Dartford Warblers at Dunwich Heath (1 Viewer)

[Earnest lad]

Hello. I am keen to get Dartford Warbler as a lifer, and obtain a record shot. Please does anyone know is it relatively easy to see in Autumn or Winter. Also, is it free to get in? Thank you

 

[JWN Andrewes]

I think they suffered hugely in some big fires there a few years back. When I was in the area in spring this year I visited and didn't find any, and was told they still hadn't recovered, if there were even any left there at all. Woodlarks were easy there though.

 

[Steve Babbs]

Dunwich Heath is free to get in but you have to pay for the NT car park. You can park elsewhere though, if you don't mind a walk. It's not an area I visit often this days. I don't know about the fire. There were 180 singing males in Suffolk in 2022 and Dunwich Heath had 29. Minsmere had 40.

They're harder to see in autumn/winter but you are less likely to cause disturbance issues to them or other heathland breeding species at that time of year

 

[Bismarck Honeyeater]

As a general rule, find some Stonechats - a lot easier to see - and watch for Dartfords to appear near them.

 

[d.steeley]

I'm just back from a 2 week stay in Suffolk, right by Dunwich Heath. Walked over the heath probably 9 or 10 times during our stay and didn't hear or see any DWs. In fact, with all the dead heather around we saw very little bird life on the heath.

Dave

 

[YuShan]

I have seen them on Dunwich Heath but I haven't been there for years.