Birds
Many species of bird can be seen around Melton thanks to its variety of habitats. A lot of birds are seasonal, especially on the tidal river, where a lot of ducks and waders use it as a wintering ground. Several species are only seen on migration in Spring and Autumn and during the Spring and Summer months many birds breed. During 2006 they were breeding Oystercatchers, that raised three young on the derelict boat by the sewage works.
Many of the waders use the River Deben as wintering grounds, and birds such as Dunlin, Knot, Redshank, Lapwing, Curlew, Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and a few Avocet and Grey Plover can be seen. Wintering ducks on the Melton Match Lakes generally include the resident Tufted Duck and Mallard, along with Pochard and occasionally visitors such as Gadwall and a female Goldeneye seen in November 2005. A good find in January/February 2006 was a smart male Smew and a female Ring-necked Duck, a county rarity in February 2007.
A female Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris on Melton Match Lake February 2007.
A male Smew Mergus albellus on Melton Match Lake Feb 2006
Of the waders seen on Spring migration are Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper. Whimbrel can be regularly seen in May around Martlesham Creek/Kyson Point area. Autumn migration with the first birds returning by the end of June and the beginning of July include Greenshank, with up to 8 seen in 2005. Common and Green Sandpiper regularly pass through and during the Summer of 2005 a female Ruff, along with an adult and 1st summer Curlew Sandpiper were seen.
The River Deben is a well known area to find untypical overwintering waders in Suffolk, including a regular returning Common Sandpiper often found in the vicinity of Wilford Bridge. Green Sandpiper and Greenshank can also be found alongside and in Woodbridge a Spotted Redshank spent time near the yachting clubs last Winter.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos over-wintering on the River Deben.
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus - seen all year around with increased numbers during the winter.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta - regularly seen on the River Deben, with a maximimum of nine in Autumn 2006 after post-breeding dispersal.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola and Lapwing Vanellus vanellus - winter visitors on the River Deben.
Redshank Tringa totanus on the Deben February 2008.
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna on the Deben at Melton February 2008.