The fields at Hollesley which, over the past few months have been teeming with wigeon, Teal, Godwits, Redshank and other waders have now dwindled down so just a few hundred are still remaining. We were able to flood the fields up a bit more this winter than we have in the past due to the absence of the livestock and they looked amazing. If the fields stay naturally wet over the spring then keep your eyes open as they should be attractive to Lapwing and other waders to nest.
The scrape which again was full of life has now calmed down. We are just waiting for our breeding waders to return and take up there nesting spots for the spring. It will be interesting to see how Hollesley fares this year after its success last year. We have maintained the electric fence and added an extra wire at the bottom. We have strimmed the vegetation on the islands and even had our digger scrape some more bare earth which last year proved to be the preferred areas for the waders. So, all in all we have done our bit and now it is down to them!
Meanwhile at Boyton we have, like Hollesley strimmed the islands on the flash to make them more appealing to waders. On the 11th March 2 spoonbill were reported on the flash, but of course...they had moved on by the time I got there so no piccy to put up.
Hi there,
I walked in to the reserve from Shingle Street yesterday (about 1230-2.30pm). I was amazed to come across Roe Deer, Fallow Deer and Muntjac within about 800mtrs of one another. A seal in the river too. The Wigeon, Pintail and Shovelor look brilliant in the spring sunshine although 5 Ruff on the flooded field adjacent to the scrape were the pick of the day for me. Great day! Back soon.