Bird
watchers' paradise  |
Minsmere is a nature reserve comprising a variety of habitats including
woodlands, marshes, heath and beach. The diversity of habitats results
in a superb range of birds with over 300 species including Bittern, Avocet and
Marsh Harrier. | Minsmere
- the RSPB's flagship reserve.
Photo c/o Ian Barthorpe and RSPB |
Minsmere was one of the RSPB's first reserves and remains one of
its flagships.
This reserve is a bird watcher's paradise, whether you're
a beginner or you're a bit more knowledgeable and you're looking for something
a little more challenging. World first  Lying
in the shadow of Sizewell Power Station, Minsmere's habitats of open water, marshes
and woodland offer food and shelter for almost any type of bird.
For migrating
birds off Britain's east coast, Minsmere is an attractive stopover. Minsmere
is famous for Bitterns, an elusive and rare bird found in wetland areas. A
quarter of the UK breeding population can be found on the reserve especially around
the reed beds. At the heart of Minsmere is the 'Scrape' - the world's first
artificial wetland literally scraped out of the marsh. Birds
at Minsmere  Minsmere
is a great place to improve your birding knowledge with a wide variety of species
and a good selection of hides.
Amongst the many birds to look out for are
Reed and Sedge Warblers, Bearded Tits, Common Redshank, Avocets, and Wood Sandpipers. One
of the most important birds at Minsmere is the Bittern - the reserve has one quarter
of Britain's breeding population of the bird. As well as being a top place
for Bitterns, the Marsh Harrier can often be seen hovering low over the reed beds
looking for small mammals to eat. This bird or prey has an impressive four
feet wing span which looks 'V' shaped when outstretched. Listen for the
bird's squawking alarm call. Moth marvels  Minsmere
is especially rich in moth species - 940 different ones have been identified at
the reserve.
If you see a moth vibrating its wings, it is warming up, preparing
to fly. Also look out for Black Adders, this genetic mutation of the Adder. These
snakes are common in the New Forest as well as parts of Wales and Sweden.
Their
black skin helps them warm up quickly in the spring sun. Photo
credits Bird and reserve photos courtesy
of Ian Barthorpe and RSPB. | 
