NWT Weeting Heath & RSPB Lakenheath Fen Norfolk 17th May 2008

 

As we arrived at Weeting Heath at 09.00 it started to rain. We paid our entrance fee and chatted to one of the Wardens who said that he had seen the Stone Curlew from the West Hide about 30 minutes earlier.

We went to this hide first but alas the Stone Curlew could not be seen. There were many Lapwing chicks scurrying about the field and there were rabbits everywhere.

In front of the hide, about 100 yards away, we had excellent views of Woodlark. This is by far the best views that I have ever had of this species.

We walked through the woods and saw Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap, plus the usual woodland birds.

We decided to change the venue of our second stop to Lakenheath Fen. This is only 10 minutes from Weeting Heath and an RSPB reserve that the Hemel Hempstead Local Group has started supporting. Only 11 years ago this was a series of carrot fields. It is now a mixture of wetland and woodland. In the Visitors Centre, a volunteer told us that her mother remembered the original fen, the change to carrot fields and the return to fenland. We were told of the birds that we should see and the best place to see them.

We set off in the rain heading for the viewing point at the far end of the reserve. We saw Sedge Warblers and heard a Cuckoo calling nearby. Marsh Harriers were above the reed beds.

From the viewing point possibly a mile away, a pair of Red-footed Falcons were pointed out to us. When the rain ceased, we could make out the markings of this bird, but I do not think that I would have identified them without help.

Many Swifts, Swallows and House Martins were feeding over the reeds. Marsh Harriers were everywhere, giving us close views. We were later told that the RSPB believed there were seven pairs on the reserve.

The Cranes are again present but not to be seen by our party. Reed and Sedge Warblers were calling all over the reserve. A single Bearded Tit was seen, but the most exciting view was of a Bittern flying slowly past the viewing point as if posing for all to see.

Walking back towards the visitor centre adjacent to the river, we stopped at the damp, poplar-dominated woodland that is being managed for breeding Golden Oriole. Once again we missed out on this bird. Further along the path in a reedy pool a pair of Garganey was seen. A Hobby was also flying over the fen.

This is an excellent reserve, although not very hospitable in bad weather. There are no hides, just a covered seating area at the viewing point, plus other benches. The reserve is not suitable for hides as there are no scrapes or large expanses of water to see.

However, judging by the quantity and variety of birds it is obviously perfect for them.

I am pleased that we are making donations to Lakenheath Fen and will certainly return in the future.

 

Dave Jones