Bird & Mammal Report

For the second year running, a highlight of the Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report for 2008 is the story of a bird new to Norfolk: a white-crowned sparrow, a American stray that turned up in the garden of a retired clergyman at Cley, resulting in a massive twitch – and “raised” more than £6,000 in donations for the Cley Church restoration fund during its two-month stay.

And, as if one new species for the county was not enough, the year produced two more: a black lark at Winterton Dunes that frustrated the twitchers by moving on very soon after it was first spotted by Sean Offord, and a trumpeter finch that spent five days on Blakeney Point.

Rob Lucking, RSPB, and Richard Saunders and Duncan McNiven, Natural England, argue strongly and at length for the “reintroduction” of white-tailed eagles to Eastern England. RSPB and NE are, they say, “committed” to the project and are undertaking consultations. “The soonest any birds could be released is August 2010 but this is contingent upon licensing, funding and securing a suitable source of donor birds.”

The bird report’s new editor, Andy Stoddart, pays a well-deserved tribute to his predecessor, Giles Dunmore, who was in the chair for ten years, ably assisted by Judy Dunmore and, in their joint roles as county recorder, by Neil Lawton.

The mammal report incorporates four articles on bats, including a sighting of a particoloured bat, only the third record for Norfolk. A new Norfolk Barbastelle Study Group has discovered that this rare species can be found rather more widely in the county than was originally believed. Of great interest to mammal recorders is a study by Helen Mandley of the comparative success rates of ground and aerial traps.

The systematic list shows a substantial increase in the number of records submitted, following an appeal in the previous report by the editor, Dr Dave Leech.

As usual, the both reports are illustrated by superb photographs.

Copies of the report (£11, including postage; cheques payable to Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society) can be obtained from David Paull, 8 Lindford Drive, Eaton, Norwich NR4 6LT. David can also supply copies of back issues for most years since the mid-1960s. Call him on 01603 457270 to discuss prices and what is available. If you would be interested in joining our mailing list of "regulars" who are sent the report, post-free, in the week of publication, please get in touch with David.