Reports 2008-
RSPB Lakenheath Fen -
This was the last outing of the season, and what a cracker it was.
After a brief introduction by the warden we set off to see the birds.
There were many whitethroats, reed buntings, sedge and reed warblers singing. A distant cuckoo was calling.
While walking along the track, a hobby was seen hunting.
At a poplar plantation, a large group of people had their telescopes focused on a golden orioles’ nest.
The nest was small and looked like a coconut hanging from a branch. The female was sitting in the nest (protecting the hatchlings, as we found out later). After a short while, the stunning male returned and sat on the rim of the nest for a few minutes. I have only seen these birds twice before in many, many years of watching birds, but these were the best views that I have ever had.
After a while we continued to the main viewpoint overlooking the vast reed bed. We sat here in the warm sunshine for over two hours with birds popping up all the time.
Many marsh harriers were to be seen, a bittern flew by. We heard two bitterns booming and were to see at least four more flying.
Hobbies were plentiful with some flying over our heads. A cuckoo also flew over us.
Unfortunately the two pairs of cranes did not put in an appearance. The warden explained that the chicks are able to feed themselves from the insects on the ground in their immediate surroundings, so there is no need for the adult birds to fly searching for food. They remain, undisturbed, in a distant part of the reserve out of sight of hopeful birdwatchers.
Continuing around the reserve, we came to the mere, where a pair of garganey were preening. A barn owl was hunting in the distance.
This is a reserve which our Group helps to support with the funds we raise and we were all delighted to see it is money being well spent.
We all went home very happy and contented with our trip.
Dave Jones