Hickling Broad, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, 24th May 2023

A long time since my last visit and what a fabulous reserve at this time of year. The main draw was a long staying Caspian Tern, that had moved on when we were there but a bonus was this distant Ferruginous Duck.

The heat haze made bird photography very difficult and whilst there were a number of Common Crane even when one came closer it was difficult to get a reasonable image. 

As would be expected, Marsh Harriers were frequently seen.

It was also a great place for Warblers, including Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler and a showy Sedge Warbler.

Bitterns were heard booming and briefly seen as well as Hobbies and Cuckoo's. Spoonbill breed here and we saw a few flying.

Waders were few apart from Lapwing and a couple of Oystercatcher but four Grey Plover were unusual, flying over.

These were seen close to Stubb Mill.

Finally on the bird front was a Swallow which was obviously nesting in one of the hides!

We were probably a few days early for Swallowtail Butterflies, but the reserve was buzzing with Dragonflies, including this Hairy Dragonfly and Broad-bodied Chaser.

This female Blue-tailed Damselfly was the infuscans variety which I understand is scarce in Norfolk.

The commonest species however was Four-spotted Chaser.

But the star of the day had to be this Common Lizard!

A really great place for all types of wildlife.