Stone Curlews at Cavenham Heath

24th March 2024

Nearing the end of March so time for a visit to Cavenham Heath to see the first Stone Curlew arrivals. A rather cloudy start and a biting wind which didn't bode well for photography but hopefully it will brighten up later. Very few small passerines around and all I managed to photograph was a Linnet and a male Stonechat which is at least a good start.

We then got lucky with a pair of Wood Larks. Wood Larks can be quite challenging to photograph as they can be fairly inconspicuous and feed by moving slowly through tufty long grass. However today they were feeding quietly just 15 yards away, but this time on short grass with just the odd sprig to avoid.

And they were actually walking towards us until just 10 yards away with the added bonus that there were two for the price of one.

But now on to the main business of the day, trying to find some Stone Curlews. The habitat here is acres of grass kept short by the numerous Rabbits, but interpersed with huge areas of heather which provides ample cover. And today with a fairly strong wind they were spending a lot of time hunkered down out of sight.

However, when something spooked them they would all stand up and call to each other, and we were able to count at least 10 birds.

This is the sort of view you get when they are hunkered down, if they are visible at all. They are mainly nocturnal feeders and therefore spend most of their day just sitting around.

What an amazing place.