Suffolk Birds 2017
West Area Recorder Colin Jakes, 7 Maltward Avenue, BURY ST EDMUNDS IP33 3XN Tel: 01284 702215 Email: colin@jakes.myzen.co.uk
North-East Area Recorder Andrew Green, 17 Cherrywood, HARLESTON Norfolk IP20 9LP Tel: 07766 900063 Email: waveney@yahoo.com
South-East Area Recorder Scott Mayson, 8 St Edmunds Close, Springfields, Woodbridge, IP12 4UY Tel: 01394 385595 Email: smsuffolkbirder@gmail.com
SUFFOLK BIRDS VOL. 67
A review of birds in Suffolk in 2017
Editor Nick Mason Greatly assisted by Philip Murphy (Systematic List)
Bill Baston (Photos) Phil Whittaker (Artwork)
Published by Suffolk Naturalists’ Society Compiled by Suffolk Ornithologist’s group 2018
Published by The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, c/o The Museum, High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH © The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the copyright owners.
The SNS is a Registered Charity No. 206084.
ISSN 0264-5793
Printed by Healeys, Unit 10, The Sterling Complex, Farthing Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5AP.
Front cover: The Red-throated Pipit (with Meadow Pipit) at Landguard – Brian Small The copyright remains that of the photographers and artists. 2
CONTENTS
Page
Editorial: Nick Mason................................................................................................................................ Weather report: Edward Jackson............................................................................................................. Review of scarce and rare birds in Suffolk in 2017: Eddie Marsh............................................................ Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Bawdsey: Mark Cornish..................................................................................... Turtle Doves in Suffolk: Samantha Lee..................................................................................................... Bradfield Woods: Rob Fuller..................................................................................................................... Goshawks in Suffolk: Simon Evans............................................................................................................ Iberian Chiffchaff – a Suffolk first: Paul Holmes and Nigel Odin.............................................................. American Herring Gull – a Suffolk first: Peter Wilson............................................................................... Red-throated Pipit (at last!): Steve Piotrowski......................................................................................... Ricky Fairhead RIP: Peter Ransome..........................................................................................................
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The 2017 Suffolk Bird Report Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 47 Systematic List..................................................................................................................................... 49 Appendices....................................................................................................................................... 167 Suffolk Ringing Report 2017: Simon Evans....................................................................................... 171 List of Contributors........................................................................................................................... 204 Gazetteer .......................................................................................................................................... 206 Earliest and Latest Dates of Summer Migrants................................................................................. 209 A Guide to Recording Birds in Suffolk............................................................................................... 210 Rare Birds in Suffolk 2017: David Walsh................................................................................................... 214 Index of species:...................................................................................................................................... 215 The artwork in this Report is by Richard Allen, Peter Beeson, Ed Keeble, Brian Small (front cover) and Jan Wilczur. List of Plates Plate Facing No. Page 25. Great Skua Andrew Moon 120 26. Ring-billed Gull Jeff Higgott 120 27. American Herring Gull Nick Moran/Peter Wilson 121 28. Iceland Gull Eddie Marsh 121 29. Little Tern Andrew Moon 121 30. Roseate Tern and Little Gull Sean Nixon 121 31. Little Auk Andrew Moon 121 32. Turtle Dove Andrew Moon 144 33. Short-eared Owl John Richardson 144 34. Barn Owl Peter Ransome 144 35. Wryneck John Richardson 144 36. Richard’s Pipit Chris Mayne 144 37. Red-throated Pipit Bill Baston 144 38. Citrine Wagtail Andrew Moon 144 39. Common Redstart Peter Ransome 144 40. Grasshopper Warbler Craig Holden 145 41. Great Reed Warbler Andrew Moon 145 42. Wood Warbler John Richardson 145 43. Radde’s Warbler Andrew Moon 145 44. Great Grey Shrike Steve Abbott 145 45. Coues’ Arctic Redpoll Peter Ransome 145 46. Parrot Crossbill John Richardson 145 47. Common Crossbill Liz Cutting 145
Plate Facing No. Page 1. Tundra (Bewick’s) Swans Andrew Moon 40 2. Greater White-fronted Goose John Richardson 40 3. Garganey Chris Mayne 40 4. Common Eider Dave Borderick 40 5. Red-throated Diver Dave Borderick 41 6. Great Northern Diver Chris Mayne 41 7. Slavonian Grebe Barry Woodhouse 41 8. Little Egret Malcolm Wright 41 9. Cattle Egret John Richardson 41 10. Purple Heron Ian Goodall 80 11. White Stork Chris Mayne 80 12. White-tailed Eagle Andrew Moon 80 13. Honey Buzzard Ian Goodall 80 14. Goshawk Simon Evans 80 15. Red-footed Falcon Sean Nixon 80 16. Eurasian Hobby Liz Cutting 80 17. Water Rail John Richardson 81 18. Black-winged Stilt Chris Mayne 81 19. Collared Pratincole Andrew Moon 81 20. Dotterel Andrew Moon 81 21. Purple Sandpiper Liz Cutting 81 22. Little Stint Peter Ransome 81 23. Bar-tailed Godwit Craig Holden 120 24. Red-necked Phalarope Dave Borderick 120 3
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Notice to Contributors Suffolk Birds is an annual publication of records, notes and papers on all aspects of Suffolk ornithology. Except for records and field descriptions submitted through the county recorders, all material should be original. It should not have been published elsewhere or offered complete or in part to any other journal. Authors should carefully study this issue and follow the style of presentation, especially in relation to references and tables. Where relevant, nomenclature and order should follow the latest published for The British List by the British Ornithologist’s Union (IOC list from 2018) and available on their web site at www.bou.org.uk. English names should follow the same list. Contributions should, if possible, be submitted to the editor by e-mail or on a CD/DVD and written in Microsoft Word (Calibri font size 10). If typed, manuscripts should be double-spaced, with wide margins, on one side of the paper only. They must be in the final form for publication: proofs of longer papers are returned to authors, but alterations must be confined to corrections of printer’s errors. The cost of any other alterations may be charged to the author. Photographs and line drawings are required to complement each issue. Suitable photographs of birds, preferably taken in Suffolk, can be either digital or in the form of 35mm transparencies. Artwork is also required to complement each issue. A payment of £12 will be made to the artist for each original drawing. Every possible effort will be made to take care of the original photographs and artwork. However, photographers and artists are reminded that neither the editor nor the SNS can be held responsible in the unlikely event that loss or damage occur. Authors may wish to illustrate their papers, but this will be subject to the illustrations being of the standard required by the editor and the decision on such matters will rest with him or her. Material submitted for publication should be sent to the editor no later than March 1st of each year. Authors of main papers may request up to five free copies of the journal. Any opinions expressed in this Report are those of the contributor and are not necessarily those of the Suffolk Naturalists’ Society or the Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group.
Suffolk Ornithological Records Committee (at time of printing): Chair: Brian Small Area County Recorders: Colin Jakes, Andrew Green, Scott Mayson Bird Report Editor: Nick Mason (non-voting) Secretary: Craig Fulcher (craigfulcher@btinternet.com) Other Committee Members: Will Brame, Lee Woods, Lee Gregory, James Brown. BBRC correspondent: Dave Walsh ADDRESSES Papers, notes, drawings and photographs: The Editor (Suffolk Birds), The Suffolk Naturalists’ Society, c/o The Museum, High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH. Records: See inside front cover. Suffolk Ornithological Records Committee – correspondence: The Secretary, SORC, c/o The Museum, High Street, Ipswich IP1 3QH – or sorcsec@gmail.com (craigfulcher@btinternet.com).
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Editorial Nick Mason Last year I was keen to name all the ‘local heroes’ who go out in rain and shine to do WeBS counts and other surveys. I named those who regularly count on the estuaries. However, it didn’t take long for John Glazebrook to give me an earful, quite rightly, for not including the Alton Water counters! So here they are: Roger Glazebrook, John Glazebrook, Chris Freeman, Keith Freeman, Ray Sadler, Tony Fox and Pauline Ewart. And all the rest of you who count – wherever. You may notice that in this year’s bird report we are still using some of the old names, especially the scientific ones. This is because in 2017 we had not yet moved to the new order and nomenclature of the International Ornithological Congress. This happened at the beginning of 2018. As of next year, we shall be up to date! For more on this I recommend Brian Small’s piece in last year’s bird report (The ‘Official’ List of British Birds. Suffolk Birds 2016. Page 19). You may also notice that we have used more of the wader data available, i.e. those from the Essex side of the Stour Estuary – so that although the Suffolk side numbers are there, Ed Keeble has made a bit more sense of them as many of these birds regularly cross from side to side (Suffolk and Essex). Our articles this year include one on Turtle Doves by Samantha Lee and there is no need for me to mention just how much in trouble that species is. One shouldn’t be swayed by how beautiful a species is to want to protect it, but it is difficult to get away from the fact that Turtle Doves are just that and their song is as magical. We have an excellent article on the birds in Bradfield Woods, a long-term study, by Rob Fuller. There is an article on breeding Goshawks by Simon Evans who also puts together our excellent ringing report. There were two new species added to the Suffolk list in 2017. Peter Wilson, who found the first American Herring Gull for Norfolk in 2004, writes about finding Suffolk’s first. The first official Iberian Chiffchaff was at Landguard and Paul Holmes and Nigel Odin describe the occasion. For myself, like many regular Suffolk birders, being able to eventually get a proper look at a Red-throated Pipit in Suffolk was probably the highlight of the birding year – the event is described by Steve Piotrowski. If you want impressive then read Mark Cornish’s account of trying to tie down the identification of the Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Bawdsey – amazing stuff! We also have a brief obituary on ‘good old’ Ricky Fairhurst by Peter Ransome. Our thanks go to all of them. Thankyou also to the rest of the crew. Eddie Marsh has, again, gone over the top with his efforts in the review of the year. Edward Jackson has provided the 2017 weather report. I am really pleased that the section writers continue to produce their pieces, some with a good deal of research. They are Gi Grieco swans and geese, Andrew Green ducks, John Davies game birds and grebes, John Grant divers and herons, Chris Gregory raptors and falcons, Ernie Lucking Oystercatcher and plovers, Ed Keeble the rest of the waders, James Wright skuas and gulls, Brian Buffery terns and auks, Darren Underwood pigeons, owls and woodpeckers, Phil Whittaker shrikes, corvids, crests and tits, Nick Mason larks and hirundines, Andrew Gregory warblers, Richard Attenborrow waxwing, starling, thrushes, Steve Fryett flycatchers and chats, Paul Gowen sparrows, wagtails, pipits and finches and Peter Kennerley the appendices. We have another professional ringing report from Simon Evans, who has put a lot of effort into this year’s report. Yes, I can’t say Eurasian Stone-Curlew Ed Keeble 5
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
it too much – thanks to all of them. David Walsh has done another excellent job of coordinating the BBRC section and, once more, gone over the top with his efforts on the Rare Breeding Birds. A big thankyou to him. And also, thanks to Craig Fulcher, and the rest of SORC, for helping with the accuracy of rare bird records. Not a bad time to remind everybody to get their records in to the three recorders. Those special records that make a difference need to go in separately, rather than just to Birdtrack, especially where we should like to credit the observers. We also welcome field notes on some of those special occasions. Go on – get yourself in print! Again, the photographs have been expertly chosen and presented by Bill Baston while Phil Whittaker has used his teaching expertise to choose and present us with our artwork. I cannot thank Philip Murphy enough for all of the effort and time that he puts in to making sure that the report is accurate and written to an acceptable standard. His knowledge of the birds of Suffolk is legendary. Once again Laurie Forsyth has proof-read the report and found all (I hope) of my mistakes. When it comes to the data most of this comes through the three recorders; Andrew Green in the north-east, Scott Mayson in the south-east and Colin Jakes in the west of the county. I should like to make a special mention of the reports we get from both Orfordness and Landguard and thank the lot of you for your valuable work.
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Suffolk’s Weather 2017
Suffolk’s Weather in 2017 Edward Jackson Weather locally, regionally and across the northern and western hemispheres are all significant conditions factors in the winter survival of resident species, the condition of birds migrating to and from the rest of Europe and Africa and also the breeding productivity and juvenile survival rates for both residents and summer visitors. This annual summary gives an overview of the weather conditions experienced by Suffolk’s resident and migrant birds in 2017, drawing on information from various sources. It follows the standard Met Office format classifying December, January and February as ‘Winter’; March, April and May as ‘Spring’; June, July and August as ‘Summer’ and September, October and November as ‘Autumn’. Monthly temperatures refer here to the mean of all the daytime maximum readings. Comparisons with ‘average’ temperatures and rainfall refer throughout to a Met Office 30-year long-term average calculated from 1981 to 2010. Winter: (December), January and February Winter 2016-2017 was relatively cloudy, dry and mild and, therefore, rather unexceptional compared with winters characterised by heavy rainfall or extreme cold. In contrast to some recent winters, the main unsettled and stormy spells of weather occurred at the end of the season in the second half of February, with Storm Doris on 23rd having the greatest impacts countrywide. The UK monthly mean temperature for December 2016 was +2.0 °C above the long-term average. High pressure bringing continental air over eastern England meant January 2017 was a little colder than average here, but February saw a return to milder conditions, making it the ninth warmest in the UK overall since 1910. A general lack of winds coming from the north and east contributed to the relatively mild feel to the winter period. December was drier than average over eastern England, with only a quarter of the average rainfall, but January and February saw near average rainfall in Suffolk. For the winter overall, the UK experienced around 75% of average rainfall. December and January were both sunnier than average in eastern England, but February was duller, with sunshine was around 80% of the average. This was another relatively warm winter. The general lack of extreme cold conditions probably encouraged some wildfowl, waders and other wintering species to stay on the other side of the North Sea: the phenomenon known as ‘short-stopping’. If resident birds survived the late February storms, they are likely to have been in reasonable physical condition at the onset of the breeding season. Spring: March, April and May Suffolk experienced a warm and rather dry spring overall. It was generally warmer than average during March - by over 2°C in parts of eastern England – and this was the fifth warmest March in the UK as a whole in the period since 1910. This pattern continued into early April, but the second half of April was cooler. There were some particularly cold nights and several late frosts, which brought the mean temperature for the month to just +0.6°C above the 1981-2010 average. May was predominantly warm, especially early and late in the month, with an overall mean temperature +1.8°C above the average. March and April were both drier than average for eastern England and, although May was somewhat wetter, rainfall in eastern England ended up around 70% of the 1981-2010 average. Sunshine in eastern England was above average at 110% for all three months. 2017 saw the UK’s second warmest spring since 1910, with only 2011 slightly warmer. Compared with the wet and dull spring of 2016, these more favourable conditions in 2017 should have benefited both resident species and summer migrants throughout their main breeding periods. 7
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Summer: June, July and August Although the first half of June was unsettled, high pressure building mid-month resulted in temperatures in the high 20s for several days, with eastern England +2.0°C above the 1981-2010 average for the month. Over the UK as a whole June was +1.5°C above average, equalling the fifth warmest June since 2010. July continued warm for the first half, but cooler weather then brought the mean temperature for the month as a whole back to the average. August continued to be rather cool generally, despite a warm spell mid-month. Summer 2017 saw contrasting rainfall patterns across the county. In west Suffolk, rainfall was around 120% of the 1980-2010 average, but further east some parts of coastal Suffolk only received 70% of this average. However, this masks some significant rainfall events in both early- and midJune when thundery systems moved across Suffolk producing intense rainfall for short periods, with 90mm recorded at Santon Downham on June 27th. July again also saw similar periods of heavy rain. Sunshine totals for all three months were around average for eastern England. Heavy rainfall in June and July may have adversely affected survival rates for nestlings and recently fledged juveniles in some parts of Suffolk. Autumn: September, October and November September started dry and sunny under a weak ridge of high pressure, but the rest of the month was generally unsettled, with rain belts tracking across eastern England on cool north-westerly winds. These cooler conditions persisted until around 20th, when southerly winds brought warmer but cloudier conditions. October was warmer than average, particularly in terms of nighttime minimum temperatures, only turning cooler with the onset of the first frosts at the end of the month. November was slightly colder than average, due mainly to the effects of a cold final week. September was the wettest of the three autumn months, with 122% of the 1981-2010 average rainfall across the UK. October and November were both drier, with around 80-90% of the average and the combined effect of all three months left eastern England with around 80% of average rainfall for the season. The effects of named storms Ophelia and Brian were mainly restricted to the west of Britain and Ireland. It was generally duller throughout the autumn in eastern England, with sunshine levels around 85% of the 1981-2010 average. 2017 was a generally dry and dull autumn with no significant extremes of temperature and rainfall. This should have helped the survival of juveniles from any late broods, allowed summer visitors and autumn passage migrants to leave Suffolk in good condition and benefited the arriving winter visitors too. Return to Winter: December December started cold and frosty, but quickly turned milder in the first week. Storm Caroline brought strong winds across the country on 7th and was followed by a cold wintry spell during the second week. The third week turned milder again until Storm Dylan brought further strong winds as the year ended. Temperatures in eastern England for December were close to the average and sunshine slightly higher, but higher than average rainfall across Suffolk was the start of what would turn out to be a relatively wet and cold winter overall, particularly in the east of the county. References www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/summaries/2017: accessed August 2018 BTO Life Cycle Issue 7: Spring 2018 Wildlife reports in British Wildlife: April 2017-February 2018
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Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017
Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017 Eddie Marsh January 2017 White-fronted Geese were in very good numbers throughout the county -a really exceptional winter for this species with a high count of 401 at North Warren on 20th which, interestingly, included two birds supporting Russian lime green neck collars. There were also good numbers of Tundra Bean Geese with the White-fronts with high counts of 20 at North Warren on 21st and 14 at Trimley Marshes and Gedgrave on more than one date. Also there were a few Pink-footed Geese around the county with a peak of nine at Gedgrave and eight at Boyton on several dates during the month. The Common Scoter numbers in Sole Bay off Dunwich continued to decrease in January with the highest count being 800 on 5th. Velvet Scoter also off Dunwich dropped right off with a highest count of only six on 8th; the Stour Estuary held on to this species all month with four on 1st and three being reported on 29th. The long-staying Long-tailed Duck at Aldringham Walks Reservoir was present from 1st to 27th at least and they were also being seen regularly on the Alde Estuary and Dunwich from 4th to 27th with from three to six birds present. The long-staying drake Smew at Thorington Street remained from 1st until 10th. The only Black-throated Diver sightings came from the Orwell Estuary, the bird seen on 8th at Woolverstone then ranged from Pin Mill to Orwell Bridge until 28th. Great Northern Divers were off Slaughden on 4th and on Bawdsey Lagoons, East Lane also on 4th and the Orwell Estuary off Levington Marina on 5th and still present on 27th at Pin Mill. Single Slavonian Grebes continued to be reported all month from the Stour and Orwell Estuaries and Alton Water and two were off Minsmere on 31st. A Black-necked Grebe was on Alton Water from 1st to 21st and another off Dunwich on 9th and 10th. On the Stour Estuary a Red-necked Grebe was present from 1st until 29th at least. The faithful Cattle Egret remained at Sandy Lane, Iken and the Baylham bird was present from 1st to 5th. A male Hen Harrier was seen over Minsmere on 2nd and 21st and another male over Sotterley Park on 6th. Ringtail Hen Harriers were seen at East Bergholt on 2nd and from Marsh Lane, Felixstowe on 4th, 8th and 31st. A Merlin was seen from Marsh Lane, but only on 5th, and possibly the same bird between East Lane and Shingle Street also on 5th. Wintering Purple Sandpipers were at Lowestoft Ness Point all month (highest count of 11 on 1st) and at East Lane with two on and off all month, often showing very well. A Jack Snipe was at Levington Lagoon during January and up to three birds at the Managed Retreat area Trimley Marshes. The wintering Glaucous Gulls were still being reported throughout January. A firstwinter Iceland Gull was in Thetford from 17th to 20th. Several Caspian Gulls were still being reported from the county. Short-eared Owls were still showing at the regular sites in Suffolk with up to four between Shingle Street and East Lane, Bawdsey. There were several Waxwing sightings in January. A very unexpected Pallas’s Warbler was found at Kessingland Sewage Works on 6th remaining until 12th, Suffolk’s first January record. The very elusive Great Grey Shrike remained in the Sutton Heath area all month; the bird was very mobile and ranged over a large area. A Raven was seen over Kirton on 2nd and another over Lackford on 4th. A flock of 100+ Brambling was reported from the Burrow Hill area at Boyton on 2nd. The Twite remained at Dunwich Shore Pools with the highest counts of 51 on 4th and 41 on 29th. The belated news of a Little Bunting was released from Knettishall on the north end of the old airfield on 10th, this being its third day. The only notable Snow Bunting counts of the month were from Slaughden and Thorpeness. The only Corn Buntings reported during January were four at East Lane on 1st and nine along Lings Lane, Chelmondiston on 20th.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
February 2017 The wintering grey geese remained into February and still in good numbers at many locations. The highest count of White-fronted Geese was of 300 at North Warren on 19th. There were still numbers of Tundra Bean Geese seen associating with White-fronts with high counts of 103 from the South Wall of Breydon Water on 16th and 95 on 19th. At Hollesley Marshes a Taiga Bean Goose was present with ten Tundra Bean Geese on 16th. There was also a Taiga with the Tundras at Breydon Water on 16th and 17th. Pink-footed Geese were still around the county in smaller numbers with the highest count of 50 over Waveney Forest on 5th. The Velvet Scoter off Dunwich remained with five on 18th and 19th, then only three on 24th. On the Stour Estuary three were reported between Stutton Ness and Holbrook Bay on 4th and 7th. At Landguard one flew north on 9th. The adult drake on the reservoir at Gedgrave remained until 14th at least. A few Long-tailed Ducks continued to be seen along the Suffolk coast. The long-staying drake Smew at Thorington Street Reservoir was only reported on 11th. The only other sighting of Smew in the county came from Minsmere where a drake and redhead arrived on 8th and remained up to 26th at least. Black-throated Diver sightings came from Landguard and the Orwell Estuary. Great Northern Divers were off Slaughden on 4th and the long-staying Orwell Estuary bird was seen off the Levington Marina area for most of the month. The Slavonian Grebes continued to be reported throughout February with sightings from the Stour Estuary and Alton Water; at Minsmere two were on the sea on 15th. There were fewer Black-necked Grebes with reports from the Stour Estuary, Alton Water and Dunwich. The only Red-necked Grebe reports all month were from the Stour Estuary between Stutton Ness and Holbrook Bay on 4th and 24th. The very faithful and obliging Cattle Egret remained at Sandy Lane, Iken and showed very well all month. A male Hen Harrier was again seen around Minsmere on 9th and ringtails at Westleton on 10th Lakenheath Fen on 4th. A female Merlin was seen at Ferry Farm, Butley on 5th and the male was being seen around Shingle Street/East Lane during the month. A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen coming to roost at Waveney Forest during the month. Wintering Purple Sandpipers remained all month at Lowestoft Ness Point and East Lane. Other records came from Southwold and Landguard. Up to eight Ruff were at Hollesley Marshes all month and a wintering Greenshank at Wilford Bridge, Melton. An Iceland Gull was offshore at Landguard on 14th. The wintering Glaucous Gulls were still being reported throughout February on the coast and inland from Thetford and Great Livermere. Short-eared Owl numbers were still good and showing at usual sites. Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were reported only at Santon Downham. An unexpected unseasonal sighting on 24th was of a House Martin over Benacre Broad and then two were seen in Lowestoft on 26th and 28th. There were still plenty of Waxwing sightings throughout February with double-figure flocks all over the County. The very elusive Great Grey Shrike was still in the Sutton Heath area; another at Elveden on the 23rd, 25th and 28th and was also elusive ranging over a large area. A Raven was seen well over Flatford on 11th. A flock of 50 Bramblings was reported from Elveden on 25th. The only Twite reported this month were 20 near the Bailey Bridge at Southwold on 20th. It was good to see a re-appearance of Hawfinch at Sotterley Park with a single bird seen between 5th and 19th. March 2017 White-fronted and Pink-footed Geese remained into March. A single Velvet Scoter remained off Dunwich on 1st and 2nd, the only other report being of two on the Stour Estuary at Stutton Ness on 28th. Long-tailed Ducks were present off Dunwich for a few days into March, with five on 1st, while a drake was on Island Mere, Minsmere on 3rd. The only sightings of Smew came from Minsmere where a drake and redhead remained from the 1st to 4th, then two pairs seen on and off from 5th to 25th. 10
Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017
A Great Northern Diver was on the Alde Estuary on 1st and one flew Landguard on 14th. Slavonian Grebes continued to be reported from Alton Water on 4th and 7th and Oulton Broad from 5th to 10th. The only Black-necked Grebe report came from Alton Water on 2nd and 4th. The Cattle Egret remained at Sandy Lane, Iken until 24th at least. There was a good March migration of Red Kites with 32+ sightings including a high count of five at Smear Marshes, Reydon on 21st. A single Merlin was seen at Trimley Marshes on 10th and one reported from Landguard, nearby, on 17th and 30th. A very early Hobby was seen flying over Upper Hollesley Heath on 23rd. The only reports of Purple Sandpipers came from East Lane, Bawdsey with the faithful two birds showing very well on the London Clay at low tide until 28th. Jack Snipe records in March came from Minsmere, Boyton and East Lane, Bawdsey. There was an Iceland Gull reported from Landguard, Glaucous Gull from Minsmere, Caspian Gulls from Minsmere, Hollesley Marshes and Southwold and Yellow-legged Gull only from Minsmere. An adult Little Gull was at Loompit Lake with four adults on 27th; Other sightings came from Minsmere and Livermere Lake. Short-eared Owls continued to be seen in March. The House Martins remained in Lowestoft until 4th. It was good news from Santon Downham this March with up to three Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers being reported from 7th to 25th at least. Three Water Pipits were reported at Carlton Marshes on 22nd and 23rd. There were still plenty of Waxwing sightings for March. The Great Grey Shrike that had been really elusive the previous month re-appeared in the Upper Hollesley Common area on 10th where it showed well on both sides of the road until 28th. A Raven was seen and heard over Ladybird Nursery, Snape on 5th and another at Carlton Marshes on 16th. A Hawfinch visited the Sizewell Car Park on 24th. Spring Migrants arriving:A Sandwich Tern was at Hollesley Marshes on 22nd and another off Landguard on 29th. Three Garganey arrived at Hollesley Marshes on 12th with three at Boyton on 15th, two remaining until 23rd. Other birds were recorded at Lakenheath Fen, Minsmere and Carlton Marshes. A very early Quail was reportedly flushed near the Sizewell power station on 14th. On Orfordness, four Wheatears were present on 12th with singles at Landguard on 14th,15th and 18th. Several Black Redstarts appeared in the county during March at the usual coastal sites. It was looking like a poor spring for Firecrests with only singles at Landguard, Bawdsey, Trimley Marshes and Santon Downham. A Sedge Warbler was reported early morning on 29th at North Warren and another at Alton Water on 30th. April 2017 Pink-footed Geese were still at Boyton with six on 4th to 6th. A Long-tailed Duck flew south off Landguard on 22nd. The Smew were still at Minsmere where a drake and redhead were reported on 2nd. A late Black-throated Diver was seen offshore at Minsmere on 14th. No Cattle Egret had been reported up to 14th and then two appeared at Sandy Lane, Iken and showed very well until 30th at least. A Glossy Ibis was reported from Lakenheath Fen on 6th and remained until the month’s end while another was at Mickle Mere from 27th to 29th. A Black Kite flew north over Minsmere RSPB Workshops on 6th. Red Kite continued to pass through in April with mainly coastal movements. Reports of Hen Harrier were from Boyton and Minsmere. A Merlin was at Boyton Marshes on 4th and 5th. There was a Kentish Plover at Breydon on 9th. The only reports of Purple Sandpipers came from East Lane, Bawdsey (two). The Jack Snipe remained on the Boyton Marshes Flash with two birds occasionally reported. Gulls this month included Glaucous Gulls at Abbey Farm, Snape, Hollesley Marshes and Great Livermere and two Iceland Gulls at Livermere Lake on 16th and 17th. Good numbers of Caspian Gulls were still reported throughout the month mostly from Minsmere, Southwold, Hollesley and the Great Livermere area. Yellow-legged Gulls were at Minsmere and Hollesley Marshes. 11
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
At Minsmere a count of a 101 Mediterranean Gulls was recorded on 6th. The long-staying adult Little Gull was at Loompit Lake on 1st with two at Lackford Lakes and Livermere Lake and four on Ampton Water all on 9th. Short-eared Owls were still being reported from usual sites during April. Water Pipits were still being seen during April at Carlton Marshes, Minsmere and Hollesley Marshes; it would appear that Carlton Marshes is the county hot spot for Water Pipits these days. There were still plenty of Waxwing sightings during April. A Great Grey Shrike was seen at Brandon Country Park on 1st. Ravens were seen at the following locations during April; north-west over Carlton Marshes on 7th, south at Westleton on 8th, one (heard only) over Sandy Lane, Woodbridge on 11th and one at Great Livermere on 16th. Spring Migrants and Rarer Birds:On 20th a White-tailed Eagle was seen circling east of Kirton then drifting north at 10.35hr; it was then watched going north over Whin Hill, Minsmere at 11.15hr then again going north over Westleton Heath at 11.19hr. On 25th it was on view on the saltmarsh off Stutton Ness from 17.20hr to 17.25hr before flying west. It was then found sitting in a tree viewed looking west from Stutton to Stutton Mill. An Osprey flew north over Minsmere Car Park on 3rd and another over Trimley Retreat on 20th. A drake American Wigeon and a Kentish Plover were viewable from the South Wall at Breydon on 9th and 10th only. Garganey were still being seen during April from the regular sites in the County, plus a nice showy drake on a small pool near Martlesham Sewage Works from 9th to 11th. A Dotterel was seen on Havergate Island on 21st. Little Ringed Plovers were at Hollesley Marshes, Tinker’s Marshes, Landguard, Southwold Town Marshes and East Lane. A Black-winged Stilt arrived at Carlton Marshes on 20th and then three were at Boyton on 30th; two left Boyton mid-morning and visited Hollesley Marshes and then at 16.00hr all three birds were present on Orfordness. At Hollesley Marshes there was a Wood Sandpiper and two Little Stints with another at East Lane. A ‘mega’ was discovered north of Livermere Lake in pig fields on 15th in the guise of a secondyear American Herring Gull, a first for Suffolk (see article). Pomarine Skua was recorded north off Corton, Minsmere and Sizewell, plus a Bonxie. A few Sandwich Terns continued to pass through Suffolk during April. The best count of Arctic Terns was 35 at Carlton Marshes on 30th with 21 off Landguard the same day. Black Terns were recorded at Minsmere, Lakenheath and Weybread. At Carlton Marshes two Common Cranes were circling at mid-day on 10th and 23rd and one flew over Minsmere on 11th, two Southwold on 23rd and two at Butley on 23rd. A Common Swift was noted at Great Livermere on 23rd and three at Alton Water on 25th. Turtle Doves were at Lackford Lakes on 22nd and other birds were at Westleton Heath and Hinton. A Wryneck was seen at Heveningham by the road at north end of the village on 14th and another Carlton Marshes on 22nd. A Red-rumped Swallow flew west at Boyton Marshes on 15th and another was at Trimley Marshes on 16th. A Blue-headed Wagtail was at Hollesley Marshes on 7th and 8th and another at Carlton Marshes on 23rd. An early Nightingale was heard at Nacton Campsite at 03:00hr on 9th and then at least one on Westleton Heath on 13th. A good scattering of Ring Ouzels arrived throughout with a bigger influx at the end of the month. At Landguard, a Woodlark made an appearance on 19th. At Island Mere, Minsmere a Savi’s Warbler was confirmed on 19th and it was presumed to have been present for three days; it remained till the end of the month. Grasshopper Warblers were at Combs, Lawshall, Livermere Lake, North Warren and North Road, Southwold. A singing Wood Warbler was near the old railway platform at North Warren on 27th. It was still a poor spring for Firecrests with very few reports being sent into Bins. At Corton Clifftop an early Ortolan Bunting was found on 24th, a rare Suffolk vagrant these days; it provided a brief showing before being flushed by a dog walker. May 2017 Write-up by Eddie Bathgate. A first-summer Night Heron was seen over Carlton Marshes on 31st. A first-winter Glossy Ibis 12
Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017
was at Mickle Mere from 1st to 7th then, probably the same bird, at Trimley Marshes on 9th, then, perhaps the same bird, at Lakenheath Fen from 12th to 31st. The Iken Cattle Egret was reported early in the month; possibly but not necessarily the same bird was seen at both Iken and Boyton on 15th and Carlton Marshes at the end of the month. An Osprey flew over Hollesley on 4th, Minsmere on 6th and 11th and, also on 11th, one over Kyson Point, Woodbridge. The White-tailed Eagle was seen in early May at Botany Marshes, Snape and over the Deben Estuary. Minsmere hosted a Montagu’s Harrier on 7th. Single Honey Buzzards were seen at Minsmere on 18th and 27th, Stratford St Mary, 18th, Middleton on 28th and at Kessingland on 31st. A female Red-footed Falcon frequented North Warren from 17th to 20th when it was seen to fly off late morning and relocated at Minsmere in the afternoon; It was reported from Hazlewood Marshes on 23rd. Also, from 23rd a male and sub-adult male were reported from the Deben Estuary until 26th. A Roseate Tern was amongst Common Terns early morning on 19th off the southern tip of Orfordness. Seven Common Cranes were seen heading north at Tattingstone on 7th and three were reported on 10th over Walberswick and then Carlton Marshes. Two more were seen south over Minsmere on 26th. On 7th two Dotterels were seen on Havergate and then, on 13th, a single was seen to fly from Orfordness onto Gedgrave Marshes with a further six found near Tinker’s Marshes at Walberswick on 14th. After a great showing earlier in the spring, the last Waxwings were reported on May 1st with 13 in Woodbridge. The Savi’s Warbler remained at Minsmere all month and was seen and heard from the Island Mere hide. A Wood Warbler was along Gas House Drove, Brandon from 25th. A Marsh Warbler was at Lakenheath Fen from 21st, 400 metres beyond the Joist Fen Watch viewpoint. A Great Reed Warbler was at Landguard from 7th to 9th along with Wryneck, Ring Ouzel, Whinchat and Red-rumped Swallow. A Blyth’s Reed Warbler was found at the Bawdsey picnic site on 27th with a Red-rumped Swallow in the same area. A Golden Oriole was reported at Hintlesham Great Wood on 24th. June 2017 As usual June seemed to be a relatively quiet month on the birding front but did produce some good quality birds. There were still a few Garganey being seen around the county. The Redfooted Falcon (sub-adult male) continued into June being reported from Minsmere and North Warren. On 17th an adult male was reported over Somerleyton in late afternoon. At North Warren a Honey Buzzard flew north-west over Aldringham Road early afternoon on 19th. A few Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were reported during June. Impressive counts of 396 and 400 Mediterranean Gulls were made at Minsmere in the evening gull roost on 22nd and 23rd respectively. A few Little Gulls were reported during the month with a count of five firstsummer birds at Hollesley Marshes on 3rd and 9th. Arctic Terns were seen at Minsmere on 18th, 22nd and 23rd, plus a Black Tern at Trimley Marshes. On 20th, six Spotted Redshanks appeared at Minsmere on their return journey south with 12 there on 29th. A Wood Sandpiper was at Lakenheath Fen on 24th and two at Minsmere RSPB on 29th. The Savi’s continued at Minsmere from Island Mere but was distant and often only heard. A late singing Grasshopper Warbler turned up at East Lane, Bawdsey on 29th and 30th showing very well. Scarcer Bird Sightings:On 3rd a Little Bittern was reported in flight at Lakenheath Fen and heard singing on 4th, but there were no further reports. At Minsmere, on 4th, a Purple Heron was seen on and off during the day and then remained all month. At Landguard on 1st a ‘mega’ in the form of an Iberian Chiffchaff was trapped and ringed at 04.30hr and sang between the hours of 07:0hr0 08:30hr before vanishing. This sighting represents a first for the county. A Marsh Warbler was heard singing from scrub east of the footbridge crossing at Brantham on 1st, then another singing individual was at Minsmere on 17th. The Wood Warbler continued into June singing and giving stunning views at Gas House Drove, Brandon and was last reported on 5th. 13
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
A Greenish Warbler was found at Landguard behind the kitchen at 15.20hr on 20th, but it was very elusive; it was still present on 21st but again only seen twice very briefly all day. A male Red-backed Shrike was found early afternoon at Burgh Castle by the Pump House along Breydon South wall on 25th; it was showing well again on 26th. In an Ipswich back garden along Henley Road an adult Rose-coloured Starling was found with 50 Starlings on 2nd and was also present in gardens of Larchcroft Road and Larchcroft Close on 3rd. July At Minsmere a Honey Buzzard flew N/NW at 16:20hr on 8th. A very early Hen Harrier was at East Bergholt on 18th. On 22nd two Pomarine Skuas flew south off Ness Point, Lowestoft. Plenty of Little Gulls were reported along the Suffolk coast all month, the highest count being 59 at Minsmere on 28th. Roseate Terns stopping off on their way south were noted at Minsmere and Sizewell. Black Tern sightings were at Slaughden, Minsmere, Sizewell and Trimley Marshes. Good numbers of Wood Sandpipers were reported throughout the month on the coast and at Lakenheath RSPB. Early Curlew Sandpipers arrived with a full-summer-plumage bird at Minsmere; Havergate had three and there were also three on the Blyth Estuary. A few Little Stints arrived in July with sightings from Aldeburgh Marshes, Minsmere and Benacre Broad. At East Lane, Bawdsey a singing Grasshopper Warbler remained all month, although the news was withheld as breeding was suspected. Scarcer Bird Sightings:The star bird of the month was a Collared Pratincole found on Aldeburgh Marshes on 13th; it remained until dusk but there was no sign on 14th. It then appeared on Orfordness on the Old Airfield on 23rd. A very early juvenile Shag was found off Minsmere on 25th, also being reported from Sizewell on the same day. At Minsmere the Purple Heron was present until 12th, although still very elusive. A Glossy Ibis found at Trimley Marshes SWT on 17th, was still present in early August. A Black Kite was seen over the A12 at Wickham Market late morning of 15th, and presumably the same individual was seen west over Glebe allotments at 14:30hr and at Iken in the afternoon. It was reported again over Glebe allotments on 17th. Another Black Kite flew north-west over the sewage works at Long Melford on 22nd with another sighting over Trimley Marshes SWT on 23rd. Of interest was a Dutch leg-flagged (limosa race) Black-tailed Godwit at Minsmere on 1st; this bird was around for a few days and a juvenile was reported on 28th. A brief moulting adult Temminck’s Stint was at Minsmere on 18th, was flushed by a Sparrowhawk and not relocated; one was also reported from Benacre Broad on 21st. A Marsh Warbler was trapped and ringed at Minsmere on 20th, possibly the individual which had been singing at Minsmere on June 17th. The Savi’s Warbler continued into July at Minsmere from Island Mere but was often distant and only heard. An adult female Red-backed Shrike at Hollesley RSPB on 7th was not present the next day. August Single Black-necked Grebes flew south off Slaughden on 5th and 17th. At Minsmere a Honey Buzzard flew north over the car park at 13:40hr on 5th. There were Osprey sightings at Landguard on 21st and the Blyth Estuary from to 31st. Bonxies were on the move towards the end of the month off Minsmere, Covehithe and Southwold. A few ‘Big’ Gulls started to be reported this month, with an adult Caspian Gull at Minsmere on1st and a ringed juvenile at Southwold on 12th and eight Yellow-legged Gulls at Minsmere on 1st. Good counts of Little Gulls were noted all month, the highest number reported being 106 at Sizewell on 20th. Adult and juvenile Arctic Terns were at Minsmere, Havergate, Sizewell, Bawdsey and Felixstowe. Black Terns were at Minsmere, Slaughden and Southwold. Little Ringed Plovers were reported from Minsmere, Walberswick, Aldeburgh Town Marshes and Hollesley Marshes. Wood Sandpiper were widespread throughout the month 14
Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017
although most sightings came from Minsmere with seven on 17th; other reports came from Walberswick, Aldeburgh Marshes, Snape Marshes, East Lane, Trimley Marshes, Needham Market and Lakenheath Fen. Curlew Sandpipers were present at coastal sites with the Blyth Estuary, Minsmere and Havergate being the favoured localities. Only three Little Stints were reported in August with sightings from Minsmere and Hazlewood Marshes. A Tree Pipit was seen near the sluice at Minsmere on 8th. An impressive count of 60+ Yellow Wagtails was around the East Lane area of Bawdsey on 26th. Scarcer Bird Sightings:At Snape Marshes RSPB a Quail was heard calling/singing on 22nd. On 23rd a Cory’s Shearwater flew south past Southwold at 07:20hr and then Sizewell at 07:41hr. At Minsmere on 3rd there were four Cattle Egrets for just one day. The Glossy Ibis was present at Trimley Marshes until 5th and, maybe the same bird, was at Minsmere on 7th and 8th. A very smart juvenile Dotterel was at Covehithe on 26th, and remained until 29th. A juvenile Red-necked Phalarope was on the Old Airfield on Orfordness on 11th and 12th. Black-tailed Godwits (limosa race) were again at Minsmere and another found at Hollesley Marshes bore a Norwegian white colour-ring. A brief Pectoral Sandpiper was at Havergate on 31st. A Temminck’s Stint appeared at Hollesley from 20th to 22nd. A long-staying Caspian Tern at Breydon Water visited Suffolk on 22nd. A cracking White-winged Black Tern was found on Havergate early on 12th but had moved on by mid-morning. An early Wryneck was at Lound Water Works on 11th. A Bluethroat trapped and ringed at Lakenheath Fen on 22nd at 05:30hr is only the second of its species to have ever been reported from west Suffolk; it was then released near the visitor centre and last reported at 10:40hr. September A single Great Northern Diver was off Slaughden on 28th. Osprey sightings came from Hazlewood Marshes, Havergate, the Alde, Stour and Blyth Estuaries Shingle Street and Lakenheath Fen. Several Bonxies were still being reported from the Suffolk coast as were good numbers of Little Gulls. A few Arctic Terns were seen moving south and there was a flurry of Black Tern sightings from Sizewell, Minsmere, Landguard, Stutton Ness and Lackford. Little Ringed Plovers were still being reported this month, along with Curlew Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper, mainly at sites mentioned in the August review above. There was good passerine migration during the month, with Tree Pipits, Ring Ouzels, Wheatears, Redstarts, Whinchats, Firecrests, Snow Buntings and Bramblings plus a few Shorteared Owls along the coast, with three of the latter at Shingle Street on 24th. Scarcer Bird Sightings:There were a couple of early Pink-footed Geese records, with six at Trimley Marshes on 12th and 11 at Hazlewood Marshes on 16th. At Hollesley, on 1st, five cracking Ruddy Shelducks turned up on the scrape and remained there until 4th, although not on Category A of the British List. A Black-throated Diver was sighted off Slaughden on 18th On 12th and a Sooty Shearwater passed Corton. For a few days mid-month there was Long-tailed Skua movement off Benacre, Southwold, Slaughden, Thorpeness and Landguard. A juvenile Honey Buzzard flew over Oulton Marshes on 12th, and adults over Blythburgh, Aldeburgh, Trimley Marshes and Ipswich. A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen at Trimley Marshes on the winter flood and it remained faithful to the site from 2nd to 12th. A juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was at Minsmere from 25th to 28th. At Felixstowe Ferry a juvenile Dotterel was present on 6th. It was a reasonable September for Little Stints; they showed up and down the coast from north to south all month but the highest count was of only eight at Minsmere on 27th. An early Iceland Gull came in off at Shingle Street on 14th and one flew south at Bawdsey Manor on 17th. A ‘Mega’ was found at Landguard on 27th in the form of Suffolk’s first-ever twitchable Redthroated Pipit (see article earlier in this report). 15
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
On 28th a Richard’s Pipit was found on Orfordness. A great bird was found at Minsmere on 9th in the form of a first-winter Citrine Wagtail which stayed, but was elusive, until 16th. Wryneck sightings came from Benacre, Aldeburgh Marshes and Shingle Street. A Grasshopper Warbler was discovered in clifftop fields at Covehithe on 2nd. Yellow-browed Warblers were seen along the coast at about ten sites. A Radde’s Warbler was trapped on Orfordness on 27th and another was in Sea Buckthorn at East Lane on 29th. On Orfordness a first- winter Red-breasted Flycatcher was trapped and ringed on 19th. A first-winter male Red backed Shrike was found along the river wall at Felixstowe Ferry mid-afternoon on 27th. At Landguard an Ortolan Bunting was seen on 2nd. October The first two Whooper Swans of the winter were seen flying south past Landguard on 4th; others were then seen at Southwold and Minsmere. A single Great Northern Diver was off Slaughden on 28th and singles flew past Gunton and Southwold on 30th. A Red-necked Grebe was seen at Dunwich on 15th and Southwold on 19th. A Slavonian Grebe was at Trimley Marshes from 21st to 29th. There were only two Merlin sightings in the month; this raptor has become scarce in recent years. There were still lots of Bonxies being reported from the Suffolk coast during October; 76+ in total with the highest count being 60 off Minsmere on 28th. The only Purple Sandpiper reported all month was at Ness Point, Lowestoft on 28th. At Landguard a Jack Snipe was recorded on 8th and another at Aldeburgh on 21st and 26th. At Slaughden five Black Terns were noted heading south early morning on 1st. Two Long-eared Owls were reported at Shed 70 in the Felixstowe Dock complex on 8th and another, or the same, on the ‘Icky Ridge’ at Landguard on 10th. There were 12+ Short-eared Owls reported during the month. Of interest, 36765 Wood Pigeons were counted off Landguard on 26th. Around the county there were 34+ Ring Ouzel sightings during the month. An unexpected sighting at Landguard was of a Dartford Warbler on 10th. A late Reed Warbler was in Sea Buckthorn at East Lane, Bawdsey, on 29th and a few Snow Buntings were reported. Scarcer Bird Sightings:A White-billed Diver was seen going south off Corton on 14th at 09:25hr and also sat on the sea for a short time. Sooty Shearwaters were seen south past Slaughden on 1st and Southwold on 18th and 19th. Seawatching from Southwold also produced a Leach’s Petrel north offshore on 18th and another off Corton on 29th within half an hour of a Storm Petrel at the same locality. A ring-tail Hen Harrier was seen in fields by Henstead Church on 19th. Pectoral Sandpipers, Little Stints and Grey Phalaropes were recorded during the month A few Pomarine Skuas made an appearance on the coast in October. An adult Long-tailed Skua was offshore at Bawdsey on 21st. A Glaucous Gull was seen offshore from Landguard on 20th and at East Lane, Bawdsey, two juvenile Sabine’s Gulls flew north on 29th. Late in the month good northerly winds produced at least eight Little Auks on the coast and one in Shottisham on 31st was picked up and taken into care. At Bawdsey a late Tree Pipit moved south on 16th. A Lesser Whitethroat, perhaps of an eastern race, was at Kessingland on 22nd. A Radde’s Warbler was trapped at Dunwich on 10th, another was found early evening in the Sluice Bushes at Minsmere on 14th and a third Radde’s was found in Southwold Churchyard on 19th. At Thorpeness a Dusky Warbler was at the northern end of the caravan park on 19th and a Willow Warbler (northern type) was seen in Aldeburgh on 26th. The whole of October was a mega month for Yellowbrowed Warblers from Corton to Landguard with at least 70+ individuals reported throughout Suffolk surely one of the best years ever? It was also a very good month for Firecrests with over 30+ sightings principally from Bawdsey and Felixstowe. Suffolk’s latest-ever Spotted Flycatcher was at Corton on 31st and November 1st. A late Pied Flycatcher was at Landguard on 9th. A scarce sighting on 26th at North Marsh, Minsmere was of two Penduline Tits which were found at 09.00hrs but, unfortunately, they soon moved off northwards. 16
Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017
A juvenile Red-backed Shrike was found along the coastal path opposite Boyton Hall Farm on 8th; it remained until 12th. At Landguard a Great Grey Shrike was trapped and ringed on 30th. A few Twite were being found in the Dunwich, Covehithe and Minsmere areas. Northern Bullfinches were reported from Thorpeness on 20th and Southwold on 26th. Britain was having an unprecedented Hawfinch invasion but Suffolk seemed to miss out on the big numbers, although a few sightings were reported from Corton Cliffs, Thorpeness and Bawdsey (three sites) and inland at Stonham Parva. A Lapland Bunting was at Corton Old Sewage Works on 8th and two were at Kessingland Beach from 20th to 22nd. November A few Whooper Swans were on the coast but an impressive gathering of 230 was inland at Lakenheath Fen on 15th. At Minsmere the first Bewick’s Swans were on East Scrape on 12th. There were four White-fronted Geese at North Warren on 22nd. A Longtailed Duck was on Covehithe Broad for much of the month, another two Long-tailed Ducks were seen just offshore at Benacre on 10th before flying off south, and others were off Lowestoft and Minsmere (two). Great Hawfinches Jan Wilczur Northern Divers were off Shingle Street, Bawdsey and Landguard and in the Stour Estuary. The Slavonian Grebe remained at Trimley Marshes until 2nd with others recorded on the Stour Estuary and at Alton Water. A Shag was on Alton Water on 14th with others on The Strand and the Stour Estuary also on 14th and another at Landguard on 25th. Sightings of male Hen Harriers were reported from Boyton Marshes on 13th and at North Warren on 22nd. Merlin sightings came from Dingle Marshes, Shingle Street and Gedgrave. Bonxie numbers dropped right off this month with only eight sightings reported with Landguard having one or two birds lingering for several days during the month. Jack Snipe were seen at Trimley Marshes (Managed Retreat) and Levington Lagoon during the month. Purple Sandpipers were reported all month from Ness Point, Lowestoft, Slaughden, East Lane, Bawdsey and Landguard. Short-eared Owls were still being reported in/off during the month. Single Ring Ouzels were present at Pakefield Cliffs (4th), between Alderton and Bawdsey (4th) and on Bawdsey Cliffs (12th). There were still Black Redstarts during the month with two on the Prison Cafe roof at Hollesley Bay on 4th and a good inland record at Stoke-by-Nayland church on 17th. A Dartford Warbler was seen at Bawdsey clifftop fields on 19th and perhaps the same bird on the Tomline Wall, Old Felixstowe on 23rd and 24th. There was an increase in numbers of Snow Buntings this month with 188 sightings reported, presumably often the same birds, with a maximum of 30 at Dunwich on 26th. Scarcer November Sightings:Two very late Quail were flushed from a weedy field at Boyton Marshes on 21st. Woodcock were noted coming in from the continent this month with five sightings sent into BINS. A late Long-tailed Skua was offshore at Shingle Street on 2nd. An Iceland Gull was on Benacre Broad on 16th and an immature bird was found around Landguard on 19th, proving very elusive as it roamed the coastline at Felixstowe. A Puffin was seen offshore at Felixstowe on 20th. November produced some northerly blows during the month, which produced a continuing movement of Little Auks on the coast. Reports of single Shore Larks came from Dunwich on 9th, Minsmere on 14th, Covehithe on 16th and Lowestoft on 17th. At Boyton Marshes two late House Martins were present on 9th and then a very late single bird over the car park at Minsmere on 22nd. A 17
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
late surprise on 25th was a Richard’s Pipit along Wades Lane, east of Pin Mill where it remained until December. Water Pipits were seen at Covehithe, Easton Broad, Dunwich and Minsmere. A welcome and almost annual migrant in the shape of a Red-flanked Bluetail arrived at Mariners Score, Lowestoft on 7th and was seen again there on 8th; it was very elusive in thick cover. Another very late surprise was a Barred Warbler trapped at Landguard on 4th and 6th, with another bird trapped and ringed there on 9th. A Siberian Chiffchaff was photographed at Landguard on 11th and was also heard calling. During November a couple of Yellow-browed Warblers were reported from Lowestoft on 1st and 5th. The first Pallas’s Warbler to arrive was on Orfordness on 4th and 5th, and then one along the cliffs behind the MOD site at Bawdsey on 5th and a third on the Tomline Wall opposite the Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club also on 5th. A few Firecrests were still around in the Bawdsey and Felixstowe area. The Twite were building up at Dunwich with the highest count being 25 on 12th and 15 were found just north of the quay at Orford on 19th. Hawfinches were seen in the Sotterley Park area involving at least five birds; it is difficult to say if any of these birds are from the influx that had been arriving in Britain, as this vast area has been the best place to see Hawfinch in Suffolk for many years. Some cracking Parrot Crossbills were found at two location late into November with 16 at St Helen’s Well Picnic Site at Santon Downham on 25th, 28 on 26th, 36 on 27th and 30 on 28th and at Upper Hollesley Common where there were five on 25th and six on 26th. Single Lapland Buntings were at Southwold, Bawdsey and Landguard. Wintering Corn Buntings returned to Ling’s Lane, Chelmondiston with the highest count being 27 on 14th. Late News Alert for 28th concerned a Coue‘s Arctic Redpoll and a Mealy Redpoll found close to the car park at Hazlewood near Aldeburgh; it remained in a set-aside field by the car park with 35+ Lesser Redpolls and the Mealy Redpoll until the New Year. December There were Whooper Swans at Walberswick, Minsmere, King’s Fleet, and Livermere Lake. Bewick’s Swan records came from Dunwich, Minsmere, Westleton, Boyton Marshes and Holbrook Bay. White-fronted Geese numbers reached 31 at North Warren. Two Pale-bellied Brent Geese were viewed offshore at Landguard on 30th and one was found on Aldeburgh Marshes on 31st. At Hollesley Marshes four Ruddy Shelducks were present briefly on the scrape on 3rd. There was a good count of Common Scoters off Dunwich with 500 on 21st. Great Northern Divers showed in the Deben, Orwell and Stour Estuaries and on the sea off Felixstowe. The only Shag records were from the Orwell with one off Pin Mill and an adult and juvenile off Stoke Sailing Club, Freston. Sightings of Hen Harriers came from Walberswick, Minsmere, Westleton, Boyton Marshes and Gedgrave Marshes. Merlin sightings were more numerous this month with singles at Orford Marshes on 14th. Boyton Marshes on 15th (then two on 16th), Hollesley on 23rd, King’s Fleet on 23rd, Levington Creek on 20th and Gedgrave on 28th. Purple Sandpipers were reported all month from Ness Point, Slaughden, Bawdsey and Landguard, the highest count for the month being ten at Ness Point, Lowestoft. Spotted Redshanks were wintering at Dunwich (three) and Hazlewood Marshes. Jack Snipe were seen at Trimley Marshes (Managed Retreat) during the month, Ostrich Meadow, Ipswich on 12th and Aldeburgh Marshes on 28th and 30th. The only Short-eared Owl sightings for the month were from Felixstowe Ferry with two on 12th and Levington Creek on 31st. The Dartford Warbler stayed into December at Bawdsey clifftop fields being still present on 3rd. Snow Buntings were still present on the coast all month with a maximum of 65 at North Warren on 23rd and Slaughden. Scarcer December Sightings:Single Black-throated Diver were in Holbrook Bay on 2nd, on the sea off Southwold on 3rd and offshore from Dingle Marshes on 3rd. On the River Orwell one was between Pin Mill and Nacton on 14th and perhaps the same bird on the Stour Estuary from Stutton on 17th. A Rednecked Grebe was on the sea off Minsmere on 8th. Also, at Minsmere a Black-necked Grebe was 18
Review of scarce and rare birds in 2017
on the sea on 15th. A splendid first-winter Glaucous Gull was first noted at Southwold on 7th; it remained in the Southwold/Aldeburgh area all month being reported most days at Dunwich Beach, Minsmere Beach and Scrape, Sizewell Beach and Rigs and Aldeburgh near the Fishing Huts; what was possibly the same bird flew north past Landguard on 23rd. The Iceland Gull was still around Landguard and last reported to Bins on 8th. A juvenile Iceland Gull was seen 50 yards south of the Cafe at Kessingland on 29th. A Puffin was seen offshore at Felixstowe on 13th and 14th. The occasional Little Auks were still being seen. The Richard’s Pipit east of Pin Mill on Colton Creek remained until 22nd at least. Water Pipits were seen at Carlton Marshes, Covehithe, Dunwich, North Warren and Levington Creek. It was a bare winter for one of our favourite winter visitors, the Waxwing, with only a single on 1st at The Drive, Southwold. A Siberian Chiffchaff was found by the Sluice Cottage, North Warren, calling and showing well, on 30th and continued to show on 31st. Single Firecrests were recorded at Bawdsey and Corton Wood. Twite were reported from Dunwich Shore Pools with high counts of 50 on 21st and 26th. The Coue’s Arctic Redpoll plus two Mealies and 30+ Lesser Redpolls continued to show very well near the car park at Hazlewood Marshes all month. The Hawfinch sightings continued into December with up to five at Sotterley Park all month. Elsewhere, up to six Hawfinches were present at Flatford, East Bergholt from about 8th to 20th and up to seven at Tattingstone Place, Tattingstone from 8th to 19th. The Parrot Crossbills were still showing well at St Helen’s Well Picnic Site area at Santon Downham until 8th with counts of up to 40 birds and the six at Upper Hollesley Common showed well on and off throughout December. There was a single Lapland Bunting at Slaughden prior to 09.00hrs on 24th. A peak of 18 Corn Buntings was at Ling’s Lane, Chelmondiston on 2nd. In Ipswich, a Ring-necked Parakeet was seen in the northwest corner of Christchurch Park on 24th.
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Blyth’s Reed Warbler Bawdsey – May 27th 2017 Every year, SORC receives many accounts and descriptions of rare and scarce birds that are found in the county. The majority of these involve species that are fairly straightforward to identify, are well-seen by multiple observers and photographs documenting the bird are available. Occasionally, something more challenging comes along and in 2017 the Blyth’s Reed Warbler that Mark Cornish found at Bawdsey Quay was just such a bird. Although there had been four previous records of Blyth’s Reed Warbler from Suffolk, all had been found in mist-nets, and plumage details and diagnostic wing formula had been documented and photographed. In this case, the bird was not photographed; in fact, it was so elusive that few observers (other than Mark) actually saw it and those who did managed only the most fleeting of glimpses. The identification of this Blyth’s Reed Warbler relied entirely on its song, which was given from deep cover. It is to Mark’s credit that he persevered with this bird, first convincing himself of its identity, and then getting other observers to the site so that they could support his observations and confirm that the bird really was a Blyth’s Reed Warbler. We thought readers might enjoy reading the extraordinarily-detailed submission that Mark made to the committee, along with the subsequent research that he carried out after finding the bird to support his submission. Brian Small, Chair, SORC
Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum at Bawdsey Quay, May 27th 2017 Mark Cornish I had decided to go down to Bawdsey Quay and overlook Bawdsey Marshes in the morning (of May 27th 2017) to see if the Red-footed Falcons Falco vespertinus found at King’s Fleet the previous day might make an appearance on my side of the river. It was a glorious morning with clear blue skies, warm and sunny with a light south-easterly wind. The morning had begun with a bang and I was all shook up with a Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica flying low along the river wall in front of me at 8:45 am before drifting up, over my head, and north over the picnic site towards Bawdsey Manor. At 8:55 am I heard a short burst of song (lasting about a minute) from the clearing behind me that reminded me of a Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris. It came from the back of a reed/ nettle clearing surrounded by willow and blackthorn scrub and tall Ash trees, but was difficult to hear clearly as it was being drowned out by the much closer Whitethroats Sylvia communis, Blackcaps S. atricapilla, Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus, Robins Erithacus rubecula and Chaffinches Fringilla coelebs all in song. I stood patiently on the road next to the clearing but the bird did not sing again for about 20 minutes, when it again gave one or two short bursts of song from the back. This pattern of almost-muted sub-song was repeated again, followed by 15–20 minutes of silence and then a couple of minutes of song – this was getting frustrating. By 9:45 am I had been with the bird for almost an hour and apart from the muted sub-song I had nothing to show for my efforts. Taking stock, I knew it was a scarcer Acrocephalus Warbler (‘Acro’); I thought probably Marsh, but wasn’t entirely convinced. Although the bird was giving a messy Marsh Warbler-type song, it also included some strange, much slower, song phrases with loud fluty whistles and very distinctive, clear ascending whistled notes that it delivered on a repeated basis. 20
Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Bawdsey
At about 10 am I heard the bird much closer, near to the road and singing from about two metres up a dense Blackthorn/Pear tree. I had last heard Marsh Warbler singing a year ago, and thought ‘yeah sounds good’, but it included some weird, slower, whistled notes and phrases. It also moved higher up into scrub and trees and started singing, which also seemed a bit puzzling. I tried downloading songs of Marsh and Blyth’s Reed but had no data signal! At this point I phoned Peter Kennerley (PRK) and told him I had a bird which was probably a Marsh, but I wasn’t happy in that its song and behaviour seemed a bit unusual, and as I hadn’t ever heard Blyth’s Reed I couldn’t rule out that species. He tried describing the differences between Marsh and Blyth’s Reed songs (difficult) and even played recordings from his PC to me (hard to hear). He was working at the time and couldn’t come down until later. I felt none the wiser and as the bird was closer and singing I crept up and tried to make a sound recording using my phone. I managed to make two recordings of about 30 seconds each (see song analysis). Although neither was great, there are sections when the song can be heard clearly. At 10.05 am I managed to see the bird, albeit briefly. A male Blackcap flew into the Blackthorn, disturbed the singing bird, and almost immediately an Acrocephalus warbler flew out and landed some two metres higher up. I was only 20 metres away and I could see the bird, albeit obscured, moving up the edge of the Blackthorn amongst foliage. After a few seconds the bird popped out on the edge of the bush some five metres up for four or five seconds before diving back into cover. In this short time, I was unable to note many detailed features but did take in its overall appearance and general head pattern. After it dived back into cover the bird moved slightly farther back and higher up, still giving bits of song from high up in the Ash tree canopy. The weather was clouding over and becoming dark with an obvious storm moving in quickly. As my wife was in the car, and being as patient as a saint, I decided to go to HMP Hollesley, get something to eat (a wise move as the heavens opened), and report the bird to try and get others to come and look for it. Despite my doubts I reported it as a Marsh Warbler singing intermittently and seen briefly once. I did not want to put it out as a ‘probable’ Marsh as that might suggest it could be a Reed Warbler, so perhaps I should have put it out as an ‘Acro’ – Marsh or Blyth’s Reed (hindsight is a wonderful thing). After the storm had passed, I returned to Bawdsey Quay. The clouds had moved off, the sun had come out and the bird was again singing intermittently, but only for short periods from the Ash tree edge. Not being happy with its being ‘just a Marsh Warbler’ I phoned Lee Woods and conveyed my suspicions. I also phoned PRK again with some further thoughts and said that I would call by his on the way home to play him my recordings. By this time another birder had arrived with whom I spoke and mentioned the Blyth’s Reed conundrum. The bird was only giving short periods of song again and he wasn’t sure. At this point I had to get back and popped into PRK’s on the way home. I played the first recording and immediately his ears pricked up. After comparing both recordings with those of Blyth’s Reed Warblers that he had previously recorded, there were certainly similarities including several slowly-repeated phrases which are typical of Blyth’s Reed. During the afternoon the number of observers present slowly increased and included Paul Holmes (who also made a sound recording), David Bradnum, Steve Abbott and others. Throughout the afternoon it remained silent for long periods, interrupted by occasional, quiet subdued bursts of subsong. This wasn’t the classic, slow and repetitive song typically given by Blyth’s Reed on the breeding grounds; instead it comprised mostly indecipherable chaotic Acrocephalus chatter that couldn’t be assigned to any species, however it includes several slowly-repeated sequences, including a series of distinctive fluty, undulating notes which sounded different from those which Marsh and Reed Warblers would be expected to give. By 7.00 pm, the numbers present had swelled further and now included Mathew Deans, Lee Woods, Lee Evans and Rob Duncan. At this point the bird began to sing almost continuously from a tall Ash tree beside the road but was completely obscured by the leaves. I couldn’t believe how differently the bird was now singing compared with earlier, being in full song and giving a full set of whistles and prolonged repeated, fluty, phrases followed by hard ‘chit chit’ notes. I also heard 21
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
the peculiar ascending whistle several times that I had recorded earlier. Once into its full flow, the slow, repetitive and loud nature of the song was clear to everyone present. Single phrases were repeated multiple times before it would switch to another phrase which it would also repeat multiple times, but these were interspersed with prolonged Acrocephalus chatter. This continued with only short breaks for about 45 minutes, during which time it moved from the Ash down into the reeds and brambles where it continued to sing. Finally, it flew back high into the Ash, fell silent at 7.45 pm and was not heard again. Everyone present left satisfied in the knowledge that they had heard and glimpsed a Blyth’s Reed Warbler, and there was nobody who disagreed with the identification. Description It was clearly an Acrocephalus warbler with very noticeable cold, rather pale, pallid-brown upperparts with no warm tones to any of the upperparts, being quite different from that of the many Reed Warblers A. scirpaceus I’d seen in previous days and weeks. The tail, rump, wings, mantle and head were plain and concolorous. The underparts were a contrasting cold-white with slightly dirtier buffy flanks, without a noticeable contrast between white throat and breast. The head showed a peaked crown appearance and the bird was rather long-billed; the latter feature was one that made a noticeable impression There was an obvious broad whitish supercilium in front of the eye, with this fading to nothing just behind the eye. It certainly looked rather different from your average Eurasian Reed Warbler, but whether Marsh or Blyth’s Reed from such views? I was unable to/didn’t note the primary projection, leg colour or details of bill colouration. Over the following couple of days I really went out of my way to look at, and listen to, Reed Warblers. Although variable, all showed warmer tones to the upperparts, particularly to the rump and often on the crown, and none showed the pale pallid brown appearance of the Bawdsey bird. I also went to see, and listen to, the Marsh Warbler at Lakenheath a couple of days later. This bird gave excellent views and sang continuously. Compared with the Bawdsey Blyth’s Reed, the song of this bird was much more rapid and continuous and lacked the Bawdsey bird’s more varied song with its slower, repeated stop/start sections and very clear, prolonged, whistled phrases. In terms of comparing its general appearance, the Marsh Warbler was also a cold pale-brown ‘Acro’, lacking warm tones and also showed a paler rump and more contrasting ‘whiter’ throat; however, it also showed a strong supercilium in front of the eye with little behind it. Song analysis The two recordings that I made on my phone when the bird was singing from a dense Blackthorn/Pear tree next to the road just after 10 am, can be heard here; cut 1: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/60202071 and here; cut 2: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/60202111 In cut 1, note the distinctive (and unusual), prolonged, and clear, ascending whistle, repeated and interspersed with short ‘chit chit’ (or ‘plit plit’) notes, followed by messy ‘Acro’ chatter and interspersed with short chirping whistles. Some of the later part of this recording is difficult to hear owing to a Robin singing nearby. This song is extremely similar to that of a Blyth’s Reed Warbler recorded in Poland on May 25th 2017 and available on Xeno-canto. A comparison of the sonograms of these birds is shown in Fig. 1., and also with the songs of two different Marsh Warblers (also taken from Xeno-canto). These highlight the different song structures and frequency ranges between Blyth’s Reed and Marsh Warblers Comparison of sonograms reveals that the recording of Blyth’s Reed from Poland closely matches the Bawdsey bird in terms of frequency range, duration of whistled notes/phrases and pace of delivery. Each delivery includes a series of clear, ascending whistled notes within a narrow frequency band lasting between 0.5–1.0 seconds (Boxes labelled A). This is a characteristic feature in Blyth’s Reed song (Samotskaya et al. 2016). The similarities in the pace of delivery 22
Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Bawdsey
Fig. 1. Sonogram of song of the Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (cut 1) recorded at Bawdsey, Suffolk, at 10.00 am on May 27th 2017, and compared with songs of Blyth’s Reed (Poland) and Marsh Warblers A. palustris (Netherlands and Germany). (source Xeno-canto).
of the Bawdsey bird and Polish Blyth’s Reed Warbler are also striking. The prolonged, whistled notes (Boxes labelled A) repeated every 1.2 seconds and interspersed with short hard ‘chit’ notes (Boxes labelled B) are also apparent. I was unable to find a recording of Marsh Warbler on Xeno-canto which contained such a range of distinctive whistles that are repeated during the song; in fact, the entire structure of Marsh Warbler song is very different from that of Blyth’s Reed. Two Marsh Warbler songs, chosen at random from Xeno-canto, are shown in Fig. 1 and compared with the Bawdsey and Polish Blyth’s Reed Warblers. These Marsh Warbler recordings show a far more rapid delivery, with notes being, at most, 0.5 seconds apart, extremely short in duration and spanning a much wider frequency range. The sonogram in Fig. 2 illustrates a section of the song that can be heard in cut 2. Although less clear than cut 1 and containing considerable background noise, (some of the song is masked by a nearby Robin singing), it includes sections where the distinctive fluty whistles (almost Oriolelike) which alternate up and down can be clearly heard, at 3–4, 19–20 and 22–23 seconds. These fluty whistles, given at a frequency of 3–4 kHz last for approximately one second, and are a characteristic feature of Blyth’s Reed song, but not known in Marsh Warbler. Similar phrases can be heard in this recording of a Blyth’s Reed Warbler in Highland, Scotland, on June 19th 2000 here: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/60223911 and on a bird recorded in Latvia on June 18th 2017 (Xeno-canto). Discussion To accurately describe an Acrocephalus song is extremely difficult, and to do so and eliminate other species is almost impossible. Marsh and Blyth’s Reed songs both include considerable 23
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Fig. 2. Sonogram of song of a Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (cut 2) recorded at Bawdsey, Suffolk, at 10.00 am on May 27th 2017, showing distinctive series of undulating fluty notes at 22–23 seconds and 3–4 seconds in the two upper sonograms. These are compared with sonograms of the songs of Blyth’s Reed from Highland and Latvia (two lower sonograms).
mimicry and no two songs from different birds will be the same. Their separation relies on the pace and frequency of the delivery, and this is best visualised using sonograms. Blyth’s Reed song is particularly distinctive in that it can repeat the same phrase multiple times for 30 seconds or more, in the manner of a Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, but more typically will repeat a phrase only two to ten times before switching to a different sequence. In a comparative analysis of the songs of Blyth’s Reed and Long-billed Reed Warblers A. orinus, Samotskaya et al. (2016) established that Blyth’s Reed Warbler produces different songs on migration stopovers from those on the breeding grounds. Using recordings of Blyth’s Reed Warblers from the breeding range (Sweden eastwards to western Siberia) which they term ‘northern’ Blyth’s Reed Warblers, and comparing these with recordings of Blyth’s Reed made during migration stopovers in southern Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, termed ‘southern’ Blyth’s Reed Warblers, Samotskaya et al. established that, on migration, the song structure is not yet fully developed – it includes most of the properties of the adult song including loudness and phrasing, but the syllable structure is still highly variable. They term this highly variable song the ‘plastic song’, which they consider to be given only during the spring reproductive maturing phase and vocal reconstruction following a period of sexual inactivity during the winter months. They were unable to find any typical song from the breeding range (northern) among numerous recordings made of birds on migration in spring (southern). 24
Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Bawdsey
They concluded that all southern songs differed from songs performed in the northern (breeding) areas by being much more variable (even chaotic) in temporal organisation, having a faster rhythm, lacking prolonged elements, having an abundance of short clicking elements and, in general, by being significantly more variable overall. Some fragments of the southern song sounded so unusual that even with their experience it could be difficult to identify them as being Blyth’s Reed Warbler vocalisations. They also established that the minimum frequency of the ‘southern’ song is lower (ranging between c. 2.0–2.6 kHz) than the minimum in the ‘northern’ song (between 2.2–2.8 kHz). The sonogram shows that the minimum frequency of the Bawdsey bird is approximately 2.0 kHz. References Samotskaya, V., Marova, I., Kvartalnov, P., Arkhipov, V. Yu., and Ivanitskii, V. 2016. Song in two cryptic species: comparative analysis of Large-billed Reed Warblers Acrocephalus orinus and Blyth’s Reed Warblers Acrocephalus dumetorum. Bird Study 63(4): 479–489. http://dx.doi.org/1 0.1080/00063657.2016.1220489 Mark L. Cornish, Witnesham.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Turtle Doves: In Suffolk and beyond Samantha Lee Turtle Doves, Streptopelia turtur, continue to suffer dramatic declines in their population both in Suffolk, the UK and across their European breeding grounds. However, mid-way through the breeding season for 2018, the horizon is beginning to look a little brighter. Creating ‘Turtle Dove friendly zones’ Part of the complexities involved in Turtle Dove conservation in the UK is that although the species may be low in numbers, the population is still widespread and highly mobile. Therefore, any efforts to maintain local populations require sufficient suitable habitat to be deployed across a landscape used by the birds. Current efforts working with landowners to establish habitat across the species core range through the use of bespoke options in agri-environment schemes have shown that where targeted habitat is established and maintained, Turtle Doves are more likely to persist. This gives us confidence that habitat creation and management - through the use of agri-environment schemes, voluntary efforts or other means – can make the difference for Turtle Doves. Using the most recent and comprehensive sources of data available for Turtle Doves, the RSPB identified areas with two or more breeding pairs in four adjoining 2km tetrads (national) to define a ‘local population’. Buffers to these tetrads were applied to identify the surrounding landscape that it was likely the birds would use (based on radio and satellite-tagging research). In total, 29 ‘local population’ areas (in south and south-east England) were identified and have been termed by the RSPB as ‘Turtle Dove Friendly Zones’ – which is exactly what we hope they will be or will soon become! Whilst it is recognised that some of these areas may no longer support Turtle Doves, a comprehensive update at the required scale would take several years of additional data collection. It is a priority of the RSPB Turtle Dove Friendly Zone project to collect this information to confirm active and current zones. However, the species’ risk of extinction as a breeding bird in England is such that urgent conservation action is required now. Focussing this action on the areas in which Turtle Doves will be most likely retained is our best chance of success. The Turtle Dove Friendly Zone approach does not mean that all sites outside of these areas will be ignored but it does adopt the principle that available resources should be targeted to where they are most likely to be effective. A new conservation tool for Turtle Doves Research by RSPB, Natural England and the University of Leeds has shown that Turtle Doves are now turning to supplementary sources of food provided for wild birds or game birds. However, the research shows that such feeding sites can harbour disease, including the parasite Trichomonas gallinae, which is known to adversely affect Greenfinch Chloris chloris populations. The same strain of the Trichomonas parasite causing problems for Greenfinches has now been shown to cause mortality in Turtle Doves and may have other non-lethal but negative effects that are not yet known. As part of the Operation Turtle Dove partnership, the RSPB has been conducting a two-year trial to test how we might provide supplementary feed specifically for Turtle Doves early in the season, when alternative food sources are scarce. This is in order to help them reach breeding condition sooner and increase the number of young they are able to produce before they return to Africa. We wanted to ensure that this could be done safely without creating reservoirs for Trichomonas, which would increase infection risk. Results from the trials showed that Turtle Doves were not only present in the feeding areas but were seen to be using the supplementary feed as well. Of the 1500 swabs taken throughout the 26
Turtle Doves in Suffolk
trials and analysed by Sheffield University, detection of the Trichomonas parasite remained low enough for Operation Turtle Dove to roll out this method as part of their advice to landowners. So far, this is mainly being targeted to within Turtle Dove Friendly Zones with support from dedicated advisors and detailed protocol guidelines to ensure best-practice measures are adopted for its deployment in the wider landscape. These guidelines are now available on the Operation Turtle Dove website (https:/operationturtledove.org/). Launch of the EU species action plan for Turtle Doves The Turtle Dove was chosen to be one of the 16 iconic bird species targeted by the EU-funded LIFE EuroSAP project, launched in 2015. The project studies the entire life-cycles and migratory routes of some of the most charismatic and threatened birds in Europe with a view to developing specific Species Action Plans (SAPs) to conserve populations on a continental scale. The first draft of the European Turtle Dove Action Plan – coordinated by BirdLife International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK)- and involving over 130 experts from across countries and disciplines, was published in April 2017. It details an initial set of proposed conservation actions to tackle habitat loss, lack of food availability and the impact of hunting over a ten-year period. After the publication of the first draft, governments, conservation organisations, scientists, hunting organisations and other groups from across the Turtle Dove’s European, Central Asian and African range commented on the Action Plan which was launched on May 24th 2018 after approval from the specialist advisory panel. The priority of the Action Plan is to ensure that landscapes across the flyways are managed in a way that provides the birds with enough food in suitable habitats. However, in the current situation of decline, any additional mortality, such as from unsustainable hunting, only adds to the problem and defers the solution. One of the most significant achievements of the Action Plan is that a consensus around a new management of hunting was reached. This will provide much welcome breathing space for the species, providing the time necessary for habitat management measures to take effect. The next step is to ensure that each member state adopts and implements the Action Plan. The Species Action Plan is potentially a very powerful tool to deliver change for the threatened Turtle Dove. Its success will require everyone, from public authorities to land managers and the public alike, to rally around the Plan and make sure that it gets fully implemented. In the words of one of the stakeholders, “business as usual is not an option if we are to save this iconic species”. It is in our hands to decide how rich or poor we want our landscapes to be. The Suffolk synopsis Suffolk has always been a good place for Turtle Doves. Data provided by the BTO estimated that the county supported the second-highest proportion of the population in the UK (roughly 17% of the UK breeding population). In the creation of Turtle Dove Friendly Zones, the county supports eight of these areas with ‘local populations’ – a higher number than in any other county in the UK. In 2017, volunteers (many of whom are SOG members) delivered 52 surveys across Turtle Dove Friendly Zones, helping to provide the data we need to identify whether these areas remain active for this species. Sadly (although perhaps not unexpectedly) of the 71 surveys conducted across eastern England, only 15 returned Turtle Dove records. However, 14 of these records were from surveys in Suffolk, with Minsmere and the surrounding area remaining one of the best areas to find Turtle Doves in Britain. In early June 2018, South Suffolk MP, James Cartlidge officially accepted his role as Turtle Dove Species Champion. He is now part of a network of over 30 Species Champion MPs helping to raise the profile of nature conservation for their adopted species. James visited a farm within his local constituency where habitat for Turtle Doves has been created and managed. The farmer, Nick Oliver, has created a foraging plot and will be establishing a further secondary plot this autumn 27
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
using a bespoke seed mix to provide seed food for Turtle Doves throughout the breeding season. Nick has also future-proofed suitable nesting habitat by planting a more extensive area with native scrub species. The Species Champion Project initiative is part of the ‘Rethink Nature’ partnership. You can find out more on the project website hosted by Buglife. (https://naturebftb.co.uk/the partnership/) And finally… By the time this goes to print, the Turtle Dove surveys will be over for another year. A massive “thank you” to all those who rallied themselves for the 4.30am survey start; we managed to double our efforts in eastern England this year. The information provided through these surveys is vital to conservation efforts for the species. Special thanks to Suffolk Turtle Dove hero Jonny Rankin who, since 2012, has raised over £15,000 for Operation Turtle Dove and continues to support the project through the Dove Step challenges – excruciating feats of human endurance! Check out his latest adventure across Spain through the Dove Step 3 blog dovestep3.wordpress.com or see Jonny himself at one of his talks at www.jonnyrankin.co.uk/talk Sam is a senior conservation officer for the RSPB managing the regional farmland advisory team. She is leading Operation Turtle Dove for the RSPB, and has been working on this species for the last four years
28
Bradfield Woods
Thirty years of change in the breeding birds of Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve Rob Fuller1 and Andrew Henderson Introduction – why are Bradfield Woods special? From a conservation perspective, it is no exaggeration to say that Bradfield Woods are amongst the most important woodlands in eastern England, possibly in the entire country. Their value lies mainly in the great richness of plants reflecting an immensely long history of coppice management conducted on soils that are diverse in pH and wetness. In recent years the wood has become well known for its butterflies, including Purple Emperor Apatura iris and Silver-washed Fritillary Argynnis paphia, and it is home for a thriving population of Hazel Dormice Muscardinus avellanarius courtesy of an exceptionally successful reintroduction project. In the 1980s and 1990s Bradfield Woods were notable for very high densities of Nightingales2 and warblers as part of a diverse bird community. Today, the bird life is not quite as exciting but it remains typical of what one might expect for a coppiced wood in the 21st century. Long-term studies in Bradfield Woods have given insights to some of the wider processes affecting the status of many of our woodland birds. One of the most remarkable features of Bradfield Woods is the extent of the coppiced woodland – there are more than 50 hectares of actively managed coppice ensuring that there is always much habitat for plants, insects and birds that depend on the early stages of woodland growth. Coppicing declined as a woodland management system in Britain throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and such large areas of coppice, especially ones consisting of mixed tree species as is the case at Bradfield, are now rare indeed. The Woods are owned and managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust (http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/bradfieldwoods). In 1987 we censused the breeding birds over the entire Woods (Fuller & Henderson 1992). Exactly 30 years later we repeated the census. Using these results, together with those from intervening censuses, this article summarises the massive changes that have occurred in recent decades. Study area and methods Bradfield Woods comprise two distinct areas separated by an elongated pond – Felsham Hall Wood and Monks’ Park Wood. The area over which we have censused birds (64 ha) includes the entire extent of both these woods. Two areas were excluded from the study area: (i) approximately 12 ha at the extreme western end of Monks’ Park known as Hannah’s Close which, in 1987, lay outside the reserve and (b) the relatively highly disturbed secondary woodland at the reserve entrance. The coppice consists mainly of Ash Fraxinus excelsior, Hazel Corylus avellana, Alder Alnus glutinosa and Birch Betula spp. The coppice is now cut on approximately a 25-year rotation in coupes as large as 1 hectare. Scattered standard trees are left at each cut of the coppice. For more information about the history and vegetation of the site, see Rackham (1976, 2003). In 1987, 2003, 2013 and 2017 the numbers and distribution of breeding birds were estimated using a territory mapping method (methods are described in Fuller and Henderson 1992). Visits were concentrated into April and May to ensure adequate detection of both resident and migrant birds. Between 8 and 10 morning visits were made in each year. The study area was systematically searched on each visit to within 50 m, changing the route between visits. Supplementary evening visits were made mainly to count Song Thrushes and Nightingales. We did not attempt to find nests so that, technically, where we use the term ‘breeding’ or ‘bred’, this means ‘holding territory and likely to be breeding’. In addition to the four full censuses, RF has undertaken territory mapping censuses during April and May of breeding Nightingales in most years since 1994 and of warblers since 2001.
1 rob.fuller@bto.org 2 See Table 1 for scientific names; vernacular English names are used throughout
29
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Changes in the breeding bird communities The coppice rotation has ensured that there has been consistent availability of diverse stages of coppice regrowth, including large areas of open and young coppice vegetation in all years. Despite this continuity of management there have been enormous changes in the breeding bird communities over the last 30 years with losses of breeding species far outnumbering the gains (Table 1). Woodcock, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Nightingale and Yellowhammer were all present in 1987 but absent in 2017. By contrast, only Buzzard, Stock Dove and Goldcrest were absent in 1987 but present in 2017. But the presence or absence of particular species is not the important story. There have been enormous changes in the numbers of several species. Turtle Dove, Willow Tit, Willow Warbler, Nightingale and Greenfinch all had substantial breeding populations in 1987 which have subsequently collapsed. The declines appear to have taken hold during the 1990s. Nightingale numbers had dropped sharply by the early 1990s and the species last bred in 2008 (Fig. 1). Willow Warbler, the most abundant breeder in 1987, dwindled from 64 territories to a solitary territory in 2017 (Fig. 1). Other, less severe, declines have occurred in Marsh Tit, Garden Warbler, Blackbird, Dunnock and Chaffinch. Coal Tit is now more abundant than in 1987, but the strongest increases have been in Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps (Fig. 1). Possible causes of the population changes The changes outlined above are largely in line with those occurring more widely in woodland birds in Britain, but especially in the southern half of England (Balmer et al. 2013). A range of factors could be implicated, including stresses on migrants in winter or on migration, reduction in invertebrate food supplies, loss and deterioration of habitats outside woodland, reduced management of woodland, impacts of deer and a possible rise in predation pressure. Lack of management is unlikely to be relevant in the case of Bradfield Woods given their recent history of consistent management – there is no evidence that management changed during the late 1980s and 1990s which was the period when the declines of many species became apparent. All the other hypotheses remain potentially relevant. However, one factor in particular caught our attention – deer. Between 1987 and 2000 the browsing pressure intensified as, first Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus, then Muntjac Deer Muntiacus reevesi and finally Fallow Deer Dama dama became established. The main consequence was reduction in low vegetation density in the younger stages of coppice growth. The density of low vegetation (within approximately 1.5 m of ground level) is a crucial aspect of habitat quality for most of the warblers, Nightingales and other understorey species such as Dunnock. These species are associated with the stages of coppice growth when the understorey is at its densest, which at Bradfield has typically been between 3 and 8 years of growth. So, there were good reasons for thinking that the declines in some of the birds might be linked with increased browsing. In 1999 an experiment was initiated which established eight plots, averaging approximately 1 ha in size. Immediately after the coppice was cut, half of the plot was fully protected by a 1.8 m steel deer fence and the other half surrounded by a ‘dead hedge’ to give a degree of short-term protection to the coppice. A variety of methods was employed to assess bird usage: mist netting, points counts, territory mapping and radio tracking. The detailed results are complex. In summary, no bird species was found to prefer browsed areas whereas there was much evidence of negative effects of deer browsing on habitat selection by birds. Migrant species tended to respond more positively to deer exclusion than resident species, and the occurrence of both ground-foraging and shrub-foraging species was greater in the absence of deer. At the level of individual species, there was evidence that numbers of Longtailed Tits, Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Nightingales and Dunnocks were higher where deer had been excluded. The findings for Nightingale were especially telling. The density of birds within exclosures was far higher than in the paired browsed coppice and radiotracked birds spent 69% of their time in the 6% of the wood that was protected from deer (Holt et al. 2010). The last recorded territories of Nightingales in Bradfield Woods were centred on deer exclosures. 30
Bradfield Woods
The experiment strongly indicates that browsing by deer has reduced habitat quality for several of the declining birds in Bradfield Woods. It seems highly probable, therefore, that some of the declines have been caused, at least in part, by the rising numbers of deer. It is extremely unlikely, however, that deer are the sole cause. Nightingales are declining throughout large parts of their range in England, often in locations where deer browsing is nowhere as severe as that in Bradfield Woods. Nonetheless, it is entirely possible that, were it not for deer browsing, Nightingales might still breed in the Woods, albeit in far lower numbers than was the case in 1987. The increase in numbers of both Blackcap and Chiffchaff is consistent with their wider national trends (Balmer et al. 2013). Both are short-distance migrants and are likely to be affected by a different range of factors to those affecting the long-distance migrants. At first sight it is surprising that both increased so strongly in Bradfield Woods given the strong impact of deer on the vegetation. Interestingly, the deer experiment in Bradfield Woods showed that Blackcaps settled earlier in areas where the vegetation had not been modified by deer, and body condition of males caught in these areas was better, indicating that deer browsing reduced their habitat quality. Nonetheless, the deer did not prevent a population increase which rather suggests that availability of suitable breeding habitat was not limiting numbers. Chiffchaffs have different habitat requirements from Blackcaps. They tend to be associated with open areas including the edges of rides, glades and young coppice where there is suitable field layer vegetation for nesting; they are far less dependent on a dense shrub layer than Blackcaps. There was no experimental evidence of any effect of deer on Chiffchaffs in Bradfield Woods, perhaps because suitable vegetation structures can persist even under quite high deer pressure. Reflections and ongoing work When we started this work 30 years ago we could not have anticipated the large changes that have occurred in the bird life of Bradfield Woods. Today one of its most important features is the population of Marsh Tits which now forms part of a wider study of the species (Broughton and Hinsley 2015). Nothing remains exactly the same in the ecology of our woodlands. A new set of challenges comes from ash dieback; first officially reported in Britain in 2012, the disease has taken a firm hold in Bradfield Woods. Many ash trees are dead or dying, especially younger growth cut in recent years. The consequences for birds and other wildlife are being studied through continued monitoring and by measuring how the vegetation is changing. An especially interesting observation is that the dieback of ash is creating a more open tree canopy which, together with strenuous efforts by Suffolk Wildlife Trust to control deer numbers, appears to be resulting in better bramble growth and other woody regeneration. Furthermore, in recent years there has been a major effort to open up rides and glades which has also allowed in more light and encouraged bramble. Might these changes even help to reverse some of the declines? An encouraging sign is that in 2017 Garden Warblers were at their most numerous since the 1990s (Fig. 1). Acknowledgements We thank the Suffolk Wildlife Trust for their permission to undertake this work and for the encouragement and support we have received from their staff, especially from Pete Fordham who was site manager from the 1980s until May 2017. Natural England and its predecessors have provided necessary approvals for the work to be undertaken in the SSSI and NNR. Chas Holt undertook much of the fieldwork on deer impacts. References Balmer, D.E., Gillings, S., Caffrey, B.J, Swann, R.L., Downie, I.S. & Fuller, R.J. 2013. Bird Atlas 200711: The Breeding and Wintering Birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO Books, Thetford. Broughton, R.K. & Hinsley, S.A. 2015. The ecology and conservation of the Marsh Tit in Britain. British Birds, 108:12-29. Fuller, R.J. & Henderson, A.C.B. 1992. Distribution of breeding songbirds in Bradfield Woods, Suffolk, in relation to vegetation and coppice management. Bird Study, 39: 73-88. 31
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Holt, C.A., Fuller, R.J. & Dolman, P.M. 2010. Experimental evidence that deer browsing reduces habitat suitability for breeding Common Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos. Ibis, 152: 335-346. Rackham, O. 1976. Trees and woodland in the British Landscape. Dent, London. Rackham, O. 2003, new edition. Ancient Woodland: Its History, Vegetation, and Uses in England. Castlepoint Press, Dalbeattie. Other relevant publications that include information gathered in Bradfield Woods Dolman, P., Fuller, R., Gill, R., Hooton, D. & Tabor, R. (2010) Escalating ecological impacts of deer in lowland woodland. British Wildlife,21, 242-254. Fuller, R.J. 2001. Responses of woodland birds to increasing numbers of deer: a review of evidence and mechanisms. Forestry, 74: 290-298. Fuller, R., Casey, D., Melin, M. & Hill, R. (in press) Rapid development of ash dieback and associated vegetation changes in the coppice of Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve, Suffolk. Quarterly Journal of Forestry. Fuller, R.J. & Rothery, P. 2013. Temporal consistency in fine-scale habitat relationships of woodland birds during a period of habitat deterioration. Forest Ecology & Management, 289: 164-174. Gill, R.M.A. & Fuller, R.J. 2007. The effects of deer browsing on woodland structure and songbirds in lowland Britain. Ibis, 149 (Suppl.2): 119-127. Holt, C.A., Fuller, R.J. & Dolman, P.M. 2011. Breeding and post-breeding responses of woodland birds to modification of habitat structure by deer. Biological Conservation, 144: 2151-2162. Holt, C.A., Fuller, R.J. & Dolman, P.M. 2013. Deer reduce habitat quality for a woodland songbird: evidence from settlement patterns, demographic parameters, and body condition. Auk, 130: 1320. Holt, C.A., Fuller, R.J. & Dolman, P.M. 2014. Exclusion of deer affects responses of birds to woodland regeneration in winter and summer. Ibis, 157: 116-131.
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Bradfield Woods Table 1. Estimated numbers of territories of breeding birds in Bradfield Woods in four years spread over a 30-year period. Only species considered to be holding territory or nesting in at least one of the four years are shown. *Recorded but not thought to be holding territory or nesting. **Breeding but numbers not estimated. Note that territories occurring around the car park / visitor centre area and in Hannah’s Close are excluded. See footnote for list of other species recorded during the four years.
Species
1987
2003
2013
2017
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
4
1
1
1
Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
**
**
**
**
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus
1
*
0
*
Buzzard
Buteo buteo
0
0
*
1
Moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
4
1
*
0
Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
**
*
0
0
Stock Dove
Columba oenas
0
1
1
1
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbus
**
**
**
**
Turtle Dove
Streptopelia turtur
17
*
0
0
Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
2
1
1
0
Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
2
3
4
5
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minor
1
0
0
0
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
4
7
6
3
Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
1
2
1
1
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
1
*
0
*
Jay
Garrulus glandarius
**
4
7
8
Magpie
Pica pica
1
0
0
0
Jackdaw
Coloeus monedula
1
0
0
0
Carrion Crow
Corvus corone
1
1
2
4
Coal Tit
Periparus ater
2
9
10
9
Marsh Tit
Poecile palustris
15
12
12
9
Willow Tit
Poecile montanus
8
0
0
0
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
41
34
55
48
Great Tit
Parus major
26
23
33
20
Long-tailed Tit
Aegithalos caudatus
6
9
8
8
Willow Warbler
Phylloscopus trochilus
64
21
2
1
Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
14
27
19
35
Blackcap
Sylvia atricapilla
25
29
30
53
Garden Warbler
Sylvia borin
36
21
9
25
Lesser Whitethroat
Sylvia curruca
1
*
0
1
Whitethroat
Sylvia communis
4
*
1
2
Goldcrest
Regulus regulus
0
2
1
3
Wren
Troglodytes troglodytes
20
42
30
36
Nuthatch
Sitta europaea
4
1
3
4
33
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Treecreeper
Certhia familiaris
4
9
5
5
Blackbird
Turdus merula
32
25
17
19
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelos
12
8
11
16
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorus
*
2
1
1
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata
1
*
0
0
Robin
Erithacus rubecula
51
59
46
54
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchos
17
7
0
0
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
1
0
0
0
Dunnock
Prunella modularis
24
9
4
10
Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs
19
22
10
7
Bullfinch
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
8
7
4
12
Greenfinch
Chloris chloris
15
*
*
*
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinella
1
*
0
0
Species recorded at least once on censuses in the four years but not considered to be holding territory or nesting: Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa (1987, 2017), Barn Owl Tyto alba (2017), Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus (singing in coppice in 1987 and 2003), Starling Sturnus vulgaris (1987), Linnet Carduelis cannabina (1987), Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret (1987), Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (1987, 2013), Siskin Carduelis spinus (2013). Swift Apus apus, Hobby Falco subbuteo, Swallow Hirundo rustica and House Martin Delichon urbicum were observed flying over or feeding in the air column above the Woods in some years. The only additional species thought likely to have nested in Bradfield Woods during the 30-year period covered by this paper is Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia which has been recorded singing in young coppice in 2009 and 2015.
34
Bradfield Woods Fig.1 Numbers of territories of five migrant birds in Bradfield Woods (vertical axis) between 1987 and 2017. Lines join consecutive years of data. Absence of a data point in a particular year means that there was no census of that species in that year. Note differences of scale on the vertical axis.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
An Introduction into local studies of Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) Simon Evans Having grown up as a birdwatcher in the Brecks, the Goshawk has held a particular fascination for me since I picked up my first pair of binoculars in the early 1970s. From the pages of my father’s bird guides that occupied the family bookshelves, this legendary elusive predator fitted the category of “I’ll never see one of those” and, as such, has long held an iconic status for me. In the summer of 1987, whilst working for SWT, based in the then ‘Lackford Office’, I was, along with a few others, offered the chance by the late Derek Moore to help the Forestry Commission monitor the few known nest sites as part of the 24/7 guard team protecting these structures and their occupants; as if I was going to turn that down! My most vivid memory of those days, whilst watching a Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis climbing a pine trunk, I witnessed this blur of rapid movement which culminated in the squirrel being plucked from the side of the tree and disappearing as this feathered shape vanished, just as surprisingly as it had arrived, all in a matter of less than a second. Wow, magical and something I’ll never forget. Some 15 years or so later, I was kindly offered the opportunity to join a local team that was starting to monitor the small Breckland population more closely. It meant climbing to the nests, taking basic biometric measurements and ringing the chicks in an attempt to help understand the productivity, gender proportionality, dispersal and survival of these birds. The team itself contained some fairly iconic Breckland figures so I was in esteemed company and very much the apprentice! In those ‘early’ years of the team, the tendency was to approach the nests when the chicks were fairly young, at around two weeks old. Although this proved informative at the time, the trend over more recent years has been to wait until they are about four weeks old. The benefits in terms of what we can learn and achieve are greatly enhanced by doing this but it does, however, involve a greater degree of monitoring effort prior to approaching the nests. As our studies have progressed, a recurring theme has emerged, the more you learn the more questions surface. What are the origins of this population? Why are they slow to expand or not expand at all? What’s their preferred diet etc? This has resulted in a great deal of research which,
36
Goshawks in Suffolk
typically, has posed even more questions. There have been a number of detailed studies into the species, particularly from the Continent. Having read some of these, it soon became apparent that there was a lot more we needed to look at and a lot more we could learn from our handling experiences of the birds. One particular book, ‘A Fieldguide to Handling Raptors’ by Rob Bijlsma (1997) has been a constant source of reference. Despite being out of print for several years and written in Dutch, the copy I finally managed to get hold of continues to occupy a space on my desk, rarely making it back to reside upon my own bookshelves. Initially, as mentioned, the team had little experience of actually handling Goshawk chicks and, despite the guidance notes from others across the UK who were more familiar with the birds, determining the gender of the chicks, especially when only a few weeks old, proved to be somewhat challenging, particularly when males and females weren’t present in the same brood. So, why is this important? There is, as I’m sure most birdwatchers are aware, a considerable gender size difference in this species such that the sexes require different-sized rings, so surely you can tell them apart by the size of their legs? Yes you can, when you’ve had a lot of experience and although there is sometimes a clear visual difference, there is a degree of overlap. It is vital to measure the tarsus depth (front to back) to ensure the correct-sized ring is placed on each bird. So now, in addition to wing length (max chord) and weight (mass) as the traditional measurement indicators of age and gender, we take a whole suite of biometrics including tarsus length, tarsus width (in two planes), hind claw length and footspan, both including and excluding the talons. By comparison with Bijlsma’s data, we can gain a much more accurate assessment of age and gender whilst also building a bank of our own data for the local population. Much of the published data draws its conclusions from studies of continental Goshawk A. g. gentilis populations, which, it is widely acknowledged, are smaller than some of the more northern populations and races. In general, as you travel north and east across the range of Goshawk, so they become larger and paler (Robert Kenward, 2006) So, questions. From where do East Anglia’s Goshawks originate? Are they from the Continent or further north? Is the local population augmented by migrants? How much influence has falconry contributed to these birds? Surely all this uncertainty questions the validity of the data comparison, such that we could be looking at completely different populations? Possibly, but what it does allow for is a standardised approach and an established initial launch point for further studies. If anything, such data comparison with larger birds would only really result in an over-estimation of age. Our understanding of chick development in the region is reasonably reliable, whether from field observation or more recently, 24 hour camera coverage. In this day and age, it is possible to get a DNA sample and use this to determine gender, but this takes time. It is something we now do under special licence. I am permitted to take two contour (body) feathers from each bird providing that they are fully grown and, logically, there is a greater chance of this being the case when the birds are older. Getting permission to do this has taken over eight years of negotiation with various bodies including the Home Office’s Animal Welfare and Ethics Committee and the BTO’s Special Methods Panel. To my knowledge, we are the only people in the UK currently authorised to do this. What this does is to allow the comparison of the biometric data with a definitive DNA gender result when the sample can be taken. It is also allowing the lab to look at potential genetic markers for identifying different races of Goshawk by comparison with known-race individuals. As if to exemplify the significance of this, in June 2017 an adult Goshawk was discovered freshly dead beneath an active nest site in Breckland. The corpse was sent for analysis to determine the cause, which transpired to be ‘toxic shock’ as a result of having been bitten twice by a Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus. The bird had a partial brood patch and had been ringed as a juvenile female four years earlier, in Thetford forest. The necropsy however, showed the bird to be male. Although the biometrics suggested otherwise, the correct-size ring for this individual had been 37
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
applied. Further DNA work revealed the bird to be of virtually-pure Finnish gentilis origin. We know that falconers in the UK tend to prefer larger Fenno-Scandinavian and Russian race birds A. g. buteoides from both anecdotal and documented evidence. We also know that a number of these individuals have escaped and are likely to be breeding as part of the local population. As proof, last year, an adult male Goshawk was caught in a crow trap on a local agricultural estate, having been lost by its owner eight years previously. Still wearing his captive-bird rings, ‘Ronnie’ became very popular in the local press. I wonder how many local Goshawks he’s sired? There are buteoides genes out there somewhere! We have been using nest cameras over a number of years to help study the birds’ behaviour, development and diet as part of various projects in conjunction with Forestry Commission and BTO studies. Live footage has been relayed to the Visitors Centre at High Lodge as part of the ‘Wings over the Brecks’ and ‘Breaking New Ground’ initiatives. This has revealed many interesting behavioural observations such as the female consuming egg shell following hatching and adult males assisting with incubation. What we also know is that although over 30 different prey items have been identified, our local Goshawks certainly seem to have a particular liking for Woodpigeon Columba palumbus and Grey Squirrel – handy as they’re both in plentiful supply! The photo below, taken at a nest which contained three large mature chicks in 2017, shows the remains of 13 Grey Squirrels, three young Jackdaws Corvus monedula and a Jay Garrulus glandarius, an image we show to as many gamekeepers as we can!
More recent studies have included assisting the BTO with fitting tracking tags to five young birds in each of the last three years as we look into juvenile dispersal. In 2017 we also started fitting a unique colour-ring to each chick, hoping to increase the reporting rate of these birds. Some might argue that this is of little practical use in such an elusive apex predator. However, with the increased use of nest cameras and trail cameras, I’m sure that it will prove worthwhile. To date, I’ve received seven reports of these birds, all locally. Please keep your eyes peeled for them; the blue rings with two white alphanumerics stand out even when the birds are in flight. From a personal viewpoint, working so closely with these birds over the past 15 years has been an immense privilege. I’ve been allowed access to some fantastic locations that I probably would never otherwise have visited and I get to work with/meet some truly inspiring individuals. Thanks to you all. 38
Goshawks in Suffolk
Acknowledgements: In alphabetical order:Neal Armour-Chelu (Forestry Commission), Ashley Banwell, Joe Berens, Rob Bijlsma, Jez Blackburn, staff at the BTO, Gavin Chambers, Mandy Chambers, Piers Chantry, Professor Jon M Collinson, Jacki Crickett, Paul Dickinson, Peter Dolton, John Dries, Peter Feakes, Neal Forbes, Chris Gregory, Allan Hale, Darren Hart, Ron Hoblyn, Bernard Pleasance, Mark Robinson, John Secker, Neil Thomas, Tom West and Norman Williams. References:Rob G Bijlsma 1997; Roofvogels – Handleing Veldonderzoek, KNNV Uitgeverige. John Hardy et al., 2007; Raptors – A Field Guide for Surveys and Monitoring, The Stationary Office Ltd.. Marian Ceislak and Boleslaw Dul 2006; Feathers – Identification for Bird Conservation, Natura. Robert Kenward 2006; The Goshawk, T and A D Poyser. Laurent Demongin 2016; Identification Guide to Birds in the Hand, Privately Published.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus ibericus at Landguard Bird Observatory – the first Suffolk record Paul Holmes and Nigel Odin Circumstances At 07:00hr on June 1st 2017 Nigel Odin heard a bird singing loudly from Holm Oaks that he was unfamiliar with. Matt May on a net round was notified and both observers were perplexed by this loud distinctive song. Paul Holmes was notified and arrived half an hour later by which time the bird still had not been seen. Paul recorded the song and was perplexed but announced that it sounded strangely familiar. After about ten minutes Paul suggested that it may be an Iberian Chiffchaff and a quick listen to this species on the phone confirmed his suspicions. Nigel joked with Matt and Paul that it may be the bird Matt had ringed earlier (at 04:30hr). After a further 15 minutes the bird flew out of the Holm Oaks onto Bramble and Elder where it was seen to be a “chiffchaff” before flying back into the Holm Oaks. Views were very brief but Paul managed to shoot off some flight shots on which the ring could be seen. A couple of pathetic views were obtained in the Holm Oaks and adjoining Tamarisk before all went quiet and the bird was not heard again after 08:20hr. Apart from the named observers above the bird was also witnessed by Mike Marsh, Chris Ryde and one other. Although Iberian Chiffchaff is impossible to identify conclusively in the hand, Matt had noticed this “chiffchaffs” paleness at 04:30hr, when it was ringed, and also recorded the fact that the lower mandible was “mostly yellowish” and the upper mandible had a “thin yellowish cutting edge” and sketched this feature on the back of the IRG form in the ringing room. As the bill’s appearance was noticeable Matt also recorded the bills width and depth at feathering. Matt also noted in the hand that the eye ring was “indistinct”. Description The following in-hand biometrics were taken:Wing length 64mm, Bill depth at feathering 2.05mm, Bill width at feathering 3.6mm, Weight 8.8 g, Fat score 1, Pectoral muscle score 2, Wing formula: Primary 2 = 7 and Emargination 6. Identification by song recorded by Paul Holmes (attached and logged on Xeno Canto – link below). XC373274 Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus) http://www.xeno-canto.org/373274 Iberian Chiffchaff background The breeding range of Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus extends from south-west France, northern, central and southern Spain and much of Portugal to northern Morocco, northern Algeria and north-west Tunisia. It is absent from large areas of Spain and appears to be thin on the ground in North Africa being described as rare and local in Morocco. The majority appear to winter in tropical west Africa from Senegal to Burkina Faso and Ghana (del Hoyo et al. 2006). In Britain, Iberian Chiffchaff was first noted on June 3rd 1972 when a singing bird was soundrecorded at Brent Reservoir, London. For those Suffolk listers that missed the Landguard bird, solace can be sought in the knowledge that there have now been 63 accepted records in Great Britain with 2017 alone yielding ten. They appear to be an increasingly regular visitor with 44 of the accepted records occurring since 2010 (Holt 2018). Birds have reached many recording areas across England and Wales and some have even made it to the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland. The South-west seems to do particularly well but so does Yorkshire and Norfolk. Nearly all arrive from late March to July but, especially, in April, May and June. So far, there is only one autumn record, in Norfolk, from late October to mid-November 2016. Astonishingly, in 2015 a pair bred successfully in Glamorgan producing seven young! 40
1. Tundra (Bewick’s) Swans at Walberswick in February.
2. Greater White-fronted Goose at North Warren in January.
Andrew Moon
John Richardson
3. Garganey at Martlesham in April.
4. Common Eider in Hamilton Dock in March.
Chris Mayne
Dave Borderick
5. Red-throated Diver at Carlton Marshes in March.
6. Great Northern Diver at Lowestoft in December.
Dave Borderick
Chris Mayne
7. Slavonian Grebe at Alton Water in February. Barry Woodhouse
8. Little Egret chicks from a small colony in West Suffolk. Malcolm Wright
9. Cattle Egret seen regularly at Iken during the spring.
John Richardson
Iberian Chiffchaff – a Suffolk first
Identification of trapped birds can be attempted on wing formula and primary moult but field identification is entirely by voice with sound recordings of the distinctive three-part song or downward inflected call required to clinch the deal. Plumage wise, Iberian Chiffchaff does appear brighter and more yellow-toned below than Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, primary projection is slightly longer and the legs are paler creating a look not unlike Willow Warbler P. trochilus but, on their own, these would not convince the rarities committee. Iberian Chiffchaff’s status, and even its scientific name, has been much disputed in the past. Its current scientific name was described by Suffolk’s adopted son C. B. Ticehurst in 1937, the type specimen having been collected in Portugal in 1920. However, it had formerly been described by E.F. von Homeyer in 1871 as Phyllopneuste brehmii but was subsequently placed within the polytypic Common Chiffchaff as P. c. brehmii. The identification of von Homeyer’s type specimen was questioned by Ticehurst but it was not until 1999 that it was positively reidentified as a female Common Chiffchaff by Lars Svensson (Svenson 2001). After much research into the Chiffchaff group, Iberian Chiffchaff was elevated to the rank of full species by the BOU in 1999. Ticehurst’s “ibericus” was finally adopted as the specific name early this century. It is generally regarded as monotypic but it has been suggested that northern Iberian populations are morphologically distinct from southern birds and utilise different breeding habitats. These northern birds have been referred to as “biscayensis” in some literature. Shirihai and Svensson (2018) dismiss the morphological criteria for separation as slight and claim that the differential habitat selection is simply down to availability rather than choice. References Holt, C. (2018) “Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 2017” British Birds. Vol. 111, p551-634 del Hoyo, J., Elloiott, A. and Christie, D. A. eds. (2006) “Handbook of Birds of the World Vol.11 Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers”. Lynx Ediciones, Barcelona Shirihai, H. and Svensson, L. (2018) “Handbook of Western Palearctic Birds, Vol.1”. Helm. Svensson, L. (2001) “The correct name of the Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus and Ticehurst 1937, its identification and new evidence of its winter grounds” Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. 2001, 121(4)
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus The first for Suffolk Peter Wilson The American Herring Gull breeds from southern Alaska east across central and northern Canada to south Baffin Island, Labrador, Newfoundland and the north-eastern coastal region of the USA. A number winter south to southern USA and Mexico. Between 1950 and 2016 a total of 32 British records was accepted by BBRC, while Ireland has fared better with 97 birds up to and including 2015. The figures show that at least 75% of the birds recorded are in their first year. It is thus clear that, despite increased knowledge and interest in gull identification, American Herring Gull remains rare in Britain. The majority of British sightings are in the west, with for instance, four records from the Isles of Scilly, five from Cornwall and 12 from the Outer Hebrides. However, a record from Norfolk in 2004 continues to give hope to gull watchers elsewhere. Circumstances As April 15th 2017 provided an opportunity to spend as much time as I liked in the field, that’s what I did, while still managing a few chores and a short run. Following an early morning bird survey in Thetford Forest I headed to Lackford Lakes, which was pleasant enough but fairly quiet. Swapping interesting sightings (or lack of) with a fellow birder, he mentioned he was hoping to see Common Tern Sterna hirundo. In response I expressed my interest in searching for Bonaparte’s Gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia, a species always on my radar but particularly in Spring (there’s nothing wrong with aiming high!). As expected, I failed to find Bonaparte’s Gull but a twist of fate did present me, later that day, with another Nearctic gull species, in the form of American Herring Gull. Planning an evening’s ‘gulling’ it was reassuring to see a small flock of loafing gulls in view in the tilled field north of the village of Great Livermere. I pulled the car off the road, at about 300m distance, carefully exited the vehicle and began ‘scoping the birds. Small numbers of gulls were dropping in from the adjacent (out-of-view) pig field, onto the hidden sink hole before joining the resting (pre-roost) flock. After several minutes, and quickly following the appearance of a leucistic Herring Gull L. argentatus, a second-calendar year ‘Herring Gull’ with two pale rear scapulars caught my attention. The simple-patterned, off-white scapulars with solid dark bases seemed slightly unexpected and seconds later it appeared I was faced with a potential smithsonianus as the whole bird became apparent. At 275m range the gull was side-on but facing away slightly, while the low evening sun provided good light but was slightly ‘burning-out’ the front of the bird. Following views of the tail and tail coverts I felt confident that my first impression was indeed correct and news of the sighting was duly phoned out. Local birders Neil Calbrade, Steve Holloway and Nick Moran made it in time to see the bird which eventually left south with other gulls. It most likely alighted onto Livermere Lake briefly before continuing towards the roost site, although there was no sign of it on the lake by the time we arrived. Unfortunately, and perhaps surprisingly, the gull failed to show for the assembled birders the following morning but made a brief appearance in the evening. Since the early to mid-2000s as gull numbers increased in the Great Livermere area, I have been immersed in recording them and in their identification. This is without doubt my best find there and I’m glad at least a few other observers were able to share it with me. As long as my enthusiasm remains, I’ll continue in a similar vein; who knows, maybe one day a Bonaparte’s Gull will put in an appearance? Description Size / structure: Overall size judged to match many argentatus Herring Gulls or a large argenteus Herring. Not a massive ‘Herring Gull’ but ‘large enough’ and somewhat solid or hefty-looking. Fairly big head with angled forehead and smoothly-rounded crown (not showing obvious peak behind eye), the 42
American Herring Gull – a Suffolk first
former appearing almost concave when the bird was resting. This domed head-shape, combined with a dark eye set in the pale head gave a somewhat soft countenance. Large body with ample breast and notably deep, rounded belly. Wing length, wing/tail ratio and prominent tertial bulge all similar to argentatus Herring Gull. Bill depth was similar to that of argentatus Herring Gull, with a noticeable but not particularly-marked gonys angle. Somewhat more tube-like than typical ‘Herrings’ (?) with maybe not such a blunt tip as some. The legs appeared a similar length and thickness to argentatus Herring. Little of the tibia was visible below the belly when it stood resting. Plumage: Strikingly-white head with perhaps a faint brown wash around the eye and ear coverts which may actually have been shadow. Lacked strong crease through eye enhancing plain look to head and benign facial expression. Strong-brown wash to underside had a soft, thick, velvety and even texture. The plain brown extended along the flanks, merging with the undertail coverts. Clearly the front of the breast was whiter, presumably because of wear / bleaching of feathers, although owing to the light and angle of the gull the extent of this wasn’t resolved. It was felt, by those present, that the ‘washed-out’ appearance of the breast was exaggerated by the low evening sun. The brown flanks were very slightly mottled paler along the uppermost feathers. The under / rear belly were dark brown, meeting the undertail coverts. The strong brown of the underside wrapped around the nape. Here it was perhaps at its darkest and contrasted markedly with the white head. Scapulars were mostly of a simple pattern, dark-brown bases and broad off-white fringes. A couple of particularlypale rearmost scapulars showed a faint brown wash at the base, one exhibiting a thin brown subterminal bar. Washed-brown wing coverts contrasted little with the pale-fringed lower / rear scapulars. Again, it was felt the appearance was affected by feather wear / bleaching. Darker brown to the inner greater coverts formed an obvious square on the closed wing. The tips to the greater coverts appeared white and worn. Dark brown tertials contrasted with the rest of the upperparts, showing softly-contrasting ‘milky’ tips. The tail was visible several times as the bird preened or wingstretched, although not seen fully spread; it never looked anything but wholly dark brown with a thin diffuse pale tip. Uppertail coverts were strongly barred dark brown on white, such that the pattern was described as barred / mottled in my notebook. The dark bars were thin but wider / more prominent than the white ground colour giving a densely-patterned look. From a distance it wouldn’t have been an exaggeration to describe the uppertail coverts and rump as ‘mottled’ brown. Likewise, the undertail coverts were thinly / densely barred with brown and with 11 lines of dark barring counted on one view. On two or three occasions the underwing was visible briefly as the bird lifted its wings and a plain dusky-brown underside was noted, the darkness being rather striking. Bare parts: The eyes appeared dark or blackish throughout observation. A superficial Glaucous Gull-type pattern to the bill – pale pink with a black tip which bled back a little along the cutting edge of the lower mandible. Legs appeared flesh-pink similar to argentatus Herring Gull. Flight views: The bird turned southwards upon taking flight passing east of our viewing position and perhaps coming within 100m or so. The light was fading now but it clearly showed a particularly dark, ‘oily’ underwing. It was difficult to take in much detail, but the overall effect, partly due to the concolorous appearance of the tail coverts, rump and back, was a uniform, darkish appearance, even hinting at a skua-like feel. Nick Moran managed to take some useful photos as it went past. Again, I suspect the bird is slightly over-exposed in the images and although there is a suggestion of tightly-barred uppertail coverts, the pale bars look more obvious than in the field while the bird was on the ‘deck’. No obvious white is visible on the tail sides on the photos. Contrast in the upperwing was created by black secondaries, dark inner greater coverts, blackish outer primaries and rather extensivelypale inner primaries. The latter showed dark subterminal tips. The wing structure appeared as in argentatus Herring Gull. 43
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Landguard Point – September 27th to 30th 2017 Steve Piotrowski I have made countless birding forays to Landguard Point since the army vacated the site in 1957 (there was a military presence there up to the mid-1970s) and such visits increased significantly after the co-founding of Landguard Bird Observatory in 1982. The spectacle of active migration and the diversity of species noted over the years fascinate me and many other ornithologists and Landguard has played host to numerous new species for Suffolk. However, one species that has eluded me, not only at Landguard but elsewhere in Suffolk, is the Red-throated Pipit. This pipit’s call is diagnostic, being a high-pitched “tsweeep” which is easily recognisable to the trained ear. Pipit movements are noted annually at Landguard, their autumn passage usually peaking in lateSeptember/early October, and, on two previous occasions I have suspected Red-throated Pipits passing through with the flocks. On one of these occasions, I heard the Red-throated Pipit call and spotted the bird in flight, which appeared to land amongst the tank blocks immediately south of the old searchlight building, most recently used as a sea-watching hide. I pinpointed the bird by counting the blocks from the building and swiftly made a beeline to the spot but, most frustratingly, the bird couldn’t be relocated. This single call was not enough to nail its Identification. I made one of my regular visits to the Observatory early in the morning on September 27th and at 9 am joined Nigel Odin and his team on his daily circuit of the point. Nigel was accompanied by Will Brame, Ernie Lucking, Chris Ryde (Landguard Ranger) and me and, as we approached the southernmost tip of the reserve, a large pipit flock took off from the grassland and scattered in all directions. As the birds took flight, I recognised that familiar “tsweeep” call and yelled “Redthroated Pipit”, those present nodding in agreement. We thought this was going to be another brief encounter, but Will, typically as sharp as a razor, managed to relocate the bird feeding on the short turf with Meadow Pipits A. pratensis. We soon had the bird visible through our telescopes and were able to note all of its salient features. Wow, this was my long-awaited Suffolk tick! The Red-throated Pipit is a migratory species and each year it passes through Europe from its nesting sites above the Arctic Circle (Scandinavia east to Siberia) to wintering grounds in subSaharan Africa. It is principally insectivorous and, on migration, passage birds will stop off to forage for crane flies, beetles, spiders and other insects, supplementing this diet with grass seeds. The short turf at Landguard proved to be an ideal foraging area for this particular individual. However, the County’s previous Red- throated Pipits have not hung around and, with only four accepted records for Suffolk (the last being at Minsmere in 2001), this was a much-sought-after species for local birdwatchers! Those close-by were swiftly on the scene and, as its stay was relatively prolonged, it was eventually watched by hundreds of visitors. The bird was also well photographed and images were published on Twitter, Facebook, local journals and far and wide on the web. I took the following description: General impression: A small, sleek, streaked, brownish but quite robust pipit about the same size as Meadow Pipit. It showed a combination of a little-marked face, contrastingly-marked upperparts with golden/whitish braces, buff underparts with boldly streaked chest and flanks and streaked rump. This particular individual showed a pale reddish-buff suffusion on the throat indicating that it was a male. Voice: high-pitched “tsweeep” Head: plain buffish ear-coverts, pale yellowish-white lores blending with yellowish-white supercilium that extended over and behind the eye, black centres to buffish-olive crown feathers to give a streaked appearance. Very fine black malar stripe widening at base where it meets the 44
Red-throated Pipit
upper-breast spots and contrasting with pale buff sub-moustachial stripe below ear-coverts. Very fine white orbital ring around eye showing more below the eye. Underparts: pale buff throat with reddish suffusion on its chin, breast warm buff with boldly marked set of spots to form georgette and then lines of heavy spotting extending from the breast along the flanks to the vent. Belly and vent and undertail coverts pure white. Upperparts: Nape and mantle olive with back centres to feathers giving a streaked appearance. Scapulars broadly edged pale buff contrasting with lines of black feathers to show a set of braces. Rump – heavily streaked. Wings and tail: Tertials, median and greater coverts brown and broadly edged buff. No contrast in feather age noted. Its tail was olive-brown with pale buff edges and broad white outer-tail coverts. Bare Parts: Bill: short black bill with yellow base to lower mandible. Legs: pink. Toes: hind claw long (shorter than Meadow Pipit). Eye: black. Behaviour: Meadow Pipit-like slightly crouched posture with measured steps whilst feeding. At times, it showed extremely well, but is was also flighty and was frequently lost and took some time to be relocated. [Editor’s note: it is worth mentioning Brian Small’s salutary article about the potential pitfalls of Red-throated Pipit identification on page 138 of Suffolk Birds 2014].
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Ricky Fairhead – 1964 to 2017 An appreciation of a great friend Peter Ransome (with contributions from Robert Wilton) Ricky Fairhead was well known to Suffolk and Norfolk birders as a very popular and well-liked keen birder, wildlife enthusiast and local patch observer. His interests extended to watching, surveying and photographing insects such as butterflies and dragonflies, as well as orchids, reptiles and amphibians. Ricky and I were school friends and when Ricky expressed an interest in birds, I took him to see Snow Buntings at Lowestoft’s North Denes, which kindled Ricky’s passion for birding. During the 1980s, we birded together most weekends, using pedal power, motorbikes and, later, cars to travel to local birding sites around Lowestoft and Suffolk. Later on, Robert Wincup and Rob Wilton joined us and we became a close-knit quartet of friends. Birding to us was as much about the social scene, meeting friends, as well as looking for birds. Ricky regularly found rarities; 1995 was a classic year for finding “something for the notebook”, as Ricky would say, with Pine Bunting and Laughing Gull providing two memorable finds. Ricky’s expertise was soon recognized by the Suffolk Ornithological Records Committee and he served an extended three-year term in the late 1990s. I accompanied Ricky and friends on birding trips abroad, sharing some great adventures. Whilst watching a colony of Lesser Kestrels in a village in Morocco, we were arrested by local police. They didn’t speak a word of English and it was only when Ricky produced our “get out of jail free card”, his official RSPB membership card, that we were all finally released! Ricky was an outstanding all-round naturalist. He spent several summers with Robert Wilton, surveying the local area and adding valuable data published in both the “Butterfly Millennium Atlas” and “The Dragonflies of Suffolk”. Ricky had a great dry sense of humour; if there was a lack of seabirds flying past, he often called it the “worst seawatch ever!” But it was the sea that provided Ricky with some of his fondest seabird memories when he watched Yellow-nosed and Shy Albatrosses being hand-fed when visiting Robert Wilton in Australia. During the 1992-3 summers, Ricky worked as warden at Benacre, where Little Terns and other wildlife prospered under his stewardship. Ricky met his future wife, Debbie, whilst employed at the Bird’s Eye Factory, Lowestoft and they eventually married in 2017. In 2015, Ricky fell ill from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. He had various treatments at the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston. One was for stem cell treatment from a German donor and Ricky typically joked that it left him with a taste for sausages and German beer! Despite his diagnosis, Ricky was often able to get out birding, when well enough, and he was supported by Debbie every step of the way. Great Yarmouth birder Peter Allard fittingly proposed that the newly-constructed wader scrape at RSPB Berney Marshes be named after Ricky. Ricky would have been delighted to hear that 15 pairs of newly-arrived Avocets have fledged 20 young on the “Ricky Fairhead Scrape” to date. Ricky’s passing has deeply affected us all. We treasure greatly our memories of him. Our sincerest condolences and very deepest sympathy go to his wife Debbie, family and friends.
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Systematic List
The 2017 Suffolk Bird Report Systematic List Introduction The list and its appendices have been written using data supplied by the county’s birdwatchers and conservation organisations. The order has changed and follows the revised BOU list. The raw data have been collated and interpreted by the following:Swans and geese
Gi Grieco
Larks, hirundines
Nick Mason
Ducks
Andrew Green
Warblers, inc. Long-t Tit Andrew Gregory
Game birds, grebes to Crane John Davies Waxwing, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Starling, Richard Attenborrow Divers to Spoonbill John Grant Dipper, Wren, thrushes Raptors (incl. falcons) Chris Gregory Oystercatcher to plovers Ernie Lucking
Spotted Fly, Robin, chats, wheatears, other Steve Fryett flycatchers, Dunnock
Other waders Ed Keeble Skuas to gulls James Wright
Sparrows, wagtails, pipits, finches, buntings
Paul Gowen
Appendices
Peter Kennerley
Terns to auks
Brian Buffery
Pigeons to woodpeckers
Darren Underwood
Shrikes, corvids, crests, tits
Phil Whittaker
The ‘official’ British list is maintained by the British Ornithologists’ Union (BOU) and from 2018 will use the International Ornithological Congress world list. Species are included in various categories according to their status, as follows: • Category A – species which have been recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since January 1st 1950; • Category B – species that would otherwise be in Category A but have not been recorded since December 31st 1949; • Category C – species that, although originally introduced by man, either deliberately or accidentally, have established self-sustaining breeding populations; • Category D – species that would otherwise appear in Categories A or B except that there is doubt that they have ever occurred in a natural state; • Category E – species that have been recorded as introductions, transportees or escapees from captivity, and whose breeding populations are not thought to be self-sustaining. The main part of the species accounts consists of species that occurred in Suffolk in 2016, which fall into Categories A and C. Where a species is included in multiple categories, this is shown in the initial status summary. Categories D and E do not form part of either the British or Suffolk lists. Species from these Categories that occurred in Suffolk in 2016 are included as appendices to the main list. The order and nomenclature follow the latest published for The British List by the BOU using the International Ornithological Union list (BOU 2018). This list can be accessed on their web site at www.bou.org.uk English names follow the same list. Subspecies are listed under the main species’ heading, which includes the scientific name. The records for each species are listed mostly under the parish where the bird occurred, 47
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
sometimes followed by a more precise location if known. The exception to this is at the river estuaries and larger, well-known sites criss-crossed by several parish boundaries e.g. Walberswick NNR, Minsmere, Orfordness, Alton Water etc. The gazetteer on page 206 gives locations for those sites not easily located on a standard road map. The order of records is north to south down the coastal region, working round the estuaries, then inland from the northeast to the southwest of the county. To minimise any potential threats to site security, some records of rare breeding birds are published anonymously and under a vague site heading. As much use as possible is made of systematic monitoring schemes such as the WeBS counts. Using such co-ordinated data instead of maximum counts gives a better idea of the populations of each species wintering in the county on a given date. However, fluctuations in numbers due to changing weather patterns will affect totals and higher counts are given in the text after the table where appropriate. Counts from North Warren include Thorpeness Meare, Church Farm Marshes and the shoreline between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh; the Alde/Ore Estuary includes the complex of the Alde, Ore and Butley rivers as well as Orfordness, Gedgrave reservoir and Havergate Island; and the Orwell includes Trimley Marshes, Loompit Lake and Bourne Park Water Meadows. Counts from the Stour all refer to both the Suffolk side and both sides of the estuary. The larger part of the report, particularly for the more common species, is based upon ad hoc and Birdtrack records. Data of that type are influenced by the distribution of birdwatchers, the weather and other factors that result in imperfections. We are nonetheless indebted to those observers who have persevered with other studies, such as Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), Constant Effort Sites (CES) and transect counts and for making the results available for use. A summary of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is given for all those species for which meaningful data are available – further information can be found on the BTO website. See ‘A Guide to Recording Birds in Suffolk’ elsewhere in this Report for information on submission of records. The following definitions are intended as a guide to the relative status of each species: Very common: Occurs in large numbers in suitable habitat and season. Common: Occurs regularly or widely distributed in suitable habitat. Fairly common: Occurs in small numbers in suitable habitat and season. Uncommon: Occurs annually in small numbers. Scarce: One or two records each year or restricted to specific habitats. Rare: Occurs less than annually. Very rare: Less than 15 records in past 30 years. Accidental: Less than three records in past 30 years. Included in the status description is a note if the species is included in either the Red or the Amber List of ‘Birds of Conservation Concern’. This is a paper jointly produced by the leading bird conservation organisations in the UK. See Suffolk Bird Report Vol.47: 6-10 for further details. The following abbreviations are sometimes used in the systematic list:ad = adult N = bird(s) flying north BBS = Breeding Bird Survey NNR = National Nature Reserve CES = Constant Effort Site R = River CP = Country Park res = reservoir GC = Golf Course S = bird(s) flying south GP = gravel pit SW = sewage works imm = immature WM = Water Meadow Ind. Est. = industrial estate WP = Water Park juv = juvenile WR = Wildfowl Reserve
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MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Common resident. Amber List. Categories A and C. Mute Swans were present across the county being found on the rivers, lakes and marshes of Suffolk. During the BTO Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Mute Swans were recorded in ten 1km squares, the highest since records began, while the number of individuals was 179, the highest figure recorded to date, being almost three times greater than the previous highest. In general, breeding records were also up on the previous year and were similar in number to 2015 although the numbers of young were higher. The number of breeding sites, totalling 37, was fairly matched between the three recording areas, being slightly higher in the west. It was pleasing to have an increase in breeding records from the south-east. The number of pairs was 52, matching that in 2015, while the number of young increased from the previous two years, totalling 112. The principal breeding sites were Carlton Marshes with five breeding pairs, five at Sizewell SWT reserve and four at the Hen Reedbeds. At Wixoe there was a brood of eight well grown young and at Lound a pair with seven cygnets. At Eriswell, a pair with six cygnets included one ‘polish morph’ and at Loompit Lake two cygnets also showed signs of being ‘polish morph’. On Orfordness two pairs nested with a total of nine young thought to have fledged although the parents soon moved these off the site. There were no reports of herds of over 200, unlike the last two years, with 127 at Felixstowe Ferry on March 7th being the largest of the year. Most of the larger groupings came from the south-east with 103 at Brantham on January 3rd plus herds of between 60 to 80 noted at Hollesley, Boyton and Bawdsey in each winter period. Large herds were also present at Brundon (Sudbury) with 90 on January 1st and 106 on December 15th. On Orfordness, they were often noted in small numbers with 54 briefly on site on March 19th, likely to have been disturbed from nearby Sudbourne Marshes; this equals the highest count for the site, previously set in April 2003. Of note, at Loompit Lake, Trimley St Martin on March 30th, three birds were present, two males and one female; the observer noted the heaviest territorial aggression they had ever seen. Peak WeBS counts:Alde WeBS Deben WeBS Orwell WeBS
Jan 152 169 28
Feb 171 188 31
Mar 189 168 3
Apr 83 15
Sep 107 40
Oct 90 130 68
Nov 170 142 26
Dec 58 183 36
TUNDRA (BEWICK’S) SWAN Cygnus columbianus bewickii Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. Compared with Whooper Swan this species is much more frequently observed on the coast as opposed to the fenlands of north-west Suffolk. Most sightings came from Minsmere with 20 on January 1st, reaching a maximum of 23 on January 8th. A small group was also present at North Warren on three occasions with a maximum of 14 on January 20th. Some movement was noted including nine in off the sea at Ness Point, Lowestoft on January 6th. Return migration during mid- to late February included 160 which flew high east early morning at Burgh Castle on February 19th, 74 east at Gorleston on the same day (possibly part of the same flock), 26 east over Carlton Marshes on February 21st and 22 high east over Oulton Marshes 22 on February 24th. A couple of birds were present at Minsmere, Walberswick and Reydon Marshes up to March 13th. There was a handful of records in the south-east in the first winter period; six at Hollesley RSPB on January 2nd, four at Brantham Mill on January 4th and ten at Chillesford on January 20th in a wet area of a harvested beet field. On Orfordness, an adult and juvenile were present on both February 14th and 21st. At Aldeburgh Marshes, 40 flew south on February 20th, 11 were seen in flight on March 8th and 11 flew south-east on March 16th. A single bird was present at Levington 49
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Creek on March 31st. In the west, Lakenheath Fen had up to ten birds present in January with four remaining until February 4th. At Lackford Lakes five flew west on January 2nd, six were over Berner’s Heath on January 5th and 11 at BTO Nunnery Lakes, Thetford on February 16th. There were fewer records in the second winter period. On the coast, birds, mostly in single figures, were noted from November 12th at Minsmere and Dunwich reaching a maximum of 20 birds, although this included 17 west over Minsmere on December 1st. At Hazlewood Marshes, possibly the same flock, 19 flew south-west also on December 1st. Four flew south at Gorleston on December 2nd. In the west, eight were at Burnt Fen on December 16th and the same number at Kenny Hill the following day. WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. Categories A and E. This winter swan had typical numbers on the coastal stretch and, as in recent years, higher numbers in the north-west of the county with some really high counts in the second winter period. There were just three records from the north-east in the first winter period including three in off the sea at Lowestoft south beach on January 6th. Similarly, in the south-east, just three records with three at Woodbridge on February 12th being the most notable. Most records during January and February came from the west. At Lakenheath Fen 150 left the roost at dawn on January 1st and 126 on January 21st, these being the highest counts. At Lackford Lakes, 26 flew west on January 4th and 17 flew over West Stow CP the following day. A single bird fed in the area beside the Culford to Timworth road from January 20th to March 6th, roosting on nearby pits. The first returning birds of the second winter period were two which flew over Minsmere on October 4th. Further movement on the coast came at the end of October with five west at Beccles on October 23rd and the following day six south at St. Olaves and two north at Southwold. At Minsmere nine flew in off the sea and landed on Island Mere on October 29th. Most records for the remainder of the year on the coast came from Minsmere with a maximum of 14 on December 16th. Lakenheath Fen had a number of sightings in the period, most often at roost. On November 3rd there were 64 present, comprised of 61 adults and only three first-winters. Some large herds were present, such as 460 on November 14th, 300 on November 25th, 262 on December 23rd, when they roosted on the reedbed pool, and 450 on December 26th. These numbers all exceeded the previous highest Suffolk count of 260 at Sedge Fen, Lakenheath in 2009 but were eclipsed by a flock of 1100 at Burnt Fen (Suffolk section) on December 16th and 1000 at Kenny Hill, Mildenhall the following day. Some other records for the period were 24 which flew west at Temple Bridge, Cavenham on November 15th, 80 flying over Newmarket on November 14th, 18 over Troston on November 15th and 211 at Sedge Fen on December 14th with 300 there on December 26th. TUNDRA BEAN GOOSE Anser serrirostris rossicus (was fabalis rossicus) Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. Categories A and E. Only present in the first winter period. At North Warren up to 22 birds were present during January and the same total at this site on February 18th, the sole record from there for the latter month. Nearby at Hazlewood Marshes there were six on January 22nd. At Carlton Marshes six on January 30th and up to six at Southwold Town Marshes in January and the beginning of February. On February 15th a large flock, consisting of 117 birds, was at Breydon South Wall, which then decreased to 95 by February 19th. Finally, there were two at Dingle Marshes on February 20th. The 117 at Breydon is the highest total of Tundra Bean Geese in Suffolk since January 31st 1982 when 120 were at Bawdsey. Of interest, 112 were on the Breydon South Wall Marshes on December 29th 2004. 50
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There were a number of records from the south-east with two main flocks at Hollesley Marshes and Trimley Marshes. At the former site, up to 14 birds present during January and February were also noted at nearby Gedgrave, Boyton and Ramsholt Marshes. The flock at Trimley Marshes also contained up to 14 birds which were regularly seen at the site up until February 28th. At Falkenham, six on January 2nd with the same total at Shingle Street on January 10th; at Martlesham 13 were recorded on January 13th and a single bird at Alton Water associated with Greylag Geese during January. There were two records from the west; one bird at BTO Nunnery Reserve from January 18th to February 18th and one at Livermere Lake on February 12th. TAIGA BEAN GOOSE Anser fabalis fabalis Rare winter visitor. Categories A and E. A Taiga Bean Goose from the Norfolk population was observed on the southern side of Breydon Water in the middle of February. Breydon South Wall: photographed, Feb 16th and 17th (A C Easton).
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. Categories A and E. There were fewer large flocks present in the north-east compared with the previous two years. The highest numbers in the first winter period were 1000 in flight at Oulton Marshes on January 9th and 1800 at Waveney Forest, Fritton on February 20th. At North Warren, four were on site during late February and early March before being present further up the coast at Dingle Marshes, Southwold Town Marshes and Reydon Marshes until March 31st. In the south-east up to nine birds were regularly present at Boyton Marshes and nearby at both Gedgrave and Hollesley Marshes. In the west, at Lakenheath Fen, 40 were recorded on February 16th. In the second winter period the first birds reported were at Minsmere with ten north on September 15th. There was passage around early October including 11 that flew in off the sea at Ness Point on October 4th and 100 north over Carlton Marshes on October 8th. Larger flocks were seen later in the year including 500 at Ashby Church on October 30th, 1000 at Oulton Marshes on November 16th, 800 at Carlton Marshes on November 19th, 1000 in fields west of the A12 at Hopton on November 26th, rising to 2000 at the site at the end of November, 800 flew over Marsh Lane, Somerleyton on December 13th and 1500 at Blundeston Marshes on December 22nd. In the south-east four were present at Trimley Marshes on October 1st rising to six on October 8th then four noted on several dates there up to November 19th. In the west at Mickle Mere a single bird was with Greylags on October 3rd and one at BTO Nunnery Reserve, Thetford on December 9th. GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red List (from Green). Categories A and E. Greater White-fronted Geese were more numerous in 2017 compared with recent years with much higher flocks at the most-favoured site, North Warren, as well as more records from along the coast and in the south-east, while in the west an increase in sightings continued from the previous year. The vast majority of records came from the first winter period with just one flock, reaching 53 birds, at North Warren during December in the second winter period plus a lone individual at Trimley Marshes on December 3rd. As mentioned, most records came from North Warren with 400 on January 11th, reaching a maximum of 420 on January 20th and the last record there on March 11th with a flock of 250. At Castle Marsh, North Cove, a flock of 90 was recorded on January 1st; it is likely that the same birds flew west at Carlton Marshes the following day. On the Blyth Estuary, 53 were recorded 51
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on January 2nd and on the same day, seven at Eastbridge included two birds wearing green collars. These birds had been ringed as adults on August 8th 2016 on Kolguyev Island, Russia and subsequently seen in The Netherlands during November and December 2016. The birds were seen again at Eastbridge before being sighted at North Warren on January 14th and last seen there on March 5th, with a single sighting at Dingle Marshes on January 29th. During the same period a flock of 30 birds was noted at Minsmere including the green-collared birds on January 8th while at Slaughden on January 11th a flock of 80 circled before flying south-east out to sea. In the south-east this species was most regularly seen at Hollesley Marshes occurring up to March 28th with the highest count of at least 100 on March 6th. On February 17th, 65 birds landed on the scrape at Hollesley Marshes after being disturbed by an air ambulance landing at the prison (P Kennerley). Boyton Marshes also had a number of records with a high count of 98 on March 9th. In the west there was a single juvenile bird at Mickle Mere on January 17th that was also noted at Livermere Lake, Cavenham Heath and BTO Nunnery Reserve in Thetford. At Lakenheath Fen, five which flew over on January 14th are the first reserve record for this species; they were seen again on several dates in January and February, while 13 were present between March 4th and 10th. Other records from the south-east and the west include:Gedgrave: 130, Jan 3rd; 165, Jan 4th. Ramsholt: 105, Jan 1st; 100, Jan 3rd. Falkenham Creek: 140, Jan 5th. Trimley Marshes: five, Jan 5th; 29, Jan 29th; three, Feb 19th and 26th; three Mar 7th; 12, Mar 10th. Stutton Mill: 12, Jan 4th. Pipps Ford: Jan 28th. Stoke-by-Nayland: Gifford’s Hall, 48, Feb 10th; 44, Feb 18th to 28th. Higham (nr Hadleigh): 22 feeding with feral geese beside B1068 Higham to Thorington Street road, Jan 1st to 3rd; four, Jan 13th. Mickle Mere: ten, Jan 28th.
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Common resident from feral flock. Amber List. Categories A, C and E. This species is found across all three recording areas in large numbers with all having flocks in three figures but this year there were no flocks that reached four figures, apart from 1000 at Trimley Marshes on the January WeBS count. Greylag Geese were recorded from 15 BBS 1km squares, matching the previous highest in 2011 and 2012; there was a rise to 87 individuals from the low of 46 last year, The number of breeding sites increased again in 2017, up to 27 and the highest to date. This included a rise to six sites in the south-east while both the north-east and west had site totals similar to those in 2016. Some of the principal breeding sites were Dingle Marshes and Hen Reedbeds both with three breeding pairs. At Herringfleet there were five goslings at two weeks old with a further seven goslings with adults on North Marsh. There were several broods, at both Boyton and Hollesley Marshes, and at Culford Park there were broods of seven and ten young. At Clare, a flock on the golf course included juveniles while there was breeding again on the farm reservoir at Arger Fen, Assington. The two sites in the north-east, Dingle Marshes and North Warren, with regular large flocks are in the table below. Other sites with large counts were 200 at Castle Marsh, North Cove on January 5th, 376 at Covehithe on January 17th, 470 at Benacre Broad on September 5th and 200 at Southwold Town Marshes on October 9th. In the south-east there were 702 on Orfordness on January 1st, the highest-ever count for the site. Other large flocks not in the table were over 300 at Loompit Lake on June 19th, 660 at Stutton on September 15th and a sizeable count at Landguard Bird Observatory with 800 on November 24th. As is the norm for the west, Livermere Lake was the prominent site with the highest counts 52
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followed closely by Lackford Lakes; the latter had counts of 350 on October 29th and 310 on December 12th. Elsewhere, 381 at BTO Nunnery Reserve, Thetford on January 16th, 270 at Mickle Mere on September 22nd and 250 at Lakenheath Fen RSPB on November 25th were the other largest counts. Peak monthly counts from WeBS and selected sites:Jan Feb Mar Dingle Marshes 280 175 97 North Warren 210 18 35 Alde WeBS 727 727 235 Deben WeBS 57 14 10 Orwell WeBS 75 70 118 Stour WeBS 161 43 64 Orfordness 702 231 33 Hollesley Marshes 535 190 230 Trimley Marshes 1000 180 Alton Water 486 474 81 Livermere Lake 340 517 422
Apr 19 130 73 8 40 96 66 72
Sep 250 107 195 563 385 585 -
Oct 250 200 65 28 192 361 65 659 295 -
Nov 158 360 344 783 319 10 285 736 493 430
Dec 130 570 660 239 143 154 280 428 447 600
GREATER CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Common resident. Categories A, C and E. Widely distributed around the county with larger flocks at a few sites in the south-east while in the west they are found across a number of sites. From the BTO BBS records Canada Geese were found in six 1km squares, a decline from ten in 2016 and eight in 2015. The number of individuals was also lower in number, dropping to 102 the lowest figure since 2013. Breeding records were consistent with recent years, recorded at 23 sites which hosted 45 pairs with 38 young counted although, as with last year, many records did not detail what numbers of young were present. The majority of breeding reports are from the west of the county with the principal sites being Mickle Mere with seven broods, Hall Farm, Fornham St. Martin with a total of ten juveniles and the same total of juveniles at Hold Farm, Bures. In the north-east at least five pairs raised young at Weybread Gravel Pits. On Orfordness at least nine pairs nested but only four broods totalling 13 young were seen. The largest flock of the year was at Higham (near Hadleigh) with 510 on January 2nd. A selection of other large counts included 112 on Southwold Town Marshes on February 3rd, 400 at Seafield Bay, Stour Estuary on July 3rd, 320 at Boyton Marshes on August 10th, 113 at Redgrave Fen on August 23rd, 371 on Orfordness on September 9th, 405 on Hollesley Marshes on November 19th, 216 on farm reservoirs at Arger Fen, Assington on November 1st, 230 feeding on winter wheat at Tuddenham (near Mildenhall) on November 5th and 340 at Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-byNayland on November 12th. The monthly WeBS counts:Jan Alde WeBS 430 Deben WeBS 1 Orwell WeBS 187 Stour WeBS 379
Feb 430 55 244
Mar 130 54 88 346
Apr 42 73 281
Sep 126 248 331
Oct 150 162 112 16
Nov 691 183 428
Dec 530 131 168
Two Canada x Greylag Goose hybrids were at Carlton Marshes in September and another at Lound Lakes the same month. A Canada x Barnacle Goose hybrid was at Lound Lakes in February and March with a single bird at Southwold Town Marshes in December.
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BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant; increasingly common feral resident. Amber List. Categories A and E. The winter periods are when this goose species is found in large flocks along the Suffolk coast. Breeding was again recorded at the two regular sites; 22 breeding pairs at Minsmere only produced broods of four, two, two and five. At the other site, Weybread Gravel Pits, there was a pair with two young goslings around three to seven days old in mid-May. In the first part of the year there were a number of coastal sites where triple-figure counts were made as this species moved between areas, particularly from North Warren to Southwold. Some larger counts were 500 at Dunwich on January 2nd, 500 at Southwold Town Marshes on January 5th and 350 at Thorpeness on February 2nd. From September onwards, large counts were again noted on the coast, this time with even greater flock sizes such as 1000 at Southwold Town Marshes on October 8th and the same number at Minsmere on October 31st. On October 12th there were two large flocks on the south side of Southwold Harbour totalling 1230 birds, one flock with 900 and the other 330. In the south-east it was smaller flock sizes that were present, most regularly at Hollesley Marshes and the main site of Trimley Marshes where the flock reached 50 on January 5th and 60 on February 26th. At Landguard, 121 flew past the Observatory on March 7th. Typically, a single feral bird was present at a few sites around west Suffolk including Mickle Mere, Livermere Lake and Arger Fen, Assington. At Lackford Lakes there were nine on January 14th and 40 at Centre Parcs, Elveden on January 15th. (DARK-BELLIED) BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla bernicla Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. Categories A and E. This species is mostly found on the estuaries of south-east Suffolk. Unlike other winter visiting geese, large flocks can linger on into spring and there are usually a few summer sightings. It also tends to return earlier, from mid-September. On the coast it is generally only encountered on passage, principally in the autumn. In 2017, numbers were down compared with previous years with only three four-figure counts. There were two main movements of autumn passage; the first on September 24th and 25th with birds noted offshore between Lowestoft and Minsmere. In this passage the largest totals were 100 south off North Denes, Lowestoft and 200 off Minsmere beach on 24th while on Orfordness a Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group field trip counted 1044 south on September 24th, comprised of 42 groups, the largest of which contained 138 birds. The second phase of passage, involving more birds, was on October 19th and 20th when the largest count was of 962 south off Ness Point, Lowestoft on October 19th. There were also 372 noted off Easton Bavents and 453 off Thorpeness. Passage records at Landguard are recorded in the table below. The peak day-totals off Landguard were both in October with 1829 south on 19th and 1386 south on 20th. Monthly totals at Landguard Bird Observatory were:Jan Feb Mar Apr N+out 54 175 441 18 S+in 196 144 115 13
May 354 -
Sep 412
Oct 40 4216
Nov 53 247
Dec 51 108
On the estuaries, the large flocks involved 700 feeding on arable land at Chelmondiston on January 2nd, 600 at Waldringfield on both January 21st and 29th and 1200 at Trimley St Mary, the largest flock of the year, on January 29th. Larger flocks on the Stour Estuary included 570 at Erwarton Bay on May 10th and 855 at Seafield Bay on May 19th, both sightings involving preemigration gatherings. There were a few sightings of birds in the summer months; a single at Kessingland and Benacre Broad in late June and early July and seven south past Slaughden on July 9th. A single bird was 54
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at Hollesley Marshes on July 6th with perhaps the same individual on the bund in Holbrook Bay on July 20th. There were smaller flocks in the second winter period with 300 at Stutton Ness on the Stour Estuary on November 19th and 500 at Kyson Point, Woodbridge on December 21st. Peak monthly WeBS counts in the table below:Jan Feb Mar Alde WeBS 254 171 189 Deben WeBS 805 1003 409 Orwell WeBS 812 601 454 Stour WeBS 144 1126 1306
Apr 3 384 1281
Sep -
Oct 6 4 66 295
Nov 95 802 376 2366
Dec 61 1015 377 1763
(PALE-BELLIED) BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla hrota Uncommon winter visitor. Amber list. There were just two records of this sub-species in 2017, both at the end of the year. There were two south past Landguard Bird Observatory on December 30th and the following day a single bird was at Hazlewood Marshes. EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiaca Locally fairly common resident. Categories C and E. As with other feral geese species the Egyptian Goose continues to increase, with the population in the west growing year by year. The species was found in seven of the BBS squares, matching the previous highest, with the individuals at 15, matching the previous year. The west had the vast majority of breeding records, around 65% of the total sites for the year; although slightly down compared with the previous two years as were the number of pairs and young. At Mickle Mere a pair had five young, two of which were leucistic. At Livermere Lake a pair raised five large young while at Culford Park on April 28th there were five recently-hatched goslings and at the same site on May 31st a further seven recently-hatched young. Breeding occurred at four sites in the north-east; the only successful breeding was at Redgrave Fen where a pair was seen with seven small chicks and at Snape Wetland where one pair raised six young. There were three breeding sites in the south-east, the same as in 2016, including a pair which nested at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. As well as having the highest numbers of breeding records the west also had the greater number of birds present and the Suffolk record for the largest flock was exceeded on three occasions during the year. Initially 129 were at Livermere Lake on June 28th, then 136 at Rymer Point (at the southern limit of Barnham) on September 3rd and finally 149 at Livermere pig fields on September 23rd. Other large flocks were 66 at Hall Farm, Fornham St. Martin on August 17th, 70 at Barton Bottom on August 27th and 96 at Timworth on September 25th. The largest flock in the north-east was of 25 at Covehithe on September 23rd. In the southeast, Alton Water typically attracts the highest numbers, the largest flock there being 34 on July 22nd although there was a larger flock of 37 nearby at Stutton on September 15th. COMMON SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Locally common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Feb Blyth Estuary* Alde/Ore Estuary 614 1123 Hazlewood Marshes* 270 360 Deben Estuary 363 400
Mar 25 835 91 363
Apr 297 55
May 36 160 -
June 320 -
Oct 191 456 188 48
Nov 136 269 520 383
Dec 100 443 420 383
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary Livermere Lake* *monthly maxima
Jan 342 1244 61
Feb 558 1072 75
Mar 464 485 121
Apr 226 550 188
May 164 -
June 21 145
Oct 2 676 -
Nov 211 1357 76
Dec 296 1087 109
The February WeBS count of 1123 on the Alde/Ore Estuary is the highest at this site for ten years, otherwise the winter population shows few signs of recovery. Aside from those in the table, the only other three-figure count received was of 115 at Rymer Point, Barnham on February 26th, a remarkable record for this inland site. By contrast, the breeding population appears healthy, with an impressive total of 52 pairs recorded at 21 sites (38 pairs at 15 sites in 2016). On the coast, 20 broods were located on Orfordness (the highest number for three years) comprising 163 young of which at least 90 fledged, while five pairs bred at Sizewell. In the west of the county a total of 40 young in six broods was recorded at Livermere Lake in June. The only significant coastal movements were recorded off Landguard, with one north and 81 south, January 6th and 67 south, October 28th. MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata Uncommon feral visitor. Small breeding population. Categories C and E. Successful breeding was recorded at two sites. A brood of two young was at Ipswich Golf Club, Purdis Farm on May 20th and probably a second brood, also of two young, on July 11th, while a female was observed with a single young at Christchurch Park, Ipswich on June 12th. Although less-widely reported this year, overall numbers remain at an all-time high. Indeed, the year’s highest count of 30 at Brandon Country Park on January 7th equals the county record set last November at Ipswich Golf Club. This mirrors the situation nationally, where WeBS data show that the UK population has increased by 43% over the past ten years. Carlton Marshes: male, Apr 1st. North Cove: River Waveney, male, Jan 22nd. Minsmere: male, Jan 10th, 22nd and 23rd, Mar 22nd and regularly Apr 4th to June 6th; two, Aug 15th and Sep 16th; male, Sep 27th; male regularly Dec 10th to 20th. Aldeburgh Marshes: two (one male), July 7th. Leiston: Aldhurst Farm, pair, Mar 17th. Ipswich: Christchurch Park, 22, Jan 18th; 11, Feb 13th; Apr 20th; female with one young, June 12th; 12, June 30th; four, July 14th and 30th; 18, Aug 20th; three (one male), Nov 5th. Holywells Park, two (one male), Mar 4th. Stutton: Mill, Nov 27th. Stowmarket: Sewage works, May 11th and 23rd, July 18th; Sep 26th. Pipps Ford: male, Dec 22nd. Little Bealings: two (one male), Apr 8th. Playford: Apr 15th. Purdis Farm: Ipswich Golf Club, 11 (seven males), Feb 23rd; two (one male), Mar 16th; seven (five males), Apr 2nd; female with two young, May 20th; four males and female with one young, May 30th; female and two juveniles, July 11th; 24, Sep 26th; 15 (ten males), Oct 13th. Santon Downham: three, Feb 25th; four, Mar 7th and 12th; 12, Apr 23rd; Aug 4th. Brandon: Country Park, 30, Jan 7th; 21, Feb 18th; 13, Mar 13th; two (one male), Apr 1st; two, July 27th; 13, Aug 24th; ten, Sep 9th; seven, Oct 29th; 11, Nov 26th; six, Dec 3rd. Thetford: five, Mar 11th; male, May 16th. Fornham St Martin: male, May 29th. Hargrave: three (one male), Apr 7th. Little Cornard: two (one male), Mar 12th and 15th.
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Systematic List
EURASIAN WIGEON Mareca (formerly Anas) penelope Common winter visitor and passage migrant. A few oversummer and occasionally breed. Amber list. Categories A and E. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Oulton Marshes* 250 Sibton Park* 172 Blyth Estuary* Minsmere 370 Sizewell 120 North Warren* 2000 Alde/Ore Estuary 5973 Boyton Marshes* 260 Hollesley Marshes* 2700 Deben Estuary 1136 Orwell Estuary 1515 Stour Estuary 1124 Mickle Mere* Gifford’s Hall* 430 Thorington Street Reservoir* 32 *monthly maxima
Feb 210 98 100 235 90 1640 4973 420 2600 1223 1254 1368 150 1000 -
Mar 220 160 30 165 130 1685 3541 860 2200 571 1208 922 105 350 -
Apr 41 9 115 250 15 31 228 50 -
Oct 140 224 40 732 1 600 160 180 178 12 320
Nov 250 245 0 600 3144 49 1250 749 1264 394 80 150 90
Dec 247 0 1500 3779 55 1700 976 735 1379 74 240
In general, counts were above average throughout the winter of 2016/17. Although a mild winter in the UK, cold weather in large parts of continental Europe forced birds to move westwards. In fact, total numbers along the coast in January were at their highest for six years. Aside from those in the table, additional three-figure counts in the first winter period included a WeBS count of 140 at Benacre Broad, January 15th; 150 flying east over Lake Lothing, Lowestoft, January 18th; 300 flying east over Oulton Broad, January 22nd; 230 at Reydon Marshes, January 31st and 100 at Higham St Mary, February 12th. Further significant counts in the second winter period included 110 at Hollesley Marshes, September 28th; 360 at Seafield Bay, Brantham, September 30th; a WeBS count of 110 at Dingle Marshes, October 7th; 124 at Southwold, October 19th and 150 at Lackford Lakes, November 4th. Summer records were received from six coastal sites, with a maximum of six at Minsmere on July 2nd, although there was no evidence of breeding. A flock of 126 on the sea off Gorleston on January 4th was the only noteworthy offshore count during the first winter period. Coastal passage during the autumn involved the following significant movements, with a marked peak during strong southerly winds on October 19th and 20th:Corton: 120 north, Nov 7th. Lowestoft: Ness Point, 201 south, Oct 19th; five north and 141 south, Oct 20th. Kessingland: 15 north and 153 south, Oct 24th. Southwold: 53 north and 447 south, Oct 19th. Landguard: 125 south, Sep 24th; 13 north and 1732 south in Oct including peak day-counts of 201 south on 7th, 11 north and 253 south on 9th, 242 south on 19th, 603 south on 20th and 293 south on 24th; 201 south, Nov 7th.
GADWALL Mareca (formerly Anas) strepera Common resident and winter visitor. Amber list. Categories A and C. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Leathes Ham, Lowestoft* 490 Minsmere* 106 North Warren* 38
Feb 50 156
Mar 62 121 57
Aug 36 -
Sep 200 -
Oct 300 14
Nov 174 30
Dec 300 188 34
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Jan Alde/Ore Estuary 76 Orwell Estuary 40 Lakenheath Fen/Washes* Lackford Lakes* 116 *monthly maxima
Feb 156 43 121
Mar 108 17 24
Aug 65 262 120
Sep 111 260 51
Oct 15 102 146 66
Nov 65 202 115 91
Dec 179 227 42
Total winter numbers in both periods were similar to those of the previous three years, but did include two standout counts. For the second successive year the largest gathering was at Leathes Ham, Lowestoft in January, with a new site record of 490 on 28th and a count of 156 at North Warren, February 18th is the highest at this site for five years. Further three-figure counts during the first winter period included 147 at Trimley Marshes, January 22nd and 125 at Lound Lakes, February 5th, while additional significant counts during the summer months included a WeBS count of 171 at Minsmere, June 13th, 100 at Lackford Lakes, June 25th and 200 at Carlton Marshes, August 24th. There was a pronounced increase in the number of reported breeding pairs, with a total of 107 pairs at 21 sites (85 pairs at 16 sites in 2016). Minsmere supported 60 pairs, a 25% rise from 48 pairs last year, while ten pairs bred at North Warren and five pairs on Orfordness. EURASIAN TEAL Anas crecca Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Scarce resident. Amber list. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Feb Burgh Castle* 300 215 Blyth Estuary* 100 Dingle Marshes 77 93 Minsmere* 1285 479 North Warren* 1000 460 Alde/Ore Estuary 3779 3136 Hazlewood Marshes* 1050 540 Snape Warren* 150 Orfordness* 970 576 Butley River* 437 200 Deben Estuary 965 738 Orwell Estuary 760 369 Trimley Marshes* 1084 469 Stour Estuary 753 677 Lakenheath Fen/Washes* Lackford Lakes* 484 270 Culford Park* 138 110 Mickle Mere* 200 Gifford’s Hall* 270 380 *monthly maxima
Mar 70 150 26 267 264 824 125 200 170 42 370 331 320 580 124 159 306 280
Apr 214 65 120 60 62 86 165 376 105 52 150 80
Aug 184 60 20 7 11 100 21 22 -
Sep 135 541 20 200 125 114 13 325 232 55 486 80 54 50
Oct 401 550 750 130 518 64 200 81 110 72 765 240 100 88 -
Nov 110 114 642 200 1806 350 448 74 526 355 421 325 162 317 98 130 -
Dec 578 1000 500 2931 200 350 400 625 64 852 1111 400 217 352 -
Following the high counts of the previous two years, overall winter numbers were slightly below average. Aside from those in the table, there were two further three-figure counts in the first winter period involving 103 at Livermere Lake, February 5th and a WeBS count of 300 at Benacre Broad, February 12th. As numbers of returning birds built up through late summer and autumn, two sites in addition to those in the table held significant flocks. Counts of 100, August 23rd and 105, September 30th were made at Carlton Marshes and of 120, October 23rd and 230, November 12th at Higham St Mary. Unlike last year there was no evidence of breeding, although two coastal sites held small numbers throughout spring and early summer. 58
Systematic List
Offshore autumn passage was much lighter than usual. In fact, total numbers logged off Landguard were at their lowest since 2010. The following three-figure day-counts were reported:-
Lowestoft: Ness Point, 165 south, Oct 19th; 114 south, Oct 20th. Southwold: eight north and 140 south, Oct 19th. Slaughden: 170 north, Dec 1st. Landguard: 121 south, Sep 9th; 214 south, Oct 19th; 373 south, Nov 7th; 226 south, Nov 9th; 108 south, Nov 20th; 79 north and 35 south, Dec 1st.
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Feb Mar Dingle Marshes* 54 12 20 Minsmere* 500 130 94 Alde/Ore Estuary 463 704 302 Orfordness* 243 339 178 Havergate Island* 274 157 32 Deben Estuary 191 132 81 Orwell Estuary 181 72 42 Trimley Marshes* 226 72 38 Stour Estuary 63 55 77 Alton Water* 100 76 60 Livermere Lake* 650 350 Lackford Lakes 98 61 47 Culford Park* 43 Sudbury* 280 *monthly maxima
Apr 9 76 12 67 51 46 49 36 185 23 -
May 4 110 16 52 42 42 18 -
Jun 132 22 76 29 10 85 55 -
Jul 155 106 45 15 181 143 -
Aug 66 300 49 96 142 53 500 245 78 120
Sep 203 180 110 15 71 60 69 64 148 231 109 -
Oct 191 250 533 248 90 116 79 27 83 45 162 -
Nov 208 88 490 216 113 120 84 79 33 51 82 80 -
Dec 137 487 697 212 222 165 95 164 187 56 260
Winter numbers remain high and for the third consecutive year the peak WeBS count, the February total of 704 on the Alde/Ore Estuary, exceeded 700. This is in stark contrast with the national picture, where the non-breeding population is at an all-time low having declined by 38% over the past 25 years. Apart from those in the table, additional three-figure counts in the first winter period were all made in January and included a WeBS count of 132 at North Warren on 14th, 100 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford and 110 at Thorington Street Reservoir on 16th, 154 at Heveningham Hall Lake on 22nd and 100 at Leathes Ham, Lowestoft on 28th. The only other significant gatherings all occurred in late summer and early autumn and involved 107 at Redgrave Fen, August 4th, 130 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford, August 14th, 100 at Walberswick, September 5th and 140 at Stutton, September 15th. A total of 116 breeding pairs was reported from 43 sites (92 pairs from 41 sites in 2016). As the majority of breeding records for this species are provided on an ad hoc basis, rather than through surveys, it is difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions on the status of the breeding population. However, at four coastal sites where comprehensive annual breeding surveys are carried out, and comparing data from five years ago, breeding numbers have risen at Dingle Marshes from six pairs in 2013 to nine pairs in 2016, but fallen at the other three; from 17 pairs to nine pairs at Hen Reedbeds, from 21 pairs to 15 pairs at Sizewell and from 11 pairs to eight pairs on Orfordness. An unexpected record concerned a female with six recently-hatched young at Christchurch Park, Ipswich on the very late date of December 2nd, with five of these young still present with their mother one week later.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant; a few oversummer. Amber list. Categories A and E. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Blyth Estuary* North Warren* 174 Alde/Ore Estuary 148 Deben Estuary 92 Orwell Estuary* 85 Stour Estuary 49 *monthly maxima
Feb 20 164 201 78 172 63
Mar 1 179 58 25 56 4
Oct 2 6 21 15 2 78
Nov 8 102 40 68 65 83
Dec 126 230 70 63 29 26
Counts of this elegant dabbling duck were very disappointing in both winter periods. For the first time since 2013 no single count reached the threshold for national importance of 290 and the year’s highest, a non-WeBS count of 230 at North Warren, December 16th, is the lowest annual county peak since 1997. Aside from those in the table, the only other significant concentrations were of 106 at Seafield Bay, Brantham, September 30th and 120 at Levington Creek, December 14th. A pair was present at Hollesley Marshes throughout late May and early June, although, unlike last year, there was no evidence of breeding and one was regularly recorded at another coastal site in the south-east of the county in June. The following records were received from the west of the county:-
Lakenheath Fen/Washes: up to two, Jan 30th to Feb 8th; four, Mar 24th; two, Sep 23rd; Oct 27th. Lackford Lakes: female, Jan 21st; male, Jan 22nd; female, Feb 1st; five (three males), Mar 3rd; six males, Mar 5th; six (four males), Mar 9th; Apr 14th. Mickle Mere: two, Dec 3rd. Stoke-by-Nayland: Gifford’s Hall, up to five, Jan 7th to Mar 27th; three, Apr 1st and 3rd; four, Apr 4th.
On the coast, 29 flew south off Landguard, January 6th and one flew north off Orfordness on April 30th, otherwise all passage was logged from September 16th onwards as follows:-
Corton: 13, Sep 16th; Sep 17th. Gunton: two, Oct 27th. Lowestoft: Ness Point, 19 south, Oct 19th. Southwold: two, Oct 15th. Minsmere: five south, Sep 18th; two, Nov 10th; south, Nov 11th; eight north, Dec 1st. Landguard: 11 south, Sep 18th; three south, Sep 23rd; seven north and 31 south in Oct; 57 south in Nov including 31 south on 7th; seven south in Dec.
GARGANEY Spatula (formerly Anas) querquedula Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. Has overwintered. Amber list. There was a significant arrival in March, beginning with four at Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland on 11th, and continuing with records from a further five coastal and four inland sites before the end of the month. The strong spring passage continued throughout the first half of April and included the year’s largest gathering of five at Boyton Marshes on April 9th. Breeding was not confirmed, although it is possible up to three pairs bred at Lakenheath Fen and another at Minsmere. Indeed, Lakenheath proved to be the most reliable site for this notoriously secretive duck during late summer and autumn, with one or two regularly from July 29th to October 1st, four on August 1st and September 24th and three on October 1st. The last was a singleton at Lakenheath on November 2nd, the latest autumn migrant since 2007 when one was at Minsmere, November 4th.
Lound Lakes: pair, May 14th. Carlton Marshes: pair, Mar 21st; male, Mar 22nd to 30th; one or two males regularly, Apr 22nd to May 9th; 60
Systematic List pair, May 31st; Sep 3rd. Benacre Broad: Sep 3rd. Hen Reedbeds: pair, Mar 19th; male, Mar 25th; pair, Mar 26th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, three (two males), Apr 2nd; male, Apr 7th. Southwold: male, May 11th; pair, May 23rd. Walberswick: Tinker’s Marshes, male, Apr 9th, 11th and 21st. Minsmere: male, Mar 17th; two pairs, Mar 18th to 23rd; pair, Mar 24th to Apr 2nd; four, Apr 3rd; pair, Apr 4th to 6th; male, Apr 23rd and June 9th; one or two regularly, July 19th to Aug 4th; juvenile, Aug 23rd; two juveniles, Aug 26th; Sep 19th. Aldeburgh Marshes: July 26th. Snape Wetland: pair, May 7th. Boyton Marshes: three (two males), Mar 14th and 15th; one or two males regularly, Mar 23rd to Apr 5th; three (two males), Apr 6th; five (four males), Apr 9th; male, May 16th. Hollesley Marshes: three (two males), Mar 12th; two males, Mar 15th; male regularly, Mar 19th to Apr 9th and Apr 24th to 26th; juvenile, Aug 4th and 5th; one or two regularly, Aug 18th to Sep 4th. Martlesham Creek: male, Apr 9th to 11th. Trimley Marshes: male, Apr 17th and 20th; two, May 6th; two June 1st and 2nd; male, Aug 1st. Lound Lakes: pair, May 14th. Carlton Marshes: pair, Mar 21st; male, Mar 22nd to 30th; one or two males regularly, Apr 22nd to May 9th; pair, May 31st; Sep 3rd. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: pair regularly, Mar 12th to 27th; pair, Apr 14th; Apr 15th and 30th and May 2nd; two, May 11th; June 24th; two, July 29th; four, Aug 1st; one or two regularly, Aug 2nd to 31st; Sep 9th and 10th; four, Sep 24th; two, Sep 28th; Sep 30th; three, Oct 1st; Nov 2nd. Livermere Lake: male, Apr 1st and 9th. Lackford Lakes: Mar 14th. Culford Park: male, Mar 30th. Stoke-by-Nayland: Gifford’s Hall, four (three males), Mar 11th; male, Mar 12th.
NORTHERN SHOVELER Spatula (formerly Anas) clypeata Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon resident. Amber list. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Minsmere* 75 North Warren* 91 Alde/Ore Estuary 334 Snape Warren* Orfordness* 216 Hollesley Marshes* 55 Orwell Estuary 164 Trimley Marshes* 70 Stour Estuary* 7 Lakenheath Fen/Washes* Livermere Lake* Lackford Lakes* 28 *monthly maxima
Feb 110 125 359 224 75 93 113 74 26
Mar 104 172 242 70 278 139 119 166 100 108 33 3
Apr 95 50 166 50 31 80 32 35 14 11
Sep 150 1 20 9 31 2 45 153 24
Oct 145 2 105 17 27 12 12 44 0 100 65
Nov 115 53 209 45 15 25 28 0 2 165 62
Dec 89 72 277 60 23 42 38 0 80 –
For the fourth consecutive year the peak count exceeded 300, specifically the February WeBS count of 359 on the Alde/Ore Estuary, helping to maintain the winter population at record levels. Further notable counts in the table include site-record gatherings on the Orwell Estuary (WeBS count of 164, January 15th), on the Stour Estuary (WeBS count of 100, March 12th) and at Livermere Lake (165, November 10th). Aside from those in the table, additional significant counts were received from Cavenham of 120, January 2nd and 60, February 5th; Mickle Mere of 115, March 20th and 60, April 5th; Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland of 52, March 31st and Leathes Ham, Lowestoft of 60, December 31st. 61
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
A total of 66 pairs bred at Minsmere (68 pairs in 2016), while elsewhere seven pairs bred at Walberswick, three at both North Warren and Hollesley Marshes, two at Dingle Marshes with single pairs at Carlton Marshes, Boyton Marshes, White Horse Marshes in East Bergholt and Livermere Lake. RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Categories A and E. The records from Lackford Lakes and Culford Park almost certainly involve birds of captive origin (or the offspring of captive-bred individuals), but the two seen in the south-east of the county in January are possibly migrants of wild origin from the near-Continent.
Trimley Marshes: Jan 29th. Alton Water: Jan 3rd. Lackford Lakes: male, Mar 7th to 16th and Apr 21st to May 29th; June 30th, July 16th to 22nd and Aug 12th. Culford Park: male, May 31st; June 10th; Aug 20th.
COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina Fairly common but declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Uncommon resident. Red list. Categories A and E. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Orwell Estuary 354 Trimley Marshes* 345 Alton Water* 35 Lackford Lakes* 38 *monthly maxima
Feb 24 46 4 65
Mar 33 35 1 14
Aug 4 9 5 50
Sep 12 24 20 33
Oct 25 17 18 10
Nov 44 42 18 44
Dec 10 74 42 65
The only three-figure gathering was of 345 at Trimley Marshes, January 15th which largely contributed to the January WeBS count of 354 on the Orwell Estuary. This the highest count in the county since 359 were present at Alton Water in December 2011 and the highest on the Orwell Estuary since a low-water WeBS count of 607 in January 1997. Aside from those in the table, the only other count to exceed 30 was the February WeBS count on the Alde/Ore Estuary of 36. Numbers were particularly disappointing at coastal sites in the north-east of the county, with maxima of only six at North Warren, May 1st, three at Minsmere, July 10th and one at Benacre Broad, January 2nd. Breeding totals were, overall, broadly similar to those from 2016. At Trimley Marshes four pairs raised broods of seven, three, two and one ducklings; this was described as “the best ever breeding season for this species on the reserve”. Also, in south-east Suffolk, a female was seen with two large ducklings at Loompit Lake on June 15th, whilst in the west of the county a female and eight fledged juveniles were seen at Livermere Lake on August 2nd. Two pairs were noted at Covehithe Broad with another at Minsmere. Finally, a pair raised two young at Flixton Gravel Pits, but this record comes with the qualification that captive-bred birds have previously been released at this site. TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Feb Alde/Ore Estuary 55 54 Orwell Estuary 40 27 Alton Water* 628 151
Mar 71 44 63
Apr 66 27 62
Jul 8
Aug 2 49
Sep 37 183
Oct 21 40 142
Nov 46 32 113
Dec 2 55 150
Systematic List
Lackford Lakes* *monthly maxima
Jan 123
Feb 134
Mar 132
Apr 120
Jul 124
Aug 80
Sep 82
Oct 60
Nov 155
Dec 151
The WeBS count of 628 at Alton Water, January 15th is the highest in the county since 662 were present at the same site in January 2008. The only other counts of 50 and above involved 55 at Center Parcs, Elveden, January 5th and 92 at Flixton Gravel Pits, April 5th, although this record comes with the usual proviso that birds of captive origin have been released here in the past. A total of 23 breeding pairs was reported from 15 sites (18 pairs from 14 sites in 2016), and is the highest for three years, but considerable under-reporting makes an accurate assessment of breeding status impossible. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula x Common Pochard Aythya ferina hybrid A male of this parentage was present at Weybread Gravel Pits on January 22nd. Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula x Greater Scaup Aythya marila hybrid A male of this parentage was present at Lound Lakes on February 19th. GREATER SCAUP Aythya marila Fairly common but declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. During the first winter period records were received from six sites between January 2nd and February 25th and included the year’s largest count of nine on the sea off Dunwich on January 9th.
Dunwich: eight, Jan 8th; nine, Jan 9th; Jan 18th and Feb 10th and 19th. Gedgrave Marshes: male, Jan 29th to Feb 14th. Landguard: five females south, Feb 25th. Trimley Marshes: Jan 8th. Alton Water: Feb 24th.
Unusually there was a July record, the first since 2009, involving a male at Orfordness on 15th and 16th and at nearby Havergate Island on 18th. This was followed by a particularly poor showing in the second winter period involving sightings of one to three individuals at just four coastal sites between October 1st and December 3rd.
Hopton-on-Sea: on sea, Dec 3rd. Minsmere: Scrape, female, Oct 21st. Orfordness: three south, Oct 1st and 15th. Bawdsey: East Lane, first-winter male, Nov 11th to 13th.
COMMON EIDER Somateria mollissima Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred. Amber list. Up to three were seen regularly on the sea between Corton and Benacre and in Lowestoft Harbour between January 1st and August 20th. Otherwise, the only other sightings from the immediate coast during the first winter period came from Dunwich, Minsmere, Slaughden and Landguard involving a total of 14 individuals between January 2nd and February 26th. In addition, up to two were present on the Stour Estuary between January 3rd and February 12th, and two were again present on March 28th. Further records during the spring, summer and early autumn involved a female off Orfordness on April 30th, May 19th and July 22nd, one tracked flying south off Southwold, Minsmere and Landguard on May 1st and two on the Orwell Estuary on four dates between July 2nd and September 10th. Offshore autumn passage, which began with two north off Minsmere on October 3rd, was much lighter than normal and the only day-counts exceeding 20 involved 24 north off Southwold and 22 north off Minsmere, October 30th and 21 north off Landguard on December 1st. Further records during the second winter period involved a male in Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft from 63
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
October 1st to 15th, one on Havergate Island from November 30th to December 2nd and up to two on the Stour Estuary from December 12th to 17th. LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. Following the excellent second winter period of last year, good numbers remained along the coast through the early weeks of 2017. These included up to five associating with the large flock of Common Scoters off Dunwich and a small group on the Alde Estuary, frequently seen on flooded areas of Hazlewood Marshes on high tides, which increased to eight on January 17th, the largest gathering in the county since nine were noted off Minsmere on December 12th 1993.
Dunwich: up to five on sea, Jan 4th to Mar 10th. Minsmere: regularly offshore, Jan 2nd to 18th; Island Mere, Mar 3rd and 4th; four north offshore, Mar 4th. Thorpeness: Jan 27th. Slaughden: on sea, Feb 4th; Alde Estuary, Feb 4th; two, Alde Estuary, Feb 17th and 19th. Hazlewood Marshes: up to seven, Jan 3rd to Feb 4th, and eight, Jan 17th. Iken: Alde Estuary, Jan 15th. Landguard: four south, Jan 3rd; south, Feb 16th; south Apr 22nd. Aldringham Walks: farm reservoir, Jan 1st to Feb 6th (present since Nov 19th 2016).
There was no repeat of last autumn’s notable influx and records in the second winter period involved one or two individuals from seven coastal sites in the north-east of the county between October 29th and November 17th. Corton: north, Oct 29th. Pakefield: first-winter on sea, Nov 10th. Benacre Broad: two, Nov 10th. Covehithe Broad: first-winter, Nov 5th. Easton Broad: Nov 14th to 17th. Southwold: north, Oct 30th. Minsmere: south, Nov 12th; two south, Nov 13th.
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Declining non-breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Landguard North 10 28 11 3 17 49 85 39 2 14 158 107 South 30 1 8 21 22 21 17 13 34 43 183 123
Accumulated monthly totals from daily seawatching at Landguard Bird Observatory are shown in the table and these, together with casual counts from coastal sites to the north, indicate that passage was below average throughout the year. All significant movements are summarised below:-
Gorleston: 100 north, Nov 13th. Lowestoft: Ness Point, 400 south, Feb 18th. Southwold: 135 north and 74 south, Oct 30th. Landguard: 72 north and 42 south, Nov 20th.
Inshore feeding flocks were more widely reported than usual, most notably in January, July and December. The largest was off Dunwich, which, although much reduced from the 4000 present in late November of 2016, still numbered 800 in early January. All flocks of 100 and above are summarised below:-
Hopton-on-Sea: 120, Dec 31st. Southwold: 240, July 24th. Dunwich: peak day-count in Jan of 800 on 2nd and 5th; in Mar of 100 on 1st and 6th; in May of 100 on 13th; in July of 300 on 23rd; in Nov of 190 on 19th; in Dec of 500 on 21st. 64
Systematic List Minsmere: peak day-count in Jan of 600 on 14th, 15th and 18th; in Dec of 500 on 22nd. Thorpeness: 200, Dec 30th. Aldeburgh: 200, Dec 29th. Slaughden: 100, Jan 11th; 140, July 9th; 100, July 20th. Shingle Street: 200, Mar 12th and 14th. Bawdsey: 100, Mar 31st and Dec 23rd.
Records from the estuaries in the first winter period involved a female on the Orwell off Freston on January 5th and 6th, and on the Stour off Stutton Ness, a male on January 10th and a female on March 20th. During the second winter period, four were noted on the Deben during the WeBS count on November 19th, two were present on the Orwell Estuary along Colton Creek, Chelmondiston on November 28th and a female on the Stour off Stutton Ness on December 2nd. Elsewhere, a female was present on Lake Lothing, Lowestoft from December 24th to the end of the year. VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. During the first winter period small numbers associated with the Common Scoter flock in Sole Bay until early March, with a maximum count of seven on January 10th. Records during this period also included one at Waldringfield, the first record on the Deben Estuary since 1986, as well as a scattering of more typical records from the Stour Estuary.
Dunwich: two, Jan 2nd; one to three, Jan 4th to 6th; two south and four on sea, Jan 8th; four, Jan 9th; seven, Jan 10th; Jan 11th; five, Feb 18th and 19th; three, Feb 24th and 27th; male, Mar 1st; six first-winter males, Mar 2nd; male, Mar 3rd. Minsmere: Jan 2nd; three, Jan 3rd and 8th; Jan 10th, 14th and 18th; five, Mar 4th. Sizewell: Jan 17th. Waldringfield: Deben Estuary, Jan 20th. Landguard: south, Jan 9th; north, Feb 9th. Holbrook Bay: Jan 1st and 8th; three, Jan 20th and 22nd; Feb 4th; three, Feb 5th to 8th; two, Mar 28th.
There were two late spring records involving two off Minsmere on April 29th and one on the sea off Shingle Street on May 19th. The majority of sightings in the second winter period occurred during a 15-day period from late October to mid-November involving small numbers on passage off coastal sites in the north-east of the county, with a maximum of six north off Kessingland on November 9th. Gorleston: north, Nov 13th. Corton: two north, Nov 4th. Lowestoft: two north, Oct 30th. Kessingland: six north, Nov 9th. Benacre: two north, Nov 4th. Southwold: south, Nov 5th. Minsmere: two north, Nov 4th; Nov 9th; two south, Nov 25th; two north, Dec 1st; two males, Dec 22nd and 23rd. Sizewell: two north, Nov 4th. Aldeburgh: male, Dec 16th. Landguard: north, Dec 27th.
COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Monthly counts from the key sites: Jan Alde/Ore Estuary* 19 Deben Estuary 9 Orwell Estuary* 19 Stour Estuary* 120
Feb 4 15 22 40 65
Mar 8 0 0 21
Nov 0 4 0 16
Dec 3 2 17 57
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Alton Water* Lackford Lakes* *monthly maxima
Jan 8 10
Feb 18 11
Mar 7 8
Nov 0 12
Dec 8 5
As usual the greatest numbers were on the Stour Estuary, with this year a non-WeBS count of 120 in Holbrook Bay on January 8th being the highest. Elsewhere numbers were generally low and besides those in the table no other count reached double figures. The last of the spring was one noted on the Stour Estuary WeBS count on April 9th. There was an unexpected mid-summer record involving two at Heveningham Hall Lake from July 26th to August 2nd. The first record of the autumn involved four on the Orwell Estuary on October 2nd. Offshore autumn passage was most significant off Landguard, where a total of 53 was logged between October 19th and December 11th, including an impressive 31 south on November 20th, the highest offshore passage day-count in the county since 35 flew south off Southwold on November 22nd 2000. SMEW Mergellus albellus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The only records were from two sites in the first winter period. Minsmere maintained its stronghold for this species, with up to four present on the reserve between February 8th and April 2nd, including a displaying pair in March. The long-staying first-winter male at Thorington Street Reservoir had been present since December 9th 2016.
Minsmere: two including one male regularly, Feb 8th to Mar 4th; four, including two males, regularly, Mar 5th to 29th; two including one male, Mar 30th and Apr 2nd. Stoke-by-Nayland: Thorington Street Reservoir, first-winter male, Jan 1st to Feb 12th.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Orwell Estuary* Stour Estuary*
Jan 10 68
Feb 26 75
Mar 9 83
Apr 0 26
Oct 0 17
Nov 0 25
Dec 0 26
Maximum counts from the Orwell and Stour Estuaries, the main wintering sites, are summarized in the table and for the third consecutive year numbers were low. A single at Alton Water on January 4th is an unusual freshwater record and the first report from Alton Water since 1997 when a male was present on December 29th. The last record of the spring involved one off Corton on May 7th and there were no further records until one flew south off Ness Point, Lowestoft and Minsmere on October 4th. This heralded a very light autumn passage, similar to last year, with the highest numbers recorded off Landguard where a total of 26 was logged between October 10th and December 7th and a peak day-count of six south on November 7th. GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Locally fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred. There was a good showing during the first winter period, with records from a wide spread of both coastal and inland sites. Minsmere’s Island Mere proved particularly reliable, with almost daily sightings during the first three months of the year and a maximum of 11 on March 9th and 11th.
Corton: male offshore, Jan 28th. Oulton Broad: seven, Jan 18th to 20th; redhead, Mar 2nd to 5th; four (two males), Mar 6th to 8th; redhead, Mar 9th to 13th. 66
Systematic List North Cove: River Waveney, six, Jan 21st and 22nd; five, Jan 23rd; six, Jan 25th; three, Jan 27th. Beccles: River Waveney, five redheads, Jan 26th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, Feb 9th. Minsmere: up to seven regularly, Jan 1st to 26th, and eight, Jan 8th; up to six regularly, Jan 27th to Feb 20th; up to eight regularly, Feb 22nd to Mar 8th, and nine, Mar 4th; 11, Mar 9th; eight, Mar 10th; 11, Mar 11th; up to eight regularly, Mar 12th to 26th, and nine, Mar 18th; three, Mar 27th; six, Mar 30th and 31st; Apr 3rd; four, Apr 20th and May 1st. Sizewell: five north offshore, Feb 5th. Thorpeness: The Meare, seven, Jan 11th; four, Mar 27th; four, Apr 20th. North Warren: four, Jan 12th; Mar 12th; four, Apr 27th. Hollesley Marshes: Mar 24th; Apr 23rd and 24th. Melton: two, Jan 15th. Landguard: south, Jan 17th; south, Mar 8th. Ipswich: Christchurch Park, Jan 1st; two (one male), Jan 2nd. Purdis Farm: Ipswich Golf Club, three (two males), Jan 9th; two (one male), Feb 19th to 24th. Alton Water: Jan 2nd and 11th; two, Jan 15th; five (one male), Feb 3rd; seven, Mar 3rd. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: male, Jan 14th. Thetford: redhead, Apr 7th. West Stow Country Park: two, Jan 4th. Lackford Lakes: male regularly, Jan 5th to 11th; one or two occasionally, Jan 19th to Feb 22nd. Bures St Mary: River Stour, three (two males), Feb 25th.
The last record of the spring involved four first-summer males on the Scrape at Minsmere on May 1st. There were no further sightings until five flew south off Minsmere on October 11th. The following day a total of 16, in three separate groups, flew in off the sea at Landguard and were possibly heading for Abberton Reservoir in north Essex. The remainder of the second winter period proved unremarkable, although Minsmere provided frequent records from early November to the end of the year, with a maximum of eight on three dates.
Minsmere: five south offshore, Oct 11th; five, Nov 2nd; up to seven regularly, Nov 8th to Dec 29th, and eight on Nov 25th, Dec 3rd and 30th. Thorpeness: The Meare, redhead, Dec 9th and 24th; two redheads, Dec 29th. Slaughden: Alde Estuary, redhead, Dec 30th. Hollesley Marshes: Oct 20th. Shingle Street: Dec 23rd. Landguard: 16 in off sea, Oct 12th; five south, Oct 16th; south, Nov 4th; five south and three (two males) in off sea, Nov 14th; male south, Dec 27th. Ipswich: Wilderness Pond, Christchurch Park, redhead, Nov 5th. Alton Water: two, Dec 6th; two, Dec 29th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: nine redheads, Nov 2nd; Nov 25th; Dec 17th. Lackford Lakes: male, Nov 11th and 14th; redhead, Nov 24th; three (two males), Nov 29th; male, Dec 8th; three (two males), Dec 30th.
RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Green list (from Amber). Four words relating to this species in an annual report submitted by observers on Orfordness neatly summed up 2017’s overall situation in the county. They simply said: “A very poor year.” It was indeed. There were remarkably few three-figure day-counts received from anywhere along the Suffolk coast. In our north-eastern recording area, traditionally the species’ most favoured Suffolk locality, only eight such counts were submitted. They were as follows:Lowestoft: 130 south, Jan 3rd; 120 north, Feb 11th. Minsmere: c300, Feb 17th; c100, Dec 1st; c200 Dec 2nd. Thorpeness: 300, Jan 24th; 114 north, Mar 24th. Slaughden: 200 south, Feb 24th.
Monthly maxima of only 35 were reported from Orfordness in both January and February. 67
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
The last of the few wintering birds in this area was noted on April 22nd, with the autumn’s first returning individual noted on September 16th. At Landguard, the general paucity was reflected in meagre monthly totals of 60 north, 115 south in January, 150 north, 101 south in February, 28 north, 153 south in November and 199 north, 190 south in December. At this site birds were noted up to May 12th and from October 1st. A sad tale that emerged from Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Carlton Marshes nature reserve illustrates the predicament faced by so much of our wildlife these days. Red-throated Diver is not among the many species about which this exciting reserve can usually boast, but one individual was noted there on March 16th. Initially it was seen to have fishing net entangled around its legs; it was captured and freed from the encumbrance on March 17th. Unfortunately, this compassionate act was not enough to save the bird, which was found dead on March 20th. BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The paucity of Red-throated Diver records in Suffolk during 2017, which is referred to above, was echoed with this species, which is usually something of a rarity in the county but which was almost non-existent in the year under review. Indeed, only three records were received – and they might conceivably refer to a single individual:Woolverstone: photographed, Jan 8th to 15th (L G Woods). Landguard: Feb 8th (W J Brame, LBO). Stour Estuary: photographed, Dec 2nd to 17th (E Keeble).
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. A rather sparse series of reports from our north-east recording area began with two south off Gorleston on January 4th and a singleton off Slaughden on the same day. There followed a scattering of first winter period reports, perhaps involving as few as three birds, including one that seemed faithful to the Slaughden and Hazlewood Marshes area of the River Alde from January 15th to February 4th at least, and concluding with one moving north off Dunwich on March 2nd. There were multiple first winter period reports of singletons at various sites on the Orwell Estuary and off Landguard from January 5th to February 28th. These may have related to just one bird and this could have been the individual seen off Landguard on March 14th. A bird that was clearly departing our waters as spring beckoned it north was seen off Minsmere on May 6th. After the autumn’s first off Slaughden on September 28th there followed a mere handful of north-east area reports. Reports from Gunton Cliffs and Southwold on October 30th may have related to the same individual, two were off Minsmere on December 1st and a singleton was off Gorleston on December 15th. The scarcity of the species in the year under review may well have added to the interest stimulated by a well-watched individual which frequented Oulton Broad from December 8th to the year’s end. At the other end of the county, after one flew south off Landguard on October 24th, the observatory reported two in November and two in December. Singles were also seen off East Lane, Bawdsey, on November 12th and Shingle Street, November 18th, and two were off Stutton Mill on the Stour Great Northern Diver Ed Keeble Estuary on December 24th. 68
Systematic List
WHITE-BILLED DIVER (YELLOW-BILLED LOON) Gavia adamsii Very rare visitor. This extreme county rarity, sought after – dreamed of – for years by many Suffolk observers, was the totally unexpected highlight of a Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group (SOG) field trip to the Corton area. That it appeared in a year in which other diver species were relatively scarce simply added to the surprise – or perhaps the shock – experienced by the fortunate few observers who connected with this hulk from the Arctic. More usually encountered in Britain as a scarce visitor to Scottish waters, the species’ core wintering range is the sheltered coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean and northern Norway. Imagine then the excitement that was felt by the fortunate five SOG members after they had received a tip-off by mobile phone that the bird was heading their way from the east Norfolk coast. The bird was seen in flight and on the sea before it headed further south. It was seen off Lowestoft and, anecdotally, also off Kessingland and Covehithe, but no reports were received for inclusion in this publication. This individual is only the fifth of its species to be recorded in Suffolk. The first was shot at Pakefield in the “early spring” of 1852. The second was seen from a North Sea ferry off Felixstowe on January 5th 1978, the third flew south off Southwold on November 6th 1994, and the fourth was seen off Minsmere on January 12th 2006. Corton Cliffs: Oct 14th (G Grieco et al).
NORTHERN FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis Declining passage migrant. Formerly bred. Amber list. The combined monthly aggregate totals for our north-east and south-east recording areas are listed below, but each may include a degree of duplication:Jan
2
Feb
9
Mar
6
Apr
33
May
22
Jun
10
Jul
0
Aug
4
Sep
5
Oct
5
Nov
0
Dec
0
The table shows an alarmingly low occurrence of a species that has given serious cause for concern in recent years. The decline is brought sharply into focus when our maximum day-counts are considered. They were pitifully small – with none even reaching double figures. The highest such counts received were just six north off Gorleston on April 14th and eight south off Lowestoft on June 6th. The grim picture is far from brightened when figures from Orfordness and Landguard Bird Observatory – which are not included in the table – are considered. At the former site, recorders reported “another very poor year for this species” with one north on February 12th, one south on March 5th, one north on April 22nd and four north on April 30th. Observers said a “long-dead” individual was found on the beach on May 20th but there were no other sightings. At Landguard the species was noted on 34 dates between February 18th and September 5th, with a maximum of four north and one south on February 23rd. CORY’S SHEARWATER Calonectris borealis Rare autumn passage migrant. Just one of these large, somewhat lumbering, tubenoses was seen off Suffolk in 2017 – and it was just reward for the many hours of patient “patchwork” put in by the observers. It was one of the few stand-out seabirds from a year in which our county’s seawatchers were generally poorly entertained. Southwold: Aug 23rd (C Fulcher, L G Woods).
SOOTY SHEARWATER Ardenna grisea Uncommon passage migrant. Suffolk observers were largely deprived of the undoubted thrill of seeing this great oceanic traveller from the Southern Hemisphere, with a meagre showing that harks back to the bad old 69
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
days before the county’s upsurge in interest in seawatching began in the 1980s. After the year’s first – seen on an August 23rd Southwold seawatch which also featured a Cory’s Shearwater – there were precious few until the final sighting on November 13th, which was also at Southwold. The less-than-impressive monthly totals, in a year that was poor for Suffolk seawatching in general, were:
Aug
1
Sep
3
Oct
9
Nov
1
Dec
0
MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus Uncommon passage migrant. Amber list. A total of about 32 individuals – duplication of sightings notwithstanding – was reported, commencing with four off Lowestoft on April 2nd and finishing with a singleton moving north off Slaughden on November 18th. Between those extreme dates, monthly maxima were six in June, one in July, four in September and 16 in October. Other than the Lowestoft quartet, the highest daycount related to the three which passed Corton Cliffs on June 7th. Manx Shearwater Peter Beeson
EUROPEAN STORM-PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus Rare passage migrant. Amber list. This diminutive oceanic waif had last been reported in Suffolk as far back as 2008. The nineyear absence was broken with a lone wanderer seen by just one fortunate observer. It is sobering to refer to The Birds of Suffolk (Piotrowski, 2003) and learn that when East Anglia’s herring fishing industry was in its heyday this species was so abundant that 19th Century fishermen “amused themselves” by knocking down petrels with osier “wands” as they followed herring that the men had attached to pieces of string that were trailed behind their boats, and that “immense numbers” rested on the sea off Lowestoft in November 1872.
Corton Cliffs: north, Oct 29th (J Brown).
LEACH’S STORM-PETREL Oceanodroma leucorhoa Scarce passage migrant. Amber list. The only reports received were:-
Corton Cliffs: north, Oct 29th (C Shaw). Southwold: north, 10:05hr to 10:12hr, Oct 18th (N Carter, R Walden).
{When I saw the reports of both petrels north past Corton on the same day I questioned the coincidence with SORC. However, the Storm Petrel was some 30 minutes after the Leach’s and also seen by C Shaw. Seawatches can be just amazing! – Editor) NORTHERN GANNET Morus bassanus Common passage migrant. Amber list. Recording of this species seemed rather patchy and extracting patterns from the records received was more difficult than in recent years. However, on the basis of the data we were offered, it was apparent that there was a noticeable surge in numbers during October and that the species was relatively scarce in the winter months. Caution should be exercised when considering the figures in the following table of peak daycounts in our recording areas and at Orfordness, as there are some inexplicable discrepancies between the totals received. However, they give a general picture of relative abundance and temporal distribution:70
Systematic List
North-east South-east Orfordness
Jan 10 35 4
Feb 14 3 67
Mar 281 5 11
Apr 141 1 -
May 13 2 -
Jun -
Jul 70 30 2
Aug 141 7 1
Sep 217 2 24
Oct 1060 256 127
Nov 25 20 20
Dec 2 15 6
In addition, Landguard Bird Observatory provided a helpful table of totals from the site, which shows combined monthly totals as follows:Jan 10
Feb 53
Mar 206
Apr 4
May 8
Jun 5
Jul 14
Aug 68
Sep 31
Oct 188
Nov 56
Dec 30
An immature which flew north over Thetford on September 16th (N Moran) must have been quite a surprise sighting for the observer. This is the second consecutive year that a Gannet has been reported from a non-coastal site in Suffolk. GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred since 1998. Frustratingly little progress was made by members of the Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group council in their campaign of opposition to Natural England’s licensing of Great Cormorant culling at Loompit Lake, Trimley St Martin. Angling interests were still seemingly getting their way – and the killing was perhaps a factor in the continuing decline in nest numbers at the site. Figures helpfully supplied by the ever-meticulous and vigilant Will Brame reveal a sorry story for the tree-nesting birds at this location, the only one in Suffolk at which the species breeds although a single pair nested in 2017 at Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s North Cove reserve. Will records that in 2015 he counted 127 nests in the trees adjacent to the lake. In 2016 the number was 123. In 2017 there was a steeper decline, with only 91 nests counted. Why anglers should dictate the fate of a wildlife species rather than allowing it to live freely, accepting the consequences and working around them was a question on many a conservationists’ lips as this infuriating situation dragged on. In any event, the pointlessness of the cull was emphasised by some colossal counts made at nearby Landguard Bird Observatory which lead to the inevitable conclusion that the killing appears to be ineffective. The county’s largest day-counts of the year were made at the observatory by early-rising observers – a spectacular dawn exit from the River Orwell on January 16th totalled 3253 birds, a new county-record total, and in the second winter period 2837 departed the estuary on the morning of December 12th. At Orfordness the trend for birds to roost at the site’s Lantern Marshes, which has been noted in recent years, subsided for the second successive year due to the draining of the area. Monthly maxima here were well down on the previous year’s totals, with just two birds in January, rising to 240 in February and 475 in March and falling to 320 in April, while towards the year’s end 750 were assembled there in December. In the north of the county, the Fritton Lakes roost was undoubtedly the origin of some impressive counts from nearby locations. The largest of these was 1475 flying east over Gorleston Cliffs at dawn on November 12th; at the same site, 1055 did likewise on January 15th. The roost site for the increasing numbers being seen in winter in the Minsmere area may well have come to light thanks to observer Peter Vincent who reported 800 roosting at a lake off Fenstreet Road, Westleton, on March 10th. Most reports from the west of the county were from Lackford Lakes; the site’s maxima in selected months were recorded as follows:Jan 76
Feb 55
Mar 1
Aug 70
Sep 45 71
Oct 66
Nov 79
Dec 52
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
EUROPEAN SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). The traditionally-favoured area of Hamilton Dock, Lake Lothing, Oulton Broad and Mutford Lock held up to four in January, with six being counted at Lake Lothing on February 5th and five there on February 15th. Thereafter, numbers dwindled in the Lowestoft area until the last of the first winter period was seen in Hamilton Dock on April 9th. An unseasonal individual frequented Lowestoft Harbour on June 25th, with another mid-summer surprise bird being noted off Minsmere and on Sizewell Rigs on July 25th. The first bird to return to Lowestoft’s “hot-spots” was at Lake Lothing on September 3rd, although only intermittent singles were seen in the area until the year’s end. Additional records from elsewhere in our north-east recording area were:Gorleston: Mar 10th. Gorleston Pier: Apr 5th; Nov 18th. Pakefield Beach: Feb 17th. Southwold Harbour: Nov 9th. Thorpeness: Oct 5th; Nov 27th. Slaughden: Dec 10th.
Up to three were reported on the Orwell Estuary, between the Orwell Bridge and Chelmondiston, in January, and up to two frequented the same area in February, although the latter were not reported after February 7th. At Landguard singles were noted on February 15th and April 18th and later in the year singles were seen from the observatory on 13 dates between October 31st and December 14th. On the Stour Estuary two were noted at Stutton Ness on January 1st and 2nd. An individual was also reported at Saxmundham on September 3rd, but no other details were forthcoming. GREAT BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Slowly increasing breeding population, scarce resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber list (from Red). Local “headlines” from the RSPB and Natural England’s annual national summary of the species’ breeding fortunes were twofold. Firstly, the drier-than-average winter of 2016/17 was postulated as a potential cause for the slight decline in the number of booming males in both coastal Suffolk and The Fens area which includes the western fringes of our county. Secondly, although it was said to be “another poor year” for nesting attempts generally in East Anglia, the report records a welcome increase in the number of nesting attempts on the Suffolk coast. Once again, the report has been kindly shared with us by Simon Wotton, the Senior Conservation Scientist in Species Monitoring and Research at the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science and Suffolk Birds is grateful for such excellent co-operation. Any local perspective is best set in a national context and the report says the year-on-year increase in the minimum number of booming males that has been established in the UK since 2006 continued in 2017. There was a minimum of 166 boomers (with a potential maximum of 176) at 72 sites. This compared with the previous year’s minimum of 162 boomers (potential maximum of 179), although 78 sites were used in 2016. The outstanding wetland habitat work carried out in Somerset in recent years again bore fruit with that county leading the way in terms of booming males – its total of 49 representing another increase over the previous year’s minimum of 47 (with a maximum of 48). At least 33 booming males were recorded in Suffolk’s coastal reedbeds – down from 36 in 2016 – and at least 27 were noted in The Fens – down from 28. Such declines, the report says, “might be explained by the 2016/17 winter in the east of England being much drier than average.” Similarly, such conditions may have been responsible for what was “another poor year for nesting attempts in East Anglia.” While the number of such attempts remained “stable” in the Norfolk Broads, there was another drop in The Fens. However, on a brighter note, an increase to 72
Systematic List
11 nesting attempts in coastal Suffolk from just five in 2016 is reported, and on a national level, the number of sites where nesting attempts were recorded in 2017 was the highest since nest monitoring began in 1994. Minsmere held the largest number of boomers in the county, with 12 being noted in surveys carried out by reserve staff and volunteers, and eight nests were active. Elsewhere in our coastal reedbeds, breeding activity was noted at four other sites. The success story that is RSPB Lakenheath Fen continued, with eight booming males frequenting its highly-productive reedbeds – an increase from five in 2016. As is usual, wandering birds were recorded from several localities away from known breeding sites. They included singles at Orfordness, January 21st, Boyton Marshes, January 19th and March 19th, Brantham Mill, January 20th and February 28th, Culford Park, February 14th, Lackford Lakes, February 22nd and Santon Downham, January 26th. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax Very rare visitor. This was one that got away as far as all, but one fortunate observer, were concerned. The first of its species to be seen in Suffolk since 2008 was photographed in flight – and never seen again. This was on the day after a Cattle Egret was at the same site. Carlton Marshes: first-summer photographed, May 31st (K Coote).
CATTLE EGRET Bulbulcus ibis Very rare, but increasing, visitor. The quartet of two adults and two juveniles which frequented Minsmere Levels on August 3rd is the county’s largest group yet recorded. With the continuing upsurge in sightings across many parts of southern Britain – and the species breeding at sites as far north as Cheshire – perhaps we can expect that record to fall in the not-too-distant future. As suggested in Suffolk Birds 2016, there may well be little hints that this species could breed in the county soon. Since Suffolk’s first record in 1988 we have now hosted a total of well over 20 individuals, including some long-stayers, such as the returning Iken bird noted again in 2017. It appears that it is only a matter of time before nesting takes place. All records are listed below:-
Bradwell: Gapton Marshes, Jan 8th to 17th (R W Robinson). Carlton Marshes: May 30th (C Mutimer, P Napthine). Minsmere: two adults, two juveniles, Aug 3rd (J A Rowlands). Iken: Jan 1st; Apr 14th to 30th, two on latter date (M Morley et al.). Snape: RSPB Botany Marshes, Mar 3rd (D Fairhurst). Boyton Marshes: May 15th to 21st (A V Moon et al.).
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Locally common and increasing resident and passage migrant. Green list (from Amber). Information about breeding birds came from five sites, four of which are established colonies; one is the county’s main nesting location for this now widespread species. The main site’s record number of 14 pairs, first set in 2016, was equalled, although no information about productivity was received. Successful breeding was confirmed at three other sites. Some information about this species goes direct to the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. The 2016 revised totals were 42 pairs at six sites, and it is possible that the data we have so far for 2017 (37 pairs at five sites) may reach or even exceed these numbers. A British Trust for Ornithology Grey Heron breeding survey has taken place during the 2018 nesting season and this may provide even fuller coverage on the fortunes of Little Egret as the two species often nest side-by-side. In our north-east recording area, eye-catching gatherings were topped by a post-breeding assembly of 60 at Hazlewood Marshes on September 3rd. Other noteworthy counts included 25 at Burgh Castle on June 26th, 20 at Minsmere on August 7th and 31 at North Warren on April 73
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
3rd. In our south-east recording area the largest reported gatherings were 23 at Boyton Marshes on July 3rd and 32 at Flatford on October 21st. West Suffolk’s highest day-count came from RSPB Lakenheath Fen, where 17 gathered on October 28th. The ubiquitous nature of this rapidly-colonising species, which nowadays can be seen in numerous parishes across the county and even in the seemingly least promising of water bodies, was illustrated perfectly with a report of a singleton in Abbey Gardens, central Bury St Edmunds, on April 30th. Observers on Orfordness provided data which show the now-to-be-expected temporal pattern exhibited by this species. They reported: “As in previous years, they were present on all visits with a build-up during the summer months. The largest total of 50 on September 16th was very disappointing when compared with last year’s maximum of over 100.” They helpfully provided a table which shows the monthly maxima at the site:Jan 6
Feb 10
Mar 19
Apr 15
May 12
Jun 15
Jul 30
Aug 44
Sep 50
Oct 38
Nov 27
Dec 18
GREAT (WHITE) EGRET Ardea alba Uncommon, but increasing, visitor. How times change. Suffolk’s first Great Egret was seen as recently as 1984 and the species remained a sought-after county “tick” for a good few years after that. In 2017 the species was reported from a total of about 30 Suffolk sites, in each of our recording areas and including just about every area of wetland in the county. Localities hosting this imposing member of the heron family ranged from Hopton (near Diss) and Redgrave and Lopham Fen in the north, Bures in the west and Pipps Ford and Landguard in the south. What is more, it was seen in every month of the year. Such is the deluge of records that it is impossible to list them all in this report. Most sightings related to singletons, but there were several reports of twos and threes, and there was also a foursome. The latter group frequented RSPB Lakenheath Fen on January 14th and was two short of the county’s record party of six at the same site on March 18th 2016. Temporally, most observers’ reports came from the two winter periods, and April and October, with a noticeable lull – but not an absence – in the months of July, August and September. Despite its newfound status as an increasingly familiar Suffolk bird, the species continues to provide a considerable thrill when it is seen in visible migration. Such was the case at Landguard Bird Observatory, where a total of four was seen in flight – singles on October 5th, October 26th and December 12th, and two on October 13th. GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Suffolk Birds 2016 bemoaned the paucity of information received from observers relating to the breeding fortunes of this species – but the references to nesting in the data received for 2017 were only marginally more informative. At one site in our north-east recording area 12 nesting pairs were reported. The only other references in observers’ submissions that related to breeding activity concerned three sites in the west of the county, although no detailed information about these was received. A national British Trust for Ornithology survey of breeding Grey Herons has taken place in 2018, with Suffolk’s involvement organised by our BTO representative Mick Wright, so it is to be hoped that a much greater understanding of this species’ fortunes will emerge in due course. Although details of breeding activity were sparse in observers’ data, the species was widespread throughout the year and several reports concerned migrants being watched as they came “inoff” the sea. The largest gathering reported was 20 at Minsmere on May 1st. Other eye-catching assemblies involved 18 at Lackford Lakes on March 7th and the same number at Worlingham Marshes on March 12th. Elsewhere, 12 were noted near the Orwell Bridge on January 17th, 13 were at nearby Alton Water on January 28th and 18 at Lackford Lakes on March 7th. 74
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Visible migration was witnessed on several occasions, with reports of singletons either heading south offshore or coming “in-off” the sea at Gorleston, July 19th, Southwold, October 30th and Slaughden, August 7th, while three were noted at Corton Cliffs on August 24th, a day when two also passed Minsmere. Observers at Landguard reported a total of 29 between May 20th and November 8th, with a maximum of five “in-off” on September 18th. PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea Scarce passage migrant. It is possible that all the sightings at RSPB Minsmere, which fell in two distinct periods, relate to just one bird as all reports that contained reference to ageing referred to a first-summer bird being seen.
Minsmere: first-summer, June 4th to 8th and June 26th to July 12th (Multi-observers).
In addition, Birdguides reported an individual at Trimley Marshes on May 2nd but supportive evidence was not received.
WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia Scarce passage migrant. From the records received it is impossible to ascertain the provenance of the reported individuals. The birds that are seen in the county nowadays seem destined to forever be tainted with the suspicion that they perhaps have originated from captivity, be it from collections or any number of rehabilitation schemes operated in the UK and further afield. The true picture is thus frustratingly blurred and it is quite possible that the occurrence of genuinely wild wanderers is being masked. As far as 2017 is concerned, it is also quite a task to ascertain the number of individuals to which the series of sightings in our south-east and west recording areas refer. There was no reference to any rings being seen on a “tatty” individual seen near Wickham Market on March 29th and 30th (Birdguides, multi-observers). This bird roamed the Campsea Ashe, Lower Hacheston and Marlesford area, narrowly avoiding a potentially fatal collision with overhead power lines on at least one occasion. Two birds at Freston on May 21st were reported on Birdguides, but no other details were forthcoming. An individual reported to have wing damage roamed the Newton, Sackers Green and Little Cornard area near Sudbury from April 2nd to 14th. Another, or perhaps the same bird, was seen at Great Barton on May 10th and at Rougham and Elveden on May 11th. The trail went cold until August 3rd, when an individual with a “damaged wing” was reported from Stowupland – could this have been the same bird? In any event, it was perhaps the bird that was reported in the Lavenham area on August 20th and 23rd. GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus Scarce but increasing visitor. In what can perhaps be seen as testament to the upsurge in records in recent years, 2017’s crop can be described as relatively meagre. Just a few years ago this total, however, would have been regarded as exceptional. Minsmere: June 4th (R Drew); Aug 6th to 8th (multi-observers). Trimley Marshes: July 9th (P Holmes); July 17th (P Holmes). Mickle Mere: Apr 27th to May 7th (C Gregory et al.). Lakenheath Fen: Apr 6th to May 23rd (P Dolman, et al).
2016 Addition Barnham: one frequented flooded meadows, June 29th and 30th (N Calbrade).
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
EURASIAN SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia Uncommon passage migrant. Now increasingly oversummers and overwinters. Amber list. Monthly maxima at some of the species’ favoured haunts are as follows:Minsmere North Warren/Hazlewood Orfordness/Havergate/Hollesley
J 1 0 4
F 3 – 3
M 3 4 0
A 3 2 2
M 3 2 4
J 2 1 7
J 2 7 27
A 0 23 29
S 4 13 26
O 0 0 2
N 0 0 0
D 14 0 0
Two figures in the above table are especially eye-catching. The first is the reference to 29 – the number gathered on Havergate Island on August 14th is a Suffolk record total – it just exceeds the previous record of 28 on Orfordness on August 21st 2002. It is somewhat appropriate that the count was made by none other than a member of the RSPB’s team which cares for the site, whose name happens to be Lyndsey Record! The second eye-catching number in the table is 14 – given the relative dearth of winter records of this species, the flock of 14 which flew south-west over Minsmere’s Island Mere on December 17th (per Birdguides) is rather out of context. In the west of the county, reports were received only from Lakenheath Fen. They involved singletons on May 23rd, September 19th and October 19th, with two present on September 20th. Eurasian Spoonbill is nowadays gaining a foothold as a breeding species in the UK, albeit rather tenuously as yet, but there was no reference in observers’ reports of any nesting or pairbonding behaviour. As would be expected, observers’ reports did however include several sightings of migrating birds on the move. Examples included northward singles at Corton Cliffs on October 6th and Landguard on June 29th, with two moving south off Benacre Sluice on March 4th. Perhaps the most surprising, however, was the somewhat wayward singleton which flew west over the A12 at Frostenden on November 1st. It is to be hoped that this individual was not too much of a distraction for the drivers of the vehicles over which it flew. LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Locally common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Green list (from Amber). Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Alde/Ore Deben 56 49 14 6 Orwell 11 9 41 19 7
Oct 27 15 3
Nov 39 40 4
Dec 10 81 13
There was an apparent drop in breeding numbers in 2017 with reports being received from only 13 sites, five less than in 2016. This low total may however be due to continued underrecording. During the winter period the number of birds remained fairly high on the estuaries as shown in the WeBS results table above. The 81 on the Deben in December is the highest WeBS count there since December 2010 when 102 were present. The highest individual counts of wintering birds occurred at Hazlewood Marshes where 22 were recorded on January 18th (S Piotrowski) and Alton Water where 22 were present on January 4th (N Mason). GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Locally common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. The number and range of records for this species throughout the year suggest that its status remains unchanged. However, probable, or confirmed breeding, was reported from only 14 sites, one less than in 2016. Unfortunately, the total of only four nesting pairs at Alton Water, formerly recognised as the county’s main breeding site, suggests that the population there continues to 76
Systematic List
remain low, a far cry from 2008 when 16 pairs successfully reared 35 young. High counts of wintering birds were recorded at a number of coastal sites and reservoirs. In the first winter period the highest count of 850 birds occurred offshore at Minsmere on January 8th (S Piotrowski), the highest Suffolk total since January 18th 2011 when c. 1000 were off Southwold. In the second winter period the highest was recorded when the numbers at Alton Water peaked at 188 on December 17th (J Glazebrook). Both winter maxima exceeded those for the previous year.
Great Crested Grebes Jan Wilczur
RED-NECKED GREBE Podiceps grisegena Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). A single bird was recorded almost daily from January 1st to 8th in either Holbrook Bay or from Stutton Ness. Subsequent reports were submitted for presumably the same bird on January 14th then three further sightings of single birds from Stutton Ness on February 5th and 24th and March 28th. This suggests that perhaps two or three birds were involved in total. Only two reports, also of single birds, were received away from the Stour Estuary. All records are detailed below:-
Southwold: Oct 19th (N Carter). Minsmere: Nov 9th (M James). Holbrook Bay: Jan 4th (N Carter); Jan 8th (M D Nowers). Stutton Ness: Jan 1st (M D Nowers); Jan 2nd (M L Cornish); Jan 3rd (S Piotrowski); Jan 4th (M F Peers); Jan 6th (M F Peers, S Howell); Jan 14th (B Buffery); Feb 5th (J Lewis); Feb 24th (per Birdguides); Mar 28th (E F Keeble).
SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). The Stour Estuary continues to support the largest wintering populations of this species with the highest count of nine individuals recorded in Holbrook Bay on January 22nd (M D Nowers). Alton Water also held up to three birds during the first winter period. Elsewhere in the county, reports were received of single birds at Oulton Broad from March 4th to 11th and Minsmere on January 31st and February 15th. The following records are from the second winter period:Southwold: offshore, Oct 19th; offshore, Oct 30th. Trimley Marshes: Oct 21st and 22nd; Oct 29th; Nov 1st (all presumably same bird). Stour Estuary: Stutton Ness: Oct 23rd; Holbrook Bay, two, Nov 24th.
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. As in previous years, Alton Water was the most reliable site to observe this species with one recorded on 12 occasions between January 1st and 24th, then subsequently only twice with reports on February 24th and March 14th. At other sites records were received of single birds with the exception of two being present at Seafield Bay on February 5th and two at Blythburgh on February 19th. The bird at Landguard on February 2nd is only the ninth ever recorded from the site. Blythburgh: two, Feb 19th (per BirdGuides). Dunwich: Jan 8th to 10th (M L Cornish, S Piotrowski et al.). Minsmere: Beach, Dec 15th (C Ireland). Slaughden: Aug 17th (M L Cornish). 77
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Landguard: Feb 2nd (P J Holmes, P Oldfield). Alton Water: Jan 1st to 6th (multi-observers); Jan 15th to 24th (multi-observers); Feb 24th (R Leavett); Mar 14th (R Leavett). Seafield Bay: two, Feb 12th (M D Nowers). Holbrook Bay: Feb 5th (E W Patrick). Livermere Lake: breeding-plumaged adult, May 12th (J Walshe).
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Common resident; numbers augmented by releases. Categories C and E. The 750 records received from 132 sites in 2017 reflects better the common and widespread status of this species. The highest counts of 100 at Westleton on January 10th and 66 at Minsmere on December 30th suggest that local populations continue to be augmented by captive-bred birds being released for shooting. Reports of confirmed breeding were received from only eight sites. The isolated coastal population on Orfordness appears now to be extinct; however, at Landguard, despite three being found dead on the site on February 22nd, between one and three were present for the remainder of the year, although no breeding was recorded. GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Formerly common resident, now localised. Red List. Categories A, C and E. Some 154 reports were received for this species in 2017 more than double the total for 2016 with birds being recorded from 53 sites. Breeding was confirmed at only eight sites with probable or possible breeding suggested at a further seven localities. The highest autumn/winter counts were at Knettishall Airfield where two coveys totalling 35 were recorded on January 14th and 30 at Bowbeck, Bardwell on November 3rd. COMMON QUAIL Coturnix coturnix Scarce summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. An improved year for this species, when compared with 2016. Eight records were received mainly from the east of the county. Of particular interest was the sighting of one very late bird at Boyton Marshes on November 21st, followed by a probable second bird some distance away,
Common Quail Peter Beeson 78
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leading to speculation that this may have been a late breeding attempt. This is the latest in Suffolk since 1982 when an injured bird was hand-caught at Worlingham on November 30th. All records are detailed below:-
Westleton: May 9th (D Andrews). Snape Warren: Aug 22nd (D Fairhurst). Orfordness: May 29th (M Marsh). Boyton Marshes: probably two, Nov 21st (P Kennerley et al.). Bawdsey: May 30th (M L Cornish). Witnesham: May 22nd (M L Cornish). Icklingham: May 26th (West Suffolk Birders). Elveden: June 22nd (M Wright).
COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus Very common resident; numbers augmented by releases. Categories C and E. Whilst fewer reports were received for this species in 2017 breeding was recorded from 14 sites, nine of which were in the coastal belt. Records were received from some 54 sites, suggesting that this common and widespread species remains under-reported. GOLDEN PHEASANT Chrysolophus pictus Scarce resident. Categories C and E. Only four reports were received in 2017, all from the same site in west Suffolk. One record of eight adults and another of three males and a female suggest that the potential exists for breeding to occur, though no immature birds have been reported since 2007.
Euston: eight, Jan 9th (per BirdTrack); three males and one female, Jan 10th (E W Patrick); two males, Feb 14th (C Gregory); three, Nov 12th (per BirdTrack).
EUROPEAN HONEY BUZZARD Pernis apivorus Scarce passage migrant. Amber list. There were just four accepted reports of this species in 2017, all relating to passage birds. Single birds were seen at two sites in the spring and two in late summer/autumn. Oulton Marshes: juvenile north, 07:14hr, seen again, 08:25hr, Sep 12th (A C Easton). Minsmere: south-west, 10:05hr, May 18th (J H Grant); over Sizewell Belts, then north, July 8th (J H Grant). Boyton Marshes: photographed, May 27th (S Babbs).
BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Rare passage migrant. The escaped bird continued to be seen intermittently in the north-east of the county in 2017, but the four records below are considered to have involved wild birds. The bird at Minsmere is the earliest in Suffolk since 1997 when one was recorded at Lowestoft and Benacre on March 16th. This year’s total of four individuals is Suffolk’s highest annual figure. Minsmere: photographed, north over work centre, 11:00hr Apr 6th (J Davies). Orfordness: photographed, flying towards Sudbourne, June 4th (D Crawshaw, M Marsh). Kirton: photographed, May 17th (M Breaks). Long Melford: over sewage works, July 22nd (D Underwood).
RED KITE Milvus milvus Uncommon but increasing winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred in recent years. Green list (from Amber). Reports of this species came from 321 sites across Suffolk, one fewer than in 2016. Looking back, it is hard to believe that there were just six records of this species in Suffolk just a decade ago (see table below) and 320 represents an increase of over 5000%! The Red Kite continues to be recorded in increasing numbers across the county but still remains elusive as a breeding species. 79
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Year
2007
Reports 6
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
82
89
98
217
232
308
226
265
322
321
The only record of breeding came from the west where two fledglings were ringed in a nest on private land under licence. However, given the secretive nature of this species when breeding it is quite possible that other pairs were overlooked. Typically, the first winter period was relatively quiet, with 13 reports in January and 20 in February. These included two birds together at Wickhambrook in late January and at both Sotterley and Boyton in February. March saw an influx of passage birds into the north-east of the county, some of which lingered along the coastal margins well into June. Notable sightings during the initial influx included 12 flying south over Gorleston in a loose flock on March 15th; six south at Reydon Smear Marshes on March 20th and six over Minsmere on March 18th. During March reports came from 50 other sites across Suffolk. Up to two birds frequented Carlton Marshes and Minsmere during April; elsewhere, two were seen at Reydon Smear Marshes and Fritton Marshes on single dates. Regular sightings continued into May and June with single birds being seen at numerous coastal locations. Reports of two birds during these months came from about a dozen locations across the county and three birds were seen together at Wrentham on May 14th and Minsmere on May 28th and 29th. Sightings along the coastal margin decreased markedly in July but inland reports came from 14 sites, and included two birds at both Barrow and Barnham. There were markedly fewer records from August until the end of the year and it turned out to be a quiet autumn across the county with just four sightings in September and nine in October. The eight reports in November all involved single birds apart from at Barnardiston and Wickhambrook where two birds were seen on two dates at the beginning of the month. At least one bird was present in the east in December, where it was seen at four coastal sites. The only other reports from the west came from the south-west corner of the county where single birds were seen at two sites. WHITE-TAILED EAGLE Haliaeetus albicilla Very rare visitor. Red list. Categories A and E. Following a blank year in 2016 this impressive raptor once again graced the skies of Suffolk in spring. A third-calendar-year bird was initially seen circling east of Kirton before It drifted north to Westleton Heath briefly, before returning south to the Stour Estuary and then up to Snape. Reports also came from the Deben Estuary as it ventured up and down the coastal strip between April 20th and May 11th.
Westleton Heath: flying high north, 11.19hr Apr 20th (R Drew). Snape: present for an hour feeding on prey on Botany Marshes, May 8th (S Abbott, R Drew, S Minns, A Moon); present, on and off all day, May 11th (A Howe). Deben Estuary: Kirton, photographed circling then drifted north, 10:35hr Apr 20th (M Breaks); over King’s Fleet, May 5th (W Brame). Stutton: on saltmarsh at Stutton Ness for five minutes, then west and found perched in tree, Apr 25th (C Baines, E Keeble).
WESTERN MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. Increasing numbers overwinter. Amber List. It was a mixed year for this species; the number of wintering birds increased but breeding success was not reported widely. Counts during January and February totalled 135 birds, significantly higher than the 95 in 2016 and 92 in 2015. Maximum first winter period counts from the main sites (four or more present) were as follows:80
10. Purple Heron at Minsmere in June. Ian Goodall
11. White Stork at Sackers Green in April. Chris Mayne
12. White-tailed Eagle at Botany Farm in May. Andrew Moon
13. Honey Buzzard at Lakenheath Fen in August. Ian Goodall
14. Goshawk chicks ringed in local study. See article.
15. Red-footed Falcon at North Warren in June. Sean Nixon
Simon Evans
16. Eurasian Hobby at Minsmere in May. Liz Cutting
17. Water Rail at Hollesley Marshes in January.
18. Black-winged Stilt at Boyton Marshes in April. Chris Mayne
John Richardson
19. Collared Pratincole at Aldeburgh Marshes in July. Andrew Moon
20. Dotterel at Tinker’s Marsh in May. Andrew Moon
22. Little Stint at Covehithe Broad in September.
21. Purple Sandpiper wintering at Ness Point. Liz Cutting
Peter Ransome
Systematic List Fritton/Waveney Forest: 11, Feb 20th Oulton Broad: four, Jan 27th Burgh Castle: eight, Feb 8th Carlton Marshes: six, Jan 14th Cove Bottom: eight Jan 4th Hen Reedbeds: six, Feb 14th Dingle Marshes: eight, Jan 8th Minsmere: 14, Jan 22nd Snape: five, Jan 10th Orfordness: five, Jan; six, Feb Boyton Marshes: four, Jan 19th Deben Estuary: six, Jan Lakenheath Fen: 25 roosted Jan
Reports of potential spring migrants came from Corton Cliffs, where one flew south on April 9th and at Landguard Bird Observatory where one flew south on April 6th and another flew in off the sea on May 6th. Confirmation of breeding came from 15 sites, with at least 53 nests located, compared with 60 in each of the previous two years; one regular breeding site is yet to report. The number of fledged young was around 90, similar to 2015 but down on the impressive count of 120 in 2016. Selected breeding data received:-
Carlton Marshes: two pairs in the area fledged five young. Benacre Broad: two pairs fledged three young. Easton Valley: ten pairs fledged 14 young. Hen Reedbeds: two nests, four young fledged. Walberswick: six pairs fledged 12 young. Dingle Marshes: one pair produced two young. Minsmere: nine nests produced 19 young. North Warren: two nests, three young fledged. Snape Wetlands: three pairs bred but only two young fledged. Hollesley Marshes: pair fledged two young. Trimley Marshes: pair fledged one young. Levington Creek: pair fledged three young. Lakenheath Fen: 11 nests produced 17 young (“lack of food being brought into nests by males had an effect on productivity”).
Passage birds noted in September included one south at Gorleston Harbour, one north offshore at Minsmere and two in off the sea at Landguard. In October single birds were seen flying in off the sea at Ness Point, Lowestoft and Thorpeness, where three were also seen on October 2nd. Elsewhere singles were seen flying north at Corton Cliffs on 6th and south on three dates at Landguard, October 6th, 8th and 22nd. A bird also flew south at Landguard on December 4th. A total 133 birds was counted during the second winter period compared with 127 in 2016 and 65 in 2015. Maximum second winter period counts (four or more birds) included:–
Belton Marshes: 12, Oct 13th Westwood Marshes: ten in pre-roost flock, November 12th Dingle Marshes: 28, Dec 17th Minsmere: 24, Dec 17th and 28th Sizewell Belts: four, Nov 11th Orfordness: max of six, Nov Deben Estuary: eight, Dec Lakenheath Fen: 30, Dec 4th – equals site-record total set in 2012 and 2014
Interesting hunting behaviour was observed at Snape Warren where a female caught and drowned a drake Wigeon on March 27th. A juvenile bird with green wing tags was seen in August at Hollesley Marshes and Shingle Street and then the same or another green wing-tagged bird was observed at Great Barton and Cavenham in September. 81
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Red List. Reports suggest up to 11 birds were present during the first winter period and eight during the second winter period, a significant increase on the 2016 estimates of eight and six respectively (as in the table below), but still well below the figures of only five years ago. Year
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
1st winter
6
15
22
21
13
13
9
8
1
2nd winter
6
13
10
15
15
7
7
6
8
Interestingly, males outnumbered females/ringtails by two to one in January, but numbers had evened out by the end of February. Reports of single birds came from 12 coastal sites and three sites in the west during January. Elsewhere a male and a ringtail were at Dunwich on January 15th and Snape on January 10th. After a poor year in the west in 2016 it was heartening that three birds, two males and a ringtail, roosted at Lakenheath Fen in January and February. In February there were sightings of single birds from seven sites and two were seen at Waveney Forest and Burgh Castle (both reports via Birdtrack). During the first week of March a male and a ringtail were seen at Minsmere and two ringtails were at Westleton Heath. Reports came from six other sites during the month. The nine reports in April all involved single birds, including lingering ringtails at Carlton Marshes, Boyton Marshes and Orfordness. A bird at the latter site was last seen on May 7th. There was a report of an early returning, or oversummering, bird at East Bergholt on July 18th. The next sighting was not until September 9th when Hen Harrier Peter Beeson a male flew south at Minsmere; this was followed by a ringtail seen flying south at Breydon South Wall on September 23rd. The only October records also came from the north-east where ringtails were seen at Fritton Marshes and Henstead and a male at Carlton Marshes. Reports increased in November and indicated that up to eight birds were overwintering, compared with six in 2016. Sightings of single birds came from four coastal sites and a male and a ringtail roosted at Lakenheath Fen towards the end of the month. In December a single ringtail was seen at several sites between Walberswick and Minsmere; further south, males were noted at Boyton and Gedgrave and a ringtail was present on Orfordness on Christmas Eve. Elsewhere two birds were seen on Havergate Island and the male and female continued to roost at Lakenheath Fen until the end of the year. MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus Uncommon passage migrant. Formerly bred. Amber List. There were no accepted reports of this species in 2017, making it only the second-ever blank year in modern times, the first having been in 1996. NORTHERN GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant; uncommon resident It was another good year for the Breckland population in 2017. A total of 11 pairs nested in west Suffolk, of which 10 were successful. Sightings outside the forest came from several sites during spring and mostly involved immature 82
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birds/non-breeding individuals. Single birds were seen at Pipps Ford on May 31st and July 9th (both P Whittaker) and a juvenile male caught in a Larsen trap on a Breckland estate in July was duly ringed and released unharmed. EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Reports of this species came from 121 parishes across Suffolk which marks a slight increase on 116 in 2016 and equals the number in 2015. Breeding was confirmed at 16 sites and suspected at another five. BBS data show Sparrowhawks in six BBS squares with seven birds counted – both figures similar Northern Goshawk Ed Keeble to the two previous years. In spring probable migrants were logged at Landguard where single birds were seen on 13 dates between March 3rd and May 19th and two at the site on April 14th and 25th. The only potential autumn passage was also noted at Landguard and included three on September 10th, nine on October 3rd and three on October 5th. There were two reports of fatalities involving birds flying into glass windows; one was trying to catch a Canary Serinus canaria that it could see on the kitchen table! COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo Common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant; increasing breeding population. Widely reported across the county, this species is now firmly established as a breeding species. They were found in 21 of the 49 BBS squares (16 in both 2016 and 2015) with 38 birds recorded compared with 20 in 2016 and 25 in 2015. Multiple counts of nine at Oulton Broad on March 7th and 11 at Covehithe four days later suggest some passage movement at that time. Further indications of this during the following month included 13 drifting south at Oulton Broad on April 8th and 12 at Minsmere on April 24th. Counts at inland locations, which also probably involved passage birds, included 15 at Ickworth Park, Horringer on March 1st, 12 at Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland on March 13th and nine at Lakenheath Fen on March 30th. Notable counts in the autumn indicative of passage movement included ten drifting south along the coast at Kessingland on September 9th and a single flock of 18 at the same site on September 15th. Elsewhere, 20 were present at Minsmere on September 15th and a minimum of 12 was at Hollesley Marshes the same day. ROUGH-LEGGED Buzzard Buteo lagopus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. It was another poor year for this species, the only record for 2017 involving a long-staying bird which spent the day hunting on Haddiscoe Island, Norfolk but regularly returned across the river into Suffolk to roost in Waveney Forest.
Fritton: Waveney Forest, Feb 5th to 17th (multiobserver).
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Uncommon passage migrant. Amber list. It was a disappointing year with just 59 reports (including five from Birdtrack) which is about 43% down on the 103 reports last year. The 11 reports in spring came from nine sites; the earliest-reported bird was seen at Minsmere on April 3rd. Single birds were seen moving through the county on three other dates in April and on seven dates in early May. Oulton Marshes: May 5th
83
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Carlton Marshes: north-east May 5th (same bird as at Oulton Marshes) Lowestoft: May 10th Blyth Estuary: Apr 30th Minsmere: north, Apr 3rd; Apr 10th; north, May 6th Hollesley Marshes: May 4th Trimley St Martin: Apr 20th West Stow CP: May 6th Lakenheath Fen: May 15th
Reports of early returning birds came from Yoxford on July 15th and Trimley Marshes on July 30th. A week later one was at the Blyth Estuary then, after a two-week gap, reports came from five other coastal sites during the last week of August. The number of birds present in the county increased in September, some lingering at favoured sites such as the Blyth Estuary and Hazlewood Marshes where two were present on September 3rd. However, it was the Stour Estuary which boasted the highest number with up to three birds present in the Stutton Ness area for eight days in early September. There were three reports from October, the latest being from Minsmere on October 25th. Breydon South Wall: south, Sep 18th Corton: south, Aug 27th Lowestoft: Sep 9th Hen Reedbeds: Sep 7th Blyth Estuary: south, Aug 7th; Aug 28th and 29th; Aug 31st; Sep 6th to 9th Walberswick: Aug 29th Minsmere: Sep 14th and 15th; south, Oct 25th Yoxford: July 15th Aldeburgh Marshes: Sep 1st Hazlewood Marshes: Sep 1st and 2nd; two, Sep 3rd; Sep 5th and 6th; Sep 9th Shingle Street: Sep 15th Orfordness: Sep 2nd; Sep 4th; Sep 9th Landguard: south, Aug 28th Trimley Marshes: July 30th Stour Estuary: up to three birds in the Stutton Ness area, Sep 2nd to 9th; Oct 2nd Lakenheath Fen: Aug 23th; Sep 5th Thetford, BTO: Oct 19th
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. This popular species was again well-recorded with over 500 reports submitted, an increase on the previous year. Birds on territory were reported from 24 sites, up from 22 in 2015 and 2016. Systematic counts were done at all the main coastal reserves. Benacre supported a total of 54 territories in three separate areas, whilst there were 35 territories at Walberswick and a further 28 at Hen Reedbeds. Minsmere reported 19 breeding pairs in addition to 52 individuals, North Warren 26 pairs and 18 individuals. Away from the coast breeding was confirmed at Livermere Lake, Ickworth Park and Lackford Lakes, where there were perhaps six calling birds. As in 2016 there was no full report from Lakenheath Fen where the need to avoid disturbing the breeding Cranes makes surveying the reedbeds impossible. Despite this, the Suffolk count of at least 314 territories, very similar to last year, makes it the most important county in the UK for this species. The highest winter counts away from the main breeding areas were of eight at Hollesley Marshes on January 18th and ten at Lakenheath Fen on November 16th. SPOTTED CRAKE Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant; rarely oversummers. Amber List. No records were received for this species in 2017 after two in 2016. 84
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COMMON MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. This species continues to be well reported throughout the county with over 2000 records received from 163 sites. Confirmed or probable breeding was recorded at 40 sites, an increase of nine on the previous year. Unfortunately, no birds were present at Orfordness during the year, suggesting the small isolated population may have finally died out. The highest count for the year was at Sudbury Common Lands where a record 74 were present on December 15th (M Peers). Counts from regularly monitored sites Jan Alde/Ore Estuary – Deben Estuary 27 Orwell Estuary 21 Stour Estuary – Lackford Lakes 18
Feb – 11 16 – 31
Mar – 17 27 – 20
Apr – 10 17 – 8
Sept – 11 11 – 16
Oct 10 25 14 – 11
Nov 13 5 27 – 15
Dec 12 7 5 – –
COMMON COOT Fulica atra Common, but declining, resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. This widespread and common species was recorded at 71 sites throughout the county, 24 more than in 2017, suggesting an improvement in reporting rather than a rapid expansion of its distribution. Breeding or probable breeding, however, was reported at only 19 sites, a decline of six on the previous year. Alton Water remains the winter stronghold for the species where the numbers peaked at 898 on January 15th (J Glazebrook). The absence of birds from Orfordness was again noted, for the second year running. Counts from regularly-monitored sites Jan Alde/Ore Estuary – Deben Estuary 0 Orwell Estuary 171 Alton Water 898 Lackford Lakes 199
Feb – 0 194 383 59
Mar – 2 83 160 41
Apr – 7 56 35 –
Sept – – 113 540 51
Oct 2 0 127 151 78
Nov 17 0 68 76 120
Dec – 0 145 75
COMMON CRANE Grus grus Scarce passage migrant. Has bred since 2007. Amber List Just one pair bred at Lakenheath Fen in 2017, successfully raising one young. A second pair had bred in 2016 but the birds left at the start of April, subsequently being seen on the Ouse Washes but with no young. Reports of additional birds were received at various times throughout the year with the highest counts, of nine adults, on April 17th and December 5th. The successful pair and the juvenile bird were recorded regularly during July and into August. Reports were received from only eight sites away from the recognised breeding area, all of which were in the north of the county. These records appear to relate to nine or ten individuals. All these records are included below:Gorleston: Apr 12th. Carlton Marshes: two, Apr 23rd; three, May 10th. Hen Reedbeds: two, Apr 23rd. Blyth Estuary: two, Apr 23rd. Walberswick NNR: Westwood Marshes, three, May 10th. Dingle Marshes: three, May 10th. Minsmere: Apr 11th; two, May 26th; July 2nd. Redgrave Fen: three, May 7th.
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EURASIAN STONE-CURLEW Burhinus oedicnemus Locally fairly common summer visitor. Occasionally overwinters. Amber List. The first returning birds were recorded at Minsmere, with two on March 2nd and then two at Icklingham on March 6th. There was confirmed breeding in Suffolk. In Breckland, 22 pairs bred with at least 19 young fledged (a success rate of 0.65 per pair). In the Sandlings area 13 pairs nested. The latest birds were two at Cavenham Heath on October 29th. BLACK-WINGED STILT Rare visitor.
Himantopus himantopus
Carlton Marshes: Apr 20th (M Gooch). Minsmere: Scrape, May 17th (R Drew). Orfordness: three, Apr 30th (M Marsh). Boyton Marshes: three, Apr 30th (P R Kennerley). Hollesley Marshes: two, Apr 30th (P R Kennerley). Lakenheath Fen: two, May 13th (M. Farley); May 25th (RSPB).
This annual total of eight is the highest-ever in Suffolk exceeding six in both 1949 and 2014. The three at Boyton Marshes were feeding on the Avocet pool, and a pair were seen mating; the pair later flew south to Hollesley Marshes. One bird remained at Boyton until mid-afternoon, when the other two returned and they then all flew to Orfordness; later they flew off southwards and were not seen again.
Black-winged Stilt Peter Beeson
EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Very common winter visitor and passage migrant. Common, but declining, resident. Amber list. The highest site-counts, again, came from the Orwell Estuary, with 950 on September 11th at Trimley Marshes. The highest inland count came from Great Livermere, with 18 birds on March 23rd – 22 were at this site on March 21st 2016. Breeding was recorded at Oulton Marshes (one pair), Hen Reedbeds (one pair), Dingle Marshes (two pairs), Minsmere (four pairs), Hazlewood (six pairs), Hollesley (two juveniles seen on June 25th). Orfordness (25 pairs breeding, up from five in 2016, with a least six young fledged). In the west, Lackford Lakes, Gifford’s Hall in Stoke-by-Nayland, Mickle Mere, Livermere Pig Fields and Rymer Farm, Barnham all had single pairs with four young raised at Mickle Mere. WeBS data: Blyth Estuary Alde Estuary Minsmere Hazlewood Deben Estuary Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary
Jan 29 0 12 89 977 376
Feb 118 0 25 153 716 664
Mar 235 8 80 108 528 330
Apr 0 11 0 121 271 322
Sep 0 0 0 55 464 533
Oct 21 30 0 6 53 754 652
Nov 29 17 0 0 22 1490 626
Dec 17 0 1 40 1005 485
PIED AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta Fairly common resident, summer visitor and passage migrant on the coast. Amber list. The breeding population was around 250 pairs, similar to that in 2016, but with birds nesting at an increased number of sites (16, up from 14). Records included the following:Benacre Broad: 18 pairs, 7 young fledged. Covehithe Broad: two pairs, five young fledged. Walberswick: a total of six pairs at two locations failed to produce any young. 86
Systematic List Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, three pairs nested but no young fledged. Minsmere: 69 breeding pairs fledged just two young due to predation. Hazlewood Marshes: five pairs, nine young fledged. Orfordness: 35 pairs compared with 39 pairs in 2016 and 52 pairs in 2015. At least 20 young were known to have fledged, the most for many years. Havergate Island: 35 pairs, no young fledged. Boyton Marshes: 35 pairs, 8 young fledged. Hollesley Marshes: 32 pairs, 41 young fledged. Shingle Street: three pairs nested but only one chick survived to fledging. Trimley Marshes: eight pairs, no young fledged with all chicks predated within a week of hatching. Stoke-by-Nayland: Gifford’s Hall, two pairs successfully fledged all seven young representing the first-ever breeding in West Suffolk.
Unsuccessful breeding activity occurred in west Suffolk at Mickle Mere in 2007 and 2008 and Livermere Lake in 2009. WeBS data: Blyth Estuary Alde Estuary Minsmere Hazlewood Marshes Deben Estuary Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary
Jan – 323 1 0 168 127 130
Feb – 634 0 0 75 186 0
Mar – 665 86 0 8 20 1
Apr – 0 43 0 5 54 10
Sep – 0 19 0 11 4 6
Oct 21 868 7 0 16 142 120
Nov 8 570 13 0 292 156 120
Dec – 785 0 17 587 161 116
Counts of 250 or more, other than WeBS, were as follows:-
Blyth Estuary: 594, Feb 18th. Minsmere: Scrape, 263, July 22nd. Hazlewood Marshes: 460, Mar 5th; 350, Nov 18th. Iken: 420, Jan 4th; 360, Dec 31st. Snape: 300, Mar 2nd; Maltings, 300, Feb 25th; 500, Nov 6th. Butley River: 265, Nov 8th. Havergate Island: 305, July 29th; 350, Aug 18th; 550, Aug 19th; 400, Aug 21st; 426, Nov 4th; 525, Nov 19th. Stour Estuary: Seafield Bay, 250, Oct 27th.
Avocet Jan Wilczur
Inland sightings of Avocets were at Lakenheath Fen, Mickle Mere and Gifford’s Hall in Stoke-byNayland. At the latter site, two pairs and seven young makes 11 – the highest total ever recorded at an inland site in Suffolk, the previous peak being seven, also at Gifford’s Hall, on March 9th 2013. COLLARED PRATINCOLE Glareola pratincola Very rare visitor. This bird is the first site record for Orfordness (and Aldeburgh!). As the two sightings were considered to be the same bird it counts as the sixth Suffolk record, the last three having been in 2014, 2015 and now 2017. This is a revised total of Suffolk records with the 1997 bird somehow having been overlooked!
Aldeburgh Marshes: adult, July 13th (C Boot, M L Cornish, et al.) Orfordness: presumed same as above, July 19th to 23rd (P Cobb, J Cobb, D Crawshaw, D Fairhurst, M C Marsh).
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. The first arrival was on March 23rd with birds at both Mickle Mere and Gifford’s Hall, Stokeby-Nayland. 87
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In 2017 the BTO organised a national survey of breeding Little Ringed Plovers and SOG’s aim was to revisit all the core tetrads which had been surveyed in 2007. This increased coverage resulted in a greater number of reports of breeding birds than in the last few years. Eight pairs bred at five widespread sites, with at least seven young fledged; single pairs were noted at four other sites but breeding was not confirmed. Highest counts: Flixton: Gravel Pits, six, Apr 23rd. Pipps Ford: nine, July 9th; six, July 11th; six, July 28th. Mickle Mere: seven, June 6th. Lakenheath Fen: eight, July 4th and 8th.
Little Ringed Plover Ed Keeble
The last sighting of the year was at Livermere Pig Fields on September 23rd.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula Declining resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). Sightings of birds considered to be of race tundrae were:Southwold Marshes: 35, May 1st; nine, May 2nd; nine, May 5th. Minsmere: four, May 5th. Orfordness: 79, Apr 30th; 105, May 1st; 55, May 6th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: nine, May 27th.
Breeding was again confirmed at eight sites:-
Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, three pairs bred. Minsmere Beach: three pairs fledged three young (three pairs in 2016). Orfordness: eight pairs fledged 11 young (eight pairs fledged 14 young in 2016). Landguard: five pairs fledged seven young (four pairs fledged eight young in 2016).
During the autumn/second winter period flocks of 50 or more recorded were:-
Havergate Island: 50, Aug 29th. Shingle Street: 90, Aug 24th. Melton: 70, Sep 29th. WeBS data:Blyth Estuary Alde Estuary Minsmere Hazlewood Marshes Deben Estuary Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary
Jan 16 0 0 28 143 14
Feb 19 1 0 79 27 2
Mar 24 0 0 27 0 0
Apr 0 0 0 7 8 0
Sep 0 9 0 93 460 107
Oct 29 5 0 0 12 166 107
Nov 6 27 0 16 41 88 0
Dec 58 0 0 78 51 0
The total of 460 on the Orwell Estuary in September is the highest total since the 2006 WeBS count on the Orwell when 475 were located. KENTISH PLOVER Charadrius alexandrinus Rare passage migrant. A male flew in to Watsonian Suffolk airspace on April 9th. This is the earliest in Suffolk since 1983 when one was on Havergate on March 15th, although a female was on Orfordness on April 10th 2009. Breydon South Wall: male, Apr 9th (R Wilton et al.)
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Systematic List
EURASIAN DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus Scarce passage migrant. Red list. This year’s total of 11 is the highest annual figure since the 15 in 1987 which included a ‘trip’ of 12 at Icklingham on May 11th. Covehithe: Aug 26th to 29th (C A Buttle). Walberswick: Tinker’s Marshes, six, May 14th (C Fulcher, N J Vipond); three, May 15th (G J Jobson). Orfordness: two, May 7th (M Marsh); May 13th. (G Stannard, M Marsh). Felixstowe Ferry: Sep 6th (W J Brame).
FIELD NOTE – regarding the Covehithe bird This bird was so confiding, seemingly having no fear, and was a dream for birders and photographers alike. Lots of people saw this bird as it was right by the path beside a potato field and even walkers with dogs were passing at just two to three metres distance. Similarly, the bird at Felixstowe Ferry showed very well with Golden Plovers until it was flushed not long after being found. E Marsh 2014 Correction April 9th (1997, Elveden) is the earliest modern-day arrival for Dotterel, not April 19th. EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Green list (from Amber). Counts of 300 or more were widespread with the largest flocks as follows:Breydon South Wall: 2000, Jan 14th; Humberstone Marshes, 3500, Nov 21st. Ellough Airfield: 360, Feb 27th; 500, Mar 8th. Worlingham: 300, Oct 23rd. Gedgrave: 700, Feb 4th; 750, Feb 12th; 2400, Feb 18th. Orfordness: 1070, Feb 18th; 2740, a site record, Feb 26th. Boyton Marshes: 300, Jan 4th. Deben Estuary: Woodbridge, 450, Mar 8th. Trimley Marshes: 500, Feb. 26th; 550, Mar 5th; 460, Mar 7th. Stowmarket: 500, Jan 9th. Great Barton: 1000, Jan 9th. Pakenham: Queach Farm, 300, Nov 17th; 800, Dec 8th. Lakenheath: Burnt Fen, 300, Dec 16th.
The species continues to arrive in large flocks on the Deben Estuary, both at Ramsholt and between Felixstowe Ferry and Kirton, as can be seen in the WeBS Data:Blyth Estuary Alde Estuary Deben Estuary Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary
Jan – 338 121 286 0
Feb – 350 1833 0 0
Mar – 60 119 48 74
Apr – 0 0 0 1
Sep – 0 28 290 0
Oct 0 0 119 554 27
Nov 33 165 247 150 33
Dec – 0 295 300 0
2016 Correction Reports from Queach Farm, Pakefield relate to Queach Farm, Pakenham. GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Present in every month of the year, but only on coastal scrapes and estuarine sites, and particularly on the Deben and Stour Estuaries. 89
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Counts of at least 50 from individual sites were:-
Blyth Estuary: 58, May 1st. Hazlewood Marshes: 50, Jan 28th; 50, Feb 4th; 74 March 5th. Orfordness: 92, Feb 12th; 69, Feb 26th; 188 on passage, Apr 30th; 120 on passage, May 1st. Havergate Island: 62, Jan 19th. Boyton Marshes: 50 on passage, May 1st. Levington Creek: 175, Jan 4th; 175, Jan 6th; 70, Sep 30th. Chelmondiston: Colton Creek, 500, Jan 2nd; 50, Dec. 6th. Holbrook Bay: 120, Jan 24th; 150, Feb 4th; 250, Nov 28th. Stour Estuary: Seafield Bay, 168, Aug 24th.
WeBS data: Blyth Estuary Alde Estuary Deben Estuary Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary
Jan – 52 61 341 290
Feb – 117 134 579 962
Mar – 5 297 435 1326
Apr – 0 42 0 76
Sep – 0 302 93 209
Oct – 20 239 177 823
Nov 20 86 25 189 770
Dec – 108 195 64 284
NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Very common winter visitor and passage migrant. Declining as a breeding species. Red list. Counts of 1000 or more:Breydon South Wall: Humberstone Marshes, 1800, Nov 21st. Minsmere: Scrape, 1510, Feb 8th; Levels, 1750, Feb 16th. Havergate Island: 1094, Feb 16th. Gedgrave: 1500, Feb 18th. Trimley Marshes: 2100, Jan 1st; 2783, Jan 8th; 1296, Feb 5th; 1324, Feb 12th; 2554, Feb 19th; 1200, Feb 26th; 1853, Dec 3rd. Great Barton/Ixworth: 2000, Jan 9th. Livermere Lake: 1300, Feb 15th; 1100, Dec 2nd. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: 1080, July 17th. Stoke-by-Nayland: Gifford’s Hall, 1000, Feb 18th.
Northern Lapwing Ed Keeble
Breeding was confirmed at: Carlton Marshes (five pairs), Oulton Marshes, Flixton (one pair, one young), Worlingham (two pairs), North Cove (two pairs), Aldeburgh Marshes (two pairs, three young), Hen Reedbeds (two pairs), Dingle Marshes, Dunwich (five pairs), Minsmere (34 pairs – 53 in 2016), Sizewell SWT (two pairs), North Warren (20 pairs), Orfordness (27 pairs – up on 12 pairs in 2016, 15 young fledged), Hollesley Marshes (two large chicks – 24 pairs in 2016), Cavenham Heath, Long Melford Sewage Works, Mickle Mere (four pairs), Livermere Lake, Lakenheath Fen/ Washes, Barton Mere (four pairs) and Stoke-by-Nayland, Gifford’s Hall (eight pairs). WeBS data:Blyth Estuary Alde Estuary Minsmere Deben Estuary Orwell Estuary Stour Estuary
Jan – 1380 496 243 389 494
Feb – 3300 328 2720 1782 681
Mar – 347 71 57 14 340
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Apr – 0 32 4 46 74
Sep – 0 169 480 204 117
Oct 148 423 70 582 472 465
Nov 53 715 18 289 223 109
Dec – 474 120 233 136 424
Systematic List
Field Note Lapwings: Skilful Parenting My local gravel pits at Pipps Ford, Barking give good opportunities to observe the breeding behaviour of Lapwings and one particular pair I followed over a number of weeks showed excellent protective parental skills. They had produced four young including one very puny, undersized chick which seemed to be neglected and often on its own, although, like its siblings, it managed to feed itself. I watched the four young feeding themselves on the edges of the mud around the pits for a few weeks, expecting the smaller bird to disappear, but on a later visit there was only the smallest youngster present. I later found the adults with the three larger chicks still not able to fly, a considerable distance away in the far corner of the pits. This would have meant that the adults ‘walked’ them at least 700 metres over very difficult terrain. What was even more surprising, was that the adults had returned a few days later for the frail chick, which I had wrongly assumed had been abandoned, and it had also been ‘walked’ the considerable distance to join the others! Phil Whittaker. RED KNOT Calidris canutus Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Data from the monthly WeBS counts on the principal estuaries are set out in the table below. Records in both winter periods were mainly concentrated on the Stour Estuary. The WeBS data indicate a flock in excess of ten thousand in the first winter period and of six thousand in the second winter period (in both cases taking the Stour Estuary as a whole). As is usual, the wintering flock had largely departed by the end of March and did not return in any numbers until November. None has been noted in west Suffolk since 2006 when one was at Livermere Lake, March 12th. Away from the regular wintering flocks, there were few records in excess of 50 birds, but as is usual there were reports of small flocks of passage birds in May and into June. These probably relate to long-distance migrants from the subspecies canutus which winters much further south in Africa, and breeds in Siberia. The highest spring count was 75 at Hazlewood Marshes on April 30th. Very few were recorded in autumn, prior to the return of the wintering birds in November. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan 0 4 9 5750 10062
Feb 0 38 10 6797 9547
Mar 0 0 24 5517 7069
Apr 0 0 0 150 150
Aug Sep - 0 7
Oct 3 0 22 0 39 109
Nov 45 0 0 161 4668 6157
Dec 0 38 850 3356 5540
SANDERLING Calidris alba Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list (from Green). During the first winter period birds were recorded from a few coastal sites from Slaughden northwards, with high counts of 41 at Lowestoft on January 22nd and February 22nd. Spring passage birds were widespread, but in small numbers, from the last week in April, with the largest flock being of 20 at Walberswick on May 12th. Inland, a single bird was at Lakenheath on May 6th. Birds were reported from several coastal sites in late June (probably very early returning migrants) and there were several counts in double-figures including 32 at Covehithe on July 27th and 59 south off Landguard on August 14th. Only singles or small numbers were reported from coastal sites in the second winter period. 91
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LITTLE STINT Calidris minuta Fairly common passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters. During the first winter period there were two at Havergate on January 16th and, unusually, an inland bird at Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland on March 12th. Unless this was an exceptionally early spring bird, it is the first winter inland record since two at Lakenheath, December 17th 2001. Spring passage birds were recorded as follows:Benacre: May 1st to 12th. Aldeburgh: two, May 18th; two, May 30th and 31st. Hazlewood Marshes: Apr 29th. Hollesley: Apr 28th to May 6th; two, Apr 30th; May 10th to 12th. Bawdsey: Apr 30th. Trimley Marshes: May 25th. Seafield Bay: May 21st. Livermere: Apr 16th.
The first sighting of the autumn came from Aldeburgh on July 19th. Thereafter sightings of one or two birds were widespread on the coast, with higher numbers at the end of September and into October. Reports from the coast of three or more birds were as follows:-
Carlton Marshes: three, Sep 30th. Covehithe: three, Sep 20th to 23rd. Minsmere: max 12, Oct 5th. Aldeburgh: three, Sep 24th to 26th. Seafield Bay: max 11, Oct 13th.
There were two excellent inland records in late autumn from the west of the county as follows:-
Lakenheath: four, Sep 28th and 29th. Little Livermere: Rymer Barn, four, Oct 3rd and 4th.
Field Note The three birds at Covehithe were showing, on occasions, down to a metre. I had never experienced them “performing” that well in the UK before. E Marsh. TEMMINCK’S STINT Calidris temminckii Scarce passage migrant. There were one spring and two autumn records. The Minsmere bird is the first July record in Suffolk since 2008 when one was Orfordness on July 19th. Carlton Marshes: May 9th and 10th (A Easton et al.). Minsmere: July 18th (R Harvey). Hollesley Marshes: Aug 20th to 22nd (P Kennerley, D Shepherd et al.).
PECTORAL SANDPIPER Calidris melanotos Scarce passage migrant. Three were reported, including an inland bird. Minsmere: Sep 25th to 30th (R Harvey). Trimley Marshes: Sep 2nd to 10th (E Lucking). Mickle Mere: Oct 4th to 6th (S Bishop).
There have now been at least seven records of Pectoral Sandpiper in west Suffolk since the first in September 1977 in Bury St Edmunds. CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant. Has overwintered. Amber list (from Green). There were spring records in May as follows, including one inland:-
Benacre: two, May 22nd. Southwold: May 1st to 3rd.
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Systematic List Walberswick: May 2nd. Minsmere: May 8th and 9th; May 20th. Felixstowe Ferry: May 18th to 20th. Lakenheath: May 14th.
The Lakenheath bird is only the fourth spring record in west Suffolk, previous occurrences having been in 2000, 2001 and 2005. Autumn passage was light, after the high numbers recorded in 2016. There were no counts into double figures and the highest totals reported were of only seven at Butley on July 23rd and eight at Minsmere on August 17th. There were records of singles inland at Lackford Lakes on September 21st and Lakenheath Fen/Washes on September 23rd and October 8th, this latter the last report of the year in Suffolk.
PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima Fairly common winter visitor. Scarce passage migrant. Amber list. The most regular site for this species remains Ness Point, Lowestoft. Purple Sandpipers were recorded there in the first winter period from January 1st until May 7th, with the highest count being 18 on several dates during that period. The first returning bird there was seen on October 30th, with birds present until the year’s end, and a maximum of ten on December 30th. Three other sites recorded the species in both winter periods as follows:Slaughden: Jan 7th. Bawdsey: two, Jan 10th to April 6th; six, Oct 31st; two from Nov 5th. Landguard: singles on various dates; two, Nov 26th; three Sep 1st.
There were few other coastal records of single birds. DUNLIN Calidris alpina Very common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber List. The WeBS data in the table below indicate a population in excess of 15000 in the first winter period, made up of over approximately 7000 on the Stour (taking the estuary as a whole), 3000 on the Orwell, 2500 on the Deben and 1000 on the Alde. Notable individual counts included 2200 at Stutton Ness on January 4th and 2200 at Levington on January 6th. In the second winter period, the WeBS data indicate a population of over 9000 on the same basis. Passage was evident from late April into May, with high counts including 480 at Hazlewood Marshes on April 30th and 400 in Seafield Bay on May 8th. There were 82 at Minsmere on May 1st. There were several inland records over this period, most notably 12 at Lakenheath Fen/ Washes on April 30th. Returning birds were first reported from Minsmere on June 12th and Trimley Marshes on June 13th and the arrival of juveniles in August resulted in high counts of 208 on Havergate on August 12th and 180 at Minsmere on August 19th. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan – 1116 2677 3318 2282 7351
Feb – 3064 2720 2226 4510 8325
Mar – 378 425 1541 1072 2017
Apr – – 59 27 865 1087
Aug – – – – 65 158
Sep – – – – 138 196
Oct – 210 83 22 1611 1864
Nov 251 2175 197 80 2898 5009
Dec 0 1467 790 2226 2376 4145
RUFF Calidris pugnax Fairly common passage migrant. Small numbers overwinter. Red List. In the first winter period, the only report of five or more birds was from Hollesley Marshes, 93
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where the small wintering flock peaked at eight on March 4th. Inland, there was a single bird at Lakenheath Fen on February 2nd. Spring passage was relatively light with only one report of more than ten birds, but a male lingered into June at Hollesley Marshes from 3rd to 6th. Selected reports included the following:North Cove: Castle Marsh, 11, Apr 16th. Hen Reedbeds: eight, Apr 4th. Walberswick: six, May 6th. North Warren: six, May 1st. Hollesley: peak of seven, Apr 29th to May 1st. Lakenheath Fen: four, May 2nd.
In early autumn, numbers were also unexceptional, with the only sites reporting numbers into double figures being Minsmere with a peak of 15 on August 26th and Hollesley Marshes with a peak of 11 on August 24th. In late September, however, there were some good double-figure counts with the inland reports suggesting an overland arrival of juveniles. The 23 at Lakenheath is the highest total in west Suffolk since 38 were present, also at Lakenheath, on August 21st 2000. There were also 22 Ruff at Livermere Lake on March 17th 2003. Carlton Marshes: 20, Sep 30th and Oct 1st. Minsmere: 22, Sep 29th. Hollesley Marshes: 24, Sep 19th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: ten, Sep 24th rising to 23, Sep 25th, with ten still present, Oct 1st. Livermere Lake: ten, Oct 1st. Mickle Mere: 15, Sep 30th. Little Livermere: Rymer Barn, ten, Sep 30th, rising to 16, Oct 3rd with 12 still present, Oct 5th.
Numbers tailed off rapidly through October and the only apparent winterers were four at Hollesley Marshes on December 30th and seven on the Butley River on December 31st. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa L.l.islandica: Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. L.l.limosa: Scarce visitor. Formerly bred. Red list. After two blank years, there were several reports of both adults and juveniles of the nominate limosa subspecies. Remarkably, individuals were traced to three separate ringing schemes:Minsmere: adult male, June 26th (P Kennerley); adult with flag from Dutch ringing scheme, July 28th (P Kennerley); juvenile July 3rd to Aug 10th (S Mayson). Hollesley Marshes: juvenile with ring from Norwegian ringing scheme, July 31st to August 23rd (P Kennerley). Trimley Marshes: juvenile with transmitter from English reintroduction scheme, July 19th (P Holmes).
Data from the monthly WeBS counts on the principal estuaries are set out in the table below. Numbers in the first winter period reached a high peak of nearly 5000 (including the Stour Black-tailed Godwit Ed Keeble Estuary as a whole), as a result of an influx in February. Colour-ring readings suggest that this influx was due to birds being flooded off the Ouse and Nene Washes. Spring passage peaked in late April, with a marked departure in the last week of the month, as is usual. This coincided with records of small groups inland, including 21 at Lakenheath Fen/Washes on April 30th. Records from later in May could relate to the regular flock of oversummering immatures and non-breeders on the coast, which peaked at Minsmere with 350 on June 27th. Return passage was first evident from early July, with a record from Livermere Lakes on 1st 94
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and increasing numbers at coastal locations. These built up through the autumn with 1000 at Hazlewood Marshes in August and by October the population exceeded 3500, when counts from the estuaries (including the Stour Estuary as a whole) and other sites are combined. The 2017 breeding season was exceptional for Black-tailed Godwits of the islandica subspecies and as a result many juveniles were present in autumn including, for example, 330 in a flock of 1500 in Seafield Bay on September 17th. The Stour and Orwell flock foraged widely on barley stubble on the Shotley peninsula and roosted at Alton Water at times during September, with 1600 being counted there on September 18th. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan – 349 160 102 233 1787
Feb – 715 324 200 1577 3618
Mar – 1060 135 417 1001 2786
Apr – – 213 22 1360 2520
Aug – – – 532 805 1333
Sep – – 696 173 85 1388
Oct 333 722 287 238 179 1857
Nov 675 1078 241 313 110 894
Dec – 770 240 403 90 1475
A Norwegian “limosa” Black-tailed Godwit A juvenile Black-tailed Godwit of the nominate race L. l. limosa was found at Hollesley Marshes on July 31st 2017. It was seen to be colour-ringed with a white ring on the left tibia, and a white ring on the right tibia which was engraved with a code. Initial views were distant and it was not until August 12th that the number ‘15’ was clinched. After some detective work by Peter Kennerley, the bird was traced to a programme (ringing scheme) in Norway. Oddvar Heggøy who operates the scheme kindly confirmed that the bird was one of a brood of four ringed on 6th June 2017 at Jæren (58°43’28”N 5°33’57”E). The Norwegian ringing scheme only started in 2017 and this appears to be the first sighting outside Norway, so it is especially pleasing that this bird should have chosen to appear at Hollesley. It is well-known that limosa Black-tailed Godwit breed in small numbers in the United Kingdom and eastwards across mainland Europe into Russia, but it may come as a surprise to learn that there is a small and endangered population in Norway, with small populations further east in Sweden and Finland. BirdLife Norway estimated the limosa population in Norway at only 13–20 pairs in 2017, located in the southwest of the country, near Stavanger. The Hollesley bird is therefore a representative of a rather special outpost of the wider limosa population. Norway shares with the United Kingdom the distinction of being a country in which both subspecies of Black-tailed Godwit breed regularly. The islandica race is of course concentrated in Iceland, but a very small population of only 5–12 pairs of islandica breeds in the north of Norway in the region of the Lofoten islands. In the United Kingdom, a few pairs of islandica nest in Scotland and approximately fifty pairs of limosa godwits nest in East Anglia. E Keeble, P Kennerley. BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Fairly common passage migrant and locally common winter visitor. Amber list. Data from the monthly WeBS counts on the principal estuaries are set out in the table below. As in 2016, there were two distinct peaks in numbers, in February and November, suggesting that there is a regular flock of birds which stage in the county on their way to and from wintering grounds elsewhere. The totals of 1041 in February (including 942 on the Stour Estuary as a whole) and 663 in November are very impressive. A bird in full breeding plumage was noted at Iken on January 1st and on the Orwell on January 2nd and 7th. Such birds are exceptional but not unknown and given that a few Bar-tailed Godwits have been shown to live for over 30 years, a very small number of individuals may be responsible 95
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for such sightings. Spring passage numbers included 100 at Minsmere, 50 at Hazlewood Marshes and 163 on Orfordness all on April 30th. There were 65 in Seafield Bay on May 13th. In autumn, a total of 111 south past Landguard was the highest count from coastal watch points and the early winter flock on the Stour reached 460 in November. The were no inland reports in 2017. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan – 0 14 53 17 58
Feb – 0 54 45 737 942
Mar – 0 0 36 245 245
Apr – – – 2 1 1
Aug – – – – 14 14
Sep – – 3 0 0 25
Oct 0 134 1 2 16 16
Nov 0 172 0 31 460 460
Dec – 57 11 6 0 11
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Fairly common passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters. Red list. Migrants were reported from the end of March, with a bird at North Warren on March 29th being the first. Passage peaked in the fourth week of April and continued into early June. Records came from around 40 sites, mostly coastal but with a few records from the north-west of the county. When smaller groups are added in, it seems likely that approaching 200 passed through the county in spring, plus 137 recorded north offshore past Landguard. Records involving ten or more birds are set out below. Worlingham Marshes: ten, Apr 30th. Carlton Marshes: 53, Apr 27th. North Cove: 15, Apr 28th; 20, Apr 29th to May 2nd; 12 still present, May 6th. Southwold: ten, Apr 24th to May 1st. Hen Reedbeds: 20, Apr 27th. Walberswick: 15, May 6th. Minsmere: 20, Apr 27th to May 4th. Orfordness: 39, Apr 22nd. Landguard: 16 north, Apr 22nd; 17 north, May 9th.
Reports from Hazlewood Marshes in June included nine on 13th and at least two may have oversummered. The first bird of return passage was noted at Hollesley Marshes on June 19th and there were reports from over 30 coastal sites, with the largest groups being a flock of 26 seen on July 21st at several coastal locations and a maximum of 27 on Orfordness on July 22nd. Landguard recorded 148 during the autumn. There were a few inland records, including four at Livermere Lakes on Sept 3rd. Passage tailed off in September and there were only two records in October. EURASIAN CURLEW Numenius arquata Common winter visitor and passage migrant. A few pairs may still breed. Red list (from Amber). Data from the monthly WeBS counts on the principal estuaries are set out in the table below. These suggest that numbers peaked in the county at approximately 2500 in the first winter period, when counts from the estuaries and other sites are combined. Numbers reduced as birds began to migrate away from the estuaries in early spring. Passage continued into April, with 37 north past Landguard on April 16th. There were several inland records in February and March, including a small influx in the Brecks on March 11th and records into May. Thereafter, reports from three sites in the Brecks in June suggest that the species continues to cling on as a breeder in the county. As usual, return passage was noted from early June, but a small early influx of birds was reported in late May from Hazlewood Marshes with 24 birds on May 24th, from Boyton Marshes with one 96
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on May 15th, Hollesley Marshes with one bird on May 24th and from Seafield Bay with one on May 31st. These may have been early returning birds rather than late spring migrants. Offshore autumn passage was light, with Landguard recording 69 south in June and 135 south in July. A high count of 751 from Holbrook Bay on July 20th is notable – it may be that the population in the county peaks in early autumn at a higher level than the mid-autumn numbers shown in the table below. The total population (including the Stour Estuary as whole) exceeded 2500 in October and remained at over 2000 into November. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan – 405 132 236 335 461
Feb – 783 293 314 434 640
Mar – 417 487 441 401 820
Apr – 0 259 287 351 893
Aug – – – – 239 665
Sep – – 281 297 301 745
Oct 139 340 471 427 1090 1124
Nov 0 362 399 331 769 946
Dec – 191 242 170 341 497
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Common passage migrant. Occasionally overwinters. Amber list. The wintering bird at Oulton Broad from late 2016 remained into January and another bird was reported from Covehithe on January 6th. In the south of the county, one was reported from Shotley on January 2nd. Spring passage was light, with records coming from 26 coastal and eight inland sites and peak numbers in the second week of May. The following were the only records of five or more birds:Benacre Broad: six, May 5th. Southwold: eight, May 11th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: five, May 10th.
The first returning bird of the autumn was reported from Benacre on June 29th. Thereafter there were widespread reports of single birds or small groups, mostly involving fewer than five birds but with selected higher counts listed below. A number of high counts were made on July 31st, suggesting an arrival at that time.
Gorleston: 11, Aug 21st. Blyth Estuary: 20, July 31st. Minsmere: 12, July 31st. Aldeburgh: 15, July 31st. Trimley Marshes: nine, Aug 4th. Livermere Lake: nine, July 20th.
In the second winter period the returning bird was reported from Oulton Broad.
GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Fairly common passage migrant. Small numbers overwinter. Amber list. There were widespread records of single birds in the first winter period coming from 19 sites. These typically involved one or two birds, but three were recorded from Tuddenham (near Mildenhall) on February 2nd. Spring passage birds were also well spread, with the highest counts being of four birds at both Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland on April 14th and Snape Marshes on March 30th. Return passage was first detected in early June with a bird at Cattawade on 4th. Thereafter passage picked up in late June and peaked in early August with counts of more than five birds being recorded from a number of coastal sites. The 31 at Minsmere, below, together with 31 at Minsmere, August 2nd 2013, is the highest total in Suffolk since August 9th 1955 when 45 were at West Stow Sewage Farm. Selected high counts are as follows:97
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Flixton: 11, July 23rd. Minsmere: 31, Aug 18th. Aldeburgh: nine, Aug 28th. Hollesley Marshes: 13, Aug 23rd and 25th. Snape Marshes RSPB: 16, Aug 8th.
Passage at inland sites was less impressive than in 2016, with the highest counts being in the first week of September:Little Livermere: Rymer Barn, seven, Sep 5th. Livermere Lake: six, Sep 3rd.
As is normal, numbers tailed off during October and into the second winter period. Records were from a rather low total of 15 sites (30 in 2016) in the coastal belt and the west of the county from October to December, mostly of one or two birds. SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus Fairly common passage migrant. A few overwinter. Amber list. Records in the first winter period were as usual concentrated in the north-east of the county, with reports from Breydon, Blythburgh, Dingle Marshes, Minsmere and Hazlewood Marshes. There were no counts in excess of three birds. Elsewhere, there were reports of single birds on the Deben Estuary, Orfordness and the Stour Estuary. Spring passage was light with individuals or small groups reported during April and into the first week of May, with the highest count being of three at Minsmere on April 21st. There was a single bird inland at Lakenheath Fen on May 5th. The first bird of return passage was noted at Dingle Marshes on the typically early date of June 10th and numbers of returning adults reached 14 at Minsmere on June 23rd. Numbers continued to build into July reaching a maximum of 32 at Minsmere on August 26th. Compare this with “… by the 1980s autumn parties of 70-85 were recorded annually at Minsmere, where, on 21st July 1991, Suffolk’s only three-figure concentration, of 112, was noted” (Birds of Suffolk, 2003). There were few autumn records away from the prime sites of Minsmere and Dingle Marshes and none exceeding three birds, apart from an exceptional record of ten at Levington on September 30th. Numbers were rather low in late autumn, with a maximum of four at Minsmere on October 21st. In the second winter period records came from Burgh Castle, Dingle Marshes, Minsmere and Hazlewood Marshes. with up to three at Dingle Marshes. Further down the coast, there was a bird at Shottisham Creek on December 17th and a winterer on Orfordness. COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Common passage migrant. A few overwinter. Amber list (from Green). In the first winter period, single overwintering birds were reported from Hazlewood Marshes and the Blyth Estuary. On the Stour Estuary, the regularly-returning flagged bird which breeds in Scotland was present and there were as many as six at Cattawade in late February which may have been early migrants. Spring passage was evident from late March through April and into May, with counts in double figures as follows:-
North Warren: 14, May 1st. Hazlewood Marshes: peak of 28, Apr 30th. Snape RSPB: 14, May 8th. East Bergholt: White Horse Marsh, 12, May 1st.
Inland there were counts of three at Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland on April 29th and eight at Lakenheath from April 30th to May 5th. There was an unexpected record of a bird at Mickle Mere on June 11th and thereafter autumn passage was noted from mid-June into October. Numbers peaked a little later than usual, with only five sites recording double-figure counts, of which one was inland.
Minsmere: ten, Aug 14th.
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Systematic List Hazlewood Marshes: 35, Sep 2nd and 3rd. Waldringfield: 17, Oct 8th. Seafield Bay: 38, Sept 10th and an impressive count of 101 on the Stour Estuary as a whole on that date. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: 11, Aug 23rd.
In the second winter period, records of single birds came from four coastal sites and there was one at Lakenheath on November 9th.
WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Fairly common passage migrant. Amber list. Spring passage was confined to the coast with the exception of records of single birds at Lakenheath on May 4th, 5th and 11th. The first spring bird was at Hollesley Marshes on April 22nd and reports continued into May with most involving one or two birds, but with reports of three as follows:Southwold: three, May 1st. Hollesley Marshes: three, May 6th.
The first autumn record was of a bird at Minsmere on June 17th, followed by one inland at Lakenheath Fen on June 26th. There were then few reports until the third week of July, when numbers increased with reports from 13 locations and selected high counts as follows:Carlton Marshes: four, July 23rd. Minsmere: eight, August 9th. Hollesley Marshes: three, July 1st.
There were inland records from Mickle Mere on July 6th and Pipps Ford on July 28th. The last birds of the year were reported from Rymer Barn, Little Livermere on September 21st and October 1st.
2015 Addition The bird at Shotley Marshes on April 15th equals the County’s earliest-ever recorded arrival at Minsmere in 1968. 2015 Correction This species did not overwinter in Suffolk – this corrects the Summer Migrant Table. COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Declining resident. Amber list. Data from the monthly WeBS counts on the principal estuarine sites are set out in the table below. Breeding season reports were not received from a number of key sites, but the following were reported:-
Orfordness: 39 pairs (37-40 breeding pairs in 2016). Hollesley Marshes at least six pairs (ten pairs in 2016). Lakenheath Fen: at least five pairs.
Numbers in early autumn were rather lower than in 2015, with the highest counts being 1000 on the Blyth Estuary on August 17th and 1000 at Hazlewood Marshes on August 15th. In the second winter period, there were about 6000 in the county in October and about 5000 in November, when counts from the estuaries (taking the Stour Estuary as a whole) and other sites are combined. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell
Jan – 1145 644 650
Feb – 1941 788 655
Mar – 1013 1001 423
Apr – – 523 196 99
Aug – – – 31
Sep – – 1054 269
Oct 1348 1401 1071 238
Nov 237 1299 1042 963
Dec – 1290 644 453
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan 300 959
Feb 301 1101
Mar 272 791
Apr 146 402
Aug 356 820
Sep 237 1430
Oct 666 1838
Nov 812 1213
Dec 276 877
RUDDY TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. Data from the monthly WeBS counts on the principal estuarine sites are set out in the table below. In the first winter period, numbers reported on the estuaries in the county peaked at a rather low total of 380 in February, with the highest count elsewhere being 34 at Ness Point, Lowestoft on January 23rd. There was an influx of passage birds on the Stour Estuary in April, with 146 in Seafield Bay on 11th and 52 in Holbrook Bay on 23rd. Small numbers of birds were reported from coastal sites on late spring passage in May, including 11 at Hazlewood Marshes on 19th. There were a few records in June and July, but the first count in double figures was also at Hazlewood Marshes, with ten on July 27th. There were high numbers on the Stour Estuary in August with 154 in Seafield Bay on 24th and 94 in Holbrook Bay on 25th. Numbers increased in September and by November a total of over 700 was recorded on the estuaries (taking the Stour Estuary as a whole). There were no inland records in 2017. WeBS data (with totals for the Suffolk shore of the Stour Estuary and for the estuary as a whole): Blyth Alde/Ore Deben Orwell Stour (Suffolk shore) Stour (incl Essex)
Jan – 4 65 211 77 197
Feb – 24 36 76 176 274
Mar – 5 107 20 323 380
Apr – – 42 24 85 273
Aug – – – 14 124 146
Sep – – 31 13 161 221
Oct 0 4 86 32 313 443
Nov 0 31 72 172 78 472
Dec – 23 95 139 48 113
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE Phalaropus lobatus Rare passage migrant. Red list. After a blank year in 2016, there were records of four individuals as follows:Covehithe Broad: Sep 22nd (T Butler). Walberswick: Sep 23rd and 24th (B J Small). Minsmere: Sep 16th to 25th (RSPB). Orfordness: Aug 11th and 12th (M C Marsh).
GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius Scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor. After a blank year in 2016, there were records of five individuals as follows: Southwold: Oct 8th to 12th (C Buttle); Oct 30th (D Walden et al.). Minsmere: two, one photographed, Oct 19th (RSPB); photographed, Oct 30th (RSPB).
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Green list (from Amber). This species was reported from 23 sites in the coastal belt and four sites inland and in the west of the county. There was only one report in February, followed by an increase in reports from March suggesting spring passage through the county, with some birds lingering into May. The first returning bird was noted at Pipps Ford on October 5th. As is usual, the majority of reports related to single birds, but there were maximum reports of three as follows:100
Systematic List Southwold: three, May 1st and 2nd. Minsmere: three, Mar 13th to 18th. Trimley Marshes: three, Jan 5th.
EURASIAN WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Declining resident. Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. In the first winter period, there were reports from 15 inland sites (which is comparable with the number of sites from which reports were provided in 2016) and 37 in the coastal belt (more sites than in 2016, but comparable with 2015). The majority of reports related to individuals, but 16 were reported from Heveningham in January. Mid-summer records came from five sites in the north-west of the county, all of single birds and, unusually for recent years, there were also reports of birds in mid-summer from two sites in the coastal belt which is encouraging. Eurasian Woodcock Peter Beeson The first autumn arrival was reported from Belton on October 13th, with further reports on the coast from mid-October into November. Landguard reported 11 sightings in the period from October 30th to November 16th with a maximum day total of three on November 6th. Passage was not reported from Orfordness until November, but peaked with nine on 11th. Numbers were low in the second winter period, with reports from inland and coastal sites, but fewer than 30 in total. COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably extinct as a breeding species. Amber list. As is usual, reports came from widespread inland and coastal sites in both winter periods. Counts of 30 or more birds were reported as follows, with the very high totals from Carlton Marshes being eye-catching. The 264 in November is the highest site-total in Suffolk since December 21st 2007 when 500 were at Southwold Town Marshes. Corton: 42, Mar 2nd. Carlton Marshes: 174, Jan 15th; 264, Nov 19th. Oulton Marshes: 30, Apr 10th. Minsmere: 40, Aug 31st. Trimley Marshes: 38, Mar 7th. Levington: 35, Dec 14th. Mickle Mere: 46, Mar 20th.
As in 2016, there were a few records in May and June, but no evidence of breeding.
POMARINE SKUA Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon passage migrant. A few overwinter. Unexpectedly there were no records of overwintering birds at the start of the year, the first time this has happened since 2011. A notable spring movement commenced on April 30th when eight were seen heading north off Minsmere, six flew north off Sizewell and three headed north together at 16:55hr off Corton. Further south in the county, four were noted off Landguard on May 9th. The only summer record was of two south past Ness Point, Lowestoft on July 22nd, perhaps returning birds. Autumn return migration didn’t get going until October when a single bird was off Ness Point, 101
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Lowestoft on 14th and a few days later, single birds flew south off Minsmere, 18th and Southwold, 19th. Towards the end of the month, three were noted off Sizewell Beach, 29th and the following day, four were noted off Minsmere. In November, singles were noted off Minsmere on 1st and 14th and on the latter date, one also went south off Landguard. ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus Decreasing passage migrant. A few usually overwinter. Red list. Atypically, there were no observations of this species during the first four months of the year. The first spring passage records were five north off Landguard and a single bird off Ness Point, Lowestoft on May 1st and then another off Minsmere seven days later. Early autumn passage birds involved one seen to fly north off Gorleston on July 14th and another south on 19th, with another five north past there on August 5th. Later in the autumn, there was a light south-bound passage during September but counts rarely broke into double figures. Highlights were of eight south past Slaughden, September 3rd and at least that number went south there on 14th. On the same day there was a high count of 14 past Southwold with a further three past Kessingland the following day. Further north, four were noted past Corton Cliffs on September 16th and four past Ness Point, Lowestoft on 18th. In October small numbers continued to be seen with three south and three north past Slaughden, 3rd and 7th respectively and, on 29th, four flew north past Slaughden, six were off Southwold and four off Minsmere. The final record for the year was of a single bird past Southwold, October 30th, which marked the end of a decidedly quiet year for this decreasing passage migrant. An 81% decline in Scotland’s breeding population between 1992 and 2015 (Brit Birds 111:552) must surely be partly responsible for the decrease in sightings off the Suffolk coast. LONG-TAILED SKUA Stercorarius longicaudus Uncommon passage migrant. As with the previous year, there were no spring records, with all records coming during the autumn and heavily weighted to mid-September. A lone late record was of one off Shingle Street, November 3rd but in all it was a quiet year for this species. All records as follows:-
Benacre: north, 11:45hr, Sep 14th (C Buttle). Southwold: five, one north, 14:48hr, one south, 15.50hr and three south, 16:47hr, Sep. 14th (C Fulcher). Thorpeness: three, Sep 14th (P Whittaker); three south, Sep 16th (M Cornish); Sep 18th (P Whittaker). Slaughden: three south, Sep 14th (M Cornish). Shingle Street/Hollesley: harrying gulls, Nov 3rd (N Mason). Bawdsey: adult lingering close inshore then north, 11:50hr, Oct 21st (S Abbott); pale juv north, 08:25hr, Oct 29th (S Abbott). Landguard: Sep 13th (W Brame, N Odin, E Patrick).
GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua Fairly common passage migrant. A few overwinter. Amber list. Early in the year and into the spring this species was noted off Landguard – first on January 10th and with a maximum day-count of three, March 31st. Further north, one was off Corton Cliffs, March 25th. Spring passage involved singles off Gorleston, Minsmere and Sizewell, April 30th and off Lowestoft Ness and Southwold the following day. As expected, return passage saw this species as the most likely skua that sea-watchers were likely to encounter with sightings gradually picking up from late August when singles were off Covehithe, 26th and Minsmere on 27th and 28th. Further south, an interesting record came from Hollesley Marshes RSPB where one flew low over the scrape mobbed by gulls before flying north towards Orfordness on August 23rd (P Kennerley). Into the autumn, numbers began to pick up with three south off Slaughden, September 3rd and two south off Corton Cliffs, September 12th. Two days later, on 14th, a notable movement 102
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included highlights of 12 south past Slaughden and 11 off Southwold. September closed quietly, but during October movements picked up once again with the first and final weeks seeing the bulk of records. Highlights included 21 north past Gunton Cliffs on 7th and 21 north and one south, past Ness Point, Lowestoft on 12th. Further south, sightings on 7th involved 14 north past Sizewell between 11:35hr and 13:10hr, 11 north past Slaughden and eight north off Orfordness. Later in October, ten and nine were noted off Southwold, on 19th and 20th respectively. Numbers peaked towards the month’s end with 50 north off Minsmere between 14:00hr and 16:30hr on 28th. The following day, 27 were off Southwold and a further 21 were noted there on 30th. Most sightings during the month were in the north of the county, and at Landguard it was much quieter with just three north, 5th and 29th and three south, November 4th. After a busy start with 15 off Minsmere on 1st and three south off Landguard, 4th, sightings tailed off through November. In the middle of the month up to five were noted on several dates lingering offshore between Dunwich and Minsmere and as far south as Bawdsey. Towards the end on the year the only records came from the far south of the county with singles noted off Landguard on both December 2nd and 25th. SABINE’S GULL Xema sabini Rare passage migrant. Two juveniles delighted one observer at the end of October:-
Bawdsey: East Lane, two juveniles north, 08:00hr, Oct 29th (S Abbott).
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla Very common passage migrant and winter visitor. Small numbers breed. Red list (from Amber). At the start of the year, small numbers were noted offshore with the most notable count being of 76 off Landguard, January 15th. Data elsewhere in the county were very sparse, either due to genuinely-low numbers or under-recording. During the spring, around 100 were noted at Sizewell in late April and 100 were noted in and around the Minsmere area between May 1st and 14th. Breeding data from Lowestoft showed 443 young were raised from 408 nesting pairs; this is a marked increase on the 2016 breeding numbers of 371 young fledged from 263 nests. The bulk of the nesting takes place around the harbour and suitable ledges around the town centre, with the main sites being the Catholic Church on Gordon road, Claremont Pier and the telephone exchange on Surrey Street. The purpose-built wall at the harbour entrance now seems abandoned in part due to the problems caused by urban Foxes and Brown Rats. No breeding data were received from anywhere else in the county but around 100 were noted on August 5th and 13th at Sizewell where breeding is normally attempted on the power station offshore seawater intake and outfall rigs. During September, data received indicated only single-figure counts around the Sizewell area at that time. Later in the autumn, further south in the county, 75 flew north past Orfordness, October 29th and 60 seen offshore from Southwold Shelter the same day. Towards the end of the year, at Landguard, there was a peak of 25 on December 31st with smaller numbers seen at other times including 11 past there on December 24th. Away from the coast, there were no inland records received during 2017. When compared with less than only 20 years ago, offshore totals of Kittiwakes are massively reduced e.g. up to 15000 in Sole Bay, February 4th and 5th 1999. BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. At the start of the year, large roosts gathered at sites in the west of the county with 10000 recorded at Lackford Lakes on January 9th and nearby at Livermere Lake, 11000 were estimated to be present on February 8th. During March there were still 2500 at Livermere Lake on 8th. Away from these two main sites, another inland gathering of note was of 1000 at Lakenheath 103
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Fen, January 16th. On the coast, at Landguard the main counts during the early part of the year were of 80, February 11th and spring passage movements here were noted from March 22nd, with a maximum of 52 south, April 2nd. Elsewhere this species was recorded on WeBS counts, including on the Deben Estuary, with 323, January 15th, 403, February 12th and 828, March 12th. Nearby, on the Orwell, 922 were counted, January 15th and a notable Black-headed Gull Jan Wilczur count of 2212, March 12th. On Orfordness, it was described as a ‘terrible year’ for this species and only five pairs nested compared with 240 pairs in 2016 and 718 in 2015; the draining of Lantern Marshes is undoubtedly the main reason for this decline with all five pairs failing at the egg stage. A lot of these nesting pairs from 2015 and 2016 probably relocated to Minsmere where an estimated 2000 pairs bred. In the west of the county, small numbers attempted breeding at a number of sites with some success. At Lackford Lakes most attempts failed due to predation but at Livermere Lake, 12 recently fledged juveniles were noted during July, with a roost there of 1700 which included 85 juveniles from elsewhere on July 10th. An agricultural reservoir near Fornham St. Martin hosted two pairs. During the autumn, 2000 were noted at Hazlewood Marshes, September 11th and, at Landguard, autumn passage was noted from early July, with a notable count of 282 south on July 14th and, later in the autumn, 252 south on October 23rd. Towards the end of the year, in the west of the county, large winter roosts congregated at Livermere Lake, where 2000 were present, November 14th and 25th, rising to 6000, November 29th, 8000, December 12th and a peak of 10000 on December 24th. On the coast this species was recorded during WeBS surveys with the most notable counts on the Deben Estuary being of 1317, September 10th, 860, October 8th, 439, November 19th and 385, December 18th. Nearby, on the Orwell, 557 were recorded, November 19th and 656, December 17th. LITTLE GULL Hydrocoloeus minutus Fairly common passage migrant. Regularly oversummers. Small numbers overwinter. An atypical inland record occurred at the start of the year with an adult at Lackford Lakes on January 6th. This was made all the more unexpected against a backdrop of a lack of winter sightings elsewhere apart from one off Pakefield, February 6th. Spring passage was witnessed on more typical dates, albeit in low numbers. In the south-east, one and then four were at Loompit Lake, Trimley St Martin, March 16th and 27th respectively and at Minsmere there was a peak of six at Island Mere on March 27th. In the west of the county single adults were at Livermere Lake on March 28th and Lackford Lakes on March 31st. Numbers throughout were low with multiple occurrences numbering no more than three birds at any one site with two noted at Lackford Lakes and Livermere Lake, April 3rd, two at Culford Park, April 7th and three adults at Livermere Lake, April 9th. The final inland record of the spring came from Lakenheath Fen with one on May 11th. On the coast there was a single bird at Landguard on April 23rd. Throughout the late spring and summer months, up to two were noted on Minsmere Scrape, May 24th and 27th and June 28th. Elsewhere, five were at Hollesley Marshes, June 3rd and 9th and three at Aldeburgh Marshes, June 3rd and 28th. As July progressed, numbers steadily built up, with 18 on Minsmere Scrape, July 11th, rising to 40, July 21st and peaking at 59 on July 28th. The following month numbers rose further with 82 on Minsmere Scrape, August 2nd and nearby, 104
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106 were around the Sizewell rigs, August 20th. These two sites attracted the bulk of coastal summer sightings with other sites holding much smaller numbers which included 11 at Benacre Broad and two at Gorleston, both on July 29th. During the autumn, numbers declined with 30 remaining on Minsmere Scrape and 20 around the Sizewell rigs, September 2nd and 3rd respectively. By the end of the month, numbers had reduced further with only ten remaining in the Sizewell area, September 23rd. During October this species occurred at other locations along the coast, most notably, 12 north off both Ness Point, Lowestoft and Southwold on 29th. Sightings almost dried up completely after October apart from at Landguard where singles were noted on December 10th and 11th. MEDITERRANEAN GULL Ichthyaetus (formerly Larus) melanocephalus Uncommon resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Rare breeder. Amber list. At the start of the year, as with previous years, numbers were heavily concentrated in the north-east of the county. At Gorleston, 23 were present on January 3rd and 20 on the Breydon South Wall mudflats, January 15th. Elsewhere four were at Covehithe, January 17th and six along Lowestoft North Beach, February 10th. In the west of the county, numbers were low with a first-winter noted at Lakenheath Fen, January 21st and an adult at Lackford Lakes, on and off, during the first half of February. In the south of the county, the most notable gatherings were of five at Gedgrave Marshes, January 28th, six at Sutton, February 5th and 11th and two at both Landguard, January 5th and Felixstowe Docks, February 11th. During the spring numbers built up rapidly in and around Minsmere Scrape with 57, March 25th and a peak of 139, April 12th with 35 breeding pairs fledging 28 young there – a reserve record for both breeding pairs and fledged young. During the summer, evening roosts boosted numbers at Minsmere with birds presumably from further afield. A total of 535 was on the Scrape, June 25th, a county record total exceeding the 460 at Walberswick on July 18th 2015. Further north, 240 were noted at Benacre Broad on June 29th. In July, the numbers at Minsmere rapidly declined and the main concentrations were back in the north-east of the county with 99, including five juveniles, at Gorleston Beach, July 21st and 20 at Lowestoft North Beach, July 23rd. During the following month, 313 went south off Gorleston, August 7th, Suffolk’s largest-ever coastal movement, coinciding with large roosts seen further up the coast in east Norfolk. Further south in the county, no particularly high numbers were noted in the summer, apart from 14 at Hollesley Marshes on June 3rd. Elsewhere in the county, this species remained rare away from the coast, with just two juveniles noted at the Livermere pig fields, August 10th and 11th, with one remaining until August 12th. After this date there were no more sightings from the west of the county this year. During the autumn, numbers dropped considerably apart from a peak of 25 on Trimley Marshes, September 3rd. Offshore southerly movements included 40 off Gorleston, September 20th and 45 there the next day. After this date mainly single-figure counts were noted from the north-east of the county, apart from a notable count of 40 off Corton Cliffs, October 29th. Towards the end of the year small numbers of overwintering birds were present, including four at Landguard, November 23rd and three there, December 3rd. In the north of the county, five were on Gunton Beach on December 3rd and three on Lowestoft North Beach on December 28th. COMMON GULL Larus canus Very common winter visitor and passage migrant. Scarce breeding species. Amber list. At the beginning of the year, there were good numbers roosting at Minsmere’s Island Mere with 450, January 6th and 10th, rising to 800, January 20th and peaking substantially at 8000 on January 23rd. During the following month, 700 remained on Island Mere on February 9th. At Landguard, a maximum of 500 was present at the start of the year on January 9th and nearby 800 were at Alton Water on January 19th. Elsewhere, 600 were counted at Butley, February 12th. At inland 105
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sites, roost numbers included 500 at Tuddenham St Mary, January 22nd and 300 at Cavenham Pits, February 24th and 26th. There were no large roosts at Lackford Lakes unlike in previous years. During passage times only very small numbers were noted moving with a maximum of 16 south at Landguard, April 20th. On Minsmere Scrape a spike in roosting birds was noted in late April and early May with 900 and 400 noted, April 26th and 28th respectively and 45 on May 3rd. During the summer, three pairs nested on Orfordness but unfortunately all failed at the egg stage. These are the first nesting attempts at this site since 2009. During autumn passage, 42 flew south off Landguard, October 19th. At the end of the year, at Landguard, much lower numbers were recorded with just 22 on December 13th. In the west of the county very few were recorded roosting with the most notable count being of 100 at Hold Farm, Bures St Mary, November 1st and 100 at Assington, November 3rd. RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis Rare visitor This species made another appearance in the county, a second-calendar year bird which stayed for only one day. This Nearctic gull made a springtime appearance at a coastal site, Minsmere, rather than as a winter record at a site in west Suffolk, as has been the case with several previous occurrences of this species. It is the 12th Suffolk record, first for Minsmere and the first coastal record since 2005 (Covehithe, November 17th).
Minsmere: second-calendar year on Scrape, Apr 28th (D Fairhurst).
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Increasing numbers overwinter. Amber list. During the early winter, up to 700 were noted at Lackford Lakes, January 9th. Into the spring, birds shifted to other sites with 850 noted on the pig fields at Great Livermere, March 23rd and 450 at Mickle Mere, March 25th. This latter site continued to hold good numbers into the early summer with further notable counts of 700, May 15th and 540, June 12th. There was confirmed rooftop breeding by several pairs at Bury St. Edmunds and Thetford. On Orfordness, there was a total of 239 pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls compared with 91 pairs in 2016. This shows an increase of about 160%. The bulk of the breeding birds were concentrated on Lantern Marshes; despite this only about 15 chicks fledged here which was very disappointing, considering the number of breeding pairs. The reason for the poor success was probably a combination of factors; the area was drained (which also affected the Black-headed Gulls) but, also, large numbers of Brown Rats were reported as being present in the area and it is possible that they may be having more of an effect than previously thought. Elsewhere in the county this species nested widely in central Lowestoft, Ipswich and the docks at Felixstowe but with no indication of numbers or success. During the late summer and early autumn, some impressive roosts were recorded at Livermere Lake, with 2000 on August 29th and 3600 on September 6th. Later in the year 3500 were at Livermere Lake, October 2nd, and this site hosted 1300, November 29th and 300 at roost on December 3rd. Elsewhere, on the coast much lower gatherings were recorded, with the most notable being 210 at Dingle Marshes during a WeBS count, November 18th and 252 on Havergate Island the following day. 2010 Baltic Gull Larus fuscus fuscus This record has been finally accepted by BBRC:-
Blythburgh: July 14th to 17th 2010 (B J Small).
This is Suffolk’s second record of Baltic Gull. The first record, which is also the first British record, is of a fourth-calendar year bird found dead “off” Orfordness on October 24th 1981. There have been several other claims in recent years from west Suffolk, including in 2017.
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HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. At the start of the year, 1000 were noted at Lackford Lakes, which was described as a site record roost count, January 15th. These birds appeared to alternate between the reserve and the Great Livermere pig fields where 900 were counted on January 27th. Good numbers remained into the spring with peak counts at the Livermere pig fields of 1235 on April 14th and 900 on May 2nd. On the coast, the most notable count was of 900 at Butley, February 12th and offshore movements seen from Landguard consisted of maxima of 1800, January 1st, 2500, February 28th and 600, March 10th and 13th. Back on land, 131 were on the Deben Estuary during a WeBS survey on February 12th and 208 there, April 9th. Elsewhere in the spring, 500 were at Benacre Broad on May 14th. On Orfordness, 69 breeding pairs were recorded compared with 76 in 2016. This species had a much higher breeding success than the Lesser Black-backed Gulls as the Herring Gulls tended to nest on the Cobra Mist and pagoda structures, away from Lantern Marshes where there was a Brown Rat issue adversely affecting the Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Away from Orfordness, this species was noted nesting at Felixstowe Docks and several sites in Ipswich and in and around central Lowestoft, in association with Lesser Black-backs. In the west of the region, breeding was confirmed in Bury St. Edmunds and further possible breeding there was noted when an adult was seen carrying food into the sugar beet factory complex. Towards the end of the year, off Landguard, there were large numbers offshore from the end of October into early December, with a peak of 5000 on November 20th. On the Deben Estuary, 193 were noted, September 10th and, during the WeBS survey on November 19th, 1256 were on Havergate Island, 146 on the Orwell Estuary and 90 on the Deben Estuary. On the Orwell Estuary 117 were recorded on December 17th. In the west of the county, much lower numbers were present than at the start of the year, with a maximum 230 recorded at Livermere Lake on December 3rd. AMERICAN HERRING GULL Larus smithsonianus In the west of the county a second-calendar year bird was found on the pig fields at Great Livermere, after typically-diligent work by the finder, Peter Wilson, on April 15th and then seen by John Grant and others in the evening on 16th. This is the first record for Suffolk and a write-up is in the article section earlier in this bird report (see page 42). It is worth mentioning that Peter also found Norfolk’s first in 2004.
Great Livermere: pig fields, Apr 15th and 16th (P Wilson et al.).
YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Small numbers oversummer. Amber list. At the start of the year, small numbers were noted at the usual sites in the west of the county, where they are most regularly seen in Suffolk at that time of year. Peak counts included five at Livermere Lake, January 2nd and seven on rooftops of industrial buildings at Burrell Way, in Thetford, January 14th. The following month, seven including five adults, were noted at Lackford Lakes, February 21st and elsewhere five were at Mickle Mere, March 22nd. On the coast, three were noted at Butley pig fields, February 12th and further north, most other sightings were either at Minsmere or in the Lowestoft area with three at each of Minsmere, January 8th, Oulton Broad, January 21st and North Warren, January 22nd and four at Leathes Ham, January 29th. As the spring approached, most records came from Minsmere Scrape where a peak of five was noted, March 17th and four on April 6th and, May 1st. Good numbers were seen inland with ten at Mickle Mere, April 11th and, nearby, at Livermere Lake four were present on April 20th, May 5th and May 27th. During the summer, numbers increased but didn’t reach the record highs seen during 2015 being roughly similar to those in 2016. All records were made in the vicinity of Livermere Lake and the adjacent pig fields, with numbers rising notably from the start of July and persisting 107
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until mid-September. The highest counts here were of 40, August 19th and 38, September 1st. As autumn went on numbers declined but 18 remained in the Great Livermere area on October 15th and 17 on November 5th, all being noted on the pig fields. During the summer, numbers also increased on the coast but peaked over a much shorter period with 20 on Minsmere Scrape on June 25th with only low single-figure counts being made on the reserve during the following month. Elsewhere, nine were at Blythburgh, August 12th. During the autumn, numbers recorded on Minsmere Scrape bounced back again with the most notable counts being of 18, September 25th, 12, October 3rd and 11, October 13th. For the rest of the year low single-figure counts were made at this site with very few records away from Minsmere along the coast, apart from six noted on Havergate Island during a WeBS count, November 19th. At the end of the year low single-figure counts were made at sites in the west with the peak being five adults together at Lackford Lakes on December 24th. CASPIAN GULL Larus cachinnans Scarce visitor, principally in the winter months. Amber list. At the start of the year, at least five birds were present in the west of the county; a near-adult and four first-winters congregating at Livermere pig fields, January 15th (P Wilson) and on the same date five were noted at Rymer Point, Barnham (West Suffolk Birders) – these sightings most probably relate to the same group. Throughout the rest of the first winter period there were sightings relating to single immature and adult birds which could all relate again to the same dispersed individuals in January. On the coast, three, an adult, second-winter and first-winter, were at Leiston, January 7th (D Fairhurst) and, later that month, six were noted at Minsmere’s Island Mere, January 21st, (RSPB) and four on the Blyth Estuary on January 27th (B Small). It was at Minsmere and North Warren from where the bulk of the records of this species came, albeit mainly single birds. Further south a third-winter was on pig fields at Butley, February 11th, the following day an adult was there (M Cornish) and a single bird was noted at Hollesley Marshes throughout January (D Fairhurst, D Shepherd et al.). During April there was a notable increase in records, the best of which saw eight birds at Mickle Mere, April 6th (P Wilson), which consisted of mixed-age immature birds as did other sightings around the rest of the county. Elsewhere, six were noted on Minsmere Scrape, April 10th (J Grant) with five there, April 28th (R Harvey) and four, May 16th (A Rowlands) with many records of singles inbetween. Further south, two were noted at Hollesley Marshes on April 17th (F Clements). Caspian Gull Richard Allen During the summer there were 108
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very few inland records apart from three at the Livermere pig fields, August 11th (P Wilson) but on the coast, summer records appeared to occur much earlier, with seven on Minsmere Scrape, June 28th (S Piotrowski). In autumn, numbers picked up again with up to six adults in the roost at Livermere Lake, September 6th (P Wilson) and elsewhere an adult was present at Mickle Mere, October 1st and 3rd and a juvenile there on October 4th (West Suffolk Birders). On the coast, Minsmere continued with the monopoly of records with four, including three adults, September 25th and four, October 4th (A Rowlands). Towards the end of the year, six remained at Minsmere Scrape, November 4th (RSPB) but after this date singles were only noted on occasional dates. In the west of the county, two first-winters were at Livermere Lake, November 25th and December 2nd (P Wilson) and, elsewhere, two immatures were on warehouse rooftops on Burrell Road, Thetford, December 16th (West Suffolk Birders) and an adult at Lackford Lakes, December 23rd (C Jakes). The final record of the year was a first-winter on pig fields at Friston, December 28th (M Cornish). ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides Scarce winter visitor. Amber list. At the start of the year in the west of the county, what was most likely to have been the same first-winter bird did the rounds between the rather-varied habitats of the wetland reserves and the industrial estate at Burrell Way, Thetford. What could have been the same bird returned as a second-winter near the end of the year favouring the Burrell Way area of Thetford again. The only other records at the start of the year were on the coast with an adult and second-winter in the Felixstowe area on several dates during February and March. A first-winter was in the north-east of the county at Gorleston on December 29th and, what was most likely to have been the same bird, at Kessingland on the same day. There was a noteworthy record of one seen in mid-September off Shingle Street, the earliest autumn arrival since 1996 when was at Benacre on September 4th. All records as follows:-
Gorleston-on-sea: first-winter, Dec 29th (J Gaskell). Kessingland: first-winter on sea close inshore, Dec 29th (C Darby). Benacre Broad: briefly on Broad then north, 14:05hr, Nov 16th (R Murray). Shingle Street: Sep 14th (E Patrick). Landguard: adult, Feb 14th (N Odin); second-winter, Mar 23rd to 26th (M May, N Odin et al.); first-winter, Nov 19th to Dec 8th (E. Patrick et al.). Livermere Lake: first-summer, Apr 16th and 17th (T Stopher, D Balmer). Lackford Lakes: first-winter, Feb 16th (SWT). Barnham: Rymer Point, first-summer, Apr 18th (A Nairn). Thetford: BTO Nunnery Lake; first-winter, Jan 12th and 17th (N Moran, C Gregory); first-winter on warehouse rooftops on Burrell Way, Jan 14th (C Gregory); second-winter, Dec 16th (D Balmer).
Given the regularity with which Iceland Gulls are now located in west Suffolk, it is interesting to note that the first record for that region occurred at Lackford Lakes as relatively recently as February 14th to 21st 1993.
GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus Scarce winter visitor. Amber list. At the start of the year a well-watched second-winter bird, initially noted on December 23rd 2016, overwintered at Hollesley from the start of the year and was last seen on April 16th (S Abbott et al.). At Landguard, a first-winter was seen on 23 dates between January 1st and February 14th and two on January 23rd. A number of sightings in the first winter period were made in the Minsmere and Sizewell area of a well-watched first-winter bird. Further north records were much fewer but included reports from slightly inland locations such as Oulton Broad and Burgh Castle. A first-summer was seen on two dates at Gorleston during late May. Later in the year at 109
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Landguard, an autumn adult was noted in October and an immature in December. In the west of the county a well-watched first-winter commuted between Great Livermere and the Burrell Way Industrial Estate in Thetford for the first three months of the year. Overall 2017 was a good year:Gorleston-on-sea: first-winter in vicinity of harbour and Pier, Feb 26th to Mar 27th (Lowestoft Lounge Lizards et al.); first-summer on beach, May 26th and 27th (J Gaskell). Burgh Castle: first-winter, Feb 18th (J Harris). Oulton Broad: first-winter, Jan 21st (J Brown). Southwold: first-winter on Town Marshes, Feb 12th (R Holmes); first-winter south, 15:20hr Dec 7th (BINS); first-winter south, 08:50hr, Dec 9th (B J Small); first-winter in harbour, Dec 31st (J Grant). Dunwich: first-winter on Dingle Marshes, Jan 5th (P Green); first-winter on beach, Jan 27th and 28th (BINS); first-winter, Feb 4th (P Napthine); first-winter north, 09:40hr Dec 22nd (J Grant). Minsmere: first-winter offshore, Jan 18th (P Phillips); first-winter south, Jan 20th (J Davies); first-winter, Jan 24th to Feb 3rd (C Cuthbert); first-winter on South Levels, Feb 5th (A Rowlands); first-winter, Feb 10th (R Drew); second-winter Feb 27th to Mar 1st (SPB); first-winter Mar 22nd (G Bowen); first-winter south, Dec 10th (J Davidson); first-winter, Dec 23rd, 24th, 28th, 30th and 31st (BINS, N Cant, P Phillips et al.). Sizewell: first-winter on beach, Jan 12th and 13th (Suffolk Wildlife Trust); first-winter around rigs, Dec 14th, 17th and 19th (J Grant, M Shore et al.); first-winter on beach, Dec 22nd to 28th (M Cornish, D Fairhurst, B Moyes). North Warren: first-winter south, 11:00hr, Jan 11th (A Rowlands); first-winter on grazing marshes, Jan 15th (M Deans). Aldeburgh: first-winter on beach by lifeboat station, Dec 15th (J Davies). Thorpeness Haven: first-winter, Jan 21st (E Lucking). Slaughden: first-winter, Jan 16th (J Davies). Snape: second-summer at the wetlands, Apr 3rd (D Fairhurst). Hollesley Marshes: second-winter, Jan 1st to Apr 16th (S Abbott, P Kennerley, N Mason et al.) – first noted December 23rd 2016. Landguard: first-winter, Jan 1st to Feb 14th; two first-winters, Jan 23rd (W Brame, N Odin et al.); adult, Oct 20th (N Odin); immature, Dec 23rd (W J Brame, N Odin). Brightwell: Jan 23rd (C Baines). Great Livermere: first-winter at lake and pig fields, Feb 18th to Mar 11th (P Wilson, C Gregory et al.), same as Thetford bird (below). Thetford: Burrell Way Industrial Estate, first-winter, Jan 12th and 14th and Mar 11th (C Gregory, D Balmer et al.).
The first west Suffolk record of Glaucous Gull occurred only 20 years ago when a first-winter roosted intermittently at Lackford Lakes between January 11th and February 14th 1997. Although there have been only two September records of Glaucous Gull in Suffolk this century, October records are equally scarce. The Landguard bird on October 20th is the second this century, the first having occurred at Ness Point, Lowestoft on October 16th 2010.
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. A few oversummer. Has recently bred. Amber list. In the west of the county small numbers were noted with peaks of 50 at Lackford Lakes, January 9th and 27 at Livermere Lake, January 22nd. On the coast, a maximum of 500 was counted at Landguard, February 28th and further north at Minsmere, 60 on January 10th. During the spring, 50 were at Minsmere, April 29th and 30 at Trimley Marshes, May 22nd. Small numbers were noted over the summer at a number of coastal sites but there were no reports of any breeding attempts. Small numbers were recorded during return passage with 79 south off Landguard on October 19th. On Orfordness, this species was regular throughout the year with much lower numbers in the summer months and, in late November, an influx with numbers peaking at 366 on 19th, coincidently the same date as the highest count there in 2016. At Landguard, around the same time, 800 were present, November 30th. At Minsmere the only two notable counts were of 100 on October 30th and 250 on November 10th. Elsewhere, 380 were counted on the Alde Estuary during the WeBS survey on November 19th, and 89 were there on December 10th, 50 were at 110
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Covehithe, November 5th and 100 at Kessingland Beach on November 9th. In the west of the county the only notable count made was of 16 at Livermere Lake on December 17th. Overall, this species is either in genuinely low numbers or was under-recorded during 2017. LITTLE TERN Sternula albifrons Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The first sightings of the year were of two at Minsmere on April 24th and again on 26th. Three were off Landguard on 29th. Two were seen at Carlton Marshes and six at Minsmere both on 30th. One bird was seen inland at Weybread Pits on May 1st. Thereafter, sightings were daily until late summer. After the extremely disappointing season in 2016, there was a little more breeding success in 2017. At Kessingland 48 pairs fledged 19 young, whilst at Covehithe two pairs fledged two young. Two pairs at Walberswick nested but were unsuccessful. There were no nesting attempts elsewhere in the county. Most activity in the spring was centred on Benacre Broad where numbers peaked at 60 on May 12th but most of the colony soon dispersed. This was most disappointing after the great success of this site in the previous two years. Numbers at Minsmere peaked at just 29 on May 14th with only small numbers being seen thereafter, albeit regularly. It seems reasonable to assume that most of these birds relocated to the colony of 48 pairs at Kessingland. There were post-breeding gatherings in July of 70 at Covehithe Broad on 27th, 150 at Benacre Broad on 29th and 36 on Minsmere Scrape on 31st. Autumn passage was evident during August with peak counts of 31 reported off Gorleston on 3rd and 20 off Landguard on 18th. The year’s last records were of six birds off Kessingland on August 27th and two off Landguard on September 4th. 2016 Additional record A Little Tern was present at Livermere Lake on May 11th. Although fairly regular in the 1990s, they are now rare inland. This bird, together with the two at Mickle Mere previously reported, are the first West Suffolk records since 2013 when one was at Lackford Lakes, April 13th and three at Lakenheath Fen, June 5th. BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger Fairly common passage migrant. Spring migration was much in line with 2015 with approximately 40 birds at nine sites between April 9th and June 30th. The later sightings were probably non-breeders. The birds at Breydon (3) and Minsmere on April 9th are the second earliest-ever in Suffolk, only exceeded by one on April 7th 1967 (no locality given in SBR). As is usual in spring, the majority of sightings were at inland sites:Breydon Water (South shore): three, Apr 9th. Walberswick: Tinker’s Marshes, eight, May 6th. Minsmere: Apr 9th and 10th; Apr 30th; two, May 8th. Sizewell: June 30th Landguard: five, May 6th. Trimley Marshes: June 22nd Weybread Pits: seven, Apr 30th; two, May 5th and 6th. Lackford Lakes SWT: Apr 30th; two, May 8th; May 11th and 12th, four, May 22nd. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: three, Apr 30th; two, May 1st; May 6th and 7th; May 18th.
Autumn passage was unremarkable with a minimum of 52 birds. (In 2016, there were just 17 and 105 in 2015). Migration was noted between July 12th and October 20th when a particularly late individual was seen off Minsmere. As is usual, most sightings were along the coast but there were a few reports from west Suffolk sites:Lowestoft: Aug 5th; Aug 23rd.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Southwold: July 30th; Aug 23rd; Sep 4th; Sep 24th. Minsmere: July 18th; two, July 25th; two, July 30th and 31st; five, Sep 4th; Sep 24th; Oct 20th. Sizewell: July 25th; July 31st; three, Aug 8th; four, Aug 20th; Sep 3rd; Sep 5th. Slaughden: July 12th; two, Aug 17th; five, Oct 1st. Orfordness: July 31st; five, Aug 26th. Landguard: Aug 30th; seven, Sep 4th. Stutton Ness: Sep 25th. Lackford Lakes SWT: Sep 24th; Oct 1st; two, Oct 4th; Oct 5th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: Aug 23rd.
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Chlidonias leucopterus Rare visitor. An adult was seen at Havergate Island on August 12th (D Fairhurst). This the 40th Suffolk record, the previous being a juvenile at Minsmere in September 2014. Havergate Island: Aug 12th (D Fairhurst).
SANDWICH TERN Thalasseus sandvicensis Common passage migrant, declining summer visitor. Amber list. The first sighting of the year was at Hollesley Marshes on March 22nd followed by an unexpected inland sighting at Norton on March 26th. Thereafter, throughout the spring and summer, the species was recorded intermittently at several coastal sites but only in small numbers. However, a significant flock gathered at Minsmere where numbers peaked at about 300 by the end of April. After the previous year’s failed breeding attempts, it was confirmed that 13 nesting pairs fledged four young. This is the first successful breeding at Minsmere since 1978 when despite 1000 birds being present in April and May only 18 pairs produced two young. In the autumn, there were unexpected inland records of singles at Tunstall on September 1st and over Thetford on September 4th. As autumn migration got underway, the species was recorded almost daily along the coastal strip until mid-October, with a notable count of 80 feeding off Landguard on September 6th. The last records were in November with two birds south off Lowestoft on 5th and a singleton flying north past Pakefield Cliffs on 10th. COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The first sightings on the coast were at Minsmere with single birds on April 1st, 9th and 14th. Numbers at Minsmere increased thereafter reaching about 100 by the end of April. The first inland records were also of single birds at Livermere Lake on April 9th, Weybread Pits on 12th and Lackford Lakes on 14th. Ten were noted at Lakenheath Fen/Washes on April 30th but, otherwise, inland records were sparse until early May when birds started returning to their breeding colonies. The only breeding information received is summarised below:Minsmere: total of 76 pairs fledged 58 young (in 2016 all nests failed). Orfordness: one pair nested on King’s Marshes but unfortunately no young were seen. Havergate Island: recently-fledged young were reported but no details on numbers. Alton Water: up to 30 birds were seen on nests on breeding rafts with at least ten juveniles seen. Lackford Lakes SWT: one pair bred on nesting raft but failed – chick probably predated. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: one pair probably nested on old Coots’ nest but outcome unknown. Thorington Street Reservoir: probable breeding attempt but failed.
Southbound migration was evident from late July with the highest post-breeding gatherings being c300 at Benacre Broad on July 27th, c600 at Minsmere on July 28th and 256 at Lowestoft North Beach plus 315 off Southwold both on July 30th. Sightings continued regularly until early October but became less frequent from mid-September. The last record was of a single bird flying south off Pakefield Beach on November 7th. 112
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ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Scarce passage migrant. Red list. An average year, with reports of five, or possibly six, adult birds:-
Minsmere: June 14th; July 11th; July 14th; July 18th; July 28th; two, July 29th; July 30th. Sizewell: same as at Minsmere above, July 29th. Hollesley Marshes: May 19th. Shingle Street: same as above, May 19th. Totals of Roseate Terns reported 2008-2017 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 4+ 10+ 5 6+ 7-8
2013 7-9
2014 -
2015 3
2016 9
2017 5-6
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea Fairly common passage migrant. Last nested in 2008. Amber list. The first records of the year were of a single bird at Landguard on April 22nd and another at Lackford Lakes on April 27th. There was a major influx on April 30th when 35 flew over Carlton Marshes and 22 flew north past Landguard, with a further 16 there the following day. Other than on these two days, spring passage both inland and along the coastal strip was very poor:Lowestoft: two, Apr 30th. Carlton Marshes: 35, Apr 30th; May 6th. Minsmere: two, May 13th. Hazlewood Marshes: two, May 1st. Orfordness: two, May 19th. Hollesley Marshes: two, May 19th. Shingle Street: two, May 19th. Landguard: Apr 22nd; 22, Apr 30th; 16, May 1st. Lackford Lakes: Apr 27th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: May 2nd; May 24th.
There were no more sightings until June 18th when a single bird was at Minsmere where one or two were seen fairly regularly until August 2nd with four juveniles on the Scrape on July 29th. Once again, there were no signs of breeding activity anywhere in the county. As in 2016, autumn passage was poor. In total, there were records of about 50 birds. Peak numbers were ten reported off Southwold on August 3rd and another ten at Trimley Marshes on August 31st. The final records of the year were of juveniles flying south off Ness Point, Lowestoft and Slaughden on October 1st and an individual past Landguard on October 20th. CASPIAN TERN Hydroprogne caspia Very rare migrant.
Burgh Castle: Aug 22nd (R Wilton).
The wandering bird present at Hickling Broad, Potter Heigham and Breydon Water in Norfolk from August 16th to 25th was seen by Rob Wilton to fly to Burgh Castle (Watsonian Suffolk) on August 22nd, hence its inclusion in the Suffolk Bird Report. This is the 50th Suffolk record following the 48th and 49th in 2016. This bird was also seen in Avon, Buckinghamshire, Carmarthenshire, Derbyshire, East Glamorgan, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Yorkshire. “It was found originally in East Glamorgan on June 25th and then lingering and wandering widely across Wales and England during the summer before finally visiting Norfolk from August 16th to 25th. It was bearing both a metal ring and a colour ring. The code on the red ring worn by this bird was never read (despite its being present for two months!) but still proves that the bird was ringed in Sweden – presumably as a nestling” (from BBRC).
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COMMON GUILLEMOT Uria aalge Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber list. Around 1000 Guillemots were reported in 2017 compared with 3250 in 2016 and 700 in 2015. As always, there is the possibility that birds on passage may have been seen at more than one location (or may have lingered in the area) and, therefore, could have been counted more than once. This is particularly true when large numbers are on the move resulting in increased observer effort. The peak count was 609 on October 29th. The monthly totals for the last three years are shown in the table below:Monthly totals of live Guillemots Jan Feb Mar 2017 59 8 2 2016 1513 1094 4 2015 23 34 11
Apr 0 0 0
May 45 45 33
June 10 94 103
July 8 1 2
Aug 2 0 0
Sep 34 13 5
Oct 812 30 101
Nov 22 383 205
Dec 6 72 180
RAZORBILL Alca torda Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Amber list. The total number of records for the year was just 22 probably involving only 13 individuals. An unexpected record was of a bird photographed on the sea off Lowestoft on July 9th, an atypical date. The peak count was of five past Southwold on October 29th (C Fulcher). There was a major movement of auks on this date. The monthly totals for the last three years are shown in the table below:Monthly totals of live Razorbills Jan Feb Mar 2017 2 0 0 2016 14 6 0 2015 4 1 0
Apr 0 0 0
May 0 1 3
June 0 0 6
July 1 0 0
Aug 0 1 0
Sep 0 3 1
Oct 16 9 1
Nov 3 7 7
Dec 0 0 4
The table below shows the variability in the number of records each year: Totals of live Razorbills reported 2008-2017 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 341 40 70 36 82
2013 45
2014 13
2015 27
2016 41
2017 22
LITTLE AUK Alle alle Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. This was a poor year for Little Auks with only 29 records (130 in 2016, 115 in 2015) and, as always, there is the possibility of individuals being seen at more than one location. The first autumn sighting was of a single bird seen flying north off Southwold on October 29th which was the year’s peak day for auk movements. The following day, birds were reported at various locations between Lowestoft and Dunwich. Further sightings were on November 3rd, 12th and 13th between Covehithe and Bawdsey. The peak count was on November 13th with 11 sightings. The last record was of one flying north off Minsmere on December 1st. The only records of more than a single bird are:Southwold: two, Oct 30th; two, Nov 13th. Shingle Street: two, Nov 3rd; two, Nov 13th. Bawdsey: five, Nov 13th.
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ATLANTIC PUFFIN Fratercula arctica Scarce passage migrant. Red list. In 2017, the only sighting was of a single bird, flying north with six Guillemots, off East Lane, Bawdsey on October 29th (S Abbott). There was a major movement of auks on this date. Totals of live Puffins reported 2007-2016 2008 2009 2010 2011 8 13 7 5
2012 8
2013 13
2014 3
2015 1
2016 4
2017 1
ROCK DOVE/FERAL PIGEON Columba livia Very common resident from feral stock. Categories A, C and E There was a small increase in the number of reports received this year, perhaps as a consequence of the comment in last year’s Suffolk Birds. Most related to small flocks, with those of 50 or more being listed below. The only observation regarding the population of this species came from Sudbury, where it was considered to be increasing. Trimley Marshes: 70, Aug 31st. Ipswich: Docks, 50, Oct 27th. Great Waldingfield: disused Airfield, 50, Sep 27th. Sudbury: 80, Nov 26th. Haverhill: 60, Nov 24th.
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Fairly common resident and passage migrant. Amber list. The largest counts received in the first winter period involved 28 birds at Trimley Marshes, 30 at Cavenham and 30 at Lackford Lakes, all on January 5th, whilst 50 were seen at Gedgrave on February 4th. Birds were found in 61% of the 49 squares surveyed during the BBS fieldwork (54% in 2016); the total of 86 birds recorded is another welcome increase in numbers. Orfordness again held the largest breeding population of any site with an estimated 23 pairs present. The Sizewell SWT reserve held 12 breeding pairs, whilst seven territories were located around Sudbury, four were at Arger Fen, Bures St Mary/Assington and four at Botesdale. Stock Doves are known to take readily to nest boxes and this was clearly demonstrated by the Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project which found Stock Doves in an impressive 253 of their 1774 owl boxes! Breeding season counts of 50 at Shelley on April 3rd and 120 at Cavenham on April 18th seemed a little out of place, but a post-breeding flock of 120 at Trimley Marshes on August 31st was, perhaps, more expected. As with the following species, October produced a significant autumn passage of birds (especially towards the end of the month). Landguard recorded a total of 431 south between October 12th and November 5th, with peak counts of 101 on October 25th and 159 the following day. Other counts around this peak period of migration included:Minsmere: 450 south, Oct 23rd; 200 south, Oct 26th. Aldeburgh: 293 south between 08:30 and 11:00hr, Oct 26th. Bawdsey: 244 south, Oct 23rd; 93 south between 07:45 and 09:00hr, Oct 27th.
The final noteworthy counts of the year involved 72 at Trimley Marshes and 70 at Lakenheath Fen, both on Christmas Eve, whilst 60 were counted at Ramsholt on Boxing Day. COMMON WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. During the first winter period, flocks of 500 birds or more were reported as follows:Sutton: Sutton Hall Farm, 780, Jan 26th; 650, Feb 6th. Chelmondiston: 1100, Feb 25th. Great Livermere: 500, Jan 16th.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Cavenham: 3000, Mar 6th.
An example of the ubiquitous and widespread nature of this species came by way of the BBS results which showed a total of 1974 birds across 49 squares – the species being recorded in 100% of the 1km squares surveyed. Breeding, no doubt, took place in most, if not all, of these. There was a very substantial movement of birds witnessed during October and into early November, with some large flocks seen along the coastal strip and further inland. Landguard recorded 55786 south between October 12th and November 6th, with peak day-counts of 36980 on October 26th and another 6000 the following day. The 55786 recorded is the highest autumn count at Landguard since 2005 when 81098 flew south between October 22nd and November 14th. Elsewhere, the following counts were of note:Gunton: 1820 south, Oct 23rd. Pakefield: 2790 south, Oct 26th. Minsmere: 500, Oct 14th; 7000 south, Oct 23rd; 7000 south, Oct 26th. Aldeburgh: 8660 south, Oct 26th. Boyton: 700, Oct 10th. Shingle Street: 800, Oct 23rd. Bawdsey: 11100 south between 08:00 and 12:00hr, Oct 23rd; 1000 roosting then heading south, Oct 25th; 3000, Oct 26th; 7615 south between 07:45 and 09:00hr, Oct 27th. Pakenham: Puttockshill, 1000, Oct 22nd. Great Barton: 2000, Oct 28th. Boxford: 500, Nov 3rd.
With the numbers involved in the above autumn influx, it is somewhat surprising that the largest gathering reported during the second winter period was of just 300 at Bawdsey on December 23rd. Presumably, most birds passed straight through the county to winter at sites further to the south. EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common resident. After last year’s drop in numbers an increase in the breeding population was recorded during the BBS work with Collared Doves being recorded in 63% of the squares surveyed (31 of 49 squares, 23 in 2016). The largest gatherings reported during the year were:-
Bawdsey: 42, Jan 7th. Trimley St Martin: Gosling’s Farm, 30, Sep 28th; 50, Oct 14th. Livermere Lake: 36, Dec 17th. Sudbury: 30, Mar 25th.
An interesting observation came from Trimley St Martin, where a bird was seen driving a Carrion Crow from a garden on March 27th, presumably as part of an attempt to defend a nest. EUROPEAN TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list. There is an article on Operation Turtle Dove earlier in this report. An unseasonal report involved a Turtle Dove photographed in a garden at Old Newton on January 2nd (C Dickinson). Although not unprecedented, wintering birds are still very rare in Suffolk – the last January record being of one at Cockfield on 17th in 2006. There were also singles in November 2010, at Lowestoft, 17th and Mildenhall, 21st. Alton Water hosted the first returning migrant bird on April 17th, followed by a bird at Spouses Grove, Assington on April 21st, with what may have been the same bird at nearby Arger Fen the next day, and then one at Lackford Lakes, also on April 22nd. Another 13 sites reported birds before the end of April. Landguard recorded just two singles in 2017, on May 5th and 18th. There was an upturn in the number of birds located during the BBS this year; a total of six birds found, in four of the 49 squares covered. However, as numbers are so low, it is impossible to read 116
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any significance into these figures. The overall number of reports was significantly down compared with 2016. It is to be hoped that, at least in part, this is due to a decrease in reporting rather than simply a decline in the population, although given the interest in this species it would be expected that, if anything, reporting levels would be increasing. Observers in the well-monitored Minsmere/Westleton area reported that the numbers had increased on the 2016 figures, with an impressive total of 14 territories located. There were six territories at North Warren, three at Dingle Marshes and up to five singing males at Brewery Farm, Little Stonham. Observers are urged to send in every record of Turtle Dove; if two birds are seen/heard it would be helpful to know if the birds were a pair, or two singing males. It is highly likely that the Rare Breeding Birds Panel will add this to their list of species from 2018. Three sites reported birds during September; Boyton Marshes, Hulver Street and Botesdale, with the bird at the latter site lingering on until October 11th. ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri Scarce resident. Categories C and E. There was a sizeable number of records received in 2017 (the first since 2012), in what was the best year for this parakeet in Suffolk since 2001 when eight individuals were located. Possibly a sign of the shape of things to come? Ipswich held the majority of the sightings, birds being reported in the areas around Christchurch Park, St Mary’s Estate and Alexandra Park between September 27th and December 8th. Two birds were reported on several occasions, with three birds being seen on October 31st, November 1st and November 6th. In addition, there were a number of reports along the coastal strip. Gorleston: Southtown, Sep 14th. Oulton: Mar 11th and 12th; Mar 17th to 19th; Mar 22nd; Nov 14th and 15th; Nov 28th. Slaughden: south, Feb 2nd.
COMMON CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list. The first of the year was found in The King’s Forest on April 11th. This was followed by singles at Lakenheath Fen and Orfordness, April 14th, Lackford Lakes, April 15th and Aldeburgh, April 16th. A more general and widespread arrival was then observed to the end of April and into early May. Figures from the BBS fieldwork revealed that Cuckoos were recorded in 22% of the 49 squares surveyed, a small increase on the 20% occupancy found during 2016. Lakenheath Fen again held the highest density of birds during the breeding season with 10-12 present around the reserve. A juvenile was found being fed in a Reed Warbler’s nest at Redgrave Fen and another was seen being fed by one of its Wren foster parents at Carlton Marshes. An hepatic (or rufous morph) female was seen at Minsmere on May 31st. September sightings were received from a number of sites, including several in the west of the county. One was at Hollesley Marshes on 1st, followed by another at Honington on 3rd. Minsmere had reports on 4th and 27th of the month, one was seen at Landguard on 7th and singles were found at both Cavenham Heath and Lackford Lakes on 28th. The latter two reports were thought to possibly relate to the same bird moving along the River Lark valley. BARN OWL Tyto alba Fairly common resident. Amber list, Categories A and E. During 2017, the Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project continued its sterling work to help the nesting fortunes of this species within the county. Its volunteers were able to monitor 78% of its 1774 active nest boxes and found Barn Owls to be present in 469 of them. Of these, 379 boxes produced young, 37 of which failed, but 342 went on to fledge juveniles – a project record. 117
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A combination of a mild winter and a peak in vole numbers was believed to be behind this success. Contrast these numbers with a Suffolk population of around 45 pairs in the mid-1980s and it is easy to see how this excellent project has contributed towards improving the fortunes of this species. Examples of the good breeding season came from several well-monitored sites and included four breeding pairs at Lakenheath Fen which managed to raise 13 young between them, a total of 18 chicks ringed in five nests on the Elveden Estate and two pairs which raised eight young at Carlton Marshes. On Orfordness, 16 young were ringed from three broods, including a brood of seven chicks, the largest-ever recorded Barn Owl Peter Beeson on the site. LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Fairly common resident Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that this species is in decline within the county and the BBS results for recent years appear to support this (although caution must be exercised due to the very low sample size); just two birds were found in a single BBS square during the 2017 survey work. The report from Landguard states “One noted up to May 22nd. One found long dead in the Fort August 2nd. One then noted erratically October 10th to December 12th”. The total of nine sites that reported confirmed breeding was, however, a significant increase on the five sites reported during 2016. Another seven sites reported possible breeding. TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Common resident Owing to its nocturnal habits, the Tawny Owl is very much under-recorded. It is, however, relatively common and widespread, and this was reflected in the distribution of sites reporting the species. There was an increase in the number of locations with confirmed breeding this year – 11, compared with just five in 2016 – although this may simply be due to observer effort and is certainly not representative of the true number of breeding pairs within the county. In addition to these confirmed breeding reports, the Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project found evidence of Tawny Owls occupying 27 of their boxes. As Tawny Owls are early nesters, their young would have fledged before the recorders checked these boxes for Barn Owls. The scavenging habits of this species are not always fully appreciated, but they were well illustrated by a bird seen feeding on a road-kill Pheasant at Great Barton on April 23rd. The bird known as Mabel, was not seen in its usual tree in Christchurch Park, Ipswich after August. Mabel has been noted regularly in its very conspicuous daytime roost-site, mainly in the autumn and winter, since September 2008. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Scarce resident. This species was very scarce during the early part of the year with a bird seen at Darsham on March 3rd, and one found roosting in scrub near Livermere Lake on April 28th, being the only reports received. 118
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Monitoring of known nest sites in the west of the county provided confirmation that three pairs fledged a total of six young in Breckland. Elsewhere, a bird was heard calling in suitable breeding habitat in east Suffolk on May 12th. Autumn passage was virtually non-existent, singles at Trimley Marshes on October 8th and Landguard on October 18th and November 16th being the only sightings during the latter part of the year. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Formerly bred. Amber list. The first winter period produced the following peak counts:-
Breydon Water: South Wall, three, Mar 11th. Oulton Marshes: three, Jan 28th; three, Feb 5th; three, Feb 19th; four, Mar 7th; three, Mar 18th. Carlton Marshes: three, Apr 2nd. Walberswick: Tinker’s Marshes, three, Mar 25th. Havergate Island: three, Jan 16th. Shingle Street: three, Jan 2nd; three, Feb 5th. Bawdsey: three, Jan 7th; five, Jan 10th;
This species is often still on the move well into May and a total of 11 (mainly coastal) sites recorded birds in this month. There was only one report in June involving a bird at Lakenheath Fen, first seen on May 20th, which remained until June 10th. Shingle Street recorded several early returning birds, with Short-eared Owl Richard Allen two seen flying in high from the east, and another flushed from the beach, on August 26th. The same site then held four birds on September 14th. This heralded the start of a relatively light autumn passage with a total of 13 birds seen coming in off the sea at eight locations (mostly in the north-east of the county) between September 15th and November 29th. A count of three birds at Oulton Marshes on October 26th was the largest during this period, whilst a singleton at Levington Creek on December 14th was, surprisingly, the only report during that month. EUROPEAN NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Locally fairly common summer visitor. Scarce migrant. Amber list. A bird at Aldringham Walks on April 19th (per BINS) was the first of the year and the earliest county record since one was seen at Boyton Marshes on April 17th, 2004. A singing male at Sutton Common on May 11th was more expected, whilst one at West Stow on May 17th was the first reported in the west. During the breeding season, Sutton and Hollesley Commons held a total of 14 territories, an increase on the 12 territories found there in 2016 and not far short of the 1986 peak count of 16 territories. Elsewhere in the east, Minsmere held 12 territories, whilst another seven were discovered at Dunwich. Some breeding data was received from the west of the county which indicated at total of c.200 singing males around the Thetford Forest complex (Suffolk and Norfolk combined). Two late ‘churring’ birds were reported this year: one at West Stow Country Park on August 11th and another at Minsmere on August 15th. The last report of the year involved two birds at Brandon Country Park on September 8th. COMMON SWIFT Apus apus Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The first reports of the year came from Carlton Marshes and Lakenheath Fen, both on April 21st. One was then at Great Livermere on April 23rd, whilst three were seen at Snape Warren on 119
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
the same day. Minsmere and Lackford Lakes recorded their first birds on the following day and another eight sites reported their first sightings by the end of the month. Numbers remained low until the first week of May, when they increased quickly. Of the counts received at this time, 200 at Lakenheath Fen on May 6th, 100 at Livermere Lake on May 7th and 300 at both Lakenheath Fen and Lackford Lakes on May 7th were the largest and all at inland sites. During the BBS fieldwork, a total of 213 birds was recorded over 45% of the squares visited (down from 54% in 2016). Some interesting reports were received from nest box projects, which included the following data:Little Stonham: Brewery Farm, seven out of ten boxes used with 17 young fledged. Bury St Edmunds: St John’s Church, five nest boxes used with one pair still on eggs at the beginning of August. Worlington: All Saints Church, 32 out of 43 nest boxes used with c.70 chicks fledged.
Several reports were received which appeared to indicate a reduction in overall numbers. A total of 16 pairs was located around Sudbury (compared with 18-20 pairs in 2016), whilst Pakenham reported a ‘poor year’ with no family parties seen around the village. As can be seen from the table below, there was a strong passage of birds heading south over Landguard in June, the peak day-count being of 1249 birds on 7th. Elsewhere, most birds had left their breeding areas by the end of July. The main movement away from Sudbury was observed between July 27th and 29th, whilst a southerly movement of 100 Swifts was observed over Boyton Marshes on July 29th, with another 50 heading south over Minsmere on the same date. Monthly Movements of Common Swifts at Landguard: Apr May Jun Jul Aug In/North 0 4 126 222 150 South 0 14 1982 1313 118
Sep 0 7
There were more September sightings than would normally be expected with reports coming from 27 widespread sites. Three of these reports involved double-figure counts; 15 at the BTO’s Nunnery Reserve on September 3rd, 12 at Trimley Marshes, also September 3rd, and 12 at Benacre Broad on September 5th. Later singletons were then reported from Bawdsey, October 12th, Gorleston, October 24th and Minsmere, October 29th, with the final sighting being of a very late bird at Minsmere on November 1st (R Flindall). This last sighting is the first November record in the county since 2011, when one was at Leiston, November 6th and at both Thorpeness and Aldeburgh, November 12th. A swift sp., “probably a Common” was over Butley Mills on November 13th 2014. EURASIAN HOOPOE Upupa epops Scarce passage migrant. Categories A and E. There was only one recorded (submitted), a short-stayer at Minsmere. Minsmere: May 1st (P Safford, R Safford).
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER Merops apiaster Scarce but now annual passage migrant. There was a single record in 2017. Reydon: photographed, May 3rd (N Humphry).
COMMON KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident. Amber list. One seen flying south over the sea at Benacre on March 30th is an unusual sighting and may have been a bird making a return journey to its breeding site or moving between feeding sites. During the summer months, confirmed nesting occurred at eight widespread sites, which is a small increase on the six sites recorded in 2016. Of these, the RSPB’s reserve at Lakenheath Fen 120
23. Bar-tailed Godwit at Felixstowe Ferry in May.
24. Red-necked Phalarope at Covehithe in September.
Craig Holden
Dave Borderick
25. Great Skua marauding individual at Covehithe in October.
26. Ring-billed Gull at Minsmere in April.
Andrew Moon
Jeff Higgott
27. American Herring Gull a county ‘first’ at Livermere in April. See article. Nick Moran/Peter Wilson
28. Iceland Gull at Landguard in November. Eddie Marsh
29. Little Tern at Covehithe in August. Andrew Moon
30. Roseate Tern and Little Gull at Minsmere in July.
31. Little Auk at Slaughden in November.
Sean Nixon
Andrew Moon
Systematic List
held the highest total, with six pairs present, whilst one of the two successful pairs at Lackford Lakes raised two broods. Other interesting reports involved one seen in a game strip at Stutton Ness on January 18th and one found dead on a frozen pond at Ipswich Golf Club, Purdis Farm on January 30th. Both of these January reports were probably the result of a cold spell during the month, which saw birds desert some inland sites. At the other end of the year, four on Orfordness on December 17th was a ‘remarkably high’ winter count for the site. EURASIAN WRYNECK Jynx torquilla Uncommon passage migrant. Formerly bred. The following three birds represent an average spring passage for Suffolk:Carlton Marshes: Apr 22nd (J A Brown). Landguard: May 7th and 8th. Heveningham: Apr 14th (BINS).
Autumn passage was relatively light, but did produce the following birds:-
Lound: Lound Lakes, Aug 11th (W Boyle). Lowestoft: Tonning Street, Sep 17th (G Hawes). Benacre/Kessingland: Benacre Sluice, Sep 9th to 12th (C D Darby). Minsmere: Sep 4th (J Telford). Aldeburgh: Aldeburgh Marshes, Sep 4th (M L Cornish); Sep 16th (M L Cornish). Shingle Street: Sep 12th (N Mason); Sep 16th (S Fryett et al.); Sep 18th (P Kennerley); Oct 13th (S Belfield).
The Lound bird is the earliest in autumn since one at Great Barton on July 27th 1997.
Eurasian Wryneck Richard Allen
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Common resident. There was a decline in the number of BBS squares recording this species in 2017 – 51% of the 49 squares surveyed, compared with 61% in 2016. However, this species remains common and was widely reported. Seven territories were located around Sudbury, where the observer considered the population to be ‘stable’. Elsewhere, other breeding concentrations included seven territories at Ickworth Park, Horringer and five breeding pairs on the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Sizewell reserve. Landguard logged a modest post-breeding dispersal involving singles seen on seven dates between July 17th and August 16th. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopos major Common resident. Scarce passage migrant. Results from the Breeding Bird Survey found a total of 33 birds in 25 of the 49 squares surveyed (51%, compared with 46% in 2016). Successful breeding was then confirmed at 14 sites, with five pairs at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Sizewell reserve being the largest concentration. There were no spring sightings at Landguard, but 20 singles were recorded through the site between June 16th and October 27th (only six in autumn2016). LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dryobates minor Uncommon resident. Red list. Although this species continues to remain very scarce within the county, it is encouraging to be able to report a small increase in the number of sites recording this species in 2017. 121
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 St James South Elmham: male, Apr 21st to 23rd; June 15th. Southolt: male, regularly visiting garden feeders, June 16th to July 24th. Santon Downham: regular sightings of one or two birds, Jan 14th to Mar 27th; Nov 19th. Knettishall: Mar 10th; Apr 4th. Cavenham Heath NNR: female, Jan 29th; male, Mar 7th; female, Mar 25th; Apr 2nd; female, Sep 30th. Cockfield: in a village garden, Apr 21st. Stratford St Mary: Dec 15th.
Interestingly, two of the above sightings involved birds visiting gardens. Perhaps this is now one of the better ways to find this species in Suffolk.
COMMON KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Common resident. Uncommon passage migrant. Amber list. This species was recorded in 218 parishes in 2017 (including Bird Track records) an increase of approximately 15% on the 2016 figure of 187. Confirmation of breeding came from 45 sites; details of productivity were sketchy but it seems that it was a reasonable year. Most pairs appear to have fledged two young, but at Hollesley Marshes one pair managed to fledge three. Kestrels were found in 19 of the 49 BBS squares (nine in 2016, 13 in 2015) with 23 birds counted (11 in 2016, 18 in 2015). Reports of probable autumn migrants included singles in off the sea at Slaughden on August 18th and September 14th. At Landguard singles were logged flying south on July 30th, August 21st and September 8th, 15th and 18th. In addition, three passed south at Landguard on September 24th and October 2nd, one west, October 26th and 28th and one south on December 4th. Notable counts elsewhere included six at Waveney Forest on February 23rd and eight along the Deben Estuary in February and April with ten there in September (via WeBS). On Orfordness there were maxima of five in August, seven in September and six in October; as in previous years, these late-summer birds were thought to be feeding on grasshoppers flying up from the Airfields. RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus Rare visitor A small influx into the county in May resulted in up to four birds being seen at several coastal sites in spring. In mid-May an adult female was found at North Warren where it remained for four days. On May 30th, a first-summer male was located flying around the Dunwich Coastguard Cottages in the afternoon and the same bird commuted between Minsmere and North Warren for almost two weeks. An adult male and an immature male were at King’s Fleet on the Deben Estuary from May 23rd to 26th. To cap off a good year for this species there was also a late autumn record of a juvenile bird at Kessingland. This is the latest-ever Red-footed Falcon in Suffolk and only the third to be noted here in October – the previous two were at Bawdsey/Shingle Street on 12th in 2013 and Cavenham Heath on 2nd in 1987. Kessingland Cliffs: first-winter, Oct 21st (R Wilton). Dunwich Heath/Minsmere: first-summer male, May 30th to June 13th (Multi-observer). North Warren: adult female, May 17th to 20th (T A Oakes); first-summer male (same as Dunwich/Minsmere bird) June 7th to 12th (S J Nixon). Deben Estuary: King’s Fleet, adult male and immature male, May 23rd to 26th; adult male, May 27th (A King).
MERLIN Falco columbarius Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Red List. It was a rather poor year for this species; the 82 reports received in 2017 represent a 10% drop on 2016’s total of 92. The 20 reports received between January and March indicate that at least four birds were present across the county. Single birds were seen at nine coastal sites, and from six sites in the west. Orfordness hosted two birds on February 2nd. In April one which was present all month on Orfordness was joined briefly by a second bird on 2nd. There were also 122
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other sightings nearby at Minsmere, Boyton Marshes and Upper Hollesley Common and, further south, at Landguard. Early returning birds were seen at Trimley Marshes on August 6th and on the Butley River on August 22nd. Autumn passage was noted at Benacre, where one flew in off the sea on September 13th, at Minsmere where potential migrants flew south on two dates (September 27th and 30th) and at Landguard Bird Observatory where one was seen on September 14th. More migrants arrived in October, including one in off the sea at Slaughden on October 7th. On Orfordness two were seen on two dates and three on October 14th; presumably it was the same two birds that were still present there on two dates in November. Altogether there were a further 32 reports in the county from October to December suggesting that up to seven birds overwintered. EURASIAN HOBBY Falco subbuteo Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. This year saw a welcome increase in the number of reports; the 836 (including 356 reports via Bird Track) was a significant rise from last year’s total of 370. The first report was from Minsmere on April 7th and there were 40 other reports in April from 16 different sites. Numbers at Lakenheath Fen in spring steadily rose from early May peaking at 60 on May 14th, the highest count there since 2011, when the maximum total was also 60, on May 3rd. Elsewhere spring peak counts Hobby Ed Keeble included seven at Minsmere, ten at North Warren and eight at Snape. A total of 14 nests was located in Thetford Forest; four of these were in Suffolk and three were definitely successful. Breeding was confirmed at another nine sites, including Minsmere which held three pairs, and was suspected at a further four sites. Prey items included Goldfinches, one of which was taken in flight at Sudbury on April 27th and another in Bury St Edmunds on September 13th. Multiple counts in September included maxima of seven at Minsmere and six at Lakenheath Fen. Likely passage birds were seen flying south at Ness Point, Lowestoft, Slaughden and Minsmere. A total of 28 reports was received during October with the last bird being seen at Minsmere on October 26th. PEREGRINE FALCON Falco peregrinus Uncommon but increasing winter visitor and passage migrant. Has bred since 2008. Categories A and E. The 433 reports received in 2017 (including 60 via Birdtrack) are a substantial increase compared with the figure of 326 in 2016. This species was reported from 95 sites across the county, a slightly higher figure than the 90 in 2016. Birds were present throughout the year at several locations, including Minsmere, Orfordness, Felixstowe, and Bury St Edmunds. On Orfordness at least four birds were present, two adults and two immatures. On the coast, the majority of the reports from January and February came from the coastal margin where single birds were recorded at 38 sites. In addition to this, two birds were seen at Boyton, Gedgrave and Hollesley Marshes. There were regular sightings of up to two birds at Minsmere in March, with three seen together there at the end of the month. Elsewhere, two 123
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continued to frequent Hollesley Marshes on several dates and two immature birds were seen on Aldeburgh Marshes on March 16th. Notable reports during April included two birds at each of Breydon South Wall, Sizewell and Trimley Marshes. In May a bird was seen at Carlton Marshes on several dates during the first two weeks of the month. Inland the 25 records from 14 sites included two birds at Gifford’s Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland in January, and two at Cavenham and Rymer Point, Barnham in February. An immature male and immature female were seen on different dates at Lakenheath Fen in both months. The wintering male also remained at Stradishall Airfield. March saw the first displaying birds at Minsmere. Suffolk’s small breeding population continues to expand, with six confirmed pairs, although success was mixed. Pairs at The Mill in Ipswich and on the Orwell Bridge raised four and three young respectively; another in the west of the county raised two young. At Felixstowe Docks the resident pair was joined by an extra male on a couple of dates; the pair nested there but failed for the fourth successive year. Two other pairs in the county got as far as sitting on eggs, but no further. A pair were present at Sizewell Power Station but there was no display or territorial behaviour, whilst on Orfordness one to two adults were seen intermittently during the breeding season but there was no evidence of breeding. The lone female returned to St Mary’s Church, Bungay for its third year. Local interest in the falcon led to a community project which resulted in the placing of a permanent nest box on the south-west corner of the church roof in anticipation that she would attract a mate and then begin breeding, but to no avail so far. There was very little evidence of autumn passage, but birds seen flying in off the sea at Corton on September 14th and Bawdsey on October 31st could possibly have been migrants. Other sightings away from the regular haunts included singles on the Blyth Estuary and at Levington Creek, Stutton, Trimley Marshes and Pipps Ford. In addition, three birds were seen at Minsmere on September 24th. In the west one was at Knettishall Airfield on September 17th and the male returned to Stradishall Airfield for the fourth consecutive winter. October reports came from 12 coastal sites and nine inland sites. There were several sightings of single birds in the north-east in November and two birds were seen on three dates at Minsmere. In the west two birds were at Lakenheath Fen on November 19th. Notable records from December included four birds at Minsmere on 9th. Several reports of hunting behaviour were received: In January one caught and ate a Moorhen on Minsmere Scrape. In February one was seen flying down the Butley River with a Redshank in its talons and at nearby Boyton Marshes a female Peregrine took a drake Wigeon in flight. Also, in February, at Holbrook Bay, a Grey Plover escaped the clutches of a female by repeatedly dropping into the water each time it stooped. Later in the year one was seen chasing terns at sea off Sizewell beach in August and at Minsmere a Black-tailed Godwit was prey to one in December. Finally, at Higham, near Hadleigh, an adult took a Black-tailed Godwit and then fended off a persistent Herring Gull that was trying to relieve it of its prey. FIELD NOTE Sizewell Update: 2015 – display was noted and a pair was clearly on territory by March. A nest containing three eggs was found in late April and although the adults were still present in June there was no evidence that the eggs hatched. 2016 – A pair was on territory early in the year but did not settle to breed, probably due to work taking place on the roof. 2017 – On February 15th there was a report that a Peregrine had been found dead. Although a male and female were seen on a few dates in spring there was no display or territorial behaviour so they probably did not breed. Mike Cartwright and David Walsh. 124
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Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Scarce passage migrant. Last bred 2009. Red list. After four records in 2015 and a blank year in 2016 there was only one sighting of this species which is more often heard than seen:Hintlesham: heard calling, 05.30 hr, seen later, May 24th (A Rafinski).
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Scarce passage migrant; formerly bred. Red list. After three in 2016 and six in 2015, there were four records of this small fierce, much-soughtafter passage migrant:-
Burgh Castle Marshes: singing male, June 26th and 27th (P C Noakes). Boyton: Hall Farm, juvenile, Oct 8th to 12th, (S Bellfield, N Carter et al.); Marshes, presumably same juvenile, Oct 10th and 13th (S B Mayson, S Abbott). Hollesley Marshes: female, July 7th (P Kennerley, N Mason, S Abbott et al.). Felixstowe Ferry: female, Sep 27th (S Piotrowski, K V Moon, E W Patrick).
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Very rare visitor. For the third year running there were no sightings in Suffolk of this very rare shrike of which there have been ten Suffolk records, all since 1970. Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. Records of this attractive and often elusive species were of mainly overwintering or passage birds.
Oulton Marshes: Oct 27th (Suffolk Wildlife Trust). Sutton, Sutton Common and Upper Hollesley Common: overwintering, Jan 5th to Mar 28th (M L Cornish et al.). This bird was first seen on November 23rd 2016 (M Cornish). Landguard: Oct 30th (M D Scaggs et al.). Berner’s Heath: overwintering, Jan 2nd to March 5th at least (D F Walsh et al.) Brandon Country Park: Feb 15th to Apr 1st, at least (K Grayston, West Suffolk Birders). Wickhambrook: Purton Green, Mar 28th (R Duncan).
Great Grey Shrike Ed Keeble
FIELD NOTE: GREAT GREY SHRIKE, UPPER HOLLESLEY COMMON, 07.03.17 A Great Grey Shrike was first seen in the Sutton Heath area on November 23rd 2016 and overwintered into 2017. The bird had a distinctive plumage and its tail pattern made it stand out from typical birds. The shrike departed Sutton Heath area but was later found near Upper Hollesley Common on March 7th 2017 where it had taken up territory in a patch of Elder scrub adjacent to the Hollesley/Woodbridge road. It was still hunting in this area until at least March 28th. On the morning of March 7th 2017, I observed the bird at close range hunting from some dead Elders between 10:15hr and 12:15hr. It flew down to capture prey several times and among prey items identified were several Bumble Bee species and one immature Common Lizard. The shrike spent only a few seconds on the ground dealing with its prey before returning to its favoured perch where it would consume its catch. The lizard was bashed against a branch a few times then swallowed whole. 125
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Finally, the bird flew down into an area of open grass and heather. It remained out of sight for a full minute and then flew up into one of the elders carrying something large. To my surprise, I realised it had caught a Short-tailed Vole. As the shrike held this unusually large prey over its perch, I observed beads of blood dripping from the vole. I managed to take three photos on my phone before the bird flew off south over the road and disappeared into a nearby hawthorn hedge, presumably to place the vole in its larder. Short-tailed Voles range from 19g to 52g in weight and this individual probably weighed approximately 30g to 40g and so it would have provided the shrike with several meals. This is the first time I have witnessed a Great Grey Shrike taking a small mammal, although they are known to feature regularly in the diet across much of the species’ range (BWP). Steve Abbott Having read Steve’s field note, above, I was reminded of a previous Great Grey Shrike on Upper Hollesley Common on March 9th 2015. This bird was probably within 200m of the 2017 bird’s hunting area. It had its favourite tree, a small Hawthorn, on the open heath. It had a larder and there was one item that stood out clearly. “It’s a lizard” said one visitor, my friend Robin said “looks like a Dartford”, while I thought it was a small mammal. When the coast was clear I nipped out and photographed the prey item – it was a Long-tailed Field Mouse! Nick Mason Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Rare visitor. There were no sightings in 2017, the fourth blank year after one in 2013 and two in 2012. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica Very common resident. This bird’s conspicuous and noisy behaviour ensured that it was recorded at a wide range of sites across the county but with proven or probable breeding reported from only nine locations. Only one roost count was made this year. Magpies occurred in 67% of BBS squares surveyed with a total of 103 birds counted. At Corton Sewage Works 27 roosted on March 2nd and 31 were present at Oulton Marshes on March 10th. On Orfordness birds were present on all visits with no significant counts made. The breeding population was estimated at six or seven pairs. At Landguard, Magpies were present all year with five pairs nesting, two of them rearing seven young between them. The spring maximum was 13 on both March 13th and 15th with an autumn maximum of 14 recorded on September 1st, 2nd and 26th. At Elveden Forest Centre 30 were present on January 5th. Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Common resident and scarce passage migrant. Sightings of this often-shy yet highly-vocal species came from a range of locations across the county with breeding confirmed at eight sites. BBS data showed Jays in 36% of the 49 squares surveyed with a total of 30 birds counted. Most of the records referred to one or two birds but notable counts came from:Elveden Forest Park: ten, Jan 5th. Knettishall Heath: seven, May 26th. Stoke-by-Nayland: 12, Nov 16th.
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Western Jackdaw Corvus monedula Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Records of this gregarious bird came, as usual, from a good spread of county-wide sites, with breeding being confirmed at six locations. BBS recording showed Jackdaws in 79% of the squares visited, with a total of 459 birds counted. At Blythburgh there was a peak count of 130 on August 12th. On Orfordness birds were present throughout the year. The highest counts here were 70, March 12th and 120, September 27th. The breeding population estimate was 20 or 21 pairs, all of which were in the site’s various buildings. At Landguard, in spring, a total of four flew north and 23 south, with ten on site, February 19th to June 8th, and a maximum of six south and two on site on May 15th. In autumn, a total of five flew north and eight south between September 15th and October 25th, with a maximum of five north on September 19th. This species seems to be far more numerous in the west of the county with impressive counts of 1000 at Bury St Edmunds on February 13th and November 30th. At Cavenham Heath there was a significant peak count of 1500 on August 29th. Jackdaws showing the characteristics of Nordic Jackdaw Corvus monedula monedula were noted at Livermere Pig Fields on January 6th and October 1st (both P Wilson). Rook Corvus frugilegus Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Sightings of this gregarious corvid are an integral part of Suffolk’s rural landscape. Records came from across the county with the largest congregations being seen in the west. Breeding was confirmed at three sites (nine in 2016). Rooks were found in 67% of BBS survey squares with a combined total of 775 birds counted (818 in 2016). On Orfordness the first, as usual, were not seen until May; with 45 on 13th and 32 along the spit on 20th. A maximum of 60 on June 10th proved to be the last of the year. Large flocks in the south-east:Iken: 400, Jan 8th. Hollesley: field on Shottisham Road, 630, Jan 3rd.
At Landguard, in spring, a total of three flew north and 11 south between March 6th and April 29th, with a maximum of three south on April 6th. In autumn, eight passed south, September 18th, two south, September 30th and one south on October 28th. Two peak counts of large congregations were made in the west:Lakenheath Fen RSPB: 1000, Jan 15th. Cavenham Heath: 500, July 23rd.
Carrion Crow Corvus corone Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Sightings of this adaptable corvid came, as usual, from widespread sites across the county with breeding confirmed at five sites. The BBS survey found Carrion Crows in 93% of squares visited with a total of 367 birds counted. At Minsmere, 30 flew north along the beach in 30mins on the morning of April 7th and a count of 128 was made at the reserve on November 19th. On Orfordness birds were present throughout the year with up to ten regularly in January (although 22 were counted on 7th) then up to six present until 12 on April 1st. In the autumn, a maximum of 17 on October 15th presumably included some passage birds. Three pairs nested, as usual, in the Cobra Mist/Lantern Marshes area. Unusually, one nest was very low, only being about 60cm off the ground on top of a dead bramble bush. Wherstead Strand held a flock of 250 birds on January 10th. In the west, 250 were present at Ampton Water on August 19th. 127
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Hybrids, Corvus corone x cornix were seen in their usual north-east haunts with singles at: Corton Radar Lodge, January 28th, Gorleston Old Cemetery, April 4th, Hopton-on Sea, August 24th and Benacre Broad, August 28th. HOODED CROW Corvus cornix Scarce winter visitor. After two blank years, there were two sightings of what was presumably the same bird.
Landguard: May 16th (W J Brame, N Odin, D Scraggs et al.), the eighth site record. Felixstowe: May 23rd (P J Holmes).
Northern Raven Corvus corax Increasingly common visitor. Formerly bred. Sightings and the sound of the Raven’s resonating calls continue to increase and in particular in the west of the county. Selected records from the north-east and south-east areas:-
Carlton Marshes: photographed, Mar 16th (A C Easton). Hazlewood Marshes: May 25th (M L Cornish). Flatford: Feb 11th (S Piotrowski).
In the west of the county, 58 records, mainly of one or two birds, were accepted. These spanned dates from early January, through to the end of the year although it is difficult to establish just how many birds were present. A ‘displaying ‘ bird was seen at Lackford on April 26th (R Ayres). The highest count, which is quite intriguing from a possible ‘breeding’ perspective, was of three at Lackford Lakes on September 22nd (M Offord). Hopefully, breeding will eventually be confirmed somewhere in Suffolk in the near future. Addition to 2016 Report Two over Nunnery Lakes, Thetford, September 7th (N Moran). GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Very common resident and passage migrant. Records of this incessantly active tiny bird came from suitable sites across the county with breeding being confirmed at eight sites. BBS survey data showed Goldcrests in 46% of squares visited with a total of 67 birds recorded. On Orfordness, after two really good passage years in 2015 and 2016, a poorer year was perhaps to be expected and this proved to be the case. In spring, the only record was of two on March 25th. The first of the autumn was one on September 2nd with a maximum of only seven on September 19th. October was equally disappointing with a maximum day-count of four, and the last bird being noted was on November 4th. The table clearly shows some fluctuation in the ringing totals for the last five years on Orfordness:2013 4
2014 30
2015 549
2016 276
2017 24
At Landguard, spring passage ran from March 11th until April 6th, with a maximum of five on March 28th. Autumn passage ran from August 31st until November 18th, with at least two birds lingering into December and a maximum of ten on October 7th. At Thorpeness Haven, 12 were present on October 9th and 30 at Bawdsey also on October 9th, suggesting
Goldcrest Jan Wilczur 128
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the height of the passage season. One observer in Sudbury made his ‘highest ever count of territorial males’ with a total of 12 recorded on May 8th. At Great Livermere, 17 were trapped and ringed, October 9th and ten were present at BTO Nunnery Lakes, Thetford on October 8th. Breeding of one pair was confirmed in Brandon Fen, Lakenheath with birds being present there all year. COMMON FIRECREST Regulus ignicapilla Regular but uncommon breeder and passage migrant. Some overwinter. Green list (from Amber). Sightings of this very popular ‘crest’ came from a large number of coastal sites in the northeast in both spring and autumn. Sightings were mainly of one or two birds, but there was an impressive seven at Sparrow’s Nest, Lowestoft, on October 3rd. Three were seen at both Corton Wood on January 5th and in the east of Lowestoft on March 26th. On Orfordness, the first records were not until the autumn, with singles on September 17th and 25th and two on 27th. More arrived in October, with one on 1st, three on 18th, five the next day and then two on 21st and one on 22nd. One on November 11th was the last of the year. Six were noted in the Bawdsey Picnic Site area on October 19th. At Landguard it was a poor spring with just singles on March 11th and 22nd and April 6th and 12th. Autumn passage ran from October 18th to 25th with a maximum of seven on 19th. This species does not always feature in BBS survey data but this year one bird was seen in a single survey square. The Thetford Forest area once again provided the vast majority of breeding records. Despite reduced observer coverage compared with previous years, a total of 36 singing males were located in the Suffolk section of the forest; these included seven at Brandon Country Park and five at Santon Downham, where a pair were seen nest-building on May 27th. Away from the core areas, birds were heard singing at one site in the west of the county and five in the southeast; it is considered that some or all of these were holding territory rather than simply being passage migrants. There were no breeding reports from Minsmere in 2017; five singing males had been recorded there in 2016. Eurasian Penduline TiT Remiz pendulinus Rare visitor. After three sightings in 2014, one in 2015 and a blank year 2016 there was one sighting at the usual Suffolk ‘hot spot’:Minsmere: North Marsh, two, Oct 26th (M Fishpool).
EURASIAN BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. This colourful, acrobatic and abundant tit was as usual well-reported with sightings coming from across the county. Breeding evidence in the north-east came from nine sites including at Sizewell SWT where 73 breeding pairs were recorded. BBS recording, unsurprisingly, showed Blue Tits in 97% of survey squares with 439 birds counted. On Orfordness, one was present in the reedbed and around the village from January 1st to February 5th. One near the Bailey Bridge on March 12th was presumably a migrant. Two were on site on September 20th, increasing to three by October 4th and four on 5th. One or two elusive birds were then noted until November 24th but just one occurred in December, on 24th. Notable groups were of 20 at Bawdsey, October 19th, 25 at Bridge Wood, Nacton on November 21st and 30 at Holbrook Bay on December 17th. At Landguard, Blue Tits were present all year with one pair nesting. Only three birds from 2016 survived the winter. The oldest bird was ringed in September 2013. Spring passage ran from 129
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March 1st to April 22nd with a maximum of four on March 19th. The first juvenile appeared on June 4th with dispersing juveniles from elsewhere appearing from July 5th and there were two later new juveniles, August 2nd. Autumn passage ran from August 19th until October 27th, with a maximum of 18 on September 20th. At Lackford Lakes 28 juveniles were trapped between May and August suggesting ‘a good breeding year’ and at Lakenheath Fen CBS data confirmed 23 pairs breeding. GREAT TIT Parus major Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. Sightings were widespread across the county. They were found in 91% of BBS survey squares with a combined total of 219 birds counted. Breeding of Great Tits was confirmed at 11 sites. At Sizewell SWT, 56 breeding pairs were recorded. CES ringing at Lackford Lakes between May and August produced 18 juveniles suggesting another ‘good season’ at the site. At Lakenheath Fen, CBS found 24 pairs on territory during the breeding season. None was recorded on Orfordness again, the third blank year there. At Landguard Great Tits were present all year, with four or five pairs nesting. Eleven birds from previous years survived the winter; with the oldest from May 2014. Spring passage ran from March 7th to 30th with a maximum of ten, March 9th. The first juveniles appeared on May 18th, with dispersing juveniles from elsewhere turning up on site from then until July 26th, with a maximum of 18 on several dates between May 21st and June 4th. Autumn passage at Landguard ran from August 30th to October 30th with a maximum of 12 on October 8th. Notable gatherings were seen in a number of locations during the year, most notably 15 at both Alton Water, March 27th and Pipps Ford, December 12th. COAL TIT Periparus ater Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. Coal Tits are more restricted to woodland, particularly conifers, than its conspecifics – Blue and Great Tits. Breeding evidence came from six sites in the north-east, with a notable 16 pairs at Sizewell SWT. BBS survey visits showed Coal Tits in 20% of squares surveyed with a combined total of 44 birds counted. At Landguard five, possibly dispersing juveniles, were noted, June 13th to 18th. In autumn, singles were seen on October 12th and 27th and November 2nd. A sizeable concentration of this species was seen on Upper Hollesley Common on December 15th when around 75 were recorded (E W Patrick). In the conifer forests in the west of the county the highest counts came from Mayday Farm, Brandon with 16, March 11th and North Stow with 20, April 20th. Continental Coal Tit Periparus ater ater Scarce passage migrant. Landguard: Oct 6th (LBO).
WILLOW TIT Poecile montanus Very uncommon resident and scarce passage migrant. Red list. This tit’s distinctive nasal calls and sooty black cap are now an extremely rare occurrence in Suffolk and many birders find locating this species within the county boundaries to be a challenging, and often frustrating, experience. After a single sighting in 2016, there were two sightings, almost on the county boundary, at the same site as last year’s bird. Lakenheath Fen: Oct 10th (S Evans); calling along entrance track, Dec 31st (D White). 130
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MARSH TIT Poecile palustris Fairly common resident. Red list. This popular, shiny-black-capped tit was reported from a range of open, wooded and rural sites across the county. The BBS recorded Marsh Tits in 6% of survey squares with a combined total of three birds seen. Breeding evidence came from 12 sites in the north-east and west. At Sizewell SWT, six breeding pairs were confirmed. Single breeding pairs were recorded at Dingle Marshes, Minsmere and Darsham Marshes SWT. Records were mainly of one or two birds at other widespread sites across the county. In the west, at least four resident pairs were present at Lackford Lakes and six individuals were noted at Santon Downham on May 29th with ten at Ickworth on June 15th which included two family groups. BEARDED TIT Panurus biarmicus Uncommon resident. Green list (from Amber). Reports of this striking reedbed specialist, with its distinctive ‘pinging’ call came from 43 sites (30 in 2016) of which 16 recorded breeding (12 in 2016). Minsmere held 34 territories, with other notable counts from Walberswick (22 territories) and Easton Valley (15). On Orfordness, although regarded understandably as ‘often difficult to count’, an overwintering flock of up to ten was present until February 26th. There were no further sightings until at least one was heard on October 7th. Small numbers then remained until 14 on November 4th increasing to 21 by December 3rd with these birds staying to the year’s end. At Corporation Marshes, Dunwich, 15 were present on February 15th and at the Butley River, 12 were seen on October 8th. Wandering birds were seen at Landguard, where ten were present on October 19th (W J Brame, E Lucking, M Morley, N Odin); this is only the fourth site record, previous occurrences having been in 1887, 1988 and 2010. At Trimley Marshes SWT, 16 were seen on December 3rd. The 1887 date might sound a bit odd – as clearly the bird observatory was not here. However, there was a lighthouse at the time and the keeper was keen on his birds and recorded several species (Suffolk Birds 2003). In their western stronghold at Lakenheath Fen ‘beardies’ were reported throughout the year with a maximum of 40 on October 5th. WOODLARK Lullula arborea Fairly common breeding species. Scarce on passage and in winter. Green list (from Amber). There were 133 recorded Woodlark territories on the coastal heaths in 2017. This included 16 in the Dunwich area, 24 at Minsmere, 12 in Rendlesham Forest, 10 in Tunstall Forest and a total of 27 on Sutton and Hollesley Commons. The table below shows how the population of Woodlarks has changed on Sutton and Hollesley Commons since 1983. The figure of 27 in 2017 shows that this is a major site when compared with the 130 in the Sandlings as a whole. Since the late 1990s the figures in the Sandlings have dropped by roughly 30%. On the Commons there was a drop and then a clear revival which has been maintained. In the west, there were 73 territories in the Thetford Forest area (R Hoblyn) plus a minimum of 17 others on heathland such as Berners Heath and Cavenham Heath which held six and four territories respectively. Spring movement was not very obvious with just a few individuals at Landguard, on March 9th, 11th and April 13th,19th and 21st. In autumn there were more reports; Landguard had three on September 5th, four on September 26th and three on November 6th. There were 12 at Bawdsey on October 23rd (seven on the cliffs and five south) and 11, also at Bawdsey, on November 19th in a stubble field. 131
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SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Red list. In January good-sized flocks were recorded throughout the county with 47 at Mutford on 1st, 70 on Havergate Island on 19th, 43 at East Lane on 4th, 50 in Bucklesham on 5th and 60 at Icklingham on 2nd. At Whepstead, 75, the month’s peak total, were present on 5th. Breeding was widespread with the highest number of territories recorded being 20 at Sizewell (SWT), with 19 to 22 pairs on the ‘Main Reserve’ on Orfordness and a further 60 pairs on ‘The Point’ which is a large increase since the last count in 2013 when 28 were recorded. The BBS data for 2017 show Skylarks in 44 of the 49 squares, the highest for some years with 265 birds counted compared with 241 in 2016. The monthly totals at Landguard were:N IN/S Max on
Jan 2 2 0
Feb 0 5 1
Mar 2 7 1
Apr 0 0 1
May June 0 0 0 1 1 0
July 0 0 1
Aug 0 0 1
Sep 0 6 3
Oct 0 394 3
Nov 0 81 3
Dec 1 13 1
In autumn, 50 were recorded at Great Waldingfield on September 27th. October flocks included 31 at Corton, 26th, 46 at Slaughden on the same day, 40 at Hinderclay, 20th and 53 at Great Livermere, 6th. There was a flock of 120 in Long Melford on November 17th and December numbers included 150 at Ling’s Lane, Chelmondiston on 18th and 100 at Witnesham, 9th. HORNED (SHORE) LARK Eremophila alpestris Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The only reports of Shore Lark came from the north-east and Orfordness. Two were recorded at the sluice, Minsmere on April 20th (RSPB) 5th, the latest since 2011 when one remained at Landguard until May. On Orfordness the flock from 2016 was still present. “On Orfordness the elusive flock of 30 was present on Lantern Marshes until February 26th. The birds were feeding on the many weed seeds in the area but could be very difficult to see. 11 were present in the same area on April 1st, and although not observed, it is likely that some birds had been present throughout March”. Autumn records were as follows:Lowestoft: Ness Point, three, Oct 20th (A Easton). Kessingland: Oct 29th (J Ferguson). Covehithe: Nov 16th and 17th (R Murray). Dingle Marshes: Nov 9th (R Morley). Minsmere: Levels, four Nov 13th and 14th (I Salkeld), Scrape, Nov 14th (M Brewster). 132
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SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Green list. Arrival started on March 17th with birds at Minsmere, The Nunnery (Thetford) and Lakenheath Washes, where there were four. At Corton Cliffs, 100 were present on April 21st. High numbers were seen in April at Minsmere (200 on 30th), Dunwich Heath – presumably some of the same birds – with 55 on 4th and there were regularly over 50 at Kessingland and Wenhaston. There were also 40 at Lakenheath Fen on 4th. In May there were 70 on the Butley River on 10th and the numbers at Pipps Ford rose to 66 by 9th. Breeding records were a bit thin on the ground again with 50+ nest holes on Covehithe Cliffs, 30+ at Dunwich Heath/Cliffs, six pairs in a crag pit in Ufford and 20+ pairs at Pipps Ford. They were recorded in three of the 49 BBS squares with a total of 40 birds. The gathering of 250 over Thorpeness Common on June 30th was presumably a feeding flock. July flocks included 260 at Hollesley Marshes on 23rd, 120 at Bawdsey “resting on fences and Phragmites stems” and 200 at Lackford Lakes on 12th. The largest autumn flock involved 70 at Lackford Lakes on September 15th. The last of the year were by Pakefield Cliffs (two) and Kessingland Cliffs on October 21st. BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Green list (from Amber). The first Swallow of the year was at Pipps Ford on March 12th (P Whittaker), the earliest in Suffolk since 2009 when one was at Lowestoft on March 9th. The next was at Lakenheath Fen on 19th. The first coastal bird recorded was at Minsmere on 28th. The largest springtime flocks were:-
Aldeburgh: 80, May 13th. Snape Marshes: 100, May 8th. Hollesley Marshes: 60, May 12th Great Livermere: 80, May 4th and 7th. Lackford Lakes: 150, May 3rd. Cavenham: 100, May 19th. Stoke-by-Nayland: Gifford’s Hall, 50, Apr 17th.
Again, there was little evidence received of breeding activity. It was a poor year on Orfordness with only two pairs recorded. However there were 228 birds recorded in the 49 BBS 1km squares up from 145 in 2016 and they were in 37 of those squares. Flocks over 100 in the autumn (including July):Worlingham: 100, Sep 3rd.
Kessingland: Sewage Works, 100, Aug 5th. Southwold: 100, July 14th. Minsmere: 100, Sep 9th. Chillesford: 200+, Aug 14th, birds collecting prior to roost. Orfordness: 200, Aug 9th; 100, Aug 13th; 500 Aug 26th; 100, Sep 2nd. Boyton Marshes: 100, Sep 17th. Bawdsey: 350, Aug 26th. Landguard: 235, Sep 14th; 443, past Custom’s House, Sep 21st (M James). See this site’s monthly totals in table below. Needham Market: 100, Sep 19th. Risby: 200, Sep 21st. Great Livermere: 300, Sep 16th. Cavenham: 120, Aug 25th. Lakenheath Fen: 400, Sep 20th.
That is quite a list, with some large totals. One recorder commented on the eight Swallows on the heath at North Warren being very alarmed by the presence of a Hobby! 133
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Monthly totals at Landguard:Jan Feb Mar N 0 0 1 IN/S 0 0 1
Apr 22 96
May June 61 13 405 65
July 6 131
Aug 13 1181
Sep 39 2863
Oct 6 247
Nov 0 4
Dec 0 0
The latest bird in the west was at Great Livermere on October 16th while three flew south past Orfordness on October 22nd, one was at Eastbridge on November 22nd and the last of the year at Minsmere on December 4th, making this the third successive year that this species has been recorded at Minsmere in December. HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. An early House Martin arrived on February 24th with one at Benacre flying north late morning (C Buttle). This is the earliest in Suffolk since 1998 when the county’s earliest-ever was at Southwold on February 17th. Probably the same bird was seen at Pakefield later that same day and at Kirkley House, Lowestoft next day and then, amazingly, two House Martins were in Lowestoft from February 26th until March 4th. The first bird in the west was at the BTO Nunnery, Thetford on March 25th. Spring flocks included 100+ at Snape Marshes on May 18th and 70 at Great Livermere and 50 at Lackford Lakes both on May 1st. They were recorded in 16 of the 49 1km BBS squares with 117 birds counted – well up on the previous year’s total (just 76 in 2016). Again, most of the breeding records came from stalwarts in the west of the county:Minsmere Hollesley Wissington Pixie Lane, Stradbroke Chelmondiston Kedington Fressingfield Knettishall (mud-gathering) Chilton Boyton Pakenham (32 nests at mill) Assington Blackheath, Wenhaston Rickinghall Bures Letheringham Great Wratting Wixoe There were some large flocks in July and August, especially at wetland sites such as Livermere Lake and Lackford:-
Orfordness: 350, Aug 9th. Bawdsey: 240, Aug 26th. Stutton Mill: 220, Aug 9th. Knettishall: 90, many collecting mud, July 15th. Santon Downham: 200, Aug 28th. Livermere Lake: 100, July 30th. Cavenham: 80, Aug 25th.
Field Note On August 26th at East Lane, Bawdsey early morning I counted 240 House Martins. They had probably been roosting in reedbeds and were feeding low prior to dispersing. Most had gone by 08:00hr but I then found some perched in trees along the lane to the Martello Tower, where they appeared to be feeding on aphids – picking them off the leaves. P R Kennerley September saw the biggest movements with the peak period being 14th to 23rd:-
Kessingland: 200, 23rd. Benacre Broad: 400, 15th. Minsmere: 500, 16th.
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Systematic List Orfordness: 180, 15th; 350, 19th. Boyton: 140, 10th. Hollesley Marshes: 200, 16th. Shingle Street: 600, 16th, feeding and slowly moving south. Landguard: 480 south, 14th; 252 past Custom’s House, 21st (M James). Trimley Marshes: 516, 17th. Great Livermere: 200, 21st.
At Landguard, House Martins were noted from April 21st to October 26th. The peak movement was 480 south on September 14th. Small numbers occasionally loitered on site in September with maxima of 50 on 10th and 60 on 17th. House Martins Peter Beeson
Monthly totals at Landguard were:Jan Feb Mar N+out 0 0 0 S + in 0 0 0
Apr 5 1
May June 2 0 39 12
July 0 11
Aug 0 49
Sep 0 1954
Oct 0 238
Nov 0 0
Dec 0 0
There were two at Lakenheath Fen on October 15th but the last record received of the year was at Minsmere on November 28th, another late date. RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Ceropis daurica Scarce visitor. There were four records of Redrumped Swallow in 2017, after none in 2016, and four were within a few kilometres of each other. These bring the County total to 47 records involving 53 birds all within the last 30 years.
Boyton Marshes: Apr 15th (N Crouch). Bawdsey: Marshes and Quay, 08:45hr, May 27th (M Cornish). Trimley Marshes: Apr 16th and 17th (P J Holmes); May 19th (P J Holmes).
The Boyton bird is the earliest since the County’s earliest-ever at Minsmere on April 7th 2008 – a March sighting is long overdue! It is possible that the Boyton and earlier Trimley bird were the same. Mark Cornish’s notes and drawing are included here.
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CETTI’S WARBLER Cettia cetti Fairly common resident and rare passage migrant. It is difficult to remember when a walk on the Suffolk coast did not produce the familiar call of this warbler, so it was no surprise that numbers of singing birds noted in the north-east came to over 250, including 90 at Minsmere. Orfordness reported 23 birds ringed showing clearly that this non-migratory species does disperse, helping to ensure that some survive in harsh weather. In the south-east reports of clusters of three to six singing birds came from seven sites. Landguard saw two birds although these make the all-time site total only seven. In the west some 22 singers were counted away from Lakenheath, mainly singletons, but with at least three at each of Lackford, Culford and Cornard Mere. There were 59 territories at Lakenheath Fen. Last year’s report suggested some 410 pairs minimum and assiduous research by David Walsh led to him calculating that 413 was the number for the Rare Breeding Birds Panel. This year’s equivalent total is 428. These totals can be taken to be the maximum the species has reached since its arrival in Suffolk in 1971. We may not see their like again for some time. LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus Very common resident and scarce passage migrant. Breeding numbers remain healthy as no harsh winter has lately reduced the population by, what can be, up to 80%. As usual there were many counts of post-breeding flocks with the regional prize winners being 27 at Lake Lothing and 25 at each of Stowmarket and Great Livermere. These groups are said to be family parties with the driving force being the need to huddle together at the roost in cold weather. The Constant Effort Site at Lackford trapped a typical number of nine juveniles. GREENISH WARBLER Phylloscopus trochiloides Rare visitor. There have now been 19, all since 1981. Of these 19 records, eight have been in spring (May 9th to June 21st), one has been in mid-summer (July 8th) and ten have been in autumn (August 11th to September 22nd). This is a spring record for the second successive year. Landguard: June 20th and 21st (W J Brame, E W Patrick et al.).
PALLAS’S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus Rare autumn passage migrant. First mid-winter record in 2017. Following last year’s double-figure arrival there were five or six in 2017. The first bird was trapped and ringed at Kessingland on January 6th and reported there up until January 12th, Suffolk’s first January record – presumably this bird was attempting to overwinter in Britain. The autumn arrivals included certainly two different birds on Orfordness, but two of the others were separated by a few hundred metres as the crow flies with no overlap in sighting times. Kessingland: Sewage Works, Jan 6th to 12th (B Wallace, N Carter). Orfordness: two, Nov 4th and 5th, both trapped (M Marsh, G Stannard, D Crawshaw). Bawdsey: Nov 5th, photographed early am (M L Cornish). Felixstowe: Nov 5th, on the Tomline Wall near the golf clubhouse late afternoon (P J Holmes).
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus Fairly common autumn passage migrant. Some ten records in September started with one at Hollesley on 15th, with the main wave of birds appearing from October 8th to 10th. Eddie Marsh, the assiduous summariser for The Harrier, put the autumn total at about 70. The last reports were from Lowestoft on November 5th.
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2016 addition A belated report from 2016 was of a bird trapped well-inland at Great Livermere by J Walshe on September 7th – the earliest in Suffolk since 1910 (September 3rd, Southwold). RADDE’S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarzi Rare visitor. Reports in 2009, 2012 and 2013 were the most recent records before these three bringing the county total to 24.
Dunwich: Oct 10th (Waveney Bird Club). Orfordness: Sep 27th, trapped and ringed (M Marsh et al.). Bawdsey: unringed, Sep 29th and 30th (P J Kennerley).
Three is the highest-ever annual total in Suffolk.
WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Scarce spring and autumn migrant. Last bred in 2003. Red list. A total of six was recorded in 2017. This is definitely a bird that brightens one’s day. The bird at Brandon held territory for 11 days and sang for many admirers. Thorpeness: Apr 27th (D Fairhurst, D Thurlow). Dunwich Heath: Aug 15th, trapped and ringed (S H Piotrowski). Minsmere: May 10th (D Fairhurst). Sutton Hoo: May 11th (S Abbott). Purdis Farm: May 5th to 7th (J Davidson). Brandon: May 26th to June 5th (S Buckle).
COMMON CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. A few overwinter. Wintering birds included ten at Kessingland sewage works with a scattering elsewhere including at least a dozen in the west. Spring saw a good total of 22 singing birds at Alton Water on March 27th. Double-figure counts of singing birds came from 12 localities in the west with 38 at Ickworth Park being the highest total. The ringers on Orfordness caught 335 birds in the autumn easily surpassing all previous totals being about double the numbers for 2016.
137
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 2013 71
2014 61
2015 171
2016 162
2017 335
Landguard had a maximum of 30 on both September 18th and October 7th. J Walshe ringed a total of 50 birds in three sessions at Great Livermere whilst the Lackford CES team reported an average season with 17 adults and 26 juveniles trapped. The graph above shows that Chiffchaffs arrived about two weeks earlier than the historical average, due to the warm period in mid-march 2017. A Siberian Chiffchaff P. c. tristis was on Orfordness on April 23rd (M Marsh), the first Suffolk spring record. Another, which was trapped and ringed, was at Landguard from November 6th to 11th (N Odin et al.). At the turn of the year a lingering example was at Sluice Cottage, North Warren on December 30th (S Mayson). IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus ibericus Accidental. This is the first for the county since the species was split from Common Chiffchaff in 1998. There is a write-up on this bird amongst the articles earlier in this report (see page 40)
Landguard: male in song, June 1st, trapped (P J Holmes, M May, N Odin et al.).
With at least 52 British records to the end of 2016, of which four were in Norfolk, a Suffolk occurrence was long overdue. WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The first of the year was at Hollesley on March 13th. Landguard reported the first of the year on March 30th. Carlton Marshes held seven singing birds, Beccles six, Sizewell SWT five and Oulton three to add to singletons in four other places showing the species relative scarcity in the north-east. In April trios of singing birds were present in the south-east at Hollesley on 16th, Shingle Street on 14th and Newbourne Springs on 29th. Otherwise just a sprinkling of lone males, none of which stayed to breed. Orfordness ringing totals were much higher than of late with 179 birds being the best total since the 230 of 2009. A visit to Havergate Island on August 19th produced a count of 18 migrants. Landguard held a spring maximum of ten on April 24th and an autumn peak of 35 on August 2nd. In the west, North Stow with 36 singing birds on April 20th was the only site holding more than 11. Some 60 hours of work at the Constant Effort Site at Lackford saw only one bird trapped. The last bird of the year was at Lowestoft on November 8th. BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Overwintering birds are widely considered to be from eastern Europe. Wintering birds were reported from town and country and from the coast to the Brecks. In the north-east, that most productive of sites, Sizewell SWT had 39 singing birds. Autumn saw 27 at Kessingland sewage works on September 9th. Orfordness had its best-ever ringing total with 180 being 46 greater than the previous highest in 2016. In the west the highest counts of singing birds were the 35 at both Sudbury and Ickworth Park. The Constant Effort Site at Lackford had an above average return with 25 adults and 64 juveniles ringed. Autumn passage at Landguard was from August 11th to November 13th with a maximum 12 on September 10th and 26th.
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GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. The first of the spring was an early arrival at Alton Water on April 8th. Westleton produced four singing birds on April 30th while Sizewell SWT had 14 breeding pairs. North Warren had eight birds on territory on May 20th. Needham Lake, Needham Market held four males on May 23rd and Bradfield Woods eight on May 6th. The species remains a scarcity on Orfordness with no spring birds and only five in the autumn, contrasting greatly with several other warbler totals at this site. Landguard with six in the spring and four in the autumn for once outscored the ‘Ness’ in the warbler trapping world. In the west Santon Downham and The Nunnery, Thetford each held four probable breeders, with perhaps 50 birds in the whole area. The Constant Effort Site at Lackford produced a below average seven adults and four juveniles. The last record of the year was of one at Thorpeness on September 26th. BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria Scarce passage migrant. Just two records, both at Landguard in November, following a single bird last year. These are the latest in Suffolk since 2000 when one remained at Lowestoft from November 26th to December 6th. Annual numbers have fluctuated between zero and ten this century with a mean of about three.
Landguard: trapped and ringed, Nov 4th to 6th (W J Brame, N Odin, M D Scraggs); trapped and ringed, Nov 9th (M May, M D Scraggs).
LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. An overwintering bird at Newmarket in January was eventually identified on 11th as this species, having originally been suspected of being an Orphean Warbler S. hortensis. This is Suffolk’s second January record – the first was at Ipswich, January 17th to 19th 2001. The first of the spring was at Elmsett on April 13th. Sizewell SWT had seven breeding pairs. Pipps Ford held a notable four on May 31st. Landguard had an autumn maximum of eight on August 21st. There were perhaps some 35 singing birds in the west. There were no records at the Lackford Constant Effort Site. The last record of the year was one at Kessingland on October 26th. COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The first of the spring was at Great Livermere on April 9th. In the south-east several double-figure clusters of breeding birds were reported with 34 at Sproughton and 20 at Shingle Street being the top counts As can be seen from the table it was a good year on Orfordness with the best-ever ringing total recorded with August accounting for 162 of these. 2013 50
2014 109
2015 81
2016 128
2017 214
The breeding population on Orfordness was estimated to be nine or ten pairs. Landguard saw a maximum in spring of 15 on May 12th with 14 on August 6th and 21st being the highest autumn numbers. 139
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In the west there were double-figure counts of singing birds from eight sites. The last of the year was at Thorpeness on September 26th. DARTFORD WARBLER Sylvia undata Uncommon local resident. Scarce visitor. Amber list. Breeding numbers rose slightly, the estimate of 128 pairs within the coastal region split between 58 north of Minsmere, 24 in the central belt and 46 just north of the Deben. Dispersed birds were noted, as expected, in various spots from Southwold to Felixstowe. News of birds in the Brecks in January and April was welcome after a gap of some nine years.
Suffolk Brecks: Berner’s Heath, Jan 2nd and 5th (B C Moyes, D F Walsh); Cavenham Heath, Apr 17th (B Woodhouse et al.).
COMMON GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Uncommon and declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list. First noted at Carlton Marshes on April 4th. Some encouraging results emerged with regard to breeding birds. Carlton Marshes reported eight reelers, Oulton four, Southwold two and Minsmere seven with another seven records of singletons from the north-east. In the south-east hardly a report emerged of any potential breeders although the possibility that some suppression occurs may explain this. Lone birds were certainly present at Felixstowe Ferry and Belstead Brook, Ipswich. In the west of the county numbers were much as last year with six solitary birds to add to eight at Lakenheath Fen. Orfordness held no breeding birds this year but the total of 15 ringed is a site record. The year’s last record came from Covehithe on September 2nd. SAVI’S WARBLER Locustella lusciniodes Rare summer visitor. Has bred. Red list. There were three birds recorded, all of them longstaying, although they were more often heard than seen. The birds at Minsmere could be heard from Island Mere Hide. There have now been 15 this century which seems small beer compared with the ten males recorded in 1973!
Minsmere: male in song, Apr 18th to July 17th (R Harvey, I Salkeld et al.); second bird (male in song) June 14th until July 11th (I Salkeld et al.). Lakenheath Fen: male in song, May 11th to 29th (H Page, D White et al.).
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common summer visitor and passage migrant. A bird at North Warren was the first of the year on March 29th, followed the next day by birds at Alton Water and Lackford. The usual north-east coastal sites held good numbers of breeders with 38 at Carlton Marshes and Savi’s Warbler Peter Beeson 46 at Hen Reedbeds catching the eye. Orfordness nets quivered in August as 1271 birds were ringed with a peak of 120 on 13th leading to an autumn total of 1507 some 600 higher than any earlier year. 140
32. Turtle Dove the decline continues. See article. Andrew Moon
33. Short-eared Owl at Shingle Street in January. John Richardson
34. Barn Owl at Carlton Marshes in August. Peter Ransome
35. Wryneck at Shingle Street in September. John Richardson
36. Richard’s Pipit at Chelmondiston in December. Chris Mayne
37. Red-throated Pipit popular bird at Landguard in September. Bill Baston
38. Citrine Wagtail rare find at Minsmere in September. Andrew Moon
39. Common Redstart handsome visitor to Corton in May. Peter Ransome
40. Grasshopper Warbler showy individual at East Lane in July. Craig Holden
41. Great Reed Warbler at Landguard in May. Andrew Moon
42. Wood Warbler in full song at Brantham in June. John Richardson
43. Radde’s Warbler ringed at Dunwich in October. Andrew Moon
44. Great Grey Shrike with vole at Upper Hollesley Common in March. Steve Abbott
45. Coues’ Arctic Redpoll long-staying bird at Hazlewood Common in December. Peter Ransome
46. Parrot Crossbill male at Upper Hollesley Common in November. John Richardson
47. Common Crossbill male at Upper Hollesley Common in April. Liz Cutting
Systematic List
In startling contrast, at Landguard only seven singletons were ringed in the autumn period. A paucity of records from the west surely gave no true indication of breeding status with eight on territory at The Nunnery, Thetford, being the highest count. The last bird recorded was at Carlton Marshes on September 15th. BLYTH’S REED WARBLER Acrocephalus dumetorum Very rare visitor. Present in thick vegetation by the roadside, it was glimpsed by some, but the identification was clinched by the song recording. The write-up on this event, among the articles earlier in this report, is well worth reading. The previous four records have been of single birds trapped on Orfordness and at Landguard and two at Fagbury. Bawdsey: May 27th (M Cornish).
MARSH WARBLER Acrocephalus palustris Scarce migrant Bred 2010. Red list. This species is usually heard before it is seen, if it is seen at all. Two were at Minsmere and the other across the county at Lakenheath Fen. Minsmere: June 17th (C R Ireland); July 20th, trapped (Waveney Bird Club). Lakenheath: May 21st to 31st (R Patient, multiobserver).
EURASIAN REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Lackford welcomed the first for the spring on April 2nd, the earliest-ever recorded in Suffolk. When will there be a March record? Sites with good numbers of Sedge Warblers also held many of this species with Carlton Marshes counting 27 breeders, Hen Reedbeds, 56 and Sizewell SWT, 25. Orfordness had 55 birds on August 13th, which was also the peak day for Sedge Warblers, leading to ringing totals of 464 in August and 136 in September making 658 for the year – a new record. Landguard for comparison had a maximum of three on August 8th. In the west, away from Lakenheath (where there were 68 territories), six sites held between ten and 17 birds. The remarkable totals at Lakenheath in the early years of this century, peaking at 780 pairs in 2006, seem a distant memory. The last of the year was at Lackford, as was the first, on September 28th. GREAT REED WARBLER Acrocephalus arundinaceus Rare visitor.
Landguard: male in song, May 7th to 9th (W J Brame et al.).
This was the first since 2014 and the 18th Suffolk record and the first-ever at Landguard. It showed well in the Tamarisk and its robust singing was a welcome treat. BOHEMIAN WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. There was a continuation in 2017 of the recent trend of alternate winters producing notable totals of Waxwings. The productive second winter period of 2016 was continued in 2017, when there were 387 records from 62 sites. There was, however, only one record in the second winter period. In the north-east there were 209 reports from 31 sites, with an impressive count of 67 at Oulton Broad on March 3rd being the largest. The last of the winter were two seen at Southtown, 141
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Gorleston on May 10th. This was the latest in Suffolk since 1999 when singles were at Kessingland on June 7th and Kelsale, May 15th. There were an impressive 38 reports of flocks containing over 30 individuals, but many of these will have been the same birds moving around. This area did produce the only second winter record of one from Reydon on December 1st. The south-east produced 158 records from 22 sites, including 52 flocks of over 30, reaching a peak of 75 at Melton on March 22nd. The last of these was of 13 on May 1st at Woodbridge. There were 20 records from nine sites in the west; nine of these were in double figures with a maximum of 22 at Bury St Edmunds on January 15th. The last record was at Santon Downham on March 27th. EURASIAN NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Fairly common resident. According to the BTO’s BirdTrends 2017 survey, Nuthatch has exhibited the greatest increase in productivity of any species over the past 47 years, due to a combination of falling breeding failure rates and increasing brood sizes. The number of records submitted of this obtrusively noisy bird was 279 from 88 sites, much larger than in previous years, and 11 confirmed breeding. This compares with 103 from 44 sites in 2016. The north-east and west of the county provided the highest proportion, with 122 records from 15 sites and 90 from 46 sites respectively. However, after 2016’s single record it was pleasing to see 67 records from 27 sites in the south-east, but this area still seems to have far fewer Nuthatches than in years gone by. Ten at Mayday Farm, Brandon on March 26th and at Ickworth National Trust on August 30th were the highest numbers at any one site. A breeding pair was reported from Reydon Wood and another at Melton Park. The Suffolk Breeding Bird Survey produced seven individuals from six squares, much in line with previous years. EURASIAN TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Common resident. Green list (from Amber) (C.f. britannica) Although removed from the amber list of birds of conservation concern, nationally this quiet passerine suffered a 7 % decline according to the national Breeding Birds Survey report. It occurs throughout Suffolk according to the Suffolk Bird Atlas 2007-11, but the Suffolk Breeding Bird Survey only showed 16 birds from nine squares, which could be a sign of unobtrusiveness rather than scarcity. It is more widespread than the Nuthatch, being able to utilise conifers to a greater extent. As in previous years, there were few records of more than a single pair at any one site, with no counts of more than ten individuals. There were seven individuals at Minsmere on January 2nd and ten at Wolves Wood, Aldham on March 26th. A total of 464 records was submitted from 124 sites, compared with 358 from 83 in 2016. These consisted of 226 from 40 sites in the north-east, 148 from 54 in the south-east and 90 from 30 in the west. Breeding was reported from Sizewell SWT, where 11 pairs were recorded, and at eight sites in the west. EURASIAN WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Very common resident and scarce passage migrant According to the BTO’s BirdTrends survey, the Wren’s current UK population estimate is the highest for any species and one in ten of our breeding birds is a Wren. Not surprisingly, the Wren continues to be reported throughout Suffolk, continuing the stable trend shown in recent years, helped by a succession of mild winters. For the third year running the count of individuals in the Breeding Bird Survey was higher with 467 as against 367 in 2016, 324 in 2015 and 289 in 2014, and the number of 1km. squares reporting this species was up from 41 to 47. In the north-east recording area there were 1898 records submitted from 105 sites, (1643 from 73 in 2016) with the following indications of breeding:Carlton Marshes: 17 breeding pairs.
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Systematic List Hen Reedbeds: 12 breeding pairs (14 in 2016). Darsham: ten breeding pairs (16 in 2016). Sizewell: SWT, 136 breeding pairs.
The largest gathering reported was of seven at Minsmere on January 2nd In the south-east, there were 1027 reports from 124 sites, of which the highest count was of 24 at Alton Water. On Orfordness, this species continued its recovery from 2011, when it was down to a single pair, with five pairs. There were also 53 birds ringed, 23 of which were in October. At Landguard three or four pairs bred and ten individuals overwintered. Spring passage lasted from March 1st to April 6th. Autumn passage was from September 15th to November 10th with a maximum count of 12 on October 12th and 24th and November 7th. In the west 34 records were submitted from 18 sites, (identical to 2016!) with 86 at Lakenheath Fen RSPB on January 1st being the highest count.
COMMON STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Very common but declining resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. The Starling has been declining in Britain since the 1950s so it was pleasing to see the number of individuals reported in the national Breeding Bird Survey increase by 5 % between 2016 and 2017. It was pleasing to see the number of individuals reported on the Breeding Bird Survey increase from 321 to 367, and the number of 1km. squares reporting Starlings increased from 21, which had been the lowest since 2002, to 30. Observers submitted 1953 records to the recorders from 194 sites. These consisted of 1222 records from 80 sites from the north-east of the county, 700 from 97 in the south-east and 31 from 17 in the west. There was a decrease in the number of 10000+ flocks going to roost with 12 compared with 20 in 2016. These included: Minsmere: 50000, Dec 22nd to 24th, 20000; Oct 22nd, 40000, Nov 4th; 35000, Dec 2nd. Hinderclay: 15000, Feb 1th Lakenheath Fen: 40000, Jan 1st; 30000, Jan 17th; 28000, Nov 11th. Monthly maxima at Orfordness were as follows:Jan Feb Mar Apr May June 10 90 100 120 60 250
July 800
Aug 2000
Sep 200
Oct 200
Nov 40
Dec 30
The table mostly shows a decrease from 2016. The influx in August was mainly of juvenile birds, feeding on the Airfields. October saw flocks in off the sea late in the month, with the largest being 200 on 28th. At Landguard, the species was present all year although scarce in the winter months with a spring maximum of 70 on March 9th, but none nested. There was a midsummer peak of 1000 on July 16th. There were visible movements in the autumn of 4925 between October 2nd and December 1st, with a maximum of 902 on October 30th (N Odin). ROSY STARLING Pastor roseus Rare visitor. Categories A and E The 43rd Suffolk record was of an adult with a flock of 50 Starlings in an Ipswich back garden along Henley Road on June 2nd and nearby in gardens of Larchcroft Road and Larchcroft Close on 3rd. Ipswich: adult, June 2nd and 3rd (R Forest, C Courtney).
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FIELD NOTE Article from Ipswich Star, June 5th 2017. RSPB Ipswich Local Group member Rosie Forest spotted the unusual bird outside her home in Henley Road when it came down to feed on dried mealworms. She noticed it on Friday morning – it was sitting among a large flock of around 50 common starlings about two metres away from her patio doors. The bird, which is a migrant species which breeds in Russia and the Ukraine, also fed on suet hanging at the back of Rosie’s garden. She said “It occasionally flew up to the tops of my conifer trees”. Chris Courtney, a fellow bird-watcher, said: “She (Rosie) texted me at 8.35am saying she had had this amazing pink starling and went on during subsequent texts to give a perfect description of an adult rosy starling. I told her it couldn’t be anything else. It was most apt that our member Rosie should succeed in attracting her namesake, since the bird is known colloquially by birders as a Rosy Starling. It’s also testimony to her really dedicated efforts to feed her garden birds – she spends a small fortune buying bird food and spends hours enjoying watching them.” Mr Courtney called Lee Woods at the Birders Information Networked Service (BINS) to alert him about the rare species. He then spent around two hours from 7.15am on Saturday morning waiting with Rosie in her living room for the bird to reappear. By then, a small crowd of birdwatchers had gathered at her home to see the Rosecoloured Starling. Mr Courtney added: “As I was about to leave, news came through BINS that Andrew Gregory had refound the bird in a conifer visible from Larchcroft Road, so Rosie and I whizzed around the corner when after a few minutes the bird re-appeared in the same tree, much to Rosie’s delight as I think she was a little worried that without further sightings everyone might think she had dreamt the whole thing up.” The bird was not seen again after Saturday evening. Rose-coloured Starlings also breed in small numbers in Romania – and in winter, can be seen in the Indian sub-continent. RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Fairly common passage migrant. Red list Once again there was a significant number of sightings of this attractive thrush on passage in Suffolk, with totals slightly up on previous years. There were 166 records from 45 sites compared with 143 observations at 50 sites in 2016. As expected there were more spring than autumn sightings (130 compared with 36). The first bird to appear was at Minsmere on March 29th. The north-east produced 93 spring migration records, the last of which was at Benacre, May 10th. The south-east had 32 spring records, culminating in a singleton at Landguard, May 10th. There were also five spring sightings in the west of the county, of which the latest was one at Lakenheath, May 1st. The autumn produced 25 reports from the north-east, nine in the south-east and two in the west. Most of these reports were of single birds. The earliest sighting came from Thorpeness on September 25th. At Orfordness, spring was better than in 2016 with two on April 22nd and three the next day. Autumn was poor with two singles on October 12th and 28th. At Landguard, birds were noted in the spring from April 23rd to May 10th with a maximum of three on April 23rd and 28th and autumn passage from October 1st to 31st with a maximum of three on 19th. The last bird of the year was at Bawdsey on November 17th. 144
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COMMON BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. In the national Breeding Bird Survey, the Blackbird showed an upward trend in 2017. Ubiquitous and stable are the appropriate adjectives for its status in the UK and in Suffolk, where it is found in most habitats. This healthy state of affairs is borne out by the Suffolk Breeding Bird Survey with 459 individuals being reported from 48 1km. squares compared with 387 from 42 in 2016. Suffolk observers submitted 3284 records from 229 sites, but reports of breeding only came from 11 sites, including four breeding pairs in Reydon Wood, 23 at Sizewell Belts, five at North Cove and four at Darsham Marshes. In the north-east, the maximum count was 100 at Kessingland sewage works, October 19th which were presumably autumn passage birds. At Orfordness, there was a continuation of 2016’s poor showing. In spring there was a maximum of only five and an autumn maximum of 25 on November 4th. However, a total of 112 birds was ringed, the highest figure since 2012. In the south-east, there were 80 at Bawdsey on November 2nd. At Landguard, seven males and nine females survived the winter with the oldest from 2010 and eight or nine pairs nested. The maximum on autumn passage was 123 on November 3rd. In the west the maximum count was 100 at Barrow, December 8th. FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. As usual, Britain’s mild winters attracted about one million Fieldfares and plenty of these were to be seen in Suffolk. Compared with 296 records in 2016 (145 in the first winter and 151 in the second winter period), there were 349 in 2017 (220 and 129). These broke down by area as 148 (96 and 52) from 57 sites in the north-east, 131 (82 and 49) from 53 in the south-east and 70 (42 and 28) from 36 in the west. There were 25 reports of flocks involving 100 individuals or more, compared with 42 in 2016, but none with more than 300 individuals (see below). During the first winter period the most notable counts were:Blundeston: 150, Feb 2nd. Bramfield: Dews Farm, 300, Mar 13th. Wickhambrook: 250, Feb 28th.
Most birds had gone by mid-May, with a late sighting being of one at Sizewell on June 4th. Spring passage at Landguard was from February 12th to April 22nd with a maximum of three on April 14th. At Orfordness two birds on February 12th and one on April 9th were the only first winter records. In the second winter period, the first record was on August 28th at Wenhaston consisting of 21 birds, otherwise most birds were recorded in October throughout the county. Passage at Landguard lasted from October 19th to December 6th with a maximum of 21 on October 23rd. Orfordness had a poor second winter with just five birds on four dates from September 27th to November 12th. Notable second winter flocks were recorded as follows:Chelmondiston: Ling’s Lane, 150, Dec 15th. Long Melford: 273, Dec 28th.
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. Nationally, the Song Thrush seems to be arresting its 20th-century post-1940’s decline. Although the Bird Atlas 2007-11 gives a drop of 54% during 1995-2010, the U.K. Breeding Bird Survey showed a 16% increase between 2016 and 2017 and a 14% increase between 2006 and 2016. The Suffolk Breeding Bird Survey was also encouraging with 123 birds from 40 squares compared with 116 from 34 in 2016. The number of individuals reported was again the highest since the survey started in 1994 and the number of occupied 1km squares has increased after 145
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being stable for five years. The number of records received for this familiar garden bird was up on both 2015 and 2016 with 1046 from 201 sites compared with 525 from 116 in 2016. In the north-east, there were 594 records from 71 sites with a maximum of 34 at Corton on October 18th – presumably autumn passage birds. Fourteen breeding pairs were reported including eight at Sizewell SWT and two in Reydon Wood. In the south-east there were 406 records from 99 sites and the largest gathering was of 37 at Landguard on October 20th. The west produced 40 records from 31 sites, four of which confirmed breeding; a record of 24 at Sudbury on April 28th was the largest reported. Orfordness had a similar year to 2016 with up to three over spring, further sightings in May and juveniles trapped and ringed on two dates suggesting that breeding had taken place. There was just one record in June, but up to two birds present in July and August and small numbers in September and October with a high of 15 on October 6th. The last two months of the year produced similarly-small numbers. The 34 birds ringed was a rather disappointing annual total. At least two successfully overwintered at Landguard, with the oldest from March 2013. Spring passage was from March 11th to May 13th, with a maximum of six on April 2nd. Three pairs bred with limited success and the first juvenile was noted on June 4th. Autumn passage ran from September 15th to November 25th with a maximum of 37 on October 20th. REDWING Turdus iliacus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list. This attractive northern thrush was present in reasonable numbers in 2017 with 447 records from 149 sites, 192 of which were in the spring and 255 in the autumn. This compares with 181 spring and 213 autumn records in 2016. In the north-east of the county there were two spring counts of 100 or more including:-
Carlton Marshes: 930, Feb 27th, a pre-emigration gathering.
In the south-east there were no spring counts higher than 100. In the west there were five, including:Cavenham Heath: 150, Jan 3rd. Dalham: 250, Mar 14th.
A poor spring was again noted at Orfordness with only six sightings on four dates. At Landguard spring passage lasted from February 19th to April 5th with a maximum of 45 on March 9th. The last spring sighting was at Sutton Common on May 24th, slightly later than the last in the north-east at Thorpeness on May 13th and, in the west, one at Great Livermere on May 1st. In the north-east the first record of the autumn was of one at Minsmere on the early date of September 2nd. In the south-east, the earliest was of one at Blackheath, Friston on October 6th. On the following day, there was a western report of two at West Stow. There were 24 reports of migrant flocks during the second winter period involving 100+ birds, 14 more than in 2016. These included:-
Corton: 500, Oct 18th. Aldeburgh: 340, Oct 8th. Snape: 200, Oct 8th. Thetford: BTO Nunnery Reserve, 174, Nov 8th.
On Orfordness, birds were present from October 5th to November 19th, with a maximum of 50 on October 7th. The total of 59 birds ringed is the highest since 76 in 2005. At Landguard, autumn passage lasted from October 5th to December 12th, with a maximum of 70 on October 19th. MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Fairly common resident and scarce passage migrant. Red list (from Amber) The red-listed Mistle Thrush suffered a 5 % decline between 2016 and 2017 in the national Breeding Bird Survey. However, it is still fairly widespread in Suffolk and has a steady breeding 146
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status according to the Suffolk Bird Atlas 2007-2011. This is confirmed by the Breeding Bird Survey with 40 individuals from 19 1km. squares compared with 33 from 17 in 2016. Suffolk observers sent in 473 records from 175 sites compared with 278 from 116 sites in 2016. Breeding was reported from 26 sites, compared with 11 in 2016, but this is still probably a case of under-reporting. There were a few notable double-figure counts, including the following:Bures: 40, July 30th Culford Park: 20, June 25th
At Landguard there was one spring record and 14 in the autumn between October 16th and December 13th with a maximum of two on October 19th, November 15th and December 13th.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list. The first sighting came from Lakenheath Fen on May 4th followed by three reported from Denston, May 9th. There were three at Landguard on May 10th and 12th. A string of reports came on May 13th from Carlton Marshes, Southwold, Minsmere, Thorpeness, Orfordness and Landguard (three). Another three birds were also noted at Landguard on May 18th. During May there was seven reports from the north-east, eight sites in the south-east and 19 sites in the west. Breeding reports came from just three sites in the north-east, three in the south-east and 14 in the west. The west continues to be the stronghold for this species with 21 pairs and an additional eight possible breeding pairs which is a vast improvement over the 13 pairs in 2016. Therefore, the total of 27 confirmed breeding pairs remains the same as 2016. Post-breeding gatherings were noted at Creeting St Mary with five on July 27th, Brettenham, seven, June 17th and Hinderclay with six on August 4th. The graph below (when compared with species such as Chiffchaff), shows that Spotted Flycatchers arrived slightly later than normal and were reported well below the historical average for Suffolk, continuing there fall in numbers as a breeding species in the county.
The best of autumn passage was at Minsmere with three on August 31st and a late family party of four at Lakenheath Fen on September 2nd. Final reports came from Kirkley, Lowestoft on September 30th, Nunnery Lakes, Thetford, October 2nd and Shingle Street, October 3rd. The final report came from Furze Plantation, Corton, October 31st and November 1st (C Shaw), which is Suffolk’s latestever the previous having been in 1990 when one was at Shotley from October 27th to 29th. 147
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EUROPEAN ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Very common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. During the first winter period concentrations were noted at:-
Minsmere: 15, Jan 2nd. Sutton: Broxtead Estate, 16, Jan 30th; Common, 15, Feb 14th. Thetford: 17, Jan 24th. Elveden: Forest Centre, 15, Jan 3rd; 15, Jan 15th. Lackford Lakes: 18, Jan 17th. Gedding: Wentis Farm, 17, Feb 21st. Sudbury: 38, Mar 22nd; Common lands, 16, Jan 12th; 23, Mar 1st.
High spring counts were recorded from Alton Water with 24 on March 27th and at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford, with17 on April 14th. Spring passage at Landguard was noted from March 1st until May 2nd with a maximum of ten on March 21st. The BBS data show that Robins were found throughout the county with 319 individuals counted, up from 278 in 2016. Breeding pairs were reported from established sites:North Cove: seven. Reydon Wood: nine. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, 17. Darsham Marshes: seven. Sizewell SWT: 68. North Warren: 20. Lakenheath Fen: 15.
Three pairs bred at Landguard and the first juveniles were noted on May 16th. Dispersing juveniles from elsewhere arrived on site from then. Orfordness recorded its lowest ringing total for ten years with just 60 compared with 249 in 2016. During the autumn migration numbers peaked with 15 on Orfordness on September 27th Autumn passage at Landguard was from the end of July to November 12th with a maximum of 50 on October 19th. Field Note On July 7th at Ickworth Park an adult Robin was seen hovering and picking off Damselflies from lily pads on the canal. Colin Jakes COMMON NIGHTINGALE Luscinina megarhynchos Declining summer visitor and scarce passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). First noted at Nacton in the east of the county on April 9th followed by Alton Water, April 12th. The first in the north-east was at Hoist Covert, Walberswick on April 11th and then at Westleton on April 13th. In the west the first report did not come until April 17th from Berner’s Heath, Icklingham. Peak-April counts involved four on April 24th at Thorpeness, nine at Alton Water, April 17th, four North Warren, April 20th and six at Maidscross Hill, Lakenheath on April 30th. High counts during May were reported from Sutton Hoo with eight on May 6th, Bridge Wood, Nacton, eight, May 2nd and Cavenham Heath with four on May 16th. In the north-east this species was reported from 13 sites (17 in 2016) with key breeding territories at Dingle Marshes, Dunwich, four, Minsmere, 17 and North Warren with 20. Although widely reported in the east from 38 sites it is difficult to ascertain the breeding population. In the west a total of 14 sites (16 in 2016) reported with breeding confirmed only at Lackford SWT. Overall the total numbers of sites reporting this species was 65 which is well down from 84 in 2016. They were found in only three of the 49 BBS 1km squares. Autumn reports only came from Lakenheath Fen on August 7th and Landguard on August 13th and 14th. 148
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RED BREASTED FLYCATCHER Ficedula parva Rare passage migrant. The only report of the year was of a first-winter individual which was trapped, ringed and released on Orfordness on September 19th. Orfordness: Sep 19th (G Stannard, M Marsh et al.).
PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Fairly common passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). Another very poor spring for Suffolk with just one record which was recorded in the west of an individual at Cavenham Heath on April 29th. Autumn passage was also poor and involved just 12 reports with all but one on the coast and predominately from the north-east. An example of the poor year for this species was from Orfordness which posted no records in 2017. All records listed involve single birds:-
Lowestoft: Kirkley, Sep 17th; North Denes, Sep 17th; Ness Point, Sep 19th; Sparrows Nest, Sep 19th. Southwold: Sep 20th; Waters Course, Sep 22nd; Campsite, Sep 24th. Minsmere: Sep 26th. Sizewell Hall: Aug 8th. Thorpeness: Sep 18th. Landguard: Oct 9th. Thetford: Sep 28th.
The only autumn inland record was from Thetford on September 28th – the bird was, sadly, found dead, presumed to have been killed by a cat. RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL Tarsigier cyanurus Very rare visitor. Suffolk’s 13th record was at Lowestoft on November 7th and 8th. This is the first record in our county since 2013 and was also the second-latest for Suffolk, the latest having been at Landguard on November 14th 2011. Twelve of the 13 records have occurred since 2006.
Lowestoft: Nov 7th and 8th (AC Easton).
RED SPOTTED BLUETHROAT Luscinia svecica Rare passage migrant. A first-year male was trapped and ringed by the West Suffolk Birders Group inland at Lakenheath Fen on August 22nd. This is only the second record of either sub-species of Bluethroat in the west of the county. The first record was of a White-spotted Bluethroat at Barton Mills on the typically early date of March 16th in 1985. Lakenheath Fen: Aug 22nd (S Evans, West Suffolk Birders).
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros. Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. A few overwinter. Red list (from Amber). In the north-east, overwintering reports of singletons were noted at Bradwell, February 10th, Lowestoft Denes, February 10th, Ilketshall St Lawrence, February 16th and on several dates at Sizewell with a maximum of four on January 27th. In the south-east reports of individuals came from Iken, January 14th and Landguard, January 19th. Spring passage was first noted at Pakefield Cliff on March 1st and reported from a total of 21, mainly coastal, sites with the highest count being of three at Lowestoft North Denes on March 30th. Spring passage at Landguard was noted from March 11th until April 18th with a maximum of two on three dates. There was encouraging news concerning this species’ breeding status in Suffolk, with birds reported from nine sites (five in 2016) and the number of pairs up from five to ten. Three pairs successfully raised young at different sites in Lowestoft. A pair was seen regularly throughout the year at Sizewell Power Station but there was no confirmation of breeding. Landguard reported 149
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an adult on June 21st and sightings of juveniles on July 19th, 20th, 25th and August 7th indicated that breeding took place nearby. There was further good news in the west of the county with a total of five pairs at four sites, at least one of which bred successfully. There were just nine coastal sites recording autumn passage with no counts being higher than two. Late autumn and wintering reports came from Lowestoft, in the Ness Point and Hamilton Road area, of one or two from November 5th until the year’s end, Orfordness, November 11th, Hollesley Marshes/Prison with two on November 4th and one, November 6th, Landguard, December 12th and Stoke-by-Nayland from November 15th to 17th. COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. An average spring arrival was first noted in the west at The King’s Forest on April 7th followed by Carlton Marshes on April 10th and two on the same date at Landguard. Spring passage was recorded at five sites in the north-east, five in the south-east and five sites in the west involving mainly singles. Breeding, was confirmed at the following sites:Dunwich Forest: one. Minsmere: one. Staverton Park/Thicks: six. Woodbridge Airfield: one. Sutton and Hollesley Commons: five.
Possible breeding in the west:-
Icklingham: Deadman’s Grave, two males singing, Apr 29th. The King’s Forest: male singing, Apr 29th.
Although the total of breeding pairs is down to 14 from 19 in 2016 it is above the ten-year average of 11. A presumed wandering juvenile was reported from Sailor’s Path, Aldeburgh on June 10th. A total of 16, mainly coastal, sites plus two sites in the west saw autumn migration with the first at Lakenheath Fen where a juvenile was reported on July 29th. The main passage occurred from the third week of August with peak counts from Orfordness being three, September 3rd and three September 27th and four at Landguard, September 28th. It was last recorded in the west at BTO Nunnery Lakes, Thetford on August 14th with the final county report from Orfordness on October 24th. WHINCHAT Saxicola ruebetra. Declining passage migrant. Formerly bred. Red list (from Amber). It was an average spring passage with just a handful of records, and only one report from the west. All records are listed (singles unless stated):Corton: Old Sewage Works, male, May 9th; May 22nd. Carlton Marshes: Apr 29th; male, May 7th; May 9th and 10th. Covehithe: May 11th. Minsmere: Apr 23rd; male May 2nd to May 9th; two, May 10th. Orfordness: May 13th; May 20th. Landguard: Apr 24th, with spring passage up to May 15th and an additional two, May 17th. Lakenheath Fen: Apr 23rd.
Whilst spring passage for Whinchats was about normal, the autumn passage was well below the historical average due to a lack of favourable winds in the autumn, as echoed by the lower numbers of Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts during the same period. The graph below shows this. Autumn migration was first noted at Sutton Common where a male was present on July 25th followed by a singleton at Aldeburgh Marshes on July 31st and August 1st and then two there on August 2nd. Autumn passage at Landguard occurred on ten dates from August 19th to October 150
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12th, with a maximum three on September 2nd. Inland there were just two reports with a singleton at Lakenheath Fen/Washes, July 29th and two at BTO Nunnery Lakes, Thetford on August 16th. A total of 16, mainly coastal sites, reported this species during the autumn with peak counts noted from:Carlton Marshes: seven, Aug 31st. Aldeburgh Marshes: six, Aug 31st; nine, Sep 9th; six, Sep 26th. Orfordness: ten, Sep 3rd; this site reported a poor autumn ringing total of just eight birds.
The final report of the year came from Aldeburgh Marshes on October 21st.
EUROPEAN STONECHAT Saxicola rubicola Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. There was an abundance of reports of this sprightly “chat” during the first winter period with a total of 14 sites in the north-east, 23 in the south-east and nine in the west. Peak counts were noted from:Carlton Marshes: four, Feb 15th. North Cove: four, Jan 22nd. Walberswick: Dingle Marshes, five, Jan 9th. Snape Warren: four, Jan 12th. Lakenheath Fen: four, Jan 23rd.
Breeding was noted from a total of 38 sites in the county with 26 pairs in the north-east, 26 in the south-east and 51 in the west (27 in 2016) accumulating into a remarkable total of 103 pairs compared with 68 in 2016, which is a 63% increase. The key breeding sites were:Dunwich Heath: six. Minsmere: nine. Orfordness: six. Upper Hollesley Common: five. Sutton Common: five.
European Stonechat Richard Allen 151
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Berner’s Heath: 12. Thetford Forest (including The King’s Forest): 34.
The 34 in Thetford Forest is the highest-ever recorded from this site. It was also noted that in Thetford Forest a total of 56 adults and 111 young was colour-ringed during the course of 2017 (Rob Hoblyn) which indicates a very good breeding season for the Brecks. It should be borne in mind that some of these Stonechats would have been in Norfolk. Stonechats were widely reported during the second winter period with the best counts coming from:-
Breydon South Wall: three, Nov 21st. Carlton Marshes: five, Oct 13th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, four, Dec 23rd. Westleton Heath: five, Nov 19th. North Warren: six, Nov 23rd. Shingle Street: six, Oct 13th. Bawdsey: six, Oct 13th.
NORTHERN WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Common passage migrant and uncommon summer visitor. The arrival of this much-awaited species was first noted in the west of the county at Mildenhall Airfield, March 10th and then on Orfordness in the south-east on March 12th (four) followed by Kessingland, March 18th in the north-east. A trickle of records was reported during the rest of March with a peak count of six noted from Shingle Street on March 18th. The main passage began to materialise from mid-April with peak counts from:Benacre: eight, Apr 19th; nine, Apr 25th; Sluice, seven, Apr 21st; nine, Apr 23rd. Minsmere: eight, Apr 10th; seven, Apr 30th. Thorpeness Haven: 15, Apr 25th. Shingle Street: 14, Apr 14th. Landguard: 40, Apr 19th; 21, Apr 22nd; ten, Apr 24th. Lakenheath: Maidscross Hill, seven, Apr 21st; Lakenheath Warren, six, Apr 22nd. Cavenham Heath: six, Apr 26th.
Many of the birds in the list above are likely to have been of the Greenland race – see note below. During May, passage decreased considerably but was still widely recorded with the last reports from Timworth, May 19th and Links Road, Lowestoft, Bawdsey and Landguard jointly, May 21st. The west of the county did particularly well in 2017 with spring reports from 27 sites. Breeding was confirmed only from Orfordness NT once again with seven pairs, down from ten in 2016, with a minimum of eight fledging. Confirmed breeding in the Suffolk Breck last occurred in 2004 where estimates of the breeding population had been 800 pairs in 1949 and 54 pairs in 1976 (The Birds ofSuffolk,2003). Since 2004 the species’ only regular breeding locality in Suffolk has been Orfordness although single pairs bred at nearby Shingle Street and Sutton Common in 2011 and again at Shingle Street in 2015. Early autumn passage was noted with singles at Havergate on July 18th, Thorpeness Haven, July 28th, Benacre Sluice, July 31st and Aldeburgh Marshes, July 31st. Peak counts in August were noted from:Kessingland: Dunes, six, Aug 22nd. Benacre Sluice: five, Aug 25th. Landguard: six, Aug 23rd.
During September autumn migration was seen mostly in the east at the beginning and end of the month, Lowestoft North Denes: five, Sep 6th; eight, Sep 27th; five, Sep 28th. Aldeburgh Marshes: five, Sep 12th; six, Sep 26th. Orfordness: 18, Sep 2nd. Landguard: 12, Sep 1st; 12, Sep 4th; eight, Sep 29th; 20, Sep 30th. Thetford: BTO Nunnery Lakes, five, Sep 21st. 152
Systematic List
An unexpected autumn report came from Pipps Ford on September 19th. The final sightings of the year were at Benacre Sluice on October 29th and Landguard on October 31st. Greenland Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa A good spring passage was noted for this sub-species in the coastal belt with a peak count of 19 recorded from Shingle Street on April 18th (16 males and three females). Landguard stalwart Nigel Odin writing in Suffolk Birds 1992 (pages 153 and 154) revealed that of 306 Wheatears trapped at that site between 1983 and 1991, as many as 44% of spring birds were definitely of the Greenland race. HEDGE ACCENTOR (DUNNOCK) Prunella modularis Very common resident and fairly common passage migrant. Amber list. High counts during the first winter period came from Sproughton with 12 on January 25th and Lackford Lakes with ten on January 27th. During the spring high counts were noted at Shingle Street with 20, May 1st, Landguard, 12, March 14th and 20, April 4th, Alton Water, 19, March 27th and Honington with 20 on May 25th. Breeding data were received from Sizewell SWT with 42 pairs, Orfordness seven or eight pairs and Landguard, 12 to 15 pairs. The table of ringing totals on Orfordness over the last ten years, showing a slight decrease this year but still close to the previous few years with only 2010 being significantly higher. 2008 16
2009 37
2010 93
2011 30
2012 18
2013 39
2014 39
2015 37
2016 35
2017 29
Lackford posted low breeding results with 16 adults and 17 juveniles trapped and ringed during May to August. The BBS data show that Dunnock were in 39 of the 49 1km squares with 151 individuals recorded (153 in 2009), the same as in 2015. Landguard recorded autumn passage from September 2nd to November 11th with a maximum of 20 on eight dates. Elsewhere 12 were noted at Shingle Street on October 15th and October 20th with nine recorded at Lakenheath Fen on November 16th. HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Common but declining resident. Red List. There were 302 records from 84 sites noted across the county; this is a considerable increase from previous years when this species has been ignored or under-recorded; typically, as when once-common birds become scarcer they tend to attract more attention from observers. Breeding was recorded at Landguard where 30 pairs nested around the Cottage and the Fort, the same as in the previous two years. They were recorded in 24 of the 49 BBS squares, similar to recent years, and 274 were counted, again similar to recent years. Flocks of 40 or more birds were recorded at the following sites:-
Gorleston Cliffs: 40, Aug 24th. Southwold: 50, July 14th; 80, July 26th. Landguard: 120, Aug 7th; 60, Aug 23rd; 40, Sep 25th to 28th. Trimley St Martin: 43, Aug 1st; 65, Oct 5th. Rickinghall: 45, Apr 16th. Higham St Mary: 40, Mar 25th. Great Waldingfield: 50, Aug 25th. Sudbury: 70, Jan 16th; 115, Mar 30th; 60, Aug 6th. Haverhill: Hanchett, 42, July 22nd; 53, Dec 10th.
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TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Uncommon and declining resident. Scarce passage migrant. Red List. For the second year running there was a reduction in the number of both records and sites, with 69 records (79 in 2016, 84 in 2015, 72 in 2014 and 47 in 2013) from 18 sites (26 in 2016, 33 in 2015, 28 in 2014 and 18 in 2013). Few records of over three birds were recorded in the north-east and southeast of the county. Significant numbers were reported from Ampton in the west where winter feeding is undertaken. Peak counts throughout the county were:-
Lowestoft: Links Road, five, Sep 9th. Tree Sparrows Ed Keeble Reydon Smear: four, Jan 28th; six, Feb 5th. Landguard: four, Sep 1st – lowest-ever autumn total at this site. Knettishall Heath: up to 16 between Jan 10th and 19th. Fornham St Martin: Hall Farm, nine, Mar 10th; up to 30 between July 26th and Dec 26th. Ampton: 100, Jan 14th; 150 to 280 between July 22nd and Dec 29th. Timworth: up to four between Jan 2nd and July 30th; up to ten between Sep 5th and Oct 8th. Livermere Lake: 13, Aug 2nd; 47, Aug 17th. Lackford: Cavenham Road, up to 17 between Jan 1st and Feb 21st. Tuddenham St Mary: eight, Sep 2nd; ten, Dec 24th. Barnham: Rymer Point: eight, Sep 29th. Mildenhall Fen: 16 to 62 between Nov 30th and Dec 31st.
Breeding was recorded at three main sites. A total of c100 young fledged at Ampton, 17 nestlings were ringed at Bowbeck, Bardwell and 154 nestlings were ringed in nest boxes at Mildenhall Fen. Breeding was also recorded at Fornham St Martin and Tuddenham St Mary.
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava flavissima Rapidly declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list. There were 285 records (188 in 2016, 184 in 2015 and 290 in 2015) from 74 sites (59 in 2016, 75 in 2015 and 83 in 2015). The first bird of the year was at Minsmere on April 2nd. Spring migration at Landguard involved only 17 birds between April 7th and May 25th much lower than the 83 birds recorded in spring 2016 at this site. There were no records of breeding received by the north-east and south-east recorders. In the west, however, there was confirmed breeding at Knettishall Airfield and Cavenham with probable breeding at Higham St Mary, Lakenheath and Stradishall Airfield. There were ten counts of ten or more birds:Burgh Castle: 40 roosting, Apr 14th; ten, July 20th. Minsmere: 12 to 25 between Aug 16th and 25th. Bawdsey: 30 to 35 between Aug 26th and 28th. Mildenhall Fen: ten, Apr 30th.
Autumn migration at Landguard involved a total of 68 birds between July 16th and October 3rd; this is well down from the 241 recorded in autumn 2016. Blue-headed Wagtail M.f. flava Uncommon passage migrant. Amber list. Single birds were noted in the spring at four sites (six in 2016, four in 2015 and six in 2014):-
Carlton Marshes: Apr 23rd; May 13th.
154
Systematic List Southwold: May 7th and 8th. Hollesley Marshes: Apr 7th, 8th and 12th. Trimley Marshes: May 9th.
CITRINE WAGTAIL Motacilla citreola Very rare visitor. Suffolk’s sixth record was a well-watched bird at Minsmere in September. Minsmere: juvenile, Sep 9th to 16th (M L Cornish).
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Fairly common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Red list (from Amber). This colourful bird continues to be well-observed and was recorded from 136 sites (126 in 2016, 141 in 2015, 128 in 2014, 114 in 2013 and 91 in 2012) of which few held more than two birds. Breeding was confirmed at six sites (12 in 2016) in the west of the county with a further four sites (seven in 2016) indicating probable breeding. Some of the records below are presumably of migrants with a number being the same birds:Pakefield Cliffs: five, Oct 15th. Worlingham: Marsh Lane, four, Oct 6th. Landguard: six, Sep 9th; four, Sep 14th; four, Oct 9th (see below). Flatford: four, Apr 12th. Sproughton: six, Apr 1st. Pipps Ford: six, July 9th. Needham Market: Sewage Works, ten, June 20th. Stowmarket: Sewage Works, four, Jan 24th. Sudbury: four, Oct 20th. Great Cornard: four, Apr 28th.
A bird trapped on Orfordness on October 9th is the first to be ringed at this site. Return migration at Landguard involved 96 birds between August 18th and November 19th (132 in autumn 2016). PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Very common resident, passage migrant and winter and summer visitor. Green List (from Amber). This species is widely distributed in the county. Both the number of records and number of sites were considerably up from the previous two years and mirrored closely those of 2014 with 498 records (53 in 2016, 89 in 2015, 584 in 2014, 323 in 2013 and 133 in 2012) from 82 sites (26 in 2016, 41 in 2015, 87 in 2014, 91 in 2013 and 56 in 2012). Breeding records came from across the county. They were recorded in 24 of the 49 BBS squares, similar to recent years and 49 individuals were counted (51 in 2016, 55 in 2015). Significant counts across the county were:Gorleston: 70, Oct 24th. Oulton Broad: 100, Mar 5th; 50, Oct 6th; 92, Oct 19th. Sotterley Park: 200, Nov 13th. Chillesford: 50, Jan 9th; 150, Jan 29th; 70, Dec 23rd; 90, Dec 24th. Hollesley Marshes: 85, Oct 17th. Bawdsey: 60, Aug 26th; 80, Oct 12th. Wickham Market: Sewage Works, 80, Jan 17th. Witnesham: 55, Mar 1st. Needham Market: Sewage Works, 120, Jan 10th; 50, Sep 19th. Stowmarket: Sewage Works, 150, Jan 24th. Long Melford: Sewage Works, 62, Jan 14th; 50, Jan 29th; 73, Dec 25th. Great Livermere: 70, Jan 21st. Bardwell: Bowbeck, 50, Jan 1st.
Autumn passage at Landguard was noted from September 20th to November 6th with 179 recorded and a maximum of 19 south on October 3rd. This is a big increase compared with 155
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
autumn 2016 when only 51 were recorded at Landguard. On Orfordness breeding was confirmed for the third year running. White Wagtail M.a. alba Fairly common passage migrant. Amber list. There were 63 records (46 in 2016, 74 in 2015, 55 in 2014, 64 in 2013 and 38 in 2012) from a total of 22 sites (30 in 2016, 34 in 2015, 31 in 2014, 29 in 2013 and 20 in 2012); this species is always recorded predominately on spring passage with few autumn records. There were six records of four birds or more as follows:Corton: seven, Mar 25th and 26th. Lowestoft Denes: four, Mar 30th. Benacre: nine, Mar 30th; five, Apr 25th. Covehithe Broad five, Mar 15th (the first spring records). Minsmere: four, Sep 2nd.
RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi Rare visitor. A single bird was recorded on the south side of the River Orwell at Wade’s Lane, Shotley and Pin Mill, Chelmondiston in late November/early December, the fourth Suffolk record of a mid-winter bird. It is the first December record since 2007 when one was on Orfordness, December 23rd – this bird being relocated early in 2008 at Shingle Street where it remained from January 6th to 23rd. Chelmondiston: photo, Nov 25th to Dec 8th.
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Declining summer visitor and passage migrant. Red list. There were 62 records (41 in 2016, 70 in 2015, 90 in 2014 and 53 in 2013) from 35 sites (23 in 2016, 38 in 2015, 39 in 2014 and 27 in 2013), a significant increase in both records and sites from the previous year. In the north-east and south-east of the county, there was no sign of breeding with most of the records being of single birds, with one exception:Landguard: two, Oct 9th.
The picture in the west of the county was again significantly different with the majority of birds recorded in The King’s Forest (all sections) with the first of the year on the very early date of March 26th, the earliest since 2000 when one was at Minsmere, March 25th. There have been six March records this century. Multiple counts were as follows:Cavenham: six, Apr 7th. The King’s Forest (Central): 13, Apr 20th; five, Apr 22nd; three, May 21st; two July 7th. The King’s Forest (North-east): three, May 11th. The King’s Forest (North-west): eight, Apr 11th; 15, Apr 20th; 16, Apr 28th. The King’s Forest (South-east): two, Apr 20th. The King’s Forest (North Stow): three, Apr 24th. Parsonage Heath: two, Apr 11th and July 13th. Thetford Forest: two, May 27th; four, June 8th. Thetford Heath: three, May 9th. Santon Downham: two, May 7th.
Breeding was confirmed in Thetford Forest where 30 nests were found and monitored with 71 young ringed. It was recorded that of 21 birds tagged with geolocators in 2016, eight returned and four tags were recovered (N Burton). MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. As with a number of other species the number of records and sites returned to 2014 levels. There were 507 records (85 in 2016, 77 in 2015 and 424 in 2014) from 98 sites (37 in 2016, 35 156
Systematic List
in 2015 and 89 in 2014). Significant counts of passage birds were reported from coastal sites:Corton: 222, Sep 23rd; 444, Sep 30th. Carlton Marshes: 100, Sep 19th. Southwold: 50, Sep 7th. Snape: Maltings, 40, Oct 15th. Minsmere: 300, Sep 30th; 100, Oct 26th. Hollesley Marshes: 40, Sep 28th. Shingle Street: 50 to 90 between Sep 16th and Oct 23rd. Sutton: 43, Jan 30th. Bawdsey: 125, Sep 23rd. Landguard: 40 to 67 between Sep 16th and Oct 23rd.
Significant inland counts were:-
Stoke-by-Nayland: Withermarsh Green, 70, Nov 16th. Knettishall Heath: 40, Jan 18th. Cavenham Heath: 45, Jan 2nd.
This is a common bird on Orfordness where the estimated breeding population was between 34 and 38 pairs (27 to 32 pairs in 2016). A further 16 pairs were recorded along “The Point” up from six pairs in 2013 when this area was last surveyed. Of the 700 birds ringed in 2017, the highest annual total since 2007, the bulk of the autumn passage occurred in September with 577 ringed that month and 250 seen on 30th. Autumn passage at Landguard was from August 31st until December 14th with a total of 2138 birds including a maximum one-day-count of 293 south on October 4th. There was no breeding recorded on site for the second year running. RED-THROATED PIPIT Very rare visitor.
Anthus cervinus
Landguard: first-winter, Sep 27th to 30th, first site record (W J Brame, N Odin, S Piotrowski et al.).
For so many birders the one that had always eluded them in Suffolk, making it for many ‘the bird of the year’. Just a couple of quick ‘psshiihs’ or ‘tsweeeps’ and that was it! See the article on this bird at the front of this bird report. (see page 44) This is the fifth Suffolk record, the previous four having been in 1982, 1992, 2000 and 2001. ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. There were 167 records (128 in 2016, 122 in 2015 and 161 in 2014) from 42 coastal sites (45 in 2016, 50 in 2015 and 50 in 2014). During the first winter period there were numerous reports of up to four birds with higher counts at only four sites:-
Aldeburgh Marshes: six, Mar 3rd; ten, Mar 6th and 10th; 15, Mar 12th. Havergate: 12, Jan 19th. Hollesley Marshes: six, Jan 11th. Levington Marina: five, Jan 7th.
There were 18 recorded on the Deben Estuary on January 15th during the monthly WeBS count. During the second winter period reports of up to four birds continued with seven sites recording higher counts:-
Breydon South Wall: five, Nov 21st. Aldeburgh Marshes: 12, Dec 2nd. Slaughden: eight, Oct 26th; 12, Nov 11th; six, Dec 16th. Havergate Island: five, Nov 19th. Bawdsey: five, Nov 11th. Waldringfield: seven, Oct 8th. Landguard: six, Oct 9th. 157
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On Orfordness birds were present between January 1st and March 19th with a maximum count of 20 on February 5th. The first birds returned on September 23rd and were present until the end of the year with a maximum count of 15 on November 19th. At Landguard, 104 were logged during autumn compared with 83 in 2016. WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. There were 116 reports (72 in 2016, 52 in 2015 and 45 in 2014) from 18 sites (19 in 2016, 19 in 2015 and 25 in 2014) mostly of one to three birds. Records of four or more birds were as follows:Carlton Marshes: up to seven between Jan 1st and Apr 15th; up to five between Oct 15th and Dec 25th. Orfordness: four, Mar 5th. Lakenheath Fen: five, Jan 17th.
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Very common resident, winter visitor and passage migrant. Categories A and E. After two poor years of recording, the figures returned to the 2014 level with 709 records of this common bird (27 in 2016, 60 in 2015 and 1004 in 2014) from 135 sites (19 in 2016, 40 in 2015 and 144 in 2014). Breeding data were patchy, to say the least. However, 92 breeding pairs were counted at Sizewell Belts. They were found in 48 of the 49 BBS squares with 329 birds counted (297 in 2016, 427 in 2015). Reasonable-sized flocks of 50 or more were reported from 14 sites, a considerable increase from the 2016 total of four sites:Corton Cliffs: 136, Oct 26th. Gunton Cliffs: 160, Oct 23rd. Hazlewood Marshes: 75, Aug 1st. Minsmere: 100, Oct 26th; 50, Nov 8th. Boyton: 50, Jan 3rd. Boyton Marshes: 60, Dec 30th. Upper Hollesley Common: 200, Mar 4th. Sutton Common: 75, Jan 26th. Bawdsey: 75, Nov 11th. Stutton: 50, Jan 4th. Stoke-by Nayland: 130, Nov 16th; Gifford’s Hall, 100, Feb 10th. Knettishall Heath: 150, Jan 8th; 220, Jan 12th. Cavenham: 50, Jan 3rd and 4th; 100, Jan 18th.
On Orfordness only four birds were ringed, this being the lowest total since 2008. Autumn migration at Landguard was between September 20th and December 1st with totals of four north and 1109 south/in off (only 375 in 2016) and a maximum day-count of 85 south on October 24th. BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant. Another average year with 207 reports (197 in 2016, 181 in 2015, 200 in 2014 and 201 in 2013) from 77 sites (84 in 2016, 84 in 2015, 108 in 2014 and 86 in 2013). There were 16 records of 20 or more birds, a small increase in number from the previous year:-
Carlton Marshes: 35, Oct 26th. Boyton: 100, Jan 3rd. Boyton Marshes: 90, Jan 2nd; 20, Jan 5th. Hollesley Commons: 100, Mar 4th. Ampton: 200, Feb 15th (with the Tree Sparrows). King’s Forest (Central): 90, Apr 7th. King’s Forest (North-west): 120, Jan 10th; 110, Jan 21st. 158
Systematic List King’s Forest (South-west): 40, Jan 7th. Cavenham Heath: 25, Apr 4th. Icklingham: Berner’s Heath, 70, Feb 25th. Brandon CP: 45, Jan 21st. Santon Downham: 30, Apr 1st; 20, Apr 13th. Lakenheath Fen: 50, Feb 15th.
The first returning bird in the autumn on Orfordness was on September 27th. The ringing total of nine, which exceeded that of Chaffinches, is the best since 2010. A small autumn passage at Landguard was recorded from September 27th to November 24th with a total of 35 birds noted, significantly fewer than the previous two years (69 in 2016, 151 in 2015). EUROPEAN SERIN Serinus serinus Rare migrant. Amber list. Details of only a single bird were submitted to SORC, one well inland in Bury St Edmunds. This is only the second record for west Suffolk, the first being of a pair frequenting an area of suitable breeding habitat at Mildenhall, June 14th to 20th 1987. Bury St Edmunds: June 3rd (S Evans).
EUROPEAN GREENFINCH Chloris chloris Very common, but apparently declining, resident and passage migrant. Categories A and E. British subspecies C. c. harrisoni is on Red List. After two poorly-recorded years, figures were back to expected numbers with 345 reports (35 in 2016, 44 in 2015, 482 in 2014 and 321 in 2013) from 116 sites (23 in 2016, 31 in 2015, 89 in 2014 and 99 in 2013). However, ringing totals for the past six years at Orfordness again show a worrying decline in numbers, perhaps again reflecting the damaging effects of aflatoxins on this species’ populations. They were recorded in 24 of the 49 county-wide BBS squares compared with 23 in 2016 but 33 in 2015. The number counted was also down with 83 compared with 100 in 2016 and 109 in 2015. Orfordness ringing totals for last six years:2012 103
2013 5
2014 4
2015 39
2016 24
2017 19
Counts of 50 or more birds were recorded as follows:-
Bradwell: New Road, 70, Jan 7th; 60, Jan 13th; 70, Dec 18th. Minsmere: 200, Oct 10th; 275, Oct 23rd. Ipswich: 50, Feb 11th. Stour Estuary: Seafield Bay, 92, Oct 23rd. Ampton: 50, Sep 15th. West Stow CP: 100, Oct 28th. Brandon CP: 50, Nov 26th. Santon Downham: 70, Dec 24th. Chilton: 50, Nov 24th.
The autumn passage at Landguard totalled 453 (only 71 in 2016) from September 22nd to November 10th, with a maximum of 59 south on October 14th. EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Overwinters in small numbers. After two poorly recorded years figures were back to expected numbers with 773 records (51 in 2016, 82 in 2015, 893 in 2014, 590 in 2013 and 249 in 2012) from 155 sites (35 in 2016, 45 in 2015, 128 in 2014, 134 in 2013 and 68 in 2012). Spring passage at Landguard was of 74 south 159
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
between March 9th and June 4th. Goldfinches were found in 39 of the 49 BBS squares (37 in 2016, 33 in 2015) with a total of 255 counted (163 in 2016, 199 in 2015). In the 1994 BBS there were 99 counted and only 82 in 1995. Counts of 100 or more birds were recorded as follows, probably all referring to passage birds:Corton: 381, Sep 30th; 242, Oct 14th. Gunton Cliffs: 239, Oct 23rd. Pakefield Cliffs: 193, Oct 21st. Minsmere: 400, Oct 10th; 110, Oct 22nd; 150, Oct 26th. Aldeburgh: 300, Oct 21st. Shingle Street: 250, Sep 30th; 120, Oct 23rd. Bawdsey: 1275, Oct 14th. Landguard: 1420, Oct 9th; 2310, passage and grounded birds, Oct 22nd. Trimley St Martin: Loompit Lake, 100, Oct 10th.
Autumn movement at Landguard involved a very impressive total of 22984 south from September 6th to December 3rd with a maximum day-count, all going south, in October of 1895 on 16th. This is the highest autumn total at Landguard since 1983 when 24275 were recorded – this finch is obviously doing very well at present as illustrated by the BBS figures. EURASIAN SISKIN Spinus spinus Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Formerly bred. There were 197 records (143 in 2016, 183 in 2015, 108 in 2014 and 206 in 2013) from 68 sites (52 in 2016, 69 in 2015, 44 in 2014 and 74 in 2013). Spring passage at Landguard involved 97 south between February 19th and April 13th. Counts of 100 or more birds were recorded as follows:-
Gunton Cliffs: passage birds, 170, Oct 23rd; 138, Oct 25th. Worlingham Marshes: 100, Mar 22nd. Minsmere: 100, Jan 19th and 23rd; 100 between Dec 5th and 24th. Purdis Farm: Ipswich Golf Club, 120, Dec 21st. Lackford Lakes: 100, Jan 11th; 100, Dec 3rd. Thetford BTO: 100, Nov 29th; 120, Dec 15th. Santon Downham: 100, Mar 13th.
Autumn passage at Landguard involved a total of 419 (only 177 in autumn 2016) from September 12th to December 4th with a maximum day-count of 42 south on October 23rd. COMMON LINNET Linaria cannabina Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Overwinters in small numbers. Red List. This species saw a significant increase in both records and sites with 620 records (87 in 2016, 101 in 2015, 521 in 2014, 359 in 2013 and 184 in 2012) from 126 sites (49 in 2016, 61 in 2015, 109 in 2014, 116 in 2013 and 82 in 2012), with sizeable flocks in both winters. In the BBS, Linnets were recorded in 31 of the squares with 162 birds counted. Both BBS figures for this species have been fairly consistent over the last 20 years. Significant flocks throughout the year were reported from the following sites, excluding Orfordness and Landguard:Barnby Marshes: 100, Apr 1st. Southwold: Town Marshes, 120, Dec 12th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, 200, Nov 18th; 120, Nov 19th. Minsmere: 100, May 19th. Boyton Marshes: 150 to 600 between Jan 3rd and Feb 5th. Bawdsey: 80, Sep 2nd. Ramsholt: 600, Dec 26th. Trimley Marshes: 75, Aug 20th; 120, Oct 21st; 164, Oct 22nd. Chelmondiston: 100, Sep 2nd. Needham Market Lake: 200, Dec 24th. Stoke-by-Nayland: 250, Nov 16th. 160
Systematic List Bardwell: 200, Dec 22nd. Hinderclay: 100, Jan 7th; 100, Nov 2nd; 120, Nov 24th. Wortham: 75, Feb 12th. Knettishall Airfield: 120, Jan 14th; 100, Sep 17th. Ixworth Thorpe: 100, Oct 9th. Timworth: 100, Oct 8th. Livermere Lake: 76, Jan 16th; 260 to 500 between Nov 19th and Dec 24th. Lackford: 300, Nov 11th; Bunker’s Barn, 150, Jan 14th. Tuddenham St Mary: 75, Dec 24th. Cavenham: 500, Jan 2nd; 700, Jan 22nd and 28th; Cavenham Heath; 100, Sep 14th; 150, Oct 16th; 300, Nov 11th.
On Orfordness flocks of 70 to 210 birds were seen throughout the year with an estimated breeding population of 12 to 15 pairs. As in the previous two years up to 50 pairs bred at Landguard with several more nearby. Autumn passage numbers at Landguard improved on the previous few years with a total of 2857 south between October 2nd and November 4th and a maximum day-total of 250 south on October 23rd. The 2857 is the highest autumn total at Landguard since 2004 when 3232 were recorded.
TWITE Linaria flavirostris Declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Red List. There were 32 records from six sites. As in the previous year, the highest counts came from Dingle Marshes. There were first winter reports as follows:Southwold: Woodsend Marshes, 20, Feb 20th. Walberswick: Tinker’s Marshes, 12, Jan 5th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, up to 55 between Jan 2nd and 29th. Minsmere: Jan 16th.
There were second winter reports as follows:-
Covehithe: seven, Oct 10th; two, Oct 17th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, up to 60, between Oct 12th and Dec 26th. Minsmere: Oct 10th to 12th. Orfordness: 20, Dec 24th.
There have been no reports of Twite at Landguard since 2014.
LESSER REDPOLL Acanthis cabaret Declining winter visitor and passage migrant. Probably extinct as a breeding species. Red List. Both the number of records and sites continue to fluctuate year by year with 155 records (155 in 2016, 197 in 2015, 108 in 2014 and 175 in 2013) from 84 sites (74 in 2016, 82 in 2015, 59 in 2014 and 80 in 2013). The significant counts in the first winter period were:Westleton Heath: 60, Feb 25th. Wangford Woods: 100, Jan 8th. Mayday Farm: 40, Jan 29th. Barnham: 100, Jan 8th. Thetford Forest: High Lodge, 50, Apr 2nd. The King’s Forest (North-west): 150, Jan 29th; 100, Feb 25th; 40, Apr 7th. Lakenheath Fen: 40, Apr 7th.
There was a similar number of reports in the second winter period most of which probably refer to autumn passage birds:Gunton Cliffs: 139, Oct 23rd. Kessingland Cliffs: 49, Sep 30th. Minsmere: 50, Sep 30th; 40, Oct 14th. Thorpeness: Haven, 100, Oct 9th; 200, Oct 26th. Aldeburgh: 60, Oct 21st.
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Orfordness: 85, Sep 30th; 55, Oct 8th. Bawdsey: 70, Oct 23rd; 45, Oct 25th; 100, Oct 26th. Landguard: 123, Oct 22nd; 280, Oct 23rd. Bures St Mary/Nayland: Arger Fen, 120, Oct 19th.
Autumn passage at Landguard was considerably higher than in the previous four years and involved 1236 (presumably with some Mealys or other Redpoll sp. amongst them) from September 26th to November 29th with a maximum of 280 south on October 23rd. This is the highest autumn total at Landguard since 2008 when 1520 were recorded.
MEALY (COMMON) REDPOLL Acanthis flammea Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. The number of records was similar to the previous year but with a reduced number of sites with 25 records (24 in 2016, three in 2015, 26 in 2014, 31 in 2013 and nine in 2012) from 12 sites (18 in 2016, three in 2015, 12 in 2014, 17 in 2013 and seven in 2012). Two or more birds were reported from only five sites:Blyth Estuary: five, Jan 18th. Holton: Pits, eight, Nov 7th. Minsmere: four, Feb 21st. Friston: Hazlewood Common, up to three between Nov 28th and Dec 29th. Culford Park: two, Jan 18th.
‘COUE’S ARCTIC REDPOLL’ Acanthis hornemanni exilipes Very rare winter visitor. There was a single record during the year, the bird flocking with Lesser and Mealy Redpolls. It remained well into 2018 and showed well for many visiting birders. Friston: Hazlewood Common, Nov 28th into 2018 (M L Cornish et al.).
COMMON CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra Locally common resident and irruptive visitor. The number of records and sites of this species was very similar to the previous year with 59 records (50 in 2016, 54 in 2015, 70 in 2014, 119 in 2013 and 223 in 2012) from 31 sites (26 in 2016, 33 in 2015, 23 in 2014, 47 in 2013 and 79 in 2012). Flock sizes were down with only one site recording ten or more birds:Upper Hollesley Common: ten, May 23rd.
PARROT CROSSBILL Loxia pytyopsittacus Rare winter visitor. There were flocks at either end of the county from November into 2018. The Hollesley birds, which roamed the Commons during the day, were faithful to a certain group
Parrot Crossbills Richard Allen 162
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of trees and a drinking pool, arriving close to 15:00hr most afternoons. The Santon Downham birds were seen on both sides of the river. Upper Hollesley Common: six, photographed, Nov 26th to end Dec (J Richardson). Santon Downham: 38+ photographed, Nov 25th into 2018 – the largest total ever recorded in Suffolk (R Allen et al.).
COMMON ROSEFINCH Carpodacus erythina Rare passage migrant. Has bred. There were no submitted records of this species in 2017. COMMON BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Common but declining resident. Amber List. This popular species continues to be widely reported with 379 records (282 in 2016, 477 in 2015, 508 in 2014 and 299 in 2013) from 150 sites (99 in 2016, 158 in 2015, 186 in 2014 and 145 in 2013). Bullfinches were recorded in eight of the 49 BBS squares compared with 11 in the previous two years and 16 individuals were counted. 14 sites recorded over five birds (ten in 2016, 14 in 2015), these being:-
Weston: Cucumber Lane, six, Jan 2nd. Minsmere: six, Nov 11th to Dec 30th. Badingham: 11, Feb 4th. Thorpeness: seven, Sep 26th. Sutton: 12, Jan 30th. Pipps Ford: four to six, Oct 5th to Dec 16th. Stoke-by-Nayland: eight, Nov 16th; Thorington Street, eight, Jan 16th. Bures St Mary/Nayland: Arger Fen: six, Feb 16th. Cornard Mere: six, Dec 19th. Clare Castle CP: eight, Nov 24th. Hinderclay: six, Nov 2nd. Thurston: Grove Farm, seven, Nov 7th; nine, Nov 30th. Thetford BTO: seven, Dec 21st.
“Northern Bullfinch” P. p. pyrrhula Rare visitor. Southwold: two, Oct 26th (B Small).
These are the first recorded in Suffolk since 2011.
HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Uncommon resident and rare passage migrant. Red List. Birds of this increasingly-scarce species were reported from 16 sites (four in 2016, four in 2015, four in 2014, seven in 2013 and four in 2012) from across the county. The main reason for the increase was the huge invasion into England, in late autumn, especially into the southern counties. These birds left the Continent after poor harvests had left a scarcity of fruits and nuts. However, while some counties saw hundreds of visiting birds, Suffolk received relatively few, exciting as the phenomenon was! The following records are of single birds except where indicated:Corton Cliffs: Oct 16th. Kessingland Cliffs: Oct 22nd. Beccles: Nov 17th. Mutford: Nov 5th; Nov 15th. Sotterley Park: Feb 5th to 22nd; up to seven, Nov 2nd to Dec 16th. Thorpeness: two, Oct 19th. Little Stonham: Oct 22nd and 23rd. 163
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Culpho: 30, Nov 21st (AV Moon, R Snook). Bawdsey: up to three, Oct 23rd to 30th. Flatford: Dec 18th. Bury St Edmunds: two, May 6th. Thetford BTO: Jan 8th; Sep 24th. Santon Downham: four, Feb 25th; Mar 2nd. Brandon: two, Oct 23rd; Oct 31st. Lakenheath Fen: three, Oct 29th.
The 30 at Culpho on November 21st is the largest flock in Suffolk since 1997 when up to 40 were at Barnham Cross Common on February 19th. SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Locally common winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. There was an increase in the numbers of both records and sites in 2016. There were 121 records (60 in 2016, 86 in 2015 and 173 in 2014) from one inland and 31 coastal sites (22 in 2016, 21 in 2015 and 33 in 2014). Significant coastal flocks were very mobile and duplication of recording must be assumed; peak totals were seen at:-
Gorleston: 13, Dec 17th; 11, Dec 30th. Breydon South Wall: ten, Nov 21st. Kessingland: 20, Dec 29th. Benacre Broad: 12, Dec 30th. Dunwich: Dingle Marshes, up to 30, Oct 27th to Dec 30th. Thorpeness: nine to 12, Jan 1st to Feb 3rd; 11 to 40, Nov 22nd to Dec 23rd. Slaughden: 16, Jan 7th; up to 36, Dec 22nd to 31st. Cavenham: Jan 2nd (C Gregory) and Jan 9th (C Jakes), presumed to be the bird first noted at this site on Dec 31st 2016.
LAPLAND LONGSPUR Calcarius lapponicus Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Amber list. 2016 was a very poor year for this species in the county with only six records (30 in 2016, 14 in 2015, seven in 2014 and 16 in 2013) from six sites (17 in 2016, ten in 2015, seven in 2014 and ten in 2013) with no first winter records. Corton: Old Sewage Works, Oct 8th. Kessingland: two, Oct 20th to 22nd. Reydon: Easton Marshes, Nov 5th. Slaughden: Dec 24th. Orfordness: Oct 21st. Landguard: Nov 5th; Nov 18th.
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Common but declining resident and passage migrant. Red List. After the reduction in both the number of records and sites for the past two years, both were back to 2014 levels with 208 records (44 in 2016, 70 in 2015 and 189 in 2014) from 78 sites (33 in 2016, 40 in 2015 and 81 in 2014). They were recorded in 30 of the 49 BBS squares which is similar to recent years. A total of 138 was counted in the BBS, again similar to recent years (27 squares and 131 birds in 2015). As in recent years most of the larger gatherings came from the west of the county. Counts of 25 or more were:-
Hinderclay: 30, Jan 7th; 30, Nov 9th; 44, Nov 20th. Knettishall: 80, Jan 8th; 70, Nov 19th. Icklingham: Berner’s Heath, 50, Jan 3rd. Bures St Mary/Nayland: Arger Fen, 30, Nov 1st. Boxford: 30, Nov 3rd.
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Systematic List Great Waldingfield: 45, Sep 27th. Lidgate: 34, June 27th. Haverhill: 200, Feb 5th.
ORTOLAN BUNTING Emberiza hortulana Rare passage migrant. There were records from two coastal sites of this species. At Landguard the bird was seen to fly from within the Obs at 09:30hr before briefly landing on the Common near to the sea-watching hide; it then moved on with a Linnet flock and there were no further sightings. The bird at Corton is the second-earliest county record, the earliest having been at Minsmere on April 22nd 1984. NB this amends the date in the Avifauna which is 1994. Corton Cliffs: photographed, Apr 24th. (A C Eaton) Landguard: Sep 2nd (W J Brame, N Odin et al.).
LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla Very rare visitor. The only record in 2017 was of an elusive bird in the west of the county. It is the second record for west Suffolk, the first was at Lackford, April 18th 2010. It is also Suffolk’s first January record and the first mid-winter record since 2010 when an immature male was at Great Glemham, December 7th to 23rd. Knettishall Airfield: Jan 8th to 20th (N Moran).
REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Common but declining resident and passage migrant. Amber list. After two years of few records of this common species, 2017 saw a significant increase in both records and sites with 448 records (52 in 2016, 79 in 2015, 323 in 2014, 230 in 2013 and 117 in 2012) from 91 sites (31 in 2016, 47 in 2015, 80 in 2014, 77 in 2013 and 60 in 2012). Between 20 and 24 pairs were estimated to have bred on Orfordness, slightly up from 2016. There were 48 breeding pairs at Lakenheath Fen. Peak counts within the county were:Aldeburgh Marshes: 30, Oct 26th; 30 Dec 2nd. Falkenham Marshes: 30, June 24th. Erwarton: Erwarton Park, 45, Jan 5th. Knettishall Airfield: 50, Jan 8th; 30, Jan 20th; 40, Nov 19th. Lackford Lakes: 210, Jan 4th, 107, Feb 1st; 400, Nov 4th. Cornard Mere: 100, Feb 10th.
An excellent ringing total of 215 was achieved on Orfordness during the year, although much lower than the figure of 301 in 2016. Autumn migration at Landguard involved 103 south between September 18th and November 7th with a maximum day-count of 11 south on October 15th. Having enquired about the high numbers of Reed Buntings at Lackford, I received this impressive reply. Editor. It’s a roost site for flocks feeding in the many game strips in the Lackford/Cavenham area. They often come in quite late, as the light is going – John Walshe provides most of the roost counts, and he tends to count them as they fly out in groups at dawn. Numbers are low on the actual reserve until after Christmas, by which time some have found the supplementary feeders. Numbers often peak in February, as the shooting season ends and game strips are ploughed up, and into March when birds are passing through that have wintered elsewhere. Colin Jakes 165
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CORN BUNTING Emberiza calandra Locally common resident. Red List. There was a considerable increase in records submitted this year, although the number of sites remained basically static. There were 70 records (31 in 2016, 48 in 2015) from 17 sites (16 in 2016, 20 in 2015) of which only three had counts of six birds or more:-
Chelmondiston: Ling’s Lane, 13, Nov 27th; 18, Dec 2nd and 25th. Mildenhall: West Row, Alder Farm, eight, June 14th. Lakenheath Fen: 11, Feb 5th.
Singing birds were recorded at both Shingle Street and East Lane on the coast and at Knettishall Airfield, Risby, Undley and Sedge Fen (both Lakenheath), Mildenhall Fen, Alder Farm (West Row, Mildenhall) and Great Waldingfield in the west.
Corn Bunting Peter Beeson
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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 reports in 2017. APPENDIX II – CATEGORY E SPECIES Species that have been recorded as introductions, transportees 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.
Fritton: July 23rd. Benacre: Benacre Broad, July 27th to 30th, Aug 20th. Southwold: Town Marshes, pair, present throughout 2017, raised one cygnet. Is this Suffolk’s first breeding record out of captivity? And will there be more? Blyth Estuary: three, July 27th. Minsmere: Apr 28th; two, Oct 13th. Yoxford: Jan 29th. Orfordness: two, Aug 11th to Oct 8th. Bawdsey: East Lane, from 2016 to Jan 16th. Trimley Marshes: Jan 8th. Levington: Creek, two, Jan 6th; three, June 19th. Orwell Estuary: three, May 13th. Possibly same as at Laevington. Stour Estuary: Cattawade RSPB, two, June 24th. Flatford: three, Oct 3rd. Fornham St. Martin: Hall Farm, May 29th. Lackford Lakes: Sep 9th. Redgrave: Sep 17th. Lakenheath Fen/Washes: Oct 29th. Great Livermere/Ampton: Ampton Water, Nov 12th.
WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Northern Europe and Asia, winters to south of breeding range. Categories A and E. Bungay: Outney Common, Jan 11th to Mar 20th.
SWAN GOOSE Anser cygnoides North-eastern Asia, winters central China. Category E. Parham: singles, Jan 8th; Feb 19th; Mar 5th; Apr 3rd; May 6th; Oct 22nd.
SNOW GOOSE Anser caerulescens Breeds on tundra of north-eastern Siberia, Alaska and Canada to north-western Greenland. Winters from California to Texas and locally on Atlantic seaboard of eastern USA. Categories A, C and E. Southwold: Town Marshes, two, blue morph, Dec 24th.
EMPEROR GOOSE Anser canagica Breeds north-eastern Siberia and western Alaska. Winters from southern Alaska to northern California. Category E. Bures: Arger Fen, four, Nov 1st.
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BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus Breeds by lakes in central Asia from Mongolia to the Tibetan plateau. Winters throughout the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar (Burma) Category E.
Minsmere: two, Apr 15th to 19th, then regularly Apr 30th to June 8th. Pair bred and seen with four goslings. The goslings disappeared in early June, the last being seen on June 7th and the adults moved on the following day. Just one further sighting, on June 18th. Hollesley Marshes: two, Apr 3rd; two June 19th and 20th, intermittently Dec 2nd to 22nd. Presumed same as at Minsmere.
ROSS’S GOOSE Anser rossii Breeds on tundra of arctic Canada. Winters in southern USA. Categories D and E. Ickworth: Ickworth Park, blue morph, Feb 26th and Mar 9th.
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. Pakenham: Mickle Mere, Nov 24th, 28th.
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. Hollesley Marshes: five, Sep 1st to 4th.
PARADISE SHELDUCK Tadorna variegata Endemic to New Zealand. Category E. Minsmere: Feb 3rd and 4th.
MUSCOVY DUCK Cairina moschata Southern Mexico to northern Argentina and Brazil. Category E. Beccles: Quay, Jan 8th.
FALCATED DUCK Anas falcata Breeds eastern Siberia to northern Japan and northern China. Winters throughout eastern China and Japan, and occasionally in small numbers in north-eastern India, east to northern Thailand. Categories D and E. Flixton: Gravel Pits, Apr 5th.
CHILOE WIGEON Anas sibilatrix Breeds southern South America to Falkland Islands. Some winter south-eastern Brazil. Category E. Minsmere: Apr 20th.
RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina Breeds western Europe to central China. Winters to south of breeding range. Categories A, C and E. Flixton: Gravel Pits, 19, Feb 5th; seven, Apr 23rd; 12, Apr 30th; 12 July 9th. Weybread: Gravel Pits, three, Apr 16th; two, Apr 17th; two, Apr 30th.
REEVE’S PHEASANT Syrmaticus reevesii Forests of central China. Category E.
Harkstead: Harkstead Hall Farm, Apr 5th. Debenham: Apr 22nd. Euston: Jan 25th; Feb 25th. Fornham St. Martin: Hall Farm, Apr 23rd; May 13th; Sep 25th; Oct 14th; Nov 20th; Dec 6th. Thurston: May 5th 168
Systematic List Timworth: May 12th Wickhambrook: Purton Green, June 17th.
INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus Breeds throughout the Indian subcontinent from eastern Pakistan south to Sri Lanka. Category E. Lound: Mar 12th; Apr 9th; May 3rd and 14th; June 11th. Southwold: May 2nd and 7th.
BLACK KITE Milvus migrans Breeds throughout Mediterranean basin and continental Europe except maritime northwest and Scandinavia, east to European Russia and western Kazakhstan. Most winter Africa. Other races migratory, dispersive or resident, C and E Asia, Indian subcontinent, E and SE Asia and Australia. Categories A and E. This colour ringed bird arrived in Suffolk at Bawdsey on June 13th 2014. It appeared in the Wrentham area on June 23rd 2014 and has remained in this area since that date. In 2017 it favoured Kitchen Wood at Blackmoor Farm, Wrentham, but did wander farther afield at times, being seen at:Henstead: Feb 20th. Frostenden: May 1st. Reydon: June 23rd. Hen Reedbeds: June 25th and July 4th. Sotterley Park: Nov 25th.
There were no reports of this bird in January, August, September, October and December.
HARRIS’S HAWK Parabuteo unicinctus Southwestern USA south through Central and South America to southern Argentina and Chile. Category E. Carlton Marshes: Apr 25th. North Cove: Castle Marsh, Apr 21st.
WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia Breeds Iberian Peninsula and temperate eastern Europe east to western Russia, Turkey and Iran. Reintroduction projects are returning species to former range in north-western Europe and these are likely source of some British records. Winters sub-Saharan Africa and increasingly in Iberian Peninsula. There were several sightings this year, most of which probably refer to an unringed, but distinctive, bird showing considerable wing damage which appeared in the southeast of the county in March. What is assumed to have been the same bird, described as unringed but very tatty, reappeared in the central Suffolk area in August. Two birds at Freston, by the Orwell, in May are assumed not to have included the damaged bird but their origin is unknown. Details of all records are:Sibton Green: Apr 9th. Dennington: Mar 23rd. Badingham: Mar 23rd. Lower Hacheston: Mar 29th. Marlesford: Mar 29th. Wickham Market: Mar 29th. Campsea Ashe: Mar 29th and 30th. Freston: two, May 21st. Stowupland: Aug 2nd and 3rd. Gislingham: Aug 10th. Eye: Meltham, Aug. 12th.
For many years White Stork records have been collated nationally and an annual summary of occurrences published in the Scarce Migrants report in British Birds. From 2017, this species will no longer be included in that report. Although the authors of the report consider that genuinely 169
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wild migrants do undoubtedly occur, sorting these out from wandering White Storks released or escaped from collections and, more recently from rehabilitation and reintroduction projects in southern England and Europe, has become increasingly difficult. It seems likely that formerly captive birds will outnumber wild birds before too long, and may have overtaken them already. DIAMOND DOVE Geopelia cuneata Drier regions of Australia. Category E.
Landguard: July 28th.
BUDGERIGAR Melopsittacus undulatus Drier regions of Australia. Category E. Gunton: June 3rd. Landguard: Aug 6th and 11th.
COCKATIEL Nymphicus hollandicus Widespread throughout interior Australia. Category E. Bury St Edmunds: July 28th.
COMMON MYNA Acridotheres tristis Native to much of Asia, but range increasing rapidly worldwide often due to cagebird escapes. 2014 update The Common Myna at Landguard on May 16th 2014 (P Oldfield et al.) was accepted (in terms of identification) by BBRC but the ‘origin is uncertain or known not to be wild’.
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Suffolk Ringing Report 2017 Simon Evans Over the last few years the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has been developing, trialling and launching its new online ringing reporting system, Demon. Ringers can now log in and enter their data directly rather than submitting data files to the ringing office which were then checked prior to being uploaded to their master server under the IPMR system. This logical developmental has, unfortunately, had some unwanted side effects. The online ringing totals have been very delayed and are incomplete. Whilst the BTO is working to try and fix these issues for future accuracy, this has placed some interesting challenges in my path to compiling this year’s report. That aside, I’ve put together as complete an account of 2017’s ringing activities as I can. I hope you find it both interesting and informative. Personally, 2017 was notable for a number of reasons. Firstly, being in the privileged position to ring a Red Kite chick in Suffolk. Only the sixth such occurrence and the first since 1997. Hopefully we’ll see the spread of these magnificent raptors breeding across the county soon. Secondly, the surprise discovery of a male Bluethroat in one of our CES nets during August was definitely not something we were expecting at Lakenheath Fen! Our continued and expanding work with swifts and raptors in the west of the county is gathering momentum and certainly keeping us busy during the summer months. The updated ringing figures for 2016 have changed remarkably little. The provisional figure for 2017, whilst possibly a victim of the circumstances outlined above, currently sits at 54,914. This represents another significant decrease on recent years and is the lowest total for ten years. However, for the fifth year in succession Suffolk provided the highest county ringing totals across Britain and Ireland, accounting for 5.4% of that total. The county’s recovery totals, birds found more than five kilometres from their original site of ringing, was just under three thousand and represent 7.3% of the national data. Amongst these recoveries were 120 reports of foreign-ringed birds noted in the county and 394 reports of Suffolk-ringed birds recorded abroad. Included within these were some further firsts for the county; notably the first ever foreign-ringed Whinchat to Suffolk as well as Russian-
Jack Snipe Ed Keeble 171
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ringed White-fronted Geese, a Spanish-ringed Dunlin, a Norwegian-ringed Green Sandpiper and Dutch-ringed Sedge Warbler. Furthermore, a Suffolk-ringed Sedge Warbler to Norway, Siskin to Denmark and Goldcrest to Belgium were all new exchanges for the county. A total of 138 different species appeared in the 2017 Suffolk ringing tables. The addition of one, the Iberian Chiffchaff at Landguard, takes the overall species ringing total to 227. Watch those upcoming species lumps and splits for retrospective changes to come. Notable county contributions to the UK totals were 59% of the Woodlarks, 43% of Black Redstarts, 38% of Avocets and 27% of Black-tailed Godwits. Pleasingly, two of the six Radde’s Warblers and three of the five Pallas’s Leaf Warblers ringed in Britain and Ireland, were caught in Suffolk. Observing and studying trends in the significance of ringing totals can be difficult. Many environmental, population and climatic variables in conjunction with capture effort, however targeted and biased, all influence the outcome. Having said that, species that show a marked increase in presence on our list include Lapwing, Swift, Kestrel, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Those indicating downward trends include Collared Dove, Bearded Tit and Sand Martin in addition to the worrying national trends we hear all too frequently quoted. Of the scarcer species, aside from those already mentioned, eight Yellow-browed, two Marsh and two Barred Warblers along with single Red-breasted Flycatcher and Great Grey Shrikes managed to find their way into Suffolk nets. This year’s top five countdown has been a close-run thing so here we go pickers! In at number five, narrowly defeating Reed Warbler to the spot, is Great Tit. Blackbird makes a re-entry, coming in at number four. Goldfinch remains in the number three slot and Blackcap climbs two places to number two. That leaves just the top spot which is occupied yet again by… Blue Tit!! A quick comparison with the top five from the national data and four of our five are in the UK’s top five with only Blackbird replacing Chiffchaff in the “top flight” The following table summarises the provisional figures for 2017 as well as any amendments noted for any of the previous few years. This information is mainly gleaned from the BTO’s online data but is augmented by the reports from ringers themselves, particularly with reference to some of the more sensitive species. In acknowledgement, I’d like to thank The Kessingland Ringing Group, Lackford RG, Landguard RG, Thetford Forest RG, Waveney RG and Mick Wright for forwarding their data directly to me. The following ringers and groups are also known to have been active in the county in 2017: Abbott and Kennerley, RE Batty, Chris Bridge, Catchpole, Cockram and Peters, Dingle Bird Club, Rob Duncan, Janette Troop, Newton and Backhouse, Stanny Farm RG, Suffolk Community Barn Owl Project, Thompson and Hedges, Ken Venus and John Walshe. Apologies to anyone I’ve missed or am unaware of. You know what to do! Simon: spe24@btinternet.com
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Suffolk Ringing Report 2017 Species Mute Swan Cygnus olor Canada Goose Branta canadensis Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Mandarine Duck Aix galericulata Wigeon Anas penelope Gadwall Anas strepera Teal Anas crecca Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Pintail Anas acuta Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Red Kite Milvus milvus Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Buzzard Buteo buteo Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Knot Calidris canutus Sanderling Calidris alba Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima 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 Greenshank Tringa nebularia Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 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 Little Tern Sternula albifrons Common Tern Sterna hirundo Little Auk Alle alle Stock Dove Columba oenas Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
2013 0 1 0 0 0 1 8 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 16 5 67 4 3 0 17 0 5 46 0 6 1 5 14 10 8 0 66 2 10 14 8 20 2 0 4 4 17 4 0 184 9 164 42 2 8 302 88 0 88 0 192 211 92 4 173
2014 2 0 0 0 0 0 24 4 0 1 0 3 0 0 19 7 62 16 6 0 20 10 16 69 2 22 1 0 29 2 0 0 39 1 2 11 6 23 2 0 3 6 7 11 0 326 2 162 42 0 1 391 64 0 140 1 120 140 102 6
2015 3 0 0 1 0 0 28 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 18 8 56 10 2 0 17 7 8 59 0 12 2 2 8 6 0 0 43 0 11 20 5 39 0 0 1 5 4 2 1 331 3 34 11 0 3 29 14 1 46 0 85 145 78 5
2016 58 1 7 0 1 0 37 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 8 45 8 3 1 9 10 1 48 0 17 3 0 9 11 0 0 38 0 6 14 9 104 4 1 4 0 5 5 0 326 2 49 14 0 0 215 48 0 72 0 65 131 70 6
2017 13 0 5 0 3 0 4 4 1 0 0 0 2 1 10 6 56 12 8 0 11 7 21 66 7 17 8 1 76 3 0 1 66 0 1 8 4 59 6 0 7 1 4 6 1 331 1 59 9 0 0 55 49 0 102 0 82 120 41 2
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Species 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 Picus viridis Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Merlin Falco columbarius Hobby Falco subbuteo Peregrine Falco peregrinus Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Magpie Pica pica Jay Garrulus glandarius Jackdaw Corvus monedula Rook Corvus frugilegus Carrion Crow Corvus corone Goldcrest Regulus regulus Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Coal Tit Periparus ater Willow Tit Poecile montana Marsh Tit Poecile palustris Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus Woodlark Lullula arborea Skylark Alauda arvensis Sand Martin Riparia riparia Swallow Hirundo rustica House Martin Delichon urbicum Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Whitethroat Sylvia communis Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Nuthatch Sitta europaea
2013 4 140 13 7 3 23 91 39 6 38 63 43 0 8 5 0 17 56 59 1 5 270 45 6559 3126 591 0 64 257 83 16 236 1911 132 104 911 0 0 9 0 6 1381 0 704 2272 164 0 308 1074 18 9 1 2 0 1745 0 2 2963 19 36 174
2014 8 924 18 57 0 43 55 69 7 39 69 99 0 4 0 0 30 41 63 0 8 643 35 6747 3375 522 0 88 410 122 26 312 1817 78 183 1092 0 0 4 0 0 1858 0 608 3219 253 1 379 1381 33 17 0 0 0 2164 1 0 3163 0 24
2015 2 620 13 30 0 56 95 49 1 20 73 96 0 3 3 0 25 27 39 1 3 4107 67 7065 3623 968 0 126 297 153 30 164 817 164 201 1175 0 4 11 0 3 1625 0 579 2903 195 0 409 931 8 20 0 0 1 1705 0 2 2910 2 58
2016 5 533 4 32 0 45 90 52 2 18 53 122 1 2 2 1 12 18 29 4 3 1806 87 4910 2473 519 1 65 273 76 18 526 1456 112 248 1087 1 5 16 0 1 1950 0 688 3098 145 0 411 796 20 21 0 2 0 1715 2 0 2824 0 21
2017 7 824 8 48 1 29 133 66 0 35 61 135 0 2 4 1 18 30 32 0 5 1017 43 5903 2978 451 0 74 160 126 11 45 822 79 279 1155 0 3 8 2 1 2551 1 967 3223 188 2 329 1082 37 26 0 0 0 2492 0 2 2951 3 51
Suffolk Ringing Report 2017 Species Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Starling Sturnus vulgaris Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Blackbird Turdus merula Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Redwing Turdus iliacus Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Robin Erithacus rubecula Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka Dunnock Prunella modularis House Sparrow Passer domesticus Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Pied/White Wagtail Motacilla alba Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Serin Serinus serinus Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Siskin Carduelis spinus Linnet Carduelis cannabina Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea Redpoll (Common/Lesser) Carduelis flammea/cabaret Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra Grand Total 227 Species Total Species
175
2013 98 720 411 12 2846 525 580 208 33 39 1473 53 0 1 21 9 26 19 60 66 0 1417 273 458 41 17 152 8 1522 4 0 2585 953 3010 0 2650 4277 773 2379 216 16 12 205 2 75 0 0 797 1327 5 57770
2014 118 1008 451 7 2457 8 515 280 8 91 1700 48 0 1 24 8 18 11 88 47 0 1633 586 303 34 125 200 36 1386 0 2 1860 440 2788 0 2863 992 895 245 131 3 118 218 0 5 0 1 620 1239 0 55623
2015 130 1011 682 1 2040 31 383 192 12 54 1562 57 0 1 14 8 30 24 137 36 1 1548 455 689 30 74 141 42 632 2 3 2014 453 3111 0 3598 2874 1425 2944 2 21 0 205 0 44 1 0 972 1367 0 61701
2016 99 1124 430 11 2624 7 559 515 2 36 2041 39 0 0 9 5 23 47 143 28 0 1499 593 682 14 69 109 92 1466 6 7 1767 496 2503 1 3684 3736 837 1764 38 15 0 158 2 0 0 0 888 1130 0 57179
2017 117 1090 564 5 3048 30 414 442 6 59 1423 58 1 1 2 14 26 8 174 44 0 1558 662 613 7 75 143 67 1275 3 0 1362 332 2225 0 3136 1039 667 2014 7 20 0 247 0 0 0 0 968 1102 8 54914
138
130
134
134
138
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Simon Evans The following pages detail a selection of the more interesting recoveries reported in 2017 and a few from previous years that have only recently been received. They include the more unusual of reports, as space allows, involving birds travelling greater distances or being older than usual, and do not represent a complete account of the records available. The selection was largely made from the online data presented by the BTO and information supplied directly by some of Suffolk’s ringers. I would like to continue to encourage the county’s ringers and observers to forward their data directly. Most Schedule One information is excluded from the online published totals. The online recoveries data provides only a selective view of what has been recorded, so, if you wish to have your records included, please pass them on. 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. We have had numerous discussions as to where Brewery Farm, Stonham actually is. We have included it as Earl Stonham here, although it is on the border with Stonham Aspal! As in most years, the accounts for some species have had to be somewhat additionally selective due to the vast number of recovery reports of colour-ringed and tagged individuals. Many thanks to all those who take the time to record, photograph and report your sightings. Simon. spe24@btinternet.com
176
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Greylag Goose 5153447 Adult 08-07-2008 Thetford: c. 52°23’N 0°44’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 13-07-2009 Nunnery Lakes - D Lake (Laked-Nun): c. 52°23’N 0°44’E (Norfolk) 0km 1y 0m 5d Freshly dead (shot) 08-10-2017 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) 12km S 9y 3m 0d 5270522 Adult Female 26-06-2012 Hickling Broad: 52°43’N 1°34’E (Norfolk) Alive (neck collar seen) 12-08-2012 Hickling Broad: 52°43’N 1°34’E (Norfolk) 0km 0y 1m 17d Alive (neck collar seen) 09-11-2012 Benacre Broad: 52°22’N 1°42’E (Suffolk) 40km SSE 0y 4m 14d Alive (neck collar seen) 02-03-2013 Covehithe: 52°22’N 1°42’E (Suffolk) 42km SSE 0y 8m 4d Alive (neck collar seen) 08-07-2014 Covehithe: 52°22’N 1°42’E (Suffolk) 42km SSE 2y 0m 12d Alive (neck collar seen) 09-03-2015 Hen Reedbeds, Reydon: 52°20’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 45km S 2y 8m 11d Alive (neck collar seen) 04-09-2015 Dingle Marshes: 52°16’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 51km S 3y 2m 9d Alive (neck collar seen) 19-01-2016 Covehithe: 52°22’N 1°42’E (Suffolk) 42km SSE 3y 6m 24d Alive (neck collar seen) 04-07-2016 near Walberswick: 52°18’N 1°39’E (Suffolk) 47km S 4y 0m 8d Alive (neck collar seen) 22-01-2017 Easton Bavents: 52°22’N 1°41’E (Suffolk) 42km S 4y 6m 27d Alive (neck collar seen) 12-08-2017 Benacre Broad: 52°22’N 1°42’E (Suffolk) 40km SSE 5y 1m 17d Alive (neck collar seen) 20-10-2017 Bridgefoot Marshes, Southwold: 52°19’N 1°40’E (Suffolk) 45km S 5y 3m 24d White-fronted Goose RUM Adult Female 08-08-2016 Kolguev Island: 69°15’N 48°37’E (Nenets A.O.) Russian Federation CS007735 Alive (neck collar seen) 19-02-2017 North Warren, near Aldeburgh: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 3,128km SW 0y 6m 11d RUM Adult Male 08-08-2016 Kolguev Island: 69°15’N 48°37’E (Nenets A.O.) Russian Federation CS007733 Alive (neck collar seen) 19-02-2017 North Warren, near Aldeburgh: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 3,128km SW 0y 6m 11d RUM Adult Male 04-05-2016 Kologriv: 58°48’N 44°18’E (Kostroma Oblast) Russian Federation CS006138 Alive (neck collar seen) 19-02-2017 North Warren, near Aldeburgh: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 2,780km WSW 0y 9m 15d Alive (neck collar seen) 07-03-2017 RSPB North Warren: 52°9’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 2,780km WSW 0y 10m 3d RUM Adult Female 04-05-2016 Kologriv: 58°48’N 44°18’E (Kostroma Oblast) Russian Federation CS006113 Alive (neck collar seen) 09-02-2017 North Warren, near Aldeburgh: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 2,780km WSW 0y 9m 5d Alive (neck collar seen) 07-03-2017 RSPB North Warren: 52°9’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 2,780km WSW 0y 10m 3d RUM Adult Male 04-05-2016 Kologriv: 58°48’N 44°18’E (Kostroma Oblast) Russian Federation CS066138 Alive (neck collar seen) 19-02-2017 North Warren, near Aldeburgh: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 2,780km WSW 0y 9m 15d Seven of the ten reports of Russian-ringed White-fronted Geese in Suffolk - firsts for the county Mute Swan ZZ6261 Adult Caught by ringer
26-11-2008 15-12-2009
Welney Swan Pipe: 52°31’N 0°16’E (Norfolk) Welney Swan Pipe: 52°31’N 0°16’E (Norfolk) 177
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Freshly dead 21-04-2017
0km 1y 0m 19d Mendham: 52°23’N 1°20’E (Suffolk) 74km ESE 8y 4m 26d
Teal EY70159 First-year Female 09-10-2015 Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Dead 05-11-2017 Emo, Morette: 53°5’N 7°13’W (Co. Laois, Ireland) 602km WNW 2y 0m 27d EW94160 Full-grown Male 29-12-2014 Redwell Marsh, Holme-next-the-Sea: 52°57’N 0°31’E (Norfolk) Freshly dead (shot) 28-01-2017 Friston: 52°9’N 1°32’E (Suffolk) 111km SE 2y 0m 30d EZ79052 First-year Male 31-12-2016 Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (shot) 13-01-2017 Wolferton: 52°49’N 0°26’E (Norfolk) 106km NW 0y 0m 13d EY70053 Adult Male 01-02-2015 Iken Marsh, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (shot) 09-01-2017 Isle of Sheppey: 51°23’N 0°48’E (Kent) 101km SSW 1y 11m 8d Little Egret GR24045
Nestling 09-06-2014 Site Confidential: (Hertfordshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 31-05-2015 Orford Ness: c. 52°5’N 1°33’E (Suffolk)) 138km ENE 0y 11m 22d Alive (colour rings seen) 12-09-2015 Orford Ness: c. 52°5’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 138km ENE 1y 3m 3d Alive (colour rings seen) 02-05-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 112km ENE 2y 10m 23d GV37293 Nestling 13-05-2016 Site Confidential: (Essex) Freshly dead (hit by car) 01-02-2017 Withersfield: 52°5’N 0°24’E (Suffolk) 47km NE 0y 8m 19d Shag 1452734 Nestling 03-06-2011 Isle of May: 56°10’N 2°33’W (Fife) Caught by ringer 04-06-2011 Isle of May: 56°10’N 2°33’W (Fife) 0km 0y 0m 1d Freshly dead 03-03-2017 Lowestoft North Beach: 52°28’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 498km SE 5y 9m 0d Cormorant G1751 Nestling 26-04-2009 Abberton Reservoir, near Colchester: 51°48’N 0°50’E (Essex) Alive (colour rings seen) 22-11-2009 Orfordness: 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 58km ENE 0y 6m 27d Alive (colour rings seen) 01-03-2010 Havergate Island: 52°5’N 1°31’E (Suffolk) 56km ENE 0y 10m 3d Alive (colour rings seen) 11-07-2010 Havergate Island, near Orford: 52°5’N 1°31’E (Suffolk) 53km ENE 1y 2m 15d Alive (colour rings seen) 06-10-2010 Loompit Lake: 51°59’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 36km ENE 1y 5m 10d Alive (colour rings seen) 04-09-2011 Havergate Island: 52°5’N 1°31’E (Suffolk) 56km ENE 2y 4m 9d Alive (colour rings seen) 01-07-2012 Orfordness: 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 58km ENE 3y 2m 5d Alive (colour rings seen) 10-02-2014 Havergate Island: 52°5’N 1°31’E (Suffolk) 56km ENE 4y 9m 15d Alive (colour rings seen) 19-11-2017 Havergate Island: 52°5’N 1°31’E (Suffolk) 56km ENE 8y 6m 24d Marsh Harrier GR18885 Nestling Female Alive (wing-tag seen)
01-07-2013 20-07-2013
Site Confidential: (Norfolk) Site Confidential: (Norfolk) 0km 0y 0m 19d 178
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Alive (wing-tag seen) 04-11-2013 near Felixstowe: 51°58’N 1°22’E (Suffolk) 117km SSE 0y 4m 3d Alive (wing-tag seen) 25-11-2013 Trimley Marshes: 51°58’N 1°17’E (Suffolk) 116km SSE 0y 4m 24d AJ60727 Nestling Female 30-06-2013 Site Confidential: (Norfolk) Alive (wing-tag seen) 24-03-2017 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) 3y 8m 24d FJ12784 Nestling Male 28-06-2017 Site Confidential: c. (Norfolk) Alive (wing-tag seen) 10-10-2017 Reydon: 52°19’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 32km S 0y 3m 12d Alive (wing-tag seen) 04-12-2017 Reserve Naturelle du Domaine de Beauquillot: 49°22’N 1°10’W (Manche) France 411km SSW 0y 5m 6d Sparrowhawk EY67607 First-year Female 04-12-2015 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead 06-09-2017 Ipswich: 52°2’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 2km 1y 9m 2d DN96967 First-year Male 19-11-2016 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 22-12-2016 Nature Reserve, Walton-on-the-Naze: 51°52’N 1°16’E (Essex) 8km SSW 0y 1m 3d Caught by ringer 27-10-2017 Nature Reserve, Walton-on-the-Naze: 51°52’N 1°16’E (Essex) 8km SSW 0y 11m 8d EY46067 Nestling Female 28-06-2017 Kiln Farm, Gt Ashfield: 52°15’N 0°55’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (disease) 04-12-2017 Eccles: 52°48’N 1°33’E (Norfolk) 74km NE 0y 5m 6d Buzzard GR39213 Nestling 23-06-2017 Moathill Farm, Westhorpe: 52°18’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (hit by car) 30-11-2017 Fallow Hall, St Osyth: 51°49’N 1°5’E (Essex) 55km S 0y 5m 7d Unfortunately an-all-too common demise for this species. Presumably feeding on road kill. Moorhen FH16342 Adult Male 14-06-2012 Caught by ringer 03-06-2013 Dead (ring only) 09-11-2017
Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 11m 20d Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 4m 26d
Stone Curlew EZ64898 Nestling Freshly dead
Site Confidential: (Norfolk) Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 20km SW 0y 1m 4d
10-08-2017 14-09-2017
Avocet EW43170
Nestling 10-07-2010 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 18-07-2010 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 8d Alive (colour rings seen) 17-04-2011 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 9m 7d Alive (colour rings seen) 11-02-2012 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 7m 1d Alive (colour rings seen) 30-06-2012 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 11m 20d Alive (colour rings seen) 06-04-2013 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 8m 27d Alive (colour rings seen) 01-02-2014 River Alde: 52°8’N 1°30’E (Suffolk) 9km NNW 3y 6m 22d 179
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Alive (colour rings seen) 27-04-2014 Minsmere: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 18km NNE 3y 9m 17d Alive (colour rings seen) 07-06-2014 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 10m 28d Alive (colour rings seen) 15-03-2015 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 8m 5d Alive (colour rings seen) 14-07-2015 Breydon Water: 52°36’N 1°39’E (Norfolk) 58km N 5y 0m 4d Alive (colour rings seen) 26-09-2015 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 2m 16d Alive (colour rings seen) 19-03-2016 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 8m 9d Alive (colour rings seen) 06-05-2016 Minsmere: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 18km NNE 5y 9m 26d Alive (colour rings seen) 08-04-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 8m 29d Alive (colour rings seen) 10-05-2017 Spuikom, Oostende: 51°13’N 2°55’E (West Vlaanderen) Belgium 135km SE 6y 10m 0d EW43344 Nestling 29-06-2014 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 27-07-2014 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 28d Alive (colour rings seen) 06-08-2014 Minsmere: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 18km NNE 0y 1m 8d Alive (colour rings seen) 1/25/2016 Pointe Saint Clement, Esnandes: 46°15’N 1°7’W (Charente-Maritime) France 678km SSW 1y 6m 27d EW43329 Nestling 25-05-2014 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 15-05-2017 Jadebusen, near Wapelersiel: 53°22’N 8°15’E (Weser-Ems) Germany 473km ENE 2y 11m 20d FRP Nestling 30-07-2015 Reserve Naturelle de Sene: 47°37’N 2°43’E (Morbihan) France FS88767 Alive (colour rings seen) 21-03-2017 Shell Ness, Pegwell Bay: 51°18’N 1°22’E (Kent) 423km NNW 1y 7m 19d Alive (colour rings seen) 26-03-2017 Mistley: 51°56’N 1°4’E (Essex) 496km NNW 1y 7m 24d Alive (colour rings seen) 16-04-2017 Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory: 53°6’N 0°19’E (Lincolnshire) 633km NNW 1y 8m 17d Alive (colour rings seen) 10-06-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 504km N 1y 10m 11d Alive (colour rings seen) 11-06-2017 Minsmere: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 519km N 1y 10m 12d Alive (colour rings seen) 16-07-2017 Minsmere: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 519km N 1y 11m 16d Ringed Plover NOS First-year 05-09-2016 Makkevika, Giske: 62°30’N 6°1’E (More og Romsdal) Norway 8B80285 Alive (colour rings seen) 25-08-2017 Minsmere: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 1,171km SSW 0y 11m 20d Only the fourth report of a Norwegian-ringed Ringed Plover in Suffolk Black-tailed Godwit ES38875 Adult 18-11-2006 Levington Creek, River Orwell: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 11-10-2017 Mistley: 51°56’N 1°4’E (Essex) 15km WSW 10y 10m 23d ER62017 Adult 14-08-2004 Iken Marshes: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 07-07-2011 Kaldadarnes, Floi, Arnes: 63°55’N 21°10’W `(Árnessýsla) Iceland 1,861km NW 6y 10m 23d Caught by ringer 20-06-2012 Kaldadarnes, Floi, Arnes: 63°55’N 21°10’W (Árnessýsla) Iceland 1,861km NW 7y 10m 6d 180
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 EW90556
Adult 23-07-2010 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 14-07-2013 Nordurkot, Midnes: 64°1’N 22°43’W (Gullbringusýsla) Iceland 1,930km NW 2y 11m 21d Alive (colour rings seen) 22-06-2014 Nordurkot, Midnes: 64°1’N 22°43’W (Gullbringusýsla) Iceland 1,930km NW 3y 10m 30d Caught by ringer 24-02-2017 Levington Lagoon: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 27km SW 6y 7m 1d NLA Nestling 09-06-2013 Burgwerd, Sudwest Frysland: 53°4’N 5°31’E (Friesland) The Netherlands 2507987 Alive (colour rings seen) 01-07-2017 Site Confidential: c. (Suffolk) 290km WSW 4y 0m 22d The latter is only the second report of a Dutch ringed bird in the county. Dunlin NT55367 First-year 07-10-2010 Levington Creek, River Orwell: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 28-04-2017 Ynyslas, Borth: c. 52°31’N 4°3’W (Ceredigion) 365km W 6y 6m 21d ESI Adult 17-05-2011 Ensenada Del Bao, Grove: 42°37’N 8°51’W (Coruna) Spain T086687 Alive (colour rings seen) 12-05-2017 Felixstowe Ferry: 51°58’N 1°22’E (Suffolk) 1,292km NE 5y 11m 25d The first Spanish-ringed Dunlin reported in Suffolk. In addition, two reports of Polish-ringed birds were received. A Suffolk-ringed bird was also reported in Sweden, the 51st such record. Green Sandpiper NOS First-year 17-08-2016 Revtangen Ornithologiske Stasjon, Klepp: 58°45’N 5°30’E (Rogaland) Norway 8B46893 Alive (colour rings seen) 22-04-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 739km SSW 0y 8m 5d The first Norwegian-ringed Green Sandpiper to the County representing only the second foreign exchange for this species. The first involved a Suffolk-ringed bird being reported in France. Redshank DB69531 First-year 16-09-2004 Caught by ringer 01-04-2017 DB69929 Adult 06-02-2008 Alive (colour rings seen) 21-03-2008 Alive (colour rings seen) 03-06-2009 Alive (colour rings seen) 26-10-2009 Alive (colour rings seen) 13-08-2012 Alive (colour rings seen) 23-10-2013 Alive (colour rings seen) 24-09-2014 Alive (colour rings seen) 02-11-2015
Levington Creek, River Orwell: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) Admiral’s Farm, Terrington Marsh: 52°48’N 0°18’E (Norfolk) 110km NW 12y 6m 16d Levington Creek, River Orwell: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 15d Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 3m 28d Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 8m 20d Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 6m 7d Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 8m 17d Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 7m 18d Levington Creek: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 8m 27d 181
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Alive (colour rings seen) 02-11-2016 Levington Creek, Orwell Estuary: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 8y 8m 27d Alive (colour rings seen) 16-11-2017 Levington Creek, Orwell Estuary: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 0km 9y 9m 10d Amazing site fidelity. DN96156 Nestling 01-07-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (shot) 14-08-2017 Baie D’Authie Sud, Fort-Mahon-Plage: 50°22’N 1°33’E (Somme) France 191km S 0y 1m 13d In addition, five reports of Suffolk-ringed birds in Iceland were received. Kittiwake EH48847 Nestling 18-07-2004 Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 01-07-2010 Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 11m 13d Alive (colour marks seen) 27-06-2011 Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 11m 9d Alive (colour rings seen) 07-07-2012 Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 11m 19d Caught by ringer 25-06-2013 Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 8y 11m 7d Alive (ring read in field) 05-03-2014 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 9y 7m 15d Alive (ring read in field) 04-08-2014 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 10y 0m 17d Alive (colour rings seen) 21-02-2015 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 10y 7m 3d Alive (colour rings seen) 05-08-2015 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 11y 0m 18d Alive (colour rings seen) 08-03-2016 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 11y 7m 19d Caught by ringer 18-06-2016 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 11y 11m 0d Alive (colour rings seen) 09-03-2017 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 12y 7m 19d Alive (colour rings seen) 30-06-2017 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 12y 11m 12d EH48912 Nestling 11-07-2005 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) Amazing site fidelity. Alive (ring read in field) 22-04-2017 Boulogne sur Mer: 50°43’N 1°34’E (Pas-de Calais) France 195km S 11y 9m 11d Alive (ring read in field) 25-04-2017 Boulogne sur Mer: 50°43’N 1°34’E (Pas-de Calais) France 195km S 11y 9m 14d EY29540 Nestling 24-06-2014 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 26-07-2014 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 2d Alive (colour rings seen) 26-06-2016 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 0m 2d Alive (colour rings seen) 13-04-2017 Trevone: 50°32’N 4°58’W (Cornwall) 512km WSW 2y 9m 20d Alive (colour rings seen) 25-06-2017 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 1d ER72402 Nestling 28-06-2010 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 29-05-2013 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 11m 1d Alive (ring read in field) 21-05-2014 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 10m 23d Alive (colour rings seen) 12-05-2015 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 10m 14d Alive (colour rings seen) 11-05-2016 Lowestoft: c. 52°27’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 10m 13d 182
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Alive (colour rings seen) 09-09-2017 Heligoland: 54°10’N 7°55’E (Helgoland) Germany 451km ENE 7y 2m 12d In addition, 29 further reports of Suffolk-ringed birds were received from France Black-headed Gull EP74903 Adult 08-06-2000 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 13-12-2010 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 10y 6m 5d Alive (ring read in field) 24-02-2015 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 14y 8m 16d Alive (ring read in field) 26-01-2016 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 15y 7m 18d Alive (ring read in field) 23-01-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 16y 7m 15d EG83730 First-year 16-12-2001 near Castle Hill, Ipswich: 52°4’N 1°8’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 14-10-2017 Groningen: 53°13’N 6°33’E (Groningen) The Netherlands 387km ENE 15y 9m 28d EW71339 First-year 19-08-2013 Falkenham Creek: 52°0’N 1°21’E (Suffolk) Long dead 13-06-2017 Hermanice, Ostrava, Moravskoslez Sky Kraj: 49°52’N 18°19’E (Ostrav) Czech Republic 1,212km ESE 3y 9m 25d Only the third Suffolk-ringed bird to the Czech Republic. A further two were reported in The Netherlands. Fifteen reports of foreign-ringed birds were noted in the county, from Poland (5), Baltic States (4), Germany (3), Netherlands (2) and Finland (1) Mediterranean Gull EL45108 Adult 15-01-2010 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 02-12-2010 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 10m 17d Alive (ring read in field) 16-10-2011 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 9m 1d Alive (ring read in field) 20-11-2013 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 10m 5d Alive (ring read in field) 11-11-2014 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 9m 27d Alive (ring read in field) 26-01-2016 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 0m 11d Alive (ring read in field) 23-01-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 0m 8d Alive (ring read in field) 22-11-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 10m 7d Alive (ring read in field) 24-11-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 10m 9d PLG Nestling 12-06-2016 Zb Mietkowski, Domanice, Mietkow: 50°57’N 16°36’E (Dolnoslaskie) Poland FS15770 Alive (colour rings seen) 17-12-2016 Middle Beach, Studland: 50°38’N 1°57’W (Dorset) 1,304km W 0y 6m 5d Alive (colour rings seen) 25-05-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 1,044km W 0y 11m 13d PLG Nestling 13-06-2011 J.Rynskie, Rybical: 53°55’N 21°31’E (Warminsko Mazurskie) Poland FN16112 Alive (colour rings seen) 27-08-2017 Orfordness: 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 1,350km W 6y 2m 14d PLG Adult Female 15-05-2016 Rz. Odra, Bielinek, Cedynia, Zachodniopomorskie: 52°57’N 14°9’E (Zachodnio-Pomorskie) Poland 183
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 FS17886 Alive (colour rings seen) 26-03-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 850km W 0y 10m 11d Alive (colour rings seen) 25-08-2017 East Wemyss: 56°8’N 3°2’W (Fife) 1,164km WNW 1y 3m 10d Alive (colour rings seen) 14-09-2017 East Wemyss: 56°8’N 3°2’W (Fife) 1,164km WNW 1y 3m 30d Three of the six reports of Polish-ringed birds in Suffolk. Eight others were received from Hungary and one from Belgium. Common Gull BLB Adult 28-05-2003 Zeebrugge: 51°19’N 3°10’E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium E258805 Dead (leg only) 31-05-2010 Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft: 52°28’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 160km NW 7y 0m 3d In addition, six reports of Dutch-ringed birds in the county were received. Great Black-backed Gull NOS Nestling 24-07-2016 Ferkingstadoyane, Eggoy, Karmoy: 59°13’N 5°4’E (Rogaland) Norway 3020798 Alive (colour rings seen) 30-03-2017 Minsmere RSPB Reserve: 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 806km SSW 0y 8m 6d Alive (colour rings seen) 10-10-2017 Hengistbury Head, near Christchurch: 50°43’N 1°44’W (Dorset) 1,039km SSW 1y 2m 16d Alive (colour rings seen) 03-11-2017 Hengistbury Head: 50°42’N 1°44’W (Dorset) 1,041km SSW 1y 3m 10d DKC Nestling 24-06-2017 Graesholm, Frederikshavn: 57°28’N 10°36’E (Nordjyllands) Denmark 3M2609 Alive (colour rings seen) 10-12-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 833km SW 0y 5m 16d The only two reports of foreign-ringed birds in Suffolk in 2017 Herring Gull GG93223 Nestling 03-07-1994 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 17-05-2009 Slaughden, Aldeburgh: 52°8’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 7km NNE 14y 10m 14d Alive (ring read in field) 19-06-2010 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 15y 11m 16d Caught by ringer 15-06-2011 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 16y 11m 12d Alive (colour rings seen) 03-12-2011 Wangford Landfill, near Reydon: 52°20’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 28km N 17y 5m 0d Alive (colour rings seen) 25-02-2012 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 17y 7m 22d Alive (colour rings seen) 19-07-2012 Aldeburgh: 52°8’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 8km NNE 18y 0m 16d GA36834 Nestling Male 22-07-2000 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour marks seen) 25-10-2002 Boulogne-Sur-Mer: 50°42’N 1°36’E (Pas-de Calais) France 154km S 2y 3m 3d Alive (colour marks seen) 08-12-2002 Pipps Ford, Barking: 52°8’N 1°4’E (Suffolk) 35km W 2y 4m 16d Alive (colour marks seen) 29-11-2005 Wetherden, near Stowmarket: 52°13’N 0°54’E (Suffolk) 47km WNW 5y 4m 7d Alive (colour marks seen) 16-06-2006 Aldeby: 52°28’N 1°37’E (Norfolk) 43km N 5y 10m 25d Alive (colour rings seen) 05-02-2007 Aldeby: 52°28’N 1°37’E (Norfolk) 43km N 6y 6m 14d Alive (colour rings seen) 08-09-2008 Aldeby: 52°28’N 1°37’E (Norfolk) 43km N 8y 1m 17d 184
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Alive (colour rings seen) 21-01-2010 Drinkstone: 52°13’N 0°51’E (Suffolk) 52km WNW 9y 5m 30d Alive (colour rings seen) 07-08-2010 Earsham: 52°25’N 1°22’E (Norfolk) 41km NNW 10y 0m 16d Alive (colour rings seen) 19-09-2010 Wangford Landfill, near Reydon: 52°20’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 28km N 10y 1m 28d Caught by ringer 05-05-2017 Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°42’E (Suffolk) 44km NNE 16y 9m 13d GV10828 Adult 20-05-2016 Rufforth Waste Disposal Site: c. 53°57’N 1°11’W (North Yorkshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 21-11-2017 Landguard Point: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 282km SE 1y 6m 1d DEH Nestling 31-05-2017 Reddern, Oberspreewald-Lausitz: 51°42’N 14°6’E (Brandenburg) Germany EA205595 Alive (colour rings seen) 16-08-2017 Heveningham Hall: 52°17’N 1°24’E (Suffolk) 871km W 0y 2m 16d Three reports of Suffolk-ringed birds were received from Belgium as well as an additional 18 from France. Lesser Black-backed Gull GG56238 Nestling 03-07-1988 Orfordness: 52°4’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 06-06-1996 Europort, Rotterdam: 51°58’N 4°6’E (Zuid Holland) The Netherlands 173km E 7y 11m 3d Alive (ring read in field) 07-04-2017 Europort: 51°57’N 4°7’E (Zuid-Holland) The Netherlands 175km E 28y 9m 4d GG92529 Nestling 04-07-1993 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 20-12-2017 Caleta de Velez: 36°42’N 4°4’E (Malaga) Spain 1,721km S 24y 5m 16d GG78069 Nestling 11-07-2010 Havergate Island: 52°4’N 1°30’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 22-10-2010 Pantin Beach, Valdovino: 43°37’N 8°7’W (Coruna) Spain 1,180km SW 0y 3m 11d Alive (colour rings seen) 19-03-2016 Havergate Island: 52°4’N 1°30’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 8m 8d Alive (colour rings seen) 08-08-2016 Rymer Barn, Seven Hills, Little Livermere: 52°19’N 0°43’E (Suffolk) 62km WNW 6y 0m 28d Alive (colour rings seen) 17-12-2016 Kervigen, Plomodiern: 48°9’N 4°16’W (Finistere) France 600km SW 6y 5m 6d Alive (colour rings seen) 25-01-2017 Camel Estuary, Wadebridge: 50°31’N 4°50’W (Cornwall) 475km WSW 6y 6m 14d Alive (colour rings seen) 16-03-2017 Havergate Island: 52°4’N 1°30’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 8m 5d GA36249 Nestling 08-07-2000 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 18-04-2003 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 9m 10d Alive (colour marks seen) 19-09-2004 Boulogne-Sur-Mer: 50°42’N 1°36’E (Pas-de Calais) France 154km S 4y 2m 11d Alive (colour marks seen) 19-12-2005 Stanton Harcourt: 51°44’N 1°25’W (Oxfordshire) 209km W 5y 5m 11d Alive (colour rings seen) 21-07-2014 Burhou: 49°43’N 2°15’W (Alderney) Channel Islands 374km SW 14y 0m 13d Alive (colour rings seen) 13-11-2015 Old Sarum, near Salisbury: 51°5’N 1°48’W (Wiltshire) 257km WSW 15y 4m 5d Alive (colour rings seen) 24-08-2016 Crabby Bay, Crabby: 49°43’N 2°12’W (Alderney) Channel Islands 373km SW 16y 1m 16d Alive (colour rings seen) 19-07-2017 Crabby Bay, Crabby: 49°43’N 2°12’W (Alderney) Channel Islands 373km SW 17y 0m 11d Alive (colour rings seen) 04-12-2017 Old Sarum, near Salisbury: 51°5’N 1°48’W (Wiltshire) 257km WSW 17y 4m 26d GR36676 Nestling 03-07-2011 Havergate Island: 52°4’N 1°30’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 10-12-2011 Tanji: 13°21’N 16°48’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,608km SSW 0y 5m 7d 185
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Alive (colour rings seen) 07-06-2012 Tanji: 13°21’N 16°48’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,608km SSW 0y 11m 4d Alive (colour rings seen) 09-10-2012 Tanji: 13°21’N 16°48’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,608km SSW 1y 3m 6d Alive (colour rings seen) 05-11-2013 Tanji: 13°21’N 16°48’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,608km SSW 2y 4m 2d Alive (colour rings seen) 18-10-2014 Tanji: 13°21’N 16°48’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,608km SSW 3y 3m 15d Alive (colour rings seen) 13-11-2015 Tanji: 13°21’N 16°48’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,608km SSW 4y 4m 10d Alive (colour rings seen) 18-11-2017 Kartong: 13°4’N 16°45’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,635km SSW 6y 4m 15d A selection from the 248 reports of Suffolk ringed birds abroad. Notable additions were 31 from Morocco and five from Mauritania. Sandwich Tern NLA Adult 21-05-2010 Eilanden Scheelhoek, Stellendam: 51°48’N 4°4’E (Zuid-Holland) The Netherlands 1437381 Alive (colour rings seen) 29-07-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 175km WNW 7y 2m 8d NLA Nestling 14-06-2012 Eilanden Scheelhoek, Stellendam: 51°48’N 4°4’E (Zuid-Holland) The Netherlands 1442876 Alive (colour rings seen) 30-07-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 175km WNW 5y 1m 16d Alive (colour rings seen) 27-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 175km WNW 5y 2m 13d NLA Nestling 19-06-2017 Eilanden Scheelhoek, Stellendam: 51°48’N 4°4’E (Zuid-Holland) The Netherlands 1583921 Alive (colour rings seen) 26-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 175km WNW 0y 2m 7d Alive (colour rings seen) 27-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 175km WNW 0y 2m 8d All five reports of the three Dutch-ringed birds in Suffolk. Little Tern BV87452
Nestling 20-06-2001 Long dead 05-06-2017 BV87425 Nestling 20-06-2001 Long dead 03-06-2017
Site Confidential: (Norfolk) Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 23km S 15y 11m 16d Site Confidential: (Norfolk) Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 23km S 15y 11m 14d A sad outcome for these two birds. The longevity record for this species is 21 years, 10 months and 11 days.
Woodpigeon FH22116 Adult Male 24-10-2010 Caught by ringer 04-04-2017 FC20859 First-year 06-12-2010 Caught by ringer 22-02-2011 Caught by ringer 04-12-2012 Caught by ringer 24-02-2014 Caught by ringer 04-06-2015 Caught by ringer 26-12-2015
Brandon: 52°26’N 0°35’E (Suffolk) Brandon: 52°26’N 0°35’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 5m 11d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 2m 16d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 11m 28d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 2m 18d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 5m 29d Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 0m 20d 186
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Caught by ringer 11-05-2017
Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 5m 5d
Turtle Dove EZ01243 Nestling 24-07-2016 Alive (ring read in field) 15-05-2017 Caught by ringer 20-05-2017
Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) WWT Welney: 52°31’N 0°16’E (Norfolk) 67km NW 0y 9m 21d Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 0y 9m 26d Deciding it preferred being at Brewery Farm?
Barn Owl GC78418 Nestling Female 13-07-2008 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Caught in nestbox 29-06-2014 Site Confidential: (Essex) 14km ESE 5y 11m 16d Caught in nestbox 22-06-2017 Site Confidential: (Essex) 14km ESE 8y 11m 9d AJ59684 Nestling 26-06-2008 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Freshly dead (injury) 26-03-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 4km 8y 9m 0d GC61513 Nestling 30-06-2009 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Freshly dead (hit by train) 20-12-2017 near Brandon: 52°26’N 0°32’E (Suffolk) 0km 8y 5m 20d AJ63537 Nestling 20-06-2009 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Freshly dead (injury) 31-10-2017 Ellough Industrial Estate, Beccles: 52°26’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 5km 8y 4m 11d With widespread box checking I’d like to think we’d get more recoveries similar to GC78418 rather than the all too frequent fatalities Little Owl EL45157 First-year 14-02-2012 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Long dead 02-08-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 5m 19d EW71495 First-year 23-06-2017 Levington Reedbeds: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) Dead 04-07-2017 Trimley St Martin: 51°59’N 1°17’E (Suffolk) 3km 0y 0m 11d Tawny Owl AJ56639 Nestling 21-05-2014 Freshly dead 08-06-2017
Sotterley: 52°23’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) Beccles: 52°27’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 8km NNW 3y 0m 18d
Nightjar LE58495 Adult Male 13-07-2013 High Wrong Corner, Thetford Warren: 52°24’N 0°39’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 25-06-2015 near Thetford Warrren: 52°24’N 0°39’E (Suffolk) 2km 1y 11m 12d Caught by ringer 27-07-2016 High Wrong Corner, Thetford Warren: 52°24’N 0°39’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 14d Caught by ringer 04-07-2017 High Wrong Corner, Thetford Warren: 52°24’N 0°39’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 11m 21d RR05040 Adult Male 03-07-2014 Wangford Woods: 52°23’N 0°36’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 22-07-2015 Wangford Warren: 52°23’N 0°36’E (Suffolk) 2km 1y 0m 19d Caught by ringer 12-07-2017 near High Wrong Corner: 52°24’N 0°40’E (Norfolk) 4km 3y 0m 9d RK39163 First-year 18-07-2016 Grime’s Graves: 52°28’N 0°39’E (Norfolk) Caught by ringer 03-06-2017 Wangford Warren: 52°23’N 0°36’E (Suffolk) 9km SSW 0y 10m 16d NB. High Wrong Corner is in Watsonian Suffolk. 187
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Swift SB80382 Nestling 13-07-2015 Caught in nestbox 12-07-2017
Worlington Church: 52°19’N 0°29’E (Suffolk) Worlington Church: 52°19’N 0°29’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 11m 30d
Kingfisher SA61695 First-year 10-06-2017 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (hit glass) 01-07-2017 Gislingham: 52°17’N 1°2’E (Suffolk) 9km SSE 0y 0m 21d Great Spotted Woodpecker LB98130 First-year Male 02-07-2010 Caught by ringer 26-07-2010 Caught by ringer 21-11-2010 Caught by ringer 22-02-2011 Caught by ringer 30-06-2011 Caught by ringer 31-03-2012 Caught by ringer 18-06-2013 Caught by ringer 16-04-2014 Caught by ringer 09-04-2017
Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 24d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 4m 19d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 7m 20d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 11m 28d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 8m 29d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 2y 11m 16d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 3y 9m 14d Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 6y 9m 7d
Green Woodpecker DA87196 First-year Female 06-10-2013 The Haven, Thorpeness: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) Unknown (ring only) 17-04-2017 Aldeburgh: 52°8’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) 2km 3y 6m 11d Kestrel EX14895 Nestling 22-06-2010 Creeting St Peter: 52°10’N 1°1’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (predated) 26-03-2017 Rockylls Halls, Shelland, Stowmarket: 52°12’N 0°54’E (Suffolk) 9km WNW 6y 9m 4d Peregrine GC54557
Nestling 04-05-2010 Alive (colour rings seen) 24-03-2012 Alive (colour rings seen) 13-03-2015 Long dead 18-03-2017
Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 59km NE 1y 10m 20d Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 58km NE 4y 10m 9d Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 58km NE 6y 10m 14d
Jay DE37168 First-year 06-01-2016 Freshly dead (shot) 18-11-2017
West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 10m 12d
Magpie EW96818 First-year Female 29-09-2009 Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (hit by car) 23-05-2017 Kessingland Beach: 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 7m 24d EL45126 Nestling 18-05-2011 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 188
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Freshly dead (hit by car) 01-10-2017 Felixstowe: 51°57’N 1°19’E (Suffolk) 3km 6y 4m 13d EX84936 Second-year Female 27-06-2016 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 19-05-2017 Minsmere: c. 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) 2km 0y 10m 22d Jackdaw ET44803 Nestling 20-05-2011 Wyken Hall, Stanton: 52°18’N 0°52’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead 17-04-2017 Bardwell: 52°19’N 0°50’E (Suffolk) 3km 5y 10m 28d EX94383 Adult Female 03-06-2013 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (injury) 28-04-2017 Earl Stonham: 52°10’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 3y 10m 25d EX54712 09-04-2015 Holywell Row, Mildenhall: 52°21’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (shot) 16-08-2017 Eriswell: 52°21’N 0°31’E (Suffolk) 2km 2y 4m 7d Waxwing NW82758 First-year Female 11-12-2016 Ballater: 57°2’N 3°3’W (Aberdeenshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 24-02-2017 Carlton Colville, Lowestoft: 52°26’N 1°41’E (Suffolk) 595km SSE 0y 2m 13d NW41662 Adult Female 07-01-2017 Aboyne: 57°4’N 2°47’W (Aberdeenshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 12-02-2017 Carlton Colville, Lowestoft: 52°27’N 1°41’E (Suffolk) 588km SSE 0y 1m 5d NV56470 First-year Male 05-01-2017 Newbridge-on-Wye: 52.2°N 3.44°W (Powys) Alive (colour rings seen) 04-02-2017 Pakefield, Lowestoft: 52°26’N 1°45’E (Suffolk) 354km E 0y 0m 30d Goldcrest DKT419 First-year Female 03-10-2015 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 09-10-2017 Tythebarns Farm, near Ripley: 51°16’N 0°30’W (Surrey) 170km WSW 2y 0m 6d CNX148 First-year Male 18-10-2017 Theddlethorpe St Helen, Mablethorpe: 53°21’N 0°13’E (Lincolnshire) Caught by ringer 06-11-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 168km SSE 0y 0m 19d CHA155 First-year Male 10-10-2010 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 17-11-2010 Essen: 51°28’N 4°28’E (Antwerpen) Belgium 211km ESE 0y 1m 7d NLA Full-grown 21-09-2011 Burgh Haamstede, Schouwen-Duiveland: 51°40’N 3°40’E (Zeeland) The Netherlands Y67804 Caught by ringer 04-10-2012 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 166km WNW 1y 0m 13d Caught by ringer 06-10-2012 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 166km WNW 1y 0m 15d CHA155 is the first Suffolk-ringed Goldcrest to be reported in Belgium. Marsh Tit X362521 First-year Male 13-02-2010 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-03-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 0m 20d D021202 First-year 07-10-2012 Red House Farm, Thornham Magna: 52°17’N 1°3’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 27-01-2017 Thornham Hall, Thornham Magna: 52°17’N 1°4’E (Suffolk) 2km 4y 3m 20d 189
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Blue Tit L150463 Juvenile Male 15-06-2010 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 26-07-2010 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 11d Caught by ringer 22-02-2011 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 8m 7d Caught by ringer 31-03-2012 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: c. 51°57’N 1°15’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 9m 16d Caught by ringer 05-03-2013 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 2y 8m 18d Caught by ringer 14-05-2014 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 3y 10m 29d Caught by ringer 16-01-2015 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 4y 7m 1d Caught by ringer 03-01-2017 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 6y 6m 19d Caught by ringer 10-05-2017 Gate Farm Road, Shotley: 51°57’N 1°16’E (Suffolk) 2km 6y 10m 25d L800380 First-year Male 27-03-2011 Thetford Lodge Farm: c. 52°26’N 0°40’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 28-03-2011 Thetford Lodge Farm: c. 52°26’N 0°40’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 1d Caught by ringer 16-12-2017 Thetford Lodge Farm: c. 52°26’N 0°40’E (Suffolk) 2km 6y 8m 19d L697995 First-year Female 29-12-2010 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 20-02-2011 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 22d Caught by ringer 18-03-2012 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 2m 18d Caught by ringer 26-12-2012 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 1y 11m 27d Caught by ringer 16-02-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 1m 18d Caught by ringer 30-12-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 4y 0m 1d Caught by ringer 04-06-2016 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 5y 5m 6d Caught by ringer 26-02-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 6y 1m 28d Great Tit X941886 First-year Male 25-10-2009 West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 24-11-2012 West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 30d Caught by ringer 19-01-2017 West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 2m 25d L671264 First-year Female 15-03-2011 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 28-04-2011 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 13d Caught by ringer 29-02-2012 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 11m 14d Caught by ringer 02-04-2013 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 0m 18d Caught by ringer 06-03-2016 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 11m 20d Caught by ringer 19-03-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 0m 4d 190
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 D417387 First-year Female 12-06-2014 Polstead: 51°59’N 0°53’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 11-02-2017 Market Drayton: 52°53’N 2°29’W (Shropshire) 250km WNW 2y 7m 30d Z358944 First-year Male 24-02-2016 Cottam Power Station: c. 53°18’N 0°46’W (Nottinghamshire) Freshly dead (hit by car) 05-02-2017 Wissett, Halesworth: 52°21’N 1°27’E (Suffolk) 184km SE 0y 11m 12d Bearded Tit S540680 Full-grown Male 24-09-2016 Walberswick: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-11-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 25km SSW 1y 1m 12d S540677 Full-grown Female 24-09-2016 Walberswick: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-11-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 25km SSW 1y 1m 12d Think these two have stayed together as a pair! S236965 Juvenile Male 13-08-2017 Belton Marshes: 52°34’N 1°37’E (Norfolk Watsonian Suffolk) Caught by ringer 22-12-2017 Carlton Marshes: c. 52°27’N 1°40’E (Suffolk) 14km SSE 0y 4m 9d ABB0096 Full-grown 19-09-2017 Walberswick: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 26-10-2017 Holland Haven, near Frinton-on-Sea: 51°48’N 1°13’E (Essex) 63km SSW 0y 1m 7d Woodlark TT59534 Nestling Male 08-05-2013 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 24-06-2015 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 5km 2y 1m 16d Alive (colour rings seen) 17-03-2016 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 5km 2y 10m 9d Alive (colour rings seen) 07-04-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 5km 3y 10m 30d TR58891 Nestling 05-05-2014 Site Confidential: (Norfolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 29-04-2016 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 10km SSW 1y 11m 24d Alive (colour rings seen) 27-03-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 10km SSW 2y 10m 22d Some interesting survival data building from the long term studies. Sand Martin S368234 Juvenile 09-08-2016 Minsmere: c. 52°14’N 1°36’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 15-07-2017 Adinkerke, West-Vlaaanderen. 51°4’N 2°36’E Belgium 148km SSE 0y 11m 6d Swallow Z175522 First-year 16-08-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead 13-05-2017 Angmering: 50°49’N 0°29’W (West Sussex) 188km SW 2y 8m 27d Cetti’s Warbler AVA5506 First-year Female 26-08-2017 Newbourne (Mill Rd): c. 52°1’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 16-10-2017 Pett Level, Sussex: 50°54’N 0°40’E (East Sussex) 134km SSW 0y 1m 20d Caught by ringer 03-11-2017 Pett Level, Sussex: 50°54’N 0°40’E (East Sussex) 134km SSW 0y 2m 8d A move of fairly significant distance for this species. Long-tailed Tit DXB549 Full-grown 16-10-2011 Thorndon: 52°16’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 12-05-2012 Thorndon: 52°16’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 6m 26d 191
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Caught by ringer 28-03-2014 Thorndon: 52°16’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 5m 12d Caught by ringer 18-04-2015 Thorndon: 52°16’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 6m 2d Caught by ringer 26-01-2017 Thorndon: 52°16’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 3m 10d DYB054 Adult Female 04-05-2012 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-05-2012 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 1d Caught by ringer 29-06-2013 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 1m 25d Caught by ringer 30-08-2014 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 3m 26d Caught by ringer 01-07-2016 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 1m 27d Caught by ringer 31-07-2017 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 2m 27d Chiffchaff YV709 Adult 20-10-2016 East Prawle: 50°12’N 3°43’W (Devon) Caught by ringer 07-07-2017 Thetford Forest: (Suffolk) 393km NE 0y 8m 17d JHB714 First-year 30-10-2016 Ibsley Water, Blashford Lakes: 50°52’N 1°47’W (Hampshire) Caught by ringer 14-03-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 259km ENE 0y 4m 12d HVK936 First-year 30-09-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 09-10-2017 Marais-Moisan-Ouest, Messanges: 43°48’N 1°22’W (Landes) France 926km SSW 0y 0m 9d KBY469 First-year 29-09-2017 Muntons Maltings, Stowmarket: 52°10’N 1°0’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 07-10-2017 Buisson, Chenac-Saint-Seurin-D’uzet: 45°30’N 0°49’W (Charente-Maritime) France 753km SSW 0y 0m 8d HVK831 First-year 18-09-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Alive (trapped) 12-11-2017 Lebrija: 36°54’N 6°4’W (Sevilla) Spain 1,769km SSW 0y 1m 25d All three foreign exchanges for the county in 2017 are included above. Blackcap L844682 Juvenile Male 16-08-2011 Kessingland, Lowestoft: 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 16-09-2017 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 1m 0d L157278 Adult Male 04-05-2012 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-05-2012 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 1d Caught by ringer 04-05-2013 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 0m 0d Caught by ringer 12-08-2013 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 3m 8d Caught by ringer 07-06-2014 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 1m 3d Caught by ringer 09-05-2015 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 5d Caught by ringer 22-08-2015 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 3m 18d Caught by ringer 09-07-2016 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 2m 5d 192
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Caught by ringer 24-07-2017 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 2m 20d Caught by ringer 07-08-2017 Hinderclay Fen: 52°21’N 0°57’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 3m 3d R995572 First-year Male 29-03-2007 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 13-10-2008 Bellem: 51°4’N 3°30’E (Oost-Vlaanderen) Belgium 179km ESE 1y 6m 14d Z903296 First-year Male 27-09-2015 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 28-04-2016 Sint Laureins: 51°15’N 3°31’E (Oost-Vlaanderen) Belgium 170km ESE 0y 7m 1d D280008 First-year Female 19-09-2016 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 24-09-2016 Jonkershove: 50°58’N 2°55’E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 155km SE 0y 0m 5d S522471 First-year Male 07-09-2016 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 29-09-2016 Plaisance, Saint-Froult: 45°54’N 1°4’W (Charente-Maritime) France 708km SSW 0y 0m 22d S282509 First-year Female 09-09-2017 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 08-10-2017 Middle Hill: 36°8’N 5°20’W (Gibraltar) Gibraltar 1,890km SSW 0y 0m 29d S943843 Juvenile 26-07-2017 Newbourne (Mill Rd): c. 52°1’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 23-09-2017 Bentveld, Zandvoort: 52°19’N 4°31’E (Noord Holland) The Netherlands 222km E 0y 1m 28d FRP First-year Female 18-10-2017 Dunes du Fort Vert, Marck: 50°58’N 1°55’E (Pas de-Calais) France 8236944 Caught by ringer 05-11-2017 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) 160km N 0y 0m 18d NLA First-year Female 09-11-2017 Assen: 52°58’N 6°31’E (Drente) The Netherlands V868337 Caught by ringer 25-11-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 377km WSW 0y 0m 16d Lesser Whitethroat D826065 Second-year Female 13-05-2014 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 02-08-2014 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 2m 20d Caught by ringer 13-05-2017 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 0d Whitethroat X546499 Adult Male 02-06-2011 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 18-05-2013 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 11m 16d Caught by ringer 24-04-2014 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 10m 22d Caught by ringer 19-07-2015 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 1m 17d Caught by ringer 13-05-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 11m 11d Caught by ringer 12-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 2m 10d S480898 First-year 23-08-2016 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 11-05-2017 Top Scrub, Filey Brigg Country Park: 54°13’N 0°16’W (North Yorkshire) 267km NNW 0y 8m 18d S216564 Nestling 01-06-2016 Stoke Lake, River Wey, Guildford: 51°14’N 0°34’W (Surrey) Caught by ringer 07-05-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 151km ENE 0y 11m 6d 193
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Sedge Warbler Z620367 First-year 03-08-2017 near Dalchork, near Lairg: 58°2’N 4°25’W (Highland) Caught by ringer 20-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 764km SSE 0y 0m 17d D879325 First-year 15-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 22-08-2017 Reserve Pierre Constant, Saint-Malo-De Guersac: 47°21’N 2°12’W (Loire-Atlantique) France 592km SSW 0y 0m 7d S442061 First-year 19-09-2016 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 20-08-2017 Tour aux Moutons, Donges: 47°19’N 2°4’W (Loire-Atlantique) France 600km SSW 0y 11m 1d D879006 First-year 13-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 22-08-2017 Reserve Naturelle de L’etang Des Landes, Lussat: 46°10’N 2°18’E (Creuse) France 660km S 0y 0m 9d Caught by ringer 24-08-2017 Reserve Naturelle de L’etang Des Landes, Lussat: 46°10’N 2°18’E (Creuse) France 660km S 0y 0m 11d D878391 First-year 05-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 15-08-2017 Mars-Ouest, Sant-Philbert-De-Grand-Lieu: 47°7’N 1°40’W (Loire-Atlantique) France 600km SSW 0y 0m 10d X891196 First-year 08-08-2009 Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3’N 1°27’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 12-08-2009 Uebersyren: 49°37’N 6°16’E (Luxembourg) Luxembourg 433km SE 0y 0m 4d Caught by ringer 17-08-2009 Uebersyren: 49°37’N 6°16’E (Luxembourg) Luxembourg 433km SE 0y 0m 9d D280781 Adult 07-05-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 03-06-2017 Sore Merkeskog, Utsira: 59°18’N 4°52’E (Rogaland) Norway 848km NNE 0y 0m 27d FRP Adult Female 25-08-2016 Marais de Pompas, Herbignac: 47°24’N 2°19’W (Loire-Atlantique) France 7597796 Caught by ringer 07-08-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 584km NNE 0y 11m 13d FRP First-year 23-08-2015 Les Masieres, Villeton: 44°21’N 0°16’E (Lot-et Garonne) France 7381976 Caught by ringer 02-08-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 860km N 1y 11m 10d NLA Full-grown 21-04-2017 Parnassiaweg, Bloemendaal: 52°25’N 4°33’E (Noord-Holland) The Netherlands BF92279 Caught by ringer 09-08-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 207km W 0y 3m 19d Included above are the first Suffolk-ringed ‘Sedwa’ to Norway and a selection of the twelve recoveries from France Seven others were also reported in Belgium. Reed Warbler X583005 Juvenile Male 07-07-2010 Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Mary: c. 51°57’N 1°17’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 10-06-2017 Trimley Marshes: 51°57’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 2km 6y 11m 3d L701448 Adult Male 01-08-2011 Trimley Marshes, Trimley St Mary: c. 51°57’N 1°17’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 06-07-2014 Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3’N 1°27’E (Suffolk) 15km NE 2y 11m 5d 194
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Caught by ringer 05-07-2015 Levington, near River Orwell: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 5km 3y 11m 4d Caught by ringer 12-06-2016 Levington, near River Orwell: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 5km 4y 10m 11d Caught by ringer 05-08-2017 Levington Reedbeds: 51°59’N 1°14’E (Suffolk) 5km 6y 0m 4d Z205148 First-year Male 07-08-2014 Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3’N 1°27’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 09-07-2017 Druridge Links: 55°15’N 1°34’W (Northumberland) 408km NNW 2y 11m 2d S368157 Adult 11-08-2016 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 17-05-2017 Hauxley Reserve: 55°18’N 1°33’W (Northumberland) 400km NNW 0y 9m 6d D278466 First-year 05-08-2015 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 09-08-2015 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 4d Caught by ringer 03-05-2017 Embalse de San Jose, Castronuno: 41°24’N 5°15’W (Valladolid) Spain 1,272km SSW 1y 8m 28d Suffolk-ringed birds were also reported in Belgium (3) and France (1). Wren CYK475 Full-grown 27-10-2011 Snape Marshes: 52°9’N 1°29’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (drowned) 13-02-2017 Snape, Saxmundham: 52°10’N 1°29’E (Suffolk) 2km 5y 3m 17d A rather unfortunate end for this mature wren JKX172 First-year 23-10-2016 Mill River Meadows, Newbourne: 52°1’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 22-04-2017 Holme Bird Observatory: 52°57’N 0°32’E (Norfolk) 116km NNW 0y 5m 30d Treecreeper JYV011 First-year 29-07-2017 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 07-08-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 15km SW 0y 0m 9d Starling LE06511 Adult Female 21-05-2011 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 08-08-2015 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 2m 18d Caught by ringer 27-05-2017 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 0m 6d LE29221 First-year Male 27-03-2012 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 07-04-2012 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 11d Caught by ringer 18-02-2013 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 10m 22d Caught by ringer 20-01-2015 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 9m 24d Caught by ringer 27-03-2017 Ipswich: 52°3’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 0m 0d Blackbird CW88964 Juvenile Male 22-06-2010 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 16-09-2010 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 2m 25d Caught by ringer 05-03-2011 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 8m 11d Caught by ringer 11-07-2013 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 19d Caught by ringer 05-06-2014 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 11m 14d 195
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Caught by ringer 16-06-2015 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 11m 25d Caught by ringer 23-03-2016 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 9m 1d Caught by ringer 22-04-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 10m 0d Caught by ringer 09-11-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 4m 18d Caught by ringer 28-12-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 6m 6d LJ28629 First-year Male 05-11-2016 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Long dead 15-11-2017 Toft Farm, Wrangle: 53°1’N 0°8’E (Lincolnshire) 127km NW 1y 0m 10d SFH Full-grown Male 05-04-2015 Juva, Etela-Savo: 61°43’N 27°54’E (Mikkeli) Finland A760456 Dead 16-11-2017 Rectory Lane, Mettingham: 52°26’N 1°28’E (Suffolk) 1,891km WSW 2y 7m 11d NOS First-year 13-08-2017 Haland, Tysvaer: 59°19’N 5°30’E (Rogaland) Norway 7625095 Caught by ringer 28-10-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 861km SSW 0y 2m 15d LJ28632 Juvenile Female 05-11-2016 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead 20-03-2017 Aalbaek, Frederikshaven: 57°34’N 10°24’E, (Nordjyllands Amt), Denmark 797km NE 0y 4m 15d Additionally, one German and seven Dutch ringed birds were reported in the county as well as an individual Suffolk-ringed bird being reported in The Netherlands. Redwing RL13731 First-year 08-10-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 25-11-2017 Rhostryfan, Caernarfon: 53°5’N 4°14’W (Gwynedd) 409km WNW 0y 1m 17d RF93563 First-year 04-11-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 16-12-2017 Coleshill: 51°38’N 1°39’W (Oxfordshire) 207km W 0y 1m 12d Song Thrush RF47306 First-year 14-03-2013 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 03-05-2013 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 19d Caught by ringer 16-05-2014 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 2m 2d Caught by ringer 09-03-2015 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 11m 23d Caught by ringer 09-03-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 11m 23d RL20046 First-year 07-10-2012 Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: c. 52°9’N 1°3’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 11-11-2012 Flordon Road, Creeting St Mary: c. 52°9’N 1°3’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 4d Caught by ringer 04-02-2017 Munton’s Maltings, Stowmarket: 52°10’N 1°0’E (Suffolk) 3km 4y 3m 28d Robin Z999895 First-year 14-10-2016 Buckton: 54°8’N 0°11’W (East Riding of Yorkshire) Caught by ringer 07-11-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 267km SSE 1y 0m 24d 196
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 D653894 First-year 26-11-2015 Barrow: 52°14’N 0°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 17-01-2016 Barrow: 52°14’N 0°34’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 22d Dead (in building) 05-04-2017 Baling, Gnarp: 62°1’N 17°15’E (Gävleborg) Sweden 1,476km NE 1y 4m 10d S129846 First-year 22-10-2016 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 11-05-2017 Nidingen: 57°18’N 11°54’E (Halland) Sweden 875km NE 0y 6m 19d Caught by ringer 12-05-2017 Nidingen: 57°18’N 11°54’E (Halland) Sweden 875km NE 0y 6m 20d Additionally, 11 reports of Dutch-ringed birds present in Suffolk were received Nightingale Y276125 Adult Male 28-07-2011 Alton Water, near Tattingstone: c. 51°58’N 1°6’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 13-05-2017 Alton Water: c. 51°59’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 9m 15d D771666 First-year Male 26-07-2014 Cauldwell Hall Farm, Hollesley: 52°3’N 1°27’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 02-05-2017 Melton Sewage Treatment Works: 52°5’N 1°19’E (Suffolk) 9km WNW 2y 9m 6d Z598200 First-year Male 02-08-2015 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 23-05-2017 Sutton Hoo: 52°5’N 1°19’E (Suffolk) 8km WNW 1y 9m 21d NA82699 Adult Male 11-01-2016 Kartong: 13°4’N 16°44’W (Gambia) The Gambia Caught by ringer 12-05-2016 Alton Water: c. 51°59’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 4,615km NNE 0y 4m 1d Caught by ringer 04-05-2017 Alton Water: c. 51°59’N 1°7’E (Suffolk) 4,615km NNE 1y 3m 23d Caught by ringer 22-11-2017 Kartong: 13°4’N 16°44’W (Gambia) The Gambia 4,615km SSW 1y 10m 11d NA82699 has a fascinating link with Suffolk. It has been caught on three separate occasions in The Gambia, extracted from the nets each time by LBO ringer Mike Marsh. Fitted with a new data logger whilst at Alton Water in May 2017; all was well with bird and device back in The Gambia in November 2017. Whinchat D876068 First-year Male 11-09-2016 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 26-06-2017 High Park: 54°52’N 2°40’W (Cumbria) 418km NW 0y 9m 15d NLA Adult Male 13-05-2017 Oostvaadersdijk: 52°25’N 5°13’E (Ijsselmeerpolders) The Netherlands BF76359 Caught by ringer 17-05-2017 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) 273km W 0y 0m 4d BF76359 is the first foreign-ringed Whinchat to be recorded in Suffolk Stonechat Z901120 Nestling 20-05-2016 Site Confidential, near Sutton Common: c. 52°4’N 1°23’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 01-05-2017 Clee Hill, Cleobury Mortimer: c. 52°23’N 2°36’W (Shropshire) 274km W 0y 11m 11d S864002 First-year Female 19-03-2017 Lakenheath Warren: 52°23’N 0°36’E (Suffolk) Alive (colour rings seen) 02-04-2017 Stoke Common: 51°33’N 0°35’W (Buckinghamshire) 124km SW 0y 0m 14d 197
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Tree Sparrow S103007 Full-grown 19-10-2017 Kilnsea: 53°36’N 0°7’E (East Riding of Yorkshire) Caught by ringer 06-11-2017 The Barracks, Little Livermere: c. 52°18’N 0°44’E (Suffolk) 150km SSE 0y 0m 18d S096593 Full-grown 10-10-2016 Kilnsea Clays: 53°36’N 0°7’E (East Riding of Yorkshire) Caught by ringer 28-03-2017 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) 149km SSE 0y 5m 18d S100644 Juvenile 24-08-2017 Kilnsea Clays: 53°36’N 0°7’E (East Riding of Yorkshire) Caught by ringer 05-11-2017 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) 149km SSE 0y 2m 12d Caught by ringer 12-11-2017 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) 149km SSE 0y 2m 19d S096122 Full-grown 03-10-2016 Kilnsea Clays: 53°36’N 0°7’E (East Riding of Yorkshire) Long dead (in nestbox) 26-09-2017 Mildenhall Fen: 52°22’N 0°26’E (Suffolk) 139km S 0y 11m 23d S098116 Juvenile 30-08-2016 Kilnsea Clays: 53°36’N 0°7’E (East Riding of Yorkshire) Long dead (in nestbox) 26-09-2017 Mildenhall Fen: 52°22’N 0°26’E (Suffolk) 139km S 1y 0m 27d Further evidence from the ongoing studies in the west of the county of the link between East Yorkshire and Suffolk. Dunnock X114718 First-year Male 25-10-2008 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 08-11-2009 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 0m 14d Caught by ringer 27-06-2010 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 8m 2d Caught by ringer 08-01-2012 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 2m 14d Caught by ringer 06-01-2013 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 2m 12d Caught by ringer 20-04-2013 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 5m 26d Caught by ringer 15-02-2015 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 3m 21d Caught by ringer 22-10-2015 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 11m 27d Caught by ringer 23-01-2016 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 7y 2m 29d Caught by ringer 31-12-2016 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 8y 2m 6d Caught by ringer 28-05-2017 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 8y 7m 3d VZ28504 First-year 21-11-2016 Chelmondiston: 51°59’N 1°12’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 25-03-2017 West Moor: c. 55°1’N 1°35’W (Tyne and Wear) 385km NNW 0y 4m 4d A good age for X114718. The Dunnock longevity record is 11 years, 3 months and 7 days. Grey Wagtail D279972 First-year 19-09-2016 Landguard Point, Felixstowe: 51°55’N 1°18’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (injury) 13-01-2017 Chelsworth: 52°5’N 0°54’E (Suffolk) 34km NW 0y 3m 25d 198
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Pied/White Wagtail D827441 First-year Male 04-02-2015 Kessingland: c. 52°24’N 1°43’E (Suffolk) Alive (ring read in field) 20-03-2016 Revehamnen, Klepp: 58°46’N 5°30’E (Rogaland) Norway 746km NNE 1y 1m 16d Alive (ring read in field) 11-09-2016 Revehamnen, Klepp: 58°46’N 5°30’E (Rogaland) Norway 746km NNE 1y 7m 7d Alive (ring read in field) 03-11-2017 Revehamnen, Klepp: 58°46’N 5°30’E (Rogaland) Norway 746km NNE 2y 8m 30d Alive (ring read in field) 29-11-2017 Revehamnen, Klepp: 58°46’N 5°30’E (Rogaland) Norway 746km NNE 2y 9m 25d D827441 represents the 11th report of a Suffolk-ringed bird in Norway. No foreign-ringed bird has ever been reported in the county. Meadow Pipit D088993 First-year 16-09-2012 Walberswick: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 01-10-2012 Semmerzake: 50°57’N 3°40’E (Oost-Vlaanderen) Belgium 206km SE 0y 0m 15d S082059 First-year 19-09-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 06-10-2017 Herentals: 51°10’N 4°49’E (Antwerpen) Belgium 247km ESE 0y 0m 17d The only foreign exchanges with Suffolk in 2017. Chaffinch V686100 Juvenile Female 03-08-2007 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 31-01-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 0km 9y 5m 28d L620404 First-year Female 13-10-2010 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 03-02-2013 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 3m 21d Caught by ringer 11-01-2014 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 2m 29d Caught by ringer 20-03-2016 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 5m 7d Caught by ringer 11-03-2017 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) 0km 6y 4m 26d Z159802 Adult Female 04-12-2016 Rose Hill, Ipswich: 52°2’N 1°10’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (hit glass) 29-05-2017 Stalon, Vilhelmina: 64°55’N 15°52’E (Västerbotten) Sweden 1,662km NNE 0y 5m 25d NOS Full-grown Male 23-03-2017 Log, Ana Sira, Sokndal: 58°16’N 6°25’E (Rogaland) Norway EK51633 Caught by ringer 09-10-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 762km SSW 0y 6m 16d Included above are the only two foreign exchanges in 2017 Brambling Z844372 Adult Female 08-04-2016 Site Confidential: (Hampshire) Caught by ringer 28-02-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 231km ENE 0y 10m 20d BLB 14518633 Adult Male 19-03-2016 Sorinnes: 50°16’N 4°58’E (Namur) Belgium Caught by ringer 11-03-2017 Site Confidential: c. (Suffolk) 383km NW 0y 11m 20d D833091 Adult Female 01-12-2013 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 19-11-2017 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 11m 18d Z832417 First-year Male 31-01-2016 Iken Marshes, near Iken: 52°8’N 1°33’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 24-03-2017 Site Confidential: (Suffolk) 15km SW 1y 1m 21d 199
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Bullfinch D833025 First-year Female 28-11-2013 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-01-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 8d Caught by ringer 23-01-2016 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 2y 1m 26d Caught by ringer 14-01-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 3y 1m 17d Caught by ringer 05-03-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 3y 3m 5d Z003338 Juvenile Female 25-06-2014 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 08-07-2014 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 0m 13d Caught by ringer 06-07-2017 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 0m 11d Greenfinch TX89797 First-year Female 10-10-2016 Theddlethorpe St Helen, Mablethorpe: 53°21’N 0°13’E (Lincolnshire) Caught by ringer 21-01-2017 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) 104km S 0y 3m 11d NZ02496 First-year Female 24-03-2017 Muntons Maltings, Stowmarket: 52°10’N 1°0’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 24-11-2017 Old Weston: 52°22’N 0°23’W (Cambridgeshire) 100km WNW 0y 8m 0d Goldfinch X625285 First-year Male 21-03-2009 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 03-02-2010 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 10m 13d Caught by ringer 16-02-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 10m 26d Caught by ringer 08-04-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 8y 0m 18d Caught by ringer 29-04-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 2km 8y 1m 8d L683865 First-year Female 05-12-2011 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) Dead 24-12-2017 Varreddes: 49°0’N 2°55’E (Seine-et-Marne) France 419km SSE 6y 0m 19d S442924 First-year Female 21-01-2017 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) Freshly dead (hit glass) 07-06-2017 Carlisle: 54°51’N 2°54’W (Cumbria) 351km NW 0y 4m 17d Z586652 First-year Female 08-04-2016 Mildenhall: 52°20’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 28-06-2017 Derwent Reservoir Nature Reserve: 54°51’N 2°1’W (Northumberland) 327km NNW 1y 2m 20d S825007 Juvenile 01-07-2017 Norbriggs Flash: 53°16’N 1°20’W (Derbyshire) Caught by ringer 29-09-2017 Minsmere Nature Reserve: 52°14’N 1°37’E (Suffolk) 229km ESE 0y 2m 28d Siskin L184890 Juvenile Male 20-07-2011 High Lodge, near Brandon: c. 52°26’N 0°39’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-09-2015 Brandon: 52°26’N 0°37’E (Suffolk) 4km 4y 1m 16d Caught by ringer 05-03-2017 Brandon: 52°26’N 0°37’E (Suffolk) 4km 5y 7m 13d 200
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 S155130 Adult Male 03-03-2016 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 16-04-2017 Shebster: 58°33’N 3°42’W (Highland) 748km NNW 1y 1m 13d S090965 First-year Female 11-03-2017 Barton Mills: 52°20’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 18-04-2017 Melvich: 58°32’N 3°55’W (Highland) 745km NNW 0y 1m 7d S778492 Adult Male 13-02-2017 Great Livermere: 52°18’N 0°45’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 31-03-2017 Tved, Thisted: 57°3’N 8°40’E (Viborg) Denmark 731km NE 0y 1m 18d The first Suffolk-ringed Siskin to Denmark. Another was reported in Belgium Twite S109815 First-year 09-09-2016 Booth Wood Reservoir, Rishworth: 53°38’N 1°58’W (West Yorkshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 29-01-2017 near Dunwich: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) 284km ESE 0y 4m 20d S109687 Adult Female 29-08-2016 Booth Wood Reservoir, Rishworth: 53°38’N 1°58’W (West Yorkshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 29-01-2017 near Dunwich: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) 284km ESE 0y 5m 0d S109689 Adult Male 29-08-2016 Booth Wood Reservoir, Rishworth: 53°38’N 1°58’W (West Yorkshire) Alive (colour rings seen) 05-01-2017 near Dunwich: 52°17’N 1°38’E (Suffolk) 284km ESE 0y 4m 7d Redpoll AEB1089 First-year 23-10-2017 Melton Sewage Treatment Works: 52°5’N 1°19’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 07-11-2017 Jardin, la Neuville: 50°28’N 3°1’E (Nord) France 215km SSE 0y 0m 15d SVS First-year 09-08-2016 Tanndalsvallen, Tanndalen: 62°33’N 12°18’E (Jämtland) Sweden CB99394 Caught by ringer 25-03-2017 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) 1,334km SSW 0y 7m 16d Lesser Redpoll L215359 First-year Male 23-04-2011 Calf of Man: c. 54°3’N 4°48’W (Isle of Man) Caught by ringer 05-01-2015 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) 397km ESE 3y 8m 13d Caught by ringer 28-02-2017 The Barracks, Little Livermere: c. 52°18’N 0°44’E (Suffolk) 417km ESE 5y 10m 5d Z903476 Adult Male 01-11-2015 near Hollesley Heath: 52°3’N 1°25’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 16-08-2017 Queenamidda, Rendall: 59°3’N 3°5’W (Orkney) 830km NNW 1y 9m 15d L777244 Adult Male 31-10-2015 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 13-05-2017 Breakachy: 57°27’N 4°33’W (Highland) 714km NNW 1y 6m 12d AEA5667 First-year 09-10-2017 The Haven, Thorpeness: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 05-12-2017 Pasteur, Vimy: 50°22’N 2°48’E (Pas-de-Calais) France 217km SSE 0y 1m 26d S082825 First-year 08-10-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Alive (trapped) 14-11-2017 Don: 50°31’N 2°55’E (Nord) France 197km SSE 0y 1m 6d S576719 Adult Female 23-10-2016 The Haven, Thorpeness: 52°10’N 1°35’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 25-10-2017 de Koog: 53°6’N 4°46’E (Texel) The Netherlands 239km ENE 1y 0m 2d D443952 Adult Male 09-12-2015 Brandon Fen, RSPB Lakenheath Fen: c. 52°26’N 0°30’E (Suffolk) 201
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Caught by ringer 17-12-2017
Bercham, Kluisbergen, Oost-Vlaanderen: 50°46’N 3°30’E Belgium 277km SE 2y 0m 8d Additionally, a further nine reports of Suffolkringed birds in Belgium were received.
Yellowhammer L671155 First-year Male 05-03-2011 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 10-04-2011 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 1m 5d Caught by ringer 10-04-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 1m 5d Caught by ringer 05-04-2015 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 4y 1m 0d Caught by ringer 17-04-2016 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 5y 1m 12d Caught by ringer 11-03-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 6y 0m 6d L965182 First-year Male 19-04-2011 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 04-02-2012 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 0y 9m 16d Caught by ringer 20-05-2012 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 1m 1d Caught by ringer 13-04-2013 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 11m 25d Caught by ringer 31-05-2014 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 0km 3y 1m 12d Caught by ringer 05-03-2016 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 4y 10m 15d Caught by ringer 08-04-2017 Brewery Farm, Earl Stonham: c. 52°11’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 3km 5y 11m 20d L724080 First-year Male 13-10-2011 West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 20-01-2013 West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 0km 1y 3m 7d Caught by ringer 11-05-2013 Moathill Farm, Westhorpe: 52°18’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 2km 1y 6m 28d Caught by ringer 04-05-2014 Moathill Farm, Westhorpe: 52°18’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 2km 2y 6m 21d Caught by ringer 25-12-2015 Moathill Farm, Westhorpe: 52°18’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 2km 4y 2m 12d Caught by ringer 15-01-2017 West Farm, Westhorpe: 52°17’N 0°58’E (Suffolk) 0km 5y 3m 2d Some excellent recapture data from long standing farmland bird studies. L828634 Adult Male 23-01-2011 Water Eaton: 51°38’N 1°49’W (Wiltshire) Unknown (ring only) 27-09-2017 Eyke: 52°6’N 1°22’E (Suffolk) 226km ENE 6y 8m 4d Reed Bunting V872807 Nestling Female 06-07-2010 Great Blakenham: 52°6’N 1°4’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 19-11-2016 near Suffolk Water Park, Bramford: c. 52°5’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 4km 6y 4m 13d Caught by ringer 10-06-2017 near Suffolk Water Park, Bramford: c. 52°5’N 1°5’E (Suffolk) 4km 6y 11m 4d Z914675 Adult Male 21-09-2017 Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, Skegness: 53°5’N 0°19’E (Lincolnshire) Caught by ringer 23-10-2017 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) 141km SE 0y 1m 2d S310608 Adult Female 08-10-2016 near North Somercotes: 53°26’N 0°9’E (Lincolnshire) 202
Selected Ringing Recoveries for Suffolk in 2017 Caught by ringer 07-01-2017 Thorpe Street, Hinderclay: (Suffolk) 134km SSE 0y 2m 30d D877470 First-year Female 11-10-2016 Orfordness: c. 52°5’N 1°34’E (Suffolk) Caught by ringer 01-11-2017 Veurne: 51°4’N 2°39’E (West-Vlaanderen) Belgium 136km SSE 1y 0m 21d Only the second Suffolk-ringed bird to Belgium. Other historical reports have come from France (4), Germany (1) and Sweden (1).
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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. It is doubtful that all those who only submit to Birdtrack will feature here. S Abbott, D Adcroft, M D Abdulla, D Agombar, P Aldous, A E Allen, K Allenby, P R Allard, Alton WeBS Counters, I Amos, N Andrews, F Antram, D Archer, T Atkins, R Attenborrow, D Austin, T Austin, R Ayers. S Babbs, R Bachman, M Bacon, O Bailey, C Baines, J Baker, D Bakewell, D E Balmer, T Bamber, L Bambini, M F M Bamford, N Banham, S Banks, L J Barber, P Barker, I Barthorpe, B Baston, G Batchelor, E Bathgate, G S Batho, R Bedwell, P Beeson, S Belfield, Bellis, N W Beswick, M P Bevan, R Biddle, G Bieber, BINS, Birdline East Anglia, Birdguides, Birdtrack (thousands), S Bishop, P Bishop, M Bonomo, C Boot, D Borderick, C Bowden, G Bowen, G Bradley, S Bradfield, P Bradnum, W J Brame, M Bridges, M Breaks, M Brewster, K Britten, D Broadley, M Broekhuizen, M Broughton, A Brown, G B Brown, J Brown, BTO Thetford, D Buckingham, M Buckingham, S Buckle, B Buffery, I J Burfield, T Butler, C A Buttle. A M Cage, N Calbrade, B Calversbert, D K Campbell, D Carr, M Carr, P Carr, C Carter, D & M Carter, D G Carter, N Carter, T Carter, M Cartwright, A Casella, I Castle, P Catchpole, M Cavanagh, D Cawdron, H D Chapman, J Chapman, R Chittenden (Birdline East Anglia), A Clancy, F A Clements, G Clewley, J C Coe, P Collins, R Collins, G Conway, I M Cooke, E Cooper ,K Coote, J Copp, G Coppard, K Cordts, M L Cornish, S Cossey, C Courtney, C Cousland, S Cox, J Crapnell, D Crawshaw, N Crouch, M F Crowley, R Crozier, L Cutting. C Darby, A Damant, G J Daniels, D G Darrell-Lambert, M Darsley, J Davidson, C Davies, J Davies, M Deans, M Deegan, P Denyer, J P Dickie, C Dickinson, P Dolton, L Dorward, P Douch, E Douglas, A Dowe, I Downie, R Drew, P Dryburgh, N Duggan, R Duncan, P Dunn, J Durrant. A C Easton, D Eaton, C Elmer, N J C Elsey, R Etheridge, L G R Evans, S P Evans, A Excell. V Fairchild, D Fairhurst, M Fairley, J Fenwick, J Ferguson, M Ferris, P Finch, M Finlay, M Fishpool, D Fletcher, R Flindall, P Follett, Forest Enterprise, L Forsyth, B Fountain, S Franks, S Fryett, C Fulcher. D Gaffney, R Gardner, J Gerbracht, O Germech, T Gibson, S Gillings, J Gilroy, P D Gilson, Gipping Valley Birders, J Glazebrook, M Gooch, S R Goddard, P Gowen, S Graham, J H Grant, A Green, A M Gregory, C Gregory, A Gretton, G Grieco, S Grimwood, D J Gruar. B Hacker, R Hall, I Hambleton, P Hammans, B Harrington, R Harris, S Harris, B and M Hart, C Hartwell, R Harvey, G Hawes, F Hawkins, H Hepburn, C Herrington, G Higgins, J Higgott, A Hiley, J Hiley, M Hitchcock, M Hoare, P Hobbs, R Hoblyn, D Hodkinson, H Hodkinson, J Hogg, M Hoit, Hollesley Wardens, M Holling, S J Holloway, A Holmes, P J Holmes, P Holness, M Hooper, A Howe, S V Howell, C Hullis, T Humpage, P Hunter, F Hurst, E W Hutchings. J B Ingham, R and L Ingleston, C Ireland, E Jackson, P Jackson, C Jacobs, C J Jakes, M James, S Jarvis, G J Jobson, R Johnson, B Jones, P Jones, R Jones. E Keeble, C Keeling, S Kelling, M Kemp, A D Kennelly, P Kennerley, J Kennerley, T Kerridge, A Kettle, B Kightly, A King, D King, P King, V King, A Kite, C Knight, J Kornjaca. P C Lack, Lackford Lakes Log, Lackford Ringing Group, J Lanfear, Landguard Bird Observatory, D Langlois, P Lancaster, C Lansdell, C Larkin, S Laurence, Lavenham Bird Club, D Law, A Lawes, L Lawes, R Leavett, G Leite, J Levene, J Lewis, M and D Linsley, A Litvinoff, N Lloyd, N Loth, K Loveridge, D Lowe, G Lowe, Lowestoft Lounge Lizards, B Lucking, E Lucking, J Lyles. 204
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P Maddison, J H Marchant, D Marsh, E Marsh, G Marsh, M Marsh, R Marsh, J R Martin, R Martin, J E Mason, N J Mason, T Mayhew, S Mayson, D McCarthy, J I McCulloch, J E McSherry, M Meadows, K Metcalf, Mickle Mere Log, E Midgeley-Revett, A Miller, M Miller, J Mills, S Minns, Minsmere RSPB, I Misselbrook, D Mitchell, F Mitchell, S Moffat, A V Moon, S Moore, N J Moran, M Morley, T Morris, J Mountain, B Moyes, R Mudhar, N Mueller, N Murphy, P W Murphy, A Musgrove, C Mutimer,J Myers. A Nairn, P Napthine, National Trust Orfordness, Natural England, S E Newbold, S Newsome, P Nicolau, S Nixon, R Noble, S Noble, D Norris, North Warren RSPB, M Nowers, D Nunn, D Nussbaumer. T Oakes, J F O’Connor, N Odin, P Oldfield, Orfordness Report. M Packard, N Panda, R Parfitt, E Parker, S Patmore, E Patrick, D Pearsons, M F Peers, E I Peters, D Ping, S H Piotrowski, S P Piotrowski, R G Pople, K Power, M Prince, C Prynne, S Pryor, K Puttick. R Rackliffe, A Rafinski, C Rand, J Rankin, P J Ransome, D Ratcliffe, J Ratcliffe, S Read, L Record, D G Reece, L Reeves, A J Rey, A Richards, J Richardson, A Riseborough, D A Robertson, J A Robinson, R Robinson, C Robson, R Rolf, J A Rowlands, RSPB Lakenheath, RSPB Minsmere, RSPB North Warren, R D Ruffell, S Rush, L Russell, P J Rutt, C J Rymer. P Safford, R Safford, I Salkeld, R Scurrell, J Secker, D Sheppard, R Sheldon, N Sherman, O Simms, N Skinner, P Skinner, B J Small, J Smith, P Smith, S C H Smith, R Snook, E Solomon, N Spicer, G Spinks, A J Steele, A Stinton, M V Stephens, R Stewart, K St John, T Stopher, A Stratton, B Stuckey,Suffolk Wildlife Trust, B Sullivan, B Sutherland, W Sutherland, G Szimuly. A Tordoff, M Taylor, R E Taylor, J Telford, B G Thompson, L Thompson, S Thompson, D Thurlow, M M Tickler, J Tilby, D Tomlinson, S Tonge, J Trew, Trimley Marshes SWT, C E Trollope, J A Turner. D K Underwood, N Upton. K Verlander, P Vincent, N Vipond, R Vonk. R Walden, J Waldron, B Wallace, D Wallace, D F Walsh, J Walshe, B Washburn, S Waters, E Watson, Waveney Bird Club, J Webb, WeBS counters, M Welford, West Suffolk Birders, J Westrip, D White, G White, J White, P Whittaker, P Wigens, P Wilkins, C and S Williamson, A Wilson, D Wilson, P Wilson, R Wilton, R Wincup, G P Womack, G D Woodard, G Woodard, B Woodhouse, L G Woods, P J Wood, M Wortley, J Wright, K M H Wright, M T Wright, R M Wright. E Zantboer, 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 reference for the 1km square in which they are situated. Whilst a complete list of all 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 Alde Estuary Aldringham Common Aldringham Walks Alton Water Ampton Water Barham Pits Barnhamcross Common Barsham Marshes Barton Mere Bawdsey Marshes 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
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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 Puttockshill Ramsey Wood Ramsholt Marshes Redgrave and Lopham Fen Redgrave Lake Reydon Marshes 206
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Gazetteer Eastbridge 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 Hazlewood Marshes Hengrave Hall Hen Reedbeds Herringfleet Marshes Herringswell
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Santon Downham Sedge Fen, Lakenheath Shelley Shingle Street Shotley Marshes Shottisham Creek Sizewell Beach Sizewell SWT Slaughden Snape Wetland Sole Bay Sotterley Park Southwold Boating Lake Southwold Town Marshes Spinny Marsh Staverton Thicks Sternfield 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
Western Marsh Harrier Jan Wilczur 207
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Hinderclay Fen Holbrook Bay Hollesley Marshes 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 Kirton Creek Knettishall Heath Lackford Lakes Lake Lothing Lakenheath Fen Lakenheath Warren Lakenheath Washes Landguard Lavenham railway walk Layham pits Leathes Ham
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Thorington Street Reservoir Thorpeness Common Thorpeness Meare 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 Wordwell Workhouse Green
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
EARLIEST AND LATEST DATES OF SUMMER MIGRANTS 2017 ARRIVALS DEPARTURES Date Locality Date Locality Garganey Mar 11th Stoke-by-Nayland Nov 2nd Lakenheath Osprey Apr 3rd Minsmere Oct 25th Minsmere Hobby Mar 23rd Hollesley Oct 26th Minsmere Stone-curlew Mar 2nd Minsmere Oct 29th Cavenham Little (Ringed) Plover Mar 23rd Mickle Mere/ Sep 23rd Livermere Stoke-by-Nayland Whimbrel Mar 29th North Warren Oct 8th Worlington Wood Sandpiper Apr 22nd Hollesley Marshes Oct 1st Little Livermere Little Tern Apr 24th Minsmere Sep 4th Landguard Black Tern Apr 9th Breydon Water/ Oct 20th Minsmere Minsmere Sandwich Tern Mar 22nd Hollesley Nov 10th Pakefield Common Tern Apr 1st Minsmere Nov 7th Pakefield Arctic Tern Apr 22nd Landguard Oct 20th Landguard Turtle Dove Apr 17th Alton Water Oct 11th Botesdale Cuckoo Apr 11th King’s Forest Sep 28th Lackford/Cavenham Nightjar Apr 19th Aldringham Walks Sep 8th Brandon Swift Apr 21st Carlton Marshes/ Nov 1st Minsmere Lakenheath Fen Wryneck Apr 14th Heveningham Oct 13th Shingle Street Sand Martin Mar 17th Lakenheath Fen Oct 21st Pakefield Swallow Mar 12th Pipps Ford Dec 4th Minsmere House Martin Feb 24th Benacre Nov 28th Minsmere Wood Warbler Apr 15th Dunwich Heath Willow Warbler Mar 13th Hollesley Nov 11th Lowestoft Garden Warbler Apr 4th Alton Water Sep 26th Thorpeness Lesser Whitethroat Apr 4th Elmsett Oct 26th Kessingland Common Whitethroat Apr 9th Livermere Sep 26th Thorpeness Grasshopper Warbler Apr 4th Carlton Marshes Sep 2nd Covehithe Sedge Warbler Mar 29th North Warren Sep 15th Carlton Marshes Reed Warbler Apr 2nd Lackford Sep 28th Lackford Ring Ouzel Mar 29th Minsmere Nov 17th Bawdsey Spotted Flycatcher Mar 4th Lakenheath Fen Nov 1st Corton Nightingale Apr 9th Nacton Aug 14th Landguard Redstart Apr 7th King’s Forest Oct 24th Orfordness Whinchat Apr 23rd Lakenheath Fen/ Oct 21st Aldeburgh Minsmere Wheatear Mar 10th Mildenhall Airfield Oct 31st Landguard Pied Flycatcher Apr 29th Cavenham Oct 9th Landguard Yellow Wagtail Apr 2nd Minsmere Oct 10th Shingle Street Tree Pipit Mar 26th Mayday Farm Oct 1st Thorpeness
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
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 original 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 All 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. All 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 all details 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 all those who can to use this method of submitting their records. Assessment of records All records come under the scrutiny of the Suffolk Ornithological Records Committee (SORC) and for rare or scarce species, verification 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 decisions are accepted by SORC. A full list of species that are considered by the SORC follows. The committee may also request further details regarding any other species that, in the opinion of the committee, is out of context in terms of season, habitat or numbers. 210
A Guide to Recording Birds in Suffolk
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 consideration. Guide to species The following list shows all 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 Categories A, B and C, as per the British Ornithologists’ Union (see the Introduction to the Systematic List for more details). Note that a large number of species included can also fall into Categories 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 all been moved from Category 4 to category 3 – records of all of them would be appreciated. A reminder that Black-throated Diver and Grey Phalarope have been moved from 3 to 2, especially for those seen at sea. SOG/SORC would also like to receive any breeding records for the following species: Kestrel, Ringed Plover, 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. There have been a few changes of category from BBRC over the past years and they are here as a reminder:Moving from Category 1 to 2 are Lesser Scaup, Penduline Tit, Blyth’s Reed Warbler and Citrine Wagtail. SORC, of course, will still require descriptions of these species Moving from Category 2 to 1 are Aquatic Warbler, Tawny Pipit, Red-throated Pipit and Rustic Bunting. Descriptions of these species will need to be sent to BBRC. American Herring Gull and Iberian Chiffchaff has been added to the Suffolk list in 2017. Mute Swan Tundra (Bewick’s) Swan Whooper Swan Bean Goose Tundra Taiga Pink-footed Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Greylag Goose Snow Goose Greater Canada Goose Barnacle Goose Brent Goose Dark-bellied Pale-bellied Black Brant Red-breasted Goose Egyptian Goose Ruddy Shelduck * Common Shelduck Mandarin Duck Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Gadwall Baikal Teal Eurasian Teal Green-winged Teal
4 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 1 4 3 4 3 2 1 3 1 4 4 4 2 4 1 4 2
Mallard Northern Pintail 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 Surf Scoter Velvet Scoter Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Smew Red-breasted Merganser Goosander Ruddy Duck Red-legged Partridge Grey Partridge Common Quail 211
4 4 3 1 4 3 3 2 2 4 3 2 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 4 3 3 3 2 4 3 3
Common Pheasant Golden Pheasant Red-throated Diver Black-throated Diver Great Northern Diver White-billed Diver Black-browed Albatross Northern Fulmar Cory’s Shearwater Great Shearwater Sooty Shearwater Manx Shearwater Balearic Shearwater European Storm-petrel Leach’s Storm-petrel Northern Gannet Great Cormorant European Shag Great Bittern Little Bittern Black-crowned Night-heron Squacco Heron Cattle Egret Little Egret Great Egret Grey Heron Purple Heron
4 3 3 2 3 1 1 4 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 4 3 3 1 2 1 2 3 3 4 2
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Black Stork White Stork Glossy Ibis Eurasian Spoonbill Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Red-necked Grebe 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 Western Swamphen Common Crane Sandhill 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
1 2 2 3 4 4 3 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 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 2 1 2 2 1 4 4
Sociable Lapwing Northern Lapwing Great Knot Red Knot Sanderling Semipalmated Sandpiper 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 Audouin’s Gull Common Gull Ring-billed Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Herring Gull American Herring Gull Yellow-legged Gull 212
1 4 1 4 3 1 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 2 3 3 3 3 1 2 4 1 4 3 1 1 1 3 1 4 2 4 4 3
Caspian Gull Iceland Gull Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull Sooty Tern Little Tern Gull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Whiskered Tern Black Tern White-winged Black Tern Sandwich Tern Lesser Crested Tern Forster’s 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 Oriental 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 Pacific 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*
3 3 3 4 1 4 1 1 1 3 2 4 1 1 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 4 4 4 4 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 1 3 4 1 1 2 3 2 1 3 3 4 4 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 2
A Guide to Recording Birds in Suffolk Black-billed Magpie Eurasian Jay Spotted Nutcracker 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 Cliff 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 Iberian Chiffchaff Willow Warbler Blackcap Garden Warbler Barred Warbler Lesser Whitethroat Common Whitethroat Spectacled Warbler Dartford Warbler Marmora’s Warbler Subalpine Warbler Sardinian Warbler
4 4 1 4 4 4 2 2 4 3 1 4 4 2 4 2 3 3 2 1 4 4 3 4 4 1 4 2 3 4 2 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 4 2 1 4 4 4 3 4 4 1 3 1 2 1
Lanceolated Warbler 1 Common Grasshopper Warbler 3 River Warbler 1 Savi’s Warbler 1 Olivaceous Warbler 1 Booted Warbler 1 Icterine Warbler 2 Melodious Warbler 2 Aquatic Warbler 2 Sedge Warbler 4 Paddyfield Warbler 1 Blyth’s Reed Warbler 1 Marsh Warbler 2 Eurasian Reed Warbler 4 Great Reed Warbler 1 Bohemian Waxwing 3 Wood Nuthatch 3 Eurasian Treecreeper 3 Short-toed Treecreeper 1 Winter Wren 4 Common Starling 4 Rosy Starling 2 White-throated Dipper 2 White’s Thrush 1 Ring Ouzel 3 Common Blackbird 4 Fieldfare 4 Song Thrush 4 Redwing 4 Mistle Thrush 4 Spotted Flycatcher 3 European Robin 4 Thrush Nightingale 1 Common Nightingale 3 Bluethroat 2 Siberian Blue Robin 1 Red-flanked Bluetail 1 Black Redstart 3 Common Redstart 3 Whinchat 3 Stonechat 3 Siberian Stonechat 1 Isabelline Wheatear 1 Northern Wheatear 3 Pied Wheatear 1 Desert Wheatear 1 White-crowned Wheatear (White-tailed Wheatear) 1 Red-breasted Flycatcher 2 Collared Flycatcher 1 Pied Flycatcher 3 Hedge Accentor 4 Alpine Accentor 1
House Sparrow Spanish Sparrow 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 Cirl Bunting Ortolan Bunting Rustic 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 All 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. 213
4 1 3 3 3 3 1 2 1 3 4 3 2 1 2 2 3 4 2 3 3 4 3 2 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 1 4 1 3
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Rare Birds in Suffolk 2017 David Walsh Accepted BBRC records 2017 Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola: Aldeburgh Town Marshes, adult, July 13th (C Boot, M L Cornish et al.), presumed same Orfordness, July 19th–23rd (P & J Cobb, D Crawshaw, D Fairhurst, M C Marsh). American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus: Great Livermere, first-winter, April 15th-16th (P M Wilson et al.). Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia: Burgh Castle, adult, August 22nd (R Wilton), also seen Avon, Buckinghamshire, Carmarthenshire, Derbyshire, East Glamorgan, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire. Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus: Landguard, male in song, June 1st (P J Holmes, M May, N Odin et al.). Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus: Landguard, male in song, May 7th-9th (W J Brame et al.). Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides: Minsmere RSPB, male in song, April 18th to July 17th (R Harvey, I Salkeld et al.); second bird, male in song, June 14th to July 11th (I Salkeld et al.). Lakenheath Fen RSPB, male in song, May 11th-29th (H Page, D White et al.). Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus: Landguard, first-winter, September 27th-30th (W J Brame, N Odin, S H Piotrowski et al.) ‘Coues’s Arctic Redpoll’ Acanthis hornemanni exilipes: Hazlewood Common, Friston near Aldeburgh, November 28th to April 11th 2018 (M L Cornish et al.). Accepted BBRC records 2010 ‘Baltic Gull’ Larus fuscus fuscus Blythburgh, first-summer, July 14th-17th (B J Small).
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Index of Species
Alphabetical Index of Species Accounts – Common Names Alpine Swift American Golden Plover American Wigeon Arctic Redpoll Arctic Skua Arctic Tern Avocet Baird’s Sandpiper Balearic Shearwater Barn Owl Barnacle Goose Barred Warbler Bar-tailed Godwit Bean Goose Bearded Tit Bee-eater Bewick’s Swan Bittern Black-browed Albatross Black Kite Black Redstart Black Stork Black Tern Black-throated Diver Blackbird Blackcap Black-headed Gull Black-necked Grebe Black-tailed Godwit Black-winged Stilt Bluethroat Blue Tit Blue-winged Teal Blyth’s Reed Warbler Brambling Brent Goose Buff-breasted Sandpiper Bullfinch Buzzard Canada Goose Carrion Crow Caspian Gull Cattle Egret Cetti’s Warbler Chaffinch Chiffchaff Citrine Wagtail Coal Tit Collared Dove Crossbill Common Crane Common Gull Common Rosefinch Common Sandpiper Common Scoter Common Tern Coot Cormorant Corn Bunting Corncrake
– – – 162 102 113 86 – – 117 54 139 95 50 131 120 49 72 – 79 149 – 111 68 145 138 103 77 94 86 149 129 – 141 158 54 – 163 83 53 127 108 73 136 158 137 155 130 116 162 85 105 163 97 64 112 85 71 166 –
Cory’s Shearwater Crossbill Cuckoo Curlew Curlew Sandpiper Dartford Warbler Desert Wheatear Dipper Dotterel Dunlin Dunnock Dusky Warbler Eider Egyptian Goose Feral Pigeon Ferruginous Duck Fieldfare Firecrest Fulmar Gadwall Gannet Garden Warbler Garganey Glaucous Gull Glossy Ibis Goldcrest Golden Pheasant Golden Oriole Golden Plover Goldeneye Goldfinch Goosander Goshawk Grasshopper Warbler Great Black-backed Gull Great-crested Grebe Great Egret Greater Yellowlegs Great Grey Shrike Great Northern Diver Great Reed Warbler Great Skua Great Snipe Great-spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Green Sandpiper Green-winged Teal Green Woodpecker Greenfinch Greenish Warbler Greenshank Grey Heron Grey Partridge Grey Phalarope Grey Plover Grey Wagtail Greylag Goose Gull-billed Tern Guillemot Hawfinch 215
69 162 117 96 92 140 – – 89 93 153 – 63 55 115 – 145 129 69 57 70 140 60 109 75 128 79 125 89 65 159 66 82 140 110 76 74 – 125 68 141 102 – 121 130 97 – 121 159 136 98 74 78 100 89 155 52 – 114 163
Hen Harrier Herring Gull Hobby Honey Buzzard Hooded Crow Hoopoe House Martin House Sparrow Hume’s Warbler Iceland Gull Icterine Warbler Isabelline Shrike Jack Snipe Jackdaw Jay Kentish Plover Kestrel Kingfisher Kittiwake Knot Lapland Longspur Lapwing Leach’s Petrel Lesser Black-backed Gull Lesser Grey Shrike Lesser Redpoll Lesser Scaup Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Lesser White-front Lesser Whitethroat Lesser Yellowlegs Linnet Little Auk Little Bittern Little Bunting Little Crake Little Egret Little Grebe Little Gull Little Owl Little (Ringed) Plover Little Stint Little Tern Long-billed Dowitcher Long-eared Owl Long-tailed Duck Long-tailed Skua Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Mandarin Duck Manx Shearwater Marsh Harrier Marsh Sandpiper Marsh Tit Marsh Warbler Meadow Pipit Mealy Redpoll Mediterranean Gull Melodious Warbler
82 107 123 79 128 120 134 153 – 109 – – 100 127 126 88 122 120 103 91 164 90 70 106 125 161 – 121 – 139 – 160 114 – 165 – 73 76 104 118 87 92 111 – 118 64 102 136 126 59 56 70 80 – 131 141 156 162 105 –
Suffolk Bird Report 2017 Merlin Mistle Thrush Montagu’s Harrier Moorhen Mute Swan Night Heron Nightingale Nightjar Nuthatch Olive-backed Pipit Ortolan Bunting Osprey Oystercatcher Pacific Golden Plover Pallas’s Warbler Pallid Harrier Pallid Swift Pectoral Sandpiper Penduline Tit Peregrine Pheasant Pied Flycatcher Pied Wagtail Pink-foot Pintail Pochard Pomarine Skua Puffin Purple Heron Purple Sandpiper Quail Radde’s Warbler Raven Razorbill Red Kite Red-backed Shrike Red-breasted Flycatcher Red-breasted Goose Red-breasted Merganser Red-crested Pochard Red-flanked Bluetail Red-footed Falcon Red-legged Partridge Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Phalarope Red-rumped Swallow Redshank Redstart Red-throated Diver Red-throated Pipit Redwing Reed Bunting Reed Warbler Richard’s Pipit Ring Ouzel Ring-billed Gull Ringed Plover Ring-necked Duck Robin Rock Pipit Roller Rook Roseate Tern
122 146 82 85 49 73 148 119 142 – 165 83 86 – 136 – – 92 129 123 79 149 155 51 60 62 101 115 75 – 78 137 128 114 79 125 149 – 66 62 149 122 78 77 100 135 99 150 67 157 146 165 141 156 144 106 88 – 148 157 – 127 113
Rose-ringed Parakeet Rosy Starling Rough-legged Buzzard Ruddy Duck Ruddy Shelduck Ruff Rustic Bunting Sabine’s Gull Sand Martin Sanderling Sandwich Tern Savi’s Warbler Scaup Sedge Warbler Semipalmated Sandpiper Serin Shag Shelduck Shore Lark Short-eared Owl Short-toed Lark Shoveler Siskin Skylark Slavonian Grebe Smew Snipe Snow Bunting Snow Goose Song Thrush Sooty Shearwater Sparrowhawk Spoonbill Spotted Crake Spotted Flycatcher Spotted Redshank Starling Stock Dove Stonechat Stone-curlew Storm Petrel Subalpine Warbler Surf Scoter Swallow Swift Tawny Owl Tawny Pipit Teal Temminck’s Stint Tree Pipit Tree Sparrow Treecreeper Tufted Duck Turnstone Turtle Dove Twite Water Pipit Water Rail Waxwing Wheatear Whimbrel Whinchat Whiskered Tern 216
117 143 83 – 168 93 – 103 133 91 112 140 63 140 – 159 72 55 132 119 – 61 160 132 77 66 101 164 – 145 69 83 76 84 147 98 143 115 151 86 70 – – 133 119 118 – 58 92 156 154 142 62 100 116 161 158 84 141 152 96 150 –
White-fronted Goose White Stork White-rumped Sandpiper White-tailed Eagle Whitethroat White Wagtail White-winged (Black) Tern Whooper Swan Wigeon Willow Tit Willow Warbler Woodchat Shrike Wood Lark Wood Sandpiper Wood Warbler Woodcock Woodpigeon Wren Wryneck Yellowhammer Yellow-browed Warbler Yellow-legged Gull Yellow Wagtail
51 75 – 80 139 156 112 50 57 130 138 126 131 99 137 101 115 142 121 164 136 107 154
Suffolk Bird Report 2017
Suffolk Ornithologists’ Group SOG are n The voice of Suffolk birdwatchers n An independent birding group and registered charity
For conservation
For enjoyment
Protecting birds
Providing birding resources...
n Active lobby protecting habitats and extending
n Annually 20+ field trips – ideal for novices or
birding amenities
experts, young or old; practical birding skills
n Generates and undertakes conservation projects
n Programme of talks and presentations – variety
that have secured excellent outcomes:
of topics (county, national, or international) with quality speakers
– Contributed to several species breeding
successes (Barn Owls, Peregrine Falcon etc.) – Involved with community and education projects – Organises and hosts dawn chorus walks – On-going participation in key surveys for the BTO, such as BBS, the Bird Atlas, plus studies for environmental waste companies etc.
...and media n Strong web presence – www.sogonline.org.uk n Active Twitter feed – @suffolkbirds1 n Annual review – Suffolk Birds report n Quarterly magazine – The Harrier
Join us n Membership of SOG is open to everyone. n Download a membership application form from our website n Or write to Matthew Deans, Membership Secretary 49c Oak Hill, Hollesley, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3JY
or tel: 07912 859747
For birds & for birders www.sogonline.org.uk SOG Registered Charity No. 871446
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Suffolk Bird Report 2017
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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.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES:
Individual Family Corporate
SNS £15 £17 £17
Joint membership SNS/SOG £30 £35
Page Editorial: Nick Mason............................................................................................................... Weather report: Edward Jackson............................................................................................ Review of scarce and rare birds in Suffolk in 2017: Eddie Marsh........................................... Blyth’s Reed Warbler at Bawdsey: Mark Cornish.................................................................... Turtle Doves in Suffolk: Samantha Lee.................................................................................... Bradfield Woods: Rob Fuller.................................................................................................... Goshawks in Suffolk: Simon Evans........................................................................................... Iberian Chiffchaff – a Suffolk first: Paul Holmes and Nigel Odin............................................. American Herring Gull – a Suffolk first: Peter Wilson.............................................................. Red-throated Pipit (at last!): Steve Piotrowski........................................................................ Ricky Fairhead RIP: Peter Ransome.........................................................................................
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SUFFOLK BIRDS 2017
CONTENTS
The 2017 Suffolk Bird Report Introduction........................................................................................................................ 47 Systematic List.................................................................................................................... 49 Appendices....................................................................................................................... 167 Suffolk Ringing Report 2017: Simon Evans....................................................................... 171 List of Contributors........................................................................................................... 204 Gazetteer ......................................................................................................................... 206 Earliest and Latest Dates of Summer Migrants................................................................. 209 A Guide to Recording Birds in Suffolk............................................................................... 210 Rare Birds in Suffolk 2017: David Walsh.................................................................................. 214 Index of species:..................................................................................................................... 215
Vol. 67
£10.00