Seasonal Splash ~ Happy Christmas from Suffolk

Happy Christmas from Suffolk, UK

The Shepherd's Hut, Sutton Hoo

Seasonal First ~ Earthstar at Dunwich Heath

I have read about Earthstars and seen photos, but I had never seen an actual one until Friday when we came across a little cluster (?constellation) on Dunwich Heath, up above RSPB Minsmere. What surreal things they are! These examples may be Collared Earthstars ...

Seasonal Splash ~ RSPB Minsmere

Wintry Reflections

The devastating storm was the focus of my last Minsmere post, and I promised to post something more cheerful this time. We returned to the reserve a few days ago to find glorious winter sunshine and a glowing sunset. 

Sunset comes to the Reedbeds

Swan at sunset, Island Mere

My favourite trees, bordering the reserve

Reedmace (right) among the reeds

Sunset glow

Deer ... and signs of mole!

A final glow

Marsh Harrier at dusk

Swans again

Sunset 1

Sunset 2 (birds, but not the murmuration I read about ...)

Frost in the dells

Ice patterns on a leaf

Jay, looking for acorns

A rabbit turns tail

Who will get the acorns ... the Grey Squirrel or the Jay?

Nature Reserves ~ RSPB Minsmere

I feel this is a rather sad and desolate post ... showing this wonderful reserve after the huge tide caused such devastation along the coast. The photos were taken last weekend on a very bleak afternoon. My excuse for these gloomy photos is that I was at Minsmere again today ... only this time with the sun shining, so the next post will be more upbeat!

The photo above shows the fragile bank near the RSPB Centre where the Sand Martins like to nest each summer.