Sounds like a nice visit Ron. Carlton Marsh is certainly a great little reserve.
I managed to get out myself locally on Sunday (ringing) and then Monday (birding).
Highlights on Sunday were a singing Nightingale at Bawdsey Quay, a flyover Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail at Bawdsey Manor and then a few Whitethroat and Blackcap singing on rhe bicycle ride back. Also rather unusual for this time of year were 9 Jay heading S over the Deben.
On Monday I headed up to Hollesley, via Shingle St. The wind was strong and despite the sun few birds were singing. I had single Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and several Willow Warbler, Blackcap & Whitethroat, but a distinct lack of Chiffchaff.
Hirundines were thin on the ground, but managed all three common species.
The only birds of note came in the shape of 1-2 female Blue-headed Wagtail and 1-2 'Channel' Wagtail. They were feeding with 2 White Wagtail and 18+ flavissima Yellow Wagtail on a small marsh area at Hollesley Marsh. There were lots of displaying Redshank and a few Lapwing, along with 5 Snipe and several Teal.
En-route to the main marsh I had 7 Whimbrel on the Alde and a smattering of commoner waders namely Turnstone, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover.
An inspection of the main marsh revealed 9 more Yellow Wagtail, as well as another awhite Wagtail. There were a few ducks with 30+ Teal, 3 pairs of Wigeon, 2 male Shoveler and a pair of Gadwall lingering. Most surprising was a pair of Egyptian Geese, while other birds of interest included 6 Wheatear, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, several Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron and a male Marsh Harrier.
My return journey to Alderton was rather unproductive with just 2-3 Buzzard, a few Yellow Wagtail and hirundines.
Still waiting for the big one
.
Sean
