Bird Race Enhances Identification and Tracking Skills

By Henry Wyn-Jones

The MKA Ecology bird and mammal race took place earlier this year, serving as a unique opportunity for team collaboration across the three offices while enhancing bird and mammal identification and tracking skills. The race, set amidst Brecks and fenland habitats, featured five teams aiming to observe the highest number of species.

Despite teams planning different itineraries, they coincidentally visited the same locations, such as Lynford Arboretum and Santon Downham. At the latter site, teams observed Mandarin duck and signs of water vole, whilst the former provided fantastic views of notable species of hawfinch, brambling, and crossbill. An overwintering great-grey shrike added excitement, seen devouring a vole in a clear-fell, whilst goshawks flew overhead.

Some teams ventured beyond Thetford Forest to explore the fens, encountering species like common crane, whooper and Bewick swan, and corn bunting. Lakenheath Fen RSPB stood out as the day’s species-rich site, featuring cattle egret, a stunning breeding plumaged great-white egret, displaying marsh harriers and squealing water rail. The discovery of a tiny harvest mouse nest became a highlight of the day.

The day concluded with a satisfying pub meal, celebrating a collective achievement of 98 bird species, many of which were new for a number of the staff.