RSPB Minsmere
RSPB Minsmere is a large nature reserve on the Suffolk coast located between Dunwich Heath and Sizewell B power station. As one of the main habitats at the reserve is reedbed, it is unsurprising that visitors are particularly on the lookout for its speciality species: the elusive bittern, the marsh harrier and the bearded tits. But with many acres of woodland, a ‘scrape’ popular with migrating ducks and geese and a glorious stretch of coastline, there is plenty more to see here too.
Of course, precisely what you might find varies with the season. If you go to Minsmere in the Autumn, you will not hear the booming of the bittern, nor see marsh harriers pass their prey between them in mid-air acrobatics, but there are some wonderful sights to be seen, nevertheless.
Marsh Harriers
It would be difficult to visit Minsmere in the Autumn and miss the marsh harriers. These large birds quarter the marshes, their wings held in a ‘v’. The females, dark brown with yellow heads, can hardly be missed as they rise above the reeds; the males, more colourful but also more camouflaged, may require a little more patience but are a great reward.
At times, towards the evening especially, there may be half a dozen or more birds all up at once, when viewed from a good vantage point (like ‘Bittern Hide’ or ‘Island Mere Hide’). Mostly the birds are viewed in flight, requiring fast binocular-work as you follow them across the marshes. Occasionally one may come to rest on a small branch or twig and be observed in more detail.
Bearded Tits
Although the Autumn is the best time to see Bearded Tits, they are still elusive little birds. Looking out from a hide like ‘Island Mere’ across the reeds (most eyes are normally drawn in the opposite direction, towards the water) little movements can be detected, especially on a still day when the reeds are otherwise stationery. Follow the little disturbances with your binoculars and, with luck, you will be rewarded.
The blue-grey head and long black moustache of a male may hop into view and be observed for a few seconds before rushing on. Similarly the less intricately marked female may emerge for a moment. Sometimes, by the water, they may hang from a reed for a little longer. If you are very lucky, you may witness a small party taking grit from one of the paths in order to assist their seed digestion, at which point the birds can be observed at greater length.
Bitterns
Essentially, it is always pot luck if you see a bittern. Your best chance is if one happens to rise above the marshes to move to a new fishing spot or if it is startled by a swooping marsh harrier or other predator. Then you will see a small, squat, brown heron flapping above the reeds. Otherwise your only chance is stumbling upon one with binoculars or telescope. Even then it is only if it is moving that you are likely to spot it, incredibly camouflaged as it is against the reeds. If you are lucky, some experienced old hand with a powerful telescope will have one in his sight and let you have a look.
Red Deer
At this time of the year, red deer are also easily viewed in the reserve, especially later in the day. The ones you might see near the visitor centre or the hides are those choosing to stay away from the drama taking place half a mile or so away on the heath. October sees the red deer rut, and the RSPB provides a viewing area to see this extraordinary phenomenon. Here you will see stags fighting one another and trying to win over harems of hinds during those chilly October evenings.
Other Highlights
You can see all sorts of birds on the scrape: teal and other small ducks are very common along with large numbers of lapwing. Herons and Little Egrets stalk the waters (for the last two Octobers a Great White Egret has been present on the Island Mere – a very rare visitor indeed). The woodland is home to a wide variety of birdlife. Out to sea, lucky sea-watchers might see passing Red Throated Divers. At dusk the starlings will come in the reeds to roost, and you may catch sight of predators like peregrine falcons attempting to take one.
When the day is done, what better than an evening at the Eel’s Foot in Eastbridge with some hearty food and a pint of local ale? And if you’ve seen enough birds, then in the morning you may take a trip to Southwold or Snape or Sutton Hoo. The Suffolk Coast is really a great place to visit in Autumn, especially for birders.
Duncan Hall - Duncan Hall is a semi-professional acoustic musician and lecturer in Government & Politics
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