Sandwich Terns breed at Minsmere for first time in four decades

One of Suffolk’s rarest breeding birds, the Sandwich Tern, may be making a comeback after breeding successfully this year at the RSPB’s Minsmere nature reserve for the first time in almost 40 years.

The Sandwich Tern is a very white ‘sea tern’ with a black cap and bill with a yellow tip, which distinguish it from other terns. It feeds mainly on sandeels and small fish, and many of its surviving UK breeding colonies are on nature reserves.

Before the 1970s, a large colony of Sandwich Terns nested on Minsmere’s famous ‘Scrape’ – a shallow manmade lagoon dotted with islands – but since the last successful nesting attempt in 1978 they have only tried to nest occasionally and without success, until now.

This year, seven pairs of Sandwich Terns settled to breed on the East Scrape, successfully rearing four chicks so far. They are thought to be the only Sandwich Terns to breed in Suffolk this year.

21st July

Continued  

Rare Purple Swamp Hen brings flocks to RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk

It normally resides in the swamps of Southern Europe and Africa but has decided the lagoons of Minsmere in Suffolk are more to its liking. A 'wild' Purple Swamp Hen has never been seen in the British Isles before but it's showing itself several times a day at the RSPB reserve.

More than a thousand birdwatchers have come from across the country to see the bird, which is about the size of a chicken and looks like a fancy coloured moorhen.

Continued .. 

Sizewell C could have ‘major impact’ on wildlife at Minsmere, says RSPB

Richard Cornwell Friday, July 10, 2015 

Fears have been raised that the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station could have a “major impact” on one of Britain’s most important wildlife sites.

The twin-reactor project will bring the development right up to the boundary of RSPB Minsmere, home of BBC TV’s Springwatch programme.

While the work will not encroach on Minsmere the RSPB is concerned that there could be a “major impact” and “potential for direct damage to wetland and fen habitat” bordering the reserve.

However, water level changes could affect Minsmere, and birds could be affected by noise, extra shipping offshore, and light pollution.

RSPB officials are currently carrying out studies to analyse potential impact and says it is important to remain part of the Evidence Plan process as this gives the best opportunity to stay up to date with plans as they progress and provides opportunities to influence designs and plan for the best outcome for nature.

The society said: “At this stage our main concerns about the proposal are its proximity to internationally and nationally important wildlife sites and especially RSPB Minsmere and RSPB North Warren nature reserves.

Continued ...