Suffolk Birds 2010 Part 2

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

C O M M O N SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Common passage migrant. Sometimes overwinters. Amber list.

None was located between January and March and it was mid-April before the first sightings of the year came in with two at Oulton Marshes, 18th, a single at Snape, 19th and three on the River Deben, at Melton, 22nd. Thereafter, Minsmere had six, April 24th and on the same date there were five at Livermere Lake. In total 15 coastal locations and five inland sites reported this species in April.

There were no double-figure counts for the spring passage period, although it was reported from 21 coastal and two inland sites. Peak numbers occurred at Minsmere, May 5th and Melton, May 4th with just four birds. Needham Lake had two birds, May 19th and Livermere Lake had a single on three dates. The last spring bird was a single at Boyton Marshes between June 1st and 4th.

Giffords Hall (Stoke-by-Nayland) had the first returning bird, June 18th and the only other June sighting was at Hollesley, 27th. Numbers gradually increased during July but the only double-figure counts came from Trimley Marshes with ten, July 26th and ten at Flixton GP, July 31st.

August sightings came from 27 coastal and seven inland localities. The highest totals:Flixton Gravel Pits: nine, Aug 8th; 11, Aug 20th; 41, Aug 27th, this being the highest-ever Suffolk total away from the coast.

Oulton Marshes: 11, Aug 27th.

Minsmere: four, Aug 24th; six, Aug 27th.

Orfordness: eight, Aug 1st; seven, Aug 7th; four up to Aug 24th.

Havergate Island: four, Aug 16th.

Trimley Marshes: five, Aug 11th; six,Aug 13th; seven, Aug21st.

Lackford Lakes: four, Aug 25th.

Livermere Lake: nine, Aug 27th.

Hinderclay: three, Aug 28th; two, Aug 30th.

Good numbers during the first week of September were recorded at Flixton GP with seven, 3rd and four, 5th, while Minsmere held six, September 2nd and seven, 8th. There were six at Benacre sluice, September 2nd and four at Alton Water, 8th. Two birds were noted at both Livermere Lake, September 11th and Lackford Lakes, September 13th.

October sightings came from Weybread GP with a single, 1st and Flixton GP had three birds, 3rd. Orfordness recorded a single, October 3rd and there was also a single on Havergate Island, October 10th on which date two birds were noted at Snape.

The last bird of the year was a single on Lowestoft North Beach, November 16th, but there was again no evidence of any overwintering birds.

G R E E N SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Fairly common passage migrant. Small numbers overwinter. Amber list.

Reported from 15 coastal and four inland sites during January and February, there having been a total of eight in 2009, a 138% increase, with two birds seen at three of the sites.

Records for March however were few, coming from only nine sites, passage birds sneaking in with Cavenham GP recording two, 7th rising to four, 28th, four at Pipps Ford, Barking, 16th, six at Cattawade, 20th and five at Tendring Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland, 28th.

Early April counts included eight at Cattawade, 7th and two birds were recorded at each of Flixton GP, Carlton Marshes, Orfordness and Cavenham GP. Boyton Marshes hosted three, 19th, seven birds were at Tendring Hall, 13th and Lackford Lakes had eight, 17th, on which date the highest count was of 13 being recorded at Minsmere.

Only three sites reported birds in May; Trimley Marshes with a single, 2nd and 12th and one at Bury Beet Factory, 14th which was possibly the same bird as that seen the following day at Lackford Lakes.

June records came from 11 sites, the first at Boyton Marshes, 6th. Boyton Marshes, Trimley Marshes, Pipps Ford and Cavendish all reported birds at the start of the month, but

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it was from 20th that passage began to build up, with Redgrave Fen recording six, 2 3 r d Orfordness five, 26th, Hollesley Marshes had four, 27th and Lackford Lakes three, 29th rising to seven, July 2nd.

July and August are the peak months for this wader and overall this species was recorded at 41 sites (24 coastal, 17 inland) with maxima being:Flixton GP: 20, Jul 16th; 17, Jul 30th; 20, Aug 8th; 16, Aug 27th.

Lound Waterworks: ten, Aug 23rd.

Benacre Broad: ten, Aug 4th.

Orfordness: nine, Jul 1 lth; 16, Jul 17th; 14 , Jul 24th; 12 Aug lst; five, Aug 25th.

Hollesley Marshes: nine, Aug 15th.

Giffords Hall: six, Jul 27th.

Hinderclay: Slurry Pool, 21, Aug 15th; 16, Aug 23rd.

Although there were reports from 14 sites, after a count of 11 at Flixton GP, September 3rd totals declined to singles and twos during September, apart from four at Lackford 9th and three there, lOth and 12th. Three were also recorded at Minsmere, 8th and Flixton, 28th which remained until October 2nd.

There were reports from 22 localities up to the Green end of the year with two birds being recorded on the Sandpiper Peter Beeson River Deben in October and at Lakenheath in October and November, Alton Water in November and finally Flixton GP and Wenhaston during December.

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Fairly common passage migrant. A few overwinter. Amber list.

This wader was recorded at eighteen widespread coastal sites and appeared in every month of the year.

Havergate Island reported singles in ail months bar May, July and August, with two, Aprii 19th, June 29th and November 14th.

The two usuai top sites reported the following monthly maxima:Jan Minsmere Orfordness

3

Feb Mar Apr May 1 7 3 1 2 1 3

Jun 20 1

Jul Aus 14 4 1 -

Sep 4 1

Oct Nov Dec 1 1 1

Dingle Marshes recorded the monopoly of sightings in the first winter period with six sightings of singles and two birds on two dates in January, February and March. In the south of the County singles were seen in January at Martlesham Creek and Levington. Martlesham Creek also had two, February 7th and 18th. Levington had singles in February and March.

Passage began at Burgh Castle Flats with five, Aprii 19th then six, Aprii 23rd with records in May of six, 5th and seven, 6th. Dingle Marshes had eight birds, May 3rd. Singles were also recorded at Boyton, Aprii 7th and 9th and May 9th, Levington Lagoon, Aprii 8th and 18th and Trimley Marshes, Aprii 8th and 29th. Another early May record was of one at Melton, lst. A late May bird was seen at Snape, 29th. In the west there was a single at Lackford Lakes, Aprii 2nd.

Autumn passage totals were below average. The first birds began arriving at Minsmere on June 16th when three birds were present; the numbers there rose to 15, 20th and 20, 30th.

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Other June sightings were a single at Orfordness, 19th and Trimley Marshes had two, 19th, three, 23rd and four, 25th and 26th and two, 29th. Only Minsmere and Trimley Marshes recorded birds in July with Minsmere having double-figure counts of 14, 3rd and ten, 12th Trimley peaked at six, 5th, but recorded three on six dates towards the end of the month.

Few birds were recorded in August: Breydon Water had two, 21 st; Covehithe, one, 15th: Minsmere had one, 12th and four, 27th; Orfordness singles, 8th, 15th and 28th; Trimley Marshes, one, 13th. In the west three were recorded at Elveden, August 22nd.

September saw the year's peak numbers with the Blyth Estuary holding 21, 3rd, 40, 4th and six, 10th. Elsewhere Breydon Water had two, Sept 2nd, Minsmere four on 9th, one on 13th and two on 24th. Havergate Island recorded a single bird throughout the month and Trimley Marshes had two, 9th, three, 23rd and 24th, then two, 29th. Singles were also recorded at Levington Marina, 2nd and Felixstowe Ferry, 22nd.

Three localities recorded birds in October; Breydon Water two, 5th and 31 st, Minsmere singles on two dates and Havergate Island with a single that lingered up to December 19th Two birds were recorded on the WeBS count on November 14th also on Havergate Island.

C O M M O N G R E E N S H A N K Tringa nebularia Common passage migrant. A few overwinter.

Early winter sightings were of a single at Hen Reedbeds, January 17th and three on the Deben Estuary, January 8th with singles recorded there from January to March. Observers at Trimley Marshes also recorded singles through January to March.

Passage birds began appearing from April 17th with three on Orfordness and then four, 18th. There were three at Cattawade on the Stour Estuary, alsc 17th and three at Burgh Castle Flats.

April 19th. There were 16 recorded on Orfordness, April 22nd followed by 15 at Breydon South Flats, April 25th. Burgh Castle Flats then recorded 25, May 5th rising to 34, May 7th. In the south there were 11 at Melton on the Deben Estuary, April 22nd rising to 14 present Greenshank Peter Beeson between April 30th and May 1st.

Inland passage saw three at Lakenheath Fen, April 24th, two at Lackford Lakes, April 29th and two at Gifford's Hall Flood, April 30th with four recorded there, May 9th. There were also singles at Livermere Lake, April 30th and Mickle Mere, May 21st.

Orfordness had four birds to June 5th. Single June records came from Trimley Marshes, Boyton Marshes and Hollesley Marshes, plus inland at Lackford Lakes and two at Gifford's Hall, 17th.

July sightings came from 13 coastal and four inland sites, with six at Benacre Broad, 9th, up to four present on Orfordness, five on Havergate Island, six on the Deben Estuary and seven at Trimley Marshes.

Although records came from 19 localities on the coast in August, apart from the WeBS totals on the Stour Estuary (see below) there was only one double-figure count, that being 11, 31 st on Orfordness, the best of the rest being nine on Havergate Island, 25th. Six inland sites had August records with the maximum being seven at Livermere Lake, 8th.

On the Blyth Estuary on September 4th 20 birds were present. Other double-figure counts came from Orfordness with 13, September 7th. Havergate Island had 13, 1 st and a splattering of records throughout the remainder of the month. Seventeen other coastal sites and two inland sites had September sightings.

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Just eight sites reported birds during October with the best being three at Snape Marshes, two at Minsmere and three at Trimley Marshes. Inland singles were seen at Lakenheath Fen and Redgrave Lake. Singles were recorded at six sites in November with the last birds of the year being singles at Hen Reedbeds, December 12th, Lackford Lakes, December 18th and Melton, December 22nd. The Lackford bird was the second winter record for this site - the first was on December 6th 2006.

Counters doing WeBS counts on the estuaries recorded : Deben: two, Jan; one, March; eight, April; 23, Oct; three, Nov. Orwell: three, Feb; two, March; 11, July; two, Sept; three, Oct; one, Nov. Stour: 52, Aug; 64, Sept; 34, Oct. Once again the Stour Estuary held the bulk of the birds during the autumn period.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Fairly common passage migrant. Amber list.

There were two April reports, which is becoming the norm as it is eight years running that Ă­his species has appeared in this month. There were as many as six at North Marsh, Minsmere, 29th and a single at Trimley Marshes on the same date.

Overall six locations reported May sightings: Hen Reedbeds, Walberswick, Orfordness, 3oyton Marshes and Trimley Marshes all reported singles while Minsmere had two, lOth. Just three sites reported birds during July, the first returning bird being one at Bucklesham, 3rd. Minsmere only recorded singles, 18th and 24th, while Boyton Marshes had two birds from 15th to 17th with one remaining to 20th.

Disappointingly August sightings were no better; only four records were received of singles from Minsmere, 15th, Orfordness, 14th, Trimley Marshes, 9th and 15th and Hinderclay Slurry Pool, in the west, 23rd.

A single at Trimley Marshes, September 3rd and one at Southwold Boating Lake, September 1 Oth and 13th were the last of what was a very poor year for this wader in Suffolk.

COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Declining resident. Amber list.

Eleven coastal sites reported confirmed breeding in 2010, with another two as probable, f h e totals of the main reserves show mixed fortunes in comparison with 2009, figures in brackets:Hen Reedbeds: one (two).

Dingle Marshes: nine (ten).

Minsmere Scrape: 13 (nine).

Minsmere levels: 11 (11).

North Warren: 24(13).

Orfordness: 15-18(17-22).

Other confirmed sites included Abbey Farm (Snape), Snape Warren, Boyton Marshes, Trimley Marshes and Levington. Inland breeding was confirmed at Gifford's Hall (Stokeby-Nayland) and Higham St Mary, with three other sites showing possible breeding.

Maximum monthly figures and WeBS data on our estuaries outside of the breeding season:Minsmere* Blyth Alde/Ore Orfordness* Deben Orwell Stour * monthly maxima

Jan 3 640

Feb 4 486

Mar 17 281

20

10

108

177 1361 1458 778

129 1103 768 150

168 933 752 131

89

Apr 24 14

528 166 139

Aug 58

715

Sep 1 393 1613 331 1213

Oct 1 334 56 142 2064 885 590

Nov Dee 4 133 458 2551 45 12 428 182 1737 551 702 239 1049 88

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

Autumn passage off Landguard included 41 in July and 114 during August with a pea o f 2 8 , August 18th. Elsewhere 19 were recorded flying south offThorpeness, August l i t !

Inland there were just three sites that recorded singles at the end of the year - Lackfor Lakes, November 8th, Lakenheath, November 14th (two) and 26th, December 12th and 19t and Stowmarket Sewage Works, December 17th.

RUDDY TU RN STON E A renaria interpres Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

Counts at the principal estuarine and coastal sites were:-

Lowestoft* Aide/Ore Deben Orwell Stour * monthly maxima

Jan 24 22 60 175 179

Feb 27 8 24 157 49

Mar Apr Aug 28 20 21 22 . x- S; ' $ 32 : 44 12 32 5 60 113 71

Sep 28 • ..

-

78 5 560

Oct 22 8 57 2 372

Nov 16 1 76 84 382

Dec 30 36 42 37 54

It would appear that records for this species are dropping slightly year on year, althoug the September WeBS count on the River Stour, as in the table above, is the highest since 71 in 1999.

The spring passage period at Minsmere produced maxima of 15, April 29th and nint May 7th. Elsewhere Orfordness reported that very few were seen and Landguard ha monthly maxima of six, March, eight, April and six, May. There were 50 present o Havergate Island, May 13th.

The first returning bird was one seen flying south off Thorpeness, July 24th, thereafte Lowestoft Ness Point recorded ten, July 25th rising to 20, July 30th. Orfordness had 11 bird on site plus eight flying south, August 7th, Thorpeness had ten south, August 10th, on whic date, Landguard recorded 11 south, with a total of 34 during the month.

The best late-winter figure away from the Stour came from Havergate Island with 150 November 23rd.

The furthest inland record was of a single on a recently ploughed field at Weybread August 28th.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus Rare passage migrant. Red list.

A single bird was present on the Scrape at Minsmere, October 8th, between 10.45am and 11.15am, before flying north.

Minsmere: Scrape, Oct 8th (T Butler et al.).

GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

It was an excellent year for this relatively scarce wader with ten autumn records involving 12 individuals:Southwold: two south, Oct 25th (M Riley); two, one on the sea, one south, Nov 10th (N Mason).

Minsmere: Scrape, Nov 7th to 1 Ith (R Harvey).

Thorpeness: south, Nov 8th (D Thurlow).

North Warren: grazing marshes, Nov 20th and 21st (D Thurlow et al.).

River Aide: Short Reach, Oct 25th (A Wilkie).

Felixstowe: Undercliffe, Nov 17th (P Oldfield).

Landguard: Nov Ist (N Odin et al.).

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Trimley Marshes: Sept 13th (P Oldfield).

Loompit Lake: Nov 10th (R Biddle, EW Patrick).

This represents the highest annual total for Suffolk, the previous highest being eight in J05.

OMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus ncommon passage migrant. A few overwinter.

In the first half of the year, overwintering birds were noted offThorpeness, January 3rd, rfordness, February 27th and Thorpeness, March 17th. On the latter date the bird concerned is witnessed harassing flyby Red-throated Divers, forcing a few of them into the sea.

Spring passage was pretty much non-existent. Records submitted showed that after March her sightings weren't made again until August 23rd, when one was off Felixstowe itdercliffe. Three were seen soon after off Kessingland, August 26th. From this point in time itil the end of October, mainly singletons were seen offshore from the usual coastal watch jints. Two were off Southwold, September 19th and one was seen slightly inland at Burgh istle mudflats, October 16th. Later in the autumn multiple occurrences included two off lorpeness, October 16th and Minsmere, November 6th. Three were off Kessingland and horpeness, November 7th although it is possible that there was overlap between these ghtings given the general scarcity of this species.

Towards the end of the year, Thorpeness retained its status as the place to see this species uring the winter with one noted offshore, December 9th and 12th.

RCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus increasing passage migrant. A few overwinter. Red list.

This species had a very quiet year until mid-August when numbers rose with return passage, p until then singletons were noted past the usual coastal locations of Kessingland and horpeness. The first records of the year were singles off Kessingland, April 26th and 30th.

July was a very quiet month and the most seen in any one day was two offThorpeness, 5th. Things did, as expected, pick up in August and during a spell between 6am and 9:30am, 7 were noted past Southwold, August 16th. Later in the month, 20 and 12 were noted past -•ess Point, Lowestoft, August 23rd and 25th respectively with Southwold and Aldeburgh witnessing slightly less totals at around the same time. Numbers peaked at the end of the month when 54 were off Southwold and 17 off Landguard, August 26th. A further 53 were seen past Thorpeness, August 29th and 35 off Southwold, August 30th.

Sightings into September significantly tailed off into single figures apart from the 24 seen off Southwold, September 4th. From this point onwards sightings remained in single 1 igures and there were no more days of peak passage. The last reports of the year were of two north off Orfordness and one south off Kessingland, October 26th.

LONG-TAILED SKUA

Stercorarius

longicaudus

Uncommon passage migrant. lust as in 2009, this species drew a total blank for spring sightings in 2010 with the first record being made on August 23rd, when an individual flew south past Kessingland (P Read) with probably the same bird o f f T h o r p e n e s s (D Thurlow) and Aldeburgh (P Kennerley).

Three days later things picked up with an impressive total of nine seen south past Kessingland (P Read); this peak was earlier than in 2009 and overall more birds were recorded in 2010. Other sightings are as follows:'jorleston: came ashore at the harbour pier and landed in car park before taking off and heading inland over the town, Sep 5th (J Gaskell).

Hopton-on-sea: south, Aug 29th (Lowestoft Bird Club).

Lowestoft, Ness Point: two south, Aug 30th (Lowestoft Bird Club); north, Sep 5th (Lowestoft Bird Club); north, Sep 26th (Lowestoft Bird Club).

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Kessingland: south, Aug 30th (P Read); south, Sep 16th (P Read); south, Oct 16th (P Read).

Southwold: Aug 27th (R Drew); north, 10:35, Sep 4th (B Small); north, 10:25, Sep 5th (B Small); S> 17th (M Riley).

Dunwich: Sep 26th (R Drew).

Minsmere: north, Sep 14th (J Grant).

Sizewell: two south, 09:10, Sep 4th (J Grant).

Thorpeness: south off Dower House, 13:20, Aug 30th (S Abbott); two off Dower House, Sep 4 (G Grieco); north and two south, Sep 26th (D Thurlow).

Landguard: south, Sep 15th (J Zantboer).

GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua Fairly common passage migrant. A few overwinter. Amber list.

After a busy year in 2009, 2010 was much quieter for the 'Bonxie'. The first to be note was one south off Kessingland at 10:15, January 10th. The next month one was o Thorpeness, February 21 st.

Northward spring passage was very limited with singletons noted off the usual coast watch points such as Kessingland, Southwold, Thorpeness and Landguard wiyh only seve sightings made during April and May. As with the Arctic Skua, records for return passage didn't really pick up until the final tu weeks of August. Up until this point mainly singletons were seen and numbers slowly picke up to a peak of seven and ten off Southwold on August 26th and 30th respectively. Int September numbers fell back again slightly and the only noteworthy counts were of eigl past Southwold, September 4th, nine past Kessingland, September 25th and nine pa Thorpeness the following day. October and November were very quiet; most sightings mad were of singletons past Kessingland with 15 in total for October which included thret October 24th. At Orfordness one took the unorthodox route of flying south down the rive October 10th. In November seven sightings were made including three off Kessinglani November 30th, which were the last records for the year.

SABINE'S G U L L Xema sabini Rare passage migrant.

A much quieter year for this wandering arctic gull, with both sightings as follows:Covehithe: adult north, 11:05, Oct 25th (P Whittaker, N Mason).

Thorpeness: first-winter, north, 10:25, Oct 16th (S Mayson).

BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Very common passage migrant and winter visitor. Small numbers breed. Amber list.

The start of the year saw plenty of movement, although much of this was concentrated on a few particular days; an incredible 1199 were seen off Thorpeness, January 11th, consisting w I

^^KnHj

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i n a ti 1 '

800 north and 399 south. The next large count, also ofFThorpeness, was of 314, again stly heading north, March 2nd. There were sightings made from elsewhere on the coast I as in previous years, the numbers of birds seen got less as one headed further north up coast. The majority of submitted sightings made throughout the year were from either ssingland orThorpeness, the latter location more often than not logging the higher totals. ler locations such as Landguard and Orfordness noted passage movement and unlike in )9, there were no inland records in 2010. urther north at Kessingland many sightings were as a result of the breeding population owestoft Harbour and Claremont Pier. Presumably there was some sort of breeding npt on the Sizewell Rigs but no information was forthcoming. Breeding at Lowestoft wed a good increase on 2009; local ringer Colin Carter ringed a total of 143 chicks npared with 108 in 2009. Much of the increase came in the SLP yard with 120 chicks ged (85 in 2009) and a slight decrease was noted at the Claremont Pier with 23 chicks ! ged (29 in 2009).

Late on in the year the only notable counts were 178 off Kessingland, October 16th and 8 offThorpeness, November 7th with 108 off Kessingland that same day. Outside of these es this gull was scarce with mostly only low single-figure counts being logged.

ACK-HEADED G U L L Chroicocephalus ridibundus ry common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

At the start of the winter, roost counts included 600 at Lackford Lakes, January 10th and same number at Cavenham Pits, February 17th. In general, numbers at inland sites in the unty were considerably down when compared with the 7500 seen in January 2009 at vermere Lake. Over on the coast, 2750 were on Angel Marshes, Blythburgh, January 24th, 67 on the Deben during the January WeBS survey, 861 at Orfordness, February 21st and 00 on Minsmere Scrape, March 21st and a WeBS count on the Blyth revealed a total of most 5000, April 17th.

At Minsmere after their success in 2009, more records were broken with 1506 nesting airs (1115 in 2009), with 'good productivity' as far as fledged young were concerned, urther down the coast on Orfordness, an estimated 32-37 pairs nested; this follows the 68 'iat nested there in 2009 and is closer to the 36 pairs counted there in 2008. There were up 0 30 pairs at the Lantern Marshes colony on the back-wall, four pairs on the King's Marshes pools but sadly no young were fledged there. Three pairs nested in the Disturbed Shingle area and only two young are known to have fledged, which is the only known success for this species on the whole of the Ness.

Away from the coast at least five nests were counted at Livermere Lake, June 14th. No breeding success was noted at Mickle Mere as the site dried out as a result of the very dry spring weather.

During the winter, roost counts at Lackford Lakes included 3000 and 6000 on November 17th and December 25th respectively, slightly down on the 2009 figures. Nearer the coast the only noteworthy count was of 830 at Aldringham Walks, December 11th.

Passage migration was diligently noted off Landguard where southerly movements included 330 south, July 9th, 227 south, July 20th, 318 south September 26th, and 150 south, October 8th. Spring migration was much less evident there with a maximum count of 47 north, March 28th.

LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus airly common passage migrant. Regularly oversummers. Small numbers overwinter. Amber list.

As with 2009, it was a quiet start to the year with a single bird noted on Lake Lothing, January 29th being the first of the year.

During spring passage, unlike in 2009, no large numbers were seen inland, the most being

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eight at Livermere Lake, April 26th, after six there the previous day. A late lone bird was seen at Lackford Lakes, May 21st. Closer to the coast, five were at Weybread gravel pits, April 24th. River watching at Landguard produced 13 birds heading out of the estuary, April 24th.

In terms of volume it was a similar story on the coast with all records during May coming from Minsmere RSPB with five present, May 19th and four, May 25th and 28th.

In late summer numbers did pick up as return passage commenced, with 26 at Thorpeness, July 29th and August 6th. Elsewhere along the coast others were seen but not in such high numbers. Nine were off Hopton-on-Sea, July 31st and 26 and 35 at Sizewell, August 27th and 28th respectively.

During autumn passage the main concentrations continued to be around the Thorpeness/Sizewell area for the first half of September before dropping back to single figures. Twenty were seen from Ness Point, Lowestoft, September 26th, with 20 also lingering off Sizewell and Thorpeness, September 28th and 29th respectively. An impressive total of 99 was noted off Kessingland, October 2nd, dropping to 30 on the following day.

From then on to the year's end, single-figure counts were made on various dates mainly at Kessingland and Thorpeness. The last sighting of the year was a first-winter in Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft, December 2nd.

M E D I T E R R A N E A N GULL Larus melanocephulus Uncommon resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare breeder. Amber list.

At the start of the year, overwintering birds could be found at the usual coastal locations, with up to six present along Pakefield beach and singletons noted at Lowestoft, Gunton and Minsmere beaches during January. Most noteworthy were 13 recorded at Landguard, January 19th.

Numbers slowly picked up in the north-east of the county during March, mostly at Minsmere, where seven were present, March 2nd, increasing to 15 and 30, March 18th and 24th respectively. Into April numbers continued to build at the reserve but didn't quite reach the numbers seen in 2009, with the highest count on the Scrape being 39, April 24th. After this date numbers declined and at the same time larger gatherings were seen at other sites, including 35 at Blythburgh pig fields, June 13th and 37 at Southwold Golf Course, July 6th.

In late summer some impressive counts were made that help to illustrate the continued spread and consolidation of this species in Suffolk. An impressive 86 were near Blythburgh, July 14th and 125, a county record total, at Southwold, July 30th (P Kennerley). Further north, 29 were at Hopton-on-Sea, July 31st and 78 and 103 just north of Reydon business park, August 8th and 15th respectively.

A decent passage movement was seen off Ness Point, Lowestoft with a northward movement of 62 witnessed between 17:00 and 19:00, August 20th. The following month 30 flew north off Kessingland, September 9th and 70 were on the marshes by Breydon South Wall, October 1st. In the south of the county, 44 were at Landguard, September 29th.

In the second winter period most sites recorded single-figure counts and singletons. The most recorded were at Gunton beach with up to six present, December 11th and Pakefield beach with eight, December 20th. At Landguard, the monthly maxima were 17 for November and 16 for December.

Numbers were low throughout the year in the west of the county. Two adults were noted at Livermere Lake, April 24th with a second-summer there next day. Other records came from Lackford Lakes where singles were present, August 17th and September 7th.

Breeding attempts at Minsmere consisted of six pairs but sadly they all failed. No other breeding data for the county were received.

C O M M O N GULL Larus canus Very common winter visitor and passage migrant. Scarce breeding species. Amber list.

A much better year for this gull than the numbers recorded in 2009. At the start of the year.

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List

very good numbers were observed along the coast, with 4600 on Angel Marshes, Blythburgh, 2000 on Benacre Broad and another 900 on a ploughed field at Henham, all January 24th. In the west the only notable count was of 200 which roosted at Lackford Lakes, January 17th. In the south-east, 324 were at Alton Water, March 14th. On Orfordness 153 were seen, February 21st and in March numbers there decreased to mainly single figures, with a maximum count of 12, April 5th. At Landguard notable counts included 400, February 12th, and 3500, December 17th. Only very small numbers were recorded there on passage.

In the second winter period, it was the opposite pattern of distribution seen at the start of the year, with the larger numbers being seen in the west of the county and smaller numbers on the coast. The only noteworthy count from the coast was of 440 at the Blythburgh pig fields, November 21st. In the west of the county once again good numbers roosted at Lackford Lakes, with 5000, December 19th and 8000, December 25th, these totals being well over twice those recorded in 2009 at this site.

One pair held territory for a couple of weeks in a traditional breeding area but did not breed.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larusfuscus Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Increasing numbers overwinter. list.

On Orfordness, this species was present in small numbers during January with a maximum of 120 recorded, 30th. An increase commenced in February with 831

by February 21st, and 1321

by March 14th. This location seems to be the main winter stronghold for this species in the county with the only other counts made being further along the coast, including other estuaries and wetlands albeit in much smaller numbers.

Amber

Inland there were 55 at Lesser Black-backed Gull Su Gough Livermere Lake, March 8th and 125, April 30th; Lackford held 70, March 14th and 82, April 2nd; there were 211 at Timworth, June 2nd.

The breeding estimate on Orfordness was 550 pairs, compared with 900 pairs in 2009.

Elsewhere in the county, many were noted breeding on rooftops in central Lowestoft where in late summer many juvenile birds gathered on local beaches along with juvenile Herring Gulls. There was no indication of numbers involved but evidently breeding on rooftops helps keep the young out of the way of foxes, unlike on Orfordness. Nesting was also noted at several sites in Ipswich, in Felixstowe Docks but with no indication as to success and at Minsmere reserve there were six nesting pairs.

Later in the year, 400 were on Minsmere Scrape, October 7th. Very few were noted around the county in the second winter period, with a few single-figure counts made at inland sites.

On the coast the highest counts were of 76 on the Blyth, November 14th and 30 at Havergate Island, December 19th, which is not unusual as numbers don't normally build up until early in the new year.

95

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

At the start of the year census counts on Orfordness revealed 711, February 21 st and 697, March 14th. Very few other noteworthy counts were made at the start of the year; a lot of observations involving single-figure gatherings were made at a few sites away from the main coastal estuaries.

It was another bad year for this species and breeding numbers decreased yet again. The breeding estimate on Orfordness was 120 pairs (150 in 2009) and, again, success was very low with only an estimated 50 young fledging. As in previous years, the main area for attempted breeding by the gull population was in the Lantern Marshes colony but the continuing fox prĂŠdation problems meant that success here was almost zero. The only places where any numbers of young fledged were on the roofs of the Pagodas and the Cobra Mist building, the majority of the young gulls that fledged were Herring Gulls. As with the Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gulls were noted breeding on rooftops in central Lowestoft raising an unknown number of young. Nesting was also noted at several sites in Ipswich and in Felixstowe Docks but no data on their success were recorded.

At Landguard, 450 on February 12th was the largest count early in the year with 2500 there on December 18th in the second winter period. Elsewhere in the county, 170 at Aldringham Walks, December 11th was the only other noteworthy count, for what traditionally is an under-recorded species. In the west of the county, like many other large gulls, this species was never seen in any high numbers, the highest count recorded being 50 at Lackford Lakes, December 28th.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers oversummer. Amber list.

The first half of the year was relatively quiet for this gull. On the coast, as with previous years, very few were noted with only single-figure counts at sites such as Gorleston Harbour, Minsmere Scrape and North Warren. Up to three different-aged birds were in the Orfordness area throughout February and March. Interestingly, in west Suffolk there weren't the high winter roost numbers in 2010 that were witnessed in previous years with, for example, Lakenheath having a maximum of only four, January 3rd, compared with up to 30 birds there around the same time in 2009. In the second winter period, ten were at Lackford Lakes, November 14th with smaller numbers noted there the following month. In late spring numbers on the coast picked up slightly with six on Minsmere Scrape, June 10th.

The summer build-up was very pronounced, with especially high numbers being seen around the Blyth Estuary area and, as with other large gull species, the main attraction being the surrounding pig fields. Figures for this site include 22, July 13th, increasing to 34 the following day and peaking at 40, July 17th. Most of those records were made up of first and second-summer aged birds. Following those July dates, numbers fell back to ten, July 21st and August 28th. In the west of the county, eight were at Livermere Lake, August 17th and 12 were noted at Weybread pits, September 22nd.

Overwintering birds in the second winter period numbered up to eight on Minsmere Scrape, October 29th and November 6th. At other locations only single records were made at locations such as Lowestoft Harbour and Oulton Broad, whilst two were recorded at Covehithe Broad, December 5th.

CASPIAN GULL Larus eachinnans Scarce winter visitor.

Overall, 2010 was a similar year to 2009 in terms of numbers and distribution patterns for this gull. In the first six months of 2010 records from Minsmere suggest the reserve played host to at least six different birds. An adult was present, January 12th (R Harvey) and a firstwinter, February 5th (R Harvey), March 18th, (J Grant) and March 21st (R Harvey,

96

Systematic

List

S Howell). Two other first-winters, described by the sharp-eyed observer as being different from the one seen previously, were present, March 19th (J Grant). A second-winter was present, March 28th (S Mayson) and a Polish-ringed first-summer, April 6th (J Gibbs) and 9th (S Abbott). Four were then seen together, April 8th (J Grant) which involved three firstsummers and a second-summer. The day after saw two birds this time including the Polishringed bird. Two first-summers were still present on the Scrape, May 29th (B Small) and June 1st (A Rowlands).

During the summer up to two first-summers and a second-summer were seen in the Blythburgh area, mainly around the pig fields, July 15th (B Small) and 22nd (E Patrick). An adult was also seen in this area, August 29th. All were taking advantage of the feed put out for the pigs.

On Orfordness, one was present on the Lagoon, March 6th. Three were noted, April 11th and one, July 31 st (M Marsh, D Crawshaw). In the south of the county, one was recorded at Trimley Marshes, August 8th (P Oldfield).

In the second winter period, adult birds predominated. An adult was with a third-winter and a first-winter at Minsmere, November 6th (R Harvey) and these birds were seen on and off until the end of the year. Two adults were on the Blyth Estuary, December 4th (B Small) and single adults were also seen at Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft, December 18th (A Easton) and Southwold Harbour, December 19th. Further south, a first-winter was noted at Landguard, November 5th (G Gregory, D Langlois, N Odin).

In the west of Suffolk, numbers weren't quite as high as in 2009 but there were firstwinters at Lackford Lakes, March 14th and November 14th (P Wilson), a first-summer at Mickle Mere, May 21st (M Wright), and a first-winter at Livermere Lake, October 21st (J Walshe), probably the same as the November Lackford bird.

ICELAND G U L L Larus Scarce winter visitor. Amber A disappointing year with into 2011.

Lowestoft: first-winter seen at Broad, Dec 30th and 31st (D

glaucoides list. only one record right at the end of the year, the bird staying well Hamilton Dock, Ness Point, Leathes Ham, Lake Lothing and Oulton Porter et al.).

GLAUCOUS G U L L Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor. Amber list.

A good year for this species, in stark comparison with the Iceland gull. Analysing the raw data, and allowing for some sightings overlap, it seems reasonable to suggest that up to eight different birds were seen in 2010 including an adult over the Sluice at Minsmere, the first September record since 1997 when one was at Southwold, 21 st. There were no records from the west of the county. All records are as follows:Gorleston: first-winter north along beach, Nov 10th (Lowestoft Bird Club).

Breydon south wall: first-winter, Dec 24th (Lowestoft Bird Club).

Lowestoft: first-winter north offshore from Ness Point, Oct f 6th (N Skinner).

Oulton Broad: second-winter, also seen at Hamilton Dock, Dec 8th (A Easton).

Minsmere: first-winter, Jan 1st (BINS); adult flew over the Sluice, Sep 19th (R Harvey).

Sizewell: first-winter, Mar 20th (J Davies).

North Warren: first-winter, Jan 2nd (P Hobbs).

Aldeburgh: first-winter, also seen at Slaughden and probably same as Orfordness record, Jan 9th (J Gibbs).

Orfordness: first-winter on the sea defences, Slaughden, and on the beach opposite Lantern Marshes, Jan 9th to 17th; second-winter, Mar 21 st (M Marsh, D Crawshaw).

Felixstowe: un-aged on promenade, Jan 6th (P Oldfield).

Landguard: first-winter, Jan 3rd (N Odin); first-winter, Apr 4th (P Holmes, P Oldfield, N Odin et al. ).

Noteworthy was a Glaucous/Herring Gull hybrid seen on 3rd and 6th April at both

97

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

Minsmere and Orfordness (R Drew), with other sightings appearing on BINS; the pattern of sightings suggests that the bird was commuting between these two sites during Aprii 3rd to 16th.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. A few oversummer. Has recently bred. Amber list.

This species was poorly recorded although 230, a noteworthy count, were on the Minsmere Levels, January 31 st. In the west the main area of concentration was Lackford Lakes where 24 were present, January 24th. At Orfordness small numbers were present throughout the year, with a peak count of 120, consisting of mainly of young birds, Aprii llth.

As in 2009, during 2010 there was no sign of any breeding activity. Passage migration was only noted at Landguard albeit in small numbers.

In the second winter period the main counts were of 75 at Minsmere during a WeBS survey, November 14th, 133 on Havergate Island, December 12th and 62 at North Warren, December 23rd. Overall, during the winter months, this bird, like most other gull species, was recorded mostly at coastal wetland and estuarine sites, especially the Aide/Ore complex.

Inland, Lackford Lakes held 38, November 17th.

LITTLE TERN Sternuta albifrons Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. ut'l-Wyo....

Two at Minsmere, Aprii 21st were the first of the ,«11 -,*' spring, the same site but one day earlier than in 2009.

Numbers built up through early to mid-May with the r greatest numbers in the Kessingland area, where the a L ... main breeding attempi by c. 100 pairs took place in a ft-x ' fenced of area of the beach. Most of the birds had left i the colony by late June and the outcome is unknown. ? Nearby at Benacre Broad at least fifteen young were • • ' " " WBpff fedged.

•V' Two that passed through at Lackford Lakes, May 22nd ' I were the only ones seen in the west of the County during 1 1 'u4iv'?k_ 1 " 1 the year.

S Jt "Îfe^V Up to around 300 gathered at Benacre Broad in late \ •• June was the largest post-breeding gathering reported, I S ¿¿bï. \ I H a n c ' w e r e thought to be largely birds that had abandoned I ^ X s the colony at nearby Kessingland Beach.

Most departed the County during the first half of July; W m ' with the highest day count being 152 north and 244 south past Kessingland, July 9th. Only nineteen were Little Tern Su Gough reported throughout the whole of August, and the latest record was of a singleton flying north at Thorpeness, August 26th.

Breeding Site Kessingland Benacre Dingle Marshes Dunwich Beach Minsmere Slaughden Landguard

No. of Pairs c.100 c.30 3 0 0 0 0

Fledged Young ?

15 (minimum) 0 0 0 0 0

98

Remarks

Predated by large gulls.

Systematic

List

BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger Fairly common passage migrant. Amber list.

After the first of the year, a single bird at Lakenheath Fen RSPB on April 28th, just nine more were recorded in a rather poor spring passage:Minsmere: two, Apr 29th; two, May 4th; May 11th; two, May 26th.

Alton Water: May 22nd and 23rd.

Livermere Lake: Apr 30th.

Lakenheath Fen RSPB: Apr 28th.

In contrast with last year when several were seen in June and July, one past Bawdsey, July 21st was the only report from the same period in 2010.

Subsequently between August 6th and September 26th over 80 were recorded mainly along the coast as usual, but up to three were in the far west of the County at Lackford Lakes between September 6th and 9th. All reports from this period are listed below:Corton: Aug 23rd.

Lowestoft: Ness Point, two, Aug 22nd; Aug 23rd; five, Aug 27th; two Sep 5th.

Kessingland: Sep 11th; Sep 19th.

Benacre Broad: two, Sep 9th.

Southwold: two, Aug 31st; four, Sep 4th; three, Sep 17th.

Sizewell: Aug 22nd; five, Aug 24th; two, Aug 27th; Sep 4th; two, Sep 6th; three, Sep 11th; three, Sep 22nd; Sep 25th.

Thorpeness: Aug 13th; two, Aug 26th; Aug 27th; Sep 26th.

Slaughden: three, Aug 15th.

Orfordness: Sep 26th.

Havergate Island: Aug 20th; three, Sep 1st.

Landguard: Aug 17th; Aug 21st; Aug 22nd, Aug 23rd; Aug 25th; Sep 7th; Sep 8th.

Trimley Marshes: two, Aug 21st.

Stutton Mill: two, Aug 23rd; Aug 25th.

Weybread GP: Sep 6th; Sep 11th.

Lackford Lakes: two, Sep 6th; three, Sep 7th; Sep 8th; Sep 9th.

There were two sightings in October, four were off Minsmere, October 5th and the last of the year was a single bird at Livermere Lake, October 10th.

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant, declining summer visitor. Amber list.

The first of the year were two seen flying east along the South Flats at Breydon, March 25th, with the next being three at Minsmere, 27th. Small numbers were then recorded along the coast during April and May, with the highest count being 30 at Minsmere, April 29th.

There was no repeat of the formation of a breeding colony at Minsmere this year, and no breeding attempts were reported from Havergate Island either, where two pairs probably bred in 2009.

The table below shows monthly movements past three well-watched coastal sites; with numbers, not surprisingly, well down on those in 2009 given the lack of a large colony at Minsmere.

Kessingland Thorpeness Landguard

Apr IN 4S 3N OS 6N OS

May 16N 7S 21N OS UN OS

Jul 8N 16S 27N 26S 23N 16S

Jun 17N 4S 13N 13S 22N 7S

Aug 187N 193S 173N 538S 27N 185S

Sep 106N 68S 27N 29S 48N 89S

Oct 4N IS IN IS 5N 7S

Autumn passage carried on through to the end of the first week in October, reaching its peak during the last week of August. The final record of the year was of two north past Kessingland October 15th.

99

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

There were two reports from West Suffolk, both in April; two were at Livermere Lake, 28th and one was at Lakenheath Washes, 29th.

C O M M O N TERN Sterna hirundo Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

For the third year running the first one of the year arrived on April 1 st, this time at Melton on the River Deben, with perhaps the same bird there again, 6th. No more were seen until 9th, when two flew south at Kessingland and one was at Weybread Gravel Pits.

The main arrivai throughout the County, both on the coast and in the west began around Aprii 23rd to 25th, with up to 40 present at Weybread Gravel Pits, 25th and 27 at Minsmere on the same date. The total at Minsmere had increased to 80, Aprii 27th, and reached 163, May 16th.

Counts at well-watched coastal sites are detailed below:Kessingland Thorpeness Landguard

Apr 8N 2S ION 3S 45N 7S

May 99N 38S 31N 8S 123N 14S

Jul 30N 39S 25N 498S 7N 51S

Jun 23N 4S 21N OS 4N OS

Aug 480N 365S 1055N 3077S 68N 653S

Sep 194N 132S 31N 33S 70N 72S

Oct 4N ÌOS 5N OS IN 13S

The incomplete breeding information received is summarized below:Lowestoft: Lake Lothing, five nests on roof of boat building college, site later abandoned due to harassment by large gulls.

Benacre Broad: pair fledged three young.

Dingle Marshes: no détails.

Minsmere: 167 nesting pairs, but no young fledged due to prédation by gulls and a fox.

Havergate Island: no détails.

Trimley Marshes: no détails.

Alton Water: no détails.

Needham Lake: no détails.

Weybread G.P.: two pairs raised four young.

Flixton G.P.: pair raised three young.

Lackford Lakes: breeding confirmed.

Southbound migrants were noted along the coast from the last week in July at least, with 355 south past Thorpeness, July 29th being the highest day-count for that month. The autumn passage continued throughout the whole of August and numbers only started to tail off towards the end of the first week of September.

Much smaller numbers then continued to pass along the coast throughout the remainder of September and up to October 7th. Lione stragglers were noted past Kessingland, October 13th and 15th and the final bird of the year was seen at Dunwich, October 25th.

ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Scarce passage migrant. Red list.

After a couple of very good years for this species in Suffolk numbers fell back sharply to more typical very low levels, and there were no repeats of any breeding attempts.

Minsmere: double-ringed, June 19th and 20th (K Smith, D Holman, et al.); single-ringed, July 4th (I Salkeld).

East Lane: two, Sep 30th (B Meadows).

Trimley Marshes: June 23rd (P Oldfield).

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea Fairly common passage migrant. Occasionally breeds. Amber list.

A single bird at Lackford Lakes, Aprii 15th, followed by eight at Livermere Lake the

100

Systematic

List

next day were the first of the year. The J3| remaining spring records away from the fcai coast were as follows:Weybread GP: two, Apr 25th; May 3rd.

Bramford: Suffolk Water Park, Apr 23rd.

Livermere Lake: Apr 21st; three, Apr 24th. • Lackford Lakes: Apr 25th; May 4th.

Along the coast just 14 were reported between May 9th and 16th. Once again ^JB there were no breeding attempts noted ' in the County, and only one or two adults and first-summers were seen ' on and off at Minsmere during June and July.

Around 200 were recorded along the "I coast between July 30th and October 5th. fc Records were well spread and there were no obvious waves of migrants, although f peak numbers were recorded in the second > Ifj^' ( half of August.

The only inland record of the autumn was A r c t i c T e r n Su Gough of one at Livermere Lake, September 15th.

The final records of the year were of single birds past Landguard, October 16th and Southwold, October 25th.

C O M M O N GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber list.

Once again a very poor year along the whole coast for this species and for the not specifically identified large auks, of which the majority are likely to have been Guillemots.

In particular there was very little evidence of birds in view of the coast in either winter period, but numbers in May and June were greatly increased.

As an example the monthly totals of Guillemots seen in flight at Thorpeness were as follows, and comprised a total of 86 (compared with the corresponding totals of 108 in 2009 and 387 in 2 0 0 8 ) : Jan 2

North South

Feb 1 2

Mar 1 -

Apr -

May 13 21

Jun 17 20

Jul 1

Aug -

Sep 1

Oct Nov Dec 1 3 3

2009 40

2010 70

RAZORBILL Alca tordo Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber list.

2001 28

2002 40

Total of live Razorbills reported 2001-2010 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 32 36 48 23 53 341

The annual total of 70 live Razorbills reported during 2010 is one of the highest in recent years but was boosted somewhat by a one day fly past of 41 at Thorpeness, January 25th.

Numbers during the second winter period were lower than in 2009 but were more evenly spread throughout the months, with a blank December not being repeated this year.

Jan 42

Feb -

Mar , jl

Monthly totals of live Razorbills in 2010 Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 3 2 2 1

101

Oct 6

Nov 5

Dec 9

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

LITTLE AUK Alle alle Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

A considerable improvement on the seven seen in 2009, but certainly not a bumper year for this wandering waif from the high Arctic, with around 60 recorded between October 16th and November 23rd.

Gorlcston: south, Nov 8th.

Corton: Oct 24th.

Lowestoft: on the sea, Oct 17th; on the sea, Oct 20th.

Kessingland: north, Oct 17th; eight north, Oct 25th; Oct 26th; north, Nov 7th; three north, Nov lOth; north, Nov 22nd.

Benacre: north, Oct 16th.

Southwold: north, Oct 16th; Oct 17th; six, Oct 25th; five north, Nov lOth. Dunwich: three, Oct 25th; four south, Nov 7th.

Minsmere: north, Oct 17th; Oct 25th; two north, Nov 23rd.

Thorpeness: Oct 16th; north, three south Oct 24th; one north, one south, Oct 25th; south, Nov 2nd; south, Nov 8th, north, Nov 2Ist. Slaughden: Oct 30th.

Landguard: two south, Oct I6th; three north, Oct 17th; south, Nov 1 Ith; north, Nov 16th.

One of those seen at Dunwich Beach on October 25th arrived in off the sea accompanying a flock of Skylarks, and the next day one headed inland with a flock of Starlings at Kessingland.

ATLANTIC PUFFIN Fratercula ĂĄrctico Scarce passage migrant. Amber list.

Just seven were seen this year, compared with 13 in 2009; ali are listed bclow: Kessingland: two north, Oct 16th (P Read).

Minsmere: north, June 9th (R Drew); north, Nov 24th (R Harvey).

Thorpeness: south, May 26th ; south, June 16th (both DThurlow).

Landguard: north, Nov 1 Ith (W Brame, G Gregory).

ROCK PIGEON (DOVE) Columba livia Very common resident from feral stock. CatĂŠgories A, C and E. Lowestoft: Lake Lothing grain silo, 347, Jan 3rd.

Covehithe: St Andrew's Church, 110, Jan 24th.

Orfordness: maximum counts of 28, Jan Ist; 33, Nov 21st; Seen nest building on the Cobra Mist building, May Ist. Landguard: present ali year with a peak count of 36, Nov Ist. Deben Estuary: Kirton Creek, 25, Feb 24th.

Creeting St Peter: Clamp Farm, 150, Oct 19th.

Four adults were found in Barn Owl Project boxes but only one pair was known to have laid eggs in a box.

STOCK PIGEON (DOVE) Columba oenas Fairly common resident and passage migrant. Amber list.

Reports came from a total of 69 localities in 2010, well up on the 38 reported in 2009. The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) found Stock Doves in 29% of the 51 squares surveyed (50% in 2000, 44% in 2005) with a combined total of 52 birds. The RSPB and the SWT between them reported a total of 19 breeding pairs on ten reserves/sites that they manage along the Suffolk coast. At North Warren and Aldringham Walks the five pairs which bred was the lowest total since 2000 and the Warden suggested that the species had been adversely affected by two successive cold winters.

2000 3

Stock Doves at North Warren and Aldringham Walks - Breeding Pairs 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 7 7 9 10 14 10 8 15 7

102

2010 5

Systematic

List

Signs of Stock Doves were found in 247 Barn Owl Project boxes; adults were seen in 197, eggs in 181 and young in 105. One pair nested in the cafĂŠ roof at West Stow CP. On Orfordness a total of 42 breeding pairs was found.

The highest count of the year was 120 at Erwarton Ness, December 14th, while in the west the maximum count was 30 at Botany Bay, October 28th. At Landguard autumn passage consisted of a total of 209 which flew south on ten dates between October 20th and November 15th, with a maximum of 137 south, October 24th.

C O M M O N W O O D PIGEON Columba palumbus Very common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

The highest counts early in the year in the east were 500 at Hemley, February 24th and 700 at Walton, March 9th and in the west 815 at Onehouse, January 4th, 1000 at Fornham St Martin, February 7th and 1500 at Brettenham, February 19th.

There was a strong spring passage at Landguard with a total of 1074 flying south on 26 dates between March 15th and May 29th, maximum 268 south, March 28th.

FIELD

NOTE

At Gorleston Harbour on February 8th, a flock of 26 Wood Pigeons was seen huddled on groynes at the harbour mouth during snow flurries.

Lowestoft Lounge

Lizards

The BBS found Wood Pigeons in 100% of the 51 squares surveyed (100% in 2000, 100% in 2005) with a combined total of 2350 birds. Among breeding pairs noted were 29 at Market Weston Fen, 24 at Redgrave Fen and eight at Landguard. At least 15 pairs nested out on Orfordness, "probably many more" and one nest there was found on the ground in the Lantern Marsh gull colony. The almost white leucistic bird again frequented the Mickle Mere and its surrounds through the year and another leucistic bird was seen at North Warren, April 12th.

Autumn passage at Landguard saw a total of 5106 fly south on ten dates between October 7th and November 16th, with a peak of 1870 south, October 25th. The two highest counts late in the year were 850 at Mendlesham Airfield, October 27th and 700 at Tunstall, October 29th.

EURASIAN C O L L A R E D DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common resident.

The BBS found Collared Doves in 78% of the 51 squares surveyed (58% in 2000, 75% in 2005) with a combined total of 206 birds. At North Warren there was an increase to 21 pairs, up from 13 pairs in 2009. The reserve manager found this surprising, in view of the severity of the weather in the two previous winters. Three of these pairs were at North Warren and the other 18 were on Aldringham Walks and all were associated with human habitations.

The highest count in the north-east was 33 at Gorleston Harbour, November 7th and in the south-east 26 at Needham Market, March 21 st and 35 at Bawdsey Quay, September 4th.

As usual the highest counts came from the west, with 68 at Great Cornard, October 31 st, 100 at Great Livermere, November 21st and 50 at Sudbury, December 22nd.

EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

The first records of the year were two at Mutford on the early date of April 11th, followed by two inland at Hadleigh and Walsham-le-Willows, 18th and one at Framlingham, 22nd.

Landguard logged a total of 12 on spring passage between April 25th and June 7th.

It is impossible to avoid giving a pessimistic assessment of breeding numbers. The BBS found Turtle Doves in 18% of the 51 squares surveyed (42% in 2000, 37% in 2005) with a

103

Suffolk Birci Report

2010

combined total of 14 birds. David Pearson repeated a survey of the breeding birds of Benacre National Nature Reserve and adjacent areas of marsh, woodland and farmland, first carried out in 2000 and repeated in 2005. There were still a few Turtle Dove territories present in 2005 but these had all been lost by 2010. At North Warren and Aldringham Walks there were still six pairs, but this is down from 24 pairs as recently as 2001. Ten pairs were found at Minsmere. In the west, singing males were recorded at 25 sites and breeding was confirmed at five of these and considered probable at a further seven. The species was recorded from 38 localities in the north-east, 40 in the south-east and 43 in the west. The maximum count was just five, at Westleton Walks on May 11th and five were also seen at Butley, June 2nd.

Landguard failed to record a single bird on autumn passage but there were several late records. In the west one was at Centre Pares on September 25th and another was at Long Melford, October 5th. In November, one was feeding with Collared Doves in a garden along Harris Avenue, North Lowestoft on 17th and then on 21 st one visited a bird table in West Row Fen, Mildenhall ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula Scarce resident. Categories C and E. Bungay: Feb 13th and 22nd.

Trimley St Mary: Sep 9th.

krameri

C O M M O N C U C K O O Cuculus canorus Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

The first bird in was at Boyton Marshes on April 11th, followed by further birds at Santon Downham, 12th, Lackford Lakes 17th and Outney Common and Cavenham Heath, 18th.

Spring passage at Landguard totalled just three south on May 16th and a single the next day.

The BBS found Cuckoos in 27% of the 51 squares surveyed (42% in 2000, 29% in 2005) with a combined total of 18 birds. Between April and early September, Cuckoos were recorded from 40 sites in the north-east, 49 in the south-east and 42 in the west, but these figures include passage birds, especially along the coast. The RSPB and SWT reported ten breeding territories from nine reserves/sites that they manage in the north-east coastal area.

David Pearson found two territories in his survey of Benacre N N R and surrounds and commented "has largely disappeared from the area since 2000, when eight calling birds were noted". The annual survey at North Warren found four territories, two on the Warren and two on the Walks, which is up from one territory in 2009 but way down on the 18 found in 2000. The highest counts were four at Orfordness, May 20th, at East Bergholt, June 12th and in the Blackbourne Valley near Norton, June 14th, five at Lakenheath Fen, June 15th and six at Lackford Lakes, June 5th. The latter record was of four males and two females.

The last inland was in Lackford village, August 22nd and on the coast at Felixstowe Ferry, September 1st followed by the final bird, a juvenile, at Aldeburgh Marshes, September 7th.

BARN OWL Tyto alba Fairly common resident. Amber list. Categories A and E. Barn Owls were reported to the recorders from a total of 144 sites in 2010 ( 129 in 2009), with 55 of these reports from the north-east, 30 from the south-east and 59 from the west.

The Barn Owl Project now has a total of 1046 owl boxes in place, of which 899 were monitored in 2010. Signs of Barn Owls (e.g. pellets) were found in 213 boxes, adults in 202, eggs in 146 and young in 130 and only 17 nests were known to have failed. A total of 292 owl chicks was ringed, the average number of chicks per nest was 2.6 and the maximum brood found was six. The BBS found Barn Owls in 12% of the 51 squares surveyed (8% in 2000, 6% in 2005) with a combined total of seven birds.

David Pearson found four territories during his survey of Benacre N N R and surrounding

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land and commented that "numbers were little changed". At one site along a valley in the west, three Barn Owl Project boxes are located within a kilométré. When checked on June 1 Oth all three were inhabited by owls and contained broods of six and four chicks, with four eggs and a newly hatched chick in the third box. Broods of four and six young fledged successfully at Lakenheath Fen RSPB reserve.

On Orfordness, birds were present all year with a maximum of nine, August 7th. Three or four pairs bred and at least two were successful with nine young ringed. The next highest count was of five on Boyton Marshes, June 23rd.

Barn Owl Peter Beeson

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Fairly common resident.

Reports in 2010 came from a total of 151 localities (90 in 2009, 117 in 2008). Signs of Little Owls were found in 15 of the Barn Owl Project boxes, adults in 13, eggs in nine and young in six. The BBS found the species in 12% of the 51 squares surveyed (13% in 2000, 0% in 2005) with a combined total of six birds.

However, there are concerns that this charming little owl is in decline in Britain. David Pearson found only one territory on his survey of Benacre NNR and surrounds, "a marked réduction from 2005 numbers". Reports came from 39 sites in the north-east, with three territories around Westleton village being of note. The SWT Wardens found single pairs on Hopton, Market Weston, Redgrave and Thelnetham Fens and also on the Sizewell reserve.

In the south-east there were reports from 33 sites, with breeding confirmed at five of these. There were two pairs out on Orfordness again, one at the Radar building and the other at the Cobra Mist building. Present all year at Landguard, where one pair reared two young.

Little Owls appear to be commonest towards the west, where records came from 78 sites with breeding confirmed from ten of these. At Earl Stonham there was a nest in a Straw Stack and at Kettlebaston two broods fledged from " A - f r a m e " Barn Owl boxes. At the Lavenham Railway Walk the species was recorded on four out of 12 monthly walks.

TAWNYOWL

Strix aluco

Common resident.

Reports came from a total of 96 sites (71 in 2009, 95 in 2008), but this figures clearly under-records this widespread but elusive resident. Signs ofTawny Owls were found in 18 of the Barn Owl Project boxes, adults in 14, eggs in ten and young in six. The north-east provided 33 of the reports and breeding was confirmed at five locations, including two pairs at the SWT Sizewell reserve. The census at North Warren and Aldringham Walks

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noted 11 breeding pairs, the same as in 2009. A further 28 reports came from sites in the south-east.

Breeding was confirmed at eight of the 35 sites in the west that provided records. A nest at Bildeston on June 28th contained an unhatched egg, two rats, a mole and the remains of an unfortunate Stock Dove. The latter had perhaps entered the nest box looking to nest there itself. Road casualties were reported from Boyton, the A143 near the Mickle Mere, Fornham St Genevieve and Santon Downham.

L O N G - E A R E D OWL Asio otus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Scarce resident.

Only three birds were found during the first winter period.

Aldringham Walks: hunting along the roadside and adjacent heath at 00.45 hours, Feb 17th.

Earl Stonham: Mar 8th.

Lackford Lakes: Jan 1st.

One at Breydon South Wall, April 30th was probably an outgoing migrant. Summer records came from the following sites:— Gorleston: Beacon Park, Mar 26th (possible migrant); Aug 19th.

Orfordness: in the village, Apr 18th (possible migrant); Pig Pail, Jul 10th and 24th.

Rendham: roosted in a garden on Bruisyard Road, Apr 17th to Jun 10th.

Great Livermere: pair bred in a conifer plantation north of the village. Three juveniles and an adult hunting nearby, Jun 21 st.

The King's Forest: at least four pairs bred in different locations. Juveniles were seen or heard at each site.

Autumn migrants were seen at just two sites. N o wintering birds were found.

Orfordness: Oct 17th.

Landguard: singles, Nov 2nd, 3rd 17th and 18th.

SHORT-EARED OWL

Asio

flammeus

Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare resident. Amber list.

Wintering birds were found during January and February at Belton Marshes, Breydon South Wall, Walberswick, Reydon Marshes, Orfordness, Levington, Shotley and Trimley Marshes, with two at Martlesham, January 17th. Inland one was at Conyer's Green, Great Barton, February 21st with at least three at Puttock's Hill, Pakenham through February and up to March 14th.

Presumed outgoing migrants were noted at six sites in the north-east between April 10th and May 20th and also at four south-east sites between April 7th and May 15th, with two on Orfordness, May 8th and 10th. There were two summer records; one on Havergate Island June 2nd to 5th and another hunting fields north of Great Livermere at dusk, June 17th to 21st, but nothing to indicate breeding at either site.

First of the autumn was on Orfordness, August 1 st and thereafter autumn records came from 16 north-east coastal sites and eight in the south-east up to late November. There were two on Orfordness throughout October and most of November and six on October 21 st, while Landguard logged six birds through between October 20th and November 23rd. There were also two on Havergate Island October 13th and November 14th. Inland there was one at Aldham, October 24th.

There was little sign of wintering birds during December, with the only records being of two on Orfordness, 5th and two back at Puttock's Hill, 24th.

EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Locally fairly common summer visitor. Scarce migrant. Red List.

The first wa? an exceptionally early bird at Minsmere on April 29th (Mel Kemp). April records are unusual; Piotrowski (2003) noted that there were only five Suffolk records up to that year, with one at Cavenham Heath, April 25th 1993 the earliest record of the 20th

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century. The earliest ever was a bird at Blaxhall, April 8th, 1876. The earliest 21st century bird was at Boyton Marshes, April 17th, 2004.

A total of 34 churring males were reported from the Sandlings heaths between Walberswick and Aldeburgh, with 13 of these at Minsmere and six each at Dunwich Forest and Heath. Only two territories were found on North Warren and Aldringham Walks for the second year running, way down on the 14 territories found as recently as 2000.

Another 45 churring males were recorded on the Sandlings heaths to the north-east of Ipswich and Woodbridge and this included 18 at Tunstall Forest and Common, 13 in Rendlesham Forest and 13 on Sutton and Hollesley Commons and Heaths.

In Breckland there was a complete survey of the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) organised by Greg Conway of the BTO, which found a total of 251 territories. This figure breaks down to 122 on the Suffolk SPA and 129 on the Norfolk SPA. Almost all the territories were in clearfells in Thetford Forest and The King's Forest, with only a few pairs found on the heaths. This is a 28% decline from the 351 churring males found at the last survey in 2004. There are several possible reasons for the decline, which at present is unexplained.

Nightjar Surveys Breckland - Forest and Heath 1981

1992

1996

2004

201ÂŤ

168

318

420

351

251

There were no records from any site after the end of July and none was noted on passage.

C O M M O N SWIFT Apus upus Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

The first of the year was over Reydon Marshes, April 18th, followed on 20th by birds at Boyton Marshes and inland at Lackford Lakes and Tuddenham St Mary. By April 30th as many as 250 were noted at Minsmere and the highest counts during May were 300 at Lackford Lakes, 4th, 500 at Minsmere, 27th, 400 at Hollesley Marshes, 30th and 500 at Loompit Lake, 31 st.

The first local breeding birds were noted as returning to Fornham St Martin on April 29th and to Pakenham and Troston by May 1 st. The BBS found Swifts in 47% of the 51 squares surveyed (47% in 2000, 62% in 2005), with a combined total of 238 birds. This is a difficult species to census and there were few comments on breeding status but RSPB staff reported that Swifts were "still relatively common and widespread in Aldeburgh and Thorpeness".

At least some breeding birds departed from Pakenham village overnight on July 24/25th, an early departure date and 500 reported flying south at Minsmere on the afternoon of July 28th were also presumably birds already on Common Swifts Peter Beeson their southward migration. Conversely an adult and two large young were still in a nest box on the church at Worlington, August 23rd although there is no doubt that the vast majority

In/North South

Monthly Movements of Common Swifts at Landguard Aug Sep Jun Jul Apr May 60 0 15 0 10 16 294 154 405 26 2 8

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2010

of Swifts had left Britain by this date. As usual, there were few September records, with the last inland seen at Creeting St Mary on 8th. There were just two October records on the coast, at Landguard, 2nd and Minsmere, 5th.

PALLID SWIFT A pus pallidus Very rare visitor.

This bird showed very well over Kessingland Sewage Works for twelve days and gave many observers the chance to catch up with what is often an elusive species in the UK. The fifth record for Suffolk, previous occurrences having been of two in 1999 and 2004.

Kessingland: Sewage Works, Mar 26th to Apr 6th (M Tickner et al.).

This is Suffolk's first spring record of this Pallid Swift Su Gough

species.

ALPINE SWIFT Apus melba Very rare visitor.

There was a strong influx into Britain in late March and Suffolk received a good share of the birds. There was a minimum of three in the north-east coastal area between March 23rd and 31 st and other scattered records. The March 23rd birds are the earliest-ever Suffolk records. One at Pakefield on March 31st was seen roosting on the wall of seafront flats early morning.

Lowestoft (east)/Pakefield/Kessingland: multiple sightings Mar 23rd to 31st involved at least three.

Some were watched feeding over the area while at least two flew north on 27th. (A Easton, J Hanlon, Lowestoft Lounge Lizards et al.).

Minsmere: Mar 28th (multi-observed).

Woodbridge: Mar 30th (D Adelson).

Fornham All Saints: Mar 23rd (J Mousley).

Lakenheath Fen: Mar 23rd (Birdguides).

Two later records came from: Minsmere: near West Hide then over Island Mere, Apr 30th (P and J Kennerley).

Trimley Marshes: Apr 27th (W J Brame).

C O M M O N KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident. Amber list.

Recorded from a total of 109 locations in 2010 (87 in 2009, 101 in 2008) with 39 of these in the north-east recording area, 28 in the south-east and 42 in the west. The BBS found Kingfishers in just 4% of the 51 squares surveyed (3% in 2000, 0% in 2005), with a combined total of two birds. Breeding was confirmed from eight sites, including the SWT reserves of Carlton Marshes, Hen Reedbeds, Sizewell Belts and Lackford Lakes.

The maximum count of three came from Carlton Marshes, Outney Common, Weybread Gravel Pits, Holywells Park in Ipswich and Lakenheath Fen. There was little to indicate that the population had been unduly affected by the harder weather of the two preceding winters.

The sole record at Landguard was one on July 22nd but on Orfordness there were singles on January 3rd, 11th and 12th and then in the autumn birds were seen on 15 days between August 8th and November 20th, with two, September 22nd and 29th.

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EUROPEAN BEE-EATER Merops apiaster Rare passage migrant.

These two records probably refer to the same bird and this maintains the sequence of annual records stretching back to 2000.

Walberswick: May 30th (A Ford, S Green).

Southwold: Campsite then Town Marshes, Jun 1st (B J Small).

HOOPOE Upupa epops Scarce passage migrant. Categories A and E. Corton: Radar Lodge, May 9th to 11th (R Fairhead etat.).

Cretlngham: Kittles Corner, Apr 17th (S White).

Palgrave: Apr 25th (P Atkinson).

EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla Uncommon passage migrant. Red list.

A bird on April 11th was the earliest in Suffolk since 2002 (March 29th).

The two spring records came from: Lound: adjacent to village pond Apr 11th and 12th (J Walker).

Landguard: May 2nd to 5th (multi-observed).

A good autumn passage with the following 14 records all from the coast:Corton: Sep 5th (N Minns).

Gunton Warren: Aug 29th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

Oulton Broad: Ivy Farm, Aug 29th (C Mutimer).

Benacre: Sluice, Sep 1st to 9th (C Buttle, N Skinner et al.).

Southwold: in gorse 400m south of Sewage Works, Sep 8th (B J Small); Churchyard, Oct 13th to 15 th (M Riley et al.).

Dunwich: Heath, Sep 12th (R Drew); Beach, Oct 10th (B J Small).

Minsmere: dunes near public hide, Aug 30th (R Harvey); North Bushes, Sep 9th to 12th (R Harvey).

Sizewell: Power Station, Sep 27th and 28th, Beach, Sep 30th - same bird (H MacLean, E Patrick).

Thorpeness: old caravan site, Sep 8th and 9th (S Mayson).

Thorpeness Common: Sep 11th and 12th (R Macklin).

Shingle Street: Sep 7th to 9th (P Kennerley, S Goddard et al.).

GREEN W O O D P E C K E R Picus viridis Common resident. Amber list.

The BBS found Green Woodpeckers in 53% of the 51 squares surveyed (58% in 2000, 66% in 2005) with a combined total of 53 birds. Once again most reports came from the west, where it was recorded at 72 sites and breeding was confirmed at 11 of these. The north-east provided reports from 24 sites and the south-east from 41. The maximum count again came from Ickworth Park with 11 on February 25th.

David Pearson located 14 territories on his survey of Benacre NNR and surrounding areas and reported "present in most woods, numbers unchanged". The Suffolk Wildlife Trust wardens reported a total of 25 pairs/territories on 17 reserves/sites that they manage. At North Warren and Aldringham Walks the population was actually up from 31 pairs in 2009 to 36 pairs, in spite of the very cold winter weather. The population there appears to be quite stable.

At Lackford Lakes four were caught in one mist net at the same time and ringed, October 22nd, while on the monthly Lavenham Railway Walk, Green Woodpeckers were recorded on 11 of the 12 visits.

The sole record from Orfordness was of a single "on the shingle towards Slaughden", July 24th but at Landguard there were sightings on March 27th, June 1st and ten days from July 19th to August 14th.

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Suffolk Birci Report

2010

Green Woodpecker

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Year North Warren and Aldringham Walks Green Woodpecker 2000-2010 GREAT SPOTTED W O O D P E C K E R Dendrocopos major Common resident. Scarce passage migrant. British subspecies (D.m.anglicus) is on Amber List.

The first two drumming birds in 2010 were heard at Minsmere on the early date of January 6th. The BBS found the species in 49% of the 51 squares surveyed (39% in 2000, 46% in 2005) with a combined total of 35 birds, while Suffolk Wildlife Trust Wardens reported a total of 23 pairs/territories on nine sites that they manage. David Pearson located 14 territories on his survey of Benacre N N R and surrounding woodland and farmland and reported the species as "common and widespread".

However, while Green Woodpeckers appear to be stable at North Warren and Aldringham Walks, this woodpecker appears to be in decline there. The Wardens reported 12 pairs, a 54% decline since the peak of 26 pairs in 2004. Perhaps this species has suffered from the last two cold winters?

Great Spotted Woodpecker 30 f i '.

TTTTTTTF

25 20

Breeding 15 K ^ g j j ^ j & n ^ i jjjjjji jjjjjjjjji ÂŁnnj| jjjjj^jjjj^jjjjfĂŽ Pairs 10

5 0

Il I I i l i l m l l l l i l I I m i l |

Il II II II RI II II II II II II 2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Year North Warren and Aldringham Walks Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 0 0 0 - 2 0 1 0 Recorded from 40 sites in the south-east with a maximum count of four at Belstead Brook Park, May Ist and from 49 sites in the west, with a maximum of seven at Boxted,

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January 15th. The Lavenham Railway Walk observers reported it on nine of their 12 monthly visits.

One was seen to fly in off the sea at Minsmere beach, October 7th and another was seen clinging to a telegraph pole on Orfordness, October 14th, their sole record of the year. Landguard logged singles on three days in April and on 18 days from June 26th to October 26th.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos minor Uncommon resident. Red list.

Reports came from 11 well-scattered locations in 2010 (nine in 2009, 11 in 2008, 15 in 2007). The only reliable site remains the Little Ouse valley.

Worlingham: Apr 15th.

Barnby: in trees beside the A146, Nov 7th.

Rendham: Apr 29th.

Melton Park: Wood, Dec 22nd.

Hasketon: two, Jul 5th.

Belstead: Heath, pair, Feb 20th.

Higham (near Hadleigh): male, Apr 7th drumming in alders near river.

Ickworth Park: Apr 2nd.

Lackford Lakes: Mar 31st.

Lakenheath Fen: Jan 1 st, near the Visitor Centre.

Santon Downham: up to three along the Little Ouse valley between Mar 2nd and Apr 10th. Calling and drumming noted.

EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE Oriolus oriolus Scarce summer resident and passage migrant. Red list.

The Eurasian Golden Oriole has teetered on the brink of extinction as a breeding bird in Suffolk and Britain for the last few years and the paucity of breeding records in 2010 was again indicative of this unfortunate situation. The only bird seen outside of the usual breeding area was a male at Dunwich Heath, May 11th (E W Patrick).

The first records from Lakenheath Fen RSPB came with the arrival of one bird on April 28th. On May 11th a single male and one female were present and two males were seen between May 13th and 22nd. Breeding evidence was "inconclusive, with possibly one nest located, but no definite female seen, and a wholly unconfirmed report of a family party" (RSPB Lakenheath).

RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio Scarce passage migrant; formerly bred. Red list.

The only spring sightings came from Minsmere and Orfordness followed by three records in autumn:Gorleston: Beacon, Sep 7th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

Minsmere: Levels, female, May 24th (I Salkeld); North Wall, juvenile, September 5th to 11th (A Rowlands, P R Kennerley, J R Kennerley).

Orfordness: male near the Black Beacon, June 8th (D Kent); juvenile, trapped and ringed at the Holm Oaks, Sep 3rd (G Stannard, D Crawshaw).

The Orfordness reports are the first site records since 2007.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor.

It was a very good year for this intriguing species, although all records came from coastal sites:Hopton-on Sea: Oct 16th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

Corton: Sep 28th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

Covehithe: Oct 15th (C.A. Buttle).

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Suffolk Birci Report

2010

Easton Marshes: Oct 14th (C A Buttle).

Minsmere: from North Wall, Sep 29th (J Grant).

Westleton Walks: Oct 14th (J Evans).

Dunwich Heath: Oct 30th (P C Napthine).

Westleton Heath: Mar 30th to Apr 1st (R Drew, J Evans); Oct 15th to 17th, two birds present (R. Drew); Oct 22nd (R Drew).

There were two autumn records in the south:Stutton: by the Stour, Oct 1st ( M Nowers).

Shingle Street: Oct 10th (P R Kennerley, J R Kennerley, S Babbs).

It is perhaps surprising that no records were received from the west of the county.

EURASIAN MAGPIE Pica pica Very common resident.

Reports came from 64 sites with breeding confirmed at just seven sites and probable breeding mentioned at two other localities.

The BBS reported birds in 56% of surveyed squares (37%, 2009) with a combined total of 108 birds (106, 2009).

North Warren held a stable population of 49 pairs, widely distributed across the reserve, but still substantially less than the peak of 64 pairs in 2008. Fifty-eight roosted at Minsmere, February 20th.

On Orfordness, birds were present on all visits, with the highest day-count being 25, January 17th, "an underestimate of the true population"; Breeding pairs, totalling 10 - 12, were logged at various locations throughout the site.

At Landguard birds were present all year with one pair nesting on a dock lighting tower, although failing. The spring maximum was 11, March 15th and there was an autumn maximum of 15, September 21 st.

There were six significant winter roosts reported:Minsmere: 58, Feb 20th.

North Warren: 76, Jan 26th.

Ipswich: Holywells Park, 96, Nov 13th.

Redgrave Fen: 113, Dec 16th.

Pipps Ford: 97, Feb 14th; 116, Dec 14th.

EURASIAN JAY Garrulus glandarius Common resident and scarce passage migrant. Amber list (G. G. rufitergum).

Records came from 98 sites mainly of one, two or three birds and breeding was confirmed at six locations and noted as "probable" at two others.

The BBS reported Jays in 41% of survey squares (41%, 2009) with a combined total of 40 birds (same as 2009).

At Kessingland Sewage Works, six were present, September 30th and six, Southwold Town Marshes, October 24th. North Warren hosted, "a recovery in fortunes" for this species with numbers increasing by 4 3 % to 20 pairs after 14 pairs in 2009. The bulk of the population was found in the wet woodlands of the reserve.

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The highest count in the south was eight at Boyton, which "flew in off the coast", October 19th. Groups of four were seen together at Christchurch Park, Ipswich, January 24th, Newbourne Springs, March 8th, Earl Stonham, April 17th and Pin Mill, September 3rd.

At Landguard three were present, June 5th and singles, October 11th, 14th and 15th.

In the west of the county, the highest counts were of eight at Lackford Lakes, October 4th, seven were noted at Poslingford, January 26th and six at Ickworth Park (north), September 30th.

WESTERN JACKDAW Corvus monedula Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant.

Sightings came from 69 sites with breeding proved at only nine locations. The B B S reported birds in 72% of squares (71%, 2009) with a combined total of 597 birds(686, 2009).

At North Warren breeding numbers remained high with 36 pairs located still well below the peak of 47 in 2008, "probably due to the harsh winter". Plentiful food was to be found on nearby pig units. At Snape, numbers peaked at 300, December 21st.

In the south 150 were within the Aide/Ore Complex, September 19th. On Orfordness, birds were present throughout the year, with up to 35 in January; numbers increased here until March when 70 were present, reducing to 60 in October. A minimum of 23 pairs bred; the bulk of these were in the Coastguard Lookout near the Lighthouse (nine+ pairs), Lab 1 (four+ pairs) and Lab 2 (six+ pairs). At Walton in Felixstowe double figures were recorded all year peaking at 45, December 31st. At Wilford Bridge, Melton, 48 were seen, March 26th and 40 were at Stratford St Mary, April 2nd.

At Landguard, in spring, there were totals of one north and eight south. Four were on site on seven dates March 21st to May 19th. Four flew south, March 23rd. In autumn, up to two were on site between October 1st and 23rd. These birds were probably the same which investigated the fort, November 17th and 21st. Two flew south, October 18th.

In the west and central regions of the county there were some significant gatherings:Redgrave Fen: a sizeable part of mixed Jackdaw /Rook roost of 5500 birds, Dec 16th.

Gipping: near Stowmarket, this species formed a significant part of the long-standing mixed Corvid roost which totalled 3200, Oct 29th.

Timworth: a substantial part of mixed Jackdaw/Rook roost of 3000 birds, July 14th.

ROOK Corvus frugilegus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant.

Records came from 54 sites with breeding confirmed at nine locations. The BBS reported birds in 66% of squares (71%, 2009) with a combined total of 793 (776, 2009).

At Whitehouse Farm, Flixton, 2000 were recorded December 2nd.

At Covehithe c.60 nests were recorded in the colony in Big Ausgates and a further 15 nests in Little Ausgates. At North Warren, seven pairs bred.

Walton in the south-east is an area where corvids are observed systematically and counts here throughout the year ranged between ten and 300. One hundred and fifty were present, Other large gatherings:Dennington: 320, Nov 26th.

Parham: 114, Oct 31st.

Hacheston: 105, Jan 23rd.

Butley: Staverton Park, 500, July 22nd.

On Orfordness, in March two were seen, 20th and two flew south, 28th. April records were of four, 2nd followed by three, 4th and five at the Slaughden end, 11th. In May after four flying south, 1st the next were five, 30th. Birds were much more frequent in June until 20th with small groups of up to 18 feeding on the Shingle Area. In August, ten were present, 1st with 12, 8th.

At Landguard spring passage consisted of one north, three south and one on site on five

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dates, March 14th to April 26th. In autumn, 25 moved south on nine dates between August 19th and November 13th with a maximum of eight south on August 28th.

Rooks have been studied in an area within six miles of Hadleigh and 1022 nests were counted, by Andrew Gretton, in spring. A large rookery at Hintlesham has also been monitored since 2007 and numbers fell from a maximum of 217 in 2007 to 151 in 2009 but "bounced back to 202 in 2010".

Winter gatherings in the central region of the county:Redgrave Fen: Rooks were a sizeable group in the mixed roost of 5500 corvids, Dec 16th.

Gipping: near Stowmarket, Rooks formed a significant part of the long-standing mixed corvid roost which totalled 3200, Oct 29th.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant.

Sightings came from 89 locations with confirmed breeding at 13 sites. The BBS reported birds in 96% of survey squares (98%, 2009) with a combined total o f 4 6 6 birds (405,2009).

At North Warren 29 pairs bred and Aldringham Walks held good numbers between July and December peaking at 212, December 21st. At Blythburgh numbers throughout the second winter period were high with a maximum 56, December 11th In the south-east a count of 70 came from Martlesham Creek, January 17th.

On Orfordness, from January to early March up to six were noted with an influx of 19 birds, March 13th. Numbers remained quite high until April 18th, with a maximum of 25, March 28th. After this only single-figure counts featured until ten, October 23rd. Up to 12 were noted from November 13th to the year end. Two pairs nested on the Cobra Mist aerial but no young were seen.

At Landguard birds were present all year. Two pairs nested in the docks rearing one young.

Intruding birds often turned up but were quickly seen off by the locals. There was a spring maximum of 17, March 27th and in autumn 22, October 18th. In the spring there were movements of nine north and 64 south. Groups of two flew in off the sea on 25 dates between March 4th and June 14th. The spring maximum was 12 south, April 26th. Movements in autumn took place with 11 north and 64 south on 11 dates between September 2nd and November 14th with a maximum of 17 south on both October 22nd and November 1st.

These high counts came from the west of the county:Redgrave Fen: 350, Mar 14th and 520 Dec 16th.

Gipping Great Wood: 400, Oct 29th.

H O O D E D CROW Corvus comix Scarce winter visitor.

There were seven records of this sought-after species:Lowestoft: in off the sea, Mar 28th (S Mayson, C Fulcher).

Covehithe: Oct 23rd (R Drew).

Minsmere: Oct 17th, photographed (N Brown).

Dunwich: Oct 25th (T Butler).

Orfordness: single bird on the Managed Retreat, Oct 30th, with two then present from November 6th to year end (M Marsh, D Crawshaw).

Lakenheath Fen: the bird which arrived in November, 2009 stayed in the area until mid-February, 2010 (L Gregory, RSPB Lakenheath); Nov 25th to 30th, photographed (S Wiltshire el al.).

Two hybrid Carrion Crow x Hooded Crows were at Erwarton Park, Stour Estuary, January 2nd. Also a number of single records came from the north-eastern coastal area of a Carrion Crow x Hooded Crow hybrid throughout the year.

GOLDCREST Regains regulus Very common resident and passage migrant.

Records of this delightful, diminutive species came from 67 sites across the county and

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breeding was confirmed at nine locations. There is little doubt that Bird Atlas work will show that this number is extremely low compared with the real figure. Many of the records were of one or two birds from isolated sites. The BBS reported Goldcrests in 29% of surveyed squares (15%, 2009) with a combined total of 50 birds(21, 2009).

The largest counts in the north-east were of 50 at Corton, October 10th and 50 at Kessingland, October 11th. At Benacre at least ten territories were located in conifers at scattered sites. At North Warren the first singing bird was located on February 24th. Numbers declined at North Warren to just 20 pairs, a 73% decline since 73 pairs in 2007.

Birds passed through Havergate Island from October 7th to 17th with a maximum of 15, October 9th.

In the south breeding was not confirmed, although a singing bird was heard at one site and breeding recorded as probable at another two sites.

On Orfordness, two hardy birds remained from October 2009 and were noted until January 3rd when a cold spell ensued and they disappeared. In spring birds were seen on March 21st and April 18th. In autumn the first was on 26th September with three, 29th.

October began quietly with two, 2nd and 7th. On 9th, 60 were present with a remarkable 200 on 10th. Numbers then quickly reduced and by 12th only 35 were on site. Up to ten were seen until the end of the month. In November, 12 were present, 7th, two on 14th and the last three of the year, 20th.

None was recorded at Landguard in the spring. Autumn passage there ran from September 24th to November 19th with one bird staying till 27th. The maximum was 120, October 10th, which was the same date as the Orfordness peak.

Five were at Holywells Park, Ipswich on February 13th and March 5th.

In the west the highest count was of ten, September 28th at Centre Pares, Elveden. At Assington, eight were present, November 6th.

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla Uncommon regular breeder and passage migrant. Some overwinter. Amber list.

This most attractive and sought-after bird was recorded from 57 sites. Breeding was not positively proved in the county. The BBS reported Firecrests in 4% of squares (0%, 2009) with a combined total of five birds.

In the north-east singles were recorded at a number of sites throughout January with a maximum of five at Corton Wood , January 30th. Records of one or two were received throughout February until May from a range of sites. Birds started to reappear from September 7th and were recorded at various coastal locations, again in ones and twos, until the year's end.

At North Warren, breeding seemed, "highly likely, but could not be proved". Two singing males were present on May 5th and a male was in song, May 8th.

On Orfordness the first arrivals were two, March 25th. One was present from April 2nd to 4th and singles in May on 13 th and 16th. An unexpected record was of one in June on 6th.

In September, three were present, 7th with no more sightings until October when two birds were noted, 2nd, 10th, 14th and 17th. A late bird was seen, November 20th, which was later found dead on November 27th, presumably a victim of unseasonable harsh weather.

Three were present on Havergate Island, March 24th. Two "flitted around the car park" at Bawdsey Picnic site, February 17th. On Sutton Heath, one was singing, May 16th.

Landguard recorded spring passage from March 18th to April 22nd with a maximum of six, March 22nd. Initial autumn passage ran from September 6th to 10th with a maximum of four, 7th and 8th. Later birds passed through, in ones and twos, September 29th, October 8th, 11th and 22nd with the final birds November 21 st.

At Santon Downham two were present including a singing male seen on various dates between April 4th and May 31 st.

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EURASIAN PENDULI NE TIT Remi- pendulinus Very rare visitor The only submitted record of this rarity w a s : Minsmere: Island Mere, up to seven, Mar 16th to 30th (J Evans, R Harvey, R Waiden).

Seven birds is the highest total ever recorded in Britain.

B L U E T I T Cyanistes caeruleus Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. Amber list (C. c. obscurus).

Observers responded to requests in previous years and records were received from 88 locations (11 in 2009). Breeding was confirmed at 24 sites. This is a great improvement on previous years and presents a clearer picture of this ubiquitous bird's status in Suffolk. The BBS reported birds in 98% of the 51 squares surveyed (98% in 2009) with a combined total of 398 birds (331 in 2009).

At Sizewell SWT 44 were present throughout the year with breeding confirmed. At North Warren numbers rose surprisingly by 16% to 207 pairs widely distributed across the site.

Twenty-one pairs used nest boxes laying 196 eggs (mean 9.33 per pair) and rearing 99 young (mean of 4.71 per pair). It was a good year on Orfordness, were this species is surprisingly scarce. Two were at the Black Beacon, September 28th and October saw birds throughout the month with 12 on 7th. Up to three birds remained to overwinter in the Chantry Reedbed.

At Landguard, birds were present all year with one pair nesting and a strong spring passage took place between March 4th and 21st with a maximum of four. The first juvenile appeared, June 8th and dispersing juveniles turned up from June 20th, blending into autumn passage which continued to November 1st with a maximum of 15, September 1st.

There was a count of 19 at Alton Water, December 27th and 43 were trapped and ringed at Creeting St Mary, November 29th.

GREAT TIT Parus major Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. Amber list (P. m. newtoni).

As with the previous species there was a sharp increase in observations. Records came from 78 locations (12 in 2009) with positive breeding information provided from 20 sites.

The BBS reported birds in 94% of squares (94% in 2009) with a combined total of 276 birds (225 in 2009).

At Sizewell SWT, 56 birds were present throughout the year and breeding was confirmed.

At North Warren numbers were up by 15 pairs on 2009 to 187 pairs which were widely distributed across the site. Nest boxes were used by 53 pairs laying 366 eggs (mean 6.91 per pair) and fledging 184 young (mean 3.47 per pair) Double-figure counts came from a range of sites:Kelsale: 12, Apr 24th.

Sweffling: 16, Apr 27th.

Saxmundham: 15, Apr 29th.

Framlingham: 13, Apr 22nd.

Parham: 13, Feb 27th.

Cretingham: 12, Apr 8th.

Rendlesham: 13, May 4th.

Alton Water: 13, June 26th.

Wolves Wood: 15, Dec 12th.

At Newbourne Springs systematic observations between January and November also produced double-figure sightings with a maximum of 20, March 22nd.

At Landguard birds were present all year with two pairs nesting. Spring passage took place between February 28th and April 4th with a maximum of 13, March 2nd. The first juveniles appeared from June 6th with dispersing juveniles turning up from June 18th to July 29th with a maximum of 15 between June 21st and 24th. Autumn passage ran from August 25th to November 6th with a maximum of 12 on both September 2nd and 8th.

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At Brewery Farm, Hemingstone, 24 were present, January 31st and 30 were trapped and ringed at a feeding station at Combs Lane Water Meadows, Stowmarket, July 4th.

COAL TIT Periparus ater Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. Amber list (P. a. britannicus).

Records came from 52 sites (20 in 2009) and breeding was confirmed at 12 locations. The BBS reported birds in 37% of squares (20%, 2009) with a combined total of 109 birds (43 in 2009).

At North Warren "despite cold weather a remarkably stable situation of 43 pairs" was recorded, although this figure was well down on the peak of 71 pairs in 2005.

At Holywells Park, Ipswich numbers appear to have remained stable throughout the year with counts of seven, January 30th and December 22nd. Breeding was "probable" at Belstead Brook, Ipswich with three fledged young, June 7th. Breeding was described as "possible" at Chelmondiston, April 6th and at Snape Warren, July 2nd. A singing male was noted at Langer Park Felixstowe, March 21st.

Apart from Continental Coal Tit (see below) a single record came from Landguard, June 5th.

The highest count in the west was ten at Santon Downham, March 2nd.

Continental Coal Tit Periparus ater ater Scarce passage migrant Records of singles "probably of this race" came from Landguard, October 15 th, 17th and 24th. A male was also trapped and ringed at Thorpeness Haven, September 18th (S Abbott).

WILLOW TIT Poecile montana Uncommon resident and scarce passage migrant. Red list The Willow Tit is a magnet for birders seeking semi-rarities and it is surprising that only seven records were received, of single birds, from just four sites in the west. This may represent a further decline in the fortunes of this species in Suffolk.

Santon Downham: Jan 24th (D F Walsh); Feb 9th (G Grieco); Mar 7th (D F Walsh); pair on territory, Mar 13th (M and D Carter); calling bird, Apr 25th (D F Walsh).

Brandon: Mar 13th (D F Walsh).

Lackford Lakes: Sep 22nd (D Cawdron).

Thetford: Mar 21st (D F Walsh).

MARSH TIT Poecile palustris Fairly common resident. Red list.

Records came from 91 sites but breeding was only confirmed at three locations. The BBS reported birds in 5% of squares (13% in 2009) with a combined total of only three birds (15 in 2009).

A survey at Benacre produced markedly-reduced numbers; the regular count in woods at Benacre showed a drop in numbers from 14 in 2000 to just three in 2010.

Four were noted at North Cove, November 28th and at Sizewell SWT, five were present throughout the year and breeding was confirmed. At North Warren, only one breeding pair was located representing a significant decline on the high of five pairs in 2003 and 2004.

In the south-east area the only positive note came from Pipps Ford, Barking where birds had been absent for some years with up to four being seen between August 22nd and October 24th. Elsewhere, records were of one or two birds with no evidence of breeding.

In the western area the highest counts were four at both Euston, March 29th and Lackford Estate, February 24th. Breeding was confirmed at Livermere Lake and described as "probable" at Lakenheath Fen (RSPB).

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B E A R D E D TIT Panurus biarmicus Uncommon resident. Amber list.

Records came from 41 locations and breeding was confirmed at five sites.

It is probable that this species is expanding from its strongholds in east Suffolk's reedbeds.

Despite a very harsh winter, records came from a good range of new sites. At the Benacre/Easton/Covehithe Broad complex 50-70 pairs were estimated to have bred. At the Easton Broad complex birds were based mainly by the river, with a few round the marsh edges and about one third between Potter's Bridge and Easton Broad. They were largely over water, where nesting must have depended on floating reed debris. At Covehithe, birds were only noted at two sites and at Benacre, most birds were based to the west of the southern bund.

Walberswick N N R held populations of 50 pairs throughout the year. The highest count at Minsmere was 50, September 30th. At North Warren, intensive surveys which took place throughout the main breeding period revealed nine pairs located in the main reedbed, "a remarkable performance given the severity of the winter".

At Snape Maltings Information Centre, 20 were seen, December 4th.

On Orfordness the first of the year were not recorded until October, when six were seen, 17th. On 24th, 35 were noted with up to ten present until November 21 st. The only December report concerned two females in the Chantry Reedbed, 11th.

At Landguard a male was present, October 15th, the third site record.

At Trimley Marshes SWT seven were present, October 30th and six present in Bourne Park Reedbeds, Ipswich, December 4th.

At Lakenheath RSPB 104-110 breeding territories were located (65-75 territories 2009) a positive increase (RSPB).

2009 Correction Please note an error in the 2009 report: there were 65-75 territories at Lakenheath Fen in 2009 and not 104-110 as stated in the report.

GREATER SHORT-TOED LARK Calandrella Very rare visitor.

This record takes the county total to 17.

Covehithe: Oct 4th (CA Buttle, A Riseborough, R Drew).

brachydactyla

WOODLARK Lu Ilula arborea Fairly common breeding species. Scarce on passage and in winter. Amber list.

The heaths of the Suffolk coast held 86 pairs or territories which again was a decline from the previous year ( 13 5 pairs 2009). There are now less than half the number of territories that there were in 1999.

Higher totals:Dunwich: five pairs (down eight).

Minsmere: 14 pairs (down four).

Tunstall Forest: 11 pairs, same as 2009.

Sutton and Hollesley Commons: 19 pairs (down five).

In the west of the county Cavenham Heath held six breeding pairs with at least four fledged broods seen. There were no records received from Thetford Forest.

Birds were seen in early winter at Upper Abbey Farm, Leiston where 21 were seen on arable fields, Jan 1st. During February single birds were seen at Sizewell, Ness Point and Ink Factory Cottage, Barsham.

In autumn, migrants were seen at Pakefield Holiday Park, October 17th, Southwold, October 19th, where three flew north, and at Landguard singles were recorded, October 7th and 22nd and November 15th.

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SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Red list.

Cold weather movements were recorded at Landguard between January Ist and 24th, with eight north and 247 south and a maximum day count of 141 south, 7th.

Breeding reports were received from 21 locations. There were 87 pairs at North Warren with 52 of these on the grazing marshes, which is another decline (195 pairs in 2008, 111 pairs in 2009). This was probably due to another harsh winter. Other notable breeding records include 21 territories on Dingle Marshes, 40 pairs on Great Waldingfield Airfield and 44 pairs in the Kessingland/Benacre area, a 50% decline since 2000.

The largest flocks in the first winter period were as follows:Mutford: 148 in oil seed rape, Jan 4th.

Kessingland: 130, Jan 5th.

FIELD NOTE On September 21st, 2010, at Shingle Street there were numerous hirundines on the wires, resting as they made their way south. Inland of the allotments and the Martello Tower were 290 Swallows, mostly on the wires. Returning through the allotments to the seaward side I counted 100+ House Martins on wires and on the Martello wall, the two species completely separate.

N Mason Barsham Marshes: 101, Jan 3Ist. Chelmondiston: 750+, Dee 13th.

Erwarton Ness: 100, Decl4th.

Pakenham: Higham Field 170, Jan 9th.

Little Livermere: 120, Jan 1 Ith. Harleston: 200, Jan lOth. Second winter period:Breydon South wall: 100, Nov 25th.

Corton: 100, Nov lOth. Brantham: 145, Dee 19th.

Great Waldingfield: Airfield, 130, Dec 13th.

DĂźring October birds were seen on the move with 250 in off the sea at Dunwich, October 25th, 70 south at Thorpeness, October 8th, and 57 south at Landguard, October 30th. At the end of the year 123 were seen going south at Landguard, December 23rd.

H O R N E D (SHORE) LARK Eremophila alpestris Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

After a recent run of poor years, 2010 saw a big increase in numbers of this delightful bird.

In the first winter period the sole record was a single bird at Kessingland, January 2nd. A bird was at Covehithe, September 28th, the earliest autumn arrivai since 2000 when one was at Minsmere, September 24th. Another was at Corton sewage works, October 8th, followed by two records at Breydon South Wall, October 24th. These were the forerunners of an influx. Numbers built up during the rest of the year with a minimum of 21 birds seen by the year's end, these birds being mobile and moving between sites.

Dingle Marshes: numbers varied, Oct 9thto Dee 3Ist (max 19, Dee lOth) Kessingland: numbers varied, Nov 3rd to 14th (max 15, Nov 6th) Minsmere: two, Oct 15th; Oct 16th; Oct 30th Landguard: seen regularly, Oct 9th to Dee 31 st (max seven, Nov 16th) Birds were also seen at Corton Cliffs, October 14th when three flew north, two came in off the sea at Kessingland, October 16th and there was a single bird at Southwold, November 17th.

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S A N D MARTIN RiparĂŹa riparia Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list The first birds of the year were recorded on March 18th, with two at Benacre, two at Lackford Lakes, two at Mickle Mere and three at Lakenheath. By the end of the month numbers had built up with counts of 20 at Minsmere and 70 at Lackford Lakes.

Breeding records received f r o m : Corton Cliffs: 334 nest holes.

Pakefield Cliffs: 135 nest holes.

Benacre and Covehithe: c.250 pairs on sea cliffs.

Minsmere: 205 burrows (refacing work in winter proved worthwhile).

Flixton gravel pits: 104 nest holes.

Bungay: 25 nest holes.

In autumn a total of 576 was recorded going south at Landguard between June and October, with a maximum 98 south, August 21st.

The last birds of the year were recorded at Landguard October 2nd and Puttock's Hill, Pakenham, October 8th.

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

March 22nd saw the first bird of the year at Minsmere, followed by two birds at Landguard one at Orfordness and another at Minsmere, all on 24th. Numbers soon built up with 150 present at Cavenham Pits, April 7th and 150, Minsmere, April 30th.

Breeding reports came from 15 locations with the highest total being 16 pairs at North Warren and Aldringham Walks, the highest figure since 2005. There was a good breeding population at Beach Farm, Benacre with 13 pairs and an additional two pairs at Covehithe village. There was no change on Orfordness with five or six pairs nesting.

At Long Melford a pre-roost gathering of 480 birds about to leave for the winter was counted September 9th. There was a count of 400 south at North Warren and 3000 through Landguard also September 9th. The next day saw 580 south at Thorpeness and another 2200 through Landguard with Landguard recording a total of 11704 birds south throughout September. There were a number of reports in October but by November just eight reports were received with the last of these being single birds at Southwold and Covehithe, 6th and three birds at North Warren, 14th.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

House Martins were first noted on March 27th with single birds at Bawdsey and at Corton church. Numbers remained low in April until the end of the month. There was then a steady rise with 60 birds present at Minsmere, April 30th.

Breeding records from the west of the county came from eight locations.

Notably a pair at Brettenham was still feeding young until at least September 18th. In the north-east of the county in Bungay a pair was also still feeding young, September 19th. North Warren and Aldringham Walks recorded 44 pairs which is the second highest total on record with 39 of these House Martins Peter Beeson nests located on Dower House, the previous record

120

23. Pallid Swift at Kessingland in April.

Lee Gregory

r

24. Barn Swallow.

Amanda Hayes

25. Red-rumped Swallow at Loompit Lake in May.

james

Kennerley

26. Waxwings, part of a major irruption at the end of the year.

BUI Bastรณn

27. Isabelline Wheatear at Lowestoft in

28. Whinchat on Sutton Common in

October.

May.

Andrew Easton

James Kennerley

Âża. BiacKcap overwintering male feedirig on apples.

June.

31. Reed Warbler.

Bill BastĂłn

Amanda Hayes

Systematic

List

being 57 pairs in 2003. Seventeen pairs were also noted breeding at Snape Maltings.

In August and September several flocks were recorded, the most notable being:Southwold: 500, Sep 18th.

Dingle Marshes: 500 south, Sep 19th.

Thorpeness: 1040 south, Sep lOth. North Warren: 400 south, Sep 1 Ith. Orfordness: 300, Sep 12th.

Landguard: 5160 south, Sep 21st (total 6590 during Sep).

Melton: sewage works, 400, Sep 17th.

Redgrave Lake: 200, Aug 29th.

Three late birds were recorded in November, with one at Southwold, 13th, followed the next day by one at North Warren and the last bird of the year on the late date of November 20th at Dunwich.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Cecropis dauricu Rare visitor.

The five individuals in 2010 take the county total to 33 records, involving 38 birds. A bird much sought-after by many in the county, having the tendency to leave before most birders arrive; the Loompit birds were readily accessed and seen well.

Loompit Lake: four, May 2nd, with two remaining, 3rd and a single, 4th (W J Brame et al.).

Trimley Marshes: May 4th, presumed to be one of the Loompit birds (P Oldfield, C Courtney); May 26th (P Oldfield).

Red-rumped Swallow Su Gough

C E T T I ' S WARBLER Cettia cetti Fairly common resident and rare passage migrant.

Fears that another cold winter could have reduced numbers were soon allayed in spring when birds were heard in the usuai suitable areas. Some males mate with up to three females, although take no part in raising the brood, making it possible that the early-summer total adult population could be nearing 1000. In 1996 Suffolk was credited with only four of approximately 500 males estimated to be in England (Brit. Birds 91:82).

Minsmere held 88 and North Warren 34 singing males with over 100 others at coastal sites. Lakenheath numbers doubled compared with 2009, up to 12.

The fourth site record at LBO was trapped on May 6th (G Gregory).

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus Very common resident and scarce passage migrant.

Landguard reported spring movements from March 4th to Aprii 8th with a maximum of

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12 on March 12th. Are they just local birds? One ringed at Landguard in 2000 was recovered in 2005 at Amberfield School, Nacton, some 11 km away but in 2004 seven juveniles ringed at Rockland Broad Norfolk in August were controlled at Landguard in November of the same year. Results from Orfordness suggest immigrants are unlikely as their only records for the year were two on March 21st and a flock, presumably, of 11 on October 24th.

One would have expected the cold winter to have depressed breeding numbers but at North Warren, from where so many valuable reports are received because of their continuous yearly assessments of breeding birds, the first nest building was noted on March 15th with the final total of 45 pairs being 12 higher than in 2009.

Otherwise breeding reports were desultory although the fens at Hopton and Market Weston held eight and 14 pairs respectively. Lackford Lakes told of good numbers from the CES. Throughout the county observers made flock counts with 40 at Holywells Park, Ipswich on March 14th and 42 at Alton Water on October 10th catching the eye in the east. Harleston had a gathering of 30 on October 17th and Hardwick Heath, Bury St Edmunds, 23 on Boxing Day. Landguard noted autumn passage from September 28th until November 21 st with a maximum total of 28 on Novemberl4th.

Excitingly, birds of the nominate Northern white-headed race A. c. caudatus were seen in the autumn. They have only been seen before in Suffolk; in 1983 a single bird was ringed at Rendlesham on March 13th and four or five birds were at Westleton Heath and then Minsmere between January 25th and March 7th, 2004.

In 2010 two were at South wold from October 17th to 19th and (although there was a claim of three) a single bird was at Lowestoft on November 13 th.

Lowestoft: single bird, Nov 13th (J Gaskell).

Southwold: two, Oct 17th to 19th (M Deans, S J Nixon, B J Small et al.).

GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides Very rare visitor.

The eleventh county record following on from one in 2009 which was the first since 2004.

This bird was fairly easy to see as the trees at Thorpeness campsite are not that tall. It also called regularly.

Thorpeness: Sep 6th and 7th (S Mayson et al. ).

PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus Uncommon autumn passage migrant.

proregulus

There have been only seven records in the last three years so if this trend continues a reclassification to 'scarce' will be necessary.

Kessingland: Oct 11th to 14th (multi-observer).

Sizewell: Oct 17th to 18th(P and J Kennerley).

2009 Addition: Gorleston-on-Sea, Oct 26th.

Pallas's Warbler Su Gough

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus Uncommon autumn passage migrant.

Befitting its new status this species had 18 records between September 26th and November 1st with none reported from any sites south of Orfordness.

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WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Uncommon passage migrant. Former breeder. Red list.

Last year's report threatened to reclassify this species as 'scarce' unless appearances improved. Consequently it is encouraging to announce that 16 birds were reported in 2010:Gorleston: May 4th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

Corton: Apr 28th (R Fairhead).

Kessingland: Aug 17th (S V Howell).

Easton Bavents: July 28th (C A Buttle).

Westleton Heath: Sep 8th (R Drew).

Minsmere: Aug 12th (J Grant); Aug 17th (I Salkeld).

Theberton: July 28th (S Mayson).

Orfordness: Aug 28th; Aug 31st both ringed on site (M Marsh).

Blaxhall Common: Apr 28th and May 1 Ith (G Button, R Tomlinson).

Bawdsey: Aug 28th (Bird Guides).

Landguard: July 30th and Aug 26th (Landguard Bird Report).

Sutton Heath: Apr 29th (P Kenncrley, G J Jobson); May 6th (G Button, R Tomlinson).

Hasketon: July 4th (A Bailey).

Holywells Park, Ipswich: Aug 3rd (J Underwood).

C O M M O N CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. A few overwinter.

Spring passage started at Landguard on March 4th continuing until June 25th according to Observatory records.

Even the most casual birder notices that singing birds can occur almost anywhere and some useful counts were made of territory-holding males.

David Pearson, as part of his thorough survey at Benacre, noted 52 pairs showing little total change since 2005 but with a 40% decline in the woods. North Warren had 109 singers, the lowest total of the century, with the same team reporting 33 at Sizewell Belts and 11 at Snape Abbey Farm. A total of 11 sang at Monk Soham and ten at Cretingham.

No notable breeding figures came from the south-east. Counting at the Little Ouse/ Waveney Fens found 16 pairs at Redgrave, 11 at Market Weston and six at Thelnetham.

In the west about ten pairs were found at Clare, Little Cornard, Long Melford village and the eponymous sewage works. Pleasingly, the C E S at Lackford Lakes reported aboveaverage numbers.

Autumn movement was noted from late August with no notable numbers but doublefigure counts at several stations from Lowestoft to Felixstowe on October 9th.

Orfordness ringers had an unsurprising total of 79 birds during the year with the last for the county at Landguard on December 11th.

There were records of single birds through the winter from several locations between Corton and Ipswich.

On November 6th the sub-song suggesting a Siberian Chiffchaff was heard from a bird present at Sparrow's Nest, Lowestoft (A C Easton, J A Brown et al.).

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

Lowestoft Denes and Cavenham both welcomed spring arrivals on March 26th with, however, most firsts coming early in April at other locations.

Breeding numbers were low everywhere. Benacre held six males compared with 75 in 2000. The comparable figures for Minsmere were 18 and 55 and for North Warren 33 and 85.

Market Weston Fen held a pleasing ten pairs and, the infrequently-mentioned Wolves Wood six. Wordwell holding seven singers was the only other site with a total over five.

However Lackford Lakes reported pleasing CES results with numbers back to those last seen in the nineties.

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Autumn passage began in July on Orfordness where several double-figure counts occurred in August with a peak of 35 on 8th. The yearly ringing total of 140 was unexceptional.

Landguard saw no birds until late August with a maximum of 30 on September 9th and the last bird on November 17th, the latest-ever recorded date for this species in Suffolk.

B L A C K C A P Sylvia atricapilla Common summer visitor and passage migrant with a few overwintering.

As always wintering birds and spring arrivals are easily confused because some of the former sing before they leave for Eastern Europe.

Movement on the coast is difficult to analyse when such as Orfordness report two birds on April 25th as their only record! Landguard had birds from March 21st through to May 5th.

Breeding numbers are counted by some but many go unreported. In the north Benacre held 72 pairs and North Warren 109 pairs. South Suffolk had about ten pairs at Newbourne Springs, Hacheston, Fynn Valley and Alton Water. In the west there were 26 singing males at Sudbury, 20 at Cavenham Heath and 15 at Clare. At Lackford Lakes the CES results were slightly below average.

Return passage was noted from August with Orfordness having small falls of ten and eight on September 18th and 28th respectively and the last bird on November 20th.

Landguard had 15 on September 27th and the last visitor on November 17th.

G A R D E N WARBLER Sylvia borin Common summer visitor and passage migrant.

The earliest-ever Garden Warbler was in 2002 with a bird at Alton water on April 3rd. So April 9th was an early date for the first of the year noted at Fisher Row, especially as both Orfordness and Landguard saw their earliest arrivals on May 1st. However it must be added that their totals for the spring were only two and five respectively.

Benacre held 30 pairs, down to 30% of the total in 2000 and Minsmere held steady with 29 males as in 2009. Breeders were again far more numerous at North Warren than anywhere else with a nationally-important count of 140 pairs. Snape Warren had a satisfying 13 males.

In the south Wolves Wood hosted three and Thorington Street four males.

Market Weston had a noteworthy nine pairs whilst in the west Lakenheath held five and Sudbury six.

Autumn passage was but a drizzle with up to six birds on Orfordness from August 8th to October 2nd and five at Landguard with three on September 1 st and a late bird on November 1st.

BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria Scarce passage migrant.

After two blank years autumn produced a glut of records. The nine birds represent a county record total, the previous highest being of eight birds in 1996:Kessingland: Denes, Sept 7th (R Fairhead, J A Brown).

Benacre: Beach Farm, Sep 5th (N Andrews, C Fulcher).

Minsmere: Sluice, Sept 7th to 11th (I Salkeld, R Drew, R Harvey et al.).

Orfordness: Sept 7th and 28th, both ringed (M Marsh et al.).

Felixstowe Ferry: Sept 30th (W J Brame); Oct 3rd to 6th (W J Brame et al.).

Landguard: Sept 9th (W Stone et al.).

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant.

An early spring arrival was at Minsmere on April 6th. This is the earliest record since 2002 when a bird was at Trimley St. Martin on the same date. However, other firsts were at

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Landguard on 18th of the month and in the west at Great Cornard on 20th. Landguard had eight on 25th whereas Orfordness saw only two birds all spring.

Breeding numbers were once more disappointing with Minsmere reporting 15 singing males and North Warren 21, which was only one third of the regular totals at the turn of the century.

Small numbers with a maximum of five males were noted in the west.

Autumn passage was steady at the coastal stations with the last at Landguard on October 2nd after a peak of six on September 9th.

The LBO report mentions one of "an eastern race" present on October 18th and 19th.

There were three present at Landguard in 2007.

C O M M O N WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Common summer visitor and passage migrant.

Hopton Warren greeted the earliest spring arrival April 6th (the earliest since 2004 when one was at Sizewell on April 4th) followed by several birds along the coast on 9th and 10th.

Landguard had a peak of 20 on April 25th with a surprising late peak of 15 on May 22nd.

As you would expect for an obvious summer visitor many locations had counts of breeding birds reported. Benacre held 62 pairs, a number similar to the survey years of 2000 and 2005, whilst North Warren with 209 looks healthy but the total is about 50% of that expected at the turn of the century. Double-figure counts were made at several well-surveyed localities in the north-east and pleasingly at Saxmundham and Fynn Valley.

In the west Lakenheath recorded 21 pairs, the same number as at Sudbury, with ten or just over at Clare, Cavenham Heath and Lavenham. Lackford Lakes had their best CES return since 2000.

In late summer it is impossible to distinguish between local breeders and immigrants as autumnal movements commence but Landguard had a maximum of seven on September 9th with the last bird on October 11th. Orfordness ringers snared a satisfactory 114 birds of which 60 were in August.

Thorpeness held a late bird on October 15th.

DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Uncommon local resident. Scarce visitor. Amber list.

The cold winter seems to have had a variable effect on the population with 81 pairs (94 in 2009) found from Snape northwards to Walberswick Common. However, only ten pairs were located in the Sutton and Hollesley Common areas, a drop of 75% from 2009. The birds survived better where they were able to get into gorse during the long cold spell.

There may be other areas with breeding birds that are not visited by birders at important times of the year.

Birds were seen away from the usual sites outside the breeding season with two on Minsmere Beach on January 19th, single birds at Gunton on January 24th and Hopton-on-Sea on February 24th and two birds at the Dingle on February 25th. One was seen singing from railings on March 20th at the Town Garage in central Lowestoft.

Dartford Warbler Su Gough

C O M M O N GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Uncommon and declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

Steve Piotrowski in his 2003 avifauna made no attempt to quantify breeding numbers for this species preferring to comment on its well-documented (Trans. Suffolk Nat.

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Soc., 16:152-157. increase in the sixties, and subsequent decline, in the Walberswick area.

Furthermore he rightly described it as interesting that LBO only trapped 11 birds in a 13-year period ending in 1996 making it not much more common than the Marsh Warbler at that site. However in 2006, 21 were trapped at the Dingle in 50 days starting at the end of July.

Since the turn of the century reeling males have varied in the number recorded in Suffolk with the greatest being 47 in both 2000 and 2006 whilst the lowest was 16 in 2001. The total for 2010 is estimated to be about 48.

Carlton Marshes held seven reelers, Fisher Row, four and Hen Reed Beds, three with eight others on the northern coast. Single birds were noted in seven locations in the southeast area with at least one as far inland as Ipswich. A male was recorded at Beccles.

In the west, Lakenheath had ten singing birds with two at both Lackford Lakes and nearby along the River Lark plus singletons at King's Forest, Cavenham, Great Livermere, Lackford Bridge, Nunnery Floods and Market Weston Fen. At Lackford four birds were trapped in spring and one was ringed at LBO on May 5th.

Dingle ringers had six juveniles in August and September whilst five were caught at Orfordness in August. LBO reported one trapped on September 2nd.

SAVI'S WARBLER Locustella luscinioides Rare summer visitor and passage migrant.

Minsmere had two singing males holding territory, April 30th to May 19th and May 9th to 19th, but breeding was not confirmed.

A bird was ringed at Orfordness on May 1 st, the second site record.

These are the first county records since 2004 when a singing male was noted for less than 24 hours at Minsmere, whilst another bird was trapped on Orfordness. Those records came after a six-year gap since a singing male, at Minsmere again, in 1998.

M i n s m e r e : Apr 30th to May 19th (J A Rowlands et al.); separate bird. May 9th to 19th ( J A Rowlands et al.).

O r f o r d n e s s : ringed, May Ist (D Crawshaw, M Marsh, G J Jobson).

I C T E R I N E W A R B L E R Hippolais icterina Scarce passage migrant.

After three spring and no autumn records in 2009 there were four late-summer birds in 2010 as follows:Minsmere: Sluice, A u g 17th (R Drew, J M Gibbs et al.).

Shingle Street: Aug 27th (P and J Kennerley).

Landguard: Sept 4th and 5th (J Zantboer, N Odin et al.); two, Sept 7th with one remaining to Sept 12th (LBO).

Su Gough

SEDGE WARBLER Acroeephalus schoenobaenus Common summer visitor and passage migrant.

March records were exceptional until recently but on 30th birds were singing at Minsmere, North Warren and Lackford.

Much more common in England than the Reed Warbler the Sedge is comfortably outnumbered by its reedy rival in Suffolk but with an estimate of at least 700 territories held in 2010.

Well-stocked areas in the north-east included Minsmere and Benacre both, coincidentally, holding 138 pairs, Hen Reedbeds 84 and North Warren a disappointing 67. Several other sites produced estimates well into double figures. Further south only Orfordness, Boyton andTrimley Marshes exceeded single figures.

Numbers from the northern fens were 23 for Market Weston and 17

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for Redgrave Fen. Lakenheath had the county's biggest population with 155 pairs and, in the south-west, Cornard Mere contributed 20.

Orfordness produced interesting figures concerning moving birds with 864 birds ringed of which 662 were in August. To show that, as in the human property market, location is everything Landguard captured only three birds.

Orfordness reported the latest bird on October 17th.

MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris Scarce migrant. Red list.

Steve Piotrowski in his avifauna suggested that several singing males in the mid nineties were "an indication that breeding will soon take place in the county". It was suspected in 2008 and happened at Reydon, in 2010 so please see a separate article for details on page 17.

More typical records were as follows:Minsmere: May 26th (N Mason, P Whittaker, J A Rowlands et al.); June 2nd (J A Rowlands).

Thorpeness C o m m o n : May 25th, heard and recorded (S Mayson).

Long Melford: June 5th to 8th (D Underwood).

The observations on May 25th and 26th are likely to have been of the same bird. Both included Song Thrush-type song phrases in their song.

EURASIAN REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Common summer visitor and passage migrant.

The first reported bird of the year was at Fisher Row on April 9th.

Birds in England (Brown and Grice, 2005: Poyser) claimed that in about 1990 there were between 36,000 and 75,000 Reed Warblers breeding in England. In 2010 in Suffolk it seems very likely that approaching 3000 territories were occupied.

Impressive totals of breeding birds came from Benacre 260, Hen Reed Beds 97, Minsmere 297 and North Warren 119 in the north-east with several other sites well into double figures.

In the south-east only single-figure counts were produced surely not a true picture?

Waveney Valley reporters found birds at the fens with Redgrave the most productive with 17 pairs.

In the west, Lakenheath held 800 pairs, a county record total, with Little Cornard Cornard Mere and Sudbury each having ten plus.

Carlton Marshes, October 7th and Landguard October 9th held late birds but Orfordness saw the last on November 21st with the ringers there having trapped 526 birds during the year of which over 90% arrived in August and September.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant.

The first observation was of a single bird at Lowestoft, January 23rd. The next records were on February 9th with a single at Snape Makings and three, again in Lowestoft. After that in the first winter period in the north-east there were several reports of single-figure flocks and during March numbers peaked at 14 in Lowestoft, 14th and Ipswich, 1st.

There were more reports and more birds in the second winter period with the most notable being several reports of 50 plus birds: 103, Long Melford, December 9th; 150, Sudbury, December 24th; 146, Worlingham, November 28th Waxwings and at Southtown (between Gorleston and Yarmouth) a Peter Beeson flock of 100 plus stayed during November with a peak of 130, November 6th. The last report was from Oulton Broad with ten, December 31 st.

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EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Fairly common resident.

The distinctive call of this woodland species was only heard at 36 sites in the county in 2010.

There were six sites in the north-east with the most notable total being five birds observed at Sotterley Park, March 7th. Breeding was confirmed at Market Weston Fen and two pairs were recorded at Minsmere. In the south there were six sites, with four birds being recorded at Wolves Wood RSPB reserve.

Most sites were in the west of the county, with 24 localities reporting birds, the most notable totals being eight in Ickworth Park where the species was considered to be widespread, and six at Queen Mary's Avenue in The King's Forest. Breeding was confirmed at Long Melford, Ickworth and North Stow in The King's Forest where a pair was noted feeding young at a nest.

EURASIAN T R E E C R E E P E R Certhia familiaris Common resident. Amber list (C.f. britannica).

Recorded observations were thinly distributed throughout the county, mostly in ones and twos but five were reported from Sotterley Park, March 7th and four at Beccles Common, November 13th. Possible migrants were reported from Landguard, April 8th to 14th and October 11th, Kessingland Sewage Works, October 12th and November 2nd and Sparrows Nest, Lowestoft, November 6th and December 3rd.

At North Warren in 2004 there was a 60% increase to 16 pairs but after a severe winter numbers dropped in 2010 to seven pairs - down 53% on the 15 pairs in 2009; hopefully the decline will be reversed at this site. Breeding was also confirmed at 12 more sites, the most notable being four territories at Redgrave Fen and Sizewell Belts; three sites had six singing males and possible breeding was reported from a further two sites.

A Treecreeper of the subspecies F I E L D N O T E C. f . familiaris, from Scandinavia or In a garden at Pakenham, during severe eastern Europe, was trapped and ringed weather, one visited and fed on peanuts on Orfordness, October 10th (D pushed into a tree stump, February 15th.

Crawshaw, M C Marsh, S H Piotrowski M Wright etal.).

WINTER W R E N Troglodytes troglodytes Very common resident and scarce passage migrant.

The Wren is one of those species which is vulnerable to cold winters and 2009/10 was one of those winters. At North Warren territories were down to 171, the lowest number of breeding pairs this century. On Orfordness this species was down to a single pair compared with three or four in previous years. However, on Sutton and Hollesley Commons the picture was different with Wrens maintaining their numbers while the population of Dartford Warblers plummeted.

In the west of the county there were four breeding records reported and in the south there were numerous reports with up to ten at: Kelsale, April 29th; Sweffling, April 27th and Fynn Valley North, May 8th but only three reports of probable breeding and one nest building. In the north-east recording area, breeding reports were much higher with N A T U R E N O T E 274 pairs, the most notable being:A partial albino was observed at Fornham All Hen Reedbeds: 22 territories.

Saints with white primaries in both wings, Sizewell Belts SWT: 112 territories.

December 13th.

Snape: Abbey Farm, 37 pairs.

D Cawdron Redgrave Fen: 21 territories.

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C O M M O N STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Very common but declining resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

Pig fields are becoming an important feeding source for Starlings during the winter period with 5000 at Little Livermere, October 11th, 3000 atTimworth, October 24th, 2400 at Hinton, November 21st and 3200 at Blythburgh, October 16th. These numbers were surpassed by flocks going to roost, the most notable being:Kessingland: 10000, Mar 2nd.

Walberswick NNR: Westwood Lodge. 14300, Jan 23rd.

Dunwich: 50000, Feb 16th.

Minsmere: 6000, Nov 20th; 8000, Nov 26th.

Snape: Abbey Farm, 30000, Jan 31st; Maltings, 5000, Oct 16th.

Sapiston: 5000, Feb 5th.

The only reported breeding was of two pairs at Snape Maltings and Landguard and a few pairs at Beach Farm, Benacre and Covehithe village.

Starling Su Gough

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Fairly common passage migrant. Red list.

The north-east of the county had the major share during the spring migration period with 62 observations at 24 locations. The first was on Breydon south wall, March 24th and there were a further 27 in April and three in May, mostly ones and twos but three were at Benacre Ness, April 30th and four at Breydon south wall, April 27th.

In September there were nine reports with the most significant being 16 at Minsmere, September 28th. Another 21 in October were recorded and a single was noted at Minsmere on the late date of December 5th, the latest since one at Westleton, December 6th 2001.

There were no spring sightings at Orfordness, the first bird to arrive at this site was on September 25th and a total of 13 was observed on September 28th. Landguard recorded three spring individuals and autumn passage was on seven dates between September 27th and October 9th. There were five reports in the west of the county involving four in April and one on October 12th.

C O M M O N BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant.

The Blackbird is widespread throughout the county and the breeding reports reflect this.

There were just over 300 pairs reported breeding or on territory the most significant being:Sizewell Belts: 36 territories.

North Warren: 128 pairs, 14% decline on the NATURE NOTE 148 pairs of 2009.

A bird was seen to take a small frog Landguard: 12 or 13 pairs. fron a pond in Trimley St Martin.

Redgrave Fen: 15 territories.

During the first winter period there were R Biddle numerous reports of double-figure counts with the ones of note being: 30 Clare, January 14th; 40 Lavenham Railway Walks, February 10th; 50 Earl Stonham, January 13th and 50, Lakenheath Estate, February 24th. During the second winter period 50 were observed at Stowmarket Sewage Works, December 31st, Gunton Warren, October 25th and at Kessingland, November 14th. On Orfordness, 70 were noted, November 7th. The largest group was on site at Landguard with 200, November 1 st.

At Creeting St Mary, 87 were ringed over four sessions during November and at Earl Stonham, 82 were ringed during January and February. In the north-east of the county 33 were ringed at Kessingland Sewage Works, October 26th and 56 were ringed at Ash Farm, Mutford - 30 on January 5th and 26 on February 9th.

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FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

Observations were widespread throughout the county with 24 reports of flocks involving 100 individuals or more. During the first winter period the most notable counts were:Ellough: 300, Jan. 20th.

Stratford St Andrew: 300, Feb 23rd.

Wherstead: 240, Jan. 9th.

Hadleigh: 250, Mar 17th.

Bardwell: Bowbeck, 250, Mar. 15th.

Brettenham: 350, Jan. 28th.

Milden: 400, Feb 7th Three late migrants lingered into May: Westleton, 13th: North Warren, 6th: Needham Market Lake, 19th.

In the second winter period:Barrow: 1000, Dec 24th.

Great Cornard: 300, Dec 25th.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

There were eight reports of single pairs breeding with a further two sites reporting possible or probable breeding. Further pairs were recorded at: Church Farm, Thorington, two pairs; Market Weston Fen, three pairs; Redgrave Fen, four pairs; Sizewell SWT reserve, six pairs and Abbey Farm, Snape, 12 pairs. At North Warren the breeding population remained stable after the severe winter, with the majority centred on the wetland edges. Song Thrush breeding data, North Warren, 2000 to 2 0 1 0 : Pairs

2000 24

2001 37

2002 33

2003 28

2004 43

2005 45

2006 45

2007 39

2008 40

2009 47

2010 45

Migration of note during the autumn was reported from the north of the county, Orfordness and Landguard from September 25th to 29th.

Hopton-on-Sea: 30, Sep 27th.

Corton: Church and railway track, 30, Sep 27th.

Gunton: 20, Sep 27th.

Carlton Marshes: 25, Sep 28th.

Lowestoft: 25, Sep 28th.

Orfordness: 50, Sep 25th; 75, Sep 28th.

Landguard: 45, Sep 29th.

A further pulse was observed in the same areas during October:Corton: railway track, 50, Oct 9th.

Kessingland SW: 50, Oct 9th.

Orfordness: 75, Oct 9th.

Landguard: 40, Oct 9th.

REDWING Turdus iliacus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

There were several notable counts during the first winter period:North Cove: 200 west, Jan 3rd.

Beccles Common: 150, Jan 21st; 180, Mar 10th.

Hulver Street: 200 north, Mar 19th.

Benhall: Church, 100, Feb 5th.

Hollesley: lOO', Mar 10th.

Milden: 100, Feb 7th.

Stradishall Airfield: 200, Mar 2nd.

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Seven birds lingered during April with the last individual being observed at Chantry Park, Ipswich on May 5th.

There were eight reports of migrants during September involving 40 birds; the first was at Centre Pares, Elveden and involved seven individuals. Numbers steadily increased with several reports of double-figure counts. There were five notable counts during the second winter period:Minsmere: 100, Oct 9th.

Landguard: 103, Oct 10th.

Ipswich: 150, Holywells Park, Dec 10th.

Lackford Lakes: 100, Oct 16th.

Nayland: 100, Dec 23rd.

At Thorpeness a bird trapped and ringed by S Abbott on October 17th showed characteristics of the Icelandic race T. i. coburni.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Fairly common resident and scarce passage migrant. Amber list.

Unlike the Song Thrush, at North Warren the Mistle Thrush appeared to have suffered during the winter months with breeding numbers down 31% from 26 pairs in 2009 to 18 in 2010. But most worrying is the 51% decline from the 37 pairs in 2007. Single pairs were noted at Stonham Aspal; Church Farm, Thorington; Sizewell South Marsh and Bradwell.

Family groups were observed at: Brettenham, August 7th; Cavenham Heath, July 23rd; Creeting St Mary, April 28th; Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, August Ist; Lackford Bridge, May 16th and Sapiston, June 6th.

Group gatherings were noted from June with 20 at Cavenham Heath, 23rd, 27 at Chelmondiston, August 4th when they were flushed from a cherry tree by a Sparrowhawk, 34 at Barsham Hall, August 3rd and 39 at Holywells Park, Ipswich, October 24th.

Migration was observed at Landguard with singles, February 24th and March 20th and a total of 16 from September 28th to November 10th.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

First reports came quite early from Havergate, April 29th, Crowfield, Stonham Aspal and Breydon South Wall all on April 30th with the first from the west at Brettenham, May 7th.

Landguard spring passage peaked with four on May 25th.

Breeding, although difficult to assess accurately, was on a par with 2009 with a total of 51 pairs. In the north-east 23 sites recorded 18 pairs breeding including four at Thorndon.

The south-east had 15 sites with six pairs confirmed breeding. In the west the species was reported at 37 sites with 23 breeding pairs and a further four likely to have bred. The key site was Brettenham where nine pairs attempted to breed with seven nests being successful. At a site in Cock's Green, Great Welnetham breeding was noted for the first time in six years.

Autumn passage produced multiple sightings from Theberton Woods with five on August 3rd, Landguard with six, September 12th and Gosbeck with six on both September 12th and 16th. Spotted Flycatchers were last recorded in the west at Cavenham, September 19th and in the coastal belt from Landguard, October 4th with the final sighting at Kessingland, October 11th.

EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubicula Very common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

The only notable reports during the first winter period came from Newbourne Springs with 13, February 17th and Alton Water with 15, February 28th.

A very poor spring passage was noted at Orfordness with just one on March 25th and no

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further records until April 10th. Landguard recorded a similar trend from March 17th to May 7th with a maximum of four, April 7th.

The key breeding sites were:Oulton Marshes: 21 pairs.

Sizewell SWT: 89 pairs.

Snape: 29 pairs.

North Warren: 227 pairs is the lowest total recorded this century and may well be the result of the very cold winter of 2009/10.

Redgrave Fen: 21 pairs.

During the autumn a considerable influx occurred during late September and again during the second week of October with peak counts f r o m : Carlton Marshes: 30, Sep 29th.

Kessingland: Sewage Works, 17, Sep 28th; 23, Sep 30th.

Minsmere: Sluice bushes, 40, Sep 30th.

Orfordness: 40, Sep 26th, 150, Sep 28th; 80, Sep 29th; 60, Oct 12th.

Shingle Street: 50, Sep 28th; 20, Oct 20th.

Landguard: 60, Sep 28th; 70, Sep 29th; 60, Oct 9th.

The 150 recorded at Orfordness is an impressive count and this was reflected in the numbers ringed during 2010 compared with the previous nine years.

Orfordness ten-year ringing totals for European Robin:2001 67

2002 66

2003 47

2004 67

2005 125

2006 77

2007 112

2008 183

2009 67

2010 236

During the second winter period 12 prepared to overwinter at Landguard with five returning birds noted from the previous winter although the cold snap at the year-end decreased the numbers. Perhaps the warmer climes of suburbia were preferred as 21 were noted in Bixley Ward, Ipswich, December 31 st.

C O M M O N NIGHTINGALE Luscinia megarhynchos.

Fairly common summer visitor and scarce passage migrant. Amber list.

First noted in the county at Landguard, April 7th, then Minsmere and Shingle Street, April 8th followed by North Warren, April 12th. Inland the first sighting, predictably, came from Lackford, April 17th.

The north-east saw an apparent decline in the breeding population. Records came from only 13 sites with the maximum totals of singing males noted at Minsmere with 27 (23 in 2009) and North Warren with 12, a decline of 70% from 40 in 2009.

In the south-east singing was noted at 27 localities but breeding was "probable" at only eight sites. Key sites were Alton Water with six and Wherstead with four. The Alton Water figures represent a dramatic decline from the 28 singing males noted in 2009.

In the west of the county Nightingales were recorded from only 11 sites with Lackford confirming three nesting pairs, with two juveniles trapped in the nets.

Passage birds were noted at Landguard with a juvenile, June 23rd and two on August 3rd, Orfordness, one trapped on August 8th (the first site record since 2007) and Creeting St Mary where a juvenile was trapped, August 9th.

RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL Tarsiger cyanurus Very rare visitor.

Three reports in a two-week spell constitute Suffolk's sixth, seventh and eighth records.

It was also the fifth year in succession that this species has been recorded in Suffolk.

Corton: Church, Sep 28th (J A Brown et al.).

Lowestoft: Arnolds Walk, first-winter male, Sep 17th to 24th (R Wincup et al.).

Pakefield: Sep 30th (D Sivyer).

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BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros.

Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters. Amber list.

The only wintering record came from an unexpected location, Eye sewage works, between January 29th and February 5th (A Drake).

An excellent spring passage was recorded in the coastal belt with reports from 34 sites.

The first migrant was recorded in the north-east at Hopton-on-Sea, March 17th following which the hotspot was the Oval in Lowestoft where seven were present, March 23rd followed by nine on 24th, six on 25th and five on 26th. Passage at Landguard was between March 23rd and June 5th with a maximum of three, April 3rd. Havergate recorded four, March 22nd. Orfordness fared much the same with passage noted from March 20th to March 30th with a maximum three noted on March 27th.

Elsewhere reports from Ipswich involved an assumed passage migrant on March 27th, a second bird seen and heard singing at The Waterfront at the Docks and another in the Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate area from May 31 st and subsequently on several dates until June 9th. There were more sightings at other inland sites than in recent years with singles noted at Kesgrave, April 30th, Stowmarket, June 8th, Walsham-le-Willows March, 26th and finally three were reported in Lakenheath, March 22nd. In Bury St Edmunds birds were recorded from May 3rd until May 31st with both male and female seen from 28th with the male singing in the market square.

Breeding was proven at Lowestoft where a pair raised two young, Sizewell with two pairs inside the power station perimeter fence and Ipswich with a recently-fledged juvenile and a male together on July 22nd. The Bury birds may also have attempted F I E L D R E C O R D MAY 3 1 S T breeding.

A Black Redstart was singing from the rooftops Early dispersal was noted at of the market square Bury St Edmunds.

Landguard on July 9th and Pipps T Hummage Ford, Barking, July 27th. In the north-east Black Redstarts were This is a memorable but unusual sight in Suffolk reported from seven sites mainly but a familiar sight in continental towns. involving singletons but ten were seen at Sizewell, September 30th which probably relate to a local post breeding gathering.

Autumn passage was recorded at Landguard with singles from August 22nd until October 13th with three on the latter date. Elsewhere it was a very poor passage with reports from Orfordness of two, September 17th and Thorpeness caravan park with two on October 10th.

Inland, juveniles were noted at Lackford, August 30th and September 19th. Slightly inland one individual was noted in Badingham, October 29th and 30th.

Individuals possibly preparing to overwinter, or late migrants, were noted at Lowestoft with two from November 21st until December 19th; Thorpeness, November 7th and 8th; Landguard, November 20th; Orfordness, November 20th; Stowmarket, November 9th and Lavenham, November 6th.

C O M M O N REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus.

Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

The first of the spring was seen at Minsmere, April 10th and the next at Dunwich Heath on April 15th. Upper Hollesley Common, the hotspot for this species, recorded sightings from April 17th with three males reported there by April 27th. Orfordness recorded just two individuals with a male on May 1 st and a female May 9th. Landguard recorded spring passage from May 14th until May 24th with just two birds. In the west of the county only three were noted - at Great Ashfield, April 25th, Hawkedon, April 28th and Lackford, May 15 th.

Breeding records came from Minsmere with two pairs and Westleton Heath one pair. Five males were holding territory at Upper Hollesley Common until June 12th with another on

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Sutton Common, May 26th. Both Upper Hollesley and Sutton Commons had confirmed breeding.

Autumn passage started at Landguard with an early migrant, August 15th and continued through to October 15th with maxima of seven, September 7th and six, 28th. Orfordness also reported an early individual, August 14th, with the main passage from September 3 rd, when three were on site, with up to five present until September 26th.

An excellent run of records started in early September and the maxima are listed:— Corton: nine, Sep 7th.

Gunton: three, Sep 3rd to 5th.

Lowestoft: three, Sep 9th.

Southwold: three, Sep 8th.

Minsmere: ten, Sep 7th; four, Sep 9th; three, Sep 11th.

Landguard: seven, Sep 7th; six, Sep 28th.

Another influx was noted at the end of September and in early October, with the 18 on Orfordness being an excellent count:Gorleston: Beacon Park, four, Sep 28th.

Corton: six, Sep 28th.

Lowestoft: four, Oct 4th.

Kessingland SW: three, Sep 29th; Oct 14th.

Minsmere: four, Sep 30th.

Thorpeness: five, Oct 9th.

Orfordness: 18, Sep 28th, with seven remaining the following day; two, Oct 2nd; two, Oct 9th.

Landguard: six, Sep 28th.

The only inland record was from Lavenham, September 12th.

The last record of the year came from Kessingland, October 14th.

WHINCHAT Saxícola rubetra Fairly common passage migrant. Formerly bred. Amber list.

A better spring than in 2009 fails to hide the continued demise of this striking migrant.

The first records were from Landguard, April 25th then from the Corton old sewage works, April 28th followed by North Warren, April 29th. There were 13 localities which recorded sightings this spring and all involved singletons. The last of the spring was a male at Minsmere Levels, May 25th. Away from the immediate vicinity of the coast the only report came from Sutton Common with a male, May 9th. There were no records from the west of the county.

An early returning individual was noted at Bawdsey, July 21st and another at Easton Bavents, July 26th. There was a trickle of records in late August culminating in a good count of 20 at Minsmere, August 25th and exceptional records from Shingle Street of eight on August 25th, 25+ on 27th and 15+ on 28th. During the first week of September passage continued with the following peak counts:Corton: ten, Sep 9th.

Lowestoft: North Denes, six, Sep 6th; 12, Sep 7th; six, Sep 8th.

Benacre: Sluice, five, Sep 3rd; four, Sep 7th.

Thorpeness: five, Sep 7th.

North Warren: five, Sep 9th.

Orfordness: 14, Sep 7th; 11, Sep 11th; 12, Sep 12th.

Shingle Street: five, Sep 9th.

Singles were reported from the west from August 22nd until September 15th at six sites.

The final records of the year came from Orfordness, October 14th, Minsmere, October 25th and a very late individual at Barsham Marshes, November 6th.

STONECHAT Saxícola torquatus Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

During the first winter period there were sightings from the north-east at 14 locations

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with multiple counts from Fisher Row, Oulton with four on January 1 st and the same number on 11th and Castle Marshes, North Cove with three on February 6th. South-east reports came from five locations with a maximum of seven on Orfordness, January 1 st and in the west of the county records came from seven locations mainly in the Brecks.

The county status does not appear to have suffered from the recent cold winter, with at least 77 breeding pairs, although some breeding sites such as North Warren posted no breeding at all. The stronghold for the species, Dunwich and the coastal heaths have maintained a very healthy population.

Oulton Marshes: four pairs.

Hen Reedbeds: five pairs.

Dunwich Heath: 31 pairs.

Minsmere: eight pairs, the lowest figure since 1997.

Orfordness: five pairs, including one pair that triple-brooded raising 15 young.

Tunstall: single pair.

Sutton Common: ten pairs with 22 chicks ringed.

Upper Hollesley Common: seven pairs.

Lower Hollesley Common: three pairs.

Felixstowe: Tomline Wall, single pair.

Breckland: total in Suffolk was five pairs.

Autumn post-breeding gatherings were noted with nine birds at Westleton Heath, August 21 st, five at Dunwich Heath, September 19th, eight at Minsmere, October 21 st, four, Shingle Street, August 31st. Six were recorded on Orfordness during August and September and four in October. The only notable record inland came from Great Cornard with a single passage bird, October 15th.

The second winter period reports came predominantly from the south-east with six sites reporting mainly singletons except Orfordness where two were present, December 11th.

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR Oenanthe isabellina Very rare visitor.

This is the fourth record for Suffolk of this Asiatic wheatear, previous records having occurred in 1998,2001 and 2005. This wellwatched individual was located amongst the net posts on Lowestoft North Denes.

Lowestoft: Gunton and North Denes, Oct 10th (R Wilton et al.).

NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe.

Common passage migrant and uncommon summer visitor.

Amber list.

The first record this year came from Orfordness, March 17th closely followed by Landguard March 19th, when nine were present, and Shingle Street, March 20th. In the north-east the first birds were recorded at both Corion and Lowestoft North l s a b e l l l n e w h e a t e r S u G o u 9 h Denes, March 18th. An early influx quickly followed with peak counts f r o m : Lowestoft: Denes, seven, Mar 23rd.

Shingle Street: five, Mar 21st.

Felixstowe Ferry: seven, Mar 23rd.

Shotley Gate: four, Mar 21st.

Inland records from Cavenham Heath came from March 21st with one male and two females noted on several dates.

From the third week of April until the month end passage increased particularly in the north-east coastal belt, with peak counts f r o m : Breydon South Wall: six, Apr 22nd; 18, Apr 25th; 13, Apr 26th; 19, Apr 27th.

Lowestoft: North Denes, seven, Apr 7th; 21, Apr 20th; 15, Apr 25th; 17, Apr 27th.

Kessingland: Dunes, 14 Apr 30th; 20, May 1st.

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Bcnacre: Ness, ten, Apr 20th.

Southwold: Denes, seven, Apr 20th.

Minsmere: seven Apr 20th; nine, Apr 29th.

North Warren: 11, Apr 27th.

Orfordness: 14, Apr 24th; ten, Apr 25th.

Havergate: nine, Apr 24th.

Landguard: 34, Apr 26th; 19, Apr 20th; ten, Apr 25th.

Numbers began to diminish during May with the best counts f r o m : Breydon South Wall: 22, May 5th.

Southwold: Denes, eight, May 9th.

Minsmere: nine, May 9th.

Shingle Street: six, May 6th.

Sutton Common: ten, May 1st.

Landguard: 11, May 5th.

Elsewhere a more unexpected record came from Brandish, April 13th and there were four at Cavenham Heath, May 1 st. This species has a fondness for open spaces, and old airfields, of which there are many in Suffolk, provide a good place to find them on passage with the following noted from Lavenham, two, April 20th, Great Waldingfield, three, May 9th and Stradishall, three, April 29th. Only a few reports of the Greenland race were submitted; they were at Corion, Apr 26th; Corion sewage works, two, Apr 28th; Westleton with three, April 23rd and a late individual noted at Shingle Street, May 28th. Spring stragglers were recorded from Havergate, May 28th, two, Mount Pleasant, Dunwich, May 26th and finally the last report of spring from Landguard, June 2nd.

Breeding was only confirmed from Orfordness where five pairs successfully reared 15 young; although this was a pair down the fledgling rate was better than 2009.

Early dispersal was first recorded at Shingle Street on July 10th, which may have been one of the Orfordness youngsters. A trickle of reports came in August but the peaks were seen towards the end of the month a t : Lowestoft: North Denes, six, Aug 27th; five, Aug 28th and 29th.

Easton Bavents: four, Aug 25th.

Orfordness: ten, Aug 28th.

Shingle Street: seven, Aug 27th.

Bawdsey: seven, Aug 28th.

A lacklustre autumn suddenly delivered a "fall" on September 7th which was seen all along the coast with the best counts a t : Corton: 15.

Lowestoft: North Denes, 34 (with 33, Sep 6th).

Kessingland: Denes, ten.

Benacre Sluice: ten.

Southwold: Denes, 12.

Minsmere: 12 (with 15, Sep 6th).

Thorpeness: 15.

Orfordness: ten, Sep 11th; 12, Sep 12th.

Bawdsey: East Lane, eight Landguard: 24.

And inland:Cavenham: five, Sep 12th A further good passage was noted at the end of September with peak counts f r o m : Lowestoft: North Denes, 11, Sep 28th; 20, Sep 29th; 11, Sep 30th.

Kessingland: ten, Sep 30th.

Minsmere: 12, Sep 28th.

Sizewell: Beach, ten, Sep 30th.

Orfordness also recorded ten, October 3rd which was the highest count of the month with two late birds noted there on October 16th. Landguard recorded an individual on October 11th and a very late bird between November 15th and 24th.

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RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva Rare passage visitor.

There was just one record this autumn.

Corton: Sewage Works, photographed, Oct 1 Ith (T Brown).

PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Fairly common passage migrant. Amber list.

It was a familiar tale for this species during spring passage with only a handful of records; all are noted:Gorleston: Cemetery, female, May 11th.

Corton: disused railway line, male, May 15th.

Orfordness: female, May 8th.

Landguard: two, Apr 30th; May 9th.

Trimley Marshes: May 13th.

In autumn a reasonable passage was recorded with the earliest reports from Minsmere with two on August 12th and King's Field Allotments, Aldeburgh, August 13th. Reports came from a total of 23 sites. Multiple counts were noted at:Hopton-on-Sea: disused railway line, two, Sep 5th.

Corton: five, Sep 7th; disused railway line, three, Sep 27th with two remaining on 28th.

Lowestoft: Denes, three, Aug 27th; two, Oct 2nd.

Southwold: Campsite, two, Sep 2nd; two, Sep 7th.

Thorpeness: two, Sep 6th; two, Sep 9th; Oct 4th.

Orfordness: five, Aug 12th, two still present until 13th.

Landguard: four, Aug 26th.

Less typical reports came from Ipswich, August 9th, Brandeston, August 18th and Lavenham Railway Walk, October 5th. The final report of the year came from Kessingland Sewage Works, October 9th.

HEDGE ACCENTOR (DUNNOCK) Prunella inodularis Very common resident and fairly common migrant. Amber list.

There were some impressive ringing totals from the west and central regions of the county during the first winter period with 23, Earl Stonham, February 3rd; 61 at Lackford, the best total since 2004 and 30 at Old Hall, Pakenham in a maize strip during one session on February 14th. There was also a report of 50 at Earl Stonham at a feeding station in cover crops, January 13 th.

Breeding reports were few but the following posted their records:Sizewell SWT: 24 pairs.

North Warren: 162 pairs, the cold winter may have taken its toll, this being the lowest count for 12 years.

Snape Warren: 17 pairs.

Snape: Abbey Farm, 11 pairs.

Orfordness: five pairs.

Landguard: eight pairs.

Dunnock Su Gough The best of the autumn passage coincided with the influx of European Robins and was noted at Landguard with 50, September 28th, the best passage count there since October 6th and 9th, 1998 when 50 were recorded at the same site. On Orfordness there were 30, September 26th and 25, October 25th. Evidence of birds from northern Europe was borne out with one individual noted with a Norwegian ring, on Orfordness, October 9th. Towards the end of the year, 26 were ringed at Earl Stonham, December 29th.

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H O U S E SPARROW Passer domesticus Common but declining resident. Red List.

Several sizeable flocks were noted across the county with peak counts o f : Hopton-on-Sea: 65, Aug 29th.

Pakefield: 150, Aug 7th; 200, Sep 10th.

Badingham: 55, Aug 25th; 64, Sep 3rd.

Bawdsey: Quay, 55, Sep 4th.

Landguard: 57, Nov 16th.

Trimley St Mary: 40, Aug 23rd.

Leavenheath: 40, Dec 23rd.

Newton: 55, Nov 7th.

Sudbury: 50, Jan 9th; 50, Dec 22nd.

Breeding reports were sparse but included from North Warren and Aldringham Walks an unexpected increase of 41% to 24 pairs after a record low of 17 pairs in 2009, but still well below the high of 39 pairs in 2006. All pairs were associated with human habitation.

T R E E SPARROW Passer montanus Uncommon and declining resident. Scarce passage migrant. Red List.

Another extremely encouraging year with reports from 32 localities (27 in 2009) with again several large flocks reported from the west of the county. Peak counts throughout the county were:Fiixton: 12, Jan 1st.

Henstead: Sayer's Farm, ten, Feb 6th.

Gisleham: Black Street, 15, Mar 7th.

Minsmere Sluice: 20, Sep 16th.

Stutton Mill: eight, Nov 25th.

Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, nine, Jan 28th.

Ampton: 230, Jan 11th; 233, Jan 29th; 150, Feb 26th; 220, Aug 10th and Sep 25th; 167, Dec 11th.

Lackford Lakes: 15, Jan 29th; 11, Feb 1st; 14, Mar 18th; 35, Oct 24th; 20, Dec 12th; ten, Dec 28th.

Pakenham: Old Hall, 38, Jan 26th; 62, Feb 5th.

Pakenham Fen: 40, Jan 17th.

Mildenhall Fen: 200, Jan 4th.

Wordwell: 15, Apr 12th.

Cavenham: 12, Nov 16th.

Dalham: 13, Feb 17th.

Breeding was reported from the following sites in the west of the county: Ampton, Cavenham, Culford, Wordwell, Mildenhall Fen, Ingham andTimworth.

Up to 15 birds were present throughout the year at the feeders and game strip at Lackford Lakes with maximum counts between October and December. Breeding was not recorded on the SWT site but suspected in the nearby village.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilia flava flavissima Rapidly declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

Spring passage started on April 8th with a significant count at Lakenheath Fen where birds roosted overnight on migration. That and the other peak counts were:Lowestoft Denes: 11, Apr 26th.

North Warren: 22, Apr 27th.

Boyton Marshes: 11, Apr 11th; 19, Apr 10th; 15, Apr 14th; 22, May 4th; ten, May 6th.

Sutton: Hall Farm, 35, June 7th.

Lakenheath Fen: 35, Apr 8th.

Autumn passage was stronger with double-figure counts at ten sites:Burgh Castle: 32, Sep 11th.

St James South Elmham: 20, Aug 30th.

Minsmere: 12, Sep 8th.

North Warren: 50, Sep 9th; 12, Sep 10th.

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Systematic

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Orfordness: 15, Aug 11th; 25, Aug 14th; 35, Aug 21st; 25, Aug 22nd.

Boyton Marshes: 50, Sep 9th.

East Lane: 15, Aug 8th; ten, Aug 10th and Sep 1st.

Felixstowe Ferry: ten, Aug 2nd; 12, Aug 3rd and Sep 7th.

Trimley Marshes: 14, Aug 13th.

Livermere Lake: 12, Sep 11th; ten, Sep 12th.

At Landguard during autumn passage two were recorded north and 61 south with a oneday maximum count of 12 south on September 7th.

Probable breeding was noted at Great Waldingfield, Fornham St Martin and Timworth.

Blue-headed Wagtail M.f. flava Uncommon passage migrant. Amber list.

Five birds at four sites were noted in the spring:Breydon South Wall: Apr 27th. (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

Corton Cliffs: female, Apr 26th. (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

North Warren: singles, Apr 8th and 27th. (R Macklin).

Trimley Marshes: May 15th. (W Brame).

Grey-headed Wagtail M.f. thunbergi Scarce passage migrant. Amber list.

Birds of this sub-species were seen at two sites in spring:Boyton Marshes: May 3rd and 4th. (P R and J A Kennerley).

Bawdsey: May 23rd. (L G Woods).

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

This colourful bird continues to be well observed and was recorded from 29 locations in the north-east of the county, only one of which held more than two birds:Kessingland: Sewage Works, three, Mar 30th; four, Apr 2nd.

A similar picture comes from the east of the county with 21 locations of which only one held more than two birds:— Belstead Brook Park: three, Jan 1 st; four, May 17th.

The west of the county had records from 38 sites of which nine held more than two birds:Brandon: Sewage Works, three, Dec 25th.

Lackford Lakes: four, May 16th.

Little Cornard: three, Aug 25th.

Long Melford: five, July 4th; Sewage Works, four, Jan 10th; three, Nov 20th.

Pakenham Fen: four, July 9th.

Stowmarket: Sewage Works, six, Dec 21 st.

Sudbury: Common Lands, three, Dec 9th.

Icklingham: Temple Bridge, three, Mar 21st.

Few breeding records were received, although at least six probably bred in the Gipping valley. A clearer picture will be seen when Breeding Atlas data becomes available.

At Landguard during autumn three were reported north and 49 south with a maximum one-day count of four on September 9th, 12th and October 7th.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Very common resident, passage migrant and winter and summer visitor. Amber list.

The Pied Wagtail is widely distributed in the county and this was reflected in the number of reports with twenty counts of 50 or more of which nine reached three figures:Kessingland: Sewage Works, 50, Nov 27th.

St James South Elmham: 120 trapped and ringed at evening roost, Aug 9th.

Walberswick: Robinson's Marshes, 50, Apr 12th.

Minsmere: 50, Nov 17th.

Havergate Island: 55, Sep 9th; 60, Sep 10th.

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Woodbridge: 100, Dec 11th.

Stowmarket: 72, Jan 17th; 164, Sep 12th; Sewage Works, 130, Nov 16th; Cedar's Park, 350, Nov 16th.

Long Melford: Sewage Works, 68, Jan 2nd; 60, Jan 20th; 55, Nov 20th; 90, Nov 27th; 104, Nov 28th.

Bury St Edmunds: 300, Feb 5th.

Kedington: 50, Feb 10th.

Livermere Lake: 160, Sep 13th.

Redgrave Fen: 114, Mar 14th.

At North Warren breeding pairs continued to decline with only five pairs on the Walks.

On Orfordness two or three pairs nested with one pair raising a brood in a trailer parked opposite the office.

White Wagtail M.a. alba Fairly common passage migrant.

There were 91 reports in the spring and five in the autumn period; this is a considerable increase over the 2009 records of 30 in spring and two in autumn. The first arrival was at Breydon South Wall on March 6th. Up to seven birds were recorded at Benacre and Boyton Marshes with the highest count of 11 at Minsmere on March 28th. The autumn records were as follows:Corton Cliffs: five, Sep 3rd.

Kessingland Denes: Oct 2nd.

Minsmere: Oct 10th.

Havergate Island: two, Sep 9th.

Thorington Street: Reservoir, Sep 12th.

R I C H A R D ' S PIPIT Anthus richardi Rare visitor.

Another lean year, with just a single report:Covehithe: photographed, Nov 2nd (C A Buttle et al.).

TAWNY PIPIT Anthus campestris Rare visitor.

Recorded for the second year running, this bird takes the county total to 41.

Kessingland: Denes, May 20th (B D Buffery et al.).

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list.

This species continues to be in decline. In the north-east of the county eight spring records and four autumn records were all of single birds. The east of the county fared little better with two breeding pairs on Upper Hollesley Common and a maximum of three at both Sutton Common and Sutton Heath. Autumn birds were noted at Thorpeness, Bawdsey and Landguard. In the west, records were received from seven sites of which only three were spring records as follows:Cavenham Heath: three pairs, Apr 18th.

Wordwell: five singing, Jun 16th.

At Landguard 17 were noted between September 6th and October 10th with three on September 7th.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

In the first winter period no flocks reached double figures:Boyton: Butley River, 21, Jan 3rd.

Boyton Marshes: 14, Jan 27th.

Landguard: 17, Mar 21st.

Trimley Marshes: 12, Mar 28th; 14, Apr 15th.

Long Melford: 40, Jan 24th; 50, Feb 18th and Mar 20th; Sewage Works, 29, Jan 9th.

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Systematic

List

Cavenham Heath: 12, Apr 2nd.

During autumn, significant counts were reported a t : Gunton: 100, Oct 9th.

Lowestoft: North Denes, 170, Oct 9th.

Minsmere: 100, Sep 9th and 23rd; Beach, 500, Seplรณth.

Thorpeness: 1165, Sep 10th.

Orfordness: 150, Oct 2nd.

Havergate Island: 88, Sep 9th.

Shingle Street: 100+, Oct 10th.

Landguard: 390, Sep 13th; 420, Sep 17th; 150, Sep 29th.

Woolverstone: 120, Sep 17th.

Little Livermere: 64, Oct 4th.

Cavenham Heath: 70, Oct 9th.

Stradishall Airfield: 50, Oct 2nd.

Breeding was confirmed at few sites. On Orfordness there were at least 45 pairs which was similar to 2009. At North Warren only six pairs were located, a decline of 73% on 2009 and the lowest figure since 2001. At Landguard six pairs bred.

At Landguard autumn passage was from August 25th through until November 23rd with a total of 3190 birds, including maximum one-day counts in September of 390 south, 13th and 420 south, 17th. Grounded migrants peaked at 150, September 29th.

ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant.

During the first winter period there were numerous reports of one to three birds mostly at coastal locations with higher counts at four locations:Orfordness: 18, Jan 17th.

Havergate Island: five, Mar 12th.

Trimley Marshes: four. Mar 10th.

Felixstowe Ferry: four, Jan 24th.

The last spring record was May 12th and the first of autumn, September 19th.

During the second winter period reports of one to three birds continued with higher counts at seven locations:Lowestoft: Ness Point, four, Dec 18th.

Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, seven, Oct 8th.

Minsmere: four, Oct 10th; six, Oct 12th.

Orfordness: 15, Oct 30th, with up to ten for the rest of the year.

Landguard: four, Oct 19th.

Trimley Marshes: five, Nov 13th.

Levington Creek: seven, Nov 13th.

As usual there were no reports from the west of the county.

Scandinavian Rock Pipit A.p. littoralis There were a number of records of this sub-species in the county f r o m : Breydon South Wall: two, Mar 13th.

Benacre: Oct 21st.

Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, 20, October 23rd (S Abbott).

WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

As in 2009 most reports came from Minsmere and Southwold with only these two locations holding double-figure counts:Southwold: 15, Feb 7th; ten, Feb 14th; Golf Course, 12, Jan 26th; 17, Jan 29th; ten, Jan 30th; Town Marshes, 17, Jan 31st (presumed same group as Southwold GC).

Minsmere: Levels, 11, Dec 15th; 20, Dec 20th.

Single birds were recorded on five occasions at Lakenheath Fen and Washes.

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C H A F F I N C H Fringilla coelebs Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Categories A and E. Reasonably-sized flocks were reported from the north-east and west of the county in the first winter period:Sizewell: SWT Reserve, 147, Jan 1st.

Snape Warren: 76, Jan 1st.

Barsham Marshes: 250, Jan 31st and Feb 5th.

Ipswich: Holywells Park, 49, Jan 2nd.

Stoke-by-Nayland: Withermarsh Green, 150, Jan 6th; Gifford's Hall, 130, Feb 10th.

Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, 126, Jan 1st; 230, Feb 22nd.

Ampton: 75, Jan 29th.

Lackford Estate: 750, Feb 24th.

Large flocks were reported from ten localities in the second winter period as follows:Snape Warren: 76, July 2nd.

Aldringham Walks: 230, Oct 16th.

Hacheston: 46, Dec 5th.

Stoke-by-Nayland: 100, Dec 13th; Withermarsh Green, 200, Nov 26th.

Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, 190, Dec 24th.

Harleston: Moorbridge Farm, 94, Nov 14th.

Ampton: 110, Dec 4th.

Lackford Bridge: 115, Nov 4th.

Lackford Lakes: 106, Oct 24th.

Autumn passage at Landguard was noted from August 26th to December 13th with 1126 south or in off the sea, with maxima of 187 south, October 7th and 149 south, November 6th.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant.

There was only one significant first winter record:Santon Downham: 80, Jan 28th.

The last record of spring was April 23rd and the first of autumn, September 25th.

The second winter produced a number of large flocks particularly in the east of the county:Great Glemham: 300, Dec 8th and 10th falling to 200, Dec 23rd.

Tunstall: 400, Oct 26th and 27th: 250, Oct 29th.

East Bergholt: Flatford Mill, 400, Oct 28th.

Kentford: 60, Dec 10th.

Knettishall: Hall Farm, 40, Oct 18th.

Autumn passage at Landguard was noted from September 27th to November 17th with 41 in off the sea or south and 179 on site, with a maximum of 31, October 9th. Single birds were also noted on three dates in early December.

EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Very common resident and passage migrant. Amber list. Categories A and E. Very few reports were received in the first winter period with the only counts of note involving 50 or more birds a t : Ipswich: Holywells Park, 65, Feb 13th.

Ampton: 60, Jan 29th.

Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, 70, Jan 13th.

Spring passage at Landguard was again almost non-existent with a maximum of eight birds noted on two occasions in March and April. More abundant and widespread in the second half of the year with the following peak counts:Minsmere Dunes: 50, Oct 12th.

Ipswich: Holywells Park, 43, Dec 25th.

Landguard: ~5i Aug 19th; 170, Oct 8th.

Butley: 50, Dec 12th.

Great Glemham: 200, Dec 8th.

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Systematic

List

Lackford Lakes: 58, Oct 8th.

A further decline of 13% to 80 pairs was recorded at North Warren and Aldringham Walks (92 in 2009, 108 in 2008 and 101 in 2007).

Autumn passage at Landguard recorded 989 south from September 28th to November 15th, with a maximum of 170 south, October 8th; this is considerably less than the previous year (2324). Up to 33 were on site throughout October and November.

Orfordness reported that the worrying decline in numbers continued with only 40 birds ringed compared with a five year average of 202.

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Overwinters in small numbers. Amber list.

As in 2009 few records were received for the first winter period with smallish flocks a t : Hollesley: 50, Mar 10th.

Cavenham Heath: 60, Mar 28th.

Lackford Lakes: 50, Jan 10th.

The second winter period produced many sightings of larger size flocks with a steady build up of birds on Minsmere Dunes in mid-October being the largest:Mutford: 50, Aug 7th and 16th.

Minsmere: 70, Oct 6th.

Minsmere Dunes: 400, Oct 7th; 200, Oct 12th; 500, Oct 13th: 1000, Oct 14th.

Sizewell Beach: 300, Oct 17th.

North Warren: Grazing Marshes, 60, Aug 14th; 80, Sep 16th.

Butley River: 50, Dec 12th.

Hollesley Marshes: 75, Sep 28th: 80, Oct 10th.

Shingle Street: 150, Oct 10th.

Bawdsey: Quay, 70, Sep 4th.

Pipps Ford: 71, Sep 4th.

Brettenham: 50, Sep 10th.

Hemingstone: Brick Kiln Farm, 70, Aug 15th.

Creeting St Mary: 80, Sep 8th; 50, Oct 17th.

Livermere Lake: 50, Aug 23rd and 28th.

Hadleigh: 165, Nov 13th.

Icklingham Plains: 100, Aug 24th.

Mickle Mere: 50, Aug 12th.

Stradishall Airfield: 75, Sep 4th; 92, Oct 2nd.

Sudbury: Common Lands, 60, Dec 1st.

At Landguard spring passage involved one north and 113 south from March 2nd to June 3rd with a maximum of 21 south, May 1 st.

The first singing bird was located on Thorpeness Common on February 24th. Despite the hard winter 44 pairs were located there, a significant 57% increase on 2009 and the highest figure ever recorded at the site. It would seem probable that increased use of garden feeding stations is having a marked positive effect on this species.

Autumn passage at Landguard involved 8464 south, September 12th to November 26th (5043 in 2009) with maxima of 1289 south, October 5th and 1490 south, October 7th. There was a peak of 45 grounded birds, October 9th.

EURASIAN SISKIN Carduelis spinus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon resident.

Another good showing across the county in the first winter period, with the following peak counts:Minsmere: 120, Feb 12th.

Minsmere Beach: 100, Feb 12th.

North Warren: 100, Mar 13th.

Upper Hollesley Common: 100, Mar 10th.

Lower Hollesley Common: 150, Mar 10th.

143

S uff Olk Bird Report

2010

teA^ ^BPlHBp*. ^•jap^^

Alton Water: 65, Mar 10th.

Thetford: High Lodge, 100, Feb 15th.

Laekford Lakes: 150, Feb 24th.

Santon Downham: 400, Feb 17th. , Jk West Stow CP: 120, Jan 18th. ' ' The second winter period also produced some significant peak counts:S J ™ Corton: 180, Sep 28th. ^JmH^P"""" Minsmere: 100, Sep 28th; 150, Oct 25th; 300, j* Oct 26th; 100, Dec 7th.

4f 9 Minsmere Dunes: 100, Oct 14th. ^ Siskin Su Gough North Warren: 250, Nov 13th.

Laekford Bridge: 250, Dec 3rd.

Lackford Lakes: 120, Oct 24th; 100, Nov 10th and Dec 24th; 170, Dec 30th.

West Stow CP: 200, Nov 29th.

Spring passage at Landguard was relatively light with a maximum of 32 south,March 20th. Autumn passage at Landguard was noted from September 12th to December 13th with 1226 south or in off the sea (420 in 2009) with a maximum of 215 south, November 13 th.

C O M M O N LINNET Carduelis cannabina Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Overwinters in small numbers. Red List.

Sizeable flocks were reported in the first winter and spring periods as follows:Barsham Marshes: 80, Feb 5th.

Lowestoft: North Denes, 50, Feb 16th.

Flixton (nr. Bungay): Gravel Pits, 50, Feb 21st.

Flixton (nr. Lowestoft): Whitehouse Farm, 75, May 25th.

IkenWood: 150, Mar 11th.

Orfordness: 49, Jan 23rd; 50, Apr 25th.

Stratford St Mary: 40, Apr 12th.

Snape: Abbey Farm, 48, May 13th.

Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, 450, Jan 11th; 250, Feb 11th; 150, Apr 13th.

Creeting St Mary: 548, Jan 11th; 293, Feb 1st.

Fornham St Martin: 200, Jan 1st.

Kersey: 100, Jan 31st.

Significant flocks were reported in the second half of the year:Erwarton Park: 155, Dec 6th.

Great Glemham: 50+, Dec 8th.

Orfordness: 80, Sep 18th.

Bardwell: 200, Nov 14th.

Creeting St Mary: 100, Oct 9th; 210, Nov 22nd; 395, Dec 8th.

Freckenham: 110, Dec 22nd.

Livermere Lake: 100, Oct 13th.

Knettishall: Hall Farm, 100, Oct 22nd.

Long Melford: Sewage Works, 120, Aug 28th.

Cavenham: Bunkers Barn, 150, Oct 11th.

Mildenhall Fen: 262, Dec 22nd.

Timworth: 200, Oct 5th.

Breeding reports included a very welcome 33% increase to 53 pairs at North Warren and Aldringham Walks although still well below the peak of 107 pairs in 2000. Up to 40 pairs bred at Landguard with several more nearby; the first juveniles were noted on May 28th with 75 birds on site throughout the breeding season and up to 180 on site to mid-October, numbers declining thereafter. On Orfordness the breeding population was estimated at 15-20 pairs.

Autumn passage at Landguard involved 1280 south from September 10th to November 28th (1071 in 2009) with a maximum of 310 south, September 19th.

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TWITE Carduelis flavirostris Locally fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red List.

As in the previous year most of the reports came from the Dunwich area, no records were received from the west of the county. Ail reports received are summarised as follows:Southwold: Woodsend Marshes, 30, Jan lst; Golf Course, 20, Jan 2nd.

Hen Reedbeds: 20, Mar 13th.

Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, between 13 and 54 recorded Jan 2nd to Mar 24th; between 20 and 50 recorded Oct 23rd to Dec 29th; Corporation Marshes, 20, Feb 9th.

Boyton: Butley River, 20, Dec 20th.

Havergate: three, Feb 15th.

Falkenham: Jan 30th.

Landguard: Oct 12th, 14th and 15th.

LESSER R E D P O L L Carduelis cabaret Uncommon and declining resident. Declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Red List.

Reported from across the county in the first winter period with the following peak counts:Barnby Marshes: 27, Feb 20th.

Minsmere: 13, Apr 1 Ith. Martlesham Heath: 25, Feb 4th.

Lackford Lakes: 95, Mar 24th: 25, Apr 2nd.

Cavenham Heath: 60, Mar 27th.

There was an increase in reports in the second winter period with higher peak counts:Kessingland: Sewage Works, 150, Oct 12th.

Minsmere: 50, Oct 6th and 7th; 100, Oct 13th.

Minsmere Dunes: 50, Oct 12th and 14th.

Thorpeness: Haven, 100, Oct 17th; 60, Oct 24th; 50, Oct 30th.

North Warren: 70+, Oct 17th.

Boyton: Scotland Fens, 75, Dec 3lst.

Martlesham Heath: 50, Dec 24th and 26th.

Landguard: 763 noted Sep 2lst to Nov 29th, including 120 south, Nov 14th (1045 in 2009).

Lackford Lakes: 25, Dec 15th.

Cavenham Heath: 25, Oct 15th.

On Orfordness the ringing total of 136 is the second highest since ringing on the site began.

MEALY (COMMON) REDPOLL Carduelis flammea Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant The less common of the two regular redpoll species was reported from 14 localities (only seven in 2009) as follows:Gorleston: Pier, Nov 29th.

Burgh Castle: two, Oct 17th.

Carlton Marshes: two, Oct 18th.

Bungay: Outney Common, three, Mar 28th.

Covehithe: two, Nov 6th; single, Nov 27th.

Minsmere: Levels, Dec 3lst.

Thorpeness Haven: four, Oct 24th and 30th.

Orfordness: Oct 12th, 16th, 17th and 30th; two Nov 7th; Nov 14th, 20th and 21st.

Kirton Creek: two, Feb 27th; Mar 2nd: two, Mar 3rd.

Martlesham Heath: seven, Dec 24th and 26th.

Newbourne Springs: ten, Apr 5th.

Landguard: one to six recorded on six dates between Oct 22nd and Nov 18th.

Lackford Lakes: two, Mar 13th; Dec 30th.

Santon Downham: Apr 4th.

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C O M M O N CROSSBILL Loxin curvirostra Locally common resident and irruptive visitor.

Reported from many localities in the first half of the year with the following peak counts: Ashby: 30, Apr 9th; Warren, 18, Mar 6th.

Westleton Walks: 30, May 18th.

Minsmere: 20, Apr 1 Ith: 18, Apr28th.

Upper Hollesley Common: 50, Mar 8th; 30+, Mar 20th; 20, Mar 2Ist. Tangham: 50, Mar 9th.

Thetford: High Lodge, 50, Feb 15th.

Olley's Farm: 20, Feb 17th.

Santon Downham: 20, Mar 3rd and Apr 29th.

West Stow CP: 26, Apr 2nd.

Reported from very few localities in the second half of the year with the following peak counts:North Warren: 50, July 13th.

Elveden: Centre Parcs, 19, Sep 9th.

Autumn passage at Landguard involved just one bird north, August 3rd.

C O M M O N ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythrinus Rare passage migrant. Has bred.

As in 2009 only one record in the county:Landguard: May 25th (G Gregory et al.).

C O M M O N BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common but declining resident. Amber List This species continues to be widely reported from many localities with several small gatherings, the highest counts being in the west of the county, the peak counts reported:Mutford: eight, Dec 20th.

North Warren: six, Dec 23rd.

Alton Water: six, Jan 1 Ith. Bures St Mary: Arger Fen, eight, Mar 8th.

Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, 11, Jan Ist; eight, Feb 3rd; ten, Mar 15th.

Creeting St Mary: six, Nov 22nd.

Fakenham Magna: six, Jan 5th.

Lackford Lakes: eight, Oct 9th; nine, Dec 26th.

Stanstead GreatWood: ten, Feb 15th.

Battisford: Stonecroft, seven, Dec 13th.

Bullfinch Jonny Ronkin Stowmarket: Sewage Works, six, Nov 12th.

Stradishall Airfield: eight, Nov 18th.

Thurston: 11, Feb 26th; eight, Nov 15th.

West Stow CP: eight, Jan lOth. The only breeding report received involved 30 pairs at North Warren and Aldringham Walks (30 in 2009, 32 in 2008 and 37 in 2007).

Northern Bullfinch P.p. pyrrhula There was just one record of this nominate race in the north of the county:Corton: Oct 24th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards).

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Uncommon resident and rare passage migrant. Red List This increasingly scarce species was reported from just seven localities from across the county. Apart from a record from Hadleigh all reports were of singletons:-

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Burgh Castle: Oct 10th.

Southwold: Sep 28th.

Minsmere: female, Nov 24th.

Landguard: Nov 20th.

East Bergholt: Fiatford Mill, Oct 28th.

Hadleigh: two, Oct 10th; Nov 14th.

Bamham Cross Common: Dec 14th.

SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

Only recorded from four locations in the first winter period with Kessingland standing out as hosting the main concentration of this species on the Suffolk coast:Kessingland: 90, Jan 8th; 85, Jan 20th: 60, Feb 4th, 12th and 21st; 40, Mar 5th; 18, Mar 7th.

Minsmere: Sluice, Jan 17th.

Orfordness: ten, Feb 20th.

Landguard: 16, Feb 12th; Mar 6th.

Much more widespread, but in smaller numbers, in the second winter period. Records were from 18 sites with the first sightings on September 18th at Kessingland, Covehithe and Thorpeness. The following are all records in September and October, usually singletons, and peak counts thereafter:Breydon South Wall: Nov 25th; Dec 10th.

Gorleston: Sep 20th.

Lowestoft: North Beach, Sep 21st; two, Oct 8th; 25, Nov 7th.

Kessingland: Sep 18th and 20th; 22, Nov 7th; 25, Nov 15th; 30, Dec 21st; 25, Dec 31st.

Covehithe: Sep 18th, Oct 19th and Nov 27th.

Southwold Denes: Oct 25th.

Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, Oct 17th; 17 Nov 21st; 18, Dec 10th.

Minsmere Beach: Oct 17th; 14, Nov 14th; four, Dec 7th; Dunes, Oct 20th; four, Oct 28th; five, Oct 30th; Sluice, Oct 18th; Nov 24th and 25th (some of these records for Minsmere will be duplications).

Sizewell Beach: ten, Nov 18th.

Thorpeness: Beach, Sep 18th; 45, Dec 13th; Haven, two, Sep 28th; Oct 30th; 18, Dec 11th.

Slaughden: seven, Nov 6th.

Havergate Island: Dec 4th.

Shingle Street: ten, Nov 17th.

Landguard: Oct 14th and 15 th; three, Oct 21 st; five, Oct31st; Nov 7th.

Stutton Mill: Dec 1st.

LAPLAND LONGSPUR Calcarius lapponicus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

As in 2009 a very scarce species in the first winter period with just one individual seen on one date only:Breydon South Wall: Jan 31st.

Recorded in the second winter period from August 30th (Thorpeness) - the earliest-ever date in Suffolk. There were reports from 30 localities (only nine in 2009), part of a nationwide influx. Most records were of single birds with only nine sites holding more than two birds:Breydon South Wall: 21, Nov 25th; 12, Nov 28th; 31, Dec 10th; 12, Dec 12th; three, Dec 18th.

Kessingland Denes: seven, Sep 22nd; three, Sep 26th.

Covehithe: four, Sep 18th; five, Nov 5th.

Minsmere Beach: four; Sep 29th.

Orfordness: three; Sep 26th, Oct 14th and 24th and Dec 13th.

Felixstowe: three, Sep 30th.

East Lane: seven, Sep 26th and 27th.

Trimley Marshes: four, Sep 9th.

Levington Creek: four, Sep 17th.

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There were two records from the west of the county. These are the second and third records for west Suffolk - the first was at Great Waldingfield, November 5th 2006:Ixworth: Dairy Farm, Nov 22nd (J Marchant, R Thewlis).

Long Melford: Dec 31st (D K Underwood).

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW Zonotrichia albicollis Accidental.

A single bird was reported from a private garden in June. Unfortunately it only stayed for one day. It is the third county record:Woodbridge: June 6th (J Pendleton et a!.).

Y E L L O W H A M M E R Emberiza citrinella Common resident and passage migrant. Red List As in recent years most of the larger gatherings came from the west of the county, the peak counts being: Flixton: Whitehouse Farm, 48, Feb 14th.

Barsham Marshes: 150, Feb 7th; 48, Feb 14th.

Minsmere: 20, Jan 1 st.

East Bergholt: 150, Mar 6th.

Stoke-by-Nayland: 250, Jan 6th; 100, Nov 26th.

White-throated Chilton: 27, Oct 15th.

Sparrow Earl Stonham: Brewery Farm, 330, Jan 13th; 81, Feb 3rd; 200, Dec 24th.

Su Gough Mendlesham Airfield: 100, Dec 10th.

Harleston: Moorbridge Farm, 126, Jan 4th; 58, Nov 14th; 200, Dec 28th.

Groton: 27, Jan 8th.

Great Cornard: 70, Mar 3rd.

Blackbourne Valley: 25, Mar 3rd.

Pakenham: Old Hall, 105, Jan 26th; Fen, 50, Jan 17th.

Fornham St Martin: 30, Dec 22nd.

Gifford's Hall: 45, Dec 5th.

Lackford Estate: 42, Feb 24th.

Timworth: 40, Feb 4th.

Breeding reports were few and far between and included another small decline to just 47 pairs at North Warren and Aldringham Walks (58 in 2009, 52 in 2008 and 70 in 2007) resulting in the lowest total this century and way below the peak of 127 pairs in 2001. The bulk of the population favoured the areas of thick gorse on Aldringham Walks.

ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana Rare passage migrant.

There were two sightings in 2010, both at Landguard. The October record is only the second in Suffolk for that month - the first was on October 29th 1967 at Gunton Cliffs.

Landguard: photographed, Aug 28th (D Pearsons et al.); Oct 13th (D Langlois, N Odin, E W Patrick, L G Woods).

LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla Accidental There were two sightings in 2010. The first at Lackford was at a private site and is the first record for west Suffolk.

The Great Glemham bird, first identified on December 7th in a sunflower strip, was present for about four weeks but was very difficult to pick up. It is the first winter record in Suffolk since 1949. At one time it was in a flock of over 200 Bramblings with Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Linnets and Chaffinches:Lackford Bridge: female ringed and photographed, Apr 18th (J Walshe).

Great Glemham: probable immature male, Dec 7th (T Abrehart); Dec 12th (N Mason, P Gowen, P Whittaker); Dec 23rd (S Abbott, K Musgrove).

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R E E D B U N T I N G Emberiza schoeniclus Common resident and passage migrant. Amber list.

A number of small flocks were reported across the county. As in the previous year Lackford Lakes provided a notable exception attracting hundreds of birds. The total of 676 on November 3rd is the highest ever recorded in Suffolk. Peak counts were:Kessingland: 30, Jan 8th.

North Cove: Castle Marsh, 40, Feb 6th.

Hen Reedbeds: 15, Jan 1st.

Minsmere: 77, Jan 1st.

North Warren: 27, Jan 1st.

Orfordness: 40, Oct 7th.

East Lane: 15, Dec 5th.

Tri m ley Marshes: 18, Feb 25th; 21, Mar 1st; 24, Mar 4th; 21, Mar 10th; 18, Mar 12th.

Belstead Brook Park: 15, Nov 6th.

Shotley: Hares Creek, 20, Oct 31st.

Stoke-by-Nayland : 30, Jan 6th and Nov 26th.

Long Melford: 21, Sep 17th.

Cornard Mere: 20, Jan 25th and Mar 7th; 17, Dec 3rd.

Market Weston Fen: 17, Jan 1st.

Pakenham: Old Hall, 112, Jan 26th.

Lackford Lakes: 192, Jan 10th; 150, Feb 19th; 98, Mar 18th; 535, Oct 24th; 676, Nov 3rd; 215, Dec 24th.

Lackford Bridge: 144, Nov 4th; 165, Nov 18th.

Lackford Estate: 213, Feb 24th.

Cavenham Pits: 20, Nov 5th.

Lakenheath Fen: 37, May 13th.

Breeding reports mostly came from the east of the county included a 24% reduction to 34 pairs at North Warren (45 in 2009,41 in 2008 and 35 in 2007). These were well spread out over the site with 11 territories located in the main reedbed and fen, 12 in and around north marsh and 11 on south marsh. The breeding estimate at Orfordness of 22-27 pairs was much the same as 2009. A record total of 77 pairs bred at Minsmere (52 in 2009, 73 in 2008 and 69 in 2007).

CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra Locally common resident. Red List.

This farmland species is now restricted to just the south-east and west of the county, there were no reports from the north-east of the county. Only six sites had counts of ten or more as follows:Woolverstone: ten, Dec 5th.

Shotley: 25, Jan 27th; Hare's Creek, 12, Mar 5th.

Cornard Mere: 45, Jan 25th; 51, Mar 7th.

Great Waldingfield: Airfield, 22, Apr 3rd; ten, July 2nd; 16, Nov 5th (significant reduction from 2009).

Lakenheath Fen: 73, Jan 14th; 74 Dec 26th.

This species was also recorded in smaller numbers at Shingle Street, Boyton Marshes, Alderton, Bawdsey, Felixstowe, Falkenham Marshes, Trimley Marshes, Levington Marina, Chelmondiston, Alton Water, Erwarton, Freston, Pin Mill, Stoke-by-Nayland, Stoke-byClare, Knettishall and Mildenhall.

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APPENDIX I - CATEGORY D SPECIES Species that would otherwise appear in Categories A or B except that there is reasonable doubt that they have ever occurred in Britain in a natural state.

No species falling into this category were reported in 2010.

APPENDIX II - CATEGORY E SPECIES Species that have been recorded as introductions, transportĂŠes or escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations (if any) are thought not to be self-sustaining. Where a species is also placed in other categories of the British List, this is indicated in the species' summary.

BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus Throughout Australia and Tasmania. Category E. North Cove: Castle Marsh, Jan 5th and 26th.

Burgh Castle: Aug 6th.

Lowestoft: Lake Lothing, Jan 23rd.

Flixton: Gravel-pits, Sep 18th.

Heveningham/Huntingfield: Heveningham Park, four, Feb 27th.

Alton Water: two, July 17th.

Landguard: three, Aug 8th; four, Sep 22nd.

W H O O P E R SWAN Cygnus cygnus Boreal region from Iceland to E Siberia, Categories A and E Flixton: Gravel-pits, May 22nd to 31st, presumably same as 2009 bird.

SWAN GOOSE Anser cygnoides North-eastern Asia, winters central China. Category E. Weybread: Gravel Pits, Jan 11th to Dec 31 st.

Parham: Oct 31st.

PINK-FOOTED G O O S E Anser brachyrhynchus Breeds Greenland, Iceland and Spitsbergen, winters Britain and Denmark Categories A and E.

to

Belgium.

Weybread: Gravel Pits, two, Mar 1 st; Mar 3rd; Apr 17th to 19th; two, Apr 25th and 30th.

BEAN GOOSE

Anserfabalis

Breeds widely across northern Eurasia from Norway to eastern Siberia. Winters locally from British Isles east to Japan. Categories A and E. Flixton: Gravel Pits, Mar 20th to 26th; June 20th to July 30th. Considered to be of the nominate form (Taiga Bean Goose).

LESSER W H I T E - F R O N T E D G O O S E Anser erythropus Forest bogs of northern Scandinavia east to eastern Siberia. Winters locally from the Netherlands to eastern China. Categories A and E. Weybread: Gravel Pits, Feb 6th to 21st; Mar 20th to Apr 11th; May 28th to June 11th; two, June 20th; July 10th to 16th; two, July 19th to 30th; July 31st to Sep 3rd; three, Sep 4th; Oct 2nd.

BAR-HEADED G O O S E Anser indicus Breeds by lakes in central Asia from Mongolia to the Tibetan plateau. Winters throughout Indian subcontinent and Myanmar (Burma) Category E. Burgh Castle: two, May 8th.

Flixton (Lowestoft): Marshes, Mar 20th to 26th.

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Flixton (Bungay): Gravel Pits, June 20th; four, July 10th to Aug 2nd.

Bcnacre: Broad, Aug 27th.

SNOW G O O S E Chen caerulescens Breeds on tundra of north-eastern Siberia, Alaska and Canada to NW Greenland. Winters from California to Texas and locally on Atlantic seaboard of eastern USA. Categories A, C and E. Landguard: south, May 18th (J Zantboer). Second site record.

Bardwell/Bowbeck: May 14th.

Livermere Lake: adult, Jan 3rd; adult, Feb 25th; Mar 14th; Apr 30th; Sep 12th, 20th and 24th.

Little Ixworth: Mickle Mere, adult, Jan 17th; Feb 19th; Dec 11th and 16th. Observers commented this bird was also present on other dates throughout the year but data not supplied.

EMPEROR GOOSE Chen canagica Breeds north-eastern Siberia and western Alaska. Winters from southern Alaska to northern California. Category E. Livermere Lake: adult, Apr 21 st; Jul 20th.

Lackford: adult, Jan 5th; Mar 9th. Observers commented it was also present on other dates but data not supplied.

RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis Breeds Taimyr Peninsula in arctic Siberia. The majority winter on western shores of Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania, with small numbers annual in the Netherlands. Categories A and E. A wide-ranging adult associating with Barnacle Geese during the early months of the year visited Reydon, Southwold Town Marshes, Minsmere and North Warren in January and February and was last recorded from Kessingland Levels on March 6th. A family party comprising two unringed adults and three juveniles arrived on the South Levels at Minsmere on August 25 th. Thereafter they remained in coastal Suffolk into 2011, regularly being seen at several sites including Reydon Marshes, Dingle, Dunwich, Minsmere, Havergate and North Warren. These birds arrived at the same time as the numbers of feral Barnacle Geese built up, and as they closely associate with them, they may have originated from the same source, which may not be within the UK. RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea Morocco and Turkey east through Central Asia to Tibetan plateau. Winters to south of breeding range, with majority in Indian subcontinent. Feral population breeds in northern Europe. Categories B and E. Benacre: Broad, two, Aug 31st; Sep 22nd.

Havergate: two, Sep 13th; Sep 29th; Oct 7th.

Boyton: Marshes, Sep 21st and 30th.

Stutton: Stutton Mill, Sep 2nd.

Flixton: Gravel Pits, two, Oct 2nd.

Weybread: Gravel Pits, Jan 4th; Mar 1st.

Carlton Colville: Burnt Hill, Feb 20th and 21st.

North Cove: Castle Marsh, Feb 20th.

Mendham: Marshes, Mar 1st.

Bungay: Outney Common, June 21st.

Lackford: two, Oct 25th.

MUSCOVY DUCK Cairina moschata Southern Mexico to northern Argentina and Brazil. Category E. Lowestoft: Oulton Broad, Jan 4th.

Beccles: Quay, eight, Jan 1st; six, May 6th.

Stratford St Mary: Apr 17th.

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W O O D D U C K Aix sponsa Canada to northern Mexico, Cuba and Bahamas. Category E. Lowestoft: Oulton Broad, male, Jan l st to 8th; Dec 6th to 21 st. Leathes Ham, male, Mar 1 st to May 17th Ipswich: Holywells Park, male, Feb 14th; Mar 7th, 14th and 21st. Displaying to female Mandarins and Mallards.

C H E S T N U T T E A L Anas castanea Breeds southern Australia and Tasmania. Category E. M i n s m e r e : male, Mar 24th; June 10th and 17th W H I T E - C H E E K E D P I N T A I L Anas bahamensis West Indies, and south to southern Brazil, Argentina, Category E. Melton: Match Lake, Dec 1st.

Chile and the Galapagos

Islands.

FULVOUS W H I S T L I N G D U C K Dendrocygna bicolour Central and southern America eastern Africa, southern Asia. Category E. Trimley: Loompit Lake, Aug 1st.

M A R B L E D D U C K Marmaronetta augustirostris Small population breeds Morocco and S Spain. Asian range extends from Turkey through, Azerbaijan and Armenia, E to Iraq and N to S Kazakhstan. Many Spanish breeders move north-east in late summer to Ebro Delta, north-east Spain. Categories D and E. Flixton: Gravel Pits, Sep 2nd.

Reydon: Hen Reedbeds, Sep 4th.

R E D - C R E S T E D P O C H A R D Netta rufina Breeds western Europe to central China. Winters to south of breeding range. Categories A, C and E. Flixton: Gravel Pits, pair present throughout the year, nested and raised one young (A Green); max 30, Sep 2nd (S Piotrowski).

Redgrave: Redgrave Fen, two females or immatures, Aug 30th to Sep 11th.

Lakenheath: Lakenheath Fen, female, Aug 18th.

Stoke-by-Nayland: Thorington Street reservoir, female, Jan 1st; 3rd and 11th.

F E R R U G I N O U S D U C K Aythya nyroca Southern Spain, andfrom eastern Europe to Caspian Sea, and east through Kazakhstan and western Mongolia to Tibetan Plateau. Winters eastern Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, north-eastern Africa & Indian subcontinent. Categories A and E. Flixton: Gravel Pits, male, Oct 2nd.

C H I L E A N F L A M I N G O Phoenicopterus chilensis Andes mountains of South America to pampas of southern Brazil and southern Argentina.

Category E. Minsmere: two, June 17th.

Landguard: north, June 16th. First site record.

SILVER P H E A S A N T Lophura nycthemera Central and southern China to Indochina Category E. Henstead: male, Oct 12th.

R E E V E S ' P H E A S A N T Syrmaticus reevesii Forests of central China. Category E. Lowestoft: Oulton Broad/Waveney Hill, male, Mar 27th and 28th.

Ellough: Hill Farm, seven, Jan 1st to 31st.

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Norton: five, June 25th. Landowner at Little Haugh estate released 10-20 pairs (M Wright).

Stowlangtoft: female, Feb 7th.

Timworth: male, Jan 28th.

LADY A M H E R S T ' S PHEASANT Chrysolophus amherstiae Forested mountains of south-western China to northern Burma. Feral population verge of extinction in England. Categories C and E. Fornham All Saints: male, Sep 6th.

on the

BOBWHITE QUAIL Colinus virginianus Escape. Category E. Bowbeck: male, June 4th.

Härtest: July 1st.

Great Livermere Lake: two, Jul 5th.

AMERICAN KESTREL Falco sparverius Throughout North and South America. Categories A and E. Landguard: male, Nov 3rd. This bird, named Dylan, had escaped from Stonham Barns the previous week. Not surprisingly, the first site record.

SAKER FALCON x PEREGRINE FALCON Falco cherrug x F. peregrinus Landguard: Oct 3rd. Hybrid falcon, possibly of this parentage.

GYR FALCON Falco rusticolus Arctic regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Categories A and E. Minsmere: white morph. Mar 2nd (J Grant). Bird was wearing jesses on both legs. Observer commented that although it resembled this species, it seemed to have a very marginally short tail for a 100% pure bird, and very few 100% pure white morph Gyr Falcons are kept by falconers.

HARRIS'S HAWK Parabuteo unicinctus South-western USA south through Central and South America to southern Argentina Chile. Category E. Lound: Mar 2nd; Water Works, Mar 8th.

and

RED-TAILED HAWK Buteo jamaicensis Widespread throughout temperate North America south to Costa Rica and West Indies.

Category E. Thetford Forest: regular long-staying bird noted on many dates by several observers.

D I A M O N D DOVE Geopelia cuneata Arid interior of Australia. Category E Lowestoft: Sep 4th.

COCKATIEL Nymphicus hollandicus Widespread throughout interior Australia. Category E. Corton: Aug 23rd.

Mickle Mere: Mar 19th.

WHITE-CHEEKED ROSELLA Platycercus adscitus Eastern Australia from northern Queensland to northern New South Wales. Category E Great Bealings: Aug 22nd.

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M O N K P A R A K E E T Myiopsitta monachus South America. Category E Haverhill: July 25th (N Rawlings). The first time this species has been included in this report. With an expanding breeding population which has survived an extremely harsh winter, this species seems likely to be added to Category C of the British List in the near future.

N O R T H E R N R E D B I S H O P Euplectes franciscanus Africa from Senegal to Kenya, south to Zaire.

Landguard: male, Sep 3rd (N Mason, P Whittaker et at.). First site record.

I S L A N D CANARY Serinus canaria Resident on Madeira, Azores and western Canary Islands. Category E. Landguard: May 10th.

/

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List of Contributors Whilst every effort has been made to make this list as comprehensive as possible, some observers names may have been inadvertently omitted. If your contribution has not been acknowledged please accept my sincere apologies.

S & B Abbott, D Adelson, K Alexander, P R Allard L Allen, N Andrews, M Angliss, D Archer, I Archer, J R Askins, R Attenborrow, C G Ayers.

S Babbs, D Backhouse, C Baines, D E Balmer, T Bamber, M F M B a m f o r d N Banham, C Bannister, P Barker, I Barthorpe, B Baston, P Batchelor, A Batley, S Batty, D R Beamish, A Beaumont, D Bell, B Bellamy, K Bennett, R Berry, R Biddle, S Biddle, A Bimpson, BINS, Birdline East Anglia, Birdguides, S Bishop, N C Blacker, K Bliss, K Blowers, M B o n f i e l d A Botwright, T Boulton, W J Brame, M Breaks, K Brett, J A Brown, R M Brown, S Brown, T Brown, J Bruce-Lockhart, J Brydson, BTO Thetford B Buffery, A Bull, M Bunn, D W Burns, A Burrows, C Burton, T Butler, C A Buttle, P Buxton.

N Calbrade, N Cant, D Carr, M Carr, C Carter, D & M Carter, M T Cartwright, I Castle, P Catchpole, M Cavanagh, D Cawdron, A Chapman, R Chittenden (Birdline East Anglia), J Clarke, S Clarkson, K Coates, J Coleman, P Colman, S Colsell, G J Conway, A Cook, M Cook, R Coombes, D Cormack, C Courtney, T Cowan, J Cracknell, I Crapnell, D Craven, D Crawshaw, N Crouch, A Curtis.

M Dane, G D Daniels, C Darby, P J Dare, J Davidson, G Davies, J Davies, S Davies, T Davies, J Davis, S Dean, M Deans, P Dickinson, A Drake, R Drew, R Duncan, K Dunnett.

S Edwards, A C Easton, M Elliott, C Elmer, P Etheridge, R Etheridge, J Evans, L G R Evans, S Evans, P Ewart, A Excell.

I & B Fair, R Fairhead, D Fairhurst, M Fairley, J Ferguson, M Ferris, Forest Enterprise, D Finch, S Flory, M Forbes, A Ford E Forsyth, S Free, K Freeman, S Fryett, C Fulcher, D F Fui 1er.

S Gale, J and K Garrod J Gaskell, J Gibbs, M Gibson, S Gillings, Gipping Valley Birders, J Glazebrook, S Goddard M Gooch, A Goodall, A Gooding, S Gough, D Gowen, P Gowen, S Grafton, J H Grant, A Green, P D Green, A M Gregory, C Gregory, G Gregory, L Gregory, A Gretton, G Grieco.

P Hamling, J Hanlon, R Harrald B Harrington, R Harris, B and M Hart, P Harrup, R Hartley, R Harvey, P Hawkins, J Hayes, D Hayward P Heath, I G Henderson, J Higgott, R Hill, P Hobbs, R Hoblyn, C Holden, T Holland D Holman, P J Holmes, P Howard A Howe, S V Howell, P Hughes, T J Humpage.

R Ingleston.

M Jackson, C Jacobs, C J Jakes, M James, S Jarvis, A Jeff, G J Jobson, C Johnson, R Johnson, R Joliffe, D Jones.

J Kamp, D Kell, M Kemp, P Kennerley, J Kennerley, T Kerridge, A Kettle, D B Kightley, J C King, A Knowles.

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P C Lack, Lackford Lakes Log, Lackford Ringing Group, Landguard Bird Observatory, D Langlois, C Lansdell, Lavenham Bird Club, J Law, M Leedham, D I Leech, I Levett, M Linsley, R Little, N Lloyd, C Lodge, N C Loth, D Lowe, G Lowe, Lowestoft Lounge Lizards, E Lucking.

N Machin, R Macklin, B Mackenzie, I Maclean, P R Maddison, J March, J H Marchant, D Marsh, E Marsh, M Marsh, N Marsh, R Marsh, D Martin, D Mason, N J Mason, M May, S Mayson, S McConnel, P J Merchant, Mickle Mere Log, A Miller, M Miller, G Millins, Minsmere RSPB, K Mitchell, D Moore, M R Morley, N J Moran, G Morris, J Mousley, N Murphy, N Murphy, P W Murphy, R Murray, A Musgrove, C Mutimer, M Muttit, C Mynott.

A Nairn, P Napthine, National Trust Orfordness, Natural England, A Needle, C Nelson, C Neville, D Newton, P Newton, S Nixon, S Noble, North Warren RSPB, M Nowers.

M Oakley, N Odin, P O'Keeffe, P Oldfield.

M Packard, N Palk, J Palmer, R Parfitt, M Parker, P Parker, S Paterson, E Patrick, J Patterson, D J Pearson, D Pearsons, M F Peers, E I Peters, D Ping, S Piotrowski, G Piper, G Plank, R Plowman, D Pointon, J Pollock, D Porter, C Powell, M P Pratt, G Price, D Pryor, D Pye. M Radford, R Rafe, J Rankin, P J Ransome, N Rawlings, J Raymont, A Rayner, P Read, S Read, B Reed, G Reeder, M Riley, A Riseborough, D and K Roberts, M Robinson, R Rolph, D Rothery, P Rowe, R Rowe, J A Rowlands, RSPB Lakenheath, R D Ruffell, C Ruffles, W Russell.

I Salkeld, P Sawer, T Seagon, S Sharpe, A J Shearman, D Sheppard, N Sills, D Sivyer, R Q Skeen, N Skinner, O Slessor, B J Small, I N Smith, K Smith, M Smith, P Smith, R C Smith, R Smurthwaite, N Spicer, P Spurgeon, T Stachniki, A Stevens, R Stewart, W Stone, T Stopher, B Stuckey, A Stuart, D Sutton, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, E Swarts, M Swindells. M Taylor, R M Thewlis, G Thompson, D Thurlow, T Titmus, D Tomlinson, M P Toms, L J Townsend, J Trew, C N Tricker, Trimley Marshes SWT D K Underwood, J Underwood, S Underwood, R J Upton.

P J Vincent, RVonk.

B Wainwright, J Wakelem, R Waiden, J Waldron, D Walker, T Wallis, D F Walsh, G D J Walsh, I R Walsh, J Walsh, J Walshe, J D Warnes, S Waters, R Weale, G Webb, L H Weeks, B Wentworth, R Whelan, I Whitaker, P Whittaker, A Wilkie, P Wilkins, S White, S Willet, G Williams, M Williams, B Williamson, P Wilson, R Wilton, R Wincup, D G Woodard, B Woodhouse, L G Woods, P Woolnough, M Wortley, B Wright, J Wright, K Wright, M T Wright, M and R Wright, J Wylson.

J Zantboer.

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Gazetteer This gazetteer gives locations for sites listed in the main checklist section of this issue of Suffolk Birds. The intention is to make it easier for newcomers to birdwatching, or those less familiar with the county, to be able to locate sites. Specific sites are given a six-figure reference where appropriate; larger sites are given a four-figure référencé for the lkm square in which they are situated. Whilst a complete list of ali sites would obviously be of most use, it would of necessity, be very long. Therefore, it does not, in general, contain parish names, which are easily located by reference to a standard road map.

Aldeburgh Town Marshes Aide Estuary Aldringham Common Aldringham Walks Alton Water Ampton Water Barham Pits Barnhamcross Common Barsham Marshes Barton Mere Belle Vue Gardens, Lowestoft Benacre Broad Benacre Pits Bentley Berner's Heath Blundeston Marshes Blyth Estuary Botany Bay Bowbeck Boxford Boyton Marshes Brackenbury Cliff, Felixstowe Brent Eleigh Breydon Water Bromeswell Carlton Marshes Campsea Ashe Castle Marshes Cattawade Marshes Cavenham Heath Cavenham Pits Christchurch Park, Ipswich Cobbold's Point Combs Lane Water Meadows Cornard Mere Corton railway line Corton sewage works Cosford Hall, Hadleigh Cove Bottom Covehithe Broad Deben Estuary Dingle Marshes Dunwich Heath Eastbridge

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East Lane, Bawdsey Easton Broad Elveden Erwarton Bay Euston Lake/Park Fagbury Cliff Falkenham Marshes Felixstowe Ferry Fisher Row Flixton GP Foxhole Heath Fressingfield Fritton Decoy/Lake Frostenden Gedgrave Marshes Gifford's Hall Gipping Great Wood Glemsford Groton Gunton Warren Hardwick Heath Hare's Creek, Shotley Haughley Park Havergate Island Hazelwood Marshes Hengrave Hall Hen Reedbeds Herringfleet Marshes Herringswell Hinderclay Fen Holbrook Bay Hollesley Commons Holywells Park, Ipswich Homersfield Gravel Pits Icklingham Plains Ilketshall St Lawrence Ipswich Golf Course Ipswich Wet Dock Kedington Kentwell Hall, Long Melford Kessingland Levels Kessingland sewage works King's Fleet King's Forest, The

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TM354401 TM518794 TL8279 TM2333 TL9079 TM270346 TM3138 TM3237 TM507927 TM3187 TL735776 TM260775 TM4800 TM4781 TM410480 TM0137 TM075625 TL8348 TL9642 TM5495 TL854625 TM244360 TM000620 TM4147 TM435573 TL824686 TM470770 TM468977 TL7169 TM025788 TM 1733 TM330474 TM 175435 TM287855 TL7573 TM3883 TM207433 TM 169439 TL7046 TL863479 TM530850 TM533857 TM310379 TL8173

S uff Olk Bird Report Kirton Creek ICnettishall Heath Lackford Lakes Lake Lothing Lakenheath Fen Lakenheath Warren Lakenheath Washes Landguard Lavenham railway walk Layham pits Leathes Ham Leiston Abbey Levington Creek Levington Marina Lineage Wood, Lavenham Livermere Lake Long Melford churchyard Long Melford sewage works Loompit Lake Lound Waterworks Lowestoft Harbour Market Weston Fen Martlesham Creek Mayday Farm Mickle Mere Middleton Minsmere Minsmere Levels Mutford Needham Market Lake Ness Point North Denes, Lowestoft Northfield Wood North Warren Nowton Park Nunnery Lakes Old Newton Olley's Farm Orfordness Orwell Bridge Orwell Estuary Outney Common, Bungay Oulton Broad Oxley Marshes Pakefield Beach Pakenham Fen Peewit Hill Pipps Ford Potter's Bridge Ramsey Wood Ramsholt Marshes Redgrave and Lopham Fen Redgrave LaW Reydon Marshes Santon Downham

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2010

Sedge Fen, Lakenheath Shelley Shingle Street Shotley Marshes Shottisham Creek Sizewell Beach Slaughden Sole Bay Sotterley Park Southwold Boating Lake Southwold Town Marshes Spinny Marsh Staverton Thicks Stern field Stonham Aspal Stour Estuary Stradishall Airfield Stratton Hall Stutton Mill Sudbourne Marshes Suffolk Water Park Sutton Common Sutton Heath Tangham Temple Bridge, Cavenham Theberton Grange Thetford Heath Thorington Street Reservoir Thorpeness Common Thorpeness Meare Thorington Street Reservoir Tinker's Marshes Trimley Marshes Trinity Hall Farm, Moulton Tuddenham Heath Tuddenham St Martin Ufford Undley Upper Abbey Farm, Leiston Walberswick NNR Waldingfield airfield Waldringfield Pit Walpole Wangford Warren Westleton Heath West Stow Country Park Westwood Lodge Westwood Marshes Wetherden Weybread GPs Wherstead Strand Wilford Bridge Wolves Wood Word well Workhouse Green

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Suff Olk Bird Report

2010

EARLIEST & LATEST DATES OF SUMMER MIGRANTS 2010

Garganey Osprey Hobby Stone-curlew Little (Ringed) Piover Whimbrel Wood Sandpiper Little Tern Black Tern Sandwich Tern Common Tern Arctic Tern Turtle Dove Cuckoo Nightjar Swift Wryneck Sand Martin Swallow House Martin Wood Warbier Willow Warbier Garden Warbier Lesser Whitethroat Common Whitethroat Grasshopper Warbier Sedge Warbier Reed Warbier Ring Ouzel Spotted Flycatcher Nightingale Redstart Whinchat Wheatear Pied Flycatcher Yellow Wagtail Tree Pipit

ARRIVALS Date Locality Mar 14th Minsmere/Hazelwood Mar 27th Breydon Water Apr 20th Minsmere/Felixstowe Mar 24th Brecks* Mar 14th Trimley Marshes Mar 22nd Hen Reedbeds Apr 30th Orfordness Apr 22nd Minsmere Ness Point May 4th Apr Ist Minsmere/Kessingland Apr 1 st Weybread Apr 18th Thorpeness Apr 1 Ith Mutford Apr 1 Ith Boyton Marshes Minsmere Apr 29th Reydon Marshes Apr 18th Apr 1 Ith Lound Mar 9th Thorpeness Mar 18th Mutford Bramford Mar 19th Corton/Blaxhall Apr 28th Lowestoft/Cavenham Mar 26th Fisher Row, Oulton Apr 9th Minsmere Apr 6th Apr 6th Hopton Fisher Row, Oulton Apr 9th Minsmere/North Warren/ Mar 30th Lackford Fisher Row, Oulton Apr 9th Easton Bavents Mar 30th Havergate Apr 29th Minsmere Apr 9th Orfordness/Havergate Apr 4th Orfordness Apr 25th Mar 14th Shingle St/Landguard Corton/Landguard May 15th Lakenheath Apr 8th Kessingland Apr 6th

* Ignores overwintering birds

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DEPARTURES Date Locality Oct 3rd Trimley Marshes Oct 7th Beccles Oct 14th Sizewell Nov 7th Coast* Sep 6th Minsmere Oct 3Ist Kessingland Sep Ist Alton Water Aug 25th Gorleston Sep 14th Landguard Oct 17th Kessingland Oct 1 Ith South wold/Boyton Oct 27th Landguard Nov 2Ist West Row Sep 7th Aldeburgh No records after July Oct 5th Minsmere Sep 15th Southwold Oct 25th Orford Nov 19th Dingle Marshes Oct 17th Corton/Bradwell Sep 8th Westleton Oct 12th Gunton Nov Ist Landguard Oct 2nd Landguard Oct 15th Thorpeness Sep 6th Häven, Thorpeness Oct 17th Nov 2 Ist Oct 24th Oct 1 Ith Sep 6th Oct 15th Dec lOth Nov 6th Sep 2 Ist Oct 8th Oct 13th

Orfordness Orfordness Landguard Kessingland Alton Water Corton Alton Water Kessingland Thorpeness North Warren Southwold

S uff Olk Bird Report

2010

A GUIDE TO RECORDING BIRDS IN SUFFOLK Introduction The foundation stone of any report is the data upon which it is based. Unless we all submit our records diligently, and in a usable form, then the Suffolk Bird Report will not be a comprehensive account of the birds recorded in Suffolk.

The system The recording of the county's avifauna is the responsibility of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, working in close co-operation with the Suffolk Ornithologists' Group. The linchpins of the system are the Recorders, who are the initial point of contact for all records. Because of the volume of records in Suffolk the county has been divided into three areas. See the inside front cover for a map and addresses.

Observers are reminded that Suffolk works to Watsonian vice-county boundaries, taking in areas that are now administered as Norfolk, Cambridgeshire or Essex. The most significant area affected is that of Lothingland, the northern limits of which follow the River Yare and include the south side of Breydon Water. We have retained these originai boundaries as we feel that sensible comparison of data can only be made from year to year if the recording area is kept constant.

Submission of records AU observers are requested to submit their records monthly. We also suggest that the following format be followed: (a) Location (precise place name from the Ordnance Survey map plus parish if ambiguous). OS grid reference should be added if in any doubt or if reporting breeding locations. (b) Species (c) Date (d) Name and address of observer (e) Sex/age - male, female, juvenile etc. (f) Abundance - count numbers, frequency, etc. (g) Type of record - dead, ringed, etc. (h) Other comments considered relevant - behaviour etc. In particular see the list below for particular information required for each species. Ail claims of national rarities should, of course, be accompanied by a full description. The Recorder will automatically forward this to the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC).

If submitting a list of records for one particular site, please put ail détails at the top of the list and annotate with sex and/or frequency. Remember, if in any doubt as to the value of any record, please send it in!

A spreadsheet is available for submitting records and can be downloaded from the SOG website. This can be sent electronically to the Recorders and is a much easier and quicker method for them. Whilst this is not essential, we would encourage ail those who can to use this method of submitting their records.

Assessment of records Ail records come under the scrutiny of the Suffolk Ornithological Records Committee (SORC) and for rare or scarce species, vérification is sought - i.e. photographs, field sketches, witnesses, sound recordings (for calling or singing birds) and (most importantly) written descriptions. The SORC's policy for vagrants, classified as national rarities, is clear; records should be channelled through the County Recorder to be considered by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC), whose décisions are accepted by SORC. A full list of

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34. Bearded Tit.

35. Jay

Liz

Cutting

38. Lesser Redpoll, a colourful garden visitor in Hadleigh.

Kit Day

A Guide to Recording

Birds in Suffolk

species that are considered by the SORC follows. The committee may also request further détails regarding any other species that, in the opinion of the committee, is out of context in terms of season, habitat or numbers.

A list of records which have not been accepted for publication can be found in Appendix III and includes those which have been circulated to the respective committees but were considered unacceptable due to either the identification not being fully established or, more rarely, a genuine mistake having been made. It does not include records still under considération.

Guide to species The following list shows ali the species recorded in the county and thus this is also a checklist for Suffolk. For any species not listed, a full description will be required. The list shows those species accepted into Catégories A, B and C, as per the British Ornithologists' Union (see the Introduction to the Systematic List for more détails). Note that a large number of species included can also fall into Catégories D and E (basically as escapees); a description of such a bird may be requested but will be essential if it is believed that the bird is of wild origin.

A reminder that Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, Nightingale, Spotted Flycatcher, Marsh Tit and Corn Bunting have ail been moved from Category 4 to category 3 - records of ail of them would be appreciated. Mediterranean Gull has been moved from 2 to 3, so descriptions will no longer be necessary.

SOG/SORC would also like to receive any breeding records for the following species: Kestrel, Ringed Piover, Lapwing, Common Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Swift, Sand and House Martin (colonies), Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler and Reed Bunting.

King Eider and Lesser Kestrel have been added to the Suffolk list.

4 Mute Swan 3 Tundra (Bewick's) Swan 3 Whooper Swan 3 Bean Goose Tundra 2 Taiga 3 Pink-footed Goose Greater White-fronted Goose 3 4 Greylag Goose 1 Snow Goose 4 Greater Canada Goose 3 Barnacle Goose Brent Goose Dark-bellied 4 3 Pale-bellied 2 Black Brant 1 Red-breasted Goose 3 Egyptian Goose 1 Ruddy Shelduck* 4 Common Shelduck 4 Mandarin Duck 4 Eurasian Wigeon 2 American Wigeon 4 Gadwall 1 Baikal Teal 4 Eurasian Teal 2 Green-winged Teal 4 Mallard 4 Northern Pintail 3 Garganey

Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Red-crested Pochard Common Pochard Ring-necked Duck Ferruginous Duck Tufted Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Common Eider King Eider Long-tailed Duck Common Scoter Velvet Scoter Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Smew Red-breasted Merganser Goosander Ruddy Duck Red-legged Partridge Grey Partridge Common Quail Common Pheasant Golden Pheasant Red-throated Diver Black-throated Diver Great Northern Diver

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1 4 3 3 2 2 4 3 1 3 1 3 3 3 1 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 3

White-billed Diver Northern Fulmar Cory's Shearwater Great Shearwater Sooty Shearwater Manx Shearwater Balearic Shearwater European Storm-petrel Leach's Storm-petrel Northern Gannet Great Cormorani European Shag Great Bittern Little Bittern Black-crowned Night-heron Squacco Heran Cattle Egret Little Egret Great Egret Grey Heron Purple Heron Black Stork White Stork Glossy Ibis Eurasian Spoonbill Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Red-necked Grebe

1 4 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 4 3 3 1 2 1 1 3 2 4 2 1 2 1 3 4 4 3

S uff Olk Bird Report Slavonian Grebe Black-necked Grebe European Honey-buzzard Black Kite Red Kite White-tailed Eagle Eurasian Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier Pallid Harrier Montagu's Harrier Northern Goshawk Eurasian Sparrowhawk Common Buzzard Rough-legged Buzzard Greater Spotted Eagle Osprey Lesser Kestrel Common Kestrel Red-footed Falcon Merlin Eurasian Hobby Eleonora's Falcon Gyr Falcon Peregrine Falcon Water Rail Spotted Crake Little Crake Baillons Crake* Corncrake Common Moorhen Allen's Gallinule* Common Coot Common Crane Little Bustard Macqueen's Bustard Great Bustard Eurasian Oystercatcher Black-winged Stilt Pied Avocet Stone-curlew Cream-coloured Courser* Collared Pratincole Oriental Pratincole Black-winged Pratincole Little Ringed Plover Ringed Plover Killdeer Kentish Plover Greater Sand Plover Eurasian Dotterel American Golden Plover Pacific Golden Plover European Golden Plover Grey Plover Sociable Lapwing Northern Lapwing Red Knot Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper

3 3 2 2 3 2 3 3 1 2 2 3 3 2 1 3 1 4 2 3 3 1 1 3 3 2 1 1 2 4 1 4 3 1 1 1 4 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 2 1 2 2 1 4 4 1 4 4 3 1

2010

Little Stint Temminck's Stint White-rumped Sandpiper Baird's Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Curlew Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Dunlin Broad-billed Sandpiper Buff-breasted Sandpiper Ruff Jack Snipe Common Snipe Great Snipe Long-billed Dowitcher Eurasian Woodcock Black-tailed Godwit Bar-tailed Godwit Whimbrel Eurasian Curlew Terek Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Spotted Redshank Greater Yellowlegs Common Greenshank Lesser Yellowlegs Marsh Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Common Redshank Ruddy Turnstone Wilson's Phalarope Red-necked Phalarope Grey Phalarope Pomarine Skua Arctic Skua Long-tailed Skua Great Skua Ivory Gull Sabine's Gull Kittiwake Slender-billed Gull Black-headed Gull Little Gull Ross's Gull Laughing Gull Franklin's Gull Mediterranean Gull Common Gull Ring-billed Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull Yellow-legged Gull Caspian Gull Iceland Gull Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull

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3 3 2 1 3 3 1 3 4 1 2 3 3 4 1 1 3 4 3 4 4 1 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 1 3 4 4 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 2 4 1 4 3 1 1 1 3 4 2 4 4 3 3 3 3 4

Sooty Tern Little Tern Gull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Whiskered Tern Black Tern White-winged Black Tern Sandwich Tern Lesser Crested Tern Common Tern Roseate Tern Arctic Tern Common Guillemot Razorbill Black Guillemot Little Auk Atlantic Puffin Pallas's Sandgrouse* Feral Pigeon Stock Pigeon Common Wood Pigeon Eurasian Collared Dove European Turtle Dove Rose-ringed Parakeet Great Spotted Cuckoo Common Cuckoo Yellow-billed Cuckoo Barn Owl Eurasian Scops Owl* Snowy Owl Little Owl Tawny Owl Long-eared Owl Short-eared Owl Tengmalm's Owl* European Nightjar Common Swift Pallid Swift Alpine Swift Common Kingfisher European Bee-eater European Roller Hoopoe Eurasian Wryneck Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Red-eyed Vireo Eurasian Golden Oriole Isabelline Shrike Red-backed Shrike Lesser Grey Shrike Great Grey Shrike Southern Grey Shrike Woodchat Shrike Red-billed Chough* Black-billed Magpie Eurasian Jay Spotted Nutcracker

1 4 1 1 1 3 2 4 1 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 4 4 4 4 3 3 1 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 4 1 2 3 2 1 3 3 4 4 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 2 4 4 1

A Guide to Recording Eurasian Jackdaw Rook Carrion Crow Hooded Crow Common Raven Goldcrest Firecrest Eurasian Penduline Tit Blue Tit Great Tit Crested Tit Coal Tit Willow Tit Marsh Tit Bearded Tit Greater Short-toed Lark Crested Lark Wood Lark Sky Lark Horned (Shore) Lark Sand Martin Barn Swallow House Martin Red-rumped Swallow Cetti's Warbler Long-tailed Tit Greenish Warbler Arctic Warbler Pallas' Leaf Warbler Yellow-browed Warbler Hume's Leaf Warbler Radde's Warbler Dusky Warbler Western Bonelli's Warbler Wood Warbler Common Chiffchaff Siberian Chiffchaff Willow Warbler Blackcap Garden Warbler Barred Warbler Lesser Whitethroat Common Whitethroat Spectacled Warbler Dartford Warbler Marmora's Warbler Subalpine Warbler Sardinian Warbler Lanceolated Warbler Common Grasshopper Warbler

4 4 4 2 2 4 3 1 4 4 2 4 2 3 3 2 1 4 4 3 4 4 4 2 3 4 2 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 4 2 4 4 4 3 4 4 1 3 1 2 1 1 3

Birds in Suffolk

River Warbler Savi's Warbler Olivaceous Warbler Booted Warbler lcterine Warbler Melodious Warbler Aquatic Warbler Sedge Warbler Paddyfield Warbler Blyth's Reed Warbler Marsh Warbler Eurasian Reed Warbler Great Reed Warbler Bohemian Waxwing Wood Nuthatch Eurasian Treecreeper Winter Wren Common Starling Rosy Starling White-throated Dipper White's Thrush Ring Ouzel Common Blackbird Fieldfare Song Thrush Redwing Mistle Thrush Spotted Flycatcher European Robin Thrush Nightingale Common Nightingale Bluethroat Siberian Blue Robin Red-flanked Bluetail Black Redstart Common Redstart Whinchat Stonechat Siberian Stonechat Isabelline Wheatear Northern Wheatear Pied Wheatear Desert Wheatear White-crowned Wheatear (White-tailed Wheatear) Red-breasted Flycatcher Collared Flycatcher Pied Flycatcher Hedge Accentor Alpine Accentor House Sparrow

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 4 1 1 2 4 1 3 3 3 4 4 2 2 1 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 1 3 2 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 4 1 4

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Yellow Wagtail Blue-headed Wagtail Grey-headed Wagtail Black-headed Wagtail Ashy-headed Wagtail Citrine Wagtail Grey Wagtail Pied Wagtail White Wagtail Richard's Pipit Blyth's Pipit Tawny Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Tree Pipit Meadow Pipit Red-throated Pipit Rock Pipit Water Pipit Chaffinch Brambling European Serin European Greenfinch European Goldfinch Eurasian Siskin Common Linnet Twite Lesser Redpoll Common (Mealy) Redpoll Arctic Redpoll Two-barred Crossbill Common Crossbill Parrot Crossbill Trumpeter Finch Common Rosefinch Eurasian Bullfinch Hawfinch Snow Bunting Lapland Longspur Lark Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Pine Bunting Yellowhammer Ciri Bunting Ortolan Bunting Rustie Bunting Little Bunting Yellow-breasted Bunting Reed Bunting Black-headed Bunting Corn Bunting

* not recorded as wild since at least 1949 Key: 1 National Rarity - detailed description required.

2 County Rarity - notes detailing observation will always be required.

3 Ail records requested - supporting notes may be requested.

4 Specific records - records of breeding, large counts, earliest/latest dates, unusual inland records or migration/weather-related movements requested.

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S uff Olk Bird Report

2010

Rare Birds in Suffolk 2010 David Walsh Accepted BBRC Records 2010 King Eider Somateria spectabiUs. Kessingland, then Minsmere and Dunwich, south to Thorpeness, first-summer to second-winter male, September 12th to November 16th (C Darby et at.); also seen in Norfolk and Yorkshire.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: Dunwich Pools, October 23rd (J H Grant, S H Piotrowski et al. per Suffolk recorder); Southwold October 30th (C Fulcher, S Mayson).

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni: Minsmere, adult male, March 28th to 31 st (A Cook, J Torino et al.).

Great Snipe Gallinago media: Covehithe, October 1st (C A Buttle, A Riseborough, R Walden).

Pallid Swift Apuspallidas: Kessingland March 26th to April 6th (M Tickner et al.).

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. Trimley Marshes NR, first-winter, September 14th (M Wright, J Zantboer et al).

Eurasian Pendutine Tit Remiz pendulinus: Minsmere, up to seven, March 16th to 30th (J Evans, R Harvey, R Walden et al. per Suffolk recorder).

'Northern Long-tailed Tit' Aegithalos caudatus caudatus: Southwold, two, October 17th to 19th (M Deans, S J Nixon, B J Small et al.); Lowestoft, November 13th (J Gaskell et al. per Suffolk recorder).

Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides: Minsmere, male in song, April 30th to May 19th (J A Rowlands et al.); Minsmere, male in song. May 9th to 19th (J A Rowlands et al.).

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus: Corton, first-winter, September 28th (J Brown et al. per Suffolk recorder); Pakefield September 30th (D Sivyer); Lowestoft, October 17th to 24th (R Wincup et al. per Suffolk recorder).

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina: Gunton and North Denes, Lowestoft, October 10th (R Wilton et al. per Suffolk recorder).

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis. Woodbridge, male in song, June 6th (J Pemberton et al).

Accepted BBRC Records 2009 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: Minsmere, two, September 10th (R Drew); Orfordness, October 4th (D Crawshaw, M C Marsh).

Non-accepted records 2010 Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris: off Dunwich, October 25th.

Booted Eagle Aquila pennata: Needham Market and nearby. May 13th to June 11th.

Non-accepted records 2009 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: West Stow, September 20th.

KING EIDER Somateria spectabilis - 1st for Suffolk Circumstances At 7.30am on Sunday September 12th, I was returning from Benacre Pits after an unsuccessful search for warblers in the bushes. About 50 metres north of Kessingland sluice, and about 50 metres out to sea, I noticed a dark duck which had its head down sleeping as it drifted south on the tide. Through binoculars (I was not carrying a telescope) and against the morning light, it appeared to be an eider. Given that it was alone and that it was early for eiders to be in the area, 1 joked to myself that it could be the King Eider that had been seen in Norfolk in August and had then disappeared.

The duck was being carried out to sea by the currents around the sluice, and so I walked as close as 1 could to take some pictures before it drifted too far away. Luckily a Blackheaded Gull flew down and disturbed the eider which looked up and stretched before going back to sleep. The views that 1 had during this interaction raised some concerns; the forehead

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Rare Birds in Suffolk

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was rounded not sloping, and 1 could see a lighter patch on the top of the bill as well as raised feathers on its back. There was also a white line along its flanks/wings. The bird drifted to the south of the sluice, and by the time I had managed to walk back around, it was several hundred metres out, disappearing south and asleep again. Looking into the sunlight I could not see any more features and, although I was reasonably confident of the identification, 1 had not studied the books on this species and therefore decided to return home and enlarge the pictures on a computer before creating what might be a false alarm.

At home, after a review of the photographs and my books, I was convinced that it was the King Eider. Thankfully Andrew Easton and Rob Wilton were near to home and could access e-mails; they supported the identification and put the message out on BINS. There was then a long wait before the bird was refound at Minsmere at 4.00pm (it had travelled 12 miles in 8 hours). After better views, it was confirmed from plumage similarities that it was the 1st summer male that had passed through Yorkshire and Norfolk.

Description (based on my observations and photographs taken at the site).

An eider with: (1) A tail that protruded beyond the body - indicating an immature for both species.

(2) Developing "sails" on either side of the back - indicating immature male King Eider.

(3) A white "line" along the flanks; whether this was on the wings or a light patch on the flanks under the wings could not be determined at the distance observed or from the initial photographs. However, King Eider does have a white stripe from the breast along the sides of the body that forms when the wing coverts are folded.

(4) A small head which was rounded with a peak in front of the eye. It did not have the sloping forehead continuing behind the eye which is characteristic of Eider.

(5) A bill with a concave upper surface with a distinct light patch at the base on the upper mandible - both features of immature King Eider.

Further photographs from Minsmere, sent to me by Jon Evans, show clearly more of the features of an immature male King Eider: (6) A pale breast compared to the rest of the body.

(7) Yellow coloration on the bill patch.

(8) Head feathering extension onto the bill which is rounded, not triangular in shape.

(9) A white surround to the eye, leading into an eye line.

(10) The beginnings of the dark feathering on the back Chris Darby LESSER KESTREL Falco naumanni1st for Suffolk Circumstances On March 28th, we ventured out of our native Essex to twitch the Lowestoft Alpine Swifts, with disappointing views way in the distance as we were standing at the wrong building!

News broke that the other Alpine Swift and Pallid Swift were showing at nearby Kessingland, so we headed back south to catch up with them there, where they were performing at rooftop height above our heads. We stayed until just after lunchtime, and we were thinking of stopping off for some food on the way back home. I suggested the cafe at Minsmere which I knew produced great food, and there was also a chance of refinding the Eurasian Penduline Tit which had been seen earlier on in the week. After our soup, coffee and cake, we went round to the Bittern Hide, and onto the Island Mere Hide. It was a bright sunny Sunday afternoon and Minsmere was heaving with people, so we avoided the scrape area.

As we returned from the Island Mere, we went back via a route that I don't normally take, past the rhododendron bushes and back along the entrance road. We were checking the fields as we walked in the hope of an early Wheatear or perhaps a Ring Ouzel. Along the entrance road, we stopped at a five barred gate on the right hand side of the road and started scanning

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the grassy field (the overflow car park). As we were scanning through bins, we both noticed a Kestrel dropping down in our field of view as we were searching. This happened to me a couple of times and was "distracting" me! As I first focused on the Kestrel, I had a doublĂŠ take. It was so colourful, tricoloured and clean, it didn't register as being right! Julian was just focusing on the bird as I said to him casually "There is something odd about that Kestrel". His reply was "Hmmm. I was thinking the same". I continued with "Why isn't it a Lesser Kestrel?" We looked again at the bird, and looked at each other in amazement! As it sank in and the wave of shock passed, we called out the features of Lesser Kestrel to each other from memory: they were ali present on this bird just 70 to 100 feet away.

I used the largest lens in my bag (a 400mm) to capture the features we had described on my DSLR. My hand was shaking with excitement and 1 had to up the ISO setting to give me a faster shutter speed to compensate for the shake. I had no tripod with me so used the gate as a lens rest. The higher ISO resulted unfortunately in the photos being grainy but the important features were clearly visible.

I wanted to get the news out as fast as I could, knowing that a lot of people would like to see this bird. We had an extra hour's daylight having just switched to BST, and Suffolk had loads of birders who had travelled for the Swifts in the area. It was just before 4.00pm so the bird would stili be twitchable to the masses if we acted quickly. I looked at my pay as you go mobile phone and typically it had no credit. I tried to access the phone directory to get the number to make the cali with the view to asking to borrow a phone, but was unable to find the directory! I blamed my phone, but I ' m sure looking back, it was operator error under shock! It hasn't played up since.

We decided to head to the reserve centre as there would be a phone there. On the way through, I happened to glance at the Collins on the shelf and thumbed the Falcons page to Lesser Kestrel. With DSLR image in one hand, book in the other, it was a perfect match. I checked for any oddities like signs of hybridisation, or captivity, but ali looked good. As I barged into the office, behind the counter, an unsuspecting Alan Davies was chatting to some people having done an optics demonstration. "Sorry to interrupt", I said, "but I ' m sure we've just found an adult male Lesser Kestrel!"

He looked at me as if I was completely bonkers, until I showed him the images on the back of my DSLR. I asked him if he would put the news out for us, and naturally he wanted to see the bird first. We drove back to the gate and the bird was stili there in the same place feeding from the fence posts. Alan made the cali on our behalf, and the next 30 minutes saw Minsmere fili with even more people.

As unsuspecting birders were leaving the reserve, myself and Alan were flagging them down and sharing the news. At one point I jumped on board the coach of RSPB members as they were departing, strongly suggesting that they have a look. As the crowd of birders arrived, containment was difficult. The bird was clearly visible from the main road through the trees, but it only took one person to walk over the bracken, under the trees and to the edge of the car park itself, that triggered everybody to follow. Not surprisingly the bird moved off to a further distance and it was apparently a screeching tyre of an anxious birder grinding to a halt on the road that spooked the bird from the reserve. It was good while it lasted!

The bird was later re-discovered that evening in a quieter fenced off private area of Westleton Heath, allowing the remaining birders views but from a vast distance until dusk.

It was at this site that the bird remained during its stay.

Description Bare parts

Legs/Feet - yellowish-orange. Pale claw is visible on certain photos.

Bill - dark outline, horn centred, hooked at tip.

Cere - prominent yellow.

Eye - dark, slight yellow eye ring (not obvious in field), brightest just in front of the eye.

166

Rare Birds in Su ff Olk 2010 Head

Mantle/back Upperwing

Underwing Tai!

Underparts Flight/jizz

Behaviour

Uniform blue grey, dark smudging behind and below the eye (lacked the dark moustachial stripe of Common Kestrel). The shape of the head appeared rounded, probably due to the contrasting colours against its back, giving it a 'gentle look'. The chin was pale buff-coloured.

Unspotted, uniform and bright rusty brown. Clean eut as it joined the head.

Primaries and secondaries black, greater coverts and tertials dove-grey with occasionai rusty brown tones dilfused into the grey; tesser coverts bright rusty brown matching the back and mantle.

Noticeably pale in flight and showing a speckling in underwing coverts Dove grey coloured upper tail and rump. Tip of tail with white tips and black subterminal band, broken by the two or three elongated central tail feathers.

When viewed from underneath in flight or from underneath at rest, the tail appeared pale. The length of the tail at rest was slightly longer than the primary tips of the folded wing.

Breast, belly and flanks were rusty tinged with faint dark speckies extending down the belly and flanks.

Occasionally hovered, but for no more than a few seconds at a time. In flight the wings looked sleeker than Common Kestrel. The jizz was as that of a slim Common Kestrel but much brighter, tricoloured (black, dove grey and bright rusty brown) with clearer dĂŠmarcation.

When found, the bird was in a grassy field. It was sitting on 3-4 foot high posts. It was using this height to look for insects on the ground where it was actively feeding, flying up to the next post and working its way along the fence line (a similar feeding pattern that I have witnessed in Red-footed Falcon). On occasion, it would fly higher onto a nearby tree or up onto an overhead power line. It was mobbed on the ground on one occasion by a Magpie. The bird appeared to be very tired, often drooping its wings when sitting on the post giving it a posture of a Cuckoo's outline.

Andy Cook and Julian Torino

Spotted Crake Peter Beeson

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Suffolk Ringing Report 2010 Simon

Evans

Following Suffolk's highest annual ringing total in 2009, now amended to an impressive 57,875,2010 had to be an exceptional year to beat it, and it was! Provisionai figures of some 58,861 birds ringed represents roughly 5.5% of the national total. Among the recoveries 94foreign ringed birds were reported in SufFolk and 383 Suffolk-ringed birds were recovered abroad. The dramatic increases in foreign exchange recoveries is largely due to colourmarked birds being recorded in the field.

The species count rose from 133 in 2009 to 146 in 2010. Two new species were added to the county ringing list, namely Goshawk and Ring-necked Parakeet. The latter, a surprise visitor to a well known Suffolk ornithologist's garden, extending the shock as it managed to draw blood from its captor just prior to release. Looking at the top five species in terms of numbers ringed, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Reed Warbier and Sedge Warbier were all present in the top five as they were in 2009. However, Greenfinch was replaced at number four in 2009

by Blackbird in 2010. A probable reflection of the effects of trichomonosis as this protozoan parasite survived well in the wetter conditions.

Of the scarcer species, Landguard Ringing Group claimed th with single Wryneck and Common Rosefinch trapped a Observatory. A Savi's Warbier and Red-backed Shrike graced i nets of Orfordness as it maintained its claim as the 'Isle of Dreams'. The long hours and efforts of John Walshe were rewarded one fine April morning when a Little Bunting presented itself as the first bird of the day at one of his West Suffolk sites. It's also great to see Willow Tit still managing to 'hang on' in the list.

Capture of many species is reflective not only of breeding success but also of eruptive and passage movements which in turn depend on many factors. Variation in totals for say Brambling and Siskin often reflect this. An interesting trend to note is the rise in numbers of 'Redpolls' ringed.

Increasingly a more common visitor to garden feeders, a number of key inland spring passage locations for these birds has now been identified. There will be more to follow on this species group I have no doubt.

Expanded specific project work across the county can be Water Rail Su Gough seen to account for an obvious rise in numbers of such targeted birds being ringed. The Suffolk Community Barn Owl project continues to illustrate its impact as more boxes show that a lack of naturai nest sites is a major limiting factor to the population in parts of the county. Further provision of nest boxes and year round feeding at key sites for Suffolk's Tree Sparrows has, without doubt, bolstered the population showing how prolific these birds can be if the conditions are right.

It will be fascinating to see how these trends develop. There are new and exciting projects at trial stages - so watch this space!

The following table summarises the amended ringing totals for 2009 as well as those for 2010, as at 30 June 2011. In acknowledgement, I'd like to thank Rob Robinson, Lee Barber and Dorian Moss at the BTO for continually managing to answer a barrage of questions as well as R E Batty, Colin Carter, Peter Catchpole, Tim Cowan, Mike Marsh, David Pearson, Steve Piotrowski, Brian Thompson and Nicola Hedges and John Walshe for their comments and input. Apologies to anyone I have missed.

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Species Mute Swan Cygnus olor Canada Goose Branta canadensis Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Wigeon Anas penelope Teal Anas crecca Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Buzzard Buteo buteo Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Merlin Falco columbarius Hobby Falco subbuteo Peregrine Falco peregrinus Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Knot Calidris canutus Little Stint Calidris minuta Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Dunlin Calidris alpina Ruff Philomachus pugnax Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Snipe Gallinago gallinago Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Curlew Numenius arquata Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Greenshank Tringa nebularia Redshank Tringa totanus Turnstone Arenaria interpres Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Common Gull Larus canus Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Herring Gull Larus argentatus Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinusO Common Tern Sterna hirundo Stock Dove Columba oenas 169

2009 3 5 6 0 39 3 0 0 10 0 80 1 92 0 12 4 3 22 4 25 77 23 4 6 32 42 0 0 447 1 2 15 5 46 4 0 9 1 0 2 10 513 7 110 56 1 1 203 35 0 186 194

2010 1 0 2 9 25 1 1 1 9 5 85 1 95 3 8 4 5 13 2 17 99 13 4 14 20 21 1 1 175 1 3 5 12 23 13 1 1 3 6 0 9 350 2 168 167 6 22 327 114 2 110 176

S uff Olk Bird Report

2010

Species Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Barn Owl Tyto alba Little Owl Athene noctua Tawny Owl Strix aluco Long-eared Owl Asio otus Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Swift Apus apus Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Wryneck Jynx torquilla Green Woodpecker Ficus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Woodlark Lullula arborea Skylark Alauda arvensis Shore Lark Eremophila alpestris Sand Martin Riparia riparia Swallow Hirundo rustica House Martin Delichon urbicum Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Dunnock Prunella modularis Robin Erithacus rubecula Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Whinchat SaxĂ­cola rubetra Stonechat SaxĂ­cola torquatus Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Blackbird Turdus merula Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Redwing Turdus iliacus Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla 170

2009 135 87 5 0 1 229 36 44 0 31 14 38 3 71 77 80 34 0 549 1949 56 20 1081 2 0 8 28 120 21 948 1713 1542 40 9 17 18 158 10 1 2639 92 568 207 10 213 28 0 3011 1 4121 1 2864

2010 195 159 11 1 2 315 36 38 1 17 27 27 1 72 83 68 19 5 399 1894 220 2 953 6 2 63 33 209 15 717 1620 1768 52 13 66 21 101 13 2 3531 350 692 257 23 172 29 1 3026 0 3617 0 1858

Suffolk Ringing Report

2010

Species Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Whitethroat Sylvia communis Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Goldcrest Regulus regulus Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Coal Tit Periparus ater Willow Tit Poecile montana Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Nuthatch Sitta europaea Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Jay Garrulus glandarius Magpie Pica pica Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook Corvus frugilegus Carrion Crow Corvus corone Starling Sturnus vulgaris House Sparrow Passer domesticus Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Twite Carduelisflavirostris Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret Redpoll (Common/Lesser) Carduelis flammea/cabaret Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Grand Total Species 171

2009 385 599 1745 69 1 1 4 0 1362 1089 249 58 54 23 304 1131 3854 3477 463 1 80 25 90 0 29 12 104 6 1 598 422 396 2619 129 3146 2975 2984 604 11 12 1048 7 113 0 251 97 652 0 1401 0 57875 133

2010 287 455 1306 8 0 0 0 3 1219 880 950 74 52 23 448 1533 5667 3877 469 1 79 35 122 1 50 14 73 4 6 654 496 826 2637 451 2290 2740 644 909 30 78 1742 4 87 1 202 59 815 1 1600 1 58861 146

Suffolk Bird Report

2010

Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2010 Included below is a selection of the more interesting recoveries reported in 2010 and a few from earlier years that have only recently been received. They include the more unusual of reports, involving birds travelling greater distances or being much older than usual and do not represent a complete account of the reports received. The selection was made from the online data presented by the BTO and information supplied by some of Suffolk's ringers.

The selection is presented in species order with the initial capture and ringing data on the first line. Foreign ringing scheme code (if applicable), ring number, age and sex (if known), date and location are provided. The second and any subsequent lines report the means of recovery, date and location with coordinates. Following this, distance, direction and duration between reports is summarised. I have added a few comments to some of the records.

It is worth noting the increased reporting of colour-marked birds in the field, in particular with Gulls, Waders and Raptors. Careful observation and reporting of these individuals is helping to build a picture of what many species and individuals are up to, as Mediterranean Gull EP74563 illustrates! Thanks to all who take the time to record and report these sitings.

I now wonder how long it will be before we are presenting data here provided by satellite tracking and geolocation?

Canada Goose 5157333

Wigeon FH27670

Teal ER62133

SVS 7187829

Adult Male

23-06-1990

Freshly dead

06-06-2010

Adult Male 13-02-2010 Freshly dead (shot) 08-10-2010

Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Ham Creek, Aldeburgh: 52°9'N 1°33'E (Suffolk) 2km Oy 7m 25d

First-year Male 16-11-2003 Freshly dead (shot) 09-01-2010

Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Lewes: 50°52'N 0°0'W (Sussex) 180km SW 6y lm 24d Vadboden, Hornborgasjon, Vastra Gotaland: 58°16'N 13°30'E (Vasterbotten) Sweden Friston, Leiston: 52°11'N 1°32'E (Suffolk) 1,015km SW Oy 2m 25d The 3rd Swedish-ringed Teal to be recovered in Suffolk.

First-year Male

04-10-2010

Freshly dead (shot) 29-12-2010

Mallard NLA 6150217

Livermere Lake, Bury St Edmunds: 52°18'N 0°46'E (Suffolk) Suffolk Golf and Country Club, Bury St Edmunds: 52°16'N 0°42'E (Suffolk) 6km SW 19y 11m 14d

Full-grown

16-11-2009

Alive

03-01-2010

BLBH60830 Full-grown 09-11 -2009 Freshly dead (shot) 28-12-2010

Pochard FRP Full-grown DB 102923 Alive - colour marked

08-05-2009 13-09-2010

Eendenkooi: 53°28'N 6°12'E (Schiermonnikoog) The Netherlands Lowestoft: 52°28'N 1°44'E (Suffolk) 319km WSW Oy lm 18d Waremme: 50°42'N 5°16'E (Liege) Belgium Eastbridge: 52°12'N 1°36'E (Suffolk) 304km NW ly lm 19d

St-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu: 47°5'N 1°39'W (LoireAtlantique) France Lackford Lakes Swt Reserve: 52°17'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) 601km NNE ly 4m 5d

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Selected Ringing Recoveries

GF79426

Shag 1443690

Nestling 29-06-2003 Freshly dead (shot) 21 -12-2010

Nestling Alive (colour marked)

Montagu's Harrier FRP Nestling Female EA691993 Alive (wing-tag seen) Alive (wing-tag seen) Alive (wing-tag seen) Alive (wing-tag seen) Alive (wing-tag seen)

Goshawk GF65291 Nestling Male Freshly dead (hit by car) MA05882 Nestling Female Alive

Kestrel NOS 5181123

Identified from its nasal saddle, black letters CKL on a blue saddle, this is the first French Pochard to Suffolk.

It was also reported from Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, November 2nd, 2009.

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) St-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu: 47°6'N 1°38'W (LoireAtlantique) France 600km SSW 7y 5m 22d The 3rd Suffolk-ringed Pochard to be recovered in France, shot near where DB102923 was ringed!

14-06-2009 14-03-2010

Isle of May: 56° 1 l'N 2°34'W (Fife Region) Ipswich Docks: 52°2'N 1°9'E (Suffolk) 521km SSE Oy 9m Od

18-07-2008

Villeneuve: 45°28'N 3°1 l'E (Puy-de-Dome) France

27-04-2010

Dunwich: 52°15'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 763km N ly 9m 9d Horsey: 52°44'N 1°38'E (Norfolk) 816km N ly 9m lOd Horsey Gap, Horsey: 52°45'N 1°39'E (Norfolk) 817km N ly 9m 13d Minsmere: 52°14'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 761km N ly 9m 15d Ouse Fen: 52°20'N 0°1'E (Cambridgeshire) 798km NNW ly 10m 2d One of two French-ringed "Monty's" to be recorded in Suffolk in 2010.

28-04-2010 01-05-2010 03-05-2010 20-05-2010

30-05-2010 13-09-2010 30-05-2010 05-08-2010

Nestling Female

06-07-2009

Caught by ringer

15-09-2009

Peregrine SVS Nestling 90A43234 Freshly dead

for Suffolk in 2010

17-06-2004 29-10-2010

Site Confidential:(Suffolk) Thetford: 52°26'N 0°45'E (Norfolk) 8km NE Oy 3m 14d Site Confidential:(Suffolk) Icklingham area: 52°19'N 0°36'E (Suffolk) 9km SSW Oy 2m 6d Despite being found trapped in a partridge rearing pen, MA05882 was released unharmed.

Vestby Fellebeite V, Trysil: 61°15'N 12°3'E (Hedmark) Norway Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24'N 1°43'E (Suffolk) 1,165km SSW Oy 2m 9d The 10th foreign-ringed Kestrel recovered in Suffolk and the first from Norway.

Others have been from Finland (5), Netherlands (2), and singles from Sweden and Denmark.

Site Confidential: 58°14'N 12°49'E (Goteborg och Bohus) Sweden Little Stonham, Stowmarket: 52°11'N 1°5'E (Suffolk) 1,000km SW6y 4m 12d A sad end for this 6 year old Peregrine!

173

S uff Olk Bird Report Moorhen NLA First-year 22-01-2009 5343117 Freshly dead (shot) 29-12-2010

Oystercatcher FC20001 Nestling Freshly dead (hit by car) FA50784 Adult Alive (ring read in field) Caught by ringer FA89999

Avocet EW43134

EW43135

DEW 5239200

First-year Alive (ring read

07-06-1987 18-05-2010 26-09-1996 25-07-2009 28-03-2010 25-04-1998 21 -05-2010

Nestling 31- 05-2010 Alive 25- 11 -2010 (colour rings seen) Nestling 31- 05-2010 Alive 22- 09-2010 (colour rings seen)I Nestling 06-1992 20-

Alive 05-1996 (colour rings seen) 04I ( 06-1996 Alive Ol-i (colour rings I seen) Alive 05-2010 23 (colour rings seen)

Stone-curlew EG80069 Nestling 08-07-2008 Freshly dead (shot) 29-09-2010 EW54360 Nestling 10-06-2009 Alive 04-05-2010 (colour rings seen)

Ringed Plover NV58922 Nestling Female Caught by ringer

25-07-1997 05-05-2010

2010

Kennemerduinen, Bloemendaal: 52°25'N 4°33'E (Noord-Holland) The Netherlands Bucklesham: 52°1'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 229km W 1 y 11 m 7d Suffolk's 8th Dutch-ringed Moorhen recovery.

Fagbury, Trimley St Mary: 51°57'N 1°17'E (Suffolk) Bathside Bay, Harwich: 51°56'N 1°16'E (Essex) 3km 22y 11m l i d Falkenham Creek: 52°1'N 1°21'E (Suffolk) Nieuwpoort: 51°7'N 2°45'E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 140km SE 12y 9m 29d Nieuwpoort: 51°8'N 2°44'E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 137km SE 13y 6m 2d Terrington Bund: 52°49'N 0°17'E (Norfolk) Weybread, Harleston: 52°23'N r i 8 ' E (Suffolk) 84km SE 12y 0m 26d

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Pinheirinhos Salt-Pans, near Alcochete: 38°44'N 9°0'W (Estremadura) Portugal 1,695km SSW Oy 5m 25d Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Lauwersmeer, Ezumakeeg: 53°21'N 6°9'E (Friesland) The Netherlands 340km ENE Oy 3m 22d Beltringharder Koog: 54°32'N 8°57'E (SchleswigHolstein) Germany Minsmere: 52° 14'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 549km WSW 3y 10m 14d Minsmere: 52° 14'N 1 °37'E (Suffolk) 549km WSW 3y l i m 12d Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 561km WSW 17y 11m 3d 5239200 was one of three German-ringed Avocets reported in Suffolk in 2010.

Site Confidential, Euston:(Suffolk) Libourne: 44°48'N 0°1 l'E (Gironde) France 842km S2y 2m 21d Site Confidential, Elveden Estate:(Suffolk) Beugen: 51°40'N 5°56'E (Noord-Brabant) The Netherlands 369km ESE Oy 10m 24d Two more of Suffolk's Stone-curlew's recovered abroad, bringing the total to 30 such records now.

Orfordness: 52°4'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) 23km SW 12y 9m lOd A good age for Ringed Plover but nearly seven years short of the longevity record of 19 years and 8 months.

174

Selected Ringing Recoveries Knot SR46246

NOS 7502711

First-year

30-09-2007

Freshly dead (predated) Adult Male

14-03-2010 27-05-2009

16-02-2010 Alive (colour rings seen)

Dunlin NT82670

First-year

02-09-2005

Alive (ring read in field)

21-04-2010

Woodcock RUM Nestling DB129319

15-07-2005

Freshly dead (shot) 03-02-2007 EL45081

First-year

06-11-2008

Freshly dead (shot) 08-01-2010

Black-tailed Godwit ES38980 Adult

EW29481

29-09-2008

Alive 16-11-2009 (colour rings seen) Adult 29-08-2008 Alive 31-07-2010 (colour rings seen) Alive 02-08-2010 (colour rings seen)

Bar-tailed Godwit NO First-year Female DA31368 Caught by ringer

Curlew SFH Nestling Female CTI 18165 Caught by ringer

18-09-2009 17-10-2009

21-06-2010 22-10-2010

for Suffolk in 2010

Admiral's Farm, Terrington Marsh: 52°48'N 0°19'E (Norfolk) Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 117km SE 2y 5m 12d Marnes, Porsanger: 70°24'N 25°32'E (Finnmark) Norway Havergate Island: 52°4'N 1°31'E (Suffolk) 2,386km SSW Oy 8m 20d Following the report of one in 2009, this is Suffolk's third Norweigan Knot record.

River Deben, near Ramsholt Lodge: 52°2'N 1°20'E (Suffolk) Curnic: 48°38'N 4°26'W (Finistere) France 557km SW4y 7m 19d One of three Suffolk-ringed Dunlin reported abroad in 2010. Singles were also recovered in Poland and Sweden.

Okhtinskiy Lesopark: 59°57'N 30°32'E (Leningrad) Russia Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 1,989km WSW ly 6m 19d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Henham, Blythburgh: 52°20'N 1°36'E (Suffolk) 49km NNE ly 2m 2d DB129319 is Suffolk's second record of a Russianringed Woodcock.

Levington (Lagoon), on River Orwell: 52°0'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) Cley Marshes: 52°57'N 1°3'E (Norfolk) 107kmN ly lm 18d Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Greenabella Marsh, Greatham: 54°37'N 1°13'W (Cleveland) 331km NNW ly 1 lm 2d Greenabella Marsh, Greatham: 54°37'N 1°13'W (Cleveland) 331km NNW ly 1 lm 4d

Revtangen, Klepp: 58°45'N 5°30'E (Rogaland) Norway Levington (Lagoon), on River Orwell: 52°0'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 797km SSW Oy 0m 29d Only Suffolk's second foreign-ringed record and the first from Norway. The other was initially ringed in Sweden.

Rautalampi: 62°47'N 26°34'E (Kuopio) Finland Levington (Lagoon), on River Orwell: 52°0'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 1,922km SW Oy 4m Id

175

S uff Olk Bird Report Redshank DK33667 First-year Caught by ringer

22-10-1992 05-10-2010

DDI 1166

First-year

27-10-2008

DDI 1446

Alive 23-06-2010 (colour rings seen) First-year 20-09-2009 Alive 11-06-2010 (colour rings seen)

Kittiwake ER72403 Nestling Alive

28-06-2010 25-09-2010

Black-headed Gull EN27495 Adult 06-12-1986 Caught by ringer 07-12-2010

SFH Nestling STI47495 Freshly dead

20-06-1992 27-01-2010

EJ85115

First-year 31-12-1996 Caught by ringer 11 -05-2010

ES99854

First-year Alive (ring read in field)

Mediterranean Gull EP74563 Adult Alive (ring read in field) Caught by ringer

28-01-1996 07-04-2010

27-01-1996 20-12-1998 25-05-2001

13-02-2002 Alive (colour rings seen) 16-03-2002 Alive (colour rings seen)

2010

Falkenham Creek: 5 2 T N 1°21'E (Suffolk) Falkenham Creek, Falkenham: 52°1'N 1°21'E (Suffolk) 0km 17y 11m 13d A great age for a Redshank.

Levington (Lagoon), on River Orwell: 52°0'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) Sydsta-Samtun, Glaesijarhr, Eyjafardar: 65°43'N 18°1 l'W Iceland 1,879km NW ly 7m 27d Levington (Lagoon), on River Orwell: 52°0'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) Villingavatn, Grafningur, Arnes: 64°7'N 21°5'W Iceland 1,870km NW Oy 8m 22d The latter two birds were two of three Suffolk-ringed birds reported in Iceland in 2010.

Lowestoft: 52°28'N 1°45'E (Suffolk) North Sea, off Sylt: 54°59'N 6°32'E (at sea) North Sea 421km NE Oy 2m 28d Only the third Suffolk-ringed Kittiwake reported abroad. Others have made it to Germany and the Netherlands.

Foxhall Tip, Ipswich: 52°2'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) Ipswich: 52°4'N 1°1 l'E (Suffolk) 7km NW 24y 0m Id Note the age of this bird, lets hope it survives a few more years. The longevity record is 29 years, 3 months, 12 days!

Nokia: 61°28'N 23°32'E (Hame) Finland Woodbridge: 52°5'N 1°18'E (Suffolk) 1,702km SW 17y 7m 7d One of four Finnish-ringed birds reported in Suffolk in 2010. Six more foreign-ringed birds also made it to the County in 2010 - Sweden (2), Denmark (2) and singles from Norway and the Baltic States.

Near Castle Hill, Ipswich: 52°4'N 1°8'E (Suffolk) Przykona Reservoir, Radyczyny, Turek: 52°0'N 18°39'E(Konin) Poland 1,198km E 13y4m lOd Near Castle Hill, Ipswich: 52°4'N 1°8'E (Suffolk) Dumpiu Savartynas, Klaipeda: 55°38'N 21°15'E Lithuania 1,376km ENE 14y 2m lOd

Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1° 16'E (Suffolk) 8km NNW 2y 10m 23d Kreekraksluizen: 51°27'N 4°15'E (Zeeland) The Netherlands 209km ESE 5y 3m 28d Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 6y 0m 17d Zandvlietsluis: 51 °20'N 4° 17'E (Antwerpen) Belgium 216km ESE 6y lm 17d

176

Selected Ringing Recoveries Alive (colour Alive (colour Alive (colour Alive (colour Alive (colour Alive (colour Alive (colour

BLB E905038

HGB 377418

Adult

31 12-2002 rings seen) 21

07-2005

rings seen) 18-i09-2005 rings seen) 14- 01-2006 rings seen) I 02-2007 03 rings rings

seen) seen)

rings seen)

10-104-2009

08-

(

12-2010

14-06-2004

06-03-2005 Alive (colour rings seen) Alive 07-03-2005 (colour rings seen) Alive 08-03-2005 (colour rings seen) Alive 13-06-2005 (colour rings seen) Alive 01-02-2009 (colour rings seen) Alive 11-04-2009 (colour rings seen) Alive 19-01-2010 (colour rings seen) Alive 24-03-2010 (colour rings seen) Nestling 24-06-2003 Alive 05-04-2005 (colour rings seen) Alive 27-05-2005 (colour rings seen) Alive 14-07-2005 (colour rings seen) Alive (ring read 28-03-2006 in field) Alive 04-07-2006 (colour rings seen) Alive 14-03-2008 (colour rings seen)

for Suffolk in 2010

Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 6y 1 Im 4d Copt Point, Folkestone: 51°5'N 1°12'E (Kent) 95km S 9y 5m 24d Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 9y 7m 22d Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 9y 1 Im 18d Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 1 ly 0m 7d Molfsee: 54°16'N 10°4'E (Schleswig-Holstein) Germany 639km ENE 13y 2m 14d Stratton Hall, Levington, near Ipswich: 52°0'N 1°16'E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 14y 10m 1 ld Note the age of this bird having been ringed as an adult.

The longevity record is 15 years 3 months 17 days!

Antwerp: 51°20'N 4°19'E (Antwerpen) Belgium Blackpool: 53°49'N 3°4'W (Lancashire) 570km WNW Oy 8m 20d Stanley Park, Blackpool: 53°48'N 3°1'W (Lancashire) 290km NNE Oy 8m 21d Stanley Park, Blackpool: 53°48'N 3°1'W (Lancashire) 567km WNW Oy 8m 22d Seaforth: 53°28'N 3°2'W (Merseyside) 552km WNW Oy 11 m 30d Blackpool: 53°49'N 3°4'W (Lancashire) 570km WNW 4y 7m 18d Cley Marshes: 52°57'N 1°3'E (Norfolk) 287km NW 4y 9m 28d Sefton Park, Liverpool: 52°22'N 2°57'W (Shropshire) 512km WNW 5y 7m 5d Minsmere: 52°15'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 212km WNW 5y 9m lOd Szeged, Feher-To: 46°20'N 20°5'E (Csongrad) Hungary Minsmere: 52°15'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 1,489km WNW ly 9m 12d Minsmere: 52°14'N 1°36'E (Suffolk) 1,490km WNW ly l l m 3 d Cley: 52°57'N 1°3'E (Norfolk) 1,551km WNW 2y 0m 20d Minsmere: 52°14'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 1,488km WNW 2y 9m 4d Minsmere: 52°14'N 1°36'E (Suffolk) 1,489km WNW 3y 0m lOd Minsmere: 52°14'N 1°36'E (Suffolk) 1,490km WNW4y 8m 19d One Belgian, one Polish and seven Hungarian-ringed birds were reported in Suffolk in 2010.

C o m m o n Gull EP74528

Adult

27-01-1996

Caught by ringer 31-05-2010

Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Eidersperrwerk, Aussendeich: 54°15'N 8°50'E (Schleswig-Holstein) Germany 564km ENE 14y 4m 4d

177

S uff Olk Bird Report ETM UA6019

Nestling

30-05-2010

Long dead

19-12-2010

2010

Kakrarahu, Laanemaa: 58°46'N 23°25'E Estonia Dingle Marshes, Dunwich: 52°17'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 1,546km WSW Oy 6m 19d

Lesser Black-backed Gull 310 Suffolk-ringed birds were reported abroad and 12 foreign-ringed birds reported in Suffolk in 2010.

GH36705 Adult 19-07-1986 Foxhall, near Ipswich: 52°3'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 24-11 -2007 Near Wingmore Farm, Stoke Orchard: 51 °56'N 2°6'W (Gloucestershire) 230km W 21y 4m 5d Alive 06-04-2008 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 22km E 21y 8m 18d (colour rings seen)I Alive 22-03-2009 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 22km E (colour rings seen)) 22y 8m 3d Alive 28-03-2010 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 22km E (colour rings seen)) 23y 8m 9d Alive 02-04-2010 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 22km E (colour rings seen)I 23y 8m 14d Alive 01-05-2010 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 22km E (colour rings seen)I 23y 9m 12d GG75161 Nestling 06-07-1991 Orfordness: 52°4'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 04-10-2010 Quarteira: 37°4'N 8°6'W (Algarve) Portugal Alive (ring read in field) 1,832km SSW 19y2m28d GG75079 Nestling 06-07-1991 Orfordness: 52°4'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Amsterdam: 52°22'N 4°53'E (Noord-Holland) Alive (ring read 07-08-2010 The Netherlands 229km E 19y lm Id in field) South Walney, Barrow-in-Furness: 54°3'N 3°12'W GA33970 Nestling 20-07-2000 (Cumbria) Alive Wilby: 52°28'N 0°58'E (Norfolk) 329km ESE (colour rings seen) 08-02-2005 4y 6m 19d Alive 21-01-2010 Drinkstone: 52°13'N 0°51'E (Suffolk) 339km SE (colour rings seen) 9y 6m Id GC48120 Nestling 15-07-2008 Bristol: 51°27'N 2°35'W (Avon) Alive 17-08-2009 Costa da Caparica: 38°38'N 9°13'W (Estremadura) (colour rings seen) Portugal 1,516km SSW ly lm 2d Alive 11-06-2010 Minsmere: 52°14'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 302km ENE (colour rings seen) ly 10m 27d NLA Adult 07-05-2005 Moerdijk: 51°41'N 4°36'E (Noord-Brabant) 5430108 The Netherlands Alive 11-02-2006 Lakenheath: 52°25'N 0°32'E (Suffolk) 290km WNW (colour rings seen) Oy 9m 4d Alive 24-12-2009 Cambridge: 52°16'N 0°10'E (Cambridgeshire) (colour rings seen) 311km WNW 4y 7m 17d C1J Nestling 10-07-2009 Burhou: 49°43'N 2°15'W (Alderney) Channel D4745 Islands Dead 26-06-2010 Blythburgh: 52°19'N 1°35'E (Suffolk) 394km NE Oy 11m 16d H e r r i n g Gull Ten Suffolk-ringed birds were reported abroad in 2010; France(7), Belgium (2) and one from The Netherlands GF92543 Nestling 12-07-1998 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Alive 12-12-1998 Antifer Harbour, Saint-Jouin: 49°39'N 0°9'E (Seine(colour rings seen) Maritime) France 288km SSW Oy 5m Od Alive 19-04-2000 South wold: 52°18'N 1°40'E (Suffolk) 25km NNE (colour rings seen) ly 9m 7d Alive 21-05-2000 Snettisham: 52°51'N 0°26'E (Norfolk) 115km NW (colour rings seen) ly 10m 9d

178

Selected Ringing Recoveries Alive 04-01-2003 (colour rings seen) Alive 01-08-2005 (colour rings seen) Freshly dead 02-03-2010 GG77911

C1J E15860

Nestling 11-07-2009 Alive 05-03-2010 (colour rings seen) Nestling 08-07-2009 Alive 26-01-2010 (colour rings seen)

Yellow-legged Gull GG61180 First-year 09-01-2010 Alive 30-01-2010 (colour rings seen) 21-09-2010 Alive (colour rings seen)

for Suffolk in 2010

Near Landbeach: 52°18'N 0°10'E (Cambridgeshire) 99km WNW 4y 5m 23d Wetherden, near Stowmarket: 52°13'N 0°55'E (Suffolk) 47km WNW 7y 0m 20d Havergate Island: 52°4'N 1°31'E (Suffolk) 4km lly 7m 18d Havergate Island: 52°4'N 1°31'E (Suffolk) Zeebrugge: 51°19'N 3°1 l'E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 142km SE Oy 7m 22d Lissroy, Lihou Island: 49°27'N 2°40'W (Guernsey) Channel Islands Sizewell: 52°12'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) 429km NE Oy 6m 18d The only foreign-ringed bird reported in Suffolk in 2010.

Pitsea Landfill Site: 51°32'N 0°30'E (Essex) Drinkstone: 52°13'N 0°51'E (Suffolk) 80km NNE Oy 0m 21d Bishop's Cleeve Landfill: 51°56'N 2°5'W (Gloucestershire) 184km WNW Oy 8m 12d

Caspian Gull Three of the five Polishi-ringed birds that were reported in Suffolk in 2010.

PLG Nestling 27-05-2010 Zb.Kozielno, Paczkow: 50°29'N 16°58'E (Opole) Poland DN18675 Alive 07-10-2010 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14'N 1°35'E (Suffolk) 1,085km WNW Oy 4m lOd (colour rings seen) Nestling PLG 22-05-2008 Zwirownia Zakole A, Jankowice, Babice: 50°2'N 19°28'E (Bielsko-Biala) Poland DN21700 Alive 17-02-2010 Earsham: 52°27'N 1°24'E (Norfolk) 1,285km WNW (colour rings seen) ly 8m 26d Alive 31-07-2010 Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 1,271km WNW (colour rings seen) 2y 2m 9d Nestling 21-05-2009 Zwirownia Zakole A, Jankowice, Babice: 50°2'N PLG 19°28'E (Krakow) Poland DN26289 05-04-2010 Minsmere Nature Reserve, Westleton: 52°14'N Alive 1°36'E (Suffolk) 1,270km WNW Oy 10m 15d (colour rings seen) Stock Dove EW43015 Adult Long dead (in building)

22-06-2008 14-10-2010

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Aldeburgh: 52°9'N 1°36'E (Suffolk) 8km NNE 2y 3m 22d

Barn Owl GC71352 Nestling Long dead

25-07-2009 17-01-2010

GC50506

Nestling

24-06-2007

Caught by ringer

25-06-2010

Sutton: 52°55'N 0°53'W (Nottinghamshire) Haverhill: 52°4'N 0°26'E (Suffolk) 130km SE Oy 5m 23d Harold-Odell Country Park: 52°12'N 0°36'W (Bedfordshire) Gt. Bradley: 52°9'N 0°26'E (Suffolk) 71km E 3y 0m Id Both good distances for the species. GC50506 was found nesting in a West Suffolk SCBOP box.

179

Su ffolk Bird Report

2010

Little Owl EP62580 Nestling Freshly dead

02-06-2005 31-12-2010

East End, Stonham Aspall: 52° 11 'N 1°8'E (Suffolk) Whitegate Farm, Creeting St Mary: 52°10'N 1°5'E (Suffolk) 4km 5y 6m 29d

Tawny Owl GN83721 Nestling

07-05-2008

Northfield Wood, Onehouse: 52°12'N 0°57'E (Suffolk) Shottisham, near Woodbridge: 52°3'N 1°22'E (Suffolk) 33km ESE ly 9m 9d

Sick(hit by car)

16-02-2010

Green Woodpecker DD24495 First-year Male Freshly dead (raptor)

22-08-2003 15-08-2010

Woodlark TB37730 Nestling Male 26-04-2004 Alive 16-04-2010 (colour rings seen) Sand Martin L268392 Juvenile 27-06-2010 Caught by ringer 11 -08-2010 FRF 6229433

First-year

20-07-2009

Caught by ringer 11 -08-2010

House Martin 19-09-2009 X020656 First-year Caught by ringer 06-05-2010

Meadow Pipit V5 82944 First-year Caught by ringer

07-10-2007 18-09-2010

V869555

First-year Freshly dead

11-10-2007 28-12-2008

X387668

First-year 19-09-2008 Caught by ringer 03-09-2009

Waxwing NOS First-year Female 16-11 -2009 8B28792 Caught by ringer 15-02-2010 .7

Stowmarket: 52°1 l'N 0°58'E (Suffolk) Stowmarket: 52°10'N 1°0'E (Suffolk) 3km 6y 1 Im 24d Thetford Forest: 52°25'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) Highash Hill: 52°32'N 0°39'E (Norfolk) 14km N 5y 1 Im 21d This represents a new longevity record for the species.

South Parks, Ripon: 54°9'N 1°32'W (North Yorkshire) Near Charity Farm, Shotley: 51°59'N 1° 15'E (Suffolk) 305km SE Oy lm 15d Roseliere, Chenac-Saint-Seurin-D'uzet: 45°31'N 0°49'W (Charente-Maritime) France Near Charity Farm, Shotley: 51°59'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 735km NNE ly 0m 22d The only foreign exchange in 2010.

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Albufera Des Grau, Mahon: 40°0'N 4°12'E (Menorca) Spain 1,358km S Oy 7m 17d Only the third foreign recovery of a Suffolk ringed bird. The two others were in Finland and France.

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Hasfield Harn: 51°56'N 2°15'W (Gloucestershire) 262km W2y l i m l l d Dingle Hills, Westleton: 52°18'N 01°38'E (Suffolk) Fouquebrune: 45°31'N 00°12'E (Charente) France 761km S ly 2m I7d Walberswick: 52°18'N 1°38'E (Suffolk) Hofn, Hornafjordur, Austur-Skaftafells: 64°15'N 15°13'W Iceland 1,647km NW Oy l i m 15d The 21 st Suffolk-ringed bird reported abroad and the first to Iceland.

Sandsgard, As: 59°39'N 10°47'E (Akershus) Norway Near Hollesley Heath: 52°3'N 1°26'E (Suffolk) 1,025km SW Oy 2m 30d One of two Norweigan-ringed birds reported in Suffolk in 2010.

180

Selected Ringing Recoveries Wren BNH910

Full-grown Caught by ringer

29-04-2010 10-10-2010

Dunnock NOS First-year 20-09-2010 EDI 7532 Caught by ringer 09-10-2010

Robin BLB 11392828

BLB 11935058

First-year

for Suffolk in 2010

Weybourne: 52°56'N 1°8'E (Norfolk) Carlton Marshes, Lowestoft: 52°28'N 1°41'E (Suffolk) 64km SE Oy 5m l i d Note the distance!

Giljastolen, Gjesdal: 58°50'N 6°18'E (Rogaland) Norway Orfordness: 52°5'N 1 °34'E (Suffolk) 807km SSW Oy 0m 19d Suffolk's second recovery of a foreign-ringed Dunnock. The first came from the Netherlands.

25-03-2010

Pepingen: 50°45'N 4°10'E (Brabant) Belgium

Caught by ringer 09-10-2010

Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) 238km NW Oy 6m 14d Essen: 51°28'N 4°28'E (Antwerpen) Belgium

First-year

01-10-2010

Freshly dead

09-10-2010

Ipswich: 52°4'N 1°1 l'E (Suffolk) 236km WNW Oy 0m 8d

Nightingale TC86376 Nestling Male Caught by ringer

07-06-2007 09-05-2009

Caught by ringer

15-05-2010

Bradfield Woods: 52° 1 l'N 0°49'E (Suffolk) Lackford Lakes Swt Reserve: 52°18'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) 19km NW ly 1 lm 2d Lackford Lakes Swt Reserve: 52°18'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) 19km NW 2y 1 lm 8d

Blackbird CL82448 Adult Female Freshly dead LB 12080

Adult Male Dead (hit glass)

DEW 7827753

First-year Female Caught by ringer

DEW 7847921

NLA L325162

Adult Male

11-10-2002

10-05-2010 03-12-2008 25-01-2010 26-03-2006 31-12-2010 14-03-2008

Freshly dead 18-01-2010 (hit glass) First-year Female 08-11-2009 Caught by ringer

Fieldfare CF24718 Adult

11-01-2010

20-10-2007

Near Hollesley Heath: 52°3'N 1°26'E (Suffolk) Sallaumines: 50°25'N 2°51'E (Pas-de-Calais) France 207km S SE 7y 6m 29d Haddon Hall: 52°4'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Sovejen, Horning, Arhus: 56°4'N 10°3'E (Jylland) Denmark 722km NE ly lm 22d Helgoland: 54°10'N 7°55'E (Helgoland) Germany Alton Water Reservoir, nearTattingstone: 51°59'N 1°7'E (Suffolk) 515km WSW 4y 9m 5d Helgoland: 54°10'N 7°55'E (Helgoland) Germany Great Bealings: 52°6'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 501km WSW ly 10m 4d Polderweg, Vlieland: 53°15'N 4°57'E (Friesland) The Netherlands Balaam's Orchard, near Bury St Edmunds: 52°16'N 0°43'E (Suffolk) 306km Oy 2m 3d Two Suffolk-ringed birds were additionally reported in Sweden and France.

Moss House Farm, Out Rawcliffe: 53°52'N 2°52'W (Lancashire)

181

S uff Olk Bird Report

CT41836

CT41870

Caught by ringer

11-01-2010

Adult Female

11-01-2010

Freshly dead

26-06-2010

First-year Male

15-01-2010

Freshly dead (cat) 29-05-2010

Song T h r u s h RT46749 First-year Long dead (shot) RT62661

14-02-2010

First-year 13-10-2010 Freshly dead (shot) 11-11-2010

Redwing RT92611 Adult

DEW 7849921

05-10-2009

22-03-2009

Long dead

25-05-2010

Adult

18-10-2008

Freshly dead (hit glass)

18-01-2010

Sedge W a r b l e r L084474 First-year

15-08-2010

Caught by ringer 28-08-2010 BLB 10581951

First-year

02-08-2008

Caught by ringer 20-07-2009 BLB 11233371

First-year

16-08-2009

Caught by ringer 22-04-2010

2010

Balaam's Orchard, near Bury St Edmunds: 52°16'N 0°43'E (Suffolk) 299km SE 2y 2m 22d Balaam's Orchard, near Bury St Edmunds: 52°16'N 0°43'E (Suffolk) Horonkyla, Teuva: 62°35'N 21°37'E (Vaasa) Finland 1,689km NE Oy 5m 15d Balaam's Orchard, near Bury St Edmunds: 52°16'N 0°43'E (Suffolk) Soderfjardsvagen: 62°59'N 21°35'E (Vaasa) Finland 1,713km NE Oy 4m 14d The latter two records take it to five Suffolk-ringed birds now recovered in Finland.

Others have been recovered in Norway (4), Sweden (4), France (1) and Italy (1).

Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: 52°9'N 1°3'E (Suffolk) Albufeira, Paderne: 37°8'N 8°12'W (Algarve) Portugal 1,820km SSW Oy 4m 9d Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Cabreton, Vega de Anameza: 42°0'N 1°54'W (Logrono) Spain 1,158km SSW Oy 0m 29d A further individual was recovered in France.

Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) KmlOl, Murmansk-Nikel Railway: 69°1 l'N 31°39'E (Murmansk) Russia 2,503km NE ly 2m 3d The second Suffolk-ringed bird recovered in Russia.

Hilden-Itterbach: 51°10'N 6°58'E (Düsseldorf) Germany Great Bealings: 52°6'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 408km WNW ly 3m Od The first German-ringed bird to Suffolk. Others have come from Finland (3), Belgium (3), Holland (1) and Norway (1).

Kirkton of Logie Buchan: 57°21'N 2°2'W (Grampian Region) Near Charity Farm, Shotley: 51°59'N 1°15'E (Suffolk) 633km SSE Oy 0m 13d Berendrecht: 51 °21 'N 4° 19'E (Antwerpen) Belgium Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 213km WNW Oy 11 m 18d Sint Laureins: 51°15'N 3°32'E (Oost-Vlaanderen) Belgium Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Mary: 51°58'N 1°17'E (Suffolk) 175km WNW Oy 8m 6d 2010 also saw one Suffolk-ringed bird recovered in Belgium and nine in France.

182

Selected Ringing Recoveries Reed Warbler Kl 14939 Juvenile Caught by ringer

23-09-2001 18-07-2010

X917380

12-09-2009

First-year Female

Caught by ringer 11 -07-2010 BLB 11612588

Adult

26-05-2010

Caught by ringer 02-06-2010

FRP 5625512

Caught by ringer

05-08-2010

First-year

14-09-2008

Caught by ringer

28-07-2009

Caught by ringer 20-06-2010 NOS 9E33103

First-year

01-09-2009

Caught by ringer 12-09-2009

Blackcap T326806 First-year Maie Caught by ringer L635321

31-08-2004 11-04-2010

Full-grown Female 08-10-2010 Caught by ringer

21-10-2010

V686255

Juvenile Unknown

17-08-2007 03-06-2009

BLB 11160243

Full-grown Maie

14-04-2009

Caught by ringer

27-09-2009

for Suffolk in 2010

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 7km N 8y 9m 25d Note the age of this bird!

Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) Gosforth Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne: 55°1'N 1°37'W (Tyne & Wear) 387km NNW Oy 9m 29d Pepingen: 50°45'N 4°10'E (Brabant) Belgium Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 238km NW Oy 0m 7d Near Hollesley Heath: 52°3'N 1°26'E (Suffolk) 239km NWOy 2m lOd Marais de Wissant, Tardinghen: 50°52'N 1°37'E (Pas-de-Calais) France Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 132km N Oy 10m 14d Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 132km N Iy9m6d Vassmyra, Mandai: 58°1'N 7°29'E (Vest-Agder) Norway Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 766km SSW Oy 0m 1 ld The first Norweigan-ringed bird to Suffolk. In addition to the above, singles were recovered from France and Belgium.

Suffolk-ringed birds were also recovered abroad, four in Belgium and two in France.

Walberswick: 52°18'N 1°38'E (Suffolk) Thorndon: 52°17'N 1°7'E (Suffolk) 36km W 5y 7m l l d Quarry House, Low Newton: 55°30'N 1°38'W (Northumberland) Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 434km SSE Oy 0m 13d Near Hollesley Heath: 52°3'N 1°26'E (Suffolk) Lomas, Vejer de la Frontera: 36°16'N 5°56'W (Cadiz) Spain 1,848km SSW ly 9m 17d Melsele: 51°13'N 4°16'E (Oost-Vlaanderen) Belgium Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) 216km WNW Oy 5m 13d The 12th Suffolk bird to Spain and the 1 Ith to Suffolk from Belgium.

Garden Warbler T861400

First-year Maie

21-09-2005

Caught by ringer

09-05-2008

Caught by ringer

31 -05-2009

Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: 52°9'N 1°3'E (Suffolk) 30km WNW 2y 7m 18d Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: 52°9'N 1°3'E (Suffolk) 30km WNW 3y 8m lOd

183

S uff Olk Bird Report Caught by ringer 24-05-2010 Lesser Whitethroat V231470 Adult Caught by ringer

19-06-2007 06-05-2010

Whitethroat X603164

Juvenile

13-07-2009

Caught by ringer 07-09-2009

Chiffchaff BPL550 First-year Caught by ringer

13-04-2009 19-04-2010

ESIFC6650 First-year

21-10-2008

Caught by ringer Willow Warbler CAV542 Full-grown Freshly dead (hit glass) Goldcrest DBX469 First-year Male Freshly dead (hit by car)

15-04-2009

27-04-2010 14-06-2010

25-02-2010 21-12-2010

Bearded Tit L620497 Full-grown Male 16-10-2010 Caught by ringer 13-11 -2010 L620491

Blue Tit P732462

Magpie ET 11453

Full-grown Female Caught by ringer

16-10-2010 13-11 -2010

2010

Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: 52°9'N 1°3'E (Suffolk) 30km WNW 4y 8m 3d Gibraltar Point, Skegness: 53°6'N 0°19'E (Lincolnshire) Near Sheepcote Hall, Stowmarket: 52° 1 l'N 1°1'E (Suffolk) 113km SSE 2y 10m 17d Alton Water Reservoir, nearTattingstone: 51°59'N 1°7'E (Suffolk) Plaisance, Saint-Froult: 45°54'N 1°4'W (CharenteMaritime) France 695km SSW Oy Im 25d The 3rd Suffolk bird to France. Others have been recovered in Spain (3), Portugal (2) and Morocco (1).

Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) South Milton Ley: 50°16'N 3°51'W (Devon) 428km WSW ly 0m 6d Manecorro, Parque Nacional de Donana: 37°5'N 6°32'W (Huelva) Spain Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Mary: 51°58'N 1°17'E (Suffolk) 1,764km NNE Oy 5m 25d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Grange, Keith: 57°34'N 2°54'W (Grampian Region) 682km NNWOy lm 18d Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: 52° 1 l'N 1°5'E (Suffolk) Between Norwich and Harwich: 52° 1 l'N 1°5'E (Suffolk) 0km Oy 9m 26d Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Snettisham Coastal Park: 52°52'N 0°26'E (Norfolk) l l l k m N W Oy 0m 28d Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Snettisham Coastal Park: 52°52'N 0°26'E (Norfolk) l l l k m N W Oy 0m 28d Presumably originally trapped as a pair and recaptured likewise.

Nestling Freshly dead (nestbox)

27-05-2002 23-06-2010

Thetford: 52°24'N 0°45'E (Norfolk) Carlton Colville: 52°27'N 1°42'E (Suffolk) 65km E 8y 0m 27d

First-year Freshly dead (trapped)

11-11 -2009 23-04-2010

Thetford: 52°25'N 0°44'E (Norfolk) Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°26'E (Suffolk) 63km SE Oy 5m 12d This is a long distance movement for a Magpie.

184

Selected Ringing Recoveries Starling SVS 4527121

Nestling

30-05-2006

Freshly dead

10-11-2010

Tree Sparrow TP43133 Nestling Male

25-05-2009

Caught by ringer 01 -03-2010 X919709

Full-grown Female 11-10-2009 Caught by ringer 18-01 -2010

X920764

Full-grown Caught by ringer

26-10-2009 06-01-2010

Caught by ringer 18-01 -2010

TH44168

Nestling 22-07-2010 Caught by ringer 12-12-2010

for Suffolk in 2010

VastraTvet, Hallestad: 55°40'N 13°28'E (Kristianstad) Sweden Gunton Beach, Lowestoft: 52°30'N 1°45'E (Suffolk) 841km WSW 4y 5m lid In addition, a Suffolk-ringed bird was recovered in the Netherlands; the 95th such record!

Cold Hiendley, Wakefield: 53°37'N 1°27'W (West Yorkshire) The Barracks, Little Livermere: 52°18'N 0°44'E (Suffolk) 207km SE Oy 9m 4d Kilnsea: 53°37'N 0°8'E (Humberside) Mildenhall Fen: 52°22'N 0°26'E (Suffolk) 141km S Oy 3m 7d Kilnsea Clays: 53°36'N 0°8'E (Humberside) Mildenhall Fen: 52°22'N 0°26'E (Suffolk) 139km S Oy 2m l i d Mildenhall Fen: 52°22'N 0°26'E (Suffolk) 139km S Oy 2m 23d The Humberside exchange continues!

Wymondham: 52°45'N 0°45'W (Leicestershire) The Barracks, Little Livermere: 52°18'N 0°44'E (Suffolk) 113km ESE Oy 4m 20d

Chaffinch R245091

First-year Female 27-09-2004 Caught by ringer 05-05-2010

X005507

First-year Male

02-03-2010

Caught by ringer 01 -04-2010

Brambling T659301 Adult Male 05-03-2008 Caught by ringer 07-02-2009

Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Mary: 51°58'N 1°17'E (Suffolk) 5km 5y 7m 8d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Dybo, Mandal: 58°2'N 7°33'E (Vest-Agder) Norway 786km NNE Oy 0m 30d The 4th Suffolk-ringed bird to Norway and the only international exchange with the county in 2010.

High Lodge, Brandon: 52°26'N 0°40'E (Suffolk) Poperinge: 50°52'N 2°44'E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 225km SE Oy 1 Im 2d Late news of this bird from West Suffolk's forests, the fourth county exchange with Belgium.

Greenfinch TP24920

Juvenile Female

28-05-2009

Caught by ringer 26-02-2010 TP87196

First-year Female 04-12-2009 Caught by ringer 27-03-2010

Goldfinch X901742 First-year Male

19-10-2009

Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: 52°1 l'N 1°5'E (Suffolk) The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury: 52°42'N 2°39'W (Shropshire) 260km WNW Oy 8m 29d The Rea, Upton Magna, Shrewsbury: 52°42'N 2°39'W (Shropshire) Thorndon: 52°17'N 1°7'E (Suffolk) 259km ESE Oy 3m 23d Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: 52°9'N 1°3'E (Suffolk)

185

S uff Olk Bird Report Alive 09-05-2010 (ring read in field) Caught by ringer 03-09-2010 V032494

L620480

X691741

Siskin X539897

First-year Female Freshly dead (drowned) First-year Male Caught by ringer

31-03-2007 10-11-2010 16-10-2010 26-10-2010

Adult Male 22-10-2009 Caught by ringer 02-02-2010

First-year Female 06-03-2009 Caught by ringer

30-07-2010

X040076

First-year Female 13-04-2008 Caught by ringer 07-03-2010

T659686

First-year Female 03-04-2008 Caught by ringer 30-03-2010

V956050

First-year Female 24-02-2008 Sick f(hit glass) 26-03-2010

X404351

Full-grown Freshly dead (hit glass)

01-03-2009 12-04-2010

Juvenile

12-06-2010

Alive (shot)

27-10-2010

Linnet X005375

BLB 10670064

Full-grown Female 20-04-2008 Caught by ringer

24-04-2010

2010

Maehrihanish: 55°25'N 5°46'W (Strathclyde) 576km NW Oy 6m 20d Machrihanish Seabird Observatory: 55°25'N 5°46'W (Strathclyde) 576km NW Oy 10m 15d Brandon: 52°26'N 0°35'E (Suffolk) Aberystwyth: 52°25'N 4°5'W (Dyfed) 317km W 3y 7m lOd Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°9'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Oostduinkerke: 51°7'N 2°41'E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 139km SSE Oy 0m lOd Chelmondiston: 51°59'N 1°12'E (Suffolk) Bassins Des 5 Tailles, la Neuville: 50°29'N 3°2'E (Nord) France 210km SE Oy 3m 1 Id Additionally, another Suffolk-ringed bird was recovered in France.

Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: 52°9'N 1°3'E (Suffolk) Shebster: 58°33'N 3°42'W (Highland Region) 772km NNW ly 4m 24d Inverarnie: 57°23'N 4°1 l'W (Highland Region) Tangham Farm, Capei St Andrew: 52°5'N 1°26'E (Suffolk) 690km SSE ly lOm 22d High Lodge, Brandon: 52°26'N 0°40'E (Suffolk) Dybo, Mandai: 58°2'N 7°33'E (Vest-Agder) Norway 760km NE ly 1 lm 27d Dunwich: 52°16'N 1°37'E (Suffolk) Gothenburg: 57°41'N 11°58'E (Goteborg och Bohus) Sweden 893km NE 2y lm 2d Leiston: 52°13'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Satersgatan, Sodertalje: 59°1 l'N 17°37'E (Stockholm) Sweden l,266km NE ly lm 1 ld

Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) Cerro Muriano: 38°0'N 4°46'W (Cordoba) Spain 1,572km SOy 4m 15d Middelkerke: 51°1 l'N 2°50'E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) 133km NW 2y 0m 4d Suffolk's 13th Linnet to Spain and 3rd from Belgium.

Twite X459621

First-year Female 03-01-2009 Caught by ringer

27-06-2010

Common Redpoll X010612 First-year Male 02-04-2009 Caught by ringer 27-02-2010

Corporation Marshes, Dunwich: 52°18'N 1°39'E (Suffolk) Machrihanish Seabird Observatory: 55°25'N 5°46'W (Strathclyde) 597km NW ly 5m 24d The furthest Twite recovery for the county in 2010.

Knott End-on-Sea: 53°55'N 2°59'W (Lancashire) Haddon Hall: 52°4'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) 354km SE Oy 10m 25d

186

Selected Ringing Recoveries L265940

Full-grown Female 16-10-2010 Caught by ringer 14-11-2010

for Suffolk in 2010

Filey Brigg Country Park: 54°13'N 0°18'W (North Yorkshire) Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°56'N 1°19'E (Suffolk) 276km SSE Oy 0m 29d

Lesser Redpoll X397196

First-year Female 28-09-2008

T666781

Caught by ringer 08-08-2010 First-year Female 04-10-2009 Caught by ringer 19-10-2009

X966643

Full-grown Male Caught by ringer

29-04-2010 15-12-2010

V422941

First-year Female 27-10-2006 Caught by ringer 05-11-2006

V585186

First-year Female 18-10-2008 Caught by ringer 29-11 -2008

X940272

First-year Caught by ringer

27-10-2009 06-11 -2009

DEW 90047673

Second-year

24-05-2009

Caught by ringer

24-03-2010

Snow Bunting TJ64593 First-year Female Alive (colour rings seen) TA81641 First-year Female Caught by ringer

12-12-2009 27-03-2010 06-01-2009 17-01 -2010

Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) Dalchork: 58°3'N 4°25'W (Highland Region) 734km NNW ly 10m 1 Jd Copeland Bird Observatory: 54°41'N 5°32'W (Down) Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24'N 1°43'E (Suffolk) 542km ESEOyOm 15d Leswalt: 54°56'N 5°5'W (Dumfries & Galloway) Lackford Lakes Swt Reserve: 52°18'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) 477km SE Oy 7m 16d Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3'N 1°27'E (Suffolk) Brecht: 51°21'N 4°39'E (Antwerpen) Belgium 234km ESE Oy 0m 9d Orfordness: 52°5'N 1°34'E (Suffolk) Brecht: 51021'N 4°39'E (Antwerpen) Belgium 228km ESE Oy Im lld Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24'N 1°43'E (Suffolk) Ethe: 49°35'N 5°35'E (Luxembourg) Belgium 414km SE Oy 0m lOd The latter three birds make it 18 Suffolk-ringed birds to Belgium. One has also been recovered in the Netherlands.

Heligoland: 54°10'N 7°55'E (Helgoland) Germany Lackford Lakes Swt Reserve: 52°17'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) 528km WSW Oy 10m Od Suffolk's first recovery of a German-ringed bird.

Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24'N 1°43'E (Suffolk) Sands of Evie, Evie: 59°7'N 3°6'W (Orkney) 806km NNWOy 3m 15d New Downs Farm, Sandwich: 51°16'N 1°21'E (Kent) Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24'N 1°43'E (Suffolk) 129km NNE lyOm lid

Reed Bunting T385681

First-year Male

10-03-2005

Caught by ringer

20-11-2010

Northfield Wood, Onehouse: 52° 1 l'N 0°57'E (Suffolk) Lackford Bridge: 52°18'N 0°37'E (Suffolk) 27km WNW 5y 8m lOd

187

Su ff Olk Bird Report 2010

Notes

SUFFOLK NATURALISTS' SOCIETY Founded in 1929 by Claude Morley (1874-1951), the Suffolk Naturalists' Society pioneered the study and recording of the County's flora, fauna and geology, to promote a wider interest in natural history.

Recording the natural history of Suffolk is still one of the Society's primary objects, and members' observations are fed to a network of specialist recorders for possible publication, and deposited in the Suffolk Biological Records Centre, jointly managed with Ipswich Museums.

Suffolk Natural History, a review of the County's wildlife, and Suffolk Birds, the County bird report, are two high quality annual publications issued free to members. The Society also publishes a quarterly newsletter and organises an interesting programme of field excursions and winter lectures at venues throughout the County.

The Suffolk Naturalists' Society offers a joint membership with the Suffolk Ornithologists' Group at a reduced subscription. This entitles joint members to receive literature and attend the meetings of both organisations.

If you are not yet a member of the Society but would like to join, contact Mrs J. Hardingham, c/o The Museum, High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH. M E M B E R S H I P CATEGORIES: Individual Family Corporate

SNS £15 £17 £17

Joint membership SNS/SOG £28 £32

CONTENTS Page Editorial: Nick Mason

5

Review of the Year: Nick Mason

7

Lesser Kestrel at Minsmere — species new to Suffolk: Adam Rowlands

12

King Eider - species new to Suffolk Chris Darby

14

First Suffolk breeding record of Marsh Warbler David Pearson

17

Cavenham Heath Chris Hainsworth

19

and Mike Taylor

2010 Nest fìnding observations, data and records: breeding bird surveys at Sutton, Hollesley, Blaxhall and Tunstall Commons Richard Tomlinson and Graham Button

23

The 2010 Suffolk Bird Report: Introduction Systematic List

27 29

Appendices

150

List of Contributors

155

Gazetteer

157

Earliest and Latest Dates of Summer Migrants

159

A Guide to Recording Birds in Suffolk

160

Rare Birds in Suffolk 2010: David Walsh

164

Suffolk Ringing Report 2010: Simon Evans

168

PRICE

£7.50