SUFFOLK BIRDS 1986 R. B.
WARREN
The Ornithological Records Committee is aiming to produce the 1986 Bird Report before the end of 1987 and, therefore, it seems unnecessary to publish the usual Review of Suffolk Ornithology. It will suffice to mention some of the highlights. New birds for the Suffolk list include a Semipalmated Sandpiper at Minsmere in August, a Marsh Warbier at Walberswick in June, and a Subalpine Warbier at Landguard Point in late September/early October. Other outstanding records include a wintering Spoonbill early in the year, and an immature Night Heron found dead at Bawdsey. There were also some rare passerines, namely a Greenish Warbier at Lowestoft, at least seven Yellow-browed Warbiers, two Woodchat Shrikes, Parrot Crossbills once again, and a Little Bunting at Landguard Point. November gave us the County's latest ever Wryneck at Benacre, an influx of Long-eared Owls, and a Red-breasted Goose which remained, principally at Falkenham, into 1987. Lastly, the County's first wintering Yellow Wagtail was found at Holbrook at the end of the year. The list of species that have bred or attempted to breed in the County was increased by two. A pair of Mandarins bred near Ipswich, and a pair of Mediterranean Gulls on Havergate Island were frustrated in their attempts by Black-headed Gulls. It was generally a less productive year than 1985 for the rarer nesting species with no successful breeding by Gargany, Blacktailed Godwit or Firecrest, and only one successful pair of Red-backed Shrikes. Marsh Harriers, however, had another excellent year and Golden Orioles were found in areas well away from the main breeding site. Some of the above - mentioned records still await acceptance by the British Birds Rarities Committee. R. B. Warren, 37 Dellwood Avenue, Felixstowe IP119HW
Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 23