Trimley Reserve

The Trimley Weekly Round up.    April 26^th – May 2^nd.   Number 5

 By Anna Alum 

This week we were transported into sunnier climes as on Sunday we sat in the Cobb Hide over looking the Summer Flood. The rain was lashing down in in its torrents and the wind was higher than expected. This last Sunday in April reminded us that summer was yet far away. We looked over at the Oak on the reserve; a tree looking like it stands on the African plains. What would the summer bring us? 

‘A Flamingo?’    Mick excitedly hailed!!  A Flamingo?  What had Mick been drinking the night before I was pondering!   Actually there it stood a Pink Flamingo in all its glory.  Ernie and Dave rushed down to use their super telescope to read the ring number. A bird that may have come from Minsmere.  Sunday was to prove a very lucky day. 

The reservoir hide did not disappoint this week.  Sunday a Black Tern was spending lots of time over the water. It provided a fantastic spectacle as we watched its exquisite flying formation over the water.  The Black Tern was not the only migrant coming to us from Africa. Swifts, Swallows, House and Sand Martins are now in good numbers. The Reservoir hide also gave us a Little Gull spotted by Dave Langlois that was lovely to watch in its Pink tinged plumage.  On Monday 30^th one lucky person saw a Hobby from this Hide.   The reservoir hide is providing a popular place to be, as a pair of Shelducks now appear to be nesting under the structure.  

This week The Lapwings have produced chicks and they can be seen from the summer Flood Hide. One pair of Mallards also have a brood. The Greylag Geese and their chicks appear to be doing well and one family were seen swimming in the estuary on Monday morning.  Monday night Trimley had further torrential rain and a heavy thunderstorm. However, the three female Swans on the reserve are braving the severe weather conditions and continue to incubate their eggs.  They are outstanding parents. 

Other migrants seen this week include: On Tuesday a Garganey was seen on one of the islands on the summer flood. Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Yellow Wagtails were seen on Wednesday 2^nd May. More Blackcaps have arrived.  The reeds are also becoming home to lots more Sedge Warblers however; Reed Warbler numbers are still low. The Short eared owl has also been seen during the last week as it flies between Trimley and Levington Creek.  

Come along on Sunday 6^th May between  10am-4.00pm  for the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Trimley Reserve Open Day.  Transport will be provided from Searsons farm, Cordys Lane.