I spent most of today, Sunday 7th June, at Lakenheath Fen listening to a strange croaking sound emanating from one of the reed beds. It was the song of a male Little Bittern and the first time I had ever heard it. The bird was continuously singing for at least an hour and a half and then off and on and despite the soft sound, it was still far-carrying. After some time, I was lucky enough to obtain two brief flight views. Also around the fen were numerous Hobby hunting dragonflies, at least 10 Marsh Harrier, several Bearded Tit, a Kingfisher, at least 6 singing Cetti’s Warbler, several Cuckoo, including a female. Several Hairy Dragonfly were on the wing and a few brimstone butterflies.
A visit to nearby Weeting Heath rounded-off the day and an adult Stone Curlew with 2 young eventually made an appearance from the west hide. Also around the reserve, a Woodlark, Firecrest and a Spotted Flycatcher were all year ticks. My year list moves on to 204.
Cuckoo – male – Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk – Tony Davison©
Hobby – above three images – Lakenheath Fen, Suffolk – Tony Davison©
Spotted Flycatcher – Weeting Heath, Norfolk – Tony Davison©