Lowestoft Bird News - April 2009

Sparrowhawk - Worlingham - March 2009 © Stephen Wood

RED KITE Milvus milvus
One flew south at Belton on the 5th, and was later seen at Lound before returning northward back towards Belton over Fritton Lake.
One flew westward over Fisher Row at 06:55 on the 19th.
Three that passed north over Gorleston at midday on the 22nd would have been a fine sight. Presumably, the same birds were noted, west, over Cromer at 15:00. A 4th arrived in off the sea at Great Yarmouth at 13:55, continuing west.
A kite sp. was noted along Back Lane garden centre, Lound at 11:00 on the 23rd.
One was seen over Mutford on the 25th.

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
Ashby - 5th (8).
Lowestoft North Denes - 18th (5).
Mutford - 19th (3).

COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo
Lound waterworks - 5th (1).
Ashby - 5th (2), 26th (2).
Herringfleet - 5th (2), 11th (1).
Mutford - 5th (1), 19th (1), 26th (3).
Carlton Marshes - 11th (1).
Somerleyton - 18th (2).
Oulton Broad - 20th (1), 21st (1).
Fisher Row - 21st (1 no doubt the same as that seen at Oulton Broad).
Gorleston - 24th (1 S).
North Cove - 26th (1).

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD Buteo lagopus
One flew north between Weston and Hulver on the 25th.

MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
Carlton Marshes - 3rd (2), 4th (1), 10th (2+).
Mutford - 5th (1 N).
Burgh Castle - 5th (1), 20th (2).
Barsham Drain - 5th (2), 13th (2).
Beccles Marshes - 12th (2).
Kessingland sewage works - 15th (1).
North Cove -18th (2).
Kessingland - 18th (1 S).

MONTAGU'S HARRIER Circus pygargus
A very smart male glided northwards over Lound waterworks on the 25th. Shortly afterwards it was relocated quartering fields along Hobland Road at Browston for a few minutes before disappearing northwards again.

Montagu's Harrier - Browston - April 2009 © Andrew Easton

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Carlton Marshes - 9th (1), 10th (pair).

RED-FOOTED FALCON Falco vespertinus
A female at Castle Marshes, North Cove, on the 22nd, continued the superb start to the spring. It was seen overhead from 12:00-12:10 before drifting west. There's every chance it is still in the area. However, there's a fair bit of marsh to check!

HOBBY Falco subbuteo
One was at the marshes between Carlton Colville and Barnby on the 23rd.
Two were at Mutford on the 25th.
One was along Breydon South Wall on the 26th.
One was at Castle Marshes, North Cove on the 26th.
One was over Clarkson Road, Oulton on the 26th.
One was seen at Kessingland sewage works on the 28th, and it or another was over the Kessingland Levels later during the day.

PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus
The first winter bird was at Peto's Marsh, Carlton Marshes again on the 4th.
One was seen over the Berney Arms, Norfolk, from Burgh Castle on the 11th.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix
Two were at Corton new sewage works on the 4th, with one there on the 5th.
Two were seen to the west of Beccles Marsh Trail on the 15th.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
One was in a garden at Mutford on the 5th.
Two were calling at Barsham Drain on the 6th.

COMMON CRANE Grus grus
Four flew slowly south over Ashby at 10:50 on the 5th, calling as they went. They then turned south heading towards Blundeston and Oulton. At 11:35-11:40 they were leisurely passing south over Mutford, at 11:55 they were seen passing south inland of Easton Bavents, later turning round and heading back northwards there at 12:16.

Three were seen over Carlton Marshes on the 11th at 14:00.

Five flew south over Carlton Colville on the 18th.

Birds from the Broadland population now regularly make movements along the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts each Spring as the wintering flock breaks up. Being in the right place at the right time to enjoy the sight and sound of these majestic birds on these flights is the difficult bit.

Common Cranes - Ashby - April 2009 © Andrew Easton

OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus ****
Lound Waterworks - 3rd (2), 26th (1).
Gunton Warren - 7th (7 S).
Lowestoft North Beach - 9th (3 S), 14th (2).
Kessingland - 4th (5 S), 20th (2 S), 22nd (7 N), 23rd (7 S), 27th (4 S), 29th (2 N).
Hopton - 11th (2).
Beccles Marsh Trail - 15th (5).
Ness Point - 24th (3 S).
Leathes Ham - 28th (1).

AVOCET Recurvirostra avosetta
36 were at Burgh Castle on the 5th.
One was at Peto's Marsh, Carlton Marshes on the 9th.
Two flew over Castle Marshes, North Cove on the 11th and 18th.
Three flew south past Kessingland on the 11th.
58 were at Burgh Castle on the 20th.

RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula
Kessingland - 6th (2 on beach), 13th (1 N), 18th (1 N), 25th (1 S).
Breydon South Wall - 29th (40).

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
22 were at Mutford on the 5th.
Six summer plumaged birds were at Ash Farm, Mutford on the 9th.

KNOT Calidris canutus
Kessingland - 8th (1 S).

SANDERLING Calidris alba
Lowestoft North Beach - 23rd (1).
Breydon South Wall - 29th (1).

PURPLE SANDPIPER Calidris maritima
Ness Point/North Beach - 3rd (2), 4th (11), 7th (6), 11th (1), 12th (1), 13th (9), 16th (8), 17th (5), 19th (1), 24th (5), 26th (1).

DUNLIN Calidris alpina
Lowestoft North Beach - 26th (2).
Breydon South Wall - 29th (2).

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea
One was on Breydon South Flats on the 14th.

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
Ness Point - One was feeding in the open under a birch tree at Lound waterworks on the 4th.
Gorleston - 12th (one photographed in garden).
Mutford - 19th (1).
One was at Ash Farm Mutford on the 9th.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa
Burgh Castle - 5th (24), 20th (564).
Oulton Broad - 21st (17 flew east).

Bar-tailed Godwits - Denes Oval - April 2009 © Kelvin Hill

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica****
Three flew south past Ness Point on the 23rd.
Six flew south past Corton on the 24th.
15 were at Burgh Castle Flats on the 25th.
Three were on the Denes Oval on the 25th, they they later flew south when two others joined them.
One flew south at Ness Point on the 28th.

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus ****
Kessingland - 11th (1 N), 15th (1 N), 16th (2 N), 17th (16 N), 22nd (1 N), 23rd (1 S), 26th (1 N).
Beccles Marsh Trail - 23rd (23).
Breydon South Wall - 23rd (1), 25th (2), 29th (2).
One flew south over Corton new sewage works on the 18th.
Seven flew north at Ash Farm, Mutford on the 19th.
Five were on the Kessingland Levels on the 25th.
Seven were at Carlton Marshes on the 25th.
Five flew over South Lowestoft on the 25th.
Eight flew north over Kessingland sewage works on the 28th.
One flew north at Carlton Marshes on the 30th.

CURLEW Numenius arquata
Burgh Castle - 5th (24).
Kessingland - 7th (1 S), 8th (1 S), 16th (3 S), 18th (1 N), 26th (1 S).
Beccles Marshes - 17th (8).
Ness Point - 18th (1 N).
Africa Alive (Kessingland Wildlife Park) - 19th (2 over).

SPOTTED REDSHANK Tringa erythropus ****
Burgh Castle - 5th (5), 18th (1), 20th (6), 25th (7).

REDSHANK Tringa totanus
Burgh Castle - 5th (36).
Lowestoft North Beach - 14th (1).

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia ****
One was heard at Gorleston on the 24th.
One was heard heading north past Kessingland after dark on the 25th.
Six were on the small scrape along Breydon South Wall on the 26th, with five there on the 29th.

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus ****
Recorded at Kessingland sewage works on the 7th (1) and 15th (4).
One was at Africa Alive (Kessingland Wildlife Park) on the 18th.
Breydon South Wall - 23rd (1), 26th (1).

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos ****
The first of the year was at Leathes Ham on the 18th.
Three were at Leathes Ham on the 25th.
One was at Mutford Lock basin on the 25th.
One was at Burgh Castle on the 25th.

TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres ****
Ness Point - 3rd (14 including one of the Dutch leg flagged birds), 4th (7 including one of the Dutch leg flagged birds), 12th (16), 13th (17 including one of the Dutch leg flagged birds), 23rd (3).
Lowestoft North Beach - 14th (2), 26th (4).
Gorleston Pier - 19th (2), 25th (1).
Burgh Castle - 25th (1), 26th (1).

ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus
One flew north past Kessingland on the 16th.

GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua
Kessingland - 18th (1 N), 19th (1).

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
Two adults flew south together past Kessingland on the 5th.

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus ****
A flock of 16 very smart Little Gulls flew eastwards over Barsham Drain, near Beccles on the afternoon of the 6th. Presumably they had realized they had drifted too far west, and should be on the other side of the North Sea at the moment. 106 passed through Livermere in the west of the County during the same afternoon.
One flew north past Kessingland on the 7th.
One first summer was at Burgh Castle on the 25th.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis ****
One adult was at Gorleston harbour mouth on the 9th, 11th,16th and 25th.
A first and second summer birds were seen at Gorleston on the 10th.

GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus
A first winter flew north along Corton Cliffs on the 16th, shortly afterwards it continued northwards over Gorleston Pier.

KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla ****
Kessingland - 1st (17 N, 1 S), 2nd (10 N), 3rd (3 N), 4th (6 N, 5 S), 5th (9 N), 6th (5 N, 1 S), 7th (6 N, 1 S), 8th (4 N, 2 S), 9th (3 N), 10th (7 N, 2 S), 11th (6 N, 3 S), 12th (3 N), 15th (3 N, 1 S), 16th (11 N, 1 S), 17th (8 N), 18th (19 N, 2 S), 19th (13 N), 20th (22 N, 2 S), 21st (6 N, 3 S), 22nd (16 N, 6 S), 23rd (14 N, 5 S), 24th (6 N, 4 S), 25th (16 N, 26 S), 26th (10 N, 17 S), 27th (5 N), 28th (8 N, 9 S), 28th (3 N, 1 S), 30th (5 N, 3 S).

Gulls at breakfast - Lowestoft - April 2009 © Kelvin Hill

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo ****
The first of the year flew north past Kessingland at 09:10 on the 6th.
One flew eastward over Carlton Marshes on the 10th heading towards Oulton Broad.
Two were displaying along Lake Lothing on the 24th, with three there on the 27th.
Two were at Mutford Lock basin on the 25th.
Four were displaying over Lake Lothing on the 28th.

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvichensis ****
The first of the year flew north past Kessingland at 15:10 on the 1st.
Two headed north-eastwards together over Carlton Marshes on the 10th heading towards Oulton Broad.
Three flew north at Ness Point on the 18th.
One flew north past Ness Point on the 19th.
Kessingland - 20th (1 N), 22nd (3 N), 23rd (1 N), 24th (1 S), 25th (2 N), 26th (3 N, 4 S), 27th (2 S), 28th (6 S).
Two were circling in the mist over Leathes Ham and Lake Lothing on the evening of the 21st.
Two floated south, on a piece of flotsam, past Ness Point on the 26th.

LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons ****
Kessingland - 23rd (1 S), 26th (9 N), 27th (1 S), 28th (2 N), 30th (3 N, 1 S).

"COMMIC TERN" Sterna hirundo/paradisaea ****
Kessingland - 18th (1 N), 19th (3 N), 20th (8 N), 24th (1 S), 28th (1 N), 30th (1 N).

GUILLEMOT Uria aalge
Ness Point - 20th (1 N).

AUK sp Alcidae
Kessingland - 5th (1 N).
Ness Point - 18th (1 N).

TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur ****
One noted at Mutford from the 20th-22nd was a welcome sight, with two together there on the 25th.
One was heard at Castle Marshes, North Cove on the 26th.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus ****
The first of the year was seen and heard at Barsham Drain on the 19th, with two there on the 21st.
Beccles Marsh Trail - 23rd (1).
Fisher Row - 24th (1), 30th (1).
Lound waterworks - 25th (1), 26th (1).
Mutford - 26th (1).
Barnby Marshes - 26th (1).
Breydon South Wall - 26th (2 displaying).

BARN OWL Tyto alba ****
Carlton Marshes - 3rd (1), 9th (2), 10th (1).
Barsham Drain - 5th (1), 13th (1).
Ellough Airfield - 11th (1).
Castle Marshes - 18th (1), 26th (1).
Breydon South Wall - 21st (1), 23rd (2), 29th (2).

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua
One was at Lound on the 5th.
Two were at Mutford on the 5th.
One was at Corton new sewage works on the 7th.
One was at Carlton Marshes on the 10th.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio flammeus ****
One spent the day at Leathes Ham on the 24th. Typically, it was difficult to see but became more active in the evening when it was seen several times in flight.

Long-eared Owl - Leathes Ham - April 2009 © Andrew Easton

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus ****
One was at Gapton Marshes on the 3rd.
A solitary bird was hunting over Kessingland Beach on the morning of the 22nd.
One was between Barnby and Castle Marshes on the 30th.

COMMON SWIFT Apus apus ****
The first of the year was seen over Clarkson Road, Oulton on the 26th.

KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
Lound Waterworks - 3rd (1).
Beccles Common - 8th (2).
Beccles Marsh Trail - 11th (1).
Carlton Marshes - 11th (1).

Hoopoe - Corton - March 2009 © Chris Darby (left) Peter Ransome (right)
Andrew Easton (below)

HOOPOE Upupa epops
The bird from 31st March was reported again early morning on the 1st in the field to the south of the old sewage works, but was not seen subsequently.

A typically short stay by a spring migrant in a hurry to get to the breeding grounds; autumn birds are generally easier to catch up with as they tend to hang around longer on their more leisurely return to their wintering grounds.

One was seen and heard along Warren Lane, Hopton by the Gorleston golf course at 17:50 on the 5th, but was not relocated on the 6th.

These were the first sightings in the Lowestoft area since 2002, when one was seen at Pakefield in April and another was around the Gunton Drive/Corton Road area in September.

In the spring of 1859 a total of 22 Hoopoes were recorded in Suffolk, with thirteen of them being shot in Lowestoft alone. (Piotrowski, S.H. 2003. The Birds of Suffolk. Christopher Helm, London). So there's a long way to go to break that record.

WRYNECK Jynx torquilla
One spent the majority of its stay south of the River Hundred at Benacre Sluice between the 13th-15th. However, it was noted on the north side on the evenings' of the 14th and 15th, albeit briefly!

[ COCKATIEL Nymphicus hollandicus ****
One was seen at Oulton Broad on the 21st, and Oulton Marshes/Fisher Row on the 22nd. ]

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis
Gunton Warren - 7th (1), 14th (1), 16th (1), 30th (1).
Kessingland sewage works - 8th (1), 28th (1).
Carlton Marshes - 9th (2), 13th (1 calling and drumming).
Hulver - 10th (1).
Burgh Castle - 19th (1).
Lound waterworks - 29th (1).

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia ****
Two were at Corton new sewage works on the 5th.
Four were at Barsham Drain on the 7th.
One was at Carlton Marshes on the 10th.
Five were at Corton new sewage works on the 10th.
30+ were around Corton Cliffs on the 10th.
Two were at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.
Two north over Mutford on the 19th.
Ten were at Kessingland sewage works on the 25th.
Four were at Lound waterworks on the 26th.
Five were at Kessingland sewage works on the 28th.
One was at Lound waterworks on the 29th.
Two were at Gunton Warren on the 30th.

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica ****
Three were perched on overhead wires by cattle sheds at Barnby on the 3rd.
Five flew north at Lowestoft North Denes on the 4th.
One was at Lound waterworks on the 4th.
One was at Belton on the 5th.
One flew north at Kessingland on the 5th.
One was at Mutford on the 5th.
Two flew north at Kessingland on the 6th.
One was at Beccles Common on the 6th.
One was at Barsham Drain on the 7th.
One was at Corton old sewage works on the 7th.
Two were at Corton old sewage works on the 10th.
One was along Breydon South Wall on the 10th.
One was at Mutford on the 11th.
Seven flew north at Corton on the 12th.
30+ were seen at Beccles Marshes on the 12th.
20 seen over Beccles Marsh Trail on the 15th.
One flew north at Links Road on the 16th.
Four were at Leathes Ham on the 17th.
Three were at North Cove staithe on the 18th.
One flew north past Ness Point on the 19th.
12 were at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.
20+ were at Kessingland sewage works on the 25th.
Four flew south over Lowestoft North Denes on the 26th.
Four were at Lound waterworks on the 26th.
40+ were at Kessingland sewage works on the 25th.
Eight were at Lound waterworks on the 29th, including two which were noted as strikingly red-buff on entire underparts and on under-wing coverts.
One was at Gunton Warren on the 30th.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica ****
One was at Belton on the 5th.
Four were in Hulver village on the 10th.
10+ were seen at Beccles Marshes on the 12th.
Five were at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.
One was over Bradwell on the 21st.
Four were at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.
Four were at Lound waterworks on the 26th.
Ten were at Kessingland sewage works on the 28th.

ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus
One was at Ness Point on the 17th.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava ****
The first of the year was at Broadland Sands at Corton on the 10th.
One was heard flying over Gorleston on the 11th.
One was heard flying over Lowestoft North Denes on the 13th.
One flew south over Warren Lane, Hopton on the 14th.
Two were along Corton Cliffs at Broadland Sands on the 22nd.
One flew north at Broadland Sands, Corton on the 25th.
One was seen at Gisleham on the 26th.
One was along Breydon South Wall on the 26th.
One was at Kessingland sewage works on the 28th.
One was in fields near Corton Church on the 29th.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea ****
One was at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.

WHITE WAGTAIL Motacilla alba alba
One was at Corton old sewage works on the 1st.
One was at Pakefield on the 3rd.
A female was at Lound waterworks on the 7th, along with an apparent male hybrid White x Pied. It had a broad grey stripe running from nape to rump, but the mantle either side was clear black.
One was at Corton old sewage works on the 10th.
One male was at Gorleston gold course on the 26th.

WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus
Eleven were seen going to roost at dusk at Ash Farm, Mutford on the 1st.
One was at Leathes Ham on the 18th.

Ring Ouzel - Lowestoft Denes Oval - April 2009 © Andrew Easton

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus
An excellent spring so far with at least 10 being recorded:
On the morning of the 7th single males were found at Fisher Row, Oulton and at Kessingland/Benacre Ness. The latter visited both sides of the River Hundred but was favouring the south side. Another was frequenting the south side on the 13th.
A female was at the Denes Oval on the 12th and 13th.
One was around the Barsham water treatment works on the 13th, three others may also have flown over.
Two were along Warren Lane, Hopton on the 14th.
One flew inland from Kessingland sewage works on the 15th.
Beacon Park, Gorleston - 24th (1).
Gapton Marsh - 24th (male).

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
One was at Ness Point on the 1st.
Two were at Hobland Hall on the 5th.
Mutford - 5th (9).
One was in fields by Corton old sewage works on the 12th.
One was at Camps Heath on the 13th.
Beccles Marsh Trail - 15th (20).

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelus ****
Three were at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.

REDWING Turdus iliacus
Hopton - 1st (3+).
One was at Ness Point on the 4th.
One was at Corton new sewage works on the 5th.
Mutford - 5th (1).
St. Michael's Church Oulton - 7th (4).
One was at Camps Heath on the 13th.

BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros ****
One was along the seawall at Kessingland Beach on the 1st.
One was seen at Riverside Road, Lowestoft on the 6th.
Beacon Park, Gorleston - 24th (1).

COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus ****
One male was seen near Corton old sewage works on the 14th, it then flew off inland towards the new sewage works area.
A male was at Mutford on the 25th.

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe ****
Two were at Pakefield Beach on the 3rd.
One was at Lowestoft North Denes on the 4th.
One was at Corton new sewage works on the 4th.
Four were in fields by Corton old sewage works on the 4th.
Four were at Lowestoft North Denes on the 5th.
Two were in fields by Corton old sewage works on the 7th.
One was at Lowestoft North Denes on the 7th.
Three males were around the Kessingland Sluice on the 7th.
Two were at Lowestoft North Denes on the 9th.
One male was at Carlton Marshes on the 10th.
Two were seen at Breydon Way, Lowestoft on the 12th.
Two were in fields by Corton old sewage works on the 12th.
Six were at Lowestoft North Denes on the 12th.
One was at Barsham Drain on the 13th.
Three were on the playing fields at Poplars school on the 20th.
Five were at Lowestoft North Denes on the 20th with one remaining on the 21st.
One was on Barnard's Meadow on the 22nd.
A 'Greenland' Wheatear was at Lound water works on the 23rd.
Two were at Corton old sewage works on the 24th.
One was at Browston golf course on the 25th.
One was at Mutford on the 25th.
Two were at Lowestoft North Denes on the 25th.
One was at Gisleham on the 26th.
One was along Hobland Road, Browston on the 25th.
Six were at Lowestoft North Denes on the 27th.
One was in fields by Hopton disused railtrack on the 29th.

CETTI'S WARBLER Cettia cetti ****
Barsham Drain - 5th (7+).
Kessingland Sluice - 7th (1).
Kessingland sewage works - 8th (1 singing), 15th (1), 21st (1), 28th (3)
Mutford - 2nd to 26th (1 singing).
Fisher Row - 21st (2).
Burgh Castle - 21st (1), 25th (1), 26th (2).
Beccles Marsh Trail - 23rd (1).

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia
Two were singing at Fisher Row on the evening of the 8th, with at least one still singing on the 9th.
One was singing at Carlton Marshes on the 10th and 13th.
One was singing occasionally at Gunton Warren on the 16th.
At least 7 possibly more were singing at Fisher Row on the 19th and 20th.
A coastal migrant was singing along Corton disused railtrack on the 22nd.
Beccles Marsh Trail - 23rd (1).
Breydon South Wall - 23rd (1), 29th (1).

Part of Fisher Row along Oulton Dyke is now closed for river wall repairs, and may be closed for more than a year.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
The first of the year was at Kessingland sewage works on the 8th with 3 present on the 15th.
Two were singing at Carlton Marshes on the 10th.
15+ singing at Barsham Drain on the 13th.
10+ singing at Carlton Marshes on the 13th.
One was singing at Leathes Ham on the 16th and 17th.
Two were singing at Burgh Caste on the 21st.
Five were at Kessingland sewage works on the 21st.
At least four were at Kessingland sewage works on the 28th.

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus ****
The first of the year was at the Beccles Marsh Trail fishing lakes on the 12th.
One was at the Kessingland Levels on the 18th.
One was at Burgh Castle on the 20th, with two on the 21st and 25th.
Four were at the Kessingland sewage works on the 28th.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca ****
Kessingland sewage works - 15th (1), 18th (1), 21st (2), 25th (2), 28th (5 trapped and ringed).
Hopton (Warren Lane) - 16th (1), 26th (1 singing).
Gunton Warren - 16th (1), 18th (1), 28th (1).
Mutford - 21st (1).
Linear Park cycle track, Lowestoft - 24th (1).
Lound waterworks - 25th (1).
Gorleston golf course (Hopton) - 26th (1 singing).
Corton disused railtrack - 28th (1), 30th (1).
Gorleston (Herman Primary School) - 28th (2 singing).

COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis ****
The first of the year was singing at Mutford on the 8th to 14th.
Kessingland sewage works - 15th (1), 21st (2), 25th (6+), 28th (3).
North Cove (Marsh Lane) - 15th (singing).
Gunton Warren - 16th (1), 30th (4 singing).
Carlton Marshes - 19th(1).
Burgh Castle - 21st (1).
Lake Lothing - 22nd (1).
Beccles Marsh Trail - 23rd (1).
Lound waterworks - 25th (1).
Mutford - 25th (3).
Corton new sewage works - 26th (3).
Gorleston (Wood Farm Lane) - 25th (2 singing).
Gorleston golf course (Hopton) - 26th (1 singing).
Leathes Ham - 28th (1 singing).
Corton - 28th (5).
Lowestoft North Denes - 30th (2).

Common Whitethroat - Beccles - April 2009 ©Neville Loth

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin ****
One was singing at Lound waterworks on the 25th and 26th.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla ****
A male was at Corton old sewage works on the 4th, 13th and 14th.
One was singing along Flycatcher Alley behind the Denes Oval on the 5th and 6th.
Two were at Puddingmoor, Beccles on the 5th.
One was at Beccles on the 6th.
Two were singing at Carlton Marshes on the 10th.
One was at Leathes Ham on the 14th.
Hopton Church - 11th (1).
Hopton (Warren Lane) - 11th (1).
Kessingland sewage works - 8th (3), 15th (7), 21st (3), 25th (2), 28th (2).
Carlton Marshes - 11th (1).
Leathes Ham - 16th (1), 17th (1).
Fisher Row - 21st (3).
Corton disused railtrack - 26th (1).
Lowestoft North Denes - 30th (3).
Gunton Warren - 30th (1).

CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita ****
Corton disused railtrack - 1st (2).
Leathes Ham - 1st (1 singing), 8th (1 singing), 17th (1 singing).
Pakefield - 4th (1).
Ness Point/Birds Eye car park - 4th (3+).
Lowestoft North Denes - 4th (4+), 30th (1).
Corton old sewage works - 4th (2+).
Kessingland Beach - 4th (1).
Herringfleet Hills - 4th (1 singing).
Lound waterworks - 4th (1 singing).
Burgh Castle - 5th (1).
Gunton Warren - 7th (2 singing), 16th (1), 30th (1).
Kessingland sewage works - 8th (6), 28th (3).
Carlton Marshes - 9th (2).
Royal Avenue, Lowestoft - 15th (1).
North Cove Nature Reserve - 15th (6 singing).
Links Road - 16th (1).
Hubbards Loke - 30th (1).

WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus ****
Ness Point - 4th (1 singing).
Lowestoft North Denes - 4th (2), 30th (1).
Corton old sewage works - 4th (2).
Corton new sewage works - 4th (1 singing).
Parkhill Hotel - 4th (1 singing).
Leathes Ham - 8th (1 singing), 16th (1 singing), 17th (1 singing), 28th (1).
Carlton Marshes - 9th (3 singing).
Beccles Marsh Trail - 11th (1).
"Flycatcher Alley", Denes Oval - 14th (2 singing), 16th (2 singing), 30th (1).
Kessingland sewage works - 15th (3), 21st (2), 28th (1).
North Cove Nature Reserve - 15th (4 singing).
Hopton (Warren Lane) - 15th (1 singing).
Fisher Row - 21st (1).
Gorleston golf course (Hopton) - 26th (1 singing).

Willow Warbler - Lowestoft - April 2009 © Andrew Easton

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus ****
One was at Gunton Warren opposite Hubbards Loke on the 4th.
One was in Warren House Wood on the 4th.
One was along Corton disused railtrack on the 26th.

COAL TIT Parus ater ****
Hopton (Warren Lane) - 15th (1 singing).
Corton disused railtrack - 26th (1).
Lound waterworks - 26th (pair).

GREAT GREY SHRIKE Lanius excubitor
One was found at Corton old sewage works on the afternoon of the 7th and was present around the perimeter fence there till dusk when it was seen to fly south towards the village. The fine grey barring on the breast suggests it was a female. No sign on the 8th.

Great Grey Shrike - Corton old sewage works - April 7, 2009
© Rob Wilton

JAY Garrulus glandarius
"Flycatcher Lane" Denes Oval - 5th (2).
Burgh Castle - 5th (4).
Fisher Row - 8th (2).

HOODED x CARRION CROW Corvus cornix x C. corone
One was at Corton on the 3rd.
One was at Hall Road, Hopton on the 10th.

Unfortunately the Hooded Crow seen on March 31st seems to have moved on.

RAVEN Corvus corax
One heard calling twice at Ashby on the 5th took a few minutes to locate circling high and heading west over Fritton Lake. It then returned eastwards, interspersed with some tumbling aerobatics before disappearing behind trees in the general direction of Browston; but it was not relocated.

One leg was noted to be dangling most of the time which from photos confirms it to be the same individual seen at Covehithe on 22nd March and no doubt that over Benacre Broad on the 16th.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla
Mutford - 1st (1), 2nd (1) 3rd (3), 4th (1).
Barnby - 5th (1).
Hulver - 10th (1).

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris ****
Gunton Warren - 7th (11), 14th (6), 30th (6 pairs).

SISKIN Carduelis spinus ****
Barnby - 5th (5), 15th (pair collecting sheep wool for nesting material).
Hulver - 10th (2), 25th (2).
Lound waterworks - 23rd (1).
Blocka Lane - 23rd (1).
Mutford - 25th (1).

LINNET Carduelis cannabina
Mutford - 5th (20).
Gunton Warren - 7th (30+), 14th (10), 30th (12).
Corton old sewage works - 7th (1).
Kessingland sewage works - 8th (13).
Lowestoft North Denes - 9th (30), 30th (6).
Hulver - 10th (2).
Hopton (Warren Lane) - 15th (1 singing).
Gorleston Pier - 25th (1).
Gorleston (Wood Farm Lane) - 25th (10+).
Lound waterworks - 29th (3).

LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret
20+ were feeding in trees along the Avenue approach to Beccles Common on the 7th.
Belton - 11th (3).
Hulver - 10th (1).
North Cove Nature Reserve - 15th (3).

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
Mutford - 5th (20).
Barsham Drain - 6th (25+).
Gunton Warren - 7th (1), 14th (1), 30th (2).
Browston (Hobland Road) - 25th (1).

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus ****
Mutford - 1st to 13th (3), 19th (4).
Kessingland sewage works - 8th (3), 18th (2), 21st (2).
Barsham Drain - 13th (6).

Links for local bird news

Birdline East Anglia - Suffolk March 09 review

Waveney Bird Club

Suffolk Birding with BINS

NON-BIRD NEWS

Butterflies have been a feature of early April. The glorious weather from the 5th-8th tempted large numbers of Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Comma butterflies out, a couple of Large Whites were also seen, and a male Orange Tip was seen at Warren House Wood.

During the warmer, non fogbound, spells during the Easter weekend butterflies continued to show well. Brimstone were noted in several places, Small White, Green-veined White and Speckled Wood were also on the wing. Several Orange Tip's were on the wing at Mutford on the 21st where a Grass Snake was noted on the 19th. A Painted Lady was seen at Mutford on the 19th.

Hairy Hawker dragonflies were on the wing at Breydon South Wall on the 26th, just in time for newly arrived Hobbies to feast on them.

Green Hairstreak and Small Copper butterflies were seen at Gunton Warren on the 28th.

CHINESE WATER DEER Hydropotes inermis
Carlton Marshes - 3rd (1), 13th (1), 30th (3).
Barsham Drain - 7th (1).

RED DEER
Four were seen at Ashby on the 26th.

GREY SEAL
Kessingland - 4th (1), 5th (2), 11th (1), 12th (1), 16th (1), 18th (1), 19th (1), 21st (1).
Gorleston - 19th (1).

COMMON SEAL
Kessingland - 1st (1), 10th (1), 15th (1).
Ness Point - 6th (1).
Gorleston - 11th (1), 25th (1).

HARBOUR PORPOISE
Kessingland - 5th (1 N), 10th (1 N).
Gorleston - 9th (1).

WATER VOLE
One was at Leathes Ham on the evening of the 14th, and was still present on the 28th. A very encouraging sign that the local Water Vole population may slowly be recovering, with individuals emigrating to new sites. It made a change from the Brown Rats which are typically the mammals seen there.

OTTER
Barsham - 13th (2).