SUFFOLK BIRD REPORT 1965 Editor W. H.
PAYN
assisted by C. G. D .
CURTIS
and The County Records Committee H.
E.
AXELL,
G.
B.
P. H . T .
G.
BENSON,
F.
K.
COBB,
HARTLEY a n d A . E .
F.
C.
COOK,
VINE
WE are as usual indebted to the many observers who sent in records for the year and to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Cambridge Bird Club, the Lowestoft Field Club, the Dingle Bird Club, and the Mildenhall Natural History and Archaeological Society for allowing the use of material from their own Reports or Logs. Please send 1966 notes to the Editor at Härtest Place, Burv St. Edmunds by the end of JANUARY next. Separate copies of this report, price 4/6d. including postage, are available on request from the Editor or from C. G. D. Curtis, 100 Camden Road, I pswich. 1 9 6 5 — S O M E OF THE YEAR'S EVENTS
The year was relieved from mediocrity by the vast migratory " fall " that took place on Sept. 3/4 and subsequent days and was centred very largely on the Suffolk coast. The number of birds and the number of species involved was on a scale probably never previously known—certainly never recorded. We are very grateful to H. E. Axell and D. J. Pearson for kindly compiling a Special Report on this remarkable " fall ". As a result of the wet and cold weather that prevailed throughout the summer, passerine breeding results seem to have been well below average but the warm, dry autumn that followed produced many late broods of blackbirds, linnets, and hedge-sparrows and particularly of pheasants and partridges. A number of cases of pheasants and partridges incubating eggs in September were reported. It was a bad game year generallv. However most of the more familiar species seem to be building up their numbers to pre-1963 levels, outstanding exceptions being the kingfisher, goldcrest, and grev wagtail—the latter
228 Transactions of the Suffolk Natur alists\ Vol. 13, Part 4 always a sparse breeder in the county. A particularly welcome event in 1965 was the re-colonisation—after an interval of four years—of the Westwood Marshes by a pair of marsh harriers. They, unfortunately, failed to rear young but this species had a good year at Minsmere. Montagu's harrier again bred in the county and certainly reared one young in safety. Three or four pairs of sparrow hawks almost certainly bred in the forests of East Suffolk and kestrel numbers were well maintained. About eleven pairs of stonechat—a decrease on last year—nested in the coastal belt, and the spotted crake again bred at Minsmere. On the debit side there is further evidence that most of the warblers—particularly the Sylvia species—are on the decline almost everywhere, as of course are cuckoos and in many localities, nightingales also. There were no corncrake records for the county during the year. Among winter visitors the number of whooper swans continues to decrease but their place is being taken by Bewick's swans. This trend has been noted elsewhere in Britain. It was a very poor year for firecrests, with only two reported and the numbers of lapland buntings were the lowest for some seasons. On the other hand unusual numbers of ospreys occurred on the coast in spring and autumn and a very big " invasion " of waxwings took place from late October onwards, with flocks spreading out all over the county and with small numbers lingering on into early spring. Flamingoes were present during the summer at a number of localities on the coast, with three together at Havergate in August. One which visited Minsmere was undoubtedly an example of the Chilian race and so, probably, were the remainder. Another probable " escape ", an Indian gallinule, also visited Minsmere and the bar-headed goose which took up residence on a mere in West Suffolk, was still present at the end of the year. Although only one new species—Baird's sandpiper—was added to the county list, there was the usual good tally of interesting " casuals " including a Sabine's gull and a Caspian tern. During the September migratory " rush " there were exceptional numbers of ortolans—normally a very rare species in the county—bluethroats, tawny pipits, barred warblers, icterine warblers, and wrynecks as well as small numbers of red breasted flycatchers and a great reed warbler. good deal of information on the species chosen for S P E C I A I . was received but much more would be welcome and it is suggested for both 1966 and 1967 that the tree pipit and woodlark (both apparently greatly on the decline) be added to the Survey. A
SURVEY
BIRD
REPORT
229
MIGRATION
The usual pattern of emigration bv wintering rooks, starlings and lapwings was noted at Lowestoft, Minsmere, Aldeburgh, and other coastal localities from about Feb. 27 when the first rooks and lapwings were heading eastwards, but for the second season running little or no chaffinch emigration was observed. Although March was exceptionally mild and sunnv, the usual vanguard of summer visitors—chiffchaff, wheatear, and stone curlew—was teil days to a fortnight later than in 1964 ; on the other hand the " 2nd Echelon"—swallows, house martins, redstarts, yellow wagtails, etc.—were consistently earlier by a week or more than in the previous year. At Härtest the first swallow arrived on Apl. 4, by far the earliest date recorded there over a period of nearly forty years. An unseasonable spell of snow and hail with cold west to northwest winds between Apl. 15 and 25 put an end to all migration for a time but the return of warm sunny weather at the end of the month immediately brought in the first big wave of warblers, turtle doves, swifts, and wheatears, with good numbers of waders on the coast at Minsmere and Aldeburgh, as well as several black terns and one or more ospreys at Walberswick and Minsmere. A marked local increase in robins was also recorded at Aldeburgh where all summer migrants were exceptionally late. Two black-winged stilts turned up at Felixstowe on Apl. 21, remaining there until May 10 when they moved on to Minsmere. Whitethroats in some numbers, a ring ouzel, two male pied flycatchers and a wryneck made an eventful day for one observer at Aldeburgh on May 2 and there were two ospreys together at Minsmere between May 4 to 10. At the latter locality and at Walberswick a marked " fall " of night migrants which included a number of " northern " willow warblers took place between May 7 and 10. The first week of May also brought the usual peak of whimbrel passage at Minsmere, Aldeburgh, and Havergate where eighty were present on May 11 and there was at that time a good passage of sanderlings, grey plover, knots, and curlew sandpipers, with a single red-necked phalarope at Walberswick on May 15 and 16. At least three and probably four golden orioles were present in two coastal localities during the early weeks of May. One or more spooribills visited Blythburgh, Minsmere, and Havergate during June and more ospreys than usual came under notice. In early June knots were still passing through Havergate in some numbers and there was a late turnstone at Walberswick on June 18, with black-tailed godwits there and at Havergate and Shingle Street up to the end of the month. In fact many arctic waders were later than usual on northward passage.
230 Tratisactions
of the Suffolk
Naturalists,
Vol.
13, Part
4
A u t u m n Immigration began as usual with the arrival of lapwings f r o m eastern Europe, of w h i c h the first were seen to come i n over M i n s m e r e o n June 8, w h i l e i n West Suffolk there was a marked north-westerly passage o f small parties of f r o m five to twelve lapwings i n the early m o r n i n g s between June 23 to July 1. Some 7,000 lapwings were also recorded passing n o r t h over M i n s m e r e on J u l y 15. T h e first of two, possibly three, pectoral sandpipers noted o n the coast d u r i n g the a u t u m n , t u r n e d u p at Walberswick on J u l y 30. However the m a i n a u t u m n passage made a slow Start, w i t h very Jittle o f note d u r i n g August w h i c h was generally d u l l a n d wet. I'owards the end of the m o n t h the first redstarts, lesser whitethroats, phylloscopi, and wheatears were o n the move, w i t h a very hip-h concentration o f sedge warblers at Walberswick. Wader n u m b e r s everywhere were low, t h o u g h some 200 black-tailed godwits and forty to fifty knots passed t h r o u g h Havergate towards the end of the month. Very similar conditions prevailed d u r i n g the first t w o days of September w i t h a l i g h t wader passage and a n u m b e r of gannets and fulmars off-shore i n strong n o r t h to north-east winds, and comparatively small numbers of chiffchaffs, spotted flycatchers, pied nycatchers, and tree-pipits a r r i v i n g o n the evening of Sept. 2. Soon after daybreak o n Sept. 3, heavy rain set i n over most o f Last A n g l i a , accompanied by t h u n d e r , and w i t h the w i n d freshening f r o m the south-east, a very heavy d o w n p o u r w i t h thick overcast and poor v i s i b i l i t y q u i c k l y developed and continued w i t h o u t a break u n t i l evening. By early afternoon, as the d o w n p o u r began to moderate, observers at L o w e s t o f t , S o u t h w o l d , M i n s m e r e and other localities o n the coast, began to realise that they were to be the lucky witnesses of a m i g r a t o r y " fall " o f unprecedented size, w h i c h one of t h e m later described as " unbelievable, incredible i n numbers and n u m b e r s o f species and i n the suddenness o f its onset " . A SPECIAL REPORT of this extraordinary i m m i g r a t i o n i n v o l v i n g , it has been suggested, u p to half a m i l l i o n small passerines w i l l ' b c found o n page 250, so no f u r t h e r c o m m e n t w i l l be made here. VVithin a week and i n most cases w i t h i n a few days, the last o f the stragglers f r o m the " great fall " had passed o n elsewhere. Light southerly w i n d s prevailed f r o m Sept. 11 to 20 and d u r i n g this time " e r u p t i o n " by bearded tits f r o m Walberswick and M i n s m e r e was very marked, heralding an a u t u m n movement by this species on a m u c h larger scale than ever noted previously. A barred w a r b l e r — t h e t h i r d f o r the season—was reported at Walberswick o n Sept. 11, w i t h several wrynecks, r i n g ou/.els, and a lapland b u n t i n g . I m m i g r a n t " t h r u s h e s " were conspicuous
231
BIRD REPORT
during the period Sept. 17 to 20 and on 19th a number of black terns and a late bluethroat were also present at Walberswick/ Blythburgh. Right at the end of the month there was a further coastal passage of redstarts, pied flycatchers and whinchats and which included a lone ortolan and during the first days of October, following rain and north-easterly winds, a considerable number of ring ouzels, with a sprinkling of pied flycatchers and robins were noted at Aldeburgh. An osprey and a crane were also recorded at this time. On Oct. 9 an influx of goldcrests took place, with the first snow buntings and shorelarks and at Aldeburgh next day, goldfinches and siskins were travelling south in force. More goldcrests arrived about Oct. 21, accompanied by many bramblings, fieldfares, and the first waxwings. T h e latter were the vanguard of what has proved to be one of the largest and most widespread irruptions of this northern forest species to have occurred in Britain for a great many years.
FIRST AND
Species
LAST
D A T E S OF S U M M E R VISITORS,
First seen
Locality
Last seen
1964
Locality
Stone curlew
Mar. 13
Blythburgh
Nov.
Wheatear Chiffchaff Redstart Willow warbler
Mar. Mar. Mar. Mar.
26 27 28 30
Mildenhall J* Kesgrave Rcydon Flixton
Nov. 1 Nov. 3 Oct. 16 Oct. 3
Sudbourne Walberswick Chillesford Mildenhall
Sand martin Swallow Yellow wagtail Housc martin Tree pipit Sedge warbler Cuckoo Blackcap Grasshopper warbler Nightingale Whitethroat Whinchat Lesser whitethroat Turtle dove Garden warbler Reed warbler
Mar. 30 Apl. 2 Apl. 3 Apl. 6 Apl. 6 Apl. 7 Apl. 8 Apl. 10
MiWrahall} Gisleham Revdon Mildenhall Mildenhall Minsmere Minsmere Minsmere
°ct' Oct. Nov. Nov. Oct. Oct. Sept. Oct.
28
Minsmere
29 5 13 16 17 12 13
Minsmere Walberswick Risbv Walberswick Walberswick Minsmere Minsmere
Apl. Apl. Apl. Apl. Apl. Apl. Apl. Apl.
10 15 16 18 28 29 30 30
Minsmere Minsmere Walberswick Sutton Minsmere Minsmere Reydon Minsmere
Sept. Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct. Sept. Oct.
15 2 7 3 3 28 7
Minsmere Minsmere Minsmere Minsmere Minsmere Mildenhall Minsmere
1
M™ha.l} Lowestoft Minsmere Minsmere
Swift
Red-backed shrike Spotted flycatcher Nightjar
May 5 May 12 May 13
2
Blythburgh
3
Sept. 22 Sept. 26
Minsmere Minsmere
232 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', SYSTEMATIC
Vol. 13, Part 4
LIST
Numbers refer to the B.O.U. Check List (1952). 1. Black-throated diver.—One or two at Minsmere and Walberswick on various dates in Feb., Mar., and Dec. (HEA, GRB). Two dead at Walberswick, end Mar. (GJJ, ML, GRB). 2. Great northern diver.—One Minsmere, Mar. 18 (HEA), one on R. Lark, Eriswell, Apl. 1 to 5, when found dead (MNHAS); one in winter plumage Walberswick, May 7. 4. Red-throated diver.—Numbers present off coast at Benacre, Dunwich, and Minsmere throughout winter and early spring with max. c. 150 at Minsmere, Mar. 3 (HEA, GBGB, DJP, et al). One dead inland at Framsden, Apl. 2 (T). Many oiled on coast March. 6. Red-necked grebe.—Only record was one at Minsmere, May 7 (HEA). 7.
Slavonian grebe.—One Havergate, Dec. 5 (RJP).
9. Little grebe.—SPECIAL SURVEY. The small number of records—including nil reports—received probably do not reflect completely the present status of the species in Suffolk. But it has certainly decreased considerably in the past five years. Most records were of wintering birds on tidal waters between Aug. and Apl. (BAC, WHR) with the usual winter concentration, max. twentythree, on the Stour at Bures (WHP). None seen at Aldeburgh during the year (EFC). Five prs. bred at Minsmere and a " wrecked " migrant was found alive in a coal shed at Yoxford in Oct. (HEA). A pr. bred on an artificial reservoir-pond at Badingham in 1964 and 1965, an example of a created habitat providing a new breeding area (PHTH). Two or three wintered at Havergate and there was one in Lowestoft harbour in Nov. (BJB). Twelve on Lake Lothing in Jan. (RJB) and up to eight Benacre in Oct. (WER). 12. Leach's petrel.—One in flight over Minsmere, Oct. 18 (HEA). 14. Storm petrel.—One Aying north Walberswick, Nov. 6 (GLC, JGR).
among breakers off
Shearwater sp.—Three, probably Manx shearwaters, off Benacre, Aug. 26 (GBGB). 26. Fulmar.—Small numbers were present as usual offshore, and at times close in by cliffs between Apl. and early Sept. (many observers).
BIRD
REPORT
233
27. Gannet.—Offshore movements by small numbers between Mar. 14 and Nov. 11 (many observers). 29. Shag.—There was quite a marked influx to coast between Sept. 19 and mid-Dec. when up to ten were present at Lowestoft, two of which had been ringed as nestlings in the Farne Isles ( G J J , BJB, R S B ) ; others at Easton Bavents ( G B G B ) , Walberswick ( F K C , G R B , DJP), Minsmere (HEA), and inland one at Cransford, Nov. 25 ( P H T H ) , and near Bury St. Edmunds (per WHP). 30. Heron.—Complete coverage of heronries for the county was not achieved and there was some discrepancy in nest counts where heronries were visited by more than one observer. Hence no figures will be published this year. It is suggested that in future only nests actually containing young should be reported and counts made late in April before leaves are fully out and when young can be easily seen or heard in nests. 32.
Little egret.—One at Havergate, May 28 (RJP).
38. Bittern.—Good numbers again present in usual breeding areas, with nine prs. at Minsmere. Late " b o o m i n g " there July 5 (HEA) with first booming at Walberswick on Mar. 7 ( G J J ) . Inland records were : one on R. Stour near Bures during most of Jan. (CRP), one Aying over Claydon p.m., Dec. 15 ( H J L ) and— an interesting and possibly significant record—one on R. Ouse, near Brandon on June 1 (PJR). 42. Spoonbill.—Singles at Minsmere, June 6/15, with possibly same bird on R. Blyth, June 12 (GW), June 27, Aug. 7, and Nov. 4 (HEA, PJS). Ad. and im. at Walberswick, July 18 ( G J J ) with single ad. there for two days about fortnight previously ( G L C , G J J , DJP). One Orford, June 28 (RJP). 47. Garganey.—Rather more than usual on passage from Mar. 27. Eive prs. bred Minsmere with one, perhaps two prs. at other coastal localities. 50. Wigeon.—Highest numbers were 700 at Minsmere in Feb. (HEA), 850 Havergate in Jan. (RJB), and c. 9,000 R. Stour in Dec. (RVAM). A pr. remained at Minsmere from mid-May to end June (HEA). 52. Pintail.—Usual numbers on coast with 150 R. Orwell in Jan. (RJC), 150 on R. Stour at same date and 450 there in Nov. (RVAM). Three at Livermere, Dec. 5 ( C A E K ) . 55. S c a u p . —Four at Havergate, June 9 (RJP), singles at Minsmere, Aug. 20, Dec. 21/22 (HEA), Easton, Sept. 15 ( J H C ) and two at Walberswick, Nov. 7 ( G L C , J G R , G R S ) .
234 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', Vol. 13, Part 4 57. Pochard.—As usual bred only in north-west Suffolk where numbers well maintained ; modest numbers on coast in spring, autumn, and winter ; five at Helmingham in Mar. (T). 60. Goldeneye.—Reported from more coastal localities than usual up to May 27 (Minsmere) and again from late Oct. to end of year, max. numbers being nineteen on R. Orwell in Feb. (RJC) and c. forty on R. Stour in Dec. (RVAM). Two im. Livermere, Nov. 4 (ALB), and one Nov. 7 (ORM). 61. Long-tailed duck.—Only reports were singles at Freston, Feb. 11 (CGDC) and Shingle Street, Nov. 21 (PRC). 62. Velvet scoter.—One at Havergate, July 17 (RJP), and one or two off Dunwich and Minsmere during Nov. (HEA, GRB). 67. Eider.—Singles Dunwich, Mar. 15 (GRB) and Minsmere, Apl. 24 (WL, MG, CN) two f./im. Lowestoft, June 17 (WHP), singles Shingle Street, Sept. 25 (PRC) and Lowestoft, Sept. 12 and Oct. 3 (EWCJ). Between 12/18 at Lowestoft during Nov. and Dec. (BJB, RSB, FCC, JRR). Max. thirteen in Minsmere/ Walberswick area in Nov. (HEA, GJJ, CAEK) and a f. inland at Blythburgh on Nov. 23 (DJP). 69. Red-breasted merganser.—Usual coastal records of small numbers max. eight between Jan. and end Apl. (many observers), with three at Minsmere on May 17 (HEA). One or two only recorded in winter months. 70. Goosander.—One Benacre, Feb. 7 (WHR, JRR) and two fs. there Nov. 12 (GJJ) ; one Minsmere, Nov. 20 and 27 (HEA). 71. Smew.—A f. at Benacre on Nov. 28 (GJJ) was only record for year. 75. Greylag goose.—Four at Walberswick, May 1 (GJJ) and one or two daily at Minamere from Nov. 6 to end of year (HEA et al). 76. White-fronted goose.—Sixty-eight Aying south over Minsmere, Jan. 19 (HEA, PJM), with same number and probably same flock at Sudbourne between Jan. 31/Mar. 6 (HJL). Also at Minsmere, twenty-three on Jan. 21 and two flocks totalling 130 on Mar. 3 (HEA, PJM) ; eight at Aldeburgh, Feb. 27 (EFC), and four at Shingle Street, Nov. 7 (PRC). 78. Pink-footed goose.—Skein of c. fifty over Oulton Broad, Jan. 23 (JGW) ; parties of six at Minsmere, Mar. 24 and Nov. 17 (HEA) and four at Havergate, Dec. 24 (RJP).
BIRD REPORT
235
80. Brent goose.—A flock of c. 725 on R. Stour in Jan.. was highest number recorded for some years (RVAM) ; there were also seventy/eighty on R. Orwell in Feb. (WHR) and 275 there on Mar. 14 (MP) ; small flocks, max. forty, going south off Walberswick and Minsmere, from Oct. 9 to mid-Nov. (HEA, DJP). 81. Barnacle goose.—One at Minsmere from Nov. 5 to end of year ; a second tamer bird with yellow ring on left leg arrived on Nov. 27 and remained tili Dec. 15 (HEA). 82. Canada goose.—Continues widespread in north-west Suffolk, with c. 100 breeding prs. in four main areas, with many more prs. scattered along river V a l l e y s . There is some persecution—mainly nest destruction—owing to crop damage. Scattered breeding in south-west and south Suffolk (WHP). Near coast a pr. at Heveningham in spring (RSH) and four birds at Boyton in Apl. (PRC). At Minsmere three prs. bred, with visiting birds during Jan./Apl. but none after end Aug. (HEA). 85. Whooper swan.—Small numbers only at beginning of year and all at Minsmere except flock of eleven at Icklingham in Jan. (MNHS). Again small numbers at Minsmere in Oct./Nov. and twenty over Oulton Broad, Dec. 24 (JRR). 86. Bewick's swan.—Continues to increase as a winter visitor with a great deal of local movement by wintering flocks on coast. At Minsmere, where largest numbers were reported, two herds totalling ninety-seven were present in Jan., with numbers falling slowly tili main exodus on Mar. 8/9. Flocks of twenty-eight and thirty-five at Benacre and Walberswick in Feb. (GJJ). In Jan. three at Havergate (RJP) and four on R. Lark at Tuddenham (CAEK, ORM). Only small numbers in autumn from Oct. 20, at Blythburgh, Walberswick (GLC, DJP, JGR) but herd of seventy-three at Minsmere at end of year (HEA). Two/four at Livermere in Nov./Dec. (ALB, CAEK, ORM). 91. Buzzard.—Single birds at Minsmere, Jan. 15 (HEA), Benacre, June 13 (JRR), Walberswick, Minsmere, Aug. 18/27, Sept. 19 (HEA), Walberswick, Oct. 1 (DJP), and Frostenden, Nov. 13 (GBGB). 92. Rough-legged buzzard.—One present on Lakenheath Warren and Berners Heath throughout Feb./Mar. ( M N H S and many other observers), one probable at Oulton Broad on Apl. 14 (RSB), one Thorpeness, Dec. 3 (CWG,PE).
236 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', Vol. 13, Part 4 93. Sparrow hawk.—Three, possibly four prs. bred in forested areas round Walberswick and Minsmere. A pr. possibly bred also near Martlesham. There were no breeding reports from northwest Suffolk. Passage and wintering birds recorded from Minsmere (HEA), Aldeburgh (EFC), Badingham (PHTH), Kesgrave, and Chillesford (PRC). 99. Marsh harrier.—A pr. recolonised Westwood Marsh and are believed to have hatched young, though none flew, due perhaps to cold and wet (GBGB, DJP). At Minsmere three prs. raised seven young, one other pr. failed after disappearance of m. in midJune. Five fs. were present in May, all nest building (HEA). Odd birds reported in spring and autumn at other coastal localities. 100. Hen harrier.—Usual numbers of passage birds and winter visitors on coast and Breck. 102. Montagu's harrier.—A pair bred in East Suffolk but only fledged one young (several observers). Odd birds at Minsmere and Havergate between May and Aug. and an ad. m. at Hinton on Sept. 9 (ML). 103. Osprey.—Exceptional numbers were on passage through the county in spring and autumn. Doubtless some of the following records refer to the same bird or birds—One Walberswick/ Minsmere, May 2/4 (HEA, GRB, GJJ) ; two Minsmere, May 4/10, and one May 11 and 16/20, with two more June 28 (HEA). One Walberswick, May 16 (GJJ), and one Holbrook, June 13 PRC). In autumn one Westleton, Sept. 1/4 (PB, EMB) ; Minsmere two, Sept. 3 with one still present next day and one Oct 1 (HEA). One Shingle Street, Sept 4 (PRC), Nacton, Sept. 19 (SH), and Levington, Sept. 25 (WHR). One at Havergate, Sept. 4 and two Sept. 12 (RJP). One Walberswick, Oct. 1 (DJP). 104. Hobby.—One at a coastal locality, June 13 (PRC), one Havergate, Aug. 6 (RJP), and one Walberswick, Sept. 6 (CH). Two at Minsmere, May 31, one July 1/3, and one Sept. 7/9 (HEA). 105. Peregrine.—Single birds at Minsmere, Apl. 28, Aug. 29, Sept. 9 (HEA) and Dec. 12 (BJB) and at Havergate, Sept. 17 (RJP). 107. Merlin.—Rather fewer autumn and winter records than usual. 110. Kestrel.—Breeding numbers seem to have been maintained with ten prs. at least along coast and about the same number on Breck. Single birds reported in central and south-west Suffolk during summer suggest probable breeding there too but no definite reports were received. Good numbers throughout the county during autumn and winter.
BIRD REPORT
237
115. Red-legged partridge.—Now much the more numerous of the two species in all parts of the county, where formerly of course the opposite was the case. The red-leg appears to be hardier and more omnivorous. 116. Partridge.—This species had a particularly bad breeding season with birds still sitting—second or third try ?—in Sept. Now very scarce if not totally absent in some localities in south and central Suffolk. 117. Quail.—Two wintering birds at Covehithe Feb. 7 (JELP, WHR) and one calling at Carlton Colville, July 19/20 (BJB). Small numbers in Breck throughout summer viz. one seen Berners Heath, June 27 (CAEK, RCM) and one calling at Icklingham on same date (RV) one calling Lakenheath, July 19 (ALB) with at least two calling in a clover field at Risby from late June to end July (WHP). 119. Crane.—One, which was calling continually, passed over Shotley on Sept. 19 (MP) and was also seen later in the day at Fiatford (RMF). An im. at Hinton, Oct. 1 (PM). 121. Spotted crake.—One pr. at least bred again at Minsmere, being first heard on Apl. 13 and last seen—a juv.—on July 31 (HEA). 133. Lapwing.—Unusually high numbers were present in west Suffolk between Sept. and Nov. but fewer thereafter. 135. Little ringed plover.—There were no breeding records and fewer than usual on passage, with majority, as usual, at Minsmere between May and mid-Sept. 136. Kentish plover.—Two at Minsmere, May 11/14 (HEA) and one at Havergate during same month (RJP) ; singles at Walberswick, Sept. 4 (GRB), Havergate, Sept. 10 (RJP, DJP, DW) and Minsmere, Sept. 26 (GJJ). 142. Dotterel.—Two or three at Minsmere, Sept. 4 (HEA et al) and one at Sizewell, Sept. 7 (DRM, CRC). 148.
Woodcock.—Numbers were low for second winter running.
151. Whimbrel.—Spring passage extended from Apl. 14 to midJune, with peak of eighty at Havergate on May 11. Return passage from July 9, with only small numbers tili Sept. 3 when 150 arrived at Minsmere (HEA). Last seen Oct. 23.
238 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', Vol. 13, Part 4 154. Black-tailed godwit.—Small numbers only from Mar. 23 to end May at Walberswick, Minsmere, and Havergate, with stragglers at Dunwich, June 20 (HH), Havergate, June 22 (RJP), and Shingle Street, July 1 (WHP). Main autumn passage from mid-July, with c. 200 at Havergate, Aug. 19 and eighty there Sept. 14 (RJP). 155. Bar-tailed godwit.—Small numbers present at Havergate in every month, with five to six in Jan./Mar. and one or two between June/Aug. and Nov./Dec. (RJP). Main spring passage in midApl. when twenty-three present at Minsmere (HEA). 156. Green sandpiper.—About average numbers of passage and wintering birds on both sides of the county. 157. Wood sandpiper.—A rather small spring passage during second week of May but good numbers in autumn from mid-July to Oct. 7 at many coastal areas. Thirty at Minsmere on Sept. 3. 162. Spotted redshank.—Recorded on coast, chiefly at Walberswick and Minsmere in every month except December. Highest number was flock of seventv at Minsmere on Aug. 18 (HEA). 165. Greenshank.—A rather small spring passage from Apl. 21 to June 13. Usual numbers in autumn from early July until Sept. 3 when sixty were counted at Minsmere with probablv another forty at Walberswick. 149. Knot.—Numbers were generally low in both winters, with most birds only on passage. There were the usual small numbers throughout June at Havergate (RJP) and irregularly at Minsmere (HEA). 170. Purple sandpiper.—Singles at Shingle Street in Jan. (PRC), Minsmere, May 16 (HEA), and Sept. 19 (HEA, GJJ), Walberswick, Sept. 4 (DJP, GRB), and three at Lowestoft, Nov. 12 (BJB). 171. Little stint.—A very small spring passage to mid-May. First in autumn at Minsmere on July 6 with highest numbers— twenty and thirty—on Sept. 3 and Oct. 5. Two late birds on Nov. 12 (HEA). 173. Temminck's stint.—No spring records but rather more than usual during the September " fall " with three at Walberswick on Sept. 4, one being still present next day (GRB, DJP, GW) ; two at Minsmere, Sept. 4, then three daily tili Sept. 16 with one on 21 st (HEA) ; one or two at Havergate in Sept. (RJP).
BIRD REPORT
239
174. Baird's sandpiper.—One present at Havergate between Sept. 4 and 18 (RJP et al). This is the first record for the county. 176. Pectoral sandpiper.—One at Walberswick, July 30 to Aug. 2 (GRB, GLC, RSH, DJP). Two at Minsmere, Sept. 25 to Oct. 2 (HEA, GJJ et al). 178. Dunlin.—An inland record was one at Livermere in Dec. (CAEK). 179. Curlew sandpiper.—Small numbers at Walberswick, May 3 to 15 (DJP) but a good autumn passage at Minsmere between July 20 and Oct. 20 with thirty plus on Sept 4 (HEA, DJP et al). Peak numbers at Havergate c. twenty in Sept. (RJP). 181. Sanderling.—Numbers were again low in both spring and autumn, with twenty the highest number reported, but generally it was rather more widespread than for some seasons (many observers). 184. Ruff.—It was a good year for this species, with particularly high numbers during Sept. In spring birds were on passage through Minsmere from Mar. 29 to May 16 (HEA) and there were thirty-two at Walberswick on May 1 (GLC, DJP). Autumn passage reached its peak during and immediately following the " fall " of Sept. 3 with 150 at Minsmere on 5th (HEA), c. 350 at Walberswick (GRB, JHC, DJP) and 120 at Blythburgh (RJR). At Havergate max. fifty (RJP) with about thirty at Shingle Street (PRC). 185. Avocet.—The Havergate colony had a good year with c. fifty-two breeding prs. and birds present in every month except Dec. (RJP). At Minsmere three prs. reared ten young ; one other pr. was present but did not breed (HEA). 186. Black-winged stilt.—Two at Felixstowe from Apl. 21 to 24 (FJF, EDG, WHR) with one there tili Apl. 29 (GJJ). Two (the same birds ?) at Minsmere on May 10 with one still present next day (HEA, PJM et al). 188. Red-necked phalarope.—One at Minsmere, May 11/12 (HEA) and at Walberswick, May 15/16 (GJJ, HJL). One at Havergate, June 21/23 and July 14/30 and two Sept. 4/10 (RJP). One at Minsmere, Sept. 1 (HEA et al). 189. Stone curlew.—Two prs. again bred at Minsmere, one of which was apparently successful. Numbers on Breck were probably about average but birds are being slowly squeezed out of haunts now under cultivation. More information on latter point would be valuable.
240 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', Vol. 13, Part 4 193. Arctic skua.—Only spring and summer records were from Minsmere where one and two noted on May 16 and June 10 (HEA). A good and widespread autumn passage from July 11 to Oct. 10 from Benacre to Shingle Street (many observers). 194. Great skua.—One dead at Walberswick, Apl. 27 (WL, MG, CN), one off Benacre, Aug. 26 (GBGB) and off Minsmere, Aug. 29/30 (HEA) ; also single birds at Walberswick, Sept. 4 and 24 (GRB, JHC, DJP) and off Lowestoft, Sept. 28 (EWCJ). 195. Pomatorhine skua.—One probable at Benacre, Aug. 25 (GBGB) and two probable Walberswick, Sept 4 (GRB). 202. Glaucous gull.—Ims. at Lowestoft, Dec. 5 (GJJ) and Minsmere, Dec. 27 (FKC). 203. Iceland gull.—An im. at Minsmere, Apl. 17 (RGHC HEA, PJM) and Dec. 28 (HEA, CC, DM). 205. Mediterranean black-headed gull.—A number of records of what was considered to be a second-year bird from the Covehithe/Benacre area between Jan. and Feb. 21 and between July 31 and end of year (GBGB, EAG, HFG, GJJ, DJP). 207. Little gull.—Small numbers and mostly ims. recorded at usual coastal localities in every month of year with majority during Aug. and Sept. (many observers). 209. Sabine's gull.—An im. Aying north along the Minsmere dunes on Nov. 21 was watched at one time at ten yards ränge (HEA, RB, PJS). 211. Kittiwake. -At the Lowestoft colony twenty-six prs. nested or tried to do so and about thirty young were reared to Aying stage. Only one nest known to have come to grief (EWCJ). Düring year there was much coastal passage by this species, particularly between late Apl. and June and in Sept. (many observers). 212. Black tern.—A very good year for this species. Small numbers passing through Minsmere, Walberswick, Havergate, and Heveningham in early May (HEA, GLC, RSH, DJB, RJP) with small numbers again on coast from July 7 to Sept. when many were noted during great " fall " on 3rd with 150 at Minsmere on that date, some remaining for most of the month (HEA). No inland reports apart from those at Heveningham. 216.
Caspian tern.—One at Havergate, June 17 (RJP et al).
217. Common tern.—First bird last at Minsmere, Oct. 7 (HEA). successfully on man-made islets. birds spending some time on R. definitely identified there on July
seen R. Orwell, Mar. 28 (MP), At latter reserve 175 prs. bred There were again reports of Stour at Sudbury, with two 30 (RPE).
BIRD REPORT
241
219. Roseate tern.—Only records were from Minsmere and Havergate, where however, numbers again showed an increase as follows : Minsmere, two on Apl. 28 and July 11 and six on July 28, with Single birds June 7, 27, and 28, July 4, 10, and 17 (HEA, GJJ), one or two of the July birds being juvs. At Havergate one June 23, up to three in July and one again Sept. 15 and 25 (RJP). 223. Sandwich tern.—As a result of persecution by blackheaded gulls, the Havergate colony deserted the area and probably moved to Minsmere where 110 prs. bred very successfully for the first time. Most of the breeding ads. and voung left together on July 20/21 (HEA). 224. Razorbill.—One or two offshore at Walberswick, Benacre, and Minsmere in Jan., Aug., and Nov. (HEA, ML) with nine Aying north off Benacre on Nov. 3 (DJP). 226. Little auk.—The unusual number of seventeen Aying north off Benacre on Nov. 3 (DJP) with five more at Dunwich on Nov. 14 (GRB). 227. Guillemot.—A number, practically all " oiled ", occurred with offshore winds in spring, autumn, and winter. 230. P u f f i n . - O n e offshore Minsmere, Sept. 15 (HEA, PT, MW) ; dead birds at Walberswick in Apl. (GJJ), and Shingle Street in Oct. (PRC). Collared dove.—While this species continues to increase and probably to spread slightly on the coast, there has been little new colonisation inland. At Sudbury and Gornard " a number of prs. " werc present during the year (AEVB) ; thirty to forty were counted in one flock at Ixworth in winter (AAJ), with a pr. or two at Brandon (CAEK) and in their old haunt at Lakenheath (per WHP). A few prs. bred at Reydon, Walberswick, and Southwold (GBGB, BAC) with three prs. at Leiston and one at Theberton (CRC, DRM). The colonies at Thorpeness (GJJ) and Ipswich (WHR) maintain their numbers, as does the Felixstowe colony (many observers). Odd birds visited Minsmere but were not known to breed (HEA). 237. Cuckoo.—Numbers continue to decline in most areas. Five were seen to come in from the sea at Dunwich in July 27 (RSH). 241. Barn owl.—Now rather scarce in most areas but three prs. reported at Walberswick.
242 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', Vol. 13, Part 4 2+6.
Little owl.
Is becoming steadily less plentiful.
247.
Tawny owl.—Holding its own and possibly even increasing.
248. L o n g - e a r e d o w l . — V e r y few reports received. Only one breeding record f r o m Walbersvvick (GJJ, D J P ) but birds were present in two Breck areas in winter ( W H P ) .
249 Short-eared owl - F o u r prs. bred at Havergate, rearing twelve young (RJP) with another successful p r . - f o u r y o u n e near Aldeburgh (EFC). There were a few records from the Hreck, with one possible breeding pr. (RCM, ORM). 252. Nightjar.—The position on this species is not clear ; it may be holding its own on heathland areas by the coast, but is aennitely on the decrease in north-west Suffoik. More information would be welcome. 258. Kingfisher.—SPECIAL S U R V E Y . Though considerablv more records were received than for the previous year, it is evident that the kingfisher has still much leeway to make up before numbers are back to pre-1963 levels. There were few definite breeding reports except possibly from Great Finborough (RJC) and Stratford St. Andrew (CRC) with ads. and juvs. at Minsmere in late summer (HEA). Elsewhere odd birds were reported in autumn or winter at Oulton Broad (RSB) and R. Wavenev g f ö R ^ d o n (WER) Walberswick (GBGB, GJJ), B r a n d e s t (JELP), Thorpeness (DRM, CRC), Shingle Street (PRC) and KesgraveJPRC) Playford and Sproughton (WHR) Needham Market (HJL), R. Waveney (FCC), Mildenhall (MNHS), Bury f p H x m U n d S ano Colf°rd (CAEK)" (PHTH) or on R. Stour (WHP).
None
noted
at
Badingham
261. Hoopoe. - T h e r e was a small spring movement through the county with birds at Onehouse, Apl. 30 (per Mrs. Bateman), M:R?R(0HNEAMAGYJ2J,(PJM)LAY
PER
I P S W I C H
S T A R )
-AND
M
—
•
262. Green w o o d p e c k e r . - S P E c i A L S U R V E Y . This species is recovering rather slowly from the 1962-63 winter and numbers still seem very low throughout the county. Breeding records were only sent in from Minsmere, c. ten prs. (HEA), Finborough (RJC), and the Breck (WHP). Also recorded occasionally in spring, autumn or winter at Benacre and Brampton (BAC) S n H ( ) Vi V, uH Pt b U r g J h ( E F C ) . W i c h (PCS), Halergate ? ( ) . and at Badingham for the first time since lv63 (PHTH).
BIRD REPORT
243
264. Lesser spotted woodpecker.—Recorded from most of the localities in which it has been present during the past few years with the addition of Foxhall (CGDC), Leiston (DRM), Great Finborough (RJC), and Combs (WHR). 265. Wryneck.—Only spring records were : Aldeburgh, Apl. 14 and May 2 (EFC). In autumn, one on Breck, July 25 (CAEK, ORM, RCM) and at Aldeburgh, Aug. 9 (EFC). Then, following the great " fall " of Sept. 3, phenomenal numbers for this species up to about Sept. 17, but all on or near the coast (see page 260). Five seen in one bush at Benacre, Sept. 4 (FEM). 271. Woodlark.—Numbers remain very low and possibly still decreasing. Five prs. bred Minsmere (HEA) with possibly two or three prs. elsewhere near coast (PRC). Breck numbers uncertain, but only six prs. recorded in summer (GME, CAEK). A migrant seen to come in from the sea at Minsmere on Oct. 2 (HEA). 273. Shore lark. —Two at Minsmere, Mar. 25 (HEA) with three at Walberswick, Apl. 30 (RSH). Two to five at Walberswick, Oct 9 to Nov. 7 (GLC, GJJ, JGR, DJP), four at Benacre, Nov. 4 4 (GBGB) and a flock of seventeen on Orford Ness, Dec. 25 (DRM CRC). 278. Golden oriole.—Two ms. and one f. at Scotts Hall, Minsmere between May 19 and 21, one of the ms. remaining until June 9 (HEA). Another m. at Sutton Heath on May 9 (per J. B. Storey). 281. Hooded crow.—Up to four at Havergate in Jan./Feb. and again in Dec. (RJP). One Walberswick, Mar. 16 (GLC, JGR), five at Aldeburgh, Mar. 27 (EFC), four Minsmere, Jan. 1, then one or two irregularly tili Apl. 11, with one or two again from Oct. 30 (HEA). One on R. Orwell in Dec. (RJC) and one winter record only from Breck (MNHS). 284. Magpie.—A continued decline (pesticides ?) in central and west Suffolk. 295. Bearded tit.—Fifty to eighty prs. bred Walberswick, and some 800 to 900 birds were on the marsh in Sept., when eruption was at its height. Colour-ringed birds from Walberswick reported Devon, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and Kent in late Oct. (DJP) Thirty prs. also bred Minsmere, where eruption from midSept. (HEA). In west Suffolk parties during both winters as follows : seven R. Lark, Jan. ( M N H S et al), ten Culford, Feb. 21 (a m. with ring), and six on Mar. 14 ; four at Tuddenham, Feb. 21 and two at Livermere, Oct. 24 (CAEK). Five at Culford throughout Dec. (WHP).
244 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists',
Vol. 13, Part 4
307. Ring ouzel.—Spring records were : one Thorpeness, Apl. 1 (DRM), one Minsmere, May 1 with seven next day (HEA), one Aldeburgh, Apl. 20 (EFC), one Walpole, May 2 (RSH). This species figured prominently in the Sept. 3 " fall "—see Special Report (page 261). Another big arrival of this species seems to have taken place about Oct. 2, when twenty-five were seen at Thorpeness (DRM) and twenty at Minsmere (HEA), while next day there were six at Butley (PAB), three at Covethithe (GJJ), and up to four at Sutton and Bawdsey (PRC). 311. Wheatear.—One of the most numerous species in the Sept. 3 rush—see Special Report (page 261). C. thirtv-five prs. located in Breckland (ORM). un 317. Stonechat.—Twelve prs. only bred on coast (many observers). One Breck record only—a f. at Tuddenham in Mar. (CAEK, ORM). 318.
Whinchat.—See Special Report (page 261).
320.
Redstart.—See Special Report (page 262).
321. Black redstart.—A good spring passage from Mar. 21 to May 26—both Minsmere records—singles also at Walberswick on Apl. 1, 4, 17 (PM, FKC, GLC, PM), Lowestoft on Apl. 25/27, and Walberswick, Apl. 4 (GJJ). One at Icklingham early May (per E. B. Jones). A pr. bred Sizewell (HEA) ; a pr. feeding voung at Framlingham Castle in June (HH). There was also a m. at Lowestoft during summer but breeding was not proved. Only small numbers during Sept. " fall ". 323. Nightingale. -Numbers seem to be declining in many areas, e.g., at Shotley where none bred in 1965 compared with six/eight prs. ten years ago (MP) and also in many parts of west Suffolk. About average numbers at Minsmere (HEA). 324. Bluethroat.—Extraordinary numbers of this normally rare passage migrant were observed during the Sept. 3 " fall " and immediately afterwards—see Special Report. Warbiers.—Apart from the " specialist " warblers, e.g., reed, sedge, and grasshopper, which are probably maintaining their numbers where their habitat has been spared the inroads of agriculture and " development ", all warblers seem to be declining in numbers, particularly willow warblers, whitethroats, lesser whitethroats, and blackcaps (many observers). 327. Grasshopper warbler.—A numbers at Minsmere (HEA).
big
increase
in
breeding
BIRD REPORT
245
332. Great Reed warbler.—One at Walberswick, Sept. 5 (DJP). 340. Icterine warbler.—The following were noted on the coast immediately after the great " fall " ; one " probably ", Lowestoft, Sept. 4 (FEM), two at Minsmere (one of which was trapped) Sept. 4 (HEA, RGHC, EJH, PJM et al), one Walberswick, Sept. 5 (RJR) with another " probable " at Easton Bavents, Sept. 6 (PT). 343. Blackcap.—Remarkably few came under notice during the " fall " of Sept. 3 (see Special Report). There werefivewintering records : one at Ipswich, Jan. 31 (PCS), one at a bird-table at Snape for a week in mid-Jan. (RHJ), one Wickham Market, Feb. 9 (Mrs. H. Blewett), one Melton, injured and died Feb. 10 (per HEA), and one in a Southwold garden for a week about Dec. 25 (BAC). 344. Barred warbler.—One at Lowestoft, Sept. 8 (H. E. Jenner per EWCJ), one Walberswick, Sept. 6 (DJP), and another there Sept. 11 (JHC). 346. Garden warbler.—Large numbers on Sept. 3/4 (see Special Report). 347. Whitethroat Relatively small numbers of both 348. Lesser whitethroat V species occurred during the great J " fall " of Sept. 3. 354. Willow warbler \ See Special Report for numbers on and 356. Chiffchaff / after Sept. 3. 357. Wood warbler.—Minsmere : one May 8 and one singing daily June 6 to 22 (HEA) ; one singing on Breck, June 2 but not seen afterwards (RV) ; two at Havergate, Aug. 29 and one Sept. 1/2 (RJP). 364. Goldcrest.—Breeding numbers are recovering only verv slowly from 1963 winter and this bird is still absent from many former breeding localities (several observers). There were big migratory falls at Walberswick and Minsmere about Oct. 5/12 and Oct. 19/26 (HEA, DJP). 365. Firecrest.—One at Minsmere, Apl. 1 (HEA) and one at Lowestoft, Oct. 21 (FEM) were only records for year. 366. Spottedflycatcher.—SeeSpecial Report for numbers on and after Sept. 3.
246 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists', Vol. 13, Part l 368. Pied flycatcher.—A m. at Minsmere, May 1 (HEA) and two m. at Aldeburgh next day (EFC) were only spring records, but in autumn, during the great " fall " immense numbers were present on coast and farther inland though none were reported west of Hoxne. 370. Red-breasted flycatcher.—One at Lowestoft, Sept. 4 (H. E. Jenner per EWCJ), one Oulton Broad, Sept. 5 (per H. E. Jenner). 375. Tawny pipit.—One at Minsmere, Sept. 4 (HEA, RGHC, PJM), three, possibly five at Sizewell, Sept. 5 to 8 with one still there Sept. 9 (HEA, RVAM, PJM et al). 379. Water pipit.—It was a remarkable year for this species with little short of a score of records for spring and autumn, all from Walberswick and Minsmere—with eight together in summer plumage at Walberswick on Apl. 8/9 (DJP) and two at Minsmere, also in summer dress, on Apl. 12/14 (HEA). It sesms probable that some birds moved about between the two localities. 380. White Wagtail.—With one exception all records were for spring and were more widespread than usual ; one or two were noted at Easton Bavents (BAC) and Minsmere (HEA, GJJ) between Mar. 27 and May 14 with two at Tuddenham in West Suffolk on Apl. 11 (CAEK, RCM, ORM). One at Lowestoft, Sept. 4 (EWCJ). 381. Grey wagtail.—There were again no reports of breeding in the county. Migrants were observed on the coast, chiefly at Minsmere, between Mar./May and Sept./Nov. (HEA, CGDC, GLC, PRC). 382. Yellow wagtail.—A rather late bird at Walberswick, Nov. 5 (CRC). This species seems to be decreasing, with the extension of drainage and cultivation to its former water-meadow habitat. A few still breed on heathland on both sides of the county. Blue-headed wagtail. -A m. at East Bridge, Minsmere, May 14 (HEA). 383. Waxwing. —The autumn and winter invasion of this species was certainly the largest and most wide-spread that has occurred in Suffolk for a great many years, with single birds, small parties or large flocks recorded from more than thirty localities.
BIRD REPORT
247
First birds were—surprisingly enough—two on the west side of the county at Berners Heath on Oct. 18 (RCM), with the first at Minsmere next day and up to fifty by the end of the month and smaller numbers lingering to early Dec. (HEA). By the last week in Oct. a hug flock, variously estimated at between 200 and 400 birds, was feeding on hawthorns at Thorpeness (EFC, D D N et al). Smaller numbers in late Oct. were six at Westleton/ Dunwich (RJC), four at Walberswick (DJP), and two at Leiston (DDN). Düring Nov. and still later in Dec., the flocks and parties became much more scattered. On the east side of the county there were several flocks in and near Lowestoft, with c. 100 at Oulton Broad on Nov. 15 (many observers), twenty-five at Southwold in late Dec. (BAC), one hawking flies at Benacre, Nov. 4 (GBGB), two at Covehithe, Nov. 7 (GJJ), varying numbers up to c. ninety at Leiston between Nov. 13 and end of year (many observers), c. twenty-four at Orford (RJP), twenty to thirty at Sibton (DJP) at end Nov. and a flock of more than 200 at Aldeburgh on Nov. 11 (EFC). There were also five at Pettistree in Nov. (ALC), five at Knodishall in Nov., five at Martlesham in Dec. (C. Shute), c. twenty at Holbrook, Nov. 14 (PBP), small flocks of up to fifteen in Ipswich (WHR, PCS), ten at Woolverstone, Nov. 8 (EMH), and four at Felixstowe, Nov. 26 (Mrs. M. Allen). Six at Stowmarket on Nov. 21 (RJC) were the only birds reported from central Suffolk, evidently due to lack of observers, since waxwings were widespread farther west viz. Bury St. Edmunds— many small parties and a flock of c. 150 in Nov./Dec., with odd birds still present in Feb. and Mar. (D. I. Bavester and per WHP) ; Mildenhall, fifteen on Nov. 6 (DGB) ; Depden, forty/fifty in Dec. (R. V. Roberts) and finally twenty-five/thirty at Sturmer in Dec. (Mrs. E. Holbrook). 384. Great grey shrike.—The usual records of single birds between Jan. and Apl. 4 and Oct. 21 and the year's end from Walberswick and Minsmere, Thorpeness, Sizewell, and Sutton and from Tuddenham, Santon Downham, and Berners Heath on the Breck (many observers). 388. Red-backed shrike.—SPECIAL SURVEY. Now probably confined as a breeding bird to the coastal belt and northwest Suffolk, there having been no records from the clay areas of central and south-west Suffolk for several years. Eight prs. bred at Minsmere, arriving late and irregularly (HEA), two prs. at Aldringham/Thorpeness (EFC), two prs. Walberswick (GJJ), five prs. near Ipswich (RJC), perhaps thirtv to forty prs. on Suffolk Breck (MNHS, CAEK, ORM).
248 Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists',
Vol. 13, Part 4
391. Hawfinch.—Very few records received and these from the usual localities near coast and in Breckland. 394. Siskin.—Numbers well up to average in both winters and on both sides of the county. 396. Twite.—Average numbers on coast. Heath, Oct. 17 (CAEK).
Four on Berners
397. Redpoll.—An increase in breeding birds at Minsmere (HEA) and at Brandeston in winter (JELP). Good numbers elsewhere on coast, and on Breck. Small numbers Badingham, in Oct. (PHTH), and R. Stour at Sudbury (WHP). Mealy redpoll.—Only reported from Minsmere where between twelve and seventeen in Feb. and Mar., with a few lingering tili mid-Apl. (HEA, AM). 398. Arctic redpoll.—A single bird with the characteristics of the Arctic redpoll was noted at Lowestoft on Oct. 20 (FEM). 4v(4. Crossbill.-—One or two at Minsmere (HEA) and eight at Sutton (WHR, PRC) in May. One Aying south along shore, Minsmere, Oct. 8 (HEA) : three at Aldeburgh, Nov. 12 (EFC). Verv low numbers have now been reached on Breck. 408. Brambling.—A flock of 325 near Bury St. Edmunds in Feb. (CAEK) was largest number recorded in that winter. One at Walberswick, Sspt. 5 had a Belgian ring (RJR). Flocks of c. 150 at Bsrners Heath and Knettishall in Nov./Dec. (ALB, CAEK, ORM). A few St:>wmarker area (RJC). 410. Corn bunting.—A bird at Belstead in June (CG, DC) mav indicate a slight extension of ränge. 413. Red-headed bunting.—One, probable, at Sudbourne on Sept. 28 (PAB). 416. Ortolan.—A number of this normally rare species, occurred during or soon after the great " fall " in Sept. There was one at Minsmere on Sept. 3, three on 4, and at least one until 11 (HEA) ; singles at Walberswick on Sept. 4 and 9 and on Oct. 2 (GLC, DJP). One at Benacre, Sept. 4 (per HEA), two, possibly three, at Covehithe between Sept. 9 to 11 (FKC, GJJ, RVAM). 422. Lapland bunting.—Two at Minsmere, Feb. 24 (HEA, PJM) ; one Walberswick, Sept 12 (GJJ), one Thorpeness, earlv Oct. (DRM). 423. Snow bunting. —Only small numbers on coast in both winters.
249
BIRD REPORT ADDENDA 244.
1964
S n o w y o w l . — O n e at S h i n g l e Street, m i d - J a n . ( M i s s N . P .
Butler, Lady Prestige). 117.
Q u a i l . — A bevy of twelve at Blythburgh, Sept. 8 (P. Täte).
L I S T OF OBSERVERS H . E. A x e l l
D . G . Garnett
C. N u g e n t
M r s . J. A x e l l
M i s s E. D . G o l d s m i t h
C. W . G . Paulson-Ellis
M . L. Aylmer
E . A . a n d H . F . G r e e n f i e l d M . Packard
P. A . Banks
M . Green
R. J. Partridge
G . B. G . Benson
S. H a r d i n g
W . H . Payn
G . R. Bennett
T h e Rev. P. H . T . Hartley C. R. Peacock
A . E. V . Betteridge
D. Harold
R. S. Briggs
R. S. Harkness
D . J. Pearson
B. J. B r o w n
Miss G. Houghton
J. E. L . Pemberton
D . Brewer
R. J. H o l l o m a n
P. B. Pye
D . G . Bryant
M . D. Howell-Davies
W . H . Ramsay
J. C. B u d d
E. J. H o s k i n g
P. J. Reed
A. L . B u l l
H. Hunt
J. R. Reid
R. G . H . Cant
E. M . H y d e
G . F . Rivers
I'. R. Catchpole
E. W . C. Jenner
J. Rolfe
F. C. Cook
G . J. Jobson
W . E. Rowe
F. K . C o b b
Col. A . A . Johnson
R. R. Scott
G . L . Clarke
C. A . E. K i r t l a n d
M . J. Seago
Miss A . L . Cooper
W . Landells
P. C. Stcggall
M r s . H . Cole
M . Laytham
P. J. Straw
H . Pease
M i s s B. A . Coney
H . J. Lee
P. T ä t e
R. J. C o p p i n g
R. C. M a n f i e l d
L o r d Tollemache
R. H . Clegg
P. J. Makepeace
Miss M . V a n Oostveen
E. F. Crosby
R. V . A . M a r s h a l l
R. Vaughan
C. G . I ) . C u r t i s
O . R. M a r k s
A . E. V i n e
C. R. C u t h b e r t
D . R. M o w e r
J. G . W a r n e r
G . M . S. Easy
F . E. M u d d e m a n
D. White
R. P. E m m e n s
P. M u t t i t t
M . Woodcock
F. J. F r e n c h
D . D . Nesling