Home | Photo Pages | Trips | Diary | Contact me

Review of 2007 in the central Wensum Valley

 

Introduction

2007 is the first complete year that I've lived out of Norwich and in the Wensum Valley so, to encourage myself to get to know some of the local sites a bit better I decided to see how many species I could see within 5 km of my home (in Bawdeswell). I ended up with 124 species - not a fantastic total, but I enjoyed getting there. Inevitably, some easy ones were missed, leaving plenty of potential to do better another year.

The area covered is a 5 km radius circle centred on my house in Bawdeswell. This review has two parts. First is a quick review of each of the main sites within the circle and second an illustrated systemmatic list detailing the most interesting species.

Goldcrest, Sparham Pools, 31-Dec-07

Goldcrest, Sparham Pools, 31st December 2007

 

Part 1 - Summary of Sites Visited

 

Swanton Morley Fishing Pits

This complex of small lakes proved to be the most successful site, though to some extent that was because it received the most visits. The complex consists of three sections - the coarse fishing lakes which you can drive round, closest to Swanton Morley village, the fly-fishing lake (Holkham Lake) and the newer private lakes between there and the Billingford to Worthing road.

I saw 112 species here, the highlights of which were a Shag in February, Ring Ouzel in April, Bar-tailed Godwit in May, Honey-Buzzard in July, Ruddy Shelducks and Red-crested Pochards in August/September and Scaup(s) in November/December.

Other species which I saw here but not elsewhere included Barnacle Goose, Wigeon, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Wheatear, Lesser Redpoll and Mealy Redpoll. It was also the only site where I regularly encountered Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail.

Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Number of visits
3
3
4
7*
5
3
2
5*
5
2*
2
2
43*
* some very brief visits not included in totals

 

Sparham Pools

Second best site, the only other one regularly visited which includes large amounts of water. A total of 101 species included Peregrine in March and Honey-Buzzard and Ring Ouzel in May. The only species seen here but not elsewhere were the Peregrine, Little Ringed Plover and Stonechat (it was also the only one of the main sites where I saw Grey Partridge). Single records of Cetti's Warbler and Marsh Harrier were perhaps noteworthy.

Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Number of visits
3
2
3
9
7
2
2
2
3
1
1
2
37

 

Bintree Woods

The wood itself, a Forestry Commission site, is relatively poor for variety of species, with the absence of several common woodland species being particularly notable. However it is the only site I know of this side of Fakenham where Willow Tits still occur and it produced my only records of Spotted Flycatcher and Crossbill. It's also one of the most reliable sites in the area for Barn Owl and Woodcock.

However, I suspected from the beginning that this site may prove to be a good bet for raptors and this proved to be the case. The high ground overlooks the surrounding countryside including much of the same area that the raptor watchpoint at Great Ryburgh overlooks) and this accounts for many of the 71 species recorded here. In addition to the regular Marsh Harriers and Buzzards, a Red Kite caused some excitement in June.

I would have liked to have visited this site more often, but when pushed for time and given a choice between here and Swanton Morley or Sparham Pools, this site didn't quite have a big enough pull.

Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Number of visits
0
1
2
2
2
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
11

 

Foxley Wood

A nice place to go for a walk but not great for birds with just 49 species recorded in 8 visits. One of the better sites for Nuthatch and Marsh Tit and a record of 5 Buzzards was interesting.

Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Number of visits
0
1
1
1
2
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
8

 

Whitwell Common

A very pleasant little site with a variety of common species but, in relatively few visits, nothing of much significance. Just 48 species recorded in 6 visits, the highlights being a Woodcock flushed and a Water Rail heard calling, both in April. A good site for Marsh Tit. With time pressures really hitting me from May, I ended up neglecting this nice but generally unproductive site.

Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Number of visits
0
1
0
1
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
6

 

Bawdeswell Heath

A small site more popular with dog-walkers than birds. The 36 species recorded in 6 visits included Marsh Tit and Treecreeper, while this was perhaps the best site for Nuthatch and Coal Tit.

Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
Number of visits
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
6

 

Fustyweed

The lakes here are privately owned and entering the complex without permission is bound to result in getting kicked off. Hence, despite the definite potential for the odd good bird, I didn't pay much attention to this location.

 

Part 2 - Systemmatic List

Only selected species are included in the accounts but a complete list appears at the end.

 

Greylag Goose Anser anser

The commonest wildfowl with a count of 545 at Swanton Morley on 14th October. A hybrid Greylag x Canada Goose was at Swanton Morley between 24th June and 22nd August.

Greylag Goose, Sparham Pools, 7-Apr-07 Greylag Goose, Swanton Morley, 11-Mar-07

Greylag Geese, Sparham Pools, 7th April 2007 (left) and Swanton Morley, 11th March 2007 (right)

 

Greylag x Canada Goose, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07 Greylag Goose, Swanton Morley, 6-May-07

Hybrid Greylag Goose x Canada Goose (left), Swanton Morley, 7th April 2007 and Greylag Goose goslings (right), Swanton Morley, 6th May 2007

Other unidentified hybrid geese were seen on two occasions at Swanton Morley:

hybrid Goose, Swanton Morley, 25-Feb-07 hybrid Goose, Swanton Morley, 27-Oct-07

unidentified hybrid geese, Swanton Morley, 25th February 2007 (left) and 27th October 2007 (right, with a Greylag). The left hand bird showed some characters of a Swan Goose (the ancestor of the "Chinese" domestic geese) but the small size is confusing. The tiny right hand bird is probably either a hybrid between Barnacle Goose and Lesser White-fronted Goose or perhaps Lesser Canada Goose x Lesser White-fronted Goose.

 

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

One was with feral Canada Geese on 11th February and perhaps the same between 24th June and 14th August.

Barnacle Goose, Swanton Morley, 11-Feb-07 Barnacle Goose, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07

Barnacle Goose, Swanton Morley, 11th February 2007 (left) and 24th June 2007 (right)

 

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus

Encountered anywhere close to the river, and occasionally further away from the valley itself. Swanton Morley was usually the best site with 34 on 24th June but there were 32 at Sparham Pools on 21st July.

Egyptian Goose, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07 Egyptian Goose, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07

Egyptian Goose, Swanton Morley, 24th June 2007. Pale-headed birds like this aren't the norm, but such variants are encountered occasionally.

Some birders can't stand feral wildfowl and hybrids in particular but hybrid birds hold a real fascination for me. Hence the following birds were one of my highlights of 2007, a party of four hybrids between Egyptian Goose and Mallard. This is quite a rare hybrid combination and one I'd not even heard of before I found these. They were at Swanton Morley between 27th August and 23rd September.

Egyptian Goose x Mallard, Swanton Morley, 27-Aug-07 Egyptian Goose x Mallard, Swanton Morley, 27-Aug-07
Egyptian Goose x Mallard, Swanton Morley, 21-Sep-07 Egyptian Goose x Mallard, Swanton Morley, 21-Sep-07

four Egyptian Goose x Mallard hybrids, Swanton Morley, 27th August 2007 (top) and 21st September (bottom). Click here to see more photos of these remarkable birds.

 

Blue-winged Goose Cyanochen cyanopterus

An escaped bird (native to Ethiopia) that I first saw back in 2004. It often hangs out with Egyptian Geese at Swanton Morley where it was present this year between 8th April and 7th October. I'd love to know where it goes for the winter!

Blue-winged Goose, Swanton Morley, 6-May-07 Blue-winged Goose, Swanton Morley, 9-Jun-07

escaped Blue-winged Goose, Swanton Morley, 6th May 2007 (left) and 9th June 2007 (right). Click here for more photos of this distinctive bird.

 

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

A party of 3 dropped in to Swanton Morley on 1st September. The majority of Ruddy Shelducks in the UK are unlikely to be genuine wild vagrants from their native range. Escapes from captivity are frequent and these account for a number of sightings. However small influxes of this species appear each autumn, usually involving immature birds, and it now seems likely that these derive from an burgeoning feral population which exists in Continental Europe. This species has not yet become established as a ferally breeding bird in the UK, but it has bred here (including in Norfolk) and these birds may account for some of the flocks that have been seen in Norfolk recently, perhaps including this trio at Swanton Morley.

Ruddy Shelduck, Swanton Morley, 1-Sep-07 Ruddy Shelduck, Swanton Morley, 1-Sep-07

Ruddy Shelduck, Swanton Morley, 1st September 2007

 

Wigeon Anas penelope

Single(s) at Swanton Morley on 4th and 24th November.

 

Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix

An escaped bird (native to South America) present briefly with Mallards at Swanton Morley on 31st March. One wing had been clipped but it was still able to fly.

Chiloe Wigeon, Swanton Morley, 31-Mar-07 Chiloe Wigeon, Swanton Morley, 31-Mar-07

escaped Chiloe Wigeon, Swanton Morley, 31st March 2007

 

Gadwall Anas strepera

Common in winter at Swanton Morley (mainly on the private lakes towards Worthing) where 27 on 6th April and 24th November and at Sparham Pools where 28 on 16th December. One pair bred at Swanton Morley.

 

Teal Anas crecca

Small numbers seen occasionally at Swanton Morley (max. 6 on 22nd July) and Sparham Pools (max. 11 on 13th October).

 

Pintail Anas acuta

One was seen flying around at Swanton Morley on 27th August, two flew over Sparham Pools on 25th September and a female was at Sparham Pools on 31st December.

 

Shoveler Anas clypeata

Only at Swanton Morley where 1-3 seen on 6 dates.

 

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

Three were at Swanton Morley on 27th August. Whether these were escapes from captivity, wild vagrants from the Continent or, perhaps most likely, birds from a feral population in the UK is anyone's guess. A feral population has existed not far up the valley at Sennowe Park in the past, but I don't know about its current status there.

Red-crested Pochards, Swanton Morley, 27-Aug-07

Red-crested Pochards (juvenile left, eclipse male centre and female right), Swanton Morley, 27th August 2007

 

Rosybill Netta peposaca

Another escaped duck (native to South America). A female was found by David Knight at Swanton Morley on 7th October and provided a bit of an identification challenge. Fortunately David's photos (much better than mine) revealed a slightly raised knob at the base of the bill which I hadn't noticed in the field - and this provided the clue that eventually pointed us in the right direction.

Presumably the same bird was at Sparham Pools on 31st December.

Rosybill, Sparham Pools, 31-Dec-07 Rosybill, Swanton Morley, 7-Oct-07

escaped female Rosybill, Sparham Pools, 31st December 2007 (left) and Swanton Morley, 7th October 2007 (right). Apologies for the dreadful photos!

 

Pochard Aythya ferina

Max. 45 at Swanton Morley on 24th November and 21st December.

Pochard, Swanton Morley, 3-Jun-07 Pochard, Swanton Morley, 22-Jul-07

Pochards, Swanton Morley, 3rd June 2007 (left) and 22nd July 2007 (right)

 

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Up to 100 at Swanton Morley throughout the year with several broods. Also common at Sparham Pools.

Tufted Duck, Swanton Morley, 25-Mar-07 Tufted Duck, Swanton Morley, 6-Apr-07

Tufted Ducks, Swanton Morley, 25th March 2007 (left) and 6th April 2007 (right)

 

Scaup Aythya marila

One at Swanton Morley on 24th November was probably a juvenile male as it showed basically female-like plumage but with less white on the face. A first-winter male on 21st December was perhaps the same bird having moulted into a more recognisably male plumage.

Scaup, Swanton Morley, 24-Nov-07 Scaup, Swanton Morley, 21-Dec-07

juvenile/first-winter Scaup(s), Swanton Morley, 24th November 2007 (left) and 21st December 2007 (right)

 

Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

Singles at Swanton Morley on 11th February and 4th November with 2 there on 24th November.

Goldeneye, Swanton Morley, 24-Nov-07  

Goldeneye, Swanton Morley, 4th November 2007

 

Goosander Mergus merganser

Sparham Pools is one of the most reliable sites in the county for this species in winter, although they were not seen on every visit. Best count, and latest date, 8 on 25th March. Elsewhere 1 was at Swanton Morley on 20th January.

Goosanders, Sparham Pools, 24-Mar-07  

Goosanders, Sparham Pools, 24th March 2007

 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Usually found at Swanton Morley where 2 broods each of 3 chicks on 1st September and 9 present on Holkham Lake on 4th November. Although they were reported by others, I didn't find any at Sparham Pools until the autumn when a juvenile on 25th September and 2 on 13th October.

 

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

Present throughout the year at Swanton Morley and Sparham Pools and bred at both sites. Most numerous (up to 18) at Swanton Morley where an albinistic bird was present on 14th October.

Great Crested Grebe, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07 Great Crested Grebe, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07
Great Crested Grebe, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07 Great Crested Grebe, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07

young Great Crested Grebe, Swanton Morley, 24th June 2007 (top) and 22nd July 2007 (bottom)

 

Great Crested Grebe, Sparham Pools, 22-Apr-07 albinistic Great Crested Grebe, Swanton Morley, 14-Oct-07

Great Crested Grebe, Sparham Pools, 22nd April 2007 (left) and albinistic bird, Swanton Morley, 14th October 2007 (right)

 

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis

A scarce bird anywhere in Norfolk and especially unusual inland. A first-winter was with Cormorants on Holkham Lake at Swanton Morley on 11th February. Another was reported at UEA Broad at around the same time.

Shag, Swanton Morley, 11-Feb-07  

first-winter Shag, Swanton Morley, 11th February 2007

 

Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

A free-flying population at what was Great Witchingham Wildlife Park has for years been the source of odd records of this species in the Wensum Valley, especially at Sparham Pools. However the collection has been reduced and there have been fewer records lately. My only sighting this year was 2 adults flying over Sparham Pools on 4th May.

 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Singles at Swanton Morley on 13th and 27th January then 2 flew over Sparham Pools at dusk on 9th March and 1 flew west there on 9th May. A distant bird was seen in flight from Bintree Woods on 9th June.

 

Honey-Buzzard Pernis apivorus

With one of the best-known sites for this species in the country, Great Ryburgh Raptor Watchpoint, only just outside the boundary of my patch I had high hopes of seeing this species during the year. However, only one bird returned to Great Ryburgh this year and was only present intermittently, and I did not see the species from Bintree Woods from where I had expected to be able to see the Great Ryburgh birds.

However, I did see an early migrant at Sparham Pools on 4th May (actually it was nearer Lenwade, but watched distantly from Sparham Pools). Then, just as surprising, a displaying bird was watched over Swanton Morley on 22nd July, perhaps the wandering bird from Great Ryburgh.

 

Red Kite Milvus milvus

One over Bintree Woods on 9th June.

 

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

One flew north over Swanton Morley on 27th January and a juvenile was hunting at Sparham Pools on 2nd September. More regular at Bintree Woods where seen on 3 visits in April/May.

 

Buzzard Buteo buteo

My first sighting was from my bedroom window on 28th January. Thereafter 2 at Bintree Woods on 9th May (where more regular watching would surely have produced more records) and a loose flock of 5 over Foxley Wood on 15th September.

 

Hobby Falco subbuteo

Regularly seen between 3rd May and 2nd September.

 

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Following a number of reports over the previous few weeks, I eventually obtained good but brief views of the Peregrine at Sparham Pools on 25th March.

 

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Up to 3 birds heard calling regularly (seen once) at Swanton Morley (Holkham Lake). Elsewhere one heard calling at Whitwell Common on 6th April.

 

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

Although others were seeing them rather more regularly, my only encounters were at Sparham Pools on 4th and 9th May.

Little Ringed Plover, Sparham Pools, 4-May-07  

male Little Ringed Plover, Sparham Pools, 4th May 2007

 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

All records from the main sites involved birds flying over, although feeding flocks were doubtless present somewhere within the area. I saw 60 from my bedroom on 28th January, a distant flock of 250 flew past Sparham Pools on 16th December and 55 were between Whitwell and Bawdeswell on 31st December. My first of the autumn flew over Swanton Morley on 12th August.

 

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Odd birds were seen over Sparham Pools and Swanton Morley on a number of occasions but a flooded meadow at Swanton Morley proved very popular with the species in the autumn where up to 50 (perhaps more) were present between 27th August and 9th September.

 

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

One was flushed at Whitwell Common on 6th April and at Bintree Woods one was seen at dusk on 26th February and another flushed on 31st March. No doubt more evening watches would have revealed more birds.

 

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

Following an extraordinary spring passage of this species up the English Channel and much higher than usual numbers up the east coast, a fine summer plumaged bird was seen at Swanton Morley on 3rd May.

 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

One was heard several times as it flew over Swanton Morley on 12th August. No Curlews were seen or heard in the area.

 

Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Singles were recorded at Swanton Morley on 19th, 22nd and 27th August. Surprisingly, no Redshanks were recorded in the area all year.

 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochruros

Up to 2 recorded at Sparham Pools in late winter/spring with one in August. More numerous at Swanton Morley where 3 on 17th April and up to 9 took advantage of the flooded meadow in the autumn (between 4th and 19th August).

Green Sandpiper, Swanton Morley, 5-Aug-07 Green Sandpiper, Swanton Morley, 7-Aug-07

Green Sandpipers, Swanton Morley, 5th (left) and 7th (right) August 2007

 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleuca

Singles at Sparham Pools on 3rd May and 21st July; singles at Swanton Morley on 9th May, 9th June, 4th and 27th August and 1st September.

 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Present at Sparham Pools and Swanton Morley between at least 22nd April and 23rd August. At least 16 transferred to the island in the main lake at Sparham Pools in mid June following the disasterous flooding of their nesting rafts.

 

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtura

Although generally in decline this species still seems to be doing OK around here, although only at the main riverside sites and seemingly absent away from the centre of the valley. Up to five were heard calling at Swanton Morley but I wasn't able to find any juveniles this year.

Turtle Dove, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07 Turtle Dove, Sparham Pools, 11-Aug-07

Turtle Doves, Swanton Morley, 24th June 2007 (left) and Sparham Pools, 11th August 2007 (right)

 

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

Another declining species that was frequently heard at riverside sites but appeared to be absent from sites away from the river. Again, no juveniles were seen.

Cuckoo, Swanton Morley, 9-Jun-07  

Cuckoo, Swanton Morley, 9th June 2007

 

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Best site was Bintree Woods where 1-2 can often be seen in the clearing along the main track as well as along the far edge of the wood. Also recorded a few times at Swanton Morley and once at Sparham Pools.

Barn Owl, Bintree Wood, 20-Oct-07 Barn Owl, Bintree Wood, 20-Oct-07

Barn Owl, Bintree Woods, 20th October 2007

 

Little Owl Athene noctua

Often heard calling (but not yet seen) behind my house in Bawdeswell. Occasional records from near Bintree, Sparham Pools, Swanton Morley and the road between Bawdeswell and Reepham.

 

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Probably common everywhere, the number recorded at different sites simply reflecting the number of nocturnal or dusk visits. One bird was occasionally seen in a day-time roost at Sparham Pools (thanks to Bob for pointing this out).

Tawny Owl, Sparham Pools, 24-May-07 Tawny Owl, Sparham Pools, 7-May-07
Tawny Owl, Sparham Pools, 24-May-07  

Tawny Owl, Sparham Pools, 24th May 2007 (left two) and 7th May 2007 (top right)

 

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Commonly encountered at both Swanton Morley and Sparham Pools.

Kingfisher, Swanton Morley, 10-Aug-07 Kingfisher, Swanton Morley, 10-Aug-07

Kingfisher, Swanton Morley, 10th August 2007

 

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Recorded at all six of the main sites and common at most, though always hard to get near enough to photograph without flushing them.

Green Woodpecker, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07 Green Woodpecker, Swanton Morley, 24-Jun-07

juvenile Green Woodpecker, Swanton Morley, 24th June 2007

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

As with the previous species, recorded at all six sites and common at most. No Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were located though, despite a special effort during the drumming season.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swanton Morley, 8-Apr-07 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swanton Morley, 11-Mar-07

Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Swanton Morley, 8th April 2007 (left) and 11th March 2007 (right)

 

Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bawdeswell, 27-Jan-07 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bawdeswell, 27-Jan-07

Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Bawdeswell, 27th January 2007

 

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

A relatively early arrival of 3 at Swanton Morley on 17th March but no evidence of breeding anywhere in the area.

 

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

An old friend of mine once described Grey Wagtail as, "The most beautiful bird in the world." I'm not sure I would go that far but I have enjoyed regular encounters with this species at Sparham Pools and at Swanton Morley throughout the year. They bred successfully close to at least one of the sites regularly visited.

Grey Wagtail, Swanton Morley, 21-Apr-07  

Grey Wagtail, Swanton Morley, 21st April 2007

 

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

A male at Sparham Pools on 31st December.

 

Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

A spring migrant at Swanton Morley on 9th May.

 

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

Usually rare inland in Norfolk but this spring saw an exceptional passage of Ring Ouzels at the coast and a good scattering of inland records too. Among these was a fine male at Swanton Morley (actually nearer Worthing) on 15th and 17th April and a female near Sparham Pools on 4th May. Unfortunately neither came close enough for decent pictures so here's the best I could manage:

Ring Ouzel, Swanton Morley, 15-Apr-07 Ring Ouzel, Swanton Morley, 15-Apr-07

Ring Ouzels, Swanton Morley, 17th April 2007 (left) and Sparham Pools, 4th May 2007 (right)

 

Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti

Birds were heard singing at Swanton Morley between 11th March and 9th April with 3-4 present on 6th April. Unaccountably however, they went quiet (or away) after this and I didn't hear them again until the autumn when at least 2, probably 3, were present between 14th October and the year end. Elsewhere one was heard singing briefly at Sparham Pools on 17th April.

 

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

A very early singer was at Sparham Pools on 24th February. Perhaps an overwintering bird but I tend to think these rare singing birds in late February and the first few days of March are early migrants, albeit perhaps having wintered not all that far away somewhere in southern Britain. They always seem to turn up where no wintering birds had been noted and the theory is backed up (arguably) by a record of a coastal migrant at Sheringham in mid February a few years ago. A wintering bird was at Swanton Morley on 21st December.

An intriguing bird with an unusual song was present at Swanton Morley from 9th April to at least 9th May. It was not one of the Chiffchaff - Willow Warbler cross-singers that are sometimes reported but the song contained some of the elements of Iberian Chiffchaff's song. Click here for a full account of this intriguing bird.

Chiffchaff, Swanton Morley, 9-Apr-07 Chiffchaff, Swanton Morley, 9-Apr-07

Chiffchaff with song containing some elements of Iberian Chiffchaff song, Swanton Morley, 9th April 2007. Click here for more photos and an account of this intriguing bird.

 

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

Sad to see how scarce this once-common species has now become. Just one single bird was seen, at Bintree Woods on 28th July.

Spotted Flycatcher, Bintree Woods, 28-Jul-07 Spotted Flycatcher, Bintree Woods, 28-Jul-07
Spotted Flycatcher, Bintree Woods, 28-Jul-07 Spotted Flycatcher, Bintree Woods, 28-Jul-07

Spotted Flycatcher, Bintree Woods, 28th July 2007

 

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

Common at Sparham Pools and Foxley Wood; less regularly recorded at Swanton Morley, Whitwell Common and Bawdeswell Heath.

Marsh Tit, Swanton Morley, 27-Jan-07 Marsh Tit, Walsis Hill, 25-Mar-07

Marsh Tit, Swanton Morley, 27th January 2007 (left) and Walsis' Hill (near Sparham Pools), 25th March 2007 (right)

 

Willow Tit Poecile montana

Once a common sight but since their population crashed in the early 1990s they have been very hard to find. I was not aware of any this side of Fakenham until I discovered a pair at Bintree Woods on 7th April. Birds were heard calling there on three subsequent visits and are presumed to be resident there.

 

Nuthatch Sitta europea

Recorded during most visits to Foxley Wood and Bawdeswell Heath but disappointingly scarce elsewhere. Occasionally found at Sparham Pools but never at Swanton Morley or Bintree Woods.

 

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

Common throughout. Having spent most of my birding during the previous few years at a coastal site where Treecreepers are rare I have enjoyed regular encounters with this delightful species, although I wish one would give itself up to the camera one day!

 

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

Bintree Woods proved the best site for this species with records in March, April, October and December, including 20 on 30th December. Elsewhere, 1 at Sparham Pools on 24th February and singles at Swanton Morley on 3 dates from 27th October.

Brambling, Bintree Woods, 24-Mar-07 Brambling, Bintree Woods, 7-Apr-07

Bramblings, Bintree Woods, 24th March 2007 (left) and 7th April 2007 (right)

 

Siskin Carduelis spinus

Astonishingly scarce in the first winter period when some heard at Foxley Wood on 11th March was the only record. Foxley Wood was also the site of my first autumn record, one on 15th September. Rather more numerous after that when max. 25 at Swanton Morley on 4th November and 50+ at Sparham Pools on 25th November and 31st December.

 

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis (flammea) cabaret and Mealy Redpoll Carduelis (flammea) flammea

Redpolls were only recorded at Swanton Morley where 2 on 13th January were certainly Lesser and 2 unidentified birds flew over on 6th April. Odd unidentified birds were heard in the autumn before four were seen on 24th November. The first of these appeared to be Mealy Redpolls in a brief view but more prolonged views of two different birds left me confused (see photos and caption below).

Redpoll, Swanton Morley, 24-Nov-07 Redpoll, Swanton Morley, 24-Nov-07

Redpoll sp., Swanton Morley, 24th November 2007. This was one of two birds that have confused me somewhat. They were rather paler than I recall Lesser Redpoll as being (pale tramlines on the back were obvious in the field but not visible here) but the brown wash down the flanks isn't something I recall seeing on Mealy Redpolls. I'm not sure if my confusion arises from the fact that I haven't seen many Lesser Redpolls recently or the fact that the Mealy Redpolls I've paid closest attention to are the ones at the pale extreme which invite confusion with Arctic Redpoll. Two birds seen nearby an hour or so earlier were much mealy-looking than these. Comments welcome - click here to email me!

 

Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

One heard flying over Bintree Woods on 20th October.

 

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

A species I have really enjoyed this year as I've seen far more here in the Wensum Valley than I'd seen elsewhere in Norfolk in the last 15 years. Sparham Pools, Swanton Morley, Bintree Woods and Whitwell Common are all good sites for this species.

Bullfinch, Swanton Morley, 27-Oct-07 Bullfinch, Swanton Morley, 27-Oct-07
Bullfinch, Sparham Pools, 13-Jan-07  

male Bullfinches, Swanton Morley, 27th October 2007 (top) and female Bullfinch, Sparham Pools, 13th January 2007 (bottom)

 

If you've not seen it already, I've been keeping a sort of blog/diary over this year which includes more photos (including mammals, butterflies, dragonflies and moths). Click here for January's page and follow the links for the rest of the year.

 

Below is a complete list of all 124 species (+ 4 escapes) seen within 5 km of home in 2007:

  • Mute Swan
  • Greylag Goose
  • Canada Goose
  • Barnacle Goose
  • Egyptian Goose
  • Ruddy Shelduck
  • Shelduck
  • Wigeon
  • Gadwall
  • Teal
  • Mallard
  • Pintail
  • Shoveler
  • Red-crested Pochard
  • Pochard
  • Tufted Duck
  • Scaup
  • Goldeneye
  • Goosander
  • Red-legged Partridge
  • Grey Partridge
  • Pheasant
  • Little Grebe
  • Great Crested Grebe
  • Cormorant
  • Shag
  • Little Egret
  • Grey Heron
  • Honey-Buzzard
  • Red Kite
  • Marsh Harrier
  • Sparrowhawk
  • Buzzard
  • Kestrel
  • Hobby
  • Peregrine
  • Water Rail
  • Moorhen
  • Coot
  • Oystercatcher
  • Little Ringed Plover
  • Golden Plover
  • Lapwing
  • Snipe
  • Woodcock
  • Bar-tailed Godwit
  • Whimbrel
  • Greenshank
  • Green Sandpiper
  • Common Sandpiper
  • Black-headed Gull
  • Common Gull
  • Lesser Black-backed Gull
  • Herring Gull
  • Great Black-backed Gull
  • Common Tern
  • Stock Dove
  • Woodpigeon
  • Collared Dove
  • Turtle Dove
  • Cuckoo
  • Barn Owl
  • Little Owl
  • Tawny Owl
  • Swift
  • Kingfisher
  • Green Woodpecker
  • Great Spotted Woodpecker
  • Skylark
  • Sand Martin
  • Swallow
  • House Martin
  • Meadow Pipit
  • Grey Wagtail
  • Pied Wagtail
  • Wren
  • Dunnock
  • Robin
  • Stonechat
  • Wheatear
  • Ring Ouzel
  • Blackbird
  • Fieldfare
  • Song Thrush
  • Redwing
  • Mistle Thrush
  • Cetti's Warbler
  • Sedge Warbler
  • Reed Warbler
  • Lesser Whitethroat
  • Whitethroat
  • Garden Warbler
  • Blackcap
  • Chiffchaff
  • Willow Warbler
  • Goldcrest
  • Spotted Flycatcher
  • Long-tailed Tit
  • Marsh Tit
  • Willow Tit
  • Coal Tit
  • Blue Tit
  • Great Tit
  • Nuthatch
  • Treecreeper
  • Jay
  • Magpie
  • Jackdaw
  • Rook
  • Carrion Crow
  • Starling
  • House Sparrow
  • Chaffinch
  • Brambling
  • Greenfinch
  • Goldfinch
  • Siskin
  • Linnet
  • Lesser Redpoll
  • Mealy Redpoll
  • Crossbill
  • Bullfinch
  • Yellowhammer
  • Reed Bunting

 

Escapes

  • Blue-winged Goose
  • Chiloe Wigeon
  • Rosybill
  • Night Heron