The area within a few miles of Southwold offers some of the finest birdwatching anywhere in the country - indeed, many rare and exciting birds have been found within the town bounderies. Many of the commoner waders such as Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing and Snipe can be seen on the town boating lake when not disturbed. A few minutes drive takes you to the new Hen Reedbeds reserve where Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Bearded Tit may be found. This new reserve is also excellent for plants and insects.

right - Avocet by local photographer Charles Robinson

Benacre Broad, just up the coast is excellent, with a great variety of species, and rare birds seen regularly. The fields you cross to walk to the Broad often hold Snow Bunting and the occasional Shore Lark in winter.

The coast at Southwold offers sea birds including terns in summer, skuas on passage and divers in winter. One new birding opportunity has been opened up with the pier - seawatching will be a more enjoyable prospect!

Blythburgh estuary offers exciting birding with many waders including Avocet and is known for the interesting gull species found there - the picture left, shows a small group of birders enjoying a rare Caspian Gull at Blythburgh. In winter, Peregrine or Merlin are possible - indeed, a Peregrine has been seen regularly this winter.
left - Blythburgh Estuary

A little further down the A12 are Dunwich Heath and Forest, where Nightingale and Nightjar can be found. The RSPB reserve at Minsmere offers some of the finest birding in the country at all seasons, with a range of habitats that include reedbeds, open pools and shallow lagoons, woodland, heath and coastal dunes.

right - Minsmere Photo © Mike Page Norfolk Skyview

For more information on Suffolk bird reserves, please visit the Birds of Britain website that features a county by county guide to nature reserves and a host of other useful information.