Never a dull moment - June Bird Report

Within the birding community the value of any month is often judged by the number of species likely to be seen and the ‘rarity’ of at least some of those; hence, June is often considered a ‘quiet’ time. I much prefer to enjoy every moment that nature sends, whether it be commonplace or otherwise. The present June scored on every level, as I shall now divulge.

Throughout the month Loch Connell served as a residency for a lone Pink-footed Goose – presumably a bird ‘pricked’ by shot from a hunter’s gun and unable to make the return journey home to Iceland with its brethren. At the same site eight pairs of feral Greylag Geese raised 43 juveniles between them. On the 20th a female Shelduck was observed there with five moderately sized ducklings. No other ducklings of this species were encountered at the Wig this year – yet another sad first and undoubtedly attributable to the increased number of people using the area as a consequence of Covid regulations and its encouragement of daily exercise.

Mute Swan numbers on Loch Ryan steadily built up, with 22 adults present at Leffnoll on the 28th. On the freshwater of Loch Connell several broods of Mallards were seen throughout the month, with ducklings ranging from very recently hatched right the way through to fully fledged juveniles. Here, also, was a drake Wigeon (in eclipse plumage) on the 6th and a pair of Teal (the male also in eclipse) on the 27th. Presumably the same two drake Velvet Scoters, that were present last month on Loch Ryan, remained up to at least the 28th; on many occasions they were seen very close inshore at the Wig, where they were frequently found in the company of a moulting flock of male Red-breasted Mergansers. The latter species peaked at 58 birds on the 21st, when there were also four female Common Scoters in the same vicinity.  Let us not forget the common Eiders. Sure, they are well enough known birds to regular visitors in the area, but June is typically witness to a dramatic transformation in the males’ appearance. It starts slowly with just a few birds showing more signs of black in their plumage than usual; then as the month progresses the change gathers momentum until the number of blackish-looking birds outnumbers those with white on their feathers. Come the months end there are even a handful of birds that appear from a distance almost totally black and, thus, easily confused with any Velvet Scoters. Such is the succession to eclipse plumage of drake Eiders, with no two birds ever looking quite the same under close scrutiny. As for female Eiders there are very few on the loch at this time: perhaps a handful or so, and usually with ducklings in attendance. The youngsters are bite-sized ‘ready meals’ for resident Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls. Needless to say that few Eider ducklings on Loch Ryan ever reach adulthood.

Some of the many eclipsed Eider variations

A singleton Great Crested Grebe, in breeding plumage, was the only representative for divers and grebes present on the sea loch this month; sightings of it were, however, sporadic.

A Fulmar seen flying past the Scar on the 3rd was the only record for this species, too.  Similarly, there was just one observation of Manx Shearwaters, involving three birds which also flew past the Scar, but on the 19th. More exceptional was a Storm Petrel heard calling under the cover of darkness on the evening of the 7th.

After last month’s relatively big numbers of Gannets there were fewer noted in June; a high of 51 about Loch Ryan on the 11th did include a brownish second year and a slightly whiter immature. Up until this date all of the previous Gannets seen here this year have been adults.

Water Rails can be noisy birds, especially when they occur at high densities; but locally there are very few of them and are thus unrecorded more often than not. To bag one, so to speak, on the 17th was therefore very welcome indeed.

In this neck of the woods it is not surprising for there to be few waders about in June: just eight Ringed Plovers at the Scar on the 10th, some 30 Curlews on the 22nd and 83 Oystercatchers there on the 26th. Common Sandpipers, which are annual but rare breeders on the local patch, were notably absent (the effects of Covid regulations once again making its impact felt?). Several Whimbrel at Piltanton, during a Webs Count on the 14th, and four Lapwings at Loch Connell on the 20th were at least some compensation for the lack of numbers and variety of waders elsewhere.

Common Gulls were observed more frequently than expected. The first returning bird was seen on the 9th, thereafter birds trickled through with 11 on the 26th, increasing to 20 on the 30th. A pleasant surprise was an adult Glaucous Gull visiting the Scar on the evening of the 20th but, alas, it was not seen again. Sandwich Terns were regular in small numbers throughout the month, building up to 30 birds on the 26th. In contrast, sightings of Arctic Terns were restricted to just two birds on the 18th; likewise, only two Common Terns on the following day, the 19th. Sadly the great expectations for Roseate Terns from last month, was curtailed in early June. It is possible only to presume that any nesting attempt failed; a single adult was noted on the 6th and none thereafter. On a brighter note a dark phase Arctic Skua about the Wig on the 14th was an unseasonable gift.

Field Sketch of a Glaucous Gull - they really are quite large! 

With the exception of the resident Black Guillemots – which are not always easy to detect away from their breeding stations - other auk species are rare at this time of year, despite their abundance on the cliffs of nearby Ailsa Craig. Five Razorbills on the 1st was the only record.

Swifts are scarce visitors to Kirkcolm, with only three or four records per annum. Two on the 20th, preceding a rain shower, was thus a meritorious occasion. The day before, however, was both unprecedented and monumental, with a different kind of swift hawking at high speed over the garden at lunchtime. It was a Plain Swift, a species ordinarily found in Madeira and the Canary Islands.  If accepted by the British Birds Rarity Committee it will constitute a first record for Britain, so I am informed. But I do not hold out much hope on this front because I was the sole observer and failed dismally in obtaining any photographic evidence to support the claim….a nice bird, anyway! Rather more common – and less daunting to identify because of this! – are Barn Swallows and House Martins. There are few breeding pairs of both about the main cluster of properties that form the heart of the village of Kirkcolm. A flock of 24 House Martins on the 26th was possibly an indication of early autumn passage rather than an assembly of locals gathering to feast.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers are rarely commented upon in the Blog, so I will share with you what I consider to be an interesting observation. Juveniles of the species frequently draw attention to themselves with their harsh cries for food; consequently they have been conspicuous of late about the Corsewall estate. One parent bird, in particular, whilst busy supplying it’s young with food, has taken to foraging out in the open and hopping over lawned areas in a manner I more typically associate with Green Woodpeckers. I have often seen it digging holes in the ground with its bill to extract some juicy morsel, repeatedly working a patch over before moving on a few yards to try its luck.

Despite June being a fairly quiet time for bird song I have met with snatches of flutey – and not so flutey – notes from Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Whitethroats and Willow Warblers on my walks.  A series of unexpected ‘ticking’ calls led me to the discovery of two pairs of Grasshopper Warblers, separated only by a matter of yards. One pair attended two juveniles and the other had a nest containing three young. This was an exceptional and happy accident to befall me and one which I know will be warmly retained in my memory for a long time to come.

The exciting find of a stunning, adult, Rose-coloured Starling on the 6th was only briefly to be appreciated. Within seconds of seeing it in my garden it promptly flew away. Perhaps it was the same bird that later that day turned up in a Stranraer garden.

Rose-coloured Starlings are easily etched into the memory

Siskins continued to be present throughout the month, with a number of breeding pairs and juveniles noted. Far more numerous were Linnets, with a post-breeding flock of some 100 birds seen about the ‘Twite fields’ on the 25th. In contrast, Reed Buntings in the vicinity of the Wig remained secretive, or at least went mostly undetected.

July should see an increase in the numbers of waders on passage, but whether this will be so remains to be seen. Such promise of the unknown also promotes fancy in the minds of humankind, and I for one look forward to it with keen expectation and anticipation.

This article and the information within were provided by courtesy of S. Grover

The unexpected visitor - May Bird Report

In the birding world the month of May has traditionally been marked by migration – the arrival of our summer visitors and the departure of those that have wintered with us.  It is very much a cross-over month in this respect and is, generally, witness to some unexpected – or at least, irregular – visitors. That tradition was upheld this year with more than one species adding to the delight of the place that I now call home.

A few Pale-bellied Brents usually linger into May; but not this year – their absence about the Wig was a notable loss. Pink-footed Geese were present but in low numbers, with just seven on the 1^st at Loch Connell and the last observation of two birds at the same site on the 22^nd.  In contrast, and at the same site, Greylag numbers increased although these birds were considered to be all of ‘feral’ stock, with up to 46 adults – including four pairs with goslings.  Also from here came the only record of a lone Whooper Swan on the 1^st, whilst Mute swans on Loch Ryan itself were scarce. A notable party of them (58) was, however, recorded at Piltanton Estuary on the 22^nd during a WeBS count.

The highest count of Teal was on the 1^st when ten were at Loch Connell. Diving ducks were, thankfully, more in evidence than their ‘dabbling’ counterparts on Loch Ryan. Unlike many scarce birds in these parts two, stunning, drake Velvet Scoters were not one day wonders but habitually sat off the Scar from the 1^st to the 15^th of the month, coming in to the loch on a rising tide and each day leaving it on a receding one. Common Scoters, which are ordinarily more frequent visitors than ‘Velvets’, can be a bit of a hit-and-miss species at this time of year on account of their habit of spending much of their time on the loch well off-shore and out of view; this, coupled with the blurry heat haze of late has been attributable to their apparent poor showing this month. A flock of 40 on 11^th and 42 on the 29^th was thus confirmation of their presence. Regular visiting birdwatchers will know that Scaup are birds of the winter months and typically frequent the southern end of the loch bordering Stranraer. At the Wig they occur intermittently so a flock of 14, comprising nine females and five males, was a very welcome sight on the evening of the 12^th. On the evening before (the 11^th) a fine party of eight male Long-tailed Ducks in full summer attire displayed around two females, and was perhaps even more resplendent – certainly more unusual to see – than the Scaup of the following day. Numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers on the loch fell quickly after the 1^st when 37 were counted.  Eiders on the other hand showed their usual rapid increase, going from just 28 on the 1^st to 265 on the 31^st. Only a handful was females, the remainder males that were gathering to moult.

The spring passage of Red-throated Divers continued throughout the month with a total of 64 (including a flock of 46) on the 1^st, a pair in full breeding dress, posturing, at the Wig on the 4^th and a most respectable flock of 82 on the 7^th and 59 on the 11^th; thereafter numbers on Loch Ryan declined steadily to just a single on the 31^st. Great Northern Divers were, not surprisingly, scarcer with individuals on the 1^st, the 11^th and 13^th.  On the 12^th, however, there were two birds together, both of them in full breeding apparel – immaculate, pristine and handsome to boot. A probable White-billed Diver – sadly glimpsed only – was seen flying past the Scar on the 21^st. There was just a single record of a lone Great Crested Grebe on the 11^th and a singleton Dabchick at the Wig on the 23^rd.

Recent years have seen a contraction in the already small number of Fulmars visiting. A single bird on the 6^th and two on the 22^nd was encouragement enough for me to further investigate their usual haunts; come the 27^th three or four pairs had established themselves. Gannets, on account of their impressive size and grandeur, are perhaps the most conspicuous birds over the loch and good numbers of them were observed throughout the month, most notably on the 2^nd and 21^st when 75 and 77 were noted, respectively. Not as abundant or obvious as Gannets in this month are Shags and Cormorants, both of which breed locally. Shags, being the smaller of the two, favour cave sites in which to nest; consequently, they are more difficult to census accurately. Cormorants are the opposite, adopting more open and exposed ground where their nests are obvious – not only on account of their bulk but by the accompanying smattering, splattering and liberal wash of guano that marks them. At least five Shag nests were noted and 18 of Cormorants; many of the latter contained grotesque squabs of various ages and sizes.

The passage of Ospreys might well be considerable across the country but Loch Ryan rarely sees any, so one on the 1^st followed by another on the 7^th were notable indeed. Whilst not raptors themselves owls still have the trademark hooked beaks and sharp talons of birds of prey. It was nice to confirm the presence of breeding Tawny Owl. Typically nocturnal they may also be heard calling during the day especially when there are hungry young to be fed and wet nights limit foraging by the adults. A Barn Owl mid-month was an additional bonus.

Despite being a common wintering species locally the Curlew is scarce hereabouts during May; little surprise that few were thus noted. Whimbrels, however, are usually more frequent.  What began with a promising four birds at Loch Connell on the 1^st didn’t meet general expectation thereafter with just three birds at the Wig on the 11^th and 12^th, a commendable ten on the 13^th and two on the 17^th; thus concluding the spring passage of Whimbrel for this year, at least. But before we depart this species it is worth noting that all the present noted birds were silent visitors – usually it is their seven note whistle that draws ones attention to them. Bar-tailed Godwits faired even worse with just a single record of three birds on the 4^th; this was not bettered any by a lone Black-tailed Godwit at the Wig on the 1^st and another bird at Piltanton during WeBS day on the 22^nd. An unexpected two Greenshanks at the Scar on the 1^st was a pleasant delight but, overall, thank goodness, says I, for the smaller, commoner, waders. Ringed Plovers, present across the month peaked early, on the 2^nd, with a flock minimum of 220; but due to increased people traffic (a consequence of Covid regulations!) there were no breeding attempts made – a sad first in my years of residency here. The maximum count of Dunlins was 47 on the 1^st; also on that date a Common Sandpiper graced Loch Connell. Sanderlings did not arrive until the 23^rd and a small number of them were seen thereafter, peaking with eight in dappled reddish breeding plumage at the Wig on the 27^th. A roding Woodcock on the evening of the 19^th was yet another unexpected delight as I went my way along the footpath through the estate woods at twilight listening out for the ultrasonic sounds of bats on my detector.

A Whimbrel on the wing

Sandwich Terns were present about the Wig throughout the month but numbers were generally low, excepting a count of 42 on the 2^nd and which coincided with the first Arctic Tern of the season. Common Terns were not detected until the 16^th when two were present.  Observations of both Arctic and Common Terns were sparse but that may be attributable to the effects of heat haze on viewing conditions rather than an absence of birds; indeed, many a tern was espied but had to remain unidentified on account this atmospheric blurriness.   

On the evening of the 23^rd the sighting of a bird provoked in me a memory of ‘Shorelands Summer Diary’ (by the late C. F. Tunnicliffe). A colour image reproduced in that book captured the very pose I saw adopted by a Roseate Tern as if flew about the Scar. Very much a rare species in Scotland, I was fortunate to see a “Rosie” about the Wig thereafter up to the end of the month, with two birds present on the 25^th and on the 31^st a bird flying purposefully along carrying a fish. One can only hope (and dream one does!) that nesting was underway locally.

No Guillemots were seen this month and there were few Razorbills: a maximum of 14 on the 11^th. Amazingly, however, two Little Auks, in summer plumage, made an appearance on the 21^st. These diminutive birds bobbed about together off the Scar in the early evening. Despite being one of the world’s commonest birds – in sheer numbers, that is – they are decidedly rare along Scotland’s west coast and typically occur in winter only. In recent years I have been fortunate enough to see a handful of them on Loch Ryan but never before have I seen one – let alone, two – in breeding dress in British waters. Certainly, for me, they were star birds of the month – unexpected, yes; and privileged, indeed, I felt for having spied them; plus, a memory made to last a lifetime in the process.

Common Whitethroats arrived on the 1^st and quickly occupied all their usual haunts thereafter. Lesser Whitethroats – very recent colonisers of the North Rhins – were first noted on the 4^th; after which three or four territories were located along the shoreline from the outlet at the end of Fisher’s Lane north to Lady Bay. A Grasshopper Warbler, on the 2^nd, was heard ‘reeling’ at the marsh where just a single Sedge Warbler was also heard in song; the latter increased to seven singing males at this site at the end of the month.

Sedge Warblers also inhabit reeds, and even brambles!

Greenland Wheatears are typical passage visitors of May but few were seen this year, with two on the 1^st at Loch Connell, another there on the 10^th, three at the Wig on the 12^th and the last one on the 27^th. Cuckoos are always worth a mention because they are scarce birds about the Wig; the first was on the 4^th and singletons occurred on the 19^th and 31^st. Notable was a Hooded Crow at the ‘Twite Fields’ on the 2^nd in the company of one of the resident hybrids, providing an excellent side-by-side comparison. Another was at Piltanton on the 22^nd.

Siskins are sporadic breeders locally; a couple of birds singing were thus an encouraging sign. Similarly, Lesser Redpolls are equally scarce. One in song at the marsh on the 19^th was unusual.  Remarkably, it was joined briefly by two Mealy or (Common) Redpolls.

Smile for the camera! A Siskin in the hand

This blog would not be complete without the mention of some usual garden birds. Roving flocks of Starlings, some 50 birds strong, have been a common sight towards the tail-end of the month, comprising as they have of mostly brown-washed juveniles. House Sparrows, too, have formed sizeable groups: family parties of adults with their offspring. A flock of 92 in the garden was a good record, but not totally unexpected.

June is, generally, very much a quiet month in the birding calendar. However, given the surprises of May it might be worth keeping a watchful eye for the next blog posting.

This article and the information presented within were provided by courtesy of S. Grover.

The Winds of Change are Afoot - April Bird Report

Whether or not we, as individuals, choose to accept that global warming and climate change are a real consequence of human activities there are certainly variations to be noted that are apparent within our bird populations and their seasonality, at both a national and local level.  Here at the Wig, and its surrounds, wintering wildfowl are leaving us earlier for their breeding grounds and the once predictable arrival and passage of some of our most common migrant small birds appears now disrupted and in a state of flux. Fortunately, there are still many birds for us to enjoy whatever the season; and this April has not been without its moments; so without further adieu a brief summary here follows.

Pale-bellied Brent Geese, from the Canadian high arctic, peaked at 201 birds on the 9^th and quickly declined thereafter, with a flock of 23 (including three juveniles) grazing the ‘Twite Fields’ on the 21^st. At the same location on the 30^th a sleety-snow shower grounded a ‘Grey Brant’ – a possible hybrid between a Pale-bellied Brent and a ‘Black Brant’, or even a species in its own right, depending on which authority you choose to believe; either way a new bird for the blog. There were 1300 Pink-footed Geese at the Scar on the 2^nd but come the 25^th of the month only eight were to be seen, grazing the abuttal fields at Loch Connell.  After a surprising, but delightful, 62 Whooper Swans on calm water at the Wig on the 1^st another 34 of them graced the same location on the 12^th.

The usual selection of waders for the time of year was recorded. Dunlins were relatively scarce, peaking at 28 on the 26^th; Ringed Plovers were more frequent, with a high of 108 on the 28^th, whilst Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit could only muster 12 and 10, respectively. Whimbrel fared even worse, with a maximum of four on the 28^th; there were just two Black-tailed Godwits, mid-month, and a single Sanderling on the 28^th and 30^th. The 10^th of the month saw two Common Sandpipers at Loch Connell.

A Ringed Plover contemplates going for a paddle

The maximum number of Teal at Loch Connell was 38 on the 25^th. Amongst them loafed a handsome drake Shoveler and close by – constituting their last record of the month – two female Goldeneyes continually dived.  Common Scoters were more numerous on Loch Ryan, with a maximum of just 29. Though numbers of Red-breasted Mergansers were generally low, 102 on the 20^th was most welcome. It should be remembered that the weather – be it rain, mist, snow, or the effects of heat haze – greatly determines visibility and the use to which optics, such as spotting scopes, can ordinarily be employed to improve a birders tick list! Many counts, therefore, are rarely definitive but do prove useful as a guide to what’s about. 

Spotting scopes particularly come into their own on mid to long range subjects (weather permitting, of course!). Divers and grebes invariably fall into this category. A flock of six Slavonian Grebes in resplendent breeding plumage were truly handsome, seen at both the beginning and mid-month (in all probability different birds). Their magnificence, however, was surpassed by the appearance of Great Northern Divers, immaculate in full summer dress, with up to three birds on the 13^th and 20^th. Remarkably, though not quite so well attired, were three Black-throated Divers on the 29^th. Not to be outdone, Red-throated Divers – some in breeding plumage, some still in winter apparel – were more frequent visitors on Loch Ryan with 24 birds present on the 29^th.

Spring is a time one often associates with migrants. Sand Martins have been with us for some time now but our first Swallow of the season only arrived on the 13^th, to be greeted by 10 singing Skylarks in the grassland beside the Wig track.  Wagtails and Wheatears typically favour these same fields on their spring passage but this year, as was indeed similar last year, their absence has been sorely felt. Just four White Wagtails were counted on the 20^th and a lone individual on the 29^th. Wheatears fared no better, with one on the 4^th, 10^th, 20^th and 28^th. Admittedly, the bird on the 20^th was of the larger, more brightly coloured, ‘Greenland’ race; and dandy he was, too. 

Wheatears are the masters of posing, be it on rocks or fence posts 

Gannets were observed in respectable numbers throughout the month with a maximum of 51 on the 30^th. Their sheer size, not to mention their striking white and black plumage, helps make them conspicuous. On the opposite side of the coin, the smallness of auks – Guillemot, Razorbill and Tystie (aka Black Guillemot) – makes them relatively inconspicuous at any distance except when occurring in large flocks; needless to say they were only seen in ones and twos.

Sandwich Terns were regular throughout the month: 55 of their elegant forms brought additional charm to the Scar on the evening of the 15^th. A single Common Tern (the only record of the month), also on the 15^th and two Arctic Terns on the 21^st made for a poor showing. An immature Glaucous Gull at the Scar on the 9th was an unforeseen visitor and an actual count of 385 Herring Gulls, also at the Scar, on the 30^th made for a refreshing change from the usual guesstimate numbers for this species. Common Gulls, as is typical at this time of year, have almost vacated the Wig and Black-headed Gulls have considerably reduced in number there.

Small ‘bachelor’ parties of Carrion Crows were ever present, along with ‘paired’ birds; two such pairs include birds of hybrid ‘Hoody’ origin. A Raven, though regularly seen, made a splendid sight on one occasion congregating with its smaller cousins which had gathered to forage in the ‘Flash Fields’; a great side-by-side comparison of the two species, and in a field in which I have never  seen a Raven stood before in my 12 years of residence here.

Perhaps the star bird - if one should label it so presumptuously – was a Hoopoe, briefly glimpsed as it fed in a field on the outskirts of Kirkcolm on the 25^th; a spectacular one day wonder!

Not every bird waits for the camera! - Impression of the Hoopoe

The estate woods have at last come alive with the sounds of summer migrants. Initially there were three Chiffchaffs voicing their ‘slip-slap’ songs on the 1^st, nine the next day and by the 12^th there were at least 11. Blackcaps were the next to arrive on our patch with two singing on the 2^nd, five on the 12^th, and eight on the 29^th. Willow Warblers did not arrive until the 15^th when four were heard singing, then nine on the 29^th. In previous years ‘Willows’ have outnumbered ‘Chiffs’ but changes in recent woodland management practices have altered the habitat resulting in a shift in favour of the ‘Willows’.

Common Whitethroats are often late to arrive at the Wig and were duly not recorded until the 27^th. Sedge Warblers usually arrive earlier than the preceding species but were not picked up ‘till two days later on the 29^th when two birds were vociferous in their proclamation of territory at the marsh.

A Common Whitethroat surveys from atop a bush

Finally, let us not forget the humble garden habitat.  Yet again a Tree Sparrow has made a visit to our abode – or to the feeders, I should say. There was one bird on the 24^th and, presumably, the very same bird likewise on the 27^th. No doubt it did the rounds of all the gardens in the neighbourhood and, perhaps, favoured better stocked feeders than ours! More exceptionally – for us a least – was a Greenfinch singing his little heart out from the canopy of our birch tree, at the end of the month.

With spring passage still ongoing May is likely to be equally rewarding so stay tuned in for the next post. 

This article, photos and information presented within were provided by courtesy of S. Grover.

News from Norwich - An Author Update

Its been a while, but I (Benjamin) am finally back to write another blog post! Back in September I passed this blog onto Eleanor and she has been generating fantastic articles ever since. She is currently doing voluntary work as an Assistant Warden on Lundy and is having the time of her life (seeing all sorts of rare and exciting birds - expect a detailed blog post upon her return!). Our birds certainly haven't stopped though, with plenty of records and new species being seen around the Wig. Expect an article soon! In the meantime I thought I would give you a little update on what I've been doing, as well as a taster of the bird watching scene down here in Norfolk.

I've had an exciting past few months working on my PhD, studying the effects of microplastics on salt marshes. Not only does this have exciting chemical and environmental implications, visits to salt marshes present a great opportunity for bird watching! My first visit exemplified this, adding not only new species to my growing Norfolk list, but a brand new species for me -  the Great Egret! Another species you don't see round the Wig are Avocets. Alongside these beautiful waders we also get some more familiar species, such a Brent Geese (a nice mix of Pale and Dark Bellies), gulls of all varieties and more common waders like Redshank, Turnstone and Curlew. The marshes are also havens for raptors, including Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Red Kite and the aptly named Marsh Harrier. There has even been a White-tailed Eagle in the vicinity, however I have not been fortunate enough to see it yet. 

The UEA campus has a fantastic walk around its lake

Field trips aren't the only opportunity for a spot of ornithology, as the University of East Anglia has a wonderful campus. Situated on the edge of the River Yare, it features woodland areas, open fields, marshes, reed beds and its own lake! My lunch time campus walks often end up lasting longer than intended as I explore the nooks and crannies, or see another new species for my campus list. Some of my favourite spots are the riverside walk, which is good for Blackcap, Greenfinches, and in the winter Siskin. No river would complete without Kingfishers though, and there is a pair which traverse this stretch quite regularly. I also really enjoy the small marsh just past the student accommodation. Not only is this great for ducks (Teal, Shoveller and Gadwall!), but its the first place I have ever seen Swallows, House and Sand Martins, and Swifts all sharing the same skies. It also has Common Tern, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and Snipe, so despite the frequent chilly winds it is definitely the most lucrative spot around the University. Perhaps my most surprising campus record was a Harris Hawk! I was rather shocked to see one perched in a tree by the main buildings. Having seen it several times since I now know its a tame pigeon hunter, but still a stunning bird to look at. 

Bowthorpe Marsh is just a short walk of the campus

During my first couple of weeks here I quickly noticed the differences in bird variety when compared to Scotland. A lot of the species I used to take for granted are very uncommon in Norwich, including Rooks, Chaffinches and House Sparrows. I often have to go further a field to get a glimpse of these species. In return though, many birds are more common down here, including Green Woodpecker, Magpie and Long-tailed Tits (these are a daily species for me - a very pleasant surprise!). And then there are the species which we do not get around the Wig at all. Egyptian Geese are very common all around Norwich, with many now having goslings. Cetti's Warblers are quite the opposite, uncommon and illusive they can be quite difficult to pin down. Fortunately I have found a few spots where I can listen out for them, and if I am really lucky, catch a fleeting glimpse before they dive back into cover. Finally, whilst not a bird, Muntjac deer can be found across Norwich - if you can spot them! I have seen them quite a few times on my weekly walk up the rivers edge, but have also seen them on the edge of parks, and once on the hospital gardens! 

The different lowland habitats not only mean different birds to see, they have also made a gradual change to my birding habits. With my local patches being dense woodland or reed beds and marshes, quite often you will hear more birds than you will see. This was a little frustrating at first, as identifying bird calls has always been my biggest weakness. However, regularly visiting the same spots has slowly improved my confidence, and now I can ID many species including Greenfinches, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. Whilst the majority of calls I know are of common birds that I also often see, it has been a great moral booster, and I look forward to expending my auditory roster even further. 

A walk along the River Wensum is the staple of my bird watching 

As you can see I've been having a great time, and these are only from my local patches! I still have so much of Norfolk to explore, and so to aid this I have taken on a WeBS site. Yet another marsh (you'd think I would tire of them between my project and bird watching), its quite a large site outside of Norwich. I have only visited it once so far, but even that brief stint yielded the eponymous Marsh Harrier, Reed Buntings, and four species of Geese, including a Lesser-white Fronted Goose! Other species will definitely put my listening to the test with Grasshopper, Reed and Cetti's Warblers all having been recorded there in the past. All in all it seems like a great site, even if I did manage to get lost and fall in a bog whilst there! I look forward to visiting it again over the coming months, as well as venturing off further into the Norfolk countryside to explore. 

That's all I have time for at the moment, but hopefully there will be some more content on the blog to tide you over until Eleanor returns. I will certainly try to write a few more articles, as Eleanor pointed out I have actually only written 48 articles myself so I need to round that up to a nice 50. Until then, happy bird watching all!

Increasing the List: Bird Report for 29/03/31 - 07/04/31

Firstly in this post we may as well cover some 'firsts'. The highlight of these was another new species for the blog: a Hooded Crow. We get good numbers of 'Hoody hybrids' (there was even one nearby for comparison) but true Hooded Crows only occasionally show up, so it was very nice to see one amongst some Carrion Crows in the Twite Field. Amongst the Pied Wagtails, we not only had our first female moving through but also our first 'White Wagtails' (the continental subspecies) of the year. Our other firsts are also spring migrants: two singing Blackcaps, a Wheatear, a Sand Martin and two Swallows early in the week and a Whimbrel (two more birds were spotted a few days later).

Our other 'spring' species are now increasing in number. Gannets and Sandwich Terns have been seen daily, with highest day-counts of 58 and 40, respectively. We once again had a Siskin in our garden (a female this time) - the recent increase in our Siskin sightings is likely due the local population being bolstered by migrating individuals. Many species migrate at night to avoid predators. We went out one night and, while we didn't pick out the calls of any spring migrants, we did manage to hear a good variety of species. Pink-footed Geese were heard - it is always hard to guess how many there are when you can't see them but we've seen over 700 birds flying overhead throughout the week. The three-note call of a Redshank sounded out and at least three Snipe were calling from near the marsh where they were feeding. Either three or four Tawny Owls were calling (at least two were males) and a Barn Owl was also heard. Not bad for a night's work!

A smart-looking male Wheatear.

During the day, our ears are still getting put to good use in picking up the many birdsongs. Goldfinches, Great Tits, Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Coal Tits, Dunnocks and Wrens have all been heard singing their hearts out. The number of singing Chiffchaffs has increased to nine and we had a highest day-count of three Song Thrushes and one Mistle Thrush (all singing). Of the four Goldcrests that were counted, two were singing, along with two of the three Nuthatches and four of the five Skylarks. Meadow Pipits and Linnets are currently increasing in number (highest day-counts of five and roughly 20, respectively) but we've also heard individuals of these species singing. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard drumming, Starlings were seen copulating and Robins have practically all stopped singing already - a sure sign that they are pairing up. At a known colony, Shags and Cormorants have already built up their nests.

In contrast to this, many of our 'winter' species are still here. Twelve Fieldfares and a Redwing were spotted and the Pale-bellied Brent Goose flock saw a highest count of 174. Highest day-counts of seven Long-tailed ducks and six Slavonian Grebes (all in breeding plumage) were present. Singles of Black-throated, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers were sighted (the former two species were in full winter plumage while the Great Northern was moulting from winter plumage into summer plumage). Other species are also decreasing in number as they head off to their breeding grounds. We've had highest day counts of only 36 Common Scoter, approximately 20 Common Gulls, 56 Curlews, 14 Goldeneyes and 38 Turnstones. A surprise flock of 62 Whooper Swans visited Wig Bay and were joined by two Mute Swans.

A lonesome Whooper Swan has also been spotted at Loch Connell. It has been kept company by five Goldeneyes, seven Mallards, six Shelducks, 35 Teals and 50 Wigeon (this number decreased to 19 on a later date). Two Oystercatchers and two Herons (both immature birds) fed around the outskirts of the loch, while 58 Greylag Geese, ten Curlews, two adults of both Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 11 Herring Gulls were in the abuttal fields. Swooping around above the freshwater loch were 18 Sand Martins.

A male Linnet.

Back out on Loch Ryan, we've had highest day-counts of 35 Red-breasted Mergansers, two Guillemots, four Razorbills and one Black Guillemot. Along the shore, we counted six Bar-tailed Godwits, 157 Oystercatchers, 20 Ringed Plovers, one Rock Pipit and 12 Knots. A male Peregrine terrified some Feral Pigeons, a male Reed Bunting was at the marsh and a female Stonechat was at the Pool Field. Two Long-tailed Tits were espied in the woods and a Magpie cackled as it flew overhead (an increasingly common occurrence).

Let us not forget our 'regular' species either. Collared Doves, Eiders, House Sparrows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaws and Woodpigeons were frequent additions to our daily lists. Some more highest day-counts include three Herons, two Buzzards, five Pheasants and two Sparrowhawks (interestingly, these were both soaring over the woods together - rather than our usual 'fly-bys'). Two adult Great Black-backed Gulls were joined by an immature bird that was moulting from its second-winter into third-summer plumage. 170 Black-headed Gulls were counted at Soleburn and over 200 Herring Gulls were seated on the scar one evening.

Finally, I'll just finish off with some of our non-avian sightings. Bluebells, willow trees, speedwells, Common Dog Violets, dandelions, buttercups and Red Campions are all flowering. Roe Deer and Brown Hare both cropped up every other day. Rabbits are on the decline and it was a surprise to bump into one in the middle of the woods - away from their usual haunts. A species of cellar spider has been seen in our house, while moths such as the Early Grey are emerging. Up to five species of bumblebee have been counted in a single day and we've also recorded our first Chocolate Mining Bee of the year. A Grey Seal was lounging around for a few days and not one but three Otters were at Loch Connell!

Getting to be a rare sight these days - a Rabbit.

That concludes this report for the past ten days (hence why it's a little longer than the usual weekly reviews) and this is actually going to be my last blog post until at least August. Hopefully it was a satisfying review, for it included every bird species that we saw during those ten days! While there won't be any weekly reviews over the summer, if you are interested in knowing which species can be seen from April-August at the Wig then the previous post A Year Like No Other: Bird Review for 2020 contains a table (found at the end of the post) that shows the species we saw in 2020 and the months in which we recorded them.

However, for now, this is adieu from me. I hope that you have enjoyed hearing about our sightings over the past few months and a big thank you to all readers for your support.

[All photographs are taken by and belong to Stephen Grover, please ask for permission if you wish to use them.]