G
Gleb Berloff
Guest
Lakenheath is the best reserve in Britain, in my opinion, and I have been here many times and still do not tire of it, despite visiting other sites like Welney, Slimbridge and Wicken Fen. Best in spring, where cuckoos and other visitors arrive, and there is the distinct possibility for a red-footed falcon or a passing Montagu's harrier. I have observed many species in this region, which I thought would be nice to share with you. Be warned, however, that the Golden Orioles for which the reserve was best known have dissappeared. I recommend visiting Spain or Russia for this species.
I have personally seen:
Red-footed falcon female 31/05/18 present in the area around Mere Hide
Bitterns seen on a regular basis here, the last being on the 19/01/20. This reserve offers spectacular views of them on the ground at times, especially in the summer at Mere Hide, and it is almost guaranteed here. Be warned, however, this usually involves feeding flights
Cuckoos are present here in enormous numbers every summer. The better summer for them was 2018, but in 2019 there was a lovely chorus of them as well. This was also the only year when I got decent photos.
Hobbies breed, and reach enormous numbers-up to 40-in the start of May. They often provide excellent views in flight, and if tracked to a perch can offer prolonged observation.
Peregrines are regularly sighted here, however I have not seen any since Spring 2019 here.
There are two pairs of barn owls breeding on the reserve. These are best looked for towards a summer evening near Brandon Fen.
Merlins often use the area, though this year has been very bad for them
There is a massive roost of whooper and tundra swans in the evening and winter at the Washland
Cranes breed, but are extremely difficult to see. In fact, on a difficulty scale, I would rate them worse than a bittern and even a cuckoo. They use the fields beyond the railway and can be seen flying overhead. I have gone here many times, and I have seen them only twice, and pictured them only once. Count yourself extremely fortunate if you discover one for yourself.
Marsh harriers breed. These get all over the place in the summer.
I have observed a Montagu's harrier here in 2019 when it was passing through.
Hen harriers are present sporadically, and this year there was just one of them.
Buzzards, red kites, and sparrowhawks are regularly seen
Tawny owls are resident
The best time to visit this place is in May, when there are hobbies here and there is a possibility of RF falcon among them. In 2019 there was none that I know of, though there was a male nearby in Santon Downham. Bitterns are easy to see here, actually, but patience is required. Barn owls are guaranteed at Brandon Fen at the right time, and are superb birds for pictures. But the cranes are extremely uncooperative.
I have personally seen:
Red-footed falcon female 31/05/18 present in the area around Mere Hide
Bitterns seen on a regular basis here, the last being on the 19/01/20. This reserve offers spectacular views of them on the ground at times, especially in the summer at Mere Hide, and it is almost guaranteed here. Be warned, however, this usually involves feeding flights
Cuckoos are present here in enormous numbers every summer. The better summer for them was 2018, but in 2019 there was a lovely chorus of them as well. This was also the only year when I got decent photos.
Hobbies breed, and reach enormous numbers-up to 40-in the start of May. They often provide excellent views in flight, and if tracked to a perch can offer prolonged observation.
Peregrines are regularly sighted here, however I have not seen any since Spring 2019 here.
There are two pairs of barn owls breeding on the reserve. These are best looked for towards a summer evening near Brandon Fen.
Merlins often use the area, though this year has been very bad for them
There is a massive roost of whooper and tundra swans in the evening and winter at the Washland
Cranes breed, but are extremely difficult to see. In fact, on a difficulty scale, I would rate them worse than a bittern and even a cuckoo. They use the fields beyond the railway and can be seen flying overhead. I have gone here many times, and I have seen them only twice, and pictured them only once. Count yourself extremely fortunate if you discover one for yourself.
Marsh harriers breed. These get all over the place in the summer.
I have observed a Montagu's harrier here in 2019 when it was passing through.
Hen harriers are present sporadically, and this year there was just one of them.
Buzzards, red kites, and sparrowhawks are regularly seen
Tawny owls are resident
The best time to visit this place is in May, when there are hobbies here and there is a possibility of RF falcon among them. In 2019 there was none that I know of, though there was a male nearby in Santon Downham. Bitterns are easy to see here, actually, but patience is required. Barn owls are guaranteed at Brandon Fen at the right time, and are superb birds for pictures. But the cranes are extremely uncooperative.