Lakenheath Fen (15th July) accompanied by Bill Noble

I picked up Bill just before 0700 for a 19 mile drive to the superb RSPB reserve at Lakenheath Fen.  This visit would start viewing 'The Washlands' and then walking the raised path to Joist Fen, before taking the long track back to our start point.
At 0730 we started the walk by overviewing the River Little Ouse which is the county boundary for Norfolk and Suffolk.  Here there was Black-headed Gulls, Common Tern, Lapwings, and later along the path, a couple of Redshank arrived, and a pair of Oystercatchers over.
Several Reed Warblers were singing in the reeds and indeed, many were to be seen today carrying food for youngsters.  A few Reed Buntings were seen and heard, including males singing on prominent bush tops/plants.

The River Little Ouse at Lakenheath Fen.  I am in Suffolk, the grazing cattle are in Norfolk.

Continuing our walk along the raised bank, Reed Warblers appeared the dominant Warbler species with many birds flitting between cover, including food-carrying adults.
As time progressed, Marsh Harriers became more obvious over the reedbeds and on one occasion 3 birds seen together, 2 females and a male.
Checking Ragwort we came across a beautiful Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar, a highly toxic species, which is however, palatable to Cuckoos.

Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar on Ragwort at Lakenheath Fen 15th July

Bill and myself then took a prolonged break at Joist Fen, and overlooked the wonderful reedbeds here.  Marsh Harriers again featured as a regularly seen species here, the only other raptor seen was a Kestrel.  A first for Bill was a single Little Egret overflying the marsh.
Closer to where we were standing was the constant 'pinging' call of Bearded Tits in nearby reeds, and occasionally we were afforded with views of this stunning bird flying between cover.
In a nearby large Sallow, movement was detected, the bird revealed itself as a lovely Garden Warbler, also here was the distinctive, loud song of a Cetti's Warbler.
Bill and myself had a very strange yet memorable encounter whilst at Joist Fen.  Bearing in mind how far we were from the reserve centre/car park, a smartly dressed, and pleasant man approached us for directions of the fen, he was wearing smart trousers, office shoes, a nice shirt, and a blue bow tie, and was neatly groomed, an unexpected dress code for a large fen.  This pleasant man continued along our suggested path, we then considered that earlier we saw a boat on the river, could this be the boat belonging to a black cloaked figure carrying a scythe from yonder island of Styx, and was our friend a lost tormented soul wandering the marsh and making for the ferryman.
Back to birding, Bill and myself then made the long walk back to our start point, along the way, we again encountered many Reed Warblers, and Whitethroat was also seen.
Checking the areas of water within reedbeds we found an adult Great Crested Grebe with its gorgeous 'humbug' youngster.  It was about this time we heard a single Curlew calling, we then located it visually, a very high flying bird heading north-east.

Great Crested Grebes at Lakenheath Fen 15th July

Lakenheath Fen is a stunning reserve, Bill and myself enjoyed a lovely gentle walk and encountered some wonderful birds there.  I thank Bill for his company and look forward to meeting up with him again in the near future.