Minsmere RSPB

Out for a walk with friends from Waveney Bird Club. A few hours brought in 34 species of bird. Also a BLACK TAILED SKIMMER and a WEASEL ran across the track in front of us. But back to the birds and the best was to have John Grant with us who explained the distinctive patterning of a juvenile  YELLOW LEGGED GULL.

Large dark bill.......White front to face....Black eye patch.....Tertials heart shaped.....Black tail.

Many dead birds around with even the bird above devouring one. A single RUFF as well as GREEN SANDPIPER. a single KINGFISHER flew through. A pair of STONECHAT on the dunes and off shore a single WHIMBRAL flew South as did a flock of 50 COMMON SCOTER. 

Carlton Marsh and Home.

 First time since November back as volunteer at Carlton Marsh. Pleased to be back. Good conversations with visitors and well worth the interaction. Best bird a juvenile STONECHAT put in a brief visit. By the looks of it they must have bred on site. Also PERGRINE, LAPWING, and altogether 32 species in four hours.

Home: Had my first ever BOX TREE MOTH in the garden today. Also COMMA and BROWN HAWKER in good fettle. Several flocks of STARLING heading out onto the marsh this evening with about 200 birds. Also several flocks of MED GULL with largest flock of 11 birds.