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The siskin was photographed by Alan Baldry and the northern wheatear and barn owl by Chris Courtney
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales—No. 207076, Scotland No. SC037654 GROUP LEADER’S REPORT from Chris Courtney
pring, what a wonderful season! And S once again it began early this year. Many of our native birds were already busy nest building from February, or for some species even late January. As soon as the days start to lengthen following the dark gloomy days of December, us birders and nature lovers receive a secret promise that spring is on the way, even though the weather may say otherwise! Dunnocks, blackbirds, song and mistle thrushes begin to find their old familiar song posts to proclaim the spring is coming as they peer out from the treetops. Whinchat. Picture—Chris Courtney
Indeed, an exceptionally early house martin appeared at Benacre on 24 February joined on 26 February by a Nightingale. Picture—Chris Courtney second and both then remained by the CEFAS building in Lowestoft. A building The single best nightingale site in the that seems to attract hirundines and their UK is at Lodge Hill on the Hoo Peninsula congeners, I still recall the two alpine in North Kent. Here the RSPB, Kent swifts that roosted and spent several Wildlife Trust and a number of groups are days there in March 2010. engaged in a battle to prevent the site from being developed for up to 5,000 And as you collect your Orwell Observer, houses. Lodge Hill was designated a or it hits your doormat or preferably inbox, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) you will very likely be eagerly anticipating in 2013. It’s the only SSSI in the UK (from the first full throated flourish of your first over 4,000) that is specifically noted for nightingale of the season! its nightingales. SSSIs are supposed to be protected under the National Planning We are still most fortunate to be living in Policy Framework, meaning that if this one of the last remaining strongholds of development is allowed to proceed it nightingales in the UK. Nightingales would set a very dangerous precedent for have declined by some 90 percent in the the protected status of the thousands of past 40 years, whilst at the same time other SSSIs across the land. having contracted towards their south- eastern strongholds. A number of factors The decision has now been called in for a are thought to be at play including both public inquiry, due to start March 2018, habitat loss and quality of breeding sites, when the RSPB will be one of the parties as well as pressures on migration and permitted to give evidence. degradation in the West African wintering areas. (Continued on page 3)
2 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 2) HouseSiberian sparrow. accentor Picture. Picture—Liz— CuttingChris Courtney
In the meantime, the RSPB has designated a Nightingale Festival to help celebrate and raise awareness of these truly iconic birds that have formed such a central place in our lives and culture for several thousand years.
We have designated our walks to Alton Water on Sunday 30 April, my guided walk at midday on Spring Wood Day, Bank Holiday Monday 1 May, and our evening walk around Purdis Heath on Wednesday 3 May as Nightingale Festival events. Although our Tuesday walks on 18 April to Bridge Wood and to Pipers Vale on 16 May should also Alpine swift. Picture—Chris Courtney provide good opportunities to hear if not see this our favourite songster. See our diary pages for full details and do yourself a favour by making sure you get Thank you….. your nightingale fix this spring! Thank you to all those members who help Wishing all our members and friends a reduce our costs with the distribution of wonderful bird filled summer. this magazine, especially:-
Those who elect to receive it by e- mail. It costs nothing for the Would you like to see your group to produce and you receive name here? the full version of the magazine in colour. To find out how to sponsor our Those who regularly collect their newsletter or an indoor magazines at the meeting or ask a meeting please contact any member friend to collect it for them. of the committee. Those who kindly agree to distribute magazines in their neighbourhood. Those who kindly donate stamps.
In these days of increasing costs the A W Hart—Builders committee endeavours to keep the membership fee as low as possible. This Tel: 01473 680017 does not cover the cost of both printing and postage so any assistance is very Sponsors of an indoor meeting welcome.
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SCOTLAND’S WINTER BIRDS from Patricia Hall t is not surprising when visiting another I part of the UK, in any season, that the avifauna will be different. Scotland was no exception. We were told that many common birds are completely absent in winter and head south or to coastal areas. Song thrushes and wagtails were among some of the examples given. At the time of our visit (late December/ early January) we were told that the winter had, so far, been exceptionally mild with snow only covering the higher ground, so the expected influx of winter migrants were absent. However, we did hope to see some of the ‘Scottish Specialities,’ those birds which are absent elsewhere in the UK.
Having visited Scotland before and not finding a crested tit we were hoping for better luck this time. We had seen them in Europe but not always particularly well, so were pleased to get excellent views this time. In winter they visit feeders along with other members of the tit family, and a good area is the car park at RSPB Loch Garten. The visitor centre and hides are closed out of the ‘osprey season,’ but there are feeders there and some visitors bring their own seeds and some birds, particularly coal tits, will take from the hand. Other birds seen in this area were great, blue and long-tailed tits, a treecreeper and chaffinches.
Another ‘Scottish Speciality’ is of course the capercaillie. Again we had seen these in Europe but not in Scotland. These birds are declining in numbers but their stronghold appears to be on the Female (above) and male (below) ptarmigan. eastern side of the Cairngorms where we Pictures—Heatherlea Birdwatching Holidays were staying. Living in dense mature coniferous forest (usually Scot’s pine) shrubs. However, in late winter the they can usually be seen on the ground absence of this food material causes feeding on the berries of low growing (Continued on page 5) 4 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 4) capercaillies to change their diet and feed on pine needles (necessitating physiological changes to enable harsher foodstuffs to be processed) consequently being seen in the trees as well. We had several walks and slow drives through suitable habitat before we finally located a young male bird quite close to our vehicle. At a second site we located several roosts from the droppings on the ground, which indicated a fairly good population, but no birds were seen.
Another member of the grouse family, the red grouse, was easily located on the moors and uplands but the third member, the ptarmigan, proved to be more difficult. The obvious site in Strathspey is Cairn Gorm itself. The day we visited was extremely cold but dry with quite a lot of snow cover. Not ideal for locating a bird which in its winter plumage is completely white. Some of our party set off to walk up the mountain but a recent injury to my knee meant I could only hobble with the aid of a stick so trekking was out for me and I had to resort to the funicular. However before both parties set out we scanned the slopes and sharp eyes picked out a pair of birds. It was a telescope view only and still very distant. At the top of the mountain we scanned the slopes but there was quite a lot of ‘snow blow’ obscuring our view. Male (above) and female (below) red grouse. Picture—Barry Hall However, on the downward journey I did see a ptarmigan quite close, running The snow actually helped us locate the along beside the snow fence. Meanwhile last member of the grouse family, the the walkers had located a flock of these black grouse. The male birds can birds and were able to indicate to us display throughout the year to exert their where they were so I was able to locate superiority over their fellows but a full lek them in my telescope and watch them does not occur until early spring. We feeding amongst the rocks before flying located a group of males squaring up to off. A solitary snow bunting was also each other either side of a fence, ‘casing’ the car park for picnic crumbs. (Continued on page 6)
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(Continued from page 5) Crested tit. Picture— Barry Hall showing up against the snow although fairly distant. Also at this location we saw a group of bullfinches, looking very colourful against the snow, and a goshawk which got everyone very excited.
It was suggested we visit an area the local birders call ‘Eagle Land.’ This is Strath Dearn, just south of Inverness. A couple of visits to this area produced wonderful flying displays by golden eagles. These powerful birds are able to hold their position against the strong Snow bunting. Picture—Barry Hall winds which were buffeting the common buzzards and ravens. We saw several golden eagles in this area with just a single white-tailed eagle, a bird I normally associate with the west. Another raptor seen in the strath was a peregrine falcon and sparrowhawks and kestrels were seen fairly regularly in the area.
The rivers, even though they were in full spate from the recent rain, produced little grebe, goldeneyes, dippers and goosanders (all female). There were large flocks of geese in the meadows but these were mainly greylags (as this was Scotland perhaps these were real ‘wild’ itself: goldeneye, red-breasted geese) with just a few pink-feet. I was merganser, pintails, greater scaup, quite surprised is see only two mute wigeon, teal, mallard, Slavonian grebe, swans in the entire trip but there were a velvet and common scoter and (one of few small family groups of whoopers. In my targets) a drake long-tailed duck in the meadows we also found flocks of winter plumage. The only rarity of the trip winter thrushes: mistle, redwing and was an American wigeon which was fieldfare. difficult to pick out amongst its Eurasian cousins in the fading light of a winter’s Other areas visited including the coast, afternoon. There was, of course, the east of Inverness and the Black Isle. usual assemblage of gulls, the There were the usual waders including occasional gannet, a shag feeding in the oystercatchers, bar-tailed godwits, harbour and cormorants flying over. curlews, knot, turnstones, sanderlings, dunlins and redshanks and on the sea (Continued on page 7) 6 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 6)
Finches were seen on feeders and in road and riverside trees: chaffinches, greenfinches, goldfinches, siskins and redpolls. In addition, on the Black Isle, twite, linnets and bramblings were included in the finch flocks and in the dusk of a winter’s afternoon, overflying woodcock. We heard reports of a small number of hawfinches beside the river at Grantown-on-Spey so had to take a look. They had not been seen at this site before which attracted the interest of many local birders.
One ‘Scottish Speciality’ we were keen to see was the Scottish and/or parrot crossbill.* However, all we had were calls and flyovers. A bird for another visit? Cappercaillie. Picture—Barry Hall
One bird the locals were keen to locate were waxwings. They had been seen in *There has been some debate about the the villages and, at the time of our visit, status of crossbills. Studies have shown very few seen in Suffolk, so we were that there are three species present in keen to see them as well. Most of the Scotland: common, Scottish and parrot. gardens had been stripped of berries by Identification is based in size, distribution, the blackbirds and mistle thrushes, so calls, bill shape and choice of food, we were sure they had headed south. however, most good field guides state However, on our last morning we did that distinguishing between Scottish and locate a flock much to everyone’s delight. parrot crossbills in areas where they A fitting end to our trip. both occur ‘is not reliable in the field.’
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7 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017
PLACES TO VISIT-RSPB STRUMPSHAW FEN from Richard Stewart
his is one of my favourite reserves Curlew sandpiper. T which is alongside the tidal river Yare Picture—Chris Courtney below Norwich, probably in part because it was where I saw my first swallowtail butterfly. It has a good range of butterfly species and in September 2016 I counted 50 red admirals, most feeding on sunlit ivy umbels. It is also a Grade 1 dragonfly site, its speciality being the Norfolk hawker, which is only resident and breeding where water quality is good. It also of course attracts many birdwatchers, with an overflow car park often in use at weekends. I will concentrate on the three hides in this article, though the reserve has a rich variety of habitats elsewhere, including unimproved meadow and woodland.
These observations are mainly from 2016, identification points. A kingfisher often starting with the Reception Hide. fishes nearby, either perched in the Even the car park can be investigated, reedbeds, or out in the open on top of the since at its far end a kingfisher often water height pole. Recently its already uses the backwater, with its multitude of bright plumage was beautifully enhanced perches. Just past the level crossing gate by afternoon sunlight. Incidentally, the there could be sightings of bullfinch, water height marker reached an alarming treecreeper and great spotted nine feet, right at the top of its scale, woodpecker. Marsh tits are among during the January 2017 tidal surge. Here many species attracted to the nearby bird there are usually good views of marsh feeders and the planted area attracts harriers, an amazing success story swallowtails in summer. I must admit to compared to their national numbers a few some reservations about reception hides years ago. In summer a hobby is often as they are invariably noisy and may give hunting for dragonflies and recent newcomers the idea that they can be sightings, which I managed to miss, equally noisy in the other hides. However, included a 'ringtail' hen harrier and it is always a welcoming place, with a osprey. My best ever view of a jack voluntary warden, refreshments available snipe was from this hide, just a few yards and an updated species list of recently away, probing into soft mud. Otters can seen wildlife. The views are panoramic, be seen regularly and a few years ago my down a wide channel of water bordered wife Marie and I saw one continually by deep reedbeds and usually mallard, swimming out to a small island to prey on teal, shoveller and gadwall are close to nesting black-headed gulls. the hide, allowing those new to ornithology to get a good look at their (Continued on page 9)
8 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 8) of a superb sunset reflected in the water. Sometimes there is the bell-beat of mute Close to the river, the Tower Hide gives swans and often the gabbling of geese, commanding views across much of the heard before being seen, passing over reserve. Some years ago I entered and so close that you can hear the wind in was amazed to see just what changes their wings. By then the geese are dim had been made in the configuration of silhouettes, but probably greylag or the reedbeds. One species to benefit bean geese, headed for their roosting was the bittern and undoubtedly this areas at nearby Buckenham marshes, species provided my most memorable also an RSPB reserve. Bearded tits sighting from this hide. I was alone and 'ping' in the reeds and there is an suddenly a bittern flew right across the increasingly vocal chorus of unseen open water in front of me, at about eye water rails, making that eerie call that to level, the whole of its profile turned me enriches the after sunset golden in the sunlight. Kingfishers and atmosphere. There is a final bonus as herons are often present, with a good this time of day offers the best range of ducks, while cutting back of opportunity to watch Chinese water reeds close to the hide gave me, in deer. They come out from the reedbeds autumn 2016, superb views of about a to feed on the grassy strips and aquatic dozen snipe. Another recent memory vegetation, at first distinct forms then as from January 2017 was of a small flight darkness descends becoming mysterious of teal, continually flying round to find black blobs. I counted seven in clear water on a day when much of the November 2016, a wonderful experience reserve was icebound. Here the to end a very full day and to keep me panoramic views allow good happy on the long walk through the observations of marsh harriers, darkness to the railway station at including the spectacular mid-air food Brundall. pass from the hunting male to the nesting female. I counted five marsh harriers on that January 2017 visit. Ipswich Microwave Centre However, the Fen Hide is my favourite, reached by a track off the main path back [email protected] from the river to the Reception Hide. It is small and basic, with the view out to a Sponsors of an indoor meeting 'pool' of shallow water. Once from this hide, in the space of about five minutes, I alerted a young couple to a perching kingfisher and then the approaching wake of water that heralded an otter Alder Carr Farm crossing the water on its way towards the river. This hide is best just before sunset, Tel: 01449 720820 when most visitors have gone. Snipe, gadwall and mallard can often be Sponsors of an indoor meeting feeding close to the hide and the surrounding bird noises intensify the atmosphere, often to the accompaniment 9 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017
LAKENHEATH FEN NEWS from Alan Kell
ello and welcome to the winter H news from Lakenheath Fen! So a bit of a change here, as Katherine, our warden for the past 10 years has recently left temporarily on maternity leave, so we would like to wish her all the best with the birth of her child. I will be attempting to fill Katherine’s boots during her absence and look forward to working on such a spectacular site.
Reserve Management Over the past couple of months, the team of staff and volunteers have been busy working alongside a contractor and his excavator (photo on next page), in cutting 5ha of reed in the western end of New Fen North. These The frame of our bug hotel, awaiting to be areas have since been flooded, with the filled by our WEX group. future plan to drop the levels and Picture—David White introduce cattle on in spring to graze the area. This combination will help knock constructing this fantastic shell from back the older reed and allow for new recycled pallets for our new bug hotel, growth to come through, regenerating the which our young wildlife explorers group reedbed with stronger stems and will complete, by filling with wood and increased seed densities. reed, creating the perfect home for a range of creepy crawlies. The team have also started scrub management this past month, thinning Reserve events out some of the willow in Joist Fen South. The Winter Long Walk on Sunday 5 The natural succession of a reedbed is February provided some fantastic wildlife into scrub, so in order to preserve the sightings to the eight visitors who reedbed it is a necessity to manage the attended. Thankfully the weather was willow. We do always leave a mixture of very considerate and provided warm mature and some young willow, to enough conditions for those who provide a bit of diversity for the benefit of attended to enjoy lunch sitting on the Cetti’s warblers and marsh harriers. bank watching the marsh harriers, As always, our volunteers have been bearded tits, two bitterns, seven fantastic and essential in helping us carry cranes, two great white egrets, 87 out all of the management mentioned whooper swans, corn buntings and two above, as well as the maintenance of the peregrines were the other major site, including repairing our livestock highlights for the very happy attendees. fences and benches. A couple of our volunteers have recently been busy (Continued on page 11)
10 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 10)
All of our up and coming events for 2017 can now be found on our website, with the next couple being:
Bats that go bump in the night: Friday 5 May 7.45-10.00.p.m. Price: Adult £10, Children £5 (Non- Members) Adults £8, Children £4 (Members) Booking essential
Dawn chorus walk: Sunday 7 May 4.45 -7.45 a.m. Price: Adults £12, Children £6 (Non- Members) Adults £10, Children £5 (Members) Payment in advance via www.wegottickets.com/lakenheath; or by cheque. Booking essential
Wildlife Sightings We are very pleased to say that both pairs of cranes have returned to the site Contractor working with his excavator cutting with their young from last year (seven in reed in New Fen North and our volunteers total). Usually in February, the adults will undertaking the tidy up work with a controlled bonfire (!) Both pictures by Dave Rodgers: kick out the juveniles before starting their mating rituals ready for the breeding season. Male and female hen harriers have also been gracing us with their presence, with a peak count of three recorded in January, accompanying up to Magazine Printers & 15 marsh harriers going into roost. Sponsors: Bearded tits and bitterns have also been offering fantastic views and pleasing Sharward Services Ltd, many of our visitors since the New Year. For more sightings or information about PO Box 1053, our events and the reserve, including our Ipswich IP1 9YL blog, please check out our website Tel: 0147 212113 www.rspb.org.uk/lakenheathfen Website: sharward.co.uk
Hope to see you soon.
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Just to get everyone in the mood for spring and summer birding, some pictures of migrants/summer visitors you may see …..possibly!
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Pictures all by Chris Courtney. 1— whiskered tern, 2—pallid harrier, 3—honey buzzard, 4—little bittern and 5—pied flycatcher.
12 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 NEWS FROM MINSMERE from Ian Barthorpe
14.2.17— Show the Love Stoats were spotted in the car park and Valentine's Day is traditionally the date around the Discovery Centre, while a dog when ducks pair up, and there has otter fished alongside the egrets at certainly been a lot of courtship Wildlife Lookout this morning. A happening on the Scrape already. It's not kingfisher also joined in the fishing just the ducks either as three male frenzy there! lapwings were displaying outside North Hide this morning. You can read all about Even the plants are showing the love, the way in which the moon cycle affects with snowdrops in flower around the car these beautiful wading birds in the Suffolk park entrance and gorgeous yellow Wader Strategy's blog at http:// catkins dripping in golden bunches from www.suffolkwaders.org/2017/02/13/ the hazel trees. Look closely and you can lapwings-in-winter/ just about make out the tiny red female flowers too. Other birds are displaying already too, the marsh harriers are already twisting and tumbling through the sky in their sky- 20.2.17— Smiling happy people dancing display, while birdsong is It wasn't only the families and volunteers increasing by the day. with smiling happy faces this week either. Many birdwatchers left equally happy Minsmere's herons were certainly after spotting some of our star species. showing visitors the love over the last two The pair of smew remain, but continue to days. So much so that, like many other be frustratingly mobile at times. They visitors, my family were able to spot four favour the pool behind North Hide, species of herons in just 20 minutes viewable from the mound near the pond, today. Not just spot either. We enjoyed but have also shown well at times from superb views of all four species. First we Wildlife Lookout and near South Hide. watched the great white egret feeding They have, however, also gone missing alongside little egret and grey heron on for a day or two at a time. The great the pool behind Wildlife Lookout, then we white egret can be similarly difficult to pin wandered to Island Mere where a bittern down, but when it feeds in its favoured spent virtually the entire day fishing close pool behind Wildlife Lookout it shows to the hide. incredibly well. The six goosanders at Island Mere have been more reliable, and There's so much more to see too. The six have taken to roosting on the Scrape goosanders remain on Island Mere, overnight. where yesterday's sightings included bearded tits, water rails, peregrine, Of course, for many people the star buzzard, snipe, otter and stoat. A male attractions are our reedbed birds, and the hen harrier flew over the mere late bitterns at Island Mere continue to show afternoon yesterday, and heading inland well, often feeding close to the hide for over the Visitor Centre this morning - right long periods. The first grunting bitterns over my head without me knowing it was were heard last week, tuning up before there! The aforementioned mammals they start booming in earnest in the have been seen several times today too. (Continued on page 14)
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(Continued from page 13) vengeance as Storm Doris swept across the country on Thursday. We had plenty coming weeks. Water rails and bearded of warning, and took the precaution of tits also show well at times, while the closing the woodland parts of the reserve marsh harriers are much more reliable, all day, leaving access open to the especially as they are now sky dancing in Visitor Centre, North Wall, East Hide and earnest. Island Mere - the latter via Whin Hill only.
They're not the only birds displaying now However, as the wind picked up during either. Several pairs of oystercatchers the day, and reports came in of fallen have already returned to the Scrape and trees blocking several roads, we took the their loud piping calls now accompany decision to close the reserve completely any walk around the Coast Trail. It won't by early afternoon, which meant heading be long before our avocets begin to out to some of the hides to encourage return to the Scrape too. As I mentioned visitors to make their way home. Not that in my last blog, many of our ducks have many visitors had bothered to come, as already paired up, and mating has also most heeded the warnings to stay at started, especially among the mallards. home, while others knew full well that many of our star birds would stay hidden Another species that is clearly already in such windy conditions. pairing up is the treecreeper, with no fewer than three pairs spotted between In the end, we weren't too badly affected the visitor centre and South Belt by Storm Doris, with just a handful of Crossroads this afternoon, while great trees coming down - notably between spotted woodpeckers are drumming in Wildlife Lookout and South Belt the woods. The milder weather has Crossroads and between Bittern Hide and encouraged many more birds to start Island Mere - although many branches singing, but has also prompted the and twigs came down, and the local departure of some of our wintering birds - roads were littered with debris. 30 Bewick's swans flew east this After the storm, we enjoyed some brighter morning and the first satellite tracked weather on Friday, and again on Sunday, Bewick's swan has already reached before the next weather system has Denmark at the start of their long brought showers and more gales today. migration back to Siberia. It has also Indeed, it looks like being a rather brought a few insects out in search of blustery week, so please wrap up warm nectar - a white-tailed bumblebee was and take care on the roads if you are seen near Southbelt Crossroads today planning to visit this week. and a comma butterfly was spotted yesterday, while I saw my first brimstone There's lots of good reasons to make that butterfly and early bumblebee of the visit too, with a variety of winter and year in London's Hyde Park on Friday. spring wildlife on offer. The two smew (male and female) remain, though they 27.2.17—When the Wind Doth Blow seem to have moved to take up residence I suppose it wouldn't be right as Brits not on what is known as Chapel Pool - this is to be talking a lot about the weather, but the small pool on the South Levels that is just as spring felt like it was beginning to best viewed from the south-east corner of spring, autumn returned with a (Continued on page 15) 14 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 14) treecreeper and bullfinches in the woods, peregrines hunting over the the Leiston Abbey chapel ruin. A first Scrape and reedbed, and stonechats in winter glaucous gull has also been seen the dunes. Red deer, too, can be seen on the South Levels this afternoon - any time of year, though bizarrely they possibly the same bird that was present had eluded me so far this year until a earlier in the winter. lovely group of seven wandered across my path this afternoon. Other notable winter birds include eight goosanders on Island Mere until at least Adapted (with permission from Ian’s blog yesterday, one or two pintails among the on RSPB Futurescapes website) hordes of ducks on the Scrape, a few redwings in South Belt, and flocks of siskins and lesser redpolls in the woods. The latter included at least one Bypass Nurseries common (or mealy) redpoll for a few days late last week, first along the Tel: 01473 310604 Woodland Trail and later close to Westleton Heath. Sponsors of an indoor meeting
There are also plenty of reminders that spring is just around the corner: a few oystercatchers and ringed plovers Mid-Suffolk Fencing have returned to the Scrape, and six avocets were seen flying north Tel: 01449 721025 yesterday; bitterns are grunting more frequently, with even the odd weak boom Sponsors of an indoor meeting heard; great spotted woodpeckers are drumming; Cetti's warblers, marsh tits, reed buntings and skylarks are among the increasing variety of birdsong; and more and more daffodils are flowering each day. However, the wind had Swap, Donate or Buy? reduced the amount of marsh harrier display, and put a temporary hold on I would like to apologise to singing woodlarks and Dartford members who were hoping to use warblers on Westleton Heath. The first this stall in March. This was adders were reported in the sunny unavoidable due to an injury. weather before the arrival of Storm Doris Unfortunately I shall be away in too, though they may have returned to October. Please keep an eye on hibernation this week. the website in case alternative arrangements can be made. Many of the other highlights don't really fit into a seasonal pattern as they can be Pat seen at any time of year. These include otters on Island Mere, nuthatch,
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RSPB IPSWICH LOCAL GROUP HOUSE SPARROW PROJECT—THE RESULTS
irstly, a really big thank you to all of some really valuable information, giving F you who participated in last year’s residents the opportunity to record House Sparrow Survey and/or our comments that revealed some detailed House Sparrow Questionnaire. local knowledge about ‘their’ house Altogether, we achieved fantastic sparrows, enabling us to build a picture of coverage. Over 75 percent of our the latest trends. In contrast to the mostly designated survey squares and a unremitting picture of decline and local whopping 125 completed questionnaire extinctions emanating from the 2006 forms were returned! study, the 2016 surveys have revealed a more mixed picture, with at least some What a superb effort! So what did we find optimistic and positive stories amongst out about our town’s house sparrows? the doom! While reports of negative As you will probably remember, 10 years sightings and local extinctions continued, ago back in 2006 the group conducted a evidence also emerged that showed similar, but less detailed study that colonies with stable, or even increasing produced a house sparrow distribution populations. But most hopeful of all were map of the town (see next page). At that a few reports of house sparrows time members of the group were returning to locations from where they concerned about the many reports had previously disappeared. This prevalent during the early 2000s showing provides hope that the species can be serious declines in the house sparrow resilient, especially with a little population across many of the UK ‘s conservation minded sensitivity from the towns and cities. We now know that the human communities where our sparrows house sparrow declined by 71 percent make their homes. between 1971 and 2008. This precipitous decline was the main factor Here are a few examples of the more that led to house sparrows being placed positive responses we received from our onto the UK’s red list of species of questionnaires:- conservation concern in 2002. First time they have used the nestbox Unfortunately, despite some modest since put up 10 years ago. Only recoveries in some areas, house returned to the garden in 2015 after 20 sparrows remain firmly on the red list odd years when small groups used to (Birds of Conservation Concern 4. dust bath in northwest corner. 4.5.16 December 2015 https://britishbirds.co.uk/ first attempt. Nest four eggs - three wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BoCC4.pdf ) young fledged 2 -24. Moved here in 1969. About six Echoing the wider national picture, our sparrows regularly seen. Numbers Ipswich 2006 survey also suggested a dwindled till none seen. In last two reduced distribution and declining years one male seen infrequently. population from historical levels, even Delighted recently to see a male and a within living memory. For our 2016 house female more frequently. Long may sparrow project, we undertook a dual they stay and increase! approach so as to gain both qualitative A few small groups locally, triple nest and quantitative results. The questionnaire for residents produced (Continued on page 17) 16 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 The 2006 Survey Map Key: green = sparrows present in square, red = a null report. Blank areas were not surveyed.
next door house which were poorly (Continued from page 16) maintained. The flock here has declined by up to box put up - successful this year for 50 percent since we moved here in the first time after two years with no 2002 interest. One pair nesting in central box but usually three to five birds As well as valuable qualitative information around the nest site in privet hedge. the questionnaire also provided some quantitative data, such as ‘Big Garden And for balance some examples of more Birdwatch’ style maximum number negative responses :- counts, categorising habitat features, There is no doubt that there are far information on nest sites and provision of fewer sparrows, due I feel, mainly to food. the to the proliferation of plastics soffits and fascias, and also because The second approach was our controlled- they are prevented from visiting the effort survey using the Protocol for roof space close to its guttering Censusing Urban Sparrows, a Until about 10 years ago regularly had methodology tailor-made for the unusual a pair of sparrows visiting front garden task of monitoring a breeding species in a vegetation and feeding. This is an heterogeneous urban environment. This Edwardian mid-terrace house and I was applied to a defined sample of the believe they nested in the soffits of the (Continued on page 18) 17 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017
(Continued from page 17) Numbers of sparrows recorded in sample squares, ranged between 28 and town using a rasterized grid system zero with locations categorised as allocated to volunteers via an interactive ‘residential suburban’ being most map. Consequently our dual approach favoured by house sparrows. The next provided both continuity with the 2006 best category was ‘rural villages’ with study but with some improved survey town centre locations being least techniques, plus more consistent favoured. The central shopping area is sampling of sparrow colony presence devoid of any sparrows. However, this is and population densities across the town. not the case in many European towns The controlled-effort survey saw and cities, for example Paris, where volunteers making three (early) morning sparrows will penetrate retail districts. visits during April and May to each of their allocated 350m2 squares. These were Likewise, our main urban green spaces conducted under suitable conditions, (i.e. are also mostly sparrow free zones. weather) in order to optimize recording None were found in Christchurch Park house sparrow territorial and breeding and the cemeteries also recorded little or activities. no sparrow presence. It would be of interest to ask some of our older The detailed results were amalgamated residents whether they remember into a Heatmap (overpage) which sparrows in Christchurch Park in the provides an easily understood, high-level 1960s as the age of the surrounding visual picture of house sparrow housing would seem sparrow-friendly. population densities and distributions, identified from our controlled-effort These findings are largely consistent with survey. The larger circles and warmer the BTO research report into habitat colours indicate the highest population preferences in the UK; green spaces are densities. The red dots show the 13 not particularly favoured by house squares we did not manage to survey. sparrows. "Habitat preferences of House Sparrows" BTO Research Report No. The Heatmap shows sparrow 599, June 2011, ISBN 978-1-906204-97- concentrations in peripheral areas. 6 Particularly in the northwest and south- east. These two concentrations appear Another finding from this report that strong, healthy and dense. In total we seems to correspond with Ipswich is:- observed 184 sparrows, a number that does not equate to the total sparrow Furthermore, the decline of the species population of the sample areas. appears to vary substantially in severity Observations were constrained by both between different cities and regions, with time and space and by virtue of the fact socially deprived regions being relatively that in most urban settings observations little affected. are limited to viewing the road-facing fronts of buildings. Surveyors were As quoted from the questionnaire above, required to mark inaccessible areas, on poorer areas of housing with frequently their survey maps. lower levels of maintenance would appear to favour house sparrow (Continued on page 19) 18 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 2016 Map (Questionnaire and cycle survey) Green pins = positive reports, Red pins = null reports, Blue pins = declining colonies.
(Continued from page 18) Fragmentation that inevitably increases the risk of local extinctions if such factors colonies, providing greater opportunities as available nest sites, food supply, for nesting sites. This was very much (including that of invertebrates, critical for born out in a number of the squares I chick survival) become subject to sudden personally surveyed. In general, poorer change. neighbourhoods with less well-maintained housing stock provided some of the most Not infrequently it was observed that an thriving house sparrow colonies. individual small colony was entirely Conducting surveys during the early dependent on a very few houses in a mornings with minimal traffic noise street, or even a single dwelling where enabled the calls of territorial males to be nesting was typically taking place in a half heard across wider distances, -rotten soffit, barge board or under a roof highlighting the frequently fragmented tile. In such cases it is obvious that a nature of these small isolated colonies. (Continued on page 20)
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(Continued from page 19) Information Service and other locally based conservation organisations. The small amount of well intentioned but purpose of this will be informed by our insensitive maintenance work could quite distribution maps, to encourage more easily give rise to the demise of yet sensitive building management, another isolated colony. I personally installation of sparrow nest boxes, observed a thriving extended colony in a especially at key sites, and to include 1930s social housing development where things like nest bricks in new build the corbelled arrangement of the housing, and conservation of sparrow brickwork by chance provides a series of habitat features such as thick hedges. perfect sparrow-sized nest spaces under the gable ends of the houses. If you are fortunate enough to still have sparrows where you live then please In stark contrast new housing consider (if not already doing so):- developments (with a single exception of Putting up some sparrow boxes on a location adjacent to a large pre-existing your home colony) were observed to be completely devoid of sparrows. New build houses Providing food and water including if are effectively hermetically sealed boxes possible live or dried meal worms with no room for uninvited wild guests! from late May through June and July - proven to significantly increase chick Future Outcomes survival and successfully fledging.
We have decided to issue an appeal to Volunteering to become a last year’s surveyors to help gap-fill the Neighbourhood Sparrow Champion 13 squares left un-surveyed during the 2016 survey. This will be really useful to And lastly but very much not least, a help to find the answer to questions such massive thank you to Richard Mudhar, as if the south-west hotspot is contiguous our IT wizard and science trained and if the south-eastern hotspot extends sparrow supremo, without whom this further south. project (and the last one) would quite simply never have been realised! We are aware that we will not be comparing within the same year but we For Richard’s report see Ipswich House can control for this by checking BTO Sparrow Survey 2016 – http:// Birdtrack reports for sparrows in the www.richardmudhar.com/sparrows/2016/ region to see if there is a notable yearly index.html variation. The winter of 2016-17 has not been particularly harsh, nor was the one of 2015-16, all of which bodes well for Fenn Wright similarity between the years. Estate Agents
Our next steps are centred around further Tel: 01473 261090 disseminating our results to a range of audiences including local planners, Sponsors of an indoor meeting housing associations, Suffolk Biodiversity
20 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 For detailed records see Ipswich House Sparrow Survey 2016 http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich
House sparrows, the pair are by Chris Courtney and the feeding male by Barry Hall
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TRIP REPORTS from Stephen Marginson Freston & the River Orwell—4.12.16 telescopes essential. Around 5,000 knots and dunlins were gathered on the A bright, sunny morning with a keen mudflats, moving out with the tide and southerly wind greeted those who came making an impressive sight, glinting in the on this trip. We watched a pair of winter sun. Smaller numbers of buzzards as they soared over Freston redshanks, curlews, black-tailed Woods and the nearby field, always a godwits, turnstones, grey and ringed magnificent sight. Going down to the plovers were also noted on the mudflats. foreshore at the sailing club the tide was Over Cattawade a large flock of lapwings out, but beginning to rapidly move in. were seen. Several members had Parties of redshanks, black-tailed observed the large numbers of teal and godwits, curlews and oystercatchers wigeon around the Cattawade sluice and were noted along the waters edge. road bridge on the way to the trip meeting Dunlins and knots were noticeable by point. We wandered along to Mistley their absence but around 60 turnstone where pintails, over 50 goldeneyes, red kept us occupied watching their feeding -breasted merganser, goosanders, habits. Several parties of wigeon and little grebes, little egret and kingfisher shelducks were seen along with 13 grey were all seen at close quarters with herons on the Orwell Bridge parapets. excellent views enjoyed by all. Over 300 Only a couple of great crested grebes shelducks along with groups of were noted along with two goldeneye out oystercatchers were noted out on the in the river. One of the more interesting mudflats with further goldeneyes out in highlights of the trip was a pair of the main river. Of particular note at common gulls calling and displaying on Mistley were the two UK species of the foreshore. The calls and display of sawbill duck watched at close range with these birds is rarely seen in Suffolk as the differences between the merganser they breed in more northern climes. As and goosander being observed by all. the tide rose rapidly over 400 Everyone enjoyed a thoroughly good oystercatchers gathered at the Freston morning's birdwatching which is made roost. We finished the day by waiting for easy as one is well sheltered from the the vessel Dijksgracht to pass, one of the worst of the weather and on hard largest ships to visit Ipswich, arriving pavements between Manningtree and earlier in the week with rice from Mistley, therefore avoiding the muddy Houston, Texas. A fine sight in the boot syndrome associated with winter midday sun to end an interesting trips. morning.
Manningtree & Mistley—8.1.17 River Deben: Woodbridge to Kyson Point—4.2.17 The Manningtree and Mistley trip, which has become an annual winter trip for the A cloudy but still morning greeted those Ipswich Group, never fails to impress and who came for the trip to the Deben at this year's trip was no exception. Viewing Woodbridge. We walked along the wall conditions were first class with the tide towards Kyson Point and Martlesham falling rapidly, which made the use of (Continued on page 23)
22 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 (Continued from page 22) taking on their black head plumage again. On the fields adjacent to the wall we were Creek and returned the same way. This able to watch stonechat, chaffinch and walk offers excellent views over the river goldfinch. Blackbird, song thrush, and surrounding countryside and is on robin, dunnock and great tit were in full good firm footpaths, something that was song, signs that we are slowly heading welcome after recent rains. The main towards spring. Further along we watched feature of the visit was the very good view reed bunting and rock pipit. Out on the one gets of most of the waders and ducks river little grebe were present along with on the estuary as they are close in and do good numbers of dunlins and lapwings. not seem to mind people. Within a few Grey heron, little egret and, for the lucky yards of the station we were watching few, a kingfisher was also noted. We avocet, redshank, curlew, lapwing and retreated after a couple of hours as light black-tailed godwit at very close range. rain set in after a very enjoyable Wigeon and teal were slightly further morning's birdwatching. Nothing rare but away but still offered great views. a good variety of species viewed up close Common, herring and black-headed on this part of the Deben. gulls were also present with the latter UPDATE ON THE FLATFORD WILDLIFE GARDEN from Shirley Sampson
eave the car behind, wander down L Tunnel Lane with the trees just coming into leaf overhead, become aware of the birdsong all around. There is the glint of sunlight on water through the trees, and the curve of an old wooden bridge. An ancient thatched cottage peeps out from beneath its eaves, and suddenly the modern world recedes and you find yourself transported back 200 years. Walk down the hill and as you Goldcrest. Picture—Chris Courtney cross the old hump-backed wooden bridge, views which have not changed in Flatford as well – a place designed to since Constable’s time open out in front show people how they can help with of you. Wide flood meadows stretch wildlife conservation within their own westwards towards the spires of Dedham gardens, big or small. The garden aims to Church, punctuated by gnarled willow teach people how their choice of plants pollards which bend over their reflection and management of their outdoor space in the silvery Stour River. Thus begins can genuinely benefit wildlife such as your morning at Flatford, a tiny hamlet bees, hedgehogs, butterflies, frogs and tucked into a corner of the Stour Valley, even struggling birds such as house frozen in time. sparrows and song thrushes. The RSPB owns over 300,000 acres of nature There’s more than just history here, reserve in Britain, but gardens cover though. The RSPB runs a wildlife garden (Continued on page 24)
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(Continued from page 23) What’s on in the Easter Holidays? much more than this area, meaning there There’s a free children’s nature trail round is huge potential for ordinary the garden daily, as well as other householders to really help our struggling activities such as planting wildlife-friendly wildlife. seeds to take home and grow, and hands -on activities for even the smallest The garden opens for the year on 1 April, children (donations gratefully received.) when primroses and cowslips will be For the grown-ups, there are plenty of peeping in the apple orchard and the ideas to take home to your own gardens, wildflower meadow, daffodils will be as well as free plant lists, and seeds and turning their faces to the sun, and the inexpensive wildlife friendly plants to buy. blue tits will be hatching their chicks in the nestboxes. Another main aim of the wildlife garden is to show children the magic that is nature – those first wonderful experiences are the ones that stay with us for a lifetime, enriching our lives and opening our eyes to the beauty that is around us. My love of nature began in the garden, where as a small child I would run barefoot in the morning dew, just exulting in the sunshine and the smell of damp earth and green grass. As a mother now myself, I am determined that my child will also have the opportunity to develop a love of nature and a joy in the outdoors. Who knows who is nurturing the next David Attenborough?!
So Flatford, although it may feel like it belongs to the past, also offers hope for the future – children growing up with a sense of wonder about the natural world around them, and people who are inspired by, and care for, the natural world, even if all they have space for is a window box full of thyme and chives for the bees!
The RSPB’s garden is open daily from 1 April between 10:30 and 4:30, and is free to enter. Park in the National Trust car park at Flatford, (£4 all day free to NT More sparrows (and a goldfinch), pictures taken members) and save some space for cake during the sparrow survey. at the tea room! 24 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017
st 1
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RARE BIRD SIGHTINGS DURING THE WINTER IN SUFFOLK From BirdLine East Anglia
Species Location with date in brackets November Cliff swallow Minsmere RSPB (4-6) Forster’s tern Stour estuary (19-20) & Felixstowe Ferry (21) Little bunting Bawdsey (13-14) Great grey shrike Minsmere RSPB (16-17) & Sutton (23) Shorelark Covehithe (13) Black-bellied dipper Needham Market (u26) Cattle egret Iken (f14) Turtle dove Landguard NR (1) January Pallas’s warbler Kessingland (f6) Little bunting Knettishall (9) Great grey shrike Sutton Common Smew♂ Thorington Street reservoir Tundra bean goose Thorington Street reservoir Long-tailed ducks Dunwich Velvet scoters Dunwich Twite Dunwich Black-necked grebe Dunwich (f9) Slavonian grebe Alton Water Black-necked grebe Alton Water Black-throated diver River Orwell Great northern diver River Orwell & River Alde at Slaughden Red-necked grebe Stutton Ness Slavonian grebe (↑4) Stutton Ness Cattle egret Iken & Baylham Continued on pg. 27
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Continued on pg. …... Just hanging around! Continued from pg. 26 Glaucous gull Landguard NR & Hollesley Marsh RSPB Lesser whitethroat Newmarket (f8) Waxwing Rendlesham & Bungay February Cattle egret Iken Glaucous gull Minsmere RSPB, Landguard NR, & Hollesley Marsh RSPB Iceland Gull Landguard NR (14) Twite Southwold (20) House martin Benacre Broad & Lowestoft (24 & 26) Slavonian grebe (↑7) Alton Water & River Stour Black-necked grebe Alton Water, River Stour & Dunwich Great northern diver Rivers Stour, Orwell & Alde (u4) Red-necked grebe River Stour Black-throated diver River Orwell Velvet scoter (3) River Stour & Dunwich Long-tailed duck (2) River Alde & Dunwich Scaup Dunwich
Smew Thorington Sheet (u11) Tundra bean goose Various
Abbreviations: ↑ = up to, f = from, u=until
Birdline East Anglia ‘What’s About’ simply phone 09068 700 245 for all the bird news. Calls to 09068 700245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65per 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
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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
Date Event Time Meeting Place 30 April Field Meeting—Alton Water 10.00 a.m. Lemons Hill Tattingstone for spring birds (part of Bridge, north car RSPB Nightingale Festival). 3hrs. park,TM137377. 3miles. (SM) 1 May Spring Wood Day (part of RSPB) Details on page 25 Nightingale Festival 3 May Field Meeting—Purdis Heath for 6.30 p.m. Bucklesham Road, summer birds (part of RSPB lay-by near Nightingale Festival). 2hrs. 2-3miles. Trinity Park, (SM) TM213424. 3 May Joint Field Meeting with Ipswich 4.30 a.m. Bobbits Lane car Wildlife Group—Dawn chorus walk to and park, TM147414 Spring Wood and Belstead Wet 5.30 a.m. Meadows, 2-3hrs. 2-3miles. 16 May Midweek Walk—Pipers Vale. (KR) 10.00 a.m. Car park at Vale entrance, TM178419. 17 May Field Meeting—Rushmere Common for 6.30 p.m. Heath Road summer birds. 2hrs. 2-3miles. (SM) entrance, TM197445. 24 May Field Meeting—SWT Newbourne 6.30 p.m. Reserve car park, Springs Reserve. 2hrs. 2-3miles. (SM) TM275433. 10 June Field Meeting—Bourne Park, Kiln 9.30 a.m. Bourne Park car Meadow & Spring Wood for summer park, Stoke Park birds. 3hrs. 5miles. (SM) Drive, TM152419. Mid-June Field Meeting—Nightjar evening at 8.00 p.m. Car park, (Date to be Hollesley Heath. Final details on TM335471. confirmed website or email: depending [email protected] (SM). on weather conditions) 13 June Midweek Walk—Christchurch Park. 10.00 a.m. Soane Street (KR) entrance, TM165448
28 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017 More dates for your diary
12 July Field Meeting—Levington Creek 6.30 p.m. Stratton Hall for migrant waders & summer Lane, near birds. 2hrs. 2-3miles. (SM) Levington Marina, TM245384 2 Aug Field Meeting—River Deben, 6.30 p.m. Melton Melton for migrant waders. 2hrs. 2 Riverside car -3miles. (SM) park,TM288503. 14 Sept Indoor Meeting—’Birds of Africa,’ 7.30 p.m. Rushmere St. David Walsh Suffolk birder & tour Andrew Church leader. Hall, The Street, Rushmere St. Sponsored by A W Hart Builders Andrew, IP5 1DH
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
If you need to get in touch please Orwell Observer contact: Editor—Patricia Hall. RSPB HQ, Tel: 01473 328121 The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, SG19 2DL e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01767 680551. Please:- RSPB Submit articles via e-mail in MS Word or Eastern England Regional Office, Publisher. Or if not using MS please Stalham House, 65 Thorpe Road, submit files with a .doc, .docx or .pub file Norwich, NR1 1UD ending. Tel: 01603 661662 Articles can also be posted to 24 Denmark
Gardens, Holbrook, IP9 2BG (handwritten, RSPB Local Group, memory stick or floppy disc all accepted) Leader—Chris Courtney. or given to the editor at an indoor or field Tel: 01473 423213 meeting.
For more news & information log on to the Anything which is not completely your own group website on: work (including photographs) may be subject to copyright. It is therefore your www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ipswich responsibility to obtain the necessary Or find us on Twitter: @IpswichRSPB and on permission and acknowledge accordingly. Facebook: RSPB Ipswich Local Group Respect the deadline which is:-
1 August
Thank you.
29 ORWELL OBSERVER April 2017
RSPB Ipswich Local Group
The subscriptions for 2017 are now due. If you have not already re-joined the local group please print out 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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