A Day in The Brecks - 2nd July 2026

Time for a Nightjar trip, but first a stop at RSPB Lakenheath. It was extremely quiet on the bird front with no Hobbies and it looks as if the adult Cuckoo's have started to head back already. One or two Marsh Harriers visible and we did have a fleeting glimpse of a Kingfisher at Mere Hide. On the Wash, were a few waders including Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets, Redshank and Lapwing. However, we had incredible views of a Bittern flying along the river. Sadly, it was flying away from me, so I didn't get a chance of a shot. The shortage of birds, meant time for some Dragonfly shots. Firstly, one of many, Four-spotted Chasers.

A male Ruddy Darter.

And some shots of the orange/yellow females.

There were loads of Butterflies and it has certainly been a good year for them so far. First up - Red Admiral.

Painted Lady.

And a personal favourite of mine, Brimstone.

It was good to bump into Alan Reynolds whilst walking around and he said he was off to Weeting Heath where we were also planning to go. He rang later to say the Stone curlews were showing well. We headed up there and getting there later in the day meant the heat haze was not too bad. We had views of a Spotted Flycatcher feeding along the fence line and this Mistle Thrush gathering a large bill full of insects.

The Stone Curlews showed well from the West hide. I believe two adults and three young in all. Certainly the most I have seen there. 

I was lucky enough to get some flight shots as one bird took off and did a short circuit of its territory.

Fantastic to see these amazing birds! Next stop was The Red Lion for a meal and to kill some time, before heading to Mayday Farm. We had good views in the fading light of a Tree Pipit, calling high up.

This is the typical view whilst waiting. No roding Woodcocks, but we did hear a Tawny Owl hooting away.

And then, as it got darker, we heard our first Nightjar churring. It was not until well after 10pm that we saw our first bird flying and then got much better views as one flew close. We also located one churring, perched on a small side branch of a pine. Too dark for shots, but do enjoy this video of the sound.

A final treat was coming across a couple of Glow-worms on the way back to the car. From the Beetle family, it is the females that glow, to attract a male. A very poor phone shot as a record.

A long, but brilliant day and good to also bump into a few RSPB SE Herts members along the way.