RSPB Archives - Home of Shaun Villiers Everett

July 17, 2019

RSPB Bempton Cliffs: A Magic Morning

I went to Bempton Cliffs at the weekend and even though it was cold and overcast the visit was not wasted. The North sea blew a cold wind and the mist eventually came inland. However, I managed to get there before the mist appeared. This is a magicsl place for seabirds. Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and Gannets co-exist on the edge of the land. 400 ft of shear rocks are home from March to October every year to at least 250,000 seabirds. nesting looks,a nd is, precarious. Competition for space is palpable and each bird fights for its own space for breeding. There were few Puffins there, but the other seabirds made up for that. there was even a Kestral flying along the cliff tops. probably looking for an easy meal!

RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Post Code: YO15 1JF

July 4, 2019

RSPB Lakenheath: Greylags and others…

Spent a day at Lakenheath in the Mere Hide. All peaceful, feeding Great Crested Grebe and restless Reed Warblers, until this lot of Greylag families flew in. The noisiest of flyers. Three families in all. The Coots scrambled away, they’d seen it all before. Greylag parents and offspring spent the rest of their day bathing, sometimes upside down in the mere.

RSPB Lakenheath Fen, Station Rd, Lakenheath, Brandon, Thetford, Suffolk. IP27 9AD. Grid ref: TL724865

Visitor centre with refreshments.

June 24, 2019

RSPB Frampton Marshes Lincolnshire

Went to this reserve to see a Black Winger Pratincole, which did not appear for me! Still, it’s a wonderful reserve for waders. Out today was a Spoonbill and these very distressed Avocets. One of their chicks had wandered onto the path. Hope it found its way back OK, but I fear the worse.

June 24, 2019

More from RSPB Frampton Marshes, June 2019

Alas I missed the Black-Winger Pratincole, which had decided to move on by the time and date I arrived at this favourite reserve. However, an unsuspecting Great Crested Grebe came within snapping distance and this ‘mistake’ pleased me. Ghostly photograph!

GCG and Godwits/Knots in flight.

June 24, 2019

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk, England

A delightful reserve, teeming with wildlife at this time of year. The staff are particularly friendly and very helpful. The reserve visitor centre is based on a traditional wooden hide. Charming. I visited particularly to see the Swallowtail Butterflies and was well rewarded even though the weather was inclement. Such a large butterfly. Alas, not close enough for a photograph. The Meadow walk is excellent and after sitting for about 45 minutes, two Chinese Water Deer appeared from the tall grass. Further round, by the river Yare, Marsh Harriers were feeding, and many swallows were busying themselves on the abundant insect life. You would not know there’s a crisis in insect life going here! Well worth a day or two out of your holidays. Just a few miles off the A47 via country roads. Come by boat too!

Bee on Cow Parsley, Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle on Dog Rose, Hover Fly on Poppy, Painted Lady Red Admiral butterflies and solo poppy.

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Low Road, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4HS Grid ref TG341065

July 20, 2017

Frampton Marshes July 18th 2017

‘Tatty’ Red Admiral at RSPB Frampton Marshes 18th July 2017.

Went back to Frampton Marshes this week. Quite active site. The Spoonbills are still there, but i never saw them. These shots taken towads the 360 degree hide in the tall Teasel.

Slightly lazy Peacock Butterfly near the 360 degree hide.

There was a nice display from two Lapwings. Film to follow.

June 17, 2017

RSPB Frampton Marshes near The Wash

Spent a very good afternoon and evening at Frampton Marshes on the border of Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Run by the RSPB, the staff were friendly and te facilties mmaculate. The outlook onto the scapings was amazing, with Little Egrets just a few metres in front of me! Too easy for a photo though!