Decent bits and pieces in the Yare Valley, plus a surprise at the Fen.

With the weather forecast predicting rain until the weekend, I thought I'd grab the chance of an early walk around Strumpshaw and Buckenham this morning. Lots of Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs singing still, but the first surprise - more of a shock, really - was a Long-eared Owl that glided along the woodland edge at 6.15... No chance of a photo, sadly.

The rest of the birds on offer were more expected: a confiding Sparrowhawk, two Cuckoos, a Barn Owl and lots of Sedge Warblers, while the chicken-wire cages still held Twayblade and Bee Orchids.

Buckenham Marsh also produced two Cuckoos, and Cetti's seem to be having a good year: I saw five during my walk to the drainage Mill. Lots of Little Egrets, Sedges, Whitethroats and Linnets and it was interesting to watch a pair of Redshanks defending their bit of the marsh from a couple of Avocets.