Trimley Reserve

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

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

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

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

Levington Lagoon

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

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

Trimley and Levington Reserves

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!