The Brecks

An Arctic blast had enveloped the UK after a brief spell of unseasonal warmth that had momentarily lifted the spirits that summer was on its way.  Not today - it was bloody freezing.  As the horizontal snow came lashing down on the way to the Brecks, it did for a few moments feel like this wasn't going to be a good idea.  It didn't last long though, the sun shone for the majority of the day but the wind was bracing.

It was tough going, spending a couple of hours until midday attempting to prize out the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker but without luck.  This species continues to elude me at this site after numerous attempts.  What did abound were crossbill and in good number, with plenty of gaudy males sitting high up in the woodland canopy.  Plenty of siskin were also passing by in decent flocks as were lesser redpoll, with around 25 hanging off the alders.  Six brambling flew over.

A couple of woodlark were present alongside the main track as were two marsh tit, calling from the woodland.

A brief stop at Lynford Arbortum produced three more brambling and a calling firecrest seen in fir trees from the main car park.  Moving onto Cockley Cley did not reveal any goshawk so continued onto Lakenheath Fen.  The chill of the wind was much more evident here given the unsheltered nature of the fen, but three lovely drake garganey were still present on the pools accompanied by three little ringed plover and four avocet.  Two marsh harrier cruised over that included one lovely male.

It was a good day and all the better for having these species just an hour away from home.