It is not unknown for me to visit other reserves and yesterday I managed a short time at Minsmere in Suffolk. The nice lady on the new sparkly reception area was kind enough to let me in despite my awol membership card so I promised her a blog post about the reserve today!  I have never seen the reserve looking so lush and verdant in July before with a sea of swaying green reeds filled with the sound of young Reed Warblers, Coots, Moorehens and Bearded Tits. No Bitterns for us on this occasion but great views of some young Marsh Harriers from the new Island Mere Hide (recognise thise windows?) Lots of insects to be seen including suicidal Red Admirals around the West Hide and many treetop Ruddy Darters. The scrapes held 14 Little Egrets, six Black-tailed Godwit, Avocets and a Greenshank and it was a lovely evening to out on the trails.

Island Mere

Tatty Admiral

View from West Hide (Andrea Vaughan)


29-7-12