Trip reports

Minsmere RSPB Reserve - by Frank Clark

Sunday, 19 July 2009

Minsmere is one of the premier RSPB reserves in the United Kingdom and is a site that I always enjoy visiting. Located in Suffolk on the east coast, this reserve is a magnet for migrating waders, breeding terns and is home to many species of birds. In the past we have travelled to this reserve by coach but as a trial, 14 members made the trip to the reserve by car. General opinion was that this was a better way to get to Minsmere, we spent less time travelling and we managed more time on the reserve.

Setting off after booking in at the visitors centre, we headed for the North hide first. Looking out over the scrapes we could see the usual ducks, gulls, terns and wader species which included Avocet, Ruff, Dunlin, Lapwing and Oystercatcher plus large numbers of both Common and Sandwich Tern. The noise from the constantly active terns was remarkable, particularly as they were on the other side of the scrapes. Whilst looking through the terns, Dennis quietly and casually mentioned Bittern. What he didn't really state was that the Bittern was in flight and flying casually across the scrapes. We all eventually twigged what was happening and all of us got excellent views of this superb bird. With a wing span of approximately 4 feet, this streaked brown bird is unmistakeable, both on the ground and in flight.

Moving on from the north hide, we worked our way clockwise around the reserve. Whilst moving between the hides we saw a number of the smaller species that are usually found on the reserve at this time of year. These included Marsh Tit, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. In addition the explosive call of the Cetti's Warbler could be heard in several areas of the reserve. Reaching the sea, we stopped for a time to watch what might go past. The first bird spotted was a passing Kittiwake, which was making its way back towards Sizewell, where these birds breed each year on the platforms opposite the power station. Next a number of adult and juvenile Little Gulls were seen and finally a pair of Ringed Plover flew passed and then landed on the scrapes behind us.

Reaching the south and west hides, we were now closer to the terns and could get a better look at what might be amongst the 600+ Sandwich Tern and 350+ Common Tern. The first thing we spotted was a number of diminutive Little Terns with their bright yellow bills and white forehead. Next was a single Roseate Tern, a very rare and endangered species. Slightly larger than a Common Tern, with a red based black bill, this bird has a pinkish hue on its chest in the breeding season. Finally, we spotted 2 adult Arctic Tern, amongst a group of Common Tern.

Returning to the cars, we stopped to have a leisurely lunch before heading on to the Bittern and Island Mere hides. From the Bittern hide we managed views of another Bittern in flight and a single female Marsh Harrier, with 2 juveniles in short pursuit. A hawking Hobby flew across the reed beds and a distant Kestrel could be seen hovering, whilst looking for its next meal. The Island Mere hide produced Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, 2 pairs of early arrivals in the shape of Wigeon, a single female Pintail and finally a single male Scaup. Leaving the final hide, a number of Bearded Tit moved around the reeds either side of the entrance track. This is a beautiful but shy bird which generally gives away its presence with its "ping ping" call. This call is often given just before it takes flight and flits across the top of the reed beds.

Returning to the cars along the entrance track, we had amassed a total of 72 species of bird in our 7 hour visit. Heading for home everyone agreed that it had been a very good day.

Frank Clark