RSPB Minsmere is a nature reserve in Saxmundham where visitors can see the huge range of birds that pass along the Suffolk coast. You may have heard of Minsmere from BBC Spring watch / autumn watch program, the presenters are often visiting the reserve. We thought we would give the place a visit last November (2011). The weather was off and on, still very mild for this time of year so we booked a hotel near Minsmere and set off on the 3 hour drive from our house.
We set off late so only got to Minsmere about an 2 hours before sunset, we parked up and went straight to the visitors centre. Map in hand we walked to one of the hides and sat down, within 5mins we saw a Hen Harrier
Hen Harrier – Once predating free-range fowl, earning its present name, its effect on the number of grouse available to shoot is the cause of modern conflict and threatens its survival in some parts of the UK, particularly on the driven grouse moors of England and Scotland.
If you click the photo you might just be able to see the Hen Harrier.
Starling Murmuration – During autumn, dark clouds begin to form in the sky above fields, woodlands and reedbeds. But these are no ordinary clouds. They are one of the UK’s most incredible wildlife spectacles.
As it started to get darker we began to see the starling roost begin, quite a big gathering of starlings to watch flying around the sky in tight formation. Once the starling action had calmed down we set off to the pub.
We got up nice and early in the morning for first light, it was well worth rolling out of bed at 6:30. Beautiful clear skies to photography.
For All the landscape photos I used a Nikon 7000 with Sigma 10-20mm lens, sitting on a bean bag.
Over the few hours we spent at Minsmere we spotted more Hen & Marsh harriers, water rails, red deer (see below), starling roost any many more different birds.
Red deer spotted in the morning crossing the marsh land.
Minsmere is an amazing place to visit, it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the amount of wildlife and habitats it offers. To find out more take a look here http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere/ you can also Follow Ian on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RSPBMinsmere
We plan to visit Minsmere again in September 2012 – Keep you posted.