The Zoologist/4th series, vol 3 (1899)/Issue 698/Notes from the Haddiscoe Marshes (Norfolk), Farman

by Last Cutting Farman

 

NOTES FROM THE HADDISCOE MARSHES
(NORFOLK).

By Last C. Farman.

 

Owing to the fine and open winter of 1898 few rare birds paid us a visit. A friend obtained a very beautiful specimen of the Common Bittern, the only one I heard of during the winter, and which was killed by the side of the river Waveney. Wildfowl were exceedingly scarce, and Snipe visited us in very limited numbers, while the Woodcock record was not up to the usual standard.

Redshanks arrived early in March, about twenty-five couples having nested on the Herringfleet and Fritton Marshes, with about the same number of Lapwings.

During the first week in May a Spoonbill took a few days' rest on our marshes before proceeding on its journey, and altogether about seven specimens of this species have been seen in the vicinity of Breydon mud-flats.

The brothers Richard and Cherry Kearton came down from Surrey for the express purpose of photographing a Redshank's and a Dabchick's nest, each containing four eggs, and laid by the side of the Waveney. I have also seen two Snipes' nests, each containing four eggs.

Moorhens have been nesting in numbers, and numerous Terns of the Common Arctic and Black species have, during the month of May, been daily hawking the marsh ditches. I have found several nests of the Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Sky-Lark, and Willow Warbler; and in the garden adjoining my house the following birds have successfully reared broods—viz. Goldfinch (two pairs), Common Whitethroat (two pairs), Wren (three pairs), Chaffinch (two pairs), Bullfinch, Robin (two pairs), Red-backed Shrike, Hedge Sparrow (three pairs), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Song Thrushes (two pairs), and Tree Creeper.

In a wood near my home I found a Sparrowhawk's nest containing six eggs, which have now been successfully hatched. And I know of three pairs of Redback Shrikes and two pairs of Redstarts in the village; but I note that Whinchats and Stonechats are very scarce with us this season. Nightingales have bred in quantity. Cuckoos, Swallows, and Martins are plentiful. I have only heard the Wryneck's note once this season, this species having locally decreased very much of late years.

In the early spring I shot a specimen of the Green Woodpecker, and the Great Spotted and Little Spotted species were also in the locality.

During the month of March several Pike were taken from a narrow marsh dyke, ranging in weight from 7 lb. to 25 lb. The latter fish was caught by net with another Pike of 16 lb. weight.