Levington

Suffolk Wildlife Trust has launched Networking Nature, an exciting new county-wide initiative funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  Networking Nature aims to inspire and support ‘action for wildlife in every parish’ to create a network of wildlife-rich habitat with local people working together to care for and enjoy local wildlife places.  Their very first project was at Levington. 

SWT have been managing Levington Lagoon for the Suffolk Yacht Harbour for over twenty years and more recently have been advising them on improving other areas around the marina, for wildlife.  Thanks to the SYH who supplied 1200 shrubs for volunteers to plant a variety of shrubs to create important scrub areas for a variety of wildlife. 

The weather was good and everyone, young and old, worked hard and enjoyed a chat, tea and cakes.  It was a very successful morning and thanks to everyone involved.

Landguard

There was a beached baby seal there today.  It appeared to be well as it basked in the sun.  RSPCA had been notified.

Other observations included 4 Sanderling.

Trimley Marshes Reserve

From first light the skies were grey.  It rained or drizzled all morning but it was mild, a distinct contrast to the frosty sunny morning of yesterday.

I had seven volunteers, old Tom, new Tom, Mike, John, Anna, Lucy and a new student Danni.  Lots of work was completed including repairs to the boardwalk, coppicing sallow and more raft work.

Observations included a beautiful adult male Marsh Harrier, which was hunting over the reserve all day, two Egyptian Geese, Peregrine and c1500 Wood Pigeons.

"Lets just lift it a little further out of the water"

Egyption Geese

Newbourne Springs

There was a chorus of Tawny Owls before first light this morning, a Woodcock was seen in twilight and during the morning we had a Buzzard circling over.  We caught 30 birds including 7 Redpoll and a single Siskin.

Trimley Marshes Reserve

Birds on the reserve today include Tundra Bean Goose, Bittern and ringtail Hen Harrier (P. Oldfield).  Other birds of note, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Water Rail, 2 female Goldeneye on the reservoir, a pair of Bearded Tits and lots of Pintail.

Trimley Marshes Reserve

In glorious winter sunshine we pulled in one of the tern rafts in order to carryout maintenance work. Photo's by Anna Alam

Early morning, just after sunrise

John and me coming ashore after attaching a rope and disengaging the anchors
on the raft

Raising the main bearers out of the water

Margaret paddling

Trimley Marshes Reserve

At the moment there are about c3000 waterbirds on the reserve.  Lots of activity today with Marsh Harrier and Peregrine hunting over the reserve.  As it was getting dark I saw a Long-eared Owl near the Visitor Centre.  The Tundra Bean Goose is still present on the summer flood.

Lapwings

Snape Marshes

Another atrocious day, gale force winds and horizontal rain but Anna and me were able to complete a few more jobs.

Anna working (well trained)

It was hard work watching Anna knock the post in

TrimleyReserve

A beautiful sunny day, a little on the cold side but the reserve was packed with waterfowl.  Observations included a single Tundra Bean Goose and a White-fronted Goose, several Barnacle Geese, 2 Marsh Harriers and a Peregrine.

Photos taken at Trimley this afternoon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE