27th October - RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk

The intention was to always go back to Minsmere, but with the possibility of heading off somewhere else in the afternoon.  We were not sure what to expect when we open the blinds in the morning, the roads sounded wet, but the cars did not look like it had rained.  the reality was that mist had rolled in off the sea making everywhere grey and damp.

We set off after breakfast, a little later than Sunday and it was a little brighter, but it still felt quite damp.  As we arrived in the car park it was not that busy, but no doubt it would fill up later.

As usual we headed off along the path to the east through the woodland, it was not as spectacular as on Sunday when the sun was lighting up the bracken, the light today was now a little weaker, and there was a hint of mist in the air.  

At the Bittern Hide we were faced with a singing Robin on the sign post, possibly the same bird that was whistling at us on Sunday.  

We passed the hide and headed on to the Island Mere Hide.  On arriving we learnt that we had just missed an Otter in the reeds in front of the hide.  The hide wasn't as busy as Sunday so we were able to find a good window to look out of, and once again settled down to watch and wait.

Scanning across the reeds I found a Marsh harrier flapping its wings while perched on one of the many markers dotted around the reed bed to help watchers provide directions to the birds.

The cry went up Bittern heading across the reeds and I turned and managed to get a reasonable flight view of a single Bittern as it flew across the reeds from our left, over the mere and then once again dropping out of sight into the distant reeds.

After one false start, where I wrongly called a Moorhen as an Otter swimming across the back of the mere, I picked up one just behind the reeds in front of the hide.  It only stayed up for a brief while, and we suspect it headed down the channel that leads into the mere on the left hand side.

There was another brief snatch of one diving in a similar place a little later on, but I couldn't get on to it before it too just disappeared.  we sat and waited for any other sightings but nothing did.  we then decided to head to the visitor centre for a coffee and assessment of the days plans.

As we came past the heath area there was a single Red Admiral resting on the brambles, a sign that the day was warming up.

Over a coffee we decided to stay at Minsmere through to dusk, and hopefully another Starling spectacular.  But for now were heading off to the scrape and the dunes, but before we did I took the chance to check the birds on the feeders and was rewarded with some excellent views of the reported male Brambling.

A stunning looking bird, standing out quite clearly from the many Chaffinches

We set off for the north wall, and had to stop once again to allow me to photograph a very confiding Stonechat in some lovely light, and with the perfect background.

On the beach the sea was completely different from our previous visit.  The wind appeared to be coming from the south east, and there were waves today where on Sunday it was just a little ripple.

As we walked through the dunes Brent Geese passed close to the beach heading south.

We stopped in the East Hide where once again there was mostly duck.  There was a little more action close in though today with some Teal feeding in front of us.

They then headed off in pairs to one of the islands for a wash and brush up before going back to what they do really well, doze.

there was no sign of the Avocet that were present on Sunday, but there was a large group of about 40 Black-tailed Godwits at the back of the pool.

We moved on walking through the dunes, off shore more Brent Geese passed, the numbers steadily increasing.

Once again there were large flocks of finches on the beach, they were still mostly Greenfinches, but with a few Linnets present.  we came back through the bushes at the Sluice, and walked back into the reserve.  The next stop was the South Hide.  There was no sign of the Shore Lark, but the Curlew Sandpiper was a little more visible if still atthe back of the pool.

There were quite a few Lapwing settled on the Scrape, this one casting a nice reflection.

And a few Wigeon were grazing on one of the islands, with every so often a little whistle.

Back on the main path we passed a few bushes where there were calling Goldcrests.  There were in fact up to tern birds in the bush, one posing quite nicely as the others flitted around noisily in the bushes.

We debated going into the "Wildlife Viewing Platform", so decided to check and found it to be quiet.  In front of the hide sat a Grey Heron.

But it decided it didn't like the spot.

And flew away.

A few Shoveler were close to the hide.  In general these duck appear to have not managed to acquire their full breeding plumage, still showing signs of the eclipse feathers.

Apart from the brief look early on Sunday morning we had not been in the Bittern Hide, so we decided to go and have a look.  There were several people in there and the board showed that there had been some sightings of note today and over the last few days.  However we sat there for about 30 minutes and nothing happened.  Looking out of the hide the view was also not that inspiring and you can see how overgrown the reeds have become compared with how it was in May when there was plenty of open water.

Giving up on the Bittern Hide we returned to the cafe for lunch, and then back out onto the north marsh and the dunes.  We were heading for the South Levels in the hope that we could find the owls we saw on Sunday. 

As we came out of the bushes a Marsh Harrier flew across the wall.

The lazy flapping flight that allows it to travel at slow speed over the marsh while looking for prey giving me the opportunity to get some close shots.

Then out over the reeds and away from us.

The conditions were perfect on the South Levels, and we walked out to the chapel to watch over the marsh.  It was a perfect afternoon, the wind had dropped and there was a slight mist.  

A lovely afternoon, but unfortunately we couldn't find the birds we were hoping for.  We saw a nice male Marsh Harrier hunting on the edge of the reeds, and there were small groups of Starlings feeding on the remaining blackberries on the brambles.

It was in fact the Starlings that provided the interest, from the brambles they would fly up to a nearby tree.

We picked up a Kestrel flying towards us, and it flew up to the tree.

The Starlings seemed not to care, and the Kestrel flew past only to turn quickly, and speed into the tree.  The Starlings scattered and the Kestrel was unsuccessful, but you have to winder about the Starlings, why did they not consider the Kestrel a threat?  Was it because they could see it close and knew they could react quickly?

We wanted a cup of tea, and needed to get back to the visitor centre quickly in order to get the tea, and to make it to the North Wall in time for the Starlings, so it was a brisk walk back around the southern part of the Scrape, pausing only to take in the nice low sun behind the Abbey Chapel.

And a pair of Mallard in the orange water.

Back at the cafe with a cup of tea we sat watching the birds repeatedly coming to the feeders.  It was nice to get the opportunity to photograph a Greenfinch.

As the sun was setting the skies began to clear, and the sun came out lighting the reed beds, and turning the seed heads a golden colour.

As we stood waiting a Bittern flew up out of the reeds and flew low over our heads giving some great views as it headed off across the reeds and towards the Scrape.

Then as a further appetiser for the main event a large flock of Canada Geese flew up from the South Levels, and proceeded to fly around the Scrape area contrasting against the orange sky.

Then the main event, small groups of Starlings were flying around, eventually collecting over the North Marsh.

The numbers grew and grew, but the behaviour was completely different from the show on Sunday.  They kept low then flew up like a huge flock of midges, the flock almost blocking out the view of the Coastguard Houses up on Dunwich Heath.

This video shows the completely different behaviour to that we saw on Sunday, maybe they have learnt that if you put on a song and dance you are going to get recognised and maybe for the wrong reasons.

After swirling around in front of us it became clear there was not going to be any sky dancing tonight, and many dropped into the bushes and reeds, while others flew out on to the heath where they covered the ground and trees.

More and more Starlings flew in from the south and west the numbers increasing all the time.  We stood waiting for the big moment, but it never came.  The Starlings started to fly back into the reeds settling all around on the bushes.  other flocks continued to fly in to join them.

Then they all dropped into the reeds and we were left feeling we had missed out on something.  We stood watching stragglers arrive and flow into the reeeds as it got darker and darker.  Then a Kestrel appeared and in the gloom we could see it dive into the reeds, then after awhile appearing again.  Just as we were about to leave the noise from the Starlings rose and a lot came up out of the reeds.  The reason became clear, a Marsh Harrier was hanging above the reeds with legs dangling causing complete panic.  The harrier then slowly moved away and the Starlings settled down.  

It was now very dark and reluctantly we pulled ourselves away from the scene and the reserve.  Our time in Suffolk was over, it had been a wonderful four days visiting several different sites and seeing some real quality birds. 

Birds Seen On The Trip:

Mute Swan Greylag Goose Canada Goose Brent Goose Egyptian Goose Shelduck Wigeon Gadwall Teal Mallard Shoveler Pochard Tufted Duck Red-legged Partridge Pheasant Red-throated Diver Black-throated Diver Cormorant Bittern Little Egret Grey Heron Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Marsh Harrier Sparrowhawk Buzzard Kestrel Peregrine Moorhen Coot Crane Oystercatcher Avocet Lapwing Curlew Sandpiper Snipe Black-tailed Godwit Curlew Spotted Redshank Black-headed Gull Common Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon

Woodpigeon Collared Dove Barn Owl Short-eared Owl Kingfisher Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Magpie Jay Jackdaw Rook Carrion Crow Goldcrest Blue Tit Great Tit Coal Tit Marsh Tit Bearded Tit Skylark Shore Lark Swallow Cetti’s Warbler Long-tailed Tit Chiffchaff Nuthatch Wren Starling Blackbird Fieldfare Song Thrush Redwing Mistle Thrush Robin Stonechat Dunnock House Sparrow Pied Wagtail Meadow Pipit Chaffinch Brambling Greenfinch Goldfinch Siskin Linnet Bullfinch Reed Bunting

26th October - Strumpshaw Fen & Hickling Broad, Norfolk

After the wonderful full day yesterday we decided to head north once the early morning traffic had died down.  Our destination was to be the Norfolk Broads, specifically the RSPB reserve at Strumpshaw, and then on to Hickling to visit the raptor view point late in the afternoon, two places I haven't been to before.

It was another lovely morning with a clear blue sky, lovely autumnal light and a fresg but mild southerly breeze.  The reserve at Strumpshaw is situated just outside the village in an area of open water, reed beds and woodland that runs alongside the River Yare.  As with many of the RSPB reserves these days there were events on to attract the children and with this week being half term and close to Halloween, as we set off we walked through the woodland past huge spiders and bats hanging in the trees.

Our first stop was the Fen Hide which overlooked some open water and beyond that a reed bed.  In the sunshine the reed mace and water was quite spectacular.

The area around the hide is meant to be very good for Bearded Tits, we could hear them calling away in the distance but they were never close at all.  Out in front of us the bird life was confined to a single Mallard, several fly pasts of the ubiquitous Woodpigeon, and a young Grey Heron.

patience finally ran out so we decided to walk on.  There had been a Great Grey Shrike reported over the weekend and it was supposed to favour the area of the Tower Hide so we continued on in that direction.

The path takes you alongside the river which is tidal, and today we were there at high tide which meant in certain places the path was extremely muddy.  As we walked we were serenaded by various Robins, and there were Blue and Great Tits about and the odd Goldcrest.

We climbed the steps to the hide, and in front of us on the open water was a large flock of duck, mostly Shoveler and Teal there were also a few Gadwall and Mallard.  Teal were close to the hide, dabbling in the shallow water.

just below the hide on a short bar of mud, hidden in the vegetation were six Snipe.  At first I couldn't see them, but slowly they began to appear.

In the low autumn sunshine, against the dark greyish blue of the water there plumage looked wonderful, matching completely their surroundings.

Some were engaged in some sleeping, there were those that were feeding and one that decided it need a quite spectacular preen.

Eventually sleeping was the choice of them all, but always with one eye on any possible intrusion of their privacy.

Beyond the water the reed bed stretched all the way to the railway track.  the wind was quite strong and you could constantly here the moving reeds.  In the wind a pair of Marsh Harriers hung over the reeds constantly watching for any opportunity.

Then as we watched the duck on the water they all took off as if spooked by something.  we couldn't see anything that might have caused this, and after a couple of laps around the water they settled back down.

We left the hide to walk around the outside of the reserve and back to the centre.  there was no sign of the shrike, and apart for a fly over Marsh Harrier and one or two Wrens calling we saw very little as we negotiated our way back along the muddy path, over the railways and back to the visitor centre.  The view across the water and reed beds from there looks quite spectacular, but unfortunately it was a very visit.

It was lunchtime when we left Strumpshaw, and we stopped to try and get some lunch in a local pub, but unfortunately many of the pubs do not serve food on Mondays.  We finally found somewhere in Acle, and after a rather filling Ploughman's lunch we headed for Hickling.

Hickling Broad reserve is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and after paying our dues we walked out to the hides.  As we entered there was one person present looking forlornly out of the hide window.  As we lifted the window he said "I hope you are not expecting to see any birds out here", and we looked out onto an open cleared area with no sign of any life at all.  he then told us that the hides seem to have become deserted of birds, and the whole area seemed dead and quiet.  We said our goodbyes leaving him continuing to look sadly out the window, and we walked around the boardwalk returning to the visitor centre after seeing precisely nothing.

The main purpose of the visit though was to go to the raptor Viewpoint at Stubb Mill, so as it was now quite gloomy, and the wind had dropped we decided to walk there in the hope that maybe something might happen a little earlier.

The walk goes alongside the edge of the reserve and some fields. In one of the fields two pairs of Red-legged Partridge were sitting.  They were off when they realised we were watching them.

I mentioned that it was quite gloomy and this was as a result of low cloud that had drifted in.  However in places there were bright spots and this would send shards of light down over the fen.

We could see the old Mill away in the distance, and after about 20 minutes we turned a corner to find it in front of us.

The raptor Viewpoint is just a little bit away from the mill, and raised area with a fence to lean on.  There is one small bench but this was occupied when we arrived and the couple never gave it up, even when there some birds about.

There was activity in the bushes with Robins and Long-tailed Tits about, and over by the Mill we could hear the calls of Redwing in the trees.  Scanning across the marsh there two distant Marsh Harriers flying over the bushes and trees, one very atmospherically passing an old windmill.

As we stood waiting and watching we could hear the calls of Cranes away in the distance, they were about but would they show?  Another dominant call was that of the Redwing, and every so often a flock would fly over heading for the bushes around Stubb MIll.

The natural silence was broken by the sound of a quad bike, and then it appeared and headed out into the marsh to feed the cattle.  As the bike headed into the marsh the calls of the cranes set off again, and then four large birds appeared just above the horizon.  Two of them were Mute Swans and they turned and headed out to the broad, while the other two headed for us, and they were clearly Common Cranes.

They landed on the marsh directly in front of us, but a long way away, there was now a slight mist and it did not make it easy to see the birds, and to complicate it they walked behind bushes and trees.

We had seen three cranes in May at Minsmere and they were distant to, but for me the joy of these birds is there call, and in the still misty air of the fens it sounds primaeval.  the cranes stayed for awhile but once the bike returned they flew back to the area from which they came.

Then disaster struck, a phone call from Germany and many questions that were answerable if I had been sitting in my office, but not in the middle of a Norfolk marsh.  I made several phone calls to try and get the necessary information, but as would always be the case as I was on the phone Helen sees a Barn Owl.  It was a quick view before it disappeared so we went looking to see if we could relocate it.  We did and of course the phone rang again.  So there am I with my phone tucked under my chin, watching the owl through binoculars flying around a field.

It then flew off away from view, and at almost the same time I finished the call, and there was nothing more to be done.  We started our walk back to the car park now as it was quite dark.  As we came around the corner onto the main footpath we caught up with the owl again.  It was flying over the hedgerow, and then settled on a post looking down into the bramble.

We tried to get closer keeping to the side of the path just close to the hedge so that we did not break the skyline.  This was being successful, and we would probably been able to get a lot closer if it was not for the fact that coming the other way was another birder who had not seen the owl.  We waved and finally he saw it, but it was too late the owl flew off and over the back of the hedge and across the field into the distance.

It was a shame as it looked like it would continue to show well, but I had finally managed to get some good views despite both the phone calls and the gloomy conditions.

We made our way back to the car, and set off back to Thorpeness, it took about an hour and a half on the single A roads that dominate the infrastructure here.  When we did get back the skies were clear and there was a bright moon, a good indicator that maybe we will be lucky once again for our last day here in Suffolk.