WESTERN SWAMPHEN-MINSMERE,SUFFOLK

I was just leaving Burton RSPB on Sunday afternoon, having enjoyed a brief encounter with a Spotted Crake, when a Twitter alert informed me of a Purple Swamphen at Minsmere in Suffolk. Initially reported as ringed, the bird was later re-identified—after photos revealed it was unringed—as a Western Swamphen, a race that breeds in Spain and Portugal. While Britain has had a few Purple Swamphen records, most relate to captive Grey-headed Swamphens escaping collections, such as the Saltney bird in Chester in July 2010. This record, however, had real potential as an insurance tick.

Plans were already underway for others to visit the site on Monday morning, but due to work commitments, I couldn’t head down until Tuesday. Fortunately, the Swamphen had remained in its favoured patch of reeds all day Monday, making my arrival in Suffolk just after 11:30 pm and a car-camp overnight a worthwhile gamble.

With my alarm set for 5 am, I was soon on my way to the south hide, undeterred by pouring rain. The Western Swamphen was weaving in and out of the reeds exactly where it had been for the past two days—a relief given the vastness of the reserve.

Western Swamphen

Despite the worsening weather and bone-chilling cold, I managed a few record shots before retreating to a hide for shelter. While there, Black-tailed Godwits were in good numbers, accompanied by six Spotted Redshanks. A distant Marsh Harrier perched briefly, and four Bearded Tits were also observed.

Black Tailed Godwit

Marsh Harrier

Just as I was leaving the hide, a Bittern flew over the reed bed, adding another highlight to an already memorable morning. On the walk back, I glimpsed a Water Rail and a family of young Common Whitethroats.

Bittern in flight

Water Rail

Common Whitethroats

After the reserve opened at 9 am, I treated myself to a hot drink and breakfast in the café, entertained by a juvenile Robin hopping nearby.

    A juvenile Robin kept me entertained while I had breakfast

From Minsmere, I headed to Westleton Heath, last visited on 11 May 2008, with hopes of a Spectacled Warbler, which I dipped eight years ago. Still, the heath was in full bloom, and a good walk produced nine Dartford Warblers and a Woodlark flyover.

The common heather was in full bloom on Westleton Heath

9 Dartford warblers were seen on the heath

With rain returning, it was time to head north. The Swamphen tick was secured, and now it’s up to the authorities to decide whether this was a genuine vagrant or another escapee—much like the Chestnut Bunting, Dalmatian Pelican, and Lammergeier before it.