North Norfolk 28 th August 4 th September 1999 Trip Report

Transcription

1 North Norfolk 28 th August 4 th September 1999 Trip Report The trip began on 28th at Heathrow Airport where I picked up the participants from Shinwa Tourist. By the time they had cleared customs and loaded the bus it was before we left for Norfolk. After a brief comfort stop, we arrived at Briarfields Hotel at The weather throughout was dominated by high pressure and South Westerly winds. We had virtually clear blue skies throughout with average temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. The wind finally shifted to the much hoped for easterly on the afternoon of the 2 nd and this immediately produced passerine migration, which had not been much in evidence before this date. Systematic List of the 125 species recorded Little Grebe [Tachybaptus ruificollis] Noted at various freshwater locations with a maximum of 3 together at Holkham Pines on 3 September. Great Crested Grebe [Podiceps cristatus] Singles were noted daily on the sea at various locations. Inland records from Great Ryburgh on 2 September and Holkham Pines on 3 rd Fulmar [ Fulmaris glacialis] Noted daily at all coastal locations with a maximum of 6 past Holme on 1 September. Gannet [Sula bassana] Noted daily at all coastal locations with a maximum of 5 past Weybourne on 2 September. Cormorant [Phalacrocorax carbo] Noted on a daily basis in small numbers both offshore and inland. An impressive roost of over 60 birds was present at Titchwell on 3 September. Little Egret [Egretta garzetta] Noted only at Titchwell on 29 August and 3 September. 5 birds were present on both occasions. Grey Heron [Ardea cinerea] Noted on a daily basis at various locations with a maximum of 8 at Titchwell on 3 September. Spoonbill [Platalea leucorodia] Two adult birds were present at Cley NWT on 31 August. Mute Swan [Cygnus olor] Seen daily in small numbers at all freshwater sites. Greylag Goose [Anser anser] Very numerous with several flocks in excess of 350 birds. Canada Goose [Branta canadensis] Very numerous with several flocks in excess of 400 birds. Snow Goose Four white phase feral birds were noted at Titchwell on 29 August. Shelduck [Tadorna tadorna] Noted in small numbers throughout with a maximum of 16 at Titchwell on 29 August.

2 Egyptian Goose [Alopochen aegyptiacus] Noted at Salthouse on 30 August when 2 were present and at Cley on 31August where 6 were present. Wigeon [Anas penelope] Fairly numerous with flocks in excess of 200 birds at Titchwell on 29 and Cley on 31August. Gadwall [Anas strepera] Flocks of 30 plus were noted at Titchwell on 29 and Cley on 31 August. Teal [Anas crecca] Several large flocks were noted with a maximum of 500 plus at Titchwell on 3 September. Mallard [Anas platrhyncos] Recorded daily in small numbers. Shoveler [Anas clyptea] Recorded daily in small numbers with a maximum of 23 at Titchwell on 29 August. Red-crested Pochard [Netta rufina] Three eclipse males at Great Ryburgh on 2 September was the only record. Pochard [Aythya ferina] Five at Great Ryburgh on 2 September was the only record. Tufted Duck [Aythya fuligula] Recorded daily in small numbers with a maximum of 30 plus at Great Ryburgh on 2 September. Common Scoter [Melanitta negra] Sixteen past Holme on 1 September was the only record. Marsh Harrier [Circus aeruginosus] Recorded almost daily at various locations. Several excellent views were obtained including perched birds at Gypsy Lane on 29 August and males at Cley on 31 August and Lynn Point on 1 September. Sparrowhawk [Accipter nisus] Recorded daily with singles at various locations. Kestrel [Falco tinnunculus] Very numerous. Birds were recorded daily at almost all sites visited and many were seen hovering over fields en route. Hobby [Falco subbuteo] Two birds hunting together at Foxhole Heath on 2 September was an impressive sight. Peregrine [Falco peregrinus] First seen very briefly at Gypsy lane on 29 August. Two birds came in off the sea at Holme on 1 September giving the whole group excellent views. Red-legged Partridge [Alectoris rufa] Recorded daily in small numbers. One bird at Salthouse on 30 August still had 2 chicks. Grey Partridge [Perdix perdix] Seen by the group on a daily basis before I arrived. This is the only time I have ever visited Norfolk and not seen this species. Pheasant [Phasianus colchicus] Noted daily and very numerous especially in roadside fields. Water Rail [Rallus aquaticus] A single bird showed well at Titchwell on 3 September. One or two others were also heard. Moorhen [Gallinula chloropus] Widespread and fairly numerous.

3 Coot [Fulica atra] Widespread and common. Oystercatcher [Haematopus ostralegus] Recorded at all coastal locations with a maximum of 250 plus at Holme on 1 September. Black-winged Stilt [Himantopus himantopus] The resident male showed well at Titchwell on 29 August and 3 September. Avocet [Recurvirosta avosetta] Recorded at all coastal locations with a maximum of 40 plus at Titchwell on 29 August. Stone Curlew [Burhinus oedicnemus] Four birds showed well at Foxhole Heath on 3 September. This was an unexpected bonus as it was anticipated that they would have departed by now. Ringed Plover [Charadrius hiaticula] Small numbers were recorded daily with a maximum of 25 plus at Titchwell beach on 3 September. Golden Plover [Pluvialis apricaria] First noted at Salthouse on 30 August when 2 flew past on a seawatch. Thereafter 48 flew in off the sea at Cley on 31 August. Grey Plover [Pluvialis squatarola] A flock of 450 plus at Holme on 1 September included many summer plumaged birds. Lapwing [Vanellus vanellus] Recorded daily in large numbers. Knot [Calidris canutus] Recorded daily at all coastal locations. A flock of 4000 plus at Holme on 1 September was a good count for the time of year and an impressive sight. Sanderling [Calidris alba] Noted only in small numbers with a maximum of 5 at Holme on 1 September. Little Stint [Calidris minuta] A good count of 21 was present at Cley on 31 August. This remained the only record. Curlew Sandpiper [Calidris ferrugina] An amazing count of 137[all juveniles] was present at Cley on 31 August. Also noted at other coastal locations with over 50 more present in a very good year for this erratic species. Dunlin [Calidris alpina] Surprisingly the only double figure count was of 50 plus at Holme on 1 September. Ruff [Philomachus pugnax] At least 80 were present at Titchwell on 3 September with smaller numbers recorded at other coastal locations throughout. Snipe [Gallinago gallinago] An influx of 40 plus at Titchwell on 3 September was the only notable count. Black-tailed Godwit [Limosa limosa] Recorded most days with the most notable flock being 70 plus at Titchwell on 29 August. Bar-tailed Godwit [Limosa lapponica] Recorded most days with the most notable flock being 200 plus at Titchwell on 29 August.

4 Whimbrel [Numenius phaeopus] Recorded only in small numbers with a maximum count of 10 at Cley on 31 August. Curlew [Numenius arquata] Recorded daily in small numbers with a maximum count of 100 plus at Titchwell on 29 August. Spotted Redshank [Tringa erythropus] Recorded only at Cley on 31 August when 4 winter plumaged birds were present. Redshank [ Tringa totanus] Widespread and numerous. Greenshank [ Tringa nebularia] Recorded daily in good numbers with a maximum of 25 plus at Titchwell on 3 September. Green Sandpiper [Tringa ochropus] First noted at Salthouse on 30 August when 2 were present. Thereafter 4 at Titchwell on 3 September. Common Sandpiper [Actitis hypoleucus] Recorded only in small numbers at several sites. The maximum count being 2 together at Stiffkey Fen on 2 September. Turnstone [Arenaria interpres] Recorded at most coastal locations in small numbers with a maximum of 30 plus at Titvhwell on 3 September. Arctic Skua[Stercorarius parasiticus] A single dark phase bird flew past Holme on 1September. Great Skua [ Stercorarius skua] Three close in shore gave excellent views at Holme on 1 September. Little Gull [ Larus minutus] A single moulting adult was present at Titchwell on 29 August. Black-headed Gull [Larus ridibundus] Widespread in large numbers. Common Gull [Larus canus] Recorded daily at all coastal locations. Herring Gull [Larus argentatus] Recorded daily at coast and inland. Yellow-legged Gull [ Larus michahellis] A single adult bird at Cley on 31 August was followed by another at Lynn Point on 1 September. This second bird showed characteristics of Caspian Gull [Larus cachinnans] but we were unable to determine this for certain. Lesser Black-backed Gull [Larus fuscus] Widespread and common on coasts. Great Black-backed Gull [Larus marinus] Recorded daily with the largest flock being 20 plus at Holme on 1September. Sandwich Tern [Sterna sandvicensis] Recorded daily at all coastal locations with a maximum of 35 plus at Cley on 31 August. Common Tern [Sterna hirundo] Recorded daily in small numbers until 3 September when a flock of 70 plus was noted at Titchwell. Stock Dove [Columba oenas] Recorded every day in large flocks.

5 Wood Pigeon [Columba palumbus] Very numerous. Recorded at all locations in large numbers. Collared Dove [ Streptopella decaocto] Common. Most often recorded in or near coastal villages. Turtle Dove [Streptopella turtur] Migrants were noted at several locations. Two together at Gypsy Lane on 29 August was the only multiple sighting. Barn Owl [Tyto alba] After a long wait, a single bird was seen at Great Ryburgh on 2 September. Unfortunately the whole group except myself missed it, as they were not quick enough to get on to the bird as it made a brief flight. Little Owl [Athene noctua] A single juvenile showed well at Choseley farm on 29 August. Swift [Apus apus] Singles were noted at Titchwell on 29 August and 3 September. Kingfisher [Alcedo atthis] Two birds both at Cley on 31 August gave good views. One was hovering right in front of the Bishops hide whilst we were in it. Green Woodpecker [Picus viridis] A brief glimpse of a single bird at Gypsy lane on 29 August was followed by one flying across the bus at Holkham Pines on 3 September. Great Spotted Woodpecker [Dendrocopus major] One briefly at Weybourne on 2 September was followed by 2 seen well at Great Ryburgh on the same date. Sky Lark [Alauda arvensis] Very scarce. Just 2 records of singles at Cley on 31 August and Stiffkey Fen on 2 September. Sand Martin [Riparia riparia] No large flocks recorded. Nine at Great Ryburgh on 2 September being the maximum count. Swallow [Hirundo rustica] Recorded every day in good numbers with much visible migration. The largest flock was 400 plus coming into roost at Titchwell on 3 September. House Martin [Delichon urbica] Recorded daily with some birds still feeding young. The largest flock was 50 plus on wires at Titchwell on 29 August. Meadow Pipit [Anthus pratensis] Very few birds recorded and no large flocks. Five at Stiffkey on 2 September being the maximum count. Grey Wagtail [Motacilla cinerea] A single bird was seen by the party except myself at Titchwell on 29 August. Yellow Wagtail [Motacilla flava] Nine birds of the nominate race were seen together at Horsey Mill on 30 August. Pied Wagtail [Motacilla alba] Recorded daily with a maximum of 40 plus at Cley on 31 August. Wren [Troglodytes troglodytes] Several heard before sight view at Holme on 1 September. Thereafter a bird was trapped and ringed at Weybourne on 2 September. Dunnock [Prunella modularis] First recorded at Holme on 1 September when 7 were present in a mini influx. Thereafter noted sporadically with more heard than seen.

6 Robin [ Erithacus rubecula] Widespread and common. Two were trapped and ringed at Weybourne on 2 September. Whinchat [Saxicola rubetra] A single bird gave excellent views at Stiffkey on 3 September. Wheatear [Oenanthe oenanthe] A very tired migrant in the courtyard of our hotel was noted down to 3 m. This was surprisingly the only record. Blackbird [Turdus merula] Recorded daily but not in large numbers. Song Thrush [Turdus philomelos] Scarce at this time of year in Norfolk, explaining the single record of one at Great Ryburgh on 2 September. Mistle Thrush [Turdus viscivoris] Three individuals at Great Ryburgh on 2 September gave brief views to some members of the group. Reed Warbler [Acrocephalus scirpaceus] Ones and twos noted throughout. Two were trapped for ringing at Weybourne on 2 September. Lesser Whitethroat [Sylvia curruca] A brief glimpse of one at Holme on 1 September was followed by 2 at Stiffkey on 3 September. Whitethroat [Sylvia communis] A small influx of 7 at Stiffkey on 3 September was the only birds that showed well. Blackcap [Sylvia atricapilla] A single male at Gypsy Lane on 29 August was the only record. Chiffchaff [Phylloscopus collybita] Heard most days but the only birds to really show were 2 at Holkham Pines on 3 September. One of these birds showed characteristics of Scandinavian race abietinus. Willow Warbler [Phylloscopus trochilus] One at Titchwell on 29 August was the only record. Goldcrest [Regulus regulus] an influx of 10 plus at Holme on 1 September proved frustratingly elusive. Thereafter 4 at Holkham Pines on 3 September proved more accommodating. Marsh Tit [Parus palustris] A single bird at Hickling Broad on 30 August gave brief but reasonable views. Coal Tit [ Parus ater] Seen or heard most days in small numbers. Blue Tit [Parus caeruleus] Widespread and common. Great Tit [Parus major] Widespread and common. Treecreeper [Certhia familiaris] Three at Holkham Pines on 3 September gave good views. Long-tailed Tit [Aegithalos caudatus] First noted at Hickling Broad on 30 August when 6 were present. Thereafter heard more often than seen. Jay [Garrulus glandarius] Three in off the sea at Holme on 1 September was the only record.

7 Magpie [Pica pica] Seen daily in small numbers. Carrion Crow [Corvus corone] Widespread and common. Rook [Corvus frugilegus] Recorded daily but no really large flocks noted. Jackdaw [ Corvus monedula] Recorded daily in small numbers. Starling [Sturnus vulgaris] Recorded daily in large numbers. Tree Sparrow [Passer montanus] Four in a mixed finch flock at Choseley farm on 29 august was the only record of this much declining species. House Sparrow [Passer domesticus] Recorded daily in small numbers. Chaffinch [Fringilla coelebs] Widespread and common. Greenfinch [Carduelis chloris] Recorded most days with a maximum of 30 plus at Great Ryburgh on 2 September. Goldfinch [Carduelis cardeulis] Recorded daily with a maximum of 40 plus at Horsey Mill on 30 August. Linnet [Cardeulis cannabina] Recorded daily in small numbers. Bullfinch [Pyrrhula pyrrhula] A pair at Titchwell on 3 September was the only record. Yellowhammer [Emberiza citrinella] Recorded only at inland locations with 3 at Choseley farm on 29 August and 4 at Great Ryburgh on 2 September. Reed Bunting [Emberiza schoeniculus] Recorded daily in small numbers with a maximum of 7 in off the sea at Holme on 1 September. Corn Bunting [Milliaria calandra] Two on overhead wires at Choseley farm on 29 August was the only record. Grey Squirrel Mammals Brown Rat Red Fox Weasel Pippistrelle Harbour Porpoise 2 at Holme close inshore Rabbit Brown Hare Common Seal 150 plus at Stiffkey Fen

8 Speckled Wood Butterflies Large White Green veined White Tortoiseshell Red Admiral Common Blue Small Copper Small Heath Common Lizard Common Darter Reptiles Dragonflies Southern Hawker Poplar Hawk Moth Moths Convulvulus Hawk Moth Rare migrant. Trapped at Weybourne. The holiday concluded at Heathrow at on 4 th September 1999.