gulls over were the only other sightings. At Mayday Farm a Grey Squirrel was eating the seeds from a pine cone.

Thursday 3 February 2011

Not too cold this morning, with just a little touch of frost in places. A head wind coming back though. Much lighter this morning, even before 7. Same run as Tuesday except I came back via Lode Mill rather than the Lodestar fields.

Plenty of birds around today. A pair of Partridges flew across Albert Road. There seem to be more Blue Tits, Great Tits and Chaffinches preparing for Spring. A lovely male Sparrowhawk was sitting on a post by the bridge near Lode station. He flew off along the lode towards the mill as I went past.

2 Herons in this lode this morning. A few Starlings on the telegraph wires in Mill Road also Collared Doves and Jackdaws. More Doves and Jackdaws in Station Road, Quy.

A couple of Song Thrushes heard today.

Tuesday 1 February 2011

7 miles this morning to Bottisham, Lode and up to the start of White Fen Drove. Cold and frosty and a biting wind on the way back. Quite light this morning with a red sky early on.

3 Herons evenly spaced along Bottisham Lode, also a Kingfisher was seen sitting on a fence that goes down to the water's edge. The Kingfisher flew off along the lode as I passed. A Skylark was seen in the usual field.

A Green Woodpecker was heard across the fields towards Lode Mill. A Coot was on the pond in Quy.

Sunday 30 January 2011

9 miles today through Bottisham, Lode to the end of White Fen Drove. Not too cold and dry with no wind. Time was 1 hour 23'00".

A few Great Tits heard singing. About 5 Moorhens along Bottisham Lode, also a Grey Heron in a field to the North of Bottisham Lode. A male Kestrel seen by the farm at the start of White Fen Drove. Song Thrush in the dry moat round Quy Hall.

As I ran along Bottisham Lode a rabbit hopped across the road and down to the water's edge. It was clearly unwell. On my return I found that it had been run over on the road.

Saturday 29 January 2011 - Park Run

Today was the first birthday of the Cambridge Park Run. A good turnout with 218 runners. I finished 84th in a time of 23'35".

Thursday 27 January 2011

9k run to Bottisham and Lode this morning. Cold but dry. Time was 50'15".

Blackbirds, Chaffinches, Magpies and Wood pigeons seen. A Kestrel was at the end of the bridleway.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Due to the overnight ran I kept to the road this morning, running the 5.2 mile loop round Bottisham. Weather was dry and not too cold. The sky was clear so quite light in the moonlight. Time was 45'55".

Not the best route for seeing birds, but a male Chaffinch was seen along Newmarket road just before Quy.

Sunday 23 January 2011

9 mile run to Bottisham, Lode and White Fen Drove. Weather was slightly drizzly at times, but not too cold. A slight breeze. Time was 1 hour 20'55".

3 sightings of Kingfishers along Bottisham Lode, probably 2 different birds. 1 seen on my way out along the tree-lined section, and then coming back 1 flew off across the fields towards the Lodestar area 1 seen in the same area as before. 4 Moorhens along Bottisham Lode and another at Quy pond as well as 4 Mute Swans. Otherwise not much else to see.

Thursday 20 January 2011

Same route as Tuesday. Weather was colder and some drizzle at times. The extra cloud cover meant it was darker this morning. A slower time, 2 minutes down on Tuesday at 56'50". Much drier underfoot today.

Not much to see today, but 4 Song Thrushes heard - 1 in Lode and 3 in Quy, at the Hall, the Park and Vicarage Meadow. A Green Woodpecker heard along the railway line too.

Tuesday 18 January 2011

After the mild weather at the weekend, it has got a lot colder again. No frost this morning, although that may come later in the week. I extended the 9k run to Bottisham and Lode to 10k by going to Quy Church and along Newmarket Road rather than Albert Road. Time was 54'52".

The water level was up at Lode Mill. The railway track and bridleway quite waterlogged in places.

Some early singing Blackbirds, Robins and Chaffinches in the darkness and a Song Thrush heard too. No much more seen when it got a bit lighter.

Saturday 15 January 2011

A 9 mile run through Bottisham and Lode to the end of White Fen Drove. The weather was fairly warm (about 11 degrees) but very windy. There was a head wind coming back. Time was 1 hour 22'45".

Not many birds seen. A Song Thrush was seen in Lode. 4 Moorhens again on the bank of Bottisham Lode. 2 Goldfinches and a Great-Spotted Woodpecker at the end of the bridleway.

Sunday 9 January 2011

A late morning run through Bottisham and Lode to White Fen Drove. Clear skies and quite warm in the sun, but with a strong cold wind. Frost still on the ground in the shade. 9.5 miles in 1 hour 21'35", slightly slower than last weekend.

Cambridgeshire Search and Rescue (CAMSAR) were out on a training exercise., some on foot and some on mountain bikes.

Not a lot of birds seen. Only notable sightings were a flock of 25 Yellowhammers along White Fen Drove and 6 Moorhens together on the bank of Bottisham Lode.

Thursday 6 January 2011

A 7.5 mile run this morning, through Bottisham and Lode, then through the fen to the Lodestar fields and back along the railway track.

Very dark this morning and cool and dry.

Too dark to see anything on the first half the run, but Blackbirds and Robins heard. Just enough light to see a Grey Heron along Bottisham Lode and a Reed Bunting in the usual ditch past the Lodestar fields. A large group of Jackdaws over Station Road.

Monday 3 January 2011

I avoided the mud along Quy Water today by running along the road route to Bottisham and Lode then continued out to the end of White Fen drove. Weather was dry but a little cooler than the last few days. 9 miles in 1 hour 21'16".

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the trees along Lode Road, Bottisham. 6 Moorhens seen along Bottisham Lode and a Kestrel. There were 3 or 4 Roe Deer in the field to the North of Fen Road. A flock of Yellowhammers were in the bushes at the start of White Fen Drove.

A Green Woodpecker and a Mistle Thrush were seen in the Lodestar field and a Buzzard flew into a tree here.

Again several Blackbirds and Fieldfares seen as well as Blue, Great and Long-Tailed Tits, Chaffinches and Goldfinches.