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AUTUMN MIGRATION BIRD ID COURSE FRIDAY 18TH-SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2020 BLOG

East Coast birders pray for easterly winds in September and, as Bawdsey Hall’s second Bird Migration Course got underway on 18th September, there was a feeling that we had hit the jackpot.  Weather forecasts predicted winds in the eastern quarter that should force passage migrants, normally passing along the Dutch and Belgian coastlines, to take a more westerly path.  However, for birds to be grounded, low cloud with some rain is necessary.  Warblers, flycatchers, crests, thrushes and chats are nocturnal migrants and clear skies will allow them to pass through unnoticed.  Migration watchers must be the only group of people that wish for rain during their holidays! So, what did we get: wall-to-wall sunshine accompanied by blustery winds for the whole weekend!  Overall, pleasant walking conditions, but the warm weather persuaded hordes of people to venture to the coast, swamping our normally desolate birding spots. Viewing conditions were also tricky as windswept coastal bushes were being thrashed about, forcing smaller birds to keep low.

 

As our course members (Vic, Val, Jen, John and Anne) arrived on Friday afternoon, bird ringing was already underway.  A roving tit flock, hosting mostly Long-tailed Tits, stole the show and as they were caught as a flock they had to be released as a flock and watching them flutter away confetti-like on release was a memorable sight. After dinner at the local pub, there was great anticipation as we took up positions by our bedroom windows to see if the badgers would again put in appearance.  We didn’t have to wait long before one arrived seeking out peanuts that had been provided for him.  

 

Waveney Bird Club ringers were on duty at dawn but, apart from a few Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs, there was little of interest.  Visible migration included a light passage of Siskins and a few Meadow Pipits.  The plan for course members was to look at Hazlewood Marshes for shorebirds.  This former grazing marsh was transformed by the December 2013 tidal surge when flood waters penetrated the river wall.  It is now a prime estuarine site to watch waders at their high-tide roost.  We couldn’t have timed our arrival better as the incoming tide was forcing masses of waders closer and closer towards our telescopes.  Amongst the gathering wader flocks were: Oystercatchers; Bar-tailed Godwits; Curlews; several 100 Redshank and single Grey Plover; Sanderling, Greenshank; Snipe and Turnstone.  However, the star birds were a group of 12 Spoonbills, some searching muddy sediments for food and others standing sentry like on the islands, their bills planted firmly into their backs as they prepared to see out the tide.  Suffolk’s record flock of 45 birds had been logged on the estuary only seven days previously. We enjoyed superb views of a Hobby and then a Peregrine gave a good flypast before stooping menacingly over the mudflats to take an unsuspecting wader.

 

With the tide now full, we decided to take our picnic lunch along the shingle ridge at Slaughden just south of Aldeburgh and then finish the day by walking the river wall to the Town Marshes.  There were 15 Little Grebes feeding on the dykes, nine Little Egrets at the water’s edge and a selection of waders that included three Black-tailed Godwits, five Golden Plover and a single Redshank. 

 

It was more of the same at Bawdsey Hall the next morning with another light passage of Siskins and run-of-the-mill birds trapped by the ringers. The coastal hamlet of Shingle Street was the first stop of the day where there were undoubtedly more people than birds but we enjoy a close encounter with a Little Stint and a Greenshank as they fed on a shallow pool. It was then onto East Lane ponds where there was a good selection of wildfowl but little else. 

 

Weather-wise it was a lovely weekend and our tally of 82 bird species was about average.  However, what a difference a week makes as the rain that started late-Tuesday morning, gradually worsening to a deluge the following Friday.  As the wet weather cleared, scarce birds predictably began to appear and Bawdsey Peninsula highlights included a Yellow-browed Warbler at East Lane (one of 25 that were logged on the Suffolk coast) and a Lapland Bunting in a Linnet flock at Shingle Street. As I write, birders are bracing themselves for another bumper weekend as “Storm Alice” sweeps across the country bringing onshore winds and lots of birds. Already rarities such as Great Snipe, Rustic Bunting, Wryneck, Great Grey Shrike, Booted and Radde’s Warblers and Red-breasted Flycatcher have been noted along the coast, so can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

 

World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on 10th of this month in a period that traditionally hosts huge numbers of passage migrants locally. It is a very important event that highlights how unsustainable agricultural practices and infrastructural pressures are causing habitats of migratory species to shrink and a call for global action for a network of intact environments along migration routes. So, as we enjoy watching migrants on the Bawdsey Peninsula, we must consider their plight as they start their hazardous long-haul flight to Africa. 

 

This was the second Bird ID course in the new format and again it went very well.  We are delighted with the feedback, some of which is included as reviews in the post script below.  Our new format involves smaller groups to comply with Covid 19 restrictions and to ensure everybody is kept safe.  We look forward to the next Bawdsey Hall course, our Siberian Weekend from 23-25th October, which is fully booked.

 

Reviews:  

Thanks for running the course at such a lovely venue. You have found a real gem. We cannot control the hot bright weather but we did everything possible to find the birds in the areas we visited. You certainly put the effort into finding the birds. The Covid compliance put in place by Bawdsey Hall was exemplary and there was no cause for concern. Everything seemed to run very smoothly, and no one got lost on our travels on the back roads of Suffolk. It was so busy everywhere! I regret I did not visit the nature trail; perhaps you could include it on future itineraries. It would be a boost for David’s efforts in the grounds. I hope future courses run well and benefit both you and David.

Anne Southgate – 21st September 2020

 

I had an absolutely wonderful time and learned so much. It's really great as a complete novice to learn in such a relaxed, warm and welcoming atmosphere so for that I'm really grateful. I think the others had a good time too so the course definitely seems to cover the needs of all levels of experience. What can we say about Bawdsey Hall! What a fantastic place, I'm a bit of a history buff so it was a joy to stay somewhere steeped in the stuff! Dave and Charlotte (although I never saw her!) have got it spot on I think! Delicious breakfast and the grounds are just perfect. I'll definitely go back. It was a shame we couldn't congregate after, but the whole experience felt very safe so can't complain! I'll look out for future talks and courses for sure! Thanks again and it was lovely to meet you. 

Vic Butcher – 25th September 2020

 

Really liked Bawdsey Hall and felt very safe with their covid regimen. Also enjoyed hearing about the history of the place and having the opportunity to see the night-time wildlife from our window. The packed lunches were really good as well.

Val Lucas – 27th September 2020

 

Steve Piotrowski

3rd October 2020

Bawdsey Hall Bird Ringing Totals Summary 18th August 2020


Bawdsey Hall Bird Ringing Totals Summary 18th August 2020


Wren 2

Dunnock 2

Robin 7

Blackbird 2

Reed Warbler 1

Whitethroat 3

Blackcap 7

Chiffchaff 1

Pied Flycatcher 3

Blue Tit 1

Great Tit 2

Total: 29

For further information on our Bird ID courses 2021 visit our website:

For further information on our Bird ID courses 2021 visit our website:

https://www.bawdseyhall.com/bird-identification-courses-2021-1


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Bawdsey Hall Bird Nature Blog – August 2020

Bawdsey Hall Bird Nature Blog – August 2020


Bawdsey Hall is geographically placed to allow visitors to witness the wonders of bird migration first hand. Streams of migrant birds pass over the hall every night and an early-morning walk will reveal what has dropped in to rest and feed.  There are many amazing sites all within a three-mile radius of The Hall, most within easy walking distance. Waveney Bird Club carries out bird ringing activities each Tuesday and Sunday, allowing guests at The Hall to see birds close up. 

 

We may feel that we are at the height of a wonderful English summer weather-wises, but for birds it’s time to return to equatorial Africa for their winter holidays. Last week, squadrons of screaming swifts were saying their last goodbyes to residents of nearby villages, but today the skies are silent. Cuckoos have also gone, but a few juveniles will remain to fatten up ready for the long journey ahead.

 

We are now at the very start of autumn migration with several Yellow Wagtails, Wood and Garden Warblers, Nightingales and Pied Flycatchers appearing at nearby watch-points in neighbouring villages of Alderton and Hollesley.  Last Tuesday (4th Aug), ringers at Bawdsey Hall trapped their first juvenile Willow Warbler of the autumn and Reed and Sedge Warblers passage will soon reach its peak.  It’s looking like 2020 is going to be one of the best summers of recent times for Crossbills with regular sightings on the Bawdsey peninsula.  

 

Waders are usually the first to return from arctic nesting grounds so, those that fail with their nesting attempts, swiftly return to more southern climes.  Nearby Ramsholt Marshes, is a prime site to see this in action and last Friday (7th Aug.) and impressive list of 60 species included four Spoonbills (there’s been up to 11 regularly feeding there), over 250 Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets, Green and Wood Sandpipers, Spotted Redshanks, and Greenshanks.  

 

Today (10th Aug), nearby Shingle Street has witnessed a small fall of coastal migrants including: Whinchats, Wheatears and Lesser Whitethroats amongst more common migrants. 

 

Dragonflies are also a feature as they hawk Bawdsey Hall ponds. The Hall has an impressive dragonfly list and species currently on the wing include: Common and Ruddy Darters; Emperors; Brown, Southern and Migrant Hawkers, Small Red-eyed Damselfly and the rare and beautiful Willow Emerald.

 

Add all this to daily sightings of badger and owls that feed in the Hall gardens each evening and you have all the ingredients of an amazing wildlife holiday that will come with a learning experience. There is still one bedroom left for each of my Bird ID Residential Workshops on 30 August-1 Sept and 18-20 Sept, so why not give it a go? You will not be disappointed. 

Click on the link below to view Bird ID courses for 2020:

https://www.bawdseyhall.com/bird-idcourses

Click on the link below to view Bird ID courses for 2021:

 https://www.bawdseyhall.com/bird-identification-courses-2021-1


Steve Piotrowski

Bird Ringer and Bird ID Tour Leader at Bawdsey Hall

10th August 2020


BIRD Idenfication Course this September at Bawdsey Hall

 
Join us this September to develop your confidence and enhance your Bird Watching skills. This course is being run with a small group, allowing you the perfect opportunity to have all those extra personal touches that large group course cannot offer!

AUTUMN MIGRATION

SUNDAY 30th AUGUST - TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

RESIDENTIAL (2 NIGHTS)

and

FRIDAY 18th -20th SEPTEMBER

Residential (2 nights)

Bird identification courses at Bawdsey Hall are the perfect opportunity for beginners to develop their confidence and enhance their birdwatching skills. The course covers a range of species from garden birds to waterfowl and waders as well as providing a unique opportunity to discover why the Suffolk Coast is one of the UK’s prime wildlife areas. With a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions that start with the basics of bird identification culminating in field practice there is ample opportunity to develop skills as well as learning something new. The course offers exploration of nearby nature reserves including Sutton and Hollesley Heaths, Boyton and Hollesley Marshes as well as the potential to travel to some famous nearby reserves such as RSPB Minsmere. You will also receive exclusive access to the Bawdsey Hall private reserve.

What’s included in the fee:

The price includes 2 night accommodation at Bawdsey Hall situated on the Suffolk’s Coast Area of Natural Beauty. All meals, as well as hot drinks and water are included from Friday evening until a Sunday lunchtime. This includes a cooked full English breakfast, a packed lunch when on the field and a 2 course evening meal at a countryside pub. As well as tuition in the field during the day, lectures during the evening and course materials for the residential course.

Course Cost:

Our weekend residential courses at Bawdsey Hall in 2020 cost:

Single Occupancy in a room- £350 per person

Double/Twin Occupancy in a room-£495 (total cost for two people)

Course Description:

DAY ONE (EVENING)

After arrivals and registration, you will have the opportunity to meet your tutor and fellow colleagues before you have your introductory talk. After this, you will venture to a local pub to enjoy your two course evening meal, before heading back to Bawdsey Hall for your evening presentation.

DAY TWO

After an early morning walk you will feel energised for the day and certainly ready for your full English breakfast sat around an elegant dining table enjoying views of the garden. Set up for the day ahead, you will move into the first session which provides an overview of the birds can be found in the UK during passage periods and the habitats in which you can find them.

You will be able to examine the merits of good field-craft as well as developing your own skills to enhance birdwatching opportunities. This will cover concepts in preparation, your behaviour and the bird behaviour.

Your course leader will provide pointers in identifying a range of common birds for that season, by sight and sound around the Bawdsey Hall reserve and at nearby coastal habitats.

During the evening  you will have time to relax at a local pub for your evening meal, where your tutor will be on hand to answer any questions. After this you will be able to enjoy watching the nocturnal wildlife at Bawdsey Hall from the luxurious comfort of your bedroom.

DAY THREE

Following, your pre-breakfast walk and after filling up on your scrumptious breakfast, your second day will offer specific guidance on how to effectively distinguish between similar-looking waders and waterfowl. The session will also provide an introduction to bird surveys that will allow participants to take part in future surveys.

About the tutor:

Based in Suffolk, Steve is a general naturalist and very experienced birder. He facilitates bird-related courses on behalf of the Field Studies Council and BTO. These courses are specifically tailored for those wishing to improve their bird-watching and surveying skills. Steve has been taking a lead on our ID courses for many years now, proving a hugely popular and successful trainer. He is self-employed and runs his own consultancy which specialises in providing wildlife information to landowners, developers and planners; and runs a wildlife tour and guiding service, both locally and abroad. He is the author of Birds of Suffolk, co-author of The Butterflies of Suffolk and was a principal recorder during fieldwork for the Dragonfly Atlas.

A founder member of Landguard Bird Observatory (1982) and Waveney Bird Club (2006), he has been at the forefront of the development of both organisations. He specialises in bird migration and holds a BTO bird ringing ‘Trainer’ permit. As with all the trainers, Steve has undertaken numerous hours of voluntary recording for a range of surveys and a range of organisations, giving him great depth of knowledge of the challenges
faced by new observers. Steve has provided the initiative and energy for the management of very successful conservation projects such as the Suffolk Community Barn Owl.

To book the course or for further information visit: www.bawdseyhall.com/bird-idcourse or contact is on

bawdseyhallsuffolk@outlook.com

07763 291026