Birdline East Anglia bird news for Suffolk for June 2008
by Robin Chittenden


The most unusual sighting in June was a singing male Thrush Nightingale at Dunwich Heath NT & Minsmere RSPB 5th-8th. Although it would show well from time to time it was more often heard. A Bee-eater flew twice over there 8th with another over Minsmere RSPB 14th. Other highlights were a Lesser Yellowlegs 15th and then again 28th, a male Red-backed Shrike 3rd, up to two Roseate Terns 4th-10th and a Night Heron 11th-12th and reported again nearby Sizewell 24th.

A Black Stork flew high south at North Warren RSPB 8th. Other highlights there were a male Red-backed Shrike 4th and a Great White Egret 4th-8th. Two Great White Egrets flew south-west over Rendlesham 28th.

One or two Red-footed Falcons were still at Lakenheath Fen RSPB until 16th at least and a singing male Great Reed Warbler was there 8th-9th.

Languard NR had a run of scarce migrants with a Marsh Warbler 3rd and another 8th, a Golden Oriole 3rd, a male Red-backed Shrike 4th, a Common Rosefinch 4th and a Bee-eater heard heading north 5th. At Shingle Street the female Red-backed Shrike remained until 1st and there were two Golden Orioles there 1st.

A male Common Rosefinch was seen in flight at Southwold 8th. A Red-backed Shrike was at Benacre 5th. A White Stork flew over Kessingland 14th, perhaps the free flying bird from Thrigby but there again perhaps not. A Roseate Tern flew north past Lowestoft 7th.

First summer male Montagu’s Harrier north over Orfordness 1st and a female was there 6th-8th and a ‘ring-tail’ was at Minsmere RSPB 10th & 16th. A Honey Buzzard was over Wickham Market 9th.

Up to two singing Spotted Crakes were heard at Minsmere RSPB and Trimley Marshes SWT in June.


This article was written by Robin Chittenden from Birdline East Anglia. Anyone can listen to the latest bird sightings by phoning 09068 700 245


He is available for private bird, wildlife or photography tours. For more information please look at the news page at www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk and view his photographs at www.harlequinpictures.co.uk


Contact t 01603 633326 m 07941333970 e robin@harlequinpictures.co.uk
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