Suffolk Birds 2003 Part 2

Systematic List pair of Barn Swallows, nesting under the existing structure, to finish rearing their brood.

Congratulations to whoever took the decision! (report in East Anglian Daily Times).

Larger gatherings were noted from July onwards with the most notable being 100, July 30th and 300, August 27th, both at Trimley Marshes, a pre-roost total of 650 from Long Melford, September 3rd and 132 at Minsmere, October 9th. At Orfordness, a large roost was reported in the reed beds during August and September, with 111 being caught and ringed on September 2nd. Landguard's peak month for this species was September with a total count of 2562 and the highest one-day count was 448 on 15th. A total of 22 was recorded during November with the final bird of the year at Minsmere on 27th.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Hirundo dauricci Rare visitor.

This record takes the county total to 20, involving 22 individuals. On the 29th it appeared for just two minutes but it was seen again on 30th and on May 2nd it entertained in front of the Island Mere hide for an hour and a half in the evening.

Minsmere: April 29th, presumed same April 30th and May 2nd (RSPB, R.Harvey et al).

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbicum Very common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

March this year produced three records; the first at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford on 26th.

Three days later one was noted at Trimley and Lackford Lakes' first record came on 30th.

The peak spring counts of 100 came from Trimley Marshes, April 25th and Lackford Lakes, May 14th.

The only record of breeding came from North Warren and Aldringham Walks, where pairs had increased from 33 in 2002 to 57. The population jump is attributed to a large number of nests on Dower House. An observer in Sudbury commented that few birds seemed to be nesting in the town and another observer reported a pair nest-building in Kessingland on the side of a house but before it was finished the occupiers destroyed it (this is an illegal act and the perpetrators could be prosecuted - Editor).

Autumn gatherings were reported across the county, with high counts of 200 at West Stow Country Park, August 1 st, 203 passing Landguard, September 9th, 300 at Lavenham, September 12th and 200 at Benacre, September 18th. At least 250 were observed over Orfordness, September 21st. The last report of the year was of two birds at Fressingfield, November 24th.

RICHARD'S PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae Rare visitor Five reports involving four individuals at coastal sites. These four bring the county total to 51.

Lowestoft: Sep.28th (B.J.Small), presumed same at Ness Point, Birds Eye compound, Sep.28th (J.A.Brown, R.Walden, D.F.Walsh).

Kessingland: sewage works, Nov.9th (J.A.Brown).

Southwold: Paddocks, Nov.9th (B.J.Small).

Falkenham: King's Fleet, Apr.22nd (W.J.Brame), presumed same, Apr.24th (J.Zantboer).

The above bird is the third county spring record. A large pipit moving south on November 13th (R.Cope, N.Gates, N.Odin) at Landguard was probably of this species.

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant. Amber list.

The first of the year were two at Kessingland sewage works, March 29th and 30th.

Piotrowski (2003) states that there are only seven March records, for Suffolk, with one at 113