On a cool misty morning 26 people assembled at the Ferryhouse pub in Surlingham to undertake a walk around the RSPB Church Marsh Reserve on our Breakfast with the Birds walk.
Jim Bradley has a sharp ear for birdsong and to the sound of a cuckoo calling he led the walk around the Church Marsh Reserve. In total we saw and/or heard 39 different birds including whitethroat, blackcap, heron, shoveler, gadwall, sedge and reed warblers. Jim was also able to distinguish the song of a garden warbler, and point out it’s differences from the similar song of a blackcap.
We then made a diversion to the atmospheric ruins of St.Saviour’s church, where we could view the graves of those champions of the natural world Ted and Phyllis Ellis, resting peacefully in the countryside they loved.
We all returned to the Ferryhouse where a full cooked breakfast was waiting for us, thanks to Sonya and her staff. All in all it was an enjoyable and informative morning that was worth getting up early for.
Many thanks to Jim, Rodney, Sonya and the staff of the Ferryhouse for making it happen and for all of our attendees making it such a special morning!
Swans on the river
Initially written by Peter Armitage
