A Bit of Birding in Suffolk Part 1

After a very complicated visit to Birmingham last week, we had a few days in Suffolk before the looooong drive back to Scotland. Our plans were completely changed over Easter due to someone in the family testing positive for the dreaded 'Vid'. We already had 4 nights booked in Aldeburgh, so we hastily found a B&B for 2 extra nights.

On the way we popped into Ickworth NT and came across our first Egyptian Geese of the year, with goslings!

We found that we were near a reserve that we had visited in previous visit, this is the Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Hen Reed Beds reserve, we paid three visits over the two days. More Goslings, this time Greylag Goose,

Marsh Harrier over the Reeds,

and one of the many Twite that were about.

We also saw our first Swallows of the year here, collecting mud for their nest, as well as Cetti's Warblers, they just wouldn't stay still for a second, so no chance of a photo. Little Egrets put in a few appearances but liked to hide away from us or had reeds in front, so this is the best photo I could manage:

and finally a solitary Lawing:

Oh! I nearly forgot, we had a very very brief sighting of a Bittern as it flew over the reeds! In total just 24 species, but a great place to sit, chill and get sunburnt!