Trimley Reserve

The Trimley Round up.  Number 12.   November   19^th 2012 

By Anna Alam

Yesterday the estuary at Trimley marshes shined like a diamond in the wonderful autumn sunshine.  The last few weeks have certainly been like gems, as we have experienced a ‘purple’ patch on the reserve.

During the last month there has been a good visible ‘migration’ as we have seen birds on the move.  In October and November along the bridleway there have been hundreds of Blackbirds arriving and feeding on the fantastic berries on offer to them.    The last few weeks have resulted in over 150 Blackbirds being ringed and processed. An exercise which contributes significantly to our understanding of ‘migration’, as well as how birds are coping in an ever changing world and in so many cases, in a decline of habitats.  Other species to visit the reserve these last few weeks have been Redwing, Fieldfare and Song Thrush.  On November 6^th we ringed a lovely Fieldfare and over the last few weeks have also ringed a good number of Song Thrushes.

November 6^th we also noted a   very late group of 7 Swallows departing our shores.

The smallest species of bird in Britain is the Goldcrest, Just weighing a few grams and the size of a fifty pence piece.  They really are lovely and colourful with their Yellow crest for a female and for a male a Gold.  This autumn has seen a significant number arrive at Trimley and we have been able to ring a good number.  It is hard to imagine such a tiny bird travelling all the way from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries to spend winter with us.  Other tiny birds that we have seen and ringed include Redpoll and Siskin

Another striking and colourful bird to make a visit this month is the Waxwing.   We had 8 on the 12^th November eating the berries of Viburnum opulus just outside the visitors centre.  Such exotic looking birds and there have been good sightings around other areas of the county.

Visitors to Trimley often hear the very melodic song of the Cetti’s Warbler.  The shrubs by the visitors centre can be a favorite singing post for this very distinctive little bird. However, it depends on thick vegetation for its survival.  The importance of Trimley reserve for this species as well as other marshland birds is hugely significant. This autumn we have seen a good increase in numbers on passage.  We have ringed at least 2, which will contribute, significantly to our understanding and subsequently their survival.

Early yesterday morning on a glorious sunny day and walking along the sea wall I heard the call of the Kingfisher.  Today we had the privilege of ringing one.  Looking at the colours of this beautiful little bird tells us that nature is truly amazing.

If you want to know more about ‘what’s going on’ at Trimley check out the SWT Trimley Reserve facebook page.

Thanks to Ernie, Dave and John for their hugely valuable counts and sightings.