At last some warm, sunny weather. Time to go to the seaside. Sort of.
We've been down to the Suffolk coast before, usually to the RSPB reserve at Minsmere, which attracts many more species of birds than this Black-Headed Gull.
Looking across one of Minsmere's reedbeds you can see some higher land with a row of coastguards' cottages on top. That's Dunwich Heath and it's where we're walking today. We're heading along the coast then doing a circuit around some heathland. Here are some photos....
We were hoping to see a small dark bird with a longish tail - a Dartford Warbler. When I started getting interested in birds they were all but extinct on these shores; a series of harsh winters having almost wiped them out. There are more around now but they are very specialised birds of dry heathland: places like Dunwich Heath. I'd hoped to see one perched on top of a distant bush, but instead there it was singing away in a branch overhanging the footpath. Mission accomplished.
On our way back we stopped at Saxtead Green where there's a magical old windmill. And, equally important, a van selling ice cream!
Take care.
Bring on the ice cream. Just the day for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful walk there. Love that black-headed gull. When I look at the photo that has all the stones along the shore, it makes me wonder if rock-hounds go there to see what they can find. It makes me want to know the history. Love all the views there, the sun in the tree, the windmill... all of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there's much there to interest the geologist, though there are other more interesting cliffs and beaches elsewhere. If we visit again I promise I'll tell you some of the history!
DeleteI love the windmill! Ice cream is a great after-walk treat but I prefer beer! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely views!
ReplyDeleteI have visited my friend in Norfolk several times and walked the coast along there but have never been to Suffolk - looks like I should explore it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteAfter such a lovely walk in the sunshine, the ice cream would be very welcome. Glad you saw a Sartford Warbler:)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this tour of Minsmere, John, a legendary place for birders. On my various visits to the UK I have never made it there, although I have visited several other RSPB reserves. A Dartford Warbler would have made my day - my whole week in fact!
ReplyDeleteOh that was interesting John, I've not ever seen a black headed gull before, how unusual it looks. Minsmere looks lovely, I remember being fascinated by the pebble beaches when we lived in UK for a year, so different from the beaches here ✨
ReplyDeleteA lovely blue sky - what a perfect day!
ReplyDeleteIf I remember well Minsmere was the location for BBC's Springwatch several years ago (?). You chose a wonderful day for going there and visit the beach.
ReplyDeleteThat's right, Springwatch did use Minsmere as a base for a time. The local pub in Eastbridge has names of the TV crew signed on the ceiling of the bar.
DeleteNice to hear that!
DeleteI’ve never seen one of those gulls. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe beach looks wonderful. And the countryside, as always, looks so inviting. The windmill is pretty special.
I think I've caught up with your posts now. I have so enjoyed all your wonderful photos on your walks and bike rides around the area. It's such a beautiful countryside. Thank you for sharing. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteGreat views of the coastal settings...a beach that looks like it's a bit pebbly and some different kinds of marshes than your usual walks. Love the windmill (was it working?) and ice cream after a walk sounds just right!
ReplyDeleteThe windmill wasn't working at the time we were there, but is still in working order. In normal times it's open to the public, but, as I know from visits elsewhere, there's not much space for social distancing inside a windmill!
DeleteAnother wonderful walk. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique habitat! Some interesting plants as well as birds.
ReplyDeleteHi John - looks like a wonderful day out ... stunning walk - excellent photos for us to see ... beautiful ... from a soggy Eastbourne today! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteInteresting area, with heathland so close to the coast. I've only once seen a Dartford warbler, years ago at RSPB Arne. Similar habitat I guess.
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely walk! I wish I could explore that beach--I love looking at rocks of all kinds. What is that pretty pink flower in the first pictures? And that black headed gull-first time I've ever heard of such a bird!
ReplyDeleteThe pink flower is Thrift (also called Sea Pink). It's a fairly common wild flower around our coasts. Black-headed Gulls are also common and occur inland around land-fill sites as well as all round the coast. The brown plumage on the head is only present in the summer.
DeleteThese photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLaila
www.lailanblog.blogspot.co.uk
That looked a good hike through heathland to the beach. Did you find your bird?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. It was a beautiful day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely outing and you got to see the Dartford Warbler, even better. Hot and sunny here, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the beach trip John - looks lovely there sitting on the hot pebbles!!!
ReplyDeleteI recall the first time I took Bob to Slapton Sands (Devon) back in the '60's and he was flabbergasted to find such a misnamed stretch of beach - no sand just pebbles! Of course anyone familiar with WW2 Devon coast knows the story of what happened there in April 1944 - Exercise Tiger. Taking an American to view reminders of that tragedy is always an eye opener.
I love that black-headed gull
Lovely landscapes.
ReplyDeleteVery intresting thanks both r johnb
ReplyDeleteThe walk was lovely, as always, John, and I did like the colorful plants on the heath. The beachgoers look to be enjoying themselves, but the beach area did look a bit rocky compared to sandy beaches we have walked on, but those were not in New England :-) And ice cream is always a treat for us when out wandering, so glad there was some for you as well.
ReplyDelete