birding...

The county of Suffolk, like the rest of East Anglia, is a gem for birding. Few have mastered its diversity. From the Stour in the South, to the Waveney and Broads. From the Brecks in the West to the coast in the east, the county provides something for everyone.

The Breckland sees Goshawk, Stone Curlew, Crossbills and other coniferous woodland and heath specialities. The Breckland is a unique habitat and Suffolk has more of it than Norfolk. The Fens provides wetland species. Wintering ducks and geese. Breeding birds such as Harriers and Golden Orioles. Please remember in this and other cases the land is private and action has and will continue be taken against any trespassing and disturbance. Hopefully details will be published on where to see some of these birds which have their only foothold in Britain in East Anglia. The levels and chalk grassland around Newmarket is good for wintering raptors and also Skylarks. The river valleys hold the odd gravel pit, where migrant passerines and wildfowl congregate.

In the East of the county are the river valleys, and many warblers amongst the reeds. The estuaries of Suffolk have their own variety. There is one main reservoir in the county, Alton Water, near Ipswich which continues to be a good birding spot. The coast however is a world of its own. Minsmere, Landguard, Orfordness all spring to mind. Bittern, Marsh Harrier, and Avocet all breed here.

The top spots are referred to below and are arranged thus: E Suffolk (South of the Alde). Landguard Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve (LBO & Suffolk Wildlife Trust); Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve (Suffolk Wildlife Trust); The Orwell, Stour, Alde, Ore and Deben estuaries; Alton Water reservoir (Anglian Water); Wolves Wood (RSPB); Rendlesham and Tunstall Forests; Bramford Water Park.E. Suffolk (North of the Alde). Minsmere (RSPB); Dunwich Heath (National Trust); Blyth Estuary; Walberswick (English Nature); Westleton Heath (English Nature); Sizewell Belts (RSPB/Suffolk Wildlife Trust); North Warren (RSPB); Benacre Broad (English Nature); Covehithe and Kessingland; Hazlewood Marshes (Suffolk Wildlife Trust).W. Suffolk. Lackford Wildfowl Reserve (Suffolk Wildlife Trust); King`s Forest (Forest Enterprise).

There are many, many more and the details of the site, including what you might be able to see can be found on the relevant web pages for the organisations mentioned. The new avifauna for the county will be published soon. For details on all field guides for the county, on all aspects of wildlife contact the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society. Please continue to respect the county. Sensible parking and keeping to footpaths keeps the continued relationship between birders and landowners in the county at a good level. As mentioned there are many sites where rare breeding birds nest. All those species in East Anglia, have a fully wardened site where those birds can be viewed without disturbance. Contact the main organisations for dates of events where you can really benefit from the diversity of the reserves. If you have any questions, or feel that you could add something to this list then please contact James Cracknell.

This page is sponsored by...
The Eels Foot Inn

The Eels Foot nestles in the hamlet of Eastbridge just 400 metres from the RSPB Minsmere Reserve so is ideal for birders. For those wishing to stay a while we have six comfortable ensuite bedrooms, one with wheelchair access. The Inn serves meals and cask ales, has a music night, offers guided walks & more… click the picture to visit the website or call 01782 830154