5th July 2025
A Glossy Ibis was reported from Hockwold Washes at Lakenheath Fen on the 1st July so time for a visit with the possibility of some Bittern flights. In the event the reserve was fairly dead on the bird front, which would explain the near empty car park, with just two distant views of Marsh Harriers, a single Hobby and not a Bittern in sight. However, by way of compensation there were good stands of Purple Loosestrife and a single spike of Marsh Woundwort, a plant I have seldom seen in Hertfordshire.
There were also plenty of Red Admirals and Gatekeepers, and just a single Large Skipper
The two dragonfly species that were numerous today were Ruddy Darters and Black-tailed Skimmers. There were plenty of male Ruddys around but were all unusually very flighty, so just this one photo of a female.
At the Mere Hide there were virtually no dragonflies apart from the usual Four-spotted Chasers.
Today the Hogweed heads were alive with insects with up to 10 on each head primarily, in order of appearance, Marmalade Fly, Soldier Beetle and Solitary Wasp Ectemnius sp.
So now on to Hockwold Washes which was the centre of all the action today. A male Kestrel was hunting over the pool but would regularly take a rest in the poplars behind the river bank.
Out on the pool itself four Oystercatchers were disturbing the peace with their raucous calls and including some flight action.
And then the unexpected. A flock of 17 Black-tailed Godwits flew in and performed a few laps of the pool before landing.
Once on the ground they had a quick look round to ensure it was safe before feeding.
So on to the star of the show, the Glossy Ibis. The ibis had been commuting between The Wash and Hockwold, but luckily when we arrived at Hockwold it was already present and feeding on the far muddy margin.
But then after a few minutes it took to the air and flew back to The Wash.
Wow, that was lucky, so now on to Cavenham Heath,
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!
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