Lakenheath and Welney, 02/05/10

A visit to a friend's at Methwold provided the ideal opportunity to spend the morning at Lakenheath and the afternoon at Welney.

The RSPB reserve was alive with song, Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warbler were all seen in good numbers by the train track. My first Cuckoo of the year was heard, but not seen. Stock Dove and the squeal of Swifts added to the cacophony of sound. A single male Golden Oriole was present on site, but not seen by me. It has been too long since I have laid eyes on one.

At the Joist fen watchpoint, the sight of 30+ Hobbies greeted us, probably the most I have ever seen in one spot. What a sight, what a reserve. Orange Tip Butterflies accompanied me on my walk back to the carpark.

The afternoon was spent at Welney, my obvious target bird being the White-Spotted Bluethroat, now present for just over a week. £6.90 entrance fee; I would like to know how this can be justified, considering the cheaper entrance fee to NWT and RSPB reserves. However, from near the Lyle hide, Sedge and Reed Warblers teased the small crowd, but finally a flash of red as the bird dashed into the reeds. A patient wait and I was rewarded with amazing views, down to 5 metres. The bird sang and displayed, fanning its tail whenever another warbler got a little too close. Bit of a moment for me I'll admit, still not quite over it yet. What a bird. And what a setting- taking a minute to look up, Lapwings and Avocets were displaying, 2 or more Yellow Wagtails flew past and a Barn Owl hunted the dyke adjacent to the footpath. Again, what a reserve. What a county! Any thoughts of a steep entrance fee were now a distant concern.

From the carpark, Corn Bunting sang and the Barn Owl was now on a post, allowing close views from the car as I drove home.

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Notes from the valley

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