RSPB…sorry, no, RAF Lakenheath

We were heading for a nature reserve on a late March morning, but noticed a lot of fellow photographers gathering along the security fence at Lakenheath in Suffolk. Assuming something interesting was about to happen we swung around into the viewing area and could easily see about 9 or 10 USAF F-15 (Strike Eagles) with their engines running, queuing for takeoff (just regular manoeuvres rather than military action).

Quite astonishing to watch them get airborne one after the other. the noise is tremendous and the sight is almost heart stopping. I’m sure the locals never get used to it. Once I’d snapped a good few of the jets, we headed for The Brecks (specifically the Norfolk Wildlife Trust site at Weeting Heath and then back to the actual RSPB Lakenheath reserve later in the day. More on that over on the Sciencebase Science Blog later and new additions to the Imaging Storm bird gallery here.