The two most popular birds at Minsmere could both be described as little cousins of bigger, more familiar species. One is a regular visitor, though often difficult to see. The other was a completely new species for the reserve.
Let's start with the newcomer. When news came in of five Scaup at Island Mere on Sunday morning, local birdwatchers got quite excited as this is an unusually high count for this seaduck at Minsmere. When they went to check on the birds, the excitement levels rose several notches as these weren't Greater Scaup (the recognised international name for what we tend to call Scaup). Instead, they were identified as Lesser Scaup, a rare visitor from North America, and a species that had never previously been seen at Minsmere.
Three of the five Lesser Scaup at Island Mere on Sunday. Photo by Les Cater. Note the coarse grey patterning on the back and pale grey flanks of the drakes
Despite the name, Lesser Scaup isn't actually much smaller than a Greater Scaup. Both are members of the Aythya family of diving ducks that also includes the more familiar Tufted Duck and Pochard. In fact, both of the scaups can be easily confused with Tufted Ducks, as all are essentially black and white males or brown and grey females, though the patterns vary slightly between species and the head shape differs too.
Tufted Ducks, Note the black back, clean white flanks and feathery head tuft. Photo by Ian Barthorpe
Until very recently, Lesser Scaup was a very bird in the UK, with the first ever sighting coming form Staffordshire in 1987. They are common birds in North America, and occasionally migrating birds will be swept across the Atlantic on autumn storms. There have been increasing numbers reaching the UK each year, culminating in unprecedented numbers arriving in autumn 2023. This included a flock that settled in Cornwall for several days before moving eastwards. It's thought that some of this flock eventually moved to Abberton Reservoir in Essex, where five birds had been present for several weeks, and we assume that it was this flock that moved to Minsmere on Sunday. In fact, this was the second North American Aythya to arrive at Minsmere this year, following on from the Ring-necked Duck that paid a brief visit in January.
Unfortunately, by the time I had a chance to look for these rare birds on Monday morning they had already departed, presumably migrating north, as they would usually do on the opposite side of the Atlantic. Whether they'll ever cross the Ocean again is doubtful, and it's possible that these birds will be located somewhere else in the UK later this year. I had to content myself with scanning in vain through a flock of 40 Tufted Ducks and six Pochards!
I did, however, have more luck with the other "little cousin" as I was able to enjoy good views of a Jack Snipe in front of Island Mere Hide. Jack Snipe are scarce winter visitors, and are typically very shy and well camouflaged, making them tricky to find. They are smaller and shorter billed than Snipe, with a very different head pattern. They also have a habit of bobbing on the spot, which can be very useful when trying to locate them among dense wetland vegetation - though be careful, because Snipe can often bob too, though more subtly. Jack Snipe are typically difficult to see, but this one has obligingly wandered intot he open at times, as seen from Les Cater's superb photo.
Jack Snipe by Les Cater. Note the relatively short bill (half the length of a Snipe), "split supercilium" and subtly different markings form Snipe.
While Island Mere may have drawn the attentions of the serious birdwatchers, there's been lots to see elsewhere, too. Adders have been showing well beneath the Sand Martin bank, and a Grass Snake was seen there today, too. Several Sand Martins are back and often checking out their nesting burrows, too. The first Sedge Warbler was heard along North Wall last Friday, a Blackcap in South Belt today, and a Wheatear on Whin Hill today, and there have been sightings of Comma, Brimstone and Peacock butterflies, signalling that spring is very much arriving .
On the Scrape, wader migration is starting to pick up, with sightings this week including Knot, Grey Plover, Ruff and Green Sandpiper as well as the more regular Dunlin and Turnstones, while Black-tailed Godwit numbers have risen notably. Ringed Plovers, Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Lapwings are all starting to establish territories, and Avocet numbers have increased to more than 150. Several Mediterranean Gulls are present among the Black-headed Gulls, and one or Sandwich Terns are often present. There are also still good numbers of all our regular duck species.
Mediterranean Gulls in differing states of moult, with a Black-headed Gull in the background. Photo by Ian Barthorpe
Among the more regular species in the reedbed, we've already counted at least 13 booming male Bitterns and are seeing regular courtship flights above the reedbed, while Marsh Harriers continue to put on a good show. Bearded Tits can often be seen at Island Mere and along North Wall, Cetti's Warblers are increasingly vocal, and you can often hear Water Rails or Little Grebes within the reeds. We're also seeing Great Egrets and Common Cranes every day at the moment, and often see Red Kites over the reserve.
Finally, we're pleased to welcome back the Waveney Bird Club for weekly bird ringing demos on Thursdays, weather permitting. Sadly the first session was cancelled yesterday, but they'll be joining us for an extra demo on Easter Sunday, so why come along to find out more.