Trip reports

Lakenheath and Weeting Heath 7th June 2009

Friday, 12 June 2009

The weather again forced an alteration in the plans for this trip. In view of the heavy rain forecast for the morning we decided to visit Weeting Heath first rather than Lakenheath as originally planned. As anticipated, heavy rain did fall whilst we were at Weeting but we were able to shelter in the hides. Weeting is famed for its stone curlews and 2 pairs were present with all four birds making an appearance towards the end of our stay. Unfortunately, their chicks had been predated but at least one pair had started re-laying. A bonus but gruesome sighting was that of a stoat catching a baby rabbit. For our visit to Lakenheath the rainclouds dispersed and the afternoon was dry. On arrival we were told that a golden oriole's nest was visible from one of the footpaths. There are now only about four or five nesting pairs of this species in Britain (two usually at Lakenheath). Also, individual birds are normally very elusive and the nest is not usually easily visible. Consequently, this was an opportunity not to be missed and most of the group made their way to the nest site, where we had good views of the male and female at the nest. On the way to the orioles, sedge and reed warblers were seen as were several whitethroats. Whilst watching the orioles both hobby and marsh harrier flew over the reedbeds behind us. Two pairs of cranes, with young, were also at the reserve and some of the group saw an adult crane briefly attack a marsh harrier that came too near its nest site. On the return to the visitor centre, via the public footpath, more hobbies were spotted along with cuckoo. All in all, one of the best field trips the group has had, and one that will be long remembered.