I often describe boyton Marshes as a "gem of reserve that you'll want to go back - if only you can find it." Sadly, since moving to North Suffolk four years ago, I've had few opportunities to visit myself. Indeed, I hadn't been for almost a year - since three glossy ibises took up residence for a few eeks last autumn.
Until Wednesday that was. Better still, I was able to visit with Aaron, Keiren and a few other colleagues as part of our annual review of the management plan objectives for our havergate reserves - of which Boyton is a part. I wasn't disappointed, despite the absence of the hoped for wood sandpiper. Recent rainfall meant the muddy margins of the flash were no longer exposed, so only a juvenile little ringed plover could be seen there - a nice bird nonetheless. Later, a yellow wagtail was spotted here too, but departed with a distinctive call overhead before I could locate it.
The view from the river wall was fabulous. A very high tide lapped over the saltmarsh, leaving just a purple spikes of sea lavender exposed, dancing joyously as the water swirled around their leaves. Four little egrets paddled, stabbing regularly at tiny fish, while a small flock of meadow pipits picked through the exposed vegation in search of insects or spilt seeds. In the channel, several sailing boats bobbed past, while marsh harriers hunted the fields beyond and flock of black-tailed godwits flew down river.
Looking inland, I could have spent hours watching a small flock of juvenile starlings picking their way around the feet of the grazing hereford cattle. Linnets flitted by with typical bouncing flight and chattering calls. A reed warbler poked its head above the reeds, then a jewel-like flash of blue signalled a passing kingfisher. He settled briefly before heading on again.
Soon it was time to leave, but Boyton had once again reminded me of the variety of different experiences we offer on our nature reserves. It's great to have places like Minsmere to attract big visitor numbers, but sometimes we need to just get away from the corwds and get closer to nature at somewhere as special as Boyton.
That wasn't the end of the day's wildlife watching though, as we headed off to one of our newest reserves, Hollesley Marshes. Little known, and still developing, this was actually my first visit to this small patch of wet grassland overlooked by Hollesley Bay prison. As we strolled across the marshes, no fewer than seven green sandpipers and five snipe could be counted feeding in the shallow pools. A female kestrel dashed overhead, and a couple of little egret dropped in. Emperor dragonflies, black-tailed skimmers and small redeyed damselflies flitted around the ditches, where pink water-speedwell and celery-leaved buttercup were growing on the banks.
Hollesley, like Boyton, is a hidden gem. it's not easy to find, but there is a footpath along the edge of the marshes onto the sea wall, and the reserve is a great place to see wintering wigeons and teals.
All in all - a great day