Trimley Marshes

The Trimley Round Up Number 8     June 4^th –June 11^th   

By (Anna Alam)

 The past few days have been wild, windy and very wet on the reserve and yet again we are back to driving rain, which certainly was the case on Monday 11^th.  This didn’t stop the mid week volunteers Mike Margaret and John T with important maintenance work.  However, by 11am Mike and John returned to the visitors centre drenched followed by Mick and Margaret even more dripping. There were a couple of baby rabbits just outside looking very wet and completely fed up with the conditions!

Early this morning we saw the Barn owl hunting along the sea wall, making the most of a clear window in the weather, hopefully a sign that the chicks are being fed well.  A little later the majestic Male Marsh Harrier was also giving us a lovely display.

This past week we have seen highs and lows on the reserve.  On the summer flood there are at least 2 if not 3 Lapwing chicks looking very good in their juvenile plumage.  Sightings this week have included:  2 Little Egrets, Water Rail and a Hobby.   Black tailed Godwits are still appearing in good numbers and look very vibrant in their summer plumage. They really are lovely birds to look at. Redshank and Greenshank are also enjoying the summer flood. 2 Common Terns and 3 Little Terns have made an appearance and were seen last weekend by Dave and Ernie.

The Oystercatcher nest has been predated and sadly their eggs had totally disappeared when checked last Thursday.  A very sad sight, especially as the pair were still sitting and going back to the nest. 

Another fatality on the beach was a ‘washed up’ young Muntjac with what appeared to be injuries to its hindquarters.

A member of the public also spoke about a dog off the lead on the track leading up to Searsons farm and chasing Deer in the field.  A timely reminder that dogs should be on leads and especially at a time when ground nesting birds and other young are so vulnerable.

On a brighter note, Saturday 9^th June saw lots of Swifts out feeding and there were fantastic views from the visitors centre hide.    Sedge warblers were also singing in the reeds by this hide and hopefully we may see some young ones soon. However, numbers of Sedge and Reed Warblers are still down on last year.

 We look forward to the next week and hope it may bring us some sun and warmth!