Sixty-minute twitch: Pode Hall and Willow Tree Fen, near Spalding, Lincolnshire

Was a  Snow Goose among these Whooper Swans? Too far away to tell 

Date: February 22, 2026

Time: 3.55pm - 4.55pm

Weather: Sunny but blustery

Target species: Snow Goose (one had been reported here earlier in the week)

Star species seen: Crane

Other species seen included: 

* Long-tailed Tit

* Blue Tit

* Marsh Harrier

* Red Kite

* Little Egret

* Whooper Swan

* Shoveler

* Barn Owl

* Wigeon

* Mallard

* Cormorant

The copse at Pode Hall provides habitat for Long-tailed Tits and other passerines 

Distant view of Red Kite on the move

This group of birders' quest for an elusive Snow Goose proved in vain 

As many as 11 Marsh Harriers were counted at the two sites 

Willow Tree Fen is noted for its all-year population of wetland birds

Cranes - the star attraction at Willow Tree Fen