They’re usually elusive, shy and unsociable – but a Breckland heath has offered a glimpse of a “secret gathering” of stone-curlews as they prepare for their annual migration.

Cavenham Heath, near Mildenhall, has become a departure lounge for these rarely-seen travellers, as they congregate to roost and feed before flying more than 1,000 miles in search of some winter warmth in northern Africa and southern Spain. The stone-curlew is one of the UK’s rarest breeding birds. They are notoriously secretive in the breeding season and, as many nest on private or inaccessible land, there are few public places for people to go and see these unusual birds without the risk of disturbing them.

The RSPB and Natural England, which manages the reserve at Cavenham Heath, have invited bird-watchers to join them for guided walks to enjoy this nature spectacle.

Booking is essential, either online or by contacting 01728 648281 or tim.cowan@rspb.org.uk.

More information can be found here.

If you’d like to discover Cavenham Heath on your own, here is an informative trails leaflet that includes a walking route for you to explore yourself.