Hot Fenland

We haven't visited the RSPB reserve near Manea for several years, even longer in the summer months. Ambling to the Welches Dam Hide very slowly, we then sat for an hour enjoying the sunshine, view and birds. Nothing special except for the Yellow Wagtails tripping across the gunge in the dykes, collecting insects. An LRP appeared from nowhere and disappeared as mysteriously, Lapwings bombed a loitering Grey Heron and a Common Tern patrolled the river. Lovely.
Welney WWT reserve is nearby and a contrast in facilities. The pond across which a bridge/walkway leads ont to the Visitors' Centre held much of interest. Swallows collecting reeds and mud for a nest under the walkway, landed whilst waiting for us to pass.

A pair of Reed Warblers were busy feeding unseen young whilst a few Damselflies zoomed about.

From the main hide, a few remaining Whooper Swans fed in distant pools; probably injured in some way so haven't made the journey north.
The 10 minute walk to Lyall Hide in mid-day heat seemed longer. The hide was described by Pam as 'the worst ever, everything that could be wrong was'. The seating benches were very high - even my legs were swinging - and did not afford a decent view out of the slots. If I craned I could see fairly close but Pam had to stand up to do so, the static benches cutting into the back of her legs. Enough of that.......
What a repetitive song the Reed Bunting has.

Reduced to counting Redshank (45), we tired of waiting for the elusive White-spotted Bluethroat to appear and left to lunch on a sandwich at 3.00 p.m.
This Year's Greylag Flotilla

Fordham Bridge, our old favourite for Golden Oriole, doesn't appear to have any this year. Lakenheath is more reliable these days.