IKEN MARSHES
Explore the Alde Estuary for passage waders
The hinterland to the east of Aldeburgh has long been known as a birding hotspot. There is good public access from footpaths and lanes around Iken, while a raised embankment affords good views across the estuary. A variety of bird-rich habitats includes shingle foreshore, marshes, reedbeds, farmland, copses and grazing meadows, plus the River Alde with its meandering reaches. Great White Egrets are now regular, while Cranes are sometimes reported. Barn and Short- eared Owls often hunt the wetlands; check stunted willows for Little Owl.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 From the car park scan the estuary at low tide for feeding waders such as Oystercatcher, Curlew, Whimbrel, Avocet, Bar and Black-tailed Godwits, Greenshank, Dunlin, Grey and Ringed Plovers. The creeks often attract Turnstone, Redshank, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Shelduck and the occasional Spoonbill. Check the scrub behind the beach for warblers and chats, and the grass for Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Wheatear.
2 The churchyard can have Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart. Large flocks of Goldfinches and Linnets often haunt the scrub on the estuary side. Look for Meadow Pipit, Pied, Yellow and Grey Wagtails. Turnstone forage the strandline along with a chance of Wheatear and Black Redstart. On a flood tide, scan Long Reach for fishing Common, Sandwich and Little Terns, plus check flocks of gulls. Raptors here can include Buzzard, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and sometimes Osprey.
3 Check the grazing meadows for flocks of Lapwing, Ruff, Golden Plover, corvids, Stock Dove, Starling, feral geese and swans. Large flocks of Swifts and hirundines gather here to feed on flying insects, which in turn can attract a hunting Hobby. A good spot to scan the drainage ditches for Little Grebe, Great White and Little Egrets, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Green and Common Sandpipers and Kingfisher, Cuckoo, plus Reed Bunting, Cetti’s Warbler, Reed and Sedge Warblers, Stonechat and even a chance of Bearded Tit in reedy patches. Marsh Harrier and Buzzard are regular.
4 Another good area for typical open farmland birds, including Lapwing, Golden Plover, partridges, Stock Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit, plus with Buzzard, Kestrel and (at dusk) Barn Owl. Check hedgerows and scrub for passerine flocks including Stonechat, Linnet, Corn Bunting, Yellowhammer, Bullfinch and migrants such as Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroats.