Weeting Heath and Lakenheath Fen Reserves 30.04.23

 Picked Rick up at 10am and set off to Weeting Heath. Coffee upon arrival before heading to the East Hide where there were very poor views of a Stone curlew. Not too much else, so off to the West Hide where, initially we couldn't find another Stone Curlew so back to the small Visitors' Centre where the warden gave clear instructions as to where the bird was, sitting on eggs. Back to the hide and quickly we found here, but distance and heat haze meant no decent photos. A Curlew, Skylark, Lapwing, Carrion crows and Common buzzard were also seen from the hides whilst a few tits and finches were in the conifers.

Drove the 10 minutes to nearby Lakenheath Fen, an RSPB reserve. A huge area to cover with so many birds calling but very little seen until the last half hour.

Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, Reed bunting, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Wren, Little grebe, Bittern, Reed warbler and Sedge warbler all heard but not seen on our walk out towards Joyce's Fen where a pair of Hobbies were overhead, along with a pair of Marsh Harriers, Kestrel and Grey heron.

A wander along the river bank then gave reasonable views of a Sedge warbler, Little egret, Great white egret, Shelduck and other regular waterfowl as well as two male Stonechats.

Further ahead were a group of birders studiously studying the far bank. A Bittern was stalking in the vegetation, occasionally showing really well. We fired off loads of photos beforce heading back to the VC for a cold drink as the temperature had now touched 18C.

Hour's drive and we were back home. Excellent session.

Species List:

1. Greylag Goose
2. Mute swan
3. Shelduck
4. Mallard
5. Gadwall
6. Tufted duck
7. Pheasant
8. Little grebe
9. Great crested grebe
10. Bittern
11. Little egret
12. Great white egret
13. Grey heron
14. Marsh Harrier
15. Common buzzard
16. Kestrel
17. Hobby
18. Water Rail (heard)
19. Moorhen
20. Coot
21. Oystercatcher
22. Redshank
23. Lapwing
24. Curlew
25. Stone curlew
26. Wood pigeon
27. Collared dove
28. Cuckoo (heard)
29. Swift
30. Great spotted woodpecker (Heard)
31. Skylark
32. Robin
33. Wheatear
34. Stonechat
35. Blackbird
36. Song thrush (heard)
37. Blackcap
38. Whitethroat
39. Sedge warbler
40. Cetti's warbler (heard)
41. Reed warbler
42. Chiffchaff
43. Goldcrest
44. Blue tit
45. Great tit
46. Long tailed tit
47. Coal tit (heard)
48. Bearded reedling
49. Magpie
50. Carrion crow
51. Rook
52. Jackdaw
53. Chaffinch
54. Greenfinch (heard)
55. Goldfinch
56. Reed bunting

Sedge warbler

Stonechat

Great white egret

2nd Stonechat

Mute swan

Overhead Great white egret

Series of the Bittern stalking the bankside

One of many Peacock butterflies. Also noted Orange-tip, Green veined white and Small tortoiseshell