Lakenheath RSPB, Minsmere and Thrupp

An early start this week, arriving at Lakenheath RSPB at about 6am. There was no sign of any Golden Orioles so far that morning, but it didn't take long before one started calling. Soon after a female flew out of the 1st plantation and round the back. It went quiet again before we started speaking to Chunky and Simon King (nice to see you two again) and another two were spotted flying from the 1st plantation to the 2nd (male and female). 2 Groppers were reeling, with Barn Owl, Cuckoo & Marsh Harrier.
Marsh Harrier flying close past the Bittern Hide at Minsmere (c) Ashley Howe

Then to Minsmere, where a Bittern flew past as soon as we entered the Bittern Hide. Shortly after the first Purple Heron took flight from the reeds and flew right out of view. Bitterns were flying backwards and forwards occasionally and it was later in the afternoon when 2 Purple Herons flew back across at range.

Purple Heron inflight at range from the Bittern Hide at Minsmere (c) Ashley Howe

On the way home we decided to stop of at Thrupp, counting about 30 Red Kites up the M40. It was raining steadily, and as we expected it affected the Scop's Owl. It called briefly at dusk but was neither seen or heard again. We lost hope and decided we could go back another night. 2 Little Owls were there and 2 Kingfishers were on the river.