Recent Sightings

Recent Sightings

updated 23rd April 2008

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Draft Birdline East Anglia bird news for April 2008 (Note only a draft up until 22nd April not spell checked or sorted into paragraphs yet!)

A singing male Black Lark was at Winterton 20th-21st. It was found in the late afternoon after a few days of easterly winds probably grounded by the drizzly conditions in the morning. It is the third to occur in the UK and a first for Norfolk. The influx of rare bird enthusiasts attracted by thoughts of seeing the black form dredged up a rich haul of scarce exotics the next day with a male Subalpine Warbler species a Hoopoe 1st-22nd and a yneck 21st-22nd. The Black Lark though had had enough of the pleasures provided by Winterton dunes and departed rather too early in the morning leaving the non-early birders twiddling their fingers. Other highlights of spring so far include a Red-rumped Swallow that was tracked around the coast from Winterton, Salthouse and Blakeney Point 9th. There were several Black Kite sightings with one bird over Cromer, Sidestrand, Burnham Overy Dunes, Stiffkey, Cley, Blakeney and Salthouse 8th, west of Great Yarmouth 12th-13th, Caister 12th and over Horsey, Winterton, Hickling Broad NWT 15th, one over Stiffkey 16th, one over Horsey Mill 17th, one north-west over Aldeby 20th and one over Cromer 21st. As three Black Kite and one Black-eared Kite birds escaped from London Zoo this spring it is going to be difficult for the county bird recorder to satisfy themselves that all sightings this spring were not these escapees. A Cattle Egret was found at Stiffkey and was still in the area 4th-13th at least A Great White Egret was at Guist 5th-7th and one was at Ditchlingham 14th. The Rough-legged Buzzard was at Burnham Overy Dunes, Scolt Head Island, Holkham Freshmarsh 13th-21st and also visited Stiffkey Fen 14th. An early Montagu's Harrier was at Holme 2nd and a male was at Holkham Freshmarsh 19th. The Dark-breasted Barn Owl was still at Wacton Common 5th. The Lesser Snow Goose was also at Heigham Holmes, Horsey or Waxham 1st at least and at Breydon Water 13th and perhaps the same bird was at Ken Hill marsh Heacahm 23rd. Up to two Black Brants were still at Cley NWT and one was at Titchwell RSPB A Wryneck was at Burnham Overy Dunes 21st. Up to three Shorelark remained at Cley NWT until 9th and then two were found 19th-22nd and there were two between West & East Runton 22nd. The Great Grey Shrike remained at Kelling Heath 22nd at least, but has included a Dartford Warbler in its rich and varied diet. Another Great Grey Shrike was at Great Walsingham 12th and south of Hunstanton 23rd. The Glaucous Gull was still at Gorleston until 19th and one flew past Weybourne 21st and an Iceland Gull was at Trimmingham 19th. Spoonbills seen this spring so far have been at Holkham NNR, Welney WWT, Hickling Broad NWT, Hopton-on-Sea, Martham Broad and Berney Marshes RSPB 17th. Away from the Broads were five Common Cranes that flew west over Brancaster Staithe, Titchwell RSPB and Holme 2nd, one was near Emneth 14th and one over Choseley then at Holkham Freshmarsh and then over Cley NWT 19th. A summer plumaged Slavonian Grebe was at Hickling Broad NWT 9th and nearby a drake Green-winged Teal was at Martham South Broad 14th-15th. The usual influx of Ring Ouzels included a count of twenty-two near Brancaster Staithe 18th Returning summer visitors included Tree Pipit at Sea Palling 1st, a Hobby at Wereham 2nd, Ring Ouzel 3rd, Common Tern Wroxham Broad 8th, Sedge Warbler Titchwell RSPB 10th, Grasshopper Warbler Holkham NNR 13th and a Common Swift Burnham Overy Staithe 13th

A Red-rumped Swallow was seen along coastal Suffolk at Minsmere RSPB, North Warren RSPB and Thorpeness 7th. Also at Minsmere RSPB was a Purple Heron 9th-10th. The Penduline Tits were heard again at Minsmere RSPB 4th and two were at Fisher Row 4th and nearby at Carlton Marshes RSPB 8th Scace migrants were a rather elusive Hoopoe was at Hollesley 17th-19th, a Wryneck at Landguard NR 21st and Serin flew in off the sea at Felixstowe 22nd. A Black Kite was at Boyton Marshes RSPB 8th-10th and again over there and Gedgrave Marshes 21st-22nd, one flew east over Elvedon, one over Bury St Edmunds 12th, one flew west over Dunwich Cliffs 20th, one over Beccles 21st and one over Benacre 22nd. As three Black Kite and one Black-eared Kite birds escaped from London Zoo this spring it is going to be difficult for the county bird recorder to satisfy themselves that all sightings this spring were not these escapees. A Rough-legged Buzzard flew north over Darsham 5th and one flew south over Boyton Marshes RSPB 12th. A Great White Egret was again at North Warren RSPB 5th-15th and two Common Cranes flew south over North Warren RSPB 15th. Four Spoonbills were at Minsmere RSPB 22nd. The Shorelark was still at Landguard NR until 22nd at least. A summer plumaged Red-throated Divers was at Alton Water until 16th at least The juvenile Glaucous Gull was seen on and off at Minsmere RSPB and an Iceland Gull dropped in there 17th. The Black Brant was still at Thorpe Bay early in the month and a Raven flew south over Ipswich 9th Returning summer visitors included Common Tern Minsmere RSPB 1st, Ring Ouzel near Aldringaham 1st, a Yellow Wagtail at Shingle Street 1st, Sedge Warbler Shingle Street & Minsmere RSPB 3rd, two Grasshopper Warblers at Carlton Marshes & Trimley Marshes SWT 10th, Nightingale Minsmere RSPB 12th, Lesser Whitethroat Landguard NR 12th and Little Tern 16th

Essex (to listen to Essex bird news only press *10 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245)

Continuing the invasion of Cattle Egrets a couple ventured into Essex. A Cattle Egret was at Abberton Reservoir 17th and one was at William Girling Reservoir 12th-17th A Hoopoe was at Heckfordbridge 19th. A Stone-curlew was at Rainham Marshes RSPB 16th Five Long-tailed Ducks were still at Hanningfield Reservoir 9th, one was still at Fingringhoe Wick EWT 13th and at Paglesham Lagoon until 17th at least The Ring-billed Gull was at Westcliff-on-Sea until 11th. An Iceland Gull and Glaucous Gull were in Mucking day 5th. An Iceland Gull flew north at Newport 6th The Tundra Bean Goose remained at Abberton Reservoir until 5th. Also there were up to three Slavonian Grebe 5th-22nd at least and one was at Paglesham Lagoon 16th at least. A Lapland Bunting was at Abberton Reservoir 14th-15th. An Iceland Gull was still at Rainham Marshes RSPB 21st. Spring migrants early dates were a Common Tern Abberton Reservoir 6th, Garden Warbler Chelmsford 9th, Sedge Warbler Abberton Reservoir 13th, Redstart Gunners Park 13th, two Nightingales Fishers Green 14th, Whitethroat Two Tree Island 14th and Swift Hanningfield Reservoir 17th,

Cambridgeshire (to listen to Cambridgeshire bird news only press *11 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245)

A Lesser Yellowlegs was found at Berry Fen RSPB 19th and then near Earith and Chain Corner area 20th-21st. A Cattle Egret was at Sawston 1st. Two Common Cranes flew west over Paxton Pitts and Grafham Water 5th, one was at Nene Washes RSPB 9th-15th with three there 21st and Spoonbill there 11th A Wryneck was at Old Hurst 17th-21st in a front garden. A Great Grey Shrike was at Farcet Fen 5th and a Red-necked Grebe was still at Buckden GPs 19th at least A Kumlien's Gull was at Cottenham Long Drove 5th and another was at Grafham Water 8th. An Iceland Gull was at Nene Washes RSPB, Diddington its, Cottenham Long Drove and Grafham Water. A Glaucous Gull was also seen at Grafham Water. There was a massive rush of Arctic Terns with two hundred at Ferry Meadows CP 23rd. A Wood Warbler was at Bainton GPs 17th and another was at Grafham Water briefly 23rd. Up to four Ring Ouzels were at Folkesworth 15th, Ouse Washes RSPB, Grafham Water, Roswell Pit, Redstart at Ferry Meadows CP, Shepreth L-Moor Early dates for spring migrants were a Sedge Warbler Paxton Pits, Fen Drayton GPs and Grafham Water 3rd, Reed Warbler Buckden GPs 4th, Redstart Fowlmere RSPB 10th, Cuckoo Woodwalton Fen 13th, Grasshopper Warbler Brampton 13th, Redstart Ferry Meadows CP 16th and a Turtle Dove at Fen Drayton GPs 19th. A flock of sixty Bar-tailed Godwits that dropped in at the Nene Washes RSPB were probably the same birds that were seen in Bedfordshire 20th

Bedfordshire (to listen to Bedfordshire bird news only press *12 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245)

A Purple Heron flew north-west over Sharpenhoe Clappers 2nd. Two Common Cranes flew west over Millbrook 3rd and another Common Crane north at Upper Caldecote 8th A Stone-curlew was at Tempsford Airfield 17th. A Red-throated Diver stopped off briefly at Grovebury Sand Quarry 23rd. A Glaucous Gull was on and off at Stewartby Lake until 21st at least and a Little Gull was at Priory CP 14th, Broom GPs 16th and Stewartby Lake 21st. An Avocet dropped in at Fenlake Meadows 16th and Bigglewade 20th. Seven Ring Ouzel was at Dunstable Downs 8th and up to eleven at Pegsdon Deacon Hill, four at Blows Down and eight at Bison Hill. A Firecrest was at Barton Hills 20th. Redstarts at Moggerhanger Park, Clifton, Tempsford Up to two Black Terns at Priory CP and Cainhoe GPs. Many Arctic Terns and Little Gulls moved through the county from 20th. Highest counts were thirty-five Little Gulls at Broom GPs and ninety Arctic Terns at Priory CP. A Sandwich tern was at Stewartbly Lake 23rd. A flock of sixty Bar-tailed Godwits that steamed north over Harold Odell CP 20th were probably the same birds that were seen in Cambridgeshire. Up to two Garganey were at Rookery Pit and three at Octagon Farm Pit 20th. A Short-eared Owl was at Marston Vale Millenium CP 16th-21st Early dates for spring migrants were a Ring Ouzel at Blows Down 1st and Black Redstart was there 1st. A Little Gull was at Roxton 1st, Osprey Priory CP 5th, Cuckoo The Lodge RSPB 6th, Redstart Blows Down & Totternhoe Knolls 9th, Grasshopper Warbler Marston Vale Millennium CP 10th, Whitethroat Broom GPs 11th, Redstart Tempsford Station 17th

To listen to the bird news from the following bordering counties to East Anglia only press *13 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245

North & east Hertfordshire A Great White Egret was at Wilstone Reservoir briefly 11th. Three Common Cranes were at Tyttenhanger GPs 22nd-23rd. A Stone-curlew was at Norton Green 21st. A Pied Flycatcher was near Wilstone Cemetery 16th. A Common Tern was at Wilstone Reservoir 1st. Three Yellow Wagtails were at Marsworth Resevoir 3rd and there was a Blue-headed Wagtail with fourteen Yellow Wagtails there 15th. A Ring Ouzel was at Batford 7th-19th, one Wilstone Reservoir, three at Norton Green, one at Tyttenhanger GPs, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Ashwell and Redstarts were at Batford 13th-15th. An Osprey flew NW over Maple Cross 8th and another was over Tring Reservoirs 11th. Garganey were at Maple Lodge NR and Stockers Lake 7th, Sawbridgeworth 8th-15th, one Amwell GPs 10th-11th, Tringford Reservoir 17th, Marsworth Reservoir 17th and Wilstone Reservoir 18th. An Arctic Tern was seen at Wilstone & Marsworth Reservoir 16th. Three Common Scoter were at Wilstone Reservoir 17th and two Little Gulls 22nd. Four Little Gulls were at Tyttenhanger GPs 23rd. The number of Arctic Terns increased towards the end of the month. There were three Sandwich Terns and a Black Tern at Wilstone Reservoir 23rd Up to three Jack Snipe Bishop's Stortford 10th-12th and a Whimbrel was at Tyttenhanger GPs 14th and Sawbridgeworth 15th. Swift and two Hobby at Wilstone Reservoir 17th Rutland Up to two Green-winged Teals was still at Eyebrook Reservoir 20th. A Great Skua was there 20th. Five Arctic Terns were there 15th. Pied Flycatcher at Croft Hill 18th. East Northamptonshire East Buckinghamshire A Pied Flycatcher was at Linford NR 23rd and a high count of twenty-six Ring Ouzels at Incombe Hill 16th South-east Lincolnshire East London Four Black-necked Grebes Fairlop Waters CP 17th North-west Kent The Iceland Gull was at Cliffe Pools RSPB 1st and a Common Crane was there 19th-20th as was along-tailed Duck. The Falcated Duck was still at Southfleet 17th at least and Black Kite Capel Fleet 5th

There was a small influx of three White-spotted Bluethroat, many Black Redstarts and several Firecrests. A passage of Common Scoter over the region resulted in many resting on inland waterbodies. The White-crowned Sparrow left Cley. Most of the rare winter geese from North America have left with just one Ross's Goose and one Lesser Snow Goose left by the end of the month.

One of the highlights of the early spring migration was a male White-spotted Bluethroat found between Winterton-on-Sea and East Somerton 26th-27th. The White-crowned Sparrow remained at Cley until 11th.

There were still three North American white geese. The Ross's Goose was at Heigham Holmes, Horsey or Waxham 11th-30th and another was at Holkham Freshmarsh 1st-17th. The Lesser Snow Goose was also at Heigham Holmes, Horsey or Waxham 11th-31st at least. A white goose seen to fly west over Cromer and Cley 31st was reported to be a Snow Goose but perhaps its was a Ross's. The three Tundra Bean Geese were still at Welney WWT until 12th and seven were at Horsey 19th and Black Brants were still at Titchwell RSPB, Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh, Morston and Cley NWT.

A Great White Egret was at Binham Mill 17th and one was on the saltings at Thornham and Holme Marsh 25th-27th. A Common Crane was still knocking about in the Welney area until 9th when it was seen near Ten Mile Bank.

The Rough-legged Buzzard was still at Burnham Norton until 31st at least. One flew north-west over Wensum Valley Watchpoint, Great Ryburgh 17th and one was seen near West Runton 23rd. The three Shorelark remained at Cley NWT all month and two were at Burnham Overy Dunes 3rd.

The Great Grey Shrike remained at Kelling all month and one was at Gayton Thorpe 5th and the one at Grimes Graves was still there until 20th The Dark-breasted Barn Owl stayed at Wacton Common until 31st at least.

A Spoonbill Breydon Water 15th and a juvenile Glaucous Gull was nearby at Gorleston and Great Yarmouth 14th-31st at least and another different bird was at Breydon Water 18th and another was at Cley NWT & Salthouse 6th-8th.

Seven Waxwings were at Great Yarmouth cemetery 8th and a Dartford Warbler was at Holkham NNR 15th and a Hooded Crow was seen at Holme 17th.

Returning summer visitors included a Wheatear at Salthouse 17th, a pair of Garganey Buckenham Marshes RSPB 17th, an Osprey flew west at Stiffkey 23rd, a Whinchat at Cley NWT 30th, two House martin over Eccles-on-Sea 30th, Willow Warblers at East Ruston Common 30th, a Garden Warbler at Flordon a Ring Ouzel West Runton 31st.

There was an arrival of Woodlarks with single birds at Thornham Point, Winterton and Mundesley 29th and Little Snoring 30th. Common Scoters were found on inland water bodies at Whitlingham CP, Barton Broad and Rockland Broad.

Two Penduline Tits were seen again at Minsmere RSPB 24th-26th having been first heard only there 22nd. A male White-spotted Bluethroat was seen by a non-birder in a street at Lowestoft outside a cafe 26th. Can you believe it? Suffolk birders were fortunate another turned up at Minsmere RSPB 27th-30th.

The Great Grey Shrike at Cavenham Heath was present until 23rd and one was at Weather Heath 30th. A Shorelark popped in at Landguard 31st.

A Great White Egret was seen to fly north at Minsmere RSPB 26th. A Juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Minsmere RSPB, Sizewell & Southwold 11th -25th at least and was also seen at North Warren RSPB 14th.

The overwintering Black-throated Diver was still at Hamilton Docks at Lowestoft 25th and nearby a Common Scoter was at Oulton Water 20th. A Slavonian Grebe at Alton Water was starting to get summer plumage 20th. The Tundra Bean Goose remained at Wherstead until 27th at least and one was at North Warren RSPB 3rd. A Black Brant was at Trimley Marshes SWT and Shotley.

There was an influx of Black Redstarts with fourteen birds between Fagbury and Minsmere RSPB including four at Shingle Street 17th, several of which then lingered for a several days. An multiple arrival of Firecrests at the end of the month resulted in a count of eight at Landguard NR 30th.

Returning summer visitors included three Sand Martin at Lackford Lakes SWT 8th, a Quail Cavenham Quarry 10th, a Wheatear at Benacre Pits 13th, a Swallow was at Suffolk Water Park, Bramford 16th, Garganey at Minsmere RSPB 20th, a Yellow Wagtail Aldeburgh 24th, two Sandwich Terns at Minsmere RSPB 25th, a Stone-curlew flew in off the sea at Kessingland 29th and a House Martin and Willow Warbler at Minsmere RSPB 30th.

A Siberian Chiffchaff was at West Stow sewage works 8th-15th. Two Woodlark were at Gunton Warren 7th and eighteen Common Scoters were found at Lackford Lakes SWT 27th

Essex (to listen to Essex bird news only press *10 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245)

The five Long-tailed Ducks were at Hanningfield reservoir until 28th at least and the one at Paglesham Lagoon remained until 2nd. The Long-tailed Duck at Fingringhoe Wick EWT remained until 24th at least and one flew past the Naze 16th. A Tundra Bean Goose was at Abberton Reservoir 7th-31st at least and a Red-necked Grebe was still there until 30th at least. Five Black-necked Grebes were still at William Girling Reservoir 6th.

Two Black-throated Divers were seen off Southend Pier 9th, up to two Great Northern Divers were off anywhere between Canvey and Shoebury East beach towards the end of the month and a Great Northern Diver flew past Holland Haven CP 20th. Four Common Scoter were inland at Hanningfield Reservoir 28th.

The overwintering Ring-billed Gull remained at Westcliff on Sea until all month. Up to two Glaucous Gulls were in Mucking Bay and Canvey Island until 6th and an Iceland Gull was still at Rainham Marshes until 29th and Fingringhoe Wick EWT 29th.

Returning summer visitors included a Yellow Wagtail at Vange Marshes 1st, a Wheatear Chelmsford 2nd, three Sand Martin at Abberton reservoir 4th, a Curlew Sandpiper at East Tilbury 8th, a Whimbrel at Fingringhoe Wick EWT 14th, two Little Ringed Plovers at Rainham Marshes RSPB 15th, an Osprey was near St Osyth 24th, a Garganey at Abberton Reservoir 26th, three Sandwich Terns at Southend Pier 26th, two Ring Ouzel at the Naze 30th, one Ring Ouzel, House Martin & Willow Warbler at Holland Haven 30th and a Stone-curlew at Rainham Marshes RSPB 30th.

Cambridgeshire (to listen to Cambridgeshire bird news only press *11 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245)

A Cattle Egret was found near Winwick 26th-31st. The long-staying Great White Egret was still near Dunkirk 17th.

The over-wintering Great Grey Shrike was still at Wicken Fen NT 30th at least Up to two Lapland Buntings remained at Stirtloe until 4th and one was at Grafham Water 8th. Also at Grafham Water were two Kittiwakes 12th-13th and juvenile Glaucous Gull on and off throughout the month and an adult Iceland Gull 14th and another 27th.

A northerly blow resulted in up to six Kittiwakes at Grafham Water 22nd-25th & one at Cottenham long Drove 22nd.

The Red-necked Grebe was still at Buckden GPs until 30th at least and the Black-necked Grebe was at Orton BPs until 9th and one was at Welland Bank Pits 24th-29th. Four Common Scoter were at Ferry Meadow CP 26th and up to nine at Grafham Water 26th-27th.

Returning summer visitors included a Sand Martin at Grafham Water 9th, two Little Ringed Plovers at Maxey Pits 15th, a Garganey Ouse Washes at Mepal 17th, a Swallow at Paxton Pits 22nd, Osprey over Thorney Toll 26th, a Ring Ouzel by the Ouse Washes 26thand Willow Warbler Paxton Pits 30th. A Firecrest was at Paxton Pits 2nd, one at Milton CP 27th and one at Fowlmere RSPB 29th.

Bedfordshire (to listen to Bedfordshire bird news only press *12 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245)

A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Stewartby Lake 16th an adult was at Rookery south Pit 9th. Two Kittiwakes were at Stewartby Lake 4th and a Little Gull was there 1st. The female Scaup remained at Broom GPs until 24th at least. A Jack Snipe was at Aspley Heath 9th. A Short-eared Owl was at Cardington 15th. Up to seven Woodlark were on Sandy Heath until 2nd. A Hen Harrier was still at Thurleigh. The Firecrest was still at Swiss gardens 5th A northerly blow resulted in a Kittiwake at Broom GPs & Stewartby Lake 22nd. An Avocet was at Elstow Claypits 28th.

Returning summer visitors included a Swallow was Tebworth 15th, a Wheatear Blows Down 17th, a Little Ringed Plover at Radwell 24th, a Common Sandpiper Willington GPs 24th, two Yellow Wagtails at Radwell 30th and a Ring Ouzel at Blows Down 31st.

To listen to the bird news from the following bordering counties to East Anglia only press *13 while listening to any part of the message on 09068 700245

At Wilstone Reservoir there were two Black-necked Grebes 17th-24th and a Firecest 9th, a Kittiwake 12th, a Little Gull 14th & 29th, a Mediterranean Gull on and off and a Wheatear 17th. Early dates for returning summer visitors were a Sand Martin at Amwell GPs 1st and a Little Ringed Plover there 17th, Garganey North Mymms Park 9th, a Wheatear at Tyttenhanger 15th, two Swallows at Startops's End Reservoir and four at Wilstone Reservoir 19th and a Common Tern there 30th. Up to two Bittern were at Marsworth Reservoir and a Long-eared Owl was in the Lee Valley CP near Highbridge 27th. A Bewick's Swan spent a few days at Tyttenhanger. A Firecrest was at Stevenage and two were at Park Wood in St Albans

A first winter Lesser Scaup was found at Swithland Reservoir 23rd-28th. Up to two Green-winged Teals were at Eyebrook Reservoir all month. Twenty-six Kittiwake were there 16th. A drake Ring-necked Duck was at Rutland Water 9th and the Long-tailed Duck was at there 4th.

A Green-winged Teal was found at Stanwick GPs until 8th-18th and one was at Thrapston GPs 26th. The Ring-billed Gull was seen again at Boddington Reservoir 7th. Glaucous Gulls were at Stanwick GPs (up to two), Ditchford GPs , Earls Barton, Sidegate Landfill site and Pitsford Reservoir and Iceland Gulls were at Stanwick GPs, Sidegate Landfill site Earls Barton GP and Pitsford Reservoir. Nine Common Scoter were at Earls Barton GPs 26th.

The Ring-necked Duck was still at Foxcote reservoir 15th South-east Lincolnshire A Green-winged Teal was at Gibraltar Point 1st also there Black Brant, Glaucous Gull. Up to five Short-eared Owls were at Baston & Langtoft GPs. A Black-necked Grebe was at Welland Bank Pits 24th. In the north of the county were a Glossy Ibis, Richard's Pipit, Cattle Egret, Great White Egret and Common Crane.

An early House Martin was at Dagenham Chase 16th. A Black-throated Diver was at Danson Park, Bexley 24th-27th. A Black Kite flew east over Regeants Park 30th.

A Spoonbill was at Grain 2nd and Cliffe Pools RSPB 14th and Sheppey 29th. A Glaucous Gull was there 2nd-8th and an Iceland Gull 29th-30th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was still at Harty Marshes until 30th at least and the Falcated Duck was still at Southfleet 30th at least. A Black-throated Diver was at Cliffe Pools RSPB 24th.

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The adult White-crowned Sparrow at Cley was still associating with House Sparrows all month. It has been heard calling and even singing indicating that it is a male. Click here to view photographs

Two Penduline Tits were at Minsmere RSPB 3rd and again 26th. These, so easily, could be two of the four that were present at Walberswick in November. This species can be very secretive and easily overlooked. With such a large area of marshland in the area to 'disappear' into its not surprising that they could go missing for so long.

The Lesser Yellowlegs was at still wintering in Suffolk being seen at the Walbserswick Shore pools and Southwold Town Marshes until 9th.

A Dark-breasted Barn Owl was found wintering at Wacton Common, Norfolk until 27th at least. There may have been as many as three this winter in Norfolk. Click here to view photographs

A fabulous Bittern was discovered at Beeston Common from 13th January to 17th February. Despite living on a relatively small pond only occasionally did it emerge completely from the reeds to allow fantastic photographic opportunities. During its time there it had a starters of Sticklebacks, the main course being Frogs. Click here to view photographs

The Great Grey Shrike remained at Dersingham Bog 9th at least so perhaps this is the same as the Roydon bird, which coincidentally has vanished. One was at Burnham Overy Dunes 7th-18th, another at Stowbridge 8th and yet another at Kelling Heath 9th-29th at least. Another is wintering in the Grimes Graves and Santon Downham area in the Brecks until 29th at least. One was at Cavenham Heath 25th-29th at least. The one in Cambridgeshire was still wintering at Wicken Fen NT until 29th at least.

The Richard's Pipit was found at Stiffkey 9th-11th. The only Shorelarks were three at Cley NWT 1st & 29th. The unusual sight inland of up to three Lapland Buntings east of Stirloe 24th-29th at least was a great record for Cambridgeshire. Seven Woodlark were at Sandy Heath in Bedfordshire 25th.

One of the Lesser Snow Geese was relocated at Heigham Holmes, Waxham and Horsey 9th-29th at least. Two Ross's Geese were relocated at Halvergate Marshes 3rd-4th and one flew over Martham 7th. Then up to two were at Horsey Gap 22nd-25th. One was back again at Holkham Freshmarsh 28th-29th at least. It does look though that four of the seven North American white Geese that turned up this winter have departed from Norfolk at the beginning of February.

In Norfolk up to three Tundra Bean Geese were still at Welney WWT. In Suffolk up to nine Tundra Bean Goose were at North Warren RSPB and one was at Wherstead Strand and a Taiga Bean Goose was at Reydon Marshes until 20th at least. There were still ten Taiga Bean Geese at Cantley Marshes RSPB until 22nd but the rest have left the country. Black Brants were seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Cley NWT (up to three), Salthouse and Titchwell RSPB. In Suffolk one was still in the area of Trimley Marshes SWT and two at Shotley Marshes. One remained at Gibraltar Point.

A Long-tailed Duck was a rare find for Minsmere RSPB 4th. Up to five female Long-tailed Ducks were still at Hanningfield Reservoir 29th at least, one was at Paglesham Lagoon until 29th at least and one at Fingringhoe Wick EWT 24th-29th at least. The wintering bird at Rutland Water remained. The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at Foxcote Reservoir. A Green-winged Teal was at Eyebrook Reservoir 26th.

A Ring-billed Gull was Hackney Marshes 2nd. An adult was at Manningtree 17th. The Ring-billed Gulls were still wintering at Westcliff-on-Sea and Isle of Dogs. In Norfolk a juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Wormegay and Blackborough End Tip and an Iceland Gull flew over Wacton Common. In Essex an Iceland Gull was at Rainham Marshes RSPB and a Glaucous Gull was at Paglesham Lagoon, Canvey Island, Pitsea Tip and Barling Tip. An Iceland Gull was at Rainham Marshes RSPB, Pitsea Tip and East Tilbury. In Cambridgeshire Glaucous Gulls were at Cottenham Long Drove, up to two Tanholt GPs (adult & juvenile), Dogsthorpe Tip, Grafham Water and Nene Washes RSPB. Iceland Gulls were at Grafham Water, Cottenham Long Drove, Tanholt GPs and at Dogsthorpe Tip. In Northamptonshire a Glaucous Gull was at Ditchford GPs and one was at Rutland Water..

The Black-throated Diver was still at Lowestoft Hamilton Docks or Lake Lothing until 29th at least and one was again on River Orwell 8th. A Great Northern Diver was at Blickling Hall NT 16th-29th Click here to view photographs and one was at William Girling Reservoir 19th. A Red-throated Diver was found by a road at Ringstead 20th. It was taken to Snettisham RSPB where it remained on one of the fishing lakes until 23rd. Another was at Pitsford Reservoir until 9th at least and a Leach's Petrel there 4th.

The only Black-necked Grebes so far were at Belhus Wood CP and Orton BPs and six were at William Girling Reservoir 19th. Up to eight Slavonian Grebes were at Alton Water 19th. The Red-necked Grebe remained at Abberton Reservoir and one was at Buckden GPs and Orton BPs.

A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Stiffkey 2nd, south-east of Wells Road 9th and Burnham Norton and Scolt Head Island 10th-29th at least. One was also found in east Norfolk at Riddington 21st. One was seen again in Suffolk at Icklingham 17th. The two wintering Rough-legged Buzzards were still on Isle of Sheppey.

A Cattle Egret flew west over Elton 23rd and another was near Peterborough at Fotheringhay 23rd. The Great White Egret in Suffolk was on and off at Thorpeness Mere and North Warren RSPB until 23rd. It spent a couple of days at Minsmere RSPB 16th-17th. In Norfolk one was at Sutton 29th. In Essex one was at Fingringhoe Wick EWT 21st-24th. The other in Cambridgeshire was still spending a lot of time in the main drain east of Pymore and just east of Dunkirk present until 29th at least. One flew over Upware towards Wicken Fen NT 16th. In Norfolk a Great White Egret was at Holkham Freshmarsh 1st and flew west over Wells to roost 6th.

A Dipper was reported at Flatford Mill 17th. A Hooded Crow flew north over Minsmere RSPB 11th. A Common Crane was still at Welney WWT until 25th at least and at Southery 5th. A Balearic Shearwater flew north past Landguard NR 3rd. There was an influx of Black Redstarts in mid February.

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An adult White-crowned Sparrow was discovered feeding in a back garden in Cley on 3rd. Not recognising the 'humbug' headed critter the finders carried out some research and mentioned it to a local birdwatcher. The bird was quickly identified and an action plan was hatched. The various bird tables and feeding stations in the immediate area were repositioned to a driveway that could be viewed from the verge. Helpfully the bird complied, followed the food and showed regularly 6th-31st at least. During its stay it was initially rather secretive furtively popping out for food every now and then, but it soon joined up with the local gang of House Sparrows, so was just as likely to be seen perched up with them in nearby hedges. A collection bucket raised over �5000.00 for a local charitable cause. So if you find a rarity let us know and get your collection box out. Click here to view photographs. Click on any to enlarge.

White-crowned Sparrow is yet another new bird for Norfolk and adds yet another American passerine to the Norfolk list. Who would have thought in the mid-eighties that other US passerines such as Red-breasted Nuthatch, two Black and White Warblers, Lark Sparrow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, one or two Dark-eyed Junco(s), Indigo Bunting and Grey-cheeked Thrush would be seen in Norfolk? Perhaps the writing was on the wall as far back as 1968 when a White-throated Sparrow was found at Herringfleet. Suffolk has also had a few with four Red-eyed Vireos, two Yellow-billed Cuckoos, a White-throated Sparrow and a Lark Sparrow and in Lincolnshire there has been American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush and White-throated Sparrow.

The Great Grey Shrike remained at Roydon Common until 30th and perhaps the same bird was nearby at Dersingham Bog 29th. Another is wintering in the Grimes Graves and Santon Downham area in the Brecks. Others were at West Beckham 15th and Burnham Overy Staithe 27th. In Cambridgeshire the bird wintering at Wicken Fen NT was still there 28th. The Richard's Pipit remained wintering at Terrington Marshes until 14th and another Richard's Pipit was found in Suffolk at Shingle Street 7th-23rd. The only Shorelarks were three at Cley NWT 27th-31st at least.

Up to three Lesser Snow Geese were in Norfolk with the Pink-feet. Up to two were seen in various sites in north Norfolk most often at Holkham Freshmarsh and then in fields in that area but also getting to Bircham and south of Brancaster Staithe. A Lesser Snow Geese in east Norfolk was seen at various sites including Berney Marshes RSPB 13th-17th and strayed into Suffolk between Ashby and Somerleyton 14th. Meanwhile in Norfolk the number of Ross's Geese increased to four. All were adult white morph birds and all were associating with the Pink-feet. Up to three were in the area of Docking/Fring/Bircham 2nd- 16th and on and off at Holkham Freshmarsh throughout the month. Birds were picked out at many sites including Cockthorpe, Amner, Burnham Thorpe and Saxlingham. Another was seen between Runham & Stokesby 2nd and Berney Marshes RSPB 13th and then at Heigham Holmes 16th and Happisburgh 16th-19th. It was also seen in Suffolk between Ashby and Somerleyton 13th-14th. The American population of Ross's Geese and Lesser Snow Geese have both mushroomed in recent years. This and the fact they have turned up with a suitable carrier species means that one can safely deduce that these are wild birds.

In Norfolk a Tundra Bean Geese was south of Brancaster Staithe 5th, two were near Flitcham 6th and up to three were at Welney WWT 8th-27th at least, two near How Hill 11th-13th, four East Ruston 13th, two west of Cockthorpe 14th, two in Happisburgh area 16th-20th, up to four Saxlingham 19th-27th and four Thrigby 25th. In Suffolk up to nine Tundra Bean Goose were at North Warren RSPB throughout January, one was at Trimley Marshes SWT 5th, two were briefly at Mickle Mere 9th-12th and one was near Somerleyton 13th-15th. In Northamptonshire one was still at Thrapston GPs 12th. In Buckinghamshire seven were at Gayhurst Quarry 8th-9th. The Taiga Bean Geese were still at Cantley Marshes RSPB. Black Brants were seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Cockthorpe (up to three 4th), Burnham Overy Staithe, Cley NWT (up to two), Morston, one inland at Hempstead, Langham, Snettisham RSPB and Titchwell RSPB. In Suffolk one was on the Orwell Estuary Thorpe Bay and Levington and another nearby on the Stour Estuary.In Essex a Black Brant was still Heybridge GPs and Holland Haven CP. One was at Gibraltar Point.

Potentially the most rare duck this month was a fine drake Falcated Duck at Southfleet Pond at Gravesend 17th-31st at least, but it was very tame. Although this in itself does not proclude it being a wild bird, previous potentially wild Falcated Ducks in the UK have associated with Wigeon, some of which have become tame in recent years. A Green-winged Teal was at Woodwalton Fen 14th-16th at least. The Ring-necked Duck was still at Foxcote Reservoir. A Long-tailed Duck was at Alton Water 23rd-24th. Up to five female Long-tailed Duck were at Hanningfield Reservoir 4th-31st at least, one was at Paglesham Lagoon until 26th at least and one was still at Rutland Water until 25th at least.

An American Golden Plover was near Welney 21st. The Lesser Yellowlegs was at Southwold Town Marshes until 23rd at least and it was also seen nearby at Dunwich shore pools. A rather early or wintering Kentish Plover was at Landguard NR was somewhat of a surprise 20th. It flew across the River Orwell to the Essex side so perhaps this is its, so far, undiscovered wintering location. Out of season birds included eight Manx Shearwaters past Southwold 2nd and one past Walton-on-the-Naze 3rd. A Balearic Shearwater flew north past Sizewell 20th. A Woodlark was at Cley NWT 14th and Roydon Common NWT 20th. A Whimbrel was at Lower Halstow in north-west Kent. Little Stints were at Wallasea Island, Rutland Water and Eyebrook Reservoir.

In Suffolk a Ring-billed Gull was seen again at Lackford Lakes SWT 7th and at Lakenheath Fen RSPB 30th. The Ring-billed Gulls were still wintering at Westcliff-on-Sea and Isle of Dogs. An adult Ring-billed Gull flew up the River Thames past Rainham Marshes RSPB 25th. In Norfolk a Glaucous Gull was at the Nar Valley fisheries/Blackborough End Tip 5th and one flew past Cley NWT 14th. An Iceland Gull was at Blackborough End Tip 12th and a juvenile flew past Holme 19th. In Suffolk a Glaucous Gull was at Carleton Coleville until 5th at least, one was off Landguard NR again 10th, one at Sizewell and Minsmere on and off 11th-21st and one past Slaughden 20th. An Iceland Gull was at Cavenham Pits 5th, another was at Wangford Fen 18th, which was seen nearby at Hockwold Washes 27th and one past Thorpeness 20th and Orfordness 20th and one past Landguard NR 23rd.

In Cambridgeshire a Glaucous Gull was at Cottenham Long Drove 5th & 25th, one at Tanholt GPs 6th & 19th, Grafham Water 6th, up to two on and off CEGB Reservoir 6th-29th, Dogsthorpe Tip 30th and Grafham Water 23rd. An Iceland Gull was at Dogsthorpe Tip 5th& 24th-27th with a Glaucous Gull there also 26th-27th. Both species were seen coming to roost at Grafham Water 20th. There was a county record breaking three Iceland Gulls (two juveniles & and adult) at Grafham Water 25th and the adult again 27th. In Essex a Glaucous Gull flew out to sea past Southend Pier 13th, another was at Holland Haven CP 15th and one again at East Tilbury 19th. At Rainham Marshes RSPB there was an Iceland Gull on and off 3rd-20th. An Iceland Gull and a Glaucous Gull were at Brogborough Lake 6th-12th and an Iceland Gull was there 30th. In Northamptonshire up to two Glaucous Gulls were in the area of Ditchford GPs until 26th at least and an Iceland Gull there 7th. At Stanwick GPs there was a Glaucous Gull and an Iceland Gull on and off 5th-19th. A Glaucous Gull was at Boddington Reservoir 12th. At Milton Keynes there was an Iceland Gull at Willen Lake 2nd & 5th and a Glaucous Gull there 5th. An Iceland Gull was at Calvert Lake 22nd. One was at Rutland Water 6th.

An exceptionally tame Grey Phalarope was found on some puddles midway between Waxham and Horsey Gap NT 26th-28th. It was still quite a tricky bird to photograph, despite being potentially inches away. Its frantic feeding behaviour means it is hardly ever still click here to view a photograph

Up to two Black-throated Divers remained on the River Orwell 27th at least, one at Alton Water 13th, two were on Stour Estuary 1st and one was still at Lowestoft Hamilton Docks or Lake Lothing 29th at least. A Great Northern Diver was in between Scolt Head Island and Burnham Overy Dunes 22nd-23rd and one was on the River Orwell 10th & 23rd and one of Southend Pier 21st and one was inland at Rutland Water 7th and at Clifford Hill GPs 12th-16th. A Red-throated Diver was at Pitsford Reservoir.

At Abberton Reservoir there were still up to two Black-throated Diver all month and a Red-necked Grebe was there until 27th at least. A Slavonian Grebe was still at Alton Water until 23rd. Three Slavonian Grebes were at Hanningfield Reservoir 8th and one was at Rainham Marshes RSPB 2nd-3rd. The highest count was thirteen on the River Blackwater off Rolls Farm 5th. One was at Rutland Water. Black-necked Grebes were on River Stour, Alton Water, Abberton Reservoir, Heybridge Basin, Fen Dayton GPs, Ouse Washes RSPB, Orton BP, Caldecote Lake, Thrapston GPs and Rutland Water. An inland Common Scoter was at Rutland Water 7th.

A juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard was at Burnham Norton 27th-28th. The two wintering Rough-legged Buzzards were still on Isle of Sheppey.

There were two regularly seen Great White Egrets in East Anglia this winter. One was in Suffolk at Thorpeness Mere and North Warren RSPB until 31st at least and the other was at Ouse Washes RSPB and east of Dunkirk 1st-31st at least. Also in Cambridgeshire one flew over Fen Drayton GPs 13th, one was reported again at Paxton Pits 1st, one was at Aldreth 20th and one over Fordham 29th. In Norfolk a Great White Egret was at Holkham Freshmarsh 7th and Blakeney Harbour 10th. One was at Cossington Meadows in Leicestershire again 5th-6th and at Eyebrook Reservoir 6th. One flew south over Harty in north Kent 12th.

Two Common Cranes were at Lakenheath Fen RSPB 4th and one was still in the area of Welney WWT until 27th at least being seen north-east of Bandon Creek village and just into Cambridgeshire when it south over Pymoor 27th.

Bitterns were at North Warren RSPB, Abberton Reservoir, Bedfont Lakes, Rainham Marshes RSPB, Fen Drayton GPs, Woodwalton Fen NNR, Amwell GPs, Marsworth GPs, Calvert Lake and Tongwell.

The only Waxwings were one at Cromer 9th-25th, Cley 11th, up to four Downham Market 19th-20th and five in Lincoln 9th. Out of breeding habitat Dartford Warblers were at Rainham Marshes RSPB and Gibraltar Point. Hawfinches were at Lynford Arboretum, UEA, Horning, Barnham Cross Common, Sotterley, Braxted and Hockley Woods.

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The first winter male Desert Wheatear remained at Horsey 10th. For a selection of photographs click here (Click on any of the images to enlarge). Despite the succession of photographers leaving titbits for this bird to consume, it was not enough to tempt the bird to over-winter, unlike the one still present in Yorkshire. Perhaps, though, it was taken by a bird of prey. Nearby a drake Green-winged Teal was at Hickling Broad NWT until 7th. A Rough-legged Buzzard was over there 8th.

Perhaps the most amazing record was a late inland Barred Warbler at the Ouse Washes RSPB eating Guelder-rose berries 12th. These late birds are often exceptionally tame and judging by the photographs this one was no exception. Also highly unusual was a Pallas's Warbler found at Lowestoft at Warrenhouse Wood 13th-29th. The Richard's Pipit was seen again at Terrington Marshes 28th-31st at least. The wintering Great Grey Shrike was still at Roydon Common all month, one was at Croxton Heath 24th, one at Santon Downham 30th and another was at Cavenham Heath NNR 26th-30th. One was reported at Baston & Langtoft GPs briefly 14th

Three Shorelarks were at Holme on Hunstanton Golf Course 1st and one was at Landguard NR 27th. The maximum count of Lapland Buntings, so far this month at Salthouse was thirteen. These and flocks of Snow Buntings were attracted to the area by seeds left by visiting bird photographers. For a selection of photographs click here (Click on any of the images to enlarge). The largest flocks of Snow Buntings however were 220 at Burnham Overy Dunes and 160 east of Holkham Gap.The only Waxwings were at Tasburgh 1st-2nd, Holland Haven CP 26th and Gibraltar Point 1st-2nd.

One of the Lesser Snow Geese was seen at Choseley 4th-6th, then just west of Holkham 11th and south of Brancaster Staithe and near Docking 31st at least. The other Lesser Snow Goose was seen at Hickling Broad NWT 14th, then just south-west of Rollesby 17th and then west of Great Yarmouth and Berney Marshes RSPB 25th & 28th at least. One of the Ross's Geese was also at Choseley 4th, then just west of Holkham 11th, Holkham Freshmarsh 21st, Docking 18th and two were together at Holme NWT 30th. The Taiga Bean Geese were still at Buckenham Marshes RSPB and Cantley Marshes RSPB.

An influx of Tundra Bean Geese occurred after a period of easterly winds. In Norfolk three Tundra Bean Geese were at Welney WWT 16th, two were just south of Brancaster Staithe 26th and one was nearby south-east of Southery 18th. In Suffolk up to six were at North Warren RSPB 18th-31st at least, three at Aldringham Walks 20th, five at Boyton Marshes RSPB 21st, one at Trimley Marshes SWT 30th and five at Bawdsey 26th. In Essex up to fifteen Tundra Bean Geese were at Rainham Marshes RSPB 21st-22nd, six flew over Wrabness 24th and one was at Lofts Farm GPs 29th-30th. In Northamptonshire one was still at Thrapston GPs all month. Associated with the influx were Eurasian White-fronted Geese and Barnacle Geese from the near continent, including up to eighty-eight at Rainham marshes RSPB. Smew also came in, in small numbers. The maximum count of Smew in East Anglia at one site was nine at Needingworth GPs 9th.

Black Brants were seen at Wells & Holkham Freshmarsh (up to two), Stiffkey and Titchwell RSPB. In Suffolk one was at Trimley Marshes SWT, Shotley Marshes, and by the Stour Estuary at Erwarton Bay. In Essex a Black Brant was still at Old Hall Marshes RSPB, Heybridge GPs and Holland Haven. A Green-winged Teal was at Oxley Marshes 27th. The Ring-necked Duck was at Foxcote Reservoir throughout the month.

Late summer migrants included a small late influx of Swallows with two Blakeney Point and West Runton 1st and one at Waxham 2nd-6th and at Hickling Broad NWT 15th. The Lesser Whitethroat was seen again in the copse by Beech Farm at Benacre Pits until 23rd. Although it could still fly it appears to have a damaged wing, which presumably meant it could not undertake its full migratory journey. In Lincolnshire a Wryneck was at Woodhall Spa 18th. A Garganey was at Buckenham Marshes RSPB 22nd. In north Kent a Spoonbill was Swale NNR 9th-12th. A Little Stint was at Wallasea Island 9th, another at Ouse Fen 7th-31st and up to three were at Rutland Water.

A Petrel seen to pass Sheringham was though possibly to be a Wilson's 10th. An adult pale morph Pomarine Skua was at Snettisham RSPB 5th-8th and several were seen at coastal sites right around East Anglia. The only Little Auks were seen off Eccles 3rd and one on River Orwell at Woolverton 14th. A Black Guillemot flew north past Southwold 4th. A Grey Phalarope flew past Holme 24th.

A Ring-billed Gull was at the late afternoon roost at Lackford Lakes SWT 21st-23rd and another was at Abberton Reservoir 23rd-26th. The Ring-billed Gulls were still wintering at Westcliff-on-Sea and Isle of Dogs. Up to two Glaucous Gulls remained at Lowestoft and Carleton Coleville until 27th at least, although one was found dead at Hamilton Docks 15th, one was at Sizewell 10th & 28th, one at Landguard NR 24th & 28th, Loompit Lake 24th and one at Lackford Lakes SWT until 2nd. In Norfolk one was at Saddlebow 24th. In Essex a Glaucous Gull was at East Tilbury 9th-24th, which was perhaps the same bird that was at Cliffe Pools RSPB 8th. In Cambridgeshire a Glaucous Gull was at Tanholt 9th and Priors Fen 9th. The Iceland Gull stayed at Edgefield until 16th and one was in Blakeney Harbour 21st. A Glaucous Gull was at Stewartby Lake 23rd-27th and an Iceland Gull was there 23rd and a Glaucous Gull was at Brogborough Lake 30th. In Northamptonshire up to three Glaucous Gulls were in the area of Ditchford GPs and at Stanwick GPs there was an Iceland Gull 4th-8th and a Glaucous Gull there 4th. An Iceland Gull was at Hollowell Reservoir 13th. A Glaucous Gull was at Calvert Lake in Buckinghamshire 8th and Willen Lake 16th and an Iceland Gull was at Calvert Lake 18th.

Inland seabirds included a late Great Skua at King Georges Reservoir 9th. A Great Northern Diver was on the River Orwell at Freston 28th. There were up to three Black-throated Divers on the River Orwell 12th-31st at least, one on Stour Estuary 15th and one on Lake Lothing 7th-31st at least. A Great Northern Diver was at Old Hall Marshes RSPB 14th-30th with a Black-throated Diver there 30th. The Great Northern Diver was at Pitsford Reservoir until 13th. The Grey Phalarope remained at Abberton Reservoir until 11th and there were up to two Red-necked Grebes and up to two Black-throated Diver all month and the Green-winged Teal was seen again until 10th. A Long-tailed Duck was still at Berney Marshes RSPB until 7th and one was at Rutland Water all month. The maximum count of Long-tailed Ducks off Holme was forty-five 22nd. A Common Scoter was at Grafham Water 24th.

Scaup were seen at many locations during December including at Sidestrand, Benacre Pits (up to three), Loompit Lake, Alton Water, Lackford Lakes SWT, Paglesham Lagoon, Grafham Water, Ouse Washes RSPB, Warren Villas NR, Rutland Water (up to nine), Eyebrook Reservoir, Boultham Mere and Pitsford Reservoir.

An inland Shag was at Nene Washes RSPB and also inland was a Slavonian Grebe at Grafham Water 1st and there were two Red-necked Grebes there 12th. Up to three Slavonian Grebes were at Alton Water.

A Rough-legged Buzzard flew north-west over Holme 9th, one was at Blakeney Freshmarsh 16th, one was over Lodge Marsh, Wells 26th, one south Bradwell 19th, one was over Icklingham Plains 11th and Cavenham Heath NNR 15th. The two wintering birds were still on Isle of Sheppey.

With such a large influx of Cattle Egrets to the south-west it was not that surprising that a couple should turn up in East Anglia. One was just north-east of Great Bentley in Essex 18th and another was just east of St Noets 26th-29th. In Suffolk a Great White Egret was at Thorpeness Mere 31st. A Great White Egret was seen in flight at Wicken Fen NT 22nd and perhaps the same was at Paxton Pits 24th-29th. One was in Leicestershire at Cossington Water Park 30th. Several are wandering around England this winter. A Great White Egret was reported flying east over the heath at The Lodge RSPB at Sandy 29th would be a first for the county.

Bitterns were at Hickling Broad NWT, Abberton Reservoir, Ingrebourne Valley (up to two), Fen Drayton GPs, Ely Beet Factory lagoons, Woodwalton Fen, Boultham Mere, Marsworth Reservoir and Amwell GPs. The Common Crane was seen again at Welney WWT 8th & 18th, four flew west over South Peckenham 16th and one flew north-west between Ely and Little Downham 15th.

There were up to four Jack Snipe at Willington GPs and the Octagon Farm Pits during December and a Jack Snipe was at Houghton Regis Chalk Pit 3rd.

Up to two Short-eared Owls were seen on and off at Thurleigh from 11th until the end of the month. A Hen Harrier was in that area 31st and it or another Hen Harrier was near Kempston Wood 24th.

A Smew was at Priory CP 16th. Three Eurasian White-fronted Geese were at Harold Odell CP 23rd-31st at least and a Smew was there 28th. A Scaup was at Warren Villas NR 30th.

An Iceland Gull was at the Stewartby Lake roost 23rd. A Glaucous Gull was at Stewartby Lake 24th & 27th and at Brogborough Lake 30th-31st. A Little Gull was at Stewartby Lake 24th.

Two Mealy Redpolls were at Greenfield 30th-31st. A Great White Egret was reported at The Lodge RSPB at Sandy 30th

At Amwell GPs there were up to two Jack Snipe 1st-3rd, a Bittern 1st and up to five Smew there throughout the month. Also in the Lee Valley CP were a Smew at Bowyers Water 16th and two Smew at Friday Lake 30th. A Bittern was at Marsworth Reservoir from 15th until the end of the month at least. A Water Pipit remained wintering at Wilstone Reservoir.

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A Penduline Tit was at Minsmere RSPB 4th-6th but was generally elusive. Much more satisfactory for those wishing to see this gorgeous discrete species were the family party of up to four Penduline Tits at Dingle Marshes at Walberswick 12th-25th. The group comprised of two adults and two first winter birds. They spent time munching the seeds of Sea Aster right by a footpath and allowed fantastic close views. For a selection of photographs please type 'Penduline Tit' in the search box at harlequinpictures.co.uk or click here (Click on any of the images to enlarge)

A juvenile American Golden Plover was found among 4000 Golden Plover at Holt Fen in Cambridgeshire 3rd-4th and it or a different bird was at Swaffham Prior Fen 4th. Another juvenile American Golden Plover was reported on and off at Waxham 9th-17th. An abnormally grey Golden Plover there may have caused some confusion. The Lesser Yellowlegs found at the end of October remained at Minsmere RSPB until 9th.

A first winter male Desert Wheatear was found at Horsey 24th-30th at least. As is often the case with this species it was very confiding, often dropping down by birdwatchers feet to feed. Its long stay and faithfulness to a small area, encouraged by a succession of visiting bird photographers putting out food resulted it being the most popular rarity in November. For a selection of photographs click here (Click on any of the images to enlarge)

A Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler was heard at Holkham 25th. Scarce migrants included several Great Grey Shrikes left over from last month. There was still one at Burnham Overy Dunes until 2nd, one at Sidestrand 1st, one by Levington Creek in Suffolk 1st and one at The Lodge RSPB until 3rd. It looks like a few may winter those being one at Dersingham Bog NNR until 29th at least, one at Roydon Common 4th-29th at least and one at Wicken Fen NT until 30th. However there have been no records received from the Brecks yet so far this winter. A Richard's Pipit flew east over Titchwell 1st, up to three were at Salthouse 3rd-8th, one was at Terrington Marsh 26th and another was at Horsey 26th-27th. A Rose-coloured Starling was seen north of Sleaford briefly 24th. The only Yellow-browed Warbler was inland at Cavenham Heath NNR 5th.

The number of Lapland Buntings built up to a maximum of at least thirty at Salthouse all month. The flock gave fantastic views along with the Snow Buntings there, encouraged to the area by seeds left by bird photographers. For a selection of photographs click here (Click on any of the images to enlarge)

A Lapland Bunting flew over Fen Drayton GPs 4th. A Snow Bunting was at Rookery South Pit 8th. Snow Bunting is a rare bird in Bedfordshire. The last record was one over the Lodge RSPB 9th November 2004 and before that one at Blows Downs 8th-12th January 1987 and before that at Barkers Lane GP 8th November 1980. Another Snow Bunting was briefly seen inland at Cottenham Long Drove 12th, one Stow Longa 24th and one at Burwell 25th. An inland Twite was seen at Connington Hall in Cambridgeshire 29th. The only Shorelarks were two at Holkham Gap 21st, three at Cley NWT 25th-30th and another was at Gibraltar Point 16th.

Continuing the run of Great White Egrets one was at Holkham Freshmarsh 2nd, one flew north-west over Whittlingham Lane sewage works near Norwich 4th, one over Titchwell RSPB 10th and one west over Waxham, Sheringham, Salthouse, Cley NWT and Morston 13th. One was at Dingle Marshes Walberswick 20th. In Essex one flew west over Wallasea Island 6th and in Lincolnshire one was at Heckington Fen 15th-15th.

A Green-winged Teal was at Hickling Broad NWT 28th-30th at least and a Ring-necked Duck looks set to winter at Foxcote Reservoir again this year.

Abberton Reservoir at times seemed to be a repository for lost seabirds. There was a Black-throated Diver 6th-25th, a Great Northern Diver 11th, up to two Little Auk there 6th-16th, a Grey Phalarope 20th-30th at least and up to three Slavonian Grebes 14th-24th. Unusual wildfowl there was a Green-winged Teal 22nd-23rd and a drake Ferruginous Duck 24th.

The Lesser Snow Goose was in the Horsey, Waxham and Hickling Broad NWT area until 12th and also seen on various dates at Breydon Water, Berney Marshes RSPB and Halvergate until 30th at least. Another Snow Goose was south of Brancaster 22nd-24th and Holkham Freshmarsh 25th. One of the Ross's Geese popped up nearby at Heigham Holmes, Waxham and Edingthorpe area 6th-26th and the other was at Burnham Overy Marshes 17th, then near Heacham and Snettisham RSPB 21st- 22nd, then it was south of Brancaster 24th-25th and then near Langham 29th.

A Black Brant was at Burnham Overy Marshes 1st-2nd, at Wells 7th-26th, Titchwell RSPB 17th-20th, up to three were at Cockthorpe airfield/Warham Greens/Wighton/Stiffkey area 14th-26th and in Suffolk one was at Holbrook Bay 19th. In Essex two Black Brants were at The Naze 4th, one was at Old Hall Marshes RSPB 4th-18th and one at Two Tree Island 11th. Another was at Freiston Shore RSPB 27th. The Lesser White-fronted Goose was still with Greylag Geese at Holkham Freshmarsh until 2nd at least. The first fifty-five Taiga Bean Geese were seen at Buckenham Marshes RSPB 4th. They were seen on later dates at the nearby Cantley Marshes RSPB and Thorpe Marshes and their numbers built up to just above 130. A Tundra Bean Goose was south of Brancaster 25th. The only other was one at Ditchford GPs 19th-20th and then at Thrapston GPs 27th-30th at leastin Northamptonshire.

There was a scattering of Waxwings. The largest flocks were seen inland. These included eleven in Cambridge 3rd and twenty-three over Sharpenhoe Clappers in Bedfordshire 15th and also in Beds were thirteen at Knotting 26th. Nineteen Waxwings flew south over Cattawade 23rd. Only a few have hung about so far including one at Titchwell RSPB until 8th, one at Surlingham 21st-22nd and one at Holme 24th-25th.

Late summer migrants included a Lesser Whitethroat at Benacre 28th, a House Martin over Langham 2nd, Thorpeness & Landguard 3rd, Minsmere RSPB 15th, one past Brightlingsea 1st and Upper Caldecote 3rd. The Turtle Dove was still at Rainham Marshes RSPB until 7th. A Ring Ouzel was at Gunner's Park Southend 6th. A Garganey was at Marston Vale Millennium CP until 10th at least. An Arctic Tern flew past Hopton-on-Sea 4th, Sheringham 6th and Stutton Mill 11th. A Common Tern was at Wallasea Island 6th. A Sandwich Tern was at Gibraltar Point 11th. A late Wood Sandpiper was at Welney WWT 4th. The Woodlark was still at Croydon Hill in Cambridgeshire until 3rd. One flew over The Lodge RSPB 4th. A Hobby was at Oulton 6th and a Swallow was at Eccles 30th, Cley 29th, Salthouse 15th, Minsmere RSPB 16th & 25th, Dingle 12th, Cottenham 21st and Frostenden 25th. A Whimbrel was at Grain in north Kent 13th.

There was a large passage of Pomarine Skuas in Norfolk 3rd-14th. Birds were logged at all coastal locations from Hopton to Holme. The highest counts initially were from Holme and Titchwell when the winds were relatively light from the north. About 150 flew past Titchwell in two days 3rd-4th. At Sheringham the highest count was 103 when the winds had become stronger from the north-west 6th. Numbers dwindled by mid-month. In the first couple of days of the passage flocks were composed of more adults than juveniles. A Pomarine Skua was at Grafham Water 9th-11th with others there 19th and 23rd and a juvenile flew over fields north of Wisbech 18th.

Associated with this seabird movement were Little Auks, Grey Phalaropes, Velvet Scoter, a few Arctic Skua and Great Skua, Great Northern and Black-throated Divers and Scaup. Similar species were seen from seawatching spots in Suffolk and Essex but in generally smaller numbers. There were several Storm Petrels past Suffolk.

The most unusual species seen seawatching was a White-billed Diver past Sheringham 6th plus a couple of other claims of this species flying over Cley 9th and Blakeney 10th. A female Surf Scoter flew past Sheringham 9th and was reported past Cley a couple of hours later. Perhaps the same female Surf Scoter passed Titchwell RSPB and Holme 10th. A 'probable' Brunnich's Guillemot that flew past Cley NWT could have been the most rare and another was seen at Winterton 28th!

The saltwater flooding at Cley and Salthouse attracted one or two Grey Phalaropes 9th-10th, up to three Pomarine Skuas 11th-19th and a Little Auk 9th and 14th. Inland seabirds included a Great Northern Diver at Nar Valley Fisheries 11th-13th. A Black-throated Diver at Lowestoft Docks 14th-22nd. The Black-throated Diver remained at Brogborough Lake until 4th. A Great Northern Diver was at Pitsford Reservoir 5th-30th at least and a Black-throated Diver was there 5th-6th. A Gannet was at Brogborough Lake 23rd.

Inland Little Auks included one at Bramerton 9th, one near Welney 9th, three on Wroxham Broad 11th, one University of East Anglia broad 12th, Outwell 13th, Wiggenhall St Mary Magdalen 14th, one Hickling Broad NWT 15th, one on River Deben at Felixstowe Ferry 11th, one Benacre Pits, one River Blackwater 10th, Ipswich one Tollesbury Wick EWT 11th and one at Ardleigh Reservoir 11th. In Cambridgeshire a Little Auk was at the Ouse Washes RSPB 11th and one was picked up in Wisbech that later died 14th and another was taken into care there 16th. One was at Clifford Hill GPs 14th.

A Grey Phalarope was at Hickling Broad NWT 15th and Benacre Pits briefly 12th and others were at Elmley RSPB 14th-25th and Rutland Water 14th. A Long-tailed Duck was at Berney Marshes RSPB 9th-29th at least, Paglesham lagoon 19th -25th, at Rutland Water 4th-27th. An Arctic Skua flew over West Warwick Reservoir Walthamstow 19th and another was at Eyebrook Reservoir 5th. Seven Common Scoters dropped in at Grafham Water briefly 3rd and up to three there 8th-15th.

Inland Slavonian Grebes were at Hickling Broad NWT 15th, one at Alton Water 24th, one at Hanningfield Reservoir 21st, reported at Paxton Pits 11th, Grafham Water 21st-30th at least, Priory CP 20th-21st, West Warwick Reservoir Walthamstow 19th and Rutland Water 16th-27th. A dead Storm Petrel was found at Cockthorpe 17th having apparently seen alive a few days previously and a dead Pomarine Skua was found at Attleborough 15th.

A Bonaparte's Gull was found at breydon Water 25th. Several Glaucous Gulls were seen including a lingering bird at Lowestoft. It was also seen at Benacre Broad and Walberswick 10th--30th at least and another coming to roost at Lackford Lakes SWT 18th-30th at least. One was at Cottenham long Drove 29th. Up to three Glaucous Gulls were in Northamptonshire in the area of Ditchford GPs 17th-30th at least. There were also a few Iceland Gulls including one at Edgefield 19th-30th at least, Stewartby Lake 25th and Brogborough Lake 27th-29th and up to two were at Ditchford GPs 25th-27th. The Ring-billed Gull remained at Westcliff-on-Sea seafront and one was at the Isle of Dogs.

An immature White-tailed Eagle was reported in the Willow Green area near Braintree 10th & 15th and may well be the same bird that has settled in Hampshire. A Rough-legged Buzzard was at Gapton Marshes near Great Yarmouth 18th-28th, one flew over Horsey and East Ruston 28th and one flew north over Minsmere RSPB 5th. One was reported over Little Eversden in Cambridgeshire 27th. Two Rough-legged Buzzards look set to winter at Harty Marshes and Elmley RSPB on the Isle of Sheppey.

In Lincolnshire the Black Kite was still at Nocton Heath until 7th. A Common Crane was at Claxton Marshes 4th and then Buckenham Marshes RSPB 5th. Another Common Crane flew south-west over Witchford in Cambridgeshire 16th and perhaps the same bird flew north over the Ouse Washes in Norfolk 17th and then on and off at Welney WWT until 28th. Another Common Crane flew north over Ipswich 15th. There are at least thirty-one Common Cranes in the Broads.

Please register by clicking on lightbox at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk for next newsletter with a few photographs taken in the last couple of months.

A juvenile Little Bittern at Titchwell RSPB 19th�20th was rather a surprise. Could the territorial male this spring have actually found a friend and bred?

A Lesser Grey Shrike was found at Holkham Freshmarsh 2nd-8th. The last in Norfolk was at Acle in 2003 and before that one was seen nearby at Burnham Overy in September 1996. An Olive-backed Pipit was discovered at Wells Woods 27th-29th. It proved to be very elusive.

A first winter Laughing Gull near Stanford-Le-Hope and Mucking 26th was an excellent find and amazingly another first winter was found at Fidwell Fen in Cambridgeshire the same day. This species seems to have become almost regular in Cambridgeshire in the last couple of years. A juvenile Sabine�s Gull was south of Shingle Street 26th-30th and was probably the same bird seen at Southwold Boating Lake 25th.

There have been up to three adult American white morph Geese with the Pink-feet so far this autumn. The Lesser Snow Goose remained at Holkham Freshmarsh until 1st and was again there 30th-31st. In the intervening period it was seen at Breydon Water, Berney Marshes RSPB, Beighton and Cantley 7th-25th with short excursions to Hopton 7th and West Caister 12th. Up to two Ross�s Geese have been found, one mainly in the area of Holkham Freshmarsh 1st-30th and the other at Berney Marshes RSPB and Chedgrave Marshes 12th-30th also visiting Horsey. A Lesser White-fronted Goose was also at Holkham Freshmarsh 23rd-31st at least. Although it will be difficult to prove that it was not a feral bird at least it was hanging out with the appropriate carrier species, namely Eurasian White-fronted Geese, but also switched to the not so credible Greylag Geese. There were up to at least two Black Brants between Burnham Deepdale and Blakeney Harbour from 6th onwards. In Essex there were two at Two Tree Island 12th-14th and one at Leigh-on-Sea 15th.

Other scarce wildfowl included a drake Ferruginous Duck, which was presumably the bird seen last month at Cantley sugar beet factory lagoons, was re-found at Crome�s Broad at How Hill 12th then at Martham Broad 13th. The juvenile Marbled Duck remained at Normanston Park at Leathes Ham in Lowestoft until 8th.

The Purple Herons in Cambridgeshire remained at the Ouse Washes RSPB until 14th when floodwater swamped its favourite feeding area. However it may still be in the area. There was a report of it again in November. The other Cambridgeshire Purple Heron stayed at Nene Washes RSPB until 10th. The Night Heron remained at Gibraltar Point until 14th.

There could have been at least five Great White Egrets in East Anglia this October and possibly as many as ten. Up to two Great White Egrets were seen at various spots along the north Norfolk coast, which were seen mostly between Holkham and Stiffkey but also seen in flight at all points between Sheringham and Holme 3rd-30th. Others were seen at Horsey & Winterton 19th, up to two on and off were at Minsmere RSPB 17th-26th, Blythburgh 21st & 29th, Fingringhoe Wick EWT 16th, one flew north over Fidwell Fen 27th, Rainham Marshes 19th-23rd, Pitsford Reservoir 13th-16th, Rutland Water 14th-17th. A Cattle Egret was at Rainham Marshes RSPB 17th-24th.

Outside the Norfolk Broads up to three Common Cranes were at Welney WWT 8th�23rd and up to four remain at Lakenheath Fen RSPB. In the Hickling area there was a maximum count of up to twenty-nine Common Cranes during October.

There was a clutch of American waders. A Lesser Yellowlegs turned up at Minsmere RSPB 30th onwards. An American Golden Plover was at Maxey GPs 21st�22nd and another was near Gedney Drove End 14th. A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was at Berney Marshes RSPB 5th and Pectoral Sandpipers were at The Naze until 3rd, and in north Kent the birds at Cliffe Pools RSPB and at Wouldham both stayed until 8th. Best of the rest was a juvenile Red-necked Phalarope at Cley NWT until 2nd, coinciding with up to two Grey Phalarope at Cley NWT at the same time. A Red-necked Phalarope was between Stiffkey and Morston 1st-7th and at Kelling Water Meadows until 16th. An inland Grey Phalarope was at Rutland Water 9th. In Essex one was at Holland Haven CP 28th. A Temminck�s Stint was at Titchwell RSPB 4th-5th.

There was a superb selection of scare and rare passerines from the east. Starting with the most rare there was a Subalpine Warbler thought by some to be of the Moltoni�s form at Burnham Overy Dunes 30th September until 5th. It was heard to call its diagnostic 'rattle' by two observers. The Moltoni�s Subalpine Warbler originates from Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands.

Also rare was a Hume�s Yellow-browed Warbler at Holkham 6th-17th, a Radde�s Warbler was at Holme 5th, Waxham 30th and another at The Naze 2nd-8th, a Greenish Warbler at Holkham until 9th and a Little Bunting at Wells 3rd-5th There were Pallas�s Warblers at Waxham 20th, Winterton 20th, Thorpeness 21st, Landguard NR 22nd, Bawdsey 23rd-25th, Eastern Bavents 30th, The Naze 15th & 20th and Holland Haven CP 22nd-26th.

Yellow-browed Warblers continued to be seen in good numbers around the coast especially in Norfolk where there was a count of at least fourteen at Holkham pines 10th. One was inland in a Cambridge garden 7th and there were up to three at Hickling Broad NWT until 10th, one at Surlingham 19th and one at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB 28th. Numbers decreased along the coast further south. So the only ones in Essex were up to three at least on and off at The Naze 3rd-26th and one at Holland Haven CP 21st-26th.

Barred Warblers were at Holme 1st and another there 17th-21st, up to two East Hills until 3rd, up to two at Kelling Water Meadows 2nd-13th, one at Holkham 19th, Burgh Castle 19th, Thornham 23rd-25th and Thorpeness 3rd.

Up to two Red-breasted Flycatchers were at East Hills 3rd-7th, Holkham 8th & 13th, Landguard NR 2nd-3rd and The Naze 3rd. A juvenile Common Rosefinch was at Warham Greens 7th-11th. A late Wryneck was at Warham Greens 14th-18th when it was found dead. Take a look at a photograph of the bird by entering 'Wryneck 2007' in the search box at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk and click on it to enlarge it.

Red-backed Shrikes were at Ormesby St Margaret 2nd, Winterton 8th-9th & 19th, Sea Palling until 14th, Great Wakering 1st-3rd and Chelmsford 13th. There were good numbers of Great Grey Shrikes with birds at Eccles 1st, Cley NWT 2nd, Kelling 2nd, Winterton 2nd, Horsey 3rd, one on and off at Warham Greens until 4th-25th, Choseley 4th, one or two or possibly as many as three were at Burnham Overy Dunes & Holkham 1st-31st at least, near Ludham Bridge 13th-14th, Dersingham Bog 16th-28th, Hunstanton 20th�21st, Burnham Norton 21st-29th, Seafield Bay 7th, East Tilbury 3rd, Holland Haven 2nd- 4th, Colne Point 12th-13th, Wakering Stairs 14th, Rainham Marshes RSPB 19th, Wicken Fen NT 21st-31st at least, The Lodge RSPB at Sandy 19th-31st at least and Cliff Pools RSPB 9th-16th.

A Red-throated Pipit was reported over Cley NWT 9th and Richard�s Pipits were at Cockthorpe 2nd, Warham Greens 3rd, Weybourne 4th, Paston 6th, Blakeney Point 8th-9th, Burnham Overy Dunes 25th and Maxey GPs 22nd-25th.

Shorelarks flew in with eight at Holme 19th and two there 27th, three at Great Yarmouth 18th and one at The Naze 18th-22nd.

The Black Kite was seen again at Nocton Heath in Lincolnshire all month. A few Rough-legged Buzzards arrived including one reported at Horsey 4th and Winterton 10th, one at Wells East Hills 22nd-31st. The East hills bird may have been the one that flew west along the coast being seen at Holkham, Titchwell RSPB and Holme 31st. One flew south over Dunwich to Thorpeness 23rd and again, when first picked up heading south over Kessingland 27th and one Tuddenham 29th. One was seen at Elmley RSPB and Shellness and then presumably remaining to winter in the Harty marshes area 23rd-27th with two there 30th.

Late summer birds included a Little Tern at Titchwell RSPB 13th, three Black Tern past Sheringham 14th a Spotted Flycatcher at Holkham 25th-29th, Whinchat at Weybourne 23rd, a Ring Ouzel at Cley 22nd and Morston 26th, two Arctic Tern at Languard 28th, a Garden Warbler at The Naze 27th, a Turtle Dove at Rainham Marshes RSPB 24th �31st, Common Tern and five Arctic Terns at Canvey Island 24th, two Honey Buzzards south-west over Trumpington 4th, a Woodlark over Landguard 27th and one in Bedfordshire at Sandy Heath 23rd and one at Croydon Hill in Cambridgeshire 30th and Rainham Marshes RSPB 31st,and one flew over Startops� End reservoir 8th, a House Martin was at Paxton Pits 27th and an Arctic Tern was at Rutland water 29th and a White-winged Black Tern was reported at Rutland Water 13th. The Garganey remained at Wilstone Reservoir until 10th.

A Great Northern Diver circled Grafham Water 19th and a Black-throated Diver was at Brogborough Lake 24th-31st at least. It also visited nearby Stewartby Lake 27th. It was the 13th record of a Black-throated Diver in the county since 1946. The most recent one was an adult in summer plumage bird at Stewartby Lake 2nd May 2004 and prior to that was one at Priory CP in November 1993. The first Long-tailed Duck of the winter was at Home NWT 24th and the Ring-billed Gull returned to the River Thames by the Isle of Dogs 13th.

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