Suffolk – Sizewell to Minsmere – 30th July 2011

A short diversion from looking back through the year.  We went out this weekend and chose to walk the costal path from Sizewell through to Minsmere, which to be honest proved exceptionally productive.

The first call was looking off Sizewell Beach at the outfall platforms, numerous Kittiwakes and over 40 Little Gulls, plus two Shags at rest on one on the markers.  Further on from there, on the perimeter of the power station we had great views of two male Black Redstarts, not uncommon in this area.

We then headed along the coastal path, good for Stonechat, Linnet and Pied Wagtail, plus a very vocal Green Woodpecker.  On getting close to the reserve we scanned across at a pool to the seaward side of the old Abbey ruins.  To my partner’s amazement she quickly located a Cattle Egret feeding in the shallow water, a 1^st UK sighting for us.  Then a short while later another birder pointed out a Bittern, walking down the line of a small reed bed.

Some days it just all comes together!

[Please note the photograph is not of the Minsmere bird]

East Anglia Year Count: 151

Life bird count: 403. Year bird count: 213. Month bird count: 69.

Photo: Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)