Each year, MKA Ecology organises a bird race designed to enhance bird identification skills while providing an excellent opportunity for team bonding and collaboration ahead of the survey season.
This year, we headed to Suffolk, where teams of five set out to explore the county's rich and varied habitats. The goal was to minimise driving time, explore different habitats, while maximising the number of bird species observed.
The day started with a bit of a challenge with a layer of thick fog, delaying many teams' dawn plans. However, as the fog cleared, teams headed towards the estuary in search of waders and wildfowl. Here, they were rewarded with views of scarce geese, Russian White-fronted Geese and Tundra Bean Geese, and great views of nine species of wader on the mudflats. As the day progressed, teams ventured into a mix of habitats, including arable fields, heathland, wetland, and woodland.
In the woodlands, teams were treated to views of the elusive Little Owl, while the heathland provided sights and sounds of Dartford Warblers and Woodlarks, teasing the arrival of spring. The afternoon brought the teams to RSPB Minsmere, one of Britain's premier nature reserves. Known for its diverse habitat mosaic, featuring reedbeds, ancient woodlands, shingle beaches, and heathland – Minsmere is home to an abundance of special wildlife. We were lucky enough to witness spectacular wildlife sights, including thousands of murmuring Starlings, booming Bitterns, and bugling Cranes.
After a rewarding day of birdwatching and walking, the teams gathered for a well-deserved meal, where we reflected on the day and discussed overall scores, with the winning team managing an impressive 97 bird species.
