Langford Lowfields

 

 

Idle Valley

 

East Anglia Trip

A full on weekend birding based in Suffolk produced some excellent results. Wicken Fen and Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire were new sites to add to our growing database. So many highlights including White Stork, flying Bitterns, hunting Hobbies and stunning Turtle Doves at Fowlmere and Titchwell

Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire

Summer birding weekend went well in great weather. Plenty of Cuckoo at Lakenheath plus Cetti's Warbler, hunting Barn Owl and a lone Hobby sat in a tree.Sadly no Golden Oriole have arrived this year.  In the evening went to Thetford Forest for my best ever view of a Nightjar.
The following morning it was an early start at Weeting Heath for superb views of at least 6 Stone Curlew one showing in flight and giving its distinctive call. From there we went to Norfolk where we saw Marsh Harrier but no Montagu's Harrier at a favoured spot. On to Cley where there were Red Crested Pochard, Spoonbill and Avocet. We finished up at Frampton where we were rewarded with 3 Turtle Dove. Other highlights of the weekend were Marsh Tit, Red Kite, Lesser Whitethroat, Grey Partridge and Red Legged Partridge

Nightingale Bluethroat and Montagu's Harrier

Quality not quantity today. The main objective was to see Nightingale at Whisby Gravel Pits near Lincoln so we set off from home at 5. We had great success immediately hearing at least 2 birds north of the railway line and quickly getting some excellent views and pictures. Job done!

It was then a tossup to somewhere on the East coast to connect with spring migrants. We opted for Norfolk and went in search of the Bluethroat at Cley. I had the briefest view of a flash of blue, quick display and then back into the reeds. Sorry Dave! Sadly there were no more sign of the bird for the next 2 hours although we did see a Hobby pass through and had a Little Owl sat on a wall.

All was not lost though as we went inland to a site that has seen Montagu's Harrier in the past and were rewarded with crippling views of a male hunting over the adjacent field. Just a shame I didn't concentrate on my camera's autofocus settings in the excitement.....