On 2nd May 2024, I visited the following sites:
NNR Westleton Heath, Suffolk
RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk
NNR Westleton Heath is part of the best remaining tract of heathland in Suffolk and located just outside the village of Westleton. In medieval times a large area of heath known as the Sandlings (on account of its dry sandy soils) stretched along the Suffolk coast. Today only about 20% of the heathland remains and the rest has been lost to modern farming and forestry. The site is particularly good for heathland and woodland species.
My main target species at NNR Westleton Heath was Dartford Warbler which I had yet to see in 2024. In most years, Woodlark would also be a target species but I had already recorded this at SWT Old Lodge.
I managed to record both Dartford Warbler and Woodlark during my visit as expected but the most surprising and very welcome sighting was that of a flock of 10 Common Crossbills, my first record of this species in the UK since 2019.
The highlights from my visit included the following (heard only records in italics): Common Crossbill (flock of 10 birds), Dartford Warbler (2 singing males plus 2 other calling birds heard), Woodlark (3 singing males plus 1 other bird seen), Garden Warbler (1 singing male), Lesser Whitethroat (1 singing male), Chiffchaff (2 singing males plus 6 other singing males heard and 2 other calling birds heard), Blackcap (3 singing males), Stonechat (male and female), Linnet (3), Skylark (1 singing male heard), Green Woodpecker (1 calling bird heard), Shelduck (4 flew over), Common Buzzard (1), Reeves’ Muntjac (1)
Additions to 2024 UK year list: Dartford Warbler, Common Crossbill
Here are some photos from my visit ....
Photo: male Stonechat
Photo: male Stonechat
Photo: male Stonechat
Photo: Goldfinch
RSPB Minsmere is one of the oldest reserves owned and
managed by the RSPB and
it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation, a Special
Protection Area and a Ramsar site. It is
also 1 of only 5 European Council Diploma Protected Areas in the
UK. Habitats at RSPB Minsmere include reedbeds,
marshland, scrapes, grassland, heathland and shingle beach and a huge number
and diversity of species is present at any time of the year.
As always, I had a very rewarding visit to RSPB Minsmere and highlights included the following (heard only records in italics): Bittern (2 plus another “booming” bird heard), Great White Egret (1), Little Egret (1), Grey Heron (1), Avocet (c.200), Black-tailed Godwit (c.10), Common Redshank (c.10), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (3), Common Sandpiper (2), Turnstone (1), Ringed Plover (1), Shelduck (c.100), Shoveler (c.20), Gadwall (c.20), Mallard (c.10), Wigeon (2), Teal (2), Tufted Duck (2), Sandwich Tern (at least 20), Common Tern (2), Mediterranean Gull (2), Lesser Black-backed Gull (2), Black-headed Gull (+++ large nesting colony), Coot (c.5), Moorhen (c.5), Mute Swan (1 plus 5 juveniles), Greylag Goose (c.10), Cormorant (4), Cuckoo (1 calling male heard), Nightingale (1 singing male), Garden Warbler (1 singing male heard), Common Whitethroat (2 singing males), Lesser Whitethroat (1 singing male heard), Chiffchaff (1 plus 5 singing males heard), Blackcap (3 singing males heard), Reed Warbler (at least 10 singing males heard), Cetti’s Warbler (at least 5 singing males heard), Sand Martin (c.20), Swallow (3), Bearded Tit (at least 1 calling bird heard), Reed Bunting (2 males), Stonechat (1 female), Linnet (1 male), Skylark (1 singing male heard), Marsh Harrier (3), Hobby (1), Kestrel (1), Common Lizard (1), Grey Squirrel (3), Green Hairstreak (1), Orange Tip (1), Peacock (1)
Additions to 2024 UK year list: Bittern, Sandwich Tern
Here are some photos from my visit ....
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: Marsh Harrier
Photo: male Tufted Duck
Photo: male Tufted Ducks
Photo: Goldfinch
Photo: Goldfinch
Photo: Common Lizard
After my visits to the 2 Suffolk sites, I drove to Travelodge Solihull in the Midlands for an overnight stay prior to moving on for my 3 days in Wales.
💚🦆 🦉🦋🐝🦊🦡🌼 🌳💚
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
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