We spent our Easter weekend in Suffolk, staying at a superb Pub in the quaint village of Dunwich. A few miles from Minsmere, 5 minutes from the National Trust reserve of Dunwich Heath and a short drive to the small towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh. A few hours each day was spent at Minsmere and looking for the rare Dartford Warbler on the heath. Very few migrants seemed to be in and I was a little disappointed in not hearing a Nightingale, I think they are a little late in arriving this year. Bitterns were booming, Bearded Tits were flitting across the reed-beds and several Marsh harrier were quartering the marshes. Plenty of Mediterranean Gulls were paired up and I did manage to see a few Dartford Warbler, despite the unfavourable conditions. A few Sandwich Terns had arrived back along with a single Common Tern and with a brief Water Pipit at Dunwich on the beach area, I managed a few year ticks to boost the Year List to 178.
Dartford Warbler – Dunwich Heath, Suffolk – Easily seen from the public footpaths, but often distant. – Tony Davison©
Avocet – above 5 images – Minsmere, Suffolk – Tony Davison© – There was plenty of Avocet activity on the reserve, as birds start to pair up and stake out their territories
Black-tailed Godwit – above 2 images – Minsmere, Suffolk – Tony Davison© – These waders look so much better in their summer plumage
Common Pheasant – Minsmere, Suffolk – Tony Davison©
Teal – drake – Minsmere, Suffolk – Tony Davison©
Good stuff.
Thanks Richard