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It seems hard to believe that as recently as the early 1990s any sighting of a little egret was a red letter day. Then, in 1996 a few pairs bred in Dorset and Devon and they haven't looked back. They began nesting in Suffolk a few years later, and we can now almost expect to see a little egret anywhere...

Midsummer is often a quiet time for birdwatching at Minsmere, but luckily there's some fantastic wildlife to spot wherever you are on the reserve. Insects probably take centre stage right now, especially with the glorious sunny weather we've been experiencing this week - at long last. Butterflies...

Apologies for the lack of recent updates. We're still experiencing some problems with phones and computers following last week's lightning strike. As a result, it's difficult to update during work time. Here's a quick update on sightings. The rain has meant higher water levels on the...

With no computers or phones, I took the chance to enjoy a quick stroll around the Scrape this morning - for the first time in several weeks. After the rain, water levels were a little higher, but South Scrape remains the place to be. Counts today included six little gulls, 17 Sandwich, one little...

It's been a very good week for rarities at Minsmere, but also a case of little and large. On Monday a superb male red-necked phalarope was found on South Scrape, where it was watched busily feeding until early evening. Contrary to popular belief, Adam didn't bring one back in his luggage from...

Have you been watching Springwatch on the BBC? It was heartbreaking to see those dead lapwing and osprey chicks yesterday after Friday's massive storm, but I was so pleased to see the goldcrest nest has survived - and as for those treecreepers ! After April's flooding at Minsmere, we know how...

Mid summer is a time of change at Minsmere. Many birds are already on the move. I noticed this weekend that the swifts appear to have left Beccles already, leaving the skies sadly quiet. There's nothing like screaming swifts to signify summer, but once the serious business of breeding is finished...

Every day brings more signs of the coming of autumn at Minsmere. Passage flocks of terns, waders and little gulls dominate a walk around the Scrape. South Hide is particularly productive of late, with roseate , Arctic , little , Sandwich and common terns , up to 30 little gulls, spotted redshanks , bar...

Here's a question for you. It's mid July, so what season are we in? Most people will, predictably, say summer. After all, the schools break up for the long summer holidays this week. It's music festival time - hence the huge crowds just up the road this weekend at Latitude. And there are...

First the bad news. Fiona has left us. Yes, after a long stay at Minsmere, it seems that our resident greater flamingo has once again got itchy feet and gone on her travels. She was last seen on 30 June. Intrigingly, a flamingo was spotted on Monday afternoon walking along the runway at manchester airport...

The recent hot sunny weather has been ideal for insects at Minsmere. Even yesterday's heavy thundery showers should have limited effect on the good numbers of butterflies, dragonflies and other insects currently one the wing. July is one of the best months to watch insects, and with the birdlife...

Pardon mon ami. Je fait en vacance a la France. I hope that says "Sorry, friends. I have been on holiday in France." Although I've been back to France for what has become a regular trip in recent years, I must admit that my command of the language remains very poor. Yes, I did successfully...

Midsummer may be a quiet time for birding, but it's far from a dull time at Minsmere. There's just so much to see. With today's wind, many of the insects were seaking shelter on bramble bushes in woodland rides, simply resting in a sunny spot or feeding on the bramble flowers. Some bushes...

First, apologies for the lack of updates for a few days. No excuses really, but I ran out of time on Friday and had the day off on Saturday to spend with my parents who were visiting - and of course with my wife and son. Second, I'm writing this update having not even seen Minsmere since Friday...

There's been a world cup feel to Minsmere over the last few days, as three species from three different continents have attracted most attention. The continents: Africa, Arctic Europe and South America. The species: nightingale, spotted redshank and Chilean flamingo. The reasons for a visit: to breed...

Hi everyone. Did you stay up all night to watch the election results? With a toddler in the house, I certainly didn't as early starts are the norm anyway. Now, i'm no expert, but did the electorate actually agree on anything yesterday? Anyway, after all the excitement of yesterday's poll...