Suffolk Bird Report for 1957

SUFFOLK BIRD REPORT FOR 1957.

Eighth Annual

Report

RECORDS COMMITTEE : G.

B. G .

W.

H.

BENSON,

PAYN,

F. K.

COBB

A . E . VINE,

{Editor),

F. C.

DR. P. R.

COOK,

WESTALL.

THE year was not a very encouraging one as regards the type of weather likely to bring interesting visitors, or migratory movements on any large scale. The winter was consistently mild and hardweather movements noticeably lacking, numbers of wild fowl were low in consequence. DĂźring the entire Autumn there were only a few days with mildly favourable winds for night migration on any scale. It is therefore rather surprising to find that more species were recorded during the year than in any of the previous seven years.

WINTER

Probably because of the mild weather there were January records of Avocet, Curlew Sandpiper, and Little Stint. At the other extreme, not a single Black-necked Grebe was recorded, and only one each of Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe, and Slavonian Grebe.

As already stated, duck numbers were lower than usual, and there were no records of Scaup, always the best indication of hard weather. Grey Geese were also down in number, with Whitefronts only at Breydon, where numbers were the lowest for twentynine years, no Grey-lags, and very few Pink-feet. Few Whooper Swans were recorded, and Bewick's, apparently less of a hardweather bird, were in reduced numbers.

There were several records of Buzzards, a species more frequently recorded in the County since myxomatosis ; up to four Shorelarks ; an over-wintering Mediterranean Gull; and the winter ended with an irruption of Waxwings during February.

SPRING

There were several early records of summer visitors : Wheatears in February, and before March was out, Stone Curlew, Swallow, Sand Martin, Blackcap, Sandwich Tern, Willow Warbier, ChifTchaff, and Sedge Warbier had all been reported.

There were two records of Rough-legged Buzzards in March, and in April records of Iceland Gull, Sabine's Gull, and three Kentish Plovers. The latter species was also recorded several times in May and twice in June. Mention may be made here of the attempted breeding of this species at Walberswick in 1952, the first on record for the County. The record was withheld on security grounds in the hope that the birds might return ; unfor-

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303

tunately they did not do so, although with the increase in recent records it may not be unreasonable to hope for another breeding attempt.

At the end of April, and into May, there occurred an unusually heavy and protracted passage of Bar-tailed Godwits. DĂźring the first nine days of May there were eight Ring Ouzels recorded ; a Quail was heard on four days, but no breeding recorded ; and a Dotterel was seen in West SufTolk.

DĂźring the remainder of May, there were records of an Osprey on two days, and a Spoonbill, the only one of the Spring and Summer, a sad falling away from the numbers recorded a few years ago. A late passage Whooper Swan was found with a damaged wing on the 12th, and spent the rest of the summer on the lake at Great Glemham ; a Peregrine was recorded as late as the 29th.

June produced an interesting record of two Black-winged Stilts, a single Eider, and a single Hobby ; while over the season there were records of five Hoopoes.

BREEDING

SEASON

Avocets at Havergate reached a new high total of ninety-seven successful breeding pairs, an increase of eighteen pairs on the previous year. It is rather a matter of regret that no spread from the island can be reported.

The other East Anglian specialities, Bittern, Marsh Harrier, and Bearded Tit, all had a successful breeding season. Five pairs of Marsh Hariers produced fourteen or fifteen Aying young, certainly the best year since the species returned to breed in the County. Bearded Tits gave every indication of being in good strength ; Bitterns, as far as can be judged, do not seem to either increase or decrease to any extent from one year to another.

No Montagu's Harriers bred, and neither were there many records of non-breeding birds. This species seems to have become a very erratic breeder in the county, breeding successfully in one area in one year, and either not returning at all in the following year, or nesting in an entirely different area. The reason may be because of the large number shot on passage.

Only one pair of Wrynecks were known to have bred, unfortunate confirmation of the theory put forward that this species would soon cease to breed in this Country.

Five or six pairs of Long-eared Owls bred, a good number of records of this now scarce owl. Two pairs of Short-eared Owls certainly bred, and probably others bred in an area very difficult of access.

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BIRD REPORT

Only two pairs of Garganey bred, the very modest increase of a few years back seems to have been lost now. Three breeding records of Stonechats included one from West Suffolk, where the species has not bred for several years. Black Redstarts did not breed, only passage birds being recorded. One pair of Grey Wagtail probably bred in East Suffolk, but there were no records from West Suffolk, where it seems likely that one or two pairs would breed, but where there appear to be less observers than Grey Wagtails.

A pair of Shelduck bred in the Breck, an area where they were not previously recorded as having bred. Crossbills appear to have one characteristic in common with Bitterns, at least in this County, they do not fluctuate from year to year in numbers breeding, and from both areas are reported to have bred " about as usual " .

Finally, Sandwich Terns, in the seventh year of the colony at Havergate, reached a peak of 225 breeding pairs, and hatched at least 395 young.

AUTUMN

July—Apart from the following records there was little of note, a Mediterranean Gull for a fortnight; a Long-tailed Duck, most unusual in the County at this time ; two records of Hobbies ; a record of two Roseate Terns, which means that this previously little recorded species has now been Seen for three years in succession.

August. Another Hobby was seen; two Kentish Plovers, and two Red-necked Phalaropes. A Little Egret spent some twelve days in the Aldeburgh/Orford area, but unfortunately was for most of this time in an area not accessible to ornithologists.

Towards the end of the month, a Red-crested Pochard appeared at Minsmere, its behaviour was that of a typically wild bird, but unfortunately there can be no certainty as to wild or tarne.

September. This month, normally the most interesting for migration, was extremely dull, with long periods of unfavourable weather. In fact, not until the third week were there any easterlies blowing, and this brought only a small fall-out of night migrants, with a peak on the 20th and 21st. Small numbers of Pied Flycatchers, Whitethroats, and Lesser Whitethroats, very few Redstarts, two or three Garden Warbiers, and a single Snow Bunting were probably concerned in the movement.

Other records which may relate to this passage movement are of Ring Ouzel, one on 17th and two on 24th, a Dotterel on 22nd, and a White Stork which spent five days from the 19th in the Covehithe area. T h e peak of the Little Stint passage also occurred on the 22nd, and it was at about this time that the large numbers of Blue Tits first began to be noticed.

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305

A Barred Warbier was recorded on the 3rd, a time when the fall out of night migrants was virtually non-existent. Temminck's Stint was recorded at Havergate on six days in the month, and two more Red-necked Phalaropes were seen. On the 15th, two Goshawks were seen together, but whether genuinely feral birds is not known.

October. There was a very interesting record of nine Barnacle Geese Aying south, a species rarely recorded in the County nowadays. Other records included a Grey Phalarope, another Temminck's Stint, and a late Hoopoe was seen on the 13th. A Mediterranean Gull was again seen at Pakefield, and this one remained until the end of the year. DĂźring the month the passage of Stonechats down the coast was larger than that of recent years.

E N D OF YEAR

A very considerable irruption of Waxwings occurred from November 2nd onwards, and records of some numbers were received from most of the coastal areas, but there were none recorded inland. Considerably more Eiders than usual were recorded, most being present in December ; it is only in recent years that this species ceased to be almost a rarity in Suffolk, and the increase is presumably due to protection. Several Goosanders were present from November 17th to end of year, a rather uncommon species in the County probably due to the lack of large sheets of fresh water.

While there was no large wreck of Little Auks, several were recorded from different parts of the coast on two dates, November 1 Ith and December 15th. There were only eight records of Gannets, and it seems probable that the herring were farther out this year. Great Northern Diver and Shorelark were only once recorded, Great Grey Shrike was not recorded at all.

Some late records included Curlew Sandpiper on November 2nd, Ring Ouzel on 15th and 17th, Little Stint on December 18th, and a Spoonbill on the 26th.

A Snowy Owl was seen on November 2nd, and this is apparently the first County record since 1885. Another rarity was a NightHeron, on November 24th, but unfortunately all records of this species must be considered under suspicion since the Edinburgh Zoo birds have been free-flying (it could, of course, be argued that Suffolk is considerably nearer to the continent than it is to Edinburgh !)

Up to three Buzzards were again in the Walberswick area during December ; and in that month was picked up a dead Oystercatcher which was found to have been ringed twenty-eight years ago—a very elderly bird.

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BIRD REPORT

Thanks are due to the following Societies for information supplied, and permission to publish extracts from their Reports : — Cambridge Bird Club, Dingle Bird Club, Lowestoft Field Club, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ; to Mr. G. A. Pyman, Editor of the Essex Bird Report and Mr. M. J .

Seago, Editor of the Norfolk Bird Report, for supplying border records ; to Mr. A. E. Yine for collecting records of the Breck ; to Mr. and Mrs. D. A. T . Morgan for records from their visitors ; and to members and visitors to the County who have sent in notes.

Copies of this Report may be obtained from the Editor, Old Hall Farm, Shotley, Ipswich, price three shillings and six pence.

CLASSIFIED

NOTES

Species which were recorded as usual during the year are listed at the end of these notes.

Numbers refer to the B.O.U. Check List (1952).

1. Black-throated (DJP).

Diver.—One

at

Benacre,

Jan.

26th

2. Great Northern Diver.—One at Havergate, Nov. 13th (RSPB).

4. Red-throated Diver.—Recorded up to March 3Ist and again from Oct. 5th. One R. Aide, May 5th ( F K C ) .

Inland—one at Livermere, Jan. 6th (ALB).

5. Great Crested Grebe.—Breeding recorded much as usual.

Very low numbers present in the estuaries during the winter.

6. Red-necked Grebe.—The only record, an inland one, is of one at Livermere on Jan. 20th (ALB).

7. Slavonian Grebe.—The only record is of one at Havergate, on Nov. 8th ( R S P B ) .

12. L e a c h ' s Petrel.—A dead bird at Sizewell on Nov. 9th (DDN, LFC).

14. Storm Petrel.—A dead bird at Lowestoft on Sept. 4th (LFC).

Petrel.—? species.—One at Walberswick on Sept. 24th, was thought to be Leach's (DJP).

26. Fulmar.—Recorded on the coast as follows :—one (dead) during January ; eight during April; four May ; nine June ; four August; one September; one (dead) November; two (dead) December.

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307

27. Gannet.—Few recorded this year.

On the coast, recorded in the following months :—one April; two (one dead) during July; two September ; three October ; one November.

Inland, one found dead at Ashbocking on Feb. 2nd (East Anglian Daily Times).

28. Cormorant.—Recorded on coast and estuaries as usual.

Five Aying south over Hitcham on Sept. 23rd (ALB).

29. Shag.—R. Orwell, one Aying in direction of R. Stour on Feb. Ist (FKC), and one R. Stour on Feb. 6th (JWA, RVAM), would seem to be probably the same bird.

One R. Orwell, Oct. 12th (FKC) ; one Lowestoft Harbour on Dec. 26th and 28th, two on 30th (GJJ, LFC).

30. Heron.—Heronies, with occupied nests, recorded as follows :— Barnby—20 (LFC).

Barsham—nothing known.

Bawdsey—no nests for last two or three years.

Eriswell—five (AEV).

Henham—not counted, still exists.

Herringfieet—two (LFC).

Livermere—29 ; because of disturbances on the island 14 pairs moved to a wood half a mile away where they had second broods (AEV).

Minsmere—four, possibly five (RSPB).

Ramsholt—not known.

Shotley—one, unsuccessful, young not reaching Aying stage ; first record for parish (MP).

Snape—not counted, owner estimated at least 15 pairs nested.

Somerleyton—not known.

Stoke-by-Nayland—two, a new site (WHP).

Stutton Hall—trees felled, birds moving to a new site, one field away, in Brantham, where seven pairs nested (JMW).

Sutton—not counted, still exists.

Tendring Hall—15 (WHP).

Walberswick—no nests.

32. Little Egret.—One at Havergate on August 31st (RSPB).

Flying in close proximity to a Great Black-backed Gull it was seen to be slightly smaller, but with broader, and very rounded

308

BIRD REPORT

wings. The plumage was pure white : bill black, lighter at base, thin and dagger-like, appearing much slighter and sharper than Heron's : legs dark, colour of feet not noted. Both on the ground and in the air gave the impression of being smaller, lighter, and more agile than Heron.

At Aldeburgh, on August 19th and 21st, a bird thought by the observers to be a Great White Heron was seen ( N J F , D V T F ) .

Observed for about twenty minutes at 30 yards ränge, and again for ten minutes at about 20 yards ränge. Uniform white plumage : dark legs and feet—" feet on ground not visible but in flight it was clear that they were same colour as legs " : bill dark, long and sharp : no crest, but breast feathers appeared fluffed out. General outline similar to Heron, but slightly smaller and slimmer.

Between August 21st and 31st, a white heron was seen on two occasions by the Air Ministry police on the Lantern Marshes at Orfordness. It therefore seems most probable that the same bird was seen on each occasion.

36. N i g h t Heron.—An immature at Blythburgh on Nov. 24th— behaviour certainly not unduly timid and possibility of escape cannot be ruled out (PRW).

38. Bittern.—Bred as usual on five or six marshes.

Away from breeding areas, one was recorded at Capel St. Andrew on Jan. 15th (WBLB), and one at Snape on Dec. 22nd (PS).

40. White Stork.—An adult at Covehithe on Sept. 19th, was first seen on the chimneys of the observer's house, where it roosted that night (DR). It remained in the district until the 23rd, when it was caught in a garden at Easton Bavents.

Released on Southwold Golf Course, it was seen perched on an electric cable pole at dusk, and was not seen thereafter ( G B G B , G J J , L F C , DJP, PRW).

42. Spoonbill.—One at Breydon on May 31st (RHH), and one at Minsmere from May 3Ist to June 2nd (RSPB) were the only summer records, and may well relate to the same bird.

One R. Deben, at Hemley, on Dec. 26th (JW).

45. Mallard.—In West Suffolk—600 Aying into barley stubble at Fornham St. Martin during October ( W H P ) ; a peak of c.

700 at Livermere on Nov. 3rd (AEV).

47. G a r g a n e y . — T h e only certain breeding recorded was at Minsmere, where only two pairs bred (RSPB).

BIRD

REPORT

309

A pair at Breydon, April 13th (RHH) ; a male at Reydon, April 6th and 7th ( G B G B , D J P ) ; a pair at Walberswick, April 19th, and up to three were there until May 6th, up to five from July 3Ist to Sept. 3rd ( G B G B , AEC, F K C , C G D C , RH, G J J , PS, M J S ) ; several pairs at Butley from late April to mid-May, all then left (JW), two there on Aug. 20th (DJP) ; a male at Havergate, April 30th (RSPB).

49. Gadwall.—In West Suffolk, four or five pairs known to have nested R. Lark (WHP).

In East Suffolk, c. 10 pairs present during breeding season at Walberswick ( D J P ) ; bred at Minsmere, where 38 counted on June 2nd (RSPB).

Up to 60 at Walberswick, Nov. /Dec. (DJP).

50. Wigeon.—In West Suffolk, up to 40 at Livermere, January / February, and c. 30 Dec. Ist (ALB).

On coast and estuaries, late spring records were :—four pairs at Benacre on May 4th, and four at Reydon, May 7th ( R H ) ; a party of 10 males on R. Aide, May 5th ( F K C ) ; a pair at Walberswick, June 2nd to 14th (DJP).

As usual, highest numbers were at the end of the year, with maximas as follows :—6,000 + R. Aide on Nov. 9th ( D J P ) ; 5,000 Havergate during December ( R S P B ) ; 4,700 R. Stour on Nov. 24th (JWA, RVAM).

52. Pintail.—Lower numbers recorded than for several years, numbers only exceeding one hundred at Havergate, where c. 120 during January, and c. 180 during December (RSPB).

Two males at Minsmere, from May 26th to 3Ist (RSPB).

54. Red-Crested Pochard.—One at Minsmere from Aug. 25th to Sept. 3rd, may have been an escape, but behaviour gave no indication of tameness (RSPB).

55.

Scaup.—None recorded during the winter.

A male in füll plumage at Covehithe on May 18th (AEC, F K C , GJJ).

One at Reydon, Aug. Ist ( B A C ) ; one Minsmere, Sept. 17th ( G J J ) ; six R. Stour, Oct. 3rd ( A H ) ; one Snape, Dec. 8th (PS).

56. Tufted D u c k . — I n West Suffolk, seven pairs at Livermere on May 6th (ALB).

None recorded during the winter on coast or estuaries.

A party of seven Aying north over the sea at Walberswick on May 19th ( F K C ) .

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BIRD REPORT

Usual records of small numbers on coast and estuaries at end of year.

57. Pochard.—In West Suffolk, five pairs bred R. Lark—an exceptionally early brood on April 26th (WHP) ; one pair bred successfully at Livermere (JSC, CCK).

60. Goldeneye.—Lower numbers than usual on coast and estuaries.

Inland, a male at Livermere on Jan. 20th (ALB).

61. Long-tailed Duck.—None recorded during the winter.

A male in eclipse plumage at Benacre from July 13th to Aug. 8th (GBGB, AGH, G J J , DJP)—a very unusual time.

A female or immature at Benacre from Oct. 26th to end of year (HRB, BAC, G J J , L F C , D J P ) ; a female at Easton Broad on Dec. 26th (GBGB) ; an immature at Havergate, Dec. 27th and 3Ist (RSPB); a female or immature R. Stour on Dec. 22nd (RVAM).

62. Velvet Scoter.—One at Havergate on Feb. 7th (RSPB).

Two at Dunwich on Aug. 19th ( M J S ) ; three at Minsmere on Sept. 8th and 14th (GJJ, M J S ) ; one at Walberswick on Dec. 15th (DJP).

64. C o m m o n Scoter.—c. 2,000 at Walberswick on June 2nd (FKC).

67. Eider.—The only winter record was of one at Walberswick on Feb. 24th (DW).

A female recorded at Havergate on June 15th and 18th (RSPB), and one R. Aide on June 15th (RH) presumably relate to the same bird.

During November and December, many more than usual were recorded. The first record was of a dying immature at Corton on Nov. 16th. Numbers in the Lowestoft/Pakefield area reached a peak of 29 on Dec. 24th (LFC). Other records were of two Benacre, Dec. 8th ( L F C ) ; one Minsmere, Dec. Ist to 29th (GJJ, PS, D W ) ; one Havergate, Dec. 6th (RSPB); one R. Deben, Dec. 14th (FKC) ; up to seven, R. Orvvell (Levington), Dec. 8th and 22nd (CGDC, D J P ) ; 10 R. Orwell (Shotley) on Dec. 25th (FKC).

69. Red-breasted Merganser.—A maximum of c. 40 in R. Orwell during January ( F K C ) ; one at Havergate on March 1 Ith, three on April Ist, two on 5th, and one on 12th (RSPB) ; one at Benacre, April 7th ( L F C ) ; a female (oiled) at Walberswick on June 2nd (AEC, F K C , CGDC).

BIRD REPORT

311

One R. Aide, Dec. 19th ( P S ) ; nine at Havergate, Nov. 15th (RSPB) ; at least 50 R. Orwell during December ( F K C ) .

70. G o o s a n d e r . — T w o at Fritton Lake, Dec. 15th (LFC).

U p to four at Benacre from Nov. 17th to end of year (HRB, AEC, F K C , G J J , L F C , DJP).

One R. Blyth, Dec. 18th (DJP).

71. S m e w . — A female at Benacre for about two weeks from Jan. 20th ( L F C ) ; one Walberswick, Feb. 25th (RH).

A male at Benacre, Dec. 27th and 28th (HRB, G J J ) .

73. Shelduck.—In West Suffolk, a pair bred successfully at Livermere (ICTN)—this appears to be the first breeding recorded in the Breckland.

Other inland records are of a pair landing on the airfield at Tuddenham Heath on April 19th ( C D T M ) , and one at Brent Eleigh on Sept. 15th (WHP).

76. White-fronted Goose.—The only records are from the Breydon area, and there the smallest numbers since 1928 were recorded. Never more than 150, the last record was on March 2nd.

In autumn, first recorded on Nov. 24th, when six were present, numbers increased to 72 by Dec. 22nd (RHH).

78. Pink-footed Goose.—At Breydon not more than 19 throughout the winter, and last seen on Jan. 27th ( R H H ) ; c. 20 at Pakefield on Jan. lOth ( L F C ) were, presumably, the same birds ; three at Walberswick on Jan. 7th ( W S S S ) ; 16 at Havergate on Jan. 20th (RSPB).

In autumn, 70 arrived at Breydon on Oct. 26th, but had gone by the following day (RHH) ; c. 65 at Snape on Oct. 24th (PS)— from the dates and numbers it seems likely that these were the same birds.

G r e y Geese.—? species. A small flock at Beccles on Feb. Ist ( G H C B ) ; one at Walberswick on May Ist (HRB, C G D C ) .

80. Brent Goose.—As usual, only numerous in R. Stour, where there were peaks of c. 200 on Jan. 27th (GJJ), and 140 on Dec. 22nd (RVAM).

On the coast, and in other estuaries, numbers did not exceed 37 in any one flock.

81. Barnacle Goose.—A party of nine Aying south over East Bergholt on Oct. 21st (AH).

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BIRD REPORT

82. Canada Goose.—In West Suffolk, bred as usual.

In East Suffolk, a pair again bred at Sibton ( D J P ) ; and other records were of one R. Aide on April 6th (DJP, PS) ; two at Benacre from April 21st to 29th (LFC, DJP, PC, G T ) ; three at Minsmere on May 26th (RSPB) ; six Lound Water Works, July 20th (LFC).

84. Mute Swan.—A peak of 750 during October and November in R. Stour (RVAM).

85. Whooper Swan.—16 at Breydon, Feb. 9th (RHH) ; one Easton Broad, Jan. 6th (LFC) ; three Minsmere, Jan 27th and c. 10, Feb. 24th (DATM) ; 11 Havergate, Jan. Ist and one on 23rd (RSPB).

An adult was found with a damaged wing (thought to have hit overhead wires) at Great Glemham on May 12th (C).

13 Minsmere, Dec. 26th (DATM), and six on 29th ( L F C ) ; three Havergate, Nov. 26th (RSPB).

86. Bewick's Swan.—Five Breydon, Feb. 23rd (RHH) ; 20 Pakefield, Jan 31st ( L F C ) ; at Benacre and Easton Broads there were numerous records during January and February, most of which probably relate to the same birds—largest number was 28 on Jan. 20th ( G B G B ) ; five Southwold, Jan. 7th (BAC) ; up to 12 Walberswick during January (WSSS) ; up to 20 at Minsmere during February (EMB, DJP, D W ) ; four Havergate, Jan. 4th (RSPB).

Last recorded on Feb. 28th, and again on Nov. 16th.

10 Breydon, Dec. 15th ( L F C ) ; at Benacre, Covehithe, and Easton Broads up to four in November, and up to five in December ; up to 10 at Minsmere during December.

In West Suffolk, three at Livermere on Jan. 6th, two on 20th ( A L B ) ; five on March 3rd (PBL, AEV) ; five Icklingham, Feb. 3rd, three on lOth, three on March 7th (DKB, C K ) ; one at Chelsworth, Feb. 19th for at least a week (WHP).

91. Buzzard.—At Walberswick, two on Jan. 6th, one on 26th, two on Feb. 17th March 16th, April 15th and 16th (GBGB, DBC, G J J , PM, D J P ) ; a dead bird at Little Glemham, March 23rd (CPE); one Snape, April 25th (PS) ; one Lowestoft, March 28th and July 2nd (LFC) ; one Hinton, Feb. 27th (EMB), Three at Blythburgh, Dec. 21st ( P M ) ; one Walberswick, Dec. 22nd (GJJ).

92. Rough-legged Buzzard.—One at Benacre on March lOth (LFC), and one at Westleton on March 1 Ith (DJP).

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313

94. G o s h a w k . — T w o adults at Benacre on Sept. 18th ( L F C ) — A Goshawk, possibly one of these birds, was shot on Sept. 20th in North Suffolk.

99. M a r s h Harrier.—Recorded in all months of the year.

Five pairs bred in the County and 14 or 15 young flew.

Inland, a record of one at Beccles on Jan. 31st (GHCB).

100. H e n Harrier.—Recorded in coastal areas up to April 25th, and again from Nov. lOth. In West Suffolk, a female at Cavenham on Feb. 3rd, March 3rd, and 24th (CK, AEV).

102. M o n t a g u ' s Harrier.—There were no breeding records.

At Walberswick, a female from Aug. 28th to Sept. lOth (DJP), and a female or immature on Sept. 16th ( G J J ) ; at Minsmere, a female on May ISth, 26th and June 3rd (RSPB), and a male there on May 26th (EMB).

One Havergate, July 25th and 27th ( R S P B ) ; a female or immature at Shingle Street on Aug. 4th (MP).

103.

Osprey.—One Minsmere on May 16th and 17th (RSPB).

104. Hobby.—One at Walberswick, June 15th ( G B G B ) ; a male at Minsmere on July 14th ; a male at Havergate on July 30th (RSPB) ; one at Friston on Aug. l l t h (FKC).

105. Peregrine.—On the coast 10 records of single birds up to March 30th. Recorded again from Sept. 27th, with 15 records of single birds to end of year, and a record of two birds at Havergate on Dec. 16th (RSPB).

One at Havergate on May 29th (RSPB)—An unusual date.

In West Suffolk, one at Lackford on Jan. 6th, and one at Tuddenham on Jan. 20th (ALB).

107. Merlin.—Only recorded on the coast, where eight records of single birds up to April 22nd, and two birds at Havergate on March 15th (RSPB).

11 records of single birds from Oct. l l t h to end of year, and two birds at Havergate on Dec. 16th (RSPB).

117. Q u a i l . — A male calling at Southwold on four dates between May 2nd and 9th (BAC).

131. Oystercatcher.—One found dead on Pakefield beach on Dec. Ist, was ringed as a nestling at Texel on June 22nd, 1929. The bird was thus 28 years old ( L F C ) .

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BIRD REPORT

133. Lapwing.—At Minsmere, on June 30th, four small parties (c. six in party) came in from sea between 10.00 and 11.00 hours, Aying very high due west. This may indicate that local birds are supplemented from abroad in late June or early July (DL).

Further evidence is afforded by—24 came in from sea over Pakefield at 1024 hours on July 1 Ith (LFC).

135. Little Ringed Plover.—One at Walberswick on August 5th and 6th (FKC, DJP). One at Easton and Covehithe Broads on Sept. 8th (GJJ).

136. Kentish Plover.—At Havergate, two males on April Ist, one male on April 3rd, 28th and 29th and May 12th, a pair on May 13th, a male on May 16th, June 23rd, 24th and one on Aue. lOth and 18th (RSPB).

At Walberswick, a male on April 2nd (RVAM).

142. Dotterel.—In West Suffolk, one at Lakenheath Warren on May 5th (JC, APS).

One on field at Covehithe, Sept. 22nd (GJJ, DJP).

147. Jack Snipe.—Last recorded on May 6th, when two at Walberswick ( D J P ) ; and again from 28th Sept., also at Walberswick (GJJ).

148. Woodcock.—At Corton, on July 12th, one was flushed from nest containing four eggs in bracken near cliff edge a most unlikely nesting site (LFC).

Otherwise recorded as usual.

150. Curiew.—In West Suffolk bred as follows :—Icklingham three pairs (ALB) : Wordwell Heath four or five pairs (CDTM) • Elvedon one pair (MSJS). ' ' 151. Whimbrel.—First recorded on April lOth, at Minsmere (RSPB), and last recorded Oct. 12th, R. Stour (AH).

Peaks of passage at Havergate were—c. 40 on May 16th, and c. 40 on July 19th (RSPB).

154. Black-tailed Godwit.—Orwell/Stour winter flock:— R. Orwell, c. 300 on Jan. 12th (FKC) was the only record during the winter apart from odd birds. No winter records were received of any on R. Stour, whether due to lack of observers is not known In autumn, c. 100 on Oct. 27th (CGDC) was the only record of any significance, and the species seems to have abandoned this river in favour of the Stour.

BIRD

REPORT

315

R. Stour—c. 250 on Oct. 3rd, c. 108 on 7th, c. 502 on 12th, nine on 30th, three on Nov. 8th, all opposite Mistley (AH); and records of 100+ on several dates from Oct. 20th to Dec. 18th (MGT).

R. Blythe flock—c. 110 on Jan. 25th is an earlier date than usual, presumably due to the mild winter. Numbers built up to c. 220 on Feb. 24th, c. 300 from March 9th to 3 Ist, falling to c. 163 on April 19th, 45 on April 21st, and only one or two birds remained on April 23rd and 29th (GBGB, FKC, RH DTP MJS, PS).

R. Aide—largest flocks were c. 75 on April 6th, and 30 on June l l t h (DJP, PS).

R. Butley—largest flock was c. 40 on Aug. 4th (FKC).

There were many other records of flocks, not exceeding 30 in number, from other parts of the coast.

155. Bar-tailed Godwit.—There was an exceptionally good spring passage.

At Havergate, c. 79 on April 25th, 95 on 26th, 85 on 27th, 120 on 28th, 80 on 29th, 60 on 30th and May Ist, 85 on 2nd, 58 on 3rd, and 58 again on lOth (RSPB). A peak of 96 was recorded on April 27th at Breydon (RHH), and this marked passage was recorded in smaller numbers at many other coastal localities.

Numbers in winter were low, most in R. Orwell being 34 on Jan. 12th (FKC).

Autumn passage small, but c. 50 on R. Blyth, Nov. 2nd (BLS).

156. Green Sandpiper.—Winter and late autumn records were as follows :—one at Sternfield, Feb. 2nd, and two at Snape on 9th ; one at Snape, Nov. 23rd, two on Dec. 21st, and one at Sternfield on Dec. 20th (DJP, PS).

157. Wood Sandpiper.—In Spring—One at Minsmere on May lOth and 29th; one at Havergate on May 13th, 14th and 27th (RSPB); one Reydon on May l l t h and 29th, two on 28th (GBGB); one at Walberswick on May l l t h (DJP); one West Stow S.F. on May 29th (WHP).

In autumn—One at Havergate on Aug. 9th ; one at Minsmere on July 21st and Aug. lOth (RSPB); one Shingle Street on Sept. l l t h (DW) ; two Walberswick on Aug. 16th, and one on 25th (DJP); one Snape on Aug. Ist (PS) ; one West Stow S.F., on Aug. 5th (WHP) ; two at Belstead on Aug. 18th (GB).

159. C o m m o n Sandpiper.—Not recorded until May Ist, at Walberswick (CGDC, GJJ), and last recorded on Oct. 20th (LFC).

316

BIRD REPORT

162. Spotted Redshank.—Recorded in every month, the largest number together at any one locality was 31 at Blythburgh on Oct. 12th.

In West Suffolk, one at West Stow S.F., on Sept. 27th (WHP).

165. Greenshank.—First recorded on April 19th, at Havergate (RSPB), and last recorded, Oct. 26th, at Walberwswick (GJJ), with the exception of one which was present throughout November and December, between Fiatford and Cattawade (AH, RVAM).

169. Knot.—Probably due to the mild weather there were no very large flocks. Not more than 500 were on R. Orwell during February and March, and between 2 and 300 on Breydon.

170.

Oct. Dec. 8th,

P u r p l e Sandpiper.—Lowestoft/Pakefield sea walls—one 2nd, 4th, 8th and 25th, Nov. 17th and 18th, two on 27th and 2nd (BAC, L F C ) . Havergate—one on Oct. 15th, Nov. 12th, 18th, and Dec. 5th (RSPB).

171. Little Stint.—Two wintered in the Reydon/Easton Broad area. They were first recorded on Jan. 3rd, at Reydon (GBGB), and again on the 6th ( W S S S ) ; one at Easton Broad on Feb. 2nd, two on 16th, and one up to March 9th ( F E G H , RH, G J J , DJP).

In spring—One Havergate on April 15th, May lOth and 23rd, two on May 25th to 27th and June Ist, one on 3rd, lOth and 24th, two on 25th (RSPB) ; one Easton Broad on June 2nd (LFC).

In autumn—Odd birds from July 13th, increasing numbers through August, and most in September. The peak of the passage was on Sept. 22nd, when at least 45 birds were recorded at different localities. Also recorded in small numbers through October up to 27th.

One at Reydon on Dec. 18th (GBGB).

173. T e m m i n c k ' s Stint.—At Havergate, one on Sept. 2nd to 4th, 8th, 16th to 18th, and Oct. 14th (RSPB).

179. Curlew Sandpiper.—There is a winter record of one at Reydon on Jan. 20th (GBGB), and another there on March lOth

(GJJ).

In Spring, up to two at Havergate from May 13th to 27th (RSPB).

In Autumn, odd birds recorded in July, from the 17th, up to Aug. 9th, when 21 at Havergate ; from then until mid-September up to 10 recorded at several localities ; odd birds then recorded up to Oct. 19th. The last record was of one at Reydon on Nov. 2nd (BLS).

BIRD REPORT

317

184. Ruff.—There is a winter record of one at Easton Broad on Jan. 5th (WSSS).

Recorded in spring from March 30th to June 17th, most during April. Return passage from July 23rd to Nov. 9th.

185. Avocet.—There is a winter record of one on R. Blyth from Jan. 4th to 6th ( G B G B , W S S S ) .

At Havergate, eight arrived on March 4th, 42 were there by the end of the month, 72 on April Ist and 90 by end of month.

97 pairs successfully hatched eggs, an increase of 18 pairs over 1956, but not more than 50 to 100 young flew. The last birds were recorded on Oct. 22nd, when four were present (RSPB).

Records of birds away from the breeding area were—one at Breydon on March 23rd, and four from 24th to 3Ist (RHH) ; three at Reydon on March 31st ( L F C ) ; two at Minsmere on May 18th and one on June lOth (RSPB).

186. Black-winged Stilt.—Two at Aldeburgh on June lOth, feeding in flood-water, afterwards were seen to fly out to sea, disappearing in S.E. direction (JFC).

187.

G r e y Phalarope.—One at Reydon on Oct. 5th (DJP).

188. Red-necked Phalarope.—One at Reydon on Aug. 14th ( R H ) ; one at Minsmere from Aug. 24th to 28th ; one at Havergate on Sept. Ist ( R S P B ) ; one at Reydon on Sept. 26th ( T F ) .

189. Stone Curlew.—First recorded on March 1 Ith, at Snape (PS), and last on Oct. 27th, at Risby (WHP).

Bred in usual localities.

Autumn congregations reported in West SufTolk—100+ at Risby on Oct. l l t h (WHP) ; c. 80 at Tuddenham on Sept. 15th (ALB) ; 7 0 + at Freckenham on Sept. 20th (PBL).

193. Arctic Skua.—There were no spring records, the first recorded being one at Minsmere on July 12th (RSPB).

During August single birds were recorded on eight days along the coast; in September, 27 were recorded on 17 days ; in October one on the 5th and the last bird on the 13th.

194.

Great Skua.—One at Southwold on Sept. 2nd (BAC).

199. L e s s e r Black-backed Gull.—At Havergate a pair hatched three young on June 16th, all of which flew (RSPB)—this is the first known case of breeding in the County.

318

BIRD REPORT

202. Glaucous Gull.—An immature, probably Ist winter, at Lowestoft Harbour on Feb. 18th (MJS); one there on March l l t h , April lOth, 23 rd and 29th ; a different bird on May 6th—a very late date (LFC).

In autumn, an immature at Lowestoft from Nov. 8th to Dec. 3rd, and one at Kessingland on Dec. 29th (BAC, LFC).

203.

Iceland Gull.—One at Havergate on April 8th (RSPB).

205. Mediterranean Black-headed Gull.—At Pakefield, the bird first reported on Dec. 22nd, 1956, remained until March 14th (BAC, LFC, MJS). One there from July 18th to 30th ; and one from Oct. 17th to end of year (LFC).

207. Little Gull.—At Benacre, one on Aug. 15th, three on 27th, and one on Sept 9th (BAC). At Easton Broad, one on June 12th and Aug. 20th (RH, BAC). One at Reydon on June 17th (RH). One at Southwold on July 6th (RH). An immature at Dunwich on June 12th (DJP). At Walberswick, one on June 15th, two on Aug. 2nd, and one on Sept. 29th, all immature (GJJ, DJP). At Minsmere, one on Aug. 31st, Sept. 5th and 15th (EMB, RSPB). At Havergate, one on June 24th, two on July Ist and 23rd, one on Oct. 15th (RSPB).

208. Black-headed Gull.—c. 2,000 pairs bred at Havergate (RSPB).

209. Sabine's Gull.—One at Walberswick (JSC, CJOH)—füll details were submitted.

on April

21st

212. Black Tern.—First recorded on the coast May 9th, and there were records of a total of 25 birds, from six localities, during the month. In June, one at Breydon on 16th (RHH) ; one at Havergate from 23 rd to 26th ; two at Minsmere on 3rd (RSPB).

Autumn passage recorded, in small numbers, from July 13th to Sept. 13th.

Inland, two at Glemsford on May 28th (WHP), and one at Fiatford on May 26th (JMW).

319

BIRD REPORT

217. C o m m o n Tern.—First recorded on April 20th (GJJ), and last seen Oct. 20th (DJP), both at Walberswick.

The following table (final outcome unfortunately not known) gives some indication of wastage in a breeding colony of terns.

The observer considered rats were the probably cause.

2nd

June

42 nests,

96 eggs

6th

10

„

26

„

8th

9

„

19

„

and many broken eggs.

lOth

5

„

?

12th

13

„

25

„ .

13th

15

„

31

„

14th

17

„

34

„

(DJP).

218. Arctic Tern.—There were a number of records of odd birds on the coast throughout the season—not always with any convincing proof of identification given.

C. 150 at Benacre on Aug. 18th amongst a flock of Common and Little Terns (LFC).

219. Roseate (ICTN).

Tern.—Two

at

Walberswick

on

July

19th

222. Little Tern.—First recorded on April 20th, at Walberswick and Havergate (GJJ, RSPB), and last seen Sept 30th, at Pakefield (LFC).

At Felixstowe (Landguard) small numbers bred, as in 1956 (ACCH)—this colony had not previously been recorded, although probably in existence for many years.

223. S a n d w i c h Tern.—First recorded on March 21st, and last seen on Oct. 9th, both at Havergate (RSPB).

A very successful breeding season at Havergate, at least 225 pairs breeding, hatching at least 395 young, of which many reached free-flying stage (RSPB).

224. Razorbill.—A dead bird at Easton Broad on Feb. 17th (GJJ).

320

BIRD REPORT

One Minsmere, Sept. 4th and one (dead), Nov. 16th (RSPB, FKC) ; one (oiled) Walberswick, Dec. Ist, another on 15th (DBC, DJP) ; one Benacre, Dec. 28th (GJJ).

226. Little Auk.—On Nov. 1 Ith, one picked up at Southwold, and one in a chicken-run at Sudbourne (GBGB, R J P ) ; on 15th, a dead bird at Kessingland ( L F C ) ; on 16th, one on Easton Broad and two dead birds on beach ( G B G B ) ; on 17th, a dead bird at Walberswick ( D B C ) ; on Dec. 15th, four at Walberswick, a dead bird at Covehithe, and six at Shipwash lightship (DTP, LFC, RJP).

227.

Guillemot.—One at Havergate on Jan. 30th (RSPB).

Düring July, single birds at Minsmere on 19th, 25th and 28th, and at Covehithe and Walberswick on 20th ( T F , GJJ, RSPB).

Single birds at Walberswick on Aug. 4th, Sept. 30th, Oct. 24th, and Nov. 2nd ; at Minsmere on Sept. 2nd, Nov. 16th and two on Dec. I s t ; at Southwold on Nov. 2nd (FKC, DBC, T F , GJJ, DJP, RSPB).

230. Puffin.—Only dead or dying birds were recorded—Kessingland, Jan. 20th ; Covehithe, Feb. lOth ; Newmarket, Sept. 27th ; Corton and Southwold, Nov. 16th (GBGB, LFC, WHP).

235. Turtle Dove.—First recorded on April 23rd, at Foxhall (per ACCH), and last seen on Sept. 29th, at Shingle Street (CGDC).

237. Cuckoo.—First recorded on April 17th, at Nacton (per ACCH), and last on Sept. 23rd, at Felixstowe and Reydon (HRB, LFC).

One came in from sea at Minsmere, 15.30 hours on June 26th, and flew on inland ; first picked up 150 yards offshore (DL).

244. S n o w y Owl.—A male at Walberswick on Nov. 2nd ( T W G , TL)—füll details were submitted ; at about this time a gamekeeper reported seeing a very large white owl in that district.

248.—Long-eared Owl.—A pair bred at Snape, one young flew (PS). Two, probably three, pairs bred in one area in North Suffolk. One nest found with eggs at Risby ; a party of five

BIRD REPORT

321

there on Nov. 29th (WHP). One at Hinton from March 30th to April 13th (DJP)—there were indications that the species may have bred in the Walberswick area, but no proof could be obtained.

249. Short-eared Owl.—One pair bred successfully at Sudbourne (JW). One pair at Havergate, at least three young flew (RSPB). Probably bred as usual in the Aldbrugh/Orford area.

Recorded in winter as usual.

252. Nightjar.—First recorded on May 5th, at Walberswick (GJJ), and last recorded on Nov. Ist, at Worlingham (LFC)—a very late date.

255. Swift.—First recorded on May 5th, at Walberswick, Lowestoft, Havergate and Hitcham (GJJ, LFC, RSPB, ALB), and last seen on Oct. 5th, at Southwold (TF).

The following weather movements were reported :— At Minsmere, a big passage on July 12th, 13th, and up to 10.00 hours on the 14th,correlated with a depression over south Scotland.

The largest number counted was 2,230 from 17.20 to 18.20 hours along the coast on the 13th (DL).

At Sudbourne, on July 8th, c. 200 flew S.W. in 15 minutes at about 1400 hours ; on the 12th a considerable movement from 08.45 to 09.30 hours (HP).

At Havergate, c. 200 on June 4th, c. 1,500 on 1 Ith, c. 50'0 on 22nd, c. 1,000 on July 8th, 500 on 9th, 800 on lOth (RSPB).

261. Hoopoe.—One at Covehithe on April 19th and 20th (TRG, LFC) ; one at Southwold on May lOth (BAC) ; one at North Cove on June 7th (BWB) ; two at Hadleigh during June (per CM) ; one at Elmsett in August (CEL); one at Rakeheath on Oct. 13th (JCR).

265. Wryneck.—Only one pair is known to have bred, and four or flve young flew.

On at Nacton during 2nd week in April (DW); one at Minsmere on April 24th and May 15th (RSPB); one (ringed) at Walberswick on May 3rd (DBC), and one there on 6th (DJP) ; one calling at Aldeburgh on May l l t h (KSCG).

322

BIRD REPORT

273. Shorelark.—Two at Walberswick on Jan. 3rd, 6th and 8th ; one on Feb. 8th and 17th ; four on 24th, one on March Ist ( G B G B , RH, G J J , DJP, M S J S , W S S S , DW).

One at Minsmere from Nov. 27th to Dec. Ist (EMB, G J J ) .

274. Swallow.—First recorded, March 3Ist, at Reydon ( L F C ) , and last, Nov. 28th, at Southwold (GBGB).

276. H o u s e Martin.—First recorded, April 2nd, at Reydcm, last, Nov. 3rd, at Lowestoft and Walberswick ( L F C , B L S ) .

277. S a n d Martin.—First recorded, March 16th (DJP), and last, Oct. 20th, both at Walberswick ( G J J , DJP).

281. H o o d e d Crow.—Recorded up to May 18th ( F K C , G J J ) , and again from Nov. lOth (DJP), both at Walberswick.

286. Jay.—Seven came in from sea at Lowestoft on Oct. 2nd (LFC).

289. B l u e Tit.—The very large numbers, already reported in the national press and various journals, were recorded at several localities on the coast during the autumn.

290. Coal Tit.—Small numbers were recorded during the Blue Tit influx, in areas where the species is not normally seen, during the autumn.

295. B e a r d e d Tit.—Bred at usual localities, and all reports suggest a good breeding season.

302. Fieldfare.—Recorded up to May 9th, at Snape (PS), and again from Sept. Ist, at Nacton (PC).

304. Redwing.—Recorded up to May 5th, at Kessingland ( L F C ) , and again from Sept. 25th, at Havergate (RSPB).

At Beccles over 2,000 flew north in several flocks shortly after dawn on Feb. 27th (GHCB).

BIRD

323

REPORT

307. R i n g Ouzel.—In spring, during May, two at Minsmere Cliffs on Ist and 2nd (EMB, DJP, P S ) ; one at Walberswick on 4th ( C G D C ) ; one at Iken on 6th (per D A T M ) ; three at Minsmere from 8th to lOth ( R S P B ) ; one at Reydon on 7th and 9th (EMB, RH).

In autumn, one at Blythburgh on Sept. 17th ( G J J ) ; two at Walberswick on Sept. 24th, and one on Nov. 17th ( D J P ) ; one at Lowestoft from Nov. 15th to 20th (LFC).

311. Wheatear.—First recorded on Feb. 28th, at Hollesley (WBLB), and last seen Nov. lOth, at Sutton (FKC).

317. Stonechat.—In East Suffolk, two pairs bred at Westleton (DJP).

In West Suffolk, one pair bred at Lakenheath (WHP).

In autumn records of birds passing down the coast indicate a much better passage than for some years.

318. Whinchat.—First recorded on April 23rd, at Snape (PS), and last recorded on Oct. 2nd, at Reydon (BAC).

320. Redstart.—First recorded on March 22nd, at Lowestoft, and last seen on Oct. l l t h , at Pakefield ( L F C ) .

321.

B l a c k Redstart.—There were no breeding records.

In spring, a male at Southwold on March 20th ( G B G B ) ; a pair at Pakefield on March 22nd, a female on April 4th, and a male on April 16th ; a female at Covehithe on March 24th ; one at Lowestoft on March 3Ist ( L F C ) .

Inland—one at Fressingfield from April 5th to 7th (JAC).

In autumn, one at Havergate, Sept. 25th ( R S P B ) ; Felixstowe, Oct. 21st (HRB) ; a male at Easton Nov. 17th (BAC).

one at Broad,

322. Nightingale.—First recorded on April 6th, at Snape (PS), and last on Sept. 6th, at Walberswick (BAC).

72 singing males were recorded within the triangle Walpole— Easton Broad—Minsmere (RH).

324

BIRD

REPORT

327. Grasshopper Warbier.—First recorded on April 18th, at Minsmere (RSPB).

333. Reed Warbier.—First recorded on April 19th, at Kessingland (LFC), and last on Oct. 4th, at Walberswick (DBC).

337. Sedge Warbier.—First recorded on March 31st, at Walberswick (DJP)—an exceptionally early date. Last seen on Sept.

22nd, at Walberswick (GJJ).

343. Blackcap.—First recorded on March 23rd, at Brampton (BAC), and last on Oct. 7th, at Walberswick (HRB).

344.

Barred Warbier.—One at Minsmere on Sept. 3rd (RSPB).

346. Garden Warbier.—First recorded on April 20th, at Herringfleet (LFC), and last seen on Sept. 21st, at Walberswick and Easton Broad (GJJ, DJP, FEGH).

347. Whitethroat.—First recorded, at Hitcham and Lowestoft, on April 15th (ALB, LFC), and last seen on Sept. 25th, at Pakefield (LFC).

348. Lesser Whitethroat.—First recorded on April 13th, at Shotley (FKC), and last seen on Oct. 4th, at Walberswick (DBC).

354. Willow Warbier.—First recorded on March 3Ist, at Henham (LFC), and last seen on Oct. 3rd, at Fiatford (AH).

356. Chiffchaff.—First recorded on March 12th, at Hitcham (ALB), and last seen on Sept. 29th, at Walberswick and Herringfleet (GJJ, DJP, LFC).

357. Wood Warbier.—At Minsmere, heard at two points throughout the season, and may have bred (RSPB).

At Foxhall, males were singing at two sites from May 5th to 19th, but not after (CGDC). A male singing at Bramfield on May 6th (RH).

BIRD REPORT

325

366. Spotted Flycatcher.—First recorded on May 16th, at Gunton, and last seen on Sept. 28th, at Pakefield (LFC).

368. Pied Flycatcher.—There was one spring record—a male at Carlton Colville on May 18th (LFC).

In autumn, one on Sept. 4th, at Minsmere ( R S P B ) ; one on 8th at Southwold (TF). The only noticeable movement, a small one, occurred on Sept. 20th/21st—at Lowestoft up to two present until 26th ; Pakefield two on 21 s t ; Easton Broad one on 21st ( F E G H , L F C ) ; Southwold one from 21st to 24th, and one on 30th ( T F , D A T M ) ; Walberswick one on 20th and c. six on 21st and 22nd ( G J J , D A T M , D J P ) ; Leiston at least three from 24th to 26th (DJP).

371. H e d g e Sparrow.—A noticeable coastal movement at Benacre during the first week in September—57 were caught in six days, with very few retraps (AGH).

376. T r e e Pipit.—First recorded on April 16th, at Dunwich (DJP).

379. R o c k Pipit.—Recorded up to April llth, at Pakefield, and again from July 19th, at Burgh Castle (LFC).

380. White Wagtail.—One at Minsmere on April 20th, and one at Walberswick on April 27th ( B L S , G J J ) .

381.

Grey Wagtail.—No reports of breeding in West Suffolk.

In East Suffolk, a pair were present throughout the breeding season at Playford, and probably bred (per JW).

There was only one winter record—one at Sternfield on Feb. 2nd (DJP).

Recorded in small numbers on autumn passage from Aug. 28th to Nov. 17th.

382. Yellow Wagtail.—First recorded on April lOth, at Minsmere (RSPB), and last seen on Oct. 6th, at Benacre ( L F C ) .

326

BIRD REPORT

Blue-headed Wagtail.—A male at Reydon on four dates between April 17th and 26th, and again on May 9th, 1 Ith and 29th (EMB, GBGB, F K C , GJJ, MSJS, PS)—it is not known whether one or more birds were involved. One at Kessingland on May 5th (LFC).

383. Waxwing.—Two invasions occurred ; the first was a rather unusually late winter one, when the following were recorded : One Kesgrave, Feb. 16th and 17th (PC) ; from the 19th to 2Ist, one Blythburgh (PRW) ; on the 20th, two at Orford (RJP) and 10 at Aldeburgh (per E A E ) ; on the 21st, four at Corton (LFC) ; on the 22nd, 12-j- at Corton (LFC) and two at Härtest (WHP) ; on the 24th, two at Carlton Colville (per EAE) and one at Ipswich (per G A P ) ; on March 2nd, 25 at Blundeston ( L F C ) ; on the lOth, 17 at Westleton ( D A T M ) ; on the l l t h , 22 there, and the last one on the 16th, also at Westleton (DJP).

The first record of the autumn invasion was of nine at Westleton on Nov. 2nd (FKC) ; then three there on the 3rd and two on the 17th ( D J P ) ; on the 15th up to 30 at Aldeburgh for about one month (per D G G , K S C G ) ; on the 17th, four at Minsmere (EMB) ; on the 23rd, five at Shotley ( M P ) ; on the 24th, two at Corton ( L F C ) ; up to six at Reydon from Nov. 25th to Dec. 24th (LFC).

In the Lowestoft /Oulton area, 22 on Nov. 28th, from which date to the end of the year daily records of varying numbers were reported throughout the borough—largest flock being 32 on Dec. 6th ( L F C ) ; at Felixstowe, four on Dec. 6th and up to eight to end of year (HRB, ACCH, G J J ) ; one Eastbridge on Dec. 26th ( D A T M ) ; one Leiston on Dec. 28th and 29th (LFC).

384. Great Grey Shrike.— At Beccles, the bird present at the end of 1956, remained until mid-March ( G H C B ) ; at Tuddenham Heath, one recorded on Feb. 3rd, March 24th, and April 7th (MTB, CK, P B L ) ; at Minsmere, one on April Ist and 2nd (RSPB).

None were reported in the autumn.

388. Red-backed Shrike.—First recorded on May 14th, at Minsmere (RSPB), and last seen on Sept. 8th, at Boyton (CGDC).

393. Goldfinch.—A much smaller flock at Hitcham than in recent years, present for five weeks from Aug. 6th, with a maximum of c. 150 on 23rd (ACB). At Leiston, a flock of c. 500 on Oct. 20th (PC).

BIRD REPORT

327

394. Siskin.—Up to 25 at Herringfleet until April 14th ( L F C ) ; 25 Barton Mills, Feb. 3rd ( M T B ) ; five Brandon, March 5th (MTB).

First in autumn was onetrapped at Benacre on Sept. 6th ( A G H ) ; one Blythburgh, Oct. 30th, and five on Dec. Ist ( D J P ) ; up to 25 at Herringfleet from Nov. 2nd ( L F C ) ; c. five Freston, Nov. 17th ( C G D C ) ; c. 25 Walpole, Nov. 23rd ( R H ) ; 12 Livermere, Dec. 5th ( D K B ) .

396. Twite.—Flocks recorded on coast, as usual, up to March 24th, and again from Oct. 13th.

397. Redpoll.—The only breeding record was of one pair at Ipswich ( B C T ) .

404. Crossbill.—In the Breck, several pairs or family parties recorded from two areas by several observers (per AEV).

At Herringfleet, numbers about average ( L F C ) .

16 in larch belt at Risby on Jan. 19th ( W H P ) ; five adults at Hinton on March 30th and 31st ( G J J , D J P ) ; at Minsmere, one on April 18th, eight on 21st, two, May 21st, and two, June 16th ( R S P B ) ; c. 16 (four red males) at Walberswick on May 5th (DW).

408. Brambling.—Recorded up to April 3rd, at and from Oct. 6th, at Icklingham (ALB).

Hitcham,

Apart from the following records numbers were s m a l l : — 300 at Brandon on Feb. 3rd (AEV) ; 100 at Barton Mills on Feb. 3rd ( C K ) ; up to 50 at Sibton to March 3rd (DJP).

410. Corn Bunting.—Spreading rapidly in South Suffolk, and new territories noted at Semer, Rattlesden, Great Waldingfield, Holton St. Mary, and Boxford (ALB). Several singing males at Acton (RVAM).

413. Red-headed Bunting.—A male at Havergate on June 30th, first seen during the afternoon, still there at dusk, but gone by morning ( R S P B ) — T h e question as to whether or not all birds of this species recorded in Britain are escäpes is still a debatable one.

328 422.

BIRD REPORT

L a p l a n d Bunting.—One at Benacre during January (LFC).

Three at Benacre on Oct. 13th ( L F C ) ; one at Walberswick on Dec. 28th (FKC).

423. Snow Bunting.—Recorded up to March 22nd, and again from Sept. 20th.

Flocks of c. 200 at Lowestoft in February, and Benacre in December ( L F C ) ; 40 at Walberswick on Nov. lOth ( F K C , G J J , DJP) ; numerous records of small parties on coast.

T H E F O L L O W I N G SPECIES WERE RECORDED AS USUAL :

9. Little Grebe : 46. Teal : 53. Shoveler : 92. Sparrow Hawk : 110. Kestrel : 115. Red-legged Partridge : 116. Partridge : 118. Pheasant: 120. Water Rail : 126. Moorhen : 127. Coot : 134. Ringed Plover : 139. Grey Plover : 140. Golden Plover : 143. Turnstone : 145. Snipe : 161. Redshank : 178. Dunlin : 181. Sanderling: 198. Great Black-backed G u l l : 200. Herring G u l l : 201. Common Gull : 211. Kittiwake : 232. Stock Dove : 234. Wood Pigeon : 241. Barn Owl: 246. Little Owl: 247. Tawny O w l : 258. Kingfisher : 262. Green Woodpecker : 263. Great Spotted Woodpecker: 264. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker: 271.

Woodlark: 272. Skylark: 280. Carrion Crow : 282. Rook : 283. Jackdaw : 284. Magpie : 288. Great T i t : 292. Marsh T i t : 293. Willow Tit : 294. Long-tailed T i t : 296. Nuthatch : 298.

Tree Creeper : 299. Wren : 301. Mistle Thrush : 303. Song T h r u s h : 308. Blackbird: 325. Robin: 364. Goldcrest: 373.

Meadow Pipit: 380. PiedWagtail : 389. Starling : 391. Hawfinch : 392. Greenfinch : 395. Linnet: 401. Bullfinch : 407. Chaffinch : 409. Yellowhammer : 421. Reed Bunting : 424. House Sparrow : 425. Tree Sparrow.

BIRD REPORT

ADDITIONS

329

AND CORRECTIONS 1952.

121. Spotted Crake.—Apart from the bird recorded on April' 8th at Minsmere, it is doubtful whether this species was correctly identified, and the other records should therefore be deleted.

This also applies to Minsmere records for 1953 and 1955 (RSPB).

136. Kentish Plover.—A pair nested unsuccessfully at Walberswick ( G B G B , E M B , BAC, F K C , PRW, and others).

The birds were first seen about the beginning of May, and a nest containing three eggs was found by G B G B on the 24th.

With not more than one or two days to go before hatching, the eggs disappeared, crows or rats being thought to be the cause.

After this the birds were not seen again.

This is the first record of attempted breeding in the County.

1956.

261. Hoopoe.—One seen several times at Hadleigh during July (CM).

330

BIRD

LIST J. W .

OF

ANDREWS.

REPORT

OBSERVERS

A. G.

R . BAKER.

HURRELL.

G . J . JOBSON.

MRS. E. M .

BALE.

D . JONES.

D. K.

BALLANCE.

C.

M. T.

BARNES.

DR. D .

THE

HON.

KIRTLAND. LACK.

MISS. C . E .

W . B. L .

BARRINGTON

T.

LADBROOK.

LAWSON.

H . R . BEECROFT.

P. B.

G . B. G .

LOWESTOFT FIELD CLUB.

DR. G. B. W .

BENSON.

BEVEN.

R. V. A.

BLOWER.

C. D. T .

MINTON.

D. A. T .

MORGAN.

LT.-COL. A. L.

LIND.

H.

G.

BROWNLOW.

BULL.

SIR CEDRIC MORRIS.

G . H . C . BYFORD.

D. D.

J. F .

I. C. T .

P.

MARSHALL.

CANCELLOR.

CHADWICK.

M.

NESLING. NISBET.

PACKARD.

J . CHRISTIAN.

R . J . PARTRIDGE.

MRS. A . E . CLAPHAM.

W. H.

J . S . CLARKE.

H . PEASE.

F. K .

J. E. L.

P.

COBB.

COGGINS.

Miss

B.

A.

PAYN. PEMBERTON.

D . J . PIERSON. CONEY.

G . A . PYMAN.

D R . I . J . COOKE.

MISS D .

THE

J. C.

E A R L OF

CRANBROOK.

RAIKES.

ROBSON.

J . A . CROSS.

MISS D . A.

C. G. D .

THE

CURTIS.

D I N G L E BIRD CLUB. G . M . S . EASY. C. P.

ELLIOTT.

ROOK.

ROYAL

SOCIETY

B . L . SAGE. G. L.

SCOTT.

E . A . ELLIS.

M . J . SEAGO.

D. V. T .

A . P . SHORTER.

FAIRRIE.

N . J . FAIRRIE

P.

D.

FARREN.

M . S . J . SNOXELL.

T.

FRY.

G.

DR. D . G .

T . R.

GARNETT.

K . S. C. T. W.

GARNETT.

GILCHRIST.

GLADWIN.

R . HARKNESS. DR. F. E. G. C. J. O .

R. H .

SMITH. TAYLOR.

B. C. TURNER. MISS M . G .

HARRAP.

HARRISON.

Miss

J.

M.

J . WALLER. T H E H O N . MRS. J. WATSON. D R . P . R . WESTALL. MRS. D .

R. E.

WHITGIFT

A . HOPSON.

WALKER.

WALLACE.

A . C . C . HERVEY. HITCHCOCK.

TURNER.

A . E . VINE. D . I. M .

HARRISON.

FOR

T H E P R O T E C T I O N OF B I R D S .

BORNE

WIGHTMAN. SCHOOL SOCIETY.

SEL-

BIRD

REPORT

331

BIRD RINGING AT WALBERSWICK, 1957 DINGLE BIRD CLUB SPRING

The traps were manned for 38 days during the period March 23rd to May 30th, 94 birds being trapped.

On the first day a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were caught and the last of the winter Twite flock were seen ; by the end of the month a Sedge Warbier had been seen and a Blackcap ringed.

The first Willow Warbiers and Redstarts arrived on April 7th, Nightingales and Whitethroats on the 18th, Sedge Warbiers were numerous on the 19th, on the 20th Common and Little Tern, Garganey, Cuckoo, and 20 Fieldfares Aying out at dusk, on the 22nd, Tree Pipits, Whinchats on the 26th, Turtle Doves on the 27th, Grasshopper Warbiers and Greenshank on the 29th.

The main movement of Willow Warbiers was April 16th to 20th, with a peak of 12 on the 17th.

Passage during May of night migrants was small. Only Whitethroats being caught steadily, in small numbers from the Ist to the 19th. A Wryneck was caught on the 3 rd ; a Swift flew in from the sea on the 5th ; the last Jack Snipe was seen on the 6th. Black Tern and Lesser Whitethroat appeared on the 1 Ith, Red-backed Shrike and Spotted Flycatcher on the 19th.

AUTUMN

JULY.—The traps were only visited at week-ends and very little passage was observed to be taking place. Sedge Warbiers and Reed Buntings were taken early in the morning during the second half of the month, but numbers were very poor compared with previous years.

AUGUST.—From the beginning of the month the traps were manned almost daily. 99 Whitethroats, 28 Lesser Whitethroats, and 14 Sedge Warbiers were ringed, all three species drifting through steadily in small numbers. The only small peaks were on the 22nd (12 Whitethroats ringed), 27th (six Lesser Whitethroats ringed), and 28th (12 Lesser Whitethroats seen).

SEPTEMBER.—Passage was almost non-existent during the first half of the month. On the 16th a Fieldfare arrived, on the 20th a Pied Flycatcher, six Spotted Flycatchers, and the first Snow Buntings.

332

BIRD REPORT

Light easterly winds blew all day and night on the 20th, producing a small rush of migrants on the 21 st, and this was recorded all down the East Coast. Small numbers of Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats, and Redstarts were involved, and up to six Pied Flycatchers were seen. On the 22nd, numbers decreased and the movement was over, although two Ring Ouzels on the 24th were probably part of the movement.

Düring the last week in the month, Blue Tits were very much more numerous than usual in the area, and 34 were ringed.

OCTOBER.—The traps were manned for 23 days in the month.

Blue Tits became even more numerous, and 70 were caught, of which 10 were considered to be of the Continental race. The usual Reed Bunting passage occurred, but numbers were very poor and only 57 were ringed. Occasional Blackbirds were caught throughout the month, but apart from 12 on the 7th, passage was almost unnoticeable.

NOVEMBER.—A

Ring-Ouzel and two Waxwings were present

on the 17th.

RECOVERIES There was only one recovery reported from overseas :— Whitethroat ringed 1.8.57 : recovered 22.8.57 near Poitiers (Vienne), France.

The following were re-trapped Redstart April 18th ringed June Ist „ Whitethroat June 16th „ June Ist „ Nightingalele June 16th „ May 6th „

at Walberswick :— 18.7.54 19.8.56 4.7.54 5.9.55 (re-trapped 1956) 7.8.55 3.5.56

333

BIRD REPORT

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