Trip Report
Sunday 10th May 2026
RSPB Minsmere
East Grinstead RSPB Local Group
(22 members present)
Bird highlights came thick and fast throughout the visit. Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits and Sand Martins were constant companions around the scrapes, while Mediterranean Gulls, Kittiwakes, Little Gull and Red Knot provided memorable coastal sightings. Spoonbill, Barnacle Goose and Stonechat also showed well during the day.
The reedbed hides produced some of the trip’s most exciting moments, with excellent views of Bittern, Hobby and even a fleeting Bearded Tit. At least eight Hobbies were seen hunting over the marshes, while the Bitterns added to the atmosphere around Island Mere.
For a small group, the extra walk to Westleton Common proved especially worthwhile, offering unusually close and prolonged views of Stone Curlews. The day was rounded off perfectly with sightings of Common Crane, Great White Egret, Red Kite, Green Woodpecker and Great Black-backed Gull during the final hours of the visit.
Above all, the trip was a great success thanks to the enthusiasm, good humour and companionship of everyone who attended. Even the cold weather could not spoil another memorable day at one of the country’s finest reserves.
82 species seen.
New species for the 2026 Year List:
154 Barnacle Goose
155 Bearded Tit
156 Bittern
157 Common Crane
158 Hobby
159 Knot
160 Little Gull
161 Spoonbill
162 Sedge Warbler
163 Stone Curlew
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