Trimley Marshes

A short video clip from Felixstowe TV
http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/555/swt-conservation-documentries/trimley-marshes-insects

Levington Lagoon

We were catching and ringing waders at Levington Lagoon last night.  It was a perfect warm, starry night with a gentle breeze, no moon and the highest tide of the year.  However, the only downside was that high tide was at 0200 hrs.  Four, two panel North Ronaldsey nets were erected across the wetland areas of the lagoon at around 1830 hrs.  Whilst setting the nets we caught a Snipe which was a very promising start to the evening.  In no time at all darkness fell and it became completely dark and eerie.  The calls and cries of hundreds of waders from the mudflats filled us with exciting expectations.

Over the last thirty winters, I have enjoyed the experiences of such occasion’s scores of times resulting in numerous adventurous nights and countless memories.

One of our target birds was Redshank so that we could individually colour ring them in order to follow their movements as part of a Natural England and British Trust for Ornithology led Project on the survival and ‘Turn Over’ of waders on the Orwell estuary over the winter period.

Our catch included Redshank 41, Snipe 2, Oystercatcher 1, Curlew 3, Dunlin 5, Grey Plover 1, Golden Plover 1 and one Spotted Redshank.  We also controlled an Iceland Redshank.

We retired for home with the milkman, shattered, at 0500 hrs.  Our ringing session had lasted 11 hours, another fantastic night out.

Anna holding an Oystercatcher

Spotted Redshank

Golden Plover

Trimley Marshes

Another fantastic day weather wise. Avocets on the reservoir enjoying the sunshine.

Trimley and Levington Reserves

The weather was absolutely fabulous, the skies were clear and it was hot with a light breeze all day.

At Trimley, David, John, Mike, Tom, big John, Dillon and Margaret worked hard today helping me to manage the reserve.  We cut lots of grass and reeds, raked off clippings and even repaired the BCS.

Whilst on Levington Lagoon, Stuart with his mid-week team of volunteers were cutting, raking and burning reed.

Thanks to all the Volunteers who are worth their weight in gold! 

FLASH BACK TO AUGUST 2007

Redgrave and Lopham Fen Team Day, August 2007.  Lots of hard work and bags of fun.   Peter  had to hang his chainsaw up for the day.

Dressed for the part

Peter hasn't got a leg to stand on

Trimley Marshes

The Coast & Estuary Voluntary Wardens September bird day was held at Trimley.  The weather was warm and sunny; the day was enjoyed by all and we saw almost 50 species.  Observations included Buzzard (3), Hobby, Avocet (45), Ruff (5), Snipe (3), Kingfisher, Bearded Tits, Curlew, Little Egret (4), Black-tailed Godwit (3), Redshank (c50), Mediterranean Gull (4),  7 species of duck, Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe.

Snape Marshes

The Snape Marshes volunteers were pulling bracken again.  Their hard work is paying off, the heathland is being restored as grassland replaces the bracken.

Photo by Derek Walduck

Photo by Derek Walduck

Trimley Marshes

This last week has been very busy on the Trimley reserve.  The mid-week team and the Trimley volunteers have been cutting the grass on the islands and raking off the clippings in readiness for this winter’s wildfowl.

Photo by Anna Alam

Observations have included up to 11 Ruff, several Green Sandpipers, 3 Buzzards, Whinchat and Sand Martins and Swallows have been heading south all week.  There have also been several fresh Red Admirals

On Sunday around 160 scouts took part in Beachwatch, which was even more successful than last year and could again be the largest single Beachwatch event in the UK.   Some of the more unusual items collected this year included a plastic skeleton, football, plastic drain cover, box of pills and a road cone. 

I would like to thank Andrew Cassy from BT for organizing the event and to everyone for making the day a great success for the benefit of our local environment and community.

Today at Levington Creek there was a Dotterel in with the roosting Golden Plover.

Mick's Blog

Hi

I am back from a three week birding holiday in Borneo where I was fortunate to see my target species, Bristlehead, the only species in its family and one that is threatened.  Other targets, of course, were wild Orang Utans and Proboscis Monkeys.  I also saw the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth, and the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia.

Now it’s back to work, so I will endeavour to add to my blog in the coming days. Below are a few pics from my holiday.

Orang Utan

Atlas Moth

Rafflesia

Blue-eared Kingfisher

Proboscis Monkey

Wallace's Hawk Eagle