Wildlife at the North Elmham Cathedral Meadows

Birds

Species recorded since April 2018: 119.

Coverage: pretty much complete for resident/breeding species but there are plenty of opportunities to add new species to the list with occasional visitors or new birds flying over. The main observer (DA) has been keenly interested in bird identification for his whole life so recording confidence is high. For context, the following species accounts include brief reference to each species' status more widely in the Wensum Valley as well as at the meadows themselves.

All photos below were taken at the Cathedral Meadows.

GAMEBIRDS (Partridges, Quail and Pheasants)

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley (introduced). Pairs are often seen around the Cathedral Meadows but more often seen and heard on surrounding land.

Red-legged Partridge, 25th May 2018

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

A declining resident breeder, now absent from many areas. A pair or individual occasionally seen at the meadows.

Grey Partridge, 8th June 2020

Quail Coturnix coturnix

A scarce summer migrant and probably an occasional breeder in the Wensum Valley. One was clearly heard singing in the early hours of 27th July 2019, heard from the railway but not certain where the bird was – possibly in East Field or perhaps just flying over.

Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Very common resident breeder (introduced) in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen on the meadows but more often seen and heard in surrounding farmland.

male Pheasant, 19th May 2018

WILDFOWL (Geese, Swans and Ducks)

With hardly any permanent water in the recording area the opportunities for any wildfowl to be present on the meadows are rather slim. Consequently most records of wildfowl involve birds flying over, although some water can be viewed from within the recording area – the river Wensum and other dykes, a temporary flood at the bottom of Church Lane, and sometimes the area between the railway and the river floods as does the bottom field just north of the meadows. Also in winter when the leaves have dropped, part of the lake in Elmham Park is just visible from the Chapel ruins.

Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta bernicla

Although common at the coast in winter this is a rare visitor to the Wensum Valley. At the meadows 3 flew over on 20th October 2018.

Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 20th October 2018

Canada Goose Branta canadensis

A common resident feral breeding bird in the Wensum Valley and small flocks are occasionally seen flying over the meadows. Has also been seen on the park lake looking from the chapel ruins.

Canada Goose, 24th August 2019

[Canada Goose x Greylag Goose hybrid Branta canadensis x Anser anser]

Probably the most frequently encountered bird hybrid bird in the Wensum Valley. One flew over with Canada Geese on 11th February 2019 and another or the same on 24th August 2019.

Canada Goose x Greylag Goose hybrid, 11th February 2019

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

A scarce visitor to the Wensum Valley from feral populations elsewhere in the county (free-flying flock at Pensthorpe often travels down the Wensum at least as far as Sennowe and may account for some records elsewhere). At the meadows 2 flew over on 2nd May 2018 and one over on the same date in 2019. More unexpectedly a flock of 53 flew over on 9th February 2021.

Barnacle Geese, 9th February 2021

Greylag Goose Anser anser

A common resident species in the Wensum Valley (of feral descent) and the goose that’s most often seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows. Most sightings involve small numbers but flocks of up to 30 have been seen.

Greylag Goose, 16th February 2019

[Greylag Goose x Swan Goose hybrid Anser anser x Anser cygnoides]

When geese were first domesticated in the Europe it was the Greylag Goose that was used, but in parts of Asia it was a species called Swan Goose that was domesticated. Nowadays domestic geese may be of Greylag Goose ancestry, Swan Goose ancestry or, very often, have a mixture of both species’ genes. Domestic geese of any type are frequently found in wild situations where they readily breed with feral Greylag Geese, and it isn’t uncommon to find birds among Greylag flocks that show some signs of domestic ancestry. Close inspection of a pair of apparent Greylag Geese that were seen flying around the meadows a few times in spring 2020 showed some anomalies in the bill pattern and structure that would not occur on pure Greylag Goose, so revealing that there was some domestic Swan Goose in their ancestry.

Greylag Goose x domestic Swan Goose hybrids, 7th March 2020

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus

Large numbers of this species winter in the county, primarily at or close to coastal areas. Here in the Wensum Valley it’s relatively unusual to see grounded birds but flocks are regularly recorded flying over, either on migration or moving between feeding grounds during the winter. Disorientated birds in foggy conditions are particularly likely. There have been several records of skeins flying over the meadows, particularly in the winter of 2020/21 when changes in farming practices led to a scarcity of good feeding grounds close to the coast.

Pink-footed Geese, 3rd January 2021

[Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus]

An extremely rare vagrant to the UK but popular in collections and escaped birds are quite often encountered in the wild. An extremely tiny goose was seen flying with 2 Greylag Geese on 26th April 2019 but was far too distant to see enough detail on it to positively identify it. It was probably an escaped Lesser White-fronted Goose, perhaps an individual that was seen at various places around the county during the year, but with such poor views the identity is considered unproven and the species is not counted in the totals.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen in the valley east of the railway including sometimes in the ditch right next to the railway. They also seem to like the field adjacent to the north-east corner of the meadows when this has enough standing water in it.

Mute Swan, 1st September 2018

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca

Norfolk is the stronghold for this feral non-native species and they are common resident breeders in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen flying over at the Cathedral Meadows or occasionally on the ground in the surrounding farmland or river valley.

Egyptian Geese, 20th January 2020

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

A few breed in the Wensum Valley, most often seen around gravel pits. Birds were seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows in May 2020 and April 2021.

Shoveler Spatula clypeata

Common in the Wensum Valley mainly in winter and spring, preferring larger bodies of water. 3 flew over the Cathedral Meadows on 8th December 2018 and on 26th January 2019, on both occasions probaly flying to or from the park lake. Also occasionally seen on the park lake itself viewed from the chapel ruins.

Shoveler (with Gadwall behind), 8th December 2018

Gadwall Mareca strepera

Common in the Wensum Valley mainly in winter, preferring larger bodies of water. Occasionally seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows including a flock of 6 on 25th August 2019. Also occasionally seen on the park lake itself viewed from the chapel ruins.

Gadwall (with Shoveler in front), 8th December 2018

Wigeon Mareca penelope

Common winter visitor in the Wensum Valley, preferring undisturbed larger bodies of water. Occasionally seen from the Cathedral Meadows in the flood viewable from where track crosses railway or on the park lake itself viewed from the chapel ruins, and birds heard flying over after dark.

Wigeon, 23rd October 2020

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. At the Cathedral Meadows commonly seen in the valley east of the railway, in the lower field to the north of the meadows, or flying over.

Mallard, 7th April 2020

Teal Anas crecca

Common in the Wensum Valley in winter, much less so in summer. Often seen in the valley from the Cathedral Meadows with up to c.150 in floods in the river valley or flying along river.

Teal, 22nd March 2019

Pochard Aythya ferina

Fairly common in the Wensum Valley in winter on lakes. At the Cathedral Meadows only occasionally seen distantly from the chapel by looking over to the park lake.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Common in the Wensum Valley especially in winter (though some breed too). At the Cathedral Meadows only seen distantly from the chapel by looking over to the park lake.

NIGHTJARS

Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

A rare summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley, pretty much restricted to heaths. Unexpected at the Cathedral Meadows but one heard calling in June 2021. The habitat is not suitable for them to breed here and this bird was probably passing through.

SWIFTS

Swift Apus apus

Common but declining summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen over the Cathedral Meadows meadows.

Swift, 12th May 2019

CUCKOOS

Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

A declining summer visitor and breeder, still found in small numbers in the Wensum Valley. Regularly heard from the Cathedral Meadows – the birds are often in the valley east of the railway, or to the south of the meadows – they are seen much less often than heard.

Cuckoo, 9th May 2020

DOVES and PIGEONS

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Descended from wild Rock Doves which do not occur naturally in Norfolk, Feral Pigeons are common in most of Norfolk’s towns and cities. They are much less frequent in rural areas but one was seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows on 12th October 2020. Racing pigeons are also desended from Rock Doves and are occasionally seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows. Also descended from Rock Doves are the other domesticated doves some of which are sometimes seen flying over the meadows, I think from dovecote in Elmham Park. (This species is counted in the totals on the basis of the single record of a feral bird flying over - these are naturalised, whereas racing pigeons and domestic doves are not in wild in any sense).

Racing Pigeons, 10th April 2019

Stock Dove Columba oenas

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen and heard at the Cathedral Meadows, especially around the chapel.

Stock Doves, 22nd March 2020 and 21st November 2018

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

An abundant resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Commonly seen around the Cathedral Meadows.

Woodpigeons, 15th June 2018 and 19th May 2018

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Birds from the residential area on Church Lane are often seen in the chapel area and birds sometimes seen in flight elsewhere around the Cathedral Meadows.

Collared Doves, 29th June 2019 and 6th February 2019

RAILS, MOORHENS, COOTS and CRANES

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

Mainly an elusive winter visitor to the Wensum Valley. At the Cathedral Meadows one fed under the railway where bridge goes over the dyke in February-March 2019; also heard flying over at night on 22nd March 2019.

Water Rail, 20th March 2019

Moorhen Gallinula chlorpous

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley.

From the Cathedral Meadows often seen in the ditch immediately east of the railway or elsewhere in the river valley (and rarely also where the ditch extends under the railway).

Moorhens, 2nd November 2018

Coot Fulica atra

Common resident breeder and winter visitor in the Wensum Valley, preferring larger water bodies than Moorhen. From the Cathedral Meadows usually only possibly to see by looking over to the park lake from the chapel but one flushed from under the railway where bridge goes the dyke on 11th February 2019. Also heard flying over at night on 18th March and 22nd August 2019.

Coot on Elmham Park Lake viewed distantly from the chapel, 11th March 2019

Crane Grus grus

Rare but regular visitor to the Wensum Valley usually only seen flying over (except at Pensthorpe where the captive birds sometimes draw in wild birds). A pair spent two days in the valley in March 2021 – although they were the far side of the river they were viewed distantly from the Cathedral Meadows.

Crane, 15th March 2021

GREBES

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

Common in the Wensum Valley. The only records from the Cathedral Meadows so far were a bird on the river heard calling from the meadows but out of view on 19th April 2019 and a bird heard flying over at night on 22nd April 2019.

WADERS

Oystercatcher Haematopus haematopus

Common breeder in the Wensum Valley, usually arriving in mid-late February and leaving straight after breeding. A few records of birds flying over at the Cathedral Meadows.

Oystercatcher, 3rd May 2020

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Formerly-common but now declining breeder in the Wensum Valley, supplemented by winter visitors. Breeds on land adjacent to the Cathedral Meadows and sometimes seen flying over. Migrants flying over included 57 on 30th October 2019.

Lapwings, 20th November 2020

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

A few sometimes-large flocks over-winter in the Wensum Valley. A flock of 62 that was present between Bintree and Billingford in December 2018 was seen in flight very distantly from the Cathedral Meadows; also a small number of records of single birds flying over in winter plus an autumn migrant through on 15th August 2019.

Curlew Numenius arquata

A fairly scarce migrant through the Wensum Valley. At least 2 heard calling as they flew over the Cathedral Meadows at 1.10am on 8th July 2019.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

A scarce migrant in the Wensum Valley, most often seen at gravel pits; occasional in winter. One heard flying over the Cathedral Meadows at 25 past midnight on 1st July 2019.

Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

Resident breeder in the Wensum Valley supplemented by winter visitors from the Continent. Occasionally seen at the Cathedral Meadows, flying over at dusk or found feeding by torchlight at night. Also one seen in flight during a cold-weather influx of the species in February 2021.

Woodcock, 17th February 2019

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

A scarce and hard-to-see winter visitor in the Wensum Valley. One record from the Cathedral Meadows: one with Snipe flushed by a Marsh Harrier in the river valley on 16th October 2020.

Jack Snipe, 16th October 2020

Snipe Gallinago gallinago

A declining winter visitor and passage migrant in the Wensum Valley and former/rare breeder. At the Cathedral Meadows sometimes seen in the flood east of the railway, or flying over or heard after dark. An unusually high count of 45 flushed from the valley by a Marsh Harrier on 27th November 2020.

Snipe, 27th November 2020 and 8th February 2021

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

A once-common but declining passage migrant at gravel pits and lakes in the Wensum Valley. An early autumn migrant heard flying over the Cathedral Meadows at night on 23rd June 2019.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

A common but declining passage migrant (autumn far more than spring) and increasingly scarce winter visitor to the Wensum Valley. A spring migrant heard calling from the Cathedral Meadows four times as it flew upriver on 25th April 2020 and a more typical autumn migrant heard twice as it flew south over the railway on 31st July 2021.

GULLS and TERNS

Black-headed Gull Choirocephalus ridibundus

Very common in the Wensum Valley all year round with breeding taking place at just a small number of sites. Regularly seen flying over the meadows and sometimes coming down to rest or feed in the meadows, sometimes in good numbers (for example 60 early July 2018).

Black-headed Gull, 11th June 2018

Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus

Once rare in the Wensum Valley but increasingly frequently seen, often picked up by their distinctive call (especially in spring). One heard flying over the Cathedral Meadows on 19th April 2020, a pair heard then seen flying over on 27th April 2020 and then heard again in April 2021.

Mediterranean Gulls, 27th April 2020

Common Gull Larus canus

Very common in the Wensum Valley but does not breed here. Regularly seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows and often comes down to rest or feed in the meadows (particularly favouring the sheep fields).

Common Gull, 30th November 2018

Herring Gull Larus argentatus

Common in the Wensum Valley and small numbers breed at one or two sites. Often seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows and sometimes comes down to rest or feed in the meadows or adjacent farmland (including a count of 80 on 3rd April 2019).

adult and immature Herring Gulls, 15th June 2018 and 27th September 2019

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

Common in the Wensum Valley (especially during the summer and migration seasons) and small numbers breed at one or two sites. Often seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows and sometimes comes down to rest or feed in the meadows or adjacent farmland (including 30+ on 27th May 2020).

immature, adult and older immature Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 25th May 2020 and 12th May 2019

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

A common summer visitor to the Wensum Valley, breeding at a few sites. Birds feeding in or flying along the River Wensum can often be seen from the Cathedral Meadows, and on one occasion a pair was observed hawking insects high above the meadows themselves.

Common Tern, 3rd June 2018

STORKS

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

A rare visitor to the Wensum Valley with most records presumed (or known) to relate to birds that have escaped from captivity, though wild vagrants are possible. Injured birds from the Continent are sometimes brought to the UK for rehabilitation and once fit these birds are ringed (so that they can be individually identifiable in the field) and allowed to fly off. One such injured bird, from Poland, was taken to a centre in Surrey in 2018 where it was fitted with a blue leg ring inscribed GB46 and rehabilitated. This bird left Surrey in 2019 and was seen in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Cambridgeshire before roosting on North Elmham church roof on 6th April 2020 (easily visible from the Cathedral Meadows). It was feeding in Church Meadow the following morning and later returned to the south coast. It returned to Norfolk later in the summer.

White Stork, 6th and 7th April 2020

CORMORANTS

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Common in the Wensum Valley, particularly around lakes and gravel pits but not yet (?) breeding in the valley (the British race of Cormorant is primarily coastal and in decline but the Continental race sinensis has spread into England and makes up a high proportion of inland birds). Often seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows and occasionally seen feeding in the river viewed distantly from the meadows.

Cormorants, 4th April 2019 and (distant on the river), 23rd April 2021

HERONS

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen from the Cathedral Meadows, either in the valley east of the railway, in the flooded field to the north-east or flying over.

Grey Heron, 27th April 2020

Great White Egret Ardea alba

A very recent colonist to the UK - increasing and now breeding in Norfolk but still scarce in the Wensum Valley. One flew over the Cathedral Meadows on 4th November 2020.

Great White Egret, 4th November 2020

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

A recent colonist to the UK, now very common with a few pairs breeding in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen from the Cathedral Meadows flying along the river (and once feeding in the river) and flying over the meadows themselves.

Little Egret, 3rd June 2018

RAPTORS

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Fairly common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen at the Cathedral Meadows, either overhead or more distantly over Bintree Wood.

Sparrowhawks, 17th April 2021 and 7th September 2018

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Scarce summer visitor to the Wensum Valley breeding at a small number of sites; also seen on migration and sometimes in winter. Occasionally seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows or hunting over the river valley – including one bird seen on many occasions during the 2020/21 winter.

Marsh Harrier, 25th August 2019

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

Rather rare visitor to the Wensum Valley in winter, spring or autumn. An adult female flew over the Cathedral Meadows on 27th November 2020.

Hen Harrier, 27th November 2020

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Formerly a rare vagrant but since this species has been introduced to various locations in the midlands it has spread into Norfolk and is now an increasing resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows occasionally, typically rather low and slow.

Red Kite, 15th February 2019

Buzzard Buteo buteo

Formerly a rare visitor to Norfolk but colonised the county in the late 1990s and is now a common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Commonly seen around the Cathedral Meadows, sometimes roosting in the hedgerows. In spring as many as 12 can be seen in the air at any one time.

Buzzards, 12th May 2018, 3rd May 2021 and 23rd May 2020

OWLS

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Fairly common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Occasionally seen hunting over the Cathedral Meadows but more often seen from there by looking across to the valley east of the railway.

Barn Owl, 3rd February 2019 and 17th March 2021

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley though much easier to hear than to see due to its strictly nocturnal nature. Regularly heard calling at the Cathedral Meadows and a popular day-roosting bird seen near the Chapel during the winters.

Tawny Owl, 29th November 2019

Little Owl Athene noctua

Declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen or heard calling at the Cathedral Meadows, often close to Vicarage Farm. Although regularly seen and heard during 2018 and 2019, only one sighting in 2020 and none in 2021.

Little Owl, 30th April 2019

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

Increasingly rare breeding bird in the county and also increasingly rare as a winter visitor, infrequently reported in the Wensum Valley. Both breeding birds and winter roost sites are very susceptible to disturbance from birdwatchers, photographers and, in the case of breeding birds, egg thieves. One unexpected record from the Cathedral Meadows – it appears to be a one-off but just in case, details will be withheld to minimise risk of disturbance in the event that it should it prove to be a regular site.

Long-eared Owl, 2020

KINGFISHERS

Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Fairly common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Occasionally seen and heard from the Cathedral Meadows either flying along the river or sometimes along the dyke that runs alongside the railway (where on one occasion one was briefly seen perched). On another occasion (in severe weather) one perched on a fencepost at the bottom of North Field.

Kingfisher, 12th February 2021

WOODPECKERS

Wryneck Jynx torquilla

Very rare migrant in the Wensum Valley, more frequent (but still scarce) at the coast. One seen along the railway at the bottom of the Cathedral Meadows on 22nd September 2020.

Wryneck, 22nd September 2020

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Regularly seen or heard at the Cathedral Meadows especially in the chapel area and along the railway line.

Great Spotted Woodpecker, 19th July 2019

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen at the Cathedral Meadows and much more often heard calling. Probably bred near the chapel in 2019.

Green Woodpeckers, 2nd September 2019 (adult), 1st September 2018 (juvenile) and 28th February 2021 (in flight)

FALCONS

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen at the Cathedral Meadows either in surrounding farmland or hunting over the meadows, sometimes using the overhead power cables as a vantage point.

Kestrels, 11th December 2019 and 1st March 2019

Hobby Falco subbuteo

Scarce summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Occasionally seen from the Cathedral Meadows, sometimes flying over the meadows and sometimes hunting over the river valley.

Hobby, 2nd May 2020

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

Scarce but increasing visitor to the Wensum Valley. One in flight over the valley seen from the Cathedral Meadows on 2nd January 2019.

Peregrine, 2nd January 2019

CROWS

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen at the Cathedral Meadows particularly around the railway.

Jays, 27th March 2019 and 7th April 2020

Magpie Pica pica

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen at the Cathedral Meadows or in surrounding farmland.

Magpie, 6th June 2018

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley, apparently increasing. Pretty much always present at the Cathedral Meadows especially around the chapel where they breed and in the sheep fields.

Jackdaws, 4th May 2018 and 22nd May 2019

Rook Corvus frugilegus

Very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Easily seen at the Cathedral Meadows, especially around the sheep fields.

Rooks, 18th March 2019

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Regularly seen from the Cathedral Meadows (mainly east of the railway) but only occasionally seen on the meadows themselves.

Carrion Crow, 3rd June 2018

TITS

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Absent from the Cathedral Meadows during the breeding season but often visits during the autumn and winter.

Coal Tit, 17th December 2018

Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

Declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Doesn’t breed at the Cathedral Meadows but often seen outside of the breeding season. The very similar Willow Tit Poecile montanus was common in the Wensum Valley until the early 1990s when it suffered a massive decline; it held on at Bintree Woods until 2008 and was very likely to have been regular at the meadows up until then. Sadly it is no longer found locally and is almost extinct in Norfolk, so unlikely to be added to the Cathedral Meadows list unless historic records are unearthed.

Marsh Tit, 7th March 2020

Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

Very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Usually easy to find around the Cathedral Meadows.

Blue Tit, 29th March 2019

Great Tit Parus major

Very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Usually easy to find around the Cathedral Meadows if perhaps marginally less so than Blue Tit.

Great Tit, 30th October 2019

LARKS

Skylark Alauda arvensis

Common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley with more arriving in the winter. Sometimes singing above the Cathedral Meadows but more commonly seen or heard over surrounding farmland; in autumn birds sometimes seen flying straight over on active migration.

Skylark, 21st November 2018

HIRUNDINES

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

A common summer visitor to the Wensum Valley but mainly restricted to lakes and gravel pits. Two birds seen flying through the Cathedral Meadows on 6th August 2018.

Swallow Hirundo rustica

A common but declining summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Odd birds occasionally seen flying over the meadows and in late summer/autumn small groups may linger to feed.

Swallows, 5th September 2020

House Martin Delichon urbicum

A common but declining summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen flying over the meadows occasionally including groups feeding over the meadows in late summer.

House Martin, 7th September 2018

LONG-TAILED TITS

Now considered to be a distinct family separate from the other tits (above).

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen and heard around the Cathedral Meadows.

Long-tailed Tits, 22nd September 202

WARBLERS

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

A much-declined once-common summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Occasionally seen around the Cathedral Meadows but more often heard singing to the east of the railway.

Willow Warbler, 2nd May 2019

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

A very common summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley, over-wintering in very small numbers. Often seen and heard at the Cathedral Meadows, especially along the railway. The distinctive song can be heard in the spring from mid March and on at least on calm sunny days again in the autumn.

Chiffchaff, 20th March 2019

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

A common summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often sings from the river’s edge, audible from the north-east corner of the Cathedral Meadows, but although this species normally arrives on breeding grounds by early April it never seems to appear here until June.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

A common summer visitor and breeder in reed-beds in the Wensum Valley. One record of a migrant at the Cathedral Meadows, or perhaps a local bird undergoing post-breeding dispersal – a very elusive bird in sub-song in the hedge between East Field and North Field on 12th August 2019.

Reed Warbler, 12th August 2019

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

A scarce and declining summer visitor to the Wensum Valley, now only breeding at a very small number of sites. One record of a bird heard singing (a distinctive buzzing likened to a fishing reel or a grasshopper) after dark in June 2021. The bird was distant and only just audible from within the Cathedral Meadows recording area.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

A common summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley and rare winter visitor to gardens. Can be found anywhere at the Cathedral Meadows between April and September but often easiest to find along the railway line. Only the males (from their first winter onwards) have black caps – they are chestnut brown on females and juvenile males.

male and female Blackcaps, 27th April 2020 and 30th March 2021

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

A common summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Several spring/early summer records of birds singing in hedgerows at the Cathedral Meadows, sometimes holding territory into the early summer but then disappearing with no evidence of breeding success (though they are difficult to find when they stop singing so it is possible that they could have succeeded undetected). None in 2019.

Lesser Whitethroat, 8th May 2020

Whitethroat Sylvia communis

A common summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often singing in hedgerows at the Cathedral Meadows and by railway – usually easiest to find along the eastern edge of North Field or in the north-west corner of North Field.

Whitethroats, 12th May 2018 and 24th August 2020

CRESTS

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley, more numerous in winter. Occasionally singing at the Cathedral Meadows (and once even displaying for a few days at the Chapel) but more commonly found outside of the breeding season, especially in autumn.

Goldcrest, 4th May 2018

WRENS

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

A very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Usually seen or at least heard anywhere around the Cathedral Meadows (the area between North Field and the railway is perhaps the easiest spot to find them).

Wren, 4th May 2018

NUTHATCHES

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

A locally common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley, favouring deciduous woodlands. Often present around the chapel (where they have at least attempted to breed) but also visiting trees elsewhere around the Cathedral Meadows (and often heard calling to the north-east of the meadows).

Nuthatch, 27th February 2019

TREECREEPERS

Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen and heard around the Cathedral Meadows outside of the breeding season. Sometimes heard singing in the spring and occasionally appears earlier in the summer than is usual for post-breeding dispersal (20th June in 2020), so may in fact breed very nearby.

Treecreeper, 15th April 2020

STARLINGS

Starling Sturnus vulgaris

A common but declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley, supplemented by winter visitors. At the Cathedral Meadows usually seen close to Vicarage Farm and often flying over, including on autumn migration.

Starling, 6th February 2019

THRUSHES

Blackbird Turdus merula

A very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley with more birds arriving in winter. Very common and easy to find all around the Cathedral Meadows.

male and female Blackbirds, 22nd March 2020 and 3rd April 2019

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

A common winter visitor to the Wensum Valley. May be seen at the Cathedral Meadows at any time during the winter but is most numerous in autumn when on some days good numbers can move through (e.g. 120+ on 8th November 2019). Returning birds in spring sometimes linger for a few days in the sheep fields including 26 on 19th April 2019.

Fieldfares, 19th April 2019 and 8th November 2019

Redwing Turdus iliacus

A common winter visitor to the Wensum Valley. Most numerous at the Cathedral Meadows in autumn when on some days good numbers can move through (e.g. 150 on 16th November 2020). May be present throughout the winter with more birds sometimes passing through in spring – flocks sometimes linger in the sheep fields including up to 80 in February 2019.

Redwings, 24th October 2018

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

A common but declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley with Continental birds joining us for the winter. Common throughout the year at the Cathedral Meadows but sometimes especially obvious during autumn migration.

Song Thrushes, 20th October 2018 and 4th May 2018

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

A common but declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often present around the Cathedral Meadows but more often seen flying over the meadows or heard singing from further away.

Mistle Thrushes, 3rd February 2020 and 29th June 2019

FLYCATCHERS, ROBINS and CHATS

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

A formerly common but much-declined and now increasingly scarce summer visitor and breeder in the Wensum Valley. At the Cathedral Meadows often seen near the chapel and thought likely to have bred in nearby gardens. Also sometimes seen elsewhere around the meadows – sometimes these birds may involve migrants passing through but records in August 2019 involved an adult feeding a recently-fledged juvenile so this must have bred close by, and similarly a family group along the railway in July 2021 probably bred close by.

Spotted Flycatcher, 26th August 2019

Robin Erithacus rubecula

A very common and familiar resident breeder in the Wensum Valley with more birds arriving from the Continent in winter. Usually easy to find around the Cathedral Meadows.

Robin, 12th May 2018

Stonechat Saxicola rubicola

A scarce but increasing passage migrant and winter visitor in the Wensum Valley. One record of a female at the Cathedral Meadows: a mobile bird on 28th September 2018 first seen by the river looking from the railway, then moving to the railway before spending a bit of time at the bottom of North Field and then flying up to the hedgerow between there and East Field, after which it moved on and wasn’t seen again.

Stonechat, 28th September 2018

SPARROWS

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

A common but declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Although always present at the top of Church Lane this species can be absent from the Cathedral Meadows themselves for months at a time, but when they are present they are usually at the top of the track close to Vicarage Farm or in the nearby hedgerows. Very occasionally seen further into the meadows, at least as far as the hedgerow between West Field and East Field.

male and female House Sparrows, 29th March 2019 and 19th May 2018

ACCENTORS

Dunnock Prunella modularis

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Easily found at the Cathedral Meadows throughout the year.

Dunnock, 21st June 2019

WAGTAILS and PIPITS

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

A few pairs breed in the Wensum Valley and more over-winter. Birds are occasionally encountered flying over the Cathedral Meadows but have so far proved to be a little scarcer than expected.

Grey Wagtail, 8th November 2019

Pied Wagtail Motacilla (alba) yarrellii

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen flying over the Cathedral Meadows and sometimes also found on fields or on adjacent land (including 28 in the sheep field south of the track on 31st December 2018). When the land to the north and east of the meadows floods the wet fields are often popular with Pied Wagtails.

Pied Wagtail, 28th December 2020

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

A scarce or at least local breeding bird in the Wensum Valley but much commoner in winter and on migration. Autumn migrants seen at the Cathedral Meadows from September with small numbers over-wintering, albeit more likely to be seen flying over the meadows than in the meadows themselves. When they are present on the meadows the easiest place to see them is at the top of North Field when they perch up on the overhead power cables. The field east of the railway can also be good for them when it is flooded.

Meadow Pipit, 8th February 2021

FINCHES

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

A very common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley with more birds arriving in winter. Easily found around the Cathedral Meadows.

male and female Chaffinches, 19th April 2019 and 29th March 2019

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

An uncommon winter visitor to the Wensum Valley and migrant. Sometimes seen and heard flying over the Cathedral Meadows and a little less often found in the trees along the railway or near the chapel.

Brambling, 18th February 2019

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

A fairly common but unobtrusive resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Usually present at the Cathedral Meadows in the hedgerows or along the railway but can be hard to see.

male and female Bullfinches, 11th March 2019

Greenfinch Chloris chloris

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley, possibly starting to recover from a recent dramatic population crash. At the Cathedral Meadows most often seen near the chapel and close to Vicarage Farm but can be encountered elsewhere.

Greenfinches, 27th November 2020 and 6th February 2019

Linnet Linaria canabina

A common but declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley, probably joined by more birds in winter. Often seen in the hedgerows at the Cathedral Meadows and sometimes may be present in numbers (e.g. a flock of 70 on 20th April 2018).

male and female Linnets, 6th February 2019 and 7th April 2020

Mealy Redpoll Acanthis flammea

A scarce winter visitor to the Wensum Valley (large influxes in some years but very rare in others). One at the Cathedral Meadows with Lesser Redpolls from 16th February to 1st March 2019. It was most often seen at the top of the hedge between South Field and West Field but commuted between there and the garden feeders in Church Lane and probably also Millennium Wood.

Mealy Redpoll, 20th February 2019

Lesser Redpoll Acanthis cabaret

A fairly common but declining winter visitor to the Wensum Valley with numbers varying significantly from one winter to another; much less often seen in summer though may possibly breed in tiny numbers. Most records at the Cathedral Meadows involve birds flying over but in good winters can sometimes be found in trees and hedgerows. A flock of 15 was present in February-March 2019 and up to 30 were seen in the 2020/21 winter but there were no records at all in the 2019/20 winter.

Lesser Redpolls, 12th October 2020 and 18th March 2019

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

A common resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen at the Cathedral Meadows, especially along the track between the Millennium Wood and Vicarage Farm or in the chapel area.

adult and juvenile Goldfinches, 19th April 2020 and 5th September 2020

Siskin Spinus spinus

Fairly common winter visitor and passage migrant in the Wensum Valley, very much scarcer in summer. Most often seen at the Cathedral Meadows in autumn and spring but sometimes seen throughout the winter. More unusually a pair flew over on 20th July 2020.

Siskin, 11th February 2019

BUNTINGS

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

A common but declining resident breeder in the Wensum Valley. Often seen in the hedgerows at the Cathedral Meadows and very easily heard singing in the spring and early summer. Can be much harder to find here in winter but it seems that birds feeding elsewhere during the day may return to the meadows to roost.

male and female Yellowhammers, 22nd February 2019 and 18th February 2019

Reed Bunting Emberiza citrinella

A common resident breeder in damp parts of the Wensum Valley. Sometimes seen at the Cathedral Meadows, mostly at or close to the bottom of North Field or flying over.

female (or young male?) and male Reed Buntings, 18th January 2019 and 2nd May 2018