Hot in the Brecks

 Wednesday, June 3

We'd hoped to set off earlier. We made it to Weeting Reserve at 9.00 a.m. The reserve was set up, and  is being managed for, Stone Curlews. One pair  is nesting, and viewable from the West Hide.  Again, the Spotted Flycatcher present was hiding, calling intermittently.

Alone in the West Hide, it took ten minutes scanning with my telescope before one Stone Curlew appeared. Distantly, very near to the boundary fence, it made its way along the back of the field. One heavily cropped photo.

 

No Rabbits seen, one Hare lollopped off, not enough grass mower to keep the pasture cropped. There was also a Eurasian Curlew nest well away from the hide.

Back at the Centre. it was time to check if any moths had been retained from this morning's trap. A Great Prominent was the pick of the crop. (We found a wing of one in our own trap this morning).  An old icecream container - beloved of moth-ers - held Scarce Vapourer caterpillars. 

 

The warden is hoping to start a re-introduction programme in the area.

This visit meant that it was late morning before our arrival at Lakenheath RSPB reserve.Not the best of times on a hot day, we were proved right.

On the longish drive to New Fen, not allowed to drive further to the much more productive Joist Fen, we heard Reed Warbler, Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler - and several noisy trains from the parallel rail track. I was very sore from pushing my Rollator along the track to the hide at Lakenheath. The wheels stop and jar at the slightest barrier. e.g tiny pine cones, roots, small stones etc. I bought a heavy duty Rolly, but it's not suitable for cross country. The latter have bigger and wider wheels and tyres, making them very heavy to lift in and out of the car. I'd thought of putting larger wheels on mine, but that would involve changing the brake system, which is not feasible. I shall investigate. Buying a buggy would also involve changing the car, an expensive option which would take up too much space to carry moth traps etc when travelling.

I stayed in the car, whilst Pam explored. Coot on the New Fen pool, a few odonata flying about. No Hobby to be seen and very little wildlife in the verges.We usually get Longhorn Moths and several beetles and hoverflies, they haven't appeared yet. Pam met an insect photographer who had found a Cardinal Beetle. Pam found a Thick-thighed Beetle.

We left. Stopping at the gate in order to take the short cut to return the parking voucher, a volunteer appeared from a nearby car, offering to take it back - unless we wanted to visit the refreshments area. Pam did. The woman then said that she'd do that too. What excellent service. Two ice-creams and a Hot Chocolate were duly delivered. In the meantime, Pam (the Grey Retriever), found a freshly dead Mole, which was then collected by a warden. There were no signs of any damage from a predator. I wonder what they did with it.

Time for an abortive diversion to look for a Nightingale site recommended by a friend. The road we were meant to take was closed. We tried to find a way around it, which took us to the right site. We failed. Thanks anyway.