Shingle Street ..............................................................Steve Fryett

Field Trip Reports

Shingle Street & Upper Hollesley Common

Steve Fryett

20th April 2013

Leader: Steve Fryett

Although there was a cool breeze it was really nice to have some rare sunny weather on this field meeting to Shingle Street - some preceding meetings this year having had a torrid time with the conditions. Of course sunny weather often means clear nights and few migrants to speak of, but that did not stop seventeen members attending the meeting.

Shingle Street A couple of Barn Swallows at the Coastguard Cottages were the first of the year for several of the group. Goldfinches were quickly noted. They are now amongst the more common species to be found at Shingle Street, seemingly overtaking the Linnet, which we failed to record. Above Oxley Marsh two Common Buzzard were noted as well as a Barn Owl quartering along the far bank. Migrants were few with no warblers seen or heard by the time we passed the allotments. Still heading south, inland of the Martello we soon located a singing Corn Bunting on overhead wires with at least one other present in the area. Also noted were the first warblers, Common Whitethroat, with two seen. Whilst viewing the Corn Bunting at least 10 Common Buzzard were seen at some distance high over Hollesley drifting northward. Keen eyes also found two migrant Yellow Wagtails amongst a field of Rape. A couple more Barn Swallows and Reed Bunting completed the sightings so far. A quick look out to sea was predictably bereft with just a single Great Crested Grebe recorded. As we walked back to the cars three Greenfinches were noted at the tennis court.

Upper Hollesley We then moved to Upper Hollesley Common for an early lunch. A pool of water beside the “Crossbill” gate provided a drinking station for three Siskins, one splendid male gave excellent views. A Common Redstart started in song with just two bars and promptly stopped not to be seen or heard again. The late winter had clearly taken its toll on the resident species as no Dartford Warbler, Stonechat or Yellowhammer were noted and, surprisingly, nor was Woodlark. Therefore our walk around this heath was undertaken in record time. We did note a single Redpoll calling as it flew over and several pairs of Long-tailed Tits livened up the afternoon. A Common Lizard out sunbathing scuttled away upon our presence and then proceeded to climb a tree only to fall several feet to the ground, seemingly, unharmed by its misadventure. We failed to see or hear any spring warblers either so we ended the meeting somewhat short of avian records. However, the sunny day did give us a chance to record Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma butterflies.

Impact of the prolonged winter I was concerned that the prolonged winter and late snow may have had a profound effect on the key Sandling’s species. I contacted Nick Mason who regularly visits the Hollesley Commons for his comment. Nick informed me that both Woodlark and Dartford Warbler are present on Upper Hollesley Common, but have been held back by the weather, although it is too early to say if the Dartford numbers have been reduced. The same unfortunately cannot be said of the Stonechat that has suffered and no territories have been located so far this year.