The Lakes At Lackford

Lackford Lakes are not really lakes at all. But you have to admit it sounds more romantic than "The Old Flooded Disused Gravel Pits at Lackford". Like many other old workings they have found a new lease of life as a nature reserve which is particularly attractive to ducks and other waterfowl. 

And attractive to birdwatchers too including, at the weekend, my brother and myself. 

The weather was glorious though a bit chilly and there were few other people about. Chiffchaffs, just flown in from warmer climes, were singing their simple repetitive song in many treetops. 

Goldeneye were still hanging about on the Sailing Lake - a male and two females. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were attempting their head-shaking display but couldn't seem to get their timing right and in the end lost interest in each other and swam off to opposite sides of the lake.

Meanwhile a pair of Egyptian Geese already had a brood of goslings at the far end of the reserve.

Everything looks so peaceful in these pictures though with large numbers of geese and gulls about it was far from silent.

While sitting in one of the many hides we heard a Chiffchaff singing loudly. My brother turned to see the bird just outside the window, a few feet from his head. We both got really good views of it though neither of us had the presence of mind to take a photo.

We eventually left to go to buy a pub lunch. Then in the afternoon we went for a stroll near Santon Downham where initially there were hardly any birds to be seen. Just before we came away a Nuthatch was seen entering and leaving its nest hole, then just to round off the day nicely we got good views of a couple of Crossbills.

Take care.