Road Trip

For the first time since mid March I left the county as my brother and I headed over to Lakenheath in Suffolk where we met another birder for a socially distanced walk around the reserve. Although the Golden Orioles for which this reserve was famed have sadly gone there was still plenty of other good stuff on view though we left with a feeling of "the one that got away".

Lakenheath reserve and Marsh Harrier.

At least three Cuckoos were heard and occasionally seen which was one better than the Cetti's warblers which didn't show at all. One warbler that did at least give us a couple of flight views was a Grasshopper Warbler that was glimpsed as it moved between bushes. Pinging Bearded Tits were heard and briefly seen by at least some of us on three occasions and a Bittern was seen for the shortest of views too. Good numbers of Avocets were viewed from the Washland platform where they joined Lapwings, Redshanks and an Oystercatcher. One of the highlights of our visit were two Cranes that treated us and other admirers to some distant and heat hazy views. From here a falcon was picked out in amongst a small number of insect hawking Hobbies. While for the most part it appeared to hunt like a Hobby it showed rusty tones from some angles on the upperside and also hovered on one occasion. Though far too distant to identify with absolute certainty the thought that it was possibly an immature female Red-footed Falcon caused a little bit of frustration but as they say you can't win them all. Happily we were able to identify the resident Marsh Harriers with a total confidence.

Little Egret and Red Admiral.

With conditions being warm and often sunny there were a few insects to enjoy and of the five species of dragonfly noted it was Scarce Chasers that were the highlight. Plenty of damsels were recorded too and the best of these were Variable Damselflies. Quite a few Red Admirals were observed with most feeding on brambles. Not too many other butterflies were found Meadow Browns and Large Skippers being the commonest.

Scarce and Four-spotted Chasers.

On the way home we made a brief stop at Paxton Pits were I enjoyed views of at least two Norfolk Hawkers which I didn't manage to photograph. We were probably a little late for peak activity though I did see a few more Variable Damselflies. Best birds on site were another Cuckoo and a Kingfisher.

Black-tailed Skimmers and Variable Damselfly.