Wildfowl and raptors on the Suffolk hinterland
Avariety of bird-rich habitats near Aldeburgh await the birder on this walk. As winter approaches, the wet meadows often attract a small flock of Tundra Bean Geese among the more regular White-fronts, plus the chance of passing Whooper or Bewick’s Swans, Great White Egret and Crane, while Rough-legged Buzzard and Red Kite are often noted. Look out for Brown Hare on farmland and Otter along the watercourses.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
From the path overlooking the beach check the sea for passing Brent Geese, Gannet, Fulmar, Kittiwake, plus feeding Red-throated Diver, Red-breasted Merganser, grebes, auks, gulls and sea ducks. The foreshore can attract Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Rock Pipit and Snow Bunting. Wildfowl moving along the river can include Shelduck, Goldeneye, Goosander and Wigeon. Peregrine and Merlin often hunt here.
2
Check the marshes and lagoons for wildfowl, including Wigeon,
Pintail, Shoveler, Teal and Whitefronted Goose, plus waders such as Lapwing, Golden Plover, Ruff, Avocet, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper. Also, Bittern, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed Bunting, Bearded Tit and Water Rail in reedbeds; Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Grey Wagtail along drainage ditches; Snipe, Water Pipit and Yellow Wagtail on flooded fields; hirundines, Stonechat, Wheatear, Whinchat, finch and bunting flocks along the sea wall. Check for Yellow-legged and Mediterranean Gulls. Raptors can include Kestrel, Buzzard, Merlin, Hen and Marsh Harriers, plus Short-eared Owl.
3
An orchard attracts flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare, plus a chance of Ring Ouzel, Mistle Thrush, Green Woodpecker and Little Owl. Typical farmland and wayside birds should include Kestrel, Pied Wagtail, Grey Partridge, Stock Dove, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Corn Bunting. Scan for hunting Barn Owl at dusk, plus roosting Starlings, thrushes and harriers.
4
A track leads into a wood where there is a chance of a late Chiffchaff or Blackcap. Also likely are Woodcock, Jay, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Crossbill, Siskin and redpolls. Sparrowhawk and Long-eared Owl are also active around here.
PRACTICAL INFO
POSTCODE: IP12 2BE
GRID REF: TM 426 531
MAPS: OS Explorer 212, OS Landranger 156
PARKING: Park one mile east of Sudbourne village along School Lane by the crossroads
TERRAIN: Mostly on the level, though tracks can be muddy after rain. For those with mobility issues, parts of the marsh can be viewed from surrounding lanes
ACCESS: Full public access throughout the year
FACILITIES: None on site apart from information boards. Full range in Aldeburgh
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE Visit on a calm, dry afternoon for maximum raptor activity
TARGET SPECIES AUTUMN/WINTER ● White-fronted Goose ● Wigeon
● Great White Egret ● Goosander
● Hen Harrier ● Peregrine
● Grey Partridge ● Golden Plover ● Green Sandpiper ● Short-eared Owl ● Ring Ouzel
● Corn Bunting
SPRING/SUMMER ● Hobby ● Cuckoo ● Wheatear ● Whinchat ● Yellow Wagtail ● Sedge Warbler ● Reed Warbler