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LOCAL NEWS - OCTOBER 2001


Winter plumaged male Reed Bunting
Winter plumaged male Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Thanks to all of the following who have contributed to this page during 2001:
Peter Allard, Chris & Alison Allen, Chris Baker, Leslie & Brenna Batchelder, Derek Beamish, Kevin Blowers, James Brown, Tim Brown, Jon Burrell, Roger Conner, Matthew Deanes, Andrew Easton, Mark Ellis, Ricky Fairhead, Jenny Gort, John Grant, Lee Gregory, Andrew Harris, Dave Holman, Robert Holmes, Mike Marsh, Don & Gwen Moore, Rob Murray, Chris Mutimer, Peter Napthine, Peter Ransome, Jim Read, Neville Skinner, Brian Small, Ian Smith, Richard Smith, Simon de Tute, David Walsh, Jon Warnes, Steve & Jane Whiteside, Robert Wilton, Robert Wincup, James Wright, Peter Wright, Jack Wylson & anyone we have inadvertently missed.


Please feel free to e-mail any sightings from the Lowestoft area to us at loungedweller@hotmail.com

Current News


WEEK ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2001

Long-eared Owl This stunning Long-eared Owl Asio otus roosted on Lowestoft North Denes on the 21st. It caused quite a twitch and was also enjoyed by several non-birders.

On the 22nd Goldcrests
Regulus regulus were around in good numbers with several filtering through town itself. A Sycamore near the council offices harboured at least 15 late afternoon. Its amazing when you think about it, thousands of these delightful little birds fly across the North Sea every autumn and arrive in Lowestoft.

Its been a good week for rarities again with two Yellow-browed Warblers
Phylloscopus inornatus and Suffolks latest Wood Warbler P. sibilatrix as well as a late Wryneck Jynx torquilla at Gorleston. A Water Rail Rallus aquaticus was picked up dead at Ness Point on the 25th and there was a brief Tree Sparrow Passer montanus at Corton on the 27th.


Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
One flew north past Lowestoft on the 28th.


Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis
One was on the sea at Corton on the 28th.


Whooper Swan
Cygnus cygnus
One arrived in off the sea at Corton on the 28th.

Bewick's Swan
Cygnus columbianus
A flock of 30 arrived in off the sea at Corton at 9:30 on the 28th.


Egyptian Goose
Alopachen aegyptiacus
A pair with a newly hatched brood of six at St. Olaves on the 27th were a sure sign of how mild the weather has been this autumn. On the 28th there were 9 at Lound Water Works and a singleton on Fritton Marshes.


Gadwall
Anas strepera
Four were at Lound Water Works on the 28th.


Pintail
A. acuta
Three flew south past Corton on the 26th.

Shoveler
A. clypeata
Six were at Lound Water Works on the 28th.


Common Eider
Somateria mollissima
A lone female was in Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft on the 27th and 28th.


Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
Three flew north past Corton on the 28th.

P
eregrine
Falco peregrinus
One that flew over the town centre on the 22nd caused panic among the local Feral Pigeon Columba livia population. Whilst Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus fly over this area daily, this appears to be the first Peregrine of recent years over the town centre itself. Haddiscoe is a traditional site for this spectacular bird and one was there on the 28th.

Water Rail - Ness Point 25/10/2001Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
One found dead at Ness Point on the 25th, having probably just crossed the North Sea, had then managed to fly into either the wall or rocks. The unfortunate individual is pictured to the left.

At least three were calling from the reedbeds at the Waveney Forest on the 28th.

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima
Two were at Ness Point on the 25th and 28th.


Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
One was seen flying over Lowestoft North Denes on the 22nd
.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
A first-winter was seen along Lowestoft North Beach on the 27th. An adult was offshore on the 28th and 29th.


Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis

T
he regular adult was again along Lowestoft North Beach on the 22nd, 25th, 28th and 30th.

Guillemot Uria aalge
One flew past Lowestoft North Denes on the 24th.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco
One roosting in Warren House Wood, Lowestoft on the 22nd and 28th.


WRYNECK
Jynx torquilla
A rather late individual was found at Gorleston on the 25th, near the steps down to the beach at the golf course.

Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosus
Two were in Lowestoft Harbour on the 31st.


Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
Birds have been noted at Corton
on the 22nd and 27th (2); Lowestoft High Street 23rd and 30th; and Lowestoft North Denes 24th.

Pied Wagtails
M. alba
Pied Wagtails are again roosting in the two trees outside Dorothy Perkins in London Road North, Lowestoft. There are currently too many leaves still on the trees to get a good idea of how many there are so far.


Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Six were feeding over Lowestoft North Denes on the 22nd, another flew south there on the 16th. Two flew south at Gorleston on the 23rd. Two flew south past Lowestoft Harbour mouth on the 31st.

House Martin Delichon urbica
Birds have been noted at over Lowestoft North Denes on the 22nd (3);
Gorleston 23rd (2); and Gunton Warren 27th (1). The largest gathering was at Corton on the 27th where 30 were feeding over the MoD complex during the morning.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Birds have been seen at Gunton Warren on the 22nd (2), 24th (2) and 27th (3);
Lowestoft North Denes 27th - 28th (2); Gorleston golf course 25th (3); Corton MoD 26th (2) and 27th (3); and Waveney Forest 28th (2).


B
lack Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Birds have been seen at Ness Point on the 25th (1) and 27th (3); Corton MoD 26th on the 27th (1).

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
One was still present on Lowestoft North Denes on the 22nd and 23rd.


Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Birds have been noted at Corton MoD 23rd (2); Lowestoft Cemetery 23rd and 28th (1); and Corton 27th.

Fieldfares
T. pilaris / Redwings T. iliacus

A large mixed flock of about 100 arrived in off the sea at Lowestoft on the 22nd, and at least 20 Redwings were in Lowestoft Cemetery at dawn on the 23rd.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Birds have been noted at Hopton on the 23rd (2); Gunton disused railway line 24th (2); Gunton Warren 27th (1); Lowestoft Cemetery 28th (2); and Lowestoft North Denes 28th (3).


Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Seen at Corton and Arnold's Walk/Sparrows Nest Park, Lowestoft on the 22nd and 23rd; and Flycatcher Lane, Lowestoft 28th (2).

WOOD WARBLER P. sibilatrix
One in Warren House Wood, Lowestoft on the 22nd was an exceptionally late individual. As far as we know it is the latest record for Suffolk. The previous latest was in Southwold Churchyard from October 7th-11th 1998.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER P. inornatus
One of these siberian stunners was in Arnold's Walk, Lowestoft on the 22nd. It gave good views initially but became a little more mobile and elusive as the day progressed. It could not be located on the 23rd but on that day another was found in Warren House Wood.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus
On the 22nd Goldcrests were around in good numbers with several filtering through town itself. A Sycamore near the council offices harboured at least 15 late afternoon.

Firecrest
R. ignicapillus
One was in Arnold's Walk, Lowestoft on the 23rd.

Jay Garrulus glandarius
Seven were between Arnold's Walk and Gunton Warren on the 28th, with a further three noted at Corton.


TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
One was feeding with a flock of Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs at Corton old sewage works briefly on the 27th, presumably the same bird was seen near the old MoD compound (Radar Lodge as it is now called) on the 28th.

B
rambling Fringilla montifringilla
Singles have been seen at Corton on the 22nd and 27th; Arnold's Walk, Lowestoft 23rd; and Belle vue Park, Lowestoft 28th.


R
edpoll Carduelis cabaret
Fly-overs have been noted at Corton on the 22nd (3); Lowestoft 27th (5) and 28th (1).

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Singles were at Gunton Warren on the 24th and Corton MoD on the 27th.

Other Wildlife
Butterflies out in force on the 27th. Of the species 'on the wing' Red Admirals Vanessa atalanta was the most numerous. Several were flying south along the coast at Corton and Lowestoft. Other species noted included two Painted Lady Cynthia cardui and a single Comma Polygonia c-album. Single Hornets Vespa crabro flew north past Corton on the 27th and along the River Waveney at Waveney Forest on the 28th.

Two Harbour Porpoises Phocoena phocoena were noted offshore at Corton on the 27th heading south. One was seen off Lowestoft North Denes on the 28th. Apparently they'd been seen off Warren House Wood, Lowestoft earlier in the week.

On the 31st a Herring Gull Larus argentatus at the South Pier, Lowestoft which had caught a Shanny Lipophrys pholis flew to a large puddle dropped the fish into the shallow water and spent about two minutes trying to subdue its catch. The blenny put up a valiant struggle, but the contest was rather one sided, ending inevitably in a fish breakfast for the gull.


WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 21, 2001

Lesser Yellowlegs - Breydon Water 17th-20th September 2001.

Sighting of the century (so far) for one lucky observer concerned a large turtle that was seen from Corton Cliffs on the 15th. The fact it was alive and not a beached corpse is quite significant as it may turn out to be the first live record in Suffolk waters. For more details see 'Other Wildlife' section below.

The star bird locally has been on Breydon Water
, Norfolk. The estuaries first LESSER YELLOWLEGS Tringa flavipes has been seen daily between the 17th-21st. It roosts in the grass from the first hide at high tide beofre venturing onto the mudflats as the water retreats. A videograb of the bird is to the left. Other highlights have included two Velvet Scoters Melanitta fusca, a juvenile Merlin Falco columbarius, a good showing of Ring Ouzels Turdus torquatus, and three stunning Firecrests Regulus ignicapillus.

Sunday the 21st was marked by by an excellent range of species on the move ranging from a heavy passage of wildfowl, and arrivals of owls and thrushes as well. There was always something to look at!

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
Three slew south at Lowestoft on the 21st.

Gannet Morus bassanus
One flew south close inshore at Lowestoft on the 19th, with a juvenile north there on the 21st. What was presumbaly the same juvenile was sitting on the sea with gulls at Corton later on the 21st, where two additional birds flew north. A very quite monthe for this species so far.

European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
The first returning bird was a second winter bird on the sea just north of Ness Point on the 21st, it later flew north.

Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
One flew inland over Kensington Gardens, South Lowestoft on the 17th having arrived off the sea. It was being mobbed by gulls. The following day, 18th, 4 did likewise at Gunton Warren.

Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
59 flew north inland at Hopton on the 17th, no doubt heading for Lound.


Brent Goose
Branta bernicla
Birds have been noted moving south at Corton and Lowestoft on the 15th (141), 17th (72), 18th (173), 19th (7), 20th (18) and 21st (900).

RUDDY SHELDUCK
Tadorna ferruginea
A single bird of unknown provenance accompanied a small flock of southbound Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna at Lowestoft on the 21st, it may possibly be the same as that which flew past here on the 28th of September. There has also been one present on Breydon Water ten miles north of here since at least the 30th September. A total of 70 Common Shelduck passed Lowestoft and Corton on the 21st, the vast majority were heading south.

Wigeon Anas penelope
Birds have been noted heading south past Corton and Lowestoft on the 15th (102), 19th (16), 20th (4) and 21st (161).

Teal
A. crecca
Migrants have been noted passing on the 15th, (46) and the 21st (42) the majority were southbound.

Mallard A. platyrhynchos
Four flew south past Lowestoft on the 21st during the genaral wildfowl passage.

Common Eider
Somateria mollissima
A lone female was in Hamilton Dock on the 20th.

Common Scoter
Melanitta nigra
104 passed Lowestoft and Corton on the 21st, most were southbound.

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca
Two were seen at Gorleston on the 16th.

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
One flew south past Lowestoft on the 21st.

Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Two single birds flew south past Lowestoft on the 21st.

Merlin
Falco columbarius
A juvenile was along Pakefield Cliffs on the 20th.


Grey Partridge
Perdix perdix
Three family parties totalling 21 in the Corton area on the 16th. Two flocks totalling 26 were at Corton on the 21st, thus increasing the record count by one!

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
A
single bird was at Ness Point on the 16th and 21st.

G
olden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
A flock of 35 flew south over Hopton on the 19th. At one point they thought about landing in the MoD stubble field but decided against it heading inland instead. A single bird was seen at Corton on the 21st.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Eleven flew in off the sea in two small groups on the 16th and 45 were at Corton on the 18th.


Knot
Calidris canutus
One was feeding along the tideline on Lowestoft North Beach on the 21st.

Purple Sandpiper
C. maritima
A single bird was at Ness Point on the 16th and 21st and one also flew south along the north beach on the 21st.

Dunlin C. alpina
106 flew south at Corton on the 15th.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
One was at Corton MoD early morning and one arrived in off the sea at Kensington Gardens, South Lowestoft at 10:15am on the 20th. Two newly arrived migrants were seen along Lowestoft North Beach and North Denes on the 21st.


Snipe
Gallinago gallinago
One was in the MoD fields at Corton on the 15th, with three there on the 21st.

Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata
Two flew south past Corton on the 15th, with three south at Lowestoft on the 20th and one on the 21st.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres
On the 16th there were 13 at Ness Point, 10 in Hamilton Dock and 4 at the South Pier.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
A total of six juveniles flew south past Lowestoft on the 21st.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
What may have been the same first-winter bird was at Gorleston on the 16th and Corton on the 19th. An adult was at Corton on the 17th and 18th. On the 21st single first-winter, second-winter and adult birds were seen along Lowestoft North Beach, the adult was the ever present white ringed 21N.


Little Gull
L. minutus
Four adults flew south at Lowestoft and a further seven passed south at Corton on the 21st.

Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis
T
he regular adult was again patrolling Lowestoft North Beach on the 20th and 21st.

Razorbill Alca torda
One flew north at Lowestoft on the 21st.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus
A much appreciated individual (pictured to the left) spent the day roosting in Sycamores on Lowestoft North Denes camp site on the 21st. This excellent bird was also enjoyed by several non-birders.


Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
One flew in off the sea at Gorleston on the 17th. Two more were seen on the 21st the first passing south high over Sparrows Nest Park and the second flew in off the sea at the north denes.

Common Swift Apus apus
One flew south at Hopton on the 18th. It may turn out to be the last of 2001.


Great-spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
Birds have been noted along the coast at Corton on the 18th (3) and Lowestoft on the 19th (2).

Skylark Alauda arvensis
High numbers have been at Corton during the week. There's been a core population of about 50 in the stubble at the MoD complex all week. Several small parties have also been flying south with the odd few arriving off the sea. They are one of the few species that have been heard singing!

Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosus
Singles were seen at Corton on the 15th and at Ness Point on the 17th.


Grey Wagtail
Motacilla cinerea
Sightings at Corton sewage works on the 16th-19th and Hopton 19th may concern the same bird.
One was at Pakefield on the 20th.

Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Birds have been noted at Corton on the 17th (2 north), 20th (2 south, 3 north) and 21st (2 north, 2 south); Hopton 18th (5 south); Gunton Warren 18th (2 south); Lowestoft Cemetery 19th (1 south); Lowestoft North Denes 21st (2 south); Pakefield 20th (5 north); and Kirkley Cemetery 20th (1 south).

House Martin Delichon urbica
Three flew south at Corton on the 16th, and eight were feeding over the Camp Site on the 21st.


Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Three were at Gorleston/Hopton golf course on the 17th. Four were still at Gunton Warren on the 18th and 21st.


B
lack Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Migrants were noted at Corton on the 18th (2) and 20th (1), and at Gunton Warren on the 21st.

Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurus
One was at Pakefield on the 20th.

N
orthern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Birds have been noted at Corton 15th (2); Lowestoft North Denes 15th (2), 16th (1), 18th (1) and 21st (1); and Gunton Warren 15th and 16th (1).


Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Male Ring Ouzel at Corton 16/10/2001
An excellent week for this species with birds noted at Belle vue Park, Lowestoft on the 15th (1); Corton disused railtrack 16th (1, pictured left); Corton old sewage works 17th (1); Corton Cliffs at the MoD complex 17th (1); Hopton 18th (1) and 20th (2); Corton MoD 18th-20th (1) and 21st (2); Lowestoft Cemetery 18th (3); and Gunton disused railway line 19th (1). The Gunton bird was partially albinistic with white patches around the back of the head.

Good numbers of thrushes have been present along the coast this week. Belle vue Park, Lowestoft has been jumping with Blackbirds T. merula. On the 18th, 95 Song Thrushes T. philomelos were between Corton/Hopton with many more flying over inland. Fieldfares T. pilaris have been scarce with just 16 seen at Hopton/Corton, five at Gunton and two in Lowestoft. At night Redwings T. iliacus have been passing over the town. The largest influx occured on the 17th. In a ten minute period at 10:50, 66 thrushes flew over Sussex Road, Lowestoft calling. Hundreds must have arrived overnight.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
One was at Gorleston/Hopton golf course on the 17th.

Blackcap
S. atricapilla
Birds have been noted at Gunton 16th (2) and 20th (1); Hopton 17th (1); Gorleston 18th (1); Corton 18th (1), 20th (2) and 21st (4); and Lowestoft 18th (1).

Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
Five have been seen at Corton between the 16th-21st.
One was at Gunton on the 20th.


Willow Warbler P. trochilus
A late bird was at Corton on the 21st.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus
Good numbers arrived overnight on the 17th and 19th. On the 18th there were at least 64 between Hopton/Corton with a similar figures on the 20th and 21st.


Firecrest
Regulus ignicapillus
Coinciding with good numbers of Goldcrests birds have been seen in Arnold's Walk, Lowestoft on the 17th; Warren Lane, Hopton 18th; and Belle vue Park, Lowestoft 18th and 20th.


Starling Sternus vulgaris
Several small groups were watched arriving in off the sea on the 18th. At Corton old sewage works numbers built up from 70 in the morning to 1,500 in the afternoon.

Jay Garrulus glandarius
Several have been around in recent days. Birds have been noted at Lowestoft on the 18th (1) and 20th (3); and between Hopton/Corton on the 19th (7) and 20th (5).

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Very good numbers have been around all week. There was a peak on the 18th where a minimum of 120 were between Hopton and Corton. A flock of 25 arrived in from the sea at the MoD that day.
On the 20th two finch flocks of 30-40 birds that arrived off the sea at Corton and Lowestoft were probably this species.

B
rambling F. montifringilla
Small numbers of Bramblings have arrived this week coinciding with the Chaffinch influx. Birds have been noted at Corton/Hopton on the 16th (3), 17th (4), 18th (7), 19th (1) and 20th and 21st (7); Kensington Gardens, South Lowestoft 17th (3); and Lowestoft 18th (2) and 19th (1).


S
iskin Carduelis spinus
Five arrived in off the sea at Corton on the 16th with four flying
south there on the 18th. Elsewhere, four flew south over Lowestoft Cemetery on the 19th.

R
edpoll C. cabaret
Fly-overs have been noted at Corton/Hopton on the 17th (4), 19th (1), 20th (1) and 21st (1); Gunton Warren 18th (1); and Lowestoft 19th (1) and 20th (1).


R
eed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
A male in the stubble field at Corton MoD from the 17th-18th, with another on the Camp Site at Lowestoft on the 20th.


Other Wildlife

At 11:55am on October 15 a large turtle surfaced close offshore at Corton. Initial impressions of a tree stump were soon dispelled when a large football shaped head surfaced in front of a large, uniformly grey, domed carapace (shell). Quickly switching to his telescope it soon became apparent that the object was in fact a large turtle!!! Through the 'scope the front flippers could be seen floating in the swell, with its short neck at full stretch to keep the head above water. After a couple of gulps of air the animal sank from view and was not relocated in a frantic one hour search. The observer was left scratching his head in complete disbelief at what had just happened.

Regarding the identity, it was probably a LEATHERBACK TURTLE Dermochelys coriacea. The three main characteristics that point towards this were the big rounded head, almost neckless appearance created by the head being close up to the carapace and the obvious humped peak at forward end of the carapace. However, the clinching feature of longitudinal ridges on the shell were not readily apparent as it was side on. The two other confusion species,
Green Chelonia mydas and Loggerhead Caretta caretta when side on both have a less peaked more evenly curved shell and more elongated head and neck. Although this was the first turtle the observer had seen in British waters he has experience of the above three species in Australia.

Prior to this the closest thing to a turtle in Lowestoft has been a discarded pet Red-eared Terrapin Pseudemys scripta at Leathe's Ham and 'Tommy' Tortoise in a neighbours garden!!!

Other news although not quite as dramatic concerns butterflies. A
Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas along Corton
Cliffs and a few Red Admirals Vanessa atalanta are still around. On the 18th a Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus was close inshore at Lowestoft North Denes. On the 21st a Red Fox was seen on Lowestoft North Denes.


WEEK ENDED OCTOBER 14, 2001

The winds finally eased up overnight on Friday switching to light southerlies, and on Saturday morning a few new birds had arrived including new batches of Song Thrushes and Redwings. Sunday saw the arrival of Fieldfares and Bramblings in addition to more Song Thrushes and Redwings and a much more varied selection of other birds on the move.

Further down the coast of Suffolk on Saturday a RADDE
'S WARBLER Phylloscopus schwarzi performed sporadically in bracken on the seaward facing bank below the nuclear power stations at Sizewell on the 13th. It was most easily located by its distinctive call, a fairly quiet soft "quip".

Marbled Ducks at Minsmere
Marbled Ducks at Minsmere

Also on Saturday, two MARBLED DUCKS Marmaronetta anguirostris (pictured above) were found at Minsmere gracing the East Scrape until dusk. They were enjoyed by many admirers, including Bill Oddie. They stayed until the 15th. As yet none in Britain have been accepted as being wild birds, but having seen the satellite pictures the night before of the huge thunderstorms sweeping northwards across North Africa, Spain and France these two very smart, and very wary, birds must have an excellent chance of finally making it to the official British list.

Gannet Morus bassana
One flew south close inshore at Corton on the 14th.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis
At least 300 were still present at Lound Waterworks on the 11th, accompanied by the usual motley crowd of Canada, Greylag and Egyptian Geese.

Brent Goose
B. bernicla
Five dark-bellied birds flew south past Lowestoft on the 13th. One that flew inland low overhead at Gunton Warren in thick fog on the 14th had severe damage to its right primaries but it was still managing to fly reasonably well. The third week of October is often the peak week for passage of this species here so we look forward to more next weekend.

Wigeon
Anas penelope
13 flew south past Lowestoft on the 13th, with two south on the 14th.

Pintail A. acuta
Eight flew south past Corton on the 14th.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
Five were at Lound Waterworks on the 11th and two flew south past Corton on the 14th.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus
One flew north westwards at Lound Waterworks mobbed by crows on the 11th.

Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufa
Five were at Corton on the 14th.

Grey Partridge
Perdix perdix
14 were at Corton on the 13th, and a new high count of 25 were ther on the 14th.

Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricaria
A single bird flew south at Corton on the 14th.

Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea
One was on the beach below Gorleston/Hopton golf course on the 14th.


Snipe
Gallinago gallinago
One was flushed from Pakefield Beach on the 13th, and three were in the MoD fields at Corton on the 14th.

Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata
A lone bird flew south past Corton on the 14th.

Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
On the 10th 15 were at Ness Point with a further ten on the south beach.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvichensis
Two flew south past Lowestoft North Beach on the 13th.

Sky Lark
Alauda arvensis
62 were in the MoD fields at Corton on the 14th and a further 15 flew west over the old railway line at Corton the same day.

Swallow
Hirundo rustica
10 were feeding over Warren House Wood on the 10th and five were at Gunton Warren on the 14th.

House Martin
Delichon urbica
20 were feeding over Warren House Wood on the 10th.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Seen at Corton on the 13th & 14th (1), Gunton on the 14th (3), and Gorleston/Hoptongolf course 14th(2).

Whinchat S. rubetra
One was at Lound on the 11th.

Northern Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
Noted during the week at Lound 11th, south shore of Breydon 12th (2), Corton 13th (1), and 14th (3) and Lowestoft Camp Site on the 13th, the latter seems to be the same well marked male that has been hanging around for about two weeks now.

Blackbird Turdus merula
30 were noted at Hopton on the 14th along with 10 Song Thrushes T. philomelos.

Fieldfare
T. pilaris

83 arrived off the sea in five flocks at Corton and two were along the disused railway line at Gunton on the 14th.

Redwing T. iliacus
Ten were in the Corton area, 20 in the Hopton area and four at Gunton disused railway line on the 14th.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Birds were seen at Hopton (2) and Gorleston/Hopton golf course (2) on the 14th.

Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
Four at Corton on the 13th which were probably new arrivals included one rather dull greyish bird which showed characteristics of the race tristis, usually known nowadays as Siberian Chiffchaff.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus
Two were seen along the south shore of Breydon on the 12th.

F
irecrest R. ignicapillus
One at Lound Waterworks on the 11th.

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
Four were along the old railway line at Corton on the 13th. Several have been on the move lately, though whether they have arrived from Europe or are more local birds is uknown.

Chaffinch
Fringilla coelebs
At least 67 were in the Corton area on the 14th.

Brambling
Fringilla montifringilla
Several arrived on the 14th with birds noted at Corton (12), Hopton (5) and Gorleston/Hopton golf course (4).

Siskin Carduelis spinus
A single flock of 10 flew over Gunton on the 10th, with 15 there on the 13th.

Redpoll Carduelis cabaret
Two were seen at Corton on the 13th.

Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalis
One was at Gunton Warren on the 14th.

Other Wildlife
A single Hornet Vespa crabro flew along the disused railway line at Gunton on the 10th. Two Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria tricus were in Sparrow's Nest Gardens, Lowestoft on the 13th along with a Comma Polygonia c-album.

 

WEEK ENDED OCTOBER 07, 2001

The OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT found on the 30th September at Hopton was unfortunately not relocated on the 1st, but the first FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus of the autumn added a splash of colour to the day. An immature Spoonbill was still at the west end of Breydon at Berney Marshes in Norfolk on the 3rd and could be viewed from Burgh Castle.

Pink-footed Goose
Anser brachyrhynchus
75 flew in from the sea at Gorleston on the 3rd.

White-fronted Goose A. albifrons
The single bird of unknown origin was still at Burgh Castle on the 3rd.

Greylag Goose
A. anser
30 flew north inland at Corton on the 5th.

Canada Goose Branta canadensis
15 flew noisily south over central Lowestoft on the 6th.

Barnacle Goose B. leucopsis
323 were counted at Lound Waterworks on the 6th, with at least 384 there on the 7th. Only one Canada x Barnacle hybrid was noted.

Mandarin Aix galericulata
The pinioned male again added a splash of colour to Oulton Broad on the 4th and 5th.

Shoveler Anas clypeata
A pair were on Leathes Ham on the 3rd, with six there on the 5th. The water level has dropped sufficiently to allow very limited access, but the high water levels seem to have killed the Reed Phragmites australis as there has been no fresh growth this year.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina
One drake was on Oulton Broad on the 4th and 5th.

Tufted Duck A. fuligula
Ten were on Oulton Broad on the 4th and 5th.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
One female flew westwards over Corton on the 4th.

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
One drifted low over Normanston Park, Lowestoft and then westwards along Lake Lothing at 4:00pm on the 4th. The local gull population announced its presence and escorted it along Lake Lothing, dive bombing the bird occasionally.

Hobby Falco subbuteo
A juvenile was catching dragonflies over the River Waveney at Fritton before flying south over Waveney Forest on the 6th.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Four were in the MoD fields at Corton on the 1st.


Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
16 flew inland from the MoD fields at Corton on the 1st.

Knot Calidris canutus
Two flew south over the North Denes on the 3rd.

Purple Sandpiper C. maritima

One adult was hopping around on one leg at Ness Point on the 3rd. The other leg was being held tightly up against its body, but this bird seemed to be managing to feed quite well.

Dunlin C. alpina
Southbound migrants were noted at Lowestoft on the 6th (2) and 7th (1).

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
One was flushed from the fields near Radar Lodge, Corton on the 6th.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Amongst a group of seven at Ness Point on the 3rd was one that had been colour ringed in the Netherlands.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
A juvenile was at Gorleston on the 3rd.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
One flew east along Lake Lothing and the over the railway line to Leathes Ham on the 4th. Singles were at Oulton Broad and Lake Lothing on the 5th.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
One flew in from the sea at Gunton Warren on the 2nd, and what may have been the same bird was feeding on the North Denes on the 3rd.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
On the 1st birds were noted at Sparrows Nest Park
(3); Lowestoft North Denes (2); and Hopton (1).

Swallow Hirundo rustica
Birds have been noted this week at Corton on the 1st (6 south) and 5th (3 south); and Lowestoft Cemetery on the 4th (1 west).

House Martin
Delichon urbica
132 headed south at Corton between 7:00 and 8:00am on the 1st, and f
our flew north over the North Denes on the 3rd. A single bird flew south at Lound Waterworks on the 7th.

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
One female was still frequenting the southern hedge at Potters holiday park at Hopton from the 1st-2nd.

Black Redstart
P. ochruros
One was at Ness Point on the 3rd.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Birds were again seen at Corton 1st-3rd and 6th (2); Gunton Warren 1st (1), 2nd (5) and 3rd (3); and at Gorleston 3rd(1).

Whinchat
S. rubetra
Two at Corton on the 1st, with a single bird there on the 2nd and 6th.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Northern Wheatear

Birds were noted at Corton 1st, 2nd (4), 3rd (2) and 5th (1); Lowestoft 1st to 3rd (2) and 4th-5th (1); and Gunton 3rd (1). This autumn has been excellent for this species. The peak day total was 93 on September 20th. By far the largest number in recent years.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
On the 2nd birds were noted at the Lowestoft North Denes (4) and Gunton (2).

Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
Good numbers are still present and have been noted at Lowestoft North Denes 4th (5) and Corton old sewage works 5th (4). Some are singing occasionally.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus
The first of the autumn was in trees around the overgrown pond opposite
Church Farm at Corton from the 1st-2nd.


Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata
One was in Normanston Park on the 4th.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
One was seen in Normanston Cemetery, Lowestoft on the 3rd.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio
The juvenile found on September 25th was still present at the southern end of Gorleston golf course on the 3rd
.

Siskin Carduelis spinus
After the large scale movements noted last week numbers have dropped dramatically with a mere two seen at Hopton 1st, four over central Lowestoft 4th and four at Corton 5th.

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus
One was at the MoD fields at Corton on the 2nd.

Snow Bunting
Plectrophenax nivalis
One was with Skylarks in the MoD fields at Corton on the 2nd-3rd.

Other Wildlife
A Common Seal Phoca vitulina was swimming north close inshore along the North Beach on the 3rd.

Butterflies continue to be well represented with Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria tricus at Warren House Wood on the 1st, and Sparrows Nest and Belle Vue Parks on the 5th. A single Painted Lady Cynthia cardui was at Gunton Warren on the 2nd with another at Corton on the 5th, and two Comma Polygonia c-album were on Lowestoft North Denes with five at Corton on the 2nd. On the 4th ten Commas and 15 Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta were feeding on the ivy covering the old railway bridge at Stirrups Lane, Corton. Small Coppers Lycaena phlaeas were noted on Lowestoft North Denes on the 2nd and Gunton Warren on the 3rd.
A single Hornet Vespa crabro flew south along the clifftop at Hopton on the 3rd.

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