Rare Birds in Cambridgeshire
78 species matching this filter.
Cambridgeshire's diverse landscape of fenland, wetland reserves, and arable farmland provides occasional refuge for 74 rare bird species that turn up infrequently across the county. Notable rarities include the striking Bohemian Waxwing during winter irruptions, the elusive Eurasian Bittern lurking in reedbeds, and passage migrants such as Arctic Tern and Garganey passing through the county's renowned wetland sites. With patience and careful timing, birdwatchers can encounter these scarce visitors at key locations including the Ouse Washes, Wicken Fen, and the Nene Washes.
Showing 70–78 of 78 species
Tundra Bean Goose
Anser serrirostrisLC
A rare passage visitor recorded in midwinter, occasionally appearing on flooded fenland fields among other wild goose flocks.
Dec–Jan
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianusLC
A rare winter visitor from November to February, occasionally appearing on the Ouse Washes and flooded fenland fields alongside Whooper Swans.
Nov–Feb
Water Pipit
Anthus spinolettaLC
A rare winter visitor from November to March, favouring watercress beds and marshy margins. Most records come from the Ouse Washes and similar wetland sites.
Nov–Mar
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A rare passage migrant passing through in spring and autumn, pausing on ploughed fields and short grassland.
Apr–Sep
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopusLC
A rare spring passage migrant in April and May, pausing briefly on fenland washlands and wet grasslands on its way north.
Apr–May
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in spring and late summer, favouring rough grassland and fenland margins.
May–Sep
White-winged Tern
Chlidonias leucopterusLC
A rare passage migrant from eastern Europe, occasionally appearing over Fen pools and gravel pits in June and August.
Jun–Aug
Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareolaLC
A rare passage wader seen at freshwater scrapes and flooded fields, mainly in late summer and early autumn.
May–Sep
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Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellisLC
Uncommon but present year-round, often mixed in with other large gulls at landfill sites, reservoirs, and gravel pits.
Mar–Apr