Trimley Reserve

The Trimley Round up. Number 9. Week beginning 9^th July

Anna Alam

Its all change at Trimley    as Andrew Excell has now transferred from Redgrave and Lopham Fen to his new post as Sites Manager for the Trimley reserve and reserves previously managed by Mick Wright.   All the volunteers and friends at Trimley gave Andrew a very warm welcome and wish him and his young family a very happy time on this part of our beautiful coast.

Unfortunately visitors walking up to the reserve  (not on reserve land and not managed by Suffolk wildlife trust) will be disappointed to see the verges cut to a severe state.  The beautiful wild flowers on the left have been severely ‘cut back’ and it is doubtful whether the Wasp Spider will have survived such a blow to its important habitat.  This is very sad indeed.  Certainly this years ringing total for Sedge and Reed warblers remain low and the cutting of the reed on the right of the track has also removed vital habitat for these species.  The removal of reed beds however small has a detrimental impact on very fragile bird populations. We must be reminded that reed beds provide a rich ecosystem, which supports a whole host of insects, which form a rich food web, which Reedbirds depend to survive.

On a happier note the reserve is busy with some interesting sightings.  The first week of July saw the arrival of 2 Spoonbills one of whom stayed for the whole week!  There were quite a few visitors to the summer flood hide to see these very elegant birds.  Paul Oldfield took some excellent photos available to see on his blog.  Little Egrets have also continued to enjoy the facilities around the reserve.

The summer flood has also played host to a good number of Blacktailed Godwit in their splendid summer plumage, as well as at least 2 lovely Ruff.   On 9th July, 8 Common Sandpiper were seen flitting around on the beach. Greenshank and Spotted Redshank have also been visiting in increasing numbers as have a small group of Avocet.  Several Common Terns was seen on Sunday with their swooping and hovering display.

Other birds noted and which many visitors should see or hear quite easily are Linnets.  A good number are on the reserve and a good number have been ringed.  Without the presence of so many brambles on the reserve this may not be the case.  Unfortunately brambles are often destroyed in private gardens and on public land possibly due to ignorance.  However, they provide important cover, feeding opportunities and safe nesting territories for Linnets as well as for other species including ducks.

The Swans and their signets have experienced highs and lows over the past few weeks.   One pair fortunately have 5 cygnets all growing and developing day by day and are too big to catch a lift across the water via their parents!  However, only 1 cygnet out of 3 remains from the pair, which nested by the visitors centre hide.  Quite a few Lapwing chicks have fledged now and can occasionally be seen from the summer flood hide.

Yesterday 2 Great Crested Grebe were hard at work on the reservoir building a nest out on the water.  It is very interesting to see them building this nest and good views are available from the Reservoir hide. It is such a shame that they are not taking any notice from everyone watching that it may be a good idea to change location as it could turn into a predator’s paradise!

If you come down to visit the reserve in the next week or two, look out for a range of Butterflies; including Ringlets, Meadow Browns Red Admirals, and Speckled Woods.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to sightings.