Suffolk Birci Report
2002
There was some positive news of breeding raptors, with 106 Marsh Harrier nests producing a record 189 young; ten pairs of Common Buzzard producing at least 12 young, and between one and four pairs of Honey Buzzard. For the second year running, however, no Montagu's Harrier nested in the county, with the previous breeding birds having apparently moved into Lincolnshire (possibly prompted by an increase in numbers of Marsh Harrier and Barn Owl at the traditional Norfolk site). Lucky observers saw a displaying pair of Peregrines at Pensthorpe on a single date in late March (but with no further breeding observations).
Redwing Mark Ferris
Grey Partridge were recorded from 37% of tetrads surveyed in 2000 and 2001 (Norfolk Bird Atlas), but the numbers on Scolt Head in the same two seasons dropped ffom six pairs to one. Golden Pheasants were recorded at six sites, with a mรกximum of 14 birds at Wayland Wood. Possible breeding Spotted Crake were heard at five sites (in contrast to 1999 when there was just a single record). Two pairs of Common Crane were successful, producing two fledged young each; all but one survived to the end of the year. A total of at least 359 pairs of Avocet bred at 16 sites. There were two winter records of Stone Curlew in the Breck, and an autumn flock of 97 birds. A record 13,280 Golden Plover were at Breydon in February. Despite FMD restrictions, an impressive total of 743 pairs of Lapwing were recorded (948 in 2000), of which almost half were at Holkham, showing just what can be achieved when management is right. Common Snipe increased with 89 drummers at 20 sites (compared with only six from four sites in Suffolk). The first successful nesting by Black-tailed Godwit since 1995 produced two young. Rarer waders included two White-rumped Sandpipers, three Lesser Yellowlegs, and a single Terek Sandpiper. Two spring records of Long-tailed Skua were the first ever for Norfolk. A record 32 Mediterranean Gulls were roosting at Breydon on August 22nd, and an impressive 44 Yellow-legged Gulls were at Saddlebow two days before. Up to 18 Caspian Gulls were recorded during the year, with winter and late summer peaks. A record total of 12 pairs of Common Gull nested at three sites. The well-watched Gull-billed Tern at Titchwell from November 16th to 26th, is almost certainly the latest British record. An excellent total of 164