Lakenheath and beyond, 26 May 2013

At this time of year Belinda indulges me for my birthday and agrees to come birding for a day with me. This year we were a day late but the destination was a bit of a no-brainer - it had to be Lakenheath Fen.

The morning didn't start too well because as we arrived we found the carpark full and had to park out on the road and walk in. Hordes of people around the reserve wasn't what we'd wanted but hey ho, that's a bank holiday Sunday for you!

Needless to say the long-staying adult male Red-footed Falcon showed impeccably over New Fen, between the woods being joined by up to 5 Hobbies. Despite the crowds it was a magic moment. We did the whole circuit of the reserve clocking up Grasshopper Warbler, Garden Warbler, 2 Cuckoos, Marsh Harriers, 2 booming Bitterns as well as numerous Sedge and Reed Warblers. Hairy Dragonflies were out in small numbers and we also managed Four-spotted Chaser and Large Red Damselfly, my 1st odonata of the year.

Red-footed Falcon

Red-footed Falcon

Hobby

Hobby

Reed Bunting
 
Hairy Dragonfly, female

Our next stop was Foulden Common, a site I've not visited for a few years but always liked. It didn't disappoint as both the butterfly specialities of the site were seen within 20 minutes - Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper. We only saw 2 of each but it's pleasing to note they're still here after the demise of Narborough Railway Line. Brimstones were out in the largest numbers I've ever seen and we also saw Small Copper and 2 Common Buzzards nearby.
 
Grizzled Skippers

Grizzled Skippers

Dingy Skipper

Brimstone
 
Our last aim of the day was to see a rare sight indeed - a Norfolk pair of breeding Common Redstarts! The female was sitting on eggs out of view but the male showed very nicely after a short wait although the crappy photo I got of it really doesn't do it justice!
 
Common Redstart
 
     
  

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