I had a spare half an hour after finishing on Havergate on Sunday, so went for a quick mooch around Boyton (Yep, mooch is a technical term).
The summer is in full swing now and because I went just after a quick rain shower the reserve had that wonderful fresh feel that is highlight of British summers. Sunday afternoon must be a good time to visit, as I had the reserve to myself. The contrast between the two reserves at Havergate and Boyton is quite pronounced at this time of the year. Havergate can be a dry old place, it has an almost unique micro climate and it actually rains very little, whereas Boyton is all lush green and dense foliage, interspersed with yellow, sandy coloured reeds and cool blue water.
Most of the breeding birds were in good form. It was confirmed by Reg Etheridge the honouree warden that there are five pairs of Avocets (a site record) earlier in the week. Let’s hope they have better luck than last year where the only pair failed to rear any young.
Both Reed and Sedge warblers are present now and the site offers a good chance to enjoy these two fine songsters in action. I did’nt see any yellow Wags this time around but early estimates suggest two pairs on site this year. I both heard and saw a Cuckoo, a willow Warbler was merrily flycatching, meadow pipits where parachuting in display and Skylarks where filling the air with their song but the undoubted highlight was a flock of summering Black Tailed godwits (Oh, to have had my camera with me). Most were beginning to move into their deep red summer plumage and where incredibly confiding, having no doubt got used to people walking along the path now. It seems a slightly incongruous site to see nesting Avocets and Godwits side by side but a welcome one.
With a bit of luck some pictures will be forthcoming.....