GO BIRDING
SUFFOLK
Wetland birding walk centred on the River Blyth
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 3 MIN TIME: 3 HOURS
The Blyth estuary provides a variety of saline habitats along the route beside a myriad of flood meadows, drainage ditches, mudflats, fresh marshes, reedbeds, arable farmland and a strip of woodland, thus ensuring the chance of a wide range of species. East Anglian specialities such as Crane, Hen Harrier and Rough-legged Buzzard often winter here, while Otters are also regularly reported along the watercourse, and Roe Deer haunt surrounding farmland.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Search the Hen Reedbed margins for the likes of Bittern, Grey Heron, Little and Great White Egrets, Water Rail, Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Stonechat, Reed Bunting and Bearded Tit, plus Little and Great Crested Grebes, Teal and Shoveler on open water. In late autumn, a few Swallows and House Martins should still be present over the wetlands, along with Cetti’s Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, and maybe a Firecrest in the willow scrub. A good lookout point to scan for Marsh and Hen Harriers, Merlin and Peregrine, and Barn Owl at dusk. Woodlands to the west often attract soaring Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.
2 From the hide, scan Walsey Creek for the likes of Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Little Egret and Grey Heron fish the margins, while autumn can attract passing Green and Common Sandpipers. At high tide, flocks of Wigeon, Shelduck and a few Goldeneye are present, while large numbers of roosting gulls should be checked for Mediterranean and Yellow-legged Gulls. A late autumn Sandwich Tern is also likely, along with migrant Osprey.
3 Enjoy panoramic views across the Blyth estuary at low tide where wintering waders include Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Dunlin, Knot and Grey Plovers. Search for Greenshank, Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff and Little Stint on autumn passage. The track often attracts a few finches, pipits and wagtails. The freshwater Tinker’s Marshes to the south typically supports flocks of Lapwing and Golden Plover, Great White and maybe Cattle Egrets, and wildfowl such as White-fronted Goose, Teal, Shoveler and Wigeon. Harriers quarter the wet fields in competition with Short-eared and Barn Owls as the light fades.
4 Check the woodland strip for resident tits, finches and thrushes, along with Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper and may
