Print pageSeasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Breeding lapwings and redshanks on the wet grassland along with a variety of passage waders. The path running through the centre of the grazing marsh is alive with sedge and reed warblers. Scanning over the reedbed should provide views of marsh harriers and hobbies. Bitterns breed, but are difficult to see.
Listen for woodlarks on the heath and green woodpeckers are often seen. Wheatears are often seen on passage. In the scrub and woodland areas, many warblers and nightingales can be heard and, with patience, seen.
Summer
Look for male marsh harriers bringing prey to feed their young. Bitterns are often easier to see at this time as females fly between feeding sites. Look for swifts, swallows and martins over the reedbed. Many species of dragonflies and butterflies can be seen. Along the shingle beach, both sea pea and yellow-horned poppies should be in flower. On the heath, the heather will be in full flower, and look for yellowhammers and stonechats.
Autumn
A variety of passage waders can be seen and the first of the wintering wildfowl begin to return. In early morning, many passerine migrants may be present in the scrub areas, including warblers, whinchats and wheatears. Scarce migrants such as wrynecks or yellow-browed warblers may be possible. In favourable conditions, gannets, shearwaters and skuas can be seen offshore.
Winter
The grazing marshes support nationally important numbers of wigeons, gadwalls, shovelers, and European white-fronted geese. This is one of the few regular wintering sites for tundra bean geese in the UK. At high-tide, up to 2,000 dunlins and lapwings may be present.
Offshore, views of red-throated divers are likely as internationally important numbers winter off the Suffolk coast. On mild mornings from January onwards, woodlarks may be heard in song. At dusk, look for marsh harriers and starlings gathering to roost in the reedbed. Foxes often hunt for rabbits.