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Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
photographed by Robert Wincup at Kessingland, Suffolk.There have been very few recorded locally this year, so here is picture to remind you what they look like.
Hopefully they will appear in better numbers next year!WEEK ENDED 03 DECEMBER 2000
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
6 south past Ness Point, 27th November.Great Northern Diver G. immer
The first winter seen in Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft Harbour, 27th & 28th November was relocated on Lake Lothing on the 2nd December, initially at the Mutford Lock end by the road bridge at Oulton Broad, though by 15:30 it had swum eastwards past Brooke Business Park and was viewable from the footbridge over the railway line at the end of Harbour Road.
Still present on the 3rd, again between Brooke Business Park and Mutford Lock, Oulton Broad.
The previous records for Lowestoft Harbour were in 1979 and the 1999/2000 winter. After a 20 year gap between records we have now had two in a year !.
First winter Great Northern Diver, Hamilton Dock. Videograb: Tim Brown.Gannet Morus bassanus
One adult north past Pakefield, 2nd December.Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
One on Lake Lothing, viewable from the footbridge over the railway line, 2nd December. It appeared to be heading towards the harbour to roost.
One flying eastwards along Lake Lothing and over the A12 bridge into the harbour at dusk, 3rd December.Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Five, on Oulton Broad, 3rd December.
Four, Lake Lothing, between the Grain Silo and the A12 bridge, 3rd December. Two later roosted with the large gulls in the harbour itself at dusk.Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata
One pinioned male on Oulton Broad, 2nd & 3rd December. In the past there have been a pinioned pair, plus an unpinioned male present.Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
One south past Ness Point, 27th November.Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
18 south past Ness Point, 27th November.
One south past Ness Point, 29th November.
c.20 very distantly on the sea off Pakefield, 2nd December.Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
One south past Ness Point, 29th November.Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Adult female and first winter, Carlton Marshes, Carlton Colville, 3rd December.Common Crane Grus grus
Two at Carlton Marshes, 28th November. Wandering birds from the Broadland population, probably more frequent visitors than the occasional reports suggest.Sanderling Calidris alba
Two in Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft harbour, 27th November.
One, Links Road car park, 2nd December.
12 Lowestoft South Beach, 3rd December.Purple Sandpiper C. maritima
Seven feeding at Ness Point, 27th November.Turnstone Arenaria interpres
80, Lowestoft South Beach and Pier, 3rd December.Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus
Two to four lingering between Pakefield and Kessingland, 28th November.Arctic Skua S. parasiticus
One dark juvenile chasing gulls off Ness Point, 27th November to 2nd December. On the 29th it was also watched chasing gulls over Links Road car park, and on the 2nd December was ranging between Ness Point and Kessingland.Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
One adult north past Ness Point, 29th November.Little Gull Larus minutus
One past Ness Point, 27th November.Auk sp.
Ten distant birds flying north, 2nd December. Most likely all Guillemots.Guillemot Uria aalge
One on Lake Lothing, 27th November and 3rd December.
Two drifting north on the sea past Ness Point, and several flying past, 27th November.Stock Dove Columba oenas
34, Carlton Marshes, Carlton Colville, 3rd December.Barn Owl Tyto alba
One, Carlton Marshes, Carlton Colville, at dusk 27th November.Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
One, Carlton Marshes, Carlton Colville, mid afternoon 27th November.
Two, Carlton Marshes, Carlton Colville, 3rd December.House Martin Delichon urbica
Two flew south over Sparrow's Nest Park, 27th November.Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus
Three, Ness Point, 28th November.
One, Lowestoft Pier, 3rd December.Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
One, feeding around the ponds in Sparrow's Nest Park, 28th November.Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
One feeding on the tideline rocks between Ness Point and Lowestoft Harbour, 28th November.
One adult male, Commercial Road, 3rd December. On buildings opposite the grain silo.Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
Two along the River Waveney at Carlton Marshes, Carlton Colville, 28th November.BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria
The first winter bird on the disused railway line/cycle path bordering Lowestoft Cemetery, found on the 26th November was still present up to the 3rd December. As confiding as ever, though it can disappear into the overgrown allotments between the cycle path and Normanston Drive for a while. On the 3rd it also disappeared into the neighbouring gardens. However it usually returns to the embankment south of the road bridge.
For pictures click here or scroll down.Common Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula
One male on the disused railway line/cycle path bordering Lowestoft Cemetery, 26th to 28th November. Unfortunately now a very scarce bird locally.Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus
One rather elusive individual on Pakefield beach feeding in marram grass just south of the Church, 2nd December.
When flushed by a Kestrel it flew strongly inland, and did not appear to return.
The month of November was brought to a close by a sighting of Woody Bear switching on the Christmas lights in the Britten Centre, Lowestoft on the evening of the 30th.
WEEK ENDED 26 NOVEMBER 2000
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
30 south past Ness Point, 24th November.Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
One first winter flew south past Ness Point at dusk, 26th November.
Later it was seen with the roosting gulls on the quayside entrance to Waveney Dock in Lowestoft Harbour.Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Two adults and two juveniles flying north, well out to sea, off Ness Point, 26th November.Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla
15 south past Ness Point, 21st November.
Large numbers south past Lowestoft throughout the day, 22nd November. Minimum of 400 in one 90 minutes period alone.
One on the Denes Oval recreation ground, Lowestoft, 22nd & 25th November.Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Three on the sea, North Beach, Lowestoft, 22nd November.
Seven south past Ness Point, 25th November.Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
Two south past the North Beach, Lowestoft, 22nd November.
Two south past Ness Point, 25th November.Eurasian Teal A. crecca
Two south past the North Beach, Lowestoft, 22nd November.Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
Three south past the North Beach, Lowestoft, 22nd November.
Two south past Ness Point, 24th November.Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
Five, Corton, 20th November.Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Seven, in the MoD fields at Corton, 26th November.Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
One calling from the small overgrown pond between Church Farm and the old Sewage Works at Corton, 23rd November.Dunlin Calidris alpina
2000+ south past Lowestoft, throughout the day, 22nd November.Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
One, Flycatcher Lane, 24th November.Turnstone Arenaria interpres
14 feeding on the groynes at Corton, 20th November.Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
One south past Ness Point, 24th November. Very scarce this autumn.
One dark juvenile chasing gulls off Ness Point, 25th and 26th November.Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
One adult on the North Denes, Lowestoft, 22nd November.
One adult on the Denes Oval, 25th November.
One adult, feeding off Ness Point, 26th November.Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis
One adult on the groynes north of Ness Point, 26th November.Little Owl Athene noctua
One in the hedgerows of the disused railway track at the Corton/Hopton parish boundary, 20th November.Swallow Hirundo rustica
One, feeding over Gunton Warren, north of Warrenhouse Wood, 22nd November.House Martin Delichon urbica
Three feeding over the southern edge of Corton Woods, 22nd November.Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus
One, Ness Point, 24th November.Pied Wagtail M alba
75 roosting in the regular tree outside Dorothy Perkins shop in Lowestoft town centre, 23rd November. They use the tree that is directly over the street lamps for extra warmth. Most sit right in the crown of the tree, but two were sitting close to the lights themselves.Stonechat Saxicola torquata
One, at Radar Lodge, the former MoD radar site at Corton, 20th November.BARRED WARBLER Sylvia nisoria
A first winter bird on the disused railway line bordering Lowestoft Cemetery, on 26th November, was an unexpected find. It spent most of the morning just to the south of the road bridge, then in the early afternoon it moved north of the bridge and was lost to view, and not relocated.
This is the latest Barred Warbler ever recorded in Suffolk; even more surprisingly the previous record holder was also a first winter bird at exactly the same location, 11th-13th November 1994.
Two views of the first winter Barred Warbler. Videograbs: Tim Brown.
PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER Phylloscopus proregulus
One very mobile individual ranging between Flycatcher Lane, behind the Denes Oval, and Sparrow's Nest Park, 23rd November.
Relocated in Arnold's Walk on the 24th November, seen very briefly on the 25th, again in Arnold's Walk. Again very mobile.
Pallas's Leaf Warbler, Lowestoft, 24th Nov. 2000. Videograb: Tim Brown.YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER P. inornatus
One still present in Arnold's Walk and Sparrow's Nest Park, Lowestoft, 20th to 21st November. At least one was present for 14 days.Chiffchaff P. collybita
One at the disused railway line at Corton, 23rd November.
One, Flycatcher Lane, Lowestoft, 24th November.
One, Arnold's Walk, Lowestoft, 25th November.Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus
One with the local Tit flock wandering around the Flycatcher Lane, and Sparrow's Nest Park area, 23rd & 24th November.
One, Belle Vue Park, 24th November. Possibly the same bird as seen in Flycatcher Lane.
WEEK ENDED 19 NOVEMBER 2000
Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
Three on sea between Ness Point and Warrenhouse Wood, 17th November.
One south past Ness Point, 18th November.Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
One migrant on a large puddle on Lowestoft North Denes, 16th & 17th November.Gannet Morus bassanus
One, south Ness Point, 16th November.Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
One on Kessingland Beach, 19th November.
First winter Shag, Kessingland Beach. Videograb James Brown.Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
26 females, on the sea at Pakefield, Lowestoft, 15th November.
34 females, on the sea at Pakefield, Lowestoft, 16th November.Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
One ringtail, marshes east of Somerleyton railway station, 17th November.Marsh Harrier C. aeruginosus
One, female, marshes east of Somerleyton railway station, 17th November.SOCIABLE PLOVER Vanellus gregaria
The first winter, first seen 22nd October at Dunwich, was relocated at Aldeburgh Marshes, Aldeburgh, 19th November.
See below for pictures taken 22nd October.Sanderling Calidris alba
One, Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft, 19th November.
Three, Kessingland Beach, 19th November.Purple Sandpiper C. maritima
Seven, Ness Point, 16th November.
Four, Ness Point and North Beach, 18th November.
Purple Sandpiper, Lowestoft North Beach. Videograb James Brown.Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
One watched flying in from the sea, North Beach, Lowestoft, 18th November.Guillemot Uria aalge
One in Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft, 19th November.
One on the sea at Pakefield, 19th November.Little Auk Alle alle
One drifting south on the sea past Ness Point, 18th November.Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus
Two, Ness Point, 18th & 19th November.Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
One, flew over Lowestoft North Denes, 18th November.Pied Wagtail M alba
50 roosting in the regular tree outside Dorothy Perkins shop in Lowestoft town centre, 18th November. They use the tree that is directly over the street lamps for extra warmth, as evidenced by the number of leaves remaining on this particular tree.Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
One, around Hamilton Dock, on the north shore of Lowestoft Harbour, 15th November.
One male, Lowestoft North Denes, 16th & 17th November.
One male, Ness Point, 17th November.
One immature male, on roofs below Arnold's Walk, 18th November.
Adult and immature male, Hamilton Dock, on buildings and fences on the western edge, 19th November.YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus
Two were briefly seen together on 18th and 19th November, in trees over Lighthouse Score, the steps running between Sparrows Nest Park and Arnold's Walk. At least one has been present since the 8th November.
The individual in Sparrows Nest Park, first seen on the 8th, still present to 18th November. They accompany the local Tit flock, mostly in trees just below the Lighthouse, but also wandering south into Arnold's Walk.Chiffchaff P. collybita
One, Flycatcher Lane, behind the Denes Oval, 16th November.Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus
One with the local Tit flock wandering around the Arnold's Walk area, 16th November.
Two in Sparrows Nest and Belle Vue Parks, 19th November.
WEEK ENDED 12 NOVEMBER 2000
Following strong south easterly winds and heavy rain overnight on Sunday 5th November, large numbers thrushes and other migrants were found the next morning. A similar large arrival took place on Wednesday 8th.
Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
Up to 100 feeding on winter wheat in the MoD fields at Corton throughout the week.
Two with roosting gulls on Barnards Meadow, central Lowestoft (picture below), 12th November.
Barnacle Goose (B. leucopsis)
One flew south past Corton with Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 6th November.Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Two, Corton disused railway line, 6th November.
One, 'Flycatcher Lane' the footpath running behind the Denes Oval, Lowestoft, 7th November.Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Three, Southwold Common, 12th November.House Martin (Delichon urbica)
One, Southwold Common, 12th November.OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus hodgsoni)
The County's first ever Olive-backed Pipit was found at Southwold, 12th November, frequenting the eastern edge of the golf course and common. It proved frustratingly elusive, though was later seen well in flight and calling well. Hopefully the next one will be a bit more obliging.Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
One, Corton disused railway line, 6th November.
One Lowestoft North Denes, 6th November.
One, around Hamilton Dock, on the north shore of Lowestoft Harbour, 6th November.Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)
One, at Radar Lodge, the former MoD radar site at Corton, 6th November.Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
One male, North Denes camp site, 8th November.Fieldfare (T. pilaris)
Six, arriving from off the sea, Lowestoft North Denes, 8th November. Rather few and far between so far this autumn.Redwing (T. iliacus)
Large numbers calling in flight after dark on 6th November.Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
One first winter, Sparrows Nest Park, 10th to 12th November.
The rufous rump contrasting strongly with the darker, browner tail, the longer primary projection, and the lack of any wing flicking, tail fanning made it strikingly different from the earlier Blyth's Reed Warbler. Neither did it adopt the 'banana' posture.
Reed Warbler - Lowestoft 12th November. Videograb: James Brown
Blyth's Reed Warbler - Lowestoft 15th October.
Videograb: Tim Brown
Note the much shorter primary projection.PALLAS'S LEAF WARBLER (Phylloscopus proregulus)
One associating with the local Tit flock wandering around the Bell Vue Park, Sparrows Nest Park and Arnold's Walk area, 7th November. Still present on the 8th.
When first seen briefly from below on the 7th it was thought to be a Yellow-browed Warbler (P. inornatus) due to the rather dull plumage, without the brighter yellow wingbars and supercilium generally found on Pallas's Leaf Warbler. However when relocated nearer the ground it proved to show a prominent square white rump patch; it also had a median crown stripe, but this was apparently rather indistinct on the forecrown.YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus)
One quite vocal individual in Sparrows Nest Park, 8th to 12th November, mostly in trees just below the Lighthouse, but occasionally wandering into Arnold's Walk.
The observers who saw the dull Pallas's Leaf Warbler assumed, without actually seeing the rump again, that the Yellow-browed Warbler was the same bird that they had seen earlier, causing much confusion and heated arguments. Leaving those who hadn't seen the bird(s) thinking it could be something more interesting if opinion on it's identity was so divided. Lemon-rumped Warbler (P. (p) chloronotus) and Chinese Leaf Warbler (P. sichuanensis) springing to mind, or perhaps a partially leucistic or even hybrid individual.
However the rather simpler explanation of there being more than one bird present proved to be the case. The most memorable recent case locally involved two Pallas's Leaf Warblers and a Yellow-browed Warbler frequenting Flycatcher Lane, behind the Denes Oval, 13th and 14th November 1996. They could often be seen feeding together in the same small bush.
Videograb by Tim Brown of the Yellow-browed Warbler 9th November 2000Chiffchaff (P. collybita)
Three in Warrenhouse Wood, 6th November.Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)
Two, possibly up to four, with the local Tit flock wandering around the Belle Vue Park, Sparrows Nest Park and Arnold's Walk area, 7th to 11th November.Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
One was reported near the Bus Station, near Ness Point, 12th November. Continuing a flush of late migrants.Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
One, Lowestoft Cemetery, 8th November.Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
One feeding out of the wind by the football changing rooms at Dip Farm recreation ground, Gunton, 6th November.
WEEK ENDING 05 NOVEMBER 2000
Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata)
One on Lake Lothing, Lowestoft, near the Grain Silo, 4th and 5th November. Reports of it being a Black-throated Diver (G. arctica) proved to be erroneous, as you can see from the picture below.
Red-throated Diver, Lake Lothing, 5th November 2000 (Videograb: Tim Brown)Great Northern Diver (G. immer)
A juvenile is currently on Benacre Broad to the south of our main area, 4th and 5th November.
Also present on the Broad are three Scaup (Aythya marila), and slightly to the north around the pits a Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) and a Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata) were present on the 5th November.
Great Northern Diver, Benacre Broad, 5th November 2000 (Videograb: Tim Brown)Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
Seven south past Corton, 4th November.Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
One immature bird first on the north beach then later on Ness Point itself, 5th November. Also a few small flocks flying south.
Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Ness Point, 5th November 2000 (Videograb: Tim Brown)Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
One female on the sea at Ness Point, 4th November.Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
One over the MoD field at Corton, 4th November, appeared to have just arrived off the seaWoodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
One at Warrenhouse Wood, 4th November.Curlew (Numenius arquata)
One south past Ness Point, 5th November.Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
65 on the South Beach at the South Pier, Lowestoft, 4th November.Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
One unringed adult on Oulton Broad, 4th November.
Two adults feeding at the sewage outfall at Ness Point, 5th November.Black-headed Gull (L. ridibundus)
One of the adults at Oulton Broad on 4th November proved to be wearing a Polish metal ring.
This is at least the third individual from Poland recorded there, with records of individuals from most of the Baltic countries.Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Two along Lake Lothing, Lowestoft, 4th November.Sky Lark (Alauda arvensis)
Flock of five arrived off the sea at Corton, 4th November.Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus)
One at Ness Point, 5th November.Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Flocks arriving off the sea throughout the day, 4th November. In contrast only a handful were seen arriving on the 5th.
10,000+ in the regular roost in Lowestoft Harbour, 4th November. The evening aerobatic display currently begins around 15:45 GMT on a clear day.Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
One in off the sea at Hopton, 4th November.
WEEK ENDING 29 OCTOBER 2000
Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)
One unringed bird of unknown origin, at Lound Waterworks, 29th October.
It apparently arrived in August when the first of the Barnacle Geese returned, so it may be a bird that failed to make the return journey last year from the species main wintering site a very short distance away at Cantley/Buckenham in the Yare valley.Greylag Goose (A. anser)
19, Lound Waterworks, 29th October.Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
20, Lound Waterworks, 29th October.Barnacle Goose (B. leucopsis)
265, Lound Waterworks, 29th October. Probably a new site record, there are usually around 100 here in the winter. The first 100 arrived in August, and the extra birds probably include individuals from the thriving Baltic population.
Whilst many are feral birds from the UK, (two Barnacle x Canada Goose hybrids confirm this), the flock has in the past included a female colour ringed in Svalbard (Spitzbergen) and which usually winters at Caerlaverock in west Scotland. In addition a male, of presumed feral origin, metal ringed in Sweden came across one winter and settled into the wildfowl collection at nearby Fritton Lake Countryworld, where it has successfully bred a few times.Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
3 pairs, Lound Waterworks, 29th October.Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
5, Lound Waterworks, 29th October.Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
One unringed adult on the Denes Oval, Lowestoft, 28th October.Firecrest (R. ignicapillus)
One by the bowling green in Sparrows Nest Park, Lowestoft, 28th October.
WEEK ENDING 22 OCTOBER 2000
Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
One adult in the MoD fields at Corton, 19th October.Grey Partridge (Perdix perdix)
Ten in the sugar beet field south of the sewage works at Corton, and four south of Church Farm, 21st October.
Nine in the MoD field at Corton, 22nd October.SOCIABLE PLOVER (Vanellus gregaria)
A first winter bird found on the shore pools between Dunwich and Walberswick on the early morning of 22nd October spent most of the day in the Blythburgh and Walberswick area with Lapwings and Golden Plovers. It returned to the marshes north of Dunwich late afternoon, where it appeared to roost with the Lapwings.
Two rather distant views of the first winter Sociable Plover, taken at Blythburgh, Suffolk. Videograbs by Tim Brown. Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
Three juveniles in the MoD field at Corton, 22nd October.Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
One first winter in the MoD field at Corton, 22nd October.Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
One adult, on the Birdseye Walls Factory roof just north of Ness Point, 19th October.Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
One south over Lowestoft, 21st October.
Two south over Corton, 22nd October.Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Singles south at Lowestoft and Corton, 21st October.
Two south at Corton, 22nd October.House Martin (Delichon urbica)
Four south at Lowestoft, 21st October.
Two south at Corton, 21st October.Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
One at Corton Sewage Works, 21st and 22nd October.Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
One at Corton Church, 19th and 22nd October.
One at the Denes Oval, 21st October.Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
One on the North Denes Campsite, Lowestoft, 22nd October.Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
One male, at the golf course at Hopton, 21st October.
One at the Denes Oval, Lowestoft, 22nd October.Redwing (T. iliacus)
Several flocks, including one of over 100, arriving off the sea throughout the day at Lowestoft and Corton, 21st October.Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Two at Corton disused railway line, 21st October.Willow Warbler (P. trochilus)
One rather grey brown individual at Corton disused railway line, 21st October.Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
Numerous migrants just about everywhere, 21st October.Firecrest (R. ignicapillus)
One at the golf course at Hopton, 21st October.BLYTH'S REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus dumetorum)
The Acrocephalus warbler found in Warrenhouse Wood on the 15th October was still present up to the 18th, but could not be found on the 19th. The 16th was a rather dull and wet day, but in general the bird gave better views as it ventured out of the Holm Oaks and into the Sycamores, probably because of the wet dense foliage of the Oaks. It looked darker in the poorer light but still showed uniform upperpart colouration and a short primary projection of what seemed to be 6 exposed primaries; Reed and Marsh Warblers tend to have 7 or 8.
On the 17th and 18th it was heard to give the diagnostic quiet 'teck' or 'tick' call a few times.It could usually be found along the seaward edge of the wood; although it is sometimes visible from outside the wood, the footpath just inside the seaward edge offers much better views. It was not at all shy.
In the rain on the 18th it again favoured the more open Sycamores, but could still disappear for long periods.
Four more videograbs of what still appears to be a Blyth's Reed Warbler,
taken by Tim Brown 16th October.The short primary projection shows well in the lower right-hand picture.
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
One, Sparrow's Nest Park, Lowestoft, 22nd October.
One, Corton disused railway line, 22nd October.Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Two at Corton Sewage Works, then flew to the farm by the Church, 21st October. Very rare now locally.Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Two at Corton church and one on the disused railway line there, 21st October.Siskin (Carduelis spinus)
Several flocks of between 9 and 30 individuals heading south throughout the day, 21st October.
WEEK ENDING 15 OCTOBER 2000
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)
Two flying south just offshore, 14th October.
This is a rare bird in Suffolk, yet just over 10 miles north of Lowestoft it is a common, and increasing, winter visitor to Broadland, and in even larger numbers along the north Norfolk coast.Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
One, Lowestoft North Denes, 14th October.Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
One adult, North Beach, Lowestoft, 9th and 14th October.Swift (Apus apus)
One, Lowestoft, 13th October.Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
Four, south over Sparrows Nest Park, Lowestoft, 14th October.Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
One, south over Sparrows Nest Park, Lowestoft, 14th October.House Martin (Delichon urbica)
Several small flocks passing south throughout the morning, 14th October.Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
One at Corton Sewage Works, 14th October.Common Redstart (P. phoenicurus)
One, Lowestoft Cemetery, 15th October.Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)
One, North Denes Camp Site, 14th October.Redwing (Turdus iliacus)
One, Denes Oval, Lowestoft, 14th October.
One, Corton Church, 14th October.BLYTH'S REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus dumetorum)
A pale Acrocephalus warbler found in Warrenhouse Wood on the morning of the 15th October showed most of the characteristics of this species, but remained silent throughout the day. It stayed in the cover of Holm Oaks (Quercus ilex) all day long. In the early morning and in the evening after 4pm it came down to eye level and below, giving good views; but during most of the day it spent its time largely obscured feeding in the canopy, resulting in rather poor views.
It was uniformly plain grey brown above, about the colour of a Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin), and even the primaries and tertials were uniformly pale grey brown, and the belly and flanks were whitish.
The rump was concolourous with the mantle, with no hint of any rufous or sandy contrast.
The whole of the lower mandible was orangey pink, with no apparent dusky tip, and the whole bill appeared rather long. The uniformly pallid colouration and long bill gave a very Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida) look to the bird, which was commented on by several observers.
The primary projection seemed rather short for a Reed Warbler (A. scirpaceus).
It also frequently drooped its wings and raised its tail, resulting in the typical, though not 100% diagnostic 'banana' posture. Later in the day it would also fan the tail and flick its wings occasionally, and continued to do so throughout it's stay.
The possibility of it being a Caspian Reed Warbler (A. (s.) fuscus) was raised, but when seen well the primary projection seemed rather too short for this, and the total lack of contrast between the mantle and rump would seem to be against it as well.
Blyth's Reed Warbler.
Warrenhouse Wood, Lowestoft.
15th October 2000.
The upper videograb shows the short primary projection to advantage.
The lower one as well as showing the uniform tertials and primaries, also shows the 'banana' posture with head and tail raised, and the wings drooped.
Videograbs by Tim Brown.
More pictures above, click here.
Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)
One, Warrenhouse Wood, Lowestoft, 15th October.YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus)
One along the disused railway line at Corton, 15th October.
WEEK ENDING 08 OCTOBER 2000
Other than increased numbers of Blackbirds (Turdus merula) and Song Thrushes (T. philomelos) recently arrived from mainland Europe, a very quiet weekend.
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)
Single individual flew in from out to sea then headed north along the coast, 8th October.Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
One, Lowestoft North Denes, 8th October.Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
One adult, North Beach, Lowestoft, 7th October.Swift (Apus apus)
One, Lowestoft, 7th October.Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus)
Two, Lowestoft North Beach, 7th October. Apparently the first of the autumn.Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
One, Corton Sewage Works, 7th October.
Two, south over Sparrows Nest Park, Lowestoft, 8th October. Two individuals seen later may have been these birds, or even two extra birds.Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
One behind the Denes Oval, 7th October.
Generally very poor numbers of migrants, even finding a Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler or Blackcap is a major challenge at the moment.
More warblers were in evidence on Saturday, though still not in large numbers.Caspian Gull (Larus [argentatus] cachinnans)
One first winter at the MoD field at Corton, 28th September.
Apparently the first record from the Lowestoft area.Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
One at Oulton Broad, 27th September.Little Owl (Athene noctua)
One again at the disused railway track at Corton, 30th September.Swift (Apus apus)
Two, Lound, 25th September.
One, Lowestoft, 27th September.
Two, Corton, 29th September.
Two, Lowestoft, 30th September.Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
Three, between Lowestoft Cemetery and B&Q superstore, Lowestoft, 30th September.Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
Ten, Corton, 28th September.
Four, North Denes, Lowestoft, 29th September and 30th.Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca)
One, Denes Oval, Lowestoft, 29th September.Blackcap (S. atricapilla)
Two, Lowestoft Cemetery, 29th September.
One, Denes Oval, Lowestoft, 29th September.YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER (Phylloscopus inornatus)
One elusive individual showing infrequently, and calling even less, at the disused railway line at Corton, 30th September.
Usually in the hedge to your left as you come in from Stirrups Lane, just beyond the large clump of Sycamores in the middle of the old railway line itself, and just opposite the dead pine trees.
One, Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft, then flew to disused railway line behind Sports Centre in Water Lane, 1st October.Chiffchaff (P. collybita)
One, Lowestoft Camp Site, 29th September.Willow Warbler (P. trochilus)
One, Lowestoft Camp Site, 29th September.Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)
One, Belle Vue Park, 25th and 28th September.Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
One at the old sewage works at Corton, 28th September.
One at the disused railway line at Corton, 30th September.Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Two, Sparrows Nest Park, 28th September.
Three, Corton disused railway line, 1st October.Clouded Yellow Butterfly (Colias croceus)
One, Corton disused railway line, 29th September.
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