Saturday 25 January 2014

A MEDITERRANEAN, SNOW and WAXWING DAY

Saturday 25/01/14, I guess, will not be remembered for the amount of sunshine that delighted the South East Coast of England. Heading out first thing in foggy and dull conditions, although it was a late start for me, to Martlesham Heath in Suffolk for perhaps the most beautiful winter wonder to grace our shores. The wonderful Waxwing, a great bird that this winter, has been extremely hard to come by.

 

 
 
Seven Waxwing's were present in the small square of shops next to the Douglas Bader public house. The grid ref for the site is TM243 453, the best postcode I found is IP5 3SL should the bird remain and you fancy a trip to see them.

 
 
The same Sorbus aucuparia trees (Rowan/Mountain Ash) were harbouring a couple of our winter Thrushes. These being a confiding Fieldfare and a rather shy Redwing.
 
 
 
 

Nice to see a friend, John Pringle, at the site with his camera gear, snapping away. I just love to see people with the passion, the urge to be out from dawn with the camera, in all weathers, just hoping for that cracking shot. You can always see John is passionate. No doubt he will have some great photos to share from today's adventure.

Next place on the agenda was Landguard. Its a great place and I have seen some really good rarities here over the years. It's the point near Felixstowe and the best road name to put in your Sat-Nav is View Point Road. My target species here were Snow Bunting and Mediterranean Gull.

 

 
 
 
The Mediterranean Gull is in my opinion one of the most stunning gulls we see along our coast line on a regular basis.

 
 
 
The last species that I was really keen on seeing was Snow Bunting and it wasn't long before I caught up with them and they didn't disappoint. The only thing that may have made this day a little better for photography would have been an appearance from the Sun. Still it was another great day out with some real smart birds.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roll on the next birding trip. Happy Days!
 
 
 
 
 

 

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