A Report on the Wildlife of the

Waveney River Centre

Carl Chapman

Wildlife Tours and Education

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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:

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.

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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’

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.