Weeting Heath reserve doesn't open until 10 a.m. so we didn't make an early start on a warm and sunny morning. Finding both the drive-in and the pedestrian gate padlocked at Grimes Graves, which we went to first as we were early, we arrived on time at Weeting.
We were the first - and only - visitors and had the sole attention of the 'major' - Frank we now know. It was the warden's day off and he was in sole charge. He escorted us to the hide, failed to find any Stone Curlews and with a humph strode off. He did tell us that there were two pairs over the ridge (as always) and a couple had been seen early on by some RSPB staff. Fat lot of use when the reserve opens so late.
He also asked us to listen for Woodlark as his hearing had gone and none had been seen.
During the hour we spent in the hide, the only species seen were Lapwing, Rooks and Goldfinches.
Lakenheath Fen held the usual ducks and grebes, The Great Crested made a noise I hadn't heard before, at a pair of Tufteds getting too near the nest site. Hearing our first Sedge Warbler was a bonus but neither of us nor a warden could see it.
Back to Grimes Graves. Still padlocked. But..... a report had come through on the pager. The fence only stretches about 20 meters from the gate, the woodland beyond is open so, we parked roadside and made our way through to the entrance track. This is amazing for Pam, this sort of venture is usually a big no, no.
Half a mile down the road, admiring yet more Brimstone butterflies, we saw over a dozen in total to-day, the woodland to the west opened out into a clearing dotted with oaks and gorse. Whilst I was putting up the tripod, Pam spotted the Great Grey Shrike sitting on a three foot high and sparse hawthorn bush. It soon flew into an oak tree, further away but excellent scope views of a very handsome spring bird.
To our surprise, a car drew up and the Geesons plus two friends got out. They'd found the gate open, probably the lavatory lorry which passed us had left it so. Having re-found the bird for them and had a moth discussion, incuding the fact that Orange Underwing had been found here, we trudged back, being passed by the lav. lorry again. Yes, what we'd suspected, the gates were padlocked again ! How did the Geesons get out? Did they? I expect that the house inside the gate would have a key, if they were in.
After lunch at St Helens we drove home via North Walsham Sainsbury's to top up on fruit and veg.
