After checking out the B&B (I'll not be back) it was off to Lakenheath (just into Suffolk). I was looking forward to it. Last year's visit was spoiled by the poor weather and I was keen to 'catch up' with some of the reserve specialities we missed last May.
Weather conditions were good with only a light breeze. The River Little Ouse soon produced Hobby and at one stage there were at least 4 birds hawking.
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| Hobby |
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| Hobby |
The only disappointment was the Cranes no show. Garganey provided some compensation:
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| Always a bit distant- croaking call distinctive |
The Joist Fen Viewpoint was also good, with Hobby frequently seen and Marsh Harrier almost constant. Just like last year, a Bittern put in a good flight view and a Water Rail showed very well. Bearded Tits "pinged",Cetti's "exploded" and a Garden Warbler 'fair belted it out'. All this was interspersed by a male Golden Oriole "whistling" from Trial Wood.
All in all a fantastic place. It would have been good to get the Cranes, but as they say you can't see everything. No sign of Turtle Dove at the back of the car park, but had the added 'bonus' of Bill Oddie showing well in the car park. First time I have happened across him 'in the field'.
A quick dark along the A14 to Newmarket and continuing West to Huntingdon and on to the A1 just South of Peterborough saw me home for just after 11pm. Added bonus of a Red Kite over the motorway in West Yorkshire.
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