Bitterns and Marsh Harriers at Lakenheath Fen

2nd June 2024

It's that time of year when the Bitterns are feeding young in their nest and fly out to fish so hopefully plenty of flight activity. I walked to New Fen through the scrubby area hoping for some warblers or Reed Buntings but all very quiet with hardly anything singing or showing. Luckily there were a few dragonflies providing a few opportunities for some shots.

Azure Damselfly

Azure Damselfly

Banded Demoiselle Female

Banded Demoiselle Male

Four-spotted Chaser

I then came across a pair of Red-eyed Damselflies but before I lifted my camera they were joind by a second male - a menage a trois!!!

They then all flew off, still all joined up!!!!

There seem to be far less Marsh Harriers at Lakenheath this year. There are two pairs on New Fen, but at Joist Fen I only saw one or two birds and they were right at the far end. Here are some shots from New Fen.

And during the time that all this was happening Bitterns were busy bringing fish back to their nest allowing some flight shots.

I do love Bitterns.