EAST ANGLIA
Highlights
An adult Bonaparte’s Gull was a great bird for north Norfolk, off Cley Marshes NWT, on 9th. A first- winter Eastern Yellow Wagtail was probably the rarest bird in Suffolk during October, while arguably the rarest bird in Cambridgeshire was the American Wigeon at Needingworth Quarry.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
HIGHLIGHTS: The eclipse drake American Wigeon remained south of Bluntisham at Barleycraft Lake until 20th and it or another was at Needingworth Quarry Lakes (21st). Coincidentally a drake Ferruginous Duck was at Needingworth Quarry Lakes briefly (23rd) and one turned up later in October at Welney WWT. An American Golden Plover was at the Ouse Washes and fields around Pymoor (1st-5th) and a Snow Bunting was at the Ouse Washes (23rd). A Dotterel was near Guyhirn, west of Graysmoor Drove (16th). A Hoopoe was at Coveney briefly along Downham Hythe Grove (6th) and another frequented a garden at Helpston (to 31st at least). A record breaking (for Cambridgeshire) flock of up to nine Glossy Ibises were in the Bluntisham, Earith and Berry Fen area. A Leach’s Petrel was at Grafham Water (14th) and other highlights there were a Slavonian Grebe (7th), a Black- necked Grebe (27th), and up to four Common Scoter (from 13th). A Goshawk flew south over the Nene Washes (15th). There were several seabirds clocked including three Arctic Skuas over Foul Anchor (6th) and two Guillemots swimming upriver there (16th). Two Gannets flew over Eton (6th) and single Gannets flew over Wisbech (8th) and Bury Lug Fen (21st). A Red- breasted Merganser was on the Ouse Washes (18th-22nd) and a Red- necked Grebe and drake Common Scoter were at Ferry Meadows CP (13th).
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700245 cost 65p per minute plus your telephone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia for enquiries please call 07941333970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk
NORFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: There were many sightings of lone White- billed Divers, seen mostly in flight or occasionally on the sea, anywhere between Cley and Great Yarmouth, with most sightings concentrated at Winterton and Cley. The winter plumaged Long- billed Dowitcher remained at Potter Heigham Marshes until 11th. A Dotterel was at Titchwell (5th) and a Grey Phalarope was on the freshmarsh there (15th-25th). An adult Bonaparte’s Gull was off Cley beach car park briefly (9th) and a Ferruginous Duck was at Welney WWT (30th). A Short-toed Lark was at West Runton from 29th. A Hoopoe was at Wells (7th- 8th) and an elusive Red- breasted Flycatcher was nearby at Wells Woods (7th- 8th). Single Barred Warblers were at Winterton North Dunes (8th) and Paston (16th). The juvenile Rose- coloured Starling remained at Titchwell until 11th. A Great Grey Shrike was at Waxham from 25th. More intriguing was the report of an Eyebrowed Thrush, seen nearby, on the rocks south of Sea Palling.
There were several sightings of a Richard’s Pipit between Sidestrand and Trimingham (8th-18th), and others were at Waxham (8th), Titchwell, Gypsy Lane (10th), Salthouse (12th), Cley (16th) and one that flew west over Weybourne, Gramborough Hill and Burnham Overy Staithe (14th). A Shore Lark was at Happisburgh (10th) and two were at Titchwell (18th) with a single there (24th). Up to six Shore Larks were at the favoured winter location of Holkham Gap from 27th. Highlights for the seawatchers were a Sabine’s Gull past Winterton 3rd, Cley 6th and Blakeney Point 9th. A Storm Petrel past Sheringham (21st) and Snettisham (22nd) and a Leach’s Petrel past Cromer (14th) and Sheringham (21st). There were multiple sightings of single Grey Phalaropes flying offshore at Cley but only one on the reserve itself (21st). Towards the end of October a few Little Auks were seen. There were many sightings of lone Black Guillemots offshore, anywhere between Holkham and Waxham, with most sightings concentrated in the Overstrand area. A Glossy Ibis was near Acle by the A47 east of Scare Gap 25th. A Glaucous Gull was at Weybourne (16th) and an Iceland Gull at Waxham (25th), the later possibly checking out the Grey Seal colony for potential rich pickings in November.
BREYDON WATER: Highlight was a Glossy Ibis (25th) whilst of interest was Guillemot on (11th), a Red-throated Diver (16th-22nd) and three sightings of Great White Egret. Little Egrets peaked at 79 whilst very few Great Crested Grebes were seen. Wildfowl totals were very low, but included 3,840 Pink-footed Geese, 412 Greylag Geese, 83 Egyptian Geese, 73 Shelduck, 1,513 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 332 Teal, 108 Mallard, 105 Pintail and 100 Shoveler. A Bar- headed Goose was seen (8th & 10th) whilst four White-fronted Geese were seen (28th). Marsh Harriers and Peregrines were seen daily with ringtail Hen Harriers on two dates. Two Merlins were noted (18th). Wader totals were also low, the best counts being 14 Oystercatchers, 46 Avocets, 57 Ringed Plover, 5,950 Golden Plover, 25 Grey Plover 840 Lapwing, 16 Knot, 770 Dunlin, 1,373 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Bar-tailed Godwits, 612 Curlew, two Spotted Redshank, 1,310 Redshank, four Greenshank, two Ruff and
only three Snipe. The only Curlew Sandpiper was a single (18th). The peak roost count of Mediterranean Gulls was 149 (16th). Fifty-four Greater Black- backed Gulls were noted (12th). Short- eared Owls were seen on four dates. Among the passerines, the best was a Black Redstart (11th) and a late Yellow Wagtail (26th). Up to five Stonechats were seen, four singing Cetti’s Warblers were heard and 35 Goldfinches were seen (14th).
NOA HOLME: On the 1st 560 Teal were on the marsh and a Great White Egret was still present. Three Black-tailed Godwits were seen. On the 2nd seawatching produced three Eider, eight Common Scoters, Red-throated Diver, 50 Gannets, six Great Crested Grebes and four Sandwich Terns, with two Blackcaps, six Stonechats, Wheatear, Rock Pipit, Cattle Egret and Greenshank. Seawatching on the 3rd produced 130 Gannets, two Arctic Skuas, 20 Sandwich Terns and five Common Terns, with five Swallows and seven Spoonbills also noted. On the 4th 2,450 Pinkfeet were on the grazing marsh and a Merlin was hunting. On the 6th a major offshore passage produced counts of 499 Brent Geese, 3,300 Wigeon, 99 Pintail, four Scaup, 674 Common Scoters, four Red- breasted Mergansers, 36 Red-throated Divers, Fulmar, two Sooty Shearwaters, three Manx Shearwaters, 471 Gannets, 18 Great Crested Grebes, Purple Sandpiper, 37 Arctic Skuas, nine Great Skuas, six Guillemots, 15 Sandwich Terns a Common and an Arctic Tern, with a Short- eared Owl, Peregrine, 13 Redwings and eight Rock Pipits recorded around the reserves. On the 7th five Red Kites drifted through, with a Green Sandpiper, 11 Jays, three Bearded Tits, 15 Swallows, three Chiffchaffs, Whinchat, two Stonechats, five Grey Wagtails, 25 Rock Pipits, four Bramblings and 17 Siskins recorded.
On the 8th highlights were five Eider, a drake Goosander, seven Red-throated Divers, Manx Shearwater, 20 Little Egrets, ringtail Hen Harrier and 20 Rock Pipits. The 9th saw 34 Black-tailed Godwits, 15 Snipe, Kingfisher, six Bearded Tits, two Reed Warblers, Pied Flycatcher and a Whinchat recorded. On the 11th 81 Common Scoters, a drake Goldeneye, four Red- breasted Mergansers, 24 Red-throated Divers, 46 Gannets, 17 Great Crested Grebes, five Razorbills and 49 Guillemots were counted at sea, with 36 Jays, Yellow- browed Warbler and 45 Siskins of interest. Another seawatch on the 12th produced 2,112 Common Scoters, Velvet Scoter, two Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver, a Sooty and two Manx Shearwaters, 152 Gannets, nine Arctic Skuas, 13 Great Skuas, a Puffin and 130 Kittiwakes, with a Spotted Redshank, Woodcock, and Hawfinch also observed. Of interest on the 14th were three Razorbills, nine Little Auks, eight Guillemots, six Little Gulls, Yellow- browed Warbler, five Grey Wagtails and two Crossbills.
On the 15th a further two Sooty Shearwaters, Shag, 260 Kittiwakes and four Little Gulls were moving at sea, and onshore 32 Jays, a Wood Lark and two Yellowbrowed Warblers were the highlights.
The following day a drake Goosander, four Spoonbills and seven Red Kites were found (16th). On the 17th a Whooper Swan flew in off sea, with five Tree Sparrows and 27 Bramblings also logged.
A Great Northern Diver was offshore (18th) with three Water Rails, seven Stonechats, 35 Siskins and a Water Pipit seen. A Pomarine Skua was seen (19th) and on the 20th highlights were three Velvet Scoters, Jack Snipe, and a Little Gull were of interest, with eight Pomarine Skuas, 13 Arctic Skuas, nine Great Skuas, Arctic Tern, and 18 Kittiwakes passing offshore (21st), and another drake Goosander, Little Auk, 24 Kittiwakes and a Little Gull (22nd). On the 23rd eight Red Kites passed through with a Fieldfare, two Yellowhammers and 25 Reed Buntings. Five Whooper Swans flew west (24th) and 190 Lapwings, 15 Little Gulls, 14,553 Starlings, and 120 Bramblings were also counted. On the 25th 370 Lapwings and 3,000- plus Chaffinches passed through with a Ring Ouzel and 29 Redwings counted. A Black-throated Diver, Manx Shearwater and Red- necked Grebe were offshore (26th), and the following day 17 Red-throated Divers, Black-throated Diver, Fulmar,
35 Great Crested Grebes, 56 Razorbills, 50 Guillemots, Tree Sparrow and two Snow Buntings were logged (27th). On the 28th a Great Northern Diver, 58 Siskins and three Snow Buntings were recorded with a Whooper Swan on the Broadwater (29th, 30th) and a ringtail Hen Harrier seen (30th).
NOA REDWELL MARSH: A Kingfisher was seen (1st), and movements of Jays were seen on several dates with 30 (7th). Ten Black-tailed Godwits were present and Teal numbers reached 82 (18th). A flock of 77 Lapwings passed over (25th) and 72 Linnets were noted (25th). Wigeon numbers reached 110 (30th).
NOA WALSEY HILLS: The month started with a juvenile Garganey at Cley (1st). A single Velvet Scoter was on the sea (2nd) along with two Black-throated Divers. On the 3rd a Pomarine Skua flew east and four Curlew Sandpipers were on the NWT reserve. Two Caspian Gulls were seen in the gull roost from Teal Hide (4th). On the 6th a Sabine Gull, Long-tailed Skua, Black- necked Grebe and three Sooty Shearwater flew past. A Black Guillemot was present on the sea (7th). The first Yellow- browed Warbler of the season was discovered in their favourite spot at the southern end of Walsey (7th), although rather elusive it stayed until the 19th. A White-fronted Goose was discovered in front of Bishop’s Hide (8th). On the 9th a Bonaparte’s Gull made a brief appearance in front of the beach car park. Also on the 9th a Long-tailed Skua, Sabine’s Gull and Black-throated Diver flew west. On the 10th a large number of Little Gulls flew east past beach car park with 1,800 recorded by 11.30am and a Lapland Bunting flew over East Bank. The first Snow Bunting of the season was also reported (10th) along with a Grey Phalarope on North Scrape. On the 11th two Grey Phalaropes flew west past beach carpark. Another two Grey Phalaropes flew west along with a Long-tailed Duck, three Velvet Scoters and two Purple Sandpipers, Sabine’s Gull, Black-throated Diver,
Red- necked Grebe, two Sooty Shearwater and eight Little Gulls were all recorded (12th). A tired Jack Snipe flew in off the sea (14th) and landed on the beach. On the 16th a Lapland Bunting was seen feeding in Eye Field and a ringtail Hen Harrier flew over Cley. A White- billed Diver was observed flying east (17th). On the 22nd a Little Auk flew west, and a Cattle Egret was with the cattle west of Babcock Hide. Snow Bunting numbers started to grow with five seen at the end of East Bank (23rd), rising to 25 (30th). On the sea (23rd) a Scaup, Great Northern Diver, two Pomarine Skuas, three Velvet Scoters, three Black-throated Divers and 30 Little Gulls were reported. The first Water Pipit of the season was seen at Cley (25th) and four Great Northern Divers and five Black-throated Divers flew past the beach carpark. On the 26th another White- billed Diver flew east and a Black Redstart was briefly seen along Old Womans Lane. Two Short- eared Owls flew in off the sea (27th) and a Long-tailed Duck flew east. On the 28th a male Black Redstart was present in the beach carpark and then on the fishing boats to the west and another Short- eared Owl flew in off the sea. The month ended with a Red- necked Grebe on the sea and a Pomarine Skua flew west on the 31st. Sophie Barker (Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association. www.noa.org.uk), Pete Allard and Robin Chittenden
SUFFOLK
HIGHLIGHTS: There were two Radde’s Warblers: one at Lowestoft North Denes (9th-10th) and the other at Shingle Street (23rd). A Pallas’s Warbler was at Pakefield (24th). A Little Bunting was at Trimley Marshes (10th) and a Richard’s Pipit was at Bawdsey Quay (17th). A Shore Lark was at Hopton (11th) and another was at Landguard (20th-23rd). A presumed first-winter Eastern Yellow Wagtail was at Carleton Marshes (23rd) and a Pectoral Sandpiper was there (11th-17th).
A Red- necked Phalarope was at Fornham St Martin on Hall Farm Reservoir (5th- 6th). An American Golden Plover or Pacific Golden Plover was briefly at Aldeburgh (3rd). A Dotterel was between Falkenham and Kings Fleet from 30th. A Rough- legged Buzzard was at Sudbourne Marshes (19th).
A Slavonian Grebe was on a reservoir at Aldringham Walks (16th). A Tundra Bean Goose flew over Lowestoft (10th) and a Smew was at Minsmere on Island Mere (31st). Highlights for seawatchers were a Grey Phalarope, Long-tailed Skua and Roseate Tern past Thorpeness (5th) and at Landguard a Leach’s Petrel and Long-tailed Skua (2nd) and Grey Phalarope (3rd). A handful of Little Auks were clocked. A Glaucous Gull was at Reydon (5th).
Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700245 cost 65p per minute plus your telephone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia for enquiries please call 07941333970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk