Rain Stopped Play at Lakenheath RSPB

The first part of the day was fine and very good for insects as virtually no wind so lots of damselflies (variable and azure shown here), Hairy Dragonfly, Crane flies and Emphid flies. The Hobbies were busy catching the insects but unfortunately too high and the sky too grey by the time I dragged myself away from the insects and spiders. The rain arrived around 1 pm as these wet Goldfinches show.

What a Privilege - Close Up with a Bittern at Lakenheath RSPB

Yesterday was one of those moments - a Bittern came out of the reeds close to us at Lakenheath and proceeded to catch tiny fish for almost half an hour. There were close reeds that blocked the view but these parted in the wind and gave lots of opportunities for close-up views as it fished to right and left. Even caught a fish going down the enormous gape and the unexpectedly mobile tongue

Lakenheath RSPB Reserve - Confiding Wren plus Distant Views of Great Species

Wrens were shouting their territories all over the reserve but otherwise the birds were all pretty distant including a Glossy Ibis and Great White Egret. Good to see a Bittern flying and also a daytime Barn Owl. Greylags with six young.

Other Birds at Lakenheath

The Great Crested Grebes and Reed Buntings paraded in front of us showing off their pristine plumage while a Common Tern put on a great display of hovering and diving even managing to catch a fair-sized fish. Other species included Greylag Goose, Egret and Heron, Marsh Harrier, Common Cranes, Greenfinch, Great Tit and Chaffinch. Bittern were heard but not seen.

Hobbies at Lakenheath RSPB Reserve

This page gives some idea of what it was like at Lakenheath RSPB Reserve today with Hobbies hunting overhead - sometimes 8 in a the same patch of sky and some coming close. The most we counted at one time were 25 but some of these were distant. More birds and insect life to follow.

Lakenheath RSPB Reserve

 Sunny but cold wind at Lakenheath on Saturday resulted in a poor show of small birds but the larger species were active, including a female Marsh Harrier with nesting material. The spider is yet to be identified. The reeds and poplar woods made great backdrops in the sunlight and even the Coot obliged by having a wash in the late afternoon sunlight.