New Big Sit record for Cambs pioneers

Turtle Dove, by Mike Weedon

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their first Big Sit – possibly the first following American rules in this country – Allistair Berry and Peter Wilkinson smashed their previous record at the weekend (May 19, 2007). The pair returned to the tower hide at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire and scored a mighty 72 species during their 12.5 hour vigil. Ten years ago they recorded only 62 species at the same site (and their previous best was 67), following rules that restrict your movements to a 17-foot circle, as a 'greener' alternative to motorised bird races in a format only an American could conceive...
Birds recorded by the pair included Cetti's Warbler, Turtle Dove, Marsh Harrier, Mandarin, Little Egret, Avocet and Red Kite.

For more on Cambridgeshire birding, see Cambridgeshire Bird Club
For more on US-style Big Sits, see here