Recent Sightings

updated 20^th June 2009

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Birdline East Anglia monthly report

Please feel free to contact us by email at report@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk with any amendments or additional information that has been missed.

Birdline East Anglia report for May 2009

Norfolk

A male Brown-headed Cowbird was seen very briefly in a Weybourne garden 6^th. Perhaps the same turned up on Fair Isle the next day, although as there was one, in Northumberland at beginning of May it is more likely that several arrived in the UK this spring. This bird is the North American equivalent to the Cuckoo in that it lays eggs in the nests of other birds. This was a first for Norfolk.

A Black-winged Pratincole was near Holme 31^st. There have been three Norfolk records, the last being in 1999. Prior to the Black-winged Pratincole, perhaps the highlight, for most birdwatchers, this spring, was a Collared Pratincole that spent several days between Salthouse and Blakeney Freshmarsh 15^th-23rd. The last at Blakeney was in 2005. A female Citrine Wagtail at Cley NWT 12^th-14^th also attracted a lot of interest. Also very rare, but becoming more regular, in recent years, was a juvenile Pallid Harrier seen to fly over Aylmerton and Sheringham 1^st.

Continuing the record numbers of Whiskered Terns this spring to the UK were three at Snettisham RSPB 23^rd. What were presumed to be the same three turned up the next day in Yorkshire.

Other scarce birds included Short-toed Lark at West Runton 3^rd and Blakeney Point at the end of May. Up to two Red-rumped Swallows at Cromer, Blakeney, Cley and Weybourne 7^th-10^th and singles at Titchwell RSPB 16^th, Burnham Market 16^th and Choseley 31^st.

A Woodchat Shrike was at Blakeney Freshmarsh National Trust 19^th and re-located the next day at Morston. Others were at Horsey Gap 23^rd and Mundesley 24^th. The only Red-backed Shrike was at Hopton-on-Sea 23^rd. Up to three Bee-eaters were near Great Yarmouth 11^th-12^th and three flew past Cley NWT 23^rd. Hoopoe were at Great Ryburgh 16^th and near Cley 13^th. A Golden Oriole was at Stiffkey Fen 9^th. A Serin was at Great Yarmouth 9^th.

An Icterine Warbler was at Cley 15^th and the only Common Rosefinch, so far was briefly at Burnham Overy Dunes 25^th. Nearby there was a Wryneck at Holkham 14^th. A Black-headed Wagtail was at Kelling Water Meadows 20^th and Grey-headed Wagtail sightings included up to five at West Runton 16^th with two there still 17^th.

Black Kites were seen at Fakenham 17^th, Titchwell RSPB 15^th, Burnham Norton 15^th, Breydon Water 22^nd and Flitcham 24^th.

Honey Buzzards returned to their breeding area being seen from the watchpoint at Wensum Valley, Great Ryburgh and Swanton Novers. Others included one south-west over Cley NWT 15^th, one flew NE over Glandford 17^th, one over Holme 20^th and two Great Yarmouth 21^st. A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen at Horsey 3^rd and another at Roydon Common NWT 24^th.

A first summer male Red-footed Falcon was seen at Holkham Freshmarsh 4^th, Cley 5^th, Holme, 6^th, Titchwell RSPB 6^th and Stiffkey Fen 7^th. An adult male Red-footed Falcon was seen at Stiffkey Fen 9^th and a female at Snetterton 18th

Migrant Montagu’s Harriers were at Cley NWT 9^th, Horsey 9^th, a male Blofield Heath 10^th, female at Saxlingham 10^th, Great Yarmouth 11^th, male at Brundall 12^th, at Cockthorpe 19^th and Kelling Heath 31^st.

Dotterel found included three at Happisburgh 13^th, up to three were at Weybourne 8^th-15^th, three at Ringstead 8^th, two Waxham 4^thand one at Thornham 1^st. A female Kentish Plover was at Cley NWT 13^th-15^th. Up to two Temminck’s Stints were at Cley NWT and Stiffkey Fen during May. Others were at Pentney GPs 15^th, Hickling Broad NWT 15^th-16^th, Titchwell RSPB 13^th.

A Purple Heron was seen at Hockwold Fen 4^th and Hickling Broad NWT 30^th. A White Stork was at Colney 3^rd and a Great White Egret was at Cley NWT 20^th, Morston 20^th and Hickling Broad NWT 30^th-31^st. A female Ferruginous Duck was at Lenwade Common 14^th.

A Hooded Crow was seen at Hunstanton, Titchwell RSPB, Holkham Freshmarsh, Burnham Market, Weybourne, Cley, Salthouse, Blakeney Point all 9^th and one was in the Trimingham & Mundesely area. A Raven was at Framlingham Earl 12^th.

A late Great Grey Shrike was still at Weybourne until 11^th and an Iceland Gull was at Holme 3^rd.

Suffolk

An elusive Squacco Heron was at Felixstowe Ferry 18^th-20^th. Despite its three day stay was only seen briefly each day by a total of just three birdwatchers.

A singing male Common Rosefinch was at Minsmere RSPB 30^th.

A golden period mid May saw the arrival of a selection of scarce migrants. A Melodious Warbler was at Landguard NR 17^th-18^th and Orfordness 17^th. Icterine Warblers were at Landguard NR 14^th-15^th, Shingle Street 14^th-15^th and Thorpeness 14^th-15^th. A Marsh Warbler was at Minsmere RSPB 14^th and a Short-toed Lark was at Landguard NR 13^th. A Thrush Nightingale was reported at Thorpeness 16^th. A Red-backed Shrike Trimley Marshes SWT 14^th and a White-winged Black Tern was at Great Livermere lake 14^th.

Other goodies were a Bee-eater at Lound 11^th and Butley 6^th, a Hoopoe at Trimley St Martin 11^th and a Tawny Pipit Sutton Heath 3^rd. A Purple Heron was at Lakenheath Fen RSPB 4^th-7^th and again 24^th and one was still at Minsmere RSPB until 1^st& 30^th-31^st. A Red-rumped Swallow was at Landguard 3^rd. Another A Marsh Warbler was at North Warren RSPB 30^th-31^st. Two Common Cranes were over Botesdale 31^st. Apart from the Golden Orioles at Lakenheath Fen RSPB one was at Wicken Market 31^st.

A migrant Montagu’s Harrier was at Southwold 2^nd and passage Honey Buzzards were seen over Minsmere RSPB 20^th, Nacton 22^nd and Trimley 24^th. A Black Kite was at Stowupland 3^rd, another at Rendlesham Forest 21^st and Haughley New Street 31^st. A Temminck’s Stint was at Minsmere RSPB 17^th-18^th and a Great White Egret was at Herringfleet 7^th.

A Striped Hawkmoth at Landguard 27^th was the third for the site.

A newly emerged Norfolk Hawker dragonfly was at Minsmere RSPB. This was the first confirmed breeding record at this reserve.

Essex

A Savi’s Warbler has set up a territory in the Lee Valley Country Park. A Melodious or Icterine Warbler Holland Haven CP 13^th. Migrant Wood Warblers were at Wivenhoe Wood 1^st and Holland Haven CP 4^th.

Rare waders included a Marsh Sandpiper at Vange Marshes RSPB 11^th and a Temminck’s Stint was there 14^th and another was at The Hythe 16^th-17^th

There was a run of Black Kite sightings with two at Colchester and Braxted Park 3^rd, one Great Notley 3^rd, one Weald Bridge 4^th, one South Weald 8^th and one Great Bromley 25^th. The only passage Montagu’s Harriers was at Wix 8^th. A late Rough-legged Buzzard was at Old Hall Marshes RSPB 11^th and St Osyth 13^th.

A Red-rumped Swallow was at Heybridge 3^rd. Four Spoonbills were at Holland Haven CP and three were at The Naze 21^st.

Cambridgeshire

A Squacco Heron was found at Wicken Fen NT 24^th-30th. It was in similar plumage to the Suffolk bird so could well have been the same individual. A Purple Heron was seen briefly at Fen Drayton GPs 4^th and up to two Spoonbills were at the Ouse Washes RSPB.

Up to three Cattle Egret were at the Nene Washes RSPB 6^th-11th.

Scarce migrants included a Golden Oriole at Hardwick 29^th and a Wryneck at Paxton Pits 11^th. Up to ten Dotterel were near Whittlesey 9^th-16^th and Temminck’s Stint included up to two at Fen Drayton GPs 13^th-15^th & 21^st and one at Maxey GPs 15^th. A Wood Sandpiper was at Paxton Pits 31^st and two Black-necked grebes were there the same day.

Migrant Montagu’s Harriers seen were a male at Earith 3^rd and others at Nene Washes RSPB 11^th and near Duxford 26^th. A Honey Buzzard flew west over Milton CP 9^th and one drifted east St Ives 16^th.

A Common Crane flew over Godmanchester 2^nd, four circled over Little Paxton 15^th and two over Wicken Fen NT 31^st.

A Black Tern invasion in May included fifty-six at Grafham Water 13^th. Two Little Terns were at Ferry Meadows CP. A Gannet flew north-west over Peterborough 15^th.

Late Iceland Gulls were at Tanholts Pits 3^rd, Nene Washes RSPB 4^th and Dogsthorpe Tip 5^th. A late Fieldfare was at Woodwalton Fen NNR 13^th and a Hen Harrier was at the Ouse Washes RSPB 19^th.

Bedfordshire

A Hoopoe was still singing at Oldhill Wood until 4^th and one was at Biggleswade 29^th. A White Stork flew north-eat over Campton 24^th.

A Temminck’s Stints was found at Willington GPs 9^th. Over the next few days other bird joined it so that five were there 13^th. This was only the second multiple record for Bedfordshire. The last was a mere two at Dunstable May 1998. Just to underline how remarkable the record was these five birds were only the 15th - 19th county records.

A Curlew Sandpiper was at Biggleswade 15^th and there was a smattering of Sanderling including a count of four briefly at Broom GPs 14^th. An influx of terns included three Little Terns Stewartby Lake 13^th, twenty-one Arctic Terns and twelve Black Terns were at Broom GPs 15^th. Another Arctic Tern was there 26^th.

A Ring Ouzel was at Deacon Hill 2^nd. A Black-necked Grebe was at Broom GPs 27^th and a late Hen Harrier was at Priory CP 23^rd.

A Red-veined Darter was at Marston Vale Millennium CP 30^th.

Hertfordshire

Highlights in May were a migrant Montagu’s Harrier at Sandon 10^th and a Honey Buzzard over Potters Bar 21^st.

A Wood Sandpiper was at Amwell NR 4^th.An influx of Terns included seven Black Terns and twelve Arctic Terns at Amwell NR 13^th and seventeen Black Terns at Wilstone Reservoir 13^th. Two Little Terns were there 13^th-14^th.

A Whinchat Norton Green 5th

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245. Please contact us with your sightings by phone or text 07941333970

Robin is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please click on the 'news' page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

You can view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk

Birdline East Anglia report for April 2009

Norfolk

Common summer migrants arrived early with the favourable warm zephyrs from the south. With them came some of the now very regular Mediterranean overshoots or perhaps more accurately described as vanguards of potential colonisation. An Alpine Swift flew south over Snettisham RSPB 9^th. A Red-rumped Swallow flew east past Titchwell RSPB and one flew south past Horsey and Winterton 24^th and it or another flew past Horsey Gap the next day. A Red-rumped Swallow lingered for an evening at Cley 25^th.

A Purple Heron flew east over Cley, Salthouse & Weybourne 27^th and one was seen near North Walsham 28^th. Hoopoes pitched in at Gorleston 5^th and Upper Sheringham 20^th. A Serin was at Caister-on-Sea briefly 5^th. Former breeders included a Wryneck at Weybourne 10^th, Blakeney 17^th, Winterton 28^th and Waxham 28^th.

The rarest passerine found was a Black-headed Wagtail at Titchwell RSPB 25^th. Departing winter visitors included a Shorelark at Winterton 5^th, a Great Grey Shrike at Letheringsett 9^th-10^th, a Hooded Crow at Happisburgh 22^nd and Rough-legged Buzzards were at West Somerton 10^th, Winterton 20^th and Horsey 21^st. An early adult male Red-footed Falcon was over Kelling Heath 24^th. Montagu’s Harriers were seen on passage at Holme 23rd, Salthouse 23^rd and Winterton 24^th.

A Golden Plover at Breydon Water entertained birders with its elusive identity. Was it an American or a Pacific 7^th-18^th? A Glaucous Gull was found there 15^th. An early summer or left over wintering Dotterel was at Wereham 18^th-21^st and two Dotterel were at Happisburgh briefly 26^th. Away from their core breeding range was a Stone-curlew at Stiffkey 11^th, it or another at Weybourne 14^th and one was just west of Great Yarmouth 27^th.

A Great White Egret was at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB 11^th and Breydon Water 26^th.

A drake Green-winged Teal was Lynn Point 20^th-21^st and Cley NWT 25^th-30^th at least. Black Brants were still at Snettisham RSPB, Heacham, Blakeney, Titchwell RSPB during April.

A lingering Long-tailed Duck was still in Blakeney Harbour 8^th-22^nd. The Black-throated Diver remained on Ormesby Little Broad until 5th. Three Black-necked Grebe popped in at Pentney GPs 17^th and one was at Breydon Water 20th. An Iceland Gull was at Titchwell RSPB 26^th.

The fine conditions encouraged Common Cranes to wander; two flew east over Titchwell, Holme, Holkham, Cley, West Runton & Trimingham 5^th, two Trunch 6^th, one King’s Lynn 12^th, five Holme 19^th, three over Saxlingham, Kelling and Weybourne 22^nd, four Sheringham Park 21^st, two Gateley 22^nd, two south Heacham 24^th, one south-east Burnham Overy Dunes 28^th and one south-west Titchwell 30th.

Suffolk

Common summer migrants arrived early with the favourable warm zephyrs from the south. With them came some of the now very regular Mediterranean overshoots or perhaps more accurately described as vanguards of potential colonisation. A Purple Heron ranging between Boyton Marshes RSPB and Shingle Street until 20^th attracted a lot of interest. It or another turned up at Minsmere RSPB 30^th. Hoopoes pitched in at Corton 1^st, Barnham 13^th and Landguard 15^th. A Golden Oriole was at Ipswich 25^th. The first two Golden Orioles were at Lakenheath Fen RSPB 29^th. A Serin headed south over Bawdsey and later at Landguard NR 26^th. A Red-rumped Swallow was at Minsmere RSPB 29^th.

A very early female Red-footed Falcon was at Great Ashfield 17^th and North Cove 22^nd. A male Montagu’s Harriers was at Browston having been seen early nearby at Lound 25^th. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew north over Hulver and Weston 25^th, Thornham Magna 27^th and Benacre 30^th. A female Kentish Plover was at Orfordness 10^th-12^th and a male was at Minsmere RSPB and later at Orfordness 26^th.

Former breeders included a Wryneck Kessingland 14^th-15^th and Westleton Heath 27^th-28^th.The wintering Great Grey Shrikes were last reported at Cavenham Heath until 5^th and Lakenheath Fen RSPB until 3^rd and another dropped in at Corton 7^th. The drake Ferruginous Duck remained at Trimley Marshes SWT until 9^th and a female was discovered at Great Livermere Lake 28^th.

The fine conditions encouraged Common Cranes to wander; four over Ashby Warren and Easton Bavents 5^th, three Carlton Coleville 11^th, five Carlton Coleville 18^th, Haverhill 19^th, Sudbury 22nd. A Great White Egret was at Mickle Mere 16^th and North Warren RSPB 25^th and Spoonbills were at Benacre Broad and Minsmere RSPB.

An influx of Little Gulls on 6^th included a count of one hundred and six that passed through Great Livermere Lake. Late winter leavers included an Iceland Gull at Felixstowe Ferry 3^rd and the juvenile Glaucous Gull at Southwold, Minsmere RSPB and Corton.

Essex

A Whiskered Tern was at Hanningfield Reservoir 14^th and turned out to be the first of a bunch that invaded the UK this spring. There have only been four records of this Tern in Essex. The last was at East Tilbury in 1998. Other scarcities included an Alpine Swift at Old Hall Marshes RSPB 11^th and Bradwell-on-Sea 20^th.

A Lesser Yellowlegs was found feeding on the Blackwater Estuary at Maldon 13^th-23rd. A Kentish Plover was at Cudmore Grove CP 6^th. Eight Dotterel were on Wallasea Island 25^th and five were there 29^th-30^th. A female Montagu’s Harriers was at Holland Haven CP 25^th.

A Savi’s Warbler was a good find at the Lee Valley Country Park 30^th. A White Stork flew north-east over the Lee Valley Country Park 25^th. Other unusual flyovers at the Lee Valley Country Park were a Raven 18^th and a Goshawk 1^st. Further down the Lee Valley a Purple Heron was at Walthamstow area and then moved across the Thames to Cross Ness for a couple of days.

A Great White Egret flew out to sea at Frinton-on Sea 22^nd and one flew south at Rainham Marshes RSPB the same day and another flew east over the reserve 14^th. Three Pomarine Skuas also passed Frinton-on Sea 22^nd. A Spoonbill remained at Old Hall Marshes RSPB and one was at Rainham marshes RSPB 28^th. A Common Crane flew over Stump Cross 14^th.

Up to four Slavonian Grebes were at Abberton Reservoir until 14^th.

Three Black-necked Grebes were there 1^st and two were at Hanningfield Reservoir until 4^th.

An influx of Little Gulls on 6^th included twenty-five at Abberton Reservoir. An Iceland Gull was seen at Rainham Marshes RSPB only at the beginning of April, but with up to three nearby at Cross Ness for most of the month this was perhaps surprising.

A Raven flew over Friday Wood and it or another was near Rayne 27^th.

Cambridgeshire

A Black-winged Stilt was found at Maxey GPs but was only around for an evening 25^th. It was seen earlier the same day nearby at Deeping Lakes. Apart from a breeding attempt at the Nene Washes RSPB in 1983 and one that stayed for eight days in 1965 there have been four other records of this elegant wader in Cambridgeshire and all have been day jobs.

A Whiskered Tern at Paxton Pits 27^th-298^th was one of a bunch that invaded the UK this spring. There have only been eight records of this Tern in Cambridgeshire. The last was at Buckden GPs in 1997. A White-winged Black Tern passed through Earith GPs 25^th.

A male Montagu’s Harriers was spotted north of Royston 25^th and another male flew south at Bar Hill 29^th. The wintering Rough-legged Buzzard was again in the Coveney area until 20^th.

A Great White Egret was still at Ouse Washes until 18^th. A Cattle Egret was seen in flight at Brampton 6^th. A Common Crane flew over Stump Cross 14^th.

Two Slavonian Grebes at Grafham Water 12^thand two Black-necked Grebes were the 20th. Four Common Scoter were at Grafham Water 5^th and up to two were there 11^th-13^th. A Scaup was still there until 21^st. Six Common Scoter were at Fen Dayton RSPB 13^th.

Good inland were Sandwich Terns at Grafham Water 11^th, 12th & 25^th and Paxton Pits 12^th. A Little Tern was at Paxton Pits 25^th and Grafham Water 30^th. Early Black Terns were at Grafham Water 17^th, Paxton Pits 19^th and Ferry Meadows CP 20^th.

An early Swift was over Cambridge 10^th. A Redstart was at Witcham and Southoe and Black Redstarts at Cambourne and Hatley St George. Ring Ouzels were at Croydon, Caldecote and King’s Dyke NR.

An Iceland Gull was at Tanholts Pits 4^th & 26^th and a late Smew was at Needingworth GPs until 23^rd. A Raven flew over Ouse Washes RSPB 20^th and one over King’s Dyke NR 29^th.

Bedfordshire

A Hoopoe was seen briefly at Blows Down 26^th and another was seen in at Stadham 28^th.

A drake Ferruginous Duck was a good find at Rookery south pit 23^rd as was a White Stork that drifted over Quest 12th

Stewartby Lake had a golden period on 12^th with Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, two Red-breasted Merganser, two Black-necked Grebes, an Osprey, seven Arctic Terns and two Sandwich Terns. The second winter Kumlien’s Gull was at Stewartby Lake 1^st-2^nd and Marston Moretaine 4^th.

Twenty-two Common Scoter were at Brogborough Lake 14^th and a drake was there 19^th, seven were at Cainhoe 13^th. A Red-breasted Merganser was at Radwell GPs 18^th and two were at Harrold Odell CP 12^th. The four Tundra Bean Geese remained in the area around Old Warden 19^th.

Broom GPs were well watched and produced Little Tern 24^th, Sandwich Tern 26^th, nine Common Scoter 11^th, Garganey, Merlin, Little Gulls, Black Tern 16^th, Arctic Terns including three 17^th and a selection of waders.

As usual there were a few Ring Ouzels at Blows Down, Deacon Hill, Bison Hill and one was at Sewell Quarry. Two Redstarts were at Blows Down and one was at Totternhoe Knolls and a Black Redstart was at Linslade. A Whinchat was at Blows Down 30^th. Knotting Green had had an astonishing count of ten Grasshopper Warblers 19^th.

A Goshawk flew over The Lodge RSPB 21^st.

Hertfordshire

A Woodchat Shrike was seen in a garden at Welwyn Garden City 24^th. A Savi’s Warbler was a good find at the Lee Valley Country Park 30^th. A Wood Warbler was found at Brockets Park 25^th and at Chorleywood 26^th-27^th. A Dotterel was discovered at Newnham 26^th.

There were several sightings of White Stork; one Braughing & Albury 11^th, one flew over Wilstone Reservoir 22^nd, one flew north-east over the Lee Valley Country Park 25^th and one east over Woolmer Green 28^th. Other unusual flyovers at the Lee Valley Country Park were a Raven 18^th and a Goshawk 1^st. An Iceland Gull was again at Amwell NR 6^th.

Two Black Tern were at Wilstone Reservoir 16^th and two Sandwich Terns were at Tringford Reservoirs 12^th also there were a Common Scoter 12^th andHen Harrier 12^th.

Startop’s End Reservoir two Arctic Terns 11^th& one 15^th, up to four Little Gulls 11^th-17th, an Osprey 15^th and Woodlark 16^th. Other Arctic Terns were at Marsworth Reservoir 18^th. An influx of Little Gulls on 6^th included thirteen at Wilstone Reservoir.

A Redstart was at Wilstone Reservoir and a Black Redstart at Maple Cross. A Ring Ouzel was at Norton Green 21^st and Kimpton Hoo 26^th and a Whinchat at Batford 20^th. An early Common Swift was over Rickmansworth 12^th.

A Ruddy Shelduck was at Tyttenhanger GPs.

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245

Robin is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please click on the 'news' button near the bottom of this page. You can view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk Please register by clicking on 'lightbox'.

Please contact us with your sightings phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk

Birdline East Anglia report for March 2009

Norfolk

The two Penduline Tits were seen at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB until 2nd. It was speculated that they could have been spending more time on the south side of the River Yare. Nearby the Cattle Egret remained in the Strumpshaw area until 7^th and then moved to Suffolk and Essex (see below).

Great White Egrets were seen in flight at Geldeston 1^st, near Stalham 18^th, Roydon Common NWT 20^th and Stiffkey 20^th.

A Hoopoe was at Thornage briefly 21^st.The Black-bellied Dipper was seen again on the River Glaven anywhere between Glandford and Hunworth until 16th.

Up to two Rough-legged Buzzards were at North Wootton Marshes until 14^th. Another lingered in north Norfolk being seen at Hunworth, Blakeney and Little Walsingham 19^th-20th, another was at Haddiscoe on and off until 10^th and one flew over Ridlington 23^rd and Hoveton 27^th. A healthy passage of twenty-two Common Buzzards in three and a half hours was witnessed passing over Titchwell RSPB 29th. The Dark-breasted Barn Owl was seen at Welney WWT again 27^th.

The Great Grey Shrike was at Dersingham Bog NNR until 22^nd and the one at Roydon Common NWT was there until 26^th. Another was at Briston 8^th-9^th.

The only Tundra Bean Geese was at Holkham and Ellingham. Black Brants seen were at Titchwell RSPB, Wells & Holkham, Burnham Overy Staithe and Stiffkey. Away from Holme the only Long-tailed Duck was in Blakeney Harbour 8^th. A Black-throated Diver was on Ormesby Little Broad 30^th. The Black-necked Grebe was still east of Titchwell until 21^st.

Single Iceland Gulls were seen over High Kelling and a second winter Kumlien’s Gull was at Blackborough End Tip 20^th & 28^th.

A Common Crane was at Holkham Freshmarsh 21^st and what was probably the same bird later flew high east over Cromer 21^st.

A Hooded Crow at Sheringham Park NT 11^th was perhaps the same bird present nearby in February. A Red-throated Diver was on the pool Kelling Water Meadows 8^th-14^th. The maximum count of Common Crossbills was thirty-two at Horsford Woods 3^rd.

Early dates in for summer visitors in Norfolk were; Wheatear at Salthouse 8^th, Swallow at Docking 13^th, seven Garganey at Hickling Broad NWT 14^th, Little Ringed Plover at Titchwell RSPB 14^th, Common Sandpiper Stiffkey 21^st, Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB 24^th, House Martin Whitlingham CP 28^th, Willow Warbler Whitlingham CP 30^th and Ring Ouzel Heacham 30^th.

Suffolk

Following two Penduline Tits at Minsmere RSPB 14th, three were at Walberswick from 20^th. Is this species poised to breed, at last?

Early scarce summer migrants included a White Stork which drifted north-west over Thorrington Street Reservoir 27^th and one flew over Lackford Lakes SWT 27^th. A Hoopoe was at Corton 31^st and a Purple Heron flew over Ipswich 31^st.

A Canvasback or Canvasback/Pochard hybrid was at Lackford Lakes SWT 21^st-27th. It briefly popped up on Great Livermere Lake 26^th.

A drake Ferruginous Duck with a hybrid drake Ferruginous Duck/Pochard was found at Loompit Lake and then commuted between there and the nearby Trimley Marshes SWT from 18th. A Green-winged Teal was at Mickle Mere 16^th.

The Cattle Egret from Norfolk was re-found near Bures 9^th-26th. A Great White Egret was at Barsham Marshes 1^st and another lingered at North Warren RSPB and probably the same bird was seen at Minsmere RSPB. Two Common Cranes flew over Waveney Forest 15^th.

A Great Grey Shrikes were still at Lakenheath Fen RSPB and one was seen at Cavenham Heath 4th and another at Berners Heath 15th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Reydon 15^th.

The Black-throated Diver remained at Oulton Broad. A Great Northern Diver alighted briefly on the pits at Bawdsey 7th.

An Iceland Gull was at Lakenheath and another was at Bawdsey 29th. Up to two Glaucous Gulls were at Southwold and singles were at Minsmere RSPB, North Warren RSPB, Kessingland, Lowestoft and Orfordness.

A Raven seems to have found Suffolk to its liking being seen at North Warren RSPB 7^th, Benacre Broad 16^th and Covethithe 22nd. This could be the same bird seen in February. A Hooded Crow was at Levington 16^th and another was at Corton 31^st.

Early dates in for summer visitors in Suffolk were; Sand Martin North Warren RSPB 9^th, Swallow Lakenheath Fen RSPB 13^th, Wheatear Walberswick 14^th, Little Ringed Plover at Cavenham Pits 14^th and Trimley Marshes SWT 14^th, three pairs of Garganey Loompit Lake 18^th, House Martin Bramford 19^th and Spoonbill Minsmere RSPB 30^th. The Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were still at Melton until 20^th and 10^th respectively.

Essex

Four Penduline Tits were at the Ingrebourne Valley 8^th and two were again at Rainham Marshes RSPB 29^th. Also at Rainham were a couple of Iceland and Glaucous Gulls and a Dartford Warbler still.

The Cattle Egret originally Norfolk was re-found in Suffolk near Bures 9^th-23^rd and was seen occasionally on the Essex side of the River Stour. A White Stork flew north-east over Great Chesterford 30^th. A Spoonbill remained at Old Hall Marshes RSPB throughout March and one flew over Abberton Reservoir 29^th.

Up to nine Black-necked Grebes were at Abberton Reservoir and up to four Slavonian Grebes were there during March. Highlights from Hanningfield Reservoir were a Slavonian Grebe, Scaup and Bittern A Grey Phalarope was a great find at King Georges Reservoir 6^th-8^th. And nearby the Great Northern Diver was again at William Girling Reservoir.

The Ring-billed Gull was still at Westcliff-on-Sea and another was spotted at Brightlingsea 11^th. Pitsea landfill had a Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull and a Glaucous Gull was seen nearby at Wat Tyler CP 26th. Four Whooper Swans were in the Bowers Marsh and Wat Tyler CP during March.

The sightings of Waxwing declined during March and the last four reported in the month being at Benfleet Creek 22^nd.

Early dates in for summer visitors in Essex were; Sand Martin Abberton Reservoir 7^th, Garganey Cattawade Marshes RSPB 11^th, Little Ringed Plover Abberton Reservoir 14^th, two Swallow Abberton Reservoir 19^th, two House Martin Abberton Reservoir 27^th, an Osprey Biggleswade 30^th and Yellow Wagtail Holland Haven CP 30^th.

Cambridgeshire

A drake Ring-necked Duck was at the Nene Washes RSPB 22nd.

Although two Great White Egrets were still at Ely, Roswell Pits 1^st only one was seen after that date in the Ely area until 7^th. A Great White Egrets was still at the Ouse Washes RSPB/Pymore area until 17^th.

A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen again at Coveney 19^th. The only Waxwings were two at Woodston 28^th.

Nineteen Tundra Bean Geese were at Ouse Washes RSPB 1st. Thee Common Scoter were at Grafham Water 31^st and the Scaup was there until the end of March. By the end of March Garganey had been seen at the Nene Washes RSPB, Ouse Washes RSPB, Cam Washes and Mare Fen.

A Black-necked Grebe was at Nene Washes RSPB 14^th and 22^nd. An Iceland Gull was at Grafham Water, Cottenham and a Glaucous Gull was at Grafham Water and Tanholt GPs.

There have only been a couple of Black Redstarts so far at Swaddywell Pit and St Noets. Early dates in for summer visitors in Cambridgeshire were; Sand Martin Earith & Paxton Pits 4^th, Little Ringed Plover Grafham Water 11^th, Willow Warbler Grafham Water 31^st

Bedfordshire

Good for the county was a Dartford Warbler found at Blows Down 23^rd-24^th and an Avocet seen at Great Barford and then Roxton 17^th. The four Tundra Bean Geese remained in the area around Shefford and Old Warden

The gull roost at Stewartby Lake had the occasional Iceland, Mediterranean and Caspian Gull. But best of all was an adult Kumlien’s Gull 8^th and a second winter Kumlien’s Gull was there 31^st. Three Common Scoter were at Stewartby Lake 1^st.

The seven Waxwing were still at Woburn until 17th. A Hen Harrier was at Wrestlingworth 2^nd-3^rd and a Short-eared owl was there 4^th.

Up to twenty Common Crossbills were at the Lodge RSPB 9^th. A Hawfinch was at Whipsnade Zoo 20^th-21^st. Blows Down started to collect Black Redstarts with two during March.

Early dates in for summer visitors in Bedfordshire were; Sand Martin Dunstable 4^th, Little Ringed Plover Broom GPs 14^th, four Wheatear Old Warden 14^th, Osprey Biggleswade 30^th, Yellow Wagtail Broom 30^th and Willow Warbler Priory CP 31^st.

Perhaps the most bizarre sight was an escaped American Black Vulture at Sandy 22^nd.

Hertfordshire

Early dates in for summer visitors in Hertfordshire were; Sand Martin Amwell NR 1st, Little Ringed Plover Stocker’s Lake 14^th, Wheatear Allen’s Green, Newnham Hill and three Tyttenhanger 14^th, Swallow Amwell NR 20^th, Black Redstart Hatfield 20^th, two Tree Pipits Therfield Heath 20^th and House Martin Amwell NR 28^th.

The only Smew was at Stocker’s Lake 5^th and a Ruddy Shelduck was seen at Amwell NR and Tyttenhanger GPs towards the end of March.

A Bittern was at Marsworth Reservoir and Amwell NR. Up to two Mediterranean Gulls were at Wilstone Reservoir during the first half of March and a Little Gull was there 14th

Two Short-eared owls were at Hatfield Aerodrome and a Black redstart was there 20^th.

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245

Please contact us with your sightings phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk

Birdline East Anglia bird news report for Norfolk Wildlife Trust for October-January 2009

by Robin Chittenden

Last autumn was one of the best in recent years for migrants in Norfolk. At last, the weather conditions were favourable on many days for birds to cross the North Sea and hit the Norfolk coast rather than carry on their journey south on the continental side of the water.

From a rare bird viewpoint one of the most notable features was the arrival of not one but three Red-flanked Bluetails, which were seen at Muckleburgh Hill, Weybourne, Brancaster and Blakeney Point. This beautiful bird, which as its name suggests has rusty flanks and a Bluetail, was just a few years ago, classified as an extreme rarity, that turned up about once a decade in the UK and then usually on one of the remote islands in Shetland. It normally breeds from northern Scandinavia to Siberia. To have three in Norfolk in one year is unprecedented. The Blakeney Point bird was the seventh Norfolk record and was discovered by a brilliant sharp eyed birder, who not only found one the year before on Shetlands but also went on to find the Ring-necked Duck (see below).

In October a Wilson’s Phalarope from North America was at Cley NWT and Salthouse and attracted many birdwatchers, as the last one in Norfolk was in 1994. Not as rare but still engaging was a Grey Phalarope also at Cley NWT and then at Kelling Water Meadows. Also from North America was a Killdeer, seen briefly at Saddlebow in January. This is the third record for Norfolk and all three have been since 2005. Could these records all relate to the same returning individual? A female Ring-necked Duck was found at Whitlingham CP; although more normally found in North America this species has become virtually resident in small numbers this side of the pond but still remains unusual in Norfolk.

In the UK, Dippers are usually associated with turbulent streams and rivers well away from the south-east of England. Every so often though, a Dipper from Scandinavia makes it to Norfolk and then usually ends up spending the winter on one of our smaller cleaner rivers. These birds are a different form to ‘our’ Dipper, in that instead of a rusty belly, they have a black belly and are known as Black-bellied Dippers. This winter one spent it’s time along the River Glaven, anywhere between Glandford and Hunworth. As long stretches of this river are on private land the bird was only seen occasionally from fords and bridges at Letheringsett, Hunworth and Glandford.

During November a northerly blast encouraged a small influx of white-winged Gulls. This term is used to describe both the Glaucous Gull and Iceland Gull, which have pale to white wings. Both species breed in the Arctic and arrive in small numbers every winter. They can often be found among other Gulls scavenging at rubbish tips. One soft milky pale brown juvenile Glaucous Gull made it’s home along the aesthetically more pleasing beach between Cley NWT and Kelling, this winter. During its time it became more used to humans there and as a result became tame. It would often wander up to the fishermen in the hope of a titbit. This species is often fairly confiding (they don’t meet many humans in the Arctic) but this bird was unusually so. It was an ideal subject on which to practise wildlife photography but it was not so easy to get a flight shot, as it preferred to walk. Other wintering Glaucous and Iceland Gulls were not so discerning and fed at Blackborough End and Aldeby Tips.

In December there were a couple of species of bird more usually seen during the warmer months including a very late Wheatear at Horsey and a Sandwich Tern past Sheringham. The colder weather this winter may result in a decrease in some of Norfolk’s more vulnerable breeding birds, such as the Dartford Warbler and Cetti’s Warbler. Both species stay for winter, unlike most other Warblers, which head south to warmer climates.

Freezing conditions that cause lakes and broads to ice over also result in wildfowl having to find somewhere else to feed. The encroaching ‘ice-shelf’ at Whitlingham Country Park forced the duck, Coot and Mute Swans to feed right by the footpath. It was a delight to see Gadwall, Shoveler and a couple of Goldeneye so close. The Mute Swans were surrounded by gaggles of Gadwall that were stealing the waterweed from them, as they drew it up from the deep.

Coot dived for the weed and bobbed up with their bills full. This triggered a response from the Common and Black-headed Gulls that pursued them remorselessly for the prize. So all about, Coot were running across the water, wings flapping, followed by squawking gulls in hot aerial pursuit.

There was a late winter, or could it be early spring, arrival of Great White Egrets. These all white Grey Heron sized birds are a scarce visitor to the UK but have become more regular in recent years. The white breeding plumes of this and other species of Egret were used to adorn hats a hundred years ago or so. The killing of Egrets for their plumes led to the formation of the RSPB to help protect them. It must have been a success since the Great White Egret is not considered as a species of concern in Europe and globally is classified as ‘least concern’. Birds were seen at Welney WWT, Hickling Broad NWT, Marston Marshes and Long Dam Level near Aldeby.

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245

Please contact us with your sightings phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk

Birdline East Anglia report for February 2009

Continuing the trend from January were more Great White Egrets and Great Grey Shrikes and a couple of Penduline Tits.

Norfolk

A male Penduline Tit was discovered at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB from 4th-22nd at least. Although a first for the reserve it is one of several wandering around southern England this winter. With such a vast area of suitable habitat it was not that surprising that it was only seen occasionally. Two were seen there 16th. A Cattle Egret was at Cockley Cley for two days 3rd-4th. What was probably the same bird moved to the Barningham Park area from 12th-22nd and then near Strumpshaw from 24th. The bird liked following ploughing tractors.

A Black-bellied Dipper was seen again on the River Glaven anywhere between Glandford and Hunworth, but most regularly at Letheringsett. There were three Rough-legged Buzzards. One was at Haddiscoe Island 26th and up to two were in the area of Sandringham and North Wootton Marshes from 14th. Nearby a Raven was seen at Roydon Common NWT 14th. This species is expanding eastwards from their marginal upland retreat. More records of this corvid are to be expected, if they remain unmolested.

Two Great Grey Shrikes were finally confirmed in west Norfolk with birds seen at the same time at Dersingham Bog NNR and Roydon Common NWT. Three were in the Brecks at Santon Downham, at Lakenheath Fen RSPB and Olley's Farm near Thetford 27th. The Lakenheath bird often ranged across the river into Norfolk. A Dark-breasted Barn Owl was again at Welney WWT.

A Ferruginous Duck and Ring-necked Duck were seen again Hoveton Little Broad, although the former was seen once or twice at Wroxham Broad itself. A drake Green-winged Teal was at Buckenham Marshes RSPB and was even seen briefly at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB 8th. The maximum count of Long-tailed Ducks offshore from Holme was fifteen and up to eleven Velvet Scoter were off Hunstanton. The Ross's Goose was among the Pink-feet on and off in north and then west and east Norfolk later in February. Up to nineteen Tundra Bean Geese were at Welney WWT, up to six were between Hillington & Flitcham, up to three at Langham, two at Choseley and singles were at Cantley Marshes RSPB, Burnham Overy Staithe and Horsey. Black Brants seen were up to two at Wells & Holkham and Morston and singles at Titchwell RSPB and Cley.

Single Iceland Gulls were seen at Aldeby Tip, Sheringham, Blackborough End Tip, Hockwold Washes and Wroxham Broad. The juvenile Glaucous Gull remained in the Salthouse and Cley NWT. It favoured means of getting about was by foot and seemed to have no trouble flying despite its left wing becoming progressively more droopy. It was taken into care 27th. Scarce nowadays was a Hooded Crow at Beeston Regis 21st. Black-necked Grebe was east of Titchwell for much of the month. An early Sandwich Tern flew past Sheringham 22nd. A White Stork was reported near Kimberley 21st and a Spoonbill was at Buckenham marshes RSPB 22nd.

Suffolk

A Great Grey Shrike was still at Lakenheath Fen RSPB and up to four Common Cranes were there. Another Great Grey Shrike was found just north of Brettenham from 14th. Another Common Crane was at Minsmere RSPB 20th. Other Minsmere highlights were a drake Green-winged Teal, a summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe 27th and a Glaucous Gull. A Glaucous Gull was also at Southwold Harbour 28th.

The Lesser Yellowlegs became easy to see moving to some pools at Walberswick, although freezing conditions moved it but perhaps not that far. A Dark-breasted Barn Owl was found at Blythburgh 20th. A Great White Egret was at Castle Marshes & Somerleyton until 16th, Needham Market 16th-17th and North Warren RSPB. A Black-throated Diver was found at Oulton Broad. A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Semer Hill near Hadleigh 3rd. An Iceland Gull was at Lowestoft, Leathes Ham, Lakenheath and Felixstowe.

A Black Brant was at Sudbourne and Falkenham Marshes. The two Long-tailed Ducks were still on the Stour estuary along with up to six Slavonian Grebes and three Scaup. North of Dunwich were a Lapland Bunting and up to thirty Twite. Many Waxwings continued to be seen with a maximum count of seventy-two at Rendlesham 19th. A Raven flew north over Lower Holbrook 14th. This species is expanding eastwards from their marginal upland retreat. More records of this corvid are to be expected, if it remains unmolested. The Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were still at Melton.

Essex

The Ferruginous Duck re-appeared at Old Hall Marshes RSPB and up to two Black Brants were there. A Spoonbill was there 1st & 8th and it flew over Goldhanger 8th. It or another was seen in Alresford creek and Fingringhoe Wick EWT from 19th. Eight Snow Buntings were at Tollesbury Wick EWT and on the estuaries there at least four Great Northern Diver and seven Slavonian Grebes. A Black Brant was on Wallasea Island. Other highlights there were a Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint.

There were several Smew and Bittern in the Lee Valley Country Park. The Great Northern Diver was again at William Girling Reservoir at the end of February having spent several days at Walthamstow and Stoke Newington reservoirs. Only up to six Black-necked Grebes were at William Girling Reservoir Highlights from Hanningfield Reservoir were two Slavonian Grebes and three Scaup. Abberton Reservoir had up to thee Smew and a Bittern. The Ring-billed Gull was still at Westcliff-on-Sea and a Glaucous Gull was there 15th. Up to two Iceland Gulls and two Glaucous Gulls were at Pitsea 14th.

Cambridgeshire

A Black Kite was seen coming into roost at Wicken Fen NT 16th and the Coues's Artic Redpoll was at Woodwalton Fen NNR 1st. Up to two Great White Egrets were in the Pymore area occasionally being seen on the Ouse Washes RSPB. Another was seen at Prickwillow 13th and up to two were at Ely from 15th and were found roosting at Roswell Pits at Ely from 24th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was still south of Coveney until 4th. A Green-winged Teal was at Maxey pits 19th-20th and probably the same bird at Nene Washes RSPB 21st. The two Common Cranes were at the Nene Washes RSPB but may have moved as two were at Woodwalton NNR 21st-23rd. Seven Tundra Bean Geese and seventeen Eurasian white-fronted Geese were at Ouse Washes RSPB. Highlights from Grafham Water there were Black-necked Grebe, Scaup, Smew and two Common Scoter. A Red-breasted Merganser was at Beery Fen 28th. An Iceland Gull was at Cottenham and Fen Drayton GPs. A Garganey turned up at Fen Drayton GPs 27th also there were three Bittern, Scaup, eight Smew and three Eurasian white-fronted Geese. Needingworth had up to fourteen Smew 8th. A Snow Bunting flew over Ely 9th and a Black Redstart was near Little Thetford. A Raven flew over Hatley St George 16th.

Bedfordshire

The seventh Green-winged Teal for Bedfordshire was at Radwell GPs 15th and was the third record for Radwell itself. The four Tundra Bean Geese remained in the area around Cainhoe at the beginning of Ferbruary. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Willington, Blunham and Broom. There was a scattering of Waxwings the highest count was twenty at Biggleswade 8th, up to seven were at Woburn, up to six at Greenfield, three flew over Bramingham and one was at Shefford. A Bittern was at Willington and up to two at Brogborough Lake. A Long-eared Owl was at Pegsdon. Two Jack Snipe were at Willington GPs and nine were at Biggleswade. Up to fourteen Common Crossbills were at The Lodge RSPB. The gull roost at Stewartby Lake had the occasional Mediterranean and Caspian Gull and also an Iceland Gull 15th & 26th.

Hertfordshire

A first winter Serin was in the Lee Valley, North Metropolitan Pit 7th. Gull watchers at Amwell NR did well with a Glaucous Gull 8th-9th, a juvenile Iceland Gull 9th-10th and a Caspian Gull 15th. Mediterranean Gulls were only seen at Wilstone Reservoir and Hilfield Park Reservoir. Up to six Smew were at Seventy Acres Lake and others were seen at North Metropolitan Pit, Amwell NR and Cheshunt GPs in the Lee Valley CP and others were at Stocker's Lake. The only Scaup was at Stocker's Lake. Bitterns were at Cheshunt GPs, North Metropolitan Pit, Amwell NR, and Stocker's Lake and up to two were at Marsworth Reservoir. Two Jack Snipe were at Wilstone Reservoir and one was at Lemsford Springs. A Water Pipit was at Rye Meads RSPB and Croxley Green A Merlin was at Rothamsted and a Short-eared owl was at St Albans and two were near Royston. Seven waxwings were still in Stevenage.

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245

Please contact us with your sightings phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk

Birdline East Anglia report for January 2009

January was all about Great White Egrets, Penduline Tits with a Killdeer, Ross's Goose, Cattle Egret and a Lesser Yellowlegs added to the mix. Other diversions were a Black-bellied Dipper and a few Great Grey Shrikes.

Norfolk

A Killdeer was at Saddlebow briefly in the early afternoon 11th. This is the third record for Norfolk of this vagrant North American wader. All three have been since 2005. Could they all relate to the same individual?

A Great White Egret was at Welney WWT and then flew south. Another flew over the Hickling Stubb Mill roost watchpoint 17th and yet another put in a brief early morning appearance at Marston Marshes 18th and one was at Long Dam Levels in south-east Norfolk 30th.

A Black-bellied Dipper was seen again on the River Glaven anywhere between Glandford and Hunworth, but as long stretches of this river are on private land the bird was only seen occasionally.

Single Iceland Gulls were seen occasionally at Aldeby Tip, Hockwold Washes and Blackborough End Tip. The juvenile Glaucous Gull remained in the Salthouse, Cley NWT, Kelling area and others were seen at Blackborough End Tip, Aldeby Tip and Great Yarmouth.

A wandering Ross's Goose was among the Pink-feet in East Norfolk but then moved to north Norfolk later in January The Taiga Bean Geese were still at Cantley and Buckenham Marshes RSPB. A Green-winged Teal was at the later site 20th. Up to eight Tundra Bean Geese were at Welney WWT, up to six in the Horsey/Waxham area, ten at Blakeney Freshmarsh NT 27th and a single was at Burnham Overy Staithe. Black Brants seen were up to two at Wells & Holkham and singles at Titchwell RSPB, Cockthorpe and Morston. The maximum count of Long-tailed Ducks offshore from Holme was fifteen and up to twelve Velvet Scoter were off Hunstanton.

A Dark-breasted Barn Owl was seen at Stiffkey 16th and a bird showing characteristics of this form was at Welney WWT in the last week in January. A Great Grey Shrike was still wintering in west Norfolk being seen more off than on near Castle Rising and then at Dersingham Bog NNR. The Great Grey Shrike at Lakenheath Fen RSPB often ranged across the river into Norfolk. Hickling Stubb Mill roost watchpoint had a maximum count of 85 Marsh Harriers 17th.

The numbers of Mealy Redpoll at Town Farm Swaffham grew to thirty-five during the month. Surely it is only a question of time before a Coues's Arctic Redpoll is found among them. A hint of Spring, perhaps, was a Balearic Shearwater past Sheringham 23rd.

Suffolk

A male Penduline Tit was at Lakenheath Fen RSPB from 26th-29th. Although a first for the reserve this species is almost annual in Suffolk. A Great Grey Shrike continued to winter at Lakenheath Fen RSPB and two were reported there on one day 20th and up to four Common Cranes were there.

The Lesser Yellowlegs was initially only seen occasionally at Southwold and Walberswick, but by the end of the month its feeding locations were found.

A Great White Egret was at Dunwich, Mickle Mere 20th, Minsmere RSPB 20th, Felixstowe Ferry 26th and Castle Marshes SWT 30th. Other Minsmere RSPB highlights were a drake Green-winged Teal from 13th, a Glaucous Gull and three to four Velvet Scoter.

Three Taiga Bean Goose and a Tundra Bean Goose were at Reydon Marshes. Up to two Tundra Bean Goose were North Warren RSPB and Minsmere RSPB and a single was at Bawdsey. The Iceland Gull at Lowestoft was seen at Ness Point and Oulton Broad but more often at Leathes Ham and a Glaucous Gull was seen there and Oulton Broad on a couple of occasions. Other Glaucous Gulls included one that flew north past Kessingland 7th, one at Sizewell and Trimley Marshes SWT. The only other Iceland Gull flew north past Felixstowe 31st.

There was a great count of six Slavonian Grebes logged at Holbrook Creek and up to two were at Alton Water reservoir nearby. The two Long-tailed Ducks were still on the Stour estuary. A Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were at Melton. A Black Redstart popped up at Dunwich Heath NT towards the end of the month. Nearby north of Dunwich were a Lapland Bunting and up to thirty Twite. Many Waxwings continued to be seen with a maximum count of sixty-seven at Kesgrave.

Essex

A Cattle Egret was at Abberton Reservoir 4th-5th. Other highlights from Abberton Reservoir in January were a Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, up to five Smew and a Bittern.

A Great White Egret flew north over Holland Haven CP 17th and was thought to be the same bird later seen in Suffolk and Norfolk. Another Great White Egret was at Feering 25th.

Rainham Marshes RSPB was again productive with up to two Penduline Tits until 14th and one Serin at the beginning of January. There were several Smew and Bittern in the Lee Valley Country Park. Up to three Bittern were at Fishers Green from the Bittern watchpoint hide, although one was taken into care 14th. Up to twenty-four Black-necked Grebes were at William Girling Reservoir and a Great Northern Diver was there 18th. What was presumed to be the same Great Northern Diver turned up at West Warwick reservoir from 24th and a Scaup was at Banbury reservoir.

Highlights from Hanningfield Reservoir were Red-necked Grebe, up to two Slavonian Grebes, up to two Black-necked Grebes, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, up to seven Smew, up to three Scaup and a Water Pipit. Abberton had a Red-throated Diver, Black-necked Grebe, up to seven Smew, Scaup, Hen Harrier and two Bittern. East Mersea was typically good with up to four Great Northern Divers and two Shag. The Black Brant was still at Old Hall Marshes RSPB and another was on Wallasea Island. On the River Stour off Mistley were a couple of Shags and Scaup.

The Ring-billed Gull was still at Westcliff-on-Sea and another adult was found at Shoeburyness 1st. An Iceland Gull was at Southend 9th and a Glaucous Gull was at Pitsea 24th. The Snow Bunting was still at Southchurch and two others were seen at Stone Point. A Black Redstart was at Shoeburyness. There was a fabulous count of eleven Hawfinches at Braxted Park. There was a scattering of Waxwings the highest count being eighteen at Maldon 4th.

A Spoonbill flew south over Wat Tyler CP 11th and north over Westcliff-on-Sea 26th. A Curlew Sandpiper was at Mersea Island, Wallasea Island and two were at Abbots Hall Farm EWT. Wallasea Island also had a wintering Little Stint.

Cambridgeshire

A Coues's Artic Redpoll was found with the Redpoll flock at Woodwalton Fen NNR 31st.

A Great White Egret was seen at the Ouse Washes and the Pymore area from 17th. It may have though been in the area sometime as a Great White Egret flew over Fen Drayton GPs 8th. This is likely to be a returning bird as it showed similar roosting and feeding locations as a bird there last winter. However a second bird appeared at the same site from 28th.

A Rough-legged Buzzard that has been aged and sexed as a second year male proved to be elusive to many south of Coveney. A pale Common Buzzard there was allegedly causing all sorts of identification headaches, despite its pale belly.

Highlights from Grafham Water there were three species of Grebe; Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, as well as Scaup, Smew and Water Pipit, Iceland Gull, Kumlien's Gull 11th, Glaucous Gull and Kittiwake. Five Tundra Bean Geese were at the Nene Washes RSPB and three remained at the Cam Washes.

The two Common Cranes seemed very happy at the Nene Washes RSPB. Species more usual at coastal habitats included a Red-breasted Merganser at Fen Drayton GPs, a Scaup was at Ferry Meadows CP and three Dark-bellied Brent Goose 26th were at Paxton Pits. There was an unusual movement of Dark-bellied Brent Goose with seventy over Grafham Water 31st. A Lapland Bunting was at the Nene Washes RSPB 24th.

Up to two Glaucous Gulls and an Iceland Gull were at Cottenham. An Iceland Gull and Glaucous were also seen a couple of times at Shropshire's reservoir and another Iceland Gull was at Milton. Another Glaucous Gull was at Dogsthorpe Tip and over Over. Two Woodlark were seen near Bythorn 19th and several Crossbills were at Southey Woods. Up to two Hawfinch were at Southorpe Paddock NR and one was at Wimpole Hall NT. Smew, Bittern and a Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier and Merlin were seen at a number of sites.

Bedfordshire

A male Snow Bunting was at Brogborough Tip from 18th was only the tenth record for Bedfordshire. The last one flew over The Lodge RSPB 9th November 2004 and before that one lingered at Blows Downs 8th-12th January 1987.

The four Tundra Bean Geese remained in the area around Cainhoe. A Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Brogborough Lakes 31st. A Scaup was at Chimney Corner north Pit, Kempston Hardwick and Stewartby Lake in January. Three Dark-bellied Brent Geese were there 12th.

There was a scattering of Waxwings the highest count was twenty at Biggleswade 8th, up to six lingered at Greenfield and one was at Shefford. Up to four Hawfinch were at Milton Wood and another was at Tempsford. A Bittern was seen at Brogborough and Stewartby Lakes. A Jack Snipe and a Water Pipit were at Willington GPs. The drake Garganey remained at Blunham Lakes. The gull roost at Stewartby Lake had the occasional Mediterranean and Caspian Gull.

Hertfordshire

A Great Grey Shrike was at Cuffley 9th-13th and one was at Crews Hill, Cheshunt until 2nd.

Up to seven Waxwings were in Stevenage, ten were at Bishop's Stortford and two at Harpenden.

A juvenile Iceland Gull roosted overnight at Amwell NR 25th-26th and again seen 29th. Mediterranean Gulls were only seen at Cheshunt GPs and Wilstone Reservoir. A Shag was Aldenham Country Park 16th.

Up to two Short-eared Owls were at Hatfield and three at St Albans and a single was near Royston. A Merlin was also seen at St Albans. A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen briefly just north of Hemel Hempstead 30th.

Smew were seen at Amwell NR and Cheshunt GPs in the Lee Valley CP and others were at Stocker's Lake, Wilstone Reservoir and Stanborough Lakes. The maximum count was eight on Bowyers Water in the Lee Valley 30th. A massive (for Hertfordshire) flock of twenty Dark-bellied Brent Geese were at Wilstone Reservoir 31st. Bitterns were Cheshunt GPs (up to three), Amwell NR, Tyttenhanger GPs and Marsworth Reservoir. A Jack Snipe were at Wilstone Reservoir, Amwell NR and Tyttenhanger GPs.

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings on Birdline East Anglia by phoning 09068 700 245

Please contact us with your sightings phone/text 07941333970 or e birdnews@birdline-eastanglia.co.uk

Birdline East Anglia report for December 2008

by Robin Chittenden

Norfolk

A drake Ferruginous Duck was in the Wroxham Broad area 14th-21st. Also found there were a Red-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Scaup and a female Ring-necked Duck was in the area 21st, presumably the Whitlingham bird.

A Black-bellied Dipper was found on the River Stiffkey at Houghton St Giles 29th.

A Rough-legged Buzzard was in the Hickling area 3rd -8th and it or others were then seen over Kelling Heath 10th, Stanhoe 11th and Wighton 14th.

A Great Grey Shrike wintered in west Norfolk being seen occasionally near Castle Rising and Dersingham Bog NNR. There was no news of the one seen last month in the Grimes Graves/Santon Downham area of The Brecks but there was one at was Mundesley 7th.

Single Iceland Gulls were seen at Cley NWT, Blackborough End Tip and Aldeby Tip. The juvenile Glaucous Gull remained in the Salthouse, Cley NWT, Kelling area and others were seen at Blackborough End Tip and Aldeby Tip.

A wandering Ross's Goose was among the Pink-feet at Repps-with-Bastwick, Martham, Thorpe Marshes, Burgh Castle, Burney Marshes RSPB, Bradwell, east of Acle and Buckenham Marshes RSPB throughout December. The Taiga Bean Geese were at Cantley Marshes and Buckenham Marshes RSPB but numbers seemed to decline during the month or perhaps, which seems more likely, the main flock is feeding somewhere nearby. This flock is though, renowned for leaving this wintering area very early in the New Year. Up to sixteen Tundra Bean Geese were at Langham, Blakeney Freshmarsh NT, Sharrington and Cley NWT, a maximum of nine Welney WWT, two at Waxham, two Shernborne, one Amner and two east of Acle. Black Brants were at Stiffkey, Holkham, up to two Wells and Titchwell RSPB.

The only Smew was at Tottenhill GPs and a Scaup was at Whitlingham CP. Inland (to varying degrees) were a couple of Shags at Denver Sluice and one at Wells Quay.

More usually seen during warmer months were a late Wheatear at Horsey 14th and Black Redstart was there 21st, a Sandwich Tern past Sheringham 15th, a Siberian Chiffchaff in Norwich 7th and a Little Stint at Cley NWT. A Storm Petrel was seen off Cley 1st and a Pomarine Skua flew over Salthouse 1st. A male Serin was briefly at Glandford 18th.

Suffolk

A Lesser Yellowlegs was found at Southwold from 5th. This area seems to be one of the best in East Anglia to find this species. The bird was thought to be a returning bird, which was last seen in February.

A Great Grey Shrike continued to winter at Lakenheath Fen RSPB and two Common Cranes were still there.

A Great Northern Diver was at Weybread GPs 8th-18th and the one remained wintering on River Orwell seen from Trimley Marshes SWT, Freston and Wherstead until mid-month. A Velvet Scoter was also on the Orwell 11th. Nearby on Stour Estuary were up to three Long-tailed Ducks and up to six Slavonian Grebes. A Slavonian Grebe was seen again at Lowestoft in the harbour and another was at Alton Water Reservoir at the beginning of December. An inland (just) Long-tailed Duck was on Bawdsey Pits 14th and an inland (just) Common Scoter was at Benacre Pits. A Shag was seen in Ipswich 14th and Lake Lothing.The only Tundra Bean Goose was at North Warren RSPB from 4th.

The only Iceland Gull was seen a three times at Lowestoft Harbour and Leathes Ham and was thought to have followed fishing boats in. Single Glaucous Gulls were seen at Minsmere RSPB, Southwold and Lowestoft Harbour and could all relate to one individual, which had a green colour-ring. This was traced to a chick caught on Bear Island, Svalbard on 18th July 2008.

A Siberian Chiffchaff was seen at Bawdsey and a Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper was at Melton. There was a reasonable build up of Waxwings at Rendlesham with a maximum count of forty-two 14th. Two Common Darters were at Carleton Marshes SWT 4th.

Essex

A massive flock of Mealy and Lesser Redpolls contained one Coues's Arctic Redpoll at Thorndon CP, which rather surprisingly was only seen on two days 1st-2nd.

Rainham Marshes RSPB was again one of the best sites in Essex with two elusive Penduline Tits from 6th and at least one Serin. Also there were a Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull, Dartford Warbler and a few Water Pipits. Another Serin was seen near Burnham-on-Crouch 9th-14th

Scarce Essex birds included a Richard's Pipit at The Hythe, Colchester 7th and a Rough-legged Buzzard at Fishers Green 7th. Late summer visitors were a wintering Lesser Whitethroat at Seventy Acres Lake in the Lee Valley CP from 7th and a Whinchat at Tollesbury Wick EWT 13th-15th.

Abberton Reservoir had a Slavonian Grebe, up to five Smew and a Bittern. Other Smew were at Lee Valley CP, Connaught Water and Mollands Lane Pits. The only other Bitterns were three at Fishers Green. A Red-necked Grebe was on Holyfield Lake 30th. The River Stour off Mistley was productive with a Great Northern Diver as well as Long-tailed Duck, Shag and Scaup.

Highlights from Hanningfield Reservoir were Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter and Scaup. The Blackwater Estuary off Rolls Farm was typically good with up to four Great Northern Divers, up to four Velvet Scoters, up to ten Slavonian Grebes, a Red-necked Grebe and two Shag.

The Ring-billed Gull was still at Westcliff-on-Sea and another adult was found at Hole Haven Creek on Canvey. Black Brant was seen at Westcliff-on-Sea and Old Hall Marshes RSPB. A Glaucous Gull was at East Tilbury 22nd.

The only Snow Bunting in Essex was seen at Southchurch and the only Twite were twelve at Dovercourt and three at Old Hall marshes RSPB. Numbers of Waxwing built up throughout the month. One of the largest flocks of Waxwing initially was fourteen over Fingringhoe Wick EWT 20th, but this was eclipsed by a massive fifty at Maldon 30th.

Cambridgeshire

A Rough-legged Buzzard was south of Coveney from 7th. A Merlin and two Short-eared Owls were also seen in that area. One, or just possibly two, Great Northern Divers were at Grafham Water. Also there were a Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Scaup, Smew and Water Pipit. Three Tundra Bean Geese were at the Cam Washes north of Waterbeach 6th-15th.

A Common Crane was seen briefly on east side of Peterborough 4th and two were at the Nene Washes RSPB from 6th. The number of Red-breasted Merganser at Fen Drayton GPs built up to three. Also there were up to four Smew, a Scaup, up to two Shags, Bittern and a Short-eared Owl. The only other Smew was at Brampton GPs. There was a small influx of Dark-bellied Brent Goose 26th with four at Grafham Water and one at Paxton Pits.

Up to two Glaucous Gulls and an Iceland Gull were at Cottenham. Waxwing were seen at St Ives, Eynesbury, Stretham, Cambridge, Lower Cambourne and Fen Drayton but there were no large build ups. Hen Harriers were seen at Wicken Fen NT (two), Woodwalton Fen NNR, Swaffham Prior Fen, Fowlmere RSPB, Nene Washes RSPB and Cam Washes and Merlins were at Chippenham Fen, Cam Washes and the Nene Washes RSPB. Two Purple Sandpipers were Earith briefly 31st. Up to five Water Pipits and three Jack Snipe were at the Ouse Washes RSPB. A Firecrest were seen again at Woodwalton Fen NNR.

Bedfordshire

The four Tundra Bean Geese remained in the area around Cainhoe Lakes and the Slavonian Grebe remained at Brogborough Lake until 24th. A Scaup was at Chimney Corner north Pit, Kempston Hardwick and Stewartby Lake in December. Smew were Chimney Corner north Pit (two) and Blunham Lakes. There was a small influx of Dark-bellied Brent Goose inland in East Anglia including one at Radwell GPs 26th.

The only Waxwings were ten at Biggleswade, Clifton (two), Southill and one over The Lodge RSPB. A Firecrest was found at one of the species regular spots, Swiss Gardens and a Hawfinch was at Woburn. A Bittern was at Brogborough Lake. A Jack Snipe were at the Octagon Farm Pits at Willington and Broom GPs and there was a Water Pipit at Meadow Lane GPs. The drake Garganey remained at Blunham Lakes and a Common Sandpiper was at Willington GPs 11th. A Kittiwake was at Stewartby Lake 23rd and a Mediterranean Gull came to roost there a couple of times. A Merlin was seen at Lower Dean and Broom and up to two Short-eared Owls were at Kempston Mill.

Hertfordshire

The Rough-legged Buzzard remained in the Reed area until 6th. Also seen there were a Hen Harrier and Merlin. Other Merlins were seen at Sandon and Cottered and a Hen Harrier flew over the Seventy Acres Lake in the Lee Valley CP 26th. A Great Grey Shrike was at Furneux Pelham 14th and one was at Cheshunt 30th-31st at least. A Short-eared Owl was at Hatfield and St Albans.

The only Smew were at Amwell NR, Cheshunt GPs & Bowyers Water in the Lee valley CP (up to two) and Wilstone Reservoir. Single Bitterns were Cheshunt GPs, Amwell NR and Marsworth Reservoir. A Black-necked Grebe was at Bowyer's Water and a Caspian Gull was at Amwell NR 13th. Mediterranean Gulls were only seen at Hilfield Park Reservoir, Wilstone Reservoir and Amwell NR. A Jack Snipe was at Kings Mead. Up to ten Waxwings were in Stevenage, eight St Albans and one flew over Tring. Four Bewick's Swan were at Hilfield Park Reservoir. Late summer visitors were a wintering Lesser Whitethroat at Seventy Acres Lake in the Lee Valley CP from 7th.

Norfolk bird & wildlife report for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust for May-September 2008

A male Red-backed Shrike spent the summer at Sea Palling. The species used to known as the 'butcher' bird. Named from its habit of stock piling prey items, such as large insects, on thorns in a 'larder', to which it could return at leisure to consume. The Red-backed Shrike has become extinct, during my lifetime, as a regular UK breeding bird. The last pair to breed in Norfolk was in 1988 in the Brecklands at Santon Downham. It is still a regular, but scarce, spring and autumn migrant, simply passing through Norfolk to other pastures. For one to find Sea Palling so attractive that it couldn't bear to leave is at least interesting.

Red-backed Shrike is a Norfolk BAP species meaning that it is listed on the Norfolk Biodiversity Action Plan. The plan provides a legal framework to conserve, protect and enhance biodiversity. The idea is to focus the energy of conservation organisations on those species that make it on the list. So perhaps in the future we can hope for this species to return as a regular breeder.

Nearby and even more unusual in the UK was a female Lesser Grey Shrike that spent a few days at Hickling in June. This species breeds in Eastern Europe, in such areas as the Hortobagy in Hungary. What was more amazing though, was that the same bird was re-found near Middlebere Heath in Dorset in August. This bird had unique mark by its bill enabling the finders of the Dorset bird to determine it was the Hickling bird. Where it was between dates will have to remain a mystery.

Honey Buzzards are rare breeding birds in Norfolk and Natural England have two locations where anyone can go to lookout for the species. Both are east of Fakenham, one at the Wensum Valley Watchpoint near Great Ryburgh and the other at the Swanton Novers watchpoint. Birdwatchers were treated to a spectacular arrival of the species in mid-September. Weather conditions were such that a few hundred birds migrating south in mainland Europe were pushed across the North Sea. As a result many were seen to fly in off the sea at numerous locations around Norfolk on 13th September. Those on the north Norfolk coast appeared to filter inland as there were sightings over Attleborough, Cringleford and Norwich, whereas those on the east coast continued south resulting in record counts at Minsmere RSPB.

The next day hardly any Honey Buzzards were seen coming in off the sea and their distribution had more westerly bias, with for instance eight over Welney WWT. It seems likely that these birds had arrived on 13th in northern England and were making their way south. The movement continued with lower numbers until nearly the end of the month. Associated with the movement were Common Buzzards and Ospreys. Their arrival coincided with large falls of Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, Wheatears and Whinchats. Redstarts were found along the entire length of the Norfolk coastline. The highest count was eighty-six on Blakeney Point.

Highlights from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves from May onwards included a Great Reed Warbler, Temminck's Stints, Lesser Yellowlegs White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpipers, Dotterel and Barred Warbler at Cley NWT. A Cattle Egret was also seen there. This species has bred in south-west England for the first time this year. Could it be about to do the same as the Little Egret, which has successfully colonised southern England and is now a familiar bird on estuaries and saltings. At Upton Broad NWT were two Red-footed Falcons, but surprisingly none were seen at Hickling Broad NWT where it is normally occurs annually. Hickling Broad NWT had a juvenile Marsh Sandpiper, White-winged Black Tern and two Pectoral Sandpipers.

There was a 'new' bird for Norfolk. Normally found in desert habitats a Trumpeter Finch spent a few days at the end of May and beginning of June in the desert like habitat on Blakeney Point.

Surprise mammals of the month goes to the two Long-finned Pilot Whales seen off Holme 5th and a rare migrant bat, the Parti-coloured Bat, was seen to fly off the sea at Kelling 13th and was apparently the first Norfolk record.

This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia.

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