Recent bird sightings in our area

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WEEK ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

Once again another brilliant week for birds. There's been a significant southerly passage of Grey Wagtails and Siskins as well as good numbers of chats including some really smart Wheatears and Redstarts. The stars have been local megas such as Quail and Osprey. However the best was saved until last and September was rounded off in sensational style by Lowestoft's first OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT at Corton on the 30th.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
One flew north past Lowestoft on the 25th.

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
Two passed north at Lowestoft on the 25th.

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
Birds passed Ness Point on the 24th (5) and 25th (6).

Mute Swan Cygnus olor
One flew west over Gunton on the 26th

Brent Goose Branta bernicula
Birds passed Lowestoft on the 24th (5), 25th (3) and 29th (3).

RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea
Whether wild or escaped the one that flew south past Lowestoft North Denes on the 28th was a complete surprise. Possibly the same bird was on Breydon Water Norfolk on the 30th.

Wigeon Anas penelope / Teal A. crecca
Several small flocks of duck were moving offshore on the 24th and 25th. Wigeon formed the bulk of the flocks with 32 on the 24th and 323 on the 25th. Smaller numbers of Teal were mixed in with 32 on the 24th and 56 on the 25th. On the 30th 7 Wigeon flew south at Corton along with 21 Teal and a solitary Tufted Duck A. fuligula.

Pintail A. acuta
One's and two's were accompanying the Wigeon flocks on the 25th with 40 were noted.

Shoveler A. clypeata
Three flew north past Gunton on the 25th.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
Two flew south past Gunton on the 25th, with two north there on the 29th.

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
One flew south-west over Lowestoft North Denes on the 24th.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
12 were at Corton on the 27th.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Two flocks totalling 24 on the 26th was one of the highest totals for the Corton area.

QUAIL Coturnix coturnix
One was flushed from Gunton Warren on the 24th. The observer was just as startled as the bird which just evaded a size 9 walking boot!!!

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Five flew south past Lowestoft North Denes on the 24th.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Three were in the fields at Corton Cliffs early morning on the 25th and what could quite easily been the same trio spent the rest of the day resting in a stubble field at Gunton. Two were present at Gunton on the 26th. One flew east out to sea at Corton MoD on the 30th.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Birds have been noted at Gunton Warren 25th (8 north); Corton Cliffs 25th (3); and Ness Point 28th (13).

Dunlin Calidris alpina
A small but perfectly formed group fed on the pools on Lowestoft North Denes on the 24th (5), 25th (9), 26th (2), 27th (3) and 28th (4). Two were also in a field at Corton on the 25th.

Little Stint C. minuta
Juvenile Little Stint Two juveniles were with the Dunlins on Lowestoft North Denes from the 25th-28th. On the 28th they were feeding on the pools on the camp site but were flushed by a lawnmower early morning. It's incredible they've stayed so long.

The videograb at left was taken when one of them visited a puddle in Links Road car park.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Two flew south over at Lowestoft on the 25th.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Two flew north over Lowestoft North Denes on the 24th and was at Corton Cliffs on the 25th.

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
One was in a flooded field at Corton on the 30th. A nice surprise (although the bird may not share that sentiment!).

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
An adult on Lowestoft North Denes on the 27th was the returning individual with a white Darvic plastic leg ring inscribed 21N. This bird was hatched in the Netherlands in 1997 and was first noted in Lowestoft in September of that year and has returned to winter here every year since. It has been noted once at Blythburgh in Suffolk and once at the Cotswold Water Park near Swindon.

Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis
The regular adult was again seen along the Lowestoft North Beach on the 28th. On the 28th 52 Great Black-backed Gulls L. marinus were in Hamilton Dock.

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
A juvenile was at Corton on the 25th.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
One flew in off the sea at Lowestoft North Denes at 8:49am on the 30th.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Good numbers on the move this week. The majority have been southbound early morning. Birds have been noted at Sparrows Nest Park 24th (1 north), 25th (1) and 27th (1 feeding around ponds); Lowestoft North Denes 25th (4 south), 26th (1 south), 27th (5 including 3 south together) and 28th (1); Lowestoft Cemetery 27th (1); Corton 25th (2 south); Kessingland Sluice 26th (1); Gunton 26th (1 south) and 27th (1 south); Kensington Gardens 27th (1 south); and Lowestoft town centre 29th (1).

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
One flew south at Gunton Warren on the 25th.

Robin Erithacus rubecula
As with last week good numbers throughout the coastal area between Gorleston and Lowestoft. Lesser numbers were present on the 26th compared to the previous day.

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
One was in Hamilton Dock on the 25th.

WRYNECK Jynx torquilla
An good inland record came from St. Olaves, where one was feeding in the observers garden on the 25th .

Swallow Hirundo rustica
15 flew north over Lowestoft/Corton on the 25th. Numbers seem much reduced compared to last week.

House Martin Delichon urbica
A flock of 70+ were feeding over Lowestoft Cemetery during the evening on the 27th.

RICHARD'S PIPIT Anthus richardii
One was reported at Corton MoD on the 25th.

OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT A. hodgsoni
September finished in style when a stunning Olive-backed Pipit was discovered in 'the field of dreams' at Corton/Hopton on the 30th. Initially it was flushed from the clifftop footpath and passed off as a Tree Pipit on call, Ooooppps! However shortly afterwards, when it hopped up into full view in a Hawthorn bush, panic set in. Five privileged birders watched it for about five minutes before it dropped into long grass. The news was then phoned out but unfortunately only two birders managed to twitch it. It was reported on the pagers late afternoon briefly before flying off south-west. With bad weather predicted over night it may well stay. Hopefully!!!

Tree Pipit A. trivialis
Birds were noted at Lowestoft Cemetery 25th (2); and Corton 25th (1).

Meadow Pipit A. pratensis
Several were on the move along the coast on the 25th. Corton and the North Denes being the favoured areas at the moment. The Corton flock totalled 120 on the 25th.

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Once again good numbers around this week. Birds have been noted at Lowestoft 24th (1), 25th (6), 26th (1), 27th (1) and 28th (4); Gunton 24th (7), 25th (11) and 26th (4); Corton 24th (10), 25th (17), 27th (1) and 30th (1); and Gorleston 25th (2) and 26th (3).

Black Redstart P. ochruros
One was in Lowestoft North Denes caravan park on the 26th.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Birds have been noted at Gunton Warren 24th (1), 25th (4) 26th (3) and 29th (3); Corton 24th (1) and 30th (2 males); and Lowestoft North Denes 25th (1).

Whinchat S. rubetra
Birds have been noted at Lowestoft 25th (3), 26th (1) 27th-28th (1) and 29th (2); Corton 24th (3), 25th (1) and 28th (1); Gunton 25th (7); and Gorleston 25th (2) and 26th (4).

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Good numbers have again been around at Lowestoft 24th (6), 25th (14), 26th (18), 27th (7), 28th (5), 29th (5) and 30th (3); Corton 24th (6), 25th (14), 27th (4), 28th (4) and 30th (8); Gunton 25th (8); Kessingland Beach 27th (6); Pakefield Beach 27th (2) and Gorleston 25th (8), 26th (8) and 30th (2).

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
A first-year was on Lowestoft North Denes in the afternoon of the 27th.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
One was watched completing its North Sea crossing at Lowestoft on the 25th. Others were at Gunton 26th (1) and Corton 26th (2).

Redwing T. iliacus
The daily totals between Hopton and Lowestoft have been 24th (25) and 25th (52).

Song Thrush T. philomelos
There's been quite an arrival of this species. 95 were at two localities between Hopton and Lowestoft on the 24th with 100+ on the 25th.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia
An excellent record concerned one on Lowestoft North Denes on the 25th. This little fellow gave two birders a big scare with visions of Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler still fresh in the mind!!!

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
One was at Corton disused railway line on the 25th.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
A few noted on the 25th at Gunton (2); Lowestoft (2); and Corton (1).

BARRED WARBLER S. nisoria
One was present along the slope at Lowestoft North Denes on the 25th. It is regarded as a different bird to the weekends individual. And with the status of migrant passerines in the area so dynamic at the moment it wouldn't be a surprise if it wasn't September's sixth.

Lesser Whitethroat S. curruca
Birds have been noted at Lowestoft North Denes 25th (2) and 26th (1); and Gunton 25th (2).

Common Whitethroat S. communis
Singles were at Gunton and Corton on the 25th and Lowestoft North Denes on the 28th.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus
Two have been found this week. In keeping with last weeks birds the first in Lowestoft Cemetery proved very elusive on the 25th. The second in Kirkley Cemetery on the 26th was more obliging showing very well in the evening when it was found. Four before the end of September is pretty good.

Chiffchaff P. collybita / Willow Warbler P. trochilus
Good numbers of both species were along the coast between the 24th and 25th. The largest gathering concerned 8 in Kensington Gardens, South Lowestoft on the 27th.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Single birds were on Lowestoft North Denes 24th and Hopton 24th-25th. Two were in Kirkley Cemetery on the 26th.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Birds have been noted at Lowestoft 24th (1), 25th (2) and 26th (2); Hopton 24th (1); Lound 25th (1); and Corton 25th (2).

RED-BACKED SHRIKE Lanius collurio
A smart juvenile was present at the southern end of Gorleston Gorleston golf course from the 25th-26th.

Siskin Carduelis spinus
Good numbers have again been on the move along the coast. To give an idea of when the peaks have been last weeks totals have been included: 20th (505 north), 21st (564 north), 22nd (45 north), 23rd (79 north), 24th (166 north, 60 south), 25th (112 north), 27th (27 south), 28th (5 south), 29th (168 south) and 30th (10).

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Two were along Corton disused railway line on the 25th.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
One (male) was at Gunton Warren early morning on the 25th.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis
One was at Gunton Warren on the 25th.

WEEK ENDED SEPTEMBER 23, 2001

Frequent downpours grounded several migrants during the course of the 18th and 19th. The first Fieldfare of the autumn was seen at Gunton where a typically elusive Barred Warbler gave infrequent views. Nearby at Corton good numbers of Wheatears were present late afternoon whereas none were present in the morning. Another drop-in migrant was a Richard's Pipit at the old MoD site. Throughout the area passerine status was dynamic as birds were forced down as a result of heavy showers. Species involved included Wheatear, Whinchat, Redstart (pictured left) and Spotted Flycatcher.

The 20th found even more migrants deposited on the area with Yellow-browed Warbler, Lapland Bunting, Tree Pipits, Ring Ouzel and Siskin being new, and the Barred Warbler and Richard's Pipit were still present in much better viewing conditions i.e. no monsoons. Towards the end of the week numbers of common migrants had tailed off.

Ness Point has produced a quality bird in the shape of a juvenile Sabine's Gull on the 17th. It has also produced its usual crop of oddities including a southbound Sparrowhawk. So far this week its been brilliant so get out and get wet!!!!

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
A smart summer plumaged bird flew north past Hopton on the 21st.

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
Birds flew north past Pakefield (3) and Hopton (1) on the 21st, but there wasn't much seawatching going on!!!!!

Brent Goose Branta bernicula
Two passed Ness Point on the 17th, and two passed north on the 22nd.

Pintail Anas acuta
A flock of 25 flew north past Lowestoft North Denes on the 21st.

Teal A. crecca
Six were on the sea at Lowestoft North Denes on the 23rd.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
Birds were noted at Ness Point on the 17th (40) and 18th (45).

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
One flew south at 10:15 over Gunton on the 19th.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
One that flew south past Ness Point on the 17th was a most unusual record. Interestingly, several have been seen migrating from Helgoland - a migration hotspot off Germany. Their website often gives a good idea of what's on the move, a link is on our links page.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
The autumn's fourth flew in off the sea at Ness Point on the 17th. One or two along the coast on the 21st were likely migrants. A male at Corton Cliffs looked wary as if it had flown across the North Sea.

Hobby F. subbuteo
A stunning adult was chasing passerines at Corton Cliffs on the 21st.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Five were in clifftop fields at Corton on the 23rd.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Five flew south past Lowestoft North Denes on the 23rd.

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
One was present at Ness Point all day on the 18th and six were at Corton on the 20th.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
One was resting on Lowestoft North Denes on the 20th early morning. At Corton 40 were in the stubble fields on the 19th with 43 on the 21st.

Knot Calidris canutus
10 passed Ness Point on the 17th and one was feeding in a puddle at Corton Cliffs on the 19th.

Purple Sandpiper C. maritima
One was at Ness Point on the 23rd.

Dunlin Calidris alpina
40 passed Ness Point on the 17th.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Three were in the M.o.D. fields at Corton on the morning of the 20th.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
One flew north past Ness Point on the 10th.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
Birds were noted at Ness Point on the 17th (9) and 18th (3).

Great Skua S. skua
One was at Ness Point on the 18th.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
A winter plumaged adult flew north along Pakefield Beach on the 21st. An adult on Lowestoft North Denes on the 23rd was the returning individual with a white Darvic plastic leg ring inscribed 21N. This bird was hatched in the Netherlands in 1997 and was first noted in Lowestoft in September of that year and has returned to winter here every year since. It has been noted once at Blythburgh in Suffolk and once at the Cotswold Water Park near Swindon.

Little Gull L. minutus
Eight adults flew north past Hopton on the 21st and a single adult passed north at Gunton Warren on the 23rd.

Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
Several, mainly immatures, are still present offshore at the moment.

SABINE'S GULL L. sabini
A juvenile delighted two observers when it flew south past Ness Point at 5:35pm on the 17th. This stunning bird was only 300 yards offshore. A juvenile had flown south past Gorleston the day before although it is highly unlikely that the same bird was involved.

Guillemot Uria aalge
Two passed Ness Point on the 17th.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
A single migrant was at Hopton golf course on the 20th, and three over Gunton disused railway track the same day also seemed to have arrived from the sea. One was on Lowestoft North Denes on the 21st. Two were at Corton disused railway line on the 23rd.

Swallow Hirundo rustica
Small numbers were moving north along the coast on the 21st and 80 were feeding over the fields at Corton Cliffs on the 22nd.

House Martin Delichon urbica
There's been a sudden drop in the numbers that have been moving through this week following the unusually high numbers during the last fortnight. On the 22nd, 20 flew north during the day.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus
Two were at Ness Point on the 18th, and one was along the North Beach on the 23rd.

Tree Pipit A. trivialis
Birds were noted at Lowestoft North Denes 20th (2); Lowestoft Cemetery 20th-21st (1); Corton 20th (3); Gunton 20th (2); Hopton 20th (3), 21st (1).

Meadow Pipit A. pratensis
Numbers peaked on the 20th and 21st. At Corton on the 20th an estimated 200 was a conservative count. On the 21st a minimum of 200 were along Lowestoft North Beach at first light. The general trend during the day saw most moving north. On the 22nd 50 were in a ploughed field at Kessingland Cliffs.

RICHARD'S PIPIT A. richardii
One was at Corton from the 19th-20th. It was in the stubble fields at the old MoD complex and was mostly seen in flight. On a couple of occasions on the 20th it was seen well as it fed in the furrows in the south-eastern corner of the field. Unfortunately, it couldn't be found on the 21st despite an extensive search. Pipit numbers were well down compared to the previous day.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Birds were seen at Corton (1); Hopton (1) and Gunton (3 together) on the 21st, and singles at Hopton and Sparrows Nest Park on the 22nd.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Two were in fields at Corton on the 20th and another flew over the Denes High School, Lowestoft.

Dunnock Prunella modularis
Several migrants have been noted along the coast over the last few days between Gorleston and Kessingland.

Robin Erithacus rubecula
Three migrants were at Corton M.o.D. late afternoon on the 19th. With good numbers noted on the 20th in the Lowestoft area. At Corton there were 50 and five on groynes along Hopton Beach were obvious migrants.

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Birds have been noted at Corton/Hopton 19th (5), 20th (30), 21st (13), 22nd (1) and 23rd (2); Lowestoft 20th (8), 21st (3), 22nd (3) and 23rd (2); Gunton 19th (7), 20th (12), 21st (5) and 22nd (2); Gorleston 20th (7); and Pakefield Cliffs 22nd (1).

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Two juveniles were at Gunton Warren on the 20th and 22nd with three on the 23rd. Another was in Hamilton Dock on the 23rd.

Whinchat S. rubetra
Birds have been seen at Lowestoft 19th (2), 20th (10), 21st (8) and 22nd (2); Gunton 19th (2), 20th (15) and 21st (3); Corton/Hopton 19th (1), 20th (22), 21st (10) and 23rd (1); Gorleston 20th (4); and Pakefield 19th (3) and 22nd (2).

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Very good numbers have been around this week coinciding with ideal fall conditions i.e. intermittent showers (mini monsoons would be a more apt description for some of them) and northerly winds. Birds have been noted at Gorleston 20th (5); Corton/Hopton 18th (24), 19th (7), 20th (67) and 21st (24); Lowestoft 19th (8), 20th (15), 21st (15), 22nd (11) and 23rd (7); Gunton 20th (6) and 21st (5); Pakefield Cliffs 19th (14) and 21st (2) and Kessingland Cliffs 22nd (4).

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
One was at Hopton early morning on the 20th.

Fieldfare T. pilaris
The autumn's first was at Gunton on the 19th-20th with it or another briefly in Gunton Drive on the 19th. Another was at Hopton on the 20th.

Redwing T. iliacus
Birds were noted at Lowestoft Cemetery (10+), Hopton golf course (5), Corton (12) and Gunton (12) on the 20th, up to five were at Lowestoft Cemetery on the 21st and Corton on the 22nd. On the 23rd two small groups flew over Holly Road, Oulton Broad.

Song Thrush T. philomelos
Several newly arrived and extremely wary migrants were noted along the coast between the 19th-21st. 20+ were at Gunton disused railway line on the 20th.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Migrants were at Corton and Gunton 20th; Arnold's Walk 22nd; and Lowestoft North Denes 20th-21st, with 2 on the 22nd.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
Good numbers were around on the 20th and 21st. At least 6 were on Lowestoft North Denes on the 21st.

BARRED WARBLER S. nisoria
Barred Warbler at Gunton Five juveniles were found this week. The first was at the migrant hotspot of Gunton disused railway line from the 19th-20th. It was typically elusive at times but did show well on occasions, as can be gauged from the videograb of it to the left. The second was at Gorleston/Hopton Cliffs on the afternoon of the 20th.

On the 21st a rather showy individual was on the slope just south of Link's Hill on Lowestoft North Denes. Another at Gunton Warren was seen well in flight on three occasions but soon vanished in the vast expanse of Bracken.

The North Denes individual was still present on the 22nd at the same time the fifth one was found in the Denes Oval. Once again this individual gave very good views. The North Denes bird was still present on the 23rd but kept a low profile.

Lesser Whitethroat S. curruca
Birds have been noted at Hopton 20th (1); Gunton 20th (2) and 22nd (1); Corton 20th (2); Pakefield Cliffs 22nd (1); and Kessingland Cliffs 22nd (2).

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus
One was heard calling five times just to the north of Warren House Wood, Lowestoft on the 20th, but could not be found in the dense foliage. A second bird was in Sycamores around the perimeter of the Denes Oval from the 22nd-23rd. It gave good views on occasions on the first day, but on the 23rd it was highly elusive despite being very vocal in the afternoon.

Chiffchaff P. collybita / Willow Warbler P. trochilus
At the start of the week numbers were low. On the 21st there had been an obvious arrival with several of each species noted at various coastal locations, with a further increase on the 22nd.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus
The local population has increased as a result of migration. On the 20th, 6 were at Gunton.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
Birds have been noted at Corton 18th (3), 20th (3), 21st (1) and 22nd (1); Gunton 19th (2) and 20th (2); Kessingland Cliffs 22nd (1); and Lowestoft 20th (2) and 22nd (1).

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
The first of the week were at Gunton disused railtrack on the 19th-20th. After which they have been recorded in good numbers at Corton/Hopton 20th (10), 21st (4), 22nd (5) and 23rd (1); Gorleston 20th (1); Gunton 20th (4) and 21st (2); Kessingland Cliffs 22nd (2); and Lowestoft 20th (7), 21st (3), 22nd (7) and 23rd (2).

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Reasonable numbers have been noted in Lowestoft Parks, Kessingland sewage works and Corton indicating some might be migrants.

Siskin Carduelis spinus
Impressive numbers were moving north along the coast on the 20th (505), 21st (564), 22nd (45) and 23rd (79).

Redpoll C. flammea
Two flew north over Lowestoft North Denes on the 21st.

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus
One was in the stubble fields at the old M.o.D. on the 20th.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis
A male was at Pakefield Beach late afternoon on the 19th. Another was at Gunton Warren on the 23rd.

Other Wildlife
On the 21st a Red Fox Basil brushicus was seen on Lowestoft North Denes and one was at Corton on the 22nd.

Not that we have a clue - Moth news!!! A Red Underwing was found in typical lounge dwelling style in North Lowestoft on the 17th, from the living room. And two Margartia sticticulis were found in Lowestoft on the 23rd. Apparently this migrant species of Pyralid moth is scarce in Suffolk.

WEEK ENDED SEPTEMBER 16, 2001

Although the weather wasn't ideal for passerine movement one or two wheatears were seen. Incredibly several butterflies were arriving in off the sea during latter part of the week. However, as with most of year so far seawatching has been good. On the 10th a Balearic Shearwater that flew past Ness Point was a Lowestoft first.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
One flew south at Ness Point on the 16th.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
A winter plumaged bird drifted north past Ness Point on the 16th.

BALEARIC SHEARWATER Puffinus mauretanicus
Countless hours of seawatching by two observers this autumn finally turned up trumps on the 10th. At 18:20 a Balearic Shearwater flew north past Ness Point at a distance of about 4km. In good light conditions the brown plumage was clearly seen and a single Sooty Shearwater P. griseus that flew north a minute later gave good comparisons of structural and flight differences. This is the first addition to the Lowestoft List this year. Hopefully it will not be the last!!!

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
Birds were noted at Ness Point on the 10th (96), 15th (20) and 16th (5).

SPOONBILL Platalea leucorodia
One was still present on Breydon Water, Norfolk on the 14th.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
Birds flew north at Ness Point on the 10th (25) and 16th (4).

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
A male flew north 100 yards offshore at Ness Point on the 16th.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Eight were at Corton Cliffs on the 15th.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
One flew north past Ness Point on the 10th.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Four flew north past Ness Point on the 10th.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres
20 were at Ness Point on the 15th.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
29 flew past Ness Point on the 10th, and one disorientated individual wandered inland over Oulton Broad the same day.

Great Skua S. skua
Four were noted at Ness Point on the 10th (two north and two south).

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
An adult flew over Sussex Road, Lowestoft on the 10th.

Little Gull L. minutus
Birds were at Ness Point sewage outfall on the 10th (11) - 16th (5); and Corton on the 15th (2).

Swift Apus apus
Birds flew south at Pakefield 13th (1) and Corton Church 15th (2).

Swallow Hirundo rustica
Small numbers were noted with larger groups of House Martins on the 15th (see below).

Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Two flew south at Pakefield on the 13th.

House Martin Delichon urbica
Despite being virtually non-existent as a breeder locally this species has been one of the most visible migrants in the last fortnight. On the 10th c40 were in the Claremont Pier area. And by the weeks end in strong north-westerly winds several groups were drifting south along the coast. Of those noted on the 15th the total was in excess of 150. So the exact number that passed over that day must have been high. Surprisingly no Sand Martins were seen.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
Small numbers were arriving off the sea during the week.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
The juvenile was still at Gunton Warren on the 13th.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Birds have been noted at Wellington Gardens, South Lowestoft 12th (1); Pakefield 13th (1); Gunton Warren 15th (2) and 16th (1); and Hamilton Dock 15th-16th (1).

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
One was in Lowestoft Cemetery on the 16th.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus
One in Lowestoft Cemetery on the 15th was probably a migrant.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis
One was at Gunton Warren on the 15th.

Other Wildlife
A few Speckled Woods Pararge aegeria tricus were on the wing on the 15th at Corton and surprisingly high numbers of migrant butterflies were arriving in off the sea in strong north-westerlies. Notably Red Admirals Vanessa atalanta were actually watched arriving low over the water before heading off south at speed. The other two species seen in good numbers, Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae and Small White Pieris rapae, may well have done the same but weren't witnessed arriving. Bizarre!!!

A young Common Seal Phoca vitulina that hauled itself ashore at Lowestoft South Beach on the 10th was promptly mobbed by gulls.

WEEK ENDED SEPTEMBER 09, 2001

Migrants were still passing through in small numbers on the 3rd. A Reed Warbler was along the slope on Lowestoft North Denes and a smart Redstart was along Gunton disused railway line.

The sixth Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis for Suffolk, this time an adult, was discovered on the 4th at Tinkers' Marsh, Walberswick by John (Buffy the Sandpiper Finder) Grant.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata
One flew south at Ness Point on the 7th, with one north on the 8th.

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
Four flew north off Ness Point on the 7th. A lot more were seen on the 8th.

SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus
Singles flew north past Ness Point at 14:10 and 15:55 on the 7th at a distance of about 2.5 kilometres.

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
Birds were noted at Ness Point on the 3rd (7) and 7th (43).

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
One flew north past Ness Point on the 8th.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
A single bird was noted heading north at height approx. 4 kilometres offshore at Ness Point on the 8th. Shortly after, it descended to sea level and continued northwards making no attempt to head towards the coast.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
A fairly confiding juvenile was at Ness Point from the 7th-8th.

Knot Calidris canutus
Six flew north at Ness Point on the 8th.

Sanderling Calidris alba
Five flew south at Ness Point on the 7th.

Curlew Sandpiper C. ferruginea
Eleven were feeding with 200 Dunlin C. alpina on Breydon South Shore on the 5th.

Purple Sandpiper C. maritima
The first returning bird of the autumn, a moulting adult, arrived at Ness Point on the 4th and was still present on the 7th. Two were together there on the 8th, and two reported south past Corton may have been the same birds.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
One was at Kessingland Beach on the 4th.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Singles were at Hamilton Dock, Lowestoft Harbour on the 5th and Ness Point on the 8th.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Seven were feeding at Ness Point on the 3rd, with 12 there on the 7th.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus
One flew north past Ness Point on the 9th.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
Birds were noted at Ness Point on the 4th (25), 7th (3), 8th (6) and 9th (5).

LONG-TAILED SKUA S. longicaudus
Three of these wonderful birds were seen heading south on the 4th. Two of them were sensational adults that passed Ness Point at 7:15 and Gorleston golf course at 16:55. The other was a juvenile 300 metres offshore at Ness Point at 18:15.

Great Skua S. skua
Two were noted at Ness Point on the 9th.

Little Gull Larus minutus
An adult was on the groynes along Lowestoft North Beach on the 3rd. Five adults and three juveniles were feeding at the sewage outfall on the 7th, with a similar number moving north there on the 8th.

Yellow-legged Gull L. michahellis
The regular adult was again seen along Lowestoft North Beach on the 3rd and the 8th. It looks much smarter now that its moult has progressed a bit further.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Six flew south past Kessingland with another two south over the sewage works there on the 4th. Four flew north and two south at Ness Point on the 8th.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger
Single juveniles were noted passing south at Ness Point on the 4th and 5th.

Common Swift Apus apus
One was feeding with Swallows and House Martins below Lowestoft Lighthouse on the 8th.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Two were in Hamilton Dock on the 9th.

Swallow Hirundo rustica
15 were feeding over Lowestoft North Denes on the 3rd.

House Martin Delichon urbica
This species has been passing through in good numbers over the last two weeks. On the morning of the 3rd a single flock of at least 52 was feeding over Gunton disused railway line and adjacent woodland.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
One was at Corton on the 8th.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Three were between Hamilton Dock and Ness Point on the 8th.

Redstart P. phoenicurus
One was along Gunton disused railway line on the 3rd.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
A single bird was along Breydon South Wall on the 5th.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
One was on Lowestoft North Denes on the 3rd.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
One was on the slope along Lowestoft North Denes on the 3rd.

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Migrants were at Lowestoft North Denes 3rd (1); Kessingland Sewage Works 4th (2); and Ness Point 8th (1).

Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus
Four were along the reed fringed ditches at Breydon South Wall on the 5th.

Other Wildlife
A Harbour Porpoise Phocoena phocoena, and a very large bull Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus were were seen offshore at Ness Point on the 8th.