Trip reports

Thames Barge Trip from Ipswich

Adult black-tailed godwit in summer plummage, at the RSPB Snettisham nature reserve, Norfolk
Black Tailed Godwit RSPB

Sunday, 11 October 2009

A group of us joined other birdwatchers for this popular trip, supported by Essex Wildlife Trust. After negotiating the sea lock at Ipswich we moved gently down the Orwell under sail. It wasn't long after low tide with lots of mudflat exposed for feeding waders, ducks, and geese. The birds in greatest numbers were black-tailed godwits, redshanks, oystercatchers, and little egrets. Amongst the others we saw were a flock of about 20 avocets, wigeon and a few newly-arrived brent geese.
After an excellent lunch, we came next to the freight terminal at Felixstowe (great views of container ships being unloaded). Here we turned and headed back up stream under engine power. On the way, we watched a flock of gulls mobbing a grey seal for the fish it had caught. Most people's birding highlight came towards the end of the trip with great views of two peregrines perched on consecutive pillars under the A14 road bridge - one facing us and one in back view.
We saw 34 bird species in total - and came across a single harlequin ladybird below deck. A lovely day out!