Four Tern day at Minsmere, 20th June 2026

A great RSPB SE Herts Group coach trip to Minsmere Suffolk. Brilliantly organised (despite the air con failing on the way out) by Paul Ballantyne. He is certainly the best coach trip organiser since Rob Kitchen! We headed straight to the sea after a quick stop at North hide and from the boardwalk, a Marsh Orchid, just past its best.

Approaching the East hide, this Sedge Warbler was very confiding!

From the hide we had distant views of Wood Sandpiper, six Spotted Redshanks and two Spoonbills. On the area behind the beach I spotted a Small Heath. 

And spent some time watching this Sand Wasp with prey.

On the shingle beach were a pair of Oystercatchers.

But what about the Terns? First up were Common Terns, fishing close inshore.

It was then on to the public hide to try and find the Roseate Terns. This is the view over the scrape looking West.

And tucked away on the farthest "finger" the two Roseate Terns. Just a record shot sadly.

And a record shot of the two Little Terns.

The Sandwich Terns were much closer!

On the Gull front, there were a few Kittiwakes, as well as these Mediterranean Gulls. 

Continuing our way around the scrape, we had better views of the Spotted Redshank in their full Summer plumage as well as a Green Sandpiper, but all too distant for pictures. More obliging was this Shelduck. 

And of course, no visit to Minsmere would be complete without a couple of Avocet images.

It was then time to head to the shadier part of the reserve and visit the Bittern Hide and Island Mere hide. A few Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits were spotted, but surprisingly only one Hobby. This Roe Deer (I believe) did however pose for a shot.

But the highlight was this female Bittern which showed for about 10 minutes.

It then flew off, back to its nest and I managed to grab a couple of flight shots. After mating, the female Bittern is left to bring up the chicks on her own!

An excellent day out and good to meet up with Rob Kitchen and also finally meet Minsmere legend, Les Cater in the Bittern hide.