Lapland Bunting & Butterflies

Early last Sunday morning found me arriving at Minsmere, RSPB reserve in Suffolk. The weather was perfect, no wind, bright skies and the promise of some early Autumn migrants, possible even a Lapland Bunting. At the first hide there was one or two distant views of Herons and Mute Swans. Then from the back of the hide a young red deer stag made an appearance giving some great views.

The early morning sun warming some resting butterflies on a blackberry bush provided an ideal photo opportunity. The next hide saw a hobby feeding on the numerous dragonflies on the wing. Plus a large number of bearded tits in the reedbed but alas no chance of any photos, too many visitors.

Then on to the shore a passing visitor had already mentioned that there were snow buntings and by the sluice a lapwing bunting (new one on me) on the shore, I felt sure they meant Lapland. No snow buntings, they had moved on. A walk along the shore in the marram grass and the Lapland bunting soon made its appearance and seemed quite happy to let you get reasonably close to photograph a true Autumn migrant.

Next week it’s off to Snettisham to hopefully witness one of the UK’s great wildlife spectacles and with a bit of luck some more migrants, whether they will be as obliging as the Lapland bunting remains to be seen.