Reports 2008-2009

We arrived at Minsmere mid morning, before obtaining our permits and setting off around the reserve. The sand bank that has housed nesting sand martins in past years was vacant although we did see sand martins, house martins, swallows and swifts over the reedbeds.

From the first hide overlooking the scrape we saw barnacle, greylag & Canada geese all with goslings. Ducks present were gadwall, mallard, tufted, teal, pintail & Shoveler; many had small ducklings.

There were many black-headed gulls nesting on the islands with a few pairs of Mediterranean and lesser black-backed gulls.

Waders included avocets, ringed plovers, lapwing, redshank plus oystercatchers.

A Cetti’s warbler burst into song.

Continuing around the reserve, a few nightingales were singing although we could not see them.  

RSPB Minsmere 9th May 2009

Gorse in bloom behind the sea wall

Sedge and reed warblers were singing from the reedbeds with common, Arctic & little terns flying over them. Reed bunting and a pair of stonechat were present.

Walking along the beach a wheatear was a good sighting; linnets were also seen in this area.

Walking back around the scrape, great crested and little grebe were seen, and four little egrets.

From the hides turnstone in breeding plumage looked good. Continuing back towards the visitors centre a blackcap was heard and seen.

After lunch we set off to the Bittern Hide, where, living up to its name, a bittern was seen briefly. Marsh harriers were giving good displays. A single hobby flew over.

From the mere hide a bittern was heard booming, later followed by it flying over the mere giving us all good views.

This was another good trip with over seventy species spotted. It is a great time of year to visit a place like Minsmere with many young birds to be seen.

Dave Jones
(photographs - Stuart Harrison)

Red deer just behind the sea wall

Avocet at close quarters

Male Marsh Harrier from the Bittern Hide