Suffolk Birds 1989

Two birds showing characteristics of the Grey-headed, N. Fenno-Scandia race M.f. hunbergi, were seen.

Felixstowe: Landguard, May 14th (MM).

Uwestoft: the Oval, May 16th (BJB).

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea There was nothing unusual about the reports on the breeding population, with the usual sporadic nesting along river corridors throughout the County.

A total of 52 sites recorded birds at some time during the year, but breeding was confirmed at just seven of them, six of which were in west Suffolk.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Large February roosts of 150 on Tolly Cobbold warehouses, Ipswich and 80 at Martlesham Creek were the main concentrations in the first half of the year.

Breeding was recorded at a number of sites. At Haverhill 26 pairs were located and a Woodbridge pair made the local press by rearing young in a nest by the radiator of a working digger.

Post-breeding roosts peaked at 135 at Lackford Wildfowl Reserve, Sept. 29th and at 160, Minsmere, Oct. 15th.

An early White Wagtail M.a. alba was at Lowestoft North Denes camp-site, Mar. 11th to 19th followed by spring records from 20 sites, five of which were inland. Autumn migrants were noted at Landguard Sept. 21st, at Lowestoft, Covehithe and Landguard, Sept. 25th, and again at the latter site Oct. 22nd.

WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus No records for the first part of the year completed a blank winter.

The autumn was to bring the best numbers for many years, making it a 'Waxwing winter' with a minimum of 110 birds spread between 25 sites. All but three of the birds were seen in the east of the County.

The first was on Oct. 20th, followed by the majority of records in early and midNovember, including the largest flock of 28 on Westleton Heath. At least 17 were recorded in December, including nine in Lowestoft, 31st.

Gunton: on cliffs, four Nov. 25th (MDR).

Lowestoft: up to 12 various roads and gardens Nov. 2nd to 27th (BJB et al), Bloodmoor Road, nine Dec. 31st (BJB et al).

Pakefield: up to seven Nov. 12th to 19th (BJB, JBH et al).

Kessingland: two Nov. 6th, three Nov. 12th (MSS).

Benacre: Nov. 11th (per MTW).

Southwold: Dec. 26th (per DRM).

Westleton: on Heath, up to 28 Nov. 1st to 14th (RSPB et al).

Minsmere: up to 11 in car park Nov. 10th to Dec. 30th (RSPB et al).

Aldeburgh: in garden, Dec. 17th (JAD).

Aldringham: in garden, November (JAD).

Sudbourne: School Road, in garden, four Nov. 2nd (MCK).

Blaxhall: on Heath, two Nov. 6th (DCM).

Chillesford: Nov. 16th (JHG).

Boyton: two Oct. 20th (AM).

Woodbridge: California, one Nov. 7th and 8th (MDC), Edwin Ave., four Nov. 20th (LAP), one Dec. 7th (BC).

Felixstowe: Church Road, two Dec. 18th (per JBH), Landguard, Oct. 30th (MM et al).

Ipswich: Janebrook Road, 12 Nov. 10th (per RB), Aldercroft/Ashcroft Road, four Nov. 6th (per PM), Woodbridge Road, two Nov. 27th (RJW).

Chelmondiston: Pinmill, two Oct. 29th (EMP).

Holbrook: Dec. 10th to 12th (RS).

Hadleigh: Nov. 4th (per JO).

Haverhill: Nov. 18th (RT).

Tostock: in garden, Nov. 22nd (per TPK).

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