3 Snipe from Island Mere Hide, between 12.30 and 1.00. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 18 Jan 2023
Thanks for posting these WJ. Each programme is designed to last two hours - sessions run between 10am-12pm and 12.30-2.30pm. It's a couple of weeks since my last update, and there have been some notable changes in that time - but lots also remains very similar. Have you seen something interesting? We might not have found a pot of gold, but there were definitely some nice birds about at #RSPBFrampton today. 2. All Rights Reserved. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 02 Feb 2023
Topics may also. Save 20% on boxes of . Of course, there is a downside to such lovely weather: you really do We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. We like Lackford Lakes but it hasn`t got a "Minsmere" tea shop. One of many new colonists in recent years - some more successful than others. I am an accomplished, growth-focused and digital-savvy marketing professional with comprehensive experience in marketing, sales and business development. . In the Wildlife Lookout, you can see some of Minsmeres special birds.Drop in at the Discovery Centre to take part in family-friendly activities, or enjoy one of our many self-guided activities. SC037654, Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience, These cookies are required for basic web functions, Allow us to collect anonymised performance data. Norfolk Bird News & Megas via The Rare Bird Alert Website - Subscribe To RBA For Detailed News & Much More! This was our first visit to Minsmere. Before I get onto the sightings in a bit more detail, though, here's a quick recap of what's open, and what's not. Site; Search; Main website | Shop. See our ideas to keep you connected to nature during coronavirus, From our regular emails to your favourite social media, theres more than one way to keep in touch with nature, Discover how a campaign against feathers in fashion sparked a global force to save nature with more than a million members. Minismere recent bird sightings A closer look at the species that have . ' Sharing of wild bird sightings, photos, videos, audio recordings and identification from Malaysia and Singapore. 2019 Ted Fund Donors Philanthus Triangulum is a species of Digger Wasp. I agree, what a day at Minsmere today! Minsmere holds a sizeable proportion of the UK population of bitterns. Minsmere , Saxmundham. Up to six Sandwich terns have been present for a few days, and a lovely first summer little gull (born last spring) has been seen for the last couple of days. It's certainly felt very spring-like at times this week although there was always a very cold breeze to remind you that winter may not quite be done with us yet. Why Include a Gift to Nature in Your Will. Description. calvary chapel plantation service times; recent bird sightings rspb minsmere. recent bird sightings rspb minsmeresigma female examples. Lets hope some owls take up residence to give great views from the hide. Grid ref. Join the community here. (This includes the photography area beneath Island Mere Hide). Annual Film Show film about Minsmere; Reserved for Birds. Read about and see pictures of bird sightings at Minsmere from our resident blogger, Ian Barthorpe. To book onto a Wildlife Explorers email Hannah.Jones@RSPB.org.uk or telephone the Visitor Centre and ask for me. Read about and see pictures of bird sightings at Minsmere from our resident blogger, Ian Barthorpe. Telephone: 01728 648281 Email: minsmere@rspb.org.uk See some of the ways you can get into green living. NORFOLK BIRD NEWS AND UK MEGA'S POSTED DAILY, PHOTOS, BIRDING AND MORE! Everyone keeps writing it on the board to wind you up Ian :-), Find me on Flickr/ All about your camera - The Getting off Auto Index, Ravens in Suffolk may indeed be a figment of the imagination but this weekend I have managed to spot a couple in the Shropshire Hills. They can then be reported in the annual bird report for the county. Book your own exclusive, personalised, half-day tour with an experienced Minsmere guide to explore our important habitats and discover some of the amazing wildlife found here. The Rivers-Minsmere-Wildlife-My Camera-And Me = Heaven :). Bar Charts; Media; Printable Checklist; Hotspot stats. So ravens do actually exist. Called, Reserved For Birds. Find out more about the partnership, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. Today is World Wildlife Day, which seems like the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of Minsmere's most amazing wildlife, so here's a quick summary of what's been seen this week. That's certainly been the case so far this week, as you can see from these photos taken over the last two days, showing the Minsmere is an incredibly rich and varied nature reserve, with the widest variety of wildlife found on any RSPB nature reserve in the country. RSPB Frampton Marsh . Adders, too, have been seen in various places, and if they are showing there is usually a guide helping you spot them in the North Bushes. Two programmes can be combined to make a whole day visit. 15 or so were loafing on the cut island at Waltons earlier this week but appear to have been ousted by shoveler - there were certainly a good number of shoveler using this area this morning. ), We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. It's usually up to me to find a wader in the spotting scope and then its up to my husband to figure out what it is with the help of others or a book. This scarce duck is unusual in being the only species of duck that is a summer visitor to the UK, which has earned it the nickname of cricket teal. Please can I ask you all to restrict postings to this thread to sightings from Minsmere, and that you include dates, times and locations where possible. Discover some of the UK's rarest wildlife and enjoy family-friendly activities at Minsmere. 2023 BirdGuides, Warners Group Publications Plc. MY 13th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2023! Leiston is the nearest scheduled bus (4 miles). There are several pairs around the site currently - at least 2 in Waltons, perhaps 3, a pair seen in Loxtons this morning and over in front of the first viewing platform(VP1). Phone Number: 01728 648281 (Visitor Centre) 01728 648780 (Office) Email: minsmere@rspb.org.uk. Take the reedbeds, where marsh harrier, otters and water voles can be found. Other birds interactions are even more wonderful such as the great crested grebes, often elaborate courtship. Find out more about the partnership, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. Booking.com. RSPB Minsmere allegedly misses Sizewell C Deadline. . Migrating birds have travelled thousands of miles just to get here. Good meeting up with you Clare, it was our Summer house an Osprey used as a "Perch." Just when I had the answer the question got changed. Nature Notebook. * Bird News Pro and Bird News Ultimate subscribers receive full sighting details. Complete checklists. Find out more about the partnership, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 11:40. Get out, get busy and get wild! As well as a free gift and magazines, youll get loads of ideas for activities to try at home. Hidden within the reeds you should hear, but probably not see, the bittern, whose booming call carries for several kilometres on a calm day, or the squealing call of a water rail. Become a Life Fellow today. That one appeared to be a wild bird, trying to return to Scandinavia via the shortest sea crossing, but at least one of the others was a bird from the re-introduction scheme on the Isle of Wight. Minsmere's first whiskered tern for several years flew north yesterday, seen only by one of our most experienced guides. Species observed. See some of the ways you can get into green living. Find out more about the nature and wildlife outside your window. That's certainly been the case so far this week, as you can see from these photos taken over the last two days, showing the Minsmere is an incredibly rich and varied nature reserve, with the widest variety of wildlife found on any RSPB nature reserve in the country. Eastern Yellow Wagtail. This part of the Loxtons trail also gets very muddy in winter and the extra light and heat getting onto the track will hopefully keep this area a little drier and make access easier. If you would like to suggest a photo for this site, please email a copy to contact@birdguides.comalong with the website address for this page. To filter Rejected records, type Rejected into the Search box, all columns can be filtered. Sat nav POI file: If you have a satellite navigation system that can accept POI files, please see our POI page for a download link and instructions. It's a couple of weeks since my last update, and there have been some notable changes in that time - but lots also remains very similar. Nightingales can be heard singing in the deciduous woodland in spring. This is Psycho-swan for those that haven't been to Minsmere recently. Minsmere's friendly volunteer guides are here to help. The latest bird sightings seen at Changi Beach Park, located in , Singapore . Nature is stronger with you on its side. SC037654, Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience, These cookies are required for basic web functions, Allow us to collect anonymised performance data, Posted 03 Mar 2023
It's a Buzzard - but is it a Common Buzzard? Ha ha, that`s a bit like Daddy or chips. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 23 Feb 2023
Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help. Suffolk. Open Garden at The Old Coach House Brockdish Saturday 18th Sunday 19th March 11am to 4pm 2 acres of woodland leading to the River Waveney Join the community here Unfortunately this means that some of you will have to wait a little longer until you can visit us. While it remains cold they may delay the excavation of their burrows for a little while. More than 5800 different species of wildlife have been recorded at Minsmere, including about . Little Egret in flight as well - beautiful! Hi everyone. Catch up with the RSPB's own nature detectives on the case as they look to save some very special places. I assume they're on their way from A to B, we don't normally see so many hanging around! They play a vital role improving the habitat for some of our rarest plants and minibeasts, such as the brilliantly named great green bushcricket. My article I wrote about my first visit to Minsmere in East Anglia in 49 years for my RSPB Groups Quarterly Newsletter in August 2022! Please remember that the government guidance is still to stay local and minimise journeys where necessary. This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region. In Autumn, migration is in full swing with a continuous stream of birds passing through. We would, of course, love to see your photos either here or in the gallery. Decided not to chase any particular sighting but slowly wander to see what turned up. A closer look at the species that have been spotted at our Minsmere reserve. As well as a free gift and magazines, youll get loads of ideas for activities to try at home. Finally, late March saw the arrival of several rare visitors to Minsmere, including at least three sightings of white-tailed eagles, a common crane, raven and several red kites. Get instant bird sightings on any device, anywhere all from as little as 13.50 per quarter. Don't look at me mate, I leave Apps and smartphones in the office :-). Thanks for your patience in the absence of recent blogs. Choose an idyllic walk or head to the coastal lagoons to see an impressive variety of birds, including avocets, bearded tits and bitterns. Otters are occasionally seen on Island Mere or reedbed pools. (C Taylor) . Naturalized: Exotic population is self-sustaining, breeding in the wild, persisting for many years, and not maintained through ongoing releases (including vagrants from Naturalized populations). The Beewolf. Great ideas on how your garden, or even a small backyard or balcony, can become a mini nature reserve. . Two Manx Shearwaters and a Blue Fulmar were off the Fog Station during the morning. 207076, Scotland no. All of these habitats are national conservation priorities. Also this week: blackcap heard singing at VP1(think I heard one between here and the car park this morning - briefly), red kite seen over the car park on Sunday and again on Tuesday, Ravens seen and heard over the reserve frequently, peregrine over the car park on Sunday, Egyptian goose along with 3 pintail (1 male, 2 female) seen from VP1 on Sunday, 4 buzzards soaring together over the car park yesterday, lesser scaup still being reported over at the Long Drove area this week, green woodpecker seen near the Avalon Hide this week - I heard one calling in the woods to the west of the Hide on Wednesday, great spotted woodpeckers seen and heard daily, kingfishers seen daily - try Waltons, the Avalon Hide or the old rail bridge perhaps and this jay photographed in flight by David Love yesterday between VP2 and the closed bridge over the drain (he was on the grassy footpath side) - thanks David: That's it for this week. It's a couple of weeks since my last update, and there have been some notable changes in that time - but lots also remains very similar. As well as a free gift and magazines, youll get loads of ideas for activities to try at home. Here's how We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. This is part of our rotational management of trees along the edges of tracks but it has also opened up much wider views across the reeds. RSPB Minsmere allegedly misses Sizewell C Deadline. These youngsters are wandering around several English counties as they explore in their youth, and will hopefully settle to breed back on the Isle of Wight once they reach five or six years old! The bunny is brave - this is where I shot a pic of a Stoat hunting only a few days ago! Meetings are usually on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 10.30am - 12.30pm. Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help. These are tailormade walks for groups of up to four people, and our guides will try to accommodate specific requests from. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 03/01/2023
For more information on our full programme of events and to book tickets, please visit events.rspb.org.uk/minsmereRSPB Minsmere is a fantastic coastal nature reserve that's perfect for families. PDF, 149Kb. Photo by Ian Barthorpe. Still a winter feel to the sightings board though, except for avocet numbers which are rising as birds return to breed. As a photographer, I'm sure that you'll want to come back regularly throughout the year to experience how the wildlife changes through the seasons. This morning they left the VP1 area at about 8.50am apparently. In addition, any sightings reported at Minsmere will automatically appear on the Recent Sightings page of our website - until more recent entries are added. 207076, Scotland no. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 19/11/2022
. The reserve has seen more than thirty species of wading birds. Recent Sightings > 2 March 2023; Thursday 2nd March 2023. . In fact it's now only a fortnight until our first of 2 early morning booming bittern surveys. The reserve is also Council of Europe Diploma Site. Suffolk County; England; GB; Map Map. If you cant get outside, why not bring the outside in by downloading our bird song radio app? Wading birds on the Scrape may include curlew sandpipers, little stints or ruffs and perhaps a rare visitor from North America. Share your passion for birds, wildlife & all things nature with the RSPB Community. Minsmere RSPB. But this article I wrot Great news from just along the coast at RSPB Snape Wetlands, where common cranes successfully nested for the first time this summer https://www.birdguides.com/news/cranes-fledge-young-on-suffolk-coast-for-the-first-time/?fbclid=IwAR1_xCzBmFW1HXheEwMn Low tide last week exposed an unusually large patch of World War Two defences on the beach. We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. recent bird sightings rspb minsmere. Love always wins out in the end you'd like to think and grey herons are already well underway with nesting - you'll be able to see them from the Tor View Hide in amongst the reeds. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of a shy otter? Following the floods this winter, watch how one area is using nature as a natural protector. Minsmere is a special place and is protected in a number of ways. The reserves reedbeds, wet grasslands and heathlands are all carefully managed to make them ideal places for a huge variety of wildlife. The red deer rut is the star attraction on the heath during October. Get out, get busy and get wild! by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 28 Jan 2023
Why Include a Gift to Nature in Your Will. Whispering sweet nothings. A red-rumped swallow was seen around the sand martin colony at lunchtime - a rare visitor from the Mediterranean. It's that time of year when our wardens and volunteers and volunteers are busy with habitat management work in preparation for the coming breeding season. Meeting times and costs. They are still being seen daily from VP1 - often earlier in the day and then they tend to fly off north and feed in parts of the reserve to the west of the Avalon Hide - often just out of sight. I did visit other bird reserve in East Anglia in Suffolk and Norfolk. If you cant get outside, why not bring the outside in by downloading our bird song radio app? It's that time of year when our wardens and volunteers and volunteers are busy with habitat management work in preparation for the coming breeding season. Migrating birds have travelled thousands of miles just to get here. Escapee: Exotic species known or suspected to be escaped or released, including those that have bred but don't yet fulfill the criteria for Provisional. The heaths turn a stunning purple as the heather begins to flower, while nightjars churr at dusk, when you may spot a glow-worm too. Find out more. The reserve has seen more than thirty species of wading birds. National cycle route 1 links with regional route 42 (Suffolk Coast Cycle route). Provisional: Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. Helping you find your way around. They would have to go some to beat last years massive total of 22 boomers on Ham Wall, with a further 2 just off our border. Its nesting season for our waterfowl too but what are the rules you need to follow for ducks, geese or swans? This fantastic wetland site is located north of Southport town centre and has some of the best wildlife in the region. Some very nice work, love the take on the gulls. Today is World Wildlife Day, which seems like the perfect opportunity to celebrate some of Minsmere's most amazing wildlife, so here's a quick summary of what's been seen this week. Recent sightings With the migrations season well underway, here's another new thread for you to let us know what birds are arriving, breeding or just passing throough at Minsmere. Show off your images, experiences and read the RSPB's blogs! 207076, Scotland no. I did write an article about my first visit in in 49 years to Minsmere in Suffolk fort the my local groups newsletter published in August of last year 2022. User; Sign in/Register; Site; Search; User; Wildlife; Places to visit; Get involved; Our work; Chat; Cranes nest for the first time on the Suffolk coast. Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season. 38 dates available. The warm weather early in the week also brought out several comma, brimstone and red admiral butterflies, buff-tailed bumblebees and mining bees, including what may be the first reserve records of early colletes bees near the sand martin nest bank. Snipe from boardwalk outside Island Mere Hide, between 3 and 3.15pm, 4 marsh harriers from Island Mere Hide, between 5 and 6pm. Minsmere requires membership for participation - click to join. There were sightigns of grey, yellow and white wagtails, as well as pied. If you're lucky, you might see an otter around the reedbed pools. These, and other birds on the Scrape, can be seen from the dunes, Public Viewpoint and path near South Hide, although binoculars are highly recommended and a telescope is very useful. Find out more. Catch up with the RSPBs own nature detectives on the case as they look to save some very special places. SC037654, Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience, These cookies are required for basic web functions, Allow us to collect anonymised performance data, Posted 03 Mar 2023
Its nesting season for our waterfowl too but what are the rules you need to follow for ducks, geese or swans? Address Minsmere RSPB RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3BY Contact Details. Find out why. Last seen First seen High counts . Of course, there is a downside to such lovely weather: you really do We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. If you cant get outside, why not bring the outside in by downloading our bird song radio app? After 40 plus years of wildlife watching, my first bitterns! by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 07 Feb 2023
Thanks to the helpful and friendly staff. Looking forward to our next visit. Or the heathlands, where nightjars whirr, natterjack toads croak and silver-studded blue butterflies flutter. Cetti's warblers are in full song and great spotted woodpeckers can be heard drumming in the woods. Heathland home to more than 2565 species. A group of 40 or so flew over us yesterday whilst we were out on the reserve. A closer look at the species that have been spotted at our Minsmere reserve. Feb 23. The eagles were particularly impressive, especially the one that drifted low over the visitor centre. The reserve is sign posted with brown tourist signs from Westleton. A raven was seen a couple of times again - though I sadly missed it yet again. Calm sunny winter days always ensure a wonderful day will be enjoyed on the reserve, whatever wildlife you happen to see. Find out more about the nature and wildlife outside your window. Our full archive of daily highlights and logs going back to 2014 can be found on the Daily Log & Archive page. Bit of a question for you - we saw this today, high up and circling. Snipe don't often hang around as things warm up. Other birds interactions are even more wonderful such as the great crested grebes, often elaborate courtship. Minsmere's diverse wildlife is here because of the rich and varied landscapes within the reserve. Thursday 2nd. There were 7 in the field next to the car park on Tuesday and I saw 3 there yesterday but they were spooked when the farmer came to check is cows. Solid history of success in strengthening companies to lead in competitive markets, optimising sales efficiency and increasing revenue growth by utilising innovative communication strategies.<br><br>Adept at organising and leading multi . Sand martins have returned in good numbers and can usually be seen feeding over Island Mere during the day. Have been coming to Minsmere off and on for several years primarily for its location, peace and the welcome you get from all the volunteers. Find out why. Read more advice about what to do if you find a bird that needs help. Annual Film Show film about Minsmere; Reserved for Birds. . The day was mainly bright and sunny with a maximum temperature of 8C and a moderate north-easterly wind. You may spot them around the reserve clearing birch or gorse from the heath, building brash After a week of windy, and at times very wet, weather, it's been lovely to enjoy a couple of proper winter days: cold, clear and icy with crisp blue skies and very little wind. Call (225) 687-7590 or + 14moretakeoutloving hut vegan house, dophert, and more today! Public information for Sensitive Species is restricted due to potential harmful impact to these birds. 4 Red Deer (including 1 youngster) seen from path between Bittern and Island Mere Hides, between 12.00 and 12.30. minsmere@rspb.org.uk. Throughout winter, large flocks of ducks gather on the Scrape and grazing marshes. Directions Directions. Will be at Minsmere tomorrow with sunscreen lol. This one was number 4 that we'd seen, so not surprised there were more. Nightingales and cuckoos are singing, and there now 11 booming bitterns. Then along comes a Bitten and Snipe (same places as Clare) and wow a champion place to try out the new camera. Calm sunny winter days always ensure a wonderful day will be enjoyed on the reserve, whatever wildlife you happen to see. SC037654, Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience, These cookies are required for basic web functions, Allow us to collect anonymised performance data, Posted 03/03/2023
We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. Bringing a flock? These were seen mating for the second time recently. 5 Common Buzzards from Island Mere Hide, late morning. Find out more about the partnership, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 07 Feb 2023
The extensive reedbeds play host to several breeding marsh harriers. Following some of the feedback from you, I'm opening a new Forum thread where you can all add your own updates to allow others to know what to look out for on their visits to Minsmere. To cover the cost of materials we ask 2.00 per child per meeting for members, 3.50 per child per meeting for non members. Full entry fees from 17 May when all facilities are open. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 23 Feb 2023
What3Words. RSPB Minsmere, Sheepwash Ln, Saxmundham IP17 3BY. Darsham is the closest station (5 miles). Menu. Tim Sexton's recent talk, part of our Winter Wildlife Talks Programme, raised the possibility of adding to that list a small, but truly fascinating insect with a remarkable lifestyle. Show off your images, experiences and read the RSPB's blogs! You can read about it Minsmere's archeology and history here. Being in the UK, it rained, but so what. . Dizziness and a cricked neck from trying to get those sand martins in flight in my case! It's a couple of weeks since my last update, and there have been some notable changes in that time - but lots also remains very similar. 334 talking about this. Elsewhere numbers of nightingales and warblers continue to increase, cuckoos and nuthatches are very vocal, sand martins are busy around the pond and swallows have started nesting at the sluice. Heathland home to more than 2565 species. You can see a video of them here. Several pairs of Mediterranean gulls can be found among the hordes of black-headed gulls, with lots of courtship behaviour from the latter. There were at least 20 reported over Minsmere yesterday. Look for the dramatic switchback display flights of marsh harriers above the reedbeds and listen for deep booming call of the elusive male bittern. We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy, The RSPB is a member of BirdLife International. Look out in the reedbed, also, for both little and great white egrets, especially as they fly from one pool to another. Find out more about the partnership, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. The menu includes hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, scones and cakes. SC037654, Accepting all non-essential cookies helps us to personalise your experience, These cookies are required for basic web functions, Allow us to collect anonymised performance data. The RSPB's premier nature reserve, covering over 930 hectares (2,300 acres). by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 23/02/2023
It certainly lived up to its reputation for being the crown jewel of RSPB reserves! Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. The eagles were particularly impressive, especially the one that drifted low over the visitor centre. Like the dunnocks love is in the air for many birds but there also seems to be some competition and aggression out there too. by Ian Barthorpe, Posted 02 Feb 2023
by Ian Barthorpe, Policy and Insight: England and Westminster, Who to contact if you spot an injured or baby bird, Help nature thrive as a corporate partner, Birdgirls top tips on how to beat climate anxiety. Alas no luck but treated to two bitterns flying left to right in quick succession! Such a huge variety of birds all in one location, how lucky you are. June 1, 2022. by karen akhurst funeral. This thread was a good idea - we're hoping to be visiting you today so watch this space! No surprise coots can often be seen fighting but this week has also seen disputes between little grebes, goldfinches (in an aerial confrontation this morning from the old rail bridge) and house sparrows - 2 males were sat beak to beak calling at the top of their little lungs right into each others faces yesterday - didn't wait around to see who the winner was. That's certainly been the case so far this week, as you can see from these photos taken over the last two days, showing the Minsmere is an incredibly rich and varied nature reserve, with the widest variety of wildlife found on any RSPB nature reserve in the country.