News archive

Wednesday, 18 January 2006

JANUARY MID-WEEK WALK

Ferry Farm, Sudbourne, is a marshland farm situated in a loop of the River Alde across the river from Aldeburgh. This is an area for wintering birds and, if we are very lucky, wintering raptors. Although the farm is mainly pasture for sheep, lambing had already started, there are patches of arable with the remains of seedy crops that provides cover and food for birds. 25 members met on this overcast day that brightened up during the morning. The farmer had an area of land on the marsh that is suitable for parking over a dozen cars and he gives us permission to do so. For this were are grateful. Without this the walk would not be possible.

The walk is along public footpaths and takes us in a loop around the bend of the river and goes up an incline as we walk inland. This gives extensive views over the marshes and river. It was across these marshes we had several views of marsh harriers. The light was very good then so we enjoyed their displays very much, even when one was mobbed by a carrion crow. There were a number of groups of small birds, amongst which we look for tree sparrow. One of our members was fortunate so see at least one. A total of 51 species of birds was recorded.