A Morning on a Suffolk Island

After two days visiting my sick brother is slowly improving I was privileged to spend a superb morning on Havergate Island an RSPB Reserve in Suffolk.  My pal David Hosking set up the visit and after we met warden Kieron we set off with enthusiastic RSPB volunteers for the short boat trip.

Havergate Island

As we landed the first bird seen was a Little Ringed Plover which flew over calling.  We took a look on the first lagoon where there were a few summer plumage Dunlin, 2 Turnstones and plenty of Redshanks.  Looking at further lagoons we encountered good numbers of Sandwich Terns and a larger number of Common Terns.  Some of the latter were still feeding quite small chicks.  I was fascinated by the number of canes and tunnels put in place to protect the birds from predation.

Common Terns nesting

Protection measures for nesting terns

Another practical conservation effort noted was the array of artificial Spoonbill nests erected to encourage these birds to nest.  At least nine Spoonbills were standing beneath the nests.

Artificial Spoonbill nests

Other waders noted were 16 Whimbrel, a few Black-tailed Godwits and over 100 Avocets.  On our way back to the reserve centre we were pleased to find a juvenile Black Redstart.

Brown Hare

The last act on the island was to photograph the very approachable Brown Hares now famous from their appearance on BBC Countryfile.  Thanks Kieron it was a great experience and my first visit to Havergate for well over 25 years.