Bee-eaters in Norfolk, 28th June 2022

When news broke that a small group of 7 or so European Bee-eaters were attempting to breed in a sand quarry near Trimmingham, the RSPB quickly set up a safe watchpoint. After the initial rush of people it was time to go and see them.

They favoured the wires as a perch to fly off and catch their prey. Whilst they mostly were catching butterflies and dragonflies I am sure they take bees!

A wonderful experience to watch them, and great work by the RSPB. I even managed a shot of four of them together.

After this it was on to Cavenham Heath with a Fallow Deer in the distance.

A skylark singing from the ground.

Male Stonechat

And on the wires, a close up view of Woodlark!

As the sun started to set it was time to pop in to Mildenhall Forest to try and see Nightjar. Clearings like this are good places to find them.

As it grew darker we heard the unmistakeable sound of one churring and managed to get some views of one flying around. Sadly no shots of the actual bird as it was too dark, but here is a short video so you get an idea of the call.

A great end to a fantastic day.