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birding...
England Suffolk
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. |
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top sites |
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Alton Water
(TM136376)Reservoir (Anglian Water)Benacre Broad
(TM526825)(English Nature) as well as the bordering areas of Covehithe and KessinglandBlyth Estuary
(TM452756)Watchable from various placesDunwich Heath
(TM470685)(National Trust)King’s Forest
(TL815718)(Forest Enterprise)Lackford Wildfowl Reserve
(TL800710)(Suffolk Wildlife Trust)Landguard
(TM282312)Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve (LBO & Suffolk Wildlife Trust)Minsmere
(TM455665)(RSPB)North Warren
(TM455594)(RSPB)Sizewell Belts
(TM461637)(RSPB/Suffolk Wildlife Trust)Trimley Marshes
(TM260355)Nature Reserve (Suffolk Wildlife Trust)Walberswick
(TM465745)(English Nature)Westleton Heath
(TM455694)(English Nature)contributor |
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James Cracknell
james.cracknell@ntlworld.com
county recorder |
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West - Colin Jakes
7 Maltward Avenue, Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3XN
01284 702215
cjjakes@supanet.com
Lee Woods
leejanwoods@ntlworld.com
North East - Dave Thulow
dave.thurlow@rspb.org.uk
useful reading |
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Easy Birding Again
A guide to 59 sites in Suffolk suitable for the less mobile - by Suffolk Ornithologists Group. Free to disabled birders - see the Suffolk Naturalists Society website.See Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 0951573306
Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of Suffolk
by Steve Piotrowski Christopher Helm April 2003 Price ?40See Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 0713663545
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Where to Watch Birds in East Anglia
by Peter & Margaret Clarke (2002 4th edition) HelmSee Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 0713658649
Buy this book from NHBS.com
useful information |
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Proact
Coordinator: James Cracknell (Essex, Cambs., Norfolk, Suffolk)
Members: 2
Join us at http://www.proact-campaigns.net/team
Contact your coordinator via mailto:info@proact-campaigns.net
clubs |
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British Trust for Ornithology
http://www.bto.org/The BTO has its HQ in Suffolk...
Golden Oriole Group
http://www.goldenoriolegroup.org.uk/The Golden Oriole Group (GOG) was formed in 1986 by interested observers of the birds at the then Bryant and May poplar plantation at Lakenheath, Suffolk. The breeding pairs there had built up to an estimated 14 pairs at which time the owners decided to sell the estate. The new owners proceeded to fell the trees and return the land to arable farming. GOG determined to monitor the birds fortunes and work to maintain the population as best it could.
Lowestoft Bird Club (The Lounge Lizard)
http://home.clara.net/ammodytes/The Lowestoft Bird Club is a very informal group of birdwatchers-birders from the Lowestoft area of north Suffolk. We currently get together once a month at 20:00 hours on the first Thursday of each month in the George Borrow pub in Oulton Broad. We publish our own occasional newsletter, The Lounge Lizard. So why does our website about birds have a Lizard as its logo? Well it all dates back a few years to when birds used to occur in the south of the County. Large numbers of migrants used to be drawn to the brilliant white floodlights of Felixstowe docks. As a result whenever we visited to see the rare ones, we were said to be always sitting around in our armchairs waiting for the call to go to Landguard Bird Observatory of Fagbury Cliffs; and not out looking for birds ourselves. Hence the name the Lounge Lizards. Overnight the situation changed when the white lighting was replaced with less intense yellow sodium lights, and as a result the birds stopped arriving. So you are now more likely to see a Pallas`s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus in Lowestoft than in Felixstowe. What a shame. Hopefully the lighthouse here in Lowestoft will continue to draw Red-eyed Vireos Vireo olivaceus and Collared Flycatchers Ficedula albicollis into the surrounding parks for a few more years yet.
RSPB - Ipswich Members Group
http://www.ipswichrspb.org.uk/The Ipswich local group celebrated its 30th birthday in 2005, with the Local Group membership now higher than at any time in the past thirty years. Many of the RSPB members in Ipswich and the surrounding villages join to be more involved with the charity's work, better informed, and able to enjoy the programme of talks and walks held throughout the year...
SOG Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project
http://www.sogbop.org.uk/The project is run as part of the Suffolk Ornithologists Group - Started in the winter of 2005, The Suffolk Community Barn Owl project aims to reverse the fortunes of the Barn Owl in Suffolk by the provision of nest boxes.The project will involve the whole community, with the boxes being manufactured by groups caring for disabled people and Parish Councils, in conjunction with landowners and farmers, playing a leading role in the siting of boxes.There will be enormous educational benefits for schoolchildren, community groups and many others who have an interest in wildlife...
Suffolk Naturalists Society
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sbrc/SNS.htmSuffolk Birds contains papers and accounts of the status and occurrences of every species of bird recorded in Suffolk in that year, along with drawings and photographs.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/suffolk/The site provides information to help you find out facts about trees, what conservation technical terms mean, who all the organisations are and what they do, where to get grants for local projects, how the planning system works, what to do if your pond turns green and lots, lots more.
Suffolk Ornithologist`s Group
http://www.sogonline.org.ukAndrew M Gregory, 1 Holly Road, Ipswich, SOG is the group for people interested in the birds of Suffolk. Founded in 1973 by a small group of enthusiasts, S.O.G. has expanded and become an essential part of the Suffolk natural history scene. Through the group`s Council, S.O.G. has good links with other natural history and conservation organisations in the region. S.O.G. provides a network and a voice for birdwatchers in Suffolk. The group is administered by Suffolk birdwatchers for Suffolk birdwatchers, keeping them in touch with what is going on and with each other...
observatories |
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Languard Bird Observatory
http://www.lbo.org.ukLandguard Bird Observatory is housed in disused Military Buildings on the Local Nature Reserve at the Southern end of the town of Felixstowe in Suffolk. Landguard is probably most famous for a succession of rarities in the late eighties and nineties, a trend which sadly is less the case than it was. However a great deal of excellent work is done by the Observatory Staff, all unpaid except for the Summer Ringer/Warden, and the full time Suffolk Wildlife Trust Reserve Warden. Obviously, the most exciting times to visit are in Spring and Autumn when migration is in full swing, but even the depths of winter can offer some interest, Mediterranean Gull are regular, Snow Buntings and Shore Larks often put in an appearance.
BOC Liaison: Mike Swindells, 10 Avondale Road, Ipswich IP3 9JT 01728 752612 mike.swindells1@btopenworld.com
reserves |
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Bird and Nature Reserves in Suffolk
http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/reserves/suffolk.htmA useful list...
Lakenheath Fen
http://www.bitterns.org.uk/projectsummary/summaryofaction/page.php?pageID=42Lakenheath Fen, on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, is one of the largest reedbed creation projects in the UK. In 1995, the RSPB bought 300 hectares (ha, 740 acres) of arable land to transform into reedbed and grazing marsh. When it is complete, the area of reedbed will be large enough to provide nesting areas for up to five booming male bitterns....
Orford Ness National Trust
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-orfordness.htmThese walls were originally built to create and then protect rich grazing land from what had been salt marsh. The creation of such large new areas of grazing land required a heavy investment and for this reason only rich landowners could afford it, in this case probably King Henry II in the late 13th century. The banks have stopped salt water from flooding the marsh on high tides and as a result it is now essentially a freshwater marsh. The elongated lagoons at the base of the wall are borrow pits where clay was borrowed to create and then maintain the river walls.
RSPB Reserve - Havergate Island
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/h/havergateisland/index.aspThis small island in the River Ore is an important breeding place for avocets, Sandwich and common terns. Access to the island is by boat only...
RSPB Reserve - Lakenheath
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/l/lakenheathfen/index.aspTen years ago, the land that is now Lakenheath Fen nature reserve was a carrot field with little to offer in the way of wildlife interest. Now it's a wetland area filled with life: marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits and warblers, with golden orioles in the poplar plantations...
RSPB Reserve - Minsmere
http://users.zetnet.co.uk/johnfirth/minsmere.htmlPart of John & Christine`s Bird Page. Minsmere lies on the Suffolk coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh below Dunwich Cliffs. It is accessible from Westleton village to the west or Eastbridge to the south, from both of which places it is sign posted.
RSPB Reserve - Minsmere
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere/index.asp...In the summer you can watch avocets and marsh harriers or hear booming bitterns. On the beach, a special area is cordoned off to protect nesting little terns...
RSPB Reserve - North Warren
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/n/northwarren/index.aspThousands of wildfowl use the marshes in winter, while summer brings breeding bitterns, marsh harriers, nightjars, woodlarks and nightingales...
trip reports |
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Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!
tour operators |
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Birding Pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/Unitedkingdom.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Harlequin Wildlife Tours
http://www.birdline-eastanglia.co.uk/birdline/about.htmBird and Wildlife Tours by Robin Chittenden - For further information please contact us direct 01603 633326 robin@harlequinpictures.co.uk
Sicklebill Safaris
http://www.sicklebill.com/Tailor-made tours may be arranged to suit your birding interests plus other facets of natural history if you wish, including flowering plants, fungi, insects and other cold and warm-blooded animals. Tours are arranged and led by a professional ornithologist and natural historian of some 40 years experience in birdwatching and lecturing in UK and overseas. For further information on all aspects of Sicklebill`s tours in Norfolk and Suffolk contact Ian@sicklebill.demon.co.uk
Suffolk Birdwatching Breaks
http://www.suffolkbirdwatchingbreaks.co.uk/...we aim to give you a leisurely paced break, fully escorted, with expert tuition, designed for the enthusiastic and amateur birdwatcher. With small groups sizes and excellent accommodation with superb home-cooking on a "full-board" basis. Experience watching some of Britains more unusual species of birds at close range...
places to stay |
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Appletree Cottage B&B - Sibton Green, Nr Yoxford
http://www.cottageguide.co.uk/appletree-cottage/Apple Tree Cottage is set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Minsmere and North Warren reserves are within easy reach...
Gamekeepers Cottage
http://www.suffolkholidaycottage.co.uk/Idyllic setting with 4 acres of woodland in 100 acre wood. Suffolk location near Beccles and Southwold. Nature reserves, sea and river nearby. Birdwatching... Wildlife at the cottage frequently includes deer, game birds, nightingale, nuthatch, various woodpeckers and many other bird species.
Georges House B&B
http://rossmag.com/georges/Are you planning to visit, tour or to make a business trip to the counties of Suffolk and Norfolk during 2001?If the answer is Yes we offer Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in our delightful 17th century cottage situated on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. We are within easy reach of the historic city of Norwich, the beautiful Norfolk Broads and the picturesque Suffolk heritage coastline.
Limetree House B&B
http://www.limetreehouse-suffolk.co.uk/links.htmlAccommodation in Suffolk
Suffolk Birdwatching Breaks - Westleton
http://www.suffolkbirdwatchingbreaks.co.uk/Established in 1997, we aim to give you a leisurely paced break, fully escorted, with expert tuition, designed for the enthusiastic and amateur birdwatcher. With small groups sizes and excellent accommodation with superb home-cooking on a "full-board" basis. Experience watching some of Britains more unusual species of birds at close range. Visiting the RSPB MINSMERE reserve and other lesser known reserves. Harriers, Bitterns, Bearded Tits, Barn Owls, Nightjars, Nightingales and many many more...
Suffolk Cottage Holidays
http://www.suffolkcottageholidays.com/Many of the people who book these cottages are keen birders. Suffolk holiday cottages - comfortable, well equipped self-catering holiday accommodation in fantastic locations close to or on the coast, deep in rural Suffolk, UK
Suffolk Secrets
http://www.suffolk-secrets.co.ukSouthwold - a gracious seaside town that has hardly been touched by the last century. Known for its Regency High Street and attractive Greens. The Sandlings - the area without any tourist attractions (other than the open heaths and estuaries, the unspoilt villages, the quiet beaches and timeless landscapes). Home of Minsmere RSPB nature reserve. The Blyth Valleys - The Blyth river and its tributaries meander through lush pastures in an area interspersed with woods, reed beds and marshes.
The Brecks
http://www.brecks.orgThe Brecks is the hidden heart of East Anglia. It`s a colourful world of sandy soil and glowing heather, of ancient history, curious birds and peaceful villages. There`s nowhere else quite like it.
Valley Farm B&B - 2 miles from Minsmere
http://www.valley-farm.co.ukFarmhouse with beamed double bedroom, private shower room and a smashing breakfast. Deep in the countryside with great walks through field, hedgerow and woodland. Liz and Charles Macdowell 01728 648217
Warren Lodges
http://www.warrenlodges.co.uk/Warren Lodges are a group of four carefully designed spacious timber lodges nestling in a sheltered hollow down a farm track and surrounded by grazing pasture on the edge of Minsmere marshes are nature reserve...
White Lion - Aldeburgh
http://www.aldeburgh-breaks.co.uk/whitelion/index.htmlThe beautifully appointed White Lion Hotel in Aldeburgh is ideally situated on the sea front along Suffolk`s acclaimed Heritage Coast, located at the end of a peninsula formed by the River Alde running parallel to the coast. Thorpeness Hotel - The Hotel offers traditional hospitality throughout the year. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the tennis courts and friendly bar at the nearby Country Club, or to hire a boat on the Meare for a spot of fishing, or a leisurely punt.
other links |
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Badgers Bank Bird Box Website
http://www.36badgers.co.uk/A simple, personal, website recording the activities of a bird/nest box throughout the year in Badgers Bank, Ipswich, UK....
Birdline East Anglia
http://www.birdline-eastanglia.co.uk/birdline/about.htmWhat's about? Simply call 09068 700 245 - Please contact us with your sightings - 01603 763388, birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk or text 07941333970 - Calls to 09068 numbers cost just 60p/min. Mobile phone rates may vary
BLOG - James Brown - Suffolk birding diary
http://www.freewebs.com/pallas/Yearlisting...
BLOG - James Wright - The Birdman of Gunton
http://www.freewebs.com/jameswright/My name is James Wright, I hail from Lowestoft from the easternmost part of Suffolk - not the northern most part, that’s Breydon south wall :p I’ve been interested in bird watching since about 1991, it all started with feeding birds in the garden and attending the local primary school bird club. I’m a member of the RSPB and regularly take advantage of my free admission to local RSPB nature reserves...
British Birds of Prey & Conservation Centre
http://www.the-owl-barn.com/bbop/bbopcentre2.htmlThe British Birds of Prey & Conservation Centre is one of the premier raptor centres in the UK.
Felixstowe Birding
http://www.freewebs.com/proldfield/Located in the south of Suffolk, England the Felixstowe peninsular supports a wide range of habitats from stony beaches and saltmarsh to areas of mature woodland. It also boasts a couple of prime birdwatching sites, notably Landguard Bird Observatory (including Landguard Nature Reserve) and Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve. Landguard B.O. is managed and funded by The Landguard Conservation Trust, a voluntary organisation of dedicated people and is primarily a bird migration watch point and ringing station and is probably one of the best recorded sites on the east coast of Britain. Landguard Nature Reserve and Trimley Marshes are both Suffolk Wildlife Trust Reserves...
Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Study Group
http://www.goldenoriolegroup.org.uk...includes information gained from breeding, biology and habitat studies pus an extensive photogallery and details of Lakenheath Reserve in the UK.
Southwold Birding
http://www.southwold-scene.com/nature/birdwatching.htmThe area within a few miles of Southwold offers some of the finest birdwatching anywhere in the country - indeed, many rare and exciting birds have been found within the town boundaries. Many of the commoner waders such as Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Snipe can be seen on the town boating lake when not disturbed. A few minutes drive takes you to the new Hen Reedbeds reserve where Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Bearded Tit may be found. This new reserve is also excellent for plants and insects...
Suffolk Biological Records Centre
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sbrc/The SBRC is the centre of reference for all information relating to wildlife in Suffolk. It maintains an up-to-date record of sites and species found in the County and makes the data available for conservation, research, monitoring, education and general information. The Centre aims to promote a better understanding of Suffolk`s wildlife by encouraging and co-ordinating biological recording within the County and through the publication of guides, surveys and scientific works on Suffolk.
Suffolk Birders Information Networked Services
http://www.freewebs.com/suffolkbirding/This concept was set up by two local birders from with in Suffolk, who have now provided this text - to - text information channel for many Suffolk birders using a mobile - to - mobile based platform, thanks to the support of it's members by the provision of accurate and up to date information as it happens from around the county...
Suffolk Local Biodiversity Action Plan
http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?ID=377Conservation partners, species plans etc...
Suffolk Owl Sanctuary
http://www.the-owl-barn.com/bbop/bbopcentre2.htmlThe Suffolk Owl Sanctuary has set up this web site to answer questions on the care, rehabilitation and conservation of British Owls...
The Lowestoft Naturalist
http://www.freewebs.com/colinjacobs/index.htmWelcome to the web site covering the Natural History of North Suffolk & beyond...
Wild About Birds - Bird Food etc.
http://www.wildaboutbirds.net/High quality bird seed, gifts, feeders etc. at the Suffolk based company which delivers throughout the UK by courier...
artists |
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Artist - Roger Buxton
http://www.rogerbuxton.co.uk/Roger was born in Suffolk, a county renowned for its wildlife and abundance of birds. A campaigner and fund raiser for wildlife projects, Roger is currently assisting the Waveney Valley project, creating suitable habitats for owls and other birds of prey...
Bird Photographs – Jack Levine
http://www.birdingimages.com/photos/Bird, Wildlife and Landscape Photography by Jack Levene…
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