Suffolk Bird Report for 1960

SUFFOLK BIRD REPORT FOR 1960.

Eleventh Annual Recorders—H. R.

BEECROFT

Report.

and

C.

G.

D.

CURTIS.

Records Committee—G.

B . G. BENSON, F. K. COBB, F. C . C O O K , P . H . T . HARTLEY, W . H . P A Y N , A . E. V I N E and the Recorders.

WE wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the following Societies for information and help they have given us :—Cambridge Bird Club, Dingle Bird Club, Lowestoft Field Club, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and especially to the local Wardens of the last named Society, Mr. R. J . PARTRIDGE and Mr.

H.

E.

AXELL.

Records for 1961 should be sent to Mr. H. R. Beecroft, Hall Lane, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk—as early as possible please (it would help greatly if observers could send in as many as possible of their records before the end of the year, and the remainder as early as possible in January, 1962).

Copies of this report may be obtained from Mr. Beecroft, price four shillings.

CLASSIFIED

NOTES.

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

1. Black-throated Diver.—Single birds as follows :—Benacre Pits, Jan. 5th to lOth (HRB, LFC, D]P) ; Benacre, Feb. 6th (LFC). In autumn, Minsmere, Oct. lOth and Nov. 12th (RSPB) ; Covehithe, Dec. 17th (LFC) ; Benacre, Dec. 20th (DJP) ; Dunwich, Dec. 22nd to 31st (ECD, DJP).

Single dead birds at Minsmere, Jan. 21st and March 16th (RGHC, DJP).

2. Great Northern Diver.—One Havergate, Jan 12th (RSPB).

One Lowestoft Harbour, Nov. 8th to 20th (HEJ, LFC).

4. Red-throated Diver.—Düring winter, up to April 2nd, only single birds and few recorded.

In autumn from Sept. 18th. At the end of the year most exceptional numbers were recorded from Dunwich to Walberswick, peak figures being c. 300 on Dec. 29th and c. 200 on Dec. 31st (DJP).

7. Slavonian Grebe.—One Benacre Pits, April 8th (HEJ).

Two Minsmere, Dec. 29th (FEGH, DJP).

14. Storm Petrel.—One off Lowestoft, Sept. 25th and off Corton Oct. 8th (HEJ). Two off Lowestoft, Dec. 4th (LFC).

BIRD REPORT

493

16. Manx Shearwater.—One off Minsmere, Sept. 18th and one on Nov. Ist (RSPB).

21. Sooty Shearwater.—One off Lowestoft Ness, Aug. 29th (HEJ)—very füll details obtained.

26. Fulmar.—Recorded during the period April 16th to Seot F 20th.

27. Gannet.—Only occasionally recorded from March 18th to end of July, then fairly frequently until Oct. 23rd.

On Sept. 18th, 131 were recorded off Lowestoft, including a group of 75 fishing round the Corton lightship—exceptional numbers for Suffolk.

29. Shag.—In Lowestoft Harbour, four Jan. 31st, one during Feb., two from Feb. 29th to March 21st, and one April 22nd and 27th (LFC, GJJ, HEJ, DJP). Two inland, at Saxmundham, on Feb. 19th (PHTH).

Two Minsmere, Aug. 2nd, one at Lowestoft on 3rd and one at Walberswick on 27th (RSPB, LFC, FKC).

30. Heron.—Occupied nests were reported from the following heronries :—Methersgate, eight (AAC) ; Henham, 18 (GBGB, WHP) ; Livermere, 17 (CAEK) ; Somerleyton, one (HEJ) ; Herringfleet, two (HEJ) ; Minsmere, one (RSPB).

38. Bittern.—Apparently no significant change in breeding.

numbers

42. Spoonbill.—One at Minsmere on March 26th and 28th, one May 2nd and two on 26th (RSPB).

Two, probably the same birds, recorded at Minsmere, Walberswick and Reydon from June 26th to July 6th (several observers).

One almost daily at Minsmere and Walberswick from July 6th to Aug. 28th (several observers).

One at Breydon from Oct. 9th to Dec. 5th (LFC).

An immature at Southwold, Nov. 7th (PHTH).

47. Garganey.—Only recorded breeding at Minsmere, where two pairs produced six and seven young (RSPB).

One R. Stour, March 13th (RVAM). Up to two at Walberswick from April 2nd to July 15th (FKC, DJP).

Three Lowestoft, Sept. Ist (HEJ).

50. Wigeon.—Largest number Havergate, Nov. 8th (RSPB).

reported

was c.

10,000 at

494

BIRD REPORT

52. Pintail.—Peak numbers reported :—R. Deben, c. 60 in January ; R. Stour, 203 in December ; R. Orwell, c. 30 in January ; Havergate, c. 180 in November and December.

53. Shoveler.—Peak numbers reported :—R. Orwell, c. 50 in January ; Walberswick, 50 to 60 in December ; Havergate, c. 250 in December.

55. Scaup.—Apart from c. 50 at Lowestoft in October (HEJ), only reported in very small numbers.

56. T u f t e d Duck.—Reported as usual from West Suffolk during the breeding season. Very few winter coastal records.

57. Pochard.—Recorded in West Suffolk as usual. Small numbers on the coast, most being 36 off Lowestoft, Sept. 18th (HEJ).

60. Goldeneye.—Largest numbers during the winter were in R. Stour—c. 40 on March 13thand again in autumn—18 on Dec. 18th (RVAM).

61. Long-tailed Duck.—There were no winter records.

Three Reydon, Oct. l l t h to 16th ; two Lowestoft, Nov. 9th ; one Walberswick, Nov. 12th ; one Easton, Dec. l l t h to 17th ; two Benacre, Dec. 20th to 24th ( G B G B , E C D , DJP, L F C ) .

62. Velvet Scoter.—c. 50 off Minsmere in early January (DJP) ; one R. Stour, Jan. 17th (RVAM) ; 15 to 18 Walberswick, March 14th to 17th, two April 30th, May 29th and June Ist

(DJP)-

One Breydon, July 24th ( L F C ) ; odd ones off Dunwich in early September (DJP) ; one Lowestoft, Sept. 25th ( L F C ) ; one Benacre, Nov. 6th ; up to 8 from Benacre to Southwold, Dec. 13th ; one Benacre, Dec. 17th and 24th ( L F C ) ; varying numbers from 50 to 100 at Dunwich from Dec. 16th to end of year (DJP).

64. C o m m o n Scoter.—In the Lowestoft area small numbers throughout the year, but c. 600 during July (HEJ).

In the Dunwich/Walberswick area several hundreds in early January. Then no signs of big flocks until Dec. 16th, when c. 800 present, with many tired and sick birds on the beaches. Numbers increased to c. 2,000 at end of year (DJP, F K C ) .

67. Eider.—From Lowestoft to Easton Bavents up to 10 recorded until March 20th ; one R. Orwell, Jan. lOth ; one Walberswick, April 23rd and 17 there on May 8th ; one Lowestoft, May 29th ; one Walberswick, Sept. 27th ; three Aldeburgh, Oct. 24th.

Single birds during November at Shingle Street, Havergate and Shotley. At Minsmere, one March 13th, four Oct. 21st and two Nov. 9th.

BIRD REPORT

495

69. R e d - b r e a s t e d Merganser.—Recorded up to May Ist, and again from Sept. 20th.

Again most birds recorded from R. Orwell, with a maximum of 20 on Jan. 17th.

70. G o o s a n d e r . — T w o Reydon, Jan. l l t h (DJP).

One at Minsmere during November (RSPB) ; one Walberswick, Dec. 17th ; two Benacre, Dec. 17th (DJP).

Inland—one Tuddenham Fen, Dec. 29th (CAEK).

71.

S m e w . - T w o R. Deben, Jan. Ist (AAC).

75. G r e y Lag-goose.—At Havergate, 32 Jan. 19th, 20 on 20th and 22nd. At Minsmere, 12 Feb. Ist and four Sept. 23rd (RSPB).

76. White-fronted Goose.—In the Breydon area, 27 on Jan. 15th, increasing to c. 100 by Jan. 22nd ; one Benacre, Jan. 17th ( L F C ) ; seven Minsmere, Jan. 21st ( R G H C ) and six on 29th (RSPB).

49 Aying east at Icklingham.

Six Southwold, Oct. 28th ( G B G B ) ; four with Brents in R. Stour, Dec. 29th (RVAM).

78. Pink-footed Goose.—c. 40 in the Breydon area on Aug. 18th (LFC). 10 R. Stour, Dec. 18th (RVAM).

G r e y G e e s e ? species.—c. 350 over Lowestoft on Aug. 27th (HEJ) ; six R. Stour, Nov. 13th (RVAM).

80. Brent Goose.—Recorded up to April 14th and again from Sept. 8th.

As usual the largest numbers were in R. Stour, and a maximum of 350 was recorded on Dec. 18th (RVAM).

82. C a n a d a Goose.—Breeding reported as usual in West Suffolk.

Maximum reported was 66 at Livermere on Sept. 25th (CBC).

In East Suffolk, pairs bred at Lound and Herringfleet ( L F C ) .

Up to three at Minsmere in March (RSPB) ; eight at Rendlesham in October ( J E L P ) ; one R. Stour in December (RVAM).

84. M u t e S w a n . — I n the R. Stour, a maximum of 812 in December (RVAM).

85. Whooper Swan.—One Fiatford, Jan. 20th ; seven Minsmere, Jan. 21st ; 11 Benacre, Jan 23rd ; one R. Stour, March 13th ; three Havergate, Oct. 30th ; four Havergate, Nov. 8th ; five or six Minsmere, Dec. 27th ; two Snape, Dec. 29th ( R G H C .

RSPB, H E J , RVAM, PS).

496

BIRD REPORT

86. Bewick's Swan.—In winter there was a maximum of 67 at Minsmere during February, and all left on the 28th. 49 were reported at Easton Broad on April 2nd. Away from the coastal broads, up to 13 at Havergate in January and March ; five Shotley, Jan. 16th ; one R. Orwell, Feb. 28th. The last record was of one at Walberswick on April l l t h (LFC, BAC, CGDC, RSPB, FKC, GBGB, RVAM, RGHC, GJJ).

First recorded again on Oct. 30th, when eight at Walberswick and four at Covehithe (GJJ). Birds arrived at Minsmere on Nov. 3rd and reached a peak of 81 on the 20th (RSPB). There were a number of records from coastal areas during December.

91. Buzzard.—One or two recorded at Walberswick during January (GBGB, DJP).

Single birds at Minsmere, Sept. 3rd, Oct. 15th, 17th, 28th and Nov. 6th (RSPB) ; one Great Glemham, Sept. 13th (C) ; one Walberswick, Nov. 13th (DJP) ; one Havergate, Dec. 8th (RSPB).

92. Rough-legged Buzzard.—At Walberswick, single birds recorded on Jan. Ist, 3rd, 9th, lOth, Feb. 14th and 28th (GBGB, GJJ, DJP, PS) ; at Minsmere, one April 3rd to 5th (RSPB) ; one Westleton, April l l t h (HEA).

In West Suffolk, one at Berners Heath, April lOth (CBC, AEV).

During the autumn an unusual number of records, possibly due to the number of dead and dying rabbits which attracted the birds.

At Walberswick, one Oct. 2nd and 30th, four together on Nov. 6th (GBGB, DJP, PS, RS, GJJ). At Minsmere, one Oct. 8th and 14th, two on 25th and 3Ist, up to three on seven dates in November, and one or two throughout December (RSPB). At Havergate, one on Oct. 17th and 18th, Nov. 24th, Dec. 2nd and 8th (RSPB). One Benacre, Oct. 28th (GBGB). One Sutton, Nov. 6th (CGDC).

95. Kite.—One Minsmere, Nov. 3rd (HEA, JA, LK, PM)— füll details obtained. At Blythburgh, on the same date, a local gamekeeper reported seeing a bird which, from his description, could only have been a Kite, and was presumably the same bird.

99. Marsh Harrier.—At Minsmere two pairs and a third female bred, seven young flew (RSPB).

At another locality two pairs bred and three young flew.

Again recorded in all months.

100. H e n Harrier.—Recorded up to April 14th and again from Oct. 19th. Few birds recorded.

BIRD REPORT

497

102. Montagu's Harrier.—No breeding records.

A female at Walberswick, May 7th and 21st, at Easton Broad, May 8th, at Somerleyton, May lOth, at Havergate, May 18th ; a male at Reydon, May 12th, at Lakenheath, May 31st ; at Havergate, July 1 Ith and 12th (GBGB, RSPB, CBC, LFC, FEGH, MP).

103. Osprey.—One Walberswick, April 15th (DBC).

One Blythburgh, Sept. 17th and 18th (GBGB, HEJ, DJP).

One Havergate, Oct. 6th and 12th (RSPB). One at Nacton Decoy on two dates in October (per ACCH).

104. Hobby.—At Minsmere, one May 29th, June 5th, 9th, two on 12th, one on 13th, 26th, July 23rd, 31st, Aug. 14th and 15th (RSPB) ; one Aldeburgh, July 25th (EFC) ; one Westleton, Aug. 31st (DJP).

105. Peregrine.—Very scarce this year—one Minsmere, Jan. lOth and Feb. 15th (RSPB) ; one Walberswick, March 13th (DJP) ; one Havergate, May 25th and July 25th (RSPB) ; one North Warren on three dates in March (EFC).

107. Merlin.—Recorded on the coast up to April 27th and again from Sept. 30th.

117. Quail.—One at Shotley, May 24th (MP). One at Snape, June 20th, one Friston Common, June 23rd (PS).

129. Little Bustard.—One at Orfordness on June 20th (WHP) füll details obtained.

133. Lapwing.—First immigration was noted at Minsmere on June 19th (RSPB).

135. Little Ringed Plover.—A pair were present during the breeding season at a site where previous breeding occurred ; the nest was not found, but four or five birds, including juveniles, were present until mid-August, so presumably they bred successfully (DJP).

Other records are of one at Lound on April 2nd (HEJ) ; one at Minsmere, May 13th (RSPB) ; one at Havergate on Aug. 30th and Sept. 17th (RSPB).

136 Kentish Plover.—One Havergate, April 17th, one on Oct. Ist and on Sept. 17th 14, a most unusual number (RSPB).

140. Golden Plover.—Winter flocks reported from Easton Bavents, up to 200 (HEJ), Hitcham, c. 50 up to March 17th (ALB), at Sudbury and Waldingfield to March 21 st (MM).

498 147.

BIRD REPORT

J a c k Snipe.—Recorded up to Feb. 28th and from Aug. 30th.

150. Curlew.—Four pairs reported breeding in West Suffolk (CAEK, WHP, AEV).

151.

Whimbrel.—Recorded from April 8th to Oct. 5th.

154. Black-tailed Godwit.—R. Blyth, a peak of 434 on March 13th (MJS). R. Stour, 250 on Oct. 16th (RVAM).

Main autumn passage at Havergate last week in July and first 10 days in August, with a peak of 95 on 2nd (RSPB).

156. G r e e n Sandpiper.—In winter, one Lowestoft, Jan. 4th ( L F C ) ; one Melton, Feb. 23rd ( J E L P ) ; up to three at Playford from Jan. Ist to March 6th ( C G D C , WHR) ; two Martlesham, Feb. 14th ( C G D C ) ; two West Stow, March 6th (ALB) ; one Minsmere, Jan. 25th (RSPB).

In late autumn, up to six at Playford from Nov. 30th to end of year ( C G D C ) ; one Snape, Dec. 20th (PS).

157. Wood Sandpiper.—In spring, one Minsmere, April 21 st and one or two until the end of the month (RSPB) ; one at Reydon, May 23rd (BAC) and 29th (GBGB).

Peak autumn figures were, up to eight Walberswick, Aug. 13th to 20th (DJP) ; eight Reydon, Aug. 25th ( G B G B , BAC) ; eight Havergate, Aug. 25th (RSPB).

159. C o m m o n Oct. 7th.

162.

Sandpiper.—Recorded

from April 24th to

Spotted Redshank.—Recorded in all months.

165. Greenshank.—One at Cattawade on Feb. 14th and 28th ( F K C , RVAM, C G D C ) . Otherwise recorded from April 24th to Oct. 24th.

169. Knot.—Records entirely of passage birds, and no winter flocks reported from the estuaries.

170. P u r p l e Sandpiper.—Only recorded at Lowestoft, where one present up to March 3rd, and up to five from Nov. 2nd ( L F C , HEJ, DJP).

171. Little Stint.—In spring, one Reydon, April 21st ( G B G B ) ; up to three at Havergate from May 15thto31st (RSPB) ; uptofour at Minsmere from June 6th (RSPB).

A good autumn passage, peak numbers being, 18 Reydon, Sept. 27th (DJP) ; 12 Walberswick, Sept. 17th (DJP) : 31 Aldeburgh, Sept. 28th ( E F C ) ; 40 Havergate, Aug. 28th, 65 Sept. 17th, 55 Oct. 2nd and still 16 there on the 8th (RSPB).

499

BIRD REPORT

173. T e m m i n c k ' s Stint.—One Reydon, May 23rd (BAC).

In autumn, single birds at Havergate, Sept. 8th, lOth, 17th and two on 18th ( R S P B ) .

178. Dunlin.—One albino—pure white apart from at Blythburgh, Dec. 17th ( G B G B ) .

wings—

179. Curlew Sandpiper.—In spring, single birds at Reydon, May 25th, June 3rd to 6th and lOth ( G B G B , E C D ) ; one Walberswick, June 18th ( F K C ) .

Autumn passage from July 12th to Sept. 30th—numbers small, most being 20 at Havergate on Aug. 30th (RSPB).

181. Sanderling.—Only winter records from Lowestoft, wbere small numbers present at beginning and end of year.

Passage recorded as usual.

184.

Ruflf.—No winter records.

In spring, one West Stow, May 5th (CBC) ; one Reydon, May May 9th to 1 Ith and June 6th ( G B G B ) ; one Havergate, May 25th and 26th ; one or two Minsmere from June 5th ( R S P B ) .

Autumn passage from July 15th to Oct. 5th, numbers small apart from 35 at Havergate, Sept. 4th ( R S P B ) .

185. Avocet.—67 pairs nested at Havergate and 35 young reached the free Aying stage.

Three were present on Jan. 3rd, one on 27th and 29th, one Feb. 15th and seven arrived on March 9th. T h e last one left on Nov. 18th.

T h e maximum number of adults was 140 during May ( R S P B ) .

T h e only records away from the Havergate area were, two at Reydon, April 3rd ( L F C ) ; one Minsmere, April 7th (BAC) ; up to four June 5th to 17th, July 20th to Aug. 1 Ith, and one on Aug. 13th (RSPB).

187. Grey Phalarope.—One Havergate, Sept. 27th ( R S P B ) ; one Lowestoft, Oct. 30th (HEJ).

188. R e d - n e c k e d Phalarope.—One Minsmere, to 24th ; one Havergate, Oct. 2nd (RSPB).

Aug.

23rd

189. Stone Curlew.—First recorded, Feb. 20th and last seen Oct. 2nd.

193. A r c t i c Skua.—Many more than usual recorded on autumn passage, all records of single birds, apart from the following : — four or more at Benacre, Sept. 5th ( D J P ) ; c. six Easton Bavents, Sept. 2 1 s t ( D J P ) ; three Minsmere, Aug. 30th (PS) ; five Lowestoft, Sept. 3rd and two on 18th ( H E J ) ; from one to four offshore at Minsmere on several days from Sept. 4th to 22nd ( R S P B ) .

500

BIRD REPORT

194. Great Skua.—One Aldeburgh, Feb. 16th (JELP) ; one Minsmere from March 5th to lOth (RSPB).

One Walberswick, Aug. 21st (GJJ) ; Single birds offshore Minsmere, Sept. 2nd, 9th, lOth and Oct. 26th (RSPB) ; two at Lowestoft, Sept. 3rd. one on 18th, three Oct. 22nd and one on 23rd (HEJ) ; one Pakefield, Sept. 8th (LFC).

202. Glaucous Gull.—A first winter bird Lowestoft on Jan. 28th (HEJ) ; one at Minsmere on March 13th and April 29th (RSPB).

203.

Iceland Gull.—An adult at Lowestoft, Jan. Ist (DJP).

205. Mediterranean Gull.—The bird present at Pakefield at the end of 1959 remained until March 19th (HEJ, DJP, HRB).

One again at Pakefield from Oct. 15th to 23rd and from Dec. 13th to end of year (LFC, DJP).

207. Little Gull.—An adult at Lowestoft, Jan. 3rd, 5th, and 6th ; single immatures at Lowestoft, Kessingland, Covehithe and Easton Bavents on Jan. lOth ; an adult at Benacre on Jan. 5th.

One Minsmere, March 13th ; a dead adult at Corton, March 14th.

A first winter bird at Southwold on April 6th and 8th.

At Reydon, one May 29th and June lOth, from one to three there frequently from June 13th to Sept. 17th.

Single birds at Havergate, May 18th, 24th, June 29th and July 2nd.

At Minsmere one July 5th, Aug. 20th, Sept. lOth and 18th.

At Lowestoft one Aug. 6th and 22nd, 14 on 28th, two Sept. 9th and one on 25th. One Aldeburgh, Aug. 27th. One Havergate Sept. 18th (GBGB, BAC, LFC, THB, RSPB, FEGH, PHTH, GJJ, HEJ, DJP).

209. Sabine's Gull.—A first winter bird at Walberswick on Sept. 22nd (DJP)—füll details obtained.

211. Kittiwake.—Bred again on the South Pier at Lowestoft.

Seven nests were built and occupied, two others started but not completed. Five young were reared to the free Aying stage (HEJ).

212. Black Tern.—Numerous records in both spring and autumn but numbers small, apart from one record of 67 Aying east over Breydon Water on May 12th (MJS).

216. Caspian Tern.—One at Benacre on July 21st (FEM, NM)—füll details obtained.

BIRD

217.

501

REPORT

C o m m o n Tern.—Recorded frora April I4th to Nov. 1 Ith.

218. A r c t i c Tern.—Recorded fairly from July 28th to Oct. lOth ( R S P B ) .

frequently at Havergate

219.

R o s e a t e T e r n . — O n e at Havergate, April 14th ( R S P B ) .

222.

Little T e r n — R e c o r d e d from April 24th to Sept. 26th.

223. S a n d w i c h Tern.—About 350 pairs bred at Havergate with good success ( R S P B ) .

Recorded from March 23rd to Sept. 29th.

224.

Razorbill.—Few recorded during the year.

50 dead and heavily oiled birds on the beaches between Benacre and Minsmere during mid-March ( D J P ) .

226. Little Auk.—A heavily oiled bird at Lowestoft on Feb. 25th ( L F C ) ; a dead bird at Corton, Feb. 27th ( H E J ) .

One Aying over the marsh at Walberswick with Starlings on Nov. 6th ( G J J ) .

227.

Guillemot.—Usual winter and autumn records.

One Minsmere, June 3rd and 4th ( R S P B ) ; two at Walberswick, June 4th ( D J P ) .

30 dead from Benacre to Minsmere during mid-March ( D J P ) .

230. Puffin.—A dead bird R. Aide, June 4th ( E C D ) ; a dying bird at Gorleston, Jan. lOth (per H E J ) ; two dead birds at Gunton in February ( L F C ) .

235. T u r t l e Dove.—Recorded from May 4th, at Freston, to Sept. 28th, at Sibton.

Collared Turtle Dove.—At least three pairs bred at Felixstowe, the first breeding record for the County.

Three pairs were known to have raised broods, and there may have been other pairs nesting at other sites. Up to 14 birds were recorded in one party at a favourite roosting S i t e in December ( H R B , E E G , C G D C , ACCH, G J J ) .

237. Cuckoo.—Recorded from April 6th to Sept. 9th, with numerous reports of a considerable decrease in numbers.

248. L o n g - e a r e d O w l — U p to four pairs bred at Herringfleet, one pair at Lound, and one pair at Somerleyton ( H E J ) ; one, possibly two pairs bred at Walberswick ( D J P ) .

502

BIRD REPORT

249. Short-eared Owl.—Three pairs bred at Havergate (RSPB); one pair bred at Bawdsey (per ACCH).

One at Lakenheath, May 29th (CBC), otherwise recorded as usual from coast and estuaries out of the breeding season.

252.

Nightjar.—Recorded from May 12th to Sept. 21st.

255.

Swift.—Recorded from April 23rd to Oct. 30th.

256. Alpine Swift.—One over Breydon Water on May 12th (MJS), füll details obtained.

260. Roller.—One in the forest between Snape and Sudbourne from June 6th to 18th (RJP, DJP, ADR, FKC).

261. Hoopoe.—One at Westleton on May llth (EMB, MP, RSPB).

263. Great Spotted Woodpecker.—One on the shore at Minsmere, Oct. 6th (RSPB).

265. Wryneck.—There were no reports received of breeding, and only one report of a bird present for any length of time in the spring—one was calling at Snape on a number of days from May 7th to July 23rd and presumably no female was present (FKC, PS).

Other records are of one at Benacre on May 6th (LFC), and in the autumn, one at Blvthburgh, Sept. 3rd (HRB, DJP), one at Minsmere, Sept. 23rd (RSPB), two Walberswick, Sept 3rd (DBC).

271.

Woodlark.—Reported to be still decreasing.

273. Shorelark.—Three Havergate, Jan. 15th (RSPB).

Up to 15 at Walberswick from Nov. 27th to Dec. 21st (DJP, FKC).

274.

Swallow.—Recorded from April 3rd to Dec. 7th.

276.

House Martin.—Recorded from April 4th to Dec. 8th.

277.

Sand Martin.—Recorded from April 2nd to Oct. 25th.

278. Golden Oriole.—One seen and heard at Nacton on May 21 st and 25th (ACCH).

281. Hooded Crow.—Recorded up to March 31st on the coast, and again from Oct. 15th.

One inland at West Stow on April 17th (CBC).

293.

Willow Tit.—Only reported from the usual areas.

BIRD REPORT

503

295. Bearded Tit.—Breeding reported from a number of coastal marshes and after the series of mild winters in recent years numbers are probably higher than at any time within living memory.

At Walberswick it was estimated that at least 70 pairs were breeding, and some 800 juveniles were in the reed-beds by the end of July. 316 birds were ringed. Düring late September and October there was again a considerable eruption and again birds were seen during the following winter in areas where not normally recorded, some carrying rings which were most probably of Walberswick origin (see Dingle Bird Club notes).

At Minsmere few were on the marsh during the winter, but a noticeable return took place in early March. At least 30 pairs were present during the breeding season, less than in the previous season. Here, as at Walberswick, the birds erupted during the autumn (see Minsmere notes).

Up to 100 birds were feeding on the shingle at the edge of the Benacre reed-bed in late December ; many were carrying Walberswick rings (DJP).

302. Fieldfare.—Recorded up to May 2nd and again from Sept. 29th.

304. Redwing.—Recorded up to April 23rd and again from Sept. 26th.

Heavy mortality occurred during the gales in September and October—on Oct. Ist, along the relatively short Stretch of coast from Gorleston to Lowestoft, 621 dead birds of this species were counted (HEJ).

307. Ring Ouzel.—In spring only three birds recorded, and all at Minsmere, two May 3rd and one May 18th (RSPB).

Most unusual numbers were recorded at the end of September and in early October.

Sept. 25th.—one Minsmere.

Sept. 28th—one Walberswick.

Sept. 29th—two Walberswick, two Darsham, one Snape.

Sept. 30th—eight Walberswick, one Snape, one Minsmere.

Oct. Ist—eleven Walberswick, six Darsham, one Snape, one Leiston, up to ten Minsmere.

Oct. 2nd—fifteen Walberswick, two Darsham, up to five Benacre, up to ten Minsmere.

Oct. 3rd—five Walberswick, up to ten Minsmere.

Oct. 4th and 5th—up to ten Minsmere, then two at Minsmere from Oct. 6th to lOth and on the l l t h , one at Pakefield, Oct. 17th to 24th and two again at Minsmere on Nov. 25th (RSPB, LFC, HEJ, DJP, PS).

504 311.

BIRD REPORT

Wheatear.—Recorded from March 13th to Nov. 20th.

317. Stonechat.—Single pairs recorded breeding at Pakefield, Benacre, Walberswick, Sutton and in the Breck ; three pairs, with possibly a fourth female, bred at Westleton.

Numbers on the coast in winter stated by many observers to be greater than usual.

318. Whinchat.—Recorded from April 17th to Oct. 3rd.

A poor autumn passage.

320.

Redstart.—Recorded from April Ist to Oct. 24th.

321. Black Redstart.—No breeding recorded ; although two birds were present at Ipswich Docks from April 30th to July Ist there was no proof of breeding (CGDC).

In spring, single birds were recorded between March 14th and April 17th, at Walberswick, Easton Bavents, Lowestoft, Kessingland, Benacre, Sutton, Felixstowe and Havergate. Up to four at Minsmere on April 2nd (GBGB, RSPB, BÄC, CGDC, LFC, FEGH, HEJ, DJP).

In the autumn, single birds at Bromeswell, Aug. 20th, Lowestoft Aug. 23rd, Ipswich, Sept. 24th, Benacre, Sept. 28th, Felixstowe, Oct. 25th, Levington, Oct. 27th, Minsmere, Oct. 21st and Havergate, Nov. 4th (RSPB, HRB, AAC, FEGH, HEJ, DJP).

322.

Nightingale.—Recorded from April 8th to Sept. 1 Ith.

324. White-spotted Bluethroat.—A male at Minsmere, April 7th (RSPB).

327. Grasshopper Warbier.—Recorded Sept. 23rd.

from April 8ih to

333.

Reed Warbier.—Recorded from April 24th to Oct. 8th.

337.

Sedge Warbier.—Recorded from April 6th to Oct. 4th.

343. Blackcap.—A female at Leiston on Jan. 13th (DGG), otherwise recorded from April lOth to Oct. 28th.

344.

Barred Warbier.—One at Minsmere, May 22nd (RSPB).

346. Garden Warbier.—Recorded from April 30th to Nov. 6th—when one ringed at Walberswick (DBC).

347.

Whitethroat.—Recorded from April 9th to Oct. 5th.

348.

5th.

Lesser Whitethroat.—Recorded from April 16th to Oct.

354.

Willow Warbier.—Recorded from April 2nd to Oct. Ist.

BIRD REPORT

505

356. Chiffchaff.—Recorded from March 12th to Oct. 26th, and then one present at Minsmere, Nov. 18th to 25th (RSPB).

357. Wood Warbier.—No breeding reported and only two birds recorded—one Herringfleet, May Ist (HEJ) and one Minsmere, June 8th (RSPB).

364. Goldcrest.—Large numbers reported on the coast at the end of March and early April, especially April 2nd and 3rd (DJP).

365. Firecrest.—At Walberswick, one on March 17th and one on March 31st. One Westleton, March 30th. Up to four at Minsmere on April 2nd (DJP, RSPB).

In autumn, single birds at Walberswick, Sept. 30th ; at Reydon, Sept. 27th ; at Minsmere, Oct. 21st and Nov. 9th (DJP, L F C , RSPB).

366.

Spotted Flycatcher.—Recorded from May 6th to Oct. Ist.

368. Pied Flycatcher.—An exceptional number of records of a species rarely recorded in this county in the spring—one Minsmere, May 4th ; one Walberswick, May 8th ; one Havergate, May 1 Ith ; one Southwold, May 12th ; two Benacre, May 14th (RSPB, G B G B , DJP, L F C ) .

Autumn passage from Aug. 26th to Oct. 3rd in small numbers.

The only non-coastal record was of c. four at Sibton on Sept.

2nd and 3rd (DJP).

373. M e a d o w Pipit.—A heavy southerly passage was noted at Walberswick and inland at Hitcham from September. 19th to 23rd (DJP, ALB).

375. T a w n y Pipit.—One at Havergate on Aug. 4th (RSPB) and one at Covehithe on Sept. 6th (JWA, RVAM)—füll details obtained in each case.

376.

T r e e Pipit.—Recorded from April 6th to Sept. 24th.

379. R o c k Pipit.—Recorded up to April 12th and from Sept.

20th.

Water Pipit.—One Benacre, Oct. 17th (BAC) ; two Minsmere, Oct. 21st (RSPB).

381. G r e y Wagtail.—Two pairs bred on R. Lark, and one pair bred on R. Blyth (WHP).

Passage and wintering birds reported from fourteen localities.

382.

Yellow Wagtail.—Recorded from April 7th to Oct. 2nd.

506

BIRD REPORT

Blue-headed Wagtail.—A male bred near Eastbridge, seen from end of May to mid-June (HEA, ECD). A male at Benacre, May 15th (LFC).

383. Waxwing.—Only recorded during January and February.

Up to 17 at Ipswich until Feb. l l t h ; one Framlingham, Jan. 29th ; several at Lowestoft during January (HRB, CGDC, LFC, P H T H , WHR).

384. Great Grey Shrike.—One Westleton up to March 14th ; one Snape up to Jan. 4th ; one Leiston, Jan. 9th (HRB, BAC, PC, GJJ, DJP, PS).

One at Tuddenham Heath from May 8th to June 6th had an injury to a wing (CBC).

In the autumn, one Minsmere, Sept. 30th, two Oct. 16th, one Nov. 14th and one Dec. 31st ; one Westleton from Oct. 2nd ; one Chillesford, Oct. 23rd ; one Covehithe, Nov. 6th ; one Blythburgh last week in December ; one Newton Green, Dec. 28th (RSPB, GF, MM, DJP, JELP).

388. Red-backed Shrike.—Recorded from May 7th to Sept.

23 rd.

Yery scarce in West Suffolk, although two pairs bred near Sudbury (WHP).

390. Rose-coloured Starling.—One at Lowestoft from May 13th to 20th (GBGB, BAC, HEJ, LFC).

[It is suggested that this bird was an escape because of its tameness and the worn State of its plumage.]

391. Hawfinch.—Reported from usual areas in West Suffolk.

In East Suffolk reported from Nacton, Hitcham, Woolverstone and Dunwich.

394. Siskin.—Recorded up to April 18th and again from Sept.

21st. Good numbers both winter and autumn.

Unusually large numbers were noted moving south on the coast on Sept. 22nd and Sept. 23rd—on the 22nd DJP recorded c. 600 Walberswick and HEA 600 at Minsmere ; on the 23rd over 1,000 at Walberswick and 1,070 at Minsmere from 09.40 to 11.45 hours.

396. Twite.—Recorded up to March 14th and again from Oct. 15th. All records were on the coast and the largest number was at Walberwsick—c. 100 at end of November.

397. Redpoll.—At least one pair bred at Walberswick.

Also reported from Foxhall, Hitcham, West Stow, Lackford, Livermere.

BIRD REPORT

507

404. Crossbill.—Bred at Herringfleet, where a maximum of 52 was recorded (HEJ). A pair nested unsuccessfully at Nacton (ACCH). A pair bred at Minsmere (RSPB).

Recorded at Aldeburgh and Snape. At Walberswick birds werepresent from February 21st to June 3rd (GBGB, BAC, ECD, DJP, EFC, PS).

408. Brambling.—Recorded up to April 18th and from Sept.

27th. Few records and poor numbers, apart from c. 150 Aying inland at Westleton on Nov. 6th and c. 150 at Yoxford in late December (DJP).

422. Lapland Bunting.—Nine Benacre, Sept. 28th (DJP) ; one Minsmere, Oct. 16th (RSPB) ; one Orford, Oct. 24th (GF).

423. Snow Bunting.—Recorded up to March and from Sept.

22nd.

THE FOLLOWING SPECIES WERE RECORDED AS USUAL :

5. Great Crested Grebe ; 9. Little Grebe ; 28. Cormorant ; 45. Mallard ; 46. Teal ; 49. Gadwall ; 73. Shelduck ; 93. Sparrow Hawk ; 110. Kestrel ; 115. Red-legged Partridge ; 116. Partridge ; 118. Pheasant ; 120. Water Rail ; 126. Moorhen ; 127. Coot ; 131. Oyster Catcher ; 134.

Ringed Plover ; 139. Grey Plover ; 143. Turnstone ; 145.

Snipe ; 148. Woodcock ; 150. Curlew ; 155. Bar-tailed Godwit ; 161. Redshank ; 198. Greater Black-backed Gull ; 199. Lesser Black-backed Gull ; 200. Herring Gull ; 201.

Common Gull ; 208. Black-headed Gull ; 232. Stock Dove ; 234. Woodpigeon ; 241. Barn Owl ; 246. Little Owl ; 247.

Tawny Owl ; 258. Kingfisher ; 262. Green Woodpecker ; 264. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker ; 272. Skylark ; 280. Carrion Crow ; 282. Rook ; 283. Jackdaw ; 284. Magpie ; 286.

Jay ; 288. Great Tit ; 289. Blue Tit ; 290. Coal Tit ; 292.

Marsh Tit ; 294. Long-tailed Tit ; 296. Nuthatch ; 298.

Tree Creeper ; 299. Wren ; 301. Mistle Thrush ; 303.

Song T h r u s h ; 308. Blackbird ; 325. Robin ; 371. Hedge Sparrow ; 380. Pied Wagtail ; 389. Starling ; 392. Greenfinch ; 393. Goldfinch ; 395. Linnet ; 401. Bullfinch ; 407.

Chaffinch ; 409. Yellowhammer ; 410. C o m Bunting ; 421.

Reed Bunting ; 424. House Sparrow ; 425. Tree Sparrow.

508

BIRD REPORT LIST

OF

OBSERVERS.

J. W .

ANDREWS.

G . J.

H.

G.

ARNOLD.

MISS L .

H.

E.

AXELL.

C. A. E.

MRS. J. M.

F.

AXELL.

KENNEDY. KIRTLAND.

LOWESTOFT F I E L D

BAKER.

MRS. E. M .

JOBSON.

J. A .

BALE.

P.

CLUB.

MAGEE.

MAKEPEACE.

H.

R.

BEECROFT.

R. V. A.

MARSHALL.

T.

H.

BELL.

MRS. M .

MILLS.

G . B. G .

A.

L.

A. A.

BENSON.

F.

E.

BULL.

N.

MUDDEMAN.

CALDER.

M.

PACKARD.

CAMBRIDGE BIRD R. G .

H.

PAXTON

K.

CANT.

CHADWICK.

MRS. M .

F.

CLUB.

CLAYTON.

COBB.

MUDDEMAN.

R. J. W.

PARTRIDGE.

H.

J. E. L .

PEARSON. PORTER.

D.

I.

COCKS.

W.

H.

MISS B. A.

CONEY.

R. J.

MISS A . L .

COOPER

A.

P.

F.

S.

CORNELIUS.

PEMBERTON.

D . J.

A. A.

Miss

PAYN.

D.

THE

T H E EARL OF CRANBROOK.

RAMSEY. ROBINSON. ROWE.

ROYAL

E.

F.

CROSBY.

M.

C.

G.

D.

CURTIS.

P.

SMITH.

DICKINSON.

R.

SPENCER.

E. C.

D I N G L E BIRD G.

CLUB.

FELSTEAD.

MRS. A .

DR. D .

MISS E. E.

REV. P . H .

C. C.

A. G .

H. E.

R. E.

STEBBINGS.

D. W.

THOROGOOD.

A. E.

T H E HON. MRS. J.

HARRAP.

T.

HARTLEY.

HERVEY.

HURRELL.

MISS D .

JAY.

JENNER.

THE

SEAGO.

GOLDSMITH.

A . HERBERT. A.

J.

GARNETT.

DR. F. E. G .

FOR

T H E EARL OF STRADBROKE.

GARDINER. G.

SOCIETY

PROTECTION OF BIRDS.

A.

VINE.

WYLLIE.

WAISON.

BIRD REPORT

509

BIRD RINGING AT WALBERSWICK, 1960 DINGLE BIRD CLUB MIGRATION. SPRING.

during March were predominantly Easterly. Small numbers of Chiffchaffs were seen from the 12th onwards. Goldcrests appeared in numbers from 17th when a Firecrest was also seen, and were present daily at Dingle until 9th April with c. 30 present on 2nd to 3rd April. Odd Firecrests were seen during the last three days of March. Large Turdidae were present on the coast during late March and the first week of April. During April, apart from Ist to 3rd, 6th to 7th, 18th and a few days at the end of the month winds were westerly. After the first Willow Warbier on the 5th numbers rapidly increased round the marsh.

Early Sedge Warbier, Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbier, Tree Pipit and other summer migrants appeared 6th to 9th.

WINDS

One Black Redstart was seen on Dingle on 16th and two days later late Siskin, Brambling and Merganser as well as a movement of Willow and Sedge Warbiers and the first Cuckoo were recorded.

During late April and May the traps were visited at week ends only. A few Willow Warbiers, Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Nightingales and Lesser Whitethroats were seen at Dingle but no " rushes " of Warbiers were noted. Very few Wheatears and Redstarts were noted on passage during the Spring. A few Pied Flycatchers were seen between May 8th and 15th.

Terns appeared on 22nd April. 32 Bar-tailed Godwit were seen on May Ist at which time spring Waders were most numerous and an Osprey flew over the marsh on 15th.

A few Velvet Scoter and Eider were seen off shore during May and odd Black Terns were passing North in early June.

AUGUST.

Westerly winds predominated during August and no drift was noted. Numbers of Whitethroats and other Warbiers on the hills were lower than during most years. More Chiffchaffs and Lesser Whitethroats were present by 30th. Many Waders were seen on the shore however, with six to ten Greenshanks and six to eight Wood Sandpipers present daily during the latter half of August as well as five to fifteen Turnstones, two to three Little Stint and odd Curlew Sandpipers. An Arctic Skua and a Bonxie were seen offshore on 2Ist and a Hobby on 3Ist.

510

BIRD REPORT

SEPTEMBER.

East winds occurred from 16th to 19th September and from 26th to 2nd October. Drift movements in connection with these were small, especially with respect to warblers. From late August during early September there was a steady trickle of "comic " Terns southwards off shore. Odd Black Terns and more Arctic Skuas than usual were also seen. At least three Wrynecks were seen on 3rd.

Tree Pipits and Pied Flycatchers were seen in small numbers on Dingle from 16th to 19th, with a Grasshopper Warbier on 18th and a few fresh Reed and Garden Warblers, Chiffchaffs, Whitethroats and Wheatears. Little Stint numbers on the shore increased to 12, a few Black Terns were seen and Meadow Pipit numbers increased. An Osprey was present on 18th. During strong N.W. winds 20th to 2Ist September several Arctic Skuas were seen as well as Scaup and Merganser offshore and up to 300 Meadow Pipits with the first Rock Pipits were present on the walls.

From 22nd to 24th winds were S.W. by W. On the morning of 22nd in two hours, 1,000+ Meadow Pipits, 1 0 + Tree Pipits, 600 Siskins, four Snow Buntings and other Finches coasted South and a first winter Sabine's Gull was feeding with Terns offshore.

A further 1,000 Siskins, one Snow Bunting and a few Pipits followed in three hours on 23rd, when more Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, Whitethroats, Redstarts, two Sedge and one Grasshopper Warblers were noted. Many House Martins were passing South 22nd to 23rd. Strong E. to S.E. winds between 26th and 2nd October were accompanied by the arrival of hundreds of Song Thrushes, with smaller numbers of Redwings, a few Bramblings Continental Robins and Ring Ouzels, whose numbers reached 17 on one day.

A few Wheatears, Redstarts, Garden, Reed and Willow Warblers and Whitethroats were present into early October after these E. winds, with a Pied Flycatcher on October 3rd and a Firecrest and a Merlin on 30th September. During late September Little Stint numbers increased and Gannets were seen Aying North on most days.

OCTOBER.

Observations were made at weekends only.

Numbers of Reed Buntings and Pipits were low. Small parties of Siskins, Redpolls and Bramblings as well as a few Stonechats and Goldcrests were present round Dingle. Blackbirds were Coming in during the latter half of the month and many were seen on 23rd as well as a late ChiffchafT. One or two Rough-Legged Buzzards were seen during October and four in early November.

BIRD

REPORT

511

A few Hen Harriers were seen at this time and also a Red Kite on 3rd November. Up to three Great Grey Shrikes were in the area at the end of October.

Little visible migration was seen during the month.

NOVEMBER /DECEMBER.

Many Fieldfares were present during early November. A Little Ă„uk and a Garden Warbier were seen on 6th and House Martins and Swallows were seen in larger numbers than usual for November, the last House Martin being seen at Dunwich on 9th December. Two Lapland Buntings were seen on 13thand 15 + Shore Larks on 27th November. 10 of the latter stayed until 24th December. High numbers of Red-throated Divers and Velvet Scoter were seen offshore in late December. A Great Grey Shrike appeared at the end of the year.

BREEDING

BIRDS.

Birds breeding between R. Blyth and the Blythburgh/Westleton and Westleton /Dunwich roads included the following.

Long-eared Owl 1, probably 2 or more pairs.

Red-backed Shrike 1 1 + pairs.

Nightjar 1 0 + pairs.

Whinchat 5 pairs, apart from Westleton Heath.

Tree Pipit 3 0 + pairs.

Redstart 2 5 + pairs.

Woodlark 3 + pairs.

6 + pairs.

Grasshopper Warbier 8 + pairs.

Lesser Whitethroat No breeding Wheatears were recorded. The Wood Warbiers of 1959 did not return to breed.

Woodcock were roding at Blythburgh Fen and Willow Tits bred here and probably also at Westleton.

RINGING.

A record number of over 2,000 birds of 71 species were ringed in 1960. This was largely due to the use of mist nets in catching over 400 waders and also large numbers of Reed and Sedge Warbiers as well as 316 Bearded Tits in the reeds around Dingles.

This trapping was mostly done in late July when 702 birds were ringed and August when 686 were ringed. Numbers caught in September were very much lower due to wind and lack of drift

512

BIRD REPORT

migrants and October was also disappointing. Many Waders were ringed for the first time, including Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Wood and Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Knot and Little Stint. Garganey, Gadwall and Shoveler were caught. A Dunlin bearing a Finnish ring was retrapped. Details of ringing figures for 1960 and recoveries to date are given.

Most of the Bearded Tits were trapped in late July and early August. Although fewer were noticed in September than in September, 1959 there were signs of migration fever at the end of the month and in October, when birds were seen leaving the marsh, some Aying inland. From retrapping figures it was estimated that some 800 juvenile birds were in the marsh by the end of July. Before juveniles moulted into first winter plumage (indistinguishable from adult) during the latter half of August, the number of adults being caught was very low, below 1 0 + of the total number of birds. Only five birds were retrapped from 1959.

Sight records of ringed Bearded Tits include several from nearby Suffolk marshes. At Benacre in December, 1960 about one in six of the hundred or so present were ringed and some colour ringed.

Other records are :— 1 (J ringed Tring reservoir December, 1959.

1 3 ringed and colour ringed Tring Feb. 21st, 1961.

2 ringed Cley, October, 1959.

1 $ ringed and colour ringed Thornham, Norfolk, Oct. 9th, 1960.

2 ringed Thornham, Norfolk late October, 1960.

140 bearded tits were marked with red colour rings this year.

Sight records of ringed birds without colour rings probably also refer to Walberswick birds as about 90% of bearded tits ringed in the last two years have been caught there.

S E L E C T E D RECOVERIES. Ringed W I L L O W WARBLER ( A d . )

10.4.59

L I N N E T (JUV.)

27.7.59

L I N N E T (JUV.) GOLDFINCH (JUV.) GOLDFINCH (JUV.) SEDGE WARBLER ( J U V . )

5.8.59 10.8.59 2.9.59 15.7.60

REED WARBLER ( A d . )

16.7.60

SHELDUCK ( J U V . )

31.8.60

Recovered Swansea, Glamorgan 5.4.60 Bordeaux, France 17.1.60 Victoria, Spain 9.1.60 Tournai, Belguim 9.5.60 Arthenac, France 14.1.60 Kidlington, Woodstock, Oxon. 5.8.60 Abrantes, Portugal 22.9.60 King's Lynn, Norfolk 13.9.60

BIRD

BIRDS

513

REPORT

RINGED

AT

WALBERSWICK

Total

Total SPECIES

1960 1953-60

1 Mallard 1 Teal 1 Garganey 1 Gadwall 1 Shoveler 17 Shelduck Sparrow Hawk Merlin Kestrel Corncrake 4 Oystercatcher Lapwing 26 Ringed Plover 11 Turnstone 1 Whimbrel 3 Bar-tailed Godwit 2 Wood Sandpiper 6 Common Sandpiper 41 Redshank 3 Knot 3 Little Stint 273 Dunlin 1 Curlew Sandpiper Sanderling 2 Ruff 1 Black Headed Gull Common T e r n 3 I mittle T e r n Cuckoo Barn Owl Little Owl 1 T a w n y Owl 2 Kingfisher 3 Green Woodpecker Great Spotted Woodpecker Wryneck Skylark 18 Swallow 1 House Martin 12 Sand Martin Jackdaw Jay 51 Great Tit 77 Blue Tit 1 Coal Tit 2 Marsh Tit Willow Tit 4 L o n g Tailed T i t 31b Bearded T i t Nuthatch 5 T r e e Creeper 18 Wren 3 Mistle T h r u s h 7

1 1 1 1 1 17 1 1 8

1 6 1 50 11 1 3 2

6 46 3 3 276 1 1 2

1 40 22 7 1 1 1 2

18 2 4 1 67 2 155 6 1 216 561 8

18 6 61 482 1 11 133 20 2

SPECIES Song T h r u s h Redwing Ring Ouzel Blackbird Wheatear Stonechat Whinchat Redstart Black Redstart Nightingale Robin Grasshopper Warbier Reed Warbier Sedge Warbier Blackcap Barred Warbier Garden Warbier Whitethroat Lesser Whitethroat Willow Warbier Chiffchaff Wood Warbier Goldcrest Firecrest Spotted Flycatcher Pied Flycatcher Hedge Sparrow Meadow Pipit T r e e Pipit Rock Pipit Pied Wagtail Yellow Wagtail Red Backed Shrike Starling Greenfinch Goldfinch Siskin Linnet Twite Redpoll Bullfinch Chaffinch Brambling Yellowhammer Reed Bunting Snow Bunting House Sparrow T r e e Sparrow

T o i ALS

i960 1953-60

141 3 3 436

16 1 63

22

16 145 161 5 66 14 352 66 2 398 149 563 203 123 15 3 50 11 127 1257 223 2b 624 206 203 61 7 99 34 1 44 3 82 2 289 43 69 10 4 2 2

5 13

2

8 17 5 15 3 32 2 27 16 2 35 1

2\b2

9 4 154 46 320 117 3 139 10 2

106 112 3 45 776 1 13 4

9552

514

BIRD REPORT

R.S.P.B. MINSMERE BIRD RESERVE, 1960

by H.

E.

AXF.LL.

T H E BREEDING BIRDS.

notes are given on some of the 93 species which bred on the Reserve in 1960, the remainder being listed at the end of this section.

BRIEF

Great Crested Grebe.—One pair raised one young. recorded on the marsh after August Ist.

None

Little Grebe.—Eleven pairs were known and there were probably a few others. Breeding success did not appear to be high.

Heron.—One pair raised three young.

Bittern.—Booming first heard on February 28th and ceased at about mid-July. Ca. eight pairs bred.

Ducks.—Estimates of the numbers of the six species which bred were again based on counts of £ $ seen in groups during the period when most $ $ should have been sitting or had small young. Mallard and Gadwall, 40 pairs each ; Teal 45 pairs ; Garganey at least two pairs (two broods of seven and six young) ; Shoveler 45 pairs ; Shelduck 30 pairs.

Marsh Harrier.—Two and a half pairs (three $ $ ) raised seven young. Once again neither parent was in füll plumage.

Ringed Plover.—Special measures taken to protect the five pairs breeding along the public foreshore helped towards the successful fledging of at least eight young. As with so many other once-quiet beaches in England, the increasing mobility of holidaymakers and birdwatchers is causing the Minsmere shore to be virtually untenable as a breeding site for this species and Little Terns (q.v.).

Stone Curlew.—First arrival, six on March 12th (a day later than the first in 1959). Two pairs were successful.

Little Tern.—Nine pairs bred along the Minsmere beach and most eggs were protected until hatching. Nine young fledged and other chicks were trodden on or killed by dogs or rain.

Woodpigeon.—Large numbers bred. grown young on November 5th.

A nest contained half-

BIRD REPORT

515

Cuckoo.—Ca. eight <$ <$ on the Reserve. Last song on July 8th. Meadow Pipits were fosterers in most areas ; there was no evidence that Reed Warbiers were.

Tawny Owl.—Noticeably fewer than in 1959.

Nightjar.—Ca. 20 pairs bred. Last heard on August 3rd and not seen after September 5th.

Woodlark.—Six pairs bred. First song on February 21st.

Except for an isolated occurrence of one on October 15th, the species was absent after August 9th.

B e a r d e d Tit.—Following the exodus which was seen in autumn 1959, only very few were present on the marshes in the winter. A remarkably interesting return of birds occurred in the first few days of March and some passed through bearing Walberswick colour rings. A census taken when birds were feeding first broods showed 30 pairs ; undoubtedly there were a few other pairs but the population was still smaller than in the previous year. The carrying of food to nestlings was first seen on April 17th and last on August 28th.

Concentration in the reeds near the Sluice and excited highflying (up to 3-400 ft.) began on September 18th and occurred many times up to the end of October. Attempted emigration of small groups, Aying high southwards over the dunes but returning, was often witnessed at early morning in this period.

On October 6th and 17th, small groups moved off south and did not return within the next hour. An interesting occurrence was a Single bird in an eider bush 20 yards inside the wood behind the warden's bungalow, at 12.45 on September 25th, a day when there was increased activity amongst the birds on the marsh. By the end of the year, the winter population was about 75 birds.

Wheatear.—Three pairs bred (one pair in 1959).

Stonechat.—Three pairs bred and there was a probable fourth $ breeding. ( <J cJ of this species can be polygamous.)

Whinchat.—The breeding stock was down to five certain pairs.

Nightingale.—Over 40 pairs were known and the probable total was nearer 50 pairs, in an area, excluding the marsh, of ca. 1,000 acres. Seidom recorded after July 22nd.

G r a s s h o p p e r Warbier.—16 pairs, none away from the marshes.

Song from April 9th to August 16th.

T r e e Pipit.—14 pairs.

September 24th.

First arrival on April 8th, last seen on

516

BIRD

REPORT

Red-backed Shrike.—As in 1959, ten pairs on the Reserve and two more just outside. Broods were on average smaller than in 1959, young known to have fledged or seen well-grown in the nest being 1 x 5, 5 x 4, 4 x 3, 1 x 2 and l x l . Local birds left during second and third weeks of August. Prey in one larder included adult and juvenile Blue Tits and Marsh Tits, young Meadow Pipits and a Wren ; nestling Stonechats, Whinchats and Whitethroats were also known to have been taken.

Linnet.—Good average numbers for this type of habitat, after only few had bred in 1959.

Crossbill.—One pair raised three young.

Tree Sparrow.—Only six pairs on the Reserve.

Other species which bred were :—Mute Swan, Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Partridge, Pheasant, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Stock Dove, Turtle Dove, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Swallow, Sand Martin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Redstart, Robin, Reed Warbier, Sedge Warbier, Blackcap, Garden Warbier, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbier, ChifFchaff, Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer, Com Bunting, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow.

MIGRATION JANUARY

AT

MINSMERE,

TO D E C E M B E R ,

1960.

JANUARY.—During the second week, strong winds from about N. brought frequent moderate snow showers. Two flocks of Linnets, each of ca. 50, coasting S. on 12th, were the only weather movements noted. Locally feeding finch flocks increased (including Siskin 100 and Twite 20), a few Bramblings arrived and Yellowhammers, which increased to well over 5U0, seemed largely to be supported by barley seed put out in the woodland rides for Pheasants.

Milder weather from the Atlantic dominated the latter half of the month. There was a further increase in the numbers of Mute and Bewick's Swans and common species of ducks. A Green Sandpiper was seen on 25th and six Whitefronts on 29th.

BIRD REPORT

517

FEBRUARY.—On the Ist, with a short-lived breeze from S.E., 12 Greylags, 22 Brent Geese and 150 Wigeon moved S. offshore and 13 Skylarks came in from the sea, W. After a mild spell tili 6th, N.E. winds set in tili 13th and this period of weather was notable for a northward movement of adult Greater and Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls on 7th, 8th and 9th. There-after the weather was from the W. tili 22nd. Small southward movements of Redwings occurred on 17th and 18th, the first Woodlark song was heard on 2Ist and two Bar-tailed Godwits (the only winter record) were seen on 22nd.

The month ended with a warm spell. Bitterns began booming on 28th. On the flooded fields adjacent to the marsh, ducks increased considerably in number though not in variety and the Bewick's Swan herd reached its maximum of 67. Two to four Marsh Harriers, a Hen Harrier and a Merlin were to be seen most days and one or two Spotted Redshanks fed at the shore pool daily. In the reed-beds, Bearded Tits were very few but Blue Tits and Wrens in the marsh each numbered ca. 100.

MARCH.—After a showery Start, mainly fine weather with easterlv winds from Scandinavia was maintained until 25th. Most important during the first few days was an obvious build-up of the Bearded Tit population. Three Canada Geese Aying N. on 4th provided the first of several records of this species this month.

After the wintering herd of Bewick's Swans had all departed on the last day of February, a northward passage of seven different groups of 5 to 22 occurred between 1 Ith and 28th. Small numbers of Redwings moved N . and emigration of small flocks of Lapwings and Starlings, some of the latter taking off from fields near the shore, was of frequent occurrence.

A Great Skua was closely seen many times between 5th and lOth. On one occasion it dragged an oiled Razorbill from the sea's edge and was so intent on disembowelling its live prey that it allowed the Wardens to stand within four feet of it. On 12th, six Stone Curlews arrived on the heath. A Glaucous Gull and a Little Gull were recorded on 13th and a Spoonbill was present on 26th and 28th.

APRIL.—S.E. winds and overcast skies at night occurred early in the month. Off-course migrants found in the shore bushes bushes at early morning on 2nd included two to four each of Wheatears, Black Redstarts, Chiffchaffs and Firecrests. A similar small fall was found next day, when, after sunrise, 110 Golden Plovers and 90 Jackdaws went out to sea N.E. Migrant Starlings were much affected by wind direction : on Ist, 1,000 moved N. in two hours at early morning (wind N.W. 1 to 2) ; on 2nd, 3,850 coasted S. between 06.00 and 10.30 and a large movement was maintained on subsequent days while the wind remained from

518

BIRD REPORT

a southerly quarter. A Rough-legged Buzzard occurred Over the Reserve from 3rd to 5th. A White-spotted Bluethroat oü 7th was a first record for the county.

High pressure which was to influence the weather for the remainder of the spring, began with cool northerly winds on 16th.

T h e first of the few Black-tailed Godwits to occur in spring appeared on 18th and a small daily passage of Whimbrel began on 25th.

A Green and a Wood Sandpiper came on 21st, a Greenshank on 25th and 1 or 2 of these species appeared occasionally to the end of the month. Lesser Black-backed Gulls of the Scandinavian race passed N. daily from 27th to May Ist and another Glaucous Gull, adult, was seen on 29th.

MAY.—The last of the summer residents duly arrived : Redbacked Shrikes on 7th, Nightjars on 12th and Spotted Flycatchers on 13th. Occurrences of interest were a Spoonbill on 2nd and two on 26th, two Ring Ouzels on 3rd and another on 18th, a Wryneck on 9th, Hoopoe on l l t h and a singing Barred Warbier on 22nd. T h e spring migration of sea terns was negligible and the Black Tern passage was also weak, 10 on 12th being the highest number recorded. T h e first Hobby was seen on 29th.

COASTING MOVEMENTS OF GOLDFINCHES AND LLNNETS IN SPRING.

High numbers were recorded at the shore and are especially interesting since (») movements of these species were very weak at Minsmere in spring 1959 ; (ii) our local population of breeding Linnets was low in 1959 but excellent weather and a maximum seed crop helped much towards a high fledging success ; (iii) the breeding stock of Linnets was high in 1960 and (iv) big movements during this spring were also recorded at other Observation stations on the S.E. and S. coasts (vide Bird Migration 1 : 4 (B.T.O.) wherein, pp. 176-178, K. Williamson suggests that British Goldfinches and Linnets winter around the S.E. corner of the Bay of Biscay.)

As is so often seen with these typical low-flying day migrants, the passage of the flocks up or down the north-south Minsmere coastline was apparently dictated by a requirement to fly into-wind.

(No movements occurred in winds over force 6) ; a day to day change of wind from any northerly or southerly quarter inevitably reversed the birds' direction. T h e movements occurred over a long period : Goldfinches from April 7th to June 12th and Linnets from March 21st to May 20th. Peak days were :—Goldfinches : 21st to 28th and 30th April and May 2nd with between 200 and 750 N. daily tili noon (wind northerly, force 2 to 5) ; May 3rd with 150 S. from 05.30 to 07.30 (wind S.S.W. 3). Linnets : April 3rd with 1,300 S. during the day (wind S.E. 1 to 4) ;

BIRD

REPORT

519

4th, with 1,000 S. during the day (wind S. 3 to 4) ; 20th, with 1,500 N . during the morning (wind N. 2 to 4) ; 21st, with 2,000 N . during the morning (wind N . E . 4) ; 24th to 30th April and 2nd May, with between 800 and 1,400 N . each day tili about noon (wind ca. N . 2 to 5).

It is probable that these flocks, so obviously addicted to the coast whilst British Goldfinches were breeding, were of Continental o n g i n and were periodic concentrations of passage birds " marking time " whilst awaiting Optimum conditions for the N o r t h Sea crossing. M u c h more Observation, at many points up and down this coast, is required to ascertain the length of these diurnal flights and points of emigration.

NON-BREEDING

W A D E R S I N EARLY

SUMMER.

F r e q u e n t showers f r o m mid-July covered m u c h of the feeding areas and the variety and n u m b e r s of waders present were smaller than during the drought of the previous s u m m e r . Some unusual dates were W o o d Sandpiper, two on J u n e 24th ; Spotted Redshank, one or two during J u n e 5th to 15th, increasing to 20 by the end of August ; Greenshank, one on 5th, 8th and 9th J u n e and two on 20th ; Knot, one to four in J u n e ; Little Stint onefour occasionally f r o m J u n e 6th ; Curlew Sandpiper, one tö four f r o m J u n e 24th to July Ist ; Ruff, one to two occasionally f r o m J u n e 5th ; Avocet, one-four during J u n e 5th to 17th and three to four daily f r o m July 2nd to August 1 I t h and one on 13th.

JULY.—As well as those mentioned above, waders occurring this m o n t h included : Black-tailed Godwits increased to a maxim u m of 24 ; C o m m o n Sandpipers (first on 13th) peaked sharply to 35 on 3 Ist ; Little Stints u p to 8 o n 23rd. T h e first immigration of Lapwings had occurred on June 19th and continued on a small scale during this month. Very small n u m b e r s of c o m m o n waders sea terns and Black T e r n s (13 on 28th) coasted S. Highest n u m b e r s of Swifts were 1,500 S. on 29th and 750 on 30th and 31st.

T w o Spoonbills had occurred again on J u n e 26th and two were present daily between July 2nd and 6th, when they were several times observed preening each others' necks. T h e r e a f t e r , one was seen almost every day until August 28th.

AUGUST.—Curlews (max. 100 on 3Ist) and W h i m b r e l s ( u p to 16) moved S. during the month. F r e q u e n t rain continued to worsen the feeding conditions on the meres but fair n u m b e r s of waders continued to be attracted. Black-tailed Godwits last occurred on 25th. One to three Green Sandpipers were seen daily ; only two W o o d Sandpipers f r o m 7th to 17th but C o m m o n Sandpipers were n u m e r o u s at 5 to 20 daily with a peak of 30 on 6th ; Little Stints were scarce except for seven on 26th and 10 on

520

BIRD REPORT

lOth. Two Jack Snipeson 30th were early. Only a thin S. passage of sea terns occurred during this month. A Red-necked Phalarope was present on 23rd and 24th.

Successive low pressure systems from the west ruled out drift arrivals of Continental chats and warblers and with winds mainly from a westerly point it was interesting to find a few new Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroats and Willow Warblers in the shore bushes most early mornings ; these birds were probably indicative of the S.E. exodus of British stock across the southern North Sea. Two Grey Wagtails occurred on 16th. Yellow Wagtails coasted S. in small numbers (15-24 daily) and a roost in reeds near the shore built up to 5 0 + . A Crossbill was seen on 9th and 19th.

SEPTEMBER.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;With the weather continuing from the west, a few Wheatears, Whinchats, Redstarts and common warblers were found each early morning near the shore. From 6th to 28th, one or two Pied Flycatchers (five on lOth) occurred on several days.

A Manx Shearwater on 18th was unusual. Only two Fulmars were seen(on 5th). 15 Bar-tailed Godwits passed S. on Ist. The variety and number of locally feeding waders dropped off : Spotted Redshanks were up to 30 on 19th and down to three by the end of the month ; one to six Little Stints were present daily ; Ruffs occurred infrequently with a peak of 10 on 19th. The autumn collection of local Stone Curlews was only nine.

One to four Arctic Skuas were offshore several days between the 4th and 22nd, with a Single Bonxie on 2nd, 9th and lOth. A Little Gull was seen on lOth and 18th. The only Black Terns recorded were one on 7th and one to three between 22nd and 25th, but the sea tern passage was more lively, up to 1 Ith, with 500 Common/Arctics S. on 4th and 3,000 S. all day on 9th.

An early Fieldfare came in from sea, W., on 9th when the first two immigrant Rooks were recorded. A Short-eared Owl was over the marsh most days from 4th to 22nd, On 18th, a fine day with a rare easterly breeze, the first south-coasting of Meadow Pipits began with 1,100 in two hours around sunrise. This movement occurred on a smaller scale next day when the first Starlings, Siskins (three) and Linnets also coasted S. On 22nd, wind S.W. 2, sky 8 /8 low), Passerine traffic S. over the dunes was more in evidence and included, between 05.30 and 09.00, 2,000 Meadow Pipits, the first migrant Greenfinches and Chaffinches, as many as 600 Siskins and two Redpolls (seven Redpolls had occurred, early on 7 t h ) ; 15 Dunnocks and 20 Reed Buntings were counted with the finches. A trough was moving slowly through E. Anglia, with a high to the S., on 23rd : from 09.40 when light rain ceased, tili 11.45 when the wind veered from S.S.W, to N., 1,070 Siskins were counted coasting S. and with

BIRD

REPORT

521

them were 310 Meadow Pipits, two Tree Pipits, 80 Linnets, 38 Redpolls and 1 0 + Reed Buntings. A Wryneck also occurred at the shore early on this day, as did a Buzzard and four Greylags 1 he first few Immigrant Blackbirds came on 24th, when a Kestrel and a Siskm came in f r o m the sea and two Goldfinches 1 0 0 + Siskms, 60 Linnets and 38 Redpolls coasted both N 'and S Finches behaved similarly in a light westerly (cross-wind) on the rollowmg morning when the first Ring Ouzel was seen, but on ,, ' ( w l n J d N " 2> all coasted N .

sk

y

2

/ 8 ) , Meadow Pipits, Starlings and finches

Fresh easterlies from a high over the N o r t h Sea prevailed for the remainder of the month and visible migration at the coast was very small. This weather, however, brought the first few migrant Song Thrushes, Redwings, Robins, Goldcrests and a Snow Bunting on 28th, when there was also a steady movement b. oftshore of adult and immature Common and Lesser Blackbacked Gulls. After an E. 7 wind overnight, the morning of 30th produced an infiux of Song Thrushes, Redwings, a Ring Ouzel, a few large Wheatears and a Great Grey Shrike. Hirundine movements included no large numbers throughout the autumn except for 1,000 House Martins moving N . all morning near the shore, into a N . W . 6 wind.

OCTOBER. A n eruption of Bearded T i t s occurred on a smaller scale than i n 1959 (see Breeding Birds). T h e weather continued to have an easterly origin t i l i 9th ; many Song Thrushes arrived and 8 to 10 Ring Ouzels occurred daily t i l i 5th thence two t i l i lOth and one on 1 Ith. Only a few Robins arrived. South-coasting nnches was moderate w i t h Greenfinches (50) predominating on 2nd but none on 3rd amongst the 90 Goldfinches, 70 Siskins 285 Linnets, 35 Redpolls and 11 Tree Sparrows. The first Brambhngs were on 6th when there was a Great Spotted Woodpecker at the shore. O n 7th, the coasting finches included a small peak of 210 Goldfinches and 530 Linnets and these movements virtuallv ceased after the next day, 8th.

On lOth, there was a low over the southern N o r t h Sea when 1,700 Lapwings, 160 Skylarks and 20 Chaffinches came in from the sea into a N.W.3. wind. Similar conditions but w i t h the w i n d N . W . 6 obtained next day, l l t h , when 2,500 Lapwings, 120 Skylarks, three Blackbirds and 50 Starlings came in, W .

Little migration occurred during the remainder of the month.' A Buzzard occurred again on 15th, 17th and 28th and there was one Roughlegged Buzzard on 8th and 14th, two on 25th and 3Ist Single Arctic Skuas were offshore on 12th and 16th, two on 20th and one on 27th ; there was one Bonxie on 26th. Forty Song Thrushes came i n W . at 09.15 on 14th and the main arrival of Fieldfares was on 27th w i t h 450 in the area. T h e few small Passerines of

522

BIRD REPORT

any interest were ; two Great Grey Shrikes and a Lapland Bunting on 16th, a Black Redstart, a Firecrest and two Water Pipits on 21 st. Finches coasting S. included 40 Bramblings on 17th and 100 Greenfinches on 28th.

NOVEMBER.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Mild and very wet. A Manx Shearwater was offshore on Ist. Hooded Crows occurred between 5th and 19th November with a peak of 12 on 14th ; there was a Firecrest on 9th, a Great Grey Shrike on 14th, a ChiffchafT between 18th and 25th and two Ring Ouzels on 25th. Duck numbers rose to include 500 Teal, 150 Gadwall and 1,000 Wigeon amongst the surface feeders on the flooded fields adjacent to the Reserve and three Scaup, two Tufted, two Pochard, eight Goldeneye, four Red-breasted Mergansers and a single Goosander occasionally on the meres. Bewick's Swans arrived on 3rd and reached a peak of 81 around 20th. Large Raptores were again in evidence with a Buzzard on 6th, one to three Rough-legged Buzzards on seven dates, a Kite on 3rd and Marsh Harriers increasing to five.

DECEMBER.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Fresh S.W. winds continued the mild weather to 5th thence conditions were very variable. An adult Hen ( j Harrier, a young $ Marsh Harrier and a Rough-legged Buzzard were seen together on 4th, one or two of the latter remained in the area for the rest of the month. Two Swallows were seen on 2nd and one on 6th while even later were two House Martins on 7th and 8th. T h e numbers of Bewick's Swans feil away quickly and groups of only 6 to 13 were seen occasionally. T e n Brents moving S. on l l t h were the only record of geese this month. A large raft of 1 , 0 0 0 + Scoters which earlier had been reported near Dunwich, was seen off Minsmere Cliff on 21st and included 5 0 + Velvets. About 200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls passed N . during the mormng of 3Ist on which day two Hooded Crows and a Great Grey Shrike were recorded.

BIRD REPORT

523

MIGRATION OBSERVED AT LOWESTOFT

by H. E.

JENNER.

MARCH 30TH AND 31ST.—A heavy emigration of Redwings, Fieldfares and Blackbirds after dark, with a few Lapwings.

APRIL IST, 2ND AND 3RD.—Continued heavy emigration of thrushes as above. T h e following waders were heard on the move after dark on the nights of Ist and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd :—Curlew, Whimbrel, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover, and Dunlin.

APRIL 4TH.—A $ Black Redstart. Small flocks of Starlings, Chaffinches, Rooks and Lapwings going away to sea during most of the morning and early afternoon.

APRIL 6TH.—A small but steady Southward coastal movement of Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Linnets and Meadow Pipits, beginning shortly after first light and continuing until about 09.00 hours ; most of the birds Aying low over the sea just beyond the line of the breakers.

APRIL 7TH TO IOTH.—A steady emigration of small flocks of Starlings, Skylarks, Chaffinches, Rooks, Jackdaws and Lapwings during morning and early afternoon. A few Blackbirds and Fieldfares left just before dusk on the 9th and IOth. During March and April several reports were received of East to West migration observed from research ships in the Southern N o r t h Sea. One interesting record was that on two successive cruises of the R.V. Platessa a Great T i t flew on board about fifteen miles west of Texel, and stayed until the ship reached Lowestoft several days later. D u r i n g this period the Great T i t (which some members of the crew insisted was the same bird on both voyages !) lived quite satisfactorily on table scraps and the the brains of small birds which died on deck. On one occasion the tit did not wait for its victim, a Greenfinch to die, but helped it on its way be picking its head open as it was breathing its last gasps.

D u r i n g August, September and part of October observations were made on tern movement and numbers. T h i s involved being in position near Ness Point by dawn and, on some occasions, staying there until nightfall.

AUGUST 6TH.—Terns coasting S. in morning, but more returning N. in late afternoon and evening than moved S. in the morning, e.g., Common, 203 S., 537 returning N . ; Sandwich, 31 S., 37

524

BIRD REPORT

returning N. ; Little, 23 S., 17 returning N . T h i s was the general picture until the end of August, when the movement became more obviously a Southerly one, and not simply a feeding movement.

T h r e e Black T e r n s , one adult Little Gull, three Gannets, three F u l m a r s — N , one—S. and one Arctic Skua—S. A small, but steady, Southward movement of Swifts during the early morning.

A U G U S T 8 T H — 2 4 Curlews in from sea 10.24 hours.

A lot of small scale wader movement after dark during the past ten days ; species positively identified were, Curlew, Whimbrel, Dunlin and Ringed Plover.

A U G U S T 14TH.—06.15 to 09.30 hours.

12 Swifts in f r o m sea 06.43 hours. Small numbers Oystercatcher, Curlew, Whimbrel, T u r n s t o n e , Ringed Plover, Dunlin, C o m m o n Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail and Swifts coasting S. One Arctic Skua, one Great Skua and 18 Gannets.

AUGUST 22ND.--06.15 to 11.00 hours.

A small scale coastal movement South of : Yellow Wagtails, Wheatears, Swallows, Sand Martins, House Martins, Swifts, Turnstones, Curlew, Whimbrel, Dunlin, Knot, Ringed Plover, C o m m o n Sandpiper and Oystercatcher.

T w o Gannets, two Fulmar, one Little Gull and one Arctic Skua moving north.

A U G U S T 23RD.—06.15 to 08.30 hours.

A steady southerly movement of Swallows, Sand Martins, House Martins, Swifts, a few Yellow Wagtails and Wheatears, also Curlew, Whimbrel, C o m m o n Sandpiper and one Arctic Skua.

AUGUST 26TH.—06.05 to 08.00 hours.

A steady southerly trickle of Dunlin, Knot, Curlew, Whimbrel, C o m m o n Sandpiper and Ringed Plover ; a few small flocks of Swallows, Swifts, Sand Martins and occasional Yellow Wagtails and Wheatears.

A U G U S T 28TH.—05.40 to 12.50 hours.

As on 26th, plus a few Turnstones, 14 Little Gulls, four Black T e r n s , two Gannets, one Fulmar—all moving south.

A U G U S T 29TH.—Terns Aying far more purposefully south this morning and not stopping to feed—very few returned north in the afternoon. A little southward movement of waders and swallows. A Sooty Shearwater heading north close inshore.

BIRD REPORT

AUGUST 3IST.

52^

A t d a w n on t h e D e n e s ,

by o T l S hours

k

^

R e d s t a r t

-

a 1 1

c.

40 Wheatears,

h a d

on

20

Sout

h

SEPTEMBER 3 R D . - 0 5 . 3 0 t o 19.50 h o u r s . A v e r y wet a n d s q u a l l y day w i t h m o v e m e n t r e s t r i c t e d to p e r i o d s b e t w e e n t o r r e n t s of r a i n — during rain storms only a few C o m m o n T e r n s moved Verv few t e r n s r e t u r n e d n o r t h in a f t e r n o o n . A f e w w a d e r s coasted s o u t h r nl in S Ä S t ° n e ' ^ , - R i n S e d Plover, C o m m o n S a n d p i p e r , o n e L i t t l e S t i n t , o n e C u r l e w S a n d p i p e r . F i v e A r c t i c Skuas, W o

nS?, north.

AUafS' 1 ° G , f n e t S S T o h ; 2 8 G a n n e t s < A few Swallows and Swifts south.

f o u r

Bla

ck Terns

SEPTEMBER 6 T H . - C . 350 M e a d o w P i p i t s w e m s o u t h for a b o u t J

and P b V w a g t a i l s .

t h 6 m

^

W h e a t e a r s

* ^

'

YeI1

™

SEPTEMBER 1 4 T H . - A f e w M e a d o w P i p i t s a n d S w a l l o w s a p p e a r e d t o c o m e in f r o m sea early m o r n i n g . A s t e a d y s o u t h m o v e m e n t of Swallows, H o u s e M a r t i n s , C o m m o n a n d S a n d w i c h T e r n s .

SEPTEMBER 18TII. 06.40 to 07.45 h o u r s . A t least 500 M e a d o w P p ts s o u t h in small parties. A t t h e s a m e t i m e c 1 0 0 0 in all of Skylarks, L i n n e t s , C h a f f i n c h e s , Swallows, H o u s e M a r t h s S a n d M a r m s a n d a f e w YeUow W a g t a i l s . T h i s m o v e m e n t topped as s u d d e n y as it h a d s t a r t e d ; a f t e r a lull until a b o u t 08.30 h o u r s a slow b u t s t e a d y t n c k l e s o u t h b e g a n , a n d this lasted m o s t of t h e day 155 C o m m o n T e r n s , 20 S a n d w i c h T e r n s 131 G a n n e t s (

Fulmatng

a

HgrPR°f,75l:

tW0

SkuaS

^

a n d ^ m e ' Gannrt°north"

^

^

'

0 n e 5

Grit tWO

Skua'wo

F u l

™

S

SEPTEMBER 2 3 R D . - S m a l l b u t s t e a d y s o u t h m o v e m e n t C o m m o n T e r n s ; a few Swallows and House Martins.

a

"d of

as 2 3 r d , w i t h in a d d i t i o n t w o L i t t l e o t i n t s , 12 W h i m b r e l , t h r e e G a n n e t s , a n a d u l t L i t t l e G u l l , t w o A r c t i c Skuas, all s o u t h ; o n e S t o r m P e t r e l n o r t h .

SEPTEMBER 2 9 T H . - E a s t w i n d s , s t r o n g to gale force.

R e d w i n g s Coming in a f t e r d a r k .

SEPTEMBER 3 0 T H . - E a s t e r l y gale. r leldfares Coming in a f t e r d a r k .

OCTOBER

follows

IST.

The

t.demark

Redwings,

from Gorleston

A few

Blackbirds

and

to

Lowestoft

621 R e d w i n g s , 16 M e a d o w Pipits, 23 S o n g

Thrushes'

526

BIRD REPORT

three Fieldfares, eight Redstarts, four Black Redstarts, five Chaffinches, three Little Stints, four Hedge Sparrows, two Robins, one Woodcock, Pied Flycatcher, Brambling, Siskin, Sand Martin, Dunlin, Pied Wagtail, Goldcrest and Wigeon. From the numbers of pieces of odd wings about it was estimated that at least another 120 birds could have been added to the total—again most were Redwings.

[Mr. Jenner has " worked " this Strip of tidemark for many years and has records back to 1934. Throughout all this period "his highest total for any winter, October to March inclusive, was 355 dead birds during the winter of 1946/47. Thus his total in one day this year is twice that of any other six month period, which included all species, not simply migrants].

OCTOBER 9TH.—A little southward coastal movement of Swallows, House Martins and Common Terns. A few Wheatears and one Redstart on the Denes.

O C T O B E R IOTH.—A heavy influx of Redwings, Fieldfares and Blackfcirds last night and into the early hours of this morning.

11 Lapwings in from sea at 10.20 hours. One Arctic Skua south ; one Gannet north.

O C T O B E R U T H . — 0 6 . 4 0 to 0 8 . 2 5 hours.

The following in from sea Lapwing, 30, 50 30, 60, 40, 30 ; Redwings, 150, 40, 250 ; 22 Blackbirds singly ; six Fieldfares ; 12 Skylarks in ones and twos. Flocks of small waders were moving north well offshore, 200, 50, 50, 150, 20—those which could be identified were mixed flocks of Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Sanderling. A few Common and Sandwich Terns South. Redwings and Blackbirds were Streaming in from just before dusk well on into the night.

O C T O B E R 12TH—Many scores of Goldcrests about the Denes and Parks early this morning—none there yesterday. A few Common Terns and one Arctic Skua going south.

O C T O B E R 13TH.—Most Goldcrests gone.

The only bird in from sea was a Lapwing at 07.50 hours. Two Gannets north.

O C T O B E R 14TH.—A few Skylarks coming in during morning.

Thrushes coming in during late afternoon and well into the night.

O C T O B E R 1 5 T H . — 1 8 and Common Terns south.

11

Skylarks in during morning.

C.

20

O C T O B E R 17TH.—A few Common Terns and one or two small parties of Swailows and House Martins south.

527

BIRD REPORT

OCTOBER 19TH.—Redwings, Fieldfares and dark, a steady, but not heavy, influx.

Blackbirds after

OCTOBER 22ND.—15 Starlings in f r o m sea. T h r e e Great Skuas, one after the other, south.

Five Blue T i t s in f r o m sea at 09.34 hours—appeared to only just make the beach, and were so exhausted it was possible to get within a foot of t h e m ; after resting for 30 minutes they flew on inland.

OCTOBER 23RD.—Too foggy to see m u c h until 08.15 hours and after that visibility still poor. Small flocks of Skylarks and M e a d o w Pipits coasting south low over the waves. T h r o u g h o u t morning a confused movement just offshore of small n u m b e r s of Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Linnets and Bramblings, moving north and south. One Great Skua, 11 Knot, two C o m m o n T e r n s , three Teal, one Gannet, one Fieldfare south ; seven Pochard, three Red-throated Divers north.

OCTOBER 25TH.—Heavy influx of Redwings beginning about sunset and lasting most of the night, a few Fieldfares, Blackbirds and Mistle T h r u s h e s heard.

OCTOBER 26TH.—Unusually large n u m b e r s of Blue T i t s and Great T i t s about the cliffs and Denes early this morning. A flock of c. 30 Long-tailed T i t s resting on the sea-wall at daybreak, apparently very tired and extremely tarne. A few Redwings in at night and, a most unusual occurrence, at least two N u t h a t c h e s Aying overhead at 20.15 hours, calling loudly and apparently circling for a while before Aying west, still calling loudly.

OCTOBER 28TH.—A few small flocks of Starlings in during the day.

OCTOBER 29TH.—C. 50 S t a r l i n g s i n at 11.20 h o u r s .

OCTOBER 30TH.—C. 30 Starlings on at 07.30 hours, then a steady influx until 11.45 of small flocks of Starlings, Skylarks, Lapwings, Rooks, Jackdaws and Blackbirds, c. 30 Bramblings, three Great T i t s and one Snow Bunting. A G r e y Phalarope in f r o m southeast.

NOVEMBER IST TO 5TH.—Each day a steady trickle of small flocks of Starlings, Skylarks, Chaffinches, Lapwings, a few Bramblings, Blue T i t s and Great T i t s in twos and threes.

Each night small n u m b e r s of Redwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds and Song T h r u s h e s .

Research ship at sea during the last few days reported, as well as the usual migrants such as Starlings, Skylarks, etc., a lot of Blue T i t s and Great T i t s had come aboard, also a few Goldfinches, Siskins and one Long-tailed T i t .