Escape to Suffolk for a few days.

 Six days in Suffolk and  brief visits to RSPB Minsmere resulted in a few photos. We were fortunate to be there for a couple of hours when a Gull Billed Tern was visiting one morning but our only view was through a wardens 'scope.

Just for the record here's a distant view of the Adur estuary Shoreham bird I saw on June 1 2005.

Our only other bird of note was a Great White Egret viewable from the West Hide one evening.

The Terns appeared to be doing really well with Common Terns feeding a good number of youngsters.

The dive!

Alas, unsuccessful!

Preening.

Feeding.

Begging for more!

Kittiwakes squabbling.

Avocets with many youngsters. This adult in late evening sun was a real stunner!

Several Ruff were present

Common Sandpiper. (Several Green Sandpipers were also  present with a couple of Wood Sandpipers.)

The usual feral Barnacles were present

Heron on the look out. 

A visit to Hen Reed beds resulted in seeing a distant Marsh Harrier having an altercation with the local Buzzard.

...and a Reed Warbler at close quarters from the hide.

...and a few non birds.

Bee wolf along 'Digger Alley'

...and a very unusual  but colourful insect which I understand is a Hedychrum nobile which is a species of cuckoo wasp. (please correct if this is wrong)

Gatekeeper

Ringlet

Looking forward to our next visit!