20th August

I am back after five fairly pleasant days spent in Suffolk. I visited Minsmere most mornings, and I have to say I was a little disappointed, due to the lack of waders and terns on the scrapes. I think it was caused by changes that must have been carried out on the reserve earlier in the year.

Fortunately I didn’t miss a great deal in the park, but thanks to Rose and Morg for the information on the Spotted Flycatcher and Garden Warblers that they saw in area 40 on Wednesday evening. Apart from these the rest of the birds were much the same as when i left.

Todays news.

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Sparrowhawk sunbathing in area 32

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Grey Wagtail: one by the rearing pond in area 1.

Spotted Flycatcher: one on the island at the end of the lake. area 34.

Garden Warbler: one feeding on elder berries at the end of the island in area 34.

Blackcap: at least 26 birds present, area 31 and 34 were very active.

Common Whitethroat: 8 birds in areas 31 and 34.

Willow Warbler: 12 birds present, most in area 31.

Chiffchaff: 14 birds in area 31, 32 and 34.

 

Below are a few snaps from Suffolk, though the birds were some distance from the hides. The Swallows were taken because I like them and they are a bit difficult to track.

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Ruff juvenile

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This shows the difference in size between Greenshank and Little Stint.

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The difference between Greenshank and Spotted Redshank in flight

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This juvenile Swallow appears tempted by a rabbit dropping

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The Swallow below has lost most of her breast feathers

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