Mick's Blog

Levington

2012-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-22T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

Trimley Marshes update

2011-12-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

There are several thousand waterbirds present and most are easily observed from the hides. G Palmer watched a Marsh Harrier harass a Hen Harrier with two Peregrine Falcons in the same field of view.

Yesterday there was a massive lift off of waterfowl, disturbed by a microlight flying low over the reserve twice - probably taking photo's.

Other news on the estuary; a Great Northern Diver by the Orwell Bridge.

Oystercatchers coming to roost at Trimley

Trimley Reserve

2011-12-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

On the reserve yesterday 1200 Teal, 300 Wigeon, 76 Gadwall, 61 Pintail, 82 Shoveler and our first Bittern of the winter (N Odin).

Also seen 2 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Sparrowhawk.

Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve

2011-12-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Before Christmas cake and mince pies some of the volunteers planted Buckthorn whips as part of the Butterfly Conservation Project to help increase the population of Brimstone butterflies.

Anna (our Horticulturist) on her knees again with old Tom planting whips (I think) with new Tom in the background.

Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve

2011-12-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

The wildfowl looked stunning this morning in the bright winter sunshine. We had superb observations of a female Marsh Harrier hunting over the reserve, which caused the wildfowl to take flight a couple of times; at least 500 Brent Geese flew in from the river to land on the reservoir to wash and preen.

The new look summer flood

Pintail and Teal on the winter flood

Wildfowl on the winter flood

Trimley Marshes

2011-12-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

There was a Peregrine Falcon and a stunning male Marsh Harrier hunting over the reserve this afternoon.

Snape Marshes

2011-12-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

We had a work party at Snape this morning with volunteers making a start on erecting a new fence.

Trimley Marshes Wetland Bird Reserve

2011-12-13T12:28:00.001-08:00

Winter Migration Part 2. http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/619/swt-conservation-documentries/trimley-marshes-migration-pt2

Trimley Marshes

2011-12-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Tim Day of Barry Day & Sons has completed the restoration work on the summer flood area. Grassland that had eroded due to wave action has now been restored with a mosaic of varying but shallow depths of water. Dyke's have been slubbed and sluice areas cleared.

Tim's skill and creative use of his JCB has completed a fantastic job, thanks Tim.

Below are photographs of the summer flood with the water rising again.

Damselflies and Dragonflies in Suffolk

2011-12-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

The distribution of damselflies and dragonflies in Suffolk

Thanks to those you have submitted records for 2011, for those that have not, please submit records for the 2011 season to:

Adrian Parr, County Dragonfly Recorder, email: adrian.parr@btinternet.com

Or to

Dorothy Casey, c/o Suffolk Dragonfly Group Suffolk Wildlife Trust email:

dorothy.casey@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Next year will be the final year of the atlas and we would welcome recorders to send in all records along with helping to cover areas that are under-recorded.

Further details can be found about the Suffolk Local Dragonfly Group - http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/species-and-habitats/the-suffolk-local-dragonfly-group/.

Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve

2011-12-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

It was a frosty early morning and bitterly cold in the wind; in twilight we saw a Long-eared Owl flying along the bridleway.

More photos of Tim Day resculpturing the summer flood scrape and increasing the size of the islands for breeding birds.

Trimley Reserve

2011-12-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

Tim Day restoring another dyke across the main marsh.

Birds today included Bearded Tit 14 (reserve record), Buzzard 2 and
Marsh Harrier 1.

Captains Wood

2011-11-30T10:34:00.000-08:00

This morning Crispin Chalker (01502 478615) installed a beautifully crafted bench seat that he had made out of Oak for Jude Banks in memory of her late husband Paul.

Jude (right of photo) with her friend

Crispin and Jude

Trimley reserve

2011-11-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

My small duck trap caught 3 Teal and 1 Gadwall and I also caught a Water Rail in another trap. Anna who has only been ringing with me for 5 months has just ringed her 66th species of bird.

Anna holding a Teal that she has just ringed

Anna over the moon with the Water Rail

Trimley Reserve

2011-11-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

Tim Day creating a shallow scrape in a low area on the main marsh. Note how dry the marsh is.

Levington Lagoon 'Turn-over Project'

2011-11-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

We managed another wadering session last night/early morning, fourth in six days. Once again conditions were excellent and there was a predicted surge tide of 28 inches. There was a frost by 0100 hours making it the coldest night night so far this winter. Over 60 waders were caught, which included Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Dunlin, Knot, Lapwing, Curlew and 6 Golden Plover.

Anna A. with colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit

Golden Plovers

Trimley Marshes

2011-11-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

Volunteers were busy today coppicing sallow. Habitat enhancement started on the summer flood.

Observations included Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, 50 Avocet and one Jack Snipe.

Tom M. coppicing sallows

Tim Day started work on the summer flood

Levington Lagoon

2011-11-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

We had another wadering session last night. Conditions were excellent plus there was a flood warning because of a surge tide putting another 18 inches on the height of the tide. It was a busy night, high tide was predicted to be at 2300 hrs but we were still ringing waders at 0230 in the morning. Over 110 waders caught including more Redshank and Black-tailed godwits individually colour ringed as part of our ‘Turn-over Project’

Paul N. and a colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit

Julie M. with a culew

Julie M & Anna A. ringing Dunlin

Falkenham Marshes

2011-11-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

Two nights this week we have been on the marshes to catch waders. We caught 27 mostly Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Grey Plover, 1 Knot and and 1 Jack Snipe.

Reserves update.

2011-11-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hazelwood Marshes: The Environment Agency are now pulling out after carrying out maintenance work to the sea wall. On Tuesday (22^nd) I observed a male Hen Harrier and c15 Bearded Tits.

Newbourne Springs: Observations this week include Tawny Owl (4), Woodcock 2 and 15 Siskin’s.

Trimley Marshes: The birding is good as winter wildfowl numbers increase. Today observations included 1400 Teal, 300 Wigeon, 110 Gadwall, 100 Pintail, 100 Shoveler, c400 Greylag Geese, 200 Canada Geese, 6 Barnacle Geese and c100 Brent. There were also c800 Lapwing and c700 Golden Plover, 2 Marsh Harriers and a Peregrine Falcon.

Trimley Reserve

2011-11-19T10:11:00.001-08:00

When Graham arrived at the Visitor Centre to unlock he found that there had been an attempted break in. More damage once again with shutters ripped off and doors damaged. A crimes officer took photos of the footprints on the doors, fingers crossed that someone is caught but it is unlikely.

A green Sandpiper was seen on the reserve today.

The Orwell Estuary

2011-11-18T07:24:00.000-08:00

The Orwell estuary is protected by international legislation; we all have a moral and legal duty to ensure we do not harm these special intertidal habitats. The Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group, local bait diggers and anglers have agreed on a voluntary code of conduct. Following the code will mean better bait digging, more food and fewer disturbances for wading birds. The seasonal closure of specified areas will allow for the worms’ breeding season between 1^st November and the 30^th of April.

Today, during the co-ordinated low water waterbird count of the Stour and Orwell estuaries, I observed five bait diggers on the mudflats adjacent to the Orwell Bridge who were ignoring the ban. This selfish action by these bait diggers not only flies in the face of other anglers and bait diggers who are abiding by the ban but all of the representatives from organisations who have spent many hours of their free time to come up with a negotiated way forward to better protect the mudflats, invertebrates and the wintering populations of waterbirds.

Beautiful estuary - no wading birds!

Newbourne Springs

2011-11-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

It was eerie at 5.30 this morning, bright moonlight and quiet except for a chorus of Tawny Owls, at least four birds were calling to one another. A Little Owl called and flew over our heads. At day break as soon as the dew had fallen from the trees Siskin were busy feeding in the tops of the Alders.

Trimley Marshes

2011-11-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

Early this morning in darkness we had a ghost of a bird hunting the verge of the bridleway, our headlights also picked out two Woodcock and several Snipe and it was obviouse that there had been a fall of Blackbirds. Later we also saw a Hen Harrier.

We caught three Bullfinches, a Green Woodpecker and several Blackbirds.

Snape Marshes

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Management work is progressing well with Barry Day and Sons having almost slubbed out the long winding dyke that bisects the reserve. Both Alan and Carl were topping the improved grazing marsh areas. Derek our voluntary warden was supervising the Snape volunteers who were clearing a fence line.

Observations included Marsh Harrier, Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Migrant Hawker dragonfly and a common Darter.

Snape Marshes

2011-11-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Reserve enhancement is progressing, see photos below showing dyke restoration and a new pool in the reed bed.

Restoring a perimeter dyke

A new pool in the reed bed

Trimley Marshes

2011-11-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

A fall of blackbirds and fieldfares was most notable this morning. There was also 5 Woodcock, Buzzard and the wildfowl numbers of all species are increasing.

Snape Marshes

2011-11-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Now that the Snape marshes are in the Governments Higher Level Stewardship scheme we have begun enhancing existing and creating new wildlife areas.

Trimley Marshes

2011-11-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

More Robins and Fieldfares on the reserve today plus a few Goldcrests. I also caught an adult male Sparrowhawk, I just love these birds.

Anna and male Sparrowhawk

A small fall of these birds during the last few days

British Trust for Ornithology

2011-11-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a fantastic day out with my granddaughter Hannah in London last week with the Director of the British Trust for Ornithology, Andy Clements, and other BTO colleagues. We had a guided tour by Baroness Barbara Young of the House of Commons and the Lords and in the evening we were guests at the BTO Awards Ceremony at the Society of Wildlife Artists in the Mall Galleries.

Me and Hannah

Baroness Young and Hannah

Hazelwood Marshes & Snape Marshes

2011-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

The fine weather is allowing the contractors to make good progress with maintenance work on the sea wall at Hazelwood.

A pair of Mute Swans and four cygnets at Snape

Trimley Marshes

2011-10-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

Birds on the reserve today included Buzzard 4, Marsh Harrier, Barn owl, Water Rail 2, Kingfisher, Jack Snipe and Short-eared Owl. We caught the first fieldfare and Goldcrest for this winter.

Trimley Reserve

2011-10-17T10:58:00.001-07:00

Winter migration part one. http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/562/swt-conservation-documentries/trimley-marshes-migration-pt1

Trimley Marshes

2011-10-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

A long day at Trimley, David, Mike and Margaret carried out more management work on the summer flood and John topped another field.

Observations included Buzzard 4, Sparrowhawk, Jay 5 and Greenshank. Birds ringed included Chiffchaff 4, Song Thrush 3 and a Jay.

Mike

Dave has been volunteering for over twenty years

Margarete and Mike

Trimley Marshes

2011-10-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Beachwatch results from Andrew Cassy, a short update for this years event, thanks to you all for making it such a great success yet again.

http://atadastral.co.uk/2011/10/10/largest-beachwatch-in-the-uk-again/

Conservation Day & 50th AGM

2011-10-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust Conservation Day and the 50^th AGM was held in the Corn Hall at Diss. Following the opening remarks by Lord Cranbrook we had excellent talks by Mike Harding on ‘The Remaking of a Fen’, Tim Pankhurst on ‘The Importance of Redgrave & Lopham Fen’, Dr Helen Smith on ‘Fen Raft Spider on the move’ and Nick Mason on ‘The Changing Fortunes of Suffolk’s Dragonflies’.

The AGM was carried out quickly and efficiently. The Chairman Sir Kenneth Carlisle in his report thanked the staff and all of their volunteers for their hard work and dedication to conservation.

In the afternoon we enjoyed a walk at Redgrave and Lopham Fen led by Andrew Excell and Richard Young.

Trimley Marshes

2011-10-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

Reserve management with the mid-week volunteers and insects. A Felixstowe TV video http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/555/swt-conservation-documentries/trimley-marshes-insects

Trimley Marshes

2011-10-07T03:30:00.000-07:00

Litter Pick

A video from Felixstowe TV. http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/557/community-a-charity/beach-watch-litter-pick

Trimley Reserve

2011-10-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

Freeing a blocked sluice between the reservoir and lagoon area.

Big John getting stuck in (photo by Anna Alam)

Trimley Reserve

2011-10-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Thankfully we have almost finished cutting and raking the grassland on the summer flood; I am also purposely draining the flood so that I can have a heavy tracked vehicle on to recontour the scrape area. The work should be taken place in a week or two.

Observations included Wheatear 3, Greenshank and Marsh Harrier.

Summer flood being drained

Trimley Reserve & Levington

2011-10-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

Birds today at Trimley included Little Stint, 3 Egyptian Geese and a Short-eared Owl.

At Levington there was a Dotterel, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Spoonbill.

Hazelwood Marshes

2011-10-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

I had a site meeting this morning with Dorothy (line manager) and Mike Pratt and Mervyn Miller our two voluntary wardens. The photo shows us standing on the sea wall inspecting the maintenance work that is being carried out by the Environment Agency. The grazing and the annual marsh management work is going exceptionally well. While we discussed the winter work programme a Hobby appeared over our heads hunting for dragonflies.

Mike, Dorothy and Mervyn

Trimley Marshes

2011-09-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

A short video clip from Felixstowe TV
http://www.felixstowetv.co.uk/video-archive/viewvideo/555/swt-conservation-documentries/trimley-marshes-insects

Levington Lagoon

2011-09-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

We were catching and ringing waders at Levington Lagoon last night. It was a perfect warm, starry night with a gentle breeze, no moon and the highest tide of the year. However, the only downside was that high tide was at 0200 hrs. Four, two panel North Ronaldsey nets were erected across the wetland areas of the lagoon at around 1830 hrs. Whilst setting the nets we caught a Snipe which was a very promising start to the evening. In no time at all darkness fell and it became completely dark and eerie. The calls and cries of hundreds of waders from the mudflats filled us with exciting expectations.

Over the last thirty winters, I have enjoyed the experiences of such occasion’s scores of times resulting in numerous adventurous nights and countless memories.

One of our target birds was Redshank so that we could individually colour ring them in order to follow their movements as part of a Natural England and British Trust for Ornithology led Project on the survival and ‘Turn Over’ of waders on the Orwell estuary over the winter period.

Our catch included Redshank 41, Snipe 2, Oystercatcher 1, Curlew 3, Dunlin 5, Grey Plover 1, Golden Plover 1 and one Spotted Redshank. We also controlled an Iceland Redshank.

We retired for home with the milkman, shattered, at 0500 hrs. Our ringing session had lasted 11 hours, another fantastic night out.

Anna holding an Oystercatcher

Spotted Redshank

Golden Plover

Trimley Marshes

2011-09-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic day weather wise. Avocets on the reservoir enjoying the sunshine.

Trimley and Levington Reserves

2011-09-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

The weather was absolutely fabulous, the skies were clear and it was hot with a light breeze all day.

At Trimley, David, John, Mike, Tom, big John, Dillon and Margaret worked hard today helping me to manage the reserve. We cut lots of grass and reeds, raked off clippings and even repaired the BCS.

Whilst on Levington Lagoon, Stuart with his mid-week team of volunteers were cutting, raking and burning reed.

Thanks to all the Volunteers who are worth their weight in gold!

FLASH BACK TO AUGUST 2007

2011-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Redgrave and Lopham Fen Team Day, August 2007. Lots of hard work and bags of fun. Peter had to hang his chainsaw up for the day.

Dressed for the part

Peter hasn't got a leg to stand on

Trimley Marshes

2011-09-25T11:38:00.001-07:00

The Coast & Estuary Voluntary Wardens September bird day was held at Trimley. The weather was warm and sunny; the day was enjoyed by all and we saw almost 50 species. Observations included Buzzard (3), Hobby, Avocet (45), Ruff (5), Snipe (3), Kingfisher, Bearded Tits, Curlew, Little Egret (4), Black-tailed Godwit (3), Redshank (c50), Mediterranean Gull (4), 7 species of duck, Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe.

Snape Marshes

2011-09-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Snape Marshes volunteers were pulling bracken again. Their hard work is paying off, the heathland is being restored as grassland replaces the bracken.

Photo by Derek Walduck

Trimley Marshes

2011-09-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

This last week has been very busy on the Trimley reserve. The mid-week team and the Trimley volunteers have been cutting the grass on the islands and raking off the clippings in readiness for this winter’s wildfowl.

Photo by Anna Alam

Observations have included up to 11 Ruff, several Green Sandpipers, 3 Buzzards, Whinchat and Sand Martins and Swallows have been heading south all week. There have also been several fresh Red Admirals

On Sunday around 160 scouts took part in Beachwatch, which was even more successful than last year and could again be the largest single Beachwatch event in the UK. Some of the more unusual items collected this year included a plastic skeleton, football, plastic drain cover, box of pills and a road cone.

I would like to thank Andrew Cassy from BT for organizing the event and to everyone for making the day a great success for the benefit of our local environment and community.

Today at Levington Creek there was a Dotterel in with the roosting Golden Plover.

Mick's Blog

2011-09-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

I am back from a three week birding holiday in Borneo where I was fortunate to see my target species, Bristlehead, the only species in its family and one that is threatened. Other targets, of course, were wild Orang Utans and Proboscis Monkeys. I also saw the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth, and the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia.

Now it’s back to work, so I will endeavour to add to my blog in the coming days. Below are a few pics from my holiday.

Orang Utan

Atlas Moth

Rafflesia

Blue-eared Kingfisher

Proboscis Monkey

Wallace's Hawk Eagle

Trimley Marshes Reserve

2011-08-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Passage waders today included 2 Wood Sandpipers, 7 Green Sandpipers, 5 Ruff, 5 Common Sandpipers, Turnstone, Greenshank, 24 Avocet, 18 Black-tailed Godwits and 85 Lapwings. Other birds of note include Barn Owl, juvenile Peregrine, 2 Buzzards and 1 Wheatear (per Justine Z. & Paul O.)

The Wasp Spiders are showing well at several locations by the bridleway.

Simpson's Saltings

2011-08-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

This Grey Squirrel was on Simpson's saltings, miles from the nearest trees.

Trimley and Levington

2011-08-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

At Trimley Marshes passage waders of note included four Ruff, two Spotted Redshank, singles of both Dunlin and Snipe, five Green Sandpipers and six Common Sandpipers. Also seen were a Little Egret, 32 Teal, a juvenile Water Rail and a Cetti's Warbler (Justin Zantboer). On the River Orwell at Levington Creek 280+ Golden Plover were present along with an excellent count of 27 Grey Plover with three Whimbrel also noted. Other birds of note here included four Little Egrets, a Buzzard and a female Marsh Harrier. A Spotted Flycatcher was seen in the scrub on the northern side of the Marina (Will Brame).

TRIMLEY FLASHBACK 1999

2011-08-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

David White and John Thirlwell, who between them have over forty years of volunteering on the reserve are seen here working as a pair or in harmony, under the topper, trying to undo a large nut that is holding the cutter blade to the gearbox.

Trimley Reserve

2011-08-10T11:33:00.001-07:00

Passage waders on the reserve today included 3 Green Sandpipers, 4 Common sandpipers, 5 Ruff, 2 Greenshank and 2 Spotted Redshank.

Simpson's Saltings

2011-08-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a site visit to this remote SWT reserve, which is important for its range of plants. Below are a few photographs of Rock Samphire. I also saw several Grayling butterflies on the reserve.

Trimley Marshes

2011-08-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

I located some Wasp Spiders in the long grass that borders the bridleway. The first Wheatear of the autumn was seen today along with Nightingale, Bullfinch,Chiffchaffs, Whitethroats, Bearded Tits, Yellow Wagtails, Buzzard, several Ruff, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper and Avocets.

Trimley Reserve

2011-08-03T07:17:00.001-07:00

There are now c30 Yellow Wagtails feeding in with the cattle.

Dartford Warblers

2011-08-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Another four Dartford Warbler chicks, c7 days old, coloured ringed today.

Seal Relaxing

2011-07-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

This Seal is looking real comfortable. The photo was taken near Pin Mill on the River Orwell by Peter Evans Uk LTD.

Waders

2011-07-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Return migration of passage waders to their wintering grounds is well underway.

Hazelwood - 3 Little Ringed Plovers, Wood Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper.

Levington Creek - 94 Golden Plover, 3 Whimbrel, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Turnstone.

Trimley Marshes - 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper and good numbers of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit.

Nightjars

2011-07-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago I was successful in catching three Nightjars, two male and a female. The two trainee ringers with me were thrilled at the experience of being so close to these wonderful birds. The special and dwindling habitats associated with our coastal forests and heaths are so important for these birds. However, the Nightjar is in decline. A recent study suggests that nest failure is most likely in areas heavily frequented by walkers and dogs (Langston et al. 2007).

Trimley Marshes

2011-07-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

Along with 95 lively and enthusiastic children from Trimley St. Mary Primary school we explored the beach and the reserve. I enjoyed my day and I am sure the children did too. They found lots of crabs, hoppers, spiders, even a lizard and two grass snakes.

Trimley Marshes

2011-07-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Trimley volunteers Mike Turner, John Thirwell, John Rayment and Dylan Smith worked on the summer flood area. The first of many days to come in cutting and raking off the clippings.

Trimley Reserve - Then and Now

2011-07-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

The first photo, taken in 1995, shows the new section of perimeter dyke and a new access on to the reserve. Note that no shrubs or reed are to be seen.

The second photo taken today shows the worn access onto the reserve, a dyke that has completly been colonised by reed and edged by fantastic wildlife rich habitat of scrub and herbage.

This part of the reserve has gone from no flora and fauna at all to a rich corridor for wildlife where feeding, loafing, roosting and migration occurs. It also supports at least 22 breeding species of bird inluding Reed and Sedge Warblers, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Nightingale, Linnet and Bullfinch.

Flashback - Trimley 1998

2011-07-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

Graham and Ivan repairing a joint in the pipe that brings fresh water into our reservoir. Both are still volunteering and Graham now co-ordinates weekend cover for manning the Visitor Centre.

Sparrowhawks

2011-07-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

The Newton, Backhouse and Wright ringing group have now ringed 24 chicks this year in mid-Suffolk. This is thanks to Reg Woodard for finding the nests and for keeping landowners informed and to Paul who has ringed most of them this year. This is the second year in succession where breeding success has not been good, possibly meaning that this area of countryside is at carrying capacity for this species.

Levington

2011-07-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Villagers from Levington were taken on an evening walk by Trazar Astley-Reid (Suffolk Estuaries Officer) and me. Our walk along the river was to see and find out more about local wildlife and how we need to work together to safeguard this treasured area of countryside.

The evening was more like late autumn, overcast, menacing clouds, cold and rain, nevertheless banter was high, lots of discussion, smiles and laughter and it was appreciated that Sally was present to find all the birds. We observed Avocet on the lagoon, a pair of Marsh Harriers over Steve’s fields and good numbers of Black-tailed Godwits still in superb summer plumage in the creek.

Joe Davis

2011-07-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Joe on your new job at Rutland water.

I hope they do not work you quite so hard as you worked here.

Joe at Lackford

Nashville Tennessee

2011-07-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

**Hi Jan**

I trust that you are well and hope you saw the Black Swifts and Mountain Quails.
Must write soon, best wishes.
Mick

Trimley Marshes

2011-07-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

As well as the usual wader species being present others of note included Common Sandpiper 2, Green Sandpiper 3, Ruff 2, Greenshank 3 and Spotted Redshank 3. Other birds of note included Marsh Harrier M&F, Mediterranean Gull and several Common Terns.

The photograph below is of a young male Cetti's Warbler, even at this young age we can distinguish between males and females. The males are larger, longer winged and weigh more

Trimley Marshes

2011-07-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Observations of note today included Black Redstart, 6 Bearded Tit, Ruff, Green Sandpiper and lots of Godwits and Avocets.

Stuart and the mid-week volunteers were digging a new slope on the dyke edge to enable visitors sitting in the hide to have better views of, for example, Water Vole, Otter and Little Grebe .

Stour and Orwell Wader Turn-over Project

2011-07-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

See below and excellent photograph of a summer plumaged Redshank in Iceland taken by John Tromp (www.johntromp.com). I ringed this bird at Levington Lagoon as an adult on the 8th October 2010. This summer it is breeding in NW Iceland 500 miles south of a small village, Reykholer.

Newton, Backhouse and Wright ringing group are involved in individually colour ringing Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin.

Trimley Reserve

2011-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

My grandson Callum was a Trimley volunteer today and one of his jobs was mowing an area of grass.

Reserve update

2011-07-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

At Hazelwood yesterday a Black-winged Stilt was seen from the hide before flying off.

Breakfast, for some staff colleagues, included left-over Hog roast as well as a hang-over! Here at Trimley Reserve this morning Anna (No.1 trainee ringer) and I had cereal and then eggs on toast at around 6 am. Still not many young birds caught but we did have a new brood of Bearded Tits. In the pic below the female is on the left, not just because it had a black bill but because it had a high voice and did not stop chattering!

Volunteers Mike and John worked hard today in the baking hot sun cutting and raking grass at a number of locations.

Trimley Reserve

2011-07-03T10:33:00.001-07:00

Highlights included two Little Egrets, male Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, 43 Avocets, 47 Black-tailed Godwits which included a few L.l.limosa, Greenshank, two Spotted Redshank, a Ruff, two Green Sandpipers, one Common Sandpiper, an adult Mediterranean Gull, Water Rail and two Bearded Tits (per Paul Oldfield).

Birds

2011-07-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

A young Blackbird, a rare sight this summer.

Darford Warbler

2011-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

The last two cold winter periods has affected the number of breeding Dartford Warblers on the coastal heathland areas but, at least, this year they are having a much better breeding season than last year. The birds are now producing their second broods.

The Newton, Backhouse & Wright ringing group are involved in a colour ringing project in order to monitor movements on their breeding grounds and between sites. Each bird is individually colour ringed. This season on Upper and Lower Hollesley and Sutton Common we have colour ringed just over 30 birds.

If you visit these areas and see any colour ringed birds please inform me or contact SWT headquarters, thank you.

Trimley Marshes

2011-06-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sunrise at Trimley and Anna has an audience while she processes a young Reed Bunting. Sometimes we have the whole herd around us including the bull but they are not interested at all; its a waste of time talking to them although Anna's tries hard to communicate.

Mostly young birds were caught today including 8 Reed Buntings but still no young Sedge Warblers; it appears that they have failed to produce any youngsters.

During the early part of the morning we had lovely views of two Barn Owls.

Trimley Reserve

2011-06-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Another hot sunny day; the breeding season for our waders and wildfowl is almost at an end and it has not been too successful. Despite this, bird numbers are building on the reserve with ducks moving in from elsewhere to moult. Soon these birds will be in eclipse making identification a nightmare. Waders too are returning, Black-tailed Godwit 55, Avocet c70 plus a few Lapwings and two Spotted Redshanks.

On the river, towards the Trimley retreat, there were three Common Scoters.

On the reservoir I photographed a Heron eating a fish (is it a Rudd or Roach?), note how thick its neck is in the second picture. Double click on image to see it better.

Snape Marshes

2011-06-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Dorothy, myself and volunteer wardens Derek and Lesley led a guided walk around the marshes for the Snape WI. A very enjoyable evening, plenty of banter and laughs.

Newbourne Springs

2011-06-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

Stuart and Margaret helping me or perhaps I was helping them to repair the kissing gate to prevent the sheep from escaping.

At least two Turtle Dove territories.

Trimley Marshes

2011-06-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

The reserve is very quiet at the moment with just the usual species. Birds of note included a pair of Mediterranean Gulls, Marsh Harrier and Yellow Wagtail.

We did, however ring four Barn Owl chicks in the Barn.

Trimley Reserve

2011-06-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

An early start to survey birds at a site on the edge of Ipswich. Breeding Linnets, skylarks and a variety of summer migrants were abundant. Then it was onto Trimley Marshes where there was a Red Kite (Paul Oldfield), 3 Spoonbills over and other birds of note included Buzzard, Barn Owl, Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler, Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. Below is a photograph that I took today of one of my favourite grasses, Meadow Barley.

Levington

2011-06-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Two male Grasshopper Warblers were caught today; one was a new bird and the other was a retrap, a returning young bird that fledged on site in 2010. Other observations of note included Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Garden Warbler and the first young Reed Warblers of the summer.

Earlier in the week, two young Little Owls were ringed from the Barn Owl box located in the huge oak tree in the meadow.

Julie and Anna with young Little Owl chicks

Reserve News

2011-06-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

At Trimley this last week the customary birds have been present, up to 3 Buzzards and 2 Marsh Harriers. Several Black-headed Gulls have now fledged whilst duckling numbers have been very low. Two broods of Shelduck and a brood of Pochard have been seen. The Kestrels have five chicks and the Barn Owl too has five youngsters. The Bearded Tits have chicks to the flying stage and the first of the Sedge Warbler chicks have left their nest.

At Newbourne Springs there was a Red Kite on Thursday and on Friday a Spotted Flycatcher was seen near the car park.

Trimley Marshes

2011-06-05T10:28:00.001-07:00

This evening there was a 1st summer Little Gull on the reservoir.

Trimley Marshes

2011-06-04T13:03:00.001-07:00

A Spoonbill was present on the reservoir today.

Snape Marshes

2011-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

I was on the marshes this morning with my line manager to monitor the site in these drought conditions that we are experiencing as well as looking at recent management work.

There were hundreds of Marsh Orchids in flower and we had a pair of Marsh Harriers hunting over the reserve. Dragonflies this morning included Black-tailed Skimmer, Four-spotted Chasers, Hairy Dragonflys, Azure, Blue-tailed and Large Red Damselflys.

Trimley update

2011-05-18T07:32:00.001-07:00

On arrival at Trimley I found that the Visitor Centre had been broken into again, the second time in two weeks. More damage, more repair work and unnecessary time and money.

On a brighter note we have a Black-necked Grebe in full summer plumage on the reservoir.