Suffolk double - Marsh & Savi's Warbler at RSPB Lakenheath

Marsh Warbler - Video

Marsh Warbler

 Song time for Marsh Warbler

 Mooing about in Suffolk

Sedge Warbler

 Marsh Harrier

 Fenland

 Viewpoint (Marsh Warbler by trees on left of photo)

Cropped Stone Curlew

 Long walk ahead

 Stunning habitat

Savi's twitch

The chance of recording two lifers proved too much on Sunday as I headed to RSPB Lakenheath in Suffolk. Leaving around 4.45am the journey proved trouble free but a bit boring in all honesty, it seemed longer than 2 hours 40 minutes. On arrival, as I passed the visitor centre, a Nightingale burst in song and showed itself quickly which was a real bonus as I didn't know they were present.

As per usual the target birds were at the furthest point from the car park. The sun was out with a slight breeze so the thirty five minute walk was pleasant enough stopping for some splendid views of Sedge Warblers & Cuckoo's. 

From the viewpoint I could see where the Marsh Warbler had been reported. That took another five minutes to reach using the path along side the river. I was expecting both of the days targets to prove troublesome to locate however the Marsh Warbler was sitting up in the reeds giving up a real rendition of song. Binoculars gave me good views but the scope enabled me to see the bird in great detail. 

Satisfied with the views and a couple of record shots I then continued down the patch to where the Savi's Warbler could be heard and seen on occasions. This bird had been a real blocker for me and was reeling on and off during the hour I was present but it took forty minutes to get the view I wanted.

The reserve looked fantastic and it was great to see both birds well with the backdrop of flying Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Cuckoo's. As I headed back towards the visitor centre I met a birder from Essex whom I shared a good rattle with before two Garden Warblers burst into song as we went our separate ways.

I then opted to make the short drive to Weeting Heath to see the Stone Curlews. I arrived at the same time as a RSPB group on a day trip who clearly enjoyed the company of each other more than the birds. 

The drive home was longer than expected as I had to divert to avoid a nasty accident but with two lifers in the bag the extra thirty minutes was worth it. 

Summer stop at RSPB Lakenheath

  

It was destination Suffolk for our family holiday so it would be rather rude not to stop in at RSPB Lakenheath. Despite it being the middle of August with little wader movement we all had an enjoyable walk around the reserve. 

The first notable sighting was a Kingfisher who took flight by the new Mere Hide.I managed to hear Bearded Tits but did not see any of these masked beauties. We got lucky from the furthest viewpoint as a Bittern took flight as we arrived. Over head Common Terns and Marsh Harriers could be seen without forgetting the F15 fighters from the local American Airforce base.

On the walk back along the river there was a stunning Great White Egret and 2 Little Egrets.