Hillside House bird species list

The Raynhams area holds a small woodland nesting colony. Some at least of the grey herons recorded on or near the plot probably come from this colony.

Grey herons call in at the main pond occasionally. They are also seen on grazing fields near the meadow, sometimes 3 or 4 at a time. Records like this have increased since 2019 when black Aberdeen Angus cattle have been grazed nearby. The herons follow the flock as it moves around.

The record days plot shows evidence of a possible increase recently. One or two quite often forage on grazing fields adjacent to the plot now. These fields were renovated in 2019 and black cattle are present in summer.

Forages close to the Wensum below South Raynham.

An unidentified large dark broad-winged bird soaring on flat wings was seen (without bins) over the area just north of the meadow in June 2015.

The website Penny's Hot Birding and Life shows a black stork was recorded at South Raynham on June 12 2015 -- this almost certainly refers to the same individual.

A feral flock (100+) is present between East Raynham and Helhoughton.

Two by pond spring 2015, may breed in future.

Medium-sized flocks of up to about 250 move between roosting sites on the coast (especially at low tide on the Wash) and inland feeding areas. Occasionally much larger flocks appear. Flocks forage on arable land, apparently mainly feeding on sugarbeet haulm after harvesting.

The timing and/or direction of movements may be determined by the tide (out to the coast on falling tide, back in on rising).

An overflier passed over the plot 20/08/2017 heading NW. Quite high up, but in view for several minutes. Identification confidence approx 90%.

Another probable record in summer 2020.

(A complicating factor is that black kites are said to have escaped from captivity in the UK in recent years. In some cases these escapes may have been of the eastern race M. m. lineatus).

Fairly frequent records, sometimes on several days in succession.

Probably breeds in general area (perhaps within 10km).

Seen frequently. Hunts in H.H. garden, on the meadow and adjacent fields.

As of 2017, kestrels have not yet adopted the nestbox installed for them on the meadow.

Habitat improvements on H.H. plot may have helped to increase records of this species from 2017 onwards.

Prior to 2017, hobbies appeared on odd occasions only, though habitat in the general area of South Raynham looks promising. (Much is fairly open country with scattered woods, spinneys and strips of woodland, near water features and villages.)

Hobbies might possibly breed not far from South Raynham, though prey levels are modest at best. Dragonflies may be an important prey for this species just before nesting starts. However dragonflies and damselflies are strangely scarce in the immediate vicinity of South Raynham, even though there are several streams and ponds in the area. Hirundines are also scarce as breeders in South Raynham. Some house martins still nest in West Raynham, about 2 kilometres away, and there are respectable numbers of house martins, swallows and swifts in Fakenham. Skylarks, a known prey of hobby, are present on the more open fields to the south of the village.

Corvid persecution by game interests may be a factor tending to depress hobby numbers. In Britain hobbies nest mainly in the old nests of carrion crows, and this may be a species where (locally) nest site availability is more important than food. However, with falling hirundine numbers, hobbies may now be in retreat again.

Odd records e.g. an immature near South Raynham church 23/09/2014, an adult on two days in late 2018.

The plot (adjacent) suggests records could be increasing recently.

Occurs frequently, mainly in winter in H.H. garden.

Released in very large numbers by local shoot. Such large numbers (tens of thousands annually) almost certainly present a competition threat to wild granivorous birds such as finches and buntings.

By winter 2017/18 this species was being recorded regularly in winter on or close to the plot, mainly on the main pond at first.

Water rails were also being recorded frequently during winter 2018/19 at the new pond, on the NW corner of the meadow. Three or more individuals were present.

In 2019 fields adjacent to the plot were readied for grazing cattle by Raynham Estate and Carr Stream was dredged in the autumn, removing all vegetation. There were no water rail records on the plot during winter 2019/20, suggesting that in the past, water rails may have reached the plot on foot through dense cover.

By summer 2020 the stream vegetation had begun to recover. Since then there have been a few more records, mainly from November to January.

By 2020 this species was regularly present in winter. Woodcock emerge from woods to the east of the plot and cross the plot quite low down, probably to forage in the spinney or on nearby grassy fields.

The peak count in winter 2019/20 was 12 crossing the plot at dusk.

Previously seemed only occasional until early 2016, when two were seen near dusk near the pond on several occasions, apparently courtship-chasing.

Present much of the year, though not on H.H. plot.

There is strong evidence of a local population of non-breeders in the general area of Raynham.

These non-breeders seem to move from sites to the north, or north-east, probably at the coast, out to arable areas during the day, returning north before sunset. Flocks are often almost pure common gull. Numbers reach several hundred, at times 1200+. Sometimes a few BHG, LBBG or herring gull are present, with recently some Mediterranean gulls. Transit flights are often quite leisurely.

Flight-lines are consistent with roosting in the Wells area, though this needs to be confirmed.

This regular movement represents a diurnal two-way short-distance migration, similar to that exhibited by other organisms.

Two (adults) over plot with gull flocks on two occasions in early 2021.

One over the plot with day-visiting BHG and CG July 2020.

Now present as a regular breeder.

Young have fledged at least twice from a nestbox installed under roof apex inside shed.

The encounter rate plot suggests that stock dove has responded well to the provision of nestboxes, which began in March 2015.

Until 2015, no suitable nest-sites were present on the Hillside House (HH) plot and stock doves occurred only as a non-breeder. Stock doves now are seen regularly in HH garden, often display-flighting. They have entered at least 3 of the 4 boxes but there is strong competition with jackdaws. Nesting attempts in 2015 probably all failed.

Copulations seen in mid-winter, e.g. 23/12/2019.

Present on or near the plot April to June in recent years. The plot was clearly within a male's territory in 2020. A juv was seen in HH garden July 2020.

Two singing males were present simultaneously in May 2015.

Nested successfully in the triangular box 2018. Two young thought to have fledged. One chick, of three ringed in July, died.

Previously, barn owl was often on the meadow and in HH garden. However, since 2020 there has been a marked drop in records, and in 2023 and 2024 there have been no barn owl records at all.

This reduction seems to be related to farming changes near the plot. Grazing fields (pasture) either side of the Carr Stream have been brought back into use since 2019 and Aberdeen Angus cattle are now grazed there. The initial work by the estate involved running a topper over the fields. Rank old vegetation (grasses, thistles etc) has mostly disappeared. The land-use changes have clearly benefitted some species but not, apparently, barn owl.

Barn owls are presumed still to nest in the general area in old derelict buildings, though some of these appear to have been converted to habitable dwellings.

Presumed to nest in nearby deciduous woodland. Often in H.H. garden, occasionally seen with prey. Under-recorded in in the log, but actually heard or seen on a high proportion of days.

Approximately 75% grown chick seen in ash2 jackdaw box June 2017 (i.e. another breeding species for the plot).

Perhaps 4 territories within 1km of S. Raynham by 2020.

Several records of this species in late 2017, close to the meadow and near S. Raynham church. Starting to come onto the plot in 2018 -- a pellet probably from this species was found in the shed at HH in September, and has been recorded on several other occasions.

Other little owl territories are known near Whissonsett.

Little owl may previously have been present near HH, but definite records begin in 2017.

Swifts forage daily over the general area of South Raynham from May to mid-August.

Presumably they nest under pantile roofs in other houses in South Raynham, but not at Hillside House (though there was some interest during 2014). An attempt could be made to attract this species here as a breeder.

Fakenham and many local villages still apparently host fair numbers of nesting pairs.

Strong evidence of south-westerly movement from early July onwards.

Recorded erratically on the plot.

Kingfishers may be scarce here because the River Wensum near South Raynham seems to support remarkably low fish densities. Along the 1.4 km stretch between the A1065 and East Raynham church, at least up to 2016, very few fish of any species could be seen, even though the water seemed quite clean and contained a decent range of aquatic plants (watercress, Sparganium, Glyceria etc).

An encouraging development is a river restoration project on the River Wensum near South Raynham. Work in autumn 2016 reinstated meanders etc and may benefit fish populations.

The Wensum below Fakenham appears to hold much higher fish densities, for example at Pensthorpe.

Since the Carr Stream was tidied in 2017, sticklebacks are more evident and kingfishers may start to appear along this waterway. However, the Carr Stream is prone to intermittent silting after high rainfall and this may lower habitat quality. The silt load increases when heavy tilling machinery is used in the upstream parts of the Carr Stream catchment and also when cattle grazing on adjacent fields stir up drinking stretches.

Probably nests regularly somewhere near South Raynham church, and sometimes feeds on short grass by the pond on H.H. plot.

Pair nested spinney 40m west of plot 2020, fledging 1 juv.

Pair nested in A1065 ashwoods 2018, fledging at least 2 young.

Efforts to encourage this species to nest in the shed at Hillside House worked well in 2017 -- a pair occupied the shed after a concrete block was removed from the shed gable wall.

Formerly clearly nested in this same shed, but missing in summer 2014, 15 and 16. Several old, perhaps damaged, nests are visible in the roof apex. Often seen overhead on migration.

Numbers in the area seemed lower in 2020.

Forages in summer months in general area of South Raynham, but there are apparently few or no nesting pairs in this village. Regular breeder in West Raynham (3 km away). This species seems to respond well to the provision of artificial nestboxes and ledges. Hillside House does not have suitable overhanging eaves, so additional features such as ledges may need to be installed.

Food abundance in S. Raynham seems promising, based on the numbers of house martins present in late summer and autumn. During autumn 2018, a steady flock of up 100 house martins foraged over the meadow and nearby.

Quite often seen at Hillside House, mainly in the winter half of the year. Often forages on or near the shed on the plot. Perhaps breeds nearby at times.

Records in spring 2017 suggest a pair was present. The most likely nesting place would be the Carr Stream bridge under West Raynham Road.

Seen erratically year-round. A pair is often seen on the roof of the shed at Hillside House.

Clearly bred on Silver Service site 2020.

Some evidence of a small roost (5-10) on the meadow in winter.

No records as yet.

Cattle put out to graze on nearby fields 2019/20 have yet to attract even migrant yellow wagtails.

First song record on plot spring 2020.

Known local (song) locations for this species include Wensum valley fen patches close to Raynham Hall and Hempton Common (4+ singers there spring 2020).

One of about three or four warblers doing okay in the Raynhams area.

Probably typically 3 territories on H.H. plot (one by pond, one in blackthorn thicket at top end of the meadow, one on eastern edge of the meadow); also 1 or 2 territories near to A1065.

Approximately 3 territories on H.H. plot.

The plot suggests that numbers may be increasing, perhaps being augmented by migrants in early autumn.

Later in the summer and early autumn blackcaps at Hillside House feed on elder berries, rowan berries, plums and sloes (on blackthorn).

Erratic. One sang among young trees by main pond 2020, moved on. Might eventually breed.

Previously just one record in late summer/autumn 2015, perhaps missed among blackcaps and present more often.

2, 3 or 4 territories on meadow 2020.

In previous years probably 2 territories on the meadow. Feeding young 05/09/2015 (thought to be rather late).

One song record at top blackthorn.

Juv migrant July 2020.

Probably 4 or 5 territories on meadow in 2020. Good evidence of breeding (alarm calls, adults with food etc.).

Apparently established as breeder on H.H. pond. Possibly 1 or 2 more territories on the meadow. Perhaps up to 4 territories along 1.6 km Wensum valley strip.

Probably 3 or 4 territories on meadow in 2020. Good evidence of breeding (alarms, adults with food etc.).

First definite records in 2016 -- (1) in pond area and (2) SE edge of the meadow (blackthorn thicket).

Not easy to assess numbers as song and song-flighting seems to last just a few (4-6) days and then fade (perhaps coinciding with fertile phase of female). Definite breeding in 2017 when newly-fledged juvs present in two places. Cycle may not really get started until June or even July.

Previously thought to be a regular breeder somewhere near H.H. plot, but records were scarce in 2020.

Apparently highly suitable habitat is still available here on the plot. Several mature trees are present next to open spaces. Adjacent to the plot, alongside the A1065, is a spinney that contains many trees covered in ivy. These are known to be good nesting locations for spotted flycatcher.

There also seems to be plenty of food on the plot. For example, mayflies arrive from the Carr Stream in May and June. At times clouds of chironomids are often present. However, spotted flycatcher arrives apparently too late to exploit the boom in bibionid flies in April/early May. These flies were abundant on the plot in April 2020. Later in the season certain species of hoverfly may be important for this declining flycatcher.

In late May 2014, one hung around the house for about ten days, at one point prospecting for nestsites (e.g. inspecting a gap in the brickwork of the house). However, by the beginning of June this individual was gone -- perhaps it failed to find a mate.

In June 2015 a pair was apparently nestbuilding in a split willow tree very close to the Wensum about 1.1 kilometres away from Hillside House, though I could not locate them later. A pair, possibly the same one, did probably nest somewhere close to Hillside House in 2015 because in August and September they were feeding two newly-fledged juveniles in and around H.H. garden.

The pattern observed in May 2014 was almost repeated in May 2016, though the period that the single individual was present was slightly earlier (11th to 18th of May). Again the flycatcher apparently departed after a few days. An open-fronted nestbox had already been installed on the side of the house.

No records.

This is a focus species for the plot. Habitat management of the blackthorn patches on the meadow is designed in part to attract nightingale, though the Norfolk population is now so low chances of success are slim. Egg-collecting has almost certainly been a significant factor in the decline of this species in Norfolk.

The 2020 CBC-style survey suggests about 3 territories on the plot.

Nests in H.H. garden, successfully rearing young.

H.H. garden has been designed and adapted to provide plenty of fruiting trees late in summer and autumn. Fledged juvenile blackbirds feed on berries of various trees, including yew, rowan, elder and plums.

In winter earthworms collected from grassy areas are a major food source. Blackbird numbers are bolstered by the arrival of continental migrants. 11 individuals were counted in the garden close to H.H. on one day in 2014.

Nests in and near H.H. garden, successfully rearing young. Essentially absent from end July to September.

Several times found as prey of (usually female) sparrowhawk.

Probably two nests close (nearer than 75m) to H.H. in 2020.

Mistle thrush may have been badly affected by the very hot dry weather in summer 2022. Records in autumn 2022 and early 2023 have been sparse compared with previous years.

Bred locally near to A1065 in South Raynham in 2015. One apparently successful nest in a hornbeam tree at approx 8-9 metres height. Feeds in H.H. garden and sometimes nest-prospects there, but no nests found. Probably nests in vicinity of South Raynham church in at least two more locations. Perhaps 3 or 4 breeding pairs within 500 metres of Hillside House. Also present as highly probable breeder near Raynham Hall.

Elsewhere seems to form significant postbreeding flocks (15+ at Pensthorpe 2016 or 2017).

Present in autumn as migrants arrive, then again around March/April before they return. Much smaller numbers remain into the winter months, a few roosting near the Wensum.

Rough counts in autumn 2020 indicated substantial redwing migration in the Raynham area. Over 2 days a mininum of 2281 passed westwards between Hillside House and Church Lane. Timed counts suggested 462 and 335 per hour on the two days.

Previously, in autumn 2017, 625 redwings were recorded on 07/11/2017 passing through the same gap. Mean flock size was 21.6 (s.d. = 21.9).

Given that most of these migrants would not have been recorded (i.e. would have passed by unseen), this suggests an impressive flux of redwings on these days. If, on 07/11/2017, the same rate applied up to the coast, 21 km away, a conservative estimate would be 44000 redwings passing through this 21 km wide band of countryside just on this one day. Of course the flux may be higher at S. Raynham than elsewhere (Raynham may just happen to be a kind of 'hotspot' owing to local topography or similar).

Present all year, but records are less reliable than blue, great or marsh tits. May nest in earth banks in one or two places and a pair attempted to build in the wall of the shed in 2014 but were evicted by great tits.

Feed in cypress and other trees, also on the young yew hedge planted in 2013 (probably looking for spiders). In winter often comes to bird-feeders, especially one under box tree, usually alone (avoiding other tits). More regular as pine spinney develops.

Present year-round. No nests found as yet (by end 2020), but almost certainly breeds on the plot or nearby. Records thin out during May and June (see plot).

Feed on burdock and various thistles (creeping, spear & marsh).

Under-recorded, probably present all-year.

Appears erratically, on cypress trees at the edge of the spinney next to Hillside House, also on willows by main pond and MNE.

A nestbox scheme is planned for 2021/22.

Present as a breeder on the meadow. Departs around mid-July and then scarce until February when territorial behaviour starts. A small roost may be present erratically in reeds in the winter.

Perhaps 3 or 4 territories at least partly on the plot in 2020, but boundaries were hard to discern. Good evidence of successful breeding (repeated visits of adults with food to same locations).

A regular pattern had become apparent by 2022, and probably by 2021 -- adults fly from nestsites in the meadow at least 250 metres south to collect food from a rape field.

A single breeding pair was probably present in both 2014 and 2015, near the stream that borders the northern edge of the meadow. Two territories formed in 2016.

In 2014 parents carried food to a nest on the west side of the meadow. In 2015 a nest was most likely in damp grazing just north of Carr Stream. One nest just north of the pond was almost certainly successful in 2016.

Present all year round and has at least attempted to nest in H.H. garden, though no attempts are known to have succeeded (e.g. a nest in 2014 in small yew tree 5 metres from H.H. kitchen, which was abandoned).

Several individuals have been recorded suffering from a foot disease. Apparently this may be caused by a finch-specific papillomavirus.

Formerly present for about nine months of the year, but numbers have fallen in recent years.

Update spring 2022: at least one pair is nesting in the laurel hedge.

Previously, in mid- or late winter and early spring, a roost formed in the laurel hedge. This hedge is along the eastern boundary of the plot. The roost was remarkably pure and only occasionally have one or two other species, such as house sparrow, been present.

Numbers at the roost were often difficult to estimate. (Peak numbers: 2015, 75; 2016, 80+; 2017: lower). Greenfinches tended not to arrive in a single group, but collect in one or two nearby trees progressively, from apparently different directions, and quite high up in the air, suggesting multiple sources. Thus a kind of pre-assembly formed. Often a few dropped into the roosting hedge as the flock built up, so exact counts were often impossible.

In early 2016 the roost began to peter out around the beginning of March. As the month progressed, some individuals often sang from perches as the flock collected near dusk. The roost mainly consisted of males.

In the spring, some greenfinches remained to nest in the laurel hedge and elsewhere on the plot. After the end of the breeding season, around August, numbers dropped right down and stayed very low during the autumn, when the species was effectively absent. Presumably post-breeding flocks formed elsewhere. In some winters small flocks have foraged on the ground on short grass within the plot.

During 2016 numbers of this species were affected on a national scale by disease.

Winter 2019/20 -- the roost failed to form. The laurel hedge was severely cut back in autumn 2019, removing essential cover. A few greenfinches collected in laurel trees near Wensum Pools, but numbers were smaller than at Hillside House in previous years.

In the previous winter (2018/19), numbers were reduced, with a maximum of 15 birds up to March. The fall in numbers may possibly reflect mild conditions during autumn 2018, but could also have been caused by salmonella or Trichomonas gallinae.

Breeds successfully in the area, forming postbreeding flocks of 40+ on H.H. plot.

The encounter rate plot suggests increasing presence in summer. Areas of thistle on the near the main pond are now usually left uncut until autumn.

Nationally this species is relatively stable or increasing and is of low concern.

A male sang 100m west of the plot in summer 2020. A pair there probably made return trips to a location somewhere well to the east or southeast.

Seen on many occasions on or near plot during 2019, perhaps in response to hedge brushing along WRR in the spring. A pair may have bred close to the Hillside House plot.

Linnets might benefit from forager-cutting of cereal crops. A few were seen along W. Raynham Rd July 2017, perhaps associated with recent harvesting.

Previously surprisingly scarce in South Raynham area, despite quite promising-looking hedges. Occasional small non-breeding flocks. 25-30 on field of field beans by South Raynham church 28/05/2015.

To be seen reliably on the road between Whissonsett and Horningtoft (open arable fields either side).

House sparrows obviously nested in the roof of Hillside House in the past, but not now. Old nests were discovered during roof repairs in December 2013.

Since 2013 there have been remarkably few records of this species on the Hillside House plot. Occasionally house sparrows turn up in the winter greenfinch roost, but not with any regularity. Small groups were found in South Raynham near the Wensum Pools site in autumn 2015, less than 200 metres from Hillside House. Sometimes house sparrows are present in gardens just along the A1065, 60 metres away from Hillside House, or in the open parts of the spinney (which is on the same side of the main road). There is good evidence of a small breeding population within South Raynham village.

House sparrows clearly breed in West Raynham, to the north. Over at East Raynham, 1.5 km away from Hillside House, there appears to be a small breeding group in the gardens of abandoned cottages next to the A1065. There the presence of dense privet hedges may provide useful cover in the winter and some spilt feed and grain may be available in a farmyard.

House sparrows are still present in moderate numbers in the town of Fakenham. The contrast between their absence from Hillside House and presence at elsewhere in South and East Raynham just short distances away is intriguing and indicates a very viscous population.

Mainly occurs as a migrant.

Thousands of starlings pass through the Raynham area heading westwards in the autumn, with smaller numbers in spring.

Fields adjacent to the plot are now used as regular grazing for beef cattle, and could become useful foraging habitat for starlings and other species. Perhaps breeding might occur on or near the plot in future.

Ninety starlings roosted in reeds on the meadow in autumn 2014. (There are regular roosts in the Fakenham area).

Now breeds on site, following nestbox installation in 2015, and present for most of the year.

At first, in 2013, jackdaws were occasional visitors to the plot. At that time, some foraged on the short grass by the pond, but none nested as no suitable sites were present.

In 2015, four stock dove/jackdaw nestboxes were installed, 2 or 3 of which were occupied very quickly. Jackdaws effectively exclude stock doves (and grey squirrels) from the boxes. There is also evidence of strong intraspecific competition for nest-sites.

Jackdaws here feed on invertebrates on the ground, acorns on the oak, beechmast etc. In summer they often hawk insects in the air (presumably ants in mating flights, craneflies etc).

Absent as a breeder from South Raynham village.

Hundreds join jackdaws on the way to roost to the south-east. Strong indications that flocks use the upper Wensum valley as a navigation guide path.

Small rookeries are present in nearby villages, e.g. Brisley, Hempton.

Often in H.H. garden. Collects and caches acorns from oak tree. May nest somewhere near H.H. garden.

Numbers are probably bolstered by continental immigrants in the autumn.