5th June 2025 - late afternoon/evening, RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk

There is never a danger of switching onto autopilot when visiting Strumpshaw Fen. From my first steps onto the woodland trail, very little is the same between visits - save for a particularly vocal Reed Warbler who routinely serenades me at a particular spot on Lackford Run.

My head tilts as I listen for the whistle of the train tracks as I cross - a habit from my years working on the railway. I'm not sure one can walk past the view from Reception hide without pausing for a deep breath and a sniff of the air to sense what might be about.

My beginning on the Woodland Trail was deserted as always (one of my favourite parts of visiting this reserve). A Woodpecker (species unknown) was drumming so vigorously on a tree high above me that the sound blended into single glorious reverberating note.

As the track opened out onto the dusty road leading to the Pump House, I spied a Roe Deer grazing a mere 20 foot or so into the long grass. I leaned against a tree for a good 15 minutes and watched him munching, punctuated by pauses to look around - he was unfazed by my presence.

My usual spot sitting on the bench overlooking the edge of the wood was not possible today as a small herd of rather intimidating cattle leaned through the wooden structure. I hurried past, acutely aware from the hair standing up on the backs of my arms that the small dip of the brook and planks would likely not stop them if determined enough to greet me.

The remainder of the walk was a marvellous soundscape of Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Cuckoo and several Bittern booms. A Bittern sighting has eluded me so far, despite many trips to various RSPB reserves. I've arrived twice to be told 'you've just missed one flying across' - but sadly that doesn't count. It shall be even more joyful when it does finally happen though, I think.

Today, I had my first proper look at a Sedge Warbler, too. He kindly sat on a fencepost next to the marshes and it took me a few minutes to identify him by sight (having only heard one before). The small stripes on the top of his head were the giveaway in the end as he did not sing for me (despite mutterings of 'SING!' under my breath as I tried to identify him).

I pull my fleece on and head homewards. Temperatures drop quickly in the evening on The Broads in my experience and I still have thermals on even at the start of June.

RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, Norfolk