Minsmere Part 2 - GLOSSY IBIS, BEWICK'S SWANS & DEER - 12/2/2018

 The GLOSSY IBIS at Eastbridge (the bigger bird) amongst similar shaped CURLEW

 

The public footpath that we walked from Minsmere took us to Eastbridge, and more specifically the Eels Foot Inn. My brother had some lunch, but I already had a packed lunch so didn't bother. From there we went to look for the IBIS. We walked the approach road to Minsmere and came to a flooded field just on the outskirts of the reserve. Within a couple of minutes of looking we found the bird, mixing in with a small flock of CURLEW. It was a beautiful bird, something truly exotic for a flooded field in Suffolk. The strong sun really showed off the colours of the bird. Initially it appeared black, but then metallic rust colours appeared on its neck, and then green on its wing, giving it the glossy appearance of its name.

This seldom ever happens in birdwatching, actually finding a bird present where people had reported it, and then having such good views. Surprisingly there were no other birders about, although a few turned up when we were about to leave. There were also three SNIPE in the field.

 

KONIK PONIES were grazing the reedbed area on the other side of the road to the IBIS

 

We walked the road back to Minsmere centre, through the woods, which were still quiet of winter, with just the odd tentative song of the GREAT TIT, calling out 'teacher teacher' over and over again.

We saw several MUNTJACS in the woods, very tame, and not worried by our presence. 

 

Although an invasive alien species that is detrimental to woodland, MUNTJACS sure are cute

 

 

We arrived at the Island Mere hide and for the first time came across a crowd of people! No seats were available, due to all the pensioners taking them, but it was alright as I could manage standing for a while. Not much was on the mere, with a few MARSH HARRIERS flying over the reedbed, my attempts to photograph them just ending up with generic bird of prey silhouettes .

 

 MARSH HARRIER

 

We made it back to the centre, without seeing anything interesting. Looking at the sightings board, there was a report of a flock of BEWICK'S SWANS near Westleton. When I asked one of the volunteers where abouts they were, he told me to take the road north of Westleton towards Blythburgh, just before you get to the 'five points'. Now I didn't know what the 'five points' were but they must be important to have such a grand name.

 

 

The way back, swans, deer and owls

 

We left Minsmere, heading towards Westleton. Near towards the turning off to Westleton, at the edge of the reserve we saw a herd of 25 RED DEER on the old heathland recreation site, feeding amongst some sheep. We got out to have a look, and by leaving the car in the road ended up creating a traffic jam.



 

 The RED DEER herd at Minsmere is the largest in lowland Britain

 

We entered Westleton and took the main road and as instructed, headed north. Around three or four miles out we saw the flock of BEWICK SWANS grazing in a ploughed field - this never usually happens - today we have been so lucky.

There were fourteen SWANS in total, but most importantly only four juveniles. The lack of young birds is having a serious impact on the SWAN'S population -  they just aren't fledging enough birds. Anyway, away from places like Slimbridge and the Ouse Washes BEWICKS SWANS are hard to find, usually present in small flocks dispersed throughout the country.

 



 



We went back to Westleton then onto Yoxford and the A12. As we entered the A12 just north of Yoxford we saw a BARN OWL hunting in a grassy field, seeing it swoop down then arise with its prey.

So a great day, with lots of good sightings, tricky ones that are often hard to find. This is probably the best February birding I have ever done and one of the best Minsmere days. It just seemed that everything aligned in the right way, and surprisingly we saw everything we went out to see.