group leader’s thoughtsto note a wren (not the hebridean sort), a rock pipit (more numerous than...

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England and Wales—No. 207076, Scotland No. SC037654

Last chance to renew your membership, the form is on page 26

Pictures from member Alan Baldry. The woodpeckers visited his garden and the jackdaw was pictured at

Boyton

2 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2018

GROUP LEADER’S THOUGHTS from Tim Kenny

Whinchat. Picture—Chris Courtney

I t is St. Patrick’s Day as I write this, and it is snowing outside. Two days before

the vernal equinox and the start of spring, the mini ‘Beast from the East’ has left a light covering of snow on the ground, and given our wild birds additional problems in reaching their food buried under the white stuff. The fat from the rather excellent baked ham I enjoyed for dinner last night has already been hoovered up by the local magpies, starlings and blackbirds, and a pied wagtail has taken shelter in my mother’s back garden, an unusual species for this particular patch. Fluffed up against the cold, it has been coming very close to the window, making photography easy, even in the low light. But this cold snap pales into insignificance next to its big brother. ‘The Beast from the East’ caused disruption all over our patch (I was confined to Felixstowe all week), but the harsh weather can make for great birding, if one is prepared to wrap up and face the elements. We often get told by less experienced birders that they’ve seen a strange bird in their garden; more often than not, the answer is a jay, but during the snowy weather I had two people send me photos of a large thrush coming to apples. The chestnut back and blue-grey head readily identified the mystery birds as fieldfares, a bird that generally is only seen in our more urban environments during harsh weather. Similarly redwings are driven to the slightly warmer climes of the towns when things take a turn for the Siberian. I can remember them being all over Felixstowe during the freeze of 2010, whereas generally the only time they come to our notice in the urban sprawl is on autumn and spring nights, as they navigate their

way to and from their breeding grounds, giving a distinctive high-pitched tseep call. Hopefully the snow will be gone soon and spring can get under way, but I can’t help wondering about the effect such late cold snaps are going to have on our bird populations. Reports of several dead waders being washed ashore at Landguard have been received, and with species such as tawny owls already breeding let’s hope that their young have made it through. A recent trip up to Norfolk revealed a sign of spring, the display flight of the magnificent goshawk over the extensive pines of the Thetford Forest. We failed to find the raptor viewpoint near Cockley Cley, but instead found a rather pleasant patch of woodland with feeding stations being visited by various tit species. During a gap in the showery weather buzzards and red kites appeared above the treetops, before the distinctive ‘sparrowhawk on steroids’ shape of a superb goshawk glided over in a wonderful flypast. We didn’t find the raptor watchpoint, but we found the raptor! Coming up on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7 is Spring Wood Day. When the weather is right, this is a great opportunity to see migrants such as chiffchaff and lesser whitethroat, and perhaps hear a nightingale. As well as having a stall set up, we’re hoping to lead a few walks to find these gems, so it would be good to see you there. And then we’re into my favourite birding time of the year, when new life bursts out all around and birdsong fills the air in the mornings and evenings.


Pied

wagtail.

Picture—

Tim Kenny

Fieldfare.

Picture—

Tim Kenny


T he Outer Hebrides occupy the most north-westerly part of the

British Isles. Standing on the west coast one is reminded that the next landfall is Newfoundland on the eastern seaboard of Canada, so it is not surprising that vagrants from America will find landfall there. However, the Hebrides are home to a range of European birds as well, including some not easily seen elsewhere. Our trip was in early October so there was evidence of migration all around. Some birds which breed there had already departed south and were either absent or present in much smaller numbers. However, there were still a few swallows flitting through. Also some birds which may be scarce in the south are scarcer here. There are two endemic subspecies: the Hebridean wren (Troglodytes troglodytes hebridensis) slightly larger and much darker than its mainland cousin and the Hebridean song thrush (Turdus philomelos hebridensis) which has a dark brown back, greyish rump, pale buff base colour to the underparts and grey-tinged flanks. Hebridean wrens were seen throughout the islands but we only saw one Hebridean song thrush at Balgarva. Our journey started on the Isle of Skye and I reflected as we sped over the bridge spanning Loch Alsh that the last time I made this journey as a teenager it was on a ferry. Within easy reach of our ferry at Uig we took some time out to bird and noted a party of red-breasted mergansers out on the bay, bar-tailed godwits (incidentally the common godwit seen on this trip), curlew, dunlin, oystercatchers and grey herons.

As we were in Scotland the crows were hoodies and were joined by ravens. We were early for the ferry so were able to note a wren (not the Hebridean sort), a rock pipit (more numerous than meadow pipits here) and a juvenile white-tailed eagle being mobbed by yet more ravens. Out on the water was a single black guillemot. A bird I had not seen in winter plumage, and what an attractive bird it was. Also seen were eider and shag (far more common than cormorants on this trip). The ferry trip was surprisingly calm with quite bright conditions so we found a corner on deck out of the wind. Birds seen en route included gannets, kittiwakes, common guillemots, and great and Artic skuas. The first part of our trip covered the southern islands – North and South Uist, Benbecula and Berneray; all separate islands but joined by causeways. Higher ground is to the east, machair* to the

(Continued on page 5)

ISLANDS ON THE EDGE from Patricia Hall

Whooper swans. Picture—Barry Hall


west and low lying peat bogs sandwiched in between, interspersed with numerous small lochs. Looking at the map there appears to be more water than land. We started our quest for rarities by looking out for a white-rumped sandpiper which had been reported. This American species is very similar to a dunlin but the difference becomes obvious when it flies – hence its name. We spent some time searching through the wader flocks adding sanderling, ringed plover, turnstone and little stint to the list, whilst the lochs and sea provided good views of teal, wigeon, whooper swans (much more common than mute), eider, Slavonian grebe, and great northern divers. Finally the sandpiper flew in with a small flock of dunlin. Next we turned inland to a small plantation (clearly a failed forestry project) where a yellow-browed warbler had been reported in the scrubby trees. Here they are far less common than on the east coast of the UK. A goldcrest and chiffchaff showed early on and a brambling (apparently the first report of the autumn here). Finally the target bird appeared before all avian life disappeared into the bushes when a sparrowhawk flew through! Other raptors seen were kestrel, common buzzard, short-eared owl and merlin, but perhaps the best was another merlin perched on the fence by the side of the road which stayed long enough for everyone to have a good look. Further scans along the beaches and fields produced snipe, golden plover, linnet and twite, and out on the sea another

great northern diver, this time in summer plumage. The next rarity reported had been a common rosefinch. This was in a garden near the ferry terminal. It did show well for a short time but would not show itself again, but as we waited we saw a short-eared owl (not bad for a garden bird), chaffinch, siskins with our first golden eagles soaring distantly over the hills. More golden eagles were seen further along the road harassing a white-tailed eagle which was also being mobbed by ravens. Our next target bird was a common crane that had been reported on Berneray, another scarce bird in the north; however you cannot get very far along the road without having to stop for something else. This time it was a drake American wigeon, another white-tailed eagle with attendant ravens and a ringtail hen harrier. The crane was very distant but easy to see and we were also

(Continued from page 4)


Lapwing. Picture—Chris Courtney


able to add lapwing, skylark and peregrine falcon to the list. Another peregrine flew along the road together with more twite. At the lunch stop whilst looking at the waders we noted our first red-throated divers of the trip together with eiders and black guillemot. Our next stop was RSPB Balranald, a reserve which is minus café and gift shop but does have toilets and a campsite; however our arrival was delayed by yet another stunning bird, this time a male hen harrier. This reserve is coastal and consists mainly of machair and is managed for flowers in spring, geese in winter and corn buntings all year round. Whilst we were there we saw a large flock of barnacle geese fly in, apparently the first of the season and truly wild birds that breed in the Arctic. There were more red-throated divers on the sea and corn buntings were seen along with linnet, twite, house sparrows and another hen harrier but we had better views of corn buntings on a return visit the next day. The following day it was time to move on to the northern islands Harris and Lewis. Our ferry did not leave until lunch time so there was time to seek out the great white egret which had been reported (another scarce bird in the north) and snow goose. This was deemed a real wild bird (i.e. not an escape from a collection) as it had been seen flying in with migrating pink-footed geese. We saw many flocks of greylag geese, again many of these may have been wild birds (i.e. birds which breed in northern regions but migrate south for the winter unlike feral geese which do not migrate). The ferry trip across the Sound of Harris is quite a short journey but produced plenty of birds including: gannet, shag,

more great northern divers, and our first black-throated divers. Harris and Lewis are very different from the southern islands. Harris is very mountainous, as is Lewis, but here there are vast stretches of moorland as well. Our target for Harris was another American bird – a surf scoter. Unfortunately the weather was against us and we had very poor views indeed of this vagrant together with a large flock of common scoter, and a few long-tailed ducks and Slavonian grebes. A bird for another day! Fortunately the weather improved as we drove north and we were able to add to our tally of great northern divers, red-throated divers, one in summer plumage, and eider. Our destination on the following day was the Butt of Lewis; sunny but windy with a steady passage of birds heading south: gannets, kittiwakes, common guillemots, great northern divers and three snow buntings. Our lunch stop was the hide at Loch Stiapavat but not before we had a look at a redpoll in a village garden. The loch is part of a local nature reserve and we were amused to see amongst the dos and don’ts on the notice at the reserve entrance, ‘Please respect the Sabbath!’ We were definitely in the domain of the Free Church of Scotland. On the loch were ruff, dunlin, barnacle and pale-bellied Brent geese, teal, wigeon and tufted duck. However a ringtail hen harrier flew so close we thought it was going to join us in the hide. Harris and Lewis are the place to go for eagles. Both species were seen easily here, mainly on the higher ground but they do hunt over the moorlands. We had superb views in several locations – I even had five in one telescope view! And




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we had a very close view of a golden eagle which landed on a rock close by. At a couple of locations they were so numerous we felt certain there was a carcass just over the hill. We made another visit to Taransay Bay in search of the surf scoter. The weather was clear (for the moment) but the birds were distant, but we were able to add black-throated diver, Slavonian grebes, razorbills and common guillemots to the list for the day. It was suggested we drive around to the other side of the bay to get a closer look. This involved quite a hike through the dunes and guess what; as soon as we rounded the point the rain came down again! A slightly better view than our previous visit but not much! All too soon it was time to go home, but there was another ferry journey of course. This time the weather was not so clement. Sunny but very rough. However this did not bother the birds and the usual Artic skuas, common guillemots, gannets and kittiwakes accompanied us.

All in all this was a memorable trip, the eagles were particularly spectacular and accompanied by a chorus of other super birds. *Machair: A fertile plain formed inland of a dune ridge which can support numerous flowering species of plant in season.


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Gannet. Picture—Barry Hall

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9.12.17—Thorpeness and North Warren Ten hardy souls gathered in freezing temperatures at a cold but clear Thorpeness Meare, evidenced by the large covering of ice which concentrated shovelers and mallards together in open water, whilst great black-backed, herring and black-headed gulls loafed about doing nothing. A short sea watch produced cormorant and several red-throated divers heading north, before the highlight of the day on the beach, where a flock of around thirty snow buntings performed beautifully for the group, producing several fly-bys, twittering all the time. A look over North Warren produced Canada, barnacle and white-fronted geese as well as one or two pink-footed geese. Wigeon, mallard and teal were also in attendance. On the walk along the old railway track a redwing showed amongst the blackbirds, dunnocks and robins. After a nice two hour walk we ended back at the Meare just as a female goosander flew over, circled around and landed in a patch of open water, giving good views to the departing birders.

Tim Kenny

14.1.18—Manningtree and Mistley A cloudy but calm day met those who assembled at Manningtree Maltings for the now annual trip to view birds on the Stour estuary. As it was high tide we proceeded quickly down to Mistley Quay to view the ducks which assemble off

there. Over 100 pintail were close in and around 70 goldeneye were noted off the quay. Excellent views were had of these birds at close range. Many of the male goldeneyes were displaying to females making an impressive show. Large numbers of shelducks were also present along with great crested grebes, little grebes and red-breasted mergansers. Over 1,000 black-tailed godwits were on the mudbank off the quay but moved off quickly when a bird of prey whizzed through pursued by four jackdaws. The speed of this action prevented identification of the foe but a peregrine falcon was the most likely suspect. We wandered back to Manningtree as the tide fell exposing the mud which attracts the vast flocks of waders to the Stour. We were able to view dunlins, redshanks and black-tailed godwits at close quarters along with wigeons, teal and Brent geese. Large flocks of knot swirled around but did not land on the south side of the estuary. Similarly, the flock of over 100 avocet remained on the north bank. The day ended with several members having


TRIP REPORTS

Snow Buntings. Picture—Tim Kenny


good views of a greenshank off Manningtree Boat Club. Several members then continued on to Tattingstone to view the hawfinches at Tattingstone Place*.

Stephen Marginson

*Sadly we were unsuccessful but the editor had excellent views of seven birds on the following Tuesday. 10.2.18—Abberton Reservoir Twenty-two members enjoyed the trip to Abberton Reservoir and the Essex Wildlife Reserve. The best birds were at our final calling point along the dam. A great white egret was viewed typically skulking in the reeds and superb close up views were had of a Slavonian grebe, so close in fact one hardly needed binoculars to view this superb small grebe. Earlier we had visited the reserve centre and two of the hides. Good numbers of duck were to view including teal, wigeon, gadwall, shoveller, goldeneye and rafts of pochard and tufted duck. As is the case these days 80 percent of the pochard were males. A lot of research is being carried out in to the lack of females and their poor survival rates as this is one of the main reasons for this ducks decline. Great views were had of three goosander. Other birds noted included gulls, mute swan and various members of the tit and finch family around the feeders. The reserve is fairly barren in winter as the trees and bushes are young, having been planted in 2015/16 after the reservoir water level was raised three metres with associated ground and construction works. They do

include special planted areas for turtle doves and thick bushes for declining warblers such as willow warbler, sedge warbler and whitethroats. In a few years when the habitat has matured, this will become a major reserve for these birds. Managed meadow areas provide ideal habitats for meadow pipits and skylark, the latter serenaded us with their song as we walked round the reserve, a real sign that spring is on the way.

Stephen Marginson

(Continued from page 8) Goldeneye. Picture—Barry Hall

Kingfisher. Picture—Tim Kenny


Cut sedge burning in Botany Bay

I n the January 2016 edition of this magazine I wrote about the magnificent

experience of watching a roost of many thousands of corvids at Buckenham Carr in Norfolk. Starling murmurations - what a lovely word - may appear to be very similar in numbers and purpose but there is one significant difference, which is the beautiful balletic formations they make when flying in. I have been fortunate to see many such displays, probably the largest being behind Swindon railway station. I had been to a council meeting of the Richard Jefferies Society and had almost reached the railway station, at about six in the evening. I became aware of their presence as several people were looking up, including policemen relaxing after seeing football supporters back on their trains and a mother determined to watch, despite protests from her teenage daughter, who wanted to be somewhere else. Thousands of starlings were silhouetted against a darkening sky and were flying in a relatively tight formation but constantly changing shape, the majority in an oval with a smaller group at the back, like a tail. Then at incredible speed the whole group transformed so that the tail suddenly became a long thrusting head. Finally groups started to dive down into whatever cover was behind the station and soon the sky was empty again. I couldn't find any references to starling murmurations in the Victorian era writings of Richard Jefferies but there is one passage in that wonderful book of personal observations, The Charm of Birds written by Viscount Grey of Fallodon. This was first published in 1927. He didn't use the word 'murmurations' but referred to the noise they made after landing, writing that, 'I have known it mistaken at a little distance for the sound of a waterfall.'

However, it's not just a case of turning up at a location. These vast gatherings can be fickle and unpredictable. I have had failures at Hen Reedbeds and from the Dunwich NT car park overlooking the Minsmere reedbeds: possibly timing, vagaries of weather or flock temperament. This uncertainty led staff at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen to initially delay publicity about their starling gathering but it was eventually publicised on regional television. I saw a superb display from the Reception Hide, though some visitors went before the real action began. Most of the birds had flown down into the reeds and had swung round so close that I could hear their wings but then a marsh harrier swooped down twice, then a sparrowhawk from a nearby tree and each time the birds flew up and circled round before again descending. A sparrowhawk almost always was on the edge of the murmuration above the Ipswich Tourist Office which lasted for some years. However I never saw any starlings being caught. Perhaps the best one currently is at Morrisons, Grange Farm, Felixstowe, where you just have to stand outside the main entrance to experience it. We were almost caught out as most went down but waited long enough to see the main body of several thousands arrive later.

So many questions remain unanswered: why expend energy on these aerial formations and not drop down straight away? Do changes of shape and sheer numbers deter or confuse predators? Why are there no collisions? Do they packed numbers in the roost give added protection, warmth and a chance to communicate, possibly about good feeding areas? Incidentally I have been


MURMURATIONS OF STARLINGS from Richard Stewart


MINSMERE DIARIES

December As I write an amazing display of 50,000 starlings have begun performing a murmuration over Island Mere – finally! Small flocks began arriving at 3.00 p.m. and within half an hour reached 20,000, with luck they’ll stay until the New Year. Several days of fog were offset by the bright colours of a pair of yellowhammers along the access road, the flash of yellow crown of numerous goldcrest around the brambles of the car park and North Bushes, and a little flock of shimmering golden plovers which alighted on the South Levels. A glaucous gull has been the main highlight this week, moving between the Levels and Dunwich. Bewick’s and whooper swans continue to appear sporadically around the Scrape, Island Mere and Levels, with up to five of the former and nine of the latter around. Kingfishers have been the stars of the reserve this week, appearing at most of the hides. Only a couple of avocets at most have been on the scrape this week, with up to a dozen black tailed godwits, similar of dunlins and several hundred lapwings.

The mass of ducks remain, with more than 800 teal and hundreds of mallard, wigeons, gadwalls, shovelers and dozens of shelducks. A mandarin duck has been present briefly. Otters have been regularly showing in the early afternoon at Bittern Hide and Island Mere, along with bittern and around 22 marsh harriers coming in to roost. Offshore large rafts of 500+ common scoters can be seen drifting along with red-throated divers, great crested grebes, eider and a few velvet scoters. January We started the year with Storm Eleanor causing disruption to the reserve, thankfully few trees have fallen, but the path between the woodland and the Sluice was impassable for a time, now reopened. Water levels are still high around the reserve but have receded. The first winter glaucous gull has been the main highlight this week, moving along the beach and dozing on East Scrape. Two Caspian gulls have also been found today on the South Levels. Otters have been regularly showing in


told that bitterns sometimes wait in the reeds and pick off the odd starling. As for all these questions, I must admit to preferring just the mystery and the magic.

What is even more impressive about these vast gatherings is that starlings

are in national terms a declining species - no longer regularly seen in our Ipswich garden and, according to the Winter 2017/2018 edition of Nature's Home, a detailed analysis of the Big Garden Bird Watch shows a 79% decrease in numbers since it began 39 years ago.



the early afternoon at Bittern Hide and Island Mere, along with bittern and around 24 marsh harriers coming in to roost. Goosander and Bewick’s swans have also been seen at Island Mere. Small groups of bearded tits have been seen along the North Wall and at Island Mere, where Cetti’s warblers and water rails have been very visible too this week. As the water on the Scrape has been so deep we haven’t seen much of the avocets, but black-tailed godwits, dunlin and snipe are present most days, with a trio of ringed plovers on South Scrape. Offshore large rafts of 200+ common scoters have been seen drifting along with 200+ red-throated divers and great crested grebes. One lucky couple spotted a pair of hawfinches on the North Wall on Thursday, but the birds were not re-found after the initial report. Having survived Storm Eleanor, Mother Nature decided we needed another good thumping and hit us with very strong winds on Thursday, thankfully causing only minor damage to the woodlands, which the reserve team have been doing a fantastic job to cut through and clear. Water levels remain high on the scrape, which although brilliant for the large

population of ducks, has meant fewer waders are present. A drake Mandarin has returned to spend a few days chasing teal around the East Scrape, whilst several pintails could be seen from the East and South Hides. The first winter glaucous gull continues to be seen almost daily, moving along the beach and dozing on East Scrape. A glossy ibis has added a touch of glamour to the reserve, with brief glimpses of it on West Scrape, flying over the levels and car park, and spending time in the flooded field to the west of the

bridge at Eastbridge, where is has remained for much of today. Small groups of bearded tits have been seen along the North Wall and at

Island Mere, where bullfinches and goldcrests have been offering close views this week. Up to a dozen marsh harriers are now on the reserve during the day, with almost double still coming in to roost at dusk. A lone peregrine has been patrolling over the woodland and levels too this week, and barn owls can be seen around the access roads to Eastbridge and Westleton. Red deer have been seen throughout the woodland this week, whilst several



Smew. Picture—Chris Courtney


visitors have reported Chinese water deer around the Sluice and South levels. February The highlights again this week have been the now-famous starlings performing their mesmerising murmuration over the North Wall (we’re not sure if Ruth’s ‘minsmeration’ term will be accepted by the English Dictionary!). An estimate of around 30,000 birds are displaying from 4.00 p.m. up to 5.00 p.m. to very patient (and cold) spectators. A helpful peregrine has been providing some extra entertainment as it stoops at the starlings. A barn owl flying around in daylight on Saturday emphasised the problems this species faces when poor nocturnal weather affects their hunting, but it looked like it was having some success on the roosting starlings. The glossy ibis has been seen sporadically at Eastbridge and on the South Levels, with perhaps another two in the county it could be a good year for this species. We’ve also had the glaucous gull continuing to be seen along the beach and roosting on the South Levels in amongst a group of lesser and great black-backed gulls. On the scrape numbers of lapwing have increased to an excess of 320 birds, but high water levels from the recent wet weather have meant that avocet, godwit and redshank have been seen on the scrape this week but not in great numbers. Five whooper swans have been present at Island Mere but more commonly seen

in the pool behind Wildlife Lookout. In the woodland fieldfare and redwing can still be found rooting through the leaf litter and chattering overhead at dusk. Nuthatch and treecreeper have been very active by the South Belt crossroads, whilst woodpeckers have been drumming around the Adder Trail. Siskin and redpolls have also been seen on the alders. The ‘minsmeration’ of starlings continues to draw in the crowds of people (in all weathers I might add). Peregrines, sparrowhawks and a barn owl continue to strike the formation, and marsh harriers have also joined the fray. Two redhead smews have spent time on the pool close to the ‘mound’ at the pond and on the Scrape. The glossy ibis has been sporadically seen at Eastbridge and on the South Levels, alongside a dozen or so curlews. Less has been seen of the glaucous gull this week but it has been seen occasionally on the beach, but it has been replaced by a brilliant little flock of obliging snow buntings near the Sluice. A fulmar made a rare appearance offshore on Sunday, along with the now regular red-throated divers and great crested grebes. Redwings and goldcrest can be seen in the woodland near the South Belt crossroads picking through the leaf litter and great spotted woodpeckers can be heard drumming across the reserve. Siskin and redpoll have been feeding in the alders, and red deer have been seen more regularly as they return from the heathland. Dartford warblers and woodlarks also seem to be showing very well on the heathland this week.




Five whooper swans have been present behind Wildlife Lookout but have been spending time on the North Levels. Around a dozen Bewick’s swans have been seen most mornings in the pig fields half-way between Westleton and Blythburgh. Starlings, starlings and more starlings continue to delight visitors at dusk as the murmuration continues, but we will see what the incoming freezing weather will do to the display. Peregrine, marsh harrier, sparrowhawk and barn owl continue to raid the formations on clear nights. Otters, red deer, water rail and bearded tits have also been spotted by the watchers as they wait for the starlings to begin on the North Wall. The pair of redhead smews continue to flit around the Scrape, joined by tufted ducks and pintail, though all three of these beautiful ducks have been spotted at Island Mere too this week. Whooper swans continue to be seen in the pool behind Wildlife Lookout and on the North Levels (viewable from Whin Hill). A lone avocet and a few black-tailed godwits appeared mid-week on the Scrape but have not been seen since, but after this next period of cold weather we’d hope they will start to grow in number. A jack snipe has been found at North Hide with several common snipe, and several lapwings and curlews are also present around the North and West Scrape. Goosanders continue to be spotted at Island Mere at dawn and dusk, where bitterns have been booming and marsh harriers displaying courtship

behaviour. A water rail has been showing well in the wet woodland towards Wildlife Lookout. Glaucous gull and glossy ibis continue to appear on the beach and at Eastbridge respectively, though both have been more infrequent this week.A mealy redpoll joined the lesser redpoll and siskin flock moving in the alders between Scott’s Hall and Island Mere on Friday. The most unusual sightings this week were of adders: two males appearing in the undergrowth near North Hide and the identified male ‘V-for-Victory’ along the Adder Trail in the woodland. The warm sunshine in sheltered areas has probably awoken them early, maybe a bit too early based on the incoming weather! Reproduced (with permission) from the newsletter for Minsmere volunteers.


1


I regularly see redwings in the countryside throughout the winter but they do not visit my garden unless it is very cold. As expected the recent snow brought in a small flock to feed on the Malus in my neighbour’s garden.

Pat

These birds have been pictured by members Alan Baldry (1 and 2) and Chris Courtney (3 & 4).

4

3

2


NEWS FROM LAKENHEATH FEN - from Katherine Puttick

H ello and welcome to the latest news from

Lakenheath Fen! I have now returned from my maternity leave, and it’s hard to believe that my wee boy, Ewan, who was born at the start of March last year, is nearly a year old already! After a year away, it’s nice to be back on the reserve, especially when the weather is all blue skies and sunshine (like yesterday). It’s the kind of day which makes you think spring is on its way, especially hearing all the birdsong.

Reserve management Reed cutting - As Alan mentioned in the last newsletter preparations were underway to start the third and final year of reed cutting in New Fen North. Previous years have concentrated on the eastern and western sections, so attention turned to the middle section. The contractors turned up on the 18 December, and overall just over five hectares of reed was cut. As always, our merry team of volunteers were more than happy to set fire to the large heaps left by the excavator! Poplar woods - Another major job for the winter would have been to fell selected poplars within West Wood, to create a more diverse structure and encourage the growth of existing bands of alders within the wood. Most of this work has now been done, but not by us! The very strong winds in mid-January felled about 20 percent of the poplars in West wood, as well as several on the outer edges which fell across paths.

It does look fairly drastic, but actually will be very beneficial for wildlife. The open canopy will allow more of a scrub layer to form, which could provide habitat for nightingales or spotted flycatchers. Fallen poplars will stay where they fell and in time the dead wood will provide plenty of habitat for various invertebrates and fungi. Any standing dead wood could in time provide habitat for lesser-spotted woodpeckers. Admittedly this is a bit of a wish list for nesting birds, but they have all nested on the site before, and with a bit of tweaking the habitat could be right for them to nest again. Fingers crossed! We are also planning to create a bit more open water within the wood by blocking some of the ditches and adding a sluice so we have a bit more water control. We also plan to plant some more native wet woodland trees such as alder, birch and willow to diversify it further. It is hoped that by diversifying the woods, we will have created habitat for a wider


West Wood. Picture—Dave Rogers


selection of wildlife, whilst still keeping it suitable for any potentially returning orioles.

Wildlife After a fairly quiet winter for cranes, there has been a little more action in the last few weeks. A group of four have been present on and off since December, five were present on 20 January, seven on 29 January, and nine have been around for the last week or so. The marsh harrier roost numbers have been good, with 20 recorded on 9 January, with a male hen harrier present between 2 and 15 January. Merlin and peregrine have both been recorded regularly throughout, and a red kite was recorded on 17 January. Up to five great white egrets have been roosting on site. Towards the end of December up to 460 whooper swans were roosting on the washland, possibly due to lower water levels on the Ouse Washes, though numbers have reduced to less than 100 through January. A willow tit was recorded near the car park on 16 January. A Chinese water deer was seen at the start of December feeding around the visitor pond, and even felt safe enough to have a wee nap!

Events Stargazing with Jonathan Shanklin Wednesday 18 April, 7.30 p.m. ‘til late Adults £10, Children £5 (non-members) Adults £8, Children £4 (members)

Going Batty Friday 4 May, 7.45—10.00 p.m. Adults £10, Children £5 (non-members), Adults £8, Children £4 (members) Dawn Chorus Sunday 6 May, 4.45—7.45 a.m. Adults £15, Children £7.50 (non-members), Adults £12, Children £6 (members) For more information about these events and other events at Lakenheath Fen, please look on the website at www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/lakenheath-fen/ , email us at [email protected] or phone the office on 01842 863400. Hope to see you on the reserve soon!

(Continued from page 16) Chinese water deer. Picture—Alec Wallis

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/lakenheath-fen/

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/lakenheath-fen/



FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN – SPRING IS ROUND THE CORNER! - submitted by Mark Wheeler and Alison Damant

O ne of the most intriguing aspects of wildlife gardening that we have

learned over the last few years is how we can help our wildlife get through the winter. Some of it is quite unexpected. For instance, did you know that many frogs while away the winter in a state of torpor, deep in the mud at the bottom of ponds? Or that in bumblebee and wasp colonies, the only ones to actually survive the winter are the new generation of young queen bees or wasps, which hibernate after mating. If the weather is sunny and mild then it could well be that some bumblebees will emerge to seek for nectar amongst the first flowers of spring At Flatford Wildlife Garden we make sure that throughout the winter we have some plants that are in flower. After winter slumber, the garden opened in time for Easter on March 30th. Why not come along to the RSPB Garden to see the changes we have made – from a whole new range of wood sculptures up to and including the all new Sisters Garden. Those of you who have visited before will know that a corner of the garden was taken up with an old derelict bungalow previously home to a tea shop run by the Richardson sisters for many years. They bequeathed the site to the RSPB and after much thought and planning we have converted this to a new feature for the garden. A key aspect of the work is a provision of a rainwater harvesting system and a large pond. This will cover 25 square metres, (the site previously occupied by a now-demolished bungalow near the garden’s attractive visitor centre barn). ‘It has

been designed for wildlife, with a pond-dipping platform so that children can have first-hand experience of pond life,’ says our head gardener, Shirley Sampson. ‘That will be inspirational for them - so many children really love pond-dipping if they are given a chance to do it.’ It is anticipated that this activity, the development of which is of course dependant on the speed at which mother nature progresses (!) will commence during summer 2018. Come and see what we have done and bring the family. We are open daily and presenting our theme of supporting sparrows as part of the RSPB #wildthings initiative. There will also be plants for sale, as well as plant supports woven from willow grown in the garden, and our unique wildlife cards designed by two of our volunteers. We are very pleased to have been joined by Luke Wake in early February 2018, as maternity cover for Shirley Sampson (Warden, Stour Estuary). Luke previously worked for the RSPB at the Fen Drayton reserves in the flatlands of Cambridgeshire, and is now getting used to the slightly hillier Suffolk landscape! The exciting development of the Sisters’ Garden at Flatford continues. Planning permission has been granted enabling us to construct a pergola along the south and west elevations of the barn, and begin an exciting community project called ‘The People’s Wall for Wildlife’. This will take the shape of a flint, cob and thatch wall at the western end of the garden, which will be built by various



community groups under the management of an organisation called Cobnuts, who have secured generous grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council to the tune of £26,000. Thanks to the torrential rain, the pond which has been under construction in 2017 is now full, and the liner very nearly finished off. We are expecting to turf half of the garden fairly soon, with the area around the People’s Wall being done after all construction works have finished. We are really grateful for the help given by some hard-working volunteers from AONB who assisted us with the pond surrounds.

Our team of splendid volunteers have spent some time in 2017 planting a lot of

native bulbs on the bank and in the shady corner under the field maple, so the display this year and in future years should hopefully be very pretty.

Rabbits continue to be unwelcome visitors whilst the garden is formally closed. Efforts are being increased to find their sources of entry to prevent further incursions, otherwise the garden could well be grazed flat by the time spring is finally here! Do come along and enjoy the first signs of spring. No entry charge to the garden. Car park free for National Trust members, £4.00 for others. Please check our web site at periodically for more details.


Volunteers in the garden. Picture: Rick Vonk


Continued on page 21

Species Location (date and number in brackets)

November

Long-tailed skua Shingle Street (3)

Barred warbler Landguard NR (3, 6 & 9)

Pallas's warbler Orfordness NT (4 & 5), Felixstowe (5), Bawdsey (6),

Landguard NR (24)

Red-flanked bluetail Lowestoft (7 & 8)

Shorelark Minsmere RSPB (14), Covehithe Broad NR (16 &17)

Parrot crossbills

Santon Downham (fm25) (n↑44 )

Upper Hollesley Common (25 & 26) (n6)

Richard's pipit Chelmondiston (fm25)

Coues’s Arctic redpoll Hazelwood Common SWT (fm28)

Long-tailed duck Covehithe Broad NR

Slavonian grebe Trimley Marshes SWT

December

Waxwing Reydon (1)

Parrot crossbills Upper Hollesley Common (n6), Brandon (7), Santon

Downham (↑42)

Coues’s Arctic redpoll Hazelwood Common SWT

Richard's pipit Chelmondiston (u19)

Great northern diver Oulton Broad, Lake Lothing, Levington (5 & 14),

Stutton Ness, Felixstowe Ferry (1) (n2)

Black-throated diver Pin Mill (14), Holbrook Bay (2), Southwold (3)

Red-necked grebe Minsmere RSPB (8)

Black-necked grebe Minsmere RSPB (15)

Puffin Landguard NR (13 & 14)

Little auk Minsmere RSPB (1), Felixstowe (10), Landguard NR

(1) (n3)

SIGHTINGS THIS WINTER FROM BIRDLINE EAST ANGLIA


Glaucous gull Between Southwold and Sizewell

Iceland gull Landguard NR (u8), Kessingland (29)

January

Parrot crossbill Upper Hollesley Common (n6), Stanton Downham (n38)

Pine bunting ♀(pres.) Easton Bavents (6)

Glossy ibis Minsmere RSPB (Eastbridge) (17), Wenhaston (29-30, Carlton Marshes SWT (30)

Coues’s Artic redpoll Hazelwood Common SWT

Waxwing Lowestoft (12-13)

Great northern diver Lake Lothing (u13), River Orwell (Levington) (f19), Alton Water (19-20), Stour Estuary (n2)

Slavonian grebe Stour Estuary (n3)

Red-necked grebe Stour Estuary

Tundra bean goose Trimley Marshes SWT (n5)

Greenland white-fronted goose

Trimley Marshes SWT (n6)

Glaucous gull Southwold to Sizewell

Iceland gull Kessingland, Tuddenham St. Mary

February

Coues’s Arctic redpoll Hazelwood Common SWT, Covehithe (21)

Parrot crossbill Upper Hollesley Common (n3) Santon Downham (n20)

Glossy ibis Minsmere RSPB, Eastbridge, Leiston (28)

Long-tailed duck Minsmere RSPB, Dunwich

Smew Minsmere RSPB

Tundra bean goose Trimley Marshes SWT (↑n3),

Greenland white-fronted goose

Trimley Marshes SWT (n6)

Siberian chiffchaff Levington

Waxwing Felixstowe (26 & 27)

Continued from page 20

Continued on page 22


Alder Carr Farm

Tel: 01449 720820

Sponsors of an indoor meeting

Mid-Suffolk Fencing

Tel: 01449 721025


The editor is always pleased to receive material for this magazine. I am sure that many of you have visited interesting places, had wonderful birding experiences or taken photographs that you are proud of. Articles are usually written by the same small group of people and likewise pictures are taken by a small number of photographers. The committee are committed to ensuring that as many different members as possible can contribute so get writing or get your camera out. You don’t need a computer, we can accept materials in a variety of formats. You can even send in articles on paper or printed copies of photographs if you need to. If anyone needs any help to get started please get in touch with the editor.

For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus telephone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia for enquiries please call 0330

3336946 or 07941333970. www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

twitter.com/BirdlineEAnglia facebook.com/robin.chittenden.7

Great northern diver River Orwell (↑2)

Black-throated diver Lake Lothing (8)

Glaucous Gull Southwold, Sizewell

Iceland Gull Tuddenham St Mary, Lackford Lakes (f17)

Key: ↑ = up to, n = number, f = from, u = until pres. = presumed

Continued from page 21


Date Event Time Meeting Place

12 April Indoor Meeting—AGM followed by ‘Norwich Peregrines,’ Zoe Smith Hawk & Owl Trust. Sponsored by Mid-Suffolk Fencing Needham Market

7.30 p.m. Rushmere St. Andrew Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere, IP5 1DH

14 April Field Meeting—Hazelwood Marshes SWT Reserve for wildfowl, waders & heathland birds, 2-3hrs. 2-3miles. Walking can be muddy. (TK)

9.30 a.m. Reserve car park off A1094, TM448577.

17 April Midweek Walk—Bridge Wood. (KR) 10.00 a.m. Orwell Country Park car park, TM188408.

25 April Field Meeting—Upper Hollesley Common for heathland birds, 2-3hrs. 2-3miles. Walking can be rough. (SM)

6.30 p.m. Car park, TM335471.

2 May Field Meeting—Kiln Lane Meadows & Spring Wood for spring birds & nightingales, 2hrs. 2-3miles. Walking easy. (SM)

6.30 p.m. Bobbitts Lane car park,TM148416.

7 May Spring Wood Day—more details later

15 May Midweek Walk—Pipers Vale. (KR)

10.00 a.m. Car park at Vale entrance, TM178419.

16 May Field Meeting—Newbourne Springs SWT Reserve for spring birds & nightingales, 2hrs. 2-3miles. Walking can be wet. (SM)

6.30 p.m. Reserve car park, TM275433

23 May Field Meeting—Bromeswell SWT Reserve for summer birds, 2hrs. 2-3miles. Walking easy. (SM)

6.30 p.m. Reserve car park off A1152, TM296505

Early June (date to be confirmed depending on weather conditions). Field Meeting—Nightjar evening at Blaxhall Heath. Check website or email: [email protected] (SM)

Car park. TM384565.

What’s On—Dates for your diary for April & beyond For details of how to find out more about these events please see separate entry or

contact organiser of event; details will also appear on website. (Walk leaders/organisers initials will appear after entry and their contact details appear at the end of the diary)

…………..continued on next page


Walk leader’s or event organiser’s contact details:- (SM) Stephen Marginson [email protected] 01473 258791 (CC) Chris Courtney [email protected] 01473 423213 (KR) Kathy Reynolds 01473 714839 (MC) Mick Cook 01473 682239 (TK) Tim Kenny 01394 809236

More dates for your diary

6 June Field Meeting—Purdis Heath for summer birds & flora, 2-3hrs. 2-3miles. Walking easy. (SM)

6.30 p.m. Bucklesham Road, lay-by near Trinity Park,TM213424.

19 June Midweek Walk—Christchurch Park. (KR)

10.00 a.m. Soane Street entrance,TM165448

15 July Field Meeting—Cotton. A walk round the village for summer wildlife, 2-3hrs. 4-5miles. Walking easy. (SM)

3.00 p.m. Cotton Church, TM070669.

15 Aug. Field Meeting—Levington Creek for migrant waders & summer wildlife, 2-3hrs. 2-3miles. Walking easy. (SM)

6.30 p.m. Stratton Hall Lane near Levington Marina,TM245384.

9 Sept. Field Meeting—Minsmere for seasonal birds & wildlife, 5-6 hrs. Walking easy. For RSPB non-members an admission charge applies. (TK)

10.00 a.m. Visitor centre.

13 Sept. Indoor Meeting—‘Why are UK Swifts Classed as Endangered & How Can We Help Them,’ Edward Jackson of Save Our Swifts Project. Sponsored by A W Hart Builders

7.30 p.m. Rushmere St. Andrew Church Hall, The Street, Rushmere, IP5 1DH

Bypass Nurseries

Tel: 0147301473 310604


Collins Waste Solutions

Tel: 01473 327596



If you need to get in touch please contact: RSPB HQ, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL Tel: 01767 680551. RSPB Eastern England Regional Office, Stalham House, 65 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1UD Tel: 01603 661662 RSPB Local Group, Leader—Tim Kenny Tel: 01394 809236 e-mail: [email protected]

For more news & information log on to the group website on: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich Or find us on Twitter: @IpswichRSPB and on Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group Orwell Observer Editor—Patricia Hall. Tel: 01473 328121 e-mail: [email protected]

Please:-

Submit articles via e-mail in MS Word or Publisher. Or if not using MS please submit files with a .doc, .docx or .pub file ending.

For those members without Internet connection please ring the editor or speak to her at a meeting to arrange a suitable way to submit your contribution.

Material will be added to this publication in the order in which it is received. However, whilst all suitable material will be included in the electronic edition not all will be included in the paper magazine, particularly material that does not reproduce well in black and white or is received after the magazine is full.

Anything which is not completely your own work (including photographs) may be subject to copyright. It is therefore your responsibility to obtain the necessary permission and acknowledge accordingly.

Respect the deadline which is:-

1 August

Thank you.

A W Hart—Builders

Tel: 01473 680017


MIND THE CRUSTACEAN

The best band you’ve never heard of!

Info: Tim Kenny 01394 809236




RSPB Ipswich Local Group

The subscriptions for 2018 are now due. If you have not already re-joined the local group please print this page, complete the section below and send it with your remittance to the membership secretary.

Annual Membership Rates—you have a choice of two options. Please indicate your choice by ticking the appropriate box:-

Option 1—£3.00 which includes membership card, programme and three issues of the Orwell Observer magazine. Entry to indoor meetings is payable on the night.

Option 2—£16 (£15 for those 60 years of age and over) for a Saver Season Ticket, which includes membership card, programme, three issues of the Orwell Observer and free entry to all the indoor meetings.

(Please print clearly)

Name………………………………………………………………………

Address……………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………….. Tel. No. …………………………………………………………………...

e-mail ……………………………………………………………………..

The full colour version Orwell Observer will be sent to you by e-mail before the January, April and September indoor meetings. For those without Internet access there will be a shortened printed version in black and white available at those meetings. Please let the membership secretary know if you want a paper copy. It would be appreciated if you could collect your magazine, or alternatively arrange for a friend to collect it on your behalf. Sometimes other members will hand deliver magazines and any remaining will be posted.

Please make your cheques payable to ‘RSPB’ and send with completed form to:-

The Membership Secretary, 8 Winston Avenue, Ipswich, IP4 3LS Together with a SAE if you wish your membership card posted to you. The RSPB Ipswich Local Group would like to keep your details to send you further information about group activities and the work of the RSPB. If you want to amend or update your details or you do not want us to use them in the way stated, please contact me at the above address. If you wish to receive this information electronically, please confirm your email address here____________________________

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group leader’s thoughtsto note a wren (not the hebridean sort), a rock pipit (more numerous than...

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