As ever at this time of year it's ducks that dominate the reserve's birdlife at the moment, at least numerically. Large flocks of wigeons, gadwalls, teals, mallards and shovelers are feeding or loafing on the Scrape, Konik Field and Levels, with a several shelducks and a few pintails and tufted ducks mixed among them.
One thing is different this winter, though. With work continuing (until late February) to replace the fence around the Scrape, there is a varying amount of disturbance on the Scrape. The location of the work varies each day, so it's best to check at reception on arrival to find out where the best places to watch the Scrape are. Today, for example, South Hide was the place to be, with good numbers of ducks roosting on the islands. Among them, the highlight for many is the redhead smew - though she can be mobile and has been turning up on Island Mere this week too.
Redhead smew by Jon Evans
For the biggest flocks of ducks, it's worth strolling south from the sluice - or along the temporary path to the Chapel Field - to look across the Minsmere Levels, where large flocks of ducks, lapwings and gulls are feeding and resting. Alternatively, why not head to North Warren, which has gained a justified reputation as the best place on the Suffolk coast to watch ducks and geese in winter, and has also hosted record numbers of black-tailed godwits this winter. You can watch the birds in more comfort at North Warren this winter too, as we've recently installed some new viewing platforms. And this Saturday you can join Dave, the warden, for a guided walk to learn more about this amazing reserve and identify the various species of ducks, geese, gulls and wading birds on the marshes. Dave's walk starts at 10 am from the Thorpe Road car park in Aldeburgh - near the Scallop sculpture. Please call the Minsmere visitor centre on 01728 648281 to book. Costs are £5 for RSPB members or £8 for non members.
Back at Minsmere, the reedbed wildlife has continued to show itself regularly, providing you have both luck and patience. The family of three otters (mum and two cubs) are seen daily at Island Mere, with the dog and another family also popping up regularly. All are sometimes seen at Bittern Hide too. Bitterns are regular at both hides, and an elusive snipe or two are usually at Island Mere. Water rails and kingfishers are regular, while the best place for bearded tits at the moment is between South Hide and the sluice. Up to eight marsh harriers can be seen hunting over the reedbed, or coming to roost at dusk, when up to three barn owls have been seen at Eastbridge.
Male marsh harrier by Jon Evans
With many birdwatching starting a new year list, some of our woodlands become more popular in early Janaury too, so we're getting more reports than usual of treecreepers, goldcrests and bullfinches. A female brambling the visitor centre reception building was popular again yesterday.
Of course, otters aren't the only mammals on show either. Grey squirrels and rabbits are almost guaranteed, and many visitors bump into either a red deer or muntjac - or both - but I was lucky enough to spot one of our badgers as I drove home last night, and a fox posed for the camera at Island Mere over the weekend - Rob Munro's picture on Twitter was very popular.
As I look at a beautiful sunset, following a rather dull day, I wonder if any starlings will be seen tonight. There was a good roost again on Friday evening, with birds settling in front of Bittern Hide and at the west end of the reedbed - near Eastbridge - but we've not heard any news from the last few evenings.
Finally, a reminder to put a date in your diary for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch on 24/25 January. I'll post more about this closer to the time.