Cavenham, October 2016

CAVENHAM HEATH OCTOBER 2016

11 of us met at the end of West Street in Icklingham, just a short walk from the site of a derelict bridge over the River Lark. The weather was very threatening and we did experience some rain but soon it was dry and stayed like that for the rest of the walk. On the way to the bridge we got our eyes in spotting Rooks, Robins and Pheasants. At the site of the bridge there was an old staunch (forerunner of a lock) and a weir with a modern footbridge. Numerous fish were seen swimming in the pools and some were leaping at passing insects floating on the water. Dave thought that they looked like Dace but Peter, looking through his binoculars could see Roach and even a couple of handsome striped Perch. A larger Chub was also seen in the deeper pool.

Having crossed the river via the footbridge we all surveyed the immediate area of Heathland to look for Stone Curlews which are known to roost on the ground here during September and October. Alas, either they were roosting out of sight, somewhere completely different or they had already flown South for the Winter.

No matter, we carried on and we were soon treated to the sight of 8 Skylarks in a group coming in to land. There were numerous Meadow Pipits and a magnificent Wheatear put on a show for several minutes.

We branched left off the track to Tuddenham and passed through the Birch forest to emerge back near the bridge. Here we saw several Stonechats which alerted us to their presence by their distinctive call which is supposed to sound like two stones being banged together. There were also birds ahead of us which had a tuneful song but we were unable to see them clearly. Perhaps they were Tree Pipits or Woodlarks. Just before the bridge Gill H caught a fleeting glimpse of a warbler like bird with a light coloured breast. It looked more like a Whitethroat than anything else so could possibly be a juvenile that is late flying South. On the heathland paths we encountered numerous black beetles which were Minotaur beetles. These beetles dig impressive holes in the sandy soil and they pack them with Rabbit droppings for their young to feed on.

A good walk with low number of species compared to some of our trips but I think that the Wheatear and Stonechats made up for it.

Dave Shearing

BIRDS SEEN 21 SPECIES

  • Rook
  • Robin 
  • Pheasant
  • Jay
  • Starling 
  • Jackdaw 
  • Carrion Crow 
  • Skylark 
  • Meadow Pipit 
  • Grey Heron
  • Wheatear
  • Lesser Black Backed Gull 
  • Long Tailed Tit
  • Moorhen
  • Wren
  • Common Buzzard 
  • Stonechat
  • Woodpigeon
  • Great Tit
  • Magpie
  • Mallard

Other Wildlife

  • Fly Agaric Toadstools
  • Large Boletus Toadstools ? Birch
  • Minotaur Beetle

Possible?

  • Woodlark or Tree
  • Juvenile Whitethroat