Stone Curlews at Weeting Heath

5th June 2026

I have been to Weeting Heath for the Stone Curlews several times over the years, often without success, and at best just a head peering over the brow of a hill. But today I was in the Mere Hide at Lakenheath Fen when I heard they were showing well this year and had young, so a quick trip down the road for a visit on the way home.

Once settled in the hide it was soon apparent the area wasn't for the exclusive use of the Stone Curlews but also some furry friends and even some of their distant cousins.

I soon found a Stone Curlew some 50-60 yards away, but still the closest I have ever photographed them.

At that point the Stone Curlew found a tasty morsel for the single young and went scurrying back to the nest area where the female was guarding the chick.

I think the chick saw me!!!!

And finally something I thought I'd never achieve, a Curlew and Stone Curlew in the same frame.

So today was a red-letter day as I achieved three firsts for me, my closest photo of a Stone Curlew, my first photo of a Stone Curlew chick and my first photo of a Curlew and a Stone Curlew in the same frame.

I've had worse days!!!!