Bird Sightings 201011 to 17 JulyThe singing male River Warbler at Thorpe next Haddiscoe was last heard on 15 July. Passage Greenshanks were present at Oulton Marshes, 11 July, Flixton GP (two), 14 and 16 July, and Earsham GP, 16 July. Other waders included an adult Dunlin, 20 Green Sandpipers and four Common Sandpipers at Flixton GP, 16 July, and a Green Sandpiper and a Common Sandpiper at Earsham GP on the same day. Spotted Flycatchers were feeding young at Mettingham, 13 July, and Gillingham, 15 July. Buzzards were seen at Redenhall and Somerleyton, 11 July, and a Hobby was hunting at Flixton GP, 16 July. 4 to 10 JulyThe male River Warbler at Thorpe next Haddiscoe continued to sing on the marsh all week. Return wader migration continued to gather momentum with one Green Sandpiper at Earsham GP, 5 July, and eight Green Sandpipers and two Common Sandpipers at Flixton GP, 9 July. Single Little Egrets were recorded at Earsham and Oulton Marshes, 5 July. A Yellow Wagtail and a Grey Wagtail were seen at Oulton Marshes, 5 July, and three Yellow Wagtails were present, 8 July. Single Turtle Doves were noted at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 4 July, and Worlingham, 7 July. 27 June to 3 JulyNo prizes for this week’s highlight! The discovery of the Waveney Valley’s first singing male River Warbler at Thorpe next Haddiscoe, 2 July, and still present the following day. A Green Sandpiper and a first-summer Yellow-legged Gull were noted at Earsham GP, 27 June, while a Hobby and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were seen there the following day, and two Green Sandpipers, 2 July. Little Egrets were recorded at Earsham (three), 2 July, and Oulton Marshes, 3 July, and a first-summer Caspian Gull was seen at Aldeby landfill site, also 3 July. A singing male Cuckoo and three Cetti’s Warblers were noted at Carlton Marshes, 27 June, while a pair of Spotted Flycatchers was seen at Geldeston Lock, 1 July, and a Grey Wagtail at Oulton Marshes, 3 July. 20 to 26 JuneA Hobby was hunting at Lopham Fen, 21 and 23 June, while a Red Kite, two Buzzards and two Hobbys were noted at Oulton Marshes, 24 June. Green Sandpipers were seen at Redgrave Fen (six), 23 June, and Earsham GP (two), 25 June, while Little Egrets were recorded at Oulton Marshes (two), 21 and 24 June, Lopham Fen (four), 23 June, and Earsham (six), 25 June. Cuckoos were noted at Redgrave Fen (two), 21 June, and Carlton Marshes (two), 26 June, while a Turtle Dove was seen at Worlingham, 25 June. A Grey Wagtail was present at Oulton Marshes, 21 June. Spotted Flycatchers were recorded at Low Road, Wortham (pair) and Homersfield (pair), 21 June, and Beccles Marshes, 23 June. 13 to 19 JuneA Red Kite was seen at Somerleyton, 14 June, while single Buzzards were recorded at Scole, 13 June, and Thorpe Abbotts, 16 June. A Barn Owl flew over the A143 at Redenhall, 13 June. Two Avocets were present at Earsham GP, 16 June, with a Green Sandpiper seen there, 17 and 18 June, and two second-summer Yellow-legged Gulls, 19 June. A single Little Egret was noted by Shotford Bridge, Weybread, 14 June, while three were seen at Earsham, 17 June. Two Turtle Doves were seen at Earsham, 13 June, a Cuckoo and three singing male Cetti’s Warblers were noted at Beccles Marshes, 16 June, and a Spotted Flycatcher was present in a garden along Mount Street, Diss, 17 June. 6 to 12 JuneA Red Kite drifted west high over Harleston at 4.30pm on 7 June, and a Buzzard was seen at Flixton GP, 6 June. The first two returning Green Sandpipers were present at Earsham GP, 10 June. A second-summer Yellow-legged Gull was seen at Earsham, 7 June, and a Little Egret, 11 June. A male Cuckoo was heard at Harleston, 7 June, a Turtle Dove was seen at Earsham, 11 June, and a Kingfisher was noted along the Beck at Redenhall, 11 June. 30 May to 5 JuneSingle Little Egrets were recorded at Flixton GP, 30 May, and Earsham, 31 May. Buzzards were seen at Homersfield (two), 31 May, and Somerleyton (two), 4 June. Turtle Doves were noted at Beccles Common (two) and Sprat’s Water Lane, Carlton Colville (singing male), 3 June, and Earsham (three), 5 June. 23 to 29 MayA migrant Ringed Plover was present at Flixton GP, 28 May, while single Little Egrets were seen at Earsham and Wortwell, 23 May. Two Buzzards were noted at Homersfield, 23 May, and a Marsh Harrier flew north over the A143 at Earsham, 28 May. A Kingfisher was noted along the Beck at Redenhall, 24 May. 16 to 22 MayPassage waders included a Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper at Oulton Marshes, with another Common Sandpiper at Flixton GP, 16 May, 20 Avocets and 100 Black-tailed Godwits at Burgh Castle Flats, 17 May, and a Wood Sandpiper at Earsham GP and a Whimbrel and two Greenshanks at Burgh Castle Flats, 22 May. A female Peregrine was seen at Belton Marshes, 19 May, while Hobbys were recorded at Belton Marshes (two), 16 May, Lopham Fen, 18 May, and Beccles Common (two), 19 May. Wandering Marsh Harriers were seen at Flixton (near Bungay), 16 May, Beccles Common, 19 May, and Earsham, 21 May, while Buzzards were noted at Flixton (near Bungay) and Scole, 22 May. Turtle Doves were recorded at Flixton GP, 16 May, Worlingham, 18 May, and Belton Common (two), 19 May, while Cuckoos were noted at Oulton Marshes (two) and St Olaves, 17 May. 9 to 15 MayTwo Cranes circled over Castle Marsh, North Cove at 10.20am, 15 May, before drifting west along the valley. Single Little Egrets were seen at Earsham and Flixton (near Bungay), 9 May, and Belton Marshes, 14 May. An immature male Peregrine flew over Carlton Marshes, 9 May. Hobbys were seen at Oulton Marshes (two) and Castle Marsh (eight), 15 May. A Marsh Harrier was recorded at Belton Marshes, 14 May, while single Buzzards were noted at Earsham and Flixton (near Bungay), 9 May, and Oulton Marshes, 10 May. Barn Owls were seen at Oulton Marshes, 13 May, and Worlingham, 15 May. Two Whimbrel were present at Burgh Castle Flats, 9 May, while Common Sandpipers were noted at Flixton GP, 9 May, Oulton Marshes (two), 10 May, and Weybread GP, 14 May. A first-summer Little Gull was seen at Thorpe Marshes, 12 May. Singing male Cuckoos were recorded at Barsham Marshes and Gillingham Marshes, 14 May, and along Marsh Lane, Worlingham, 15 May, and Yellow Wagtails were seen at Flixton GP, 9 May, and Oulton Marshes (three), 14 May. A Cetti’s Warbler was noted at Belton Marshes, 14 May. 2 to 8 MayAn Arctic Tern was present at Weybread GP, 3 May, while a late Jack Snipe was seen at Barsham Marshes, 4 May. Impressive counts of waders at Burgh Castle Flats included those of Whimbrel (20, 5 May, 109, 7 May, and 51, 9 May), Greenshank (25, 5 May, 26, 6 May, 34, 7 May, and 26, 8 May), Spotted Redshank (six, 5 May, seven, 6 and 7 May, and four, 8 May), Avocet (27, 6 May, 35, 7 May, and 26, 8 May), Bar-tailed Godwit (13, 6 May, 12, 7 May, and 11, 8 May), Black-tailed Godwit (161, 6 May, 193, 7 May, and 217, 8 May) and Redshank (51, 7 May). In addition, a single Turnstone was present on 6 May, while elsewhere single Whimbrel were recorded at Beccles Marsh, 2 May, and Waveney Forest, 5 May. A Little Egret was seen at Oulton Marshes, 5 May. The pair of Mandarin was still present at Oulton Marshes, 5 May. A Hobby was seen at Beccles Marshes, 2 May, with one at Earsham GP the following day. A Marsh Harrier was present at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 3 May, with single Buzzards at Barnby, 3 May, and Earsham, 7 May. Two Barn Owls were seen at Carlton Marshes, 5 May. 25 April to 1 MayTwo Arctic Terns were present at Weybread GP, 25 April, accompanied by 40 Common Terns. An Osprey circled over Earsham GP, 1 May, before drifting high south-west. Two Hobbys were seen together at Carlton Marshes, 25 April, with one at Worlingham the following day, while ten were seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove and four at Oulton Marshes, 1 May. Single Red Kites were seen at Somerleyton, 27 April, and North Cove, 30 April and 1 May, while two flew west over Oulton Marshes, 1 May. A Buzzard was noted at Oulton Marshes, 27 April, while Marsh Harriers were recorded at Carlton Marshes (four), 25 April, and Belton Marshes (two), 29 April. Two Short-eared Owls were present at Oulton Marshes, 25 April, while Barn Owls were recorded there and at Carlton Marshes (two), 1 May. A female Ring Ouzel was seen at Beccles Common, 25 April, with a Nightingale and a Grasshopper Warbler present at this site, 28 April, and a further Nightingale at North Cove on the same day. Two Wheatears were seen at Oulton Marshes, 25 and 26 April, and one at North Cove, 29 April. A Turtle Dove was present at Carlton Marshes, 25 April, with two recorded, along with four Grasshopper Warblers, 29 April, while three Grasshopper Warblers were heard singing at North Cove on the same day. Cuckoos were noted at Oulton Marshes, 25 April and 1 May, Carlton Marshes, 29 April and 1 May and Barsham Marshes, also 1 May. Yellow Wagtails were seen at Carlton Marshes (two), 25 April, Oulton Marshes (two), 26 April, and Earsham GP, 30 April, while a Grey Wagtail was seen at Weybread GP, 25 April. A Cetti’s Warbler was noted at Belton Marshes, 29 April. Three Common Sandpipers were recorded at Weybread GP, 25 April, and a Little Egret was seen at Earsham GP, 1 May. A pair of Mandarin was present at Oulton Marshes from 30 April. 18 to 24 AprilTwo Sandwich Terns and five adult Little Gulls were seen at Weybread GP, 24 April. A Nightingale was present at Beccles Common, 21 April, and a Ring Ouzel was seen near Shipmeadow sewage works, 23 April. The first Cuckoo of the year was heard at Outney Common, Bungay, 18 April, followed by others at Oulton Marshes, 19 April, Worlingham, 23 April, and Carlton Marshes, 24 April, while the first Swift was noted at Beccles Common, 21 April. Singing Grasshopper Warblers were heard at Carlton Marshes (three), 22 April, and Fisher Row, Oulton (four), 23 April. A late Redwing was seen at Beccles Marshes, 21 April, while a flock of 30 Fieldfares was present at Fisher Row, 24 April. Two Grey Wagtails were seen at Weybread GP, 19 April, a pair of Stonechats was noted at Oulton Marshes, 24 April, while Cetti’s Warblers were recorded at Carlton Marshes (five), 22 April, Fisher Row, 23 April, and Beccles Marshes (six), 24 April. Single Common Sandpipers were present at Oulton Marshes, 18 April, Weybread GP, 23 April, and Fritton, 24 April, while a Dunlin and a Green Sandpiper were seen at Weybread GP, 19 April. A flock of ten Whimbrel was present at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 19 April, with four present the following day. Waders at Burgh Castle Flats included eight Whimbrel, 14 Sanderling, five Spotted Redshank, three Greenshank, 103 Avocet and 621 Black-tailed Godwit, 19 April, and 20 Whimbrel and six Spotted Redshank, 23 April. Little Egrets were seen at Mendham, 23 April, and Harleston the following day. A Red Kite was noted at Ashby, 24 April, with a Merlin seen at Oulton Marshes and a ringtail Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island on the same day. Single Marsh Harriers were present at Herringfleet Marshes, 18 April, and Carlton Marshes, 22 April, while Buzzards were recorded at Bungay, 18 April, Earsham (four), 19 April, Worlingham, 20 April, and Ashby (five), 24 April. Single Short-eared Owls were hunting at Belton Marshes, 19 April, and Oulton Marshes, 24 April, while Barn Owls were noted at Carlton Marshes and Castle Marsh (two), 22 April, and Oulton Marshes, 23 April. 11 to 17 AprilAn elusive male Ring Ouzel was present to the south of Ashby Church, 16 April, with two there the following day. The first Lesser Whitethroat of the year was recorded at Somerleyton, 17 April. Single Yellow Wagtails were seen at Flixton GP and Oulton Marshes, 11 April, with three present at Oulton Marshes, 16 April, and White Wagtails were noted at Beccles Quay, 11 April, and Weybread GP, 17 April. Kingfishers were reported from Beccles (two), 11 April, Fisher Row, Oulton (two), 12 April, and Weybread GP, 17 April, while six Cetti’s Warblers were noted at Beccles Marshes, 11 April. A flock of six Whimbrel flew north over Ashby Church at dusk on 16 April. Two Spotted Redshanks were present at Burgh Castle Flats, while Green Sandpipers were seen at Flixton GP (two), 11 April, and Carlton Marshes (two), 17 April. 4 to 10 AprilSummer migrants continued to trickle in. A White Wagtail and two Yellow Wagtails were seen at Flixton GP, 4 April, and single House Martins were present at Flixton GP and Beccles Marshes the following day. A Grasshopper Warbler and two Reed Warblers were singing at Fisher Row, Oulton, 5 April, a Wheatear was present at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 8 April, a Whitethroat and a Garden Warbler were noted at Oulton Marshes, 9 April, and the first Sedge Warblers were present at Beccles Marshes, Oulton Marshes and Castle Marsh (three) on the same day. Late-staying winter visitors included six Lesser Redpolls at North Cove SWT reserve, 8 and 9 April, and 19 Fieldfares at Beccles Marshes, 9 April. Other notable passerines included a flock of 30 Crossbills at Ashby, 9 April, two Grey Wagtails at Wainford Sluice, Bungay, 8 April, and Cetti’s Warblers at Oulton Marshes (eight) and Carlton Marshes (five), 5 April, and Beccles Marshes (two), 9 April. The first Common Tern was back at Weybread GP, 9 April. Four Spotted Redshanks were feeding on the Norfolk bank of the river at Burgh Castle, 4 April, while 150 Avocets, 350 Black-tailed Godwits and a single Bar-tailed Godwit were present at Burgh Castle Flats the following day. A Woodcock was seen at North Cove SWT reserve, 5 April, a Jack Snipe at Castle Marsh, 8 April, and two Avocets at Castle Marsh, 9 April, while Green Sandpipers remained at Flixton GP (two), 5 April, and Oulton Marshes, 9 April. Little Egrets were noted at Earsham (two), 4 April, Oulton Marshes, 5 April, and Mendham (two), 9 April. A ringtail Hen Harrier flew west along the river at Burgh Castle, 5 April, while a Peregrine was seen at Ashby, 8 April, a Red Kite and two Peregrines at Oulton Marshes, 9 April, and a Red Kite flew north at Ashby, also 9 April. Buzzards were recorded at Worlingham, 4 April, and Ashby (five), Eye (three) and Beccles, 9 April, while an impressive flock of 14 drifted west over Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville, also 9 April. Marsh Harriers were noted at Carlton Marshes (three) and Herringfleet Marshes (two), 4 April, Beccles Marshes (two), 5 April, and Castle Marsh, 9 April. Barn Owls were seen at Castle Marsh, 8 April, and Oulton Marshes (two), 10 April, while a Short-eared Owl was hunting at Oulton Marshes on the same day. 28 March to 3 AprilThe long-staying Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island was last reported on 29 March. Other notable raptors included a female Merlin at Eye, 1 April, Buzzards at Lopham Fen, 30 March, Earsham (three), Outney Common, Bungay and Ashby (three), 2 April, and Harleston, 3 April, and Marsh Harriers at Lopham Fen (male), 30 March, and Belton Marshes, 3 April. A Spoonbill was seen at Burgh Castle, 28 March, while Little Egrets were recorded at Wortwell, 29 March, Oulton Marshes (two), 30 March, and Earsham and Mendham, 3 April. A Woodcock was seen at Carlton Marshes, 28 March, with Green Sandpipers present at Oulton Marshes (two), 2 April, and Earsham GP, 3 April. Three Common Redpolls were seen at Outney Common, 28 March, with a singing Cetti’s Warbler heard there, 2 April, and another heard by the river at Fritton on the same day, while four Lesser Redpolls were seen at Barsham Marshes, also 2 April. Singing male warblers included Blackcaps at Bath Hills, Earsham and Fisher Row, Oulton, 2 April, and Willow Warblers at Earsham GP and Puddingmoor, Beccles the following day. 21 to 27 MarchSix Cranes flew south over the Waveney Forest at Fritton at 9.50am on 27 March. The long-staying Rough-legged Buzzard remained in the vicinity of Haddiscoe Island all week, with three Marsh Harriers in attendance, 21 March, and two Hen Harriers, 27 March. Elsewhere, a Red Kite was seen at Somerleyton, 21 March, and Buzzards were recorded at North Cove (two), Herringfleet (five) and Fritton Warren, 21 March, Carlton Colville, 23 March, Oulton Marshes, 25 March, Bungay, 26 March, and Flixton Park, 27 March. Four Short-eared Owls were hunting at Haddiscoe Island, 27 March. A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen at Bath Hills, Ditchingham, 23 March. Summer migrants included two early Swallows and six Sand Martins at Earsham GP, 27 March, with another Sand Martin seen at Flixton GP on the same day. A male Brambling and a female Blackcap were feeding in a garden at Ellingham, 21 March. A flock of 40 Redwings was present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 21 March, while a singing male Lesser Redpoll and five Stonechats were noted there the following day, and two White Wagtails, 26 March, and at nearby Oulton Marshes a Water Pipit was recorded 26 March. A late flock of 150 Fieldfares was present at Lopham Fen, 23 March, while a flock of 11 Common Crossbills was seen at the Waveney Forest, 27 March. Cetti’s Warblers were noted at Fisher Row (six), Carlton Marshes (three) and Fritton, 23 March, and a Grey Wagtail was seen at Flixton GP, 21 March. 14 to 20 MarchThe Rough-legged Buzzard remained in the vicinity of Haddiscoe Island all week, accompanied by a Peregrine, 15 March, and a Hen Harrier, 16 and 20 March. Elsewhere, a Red Kite and a Marsh Harrier were seen near Somerleyton Hall, two Marsh Harriers at North Cove, a first-winter Peregrine and a Marsh Harrier at Flixton Marshes (near Lowestoft), and an adult Peregrine and a ringtail Hen Harrier at Oulton Marshes, all on 14 March, and a Marsh Harrier at Oulton Marshes, 18 March. Buzzards were recorded at North Cove (two), Carlton Marshes and Somerleyton (four), 14 March, and Oulton Marshes (two), 18 March. Barn Owls were seen at Weybread (two) and Withersdale Street, 20 March, and three Short-eared Owls were hunting at Haddiscoe Island, 16 March. A male Wheatear was located in an arable field at Metfield, 20 March, while Chiffchaffs noted at Fisher Row (three), 18 March, and at North Cove, 20 March, were part of an influx of returning migrants. A Water Pipit was seen at Oulton Marshes, 14 March, while Cetti’s Warblers were recorded at North Cove, 14 March and Fisher Row (six), 18 March. A flock of 11 Common Crossbills was seen at Ashby, 15 March, and a flock of 70 Redwings at Somerleyton, 20 March. A redhead Goosander was present at Flixton GP, 14 March, and a male Garganey was seen on a pool by the A146 at Gillingham, 15 March. A female Mallard was tending her brood of 13 newly-hatched ducklings at Harleston, 14 March. 7 to 13 MarchA Rough-legged Buzzard remained in the vicinity of Haddiscoe Island throughout the week, with a Peregrine and four Marsh Harriers recorded, 7 and 10 March, and a Red Kite and three Hen Harriers, 8 March. Elsewhere, a Peregrine flew over Fisher Row, Oulton, 7 March, and Buzzards were seen at Ashby (six), 7 March, Oulton Marshes, 8 March, Flixton Marshes (near Lowestoft) and Somerleyton (two), 10 March, and North Cove (three), 13 March. Barn Owls were recorded at Oulton Marshes (two), 9 and 13 March, and Haddiscoe Island, 7 March, while two Short-eared Owls were hunting at Thorpe Marshes, 10 March. A herd of 26 Bewick’s Swans was seen at Gillingham Marshes, 7 March, with 29 present, 10 March and 21, 11 March, and 17 flew north-east over Fisher Row, 12 March, while three Whooper Swans flew north-west over Haddiscoe Island, 8 March. The large number of ducks at Geldeston Marshes on 11 March comprised 520 Teal, 280 Gadwall, 38 Pintail and 150 Wigeon, with 179 Teal at Burgh Castle Flats, 7 March. A Grey Wagtail and nine Lesser Redpolls were seen at Fisher Row, Oulton, 8 March, with a Firecrest present there the following day, and 30 Siskins and three singing Cetti’s Warblers, 13 March. A male Blackcap was seen in a garden at Barnby, 8 March, and a count of 180 Redwing was made at Beccles Common, 10 March. 28 February to 6 MarchTwo Cranes circled over Beccles police station at 3pm on 1 March and at 3.45pm the same two birds were seen flying high over Morrison’s. Two Rough-legged Buzzards were present in the vicinity of Haddiscoe Island until 4 March, with one remaining until the end of the week. Other raptors seen in the area included a Merlin and a Peregrine, 1 and 3 March, two Hen Harriers, 3 March, and eight Marsh Harriers, 1 March. Elsewhere, a Peregrine flew east over Ashby Warren, 6 March, a Marsh Harrier was seen at Carlton Marshes, 6 March, and Buzzards were noted at Herringfleet (seven soaring together) and Mendham Marshes, 1 March, and Flixton near Bungay (two) and Geldeston, 5 March. Five Short-eared Owls were hunting at Haddiscoe Island, 1 March, and nearby a Barn Owl was seen at Thorpe Marshes on the same day. A flock of 200 Pink-footed Geese was feeding at Haddiscoe Island and a flock of 80 Bewick’s Swans flew over, 1 March. A Goldeneye was present at Fritton Decoy, 1 March, and a Bittern was seen at St Olaves, 3 March. A Green Sandpiper was noted at Oulton Marshes, 1 March, and Oystercatchers were back on territories, with seven seen at Weybread GP and a pair at Earsham GP, also 1 March. Noteworthy passerines included two Waxwings, which were seen in a garden at St Olaves, 3 March, six Bearded Tits present by the river at Fritton, 1 March, and two Kingfishers noted at St Olaves, 1 March. 21 to 27 FebruaryA Great White Egret flew south over Chedgrave Marshes at 2pm on 21 February. One Rough-legged Buzzard remained in the vicinity of Haddiscoe Island throughout the week, with a supporting cast of raptors including a ringtail Hen Harrier, 21, 23 and 24 February, and a Peregrine and eight Marsh Harriers, 23 February. Elsewhere, a Peregrine flew north-east over Carlton Marshes, 21 February, and six Buzzards and a Marsh Harrier were seen at Ashby, 27 February. A count of seven Short-eared Owls was made at Haddiscoe Island, 24 February. A Jack Snipe, two Green Sandpipers and a Woodcock were seen at Flixton GP, 21 February and a flock of 249 Black-tailed Godwits was present at Burgh Castle Flats, 27 February. A flock of 37 Barnacle Geese flew over Ashby, 27 February and a redhead Goosander flew along the river at Castle Marsh, North Cove on the same day. The escaped male Ruddy Shelduck was again present at Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, 21 February. Two Waxwings were seen along Lowestoft Road, Carlton Colville, 26 February and the Ring-necked Parakeet again frequented gardens in the Beccles Road area of Bungay, 22 and 23 February. 14 to 20 FebruaryThree Rough-legged Buzzards were still present in the Haddiscoe area until 20 February. Other raptors present in this area included a Merlin, three ringtail Hen Harriers and three Marsh Harriers, 14 February. Elsewhere, a Hen Harrier was seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 19 February, Marsh Harriers were present at Flixton Marshes (near Lowestoft) and Oulton Marshes (two), 14 February and a Buzzard drifted south over the A143 at Earsham, 20 February. Six Short-eared Owls were recorded at Haddiscoe Island, 20 February and Barn Owls were seen at Oulton Marshes (two), 14 February and Weybread GP, 20 February. Two Waxwings were still present at Carlton Colville, 14 February, with one remaining along Ashburnham Way until 17 February. The Ring-necked Parakeet was again seen in gardens along Beccles Road, Bungay, 15 February and Blackcaps were again noted in gardens at Barnby (male and female) and Carlton Colville (female) on the same day. A flock of 27 Lesser Redpolls was seen in flight at Barnby Marshes, 20 February, a Grey Wagtail flew over Flixton GP, 18 February and 20 Bearded Tits were counted along the riverbank adjacent to the Waveney Forest at Fritton, 20 February. Notable wildfowl included a flock of 3000 Pink-footed Geese accompanied by three White-fronted Geese at Thorpe Marshes, 18 February and counts of 320 Teal, 180 Wigeon, 150 Gadwall and 40 Pintail were made at Geldeston Marshes, 15 February. Escaped Ruddy Shelduck were seen at Earsham (pair), 18 February and at Burnt Hill Lane (male), Carlton Colville, 20 February. A flock of 225 Black-tailed Godwits was present at Geldeston Marshes, 15 February.
7 to 13 FebruaryA Woodlark was a surprise find at Barsham, 7 February and a female Ring-necked Parakeet was present in gardens along Beccles Road, Bungay, 13 February. Three Waxwings visited a garden along Kingswood Avenue, Carlton Colville, 9 February, with one still present on 12 and 13 February. Single female Blackcaps were noted feeding on apples in gardens at Barnby, 9, 11 and 13 February and along Kingswood Avenue, Carlton Colville, 12 February, with a male seen in the same Barnby garden on 12 February. A flock of 40 Siskins and 150 Yellowhammers were recorded at Barsham, 7 February and four Lesser Redpolls and two Stonechats were seen at Oulton Marshes, 9 and 11 February. Rough-legged Buzzards were seen daily at Haddiscoe Island, with two noted on 7, 11 and 13 February. Other raptors seen at Haddiscoe Island included three ringtail Hen Harriers, 13 February, a Peregrine, 8 February, a Merlin, 8 and 12 February and four Marsh Harriers, 7 February. Elsewhere, a ringtail Hen Harrier was seen at Oulton Marshes, 13 February and Buzzards were recorded at Ashby (two), 7 February and Lopham Fen, 9 February. An impressive count of 12 Short-eared Owls was made at Haddiscoe Island, 8 February and Barn Owls were noted at Barsham Marshes (two), 7 February and Oulton Marshes, 9 and 13 February. Bewick’s Swans were seen at Barsham Marshes (two), 7 February and Thorpe Marshes (two), 8 February and ten Taiga Bean Geese were present at Thorpe Marshes, 12 February. On 7 February Pink-footed Geese were noted at Wheatacre Marshes (flock of 800), Ashby (30 flew north) and Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville (one). Woodcock were reported from Barsham (six), 7 February, Oulton Marshes (one), 11 February and the Waveney Forest, Fritton (ten), 13 February and a Green Sandpiper was present at Haddiscoe Island, 11 and 13 February. A Bittern was seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 12 February and a Little Egret flew east over Chedgrave Marshes, 7 February. 31 January to 6 FebruaryThe raptor-fest at Haddiscoe Island continued with three Rough-legged Buzzards seen on 31 January and 2 and 3 February, two on 1 and 5 February and one on 4 and 6 February, together with a supporting cast including a Peregrine, 31 January, a fly-over Red Kite, 1 February, a Merlin, 1, 3 and 4 February, two ringtail Hen Harriers, 3 and 5 February and six Marsh Harriers, 6 February. A Marsh Harrier was also seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 6 February. A count of six Short-eared Owls was made at Haddiscoe Island, 3 February, while Barn Owls were seen at Barsham Marshes (two) and Belton Marshes, 31 January, Fisher Row, Oulton, 1 February and Castle Marsh, 6 February. The flock of 500 Pink-footed Geese was still present at Carlton Marshes, 31 January and 1000 were recorded at Haddiscoe Island, 1 February and a count of 70 Mute Swans was made at Shipmeadow on the same day. A Bittern was seen at Castle Marsh, 31 January and 6 February and a Little Egret flew south over Barnby Marshes, 6 February. Two first-winter Caspian Gulls and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were recorded at Aldeby landfill site, 1 February, while adult Yellow-legged Gulls were also seen at Earsham GP, 4 February and Burnt Hill Lane, Carlton Colville, 6 February. A count of 25 Woodcock was made from the edge of Waveney Forest, Fritton at dusk on 31 January and one was seen at Fisher Row, 1 February. Green Sandpipers were seen at Haddiscoe Island, 3 February and Flixton GP (two), 6 February. Single Black Redstarts were present at Eye sewage works, 5 February (and present since at least 29 January) and at St Olaves, 7 February. A count of 30 Bearded Tits was made at the riverside reedbed adjacent to Waveney Forest, 31 January. The flock of six Lesser Redpolls was again seen in gardens along Puddle Duck Lane, Worlingham, 31 January. On 6 February, two Water Pipits were seen at Peto’s Marsh, Carlton Colville and three Stonechats, four singing Cetti’s Warblers, 40 Reed Buntings and a Bearded Tit were noted between Castle Marsh and Carlton Marshes. Flocks of 101 Skylarks and 250 Chaffinches were recorded at Barsham Marshes, together with a Cetti’s Warbler, 31 January and 80 Linnets, 5 February. Kingfishers were seen at Weybread GP (two), 4 February, Earsham GP, 5 February and Castle Marsh, 6 February. 24 to 30 JanuaryThe Rough-legged Buzzard was seen daily on Haddiscoe Island throughout the week, with a supporting cast of other raptors including three ringtail Hen Harriers, 28 January and four Marsh Harriers, 29 January. Elsewhere, a ringtail Hen Harrier was seen at Belton Marshes, 24 January, Marsh Harriers were recorded at Belton Marshes (three) and Carlton Marshes, 24 January, two Buzzards were present at Hoxne, 28 January, a Merlin was a notable record at Harleston, 29 January and a Peregrine was seen at Carlton Marshes, 30 January. Four Short-eared Owls were noted at Haddiscoe Island, 26 January and Barn Owls were recorded at Belton Marshes, 24 January, Weybread GP, 25 January and Burgh Castle Fort, 30 January. Notable waders included a flock of 30 Avocets at Burgh Castle Flats, 24 January, a Woodcock along Marsh Lane, Worlingham, 25 January, a Green Sandpiper at Haddiscoe Island, 26 January, 37 Black-tailed Godwits, 150 Dunlin and a Grey Plover at Burgh Castle Flats, 30 January and a flock of 150 Golden Plovers which flew over Fisher Row, Oulton on the same day. A first-winter female Scaup was a notable find at Weybread GP, 25 January. Flocks of Pink-footed Geese included 40 at Haddiscoe Island, 26 January and 500 at Carlton Marshes, 30 January. Two Bewick’s Swans were present by Haddiscoe bridge, 28 January, while three feral Black Swans were seen at Gillingham Marshes on the same day. A Bittern was observed flying along the river bank at Aldeby, 25 January and it, or another, was seen at nearby Castle Marsh, North Cove, 30 January. A Little Egret was present at Herringfleet Marshes, 26 January. A Stonechat was noted at Herringfleet Marshes, 24 January and two Kingfishers were seen at Weybread GP, 25 January. A Water Pipit and 40 Bearded Tits were recorded at Haddiscoe Island, 26 January and three Bearded Tits were seen at Castle Marsh on the same day. A flock of 20 Siskins was present at Herringfleet Hills, 26 January and six Lesser Redpolls were seen in gardens along Puddle Duck Lane, Worlingham, 30 January. 17 to 23 JanuaryThe Rough-legged Buzzard remained at Haddiscoe Island until at least 21 January, with a male and ringtail Hen Harrier being seen on the Island on 17 January. Single Marsh Harriers were noted at Carlton Marshes, 17 January and Fisher Row, Oulton, 19 and 20 January, while a Buzzard was present at Flixton Park, 17 January. Two Barn Owls were seen at Fisher Row, 19 January. A Grey Plover was present at Burgh Castle Flats, 17 January, with a flock of 20 Black-tailed Godwits there on 21 January and 60 Avocets on 23 January. Single Green Sandpipers were recorded at Flixton GP and Haddiscoe Island, 17 January, Herringfleet Marshes, 18 January and Fisher Row, 19 and 20 January. A Ringed Plover was seen at Fisher Row, 19 January and a Woodcock at Beccles Common, 21 January. Eight Bewick’s Swans were present at Shipmeadow Marshes, 17 January, with five still there on 21 January. A flock of 90 Brent Geese was recorded on Haddiscoe Island, 17 January and 60 Pink-footed Geese flew north over the Waveney Forest, Fritton, 17 January. Single Little Egrets were seen at Fritton Marshes, 17 January and at Fisher Row, 19 and 20 January. A Water Pipit and a Cetti’s Warbler were noted at Herringfleet Marshes, 18 January, while a count of 150 Redwings was made at Beccles Common, 21 January. 10 to 16 JanuaryThe Rough-legged Buzzard remained on Haddiscoe Island until at least 15 January. Other notable raptors included a Red Kite, which flew north-east over Castleton Avenue, Carlton Colville, 11 January and a Marsh Harrier over Coney Hill, Beccles, 10 January. A first-winter female Scaup was present at Earsham GP, 12 to 15 January and it was joined by a redhead Goosander on 15 January. An impressive count of 2400 Wigeon was made at Burgh Castle Flats, 10 January, while two Bewick’s Swans were seen at Castle Marsh, North Cove the following day, and a male Pintail and 60 Brent Geese were on the river at Burgh Castle, 16 January. Waders recorded at Burgh Castle Flats included 30 Knot, 10 January, 33 Bar-tailed Godwits, 15 January and 60 Avocets and 120 Black-tailed Godwits, 16 January. Elsewhere, 28 Black-tailed Godwits flew over Castle Marsh, 12 January, five Woodcock were noted at Fisher Row, Oulton, 14 January and a Green Sandpiper was present at Earsham GP, 15 January. A female Blackcap was seen in a garden along Ellough Road, Beccles, 10 January. At Fisher Row, nine Lesser Redpolls, two Grey Wagtails and four Stonechats were present on 11 January and a flock of 60 Siskins was seen at North Cove SWT reserve, 12 January. Kingfishers were recorded at Weybread GP (two) and Carlton Marshes, 11 January. 3 to 9 JanuaryThe Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island was seen almost daily up to 8 January, with a supporting cast of other notable raptors including a Merlin, a Peregrine and three Hen Harriers, 3 January, a Peregrine and two Hen Harriers, 4 January and a Hen Harrier and a Marsh Harrier, 5 January. A Marsh Harrier was also present at Fisher Row, Oulton, 9 January. Two Short-eared Owls were seen at Haddiscoe Island, 3 and 4 January and Barn Owls were noted at Weybread GP, 3 January and Fisher Row, 4 January. An impressive count of 56 Woodcock was made from the edge of the Waveney Forest, Fritton at dusk on 3 January, with counts of 46 and 35 respectively being made on the following two afternoons – the Woodcock were heading for Haddiscoe Island to feed under the cover of darkness. A count of 22 Ruff was made at Burgh Castle Flats, 3 January, while other notable waders included a Jack Snipe at Beccles Common, 6 January, and a Green Sandpiper at Barsham Marshes and five Black-tailed Godwits at Castle Marsh, North Cove, 9 January. A flock of 20 Waxwings was present along Ellough Road, Beccles, 7 and 8 January, while single Blackcaps were seen at Barnby and Barsham, 9 January. Fieldfares and Redwings were much in evidence with 200 Fieldfares at North Cove, 3 January and 50 Redwings along Ellough Road, Beccles, 8 January being respectively the largest reported flocks of each. Other notable passerines included 21 Bearded Tits and two Stonechats at Haddiscoe Island, 5 January, Grey Wagtails at Beccles Common, 6 January and at Weybread GP, 7 January, Kingfishers at Weybread GP (three), 3 January and Earsham GP, 5 January and a Cetti’s Warbler at Fisher Row, 9 January. A flock of 2000 Pink-footed Geese was present at Haddiscoe Island, 5 January. A high count of 614 Teal was made at Burgh Castle Flats, 3 January, while single Goosanders were seen at Weybread GP, 3 to 5 January and on the river at North Cove, 5 January. A Bittern was noted at Haddiscoe Island, 5 January and Little Egrets were present at Belton Marshes (two) and Weybread GP, 3 January . 27 December 2009 to 2 January 2010A Rough-legged Buzzard was seen at Thorpe Marshes, 31 December and at nearby Haddiscoe Island, 2 January. Other notable raptors included a Peregrine at Oakley, a Merlin at Haddiscoe Island and a Buzzard at North Cove, all 1 January. Marsh Harriers were recorded at Thorpe Marshes (three), Belton Marshes (four) and Fisher Row, Oulton, 1 January and two Hen Harriers were seen at Belton Marshes, 2 January. Three Short-eared Owls were recorded at Thorpe Marshes, 1 January, with single birds also seen at nearby Haddiscoe Island and Belton Marshes on the same day. Barn Owls were noted at Fisher Row and Belton Marshes, 1 January and at Weybread GP, 2 January. A flock of 100 Pink-footed Geese was present at Oulton Marshes, 1 January. Three Goldeneye were seen at Fritton Decoy, 29 December and a redhead Goosander was present at Weybread GP, 30 December to the end of the week. A Little Egret was seen at Weybread, 31 December to 2 January. A count of 75 Avocets was made at Burgh Castle Flats, 27 December and four Ruff were seen there, 1 January. A Green Sandpiper was present at Barsham Marshes, 1 January and Woodcock were noted at Ashby (two), 29 December and North Cove (two) and Parkhill, Oulton, 1 January. Notable passerines recorded at Fisher Row included three Lesser Redpolls, 28 December and a Water Pipit, three Cetti’s Warblers and four Stonechats, 1 January, while a Cetti’s Warbler and a Stonechat were noted at Barsham Marshes, 1 January. Kingfishers were recorded at Fisher Row, 28 December, Fritton Decoy, 29 December, Weybread GP (three), 31 December and Barsham Marshes, 1 January. |
 River Warbler, 8 July 2010 at Haddiscoe © Jon Evans
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