Monday 20th January 2020 - RSPB MINSMERE

A lovely bright start with no wind on the coast and a record turnout of 23 members of the U3A Birdwatching Team made this a most memorable day. Amongst the many birds spotted were, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Whooper Swans, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Widgeon, Gadwall, Teal, Pintails, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Red Headed Smew (picture by Mick Bennet) Marsh Harriers, Pheasant, Moorhen, Avocet, Black tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Wood Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Robin, Redwing, Long-tailed-Tit, Blue Tit, Marsh Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Mute Swan. We also spotted a Bull Seal out in the sea near the beach (Thanks to a Minsmere guide for informing us which Seal it was) Jude, one of our members stayed on almost to dark and saw 24 Marsh Harriers coming in over Minsmere as well as Curlew and a Barn Owl and on the ground many Deer. Our next trip will be to Alton Water where we will meet in the Main Car Park at 10.00am on Monday 17th February. Thank you to Richard Barnett, Mick Bennet & Jude Banks for the list of sightings today.

 Monday 17th February ALTON WATER

 On a  bright but blustery day 12 members of the U3A Birdwatching Group met up in the Car Park and headed out to the left of the Reservoir full of anticipation for a fine mornings birdwatching. Unfortunately most of the birds had taken cover but we did spot a large flock of Great crested Grebes on the water whose handsome plumage sparkled in the sunlight. We also saw fly past a Long tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Mallard in flight and two Eqyptian Geese. Some of us missed the Cormorants and the Chaffinch but thanks to Jude for the additions to our short list. So after our walk we headed back to the Cafe for refreshments. Pictures by Barry Chittock, thank you. Our next walk is to North Warren, Aldeburgh on Monday 16th March.