About Welney Washes Wetland Centre
The Welney Wetland Centre is managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and is located north of Ely. It has adequate parking, a welcome centre, café and toilets. There is an entry charge for non-members. In autumn thousands of migrant whooper swans (and a smaller number of Bewick swans) arrive for the winter, but there are other highlights throughout the year.
The reserve is part of the Ouse Washes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Ramsar site, and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for wintering and breeding waterbirds.
Pintail
Pintail
I had seen no pintails at close range for several years until when I saw a flight of ducks pass by in December 2025. I took a burst of shots without realising what they were until I looked at the enlarged image on the screen. I was delighted with the result.
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[Fujifilm X-H2S; Fujifilm 150-600; 1/2000 sec at f/8; ISO 640]
Gadwall
Gadwall
While intending to photograph the passing sandpiper from the basement hide, I looked up to see a pair of gadwall fly past and managed to get two perfect frames of this one.
ref: DSCF0693c
[Fujifilm X-H2; Fujifilm 150-600; 1/4000 sec at f/8; ISO 1000]
Whooper Swans
Whooper Swans
Welney is best known for the swan population that migrates there in winter, particularly the whooper swans. In this photograph there is an adult flying next to a juvenile (grey beak).
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[Fujifilm X-H2S; Fujifilm 150-600 + 1.4x; 1/2000 sec at f/11; ISO 1600]
Common Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
There has recently been a greater variety of waders visiting the reserve, including this common sandpiper right in front of the basement hide.
ref: DSCF0162c
[Fujifilm X-H2S; Fujifilm 150-600 +1.4x; 1/2000 sec at f/11; ISO 1600]
Wall Brown
Wall Brown butterfly
I rarely see wall brown butterflies so was delighted when this one posed for me on a bush along the path.
ref: DSCF0162c
[Fujifilm X-H2S; Fujifilm 150-600 + 1.4x; 1/2000 sec at f/11; ISO 1600]