Archive for the ‘Newsletters’ Category

The New Programme for 2008 is in the embryonic planning stage. Your input as members is required as it is your society and therefore we need to know what you are interested in.

Ray Gribble would welcomes ideas in the following categories:-

Speaker Topics, What do you want to know more about?

Have you heard of a good speaker through friends or other organisations?

Where would you be interested in going on a Field Trip?

Would you be willing to lead a Field Trip?

Could a day trip/weekend trip to sites further a field be of interest to you?

Would you be interested in an organised trip to Rutland Water Bird Fair in 2008?

Please send your ideas, suggestions, or comments to Ray Gribble at 5 Morse Close, Lenwade, Norwich NR9 5QQ; telephone 01603 – 872709 or by email ray.gribble@wvbs.co.uk by the September indoor meeting, he is looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Newsletter July 2005

Liz’s Ramblings

I never learn – at the AGM there were no volunteers for the position of Editor of our Society’s newsletter – so instead of sitting tight on my hands, up shot my right hand and that was it. Luckily I have a daughter who can type, so in anticipation of future editions – my grateful thanks to her for her assistance. Next year I could well have my hands well glued to the seat – so be warned! In the meantime, all articles gratefully received either by e-mail to lizzie.beth@clara.co.uk or to Alwyn – usual details.

Since the AGM I have been to Lesvos. I haven’t as yet had the final numbers of sightings for the trip, but whatever the number, it was very enjoyable. I think my personal highlights were watching a dozen or so Red-footed Falcon hovering over the brow of a hill catching their supper and then being the only person from one of two watching groups to see a Blue Cheeked Bee-eater at the saltpans. All were looking in one direction for the bird, I turned round and there it was flying behind us.

The one thing from the trip that really irritated me was observing an over enthusiastic leader of another bird group using an i-pod to summon a Cretzschmar’s Bunting which us amateurs had spotted showing extremely well on the bushes using our eyes and ears.

I felt that was somewhat cheating – has anyone from WVBS got any views on the “ethics” of using such equipment? Perhaps I could start a discussion going on the subject.

NOTICES

The next indoor meeting is on 21 July 2005, 7.30pm at Lenwade Village Hall. Our speaker is Tim Nevard with his subject being “Pensthorpe”.

I notice from the programme that there will be a Field Trip to Pensthorpe on

6 August 2005. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say in preparation for our subsequent visit.

If you are planning to join us on this Field Trip to Pensthorpe, please can you let the leader – Josh Leeder know you are going as he is hoping to arrange a group admission fee to the Park. He can be contacted on 07904 971530.

The meeting time is 10am in the car park at Pensthorpe.

The following in-door meeting is on 18 August 2005 when Charles Fox will be talking about “The Gambia Experience”. Usual venue and start-time.

An attempt on the Icelandic “Day List” record – Allan Hale

I had to visit Iceland on business during early June 2001. The last visit, just over a year ago, resulted in meeting Gunnlauger Thrainson, a top Icelandic birder, and we made a promise to go birding together next time. This year’s planning went smoothly until Gunnlauger invited me to join him, plus Yann and Gaukur in an attempt to beat the Icelandic day list record of 72 (currently held by Yann and Gaukur).

The menu on the Icelandair flight included Puffin pate (honestly!) which I politely declined. Although, with 250,000 Icelanders being surrounded by six million puffins, I suppose a few for the pot are not going to be missed. The plan was to drive some 400 km to Lake Myvatn, then take a full day’s birding on day two, leaving day three to get back to Reykjavik by the ‘long route’ thus virtually circling the whole of Iceland in just over two days (and birding on the way). Remember that Iceland is more or less the size of England!

An excited Gunnlauger was patiently waiting at Keflavik airport. He had just found a Lesser Scaup, only the third record of the species for Iceland. Through the mist and the drizzle it still showed well for us. The journey from Reykjavik to Myvatn started around 5.30pm. We checked into a guesthouse on the shores of the lake at half past midnight, having added Goosander and Starling to the Lesser Scaup. Gunnlauger and I had experienced some good birding, taken a load of photographs, and it was still light (as it was to be all night) since we were within a few kilometres of the Arctic Circle.

Did our ‘big day’ start early? No, it started with a leisurely breakfast at 8am! At this stage we had no designs on the record. About an hour later Gunnlauger and I arrived at Myvatn Biological Station to pick up Yann, his place of work. Gaukur was only going to arrive on the scene much later.

Laky Myvatn and the surrounding area was incredible. It has the largest breeding concentration of ducks in the world and we got Wigeon, Scaup, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Long-tailed Duck, gadwall, Pintail, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal, Green-winged Teal and Common Scoter plus two great ‘goodies’, namely Harlequin and Barrow’s Goldeneye. Other water birds seen were Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, Red-necked Phalarope and Slavonian Grebe. Breeding waders included Redshank, Snipe, Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin. Passerines were few, but Redwing were singing everywhere, Wheatear were reasonably common whilst Raven patrolled the sky above them. Amongst a small patch of dwarf Birch we got a singing Wren, a family party of Mealy Redpoll and a vagrant Brambling (a distinctly scarce species in Iceland). White Wagtail and Meadow Pipit were added, close to a bridge where we had come within a yard or so of running over an Arctic Fox the previous evening! The ubiquitous Arctic Tern and Herring Gull were everywhere.

Before leaving the area, Gunnlauger and Yann diligently ‘scoped a nearby hillside. I enquired why, but silence ensued. Then I was asked to look through the ‘scope – it was trained on the nest of a Gyr Falcon along with sitting bird. I was sworn to secrecy regarding the nest site.

Off northward towards the coast with a list of 39 birds. Arctic Skua and Ptarmigan were soon added to the list and I got some good photographs of the latter. The coast soon produced more gulls – Common, Black-headed and both Lesser and Great Black-backed. Eider Duck were then almost never out of view for the rest of the day, some even had young. I thought it was quite early for such northerly latitude, but nobody else was impressed.

On to the harbour at Husevik where we got Ringed Plover and summer-plumaged Sanderling and Turnstone. The harbour also gave us Kittiwake, Fulmar and yet another ‘goodie’, this time Iceland Gull which, despite its name, is most definitely uncommon the country.

At Husevik we called on Gaukur and picked him up. He had heard a rumour of a Carrion Crow at Seydisfjordur, which if true, would represent the first record for Iceland. He decided to join us for the rest of the day so he could go to Seydisfjordur the next morning to search for the Crow. As a Brit, I was welcomed as someone familiar with the species who should be able to eliminate Rook, a species rarely recorded in Iceland.

The next sighting was even more unusual than the Iceland Gull; it was a large iceberg offshore. So unusual in fact, that it made the national news. We then stopped for a real long shot. A Broad-billed Sandpiper had been a spring visitor to a particular area for 14 consecutive years (but not last year). It was assumed to be dead but we thought it worthwhile to search the area anyway. After a while Gauker announced that he could hear it calling. I remember thinking that these Icelanders have got ears like sewer rats! After a while we had a never to be forgotten experience. The Broad-billed Sandpiper treated us to a prolonged display flight whilst amorously pursuing a female Dunlin. Great stuff!

We then picked up Great Skua and as we continued along the coast, literally thousands of Puffins – or perhaps tens of thousands. Gannets were quite common and we also got a few Pink-footed Geese, the latter more likely to be found on their breeding grounds of the Icelandic interior.

We then called in to the farm owned by Egill (inexplicably pronounced ‘A-yuth’) one of my business colleagues. I have no idea what time it was and I was certainly unaware (as was everybody else) that we had no less than 57 species in the bag. Whilst refreshing ourselves, a group of Knot flew over. Egill was amazed at both our reaction and our ability to identify the birds in flight. He recalled introducing Gunnlauger to me just over a year ago when we was impressed by the use of scientific names during the ‘birdy conversation’.

A roadside pool produced a splendid male American Wigeon which is another species rare to Iceland and then, quite remarkably, the next pool gave us an equally rare Ring-necked Duck. I then heard a song which I didn’t recognise. I was told ‘It’s only a Snow Bunting’. All very fine for them to be flippant, but a summer plumaged Snow Bunting was a damned good bird for me, even though they became common from this point onward. Yet another rarity for Iceland followed, but my colleagues could not understand my lack of interest in a Common Goldeneye. Cormorant soon followed. Total now 63 but we still didn’t realise it.

Off to a seabird colony where I was promised Brunnich’s Guillemot, which would hopefully be my second new bird of the day. All very fine, but cliff nesting seabirds and my fear of heights do not enjoy an easy relationship. It was a long walk along a difficult rocky shoreline to the cliff. Several summer-plumaged Purple Sandpipers made the walk seem less arduous.

Without going too close to the edge of the cliff I picked up Common Guillemot, Razorbill and Black Guillemot, but the elusive Brunnich’s was further down the cliff and out of my sight. The other birders came to the rescue by setting up a telescope with the target bird in view but positioned as far from the edge as possible. Then I just had to get to it! Lucky there were no spectators, since the sight of me being led to the ‘scope hanging on to three other birders with eyes firmly closed must have been a sight to behold. Anyway, I finally got a very good view of Brunnich’s, albeit briefer than I would have liked. I was recommended to advance a few more paces to view many more of the birds. My reply was unprintable!

Onward. Another great bird for the Icelanders, but somewhat less so for me was Shelduck. This is another rare bird for Iceland with less than half a dozen pairs in the whole country. Its rarity led us to age the birds. We reckoned with some confidence that there were two in their first summer and two full adults (it’s the marking on the trailing edge of the wings which is the giveaway).

Our next target was Grey Phalarope, another very scarce breeding bird in Iceland. I was told to be prepared for a longish walk for this one, but luckily Yann spotted the birds almost immediately after getting out of the car. These struck me as really chunky little things after the daintiness of the Red-throated version.

By now it was around 7.30pm and we knew we were doing really well. Gunnlauguer demanded a species count. I reckoned that he and I had seen no less than 70 species during the day.

After he had taken a cursory glance down the list he nodded his approval and announced that we should go for the Icelandic ‘day list’ recorded despite the lateness of the hour. Then the situation got really tense when Yann announced that he had got 71, one more than us. A frantic comparison of the lists resulted in Yann’s admission that he had seen a Glaucous Gull in Husavik harbour that we had missed. Having joined us too late in the day to matter, Gaukur was less than impressed that the record previously held by him and Yann was potentially under threat.

Our priority then changed to searching the harbours of each and every fishing village for the elusive Glaucous Gull (by no means a scarce bird in the country). As each village came and went, Gunnlauger got more and more nervous – Yann getting the record for himself was not an option that he relished. I mentioned that it might not be justice for a visiting British vagrant to share in the record, but he gave me a serious argument on that one! Our car was falling behind, due to the extra time and effort we were putting in to finding a Glaucous Gull. But that particular quarry was forgotten when we turned a corner to see Yann literally dancing in the street. He pointed to a group of around 30 Whooper Swans and instructed us to view the right hand bird. It was a Bewick’s Swan. Now this is a serious rarity for Iceland, and one that Yann had been saying for some years was his ornithological ambition to find. Now his dream had come true, and we all tarried to make copious field notes to assure acceptance of the record by the appropriate authorities.

We pondered on the Bewick’s future. Would it return south-eastwards next winter to join up with its own kind, or was it lost forever? Probably we shall never know. The numbers were revisited; Yann had now equalled the record, but we remained one behind, with the Glaucous Gull still elusive. Gunnlauger swore in several languages to express his displeasure!

Continuing southward along the coast road and Yann emerged from the car in front and pointed across a field to another group of Swans. We saw nothing remarkable and carried on. Perhaps Yann was still dreaming about the Bewick’s. We stopped at the next estuary and scanned. Meanwhile I asked what the pointing was in aid of, and I was told it was for the Barnacle Goose that was with the Swans.

Barnacle Goose? What Barnacle Goose? We hadn’t seen it. ‘He’s lying!’ announced the ever more frustrated Gunnlauger, who promptly demanded that we went back for it even though we had overshot by at least 10 miles. The time was now 10.45pm. The other car went on forward and team spirit disintegrated as we did an about-turn. Our mathematical skills were severely tested as we calculated that we were one behind the previous record whilst Yann had already beaten it by one. The atmosphere was tense as we drove back.

Ten miles back we duly found the Goose tucked in between the Swans. Barnacle Geese are common locally in Iceland on passage but it was thought that they had all moved through some weeks ago. Not so, apparently. The old record had been equalled, but we were still one behind Yann’s current total. A quick about turn, and back to searching for the Glaucous Gull. At 11.40pm the sun was still shining and I commented that we were ‘dead in the water’ with no gull and only 20 minutes to go. Gunnlauger corrected me. We were allowed the full 24 hours so we pressed on with urgency.

We caught the others up at the last possible harbour and spotted a distant white-winged gull. It was heavily built with a monstrous bill, a definite Glaucous. Yesssss!!! The time was a quarter past midnight and the atmosphere immediately improved. The new record was ours, all three of us now.

It was still a long haul to the guesthouse at Egilstadir and we arrived just after 2.30am. On getting out of the car a Blackbird was singing heartily. That put us up to 74 and we had beaten the old record by two. Congratulations all round and three very happy birders adjourned to bed.

The next morning we duly found the Carrion Crow (the first for Iceland). It was a juvenile just commencing its first moult on his body and coverts. We then followed up by adding Wood Pigeon (a scarce migrant) and Goldcrest (a very local breeding bird) to my Icelandic list. My total for the country was now 80.

Our last curious twist was when Gunnlauger wanted House Sparrow on his list. This species breeds at only one farm in the south of the country where there are two or three pairs. We arrived in the middle of the night although it was still light of course. Even so, I am proud to say that we couldn’t find one.

Dancing and tail-less long tailed tits A few weeks ago, we witnessed a strange ball of pink and brown fluff land on the fat balls hanging in our garden and were most intrigued for some minutes, trying to identify the ‘new’ bird we were seeing. Closer inspection through binoculars eventually identified this mysterious creature as a tail-less long tailed tit. It was happily pecking away at the ball of fat in the company of others of its kind and appeared to experience no problems in flying: but it was completely tail-less. Shortly after, we witnessed some very bizarre behaviour from two or three long tailed tits. They kept landing in a shrub, then ‘bouncing’ up and down in the air above the bush, before landing and then repeating the process. Very entertaining and this was witnessed again a few days later. Research from Alwyn says it is possibly courting or display behaviour. Must say, we were impressed!! Brenda Palmer

Observations for the winter months During the colder months of the year we are likely to see black-headed gulls scavenging for food in our gardens. It is worth looking closely at these gulls since among them you may see the odd common gull. It is quite usual to see a small flock of about a dozen black-heads with one common in tow who makes no attempt to find food for himself but waits to steal food from the black-heads. In fact, they behave just like skuas. In spite of their larger size, the commons are very aerobatic and watching them in their pursuits is quite entertaining. When I lived in London I noticed this behaviour on the Thames at Putney and have seen it often in my garden here in Reepham. I wrote about it to Dr Moss Taylor but he rather dismissed it as a figment of my imagination. I should like to hear whether any members have seen this. Geoff Hemmings

Questions I am asked (and unable to answer) – Alwyn Jackson

I am often asked questions about birds by friends and relatives and often find myself waffling on not really knowing the answer. Inevitably when I return home I dive for my reference books in an effort to find the answer in case I am asked the same question again but also to widen my very skimpy knowledge.

Here are a few questions I have been asked recently and the answers I have been able to put together without needing to phone a friend.

Question: Do Nightjars churr all night?

Answer: A Nightjar’s first call is a good indicator of the start of its evening activity. Their waking times vary with time of sunset (i.e. season and latitude), weather and phase of moon. Waking times can be anytime between c11 minutes before to c26 minutes after sunset.

In Britain and central Europe the birds call at this time but usually take a break around midnight c 23.00-01.00 hours then can continue until dawn. In Finland though in high summer the birds continue calling throughout the night until c03.00 hours. In autumn (mid-September) calling is restricted to circa half an hour at dusk.

Question: What do Nightjars eat?

Answer: A Nightjar’s diet consists mainly of insects, mainly moths and beetles. Their diet is dependent on the supply of insects and varies according to the season, weather and temperature.

When food is plentiful the bird takes its prey in sustained lower-level aerial pursuit (rarely above trees) like a Swallow. When fewer insects are flying (and probably after dark), the bird will make short flights from a low perch like a Flycatcher.

The capture (sometimes 2-3 items) is followed by a return to the same perch where the prey is swallowed live and whole. Insects are presumably spotted against the light of the sky.

The undigested chitin fragments are ejected as pellets. There is little data on the prey capture rates but one female hunting from a perch caught 15 insects in 15 minutes; another 31 items in 28 such flights during a similar period.

Adults forage for c 1-3.5 hours per night to meet their own needs.

Question: How did the Sandwich Tern get its name?

Answer: John Latham (1740-1837) an English naturalist coined the name in 1795 to commemorate the town of Sandwich (in Kent) from which place specimens had been sent to him. Latham was a doctor in Dartford, Kent where he collected the Dartford Warbler. He retired in 1796 and settled in Hampshire. His “General History of Birds” (1821-28) and “A General Synopsis of Birds” (1781-1801) established him as a leading British ornithologist.

Alwyn Jackson

I hope you all managed to have a good birding Easter weekend. There is lots to see at this time of the year. The first summer migrants have arrived in the shape of Chiffchaffs, Black Redstarts, Sand Martins, Swallows, Sedge Warblers, Wheatears and Ring Ouzels to name but a few. We still have plenty of winter Thrushes in the shape of Redwings and Fieldfares, and not all the over wintering Golden Plovers have departed. Now is the time to get out and connect that bird song to the bird. Since trees are not fully in leaf and since the birds are beginning to sing it is a good time to both listen and look.

 

THANKS once again to everyone who has been kind enough to help with both the indoor and outdoor meetings. A big thank you to those who give their time and effort to look after the catering at our indoor meetings and also to our raffle organisers for producing so much revenue for the Society.

FIELD MEETINGS

 

Our Society year started with our Bird Race on Sunday January 9^th. Once again this was a success. Since details have appeared in the Society ‘Bulletin’ I will not go into details here. Suffice to say that 30 members participated and a total of 84 species was recorded.

 

On Sunday 6^th February, Josh and Ray kindly organised and led a trip to the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Reserve at Welney. Again this event was well attended and enjoyed by all, particularly those who managed to find space in the heated ‘superhide’!

 

Sadly Alwyn’s trip that he had organised to the North West Norfolk coast had to be cancelled as a result of the inclement weather.

 

INDOOR MEETINGS

 

Professor Fred Cooke entertained those present on Thursday January 20^th to a talk about Harlequin Ducks and the Birds of the Canadian Artic. Again a wonderful talk by Fred with some excellent slides. Fred’s chatty style of presentation and the content of his talks is always entertaining.

 

On Thursday 17^th February the advertised speaker, Moss Taylor could not attend and instead Dr Rob Robinson gave an excellent presentation on ‘What is happening to Woodland Birds’

 

Our speaker on March 17^th was Steve Cale, local wildlife artist and tour leader, who gave an illustrated presentation entitled ‘Birds of the Mediterranean’. Steve highlighted one or two of the bird watching ‘hot-spots’ in the Mediterranean starting on the eastern coast of Spain and ending at the Greek island of Lesvos calling in a Majorca, Menorca and Crete along the way. I think Steve’s references to Lesvos and his photographs of the island and of some of the birds whetted the appetites of those present, particularly those who had spring trips to Lesvos organised..

 

HOLIDAYS

 

Sadly your Vice Chairman Ray has ‘not had the time’ to pen a few lines about his trip to Australia!!. I had considered including my ‘Ode to China’ but having reviewed the contents I felt it a little unsuitable for publication in such a widely read newsletter! I felt that perhaps it might make more impact and encourage members to send in short essays upon their birding holidays and/or exploits if I leave the following space!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(As David has asked me to pen a line, I’ve taken the opportunity to fill the gap with this message – “I’ll try and do better for the next editor !! But please don’t be shy and do send in reports of your holidays, an exciting visit locally or unusual sightings to the Newsletter editor”. – Ray)

MEMBERSHIP

 

The Committee have been absolutely delighted that membership has ‘held up’ so well. Membership currently stands at approximately 90. Do drag your friends along. We think if you can get them to the first meeting they will either join the Society or give up on bird watching completely!

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Don’t forget that on Sunday April 10^th Ray is leading a trip to East Norfolk. This will again be a joint trip with the Nar Valley Ornithological Society. It proved a great success last year with some stunning birds seen. Don’t forget, you can make this day out as long or as short as YOU wish. You don’t have to stay all day, nor do you have to do all the walking if you feel you would like to take a break. Meet at J Siansbury , Longwater, Costessey for an 8.30am departure. Bring wellies or walking boots and a packed lunch.

 

 

Our Annual General Meeting is on Thursday April 21^st. There will be several places to be filled on the Committee. Do please volunteer your services. If you feel there is a particular member of the Society who would be prepared to be a Committee Member please approach them and ask if they would be happy to be nominated and if so do please nominate them. Don’t forget nominations to me by no later than Saturday 16^th April.

 

Charles Neale is leading a trip to Cockthorpe Common and Stiffkey Fen on Saturday April 23^rd. Stiffkey Fen is becoming quite a ‘hotspot’ these days, and well worth a visit. Meet at Morrison’s car Park, Fakenham at 9.45am. Bring a packed lunch.

 

 

On Sunday May 8^th there will be a Dawn Chorus meeting at Sparham Pools Nature Reserve starting at 4.15 am. If previous dawn choruses have been anything to go by this will also be worth attending. Bacon Butties will be available, for a small fee, after the birding.

 

 

On May 19^th our indoor meeting speaker is *Mike Linley who will be giving and illustrated talk entitled ‘Birds From Around The Word’. It is also hoped that a short presentation about Nightjars can be organised by Committee Members.

*It is possible we may have to swap the programme due to another speaker’s unavailability. Watch out for announcements.

 

 

On Saturday 21^st May Charles Neale will again lead. This time to the Raptor watch point near Great Ryburgh. Turn up and get to grips with those Buzzards. . Meet at the Raptor Watch Point at 9am (TF971255)

 

 

On Saturday 4^th June/Sunday 5^th June there will be a ‘Bird Race’ starting any time after 7pm Saturday and finishing at 7pm on Sunday at a public house (further details to be arranged).

 

 

On Thursday June 16^th instead of our usual indoor meeting at Lenwade, the intention is to enjoy a barbeque at ‘The Feathers Hotel’ Dersingham followed by a visit to Dersingham Bog to look for Nightjars. This event will be lead by Ray.

 

WHAT’S ABOUT?

Those summer migrants should be pouring in. Blackcaps and Garden Warblers will provide a challenge if you enjoy birdsong. Listen for that pretty scratchy song of the Whitethroat, and challenge yourself to identify Reed and Sedge Warblers from their similar songs. House Martins, Swallows, and Swifts should soon be abundant, gracing the sky with their differing styles of aeronautical acrobatics. The Turtle Dove’s purring song is one of my favourites. There will shortly be so much out there to see. A beautiful time of the year.

 

 

 

 

MARATHON

 

Alwyn has submitted the following article which may be of interest. I think in turn Alwyn received it from the Hawk and Owl Trust.

 

Marathon Bird Watch; 30^th April/1^st May

 

The event will run from 08:00 on Saturday, 30^th April up to 10.12 on Sunday, 1^st May i.e. 26.2 hours (the marathon distance). The objective is to see as many bird species as possible, in Norfolk, during all or part of this time. The event is not a race or a competition between teams. The score for the event will be the total number of species recorded by everyone participating. However, to keep some local focus, there will be a small prize for the team that records the most species on Sculthorpe Moor Reserve. The Reserve will be open for an extended period and there may be some additional access off the boardwalk and down to the reed beds.

 

As a finale to the weekend’s activities a bird quiz, compiled by Mark Cocker author of Birds Brittanica, will be held in Sculthorpe Village Hall at 6.30 p.m. on May 1^st. There will be 5 rounds of questions, a sausage and mash interval, and prizes.

 

Sponsorship

 

Raising money is our (The Hawk and Owl Trust) main objective and we hope to get some corporate sponsorship to give us a ‘kick start’. Media coverage on radio and in the press will help this. There will be individual sponsorship sheets and we hope that each team will try to get some sponsorship on their own e.g. 50p a bird for the first fifty species, £1 for the next fifty, £1.50 thereafter; Raptors at £2 each. Having said that, any amount, large or small, will be most welcome. Sponsorship sheets are being sent out to Hawk and Owl Trust members in the East Anglian region in the spring edition of The Peregrine. These sheets will also be available from Les Kindleysides at 01328-853853.

 

Basic Rules

- The Recording area for the event is all of Norfolk.

- Participants should be organised into teams of 2 to 4. Each team can choose its

own area and time period to cover, it is not necessary to participate for the full 26.2 hours.

- Each team should start by registering at Sculthorpe Moor Reserve at anytime

from 08:00 on the Saturday and receiving a checklist. They should finish by returning the completed checklist to the Reserve by the end time on the Sunday.

- The Reserve will be open for teams to bird watch from 08:00 until 21:00 on the Saturday and again from 07:00 on the Sunday.

- Birds should be seen to be counted, not just heard.

 

If there are members who are interested but who cannot raise a team I suggest they contact Ray, Alwyn or Nigel Middleton to see if they can be found a team place.

 

And Alwyn has asked me to add the following message from Nigel Middleton the Warden of the Hawk & Owl Trust Reserve at Sculthorpe Moor:

 

MARSH HARRIERS

Now that Marsh Harriers are returning could people please keep a check on breeding birds. If they suspect any problems or interference with the birds, please let Nigel know. He will investigate and take matters up with the authorities if necessary. He can be contacted on 01328 878848 or on his mobile 07867 572794.

 

FINALLY

Well, this will be the last Newsletter that I shall be responsible for. I have decided that I need a break. I have enjoyed putting the Newsletter together. Thanks to all of you who have contributed articles. Thanks also to those of you who have pointed out the various mastikes that I have made!!

 

Best wishes and wonderful birding to all of you.

 

 

David Pelling

 

 

AND FINALLY, FINALLY

A VERY BIG THANKYOU to David for editing the Newsletter for us. I’m sure you’ll all agree that he’s done a sterling job and I for one will miss his wit and humour even if it has been at my expense occasionally!!

 

Ray

Hello to you all, and a special welcome to all new members.

 

I trust that you have all enjoyed the Christmas break. I wish you all a very happy New Year and hope that you will all enjoy the New Year break. January 1^st is always a good day to give that ‘year list’ a good kick and get 70 or 80 species on your list. There are lots of winter Thrushes and Finches around at the moment plus of course Waxwings. Traditionally my January 1^st jaunt was always round the North Norfolk Coast and some wonderful times have been had. Whether I shall make the North Norfolk Coast on January 1^st this year I am not sure (watch this space!).

 

THANKS to everyone who has been kind enough to give of their time and effort to make both indoor and outdoor meetings so enjoyable. In particular a big thank you to our ‘catering’ staff (!) our ‘raffle rousers’ and all those of you who have recently come forward and helped to set out and then put away the chairs at Lenwade Village Hall. Many hands have made much lighter work.

FIELD MEETINGS

 

Since the last newsletter we have had field meetings at Breydon Water and Yare Valley on November 13^th November and at Lyndford Arboretum on 4^th December. Alwyn has kindly let me have the following report of the Breydon trip:

Ten members braved the strong northerly winds and showery rain for a field trip to Breydon Water near Great Yarmouth. Our spirits were lifted when five very tame Snow Buntings were located as they fed among the flotsam and jetsam at the water’s edge. As we walked along the shoreline a flock of Lapwing drifted across the open water and a rock Pipit was flushed from a patch of rough ground below the sea wall. Several duck species including Shoveler and Wigeon were seen in flight as they sought shelter or better feeding areas. We watched a juvenile Marsh Harrier hunting over the adjacent marshes, its pale head clearly visible in the rather poor light. As we returned to our cars for some midday refreshment (and to warm up!) small flocks of Redshank, Ringed Plover and Curlew started moving to their feeding areas as the water level dropped.

 

After lunch six of the group returned to the sea bank to discover the bird numbers had increased dramatically as the mudflats had been exposed. A little Egret was spotted some distance away and two Knot feeding on the shoreline gave us an opportunity to appreciate the plumage details of this delightful wading bird. Other waders – Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, more Redshank and Curlew were observed before the worsening weather drove us to return to our cars. Although it was a relief to get back under cover we had enjoyed some good birdwatching together. Our thanks to Charles and Fran Neale for all their hard work in organising the trip – no doubt we will return to Breydon another day.

 

The trip to Lyndford Arboretum was attended by 17 members. Led by yours truly it did at one stage look as though it was going to fizzle out into a non-event but happily everyone was finally rewarded with good views of the ‘target’ bird – Hawfinch. Thanks to Bill Shepherd for spotting it. Generally the day was very quiet but in addition to Hawfinch, good views were had of Green Woodpecker, Treecreeper, good numbers of Redwing and a mixed flock of Siskin and Goldfinches. The proposed trip extension to Santon Downham did not go ahead since the day was becoming somewhat overcast and given the time of year the short period of daylight would seriously curtail the amount on time that could be spent on site. Perhaps Santon Downham can be considered for a future trip.

 

On Saturday October 9^th the ‘Wild About Norfolk’ event was held at Broadland High School at Hoveton and this turned out to be a splendid occasion. There were any number of interesting stalls and it was felt that our stand and display more than held its own with some of the bigger organisations. Many thanks to all those who attended the event. Whether or not the event takes place next year is somewhat ‘up in the air’. Once again ‘watch this space’.

 

INDOOR MEETINGS

 

Our speaker in October was Malcolm Rains who gave a presentation entitled ‘China Revisited’. Malcolm was a member of the Norfolk ‘gang of 5’ who went on the birdwatching trip to China in May 2004. Malcolm’s slides were basically of the trip that he had taken to China some 10 years previously. From comments afterwards everybody seemed to have enjoyed an interesting and informative presentation. It was particularly interesting for those of us who went to China in 2004 because we could compare the habitat and environment between Malcolm’s first and second visits. The habitat loss was tremendous. Our friends from ‘WildSounds’ also kindly came along and set out a wonderful choice of books, videos, DVDs and recordings for sale. If you need to contact them their contact details are as follows: -

 

WildSounds

Department 05

Cross Street

Salthouse

Norfolk NR25 7HX

 

Tel : 01263 741100

Fax : 01263 741100

Email : sales@wildsounds.com

 

Our November speaker was Mike Toms from the BTO who gave a talk on garden birds and bird gardens. Mike tried to help us to understand a little more about how garden bird surveys were giving the ‘boffins’ a greater insight into how garden feeding and garden habitat could affect breeding success and mortality rates. Data gained has helped to chart the decline of some species such as the House Sparrow and Starling, and an increase in other species such as Goldfinch, Woodpigeon and Collared Dove, and has helped in the understanding of these trends. Again a very interesting presentation with some colourful projections. Bintree Bird Seeds were kind enough to attend this meeting, and brought along a good selection of bird food to sell. If you need to contact them, their full address, telephone, fax and email details are as follows:-

 

Bintree Bird Seeds

Manor Farm Cubitts

Bintree

Norfolk

NR20 5NE

 

Tel : 07775 517473

Fax : 01362 684334

Email : algy.farm@farming.co.uk

 

Talking about ‘presentations’ those of you who have attended our most recent indoor meetings will be aware that we have now purchased (with the Awards for All funding) the Society’s own slide projector, stand, screen and Public Address system.

 

On December 16^th we had our Christmas get together. 40 Members attended and I think it fair to say (certainly from comments to me on their way out) the evening was enjoyed by all. Ray, Alwyn, Josh and Bill kindly organised some quiz entertainment. Ray kindly knocked up a good punch which he distributed to members on their way in. Thank you to all those who contributed food, and raffle prizes. The raffle I am told raised £50. A marvellous effort. If you have ideas for next years Christmas get together do please let your committee know.

 

 

HOLIDAYS

 

From the lack of articles submitted for publication I can only assume that nobody has had any! I still wait in vain for your vice Chairman Ray to let me have a write up on the holiday that he and Chris took ‘down under’ a year ago. Hopefully this will arrive in time for the next issue because for Christmas I gave Ray a sheet of paper and a pencil! I wondered whether I should spell vice with a capital ‘V’ but thought it might give the wrong impression!

 

As you know, Allan Hale, (one of our members), seems in his time to have travelled to most places. I reproduce here a little article that he wrote some time ago about a business trip to Dubai.

 

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH A DESERT EAGLE OWL

 

Last spring I made a business trip to the Middle East taking in Dubai, Cairo and Beirut. Luckily I was able to get my first days business in Dubai out of the way promptly, so I hired a car to drive out into the desert for some birding. First stop was the Lahbab Fields were they grow fodder for the local camels. Here I quickly picked up some good birds. An Indian Roller was perched on the telegraph wires near the entrance, and Red-wattled Lapwing patrolled the grassy fields. Little Green Bee Eaters hawked insects everywhere; Grey Francolin were common as was Crested Lark and Laughing Dove. As a large group of Swifts flew across the fields it wasn’t too difficult in the perfect light to pick out the odd Pallid Sift amongst their more common cousins. A Graceful Warbler was spotted in the scrub nervously eying up a watchful Southern Grey Shrike perched on the wires almost immediately above it.

 

The workers in the field are used to the birders that are brought here by the local guides although I did not see anybody else. I lamented the state of the grass crop, which was pathetic considering the constant irrigation (which was the magnet for the birds). Apparently the reason is the increasing saltiness of the irrigation water. The fresh-water table is lowering and the upper levels are being replaced by salt-water seeping in from the Arabian Gulf. The birds kept coming thick and fast – White-cheeked Bulbul, Little Ringed Plover, Tawny Pipit and Tree Pipit were quickly added to the list. Hoopoe were quite common, whilst Isabelline Wheatear was a species that I hadn’t seen for a couple of years. Time to press on to a site where I had seen Purple Sunbird and Red-tailed Wheatear a couple of years previously. I got Brown-necked Raven while I was still parking the car. It wasn’t exactly a car park since I was off road by a mile of so on gravely desert. Off I went on foot in the intense heat to search for the Sunbird and the Wheatear.

 

Walking up a steep sided Wadi, I glimpsed a Desert Eagle Owl flying from one side of the valley to the other. It landed out of sight so I quickly moved forward to get a closer view, after all this was an exceptionally good bird that I had never seen before. Really good views were obtained less than 50 yards distant; the bird was calling constantly and snapping its bill loudly. Feeling really satisfied, my attention was distracted by a passing Purple Sunbird so I turned away from the owl and progressed a few paces to view the Sunbird. I was aware that the owl’s calls were continuing, and indeed getting closer, so I turned to take another look at it. It was now one very unhappy bird, calling, bill snapping and walking down the wadi side towards me with wings fully outstretched. It was initially a very imposing sight, but my joy turned to caution as it got increasingly closer. This bird really meant business and at 20 feet distant I was getting seriously nervous. My natural inclination was to pick up a small rock (about the size of a golf ball) and when the owl was only 10 feet distant (yes, ten feet, -think about it- a Desert Eagle Owl is a really big bird!) I felt that a gentle under-arm throw of the rock was in order. What happened was the rock actually hit the bird. I didn’t mean it – honest! It then turned and flew off towards the far end of the wadi still swearing at me vigorously. It had all been quite unnerving. This was my cue to leave, but even then I spotted a Red-tailed Wheatear and several Pied Wheatear on the way out.

 

Back into the car and off to the next site. I crossed the border into Oman with little difficulty – surprisingly there was only a large sign to say you had left the United Arab Emirates and entered the Sultanate of Oman. Incidentally Dubai is one of the Emirates that makes up the U.A.E. Having reached the site where I expected to see raptors over the cliff tops, I was disappointed to see that the watch point was now a campsite for a group of nomadic desert Arabs. I moved quickly on, because in this day and age, a “westerner” can never be sure of a good reception from a group of Arabs. Middle Eastern politics is a very complex subject, and having fallen foul of it before, I had no wish to repeat the experience. The campsite was home to a family of Arabian Babblers so it wasn’t all bad news!

 

Off into the real desert along a fairly well worn gravel track – Avis Car Rental would not have been impressed! Desert Lark and Desert Wheatear were soon seen and Purple Sunbird was quite common; their dashing flight making for difficult viewing. Desert Lesser Whitethroat was next on the list, being little more than a slightly washed out version of our Lesser Whitethroat. An Isabelline Shrike was perched on a parched twig while the occasional Pale Crag Martin hawked insects overhead. Two “game-type” birds completed the birds seen here; the first was Sand Partridge, the other Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse. The latter was a real bonus, and the first I had seen since a birding trip to Israel in 1990.

 

Back to Dubai City where the tide should have been right in The Creek for waders and terns. Squadrons of Rose-ringed Parakeets were soon seen before I turned my attention to The Creek. I started off well by seeing a large flock of Broad-billed Sandpipers, and then a huge raft of Greater Flamingos. The common gull here was the eastern race of Yellow-legged Gull known as Pontic Gull, but I also saw Slender-billed Gull and both Gull-billed and Caspian Terns. Then it all went downhill when the local police threw me out. I protested my innocence (but not too vociferously!) before retreating as gracefully as the circumstances permitted.

 

I telephoned Colin Richardson at his office in Dubai City. Colin was originally from Scotland, and now the local bird expert in Dubai; he leads many trips in the area. He confirmed that he also has experienced problems with the local constabulary even when he leads large groups. His advice was to drive round the other side of the Creek, away from the police and continue birding there. I followed what seemed at the time like good advice and soon ticked off Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover and Pacific Golden Plover. The advice seemed a lot less acceptable when the cops arrived again. Not so easy this time; they ticked me off, but I got away with it, after undertaking to leave and not to return. Who says that birding is a quiet respectable activity?

 

Next morning was a workday, but I got up well before dawn and drove northwards towards Abu Dhabi, another of the Emirates. This time I was after Grey Hypercolius, a bird I had never seen previously, despite many trips to the Middle East. This time I was lucky, seeing not only three Hypercolius, but also Menetries Warbler.

 

From a business point of view it had been a good trip. From a birding one even better, having got two new birds. Many good memories, tempered by the intransigence of the Dubai police. However, I shall never forget that experience with the Desert Eagle Owl!

 

Thanks for that article Allan.

 

If holiday articles are not submitted for publication in the next newsletter I shall have no alternative but to ‘borrow’ another article by Allan concerning his attempt on the Icelandic ‘day list’ record.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Membership currently stands at approximately 85. Thanks to all of those of you who have joined. Do please renew your membership. Do please consider buying membership for a relative or friend as part of their Christmas present (even if a week or two late!!). If you find that we are a friendly society do please tell other people. If for any reason you don’t find us friendly – please tell us.

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

You will either have just received or will shortly receive your programme for 2005. This is your Society, and so your suggestions for field trips, and topics for indoor meetings would be most welcome.

 

Do remember the bird race on Sunday January 9^th. This is as serious and as competitive (or not) as you wish to make it. Primarily the object is to have a good day our birding. If anybody wishes to join in the bird race and would like more details about how, where and with whom, please feel free to contact me (office number 01362 692424, or Alwin on 01362 637752 or Ray on 01603 872709). If you would like to partake but have no one with whom to join up, we shall be more than happy to try to find you a leader or co-team members.

 

Our next INDOOR meeting is on Thursday January 20^th when Professor Fred Cooke will give a talk entitled ‘Birds of the Canadian Arctic’. If Fred’s past talks are anything to go by, this will be a super ‘not to be missed’ presentation. Although Fred is a Professor, he has a wonderful ability not to talk above ordinary mortals (!) and this combined with Fred’s lovely sense of humour makes his talks a real pleasure to listen to.

 

WHAT’S ABOUT?

As mentioned previously plenty of winter Thrushes and Finches. Lots of Pink Footed Geese in the North Norfolk Coastal area and marshes. During the day they can often be seen further inland especially where sugar beet tops have been left. Flocks of Pink Footed Geese are always worth scanning though. Very often they contain more unusual Geese such as Barnacle and Red Breasted Geese. Bean Geese on Buckenham marshes near Strumpshaw. A trip to Welney and the Ouse Washes will produce the spectacle of hundreds of Bewick and Whooper Swans. Feeding time at the Welney Wildfowl Centre is a spectacular. Thousands of male Pochard (the ladies winter in warmer climes!!) join with the swans and other duck species at feeding time. The Ouse Washes is a good site for Short Eared Owl. Closer to hand, Wensum Valley itself will no doubt be host to Goosander and possibly other less common water foul. During times of bad or hard weather a lot of wildfowl are driven inland. Don’t forget the Raptor roost at Great Ryburgh. Roydon Common has in the past also been a good place to look for Raptors. Try some of the more open heath and similar terrain for Great Grey Shrike. Waxwings are another good winter possibility (lots in Norwich in November), and ‘tit; flocks are always worth looking at because other species tend to mix with them – e.g. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (and sometimes Firecrest).

 

WENSUM VALLEY STUDY AREA

 

The new enlarged area has been adopted and as you know details have previously been published. If anyone is still uncertain as to the new study area please let either myself, Alwyn, or Ray know and we shall be happy to let you have details. The old irregular shaped recording area was replaced by a regular rectangular shaped area. At the suggestion of the Wensum Valley Project, this has been further slightly enlarged in the southeast corner so as to include an environmentally sensitive area which is also part of the Wensum Valley. Full co-ordinates have been made available, but basically the area in question is the area of marsh near the old May & Baker (then Rhone Poullenc and now some other whose name eludes me) works adjoining the old outer ring road round Norwich, just north of the Dereham Road roundabout. Now aren’t you lucky people! Even MORE Study Area for the same subscription! Quick, tell your friends and get them signed up while this amazing offer lasts!

 

COLOUR RINGED TREE SPARROWS.

(A note from Ray)

 

Many of you know that a flock of up to 80 Tree Sparrows are wintering on Sparham Hall Farm feeding on a block of wildbird food, mainly millet, sown by the farmer, Charles Sayer. As the birds do not breed on the farm we are trying to establish where they are breeding. At the time of writing (20^th Dec) I have caught 12 of the Tree Sparrows. All have been ringed with a metal BTO ring on the left leg and 2 of them have an orange plastic ring on the right leg. Weather permitting it is hoped to catch more of these (before the seed is finished) and ring them with both BTO metal and orange plastic rings.

If you see any Tree Sparrows will you please do your best to determine whether they have any rings, and if so, note the place and date plus any other info you consider relevant and let me have the record by whatever means is most convenient to you.

All records will be acknowledged with the history of the bird to date.

Ray Gribble, Tel 01603 872709. E-mail h.gribble@ntlworld.com

5 Morse Close, Lenwade, Norwich, NR9 5QQ

COUNTY ROOK CENSUS

(A note from Alwyn)

A new county-wide census of the Rook population is to be launched in 2006 by Bill Landells, Bryan Sage and Mark Cocker. It will probably take place in April which is the period when rookeries reach their fullest extent. Full guidance on how to survey a rookery will be provided.

 

Mark Cocker and Bill Landells are keen to hear from anyone wishing to take part and you are asked to contact them at the addresses below so they can coordinate complete coverage of the county.

 

Mark Cocker, The Hollies, The Street, Claxton, Norwich. NR14 7AA

Email markcocker@btinternet.com

 

Bill Landells, Northhaven, Marks Lane, Santon Downham, Brandon, Suffolk. IP27 0TL.

Email bland@doctors.org.uk

GOOSANDER RECORDS.

(More from Alwyn)

 

I would be interested to hear of any sightings of Goosander in the valley, especially of those seen at sites other than at Sparham Pools Nature Reserve. I am interested in finding out what other areas the birds frequent whilst overwintering in the valley. Please send any records to our Acting-Recorder, Ray Gribble at 5, Morse Close, Lenwade. NR9 5QQ or Email h.gribble@ntlworld.com or use the egroup.

 

Alwyn Jackson

 

BIRDS AND WINTER WEATHER.

(Yet more from Alwyn !)

As the winter weather closes in we can withdraw to our centrally heated homes in order to survive, but what about our birds?

 

Extremes of weather can have dramatic effects on bird survival but what impact does normal winters have?

 

Some recent work by the BTO set out to find out more.

 

As expected, increasingly adverse weather usually reduces bird survival and the impact is almost always greater for first year birds. Young birds are likely to be relatively inexperienced at foraging, and may also be excluded from the best foraging spots by adults, particularly when weather conditions are harsh and food scarce.

 

Most of the effects on bird survival occur in winter and the weather was found to be the most important determinant of annual differences in survival. Species were affected in different ways.

 

Ground foraging species, like the Dunnock and Robin suffered most in snowy weather when food was likely to be most difficult to find. Song Thrushes, on the other hand, which can dig through snow to a certain extent, were most affected by long periods of hard frost. Wrens, being small, were affected badly by most winter weather variables. In particularly bad winters survival could be half of the normal rate. However their populations seem able to bounce back rapidly as they can produce many chicks in a year.

 

The Great Tit and Blue Tit provide an interesting contrast in the effects that weather may have. The larger Great Tit, which often forages on, or close to, the ground, is affected most by snow cover, like ground foragers. The Blue Tit, however, forages much more in the tree canopy and is more exposed to bad weather, and its survival is hardest hit by long periods of cold, wet weather.

 

(Reference: “Chilly winters and hot summers”. Rob Robinson. Pp10-11 BTO News Nov-Dec 2004)

 

Alwyn Jackson.

 

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

Billy Youngman

 

Many of you will know Billy. He is one of our keenest members attending virtually all indoor meetings and field trips. You may have noticed that he was not at the Christmas Social. Unfortunately Billy has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, which is inoperable.

 

He is at home and Alwyn and I visited him and his wife Marion before Christmas. We took a small gift on behalf of the club and the best wishes of you all. Marion has sent me an e-mail thanking us and asking me to pass on her appreciation to all of you.

 

Our thoughts are with Billy & Marion

 

Ray

 

FINALLY

 

I look forward to seeing all of you again soon. Wrap up, get out, and happy birding

Best wishes.

 

David Pelling

 

Once again it’s time to say hello and I hope that you have enjoyed some good birdwatching through the summer months. I have quite enjoyed the long evenings which have once or twice given me the opportunity after a trying day at the office to take myself off to the North Norfolk Coast. I look forward to the time that I can retire and give my birdwatching more “quality” time. I know what all you retired folks say about being busier in retirement than you all were before you retired, but I have a sneaky feeling that you are only saying that for the benefit of your partners who you hope will feel sorry for you all and allow you more “free” time instead of finding you jobs to do!

 

THANKS once again to all of you who have been kind enough to help at, or organise, or contributed in any way to the enjoyment of, our meetings both indoors and in the field. As a society we are blessed with one or two regular helpers who stay in the background but contribute hugely to the success and smooth running of our meetings. Thank you also to those who have submitted articles for the Newsletter

 

FIELD MEETINGS

 

In July, Ray Gribble and Allan Hale demonstrated to those members who chose to attend, the practise of ringing (banding) birds. Those who attended the ringing session had the opportunity of observing birds in the hand at very close quarters. Many thanks to Ray and Allan for allowing members to attend their ringing session. I will not go into bird ringing in great detail here because Ray has kindly agreed to put together a small article for publication in a later newsletter.

 

On Thursday 19^th August a trip to Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve had been organised. Alwyn has kindly let me have the following report: -

 

“Fifteen members attended on what was a fine evening. The reserve is managed by the Hawk and Owl Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It consists of reed bed, valley fen, alder carr and woodland with a rich bio-diversity of flora and fauna. An agreement with English Nature will enable the Hawk and Owl Trust to restore the reed beds and the areas of fen vegetation, which have become encroached by scrub. We started by walking round the extensive boardwalk through the woodland area and spent a short time in the hide where we managed to both hear and see a Marsh Tit. Upon returning to the main entrance to await the arrival of Lindsey, (a volunteer warden), we observed a juvenile Marsh Harrier flying into the valley as well as a Sparrowhawk, a couple of Swift feeding with numerous House Martins and Stock Doves perched on some power lines nearby.

 

When Lindsey arrived we were taken on a tour of the rest of the reserve which is not open to visitors at present. Lindsey was able to show us at first hand what the extensive management work had already achieved in the restoration of the saw-sedge beds. Marsh Harriers have already returned to breed on the site and it is hoped that wintering Hen Harrier will also utilise the site in the coming years. Whilst making our way through the reed beds we heard and then saw a flock of up to 50 Long-tailed Tits accompanied by three Chiffchaffs emerge from a small elder bush. We moved on to view the newly dug scrape, situated near the river, which had already attracted several Green Sandpipers during August but sadly not during our visit. Whilst strolling back to the main entrance we had excellent views of a Barn Owl quartering the adjacent meadow.

 

Although we had not seen a great number of bird species the evening was considered to have been an interesting one by all those present and our thanks go to Lindsey for his excellent guided walk around this superb reserve”.

 

Many thanks for leading that trip Alwyn.

 

On Sunday 5^th September Alwyn and Ray led a trip to the North Norfolk Coast, searching for migrants. Despite being under considerable domestic pressure throughout September, Ray did kindly find time to put together the following report: -

 

“Eight of us met at Safeway car park Fakenham at 9am then headed off to Titchwell on an extremely hot morning. Two new members, Colin and Pamela Martin, joined us and benefited from the binoculars we bought with part of the “Awards for All” grant. (If you have friends without binoculars who are interested in birds do encourage them to come along and use the club binoculars. If indeed you would like to borrow them on a field trip please do say so). Not everyone stayed the full day on this trip as they had other commitments or they were just exhausted by the heat. (Nobody must ever feel obliged to stay the whole course but must feel free to break off or join us at any point). After Titchwell four of us went on to Holme but perhaps the best bird came when we were nearly home when we had views of an Osprey circling over “smelly hill”, Lenwade for four or five minutes before drifting off to the north-east.

 

During the day seventy-six species were seen in total. Some of what I consider were the better birds were Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Tern, Great Skua, Little Egret, Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow Wagtail, Bearded Tit, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Red-backed Shrike, Osprey.”

 

Many thanks Ray.

 

INDOOR MEETINGS

 

On Thursday July 15^th Stephen Spawls gave a talk entitled “Birds of South-East Africa”. This was an excellent presentation. Stephen had spent many years working in the area and he obviously had a wonderful knowledge of the fauna and flora. He enthralled all those present by recounting some of the local myths and legends associated with the animals and plants, and splendid photographs (including the ones taken by his wife) captured the true essence of Eastern Africa. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.

 

The indoor meeting on Thursday August 19^th was in fact the outdoor “field meeting” at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve!

 

On Thursday September 16^th Peter Lambley (from English Nature) gave a talk entitled “Managing Change on the North Norfolk Coast”.Unfortunately I missed what I am told was a well presented and interesting talk on a subject which I guess will become increasingly relevant .

 

HOLIDAYS

 

Ray and Chris Gribble earlier this year walked the Wye Valley. Ray has kindly let me have the following article: -

 

“The Wye Valley Walk through Wales is one of the many long distance walks in Britain. From its source at Plynlimon, north of Llangurig, the Wye winds through some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain to Chepstow where it runs into the Severn estuary 136 miles later.

 

After at least one false start many years ago (when the walk was 38 miles shorter!) we set out in mid-June to make a start. Although the official guide starts in Chepstow and ends near Plynlimon we all know water runs downhill so I decided to start near the source. No point in walking up more hills than you need to. We were to make our base at Rhayader where we would camp and use taxis to take us to one end of each days walk and walk back. On the drive across we had 2 Red Kites cavorting in the skies above the A14. On arrival at Rhayader we went into the Tourist Information Office to enquire about taxis only to be told “We used to have one but when the driver passed away we have not got a replacement”. Plan One straight out of the window. “Are there any buses?”. “Oh yes” was the reply, handing me several different timetables from different coach companies. To be studied later, first thing now is to decide where to camp – a large caravan/camping site with all facilities or Gigrin Farm with minimal facilities but where they feed the Red Kites. No contest – waking to magnificent views and returning to 30+ Red Kites wheeling in the air with Buzzards and Ravens above Gigrin Farm won easily.

 

After studying the bus timetables we had a master plan and on the Saturday morning we caught the bus from Rhayader to Llangurig via the scenic route for £1.20 each. The Welsh must enjoy better subsidies than we do in Norfolk. We then walked the 12 miles back to Rhayader. Although this was not a birding holiday I did take a pair of binoculars, no surprise there. In addition to many of the common birds we would expect in Norfolk I soon saw Red Kite, Buzzard, Raven, Wheatear, Redstart, Wood Warber, Dipper, Siskin and Pied Flycatcher.

 

On Sunday we drove further up the Valley to Sweet Lamb Farm and did the walk from here to Plynlimon and back, 8 miles. The habitat was mainly moorland consequently fewer birds were seen but I did add Tree and Meadow Pipit, Sparrowhawk and Spotted Flycatcher to the holiday list.

 

Monday was bus to Newbridge and walk the 10 miles back. New birds of note were Grey Wagtail, rather surprising this took so long, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Redpoll, Snipe and Peregrine.

Tuesday bussed to Builth Wells and walked the 7 miles back to Newbridge. Fewer birds left to add now but we did see Grey Heron, Goosander and Common Sandpiper.

 

Wednesday is when the master plan went totally pear-shaped. There is only one bus a week from Builth to Hay-on-Wye on a Wednesday. We were going to catch this as far as Boughrood for a 13 mile walk. It was absolutely bucketing down with no sign of letting up all day. I don’t mind showers but continuous rain when you are camping – no thanks!! So we did a 7 mile fill in between Sweet Lamb and Llangurig then cut our losses, decamped and headed home having completed about 40 miles of the route. During this walk I saw 67 species and thoroughly enjoyed the walking. I am sure Chris and I will return and complete the walk in the next year or two.

 

The spectacle of scores of Red Kite with Ravens and Buzzards is not to be missed. I can recommend a visit to Gigrin Farm at Rhayader where you can also see the other Welsh specialities – Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Dipper and Peregrine – either on the farm walk or nearby. There are toilets, and a gift/tea shop as well as hides to watch the feeding raptors from. It costs £2 or £3 to visit but is well worth it. The farmer, Eithel Powell, his wife Lena and son Chris will always make you welcome but don’t mention the taxman to Eithel if you want to avoid a long conversation!!”

 

Many thanks for that Ray and having ably demonstrated your literacy you now have no excuse for not letting me have an article on “bird ringing” and another following your visit to Canada with Allan (Hale) next year!

 

Brenda Palmer has kindly written the following article about a trip that she and John took to the Isles of Scilly: -

“Out of Season Birding on the Isles of Scilly”

John and I took a trip to the Isles of Scilly early in June this year, never having been before. It was a package tour with a local coach company and we were based in Hugh Town, St. Mary’s, right next to the harbour and very central for everything. As all you experienced birders will know, June is not a good time for birds there, but this was a convenient time for us and we wanted to “get a flavour” of the Islands, having heard so much about them.

 

The weather was extremely kind; in fact it was the short heat-wave experienced by most of the country at the beginning of June. However on the Isles of Scilly this brought in some rather heavy mists, although it was still very warm. We are not into guided tours and bus trips, so we took ourselves off with our rucksacks and binoculars to see what we could find. We explored the whole of the coastal path and the inner Nature Trails and hides and were generally rewarded with very little that could be called “unusual”. However, what was very captivating was the number of Song Thrushes. We encountered them on almost every path we took, running ahead of us and hopping off to the side to let us pass. They are so trusting, they will eat from your hand and stand close to your feet, or even perch on the picnic tables, waiting for titbits. They can be heard singing everywhere. In addition, we were told by one guide that the number of Wrens on the Island is greater than the Herring Gulls (of which there are many). This again was evident as they could be heard singing from the top of every bush, post or high point everywhere. House Sparrows are also numerous and very cheeky, hopping on and around the picnic tables, often joined by Chaffinches and Song Thrushes.

 

Our walks near to the beaches produced a couple of Rock Pipits, a few Oystercatchers, a family of Shelducks, hundreds of Gulls, Lesser, Great Black Backed and Herring. A few Common Terns, which we saw on a boat trip, when we were also fortunate to see Puffins, Guillemots, Gannets, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Cormorants, Shags, Grey Atlantic Seals and a Peregrine Falcon. A rare treat one day, whilst sitting on a bench having a break was an enormous flock of Linnets! We were told later that they are common on St. Mary’s and are often seen.

 

Obviously, we saw no rarities but it was encouraging to see large numbers of “common” birds which have become less so in our area”,

 

Brenda, thank you so much for taking time out to let me have the above. May your example shine like a beacon to every other single member of the Society!

 

Now I really couldn’t ignore China could I?

 

In May Ray, Alwyn, Allan, myself and Malcom Rains (a member of Nar Valley Ornithological Society and our October speaker) joined a Sunbird trip to China. The five of us met up at Downham Market Railway Station, Allan having been delegated the task of organising the rail tickets. Since Allan had some sort of rail card that entitled him to buy tickets at a considerable discount for himself and a travelling partner Allan purchased two tickets followed by a further two tickets followed by a single ticket. The whole cost was added together and split by five and we each made a considerable saving. Unfortunately after having taken our seats on the train and shortly after the train had left Downham Market Station we were asked to produce our tickets. This we duly did. The tickets obviously have some marking or code which indicates that they have been purchased with the aid of a railcard. The guard asked for production of the railcard. Allan of course had left it at home! He and Allan then indulged in a very deep discussion about railcards and railcard conditions which resulted half an hour later with Allan having to stump up a considerable amount of dosh because one railcard can only purchase two concessionary tickets. As good a salesman as he is Allan totally failed to “sell” on this occasion.

 

The following morning, having spent the night at one of the airport hotels, we joined up with ten other Sunbird birders at Heathrow Airport and joined our flight to Beijing (the capital of China, formerly known as Peeking) travelling via Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris. We were met at Beijing Airport by the Sunbird leader, Paul Holt. Dumping luggage at our hotel in Beijing Paul then did a whistle stop tour of Beijing taking in Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and McDonalds before a short introduction to Chinese birding in a nearby park. Here we encountered our first Red Billed Blue Magpies, Azure Winged Magpies, Large-billed Crows, Red-rumped Swallows, Pallas’s and Yellowed-browed Warblers and Eastern Crowned Warblers. After a couple of hours birding we went back to our hotel, cleaned up and went for our first Chinese meal in the hotel restaurant. Now I don’t “do” stress. For me a meal is something to enjoy. It follows therefore that I don’t “do” chopsticks either. I am, as Allan says, a “very wise man”. I had packed a knife, fork and spoon. Therefore I thoroughly enjoyed my first Chinese meal. As was to invariably be the case throughout our stay in China, the food was excellent and plenty of it. The beer was most acceptable as well. Being a well educated and well brought up Englishman and having impeccable table manners I did, on finishing my meal, very neatly place my knife, fork and spoon side by side on my plate. I went to bed; and my cutlery went to the kitchen, the cutlery never to be seen again. Oh well. Anyway, I had an excellent night’s sleep, but apparently Ray and Alwyn were not so fortunate having somehow managed to block their en-suite toilet (oh horrors!!)

 

Day two in China saw us travel from Beijing through to Beidaihe via the (fairly) new arterial highway which, for the most part, was dual carriageway. On the way we stopped for a picnic breakfast and undertook a little more birdwatching, ticking off Grey Capped Woodpecker,Yellow Rumped and Elisaes Flycatchers, Daurian Redstart, White-browed Chinese Warbler, Plain Laughing Thrush, Common Rosefinch, and Godlewski’s, Chestnut-eared, and Little Buntings to name but a few.Our journey then continued and on arrival at Beidaihe I must confess to being extremely surprised at its size. I had imagined a small, somewhat laid back quiet Chinese town. Not a bit of it. It is huge. It is difficult to accurately assess the size of the place but my feeling was that it was much akin to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth lumped together. It was busy, bustling and noisy. But the hotel and the birdwatching were both excellent. Although perhaps in need of a lick of two of paint and a little general tidying up the hotel was (certainly in Chinese terms) modern. Ray and Alwyn however again managed to block their toilet. Well, when the system was flushed certainly nothing went down and a murky tide came in. Being in urgent need, Ray thought he would nip down and use the toilets near the reception area only to find that those toilets too suffered a similar malaise!

 

Anyway, the birdwatching in and around Beidaihe was absolutely excellent. We visited places such as Radar Marsh (which is now almost not a marsh being progressively “landfilled”), Wet Boot Marsh (which is rapidly being turned from marsh into cultivated rice fields), Lighthouse Point (from where we were evicted by the military as a result of our using high powered telescopes and photographic equipment), the Sandflats (which we think is the training ground for Chinese cockle diggers and at which place adjoining areas of former marsh have been or are being filled with rubble and rubbish), the reservoirs (an inspection of which explains why it is not sensible to drink tap water) and the Lotus Hill which from once being a good quiet birding location will soon be readily accessible to all and sundry as a result of the growing population of Beidaihe and the fact that there seems to be some industrial operation being carried out at the Lotus Hills which has resulted in tracks being made into the hills large enough for heavy lorries.

 

Despite all this we did enjoy some brilliant birding, ticking off many species of which

Von Schrencks Bittern, Yellow Bittern, Daurian Starling, White-cheeked Starling, Light-vented Bulbul, Red-throated (Taiga) Flycatchers loads of Gulls & Waders (can’t you just tell they do little for me – well they ain’t so pretty), Fork-tailed Swifts, and White-throated Neddletails (one of the sights of the holiday), and a massive ‘fall’ of Brown Shrikes were among the highlights. Tree Sparrows were everywhere, probably the most common bird. I had worried that I would not see birds such as Siberian Rubythroat, Red-flanked Bluetail and Siberian Blue Robin. Well, I did, and what cracking birds they turned out to be!!

 

After spending a few days at Beidaihe we travelled south to Happy Island where we stayed three nights. {I don’t know whether any of you have seen any birding videos showing Happy Island. If you have, things have improved – slightly). Ray and Alwyn, Allan and Malcolm (who room shared at other places) and I (who otherwise managed to get a room to myself) shared a chalet. I made jolly sure that I was always up and about and in and out of the toilet before anybody else got a chance to block it. The chalet was comfortable and plenty large enough. Once again the birdwatching was excellent. Among the birds that we ticked during our stay were Large Hawk Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, Saunder’s Gull, Relict Gull, and amongst the Thrush sp. We saw Eye-browed, Siberian, Dusky and Naumann’s. Perhaps one of the highlights for me was almost treading on a Lanceolated Warbler which shot out from a tussock of grass under my feet, into another tussock of grass. From here it slowly worked its way out in typical mouse like fashion and actually worked its way between the feet of one of the surrounding circle of birders.

 

From Happy Island back to Beidaihe for a day or two and then we travelled north and stayed two nights in the hills at “Old Peak”. The journey up into the hills was breathtaking. The road wound its way snake like slowly, and it seemed interminably, upwards. We finally reached our hotel which again was a modern hotel and very acceptable. Perhaps not so acceptable is the huge dam which they seem to have almost completed but which now seemed to have been abandoned and which unfortunately was something of a blot on the hillside. Never mind though, the birding once more was superb. Here we managed to catch up with Grey-backed Thrush, Grey-sided Thrush, Red-billed Chough, White-bellied Redstart (what a stunner!), Chinese Nuthatch, and one of the birds I enjoyed the most, Asian Stubtail.

 

After our stay at Old Peak we travelled back to Beidaihe where we spent the rest of our trip. We travelled back to Beijing early on the morning of our last day. We paid a visit to the Imperial Palace where we enjoyed our final birding in China and where at long last Alwyn managed to catch up with Red Breasted Crake.

 

A wonderful trip, a wonderful experience, wonderful friends and wonderful birding. In addition to that Paul Holt was a wonderful leader. The total species list was 234 or 235 depending upon whether or not one was happy to “tick” a bird on a half second sighting! Me? I think it was 234 but I was happy with all of my sightings. Some I would have liked better and longer sightings of but on the whole I was well satisfied with what I saw and cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who thinks of birding China. I am reliably informed that if they go again Ray and Alwyn are proposing to enrol on a plumbing course and to take with them their own Dyno-Rod kit!

 

BIRD SIGHTINGS

 

We are currently encountering some difficulty with the retrieval system for the bird sightings and so I am afraid that bird sightings for May 2004 onwards will have to appear in the next Newsletter. Apologies about this but “normal service will be resumed as soon as possible”.

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Please bring along as many friends/new members as you can. We need the money!

 

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

At our October indoor meeting “WildSounds” are kindly attending and will have for sale a good range of books, tapes, videos, CDs, et cetera. Now is the time to buy him/her/them that Christmas present.

 

Don’t forget the “Wild About Norfok” Conservation Fair which this year takes place at Broadland High School, Hoveton on Saturday 9^th October from 10am to 4:30pm. If you haven’t previously been to the Wild About Norfolk event do come along. It’s a good day out. There is lots of interest for absolutely everybody. It takes in a number of wildlife interests and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information about this event there is a contact telephone number 01508 538166. Television’s Nick Baker is to be this years “special guest”.

 

WHAT’S ABOUT?

Well migration is again in progress. A lot of our summer “visitors” have disappeared. Others are on the move. Some (for example House Martins and Stone Curlews) will linger for a few more weeks. Soon we shall be hearing and seeing Redwings Fieldfares, Bramblings, and Winter Geese and Ducks as they arrive for their winter stay. Have you noticed how corvids (i.e. Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws) are now flocking together and beginning to go into their large roosts. Similarly I have noticed increasing numbers of Greenfinches going into roost. I am told its all out there if you look for it!

 

WENSUM VALLEY STUDY AREA

 

A number of people have apparently encountered difficulty in determining whether or not their bird sightings have been within the study and recording area. Given the unusual shape of the area that we currently study this is not surprising! For this reason the Committee have, after some deliberation, come to the conclusion that it would really be sensible to extend the study area so that on the map it is a clear rectangle. This will of course mean increasing the area covered by the Society, but hopefully it will then make it much more obvious whether bird sightings/records are within the area or without. The suggested new co-ordinates are TF800 320 (Tattersett in the north-west corner), TF800 100 (Sporle in the south-west corner), TG200 100 (Erpingham in the north-east corner) and TG200 320 (Costessey in the south-east corner).

 

We would like your views. There is at the end of this Newsletter a slip which perhaps you would be kind enough to complete and then either hand in at our October indoor meeting or send back to Alwyn (Jackson) at Mandola, Mill Street, Elsing, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 3EJ. If those of you who receive the Newsletter by e-mail would prefer to e-mail the reply, please feel free to do so. If you could just make the effort to complete and return the form it really would be helpful. Thank you.

 

FINALLY

 

Well I hope that this Newsletter hasn’t been too much for you! Do remember to keep sending your bird sightings in. Don’t forget that the “e-group” is a good way of exchanging views and information and also asking any questions.

 

Your Committee are currently working on next year’s programme for both indoor and outdoor meetings. We are trying to arrange a good mix of local and not so local topics. We are hoping to organise a January and also a June “bird race”. These are fun days out birdwatching. They are only as competitive as you wish to make them. Do join in. We try to mix and match less proficient bird watchers with those perhaps more proficient. The January bird race will be on January 8^th. Make a note of it in your diary. It would be helpful if you can let us have some indication at our November or December meetings if you can join in so that we have some idea of numbers. We are proposing that for those who would like to, we can, at the end of the “race” enjoy a pub meal. Last year we finished at “The Bridge” Public House, Lenwade. Of course if you prefer not to you don’t have to stop for a pub meal.

 

The Committee are also considering the possibility of running a “bring and buy” stall (perhaps every other monthly indoor meeting). Is there anybody out there willing to volunteer to undertake the running of such a stall?

 

AND REALLY FINALLY

Alwyn has just sent in the following: -

 

“Your Local Patch

I am often asked how you go about improving your bird identification skills and apart from

· Reading about the ID features of birds in field handbooks

· Becoming familiar with the ID features and the songs and calls of the birds in your garden

· Going with experienced bird watchers on birdwatching trips and asking them questions like “How do you know that little brown bird in that bush is a Whitethroat?”

· Using every opportunity to test your ID skills like trying to identify birds in magazines or books before looking at the caption

 

there is no better way than developing knowledge of the birds in your local area. Every place is worth exploring for its birdlife and by getting to know your local and common birds thoroughly you will give yourself an excellent grounding when you visit areas further afield – so forget the rarities and concentrate on common birds.

 

Birdwatching can easily be combined with other activities, the daily walk with the dog, fishing, the weekly shopping trip or even the journey to work, but do take care if your driving! Get into the habit of opening your eyes and ears to the birds around you wherever you happen to be. Your senses will soon become sharper.

 

Choose a suitable area that is within easy reach of your home, somewhere you can walk or cycle to. An area like a patch of rough ground, a piece of woodland, an old gravel pit, a fishing pond, a country lane, a path along a disused railway line like Marriott’s Way or a riverside walk. Ideally somewhere that has a mixture of habitats is likely to produce a good variety of birds through the year. With successive visits you can gradually build up a picture of the population – what occurs where and when.

 

Be careful not to take on more than you can manage. If you enjoy no more than a gentle half-mile stroll, that’s fine. The important thing is that your chosen area should be close enough for you to visit frequently, if not every day then at least once or twice a month.

 

Keep a record of what you see, write down the date, the species seen and the number of birds in a flock as well as a few notes about the weather. In this way you will begin to relate the birds to the prevailing weather conditions so you gradually create a more complete impression of local bird populations and their movements. On the subject of records, don’t forget to send any significant sightings to our recorder so the Society can also build up a picture of the birdlife in the valley through the year.

 

Its never too late to get started so have a go and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Just get into the habit and gradually those ID skills will develop”.

 

 

Anyway, thank you for reading this. I look forward to seeing you all at our indoor meetings and/or our field trips.

 

Best wishes.

 

David Pelling

 

I/We do/do not agree to the proposed change to the Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society study area to the coordinates set out in the Society Newsletter of October 2004.

Name:…………………………………….

Name:…………………………………….

 

Personally, I don’t know where this last three months has gone. No sooner is one Newsletter published than I seem to start on the next, reflecting upon the events of the last three months.

THANKS

Again, many thanks to all of those involved in the organising and leading trips and meetings and again to those who have been kind enough to look after the catering arrangements at our indoor meetings. Also to those who have submitted articles for this Newsletter

FIELD MEETINGS

Since the date of the January Newsletter we have again had some enjoyable field meetings despite once more encountering some unfortunate weather conditions.

Our first event was the WVBS Bird Race 2004.

The WVBS Bird Race took place on Saturday 3^rd January with 4 teams entering on the day and a 5^th team doing it on the Friday as they were unable to participate on the Saturday. We all met at the Bridge Inn, Lenwade afterwards to share experiences.

In total 86 species were recorded. Two teams recorded 70 species, followed by 69, 64 and 59. This was a brilliant effort on everybody’s part and well done to you all.

Highlights included:

A Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor (their first ever record), Bewick’s Swan – 3 over Hoe and a single at Lyng, Goldeneye at Swanton Morley and Sennowe, Smew at Swanton Morley. Swanton Morley also produced Kingfisher, Snipe, Redshank and Green Sandpiper. Grey Partridge were only found NW of Gt. Ryburgh. Golden Plover were only found by 1 team – at Hoe and Elsing.

All teams got Barn Owl but Little Owl proved elusive on the Saturday but 1 was recorded on Friday. Green Woodpecker was at Hoe and Sculthorpe – the latter only being seen by 1 of my team so we could not count it, damn. Grey Wagtails were recorded at West Raynham, Bintree Mill and Bylaugh Sewerage Works. The latter also held a wintering Chiffchaff. Both Marsh and Willow Tits were at Sculthorpe Moor and Marsh was also recorded at Swanton Morley.

In the Finch family 6 Brambling were recorded at Broom Hill, Siskin were at Fustyweed and Sculthorpe Mill (80-100) where there were also 4 Redpoll.

The most important thing was that everyone who took part thoroughly enjoyed the day, in many cases going to places they had never or rarely visited before. The overwhelming view of the participants was that they would like to repeat it so we will organise another in May. Watch out for details.

Our next field meeting was a joint field meeting with Narvos on Saturday 7^th February and was a half-day meeting at Sparham Pools Nature Reserve. This was lead by Alwyn Jackson. Again. Ray reports as follows: -

Eighteen members from WVBS and Narvos met in the car park at Sparham Pools on a bright but very windy morning. Alwyn gave a brief history of the reserve before setting off around the southern edge, along the river and back by the northern edge. Normally we are restricted to the periphery of the lake but the owner, Charles Sayer (a keen birder) had given us permission to go over his adjoining land.

Greylag Goose, Coot, Great crested Grebe, Mute Swan and Cormorant were soon seen as were Goosander, for which Sparham is well know, and we eventually had a maximum count of twelve. But the passerines (small perching birds) were keeping their heads down in the gale. Starling, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits Robin and Wren were evident but the usually present Marsh Tit and Treecreeper managed to totally elude us. A Grey Wagtail, which nests on the nearby mill, foraged around the edge of a new pit and possibly the same bird was seen again on the edge of another pit. Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Teal and Wigeon were seen by all, but the highlight was a female Scaup which is a rare winter visitor to the valley. As we squelched along the flooded riverbank three Common Snipe were put up.

In total thirty-nine species were seen including the five common gulls plus Egyptian Goose, Skylark and Goldfinch.

Everyone enjoyed the morning and Alwyn did well to find as many birds on a very challenging day. His timing was also good as it poured down not long after we’d finished.

Thank you to all who attended and Alwyn for leading it.

On 8^th March Charles and Fran Neale kindly led a meeting at Snettisham. Our Vice Chairman Ray Gribble penned the following report: -

The object of the day was to enjoy the spectacle of 10,000’s of the waders that winter on the Wash wheeling around as they are forced up off the Wash by the incoming Spring tide. It should be mentioned at this point that Snettisham can be a very bleak place when the weather is against you.

We set off from home in a nasty drizzle, with me wondering whether I should have stayed indoors and watched the rugby on TV with a warming dram or two, instead of getting soaked. Fortunately by the time 19 members gathered in the RSPB car park at Snettisham at 1:15pm the precipitation had stopped even though the sky was not much brighter. While some people who had not eaten lunch had a quick picnic the others had a stroll and found Barn Owl quartering some rough ground. Fortunately another, or possibly the same bird, was seen by everyone at the far end of the reserve later in the day.

Walking south alongside the pits we saw many of the more common water birds, e.g. Greylag and Canada Geese, Mallard, Moorhen & Coot. At the end of the first pit was a female Goldeneye followed by several more on the far pits including some spectacular drakes. On reaching the shore there were many waders within viewing distance of the bank. The sharing of telescopes helped the leaders point out the salient features of the birds as they probed the mud for food. In about twenty minutes a good number of wader species were added to the trip list – Dunlin (100s), Knot (1000s), Redshank (10s), Bar-tailed (50-100) and Black-tailed (50), Godwits, Ringed Plover (10), Curlew (10), Golden (500) and Grey (10, Plovers, Oystercatcher (100s) and Avocets (60). Large numbers of Shelduck and Teal were also out on the mud flats.

On to the most southerly pit and into the first hid just in time to avoid a soaking as a shower moved in. Excellent timing Charles!! We soon added Gadwall, Pochard, Wigeon and Turnstone from the hide. At the next hide an adult Mediterranean Gull was found among the hordes of noisy Black-headed Gulls. While walking to the final hid a female Marsh Harrier flew over our heads and out over the Wash. This was followed a little later by a Little Egret flying northeast, presumably to roost.

Time was pressing now so we headed back by the shore as the light faded, but still appreciating the masses of Knot, Dunlin and other waders wheeling around in their 10,000s as the tide was coming rapidly in, covering the mud and preventing them feeding. Some of us, including our leader, had to leave at this point while others continued to enjoy the spectacle, because spectacle it truly is. I was about 200 metres from the car when the heavens opened. Good timing again Charles. I trust those who stayed did not get too soaked.

In total 46 species were recorded. Very good for the limited range of habitat.

Many thanks to Charles and Fran for leading an excellent trip.

Our next field meetings are Sunday April 4^th, visiting Waxham Horsey and Winterton. Meet at Sainsbury’s car park, Longwater, Norwich to depart at 8:30am. This is led by Ray Gribble. On May 1^st there will be a dawn chorus at Sparham Pools Nature Reserve meeting in the Reserve car park at 4:15am. This will be concluded by bacon butties. On 3^rd June there will be an evening field meeting at West Raynham meeting at 7pm on the grass verge 600 meters east of West Raynham on the East Raynham Road, map reference TF876254, leader Alwyn Jackson. This will be followed on June 17^th by an evening field meeting in the Brecks meeting at Swaffham Market Place at 7pm. Leader Ray Gribble.

On Sunday June 27^th the intention is that we have a field meeting at Benton Cliffs or Mindsmere. The venue depends upon members’ level of interest.

INDOOR MEETINGS

In January we had a marvellous talk by Dr. Ian Burrows who gave an illustrated talk entitled “Papua New Guinea – A Naturalists Paradise”. A splendid talk and some splendid slides.

On 19^th February Chris Knights (Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2003) again gave an illustrated talk, which revolved around Chris’ and adjoining farmland in the Breckland area. Chris’ farm now is the breading site for a very large percentage of the British Breading Stone Curlews. Again, a wonderful talk with some wonderful slides.

On March 18^th our AGM was held. Basically the Committee remains the same with the exception that Charles Neale and Liz Waller voluntarily resigned owing to pressure of other commitments. Josh Leeder was elected to be a new member of the Committee. After getting through the business part of the evening, Allan Hale kindly gave a presentation about bird migration through Senegal. Again, some wonderful slides with some wonderful anecdotes.

Our next indoor meeting will be on April 15^th. I shall be showing some very poor slides of some excellent birds in some wonderful places.

On May 20^th Peter Ransom will be giving a talk about “Birds and other wildlife of East Anglia”. There will be no indoor meeting in June.

E-GROUP

This has proved to be most popular. For those who want to join contact Ray Gribble by telephone 01603 872709, or email him at h.gribble@ntlworld.com. The email group “address” is WensumvalleyBS@yahoogroups.com.

BIRD SIGHTINGS

Please keep the sightings coming. Don’t forget, send them to Bill Shepherd at Billshepherd@onetel.net.uk. If you can’t contact Bill you can always contact any Committee member who will always pass your sightings on to Bill. Bill has kindly penned the following report for December 2003, and January & February 2004:-

December is always a quiet month for birding, but Christmas cam early for Bob Bradley when he found a Bittern in a small reed bed at Sparham Pools on the 22^nd. The local grape fine got to work and I dare say that this reed bed became the most watched in the area. It paid off on the 29^th when Jane and Bill Shepherd saw the bird feeding early a.m. Sparham Pools contributed to many of the records for December. A pair of Goldeneye were there on the 30^th, the Goosander flock peaked at 11 on the 13^th and Pochard numbers rose to 52 on the 29^th. Sparrowhawks were reported from Fustyweed, Lenwade and Little Ryburgh, a flock of c300 Rooks were reported from Taverham on the 14^th and 58 Starlings reported from the same site on the 10^th. The first Brambling report came from Twyford on the 7^th.

Early January saw the first Bird Race organised by the Club and due to the inability of one team to find a Redwing, two teams shared first place. The complete list of birds seen by the teams has been published so I shall only pick out some of the more interesting species. Bittern again featured. One was flushed form the riverbank at Sculthorpe Moor and a Bewick Swan was found at Lyng with about 100-150 Mute Swans. Bob Bradley struck again in January by finding a female Scaup at Three Bridges Pond Elsing (the recorder went to check on the following day and found a male with the female).

A Smew was seen at Sparham Pool and Swanton Morley Pits on the 2^nd. A Peregrine Falcon was spotted in Lyng Easthaugh area on the 24^th. Records from Sennow Park on the 25^th also produced 1 Goshawk, 2 Sparrowhawk and 1 Common Buzzard. This species was also seen at South Raynham and 12 Grey Partridge were seen at West Raynham. A Water Rail was seen at Sparham Pools on the 4^th. Old Costessey produced the only record so far of a Woodcock on the 29^th. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen feeding on peanuts in a Lyng Garden on the 29^th. Sightings of Kingfisher were reported from Mill Street, Swanton Morley, Taverham and Worthing. A male Stonechat was seen from the bridge at Mill Street on the 2^nd and 4^th. A female over-wintering Blackcap was feeding on peanuts at Mill Street on the 10^th and a Chiffchaff found at Bylaugh on the 14^th. Both Marsh Tit and Willow Tit were seen at Sculthorpe Moor on the 2^nd. Siskin numbers increased to about 60 at Lenwade and 75 at Sparham Pools during the month.

In February about 150 Bewick Swans flew northeast over Sparham Pool on the 16^th and the flock of Pochard reduced to 29 by the end of the month. 2 Common Buzzard were reported over Lyng on the 14^th and 4 at Sennow Park on the 28^th. Snipe were reported from Old Costessey for most of the month, with the greatest number 20 on the 23^rd. 2 Green Sandpipers were seen at Sparham Pool on the 14^th, Barn Owls were reported from many sites during the month, a male Stonechat was at Old Costessey on the 23^rd. The flock of Fieldfare at Fustyweed increased by c70 by the end of the month with c30 Redwing at the same site. There were 7 Brambling at Twyford on the 11^th. Sparham Pool was again best for Siskin with c40 there on the 13^th. Common Redpoll were reported at Lenwade, 2 on the 13^th and 7 on the 22^nd.

Bill Shepherd

Recorder

Thanks very much for that Bill

MEMBERSHIP

Don’t forget – do please bring along your friends. We like to think we’re friendly people, willing to help in any way we can, and basically intent on enjoying our birdwatching wherever it might be.

WHAT’S ABOUT

Well, at the moment the Winter Thrushes, Finches, Geese and Ducks will be travelling north again and their places will be taken by our summer visitors. At the time of writing this some have already arrived in the form of Chiffchaff. Reports of early Swallows, Sandmartins and Housemartins on the south coast in February! April should bring birds here in abundance. Look out not only for Chiffchaff but also Willow Warblers, Swallows, Sand Martins among the more obvious. Late April will start bringing in some of the later arrivals, the most obvious perhaps being Swifts. On the coast Wheatears should be pretty obvious. It is all beginning to happen out there so get out and enjoy it!

Our outdoor meeting to Waxham Horsey and Winterton should be excellent from an incoming migrant point of view.

WHAT DO OTHER PEOPLE DO

I thought the following might be of interest and amusement. It was sent to me by Colin Wright who in turn received it from a birding friend of his down in Cheltenham: -

“I am in the middle of a big gull study at the moment. Gloucester wants to get rid of its roof nesting gulls, so has organised a massive scare at the rubbish tip in March. There are going to be falcons, propane explosive devices like the farmers’ use, pyrotechnics and distress calls. The gulls are going to be so panic stricken that they are going to all fly away and never return. That’s what the councillors think anyway. We’ve been engaged to find out what happens. Personally I believe that we shall quickly discover who does night duty among the people that live close to the tip, but it will be an interesting exercise in showing how council taxpayers money is wasted. We are hoping to catch some gulls tomorrow with a cannon net and ring them. All good fun!”

BREEDING NIGHTJARS

The BTO are conducting a National Breeding Nightjar 2004. Volunteers are required to help the survey. It will involve two evening visits to record Churring males in the period from end of May to mid-July in calm and warm (hopefully) weather conditions.

Survey areas will be identified by the BTO and recording cards produced for each survey site. Additional survey data will include some habitat data for sites.Full details of the survey methods will be with the survey card. No previous experience is necessary, just a good ear for Churring Nightjars. Anyone interested should please contact Ian Henderson or Greg Conway at BTO on 01842 750050 or Nick Gibbons at The Forestry Commission on 01842 816019.

BTO MIGRATION WATCH

Have you ever though about where the first Swallow of the spring is recorded, where the next ones are and the pattern of arrival across the country? Migration Watch is an exciting web-based project designed to answer exactly these kinds of questions.

The idea is simple; you make a note of the birds you see each day, either out birdwatching, from the office or the garden and enter your daily observations on a simple to use web page. Every night the Migration Watch computer at BTO headquarters will look at all the records submitted that day and observers across the country and will produce up-to-date maps showing the arrival and spread of summer migrants throughout Britain and Ireland.

 

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts of all abilities can take part in Migration Watch. If large numbers of volunteers join in the project then a large amount of unique and fascinating information will be gathered. The project will focus primarily on summer visitors and passage migrants but the BTO will also be interested to know when the last Redwings, Fieldfares and Bramblings are seen.

Taking part in Migration Watch is easy. Just log on to www.bto.org/migwatch for more information.

Well I think that’s it for now folks. Do enjoy your birdwatching. Do send those articles in please. I look forward to seeing you at the next meetings.

 

David Pelling

In the words of David Frost “Hello and welcome”.

I hope that you have all had a good Spring and are enjoying the Summer. I just hope that you are finding enough free time to get out and do some quality birding. Personally I seem to be finding it harder and harder to find time to get out – maybe its because I don’t manage my time as well as I once did!

THANKS

A word of thanks here to all of those involved in organising and leading trips and meetings (and in particular the May meeting when Ray, Alwyn and myself were absent) and again, to all those who have been kind enough to look after the catering arrangements and organising raffles. Also to those who have submitted articles for the Newsletter.

FIELD MEETINGS

Since the last Newsletter members have enjoyed a dawn chorus at Sparham Pools on May 1st, an evening meeting at West Raynham on June 3rd, an outdoor evening meeting in the Brecks on June 17th and a full day meeting at Minsmere on June 27th.

Colin Wright has kindly penned a few lines about the dawn chorus as follows: -

“We met at the car park at the unheard of time of 4:15am. Although not quite light the birds were already in full song, especially the Garden Warbler and Chiff Chaff. Overall we saw, or heard, 57 different species which included the Tawny Owl, Blackcap, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Barn Owl, Tree Creeper, Goldcrest, Osprey, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Sand Martin, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler and Nuthatch. Well worth getting up for – especially the hot bacon butties for those who stayed the course.

Alwyn reports on the West Raynham and the Boughton Fen/Brecks Trips: -

“Outdoor meeting at West Raynham – June 3rd
Thirteen members attended the evening outdoor meeting at West Raynham on Thursday 3rd June despite the damp, dull weather conditions. A total of 42 species were noted including a Garden Warbler feeding its brood; distant views of a Sparrowhawk, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Great Crested Grebe on the parkland lake. Swallow, House Martin, Swift all flying around near the lake. Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Mistle Thrush in full song. Oystercatcher on the grazing meadows. Kingfisher in flight along the river and Cuckoo in flight. The evening drew to a close with excellent overhead views of 4 Woodcock roding and a Barn Owl hunting over a meadow

Outdoor meeting at Boughton Fen and the Brecks June 17th
The cool weather did not deter 17 members from enjoying an evening’s birdwatching at Boughton Fen and in the Brecks around the Cockley Cley area.

At the first site excellent views of Woodlark were had as the bird passed overhead in full song and a couple of Mistle Thrush were observed drinking at a nearby cattle trough. Other species present were Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Linnet, Lapwing, Red-legged Partridge and Oystercatcher. We moved on to another Breckland site and enjoyed excellent views of a Tree Pipit, a new species for some observers.

Boughton Fen was rather quiet and although it did not produce some of the species we had hoped to see we did have Sedge and Reed Warbler, a Turtle Dove, Barn Owl and Reed Bunting.

We finished the evening at a well-known site for Nightjar. Several males were heard but only two lucky members managed to get a fleeting view of one bird in flight. However a pair of Woodcock were seen, {with the assistance of a powerful lamp} as they appeared along the track about 50 meters away. Another very enjoyable evening and thanks to Ray Gribble for leading the trip.”

Outdoor Meeting at Minsmere – 26th June
Sixteen members attended this trip. I think it fair to say that it was enjoyed by all. The weather was kind to us. Slightly breezy at times in the more exposed places, but overall the weather was ideal. A total of 69 species were seen. Good views were had of Bittern in flight, excellent views of Hobbies catching and feeding on dragonflies. Bearded Tits carrying caterpillars (obviously feeding young). Ruddy Ducks (“put down thy musket son”) and to cap off a really good day Dartford Warblers on Dunwich Heath. Our thanks to Ray who yet again proved his leadership qualities despite a somewhat delicate tummy (which he assures me was not down to a dose of gluttony although I am not so sure!).

INDOOR MEETINGS

On April 15th I showed a few slides to illustrate a talk which I had intended should have the title “A Muddly of Poor Slides”. Muddly was supposed to be a play on the word “Medley” but unfortunately from the moment of conception to the moment of truth the title went through a number of both deliberate and accidental changes and finally ended up with the title “Birding in Exotic Places”. I must apologise to those members who were sitting at the back of the hall and who had difficulty in hearing me speak. Normally I sit or stand at the back of the hall and switch off the fan-assisted heater. On April 15th of course I was at the front of the hall and overlooked the amount of noise that the fan heater makes. My apologies.

On May 20th Peter Ransom kindly gave a talk entitled “Birds and Other Wildlife of East Anglia”. The talk, I am told, was an extremely good illustrated talk enjoyed by all those present. Thanks go to the club members who so ably assisted on that particular evening.

There was no indoor meeting in June

HOLIDAYS

I am still waiting for most of you to let me have articles concerning your holidays. Allan Hale has however been kind enough to let me have an article concerning a trip to Ecuador. I set it out below and many thanks to you Allan for your contribution.

“An Alternative View of Ecuador

During February of 2002, Ray Gribble, Malcolm Rains and myself went on a birding trip to Ecuador. This article paints an unorthodox picture of the trip, hopefully demonstrating that a trip report doesn’t have to consist of a long string of bird names that are mostly unpronounceable.

The birding itself was unique. I have been a birder for more years that I care to remember, and over the years I have tried many ways to persuade a bird to leave dense cover – some more acceptable than others. Never before have I employed a man with a machete. But this was Ecuador and many aspects of the trip were different to anything I had experienced before.

The weather was particularly interesting in that we had everything, every day. Of the 15 days we were in Ecuador, we had rain every day except one, we had sun every day except one and we had fog every day except two. We experienced everything from hot sunshine to violent tropical thunderstorms and from near-freezing mountaintops to sweaty rain forests. And we think that the UK is unpredictable!

On a more personal front, Ray came in for a lot of criticism regarding his difficulties in putting us on to the birds that he found. “Where is it?” we all asked, but he always made hard work of the answer. A typical response went something like: “See the tree with the lichen on it? Well, go to the second fork on the left hand side, go up the thickest branch and then when you get to the red flowers, look left about two feet and…no, lets start again. Take the fence post that leans to the left, now look at four o’clock from it and…oh bugger, its flown away!”. Even our guide asked why, if there was a huge uniquely coloured tree with an obvious “V” in it, Ray would start his instructions with the tiny sapling in front of it.

Picture the scene. A tropical rain forest where we were surrounded by thousands of trees with millions of leaves and Ray said “The bird’s just below those two leaves!”. Its not often that Malcolm and I are lost for words but this was one of those occasions. As was the time he waved his arm in all sorts of directions, like a windmill in a gale, and said “Its over there”.

Another gem from Ray: “See that tree? Well if you look upwards and………..
“Is that all?” enquired Malcolm
“Yes” replied Ray. To this day we don’t know where he was looking, let alone what at.

Once when Ray was told for the umpteenth time that his directions were rubbish, he complained that it was our fault because we didn’t give him advice on how to improve. I remonstrated fiercely that I had. Only two minutes earlier I had told him to “Blankety-Blank (censored) pull yourself together”. Ray found this neither constructive nor helpful. Further training is clearly required.

This problem occasionally worked in reverse as well. I remember us all looking at a Common Xenops. Malcolm and I were soon on to it, but Ray had difficulty finding it. Our guide said, “Ray, you’re looking in the wrong tree. Ray, its further to the left. Ray, you’re on the wrong tree. Ray, RAY!!!”. But Ray was particularly single minded, continuing to look the wrong way. He never did see the bird!

At one stage Ray was heard to mutter “You wouldn’t think we have been friends for 45 years after all the stick I get”. The reply was predictable, “It only happens when you deserve it”.

Ok, I’ve been cruel enough to Ray, so now its Malcolm’s turn! His love of food is legendary so it came as no surprise when he over-ate. Particularly devious though was his method of stealing Ray’s dessert. Knowing Ray is diabetic Malcolm always managed to convince him that the dessert contained too much sugar for him. Always the gentleman, Malcolm then polished it off (to save waste, of course!). He is probably the only person I know who needs five meals a day.

Malcolm’s colour blindness also gave him the odd problem. For birds in dense cover, our guide used a laser pen to direct a spot of light on to an adjacent leaf or branch to illustrate the position of the bird. The guide was getting increasingly frustrated with Malcolm until he realised that since the beam was red, Malcolm couldn’t even see the beam of light, let alone the bird! (Which incidentally was the magnificent Ocellated Tapaculo).

My favourite quote from Malcolm was when he was walking through an extremely humid rain forest with perspiration dripping off his every extremity. “Bugger this” he said, “I’d rather be in a Jeep in Africa!”.

Margaret (Malcolm’s wife) would be appalled to learn that he wore one pair of socks for eight consecutive days. I therefore ask you all to use discretion and keep this information confidential (some hope of that!) should you ever meet the lady.

Since he was bitten by a dog in China, Malcolm has understandably enjoyed a somewhat uneasy relationship with our canine friends. This resulted in an amusing incident when two dogs took a dislike to him. Malcolm’s antics were nimble and agile as the dogs were nipping at his feet. His fancy footwork rivalled that of any ballerina. Another of his claims to fame were when he nicknamed our driver, whose name was Patricio, a rather unkind “Patsy”.

We were due to spend the last few days of our trip in the rain forests of the east of the country. To get there we had to fly to the city of Coca, then by boat to our lodge. The evening before we were due to fly, we had bad news: there was civil unrest in Coca and, since the rebels were threatening to take over the airport, the Government had closed it. We were given two options, cancel the trip (not really an option as far as we were concerned) or travel overland and by river. With this option we were offered an extra day for free but we were unable to delay our flight home from Quito so we couldn’t take that one up.

Anyway, off we set on the journey. Eight hours by coach, half an hour by boat, an overnight “half way” stop, six and a half hours on another boat, a half hour walk and finally another half hour in a dug out canoe. The whole journey taking almost two days!

The rest of the afternoon and the whole of the next day was memorable for the quality of birding, but with the evening came more bad news. The rebel activity had escalated and orders were given to evacuate the lodge where we were staying. There were about twenty guests in total. A helicopter had been chartered to get us three out.

The rest would return by the previous two-day journey but in reverse. This well laid plan also fell by the wayside when the Government closed all the air space in the area.

Because we had to get a flight out of Quito we had to get back in a single day. So started the journey of hell. Half an hour in the dug out, half an hour walk, almost nine hours in a boat, half an hour in a different boat and finally five and a half hours in a minibus. Interesting thing was that the longest boat trip caused those with weak bladders some distress because the boat made its first stop after five and a half hours. This was to avoid any risk by going ashore in a danger area.

Another hazard was that the boat clearly needed extra depth of water versus the one we came on. This resulted in us going aground more times than I care to remember. It was all quite hairy at times.

The river was called The Napos. It represents one of the upper tributaries of the Amazon, yet with over two thousand miles to go to reach the sea, it was already nearly half a mile across.

Incidentally we saw 508 species of birds in two weeks. Highlights were many but I shall always remember a Hummingbird drinking from a feeder whilst perched on our guide’s finger, the White-Winged Brush Finch so close we couldn’t focus on it and the Grey-Breasted Crake singing from the grass almost between our feet! Having finally got round to mentioning names of birds, we were amazed at some of them. Many were bordering on the ridiculous – we though Supercilliared Hemispingus took some beating!

Allan Hale

PS: I was near perfect of course. Except perhaps when I called “Kingfisher” when it was a White-Winged Swallow. And perhaps when I was having a pee and missed a Black-Winged Ground Dove. And also when my fear of heights lost me one of the Hummingbirds. And also when……….oh dear I’ve run out of time so I must close here!

TRIP REPORTS

Do remember to let Jenny Evans either have your name, address, telephone number and email address, or any trip reports that you might have. Please let Jenny know the places that you have information on.

E-GROUP

Many thanks to those who have contributed to the E-Group. The amount of traffic passing through my computer just illustrates how popular the E-Group is. Please send in sightings or interesting news to WensumvalleyBS@yahoogroups.com

BIRD SIGHTINGS

Again, on Bill’s behalf, a short note to thank those who have contributed. Bill has let me have the following report for insertion in the Newsletter: -

“Bird Reports for March & April 2004

March saw many of our breeding birds returning to their nesting sites. Two Oystercatchers were seen at Sparham Pools displaying on the large island on the 3rd. 2 Little Ringed Plovers were reported at Swanton Morley Lakes on the 27th. One Green Sandpiper was seen at the same site. The flock of Goosanders at Sparham Pools reduced to 3 by mid-month, then went on their way. Common Buzzard were reported from Old Costessey and Sennowe Park with 5 there on the 21st. A male Merlin was reported in the Lyng area on the 3rd. March was another good month for Barn Owls with records from Gressenhall, Lenwade, Sparham Pools, Mill Street and North Tuddenham. This record is interesting because the sighting was of a very dark phased bird (possible continental race). Only one record was received for Little Owl which was seen at Mill Street on the 25th. A Water Pipit was seen at Taverham on the 15th, and a Stone Chat was in the Gateley area on the 28th. Mid-month brought a flurry of Chiffchaff records from nine sites, the winner for first seen came from Costessey on the 15th. A flock of c200 Starlings were reported to be in the Taverham area, and up to 6 Siskin stayed in the Mill Street area all month. Four Redpoll were seen at Billingford on the 27th.

In April an Osprey was seen at Sparham Pools on the 28th and a female Merlin was reported from Fustyweed. 2 Grey Partridges were seen in Lyng on the 11th. Many migrants returned to the valley in the third week of April, namely Common Terns at Sparham Pools, Three Bridges Farm, Lyng Easthaugh and Fustyweed. Turtle Doves were seen at Fakenham and Sparham Pools. Cuckoos were seen at three sites in the valley and two sightings of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were received from Lyng, 2 were seen in Richmond Place and 1 was seen feeding on Peanuts. Sand Martins, Swallows & House Martins arrived in the valley in fair numbers by the third week of the month. Large flocks of Fieldfare & Redwing were reported from Elsing and Lyng and a mixed flock of both species numbering c650 birds were seen at North Tuddenham. Warblers arrived from their wintering sites during the first two weeks of April, sightings for Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat & Willow Warbler were received from members from many sites within the valley. The Cetti’s Warbler returned to Sparham Pools on 15th and I also received records from Lenwade on the 18th and Lyn Easthaugh on the 12th. A Nuthatch was seen at Sparham Pools on the 2nd, and a Treecreeper reported from the same site on the 15th. Brambling were recorded at Fustyweed and Sparham Pools and records of Siskin were received from Fustyweed, Lenwade and Mill Street. Sixteen Yellowhammers were seen in the Gressenhall area on the 4th.

I have received some late records for January, not that I mind them being late as I will accept records from anybody any time. These records are all from the same source: -
3 Tree Sparrows at Great Rybrough on the 17th, 1 Peregrine Falcon at Lyng Easthough on the 24th, Sennowe Park produced 1 Goshawk, 2 Sparrowhawk and 1 Buzzard on the 25th.

MEMBERSHIP

Do remember to keep bringing your friends to the meetings. Not just indoor meetings, but also outdoor meetings. They don’t have to be proficient birdwatchers. All who are interested are welcome.

LOTTERY FUNDING

Alwyn will make an announcement about this at the next indoor meeting

WHAT’S ABOUT

Plenty.

Lots of Summer “visitors” – most noticeably Warblers and Waders. The countryside and the coastal belt is alive with song at the moment. Do try to get out and enjoy it. All too soon some of our Summer visitors will start heading south (the earliest noticeable southerly movement will be Swifts). It seems to be suddenly a case of “here today, gone tomorrow”. Adult Cuckoos also make an early departure. This always leaves me wondering how a juvenile Cuckoo knows the route to its Winter quarters. There is so much that we don’t know.

Hobbies seem to be in fairly good numbers in East Anglia. There have been several sightings along the Wensum Valley and so this is obviously a bird to look out for. Late summer last year saw large numbers of these wonderful birds of prey hunting in the Valley so do keep those eyes open!

GOOSANDER

Alwyn has kindly contributed an article, which I reproduce here: -

“The recent records of up to 21 possible Goosander at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Sparham Pools Reserve (TG073178) in the Wensum Valley prompted me to investigate whether this was a significant increase in numbers.

In 1973 10 were recorded at what was then Sparham Gravel Pits and 26 were recorded at Swanton Morley G.P.

I have no further data until January 1985 when 5 birds were seen in the Valley although their location was not disclosed. Only 2 red-heads (either females or juveniles) were recorded the following year in the Lyng/Lyng Easthaugh area in January and in December at Sparham Pools. Probably the same birds were recorded at Lenwade and Lyng in January 1987 and one bird lingered until 28th March at Sparham and Lyng Eastaugh G.P.

My next record is 26th November 1992 when 2 birds being seen briefly at Sparham Pools and 2 redheads were seen at Lyng Easthaugh G.P. in February 1993.

Interestingly I have not been able to find any further records of the species until January 1996 when 6 redheads were recorded on the river at Sparham. On the 2nd and 3rd January 1997 a redhead was seen at the Heigham Water Works in Norwich and slightly later one was recorded at Ringland and at Lyng on the 8th. Later the same year 4 redheads were recorded at Sparham Pools on 24th December.

This trend of fairly low numbers continued in 1998 when the maximum count of 4 was recorded at Sparham Pools in the latter part of the year and only one was seen at the same site in February 1999.

In 2000 between January and April there were maximum counts of 8 at Lyng Easthaugh G.P., 3 at Lenwade and 5 at Sparham Pools5. During the latter part of the year birds were recorded at Sparham G.P. but no numbers were given. During the early part of 2001 the maximum numbers recorded at Sparham Pools were 8 in January, 3 in February and 7 in March. Between November and December that year the maximum county was 2 at the same site.

It is in the early part of 2002 that the number of birds seems to increase significantly as the maximum counts at Sparham Pools (identified as a favoured site by the editor of the Norfolk Bird and Mammal report) were 12 in January, 10 in February and 13 in March. In November there was a maximum of 2 but in December as you might expect this had increased to 12.

More recently the maximum count at Sparham was 11 in December 2003, 19 in January and 11 in February 2004.

Reviewing the records it seems that there has been an increase in numbers in recent years, does this correlate with the increase in number of birdwatchers in the valley or the development of fisheries in the suitable pits?

Sparham Pools seems to be a favoured site but where are the birds going to when they are not at Sparham?

We don’t seem to be getting records from other sites in the valley very recently so are the birds leaving the valley or choosing inaccessible sites?

If anyone has any information that could help answer these questions I would be very pleased to hear from them at alwyn.Jackson@tesco.net or on 01362 637752.

AND FINALLY

I think that’s about it for the moment folks. Enjoy the rest of the Summer and the early Autumn. Please keep sending articles in. Maybe something interesting has happened in your garden (birdwise I mean!).

Don’t forget the Rutland Water Bird Fair in August.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to seeing all of you at our indoor meetings and on our field trips.

Best wishes.

David Pelling