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Order Charadriiformes
Family Haematopodidae
Haematopus ostralegus (Oystercatcher)
The first of the spring at the Nunnery Flood was one on 14/2, increasing
to four on 10/4 and still three on 7/8. A pair were at Whitlingham
in March and April only. A pair were at East Wretham on 5/4. At home,
garden records were singles heard over after dark on 12/5, 9/7 and
19/7 (possibly breeding somewhere nearby?)
Family Recurvirostridae
{Himantopus himantopus (Black-winged Stilt)}
The usual bird seen at Titchwell on 1/1 and 10/9.
Recurvirostra avosetta (Avocet)
Recorded from Cley on 1/1 (nine) and 5/5 (20), Breydon Water on 22/1
(20+) and, in Sussex on the BUBO bird race on 6/5, singles past Selsey
Bill and at Sidlesham Ferry. Possibly not recorded elsewhere.
Family Burhinidae
Burhinus oedicnemus (Stone-curlew)
At a Breckland site, a pair were heard then seen on 27/4 and at least
one was heard again after dark on 13/6.
Family Charadriidae
Charadrius dubius (Little Ringed Plover)
My earliest ever record was one at Buckenham on 11/3. Elsewhere recorded
from Whitlingham from 9/4 (up to three), Nunnery Flood/Lakes from
10/4 (up to two, copulating on 15/5) and in Sussex on the BUBO bird
race on 6/5 at Pendean Sand Pits and Pulborough Brooks. None were
recorded after one at Buckenham on 1/7.
Charadrius hiaticula (Ringed Plover)
Relatively few records of note. In the autumn, ten at Buckenham on
8/9 and five on 17/9.
Pluvialis apricaria (Golden Plover)
The only flocks of note were 100 at Titchwell on 1/1, 300 by the Great
Plumstead junction on the A47 east of Norwich on 8/1 and 300 over
the A11 near Roudham on 27/11. A single bird in summer plumage was
seen at Pagham on 6/5 for the BUBO bird race. The first for the garden
were a flock of 13 over on 29/12 during a cold snap.
Pluvialis squatarola (Grey Plover)
Only noted at Titchwell on 1/1, c20 at Pagham on 6/5 and one south
past Great Yarmouth on 24/9, although doubtless mostly unrecorded.
Chettusia gregaria (Sociable Plover)
My first British record was of a first-winter bird at Minsmere Levels
on 24/10.
Vanellus vanellus (Lapwing)
The largest count by far was 2500 at Buckenham on 28/11, with other
flocks of 400 at Great Plumstead on 8/1 and 300 at Snetterton on 5/1.
Movements of 50 in off the sea at Horsey on 30/9 and 100 west in small
flocks over Whitlingham during a cold snap on 29/12. Lapwings were
noted at Whitlingham during WeBS counts from January to June only,
peaking at 52 in February but very few in spring (although display
noted on 12/3). One was also heard in display from the garden on 10/4
and 12/4, although no breeding proven. First juveniles were at the
Nunnery Flood on 28/4.
Family Scolopacidae
Calidris canutus (Knot)
The only records were from Titchwell on 1/1 and Pagham on 6/5 (five),
although probably unrecorded elsewhere.
Calidris alba (Sanderling)
Noted at Titchwell on 1/1 and 10/9, Caister-by-Sea on 9/1 (five) and
ten east at Selsey Bill on 6/5. Probably some others unrecorded elsewhere.
Calidris minuta (Little Stint)
The only record was of one at Buckenham on 8/9.
Calidris temminckii (Temminck's Stint)
Two were seen at Sidlesham Ferry on 6/5.
Calidris ferruginea (Curlew Sandpiper)
The only records were from Buckenham, with one on 13/9 and two on
17/9.
Calidris alpina (Dunlin)
No large flocks were counted. At Buckenham, ten were noted on 11/3
and in the autumn up to 30 were present in September with ten still
on 28/11. One in summer plumage was present on the Nunnery Flood on
9/5.
Tryngites subruficollis (Buff-breasted Sandpiper)
Excellent views of a juvenile at Titchwell on 10/9, my second record.
Philomachus pugnax (Ruff)
Recorded from four localities. Most records from Buckenham with ten
on 11/3, up to 30 in August and September and three on 28/11. Elsewhere
noted at Titchwell on 1/1 (ca 30) and 10/9, Martin Mere on 24/3 (60)
and Horsey on 30/9, where one flew in off the sea with Lapwings.
Gallinago gallinago (Snipe)
My highest count for some time was 66 in saltmarsh at Titchwell on
1/1. Up to 30 were recorded at Buckenham in the autumn. Very few at
Whitlingham during WeBS counts but ca 15 on the north side of the
river at Thorpe Marshes here on 29/12. The only other double figure
count was 11 at Cantley Beet Factory on 15/10. Elsewhere noted from
Rockland Broad, Stubb Mill, Nunnery Flood (peak of four on 23/3) and
East Wretham.
Scolopax rusticola (Woodcock)
One flew through Rockland Staithe car park on 6/2. At least one roding
at Knettishall Heath on 8/7. In the autumn, three at Horsey-Waxham
on 4/11 (two flushed by Jess and one spotted by Tom!) Singles flushed
near Whitlingham Marsh on 19/11 and 29/12.
Limosa limosa (Black-tailed Godwit)
Recorded from Cley, Breydon Water, Thorney Island, Buckenham Marshes
(where 41 on 1/7) and Titchwell, mostly uncounted.
Limosa lapponica (Bar-tailed Godwit)
The only records were from Titchwell on 1/1 and 10/9, Cley (30 on
5/5), Selsey Bill (30 east on 6/5) and Winterton on 16/7 (seven north).
Others were possibly unrecorded.
Numenius phaeopus (Whimbrel)
The first of the spring were 20 at Cley on 5/5. On 6/5 for the BUBO
bird race in Sussex, noted at Selsey Bill (one), Pagham Harbour (30),
Thorney Island (ten) and Pulborough Brooks (one). The last of the
spring was one over Wain's Hill on 20/5. In autumn, recorded at Fenham-le-Moor
on 25/7 and Lindisfarne on 6/7 and one over Horsey on 5/8.
Numenius arquata (Curlew)
Few records of note. Noted in the breeding season from Dunkery Beacon,
Brettenham Heath and also one heard by Caistor Chalk Pit on 4/7.
Tringa erythropus (Spotted Redshank)
Singles were noted at Titchwell on 1/1 and 10/9, at Lindisfarne on
26/7 and at Minsmere on 24/10.
Tringa totanus (Common Redshank)
One was present on the Nunnery Flood on 30/3. Otherwise, recorded
widely but few counts made.
Tringa nebularia (Greenshank)
The only spring records were in Sussex on 6/5 where one at Selsey
Bill, at least 18 at Sidlesham Ferry and five at Thorney Island. In
the autumn, singles were noted at the Nunnery Flood on 24/8, at Buckenham
on 26/8, 8/9 and 17/9, Woodbastwick Fen on 28/8 and Titchwell on 10/9.
Tringa ochropus (Green Sandpiper)
Singles unless noted. In the spring, noted at Whitlingham on 5/3 and
12/3 (two) and the Nunnery Flood on 3/4. In the autumn, at Whitlingham
on 20/8 and 27/8, Nunnery Flood on 29/8 and 12/9, along the Little
Ouse by the Nunnery on 21/9 and at Cantley Beet Factory on 15/10 (two).
Tringa glareola (Wood Sandpiper)
The only record was a self-found one at the Nunnery Flood on the morning
of 17/8 and still present at lunchtime.
Actitis hypoleucos (Common Sandpiper)
Not noted until two on 18/4 at Lindley, followed by Whitlingham on
1/5 (one) and 14/5 (two) and in Sussex on 6/5 at Sidlesham Ferry (ten),
Ivy Lake (two) and Amberley Wild Brooks (one). The first returning
bird was at the Nunnery Flood on 11/8, then at Buckenham, Surlingham
Church Marsh and Whitlingham (singles on 20/8 and 17/9).
Arenaria interpres (Turnstone)
Small numbers recorded from Hunstanton, Selsey Bill, Girdleness, Titchwell
and Horsey and probably a few other places also.
Phalaropus lobatus (Red-necked Phalarope)
Good views of one at Titchwell on 10/9.
Family Stercorariidae
Stercorarius pomarinus (Pomarine Skua)
My first winter record was of at least four birds off Dunwich cliffs
/ Minsmere beach on 29/1; these birds were present for much of the
winter. Additionally, one flew north past Girdleness on 3/9.
Stercorarius parasiticus (Arctic Skua)
Another poor year. One flew north past Girdleness on 3/9 and two were
offshore from Titchwell on 10/9.
Stercorarius skua (Great Skua)
A good record of one flying west past Titchwell on 1/1. The only others
were five north past Girdleness on 3/9.
Family Laridae
Larus melanocephalus (Mediterranean Gull)
A poor year for records of this species, although probably due a general
reduction in birding around the coast. An adult was at Great Yarmouth
on 3/1, an adult at Caister-on-Sea on 9/1 and four adults were at
Great Yarmouth on 24/9.
Larus minutus (Little Gull)
The only record was of an adult south past Great Yarmouth on 24/9.
Larus ridibundus (Black-headed Gull)
Few records of note. At Whitlingham, the peak was 300 in March and
the minimum was 20 in June. The only other count was 104 in flooded
fields upstream of Stoke Holy Cross mill on 27/2.
Larus genei (Slender-billed Gull)
My first UK record was of a pair on Arnold's Marsh, Cley, on 5/5.
Larus canus (Common Gull)
At Whitlingham, 98 were counted in January, remaining high to March
but then a large decline to eight in April and two in May. Ten were
counted in August rising to a peak of 71 in December. During the BUBO
bird race in Sussex on 6/5 the only ones were a few immatures passing
Selsey Bill.
Larus fuscus (Lesser Black-backed Gull)
Interestingly, not recorded on the North Norfolk Coast on 1/1, despite
a total of 106 species that day. More inland though with 50 at Snetterton
on 5/1 and 65 on the Nunnery Flood the same day. The only other counts
of note from the Nunnery were up to 40 in early December. At Whitlingham,
scarce in spring with counts rising from June onwards to peak at 60
in October before almost disappearing again. Only one was noted in
Sussex on 6/5 for the bird race (at Swanbourne Lake). The only count
from Caistor Fort of note was of 30 on 30/8.
Larus argentatus (Herring Gull)
Up to three were counted at Whitlingham on and off throughout the
year but no other records of note.
Larus michahellis (Western Yellow-legged Gull)
A third-winter bird was found on the Nunnery Flood on 6/1 and then
none until a first-summer bird there on 7/8. Single adults were noted
at Whitlingham Great Broad on 20/8, 17/9 and 7/10.
{Larus cachinnans (Caspian Gull)}
A probable third-winter was found at the Nunnery Flood on 30/11 and
again on 1/12 but no prolonged scope view were obtained and, with
the bird in non-adult plumage, there were no definitive features on
which to identify this age that I was aware of. The verdict was non-proven
but strongly suspected.
Larus marinus (Great Black-backed Gull)
Few records of note, with 1-2 birds noted at Whitlingham during October
and December.
Rissa tridactyla (Kittiwake)
An adult was seen at Caister-by-Sea on 9/1. Five were off Minsmere
on 29/1. A first-summer bird passed Selsey Bill on 6/5 for the BUBO
bird race. Lots in Northumberland in July, including counts of 20
at Alnmouth on 24/7 and 1000 at the mouth of the Tweed on 25/7 (but
others not recorded). No count off Girdleness on 3/9. Two off Horsey
on 25/11 and two south past Southwold on 3/12.
Family Sternidae
Sterna sandvicensis (Sandwich Tern)
None noted until 5/5 when ca 200 at Cley, followed by ca 20 at Selsey
Bill on 6/5. In Northumberland, ca 50 at Alnmouth on 24/7 and also
noted at Berwick and Seahouses on 25/7. In the autumn, two at Titchwell
on 10/9, four at Horsey on 30/9 and the last two there on 14/10.
Sterna dougallii (Roseate Tern)
An adult was recorded on the beach at Alnmouth on 24/7 in a mixed
tern flock.
Sterna hirundo (Common Tern)
The first three of the year were by Acle Bridge on 23/4, with two
at Rockland on 30/4. The largest count was ca 50 at Selsey Bill on
6/5. Also noted from Corton, Lindisfarne and the last recorded at
Horsey on 5/8, although others probably went unrecorded.
Sterna paradisaea (Arctic Tern)
The only records were in Northumberland, noted at Alnmouth on 24/7
(ca 30 on the beach) and at Berwick on 25/7.
Sterna albifrons (Little Tern)
First noted at Selsey Bill (ca 10) and Church Norton (one) on 6/5.
Also three noted at Corton on 13/5, lots around the colony at Great
Yarmouth on 18/6, Winterton on 16/7 and one at Seahouse on 25/7, with
no later records.
Chlidonias niger (Black Tern)
The only record was of four off Selsey Bill on 6/5.
Family Alcidae
Uria aalge (Guillemot)
None noted until 27/7 at Dunstanburgh Castle (not on cliffs), then
only also noted at Girdleness on 3/9 and at least two close off Southwold
on 3/12, although more unidentified auks.
Alca torda (Razorbill)
The only records were one off Lindisfarne on 26/7 and one off Horsey
on 4/11.
Fratercula arctica (Puffin)
The only one was seen off Seahouses on 25/7.
{Alcidae sp. (Auk sp.)}
Unidentified auks recorded off Horsey on 13/2 (2), 25/11 (10) and
16/12 (20) and off Southwold on 3/12 (300 south in an hour).
Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae
Columba livia (Rock Dove)
The highest counts of feral birds were 50 at Hunstanton on 1/1 and
100 near Stoke Holy Cross on 27/2.
Columba oenas (Stock Dove)
Noted widely during the first half of the year but none recorded after
the end of June; presumably I must have seen some but not recorded
them. What do they do later in the year? Recorded from nr Wells, nr
Holkham, The Nunnery (up to three), Caistor Fort, nr Attleborough,
Whitlingham, nr Thurton (ten on 29/1, 30 on 26/2), Walberswick, Poringland,
nr Stoke Holy Cross (13 on 27/2), nr Chichester and in my BBS square
at Kenninghall.
Columba palumbus (Woodpigeon)
Common and widespread. Highest counts were made around Stoke Holy
Cross on 27/2 (640) and in my BBS square at Kenninghall on 12/5 (279).
Streptopelia decaocto (Collared Dove)
Highest counts were 28 around Stoke Holy Cross on 27/2 and 25 by the
Nunnery (Little Ouse bridge) on 13/12.
Streptopelia turtur (Turtle Dove)
All records of singles this year. First record was one heard at the
Nunnery Lakes on 28/4. Most records were in May, from Church Norton
on 6/5, Thetford Warren on 9/5 and 20/5, Barnhamcross Common on 11/5,
Shotesham Great Wood on 12/5 and Dunston Common on 31/5. The only
later records were in my BBS square near Kenninghall on 30/6 and near
South Lopham on 25/8.
Order Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae
Cuculus canorus (Cuckoo)
First arrivals were from the garden and Surlingham Church Marsh on
29/4, with birds also heard at Rockland and Chedgrave Common on 30/4.
Records not kept from then.
Order Strigiformes
Family Tytonidae
Tyto alba (Barn Owl)
Two noted on 1/1, just east of Wells in the morning and at Salthouse
at dusk. In Sussex, one perched by road at Long Furlong on 17/3 and,
on the BUBO bird race on 6/5, singles by Crows Hall Farm at dawn and
Amberley Wild Brooks at dusk. At home, one was heard from the playing
field on 10/4 but the species was finally added to the garden list
on 22/8 when one watched hunting the field then flew over the garden
and house. Other records were south of Hinderclay on 17/7, by Beccles
Heliport on 14/8, East Winch on 3/9 and over the A11 nr Wymondham
on 25/10.
Family Strigidae
Athene noctua (Little Owl)
Most reliably recorded from Caistor Fort, on at least 12 dates during
the year (with three heard on 1/10). Also recorded near Walberswick
water tower on 5/2, West Dean Woods and Amberley Wild Brooks on 6/5,
Burley Woodhead on 23/7 and Malham on 28/7.
Strix aluco (Tawny Owl)
Widely noted with records throughout the year from Holkham Park (roosting
on 1/1), Malham Tarn (calling on 19/4 during the day and then scratched
off nest), Stoke Holy Cross (around the house from time to time, plus
one seen by the mill on 13/11), West Dean Woods, Arundel, Amberley
Wild Brooks, Castle Marshes (seen in flight on 24/6), Knettishall
Heath (juvs heard on 8/7), Strumpshaw Fen, Surlingham Church Marsh,
Linn of Dee and Clevedon.
Asio otus (Long-eared Owl)
At Knettishall Heath on 8/7, an owl flew over the road after dark
and shortly afterwards a juvenile LEO was heard calling.
Asio flammeus (Short-eared Owl)
One seen well hunting rushy fields above Thruscross Reservoir on 19/4.
Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Caprimulgidae
Caprimulgus europaeus (Nightjar)
One singing well at lunchtime at Thetford Warren on 9/6, and two males
heard plus another bird seen a Marsham Heath at dusk on 29/7.
Order Apodiformes
Family Apodidae
Apus apus (Swift)
The first were three over Woodbastwick Fen on 24/4, followed by singles
at Barnhamcross Common on 27/4 and the Nunnery Lakes on 28/4. First
noted over the garden on 7/5. In the autumn, the last were ten at
the Nunnery Lakes on 4/9.
Order Coraciiformes
Family Alcedinidae
Alcedo atthis (Kingfisher)
Very commonly recorded along the Little Ouse by The Nunnery and at
the Nunnery Lakes. Recorded along the Yare at Whitlingham fairly regularly.
The only other records of note were at the nest at Shotesham Common
on 1/5 and one flying over the A11 nr Wymondham on 24/8.
Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
Picus viridis (Green Woodpecker)
Common in the Brecks, especially Barnhamcross Common. Also regularly
in the Tas valley, including at home.
Dendrocopos major (Great Spotted Woodpecker)
Common and widespread. First drumming noted on 23/1 at Whitlingham.
Dendrocopos minor (Lesser Spotted Woodpecker)
An excellent year with ten records (all singles). A female was seen
at Whitlingham Woods on 7/1. Most records from the Thetford area.
A female seen by the path to the Bridge pub on 24/1, singles at Barnhamcross
on 13/6, 17/7 and 31/7, heard from the office on 18/9 and 27/11 and
heard by the Little Ouse on 26/10. The other records were by Caistor
Sewage Works on 8/4 (then flew to Dunston Common) and calling by Lindley
Farm Cottages on 17/4.
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