Trip reports

FIELD TRIP TO WEETING HEATH & LAKENHEATH ON 3rd JUNE 2007

Monday, 11 June 2007

The weather could not have been better if it was possible to order it! The day was sunny and warm, even hot at times. We arrived at Weeting Heath a little earlier than expected, giving us 2 hours and 30 minutes to see the Stone Curlew, our target bird. Four could be seen at times and with those ticked off our lists, we were on the look out for other ticks! A Little Owl was very active away to our right, dropping on insects on the posts surrounding the Stone Curlews' breeding ground. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen in the woodland nearby. Soon it was time to leave for RSPB Lakenheath and again we were looking for target birds, i.e. Common Crane, but they were elusive. Our second target bird was heard singing, in fact three Golden Orioles were in full song. Marsh Harriers could be seen landing, one would think at the nest site. As we scanned the skies, six Hobbies came into view chasing prey. Buzzard and Kestrel were also around. A Turtle Dove was seen flying past and a Cuckoo. This fast declining bird is a treasure to see and hear. A Barn Owl was seen on our way to The Brecklands and Bearded Tit is always a good tick! Common Tern flew past us, and six of the Warbler family were present. A long journey but definitely well worth it.