Trimley Reserve

Trimley is the place to be birding. 

The reservoir is packed with waterbirds and visible warbler migration was evident along the hedgerow by the main track.  A young female Sparrowhawk has been hunting around the hedgerow for the last four days.  Once again, it was another good day for Sedge Warblers in the reedy areas.  There were several Whinchat and Stonechat present.  Other birds of note included Wheatear, 2 Buzzards, Marsh Harrier, Swift and 3 Bearded Tits.

Reserves Update

Snape Marshes - Wasp spiders were seen on the reserve for the first time.


At Trimley during the evening of the 19th, a Red-crested Pochard was present on the reservoir (per Paul Oldfield).

Trimley Reserve

The birding was good again today, especially for migrant waders, which included  6 Green Sandpipers.

A Willow Emerald Damselfy was also observed.

On the beach Narrow-leaved Ragwort  Senico inaequideus is abundant  (see photo).  This is an alien plant, which is becoming widespread and common.

Bird News

Levington (17th, yesterday) late evening Hobby over and c90 Linnets roosting in nearby reedbeds.

Trimley (17th, yesterday) Hobby, Kestrel 10, Green Sandpiper 2 and Spotted Redshank 1.

Trimley (18th, today) Sparrowhawk, Buzzard 2, Marsh Harrier 1, Kestrel 8, Barn Owl 2, Yellow Wagtail 6, Bearded Tit 3, Bullfinch 2, Green Sandpiper 2 and Black-tailed Godwit 160.

Levington & Trimley Update

Levington, Sun. 15th: Bittern, Green and Common Sandpipers and a pair of Turtle Doves with a late clutch of eggs.  There are Wasp Spiders in several locations on the sea wall in the Sea Couch.

Trimley, Sun. 15th: Migrant waders included Wood Sandpiper 1, Little Ringed Plover 2, Ruff 7, Grey Plover 1, Greenshank 4, Green Sandpiper 3 and Common Sandpiper 4.

Today at Trimley there were 2 Wood Sandpipers and a Spotted Redshank.

Trimley Reserve

Early this morning migration was good; the reed bed and reed corridors were literally bouncing with Reed and Sedge Warblers.  The hedgerow, by the main track, was also full of warblers.  The usual range of wader species were present on the scrapes including 5 Ruff and 1 Wood Sandpiper.  There was also 4 Barnacle Geese and a single Buzzard.

Migrant Hawkers were abundant; in the area where I was working there were at least c100.

The Wood Pigeon is one of our commonest birds.  They have an extensive breeding period where they try and rear up to three broods.  However, they are also one of the most heavily predated birds.  The chicks below have almost made it to the fledging stage.

Trimley Marshes

Observations today include: Spoonbill, 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshanks, 4 Bearded Tits, Marsh Harrier and Buzzard.

Newbourne Springs

Two Stag Beetles seen today.

Reserves Update

Hazelwood: Lots of Dragonflies today including Emperor and several Small Red-eyed Damselflies.  Butterflies included Grayling and Painted Lady.

Snape Marshes: Stuart (Ipswich Team Leader) and volunteers were busy managing one of the herb rich meadows today, they will also be there tomorrow (I hope that it does not rain!).  Up to 5 Barn Owls are being seen on the marsh now that the young ones have fledged.

Trimley Marshes: There is an excellent assemblage of waders and wildfowl on the reservoir.  Wader species include Green and Common Sandpipers, Greenshank, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Redshank and Lapwing.  The first Wigeon of the winter have also arrived. 

Small Red-eyed Damselflies can be seen well from the reservoir hide.

The reserve is also home to a number of nationally scarce plants.  The reserve is one of only a few places in Suffolk where you can see the three species below.  The photographs were taken over the weekend of Rock Samphire, Golden Samphire and Shrubbery Seablite.