here - Waveney River Centre

A Report on the Wildlife of the
Waveney River Centre
Carl Chapman
Wildlife Tours and Education
Introduction
Carl Chapman set up Wildlife Tours and Education as a sole trader business during 2009 with
a view to introducing people to wildlife. As part of the remit of the organisation, Wildlife
Surveys are completed.
Carl has a Certificate in Ornithology completed at the UEA and has knowledge accumulated
over many years regarding plants, animals and insects of the British Countryside.
Survey and conservation work has been undertaken for Wind farm Companies, Farmers
entering into stewardship schemes as well as the military on its land at Stradishall Airfield in
Suffolk where Carl was on the conservation committee in the 1990’s. He is also an active
member of the ARG (Amphibian and Reptile Group), The RSPB (Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds), The BTO (British Trust for Ornithology), NOA (Norfolk Ornithological
Association), NWT (Norfolk Wildlife Trust), WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) and the
SOG (Suffolk Ornithologist Group). He is also a member of several East of England based
tourism organisations and also has accreditations in Business Development.
Objective
The remit was to produce this report for the Waveney River Centre. It is to give a snapshot of
the Wildlife using the area in, and around the River Centre by way of a list of species
containing birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles as well as interesting insects and plants
that have been seen at the centre or may use it.
Method
The report was compiled from information gathered on formal visits to the area during
February to May of 2010 as well as several informal visits. It must be stressed given the
restrictive nature of the timeframe for the survey that the report cannot be considered
comprehensive.
In addition to visits, information for the report was gleaned from various Suffolk and Norfolk
Wildlife Journals issued over the past 5 years. The journals were searched for information
regarding the likelihood of species occurring within the area. This has been used to insert
entries for species which have not been reported or observed personally by WT&E but are
considered likely additions to the fauna of the River Centre.
It is worth noting the cool spring with a general northerly element to the wind delayed bird
migration and insect emergence.
Visits were made on:Visit 1 – 3rd February 1ºC Bright with little cloud. Ice still present on standing water. Wind 0
Visit 2 – 23rd February 6-8ºC Overcast. Occasional light rain. Wind SE4
Visit 3 – 27th February 4ºC Overcast. Constant light rain. Heavier Showers. Wind SE2
Visit 4 – 11th March 4-6ºC Overcast clearing later. Wind 0 to NW2
Visit 5 – 18th April 10-8ºC Clear. Wind NE1
Visit 6 – 19th May 6-15ºC 1/8th Cloud Cover. Wind SW2
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Upon each visit, the following survey methods were used.
Visit 1 - Informal visit, a walk-around of the survey site with James & Ruth
Visit 2 – Formal Survey. Walkabout 10am to 1pm, Viewpoint 1 1pm to 3pm, Viewpoint 2
3pm to 4pm.
Visit 3 – Informal visit to lay reptile mats 2pm to 3pm
Visit 4 – Formal Survey. Walkabout 9:30am to 12:30pm, Viewpoint 11am to 3pm, 3pm to
4pm Standing Water Survey, 4pm to 4:30pm Viewpoint 2.
Visit 5 – Formal Survey. Reptile and Amphibian Survey 4:45pm to 6pm. 6pm to 8pm
Walkabout Survey. 8:30pm to 10:30pm Bat Survey using bat detector.
Visit 6 – Formal Survey. 9am to 3:30pm Walkabout Survey. The Amphibian and Reptile
Survey in the pond dipping area was abandoned due to contaminated water being present.
The Report
The species list contains the species name, the Latin name, occurrence comment, a summary
of the survey findings augmented by research on species documented by others within the
area and an anecdote for each species.
The report is to be used for the compilation of a wildlife walk at the Waveney River Centre
and supporting documentation and is supplemented with photographs of certain species
issued under copywrite.
81 species of bird were recorded with a further 40 or more quite possibly being seen at
different times of the year. 9 species of mammal occur and with various trapping methods
and bat detector work this could be easily be increased by a further 18. Surprisingly only 2
species of Amphibian/Reptile were recorded out of the possible 5 or so that may be in the
area. 7 species of butterfly were recorded and importantly the area is adjacent to marshes
where Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly has been reported.
It is again worth noting the bird migration and insect emergence was delayed due to the cold
northerly element to the winds in May.
There is no doubt that Waveney River Centre is a good place to watch, listen and observe
wildlife. Future possible action to improve the wildlife opportunities at the centre could
include some of the following:
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Placing artificial House Martin nests around the site at suitable points on buildings.
The dredging of the pond dipping ditch in an effort to clean the water for invertebrates
including damselflies and dragonflies.
Planting of ‘clean water’ plants in the ditch to further the incidence of invertebrates.
Placing Spotted Flycatcher Nesting boxes around the site.
Erection of nesting boxes for Kestrels and Barn Owls.
Log piles to encourage small mammals.
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BIRDS
LITTLE GREBE
Breeding resident
Tachybabtus ruficollis
Visit 2 – A single bird in the reed margins on the east side of the river.
The smallest of our grebes often colloquially called a ‘Dabchick’
GREAT CRESTED GREBE
Breeding resident
Podiceps cristatus
Visit 2 – A single bird in winter plumage diving in the marina.
Visit 4 – A single bird in winter plumage moving up and down the river.
This bird was once ‘harvested’ for its head plumes for use in the millinery trade and was
instrumental in the formation of the RSPB.
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CORMORANT
Resident with numbers increased during winter
Phalacrocorax carbo
Visit 1 – Single bird on the river later seen flying south
Visit 2 – A single on the river and a bird flying west and a further bird south over the grazing
marsh.
Two sub-species occur within the UK. The ones occurring at the River Centre will invariably
be the continental race ‘sinensis’
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LITTLE EGRET
Scarce Breeding Resident
Egretta Garzetta.
Visit 1 - Single bird feeding in dykes on the grazing marsh.
Visit 2 – A single on the grazing marsh with a further individual flying south.
Visit 4 – One bird in ditches on the grazing marsh.
Visit 5 – One bird on the marsh to the east of the river.
A relatively new addition to the British list the species did not occur with any regularity
before the 1980’s
GREY HERON
Common resident
Ardea cinerea
Visit 2 – One fishing in a ditch on the south of the grazing marsh.
Visit 4 – Several birds. One flying south up the river. One feeding in ditches on the grazing
marsh which later flew of north east and later still one flew east over the river.
Visit 6 – A single bird flying south west over the river.
Called a ‘Hanser’ locally
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MUTE SWAN
Breeding resident
Cygnus olor
Visit 1 – Several birds on the river.
Visit 2 – One on river and several birds on the grazing marsh and a bird flying south down the
river.
Visit 4 – Several on and flying around the marsh to the east of the river and the grazing
marsh. Between two and four birds on the river at various points.
Visit 5 – One on the river with a further pair on the grazing marsh.
Visit 6 – Three on the grazing marsh.
Males (Cobs) have larger black bulges on the bill during the breeding season the females
(Pens).
[FERAL GOOSE]
Resident
Visit 2 - Ten around the marina.
Visit 4 – Six mainly on the north area of the river.
Visit 5 – Three birds in the Marina area.
Visit 6 – Nine to the north of the Marina.
Derived in the main from Graylag Geese and adapted for the farmyard by breeding for weight
rather than flight.
PINK FOOTED GOOSE
Winter Visitor
Anser brachyrhynchus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Undoubtedly during the winter months this
species will use the area around and in the River Centre.
A small goose identified at a distance by its dark neck.
WHITE FRONTED GOOSE
Scarce winter visitor
Anser albifrons
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. It is quite probable this species will occur every
now and then on the grazing marsh and surrounding area among other ‘carrier species’ such
as Pink Footed Geese.
A large goose that summers in Siberia.
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GREYLAG GOOSE
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant and occasional breeder
Anser anser
Visit 1 – Several present around the marina.
Visit 2 – Two on the river at the north of the centre. And a further five flying west.
Visit 4 – Four on the north area of the river and one flew south over the grazing marsh.
Visit 5 – Seven on the marsh to the east of the river with a further two on the grazing marsh.
Visit 6 – One to the north of the Marina, one in the Marina itself and a further four plus four
goslings were seen to the south east of the grazing marsh.
Most Grey Geese seen in the UK during the summer are likely to be this species.
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CANADA GOOSE
Winter visitor and breeding resident
Branta canadensis
Visit 1 – Two birds present within the marina
Visit 2 – A single in the marina and six on the grazing marsh.
Visit 4 – Five on the grazing marsh with a further two flying south later
Visit 6 – One on the south east of the grazing marsh
An introduced species that has been in the UK for many years.
[BARNACLE GOOSE]
Probable escaped feral birds
Branta leucopsis
Visit 4 – A small flock of nine probably feral birds which spent most of the day on the
grazing marsh. In addition, there was one Graylag x Barnacle Hybrid and one Canada x
Barnacle Hybrid accompanying the flock.
A long distance migrant with its main wintering grounds on the Solway Firth on the
Scottish/English border.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE
Breeding Resident
Alopochan aegyptiacus
Visit 1 – Ten birds present around the main buildings.
Visit 2 – A bird flying south down the river.
Visit 5 – A bird with six goslings in the marina a further adult seen on the river. Two further
birds were seen flying east over the church.
Visit 6 – One in the Marina and a further two birds plus six goslings on the bank opposite the
reception and shop.
This is an African species which has been introduced into East Anglia and now has a self
sustaining population in the wild. Officially numbers in the UK are no more than 800
however there appear to be at least double this number.
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SHELDUCK
Breeding resident
Tadorna tadorna
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Although no sightings were noted in the survey
it is likely this species will be seen overflying the area or on the adjacent marshes.
Young are crèched and left with a small number of adults while the adults go to Holland each
summer to moult.
WIGEON
Winter visitor
Anas penelope
Visit 1 – Heard on the marsh.
Visit 2 – Thirty south over the grazing marsh. Six flying south and a further twenty flying
west.
Visit 4 – Forty five on the south of the grazing marsh. One flew north up the west bank of the
river.
This colourful duck has distinctive whistling call.
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GADWALL
Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant breeding in small numbers
Anas strepera
Visit 2 – Eight birds feeding on the south of the grazing marsh.
Visit 4 – Two birds flew south over the grazing marsh.
East Anglia is the UK stronghold for this grey duck.
TEAL
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor breeding in small numbers
Anas crecca
Visit 2 – Thirty two flying around the grazing marsh and a further fifteen flying south there.
Nine flying south up river.
Visit 4 – One on the grazing marsh and four flew south.
Our smallest duck.
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[CAROLINA WOOD DUCK]
Escapee
Aix sponsa
A drake frequented the chalet area and was photographed on the 28th April
A colourful duck that is native to North America
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MALLARD
Common winter visitor and breeding resident
Anas platyrhynchos
Visit 1 – Commonly seen but not numerous.
Visit 2 – Eight on the channel to the west of the grazing marsh. Four in marina. Two flying
south west over the river.
Visit 4 – Five in the marina. Odd pairs scattered around the whole area.
Visit 5 – Two on the river. One in the Marina and four on the pond dipping ditch.
Visit 6 – Two to the north of the Marina plus a female on the pond dipping ditch with four
young.
The commonest duck in the UK.
SHOVELLER
Winter visitor breeding in small numbers
Anas clypeata
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. It is extremely likely given records from
adjacent areas this large billed duck will be seen on and around the Centre at some point;
probably during the winter.
A colourful duck with a very large bill indeed.
[AYLESBURY DUCK]
Escape/Captive
n/a
Visit 1 – Several around the Marina.
Visit 2 – Two in the marina.
Visit 3 – Twelve in the Marina
Visit 4 – Two very tame entertaining birds in the marina.
Bred for their white feathers and good meat they are a distant strain of the Mallard with
which they interbreed given the opportunity.
POCHARD
Winter visitor
Aythya ferina
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. At some point this diving duck species will
appear at the Centre given its abundance during winter in adjacent areas.
The abundance of drakes winter in the UK, the females preferring Spain further south on the
continent where it’s warmer.
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TUFTED DUCK
Common breeding resident and winter visitor
Aythya fuligula
Visit 5 – Three birds on standing water to the south east of the gazing marsh.
Sometimes it appears that every small pond or lake has its resident Tufted Duck.
RED KITE
Rare passage Migrant
Milvus milvus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. It is likely that given the reintroduction of this
species into the UK and the increasing number of sightings within Norfolk and Suffolk
eventually Red Kites will appear at the River Centre. Hopefully they may breed in adjacent
woodland.
Introduced back into various parts of the UK after their near demise due to persecution the
Red Kite is now spreading naturally into Norfolk and Suffolk.
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HEN HARRIER
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Circus cyaneus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The absence of a full winter survey was
undoubtedly the reason for no sightings of this species. They have however been recorded in
most winters within adjacent areas of the Waveney Valley.
Smaller and scarcer than the Marsh Harrier its main breeding stronghold within the UK is at
Bowland in Lancashire.
MARSH HARRIER
Common breeding resident
Circus aeruginosus
Visit 1 – A single female flying SW over the river wall.
Visit 2 – A female hunting to the east of the river. Two females hunting the south of the
grazing marsh and a further female flying south up the river.
Visit 3 – A single female flying SW outside the entrance gate over the approach road.
Visit 4 – A female hunting the south of the grazing marsh occasionally made further forays
and was seen flying north east down river later.
Visit 5 – A female was circling high above the chalets.
Visit 6 – A single female hunting the south of the grazing marsh.
The species has come back from the brink in the 1980’s when the sight of a Marsh Harrier
was rare indeed.
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BUZZARD
Breeding resident
Buteo buteo
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The species is known to breed in adjacent
woodland n the Waveney Valley and therefore will undoubtedly occur occasionally at the
River Centre.
Buzzards were ‘keepered out’ from the east of England. Gradually they have returned and
can be seen once again over Norfolk and Suffolk.
ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD
Scarce Winter Visitor
Buteo lagopus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Rough-legged Buzzards have been wintering
within the Waveney Valley in small numbers for the past five years at least. Three birds
during the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 spent their winter together at nearby St
Olaves. A sighting of this high arctic species at the River Centre will therefore occur in time.
Rough legged Buzzard gets its name from its feathered legs which is a trait of many high
arctic species of bird.
SPARROWHAWK
Breeding resident
Accipiter nisus
Visit 4 – A male flying high hunting over the grazing marsh eventually headed off south.
Easily identified by its ‘flap flap glide’ action when in flight.
KESTREL
Breeding resident
Falco tinnunculus
Visit 2 – A male flying strongly north west over the reception buildings. A female in the
churchyard and a further bird perched in dead trees on the west of the river.
Visit 5 – A male flying north east over the south of the grazing marsh and a further male
flying north over the reception buildings.
Visit 6 – A male low over the reception area moving south
The Kestrels hovering flight make it instantly recognisable as no other British falcon hovers.
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MERLIN
Scarce winter visitor
Falco columbarius
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The absence of a winter survey left this species
unrecorded.
Our smallest falcon which feeds on small birds which it will ‘fly down’ with great expertise.
HOBBY
Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor
Falco subbuteo
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Regrettably this species was not recorded during
the survey but will undoubtedly occur as it hawks for insects over the marshes.
Each year these birds will fly from South Africa feeding upon Swallows and Dragonflies.
PEREGRINE
Rare winter visitor and increasingly occasional breeder
Falco peregrinus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. As Peregrines begin to re-stake their claim
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within eastern England more sightings occur. The wader gatherings on the adjacent marshes
will undoubtedly attract a wintering bird.
The fastest British Bird has now taken to nesting on manmade ‘cliffs’ such as tall buildings
bridges and towers.
RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE
Common breeding resident
Alectoris rufa
Visit 3 – Two birds around the entrance to the Centre.
Visit 4 – A pair and a further single bird seen on the grazing marsh.
Visit 5 – Two flew off the river wall to join a further two on the grazing marsh. A further bird
was seen around the reception area at dusk.
Visit 6 – One on the grazing marsh and two birds on the field above and over the road from
the chalets.
This bird has been introduced for hunting purposes. Often called the French Partridge.
PHEASANT
Abundant breeding resident
Phasianus colchicus
Visit 4 – One around the marina. One calling in the south of the area from the reedbed on the
west bank of the river.
Visit 5 – Three on the grazing marsh and an individual of the Japanese race on the river wall.
An introduced species from China that would probably die out if numbers weren’t
augmented by releases for shooting.
[REEVES PHEASANT]
Escapee
Syrmaticus reevesii
A female of unknown origin visited the reception area on the 4th May 2010.
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The male of this species is very colourful hence it being kept in captivity. Not often kept as a
game bird because the males are quite aggressive!
WATER RAIL
Scarce breeding resident and winter visitor
Rallus aquaticus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. No calling birds were heard of this crepuscular
species. Given the patches of reedbed and it breeding in close proximity to the area it is
thought, quite strongly, that it will be present here already.
A very secretive species, crepuscular by nature. Its body is laterally compressed so it is
thinner and more adept at moving through reedbeds.
MOORHEN
Common breeding resident
Gallinula chloropus
Visit 1 – Several birds in the area of the Marina.
Visit 2 – One on the northern part of the river a further bird in the marina.
Visit 4 – Three birds in and around the marina
Visit 6 – One at the south of the chalets.
Often called the Water Chicken. Never found far from a body of water.
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COOT
Common breeding resident
Fulica atra
Visit 1 – Several birds on the river.
Visit 2 – One around the centre
Visit 4 – One on the south of the grazing marsh and a couple on the river.
Coots will make their nest on floating rafts of vegetation.
OYSTERCATCHER
Breeding resident and winter visitor
Haematopus ostralegus
Visit 5 - A bird flew south west over the river and later this or another bird flew south over the
grazing marsh close to the river wall.
Winter plumage birds acquire a white chinstrap which is lost as the bird moves into breeding
plumage.
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RINGED PLOVER
Breeding resident and winter visitor
Charadrius hiaticula
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The mud on adjacent marshes provides an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring nearby.
The birds nest in a shallow scrape on shingle where the eggs are ideally camouflaged.
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER
Scarce summer visitor
Charadrius dubius
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The mud on adjacent marshes provides an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring nearby.
Easily identified from the larger Ringed Plover by its smaller size, plainer wings and
distinctive yellow eye ring.
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GOLDEN PLOVER
Common passage migrant and winter visitor
Pulvialis apricaria
Visit 2 – Six hundred birds over and on the marsh to the east of the river.
Visit 5 – Sixty birds in splendid summer plumage flew east to the north of the church. In
addition a single bird flew high to the north calling.
These moorland breeding birds gather in huge numbers on farmland and marshes during
winter. The more northerly breeding birds have more extensive black plumage in summer.
LAPWING
Common passage migrant, winter visitor and occasional breeder.
Vanellus vanellus
Visit 1 – Constant stream of birds flying west. Approximately one hundred birds.
Visit 2 – Fifty birds south east of the river. A further one hundred birds on and over the same
marsh and circa one hundred on the south of the grazing marsh.
Visit 4 – Circa two hundred flying south east plus a further fifty on the marsh to the east of the
river which later flew south west and two birds flying north. One bird was defending territory
to the east of the river.
Visit 5 – One on the marsh to the east of the river and two seen flying north east over the
grazing marsh.
A very territorial species that will defend its eggs and chicks vociferously.
DUNLIN
Passage migrant and winter visitor
Calidris alpina
Visit 4 – Ten birds flew south west over the river among Lapwings
A small wading bird which acquires a black belly in summer plumage.
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SNIPE
Passage migrant, winter visitor and breeding resident in decreasing numbers
Gallinago gallinago
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Numbers of Snipe have plummeted in recent
years however the adjacent marshes provide an ideal environment for this species. There are
records of Snipe occurring nearby.
Once common, now less regularly seen. The Snipe displays by ‘drumming’; diving through
the air making an incredible buzzing noise by using its vibrating outer tail feathers.
WOODCOCK
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant rare breeder.
Scolopax rusticola
Visit 2 – A bird flushed from the reeds on the west river bank.
Visit 4 – A single bird flew from the church area and landed on the grazing marsh.
More often seen in woodland areas. Birds at Waveney River Centre are undoubtedly
migrants.
CURLEW
Winter visitor
Numenius arquata
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The adjacent marshes provide an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring nearby.
Females have longer bills than males. The bubbling call is familiar on the marshes but the
species is a moorland nester.
WHIMBREL
Scarce passage migrant
Numenius phaeopus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The adjacent marshes provide an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring nearby.
Very like the Curlew in appearance but has a pale centre crown stripe. Sometimes called ‘The
Six Whistler’ due to its distinctive call.
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GREENSHANK
Scarce passage migrant
Tringa nebularia
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The mud on adjacent marshes provides an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring nearby.
Identified by its green legs.
REDSHANK
Breeding resident.
Tringa totanus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The mud on adjacent marshes provides an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring nearby.
Identified by its bright red legs.
COMMON SANDPIPER
Scarce passage migrant
Actitis hypoleucos
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The mud on adjacent marshes and deep ditches
provide an ideal environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring
nearby.
This bobbing small wader will be seen on muddy edges to water from where it will fly low
over the water with a fluttering flight.
GREEN SANDPIPER
Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Tringa Ochropus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The mud on adjacent marshes and deep ditches
provide an ideal environment for this species. There are records of this species occurring
nearby.
Identified in flight from other small waders by its black underwings.
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BLACK HEADED GULL
Common winter visitor and breeding resident
Larus ridibundus
Visit 1 – Several birds both on the marsh and on the river.
Visit 2 – Thirty on the marsh east of the river. Circa one hundred birds flying over and on the
same marsh but further north.
Visit 4 – Ten birds on the marsh to the east of the river. A further six birds flew west.
Identified by the white leading edge to the ‘hand’ of the wing. A feature not shared by any
other gull in Europe apart from one which is very rare indeed.
COMMON GULL
Winter visitor
Larus canus
Visit 1 – At least two birds on the river.
Visit 2 – One hundred on the marsh east of the river and two south over churchyard.
Visit 4 – Several birds feeding on the grazing marsh. Ten on the marsh to the east of the river.
Several birds seen in flight throughout the day.
Far from common this gull breeds in the far north.
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GREATER BLACK BACKED GULL
Resident and winter visitor
Larus marinus
Visit 4 – Six birds on the marsh to the east of the river and one flying south west.
Pink legs and a very dark back distinguish this gull from all others
LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL
Common resident and passage migrant
Larus fuscus
Visit 2 – Twenty on the marsh east of the river.
Visit 4 – Twenty on the marsh to the east of the river
Visit 5 – A constant stream of birds fling north east.
Visit 6 – Ten flew east over the river.
Yellow Legs and a grey back distinguish this large gull from others.
HERRING GULL
Common resident and winter visitor
Larus argentatus
Visit 1 – Two birds seen on the river.
Visit 2 – Thirty Herring Gull east of the river and six flying south up river.
Visit 4 – Much in evidence. Twenty on the marsh to the east of the river. Circa fifty on the
marshes to the north west of the church and many flyover birds seen during the day.
Visit 5 – A constant stream of birds flying North East.
Visit 6 – A single bird flying south was the only one seen.
Pink Legs and a light grey back make this fierce looking large gull identifiable.
COMMON TERN
Scarce breeding summer visitor
Sterna hirundo
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The river and adjacent marshes provide an ideal
environment for this species. There are records of this species breeding nearby.
Often called the ‘sea swallow’ this tern can often be seen fishing on the Waveney.
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STOCK DOVE
Common breeding resident
Columba oenas
Visit 2 – One flying north over the grazing marsh. One on the marsh to the east of the river.
Visit 4 – two birds flew west from the grazing marsh.
This species sometimes forms huge flocks. Identified by its black wingbars and lack of white
in the plumage.
WOODPIGEON
Abundant breeding resident
Columba palumbas
Visit 2 – Many birds over the south of the grazing marsh and many over the fields to the west
of the road. Two birds mating in the trees north of the centre with a further two flying south.
A single on the grazing marsh.
Visit 4 – Much in evidence from all over the area.
Visit 5 – Much in evidence from all parts of the area under survey
Visit 6 – much in evidence from all parts of the area.
The old Suffolk name for a Woodpigeon is a Dow. The bird is a very familiar sight in our
countryside. It is a widespread resident.
COLLARED DOVE
Common breeding resident
Streptopelia decaocto
Visit 2 – One around entrance to centre.
Visit 4 – Up to three birds around the entrance and a further bird in the churchyard.
Visit 5 – Three birds seen around the entrance to the centre.
Visit 6 – One in the garden opposite the entrance to the centre and a further two flying south
over the Marina and a single bird heading south to the west of the church. One around the
sewage treatment plant.
This bird was first seen in the UK in April 1955 it can be said therefore that the Collared
Dove is a very successful coloniser from Europe.
TURTLE DOVE
Rare breeding summer visitor
Streptopelia turtur
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Regrettably there has been a rapid decline in the
occurrence of Turtle Doves within Europe during the last 20 years due to decimation of the
bird’s wintering habitat in Northern Africa. There will be odd records at the Centre given the
records from surrounding areas.
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Arriving in late spring from the African continent the gentle purring of the Turtle Dove is a
welcome sign that the summer is just around the corner.
CUCKOO
Scarce breeding summer visitor
Cuculus canorus
Visit 6 – A bird calling from just east of the river and two birds together flying north from the
church.
A familiar bird the call of which is everyone knows. Each Cuckoo only parasitizes one
species of bird; its eggs closely matching those of the host species.
BARN OWL
Scarce breeding resident
Tyto alba
Visit 4 – One bird hunting the grassland between the main entrance and the church. A further
bird hunting the river wall to the south.
Visit 5 – One seen flying south west over the river wall and another brighter bird hunting the
east river wall.
Occasional darker breasted birds are immigrants from the continent. This area is one of the
best places in the UK to see Barn Owl.
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LITTLE OWL
Scarce breeding resident
Athene noctua
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The surrounding landscape of arable fields
supports a small population of Little Owls and I feel sure a pair may occupy the area once in
a while.
A fierce looking small owl introduced from the continent in Victorian times to lowland
Britain.
TAWNY OWL
Common breeding resident
Strix aluco
Visit 5 – A bird was heard calling in the copse of trees between the centre and the church.
Our most familiar owl, yet the one that is observed the least. More often seen in car
headlights than at any other time.
26
SHORT-EARED OWL
Scarce winter visitor
Asio flammeus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The environment on the grazing marsh and
adjacent marshes is ideal to support a small wintering population of Short-eared Owls.
Indeed each winter the Waveney Valley supports several overwintering birds. Six were seen
at once at nearby St Olave’s in January.
The flight of Short eared Owl has been likened to a giant moth. Will fly in the day as well as
at night.
SWIFT
Common breeding summer visitor
Apus apus
Visit 6 – Several seen flying high over the centre.
Young birds that leave our shores in August do not land until they next come back to the UK.
To sleep these birds fly up to several thousand feet high and circle as they doze on the wing.
KINGFISHER
Scarce breeding resident
Alcedo atthis
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The riparian environment is ideally suited for
this species and it was a surprise not to see one. This is probably due to Kingfishers not faring
too well in the hard winter of 2009/2010.
The female has a red lower mandible that is absent in the male.
GREEN WOODPECKER
Breeding resident
Picus viridis
Visit 1 – One heard calling to the north around the church area.
Visit 2 – Heard calling from the churchyard. A female feeding on the field to the west of the
road which later flew north.
Visit 4 – One heard on the approach road outside the main entrance. One to two birds in the
field west of the road and one bird flying low south among the chalets.
Visit 6 – One calling rather vociferously from the grazing marsh and one in the churchyard.
The bird makes a laughing call that is frequently described as a ‘Yaffle’
27
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
Breeding resident
Dendrocopos major
Visit 4 – One male seen in trees on the bank above the chalets. A further bird heard from
gardens to the north of the centre.
Woodpeckers have a very long barbed tongue to reach into crevices to draw out grubs and
insects.
SKYLARK
Breeding resident
Alauda arvensis
Visit 2 – One was singing over the fields to the west of the road and another 2 singing over
the marsh to the east of the river.
Visit 4 – Two birds singing over the marsh to the east of the river.
Visit 5 – One was holding territory just over the east side of the river.
A typical sound of the British summer is the song of the skylark as it defends its territory.
SANDMARTIN
Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor
Riparia riparia
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Although not seen in the survey they will occur
on passage.
The earliest of the hirundines (Swallows) to return each year. The first ones arrive on coasts
during February.
SWALLOW
Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor
Hirundo rustica
Visit 5 – One flew low to the north over reception.
Visit 6 – Two over reception a further two south west over the church and one around the
church itself.
Males can be distinguished from females in spring by their longer tail streamers.
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HOUSE MARTIN
Passage migrant and breeding summer visitor
Delichon urbica
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. I expected to see House Martins and even see
them nest building at the River Centre. I was to be disappointed. They will occur on passage
and may be tempted to stay and breed with some well placed artificial nests.
The first brood help to rear the second brood of birds.
MEADOW PIPIT
Passage migrant and breeding resident
Anthus pratensis
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The grassland and marshes nearby provide an
excellent environment for Meadow Pipits. There are records of this species occurring nearby
on passage.
Look out for this species’ pink legs which help to distinguish it from other pipit species.
29
GREY WAGTAIL
Scarce passage migrant and breeding resident
Motacillia cinerea
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A wintering bird or two is quite possible.
More often a species of fast moving water but does tend to winter around open still water.
YELLOW WAGTAIL
Scarce breeding summer visitor
Motacillia flava
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds breed in nearby rape fields and will
certainly occur on passage as they move over the Centre.
The Yellow Wagtail has many different colour forms. Birds often feed around cattle on flies
and insects.
PIED WAGTAIL
Breeding resident
Moticillia alba
Visit 1 – Singing male on buildings around the entrance.
Visit 2 – One around the centre buildings and another bird around the entrance buildings.
Visit 4 – A single male feeding around the marina. A further bird flew north over the gardens
to the north of the centre.
Visit 5 – One flew south over the grazing marsh and another north along the road adjacent to
the chalets.
Our most familiar of Wagtails. Males and females are easily distinguished from one another
by the colour of the mantle (back)
30
WREN
Common breeding resident
Troglodytes troglodytes
Visit 2 – Two calling from the reedbed on the west of the river.
Visit 4 – Heard and seen at the south end of the chalets and from the reeds on the river bank.
One singing in the churchyard.
Visit 5 – Two territories being held on the river wall.
Visit 6 – Two singing among the chalet area.
The voice of the Wren is quite disproportionate to its size. A distinctive and loud song is a
trait of the Wren.
DUNNOCK
Common breeding resident
Prunella modularis
Visit 2 – one singing from hedgerow to the north west of the centre and a further one in the
field to the west of the road.
Visit 4 – Up to six territories identified. Birds singing mainly from the approach road
hedgerows.
Visit 5 – Just a single bird seen at the entrance.
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The Dunnock, Hedge sparrow or Hedge Accentor, call it what you will, is common
throughout the area. Usually seen shuffling almost apologetically beneath a bush or hedge,
the male may service several females.
ROBIN
Common breeding resident
Erithacus rubecula
Visit 1 – Several birds around the caravans and in the bank scrub
Visit 2 – Two singing in the trees north of the centre and in the hedgerow bordering the road.
A further bird singing around the entrance to the centre.
Visit 4 – Five territories identified all from along the hedgerows on the approach road and in
the churchyard.
Visit 5 – Two heard from the bank between the chalets and the road and a further bird singing
in the churchyard.
Visit 6 – One in the churchyard. Two singing from the bank above the chalets and a further
bird near the entrance to the centre.
Everyone's favourite the Robin has a different song in the autumn than it does in the spring!
WHINCHAT
Scarce spring and autumn passage migrant
Saxicola rubetra
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will certainly occur on passage as they
move over the Centre. Recorded nearby.
The song of the Whinchat is limited to a simple repeated ‘check’ similar to the sound of two
stones being banged together.
STONECHAT
Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant
Saxicla torquata
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will certainly occur on passage as they
move over the Centre. Recorded nearby.
A local migrant; birds may move out of an immediate area to be nearer the coast in winter.
WHEATEAR
Scarce passage migrant
Oenanthe oenanthe
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will certainly occur on passage as they
move over the Centre. Recorded nearby.
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This little chat with its characteristic pert stance moves north to breed in the Scottish
highlands and the Pennines. The males move through first to stake out their territory ahead of
the arrival of the females.
RING OUZEL
Rare passage migrant
Turdus torquatus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will certainly occur on passage as they
move over the Centre. Recorded nearby.
This thrush species has a distinctive loud ‘chack, chack’ call and white bib.
BLACKBIRD
Common breeding resident, winter visitor and passage migrant
Turdus merula
Visit 1 – Two to three birds seen on the bank scrub area.
Visit 2 – Six around houses opposite the entrance to the centre. Two in trees to the north of
the centre and five in the churchyard. A single in the field opposite the entrance to the centre
and one in the field west of the road. Two among the chalets.
Visit 4 – Two in the churchyard. One in the gardens nearby. Eight in fields opposite the
centre entrance. Four in the bank above the chalets and a further bird around the marina in
front of reception.
Visit 5 – One seen in the churchyard and on the river wall. A further bird was singing from
the bank to the west of the chalets.
Visit 6 – Four singing close to the entrance to the centre. Two more seen among the chalets.
It is often not recognised that Blackbirds are migrants arriving from the continent in October
often in big numbers.
FIELDFARE
Common winter visitor
Turdus pilaris
Visit 1 – Two flocks of fifteen and ten birds flying SW.
Visit 2 – Forty three in trees to the east of the river. One calling but not seen in the trees
opposite the churchyard. Two feeding in the fields to the west of the road.
Visit 4 – A flock of twenty five feeding in a field to the west of the entrance gate. A further
bird in the churchyard.
Fieldfares are one of our two winter Thrushes that arrive in autumn and are with us until
April. They adore orchards were they feed on fallen fruit.
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SONG THRUSH
Breeding resident
Turdus philomelus
Visit 2 – A single bird in the churchyard.
Visit 4 – A single bird in gardens opposite the entrance to the centre.
The song of the Song Thrush is comprised of repeated phrases. The gardener’s friend they
frequently feed on snails which has been their demise as they inadvertently ingest slug and
snail poisons.
REDWING
Winter visitor and passage migrant
Turdus iliacus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. It was a surprise not to see any Redwings mixed
in with the Fieldfare flocks that overwintered. Redwings have been recorded nearby on many
occasions.
Another one of our winter thrushes. Redwings can frequently be heard high above calling on
moonlit nights as they migrate.
34
MISTLE THRUSH
Breeding resident
Turdus viscivorus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The field above the chalets on the opposite side
of the road is ideal for Mistle Thrush and I was surprised not to see a pair there. They will
occur occasionally.
Families of Mistle Thrushes can be seen feeding in fields together in June after the young
have fledged.
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER
Scarce breeding summer visitor
Locustella naevia
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. None of this secretive bird were heard on the
survey but recorded breeding nearby and it will occur on passage and may even breed on the
river banks where they are well vegetated.
Grasshopper Warblers have a ‘reeling’ song. It sounds like the continuous winding of a
fishing reel.
SEDGE WARBLER
Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Visit 5 – A single singing individual in the reeds just to the west of the river.
Visit 6 – Two singing birds heard opposite the reception and shop. Two birds heard in scrub
to the west of the river and three birds singing from bushes just to the east of the river and the
oddest location for a Sedge Warbler was a sighting of a bird in the garden opposite the
entrance to the centre.
A distinctive song of variable ‘chacking’ and warbles often issued from bushes and
undergrowth surrounding reedbeds.
35
REED WARBLER
Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant
Acrocephalus scirpaceus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Recorded breeding nearby and it is not
untenable Reed Warblers breed not very far away from the River Centre. They will most
likely be seen in the autumn as young birds disperse.
The song is a continuous chacking warble from deep within a reedbed. The nest is suspended
between reed stems and the species is a prime target for cuckoos.
LESSER WHITETHROAT
Scarce breeding summer visitor and passage migrant
Sylvia curruca
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will certainly occur on passage as they
move through the Centre. Recorded singing at nearby suitable habitat.
A species that is sadly becoming scarcer. The song is very much like the Whitethroat but ends
in a dry rattle.
36
WHITETHROAT
Common breeding summer visitor
Sylvia communis
Visit 6 – One singing close to the sewage treatment plant. One in hedges opposite the
entrance to the centre.
One of our warblers that returns each spring often singing from hedgerows and distinguished
from the Lesser Whitethroat by its bronze coloured wings.
GARDEN WARBLER
Breeding summer visitor and passage migrant
Sylvia borin
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will certainly occur on passage as they
move through the Centre in spring and autumn. Recorded singing in nearby suitable habitat.
The main identification feature of Garden Warblers is that they have no identification
features! A very bland bird with a beautiful song.
37
BLACKCAP
Common breeding summer visitor, passage migrant and occasional over-winterer
Sylvia atricapilla
Visit 5 – One singing from the bank to the west of the chalets.
Visit 6 – One in the churchyard and one singing in the garden of the house nearby. Three
territories being held in hedgerows within fifty metres of the entrance to the centre.
A familiar bird of the countryside and towns alike the Blackcap has in recent years been
spending the winter months on our shores.
CHIFFCHAFF
Common breeding summer visitor occasional over-winterer
Phylluscopus collybita
Visit 6 – One singing to the north of the Marina, one singing from bushes on the east of the
river and a bird singing from trees among the chalets.
The familiar song of the first of the migrant warblers to arrive on our shores each spring.
WILLOW WARBLER
Common breeding summer visitor
Phylluscopus trochilus
Visit 5 – Two birds singing. One either side of the river at the marina.
The falling crescendo of notes distinguish this bird from the Chiffchaff with which it has
many similarities of appearance.
CETTI’S WARBLER
Breeding resident
Cettia cetti
Visit 1 – One heard briefly in riverside reedbed area.
Visit 2 – One heard briefly singing in the reeds on the west side of the river and a further bird
singing in reedbed to the south of the grazing marsh.
Visit 3 – One heard singing repeatedly in the riverside reedbed area.
Visit 4 – Three birds singing. All three in areas each side of the river from scrub and reedbed
areas.
Visit 5 – One singing from the very south west of the grazing marsh. A further bird was
singing from north of the approach road.
Visit 6 – One singing close to the sewage treatment plant another to the north of the Marina.
This species did not arrive in the UK until the 1960’s and it has been very successful in
colonising all southern counties.
38
GOLDCREST
Breeding resident, winter visitor and common passage migrant
Regulus regulus
Visit 6 – A single bird heard singing in the trees to the north of the centre.
This diminutive species, the smallest of British birds needs conifers for nesting.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
Increasingly Scarce breeding summer visitor
Muscicapa striata
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds may be encouraged to breed at the River
Centre by the erection of suitable nest boxes. Recorded from nearby areas.
Getting quite scarce Spotted Flycatchers nest tight against trees typically in Ivy. They feed by
sallying out from their favourite perch to snap up insects flying by.
LONG TAILED TIT
Common breeding resident
Aegithalos caudatus
Visit 2 - One bird seen in the church yard. A further two birds in the hedgerow to the west of
the road.
Visit 4 – Two in trees among the chalets. Two in the hedgerow along the approach road and
two were probably nesting in the churchyard.
Visit 5 – One in the trees to the south of the church.
Long tailed Tits make a nest out of cobwebs and line it with feathers, usually overhanging
water but not exclusively so.
MARSH TIT
Breeding resident
Parus palustris
Visit 2 – One singing in the roadside bushes south of the entrance to the centre.
This species wasn’t distinguished from Willow Tit until the early 1900’s
39
COAL TIT
Breeding resident
Parus ater
Visit 2 – A single bird seen and heard in the churchyard.
Easily distinguished by the white spot on the nape of the neck.
BLUE TIT
Abundant breeding resident
Parus caeruleus
Visit 1 – Several birds seen and heard around the hedgerow along the road.
Visit 2 – Several birds seen in the hedgerows along the road. A single bird also seen in the
churchyard.
Visit 4 – Eight individuals mainly around the hedgerows above the chalets.
Visit 5 – Three in bushes along the river wall and birds nesting just outside reception.
Visit 6 – One calling from the hedgerow along the approach road to the centre. One in the
garden close to the entrance to the centre and one in the hedgerow above the chalets.
Everyone’s favourite. The males can be distinguished from the females by their thicker neck
collar and more azure crown.
GREAT TIT
Common breeding resident
Parus major
Visit 1 – Several birds singing from the hedgerow along the road.
Visit 2 – One bird in the hedgerow along the road. Two birds flying east, opposite the main
reception area. A single bird in trees at the north end of the centre.
Visit 4 – A good number of birds seen singing and holding territory in all parts of the centre
including the reedbeds.
Visit 5 – Up to four birds holding territory along the road running adjacent to the chalets.
Visit 6 – One calling from bushes in the centre of the field above the chalets. Two singing
from the hedgerow above the chalets as well as the trees to the north of the Marina and one
nesting in the churchyard.
Males can be distinguished from females by their thicker belly stripe.
JAY
Probable breeding resident
Garrulus glandarius
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Visit 2 – A singleton flying west over the fields to the west of the road.
Visit 4 – One flew north over the approach road just outside the centre entrance. A further
40
bird flew east over the river from the grazing marsh. Jays collect and store acorns and other
food to last them through the winter.
MAGPIE
Breeding resident
Pica pica
Visit 2 – A bird seen and heard in the trees at the north of the centre and a further bird among
the chalets and two in fields opposite the entrance to the centre.
Visit 4 – Five birds seen all between the church and the main entrance gate.
Visit 5 – Three birds in bushes by the river wall.
Visit 6 – A single bird flying west from the churchyard.
Called a "Madge" locally the Magpie is a very intelligent member of the crow family.
JACKDAW
Common breeding resident and winter visitor
Corvus monedula
Visit 2 – Up to fifteen birds on the grazing marsh and a further bird around the entrance to the
centre.
Visit 4 – Two pairs probably nesting close to the entrance gates. A further 6 or more birds on
the grazing marsh.
Visit 5 – A single bird around the houses at the entrance.
Visit 6 – A pair nesting in the garden opposite the entrance to the centre. A further pair
nesting in trees to the west of the entrance gate and a pair nesting in buildings close to the
entrance. Six birds seen feeding on the grazing marsh.
This small crow has a pale nape and a white eye. Sometimes Scandinavian immigrants arrive
that can be identified by their paler collar.
41
ROOK
Abundant breeding resident
Corvus frugilegus
Visit 4 – Fifty four on the grazing marsh.
Visit 5 – A single bird on the grazing marsh.
Visit 6 – Four birds on the grazing marsh and a single bird flying west over the chalets.
Much more numerous than Crows, Rooks hang around in flocks.
CARRION CROW
Common breeding resident
Corvus corone
Visit 2 – Two birds feeding on the grazing marsh and a further two flying north east along the
river.
Visit 4 – One feeding on the field outside the entrance gate. Two flew east over the river.
Visit 5 – At dusk an unusual flock of twenty flying north presumably to roost. Just a single
pair on the grazing marsh and a lone bird on the river wall.
In the air from below the Crow has a square cornered tail whereas the Rook has rounded tail
corners.
STARLING
Common breeding resident and winter visitor
Sternas vulgaris
Visit 2 – Circa one hundred birds on the marsh east of the river. A further thirty birds flying
south along the river.
Visit 4 – Circa eighty feeding on fields to the south of the main approach road. A flock of
fifty were just outside the entrance to the centre. Seen in odd ones and twos on the grazing
marsh. Four were seen in the churchyard.
Visit 5 – A single bird fling north over reception.
Visit 6 – A single bird flying south over reception. One on buildings around the entrance to
the centre.
Large wheeling flocks of starlings can gather at dusk before they go to roost in reedbeds and
trees.
HOUSE SPARROW
Common breeding resident
Passer domesticus
Visit 2 – A couple of birds around the entrance building.
Visit 4 – Two birds around the entrance gate.
Visit 5 – Fifteen birds counted at the bird feeders.
42
Visit 6 – Just a single bird on the feeders.
It is said unleaded petrol is having an effect on numbers of House Sparrows in built up areas.
CHAFFINCH
Common breeding resident and winter visitor
Fringilla coelebs
Visit 2 – Two birds singing in the hedgerows along the road. Birds singing in the trees at the
north of the centre and trees around the chalets. And a single bird in the churchyard.
Visit 4 – A pair in the churchyard. A male singing from roadside wires just to the north of the
swimming pool. A further bird calling from the hedgerow along the approach road and one
singing in bushes above the chalets.
Visit 5 – Three in the churchyard.
Visit 6 – Seven singing birds from all around the centre.
A common sight and sound of our countryside the males are much more colourful than the
females.
43
BRAMBLING
Winter visitor
Fringilla montifringilla
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will eventually occur on bird feeders
during the winter and on passage as they move over the Centre. Recorded nearby.
The more colourful cousin to the Chaffinch Brambling are essentially a winter visitor and
likely to be seen around feeders at that time.
GREENFINCH
Common breeding resident and winter visitor
Carduelis chloris
Visit 2 – Two flying south over the fields to the west of the road.
Visit 4 – Two calling birds one in gardens near the churchyard and a further bird in bushes
and trees above the chalets. A further three birds in the churchyard itself.
Visit 5 – A couple of birds on the bird feeders.
Visit 6 – One in the garden opposite the centre and a further bird singing from the bank above
the chalets.
44
The display flight of Greenfinch consist of flying around a female with rapid wing beats
while uttering its wheezy courtship song.
GOLDFINCH
Common breeding resident
Carduelis carduelis
Visit 1 – Small flock of around twenty birds in the alders around the Caravans.
Visit 2 – Four birds in the churchyard. Two around the entrance to the centre and a further
three birds in the field to the west of the road.
Visit 4 – Ten in the churchyard. Twelve around the chalets and two by the river entrance to
the marina.
Visit 5 – Seen in the churchyard around the bird feeders and out on the river wall bushes in
small numbers.
Visit 6 – Two on trees outside reception and one singing from wires close to the entrance. A
further two birds flying over the Marina.
Called King Harry in Suffolk. Goldfinch are often seen feeding on teasel heads and other
seeds.
LINNET
Common breeding resident
Carduelis cannabina
Visit 4 – A flock of forty five perched in trees by the river opposite the fuel pumps.
Visit 6 – One singing around the entrance to the centre.
Once kept as a cage bird for its sweet song.
BULLFINCH
Breeding resident
Pyrrhula pyrrhula
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Birds will occur irregularly from time to time as
they are recorded in surrounding areas.
A large brilliantly coloured red finch with a white rump that in the case of the male is difficult
to overlook.
YELLOWHAMMER
Breeding resident
Emberiza citrinella
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Yellowhammers have been recorded nearby
within cereal fields.
45
The song of the Yellowhammer or Yellow Bunting is a ‘Little-bit-of-bread-but-no-cheeese’.
REED BUNTING
Breeding resident
Emberiza schoeniclus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A surprising omission from the bird list.
Recorded nearby and will occur within the small reedbeds near the River Centre.
Habitually inhabits reedbeds. The males acquire a black head during the breeding season.
CORN BUNTING
Scarce breeding summer visitor
Miliaria calandra
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. This is now a scarce bird. It occurs locally to the
River Centre. Birds may be heard singing a couple of miles away so will probably occur close
nearby at some time.
Known as the fat bird of the barley.
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MAMMALS
WESTERN HEDGEHOG
Erinaceus europaeus
Visit 5 – One seen in the marina area.
Can have a lifespan of up to ten years but averages two years. Completely nocturnal and
solitary.
COMMON SHREW
Sorex araneus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that will occur.
This small mammal eats around 85% of its body weight each day to survive.
PYGMY SHREW
Sorex minatus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that will occur.
This shrew nests in a small ball of grass in dense cover and unlike the Common Shrew does
not dig for food.
WATER SHREW
Neomys fodiens
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that will occur.
The entrance to the nest may be above or below water level and quite frequently reuses
mouse holes. Has mild venom in its saliva.
COMMON MOLE
Talpa europaea
Visit 1 – signs of presence by way of molehills on banks and edge of marsh
Visit 2 – Dito
Visit 4 – Dito
Visit 5 – Dito
Moles spend most of their life in an elaborate burrow system and sleeps in an upright
position.
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DAUBENTON’S BAT
Myotis daubentonii
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A relatively common Mammal that will occur
feeding over the water. Recorded nearby over the Waveney.
Rarely uses bat boxes. Feeds by gathering prey from water’s surface gathering insects within
the tail membrane between feet.
COMMON PIPISTRELLE
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Visit 5 – several individuals picked up with a bat detector. Two around the lane to the church
and a further two to three around the church itself. Four along the lane to the south of the
entrance to the centre and one around the lighting within the marina.
Smallest European bat and one of the commonest. Frequently feeds over water meadows.
BROWN LONG-EARED BAT
Plecotus auritus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A relatively common bat that will occur at the
centre as it has been recorded nearby.
This bat sometimes lands on the ground to eat. Prey taken in the air if small is eaten in flight
otherwise it is taken to a perch to eat.
RED FOX
Vulpes vulpes
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A Mammal that will occur given the number of
Rabbits in and around the River Centre.
Where more than one vixen breeds they may crèche their young and feed them communally.
STOAT
Mustela ermine
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A relatively Mammal not often seen but that will
occur given the number of Rabbits on the River Centre.
Spells of rest alternated with activity through the day and night. Distinguished from the
weasel by larger bulk and black tip to tail.
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WEASEL
Mustela nivalis
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A secretive Mammal that will occur at the River
Centre but difficult to find.
Small enough to follow mice and other rodents through their burrows. Attempts have been
made to use Weasels as biological control of various pest species such as Voles and Rabbits,
but it seldom worked.
AMERICAN MINK
Mustela vison
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. An introduced Mammal that will account for
some of the Otter sightings at the River Centre.
Accidentally introduced by escapes from fur farms. Has a damaging effect on the native
fauna.
OTTER
Lutra lutra
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A thorough search for spraints was performed
on each of the formal surveys without success. Although others I met have seen animals they
reported as Otters a few hundred metres to the north of the Centre.
Very playful species that will dive for pebbles. Lifespan is normally three to four years and
breeds at any time of year.
CHINESE WATER DEER
Hydropotes inermis
Visit 1 - A single animal running east over grazing marsh.
Visit 5 – One moving quickly south along the river bank.
Very little is known about this species which is now commoner in this country than in its
native China. It will sometimes run like a Hare throwing its hind legs high.
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REEVES MUNTJAC
Muntiacus reevesi
Visit 5 – One seen in the churchyard quickly ran west.
Another introduced species from China which is now Europe’s smallest deer. Known to live
up to a maximum of nineteen years in captivity. The sense of smell of this animal is acute
indeed.
RED DEER
Cervus elaphus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A Mammal that has been reported in small
numbers across the Waveney Valley. It is possible a small heard will wander onto the river
centre occasionally.
Red Deer grow their antlers in spring and summer and cleaned of velvet in August prior to
the rut. Where present in same area as Sika Deer is known to hybridise.
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ROE DEER
Capreolus capreolus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common deer species that occurs in similar
habitat nearby.
Has a small antler sometimes absent. Appears not to have a tail which is a feature that aids
identification.
GREY SQUIRREL
Sciurus carolinensis
Visit 4 – Just a single animal seen in the gardens opposite the centre entrance.
May have a ten year lifespan in the wild. Introduced from the USA to around 30 cities in
England and Wales in the period between 1876 and 1029. Considered a forestry pest.
BANK VOLE
Clethrionomys glareolus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A small Mammal that will occur in the banks
around the higher ground of the River Centre.
Frequently nests underground in a tunnel system but can also nest above ground in grass
nests or in trees. Lifespan is limited to around 18 months. It is the common prey of Owls,
Weasels and Foxes.
NORTHERN WATER VOLE
Arvicola terrestris
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A more common Mammal than is often
imagined. Recorded nearby in recent times along the Waveney.
Has a life expectancy of only five to six months. Proficient swimmer and diver.
FIELD VOLE
Microtus agrestis
A numerous Mammal one of which was probably seen taken by a Barn Owl on the grazing
marsh during visit 4.
Often called the Short-tailed Field Vole. Favours damp ground with long grass. Active by
both day and night but very crepuscular.
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COMMON VOLE
Migrotus arvalis
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that occurs locally.
Excavates tunnels more than Field Voles and therefore survives better in grazed areas. Seems
to have a slower reproduction rate than Field Vole.
HARVEST MOUSE
Micromys minutus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that occurs locally.
Largely Nocturnal. Likes long grass or dry reedbeds. Nests in a ball of grass suspended in
vegetation.
WOOD MOUSE
Apodemus sylvaticus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that occurs locally.
Very adaptable lives in woodland or arable field. Although they have a lifespan of 18 months
or so few individuals live from one summer to another.
BROWN RAT
Rattus rattus
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. A common Mammal that occurs locally.
Favours dense cover close to water and frequently never very far from people. Peak activity
an hour or two after sunset and an hour or two before sunrise.
BROWN HARE
Lepus europaeus
Visit 2 – One seen on grazing marsh. Later a pair was seen mating in the same area.
Visit 5 – One approachable individual just to the east of the road past the sewage treatment
plant.
Moderately active by day but more nocturnal. The Den is usually referred to as a ‘form’
which is just a shallow depression in a field which they re-use frequently unless disturbed.
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RABBIT
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Visit 1 – Very Common
Visit 2 – Several seen in the field west of the road and two seen on the bank SE of the road.
One also seen in the churchyard.
Visit 4 – Common in the bank above the chalets and in the field opposite.
Visit 5 – Commonly seen in the churchyard and in the field to the west of the road above the
chalets where a rough count of sixty was made.
Visit 6 – Very Common.
Usually nocturnal but seen in the day if human interference is not great. Males range further
than females. The animal has a 360 degree field of vision.
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AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES
Sadly no amphibians or reptiles were found on the survey. A Grass Snake was seen on the 6th
April. All of the following species are recorded as occurring within the Waveney valley and
will occur on the River Centre dependent upon water quality.
COMMON NEWT
Triturus ulgaris
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Although not recorded I feel if the water quality
on some of the ditches is improved this species could occur.
More terrestrial than other species of pond newts. On land occurs in a wide variety of damp
habitats including cultivated land, gardens, woods, field edges and piles of stones etc.
COMMON TOAD
Bufo bufo
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Although not recorded I feel the water quality is
of sufficient quality that it should occur.
Migration towards the breeding waters often begins in the autumn but the final part of the
journey is completed in spring when large numbers of toads can be seen moving at night.
Males usually stop for several weeks but females just long enough to find a mate and lay
eggs.
COMMON FROG
Rana temoraria
Seen on Visit 5 and visit 6 around the river bank area.
Although the Common Frog can occur in a number of different colours the identification can
be clinched by the presence of a dark triangle of skin behind the eye. Females can lay one to
two clumps of eggs containing 700 to 4500 eggs.
VIVIPAROUS LIZARD
Lacerta viipara
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. Although not recorded I feel that it should occur.
Essentially a ground dwelling lizard although it may climb occasionally, especially in
vegetation. Requires a fairly humid environment and is typically found among grass or other
dense herbaceous plants.
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GRASS SNAKE
Natrix natrix
A single quite large individual was seen around the chalets on the 6th April.
A robust snake with a white of yellowish collar. Usually a snake of damp places not too far
from water. Will hunt in water and can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes.
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INTERESTING INSECTS
SMALL TORTOISESHELL
Aglais urticae
Seen in small numbers on visit 6.
Flight period March to October.
LARGE WHITE
Pieris brassicae
Seen in small numbers on visit 6.
Flight period March to late October.
SMALL WHITE
Artogeia rapae
Seen in small numbers on visit 6.
Flight Period early March to November
COMMON BLUE
Polyommatus icarus
One individual seen on visit 6.
Flight period late March to early November.
SPECKLED WOOD
Pararge aegeria
Seen in small numbers on visit 6.
This brown woodland butterfly does not feed from flowers but can instead be seen feeding on
the honeydew secreted by aphids. Flight period late February to October.
PEACOCK
Inachis io
Seen in small numbers on visit 6.
Flight period March to October but has been seen in January.
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ORANGE TIP
Anhtocharis cardamines
Seen in small numbers on visit 6.
Flight period late March to June.
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ST MARKS FLY
Bibiomarci
Seen in quite large numbers on visit 6. Especially numerous in 2010 these are the black flies
with dangly legs often seen in swarms.
They often first appear around 24th April, St Marks day; hence the name.
NORFOLK HAWKER
Aeshna isosceles
NO SIGHTINGS WITHIN THE SURVEY. The area around Waveney River Centre,
particularly the marshland on opposite side of the river is one of the few places in Norfolk
that support the only British population of Norfolk Hawker. It is not untenable this species
will occur at the centre.
This large dragonfly has a triangular marking on its thorax hence the Latin name.
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INTERESTING PLANTS
SNOWDROP
Galanthus
Many flowers in and around the churchyard.
The Latin name comes from the Greek ‘Gala’ meaning ‘Milk’ and ‘Anthus’ meaning
‘Flower’
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REEDMACE
Typha
Reedmace is distributed thinly within the reedbed and adjacent ditches.
Known to many as Bulrush or Bullrush. The spread of the rooting rhizomes is an important
part in the process of transforming open water into marshland.
PHRAGMITES REED
Phragmites australis
A small reedbed exists adjacent to the river wall.
This is a global species common around the world. It is in fact a large perennial grass found
in wetlands.
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WILLOW
Salix
Several Willows are to the north of the Centre.
Most species are known as willow, but some narrow-leaved shrub species are called osier, and some
broader-leaved species are referred to as sallow.
IVY
Hedera
There are several species found in abundance on the bank above the chalets.
This species is an important food source for birds and insects alike and has been known to
climb up to 30m from the ground.
BLACK ALDER
Alnus glutinosa
Several are growing adjacent to the chalets.
As with some other trees growing near water it keeps its leaves longer than species in drier
situations. It is characterized by its 5–10 cm short-stalked rounded leaves 6–12 cm long,
becoming wedge-shaped at the base and with a slightly toothed margin.
YEW
Taxus baccata
Yew occurs, typically, within the churchyard.
Yew was grown extensively in medieval England for the production of longbows. Often
found in churchyards as supposedly the staff of Moses was made from Yew.
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