Great day out in Suffolk: Black Redstarts, Bitterns and lots more!

Despite an unpromising weather forecast, Brian, Norman and I headed into Suffolk in an attempt to avoid the threatened rain. We did! And not only that, we managed decent views of some interesting birds!

Starting at Minsmere, we trudged round to Island Mere (tripping over the squillions of kilometres of BBC cables on the way) where an obliging Bittern flew in front of the hide and onto its nest. Reed Warblers were unusually co-operative, as were Bearded Tits and Cettis.

The West Scrape held its usual complement of gulls, but I quickly managed to pick out a nesting pair of Mediterraneans, both on the deck and flying round in formation. A large flock of Little Terns flew in from the beach before landing on an island.

After coffee we drove south to Sizewell, where a short walk gave us both male and female Black Redstarts and views of the expanding Kittiwake colony on the outlet towers.

A great day out for the 'Last of the Summer Wine' posse!