Summer update:

Sadly, I have not had the time to write much about Boyton marshes of late but that doesn’t mean its not worth a visit.

There are at least 12 pairs of avocets nesting on the summer flash with astonishing numbers of chicks around. It must be one of the best sites to see chicks anywhere on the Suffolk coast. This counts is a rough estimate but it definitely looks like more pairs have nested this yeat than last. There is some concern about the water levels given the exceptionally dry spring but at the moment it appears to be holding up well. The correct water level is vital for this species as to little water means the pool will be in danger of drying up and removing vital feeding areas and opportunities but to much will mean the chicks and adults will not be able to get access to food.

Also on the flash where up to six pairs of black headed gulls, I’m not exactly sure but I think this may be the first recorded breeding for the site, its at the very least the first on the flash.

There where also two pairs of common terns who where very much taking an interest in the site and I would say where quite likely to nest on the little islands, this I am far more confident in saying is a first for the site.

It is also a great place to see breeding lapwings, hear singing sedge warblers, calling cuckoo's and displaying redshanks. There is always the chance something rare will drop onto the flash as well.

The news is less positive from Hollesley marshes, the dry spring has taken a heavy toll on the newly created scrape and the grass is probably too long and thick to encourage breeding lapwing, there was however one bird holding territory, possibly one of the pair that bred successfully on the site last year.

In a final bit of good news, little terns are showing an interest in nesting on the shingle bank at the aptly named Shingle street. These are a red listed species, making it a high priority conservation species.

There are only approximately 1,900 nests in the entire of the UK. All of the nests which are confined to shingle beaches along the coast, which is in itself a rare habitat, the east anglian coast is of particular importance to the species.

Only nesting on shingle and sandy beaches brings it into conflict with human users of the beach. If you are taking a trip to shingle street please pay attention to the fence which is due to be constructed on Tuesday and ideally keep any dogs on leads whilst near the tern colony. Even the best behaved dog can cause devastation to ground nesting birds.

Please give these little birds the respect they deserve, a little tern colony is a delight to watch and see.