Archive for the ‘Birdline East Anglia’ Category
Birdline East Anglia bird news August 2008
With south-westerly winds throughout most of August, it was not surprising that passerine migrants were thin on the ground. Despite that fact a few did get through, although it looked for most of the month there were going to be more Pied Flycatchers in Cambridgeshire than Norfolk!
In the last few days of August the situation changed and the winds moved to a more favourable quarter. This resulted in a few more migrants arriving including a ‘fall’ of twelve Redstarts on Blakeney Point and several Pied Flycatchers along the Norfolk coast.
Highlights were a Tawny Pipit was on Blakeney Point 8th-26th but it remained difficult to locate during its unusually protracted stay. There were three Wrynecks with birds at Kelling Heath 23rd-29th, Holme 30th and Blakeney Point 1st. There were two Icterine Warblers at Snettisham CP 24th and Blakeney Point 1st. A Common Rosefinch was also on the Point 30th and a Barred Warbler was at Cley 31st.
A Red-backed Shrike was at Warham Greens 31st and another at Sea Palling 31st.
There were a few unusual waders, the best being a juvenile Marsh Sandpiper at Hickling Broad NWT 18th-30th. A White-rumped Sandpiper put in a brief appearance at Cley NWT 4th and the Pectoral Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB, first seen in July, remained until 5th. Another seen on the beach at Great Yarmouth 1st.
A Cattle Egret was at Cley NWT and Blakeney Freshmarsh NT 12th-15th and Spoonbills were at Cley NWT, Stiffkey Fen, Titchwell RSPB, Breydon Water and Welney WWT.
Roseate Terns were seen off Cley NWT, Sheringham, Holme and Eccles.
An adult male Honey Buzzard was seen over the Kelling ‘Triangle’ followed by a juvenile nearby at Cley Hangs 29th.
Two Common Cranes were again at Welney WWT more off then on during August and two were seen at Hardley Marshes 22nd.
Seawatching season kicked off with an adult Long-tailed Skua (without a long tail) very close in at Sheringham and an adult Sabine’s Gull passed Holme 8th. A Cory’s Shearwater flew past Sea Palling 9th. But disappointingly there were no truly favourable winds for great seawatching.
Surprise mammal of the month goes to the two Long-finned Pilot Whales seen off Holme 5th.
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Birdline East Anglia bird news September 2008
The second half of September had a run of several days of easterly winds for migrants from the continent to arrive in East Anglia. A few rain showers and murky conditions resulted in a major influx of Honey Buzzards and Redstarts followed a week later by another wave of migrants.
One of the rarest birds in September in Norfolk was seen by only a small number of observers; a Black Stork flew over Caister-on-Sea and Great Yarmouth 3rd. It was probably the same bird that had spent some time previously in Yorkshire. A Glossy Ibis was seen to fly south over Salthouse 1st.
Other highlights were a Lesser Grey Shrike at Sheringham& Weybourne 24th-28th and a juvenile Woodchat Shrike at Beeston Bump 28th-29th. Nearby a Blyth’s Reed Warblerwas found and identified at West Runton 25th-27th.Particularly rare in Norfolk was a Melodious Warbler on Blakeney Point 24th. There were three Radde’s Warbler; at Wells Woods24th-25th, Burnham Overy Dunes 25th-26thand Holkham Pines 26th-29th. It was a very poor year for Greenish Warblers the only one in September was at Sea Palling 27th-28th.
An Alpine Swift was found over Gimingham & Mundesley during the morning 8th and the next day it was seen at Holme Thrush Nightingale was at Holme 14th-17th. It was seen, by all accounts, on just three occasions, each of which was in the hand. A Red-rumped Swallow flew east at Holme 17th. Nearby a Bluethroat was seen in flight at Titchwell RSPB 24th.
Scare passerines included an Ortolan Bunting at Trimingham17th. A Little Bunting was at Weybourne 26th, and Blakeney Point 26th. A Red-throated Pipit flew west over Burnham Overy Dunes 26th. ARichard’s Pipit was there 28th and at Kelling Water Meadows 25th.A Siberian Stonechat at West Runton 24th-25th and another was at Stiffkey 26th.
A Barred Warbler was at Winterton 3rd & 15th,up to two were on Blakeney Point 13th-16th and one was atWalsey Hills Cley 26th-27th. An Icterine Warbler was atWinterton 7th, another at Titchwell RSPB 17th and one atHopton-on-Sea 21st.
The first Red-breasted flycatcher was at Great Yarmouthcemetery 15th followed by another 24th, then others at Caister Road cemetery 24th, Eccles 24th, Holme 25thand Holkham 26th-27th.
Great Grey Shrikes were at Wells Woods 24th-25th,Weybourne 25th, Winterton 25th-28th, up to two Choseley 25th-30th, Waxham 26th, Potter Heigham Marshes 26th-27th, Burnham Overy Marshes 27th-28th,Eccles 29th and Hemsby 29th.
There were Red-backed Shrikes at Blakeney Point 7th,Beacons Park Gorleston 9th, Blakeney Point 13th, Heacham14th, Overstrand 14th, Hopton-on-Sea 14th, Winterton 15th-19th,Cantley 21st, Holme 26th-27th, Burnham Overy Marshes 27th-29th and Old Hunstanton 28th-29th.
There were Wrynecks at Gorleston 9th-11th,East Hills 14th, Waxham 15th & 19th,Winterton 16th-19th, Holme 15th-18th,Strumpshaw Fen RSPB 18th and up to two Blakeney Point 14th-16th.A Serin flew over Waxham 20th.
The first Yellow-browed Warbler of the autumn was at Holme NWT 14th (with up to four there 25th-28th),followed by others at Salthouse 15th, two or three Wells Woods 15th-28th,up to three Holkham 16th-28th, Burgh Castle 17th,Waxham 22nd-23rd, Blakeney Point 22nd,Titchwell RSPB 23rd, Salthouse 24th, up to two Walsey Hills 24th-28th,Cromer 24th, Happisburgh 24th & 26th, Eccles 24th-25th, Great Yarmouth 24th-27th, Sheringham 25th, Warham Greens 25th-27th, Cley 26th, Stiffkey 26th,Burnham Norton 26th, up to two at Glandford 27th-30th,Burnham Overy Marshes 28th, Holt 30th and Cromer 29th.But perhaps the most unusual was one inland at Hellesdon 26th.
Redstarts were found at virtually all coastal localities.The highest count was eighty-six on Blakeney Point 15th.
Scarce waders included a rather an erratically appearing White-rumped Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB 2nd-6th. A Pectoral Sandpiper was Hickling Broad NWT 2nd-21st &29th with two birds there from 9th-14th. Another was at Titchwell RSPB 12th-28th. Red-necked Phalaropes were at Titchwell RSPB14th-28th, Burnham Overy Staithe 14th andHolme 15th. A Dotterel was at Titchwell RSPB 17th, Cley NWT 19th-21st and Burnham Overy Dunes 28th.
A Honey Buzzard was seen over Titchwell RSPB 1st,Kettlestone 2nd, and Burnham Overy Staithe 7th one of a small passage over East Anglia on that day. However this was totally eclipsed by the movement on 13th-14th. On the first day birds were seen to fly in off the sea at numerous locations around Norfolk. Those on the north Norfolk coast appeared to filter inland as there were sightings over Attleborough, Cringleford and Norwich, whereas those on the east coast continued south resulting in record counts at Minsmere RSPB (see below).
The next day hardly any were seen coming in off the sea and their distribution had more westerly bias with eight over Welney WWT (and see records for Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire). It seems likely that these birds had arrived on 13th in northern England and were making their way south. The movement continued with lower numbers until nearlythe end of the month. Associated with the movement were Common Buzzards and Ospreys.
A Red-footed Falcon was reported briefly at Lenwade 10th.A male Montagu’s harrier flew south art Horsey 18th.
On 7th September a depression centred just off the north Norfolk coast moved off eastwards and as it passed, despite only light winds, it pushed or pulled along a rich seam of seabirds, including a few Cory’s Shearwaters, two of which were seen to fly east past Cley to Overstrandand another was seen off Titchwell RSPB. Mixed in were many Sabine’s Gulls,arguable numbers of Long-tailed Skuas but again no major rarities.
A period of north-easterlies on the back edge of a high pressure areas 23rd-24th resulted in several Leach’s Petrels, a couple of Sabine’s Gulls, Long-tailed Skuas and the first Little Auks plus a record passage of Great Skua past Sheringham at least 328 on 23rd. A Black Guillemot flew past 24th.
A rare migrant bat the Parti-coloured Bat was seen to fly off the sea at Kelling 13th and was the first Norfolk record. It spent some time roosting in a pillbox. Disgruntled bat lovers waiting for the bat to emerge at dusk were miffed when they learnt that the animal had been moved and released a couple of miles away earlier in the day.
Robin Birdline East Anglia What’s about? Simply call 09068 700 245
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Birdline East Anglia bird news for July 2008
The Lesser Yellowlegs found in June stayed at Cley NWT until 7th when it was seen to fly off east with Redshank in the evening. Could it be the same bird discovered a few days later at Southwold? Nearby a Stone-curlew was at Weybourne 9th-16th. An adult White-rumped Sandpiper was at Cley NWT 22nd-27th. There was a small arrival of Pectoral Sandpipers to East Anglia including one at Cley NWT 18th-24th and seen nearby in Blakeney Harbour 23rd and one at Titchwell RSPB 28th-31st at least.
The summering Red-backed Shrike remained at Sea Palling until 24th at least and a Hoopoe was seen in flight at Great Yarmouth 28th.
Roseate Terns were seen at several locations; Cley NWT, Sea Palling, Happisburgh & Overstrand. A Cory’s Shearwater flew west past Sheringham 13th. Seen in the early evening. There were many Manx Shearwaters loafing around in the North Sea this summer. It would seem other more scarce species are mixed up with them. A Storm Petrel was off East Runton and Sheringham 22nd.
A female Red-footed Falcon was at Sculthorpe 4th and there were a couple of claims of Black Kite including one at Dersingham 1st
The largest concentration of Spoonbills was eleven at Breydon Water 23rd and nine at Cley 11th. Others were seen at Kelling Water Meadows, Buckenham Marshes RSPB, Breydon Water and Welney WWT. Three Common Cranes were at Welney WWT 22nd.
Up to four Honey Buzzards were seen at the Swanton Novers and the Wensum Valley Watchpoints. A displaying bird seen from Pensthorpe Water Park was presumably one of these birds. Another flew west over Framingham Pigot 16th.
Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245. Please contact him with your sightings by phone or text 07941333970
Robin is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please click on the ‘news’ page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
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Birdline East Anglia Bird News June 2008
Birdline East Anglia bird news for June 2008
by Robin Chittenden
Throughout the month Common Crossbills arrived in small to medium sized parties. Several were seen at the regular well-known locations for the species such as Holkham Woods. Many reports were received though from random spots, mainly around the coast. Some did filter inland, particularly to Bedfordshire. The only three-figure count was from Upper Hollesley Common where there was one hundred and twenty 10th.
Norfolk
The Trumpeter Finch remained on Blakeney Point from 31st May -4th June and particularly rare in spring was a Dusky Warbler there 4th. Also attracting a lot of local interest was a female Lesser Grey Shrike found just east of Hickling 20th-24th. The finder, to whom visiting birdwatchers should be immensely grateful, arranged special access to see the bird.
Unusual to have sitting around for several hours in one location was a Bee-eater at Northrepps 7th-8th. No doubt the drizzly overcast conditions discouraged it from moving on. Fitting the normal records for Bee-eater were singles seen to fly north at Winterton 16th and another north over Belton Common 22nd.
The Tawny Pipit stayed at Waxham until 2nd. Late spring migrants included a Hoopoe at Stiffkey 1st-5th and another was seen briefly three miles south of Corpusty 4th, two Common Rosefinches at Burnham Norton 4th and Cromer 5th, a Serin at Weybourne briefly 9th. A Marsh Warbler was at Sea Palling 10th-22nd at least and another was kept quiet for a few days at Gimmingham. A Rose-coloured Starling was at West Lynn 14th-17th. Also kept quiet until after the bird left. Another was at Earsham 29th.
A female Red-footed Falcon was at Upton Fen NWT 9th. Surprisingly none though so far at Hickling Broad NWT where it is normally seen every year. A male Red-backed Shrike was at Hickling Broad NWT 10th and nearby another was seen near Potter Heigham 10th. Another male was found at Waxham 15th and another or the same the next day at Sea Palling all month.
At Cley NWT there was a male Montagu’s Harrier Cley NWT 5th & 29th and a male Red-backed Shrike was at Cley 6th. A female Montagu’s Harrier was also seen at Titchwell RSPB 15th, a female was at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB 15th and a male was at Burnham Overy Dunes 27th. Away from the Wensum Valley and Swanton Novers raptor watchpoints the only Honey Buzzard was over Ringstead Common 2nd.
A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Stiffkey 8th and an adult Lesser Yellowlegs was at Cley NWT 24th-30th at least. A Night Heron flew south at Wells 5th. A Great White Egret flew in off the sea and landed on the marsh 14th. A Dotterel was at Great Yarmouth North Denes 12th.
A drake American Wigeon was at Pensthorpe 27th. Up to five Roseate Terns were at Cley NWT and another was at Breydon Water. The Wood Warbler was on territory at Bodham Common. Late Redwings were at Weybourne 7th and Cromer 10th.
The winds went round to the north on 12th and produced a Black Guillemot and Balearic Shearwater past Mundesley. An unseasonal Glaucous Gull flew past Bacton 16th.
This article was written & compiled by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia. Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings by phoning 09068 700 245He is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please look at the news page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk and view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk
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Birdline East Anglia Norfolk Bird News May 2008
There was a multiple arrival of scarce birds, found just after the weather improved following a few days of rainy easterlies. The rarest was a first summer male or female Trumpeter Finch on Blakeney Point 31st. This was the first ever to be seen in Norfolk. The second most rare was a female Citrine Wagtail at Titchwell RSPB 27th-28th. Other scarce birds included a Red-throated Pipit on Blakeney Point 27th and a Greenish Warbler at East Hills 30th.
Other goodies form the continent were Icterine Warblers at Cley 27th, Wells 27th, Sidestrand 27th, Blakeney Point 28th, Burnham Overy Dunes 28th, Holme up to three 28th, Eccles 28th, Thornham Point 29th and Holkham NNR 31st. There were five Red-backed Shrikes including males at Muckle Hill, Cromer 27th, Kelling Heath 28th and Snettisham CP 30th and females at Snettisham CP 29th and Cobholm 28th. A Common Rosefinch was at Weybourne Camp 29th and Subalpine Warblers were on Blakeney Point 29th and Warham Greens 29th. A Marsh Warbler was at Snettisham CP 31st. The easterly blow over the late May bank holiday period also produced several Blue Fulmars around the Norfolk coast.
Earlier in May other male Subalpine Warblers were on Blakeney Point 5th, Sea Palling 7th and Burnham Overy Dunes 15th. A Great Reed Warbler was at Cley NWT 21st.
A Bee-eater flew west over Burnham Overy Marshes 3rd, another over Beeston Bump 7th & 10th, one flew north-west over Holkham Freshmarsh NNR 17th and one was reported over Scolt Head Island. A Richard’s Pipit was at Kelling 1st and a Red-throated Pipit was at Burnham Overy Dunes 15th and a Tawny Pipit at Waxham 22nd-31st at least. Up to at least three Grey-headed Wagtail were between West Runton & Beeston Regis and two were at Blakeney Freshmarsh NT.
A summer plumaged White-winged Black Tern was at Hickling Broad NWT 22nd. A Roseate Tern flew past Sheringham 26th. An adult Long-tailed Skua flew north over Great Yarmouth North Denes 25th.
A male Golden Oriole flew south over Winterton 3rd. A Hoopoe was at Burnham Overy Dunes 15th-18th. An early Common Rosefinch was at Walsey Hills, Cley 4th. A Wryneck was at Burnham Overy Staithe 8th and another on Blakeney Point 17th-19th. The only migrant Wood Warblers were at Great Yarmouth cemetery 7th and Pretty Corner 9th. One was on territory at Bodham Common.
An adult female Red-footed Falcon was at Thorpe Marshes 21st and at Haddiscoe Marshes 24th, a female was at Waxham 22nd and an adult male was at Upton Fen NWT 23rd-28th.
Montagu’s Harriers away from their well known breeding site included a ‘ring-tail’ west at Titchwell RSPB 2nd, a male at Burnham Overy Dunes 3rd-5th & 19th, one flew west at Incleborough Hill 10th, Weybourne 23rd and a male south over Waxham and Winterton 31st.
A Rough-legged Buzzard flew west over Stiffkey Fen, Titchwell RSPB, Holme 3rd, flew east over Aylmerton 4th and one flew north over Hickling Broad NWT 5th.
A Honey Buzzard flew over Pentney 4th, Hickling Broad NWT 4th, Wallington Hall near Downham Market 11th and one north-west over Kelling 15th. One returned to the breeding area at the Wensum Valley watchpoint Great Ryburgh 10th. A female Montagu’s Harrier flew past Incleborough Hill 10th, another flew east at Holt 11th and a female flew south-east at Weybourne 23rd.
A female Red-necked Phalarope was at Heacham 26th. Up to seven Dotterel were still at Choseley 1st-16th. Up to four Temminck’s Stints were at Cley NWT on and off 4th-18th, with up to three were at Stiffkey Fen 4th-26th, two at Burnham Norton 5th, one at Titchwell RSPB 10th-28th, up to three at Salthouse 11th-13th and two Hickling Broad NWT 23rd. A Stone-curlew was at Salthouse briefly 17th.
Two Common Cranes at Boughton Fen 7th and two east over Langham to Beeston Regis 7th. Four flew along the north Norfolk coast from Incleborough Hill to Holme where they flew out across the Wash. One was at Holme 26th and another, perhaps the same, flew west at Titchwell RSPB 27th. One was at Kelling 28th and presumably the same was seen over Cromer and Salthouse 28th.
A Cattle Egret was again at Burnham Norton 10th-11th, one flew east at Titchwell 17th and one at Holkham NNR 18th-21st. The sightings may refer to one bird. A Great White Egret was at Bintree Mill 9th.
A Green-winged Teal was found at Salthouse 2nd-6th. A Spotted Crake was singing at Strumpshaw Fen RSB and a Black Brant still at Blakeney until 10th.
This article was written & compiled by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia. Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings by phoning 09068 700 245
He is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please look at the news page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk and view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk
Contact t 01603 633326 m 07941333970 e robin@harlequinpictures.co.uk
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Birdline East Anglia bird news for April 2008
Norfolk bird news for April 2008 by Robin Chittenden
Late April saw the discovery of a singing male Black Lark at Winterton dunes. It was found in the in the late afternoon after a few days of easterly winds and was more than likely grounded by the drizzly conditions in the morning. This bird normally inhabits the steppes to the east of the Black Sea, especially in Kazakhstan, where large flocks can be encountered at certain times of the year. It is a hardy beast. I’ve seen them chiselling away at frozen pools of water, breaking off chunks of ice and swallowing them for refreshment. All this with an air temperature of minus 25 not including windchill! Despite their tendency to migrate only short distances, this is the third Black Lark to occur in the UK, but only the first to be seen in Norfolk. The influx of rare bird enthusiasts, attracted by thoughts of seeing the black form, dredged up a rich haul of scarce exotics the next day, with Subalpine Warbler, Hoopoe and Wryneck. The Black Lark though had had enough of the pleasures provided at Winterton dunes and departed rather early in the morning, leaving the non-early birders twiddling their thumbs.
Other highlights of the spring so far included a Whiskered Tern at Holkham NNR 28th, a Red-rumped Swallow that was tracked around the coast from Winterton, Salthouse and Blakeney Point 9th and another was seen at Waxham 28th. A first summer female Red-footed Falcon flew west over Weybourne and Cley Hangs 26th and was also seen at Kelling Water Meadows briefly 29th. A Hoopoe was at Waxham 26th on private land and a Wryneck was there the same day and a Serin was there briefly 28th. Just east of Acle were thirteen Dotterel 26th. A Stone-curlew was at Horsey 26th. A flock of Dotterel were found at Choseley from 26th-30th at least. A Wryneck was at Burnham Overy Dunes 21st. Up to three Shorelark remained at Cley NWT until 25th although there were only two towards the end of their stay. There were two between West & East Runton 22nd. A Richard’s Pipit was at Kelling 29th-30th at least. The Great Grey Shrike remained at Kelling Heath until 22nd. Another Great Grey Shrike was at Great Walsingham 12th, one was south of Hunstanton 23rd-26th and another was at Cart Gap 26th.
There appeared to a multiple arrival of Black Kites in Norfolk this spring. This species is more likely to be seen in southern Europe, but regularly wanders into the UK. If anything, with increasing temperatures, it is predicted that this species could become even more common in the UK and ultimately stay and breed. This year though all records will be ‘clouded’ by news, that in March London Zoo managed to lose three Cape Verde/Black Kite hybrids and a Black Kite from a storm damaged aviary. It is going to be difficult task for the county bird recorders to satisfy themselves that all sightings this spring were not these escapees. I expect the ‘British Birds’ rarities committee (the people that adjudicate records of UK rare birds) are somewhat relieved that they had ‘demoted’ Black Kite from their list of species they consider, only a couple of years ago. The task will now fall to the two ‘new’ Norfolk bird recorders, Dave & Jacquie Bridges and the Norfolk rare bird committee. Giles Dunmore the previous Norfolk bird recorder has just retired.
The Rough-legged Buzzard was at Burnham Overy Dunes, Scolt Head Island, Holkham Freshmarsh all month. Others were seen over Blickling 24th, Horsey 25th and Waxham 26th. An early Montagu’s Harrier was at Holme 2nd, a male was at Holkham Freshmarsh 19th and a ring-tail was at Horsey 28th. An early Honey Buzzard was over Great Gressingham 25th. The Dark-breasted Barn Owl was still at Wacton Common 5th.
The Lesser Snow Goose was also at Heigham Holmes, Horsey or Waxham 1st at least and at Breydon Water 13th and perhaps the same bird was at Ken Hill marsh Heacham 23rd. Up to two Black Brants were still at Cley NWT and one was at Titchwell RSPB The Glaucous Gull was still at Gorleston until 19th and one flew past Weybourne 21st and an Iceland Gull was at Trimmingham 19th.
Spoonbills this spring have been at Holkham NNR, Welney WWT, Hickling Broad NWT, Hopton-on-Sea, Martham Broad and Berney Marshes RSPB. Away from the Broads five Common Cranes flew west over Brancaster Staithe, Titchwell RSPB and Holme 2nd, one was near Emneth 14th and one over Choseley then at Holkham Freshmarsh and then over Cley NWT 19th. One flew east over Aylemerton and Incleborough Hill 26th. A Cattle Egret was found at Stiffkey 4th-13th and perhaps the same bird was seen in flight at Burnham Norton 27th. A Great White Egret was at Guist 5th-7th and one was at Ditchlingham 14th. A summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe was at Hickling Broad NWT 9th and nearby a drake Green-winged Teal was at Martham South Broad 14th-15th.
The usual influx of Ring Ouzels included a count of twenty-two near Brancaster Staithe 18th Returning summer visitors included Tree Pipit at Sea Palling 1st, a Hobby at Wereham 2nd, Ring Ouzel 3rd, Common Tern Wroxham Broad 8th, Sedge Warbler Titchwell RSPB 10th, Grasshopper Warbler Holkham NNR 13th and a Common Swift Burnham Overy Staithe on the 13t.
This article is written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.
Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245
Robin is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please click on the ‘news’ button near the bottom of this page. You can view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk Please register by clicking on ‘lightbox’.
Please contact us with your sightings phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk
Birdline East Anglia Bird News March 2008
Birdline East Anglia bird news for March 2008 by Robin Chittenden
There was a small influx of three White-spotted Bluethroat, many Black Redstarts and several Firecrests. A passage of Common Scoter over the region resulted in many resting on inland waterbodies.
The White-crowned Sparrow left Cley. Most of the rare winter geese from North America have left with just one Ross’s Goose and one Lesser Snow Goose left by the end of the month.
Norfolk
One of the highlights of the early spring migration was a male White-spotted Bluethroat found between Winterton-on-Sea and East Somerton 26th-27th. The White-crowned Sparrow remained at Cley until 11th.
There were still three North American white geese. The Ross’s Goose was at Heigham Holmes, Horsey or Waxham 11th-30th and another was at Holkham Freshmarsh 1st-17th. The Lesser Snow Goose was also at Heigham Holmes, Horsey or Waxham 11th-31st at least. A white goose seen to fly west over Cromer and Cley 31st was reported to be a Snow Goose but perhaps its was a Ross’s. The three Tundra Bean Geese were still at Welney WWT until 12th and seven were at Horsey 19th and Black Brants were still at Titchwell RSPB, Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh, Morston and Cley NWT.
A Great White Egret was at Binham Mill 17th and one was on the saltings at Thornham and Holme Marsh 25th-27th. A Common Crane was still knocking about in the Welney area until 9th when it was seen near Ten Mile Bank.
The Rough-legged Buzzard was still at Burnham Norton until 31st at least. One flew north-west over Wensum Valley Watchpoint, Great Ryburgh 17th and one was seen near West Runton 23rd. The three Shorelark remained at Cley NWT all month and two were at Burnham Overy Dunes 3rd.
The Great Grey Shrike remained at Kelling all month and one was at Gayton Thorpe 5th and the one at Grimes Graves was still there until 20th The Dark-breasted Barn Owl stayed at Wacton Common until 31st at least.
A Spoonbill Breydon Water 15th and a juvenile Glaucous Gull was nearby at Gorleston and Great Yarmouth 14th-31st at least and another different bird was at Breydon Water 18th and another was at Cley NWT & Salthouse 6th-8th.
Seven Waxwings were at Great Yarmouth cemetery 8th and a Dartford Warbler was at Holkham NNR 15th and a Hooded Crow was seen at Holme 17th.
Returning summer visitors included a Wheatear at Salthouse 17th, a pair of Garganey Buckenham Marshes RSPB 17th, an Osprey flew west at Stiffkey 23rd, a Whinchat at Cley NWT 30th, two House martin over Eccles-on-Sea 30th, Willow Warblers at East Ruston Common 30th, a Garden Warbler at Flordon a Ring Ouzel West Runton 31st.
There was an arrival of Woodlarks with single birds at Thornham Point, Winterton and Mundesley 29th and Little Snoring 30th. Common Scoters were found on inland water bodies at Whitlingham CP, Barton Broad and Rockland Broad.
A Camberwell Beauty came out of hibernation and was found at Stalham 14th.
This article is written by
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Birdline East Anglia bird news for Norfolk for February 2008
The adult White-crowned Sparrow at Cley was still associating with House Sparrows until 29th at least. A Dark-breasted Barn Owl was found wintering at Wacton Common, Norfolk until 29th at least.
Lesser Snow Geese was relocated at Heigham Holmes, Waxham and Horsey 9th-29th at least. Two Ross’s Geese were relocated at Halvergate Marshes 3rd-4th and one flew over Martham 7th. Then up to two were at Horsey Gap 22nd-25th. One was back again at Holkham Freshmarsh 28th-29th at least. In Norfolk up to three Tundra Bean Geese were still at Welney WWT. There were still ten Taiga Bean Geese at Cantley Marshes RSPB until 22nd but the rest have left the country.
Black Brants were seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Cley NWT (up to three), Salthouse and Titchwell RSPB. In Suffolk one was still in the area of Trimley Marshes SWT and two at Shotley Marshes.
A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Stiffkey 2nd, south-east of Wells Road 9th and Burnham Norton and Scolt Head Island 10th-29th at least. One was also found in east Norfolk at Riddington 21st.
In Norfolk a Great White Egret was at Holkham Freshmarsh 1st and flew west over Wells to roost 6th. A fabulous Bittern was discovered at Beeston Common until 17th February.
The Richard’s Pipit was found at Stiffkey 9th-11th. The only Shorelarks were three at Cley NWT 1st & 29th. The Great Grey Shrike remained at Dersingham Bog 9th. One was at Burnham Overy Dunes 7th-18th, another at Stowbridge 8th, yet another at Kelling Heath 9th-29th at least and one still wintering in the Grimes Graves and Santon Downham area in the Brecks all month at least.
A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Wormegay and Blackborough End Tip and an Iceland Gull flew over Wacton Common.
A Great Northern Diver was at Blickling Hall NT 16th-29th. A Red-throated Diver was found inland at Ringstead 20th. It was taken to Snettisham RSPB where it remained on one of the fishing lakes until 23rd.
A Great White Egret was at Sutton 29th. A Common Crane was still at Welney WWT until 25th at least and at Southery 5th.
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Birdline East Anglia bird news for Norfolk for January 2008
Birdline East Anglia bird news for Norfolk for January 2008
by Robin Chittenden
An adult White-crowned Sparrow was discovered feeding in a back garden in Cley on 3rd. Not recognising the ‘humbug’ headed critter the finders carried out some research and mentioned it to a local birdwatcher. The bird was quickly identified and an action plan was hatched. The various bird tables and feeding stations in the immediate area were repositioned to a driveway that could be viewed from the verge. Helpfully the bird complied, followed the food and showed regularth-31st at least. During its stay it was initially rather secretive furtively popping out for food every now and then, but it soon joined up with the local gang of House Sparrows, so was just as likely to be seen perched up with them in nearby hedges. A collection bucket raised over £5000.00 for a local charitable cause. So if you find a rarity let us know and get your collection box out.
Please view photographs by entering White-crowned Sparrow in the quick search box at http://www.harlequinpictures.co.uk Click on any to enlarge
White-crowned Sparrow is yet another new bird for Norfolk and adds yet another American passerine to the Norfolk list. Who would have thought in the mid-eighties that other US passerines such a Red-breasted Nuthatch, two Black and White Warblers, Lark Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, one or two Dark-eyed Junco(s), Indigo Bunting and Grey-cheeked Thru would be seen in Norfolk? Perhaps the writing was on the wall as far back as 1968 when White-throated Sparrow was found at Herringfleet. Suffolk has also had a few with four Red-eyed Vireo, twoYellow-billed Cuckoo, a White-throated Sparrow an a Lark Sparrow and in Lincolnshire there has been American Redstar, Northern Waterthrush and White-throated Sparrow.
The Great Grey Shrik remained at Roydon Common until 30th and one, perhaps the same, was nearby at Dersingham Bog 2th. Another is wintering in the Grimes Graves and Santon Downham area in the Brecks. Others were at West Beckham th and Burnham Overy Staithe 2th. TheRichard’s Pipi remained wintering at Terrington Marshes until 14th. The only Shorelarks were three at Cley NWT 27th-31st at least The Lapland Buntings were still at Salthouse.
Up to three Lesser Snow Gees were in Norfolk with the Pink-feet. Up to two were seen in various sites in north Norfolk most often atHolkham Freshmarsh and then in fields in that area but also getting tBircham and south of Brancaster Staithe. A Lesser Snow Geese in east Norfolk was seen at various sites including Berney Marshes RSPB 13th-17th.
The number of Ross’s Geese increased to four. All were adult white morph birds and all were associating with the Pink-feet. Up to three were in the area of Docking/Fring/Birchamnd- 16th and on and off at Holkham Freshmarsh throughout the month. Birds were picked out at many sites including Cockthorpe, Amner, Burnham Thorpe and Saxlingha Another was seen between Runham & Stokesby nd and Berney Marshes RSPB 1th and then at Heigham Holmes 1th and Happisburgh 1th-19th. The American population of Ross’s Geese andLesser Snow Geese have both mushroomed in recent years. This and the fact they have turned up with a suitable carrier species means that one can safely deduce that these are wild birds.
A Tundra Bean Gees was south of Brancaster Staithe 5th, two were near Flitcham 6th and up to three were at Welney WWT 8th-27th at least, two near How Hill 11th-13th, four East Ruston 13th, two west of Cockthorpe 14th, two in Happisburgh area 16th-20th, up to four Saxlingham 19th-27th and four Thrigby 25th. TheTaiga Bean Gees were still at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Black Brantswere seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Cockthorpe (up to three 4th), Burnham Overy Staithe, Cley NWT (up to two), Morston, one inland at Hempstead, Langham, Snettisham RSPB and Titchwell RSPB
An exceptionally tame Grey Phalarope was found on some puddles midway between Waxham and Horsey Gap NT 26th-28th. It was still quite a tricky bird to photograph, despite being potentially inches away. Its frantic feeding behaviour means it is hardly ever still. An American Golden Plove was near Welney 21st.
A Great White Egret was still wintering in north Norfolk being seen at Holkham Freshmarsh 7th and Blakeney Harbour 10th at least
A Common Crane was still in the area of Welney WWT until 27th at least being seen there and in fields north-east of Bandon Creek village
A juvenile Rough-legged Buzzardwas at Burnham Norton 27th-28th. The only Waxwings were one at Cromer 9th-25th, one at Cley 11th and up to four Downham Market 19th-20th.
In Norfolk Glaucous Gull was at the Nar Valley fisheries/Blackborough End Tip 5th and one flew past Cley NWT 14th. An Iceland Gul was at Blackborough End Tip 12th and a juvenile flew past Holme 19th.
A Great Northern Dive was in between Scolt Head Island and Burnham Overy Dunes 2nd-23rd
This article was written & compiled by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia. Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings by phoning 09068 700 245
He is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please look at the news page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk and view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk
Contact t 01603 633326m 07941333970e robin@harlequinpictures.co.uk
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Birdline East Anglia Roundup December 2007
Birdline East Anglia bird news for Norfolk for December 2007
by Robin Chittenden
The first winter male Desert Wheatear remained at Horsey until 10th. Despite the succession of photographers leaving titbits for this bird to consume, it was not enough to tempt it to over-winter, unlike the one still present in Yorkshire. To view photographs enter ‘Desert Wheatear 2007′ into the quick search box at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk Perhaps it was taken by a bird of prey. Nearby a drake Green-winged Teal was at Hickling Broad NWT until 7th and a Rough-legged Buzzard flew over there 8th.
The Richard’s Pipit was seen again at Terrington Marshes 28th-31st at least. The wintering Great Grey Shrike was still at Roydon Common all month, one was at Croxton Heath 24th and one at Santon Downham 30th.
Three Shorelarks were at Holme on Hunstanton Golf Course 1st and one was at Landguard NR 27th. The Lapland Buntings were still at Salthouse. These and flocks of Snow Buntings were attracted to the area by seeds left by visiting bird photographers. To view photographs enter ‘Bunting Salthouse 2007′ into the quick search box at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk
The largest flocks of Snow Buntings however were 220 at Burnham Overy Dunes and 160 east of Holkham Gap.
One of the Lesser Snow Geese was seen at Choseley 4th-6th, then just west of Holkham 11th and south of Brancaster Staithe and near Docking 31st at least. The other Lesser Snow Geese was seen at Hickling Broad NWT 14th, then just south-west of Rollesby 17th and then west of Great Yarmouth and Berney Marshes RSPB 25th & 28th at least. One of the Ross’s Geese was also at Choseley 4th, then just west of Holkham 11th, Holkham Freshmarsh 21st, Docking 18th and two were together at Holme NWT 30th.
The Taiga Bean Geese were still at Buckenham Marshes RSPB and Cantley Marshes RSPB. An influx of Tundra Bean Geese occurred after a period of easterly winds. In Norfolk three Tundra Bean Geese were at Welney WWT 16th, two were just south of Brancaster Staithe 26th and one was nearby south-east of Southery 18th.
Black Brants were seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Stiffkey and Titchwell RSPB.
Late summer migrants included a small late influx of Swallows with two Blakeney Point and West Runton 1st and one at Waxham 2nd-6th and at Hickling Broad NWT 15th. A Garganey was at Buckenham Marshes RSPB 22nd.
A Petrel seen to pass Sheringham was though possibly to be a Wilson’s 10th. An adult pale morph Pomarine Skua was at Snettisham RSPB 5th-8th. A Grey Phalarope flew past Holme 24th.
The Iceland Gull stayed at Edgefield until 16th and one was in Blakeney Harbour 21st. The only Glaucous Gull was at Saddlebow 24th.
A Long-tailed Duck was still at Berney Marshes RSPB until 7th. The maximum count of Long-tailed Ducks off Holme was forty-five 22nd.
A Rough-legged Buzzard flew north-west over Holme 9th, one was at Blakeney Freshmarsh 16th and one south Bradwell 19th
The Common Crane was seen again at Welney WWT 8th & 18th and four flew west over South Peckenham 16th. The maximum count of Common Crane in the Broads was twenty-eight.
Ths article is compiled and written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia. Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings by phoning 09068 700 245
Robin is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please look at the news page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk and view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk
Contact t 01603 633326 m 07941333970 e robin@harlequinpictures.co.uk
Calls to 09068 numbers cost just 60p/min. Mobile phone rates may vary.