15th July Lakenheath and Weeting Heath

I took 165 minutes to walk around the entirety of Lakenheath RSPB reserve, on what felt like a dead day bird wise.  I still encountered 45 species.  The highlights were hearing a couple of Bearded Tits and a Common Crane though I saw neither.  Bird activity was at a minimum.  The visit reminded me of a previous visit to try and see Golden Oriole many moons ago, and only being able to glimpse them as they quickly flew back and forth in the tree tops.

Afterwards, it's only a quick drive down the road to Weeting Heath.  I went into the East Hide first, saw nothing, so headed to the West Hide.  A Stone Curlew revealed itself by the fence, and after watching it for a while, noticed another adult and chick in a tuft of grass.  One adult was sitting near the chick, presumably on guard duty, whilst the other shuttled insects to it's young..  The chick remained hidden most of the time, only standing on a couple of occasion to accept a delivery.  This is actually the first time I've seen a fledgling of this species.  They're mini Thick-knees.


Further examination of the area in front of the hide eventually showed it contained at least three further adults, though no more chicks could be seen.  I planned to stay for 30 minutes but ended up staying on the reserve for around 160 minutes in total, such is the good feel of the place.  

Also there, a Hobby, four Spotted Flycatchers including begging fledglings, four Marsh Tits, also including some fledglings.


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