A bumper group of 15 met for coffee at The Froize at 8.30am, many of the group on debut today. We outlined our plans for the morning and, with lots to look forward to, were away in record time! A Buzzard sat up obligingly close to the car park, our first raptor of the day.

Around 9.15am we arrived at Boyton Marshes RSPB reserve; we had decided to spend the whole morning here in order to maximise our time in the field. Just beyond Banters Barn a Chiffchaff was ‘heard only’ but two inquisitive Goldcrests gave fine views; this spot is rich in insects so attracts a variety of passerines during the winter months. 

A Cattle Egret had been present in the first field for several days having made friends with Elvis the bull and duly obliged for our group! Then we strolled down to the flash, finding several well camouflaged Snipe through the scopes as well as Wigeon, Teal, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit. The first Marsh Harrier of the day showed splendidly; we would see a remarkable number during the morning and were able to compare males and females.

Having reached the river wall we turned left, heading up the Butley river. The tide was high, and we were thrilled to watch parties of Avocets head downstream in search of roosting spot. Grey Seals proved popular as always, and we spotted both Red Kite and Kestrel overhead. 

It was distinctly chilly, so we made haste, turning left on the path at the base of Burrow Hill. A pair of Stonechats sat up nicely and a mystery raptor in the poplars was confirmed as a Peregrine when it turned round to show us its moustache; it was a young male. 

The panoramic view from the top of the hill was wonderful; although we didn’t add any further raptor species to our list, we could all see why this was a popular viewpoint. It was too cold today to linger, so before long we retraced our steps, enjoying scope views of a showy Fieldfare. 

We headed south along the river, past the turning back to the car park and into new territory. We were keen to get as far as the bend in the river from where we could see Orford, Havergate Island, Orfordness and, to our right, Shingle Street. En route we found some Bearded Tits in the reedy ditch, but they stubbornly refused to show themselves. The new scrape held Pintail and Shoveler and, with eyes to the skies, we found large flocks of Golden Plover.

We were alerted to the presence of two Ruff back on the flash, perfect timing as we were heading back to the vehicles. We wisely scoped them from the river wall, a good decision as they were flushed by the Peregrine shortly afterwards. A Stock Dove by the car park was our last new bird before we made the return journey to The Froize.

We arrived back at base in plenty of time to purchase drinks at the bar before settling down for lunch. The range of dishes was excellent as always, so we had to decide between ‘a little of everything’ or being more selective. Having walked over three miles in the fresh air we had healthy appetites.

It was very clear from the animated conversations that not only had everyone enjoyed the morning’s walk with its fine array of raptors, but they were also very enthusiastic about the lunch! As our time together drew to a close, we reviewed the wide variety of birds seen.