The Brecks

 Monday June 19

Yes, still hot, but we went anyway. It wasn't unbearable as there was a good deal of cloud throughout, plus a gusty wind.

Weeting was very disappointing. We were the first visitors of the day. We made our way to West Hide, my ' rough terrain' Rollator not liking the small pine cones and roots en route. Pam saw a Stone Curlew as soon as we were seated. It was stood in the middle of the ridge way across the field, largely hidden by the long grass. By the time I got my camera out, it was sitting down, only its head showing occasionally above the autumnal, russet brown grass. Bring back the rabbits.

The disappointment was the poor viewing from the hide. The shrubby growth in front prevented viewing through all but two small 'windows' through the hedge.  Visitors who pay for the visit have a right to be annoyed. 

Lakenheath didn't perform very well for us either. Our fault for turning up at mid-day. We drive to the disabled parking area near the West Hide, overlooking a large reed-fringed pool, a bank of trees behind it. We sat, in the open fronted hde ,happily, for two hours. Cetti's shouted at regular intervals, there was one snatch of song from a Sedge Warbler, another from a Whitethroat. A male Cuckoo called from the river bank, Wrens, Dunnocks and Robins were part of the regular chorus. A Grey Heron rose from the reeds, flapping lazily away into the distance. Two adults and three well grown young, Marsh Harriers, gave us a flying display for about ten minutes before dropping out of sight into the reeds.

On the water, Coots, Moorhens, Tufted Ducks and Little Grebes showed at intervals. A male Reed Bunting swayed on top of a reed stem below. With time to sit and stare, ever vigilant Pam spotted a Ragwort sporting several voracious Cinnabar Moth caterpillars, munching their way through the leaves. 

 


Many Damselflies and Dragonflies patrolled both the water and the reeds, occasionally landing, always obscured. Neither of us are adept at identifying flying Odonata. There were probably Common Blue Damselfly and Four-spotted Chasers amongst them. 

A television nature documentary couldn't have timed it better. As we stood up to leave, a Hobby came swooping around the corner of the wood, before flying along its length. Film makers love leaving things until the last minute before they appear. None of the hoped for Kingfisher, Bittern and Bearded Tit for us. Nevertheless, an enjoyable couple of hours.

After closing the gate, Pam returned the parking permit to reception, returning with a Ronaldo's ice-cream tub, Blackcurrant for me, Salted Caramel for herself.




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