Trip reports

Car trip to The Brecks

RSPB Images

Saturday, 13 June 2009

The planned coach trip to Thursley on 13 June had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. An alternative car trip to Breckland was arranged and nine members led by Barrie Stockwell enjoyed an exciting day.

RSPB Lakenheath was visited first where there were excellent views of a male golden oriole at the nest with visits by the female. Hobbies and cuckoos were flying around, bitterns were booming and up to 5 marsh harriers were seen in the sky. Garganey was seen on the return path.

Moving on to NWT Weeting Common, a pair of stone curlews showed well. As all the public toilets were now closed 6 members chose to make a pub stop and were rewarded with the sight of a barn owl carrying prey going past the pub window.

The day's highlights were the nightjars in Thetford Forest. Whilst getting into position tree pipit, woodcock and wood lark were seen. The nightjars chose to come out before 9.30 when there was still good light. After a few flights a male perched on a dead tree and preened for about 5 minutes giving everyone good views. Two males and a female then entertained for half an hour or more circling round and coming very close to the group. All agreed it was the best nightjar viewing ever.

In total more than 60 birds were seen on the day.

Many thanks to Barrie for organising this trip at such short notice.