Event Reports - 2006
September
Clouded Yellow, photo Brian Buffery
Thorpeness Common field trip Saturday 30th September
Leader Kevin Verlander
This is a beautiful area for a walk and one the group had not been to for sometime. Often a hot spot for migrant birds, resting, sheltering or feeding up before continuing their journeys. Unfortunately the unfavourable winds that had plagued birdwatchers for some weeks continued today giving us little to record
Two mistle thrushes moved quickly off the bushes as we approached obviously gorging themselves on this autumn's abundance of fruit. While overhead 30 + goldfinches followed by a smaller number of greenfinches passed down the coast.
After sheltering from the briefest of showers we moved onto the Ness for a spot of sea watching. Dropping down to the beach we continued our walk along the base of the Sizewell Cliff and it was here we saw the highlight of the day. Member Brian Buffery spotted a Clouded Yellow butterfly enjoying the sunshine restlessly flitting from the ragwort to valerian and back. Two more were seen as we spent thirty minutes following these migratory butterflies backwards and forwards amongst the shingle flora.
Brian eventually managed to get the photograph attached to this report.
Cutting back in land we joined the old railway line to Sheepwash Crossing, were we enjoyed good views of hobby before returning to the car park.
August
Cattawade to Flatford field trip, Sunday 6th August 2006
Leader Barry Hart
Turtle dove
We assembled in the riverside Co-operative car park in Manningtree for this summer ramble. The weather was fine, but a little overcast for our first trip to this area since the RSPB acquired the management of the marshes.
As we climbed the bank to the river wall we encountered a large vociferous group of house sparrows in the bushes, a welcome sight for some members who have lost the species as a garden bird. High tide meant black-headed gulls dominating the river scene. The industrial site was more productive with a common gull on the roof watching us, giving good photographic opportunities as the sun burnt through revealing blue sky.
A large group of starlings were busy feeding on waste ground in the compound and we saw our first reed warbler, one of several ticked along the river as we travelled westward. The area near the railway bridge produced the now ubiquitous little egret. The normally wet low lying meadow near the sewage works, a favourite spot for 'twitchers', but now dry from July's heat wave, held only corvids, including several jackdaws and a few lapwings. As we carefully crossed the busy A137, the 'tinkling' sound of goldfinches could be heard overhead and some of the group glimpsed a kingfisher, which was seen again (or another) at the same spot on our return.
With bird activity low key and species limited as expected in early August some members of the group busied themselves identifying flowers, butterflies and a plethora of dragonflies on this Essex leg of the walk. We stopped at Judas Gap Weir to view sedge warblers travelling up reed stems as though on pulleys and managed fleeting glimpses of two common sandpipers. Our only raptor for the day, a kestrel, was seen on a bush overlooking the marsh as we neared the lock.
Approaching Flatford Mill we were able to watch a pair of turtle doves, no doubt far more plentiful in Constable's days, renovating their nest and unnoticed by the many tourists strolling around this local treasure. Its location 2.5 miles into this circular walk is ideal for birdwatchers in need of refreshment.
Away from the river and nearing mid-day it was very quiet on our return leg on the Suffolk border although reaching the Brantham Road we were treated to a close view of busy house martins toing and froing from a continuous row of nests on a cottage.
As we re-crossed the A137 into Cattawade, high tide had passed and we were able to add black-tailed godwit and whimbrel to our day list.
Barry Cooper
June
Green Living Family Fun Day, Chantry Park, 24th and 25th June 2006
Group stand at Chantry Park
Our local Group had two very successful days at this event. The public flocked to this free weekend show which covered areas such as transport, energy, recycling, waste and food to name but a few.
With upwards of fifty stands representing wildlife groups, 'green' businesses, craft displays, organic gardening, insect circus and plenty for the children to participate in, this really was a family affair.
The stalls were well spread out in this large, but easily accessible park, allowing people lots of room to enjoy what was on offer. We were situated with other wildlife groups, not far from the music marquee, and on Saturday were treated to a very pleasurable day courtesy of Ipswich Hospital Brass Band. With good summer weather the Groups gazebo was very busy over the two days fending many questions, distributing Climate Chaos pledges, RSPB sales and signing up new members.
If you missed this year's event organised by One Ipswich Environment & Transport Theme and Ipswich Borough Council and care about the environment its a must to look out for in 2007.
Barry Cooper
Nightjar Walk - Tuesday 13th June 2006
Nightjar churring on top of tree at dusk
Several members gathered on Blaxhall Heath before dusk for the nightjar watch after the heathland bird watch. The last week has been warm but the day had seen some scattered showers. Nevertheless, the cloud cover and still air boded well for a meeting with a special bird of the night, and we were not disappointed.
As we took up position on the heath we were treated to the song of a nightigale for about a quarter of an hour. Finally, in the distance the low churring of a nightjar was detected, and as we turned to look in the direction another bird vocalised close behind us.
Nightjars seem to have done rather well this year, as we soon caught a glimpse of the ghostly outline on the heath, and a surpisingly large bird approached and flew overhead, giving us all a good view with the naked eye!
We moved towards the sound and located the source on one of the birds favourite songpost on a tree in the heath, and there was another opportunity for good views, with an interaction as another male flew towards the tree dislodging the singer.
Overall there seemed to be three or four birds in easy earshot, and a couple of other individuals churring in the far distance - a very rewarding evening was had by all in the presence of these unearthly summer ghosts of the Suffolk heaths. hear the churring sound on the event report page
May
Lakenheath Fen Field Trip - Saturday 13th May 2006
members watching hobbies and marsh harriers
over the west copse Photo: Barry Cooper
Nineteen group members made the long journey out to the west of the county with most being well prepared for another wet weekend - it appears what little rain we have had since January falls on Saturdays and Sundays. Some members had taken the opportunity to view Suffolk Stone Curlew (and Common Buzzard) on the journey to the fen while others planned to do so in the afternoon.
We were welcomed at the reserve by the RSPB's new Publicity Officer, Jane Newton, who brought us up to date with the work that has been carried out recently. Ipswich Group are now in their second year of fund raising for the Fen so we were very interested to learn about the ongoing projects and developments.
Although it is now possible to circumnavigate the reserve, our spring trip, like so many others arriving from all over the country now in the hope of glimpsing orioles, coincides with the important breeding season for all the fen birds. As a result you might find diversions in place that are not shown on your trail guide to ensure least disturbance to sensitive species.
Hobby, Photo: Barry Cooper
We heard golden orioles singing in the first group of poplars (three pairs on the reserve) and also grasshopper warblers reeling along the same path by the river. Although no sightings for us, up to 15 pairs of bearded tits are at present on the reserve. We had good views of marsh harrier (seven pairs present) and also hobbies, for which the highest count this year to date is 37.
Our planned after lunch oriole spotting from the riverbank had to be abandoned when the heavens opened on our walk back to the car park. Still this gives us something to look forward to next year - and then if necessary, we will be able to dry out with a hot cup of tea in the new visitors centre.
Barry Cooper
Wolves Wood Field Trip - Saturday 7th May 2006
Photo: Barry Cooper
An early start and heavy rain throughout Saturday evening and Sunday morning kept our normally hardy members in their beds. Big thanks are due to Mark, RSPB Reserve Warden, who led an interesting walk for the few who ventured out
They enjoyed listening to nightingale song and had good views of garden warbler and blackcap. A female sparrowhawk was perched up looking very bedraggled as she watched the groups' progress on the tour.
Lady's Smock
photo: Barry Cooper
On the non-avian front, Mark tells us, a hefty-looking specimen of the ash-grey slug (the UK's largest species) crossed their path, albeit slowly, giving members a good look at this rarity. Obviously the weather did not suit butterflies, but Mark was able to show the eggs of the Orange Tip on Lady's Smock.
Barry Cooper
April
Group Coach Trip to Paxton Pits (Cambs) - 29th April 2006
It is a rare occasion that the group travels inland for its annual coach trip, but this years selection was another well attended and judging by the members comments, a much enjoyed day,
The forecast for the day had been good, but as we left Ipswich the rain was falling steadily suggesting the traditionally poor May Day holiday weather had come early. We arrived 1 hour and 40 minutes later to be welcomed by sunshine (which we enjoyed all day) and Trevor Gunton, our guest speaker at the group's last indoor meeting. Trevor, ex RSPB Head of Development and Publicity and a leading light at Paxton gave our members a thoroughly entertaining tour of the reserve covering the history and development of the pits, its flora and avifauna, before returning to the visitors centre for lunch.
In the afternoon members walked the meadow trail around Hayling and Rudd Lakes, on the south side of the reserve, close to the village of Little Paxton.
Reports suggest 62 species were seen during the day, including good views of nightingale with several males calling on the reserve this year. Warblers seen included several blackcaps, whitethroat, chiffchaff, some willow, and many garden. Raptors included sparrowhawk, kestrel, three hobbies and the bird of the day seen by six members, an Osprey over the Great Ouse bordering the reserve. The cuckooflower was out on the meadows and as tradition tells us, should correspond with hearing the first cuckoo - we were not disappointed with most hearing and or seeing them on the reserve.
This really is a beautiful reserve, which The Friends of Paxton must be congratulated on. If you would like to learn more about Paxton please visit their website www.paxton-pits.org.uk
A good journey home concluded an excellent day out for the group.
Barry Cooper
Stour Wood and Estuary Field Meeting, Saturday 22 April
The Stour Estuary
We could not have chosen a better time to visit Stour Wood, this RSPB managed site with its ancient coppiced woodland (primarily sweet chestnut) and Copperas Bay. As we slowly walked through the woodland, carpeted by a sea of Wood anemones our guide Rick spoke about the history of the woodland, showing us several indicators to its age. We were also able to see and hear about the work that continues to this day, through RSPB management, to ensure the place remains a haven for birds and flora for many generations to continue to enjoy.
The site is probably the best in East Anglia for wood anemones (Anemone nemorsa), which take many years to spread, and we were able to see some examples of the pink and quite dark mauve colour variations. Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) is also abundant and is the choice plant for the breeding White Admiral butterfly.
Wood Anemones
We left the wood at its western boundary and walked down to Copperas Bay via Wrabness Railway Station, which is on the line to Harwich. Good views of the bay and river can be seen from here, before you join The Essex Way Footpath. It was low tide on the Stour, but we managed to get good telescope views of 78 Brent Geese and lots of Curlews. As we climbed back up towards the railway line, through and area known as Bramble Fields we heard three nightingales and after a short wait managed views of two, probably males squabbling over territory. Our excellent walk concluded with a late lunch in the car park.
Barry Cooper
March
Boyton Marshes Field Trip, Saturday 18th Mar
Twelve hardy members braced a chill easterly wind to join the field trip to the RSPB Reserve at Boyton. The reserve is a wet meadowland reserve with a scrape created from Intensively grazed farmland adjacent to the Butley River in one of the quieter picturesque Areas of Suffolk. The reserve has extended over the years and there are hopes to extend this Important type of habitat still further. The long spell of cold winds had prevented any early Migrants arriving and most winter visitors had diminished in number. Nevertheless good numbers of birds were noted.
Duck included Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Pintail, Mallard and Shoveler. Waders included Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Golden and Grey Plovers. The tide was approaching high tide on the Butley River covering the mud and part of the saltings. The group walked out to the Point where the Butley river meets the Alde to view across to Havergate Island and the Herring Gull and Lesser Black backed gull colonies on Orfordness. A Marsh Harrier was watched patrolling the area adjacent to Gedgrave marshes on the opposite side of the Butley River. Once geese marshes these have now been drained and fertilised to provide intensive Sheep grazing. The party then retraced its steps and headed up the Butley River and on to Burrow Hill to view the area for raptors and other birds. In the conditions little was noted But a least a Skylark put on a low-level song flight for us. Returning to the car park at Banters Farm the party were afforded superb views of the resident barn owl quartering the Marshes and dykes. A fine end to an enjoyable visit. In 2007 it is hoped to do a more extensive visit to the Butley and Boyton areas which offer some excellent bird watching and walking opportunities.
Stephen M
February
Angel Marshes guided walk, Saturday 11th Feb
A hardy group of eighteen members ventured forth on Saturday 11th February for an early morning gull and wader watch, at the Angel Marshes on the Blyth estuary. With thousands of birds present there was a lot to scan giving a very respectable species count.
Hawfinch - photo Barry Cooper
Walking on towards the hide several of the group managed to add kingfisher and bearded tit to their day and year lists. The group then reassembled to car share for the journey to Sotterley where the birds of the day, four hawfinches, were recorded.
In the afternoon several of the group joined leader Barry Hart at Walberswick where they managed to locate 23 twite, whilst others pursued elusive redpolls and waxwings nearer home
January
Mistley Walls guided walk, Sunday 29 Jan
overview
The first meeting of 2006 was held at Mistley Walls on a chilly day with a biting easterly wind coming up the River Stour. 20 hardy members turned up to view the birds present. The weather conditions had meant a later and lower tide than expected plus birds were on the north side of the river gaining what shelter they could.
This meant a lot of birds were rather distant.
Nevertheless a good variety of species were noted. Highlight of the day was a Buzzard viewed at a distance over Stutton Mill House.
Shelduck
Goldeneye
Scaup
Good views were also had of Goldeneye, Red Breasted Merganser, Scaup and Great Crested Grebes in the channel at Mistley.
Turnstone flock
Lesser Black Backed Gull
Pintail
Many members enjoyed superb views of Pintail along the wall along with lots of Wigeon. The waders were rather distant but the usual culprits were around including Dunlin, Redshank, Knot, Golden Plover, grey Plover and Lapwing.
5 species of Gull were noted including 2 Lesser Black backed Gulls and a good number of Common Gulls. Redwings and Fieldfares were noted in Mistley Park.
Many thanks to those who came and survived the icy blast. Next year we will see if it will be just that little bit warmer!!
Canada Geese
Mute Swan
Lapwing
Stephen M
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