No Mirrors Involved!

In this issue:-

 News from the reserves  Group leader’s report  Field trip reports  A visit to Devon and Somerset

No mirrors involved!

These almost double images of courting avocets and adult birds with their chicks were taken by Alan Baldry at Boy- ton Marsh.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales—No. 207076, Scotland No. SC037654 GROUP LEADER’S REPORT from Chris Courtney

t’s mostly been a very good summer, so lucky! These famous songsters not I bar the occasional heavy thunderstorm, infrequently take up residence in odd tan- and as usual the group has been out en- gles of brambles, such as the old cattle joying a wealth of local summer birds, yards by the Gipping in the centre of butterflies, dragonflies and wildflowers. town or in a remnant of hedgerow that Perhaps you joined us? Our local guided runs behind Braziers Wood Road. An- walks led by Stephen Marginson and other male I heard singing in the small Kathy Reynolds provided sight and triangle of bushes behind the A12 inter- sound of the rich variety of wildlife we section by the road leading to the Black have in and around Ipswich. See the trip Tiles at Martlesham. Most probably reports on pages ten onwards for further these birds, not being in prime habitat, details of what we found in local nature may well be young males who quite likely hotspots such as Purdis Heath, will not succeed in finding a mate, some- Rushmere Common, Bourne Park Reed- thing that for nightingales can be indi- beds, Spring Wood, Kiln Meadow, cated when birds continue singing be- Hollesley Common and Belstead Water tween midnight and 3.00 a.m. in the Meadows, which included a good variety weeks after first arrival. of summer warblers, nightingales, nightjars, hobbies and peregrines. However, this does demonstrate how by identifying these fragments, and with a bit I stood in for Kathy for our delightful May of encouragement and with some joined walk around Piper’s Vale, when we saw up thinking, such areas could help to and heard several nightingales, black- make Ipswich even better for wildlife than caps, reed warblers, a pair of unusually it already is. Indeed, a number of initia- showy garden warblers plus up on the tives are currently being developed. The Orwell Bridge nest box, the female pere- creation of an Ipswich wildlife map will grine and at least three well developed help with the creation and development chicks. On my way back to the car park of integrated wildlife corridors, so as to (but not unfortunately shared with the build an ecological network between ex- others, since I had to leave a little early) I isting core conservation areas, such as enjoyed privileged views of a striking the local nature reserves and parks, spotted flycatcher as it flew down to where we conduct many of our local bathe in a puddle along the lane. group walks.

It is amazing how birds sometimes pitch These initiatives will provide some great up in all sorts of remnants of habitat. Last opportunities for our group to get in- summer, my Ipswich garden was graced volved and to help engage our communi- by a singing lesser whitethroat that ty with the wildlife in our immediate vicini- turned up in early May and continued to ty, as well as helping to raise the profile sing (although only sighted twice) in the of the RSPB in the town - an important block of gardens behind my house for the task given around a quarter of Suffolk’s next six weeks or so. I have not as yet population lives here! had a nightingale in my garden although I know some of our members have been (Continued on page 3)

2 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 2) been a better time for us to get out there to do our bit for the RSPB and for wildlife! I can’t imagine any of us could have re- mained unaware of the presence of In August the group participated in the Messrs. Packham, Hughes-Games and Wildlife Homes Event in Ellenbrook Strachan up at RSPB Minsmere for this Meadow, an example of the sort of new year’s BBC Springwatch! Indeed, several initiative I mentioned earlier, which was of our members (Mick and Judy Cook organised by the Greenways Countryside and Tim Kenny) volunteered at Minsmere Project, Ipswich Wildlife Group and the throughout, helping the reserve cope with Friends of Belstead Brook Park. Specifi- the all the extra visitors the show attract- cally targeted at residents living within the ed. Perhaps you even saw their familiar corridor between Stonelodge Park and faces on the telly, as all three managed Gusford Primary School, on the fringe of to get their mugs on Unsprung with Nick Belstead Brook Park, it offered residents Baker! Tim even got asked a question in the designated area up to two free about his expe- wildlife homes rience of suc- (i.e. bird nest cessfully intro- box/hedgehog ducing his house/log piles young niece to etc. of various a bittern! Bril- designs) plus liant! Very well advice and in- done to all of formation. The you and as I idea being to understand it, increase aware- you all enjoyed Our stall on Family Wildlife Day at ness and under- it so much you Holywells Park on 30 July. Picture—Chris Courtney standing of the have continued wild creatures to volunteer regularly at the reserve ever living in their neighbourhood and, most since! importantly, to inspire people to provide space and homes for wildlife in their own All the positive publicity that Springwatch gardens, so as to help to create a brand has brought to the RSPB, and especially new eco-corridor between two these two to our region, gives us a great lead in local nature hotspots! when connecting with many new people, eager to learn more about wildlife and the Watch this space for further news on how RSPB both at our meetings, walks and our group can get involved in similar pro- other events. Being able to show people jects in the future! the wildlife on their doorsteps is a very powerful thing, and it’s quite amazing In July, following on from last year’s suc- how often people remark how, despite cess, we attended the IBC ranger’s Fami- having lived here for years, ‘I never knew ly Wildlife Fun Day at Holywells Park, about this lovely patch of ancient wood- when the wonderful weather ensured a land ……..or that secret wild corner of the fantastic turnout at which our sales stall, local park.’ With Springwatch back at run by Mick and Judy, did brisk business! Minsmere again next year, there’s never (Continued on page 4)

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(Continued from page 3) to see at first hand their award winning High Level Stewardship farm. In addition, the RSPB membership re- cruiter Paul we‘d invited down from the Subsequently mid June saw Peter Locke Norwich office signed up at least five new and me out with a ladder inspecting barn family memberships, and more than 30 owl boxes. This year in addition to the people attended my guided bird walk, Greenways boxes we also had seven making it a most successful and worth- boxes assigned to me in a variety of loca- while day in tions out along the Orwell and every respect! along the Felixstowe peninsula. Unfortunately, this year none of Following on the boxes contained nesting from our talk barn owls, although some regu- from Mike lar recent sightings had been Swindells on made, plus in a few places birds Suffolk Barn were known to be nesting near- Owls to the by. Hopefully next year we will group back in be luckier! chilly February, Nest box and jackdawNest eggsbox and jackdaw eggs I decided that I Picture—Chris CourtneyPicture —Chris Courtney However, evi- really should dence of several get myself other species trained and was discovered, licensed as a mostly jack- monitor on the Suffolk daws, which Community Barn Owl Pro- characteristically ject (SCBOP). Having fill boxes with already assisted Peter heaped up twigs Locke for a number of and sticks. In years monitoring the fact it has even Greenways barn owl box- been known for es located around the jackdaws to south-west fringe of Ipswich, I already continue to bring in sticks depositing had a good idea of what is involved, plus them on top of a sitting barn owl, when I knew that further increases in the num- the bird would, without the timely inter- bers of boxes erected meant that addi- ventions of a barn owl monitor, have ulti- tional monitors were very much needed! mately have become trapped and starved to death! The training up at Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Redgrave and Lopham Fen at the end of One box was reported to contain nesting March was a thorough and most enjoya- little owls, but although a clutch of four ble day, at the hands of several familiar warm eggs was found, a photo (only pos- faces including Steve and Kathy sible by poking my iPhone along through Piotrowsi and Patrick Barker of Lodge the hole) revealed not the pure white Farm at Westhorpe, where the group eggs of a little owl, but the green and enjoyed an evening visit a few years back (Continued on page 5)

4 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 4) black specked eggs of yes, you’ve guessed it, yet more cheeky jackdaws.

The highlight proved to be the penulti- mate box when, as I climbed the ladder, out flew a fine female kestrel, and further inspection revealed five lovely buff-white and heavily red-brown speckled eggs. We quickly completed gathering all the information required and were pleased to observe the female return straight into the Guess who? box once we had retreated a little dis- Picture—Lorna Courtney tance away.

The position of barn owls in our area (as Lots of great talks, exciting field meetings elsewhere in the county) has improved and other events coming up - check the dramatically in recent years thanks mainly diary pages and website for further de- to the efforts of the Suffolk Community tails. Barn Owl Project. Areas around Ipswich, where barn owls had all but disappeared before the project started, have witnessed Alder Carr Farm an increase of around 500%. Following a poor year last year when many adult birds Tel: 01449 720820 were found dead, due mainly to the ex- ceptionally long cold spring, this year Sponsors of an indoor meeting numbers are up with at least 21 young birds having fledged in the areas to the east and north-east of the town and additional birds being produced by eight or Ipswich Microwave nine further pairs in territories located to Centre the north. Tel: 01473 725699 Finally, I should like to thank everyone who supported me for doing this year’s Sponsors of an indoor meeting Great East Swim on 21 June in Alton Wa- ter. Thankfully it was a glorious midsum- mer day, as you may well recall, as some of our group were busy enjoying a quiet walk around the conservation end of the Collins Waste Solutions reservoir that same day! The swim was huge fun and I completed the mile circuit Tel: 01473 327596 in a reasonably respectable official time of 35.51m, raising over £270 for the Sponsors of an indoor RSPB! meeting

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RSPB TRIP TO DEVON AND SOMERSET 8-13 May 2014 by Richard Stewart ortunately my wife and I were at the On our journey to the first hotel I counted F indoor meeting of the Ipswich group nineteen red kites around the Oxford when this holiday, organised by the area, where they became one of the first RSPB Woodbridge group, was an- reintroduction attempts. The total was nounced. On our way to the West we probably nearer thirty as others were called in at the RSPB's Rye Meads re- seen by Barry and Marion Hart, at the serve. This appeared well managed with other end of the back seat. I couldn't see good paths and sensitive approaches to these because of the seat belt. As we hides. We ate our packed lunch in the approached our hotel at Steeple Aston a reception area, looking out to a feeding grey heron was observed fishing in a station that had attracted rabbits, a mal- nearby river. lard, blue and great tits, dunnock, robin, chaffinch and blackbird. Perhaps Next day, at Otmoor RSPB reserve, Zoe the best sighting was of a greenfinch, the assistant warden was our guide. In seldom seen these days in our Ipswich the car park we saw a light-coloured garden. At the Draper Hide we looked pheasant and heard a whitethroat sing- out over a scrape to reedbeds and then ing. Zoe mentioned that both cuckoo and more distant scrub. Here I saw my first turtle doves were back, the latter having swifts of the year plus tufted duck, successfully fledged five young in 2013. black-headed gull, moorhen, coot, car- Unfortunately we heard neither. This re- rion crow, mute swan, lapwing, gad- serve was created in 1997 from 400 hec- wall and Canada geese. The showers tares of original arable land, the aim be- that were to be a feature of each day had ing to recreate the wild wetland land- brought out many snails and black slugs scape of the 1800s. Our list grew quickly: as we walked to the more distant King- two skylarks close and low, magpie, lap- fisher Hide, listening to reed and sedge wing, goldfinch, distant hobby, oyster- warblers, chiffchaff and the more stri- catcher, redshank, coot, nesting mute dent Cetti's warbler. This hide over- swans, and two Canada geese. My own looked a pool with a man-made kingfisher highlight was watching several pairs of bank at its far end. On arrival we were nesting lapwings chasing a red kite told that one had just gone but persis- across one field, over a tall hedge and tence worked. It came back, entering a right to the far end of the next large field. hole with a fish, then out again, being An electric fence has been installed to joined by a second one on a branch pro- deter predators such as badgers but it jecting from the water. A brief mating oc- cannot prevent smaller carnivores or aeri- curred, one then flying to a nearby tree al attack. Another fence protected flower- and the other landing on another branch, ing fen violet. A hut near the path had closer to the hide, giving superb views of been meant for warden use but it not only its iridescent plumage. I have watched had colonising tree bees but also a blue many kingfishers but this was the most tit nesting in an attached box and swifts varied and intense observation, all within under the corrugated roof. The wardens about seven minutes. wisely decided to go elsewhere.

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6 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 6) Warren. They now live in Devon. I was surprised to see mandarin ducks along We were relieved to enter the Wetlands the stream near the car park, close to the Watch Hide, because of the strong wind more expected pied and grey wagtails. and clouds, and the panoramic windows On the nearby feeder we observed sis- gave sightings of linnet, circling house kins, marsh, coal and great tits. A holly martins and swifts, little egrets, gad- blue was seen, actually on holly, but to wall, lapwing with two young, a distant my regret there were no sightings of the roe deer and a grey heron nesting in a rarer pearl bordered fritillaries that have tall hedge. a colony here. Our path took us either side of the stream, and we were soon The combination of sunshine and a tall hearing and/or seeing green woodpeck- sheltering hedge produced a microcli- er, nuthatch, treecreeper, song thrush, mate along our next wood pigeon, blackcap, path, with at least wood warbler, goldcrest four male and a family of grey wag- brimstones, tails around a fallen tree. orange tip and Finally we all got good small tortoise- views of one of the re- shell, many freshly serve's specialities, the emerged damsel- pied flycatcher. The bota- flies, most without nists had a real field day, colour, but azure with yellow pimpernel, was identified and wood sorrel, wood anem- close views of a one, bugle, bluebells, four spot chaser dog's violet, opposite drying its new leaved golden saxifrage wings. A lesser and hemlock water drop- whitethroat was wort. Mosses and lichens Sedge warbler singing in the Picture—Chris Courtney were in abundance and alt- hedge plus a good hough oaks dominate this view of a male reed wood, my most impressive bunting. The nearby Lizard Lounge Hide tree was a tall venerable holly, equal to has disturbed ground to attract these spe- those at Staverton Thicks. cies but it wasn't warm enough to draw them out. However, from the hide we saw The afternoon walk to much higher heath- distant hobby, pochard, tufted duck, land was blighted by wind and heavy rain, shoveler and, on our return, a chaffinch forcing us down to a more sheltered lower and two peacock butterflies. level. Here we enjoyed the company of several grazing ponies but birds were in The whole of Saturday was spent at short supply: just linnets, swifts, a carri- Yarner Wood NNR in the company of on crow and one stonechat. Neverthe- Rob Macklin and his wife Kathie. Rob will less we were able to appreciate the vista be remembered by many for his work on in front of us, all of it protected as far as the Suffolk coast over many years in dif- the eye could see, Yarner Wood with the ferent RSPB jobs, particularly at North (Continued on page 8)

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(Continued from page 7) crested grebe, shag and black-headed gulls were present. Rob identified fulmar adjoining Trendlebere Down and Bovey and ruff but the best bird was a great Valley all being part of the East Dartmoor northern diver, unexpected at this time series of National Nature Reserves. of year but probably a juvenile not yet in mating mode. On Sunday Rob and Kathie Macklin joined us for a second day, starting at Surprisingly we had seen no buzzards Prawle Point. From the sheltering lane for the last two days, but as we headed we could see gannets out at sea on what back two were seen from the coach, plus was a boisterous day. Already we had a superb rainbow. Rob and Kathie also recorded starlings, swallows, house saw two more. sparrows and goldfinches. Down the lane hart's tongue fern was abundant On Monday, having said goodbye to Rob plus a few early purple orchids. Holly and Kathie, we headed for Swell Wood, blue and speckled wood butterflies best known for its heronry, with 138 nests were seen and a good view was had of a counted this year. It is close to the car singing yellowhammer. Along the park and inside the hide we heard plenty coastal path we recorded great black- of noise and activity but sightings were backed gulls, shag, oystercatchers, an limited by emerging oak leaves. A little inquisitive grey seal and a green-veined egret was nesting nearby. A short walk white sheltering in vegetation. The tar- around the wood revealed speckled get species was eventually found, with wood and green-veined white in a shel- everyone getting good telescope views of tered glade and at the feeders we saw a cirl bunting, a new species for me. great spotted woodpecker, chaffinch, Thanks to co-operation between local pheasant, great tit and coal tit. Two landowners and conservation groups, goldcrests were searching ivy on an oak especially the RSPB, their numbers have trunk and at the observation point some increased in recent years. On the path saw a distant roe deer and a spotted back we found red admiral and wall but- flycatcher. Here our guide pointed out terflies, sheltering in the stone walls. that, had we visited a few weeks earlier, the whole area visible, right up to Glas- Slapton Ley gave the initial impression of tonbury, would have been covered in four being much better protected from the sea to five feet of water. than our own Benacre Broad. However, we passed the houses at Torcross whose At the King Alfred Inn, Burrowbridge, recent flooding was featured on the na- there were several indicators of recent tional news. The Ley had choppy waves problems, a flag fluttering in a strong but we soon found coot, great crested breeze, with the message about dredging grebe, heron, Canada geese, tufted the main rivers. At the nearby bridge duck and four pochard. Swifts, house over the River Parrett a defiant banner martins, starlings and linnets were fly- read, 'The water may have rose, but your ing nearby plus a singing whitethroat. spirit has risen higher.' Kathie found fresh otter spraint, then we had to seek shelter from a sudden sleet Greylake was our next stop, with many storm. On the nearby beach Sandwich swifts, mute swans and singing sedge terns were fishing and sanderling, great (Continued on page 9) 8 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 8) heron, hobby, sparrowhawk, Canada geese, shelduck, great crested and warblers. From the hide we observed little grebe, lapwing, female marsh har- carrion crow, coot, house martins, rier and both common hawker and four shoveler, teal, two garganay and one spot chaser dragonflies. Those at the lapwing. Our very obliging driver, Nor- front managed to see not just a great man, was able to spot the difference be- white egret but also a distant flying bit- tween herons and little egrets, several tern. Then a fox appeared, running par- of which were fishing nearby, one dis- allel to our higher path. I stayed back at turbing the water with its feet. Suddenly a bush with flattened grass, hearing all their heads went up then a female chiffchaff and blackcap singing, but not marsh harrier appeared, hunting over the one nightingale, though those on the the reedbeds. On the way back we add- shorter walk had heard it earlier. This ed hairy hawker dragonfly, green- was the first reserve record since 1997 veined white, chaffinch and great tit. and we are fortunate in Suffolk to still However, the best bird came last, as an have many of these summer visitors. osprey flew over, a welcome and unexpected addition to our list. This was our final venue. According to Malcolm Key we saw 92 bird species on Ham Wall was our final reserve, and it is the trip. He and his wife Jane put a tre- becoming increasingly known for its rare mendous amount of work into organising birds, including cranes and little bittern, this trip, with comfortable hotels, good neither of which we saw. Bittern num- food, enjoyable company and a wide va- bers make it one of the best locations in riety of habitats and species within the the country for this species and I heard RSPB reserves we visited. four booming at different places on the walk. Large starling roosts are also a feature and this vast wetland was created from former peat extraction. Our guide, John Crispin, has worked on the reserve Goldfinch for half of its twenty years existence. His Picture—Chris Courtney alert eye spotted a flying kingfisher that most of us missed and at the start of our walk we also recorded a roe deer bound- ing from meadow to woodland, a fresh emergence of damselflies, most still lacking colour but with azure and blue- tailed identified. A water rail was heard squealing and John pointed out an otter trail across the path through the wetland. He also told us of the elver reintroduction scheme, to assist a species in decline and also provide food for bitterns and herons. Our species list grew quickly: brimstone and peacock butterflies, chiffchaff, cormorant ,Cetti's warbler,

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FIELD TRIP REPORTS by Stephen Marginson

BOURNE PARK, KILN MEADOW AND of Ipswich and is managed by Butterfly SPRING WOOD—19.4.14 Conservation, particularly for the rare The April trip covered Bourne Park, Kiln silver-studded blue butterfly, a typical Meadow and Spring Wood which lie on heathland species. The area consists of the green belt of countryside on the south areas of heather heath, which are being side of Ipswich. We were joined by Peter extended, surrounded by mature birch from the Greenways Project who manag- and oak woodland with a fair number of es this area on behalf of Babergh and pines as well. This gives a remarkable Ipswich Councils. Their work on wood- range of habitats in a small area, which in land management and maintenance of turn leads to prolific insect and other wild- pathways and boardwalks was much in life. The weather however made viewing evidence. Peter was able to give us a lot the wildlife present difficult with cloudy of useful information about the area and overcast conditions and a cold westerly its wildlife. We were treated to a warm wind blowing through the woods. We pleasant morning in which to amble were able to catch brief glimpses of chiff- through the area. The spring flowers chaff, whitethroat, blackcap and willow were at their best with the carpets of warbler and we heard a couple of short bluebells in Spring Wood being of partic- bursts of song from the summering popu- ular note. Also noted were cowslips, lation of nightingales. These birds love primroses, wood spurge, lesser celan- thickets which are in good supply on the dines, golden saxifrage and wood western side of the heath but the chilly anemones amongst others. Birdlife was conditions made singing brief and irregu- typical of that of ancient woodland and lar. Other birds noted included black- meadow. The first summer visitors were bird, robin and members of the tit fami- noted including willow warbler, chiff- ly. Lesser black-backed gulls, carrion chaff, blackcap, whitethroat and a crow, jackdaw and magpie were also probable garden warbler, always a little noted over the heath. Due to the chilly brown job that skulks in bushes. A reed conditions little of the rich insect life was warbler was heard in Bourne Park reed- apparent, this being disappointing after beds but not seen. A little grebe in full several warm days with butterflies on the summer plumage was a fine sight on the wing. Everyone enjoyed the leisurely Bobbits Lane pools; a coot also being stroll around the heath; which is one of noted at this location. Members of the tit those gems tucked away on the outskirts family, along with a good variety of the of Ipswich. common woodland birds, added to the variety of wildlife seen, the birdsong drowning out the hubbub of traffic noise RUSHMERE HEATH—28.5.14 from the nearby A14. Altogether a lovely The Group enjoyed a visit to Rushmere morning at this location which is an abso- Common, one of the areas of sandling lute gem right on the outskirts of Ipswich. heath and mixed habitat situated between Heath Road, Ipswich and Kes- grave. The highlight of the evening was PURDIS HEATH—7.5.14 a hobby flitting over one of the heather Purdis Heath is one of the remaining areas, hawking for insects. These small sandling heaths on the eastern outskirts (Continued on page 11) 10 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 10) gravation. The Osprey, of course was not the bird of prey, but the Bell Boeing V22 falcons are summer visitors and the bird tilt rotor aircraft from the United States Air in question showed superbly with its grey Force Special Operations Squadron sta- upper plumage, speckled breast and red tioned at Mildenhall in West Suffolk. rump. A sight we shall not forget for a Once this had cleared off we were able to while and all within a few metres of the enjoy what was to become the best traffic on Heath Road. With the end of nightjar evening the group has ever had. May nearing, birdsong was much reduced The conditions were ideal, warm, humid compared to a couple of weeks earlier, and very still, ideal for nightjars which with many birds having young and nest- performed superbly over a couple of lings. We saw several large family par- hours with frequent sightings of them in ties of blue tits that flight over the heath had recently hawking for insects and fledged. Other birds wing clapping. The noted included an noise of up to seven elusive nightingale churring birds really that was in part made for a cacophony song, willow war- of nightjar music, quite bler, blackcap, incredible for all those whitethroat and group members and chiffchaff, along other birdwatchers pre- with robins, dun- sent. Other birds noted nocks, wrens, during the evening blackbirds and oth- were a pair of hobbies, er common wood- which performed su- land birds. Mag- perbly, hawking over pies, carrion crows Chaffinch the heath and a few of and overflying gulls Picture—Barry Hall the common residents were also noted, the such as yellowham- former causing some distress to newly mer, chaffinch, blackcap, whitethroat fledged birds. Rushmere Common is and mistle thrush. Tawny owls were owned and run by the commoners, and heard hooting from the pine forest and it as well as the golf course has a wide was possible a long-eared owl was range of habitat from ponds, heather and heard as well. However, it was the night- gorse heathland to mature oak woodland. jars which made this evening so special As such it offers a great place for local with their flights over the heath and con- birding that can turn up surprises, as stant churring from the trees and bushes. proved with such a super sighting of the hobby. ALTON WATER— 21.6.14 A large group of members gathered at NIGHTJAR EVENING—6.14 Tattingstone for a walk round the western On arrival at Hollesley Heath we did not end of Alton Water. This is the area that expect to find an Osprey circling the lies between Lemons Hill Bridge and the heath causing major disturbance and ag- (Continued on page 12)

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(Continued from page 11) Parties of juvenile jays and magpies were noted along with soldier beetles A137 and is designated a Nature Conser- feeding on their preferred plant, hog- vation Zone, so there are no cyclists or weed. We then crossed Bobbits Lane in joggers. The walk passes through many to Kiln Lane meadows, which at one time habitats including various types of natural was subject to a major housing develop- woodland, scrubland and farmland so ment which would have been a disaster there is a rich diversity of wildlife. One is for this wildlife rich area. It is now desig- always near to the water's edge of Alton nated a local nature reserve. A yellow- Water and the shallower parts of the res- hammer was heard and several gold- ervoir, which are more attractive to certain finches seen. Various squeaks and wildlife than the deeper areas. Birds not- tacks from warblers were heard, these ed included great crested grebe probably coming from chiffchaffs, willow (including many juveniles) common tern, warblers, whitethroats and blackcaps coot, moorhen, grey heron, common which all bred in the area. This time of buzzard and members of the finch, tit, year they are skulking and quiet as they thrush and crow families. Whitethroat, moult and feed up for migrating south. chiffchaff and blackcap were present Swallows, swifts and house martin amongst the warblers along with several were noted overhead. Flowers noted in- swallows, house martins and swifts. cluded willow herb, knapweed, mug- Many wild flowers were seen, the best wort, ladies bedstraw, meadow vetch- being both bee and pyramid orchids ling and many more. Butterflies were found at remote spots en route. Bed- noticeable by their absence but were straws, vetches, rock rose, mallows probably around and not seen. Altogether and campions were amongst the many a relaxing wander on a very warm even- other flower species noted during the ing that was enjoyed by all. walk. With the prolific flowers came many insects with several species of moth, cat- erpillar, darter and dragonfly. Butterfly species included small tortoiseshell, red admiral, meadow brown, ringlet and the superb speckled wood. Altogether a most enjoyable morning enjoying the abundant wildlife.

KILN LANE MEADOW—16.7.14 This trip was well supported by the membership, who enjoyed a still, hot evening. We met at Bobbits Lane Car Park where a little egret was by the river and a buzzard was noted overhead. A comma butterfly was on the fence. The trip trav- Yellow wagtail at Boyton ersed the Bobbits Lane meadows and Picture—Alan Baldry reedbed area. Birds and flowers were in short supply as this area has become overgrown with nettles and grasses.

12 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 LAKENHEATH FEN NEWS by Katherine Puttick

elcome to the latest news from already moved into the pond, with a W Lakenheath Fen! I can’t believe it’s great diving beetle larvae, pond skat- July already, the last couple of months ers and water boatmen all having a have flown past. There are fledged birds lovely time among the various water everywhere, including a rather confiding plants. Cetti’s warbler, which was feeding three young near the visitor centre a few days People and events ago. It is usually this point in the year The main event has been our Big Wild when I feel like someone has pressed the Sleep Out, which was a two-day camping fast forward button. It doesn’t seem that and bioblitzing extravaganza. Big thanks long ago since we were anxiously await- to David White, who organised the week- ing our migrant birds in April. Then May, end and made sure we had lots of happy June and July skipped past in a flurry of campers! We were fully booked each early starts and night, with 42 late nights, lots people in total of visitors, bird camping (30 surveys and adults and 12 grass cutting, children). The and now we are events nearly in August! through the Yikes! Still plen- day were well ty of moth trap- attended and ping to be done covered drag- though, along onflies, birds with butterfly Pond bed by Katherine Puttick and bats, and spotting and everyone en- plant surveys, joyed toasting before we start planning our winter work! marshmallows over a campfire. See wildlife highlights for my own personal Plant beds highlight of the weekend. The final part of the WREN grant was completed in early May. The long await- Visitor centre ed plant beds were finally finished, filled Due to the popularity and success of and planted up with various Brecks, Fens Ronaldo’s ice cream, we have further and water plants. It is still a work in pro- expanded our snacks and drinks offer, gress though, with new plants being add- and recently taken delivery of a new ed every now and then, and probably fridge to keep the cold drinks in. The those that aren’t doing very well being new stock of drink includes Orchard removed or relocated! We’re very grate- Farms posh pop, recommended by our ful to Cambridge University botanical gar- Regional director, Paul Forecast, which is den for donating some Brecks and Fens produced in Norfolk and includes delights species, and also Norman and Linda such as rhubarb and strawberry, pear Sills, and several other volunteers, for and elderflower, and ginger beer and donating many of the wildlife garden chilli. plants. Some of the local wildlife has (Continued on page 14) 13 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014

(Continued from page 13) the barn owls have all done well, and there are young warblers everywhere! Wildlife news Cuckoos also seem to have had a good Migrant arrival times:- year, with at least 11 males being record- March - chiffchaff (10), sand martin ed on one day in May. (13), garganey (23), and blackcap (31). April - swallow (1), willow warbler (2), Common terns have been regular on the sedge warbler (3), yellow wagtail (4), washland, joined by single black terns grasshopper warbler (11), wheatear on 29 April and 2 May. Decreasing river (14), house martin, hobby and white- levels have meant that a bit of mud has throat (all 17), cuckoo (21), swift (26), been exposed around the edges of the and finally garden warbler (28). washland pools. This has attracted a few Nearly all of the arrival dates were earlier waders, including redshanks, green- than last year, apart from sand martin shanks, and up to four green sandpi- and hobby which pers. Up to ten were a few days grey herons have later. Unfortu- also been present nately golden around the wash- orioles don’t ap- land pool, along pear to have re- with ten little turned this year. egrets and two There have been great white several uncon- egrets (24 July). firmed visitor reports, but despite A single female many hours of whinchat was watching and lis- seen just north of tening, no staff Marsh harrier by Tim James the reserve on 24 have seen or April. A cracking heard a peep. male red-backed shrike was present on 19 May. Two more unusual records were Breeding update a woodlark on 2 June and a crossbill on It has been a mixed season again this 3 June. year. It started well with seven booming bitterns, but unfortunately we could only Other wildlife sightings confirm a maximum of four to five nests. Lots of dragonflies and damselflies are It is a tricky task to confirm bittern nests on the wing, with banded demoiselles here, and the birds don’t always perform being particularly numerous, along with exactly as they should! brown hawkers and scarce chasers. Butterflies are also enjoying the sunny The cranes have had a disappointing weather and numerous hemp agrimony year, with both pairs failing to fledge any plants; peacocks, small tortoiseshells young for the second year running. and gatekeepers are particularly numer- Marsh harriers have had an excellent ous this year. year, with 22 nests fledging 38 young to date – the final figure is still to be confirmed. Bearded tits, kingfishers and (Continued on page 15)

14 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 14)

Moth highlight of the year, so far, has been this particularly handsome goat moth, which I was delighted to find near the trap at our Big Wild Sleep Out event. I have wanted to see one of these moths for the past eight years, and so was chuffed to bits to find this Goat moth by Katherine Puttick one; my partner Michael however, was perhaps slightly less than overjoyed about being woken up by my excited 6.00 a.m. phone call! For more sightings check out our blog on Hope to see you soon. the website www.rspb.org.uk/ lakenheathfen.

NEWS FROM RSPB MINSMERE RESERVE from Ian Barthorpe

ince the last Minsmere update in this means we were one of the most talked S newsletter, the reserve and its wildlife about subjects) so it was hardly a sur- have become TV stars, thanks to the prise that when the cameras finally rolled amazing footage broadcast by the BBC on 26 May Minsmere became the talk of Springwatch team. the town.

We first met the BBC team at Minsmere Before that, we spent weeks carefully about 12 months ago as they began the preparing by arranging for additional ca- process of short-listing for their new tering, overflow parking and extra volun- home after three years at the beautiful teers to ensure that everything ran RSPB Ynys-Hir reserve in west Wales. smoothly and all visitors had a fantastic We heard that Minsmere had been cho- time. sen as the new home of Springwatch in December, but had to try to keep the The planning paid off. Visitor numbers news secret until early May. That, of rose by 50% during the broadcast, and course, was quite a challenge, especially the feedback showed that everyone had once construction began of the purpose- a great time. This increase has continued built studio on Whin Hill, overlooking Is- post broadcast too. land Mere. We also built two BBC filming One of the biggest changes we made hides on the Scrape and had many meet- was to the way our volunteer guides op- ings to discuss filming opportunities, be- erate. Instead of simply wandering fore the rumours could finally be con- around the reserve chatting to visitors, firmed. we identified the best hotspots and ensured that volunteers were in these loca- When the official announcement was tions wherever possible. This way, we made on 8 May, Minsmere was trending were able to show visitors our bitterns, on Twitter (for non-Twitter users that (Continued on page 16)

15 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014

(Continued from page 15) Black-headed gulls had a terrible breeding season, common terns failed com- marsh harriers and avocets as well as pletely and only two avocet chicks the nesting green woodpeckers, burrow fledged. All is not lost though as these -guarding sticklebacks, and various are long-lived birds and should return damselflies – and help to reduce crowd- again next year. ing in the busiest hides. By early July the Scrape was back to its The story-lines probably don’t need re- best, with the best summer wader migra- peating, but a few of the highlights of the tion for many years. At least 25 species show were: of wader were seen on the Scrape dur-  The bittern chicks, which even man- ing July, including our first collared prat- aged to take a few selfies. incole for 18 years, which obligingly  The adder attacking the goldfinch stayed for almost two weeks. Other high- nest. lights included curlew sandpipers, little  The tree-climbing, swimming and egg- stints, little ringed plovers, up to three eating badgers (more of that later). wood sandpipers and up to 20 sander- lings, as well as good numbers of the  Reed warbler eggs hatching live on commoner passage migrants. Avocets air. passed through in good numbers too,  Grub the scruffy tawny owl chick. with peak counts exceeding 200 mid month. Bitterns have certainly been the stand- out species this summer. Not only were It wasn’t just waders either. The annual they the stars of the series, but they per- summer passage of little gulls peaked at formed for the crowds too. Almost every 75 and the first yellow-legged and Cas- visitor who wanted to see a bittern did pian gulls began to return. A handful of so. It certainly helped having more eyes Arctic terns joined the common, Sand- watching over the reedbed. wich and little terns, which included several juveniles from successful colo- Another key reason why bitterns were nies elsewhere. relatively easy to spot at Minsmere this year was the numbers present on the For several days in mid July it was but- reserve. We had 11 booming males, terflies that were the centre of attention equalling the record from recent years, after Adam found what proved to be the and eventually confirmed a record total of UK’s second ever yellow-legged (or 12 nesting females. Several chicks were scarce) tortoiseshell in his garden – 61 seen wandering around the reedbed years after one was seen in Kent. This pools or climbing to the tops of the reeds, followed a mini invasion into Holland, and as they semi-fledged, so we think most of was the fore-runner to sightings of sever- the nests were successful. al more in Eastern England. Unfortunate- ly, it disappeared soon after viewing was There wasn’t such good news from the arranged. Scrape though, where predation and disturbance by the badger eventually led to With many eagle eyes watching buddleia the abandonment of nests by most birds. (Continued on page 17)

16 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 (Continued from page 16) great views for our visitors.

bushes, wardens, volunteers and visitors The annual management programme on were, however, treated to sightings of the Scrape started in July – after a delay silver-washed fritillary, purple hair- while the pratincole was in residence, streak and white admiral butterflies, and plans are being drawn up to replace broad-bordered the aging Scrape bee and hum- Artic tern predator proof mingbird hawk- Picture—Barry Hall fence over the moths and a winter. We have great variety of opened the North hoverflies dur- Levels temporary ing July. trail to provide alternative wader Other rarities in watching oppor- the first half of tunities while the year included management two red-backed work is complet- shrikes, two bee ed. -eaters and a golden oriole You can keep up while Spring- with news from watch was on Minsmere by air, brief marsh reading our blog warbler and whiskered tern in the at http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/ spring, several sightings of glossy ibis placestovisit/minsmere/default.aspx, lik- and common crane and a lovely grey- ing us on Facebook at headed wagtail. www.facebook.com/rspbsuffolk, or following us on Twitter @RSPBMinsmere. The mild winter and warm spring proved We’d also love to see your photos of Suf- perfect for many ofRSPB Minsmere’s Snape from flowers, the air folk’s wildlife on our social media. with superb floral displays of blackthorn, bluebell, marsh mallow and many other flowers.

Of course, the wardens have been very Birketts Solicitors busy ensuring that the habitats are in tip top condition for all this amazing wildlife – Tel: 01473 232300 and our visitors. In March we trialled a new machine for cutting the reed and fen Sponsors of an Indoor meeting areas. The Piston Bully doesn’t just cut. It collects the cut vegetation and fills a large plastic tube where it turns it into biofuel briquettes. Our highland cattle have been grazing this cut area, between Wildlife Lookout and South Hide, allowing

17 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014

NEWS FROM THE STOUR ESTUARY, WOLVES WOOD AND FLATFORD WILD- LIFE GARDEN from Mark Nowers

For the third year running, the success of woodland shrubs have bushed out beau- breeding waders on Cattawade Marshes tifully, testament to the expert nurturing has been nothing short of exceptional. of the gardening volunteers. We have The number of pairs of lapwings (46) some snazzy new signs at the entrance and redshanks (45) is quite constant and a new logo on the side of the barn – and the productivity (the number of making it clear we are the RSPB and not chicks every pair raised to fledging) con- the National Trust. tinues to exceed the magical figure of 0.7 chicks per pair. This year, the figure for Shirley, our head gardener, will be run- lapwings was 1.2. The reasons behind ning a wildlife gardening workshop on this success are good management of the 21 September. Topics will include: water levels, proper grazing by cattle and choosing plants that will provide natural sheep and an electric fence that ex- food for birds and other garden wildlife, cludes foxes from the site. Other waders helping wildlife survive the winter by that definitely bred and produced chicks providing good habitat and cover and were avocet with ten chicks fledged and how to help bees and butterflies in your oystercatcher with six pairs. A pair of garden: the right flowers, breeding sites, little ringed plover also graced the site, hibernation. You can propagate some but were not seen to breed. Aside from plants to take home, and build a bird bug waders, we had marsh harriers pro- or bat box, whichever you prefer! For specting, but after some fine aerial dis- more information you can email plays they decided to move on (this is the [email protected] or call her on second time they have done this!). The 07803 116592. reeds were bouncing with reed, sedge and Cetti's warblers and a pair of barn Our winterOne of Birds the Pagodas by Barge schedule is owls were in residence in our nest box. also outPicture now— andBarry we Hall are taking bookings Their three chicks were ringed by Neil on ten trips this winter along the Stour Catchpole from the Dedham Vale Estuary. Call the office on 01206 Project. 391153, email [email protected] or visit www.rspb.org.uk/stourestuary for Over at Wolves Wood, the colonisation more details. by white admiral and silver-washed fritillary butterflies continues apace. On one day, our volunteer butterfly surveyor recorded over 30 white admirals. In Magazine Printers & Sponsors: Hintlesham Woods, one of our contrac- tors said they gave up counting silver- Sharward Services Ltd, washed fritillaries when they got to 30. Main Road, He suspected the final total might have Westerfield, got to three figures! Ipswich.

The Flatford Wildlife Garden, now in to its Tel: 01473 212113 fourth season, is really taking shape. The

18 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014 ACCESS FOR ALL! from Patricia Hall

n one of my many clinic visits over writing and one can still park at the road- O the past couple of years I was idly side and view the birds from the car or flicking through I magazine whilst waiting alongside it. The other causeway has for my turn when I noticed an article on been raised but it is possible to park in the problems facing those birders who the designated laybys and access the are less able. One of the writer’s main walkway at the top either by means of points was difficulties around telescopes steps or along a sloping pathway. The but it did get me thinking. What facilities new Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centre are available for those less able and how nearby gives clear views of the water can one see birds if you cannot walk far from both inside the building and from a or at all? Facing possibly two periods of wide balcony. Both areas are wheelchair several months with limited mobility accessible. We did find another site would it be my back garden or nothing? where we were able to look over the water from the car but as work is still pro- Some RSPB reserves have a wheelchair gressing on the reservoir I am not sure if loan service. Minsmere even has mobili- this will be permanent. ty scooters and some hides are wheelchair accessible. The National Trust also Roy Taylor, a former RSPB staff member has scooters and wheelchairs at some and Naturetrek tour leader, who was di- properties. I have used the one at Ick- agnosed with motor neurone disease last worth and found it was able to cope with year, undertook Roy’s Coast to Coast quite rough pathways. Many National Challenge from 24 May until 3 June, Trust properties, like Ickworth, are sur- 2014. In his wheelchair and using the rounded by mature parkland; ideal plac- Trans-Pennine Trail he covered 215 es to look for woodland birds. Many re- miles from Southport in the West to serves, and of course municipal parks, Hornsea in the East. His aim was to have reasonable surfaces on pathways raise awareness of the problems facing although the benefits of these can be naturalists who are less able and to raise compromised by bad weather. funds to improve access to RSBP reserves and other wild areas. He has Outside of reserves and parks one has to raised over £23,000 so far. fall back upon one’s own resources but there are a few places locally when it is So ‘Well Done!’ Roy, the RSPB, the NT possible to bird from the car or alongside and those other organisations for provid- it. Just outside Ipswich the Strand being facilities for those less able. As I tween Wherstead and Freston has park- found out, you never know when you are ing places by the river. The same is true going to need them! of Shotley opposite the Bristol Arms and Mistley Walls. A little further afield is Ab- berton Reservoir. There is a lot of work taking place at this site with a view to raising the dam and increasing the ca- pacity of the reservoir. The Layer Breton causeway is unchanged at the time of

19 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014

THE GREAT GATHERING by Patricia Hall

e are all familiar with the sight of the terrain probably meant that there W sometimes quite large groups of were many more birds than we could ac- swallows perched on the wires prior to tually see. We spent some time watching their southerly migratory flight in the au- these enigmatic birds, declaring how tumn. However what is not always real- much easier they were to see now rather ised is that other birds, which are usually than earlier in the year on their breeding solitary, can gather into large groups prior grounds. Although a pair were visible at to migration as well. One summer visitor Minsmere behind the visitor centre, after to East Anglia, the stone curlew, is the ragwort grew up catching a glimpse known for this behaviour, with large was not easy. groups assembling at traditional ‘gathering’ sites. Although exact times of these gatherings vary from year to year, the birds start One of the most easily accessible is NNR gathering from late August with numbers Cavenham Heath just north-west of Bury building up until October when they leave. St. Edmunds on the edge of the Brecks. Early to mid-September are good times to Although stone curlews breed on Caven- look especially if you have a fine warm ham Heath and nearby Icklingham Plains evening; this is the perfect way to this is a well-known gathering site for spend it. birds from across the Brecks. Cavenham Heath has been designation Open Ac- Bypass Nurseries cess Land but with a restriction from March to October due to the presence of Tel: 01473 310604 ground nesting birds.

Having seen on BINS that about 70 had Sponsors of an indoor meeting been reported on 18 August 2013 we set off one fine evening a few days later. Stone curlews are crepuscular – being active at dawn and dusk so early morning or late afternoon are good times to see A W Hart—Builders them. Cavenham Heath has a car park but you can also take vehicles across the Tel: 01473 680017 unmade road which bisects the heath and perhaps use it as a hide to get closer Sponsors of an indoor meeting views or perhaps take photographs. This ‘official’ route is approached from the village of Tuddenham. However we chose to go via Icklingham driving along another Fynn Valley Golf Club unmade road from the village to the river bank and then walk across the footbridge. Tel: 01473 785267 We were not disappointed and counted at least 40 birds north of the track being Sponsors of an indoor meeting very active, flying from one area to another and calling. The undulating nature of

20 ORWELL OBSERVER September 2014