As is traditional we met up for coffee at The Froize at 8.30am. Even before we had discussed today’s plans, the conversation turned to migration patterns and the effects of climate change. I explained that some of our traditional winter visitors such as Bewick’s Swans arrive in smaller numbers than in the past, because the milder conditions on the continent mean they are able to spend the winter there so have no need to head further west.

Around 9am we made the short journey to Iken Cliff car park overlooking the western section of the Alde estuary. It was still two hours until high tide, but today the water level was already well up so there was no exposed mud. Nevertheless, there was plenty to see. It was a rather grey day so the light wasn’t great for photography, but the views of the birds were generally good. We watched groups of Redshank roosting on the grassy islands and had our first looks at Shelduck. Teal, Wigeon and Shoveler. Great Crested and Little Grebes were feeding in the channel to our right, a Rock Pipit landed on a small boat in front of us and a Curlew fed at point blank range. Two Black-tailed Godwits flew left to right allowing us to see their wing-bars and long straight bills. 

Rather than retrace our steps we made a clockwise loop back to the car park, spotting a Buzzard over the fields to our left; we reflected on the fact that this was now a common species in marked contrast to just a few years ago.

There was a final chance to enjoy the panoramic view over the estuary, with Iken church to our right, before we headed off to our second destination, North Warren, midway along the coast road between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness. First we scanned the grazing marshes to the north. Here there were well over 200 Barnacle Geese, with some birds very close; the scope views were superb. A flock of Lapwings wheeled over the trees to our right, another lovely spectacle, and we noted a small party of Skylarks.

We strolled to the nearest hide overlooking a pool. From here we enjoyed good numbers of Pintail, today’s ‘must-see’ bird being the species on the poster for our walk! The drakes were simply magnificent; as with the other dabbling ducks, the birds had recently come out of their eclipse plumage so were in pristine condition. There was a good range of other wildfowl here too, as well as a couple of Little Egrets. A Cetti’s Warbler sang but remained deep in cover. 

It was starting to turn chilly so, rather than linger, we returned to the cars via the beach footpath. There was time for us to visit one more spot on our journey back to the Froize. The ‘brick dock’ on the northern side of the river Alde is no longer in use, but spare bricks remain and a local explained to us why this was, and how much they cost: all fascinating! A short walk from the small car park took us down to a position from where we could see both south and west along the river. We saw a Marsh Harrier in the distance but were more impressed by the waders vying for spots on the posts in front of us; most were Turnstones but there was a single Grey Plover. The beach to our right held a small group of Oystercatchers.

From higher ground I found a group of Brent Geese on Aldeburgh Marshes, around a mile away but still identifiable through the telescope. 

We arrived back at base more or less bang on 1pm – We were fairly ravenous after the mornings exertions and what a welcome sight lunch was! – Local pork, delicious rabbit and a delightful array of vegetarian options (G/F & D/F too) and to finish either a warming apple cake briming with soft chunks of Bramley apple – or that timeless classic… Tiramisu – Yum!

The enthusiastic discussion around the lunch table both about the wildlife we had seen and the splendid fare in front of us fully reflected our levels of enjoyment! It had worked really well visiting three different spots.  

Before we went our separate ways, I advertised the next Froize event – “Close encounters with raptors” – on Saturday 14 December. Full details on the Froize website https://froize.co.uk/product/guided-wildlife-walk-sat-14th-dec-2024-close-encounters-with-raptors/

Photos: Pintail, Turnstone/Grey Plover and Rock Pipit: many thanks to Sally Nelson. Barnacle Geese: David Walsh