Wow, what a weekend on the island. The migrants have really started to drop in recently. Our top counts over the weekend were bartailed godwit, greenshank, 21 grey plover, 33 ringed plover, 2 whimbrel, 4 turnstone, 11 common sandpiper, 14 spoonbill, 4 knot, 235 avocet, 45 oyster catcher, juvenile ruff, sanderling, 65 blacktailed godwits, 330 redshank, 140 dunlin, little stint, , 2 juvenile little ringed plover (good for the island) hobby, swift, sedge warbler, willow warbler and white throat.
Havergate Island is looking great after the recent attentions of Mike, our residential volunteer who mowed all the paths, cut back vegetation for us as well as sweeping all the cobwebs out of the hides, recent litter picks have been happening (if you visit in the near future you will see the humongous pile of rubbish (which is not good) that has been collected and is waiting to be taken off (this is going to be a day’s work in itself), and it is generally looking fresh and green after the recent rains. Most of the gulls have moved on now although late youngsters can still be seen on the lagoons in amongst the vast array of waders I have listed above.
Our weekly work party volunteers have completed the new hide which offers great views looking over Cottage Flood and Belpers lagoon, and I have finally finished painting the boat, so it is (looking slightly more) presentable than it was! Finally, the Woodbridge local group have been incredibly busy organising and planning for the Havergate Adventure, which is taking place this weekend.
The Havergate Adventure will help you get the most out of your visit, whatever your age or interests. Whether you want to learn more about the islands wildlife, or just enjoy the charm and serenity of this special place, the knowledgeable RSPB Woodbridge Local Group members will treat you to a two hour guided tour that fits the bill.
Access to the island is, unsurprisingly, by boat only, so a trip to the island helps you really feel you're getting away from it all. Boats for the Havergate Adventure leave Orford Quay every hour from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm between Saturday 18 – Monday 20 August. Homemade refreshments will be available to purchase and binoculars available to borrow so you don’t miss out on anything!
So, if you fancy going on this adventure with your family and would like to book onto a trip please take a look at our booking page here.
Boats leave Orford Quay every hour from 09.30 to 13.30. Trips last approx. 2 hours 40 minutes and include a 2 hour guided tour of part of the island. Price: £15 for adults; £3 for under 16s. However, the boat can only carry a maximum of 12 passengers and demand is likely to be high, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Here are a few of my favourite photos showing what has been happening on Havergate this year…
Taking down the old volunteer accommodation hut
Incredibly high tide back in January
Fixing up the Spoonbill platforms
Beast from the east!
Obviously.....the hares come out after the hare event back in March!
The finished hide ready for the Havergate Adventure