Visit to Newmarket Stable

Many thanks Geoff for showing us round Stanley House Stud yesterday - great to see so many healthy foals and mothers enjoying the sunshine. Ouija Board certainly thought the whole thing a laugh. I concentrated on manes, bristles and eyes including one shot of our party reflected in an eye

Fowlmere - a Miscellany from Bees to Cockerel

A mixed bag of snaps from Fowlmere including a bee swarm in a willow - in fact there were two swarms in the same tree. A very confiding warbler allowed some good shots - although it didn't sing, I am sure this was a Willow Warbler with the pronounced eye stripe and supercilium and the paler legs  (compare to photo of a know Chiffchaff). I also managed a photographic glimpse of a Cetti's Warbler as it hopped around the undergrowth while the Long-tailed Tit happily displayed. As usual the only abundant birds were Grey Lag Geese with a few Canada Geese looking great among the emerging reeds and two very noisy cockerels.

 

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.

Lackford Lakes - Egrets, Kingfishers and More

There was plenty of activity at Lackford Lakes yesterday but most at a distance. The Egrets were the most confiding - good to see a pair with the male crest. The Great Crested Grebes, as always, decided to do their weed dance in the far distance and even the kingfishers (two different sites) didn't come very close along with the Snipe. The closest bird was the final Chiffchaff

Paxton Pits - Nghtingale Heard Not Seen

Definite signs of spring at Paxton yesterday with Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps singing everywhere and lots of insects waking up. Short burst of Nightingale song in the undergrowth near the Moorings. Even a family of geese already on the water. Insect ID to follow!