Worth, Weeting & Snettisham (1st - 3rd June, 2022)

Set off for Worth Marsh after lunch on Wednesday and arrived at the Bird Obs soon after 6pm. After parking up I made the 20 minute walk and got good views of the Eleonora’s Falcon soon after arrival. The Red-footed Falcon and at least two Hobbies were also seen, but all were doing very little hunting so I made the decision to stay another day in the hope of seeing them in flight the following day.

Was up at 4am on Thursday morning and enjoyed watching the sunrise before getting excellent views of Eleonora’s Falcon, Red-footed Falcon and Hobby quartering the fields. Cetti’s Warbler (3+), Sedge Warbler (1), Cuckoo (1) and Green Woodpecker (1) were heard calling nicely. Thought I might have seen a Marsh Warbler, but was later confirmed as a Reed Warbler. One experience I’ll never forget is the view of the Red-footed Falcon flying straight towards me and not having any power in the battery to capture the moment. So nice to get the view though.

Spent the rest of the day looking at Dainty Damselfly (1+), Azure Damselfly (10+), Grass Snake (1) & Heath Fritillary (15+ at Blean Woods) before heading towards RSPB Lakenheath for the night.

Was up early again on Friday morning and opted to explore the area of Weeting. Pick of the birds here included Stone Curlew (5), Woodlark (4+), Turtle Dove (1), Buzzard (1) and perhaps Red-legged Partridge (1). Also got great views of two Muntjac Deer with one of them stopping only a few feet away from me before quickly disappearing into the bushes. Again, the experience of this happening will stay in my memory as I didn't have chance to lift the camera.

Next stop was RSPB Lakenheath were Common Crane (12+), Bittern (2), Hobby (15+), Water Rail (2 chicks), Great White Egret (2), Marsh Harrier (2) were seen with the more regular species to be seen on the reserve. Four-spotted Chaser (10+), Banded Demoiselle (20+) and two as yet unidentified dragonflies were seen (need to see the photo's). Holly Blue (2), Brimstone (1), Painted Lady (1), Red Admiral (2) and Small Copper (1) butterflies were also seen before making the journey home.

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