Sun setting over The Wash at Hunstanton Cliffs.
Monday, 31 December 2012
Hot Gossip!!!!
Only joking!!!!!
Just a poor attempt to get my fatbirder ratings up to 40 in the last few hours of 2012!!!!! Just to amuse oneself this evening!
Update: 11.59pm - 1.229 blog views today and now up to No. 41 – just one more to get to in 60 minutes – will I get there?!!! No!!!!!! Goodnight.
Just a poor attempt to get my fatbirder ratings up to 40 in the last few hours of 2012!!!!! Just to amuse oneself this evening!
Update: 11.59pm - 1.229 blog views today and now up to No. 41 – just one more to get to in 60 minutes – will I get there?!!! No!!!!!! Goodnight.
New Year's Day County Bird Race!
For your bird sightings tomorrow please see: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=247571
Weather Forecast for New Year's Day for north west Norfolk:
"A dry and bright start to the year with sunny spells, although isolated showers may arrive later in the west of the region. Feeling noticeably colder with a westerly breeze." http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/26464
HIGH TIDE: 8.36am
Weather Forecast for New Year's Day for north west Norfolk:
"A dry and bright start to the year with sunny spells, although isolated showers may arrive later in the west of the region. Feeling noticeably colder with a westerly breeze." http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/26464
HIGH TIDE: 8.36am
New Year's Eve Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Richardson's Canada Goose, Arnolds Marsh, Cley
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Holkham
Great White Egret at Haddiscoe Island
Black Brant at Holkham
Waxwings x 21 at Burnham Deepdale
Waxwings x 13 at Burnham Norton
Little Auk, Black Guillemot, Great Skua at Cley
Black Brant at Burnham Norton
Richardson's Canada Goose, Arnolds Marsh, Cley
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Holkham
Great White Egret at Haddiscoe Island
Black Brant at Holkham
Waxwings x 21 at Burnham Deepdale
Waxwings x 13 at Burnham Norton
Little Auk, Black Guillemot, Great Skua at Cley
Black Brant at Burnham Norton
NEW YEAR'S EVE!!!!!
Wishing you all a fabulous New Year's Eve!
Enjoy the last few hours of 2012 with your loved ones, friends and family and for those alone – there is some excellent TV on tonight including "House Party NYE" which starts at 11.50pm and finishes at 6pm!!!
I have been at work all day today and just home from work. I will be partying alone and no I don't feel lonely or sad at all. I am preparing and planning for my exciting bird race tomorrow when others will have hangovers!!! Last year (see HERE) I saw 93 different species of birds – hope to beat this!
I would like to wish all my Blog Readers,
Friends, Colleagues, Family and All
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
Friends, Colleagues, Family and All
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
Peace, Tranquility and Happiness to Everyone
Roll on 2013!!!
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
American Wigeon at Marlingford
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Edgefield
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret at Waveney Forest
Richardson's Canada Goose, Sacred Ibis, Arnold's Marsh, Cley
Bewick's Swans x 17 south of Repps
Waxwings x 3 at Buckingham Marshes
Bittern near Burgh St Peter
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB
Velvet Scoter x 9 at Waxham
BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT (possible), flew west past beach carpark and landed on sea at Cley, although no further sign by 1.37pm
Taiga Bean Geese x 62 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at Hickling
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard at Chedgrave Marshes
Black Brant at Holkham
Common Cranes x 4 at Horsey
Waxwings x 5 at Thetford
Red-crested Pochard at Titchwell RSPB
American Wigeon at Marlingford
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Edgefield
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret at Waveney Forest
Richardson's Canada Goose, Sacred Ibis, Arnold's Marsh, Cley
Bewick's Swans x 17 south of Repps
Waxwings x 3 at Buckingham Marshes
Bittern near Burgh St Peter
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB
Velvet Scoter x 9 at Waxham
BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT (possible), flew west past beach carpark and landed on sea at Cley, although no further sign by 1.37pm
Taiga Bean Geese x 62 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at Hickling
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard at Chedgrave Marshes
Black Brant at Holkham
Common Cranes x 4 at Horsey
Waxwings x 5 at Thetford
Red-crested Pochard at Titchwell RSPB
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Bird News etc!
Main Highlights for Norfolk – RBA
Richardson's Canda Goose at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Great White Egret at Chedgrave
Waxwings x 8 at Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Waxwing, Red Kite, Yellow-legged Gull, Water Pipit, Red-crested Pochard at Titchwell RSPB
Bittern at Lynford Aboretum
Black Brant at Holkham
Another Saturday where I couldn't go birding! Didn't really feel well enough from the last two days and in any case had insurance stuff to sort, jobs to do and boring stuff that its not worth writing about!
As the year draws to a close I have been thinking about which was the most spectacular bird that I saw in 2012. Mega bird of the year for me was without a doubt the Cream-coloured Courser. But one of the most magical moments of the year was watching gannets fishing close inshore as I sat on the shingle between Cley and Halfway House. Oh and of course the Bee-eater at Cley – how could I forget about my favourite bird! I am sure I will think of more later on........
Looking forward to New Year's Day when I WILL be out birding – doing my solo bird race again!
Richardson's Canda Goose at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Great White Egret at Chedgrave
Waxwings x 8 at Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Waxwing, Red Kite, Yellow-legged Gull, Water Pipit, Red-crested Pochard at Titchwell RSPB
Bittern at Lynford Aboretum
Black Brant at Holkham
Another Saturday where I couldn't go birding! Didn't really feel well enough from the last two days and in any case had insurance stuff to sort, jobs to do and boring stuff that its not worth writing about!
As the year draws to a close I have been thinking about which was the most spectacular bird that I saw in 2012. Mega bird of the year for me was without a doubt the Cream-coloured Courser. But one of the most magical moments of the year was watching gannets fishing close inshore as I sat on the shingle between Cley and Halfway House. Oh and of course the Bee-eater at Cley – how could I forget about my favourite bird! I am sure I will think of more later on........
Looking forward to New Year's Day when I WILL be out birding – doing my solo bird race again!
Friday, 28 December 2012
Bird News etc!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwing, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 40 at Thetford
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Black Brant at Holkham
Common Cranes x 8 at Horsey
Rough-legged Buzzard at Chedgrave Marshes
Short-eared Owl x 3 and Med. Gulls x 167!
Off work again today – still not feeling well.
Waxwing, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 40 at Thetford
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Black Brant at Holkham
Common Cranes x 8 at Horsey
Rough-legged Buzzard at Chedgrave Marshes
Short-eared Owl x 3 and Med. Gulls x 167!
Off work again today – still not feeling well.
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Bird News etc!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Black Brant, Red Kite at Cley
Snow Buntings x 20 at Salthouse
Black Brant at Holkham
Waxwings x 38 at Thetford
Snow Buntings x 7 at Breydon Water
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Waxwings x 7 at Blundall
Waxwings x 4 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Snow Buntings x 40 at Caister-on-Sea
Waxwings x 6 at Acle
Ruddy Shelduck, Great White Egret at Haddiscoe Island
Waxwings x 7, Taiga Bean Geese x 60, Short-eared Owl x 3, Hen Harrier at Buckingham Marshes
Short-eared Owl x 4 at Halvergate Marshes
Short-eared Owl at King's Lynn
Smew at Hardley Flood
Waxwing at Northrepps
Waxwings x 5 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Velvet Scoter x 9 at Waxham
I wasn't very well today at all, so unable to go to work – horrible bug and felt extremely tired.
Black Brant, Red Kite at Cley
Snow Buntings x 20 at Salthouse
Black Brant at Holkham
Waxwings x 38 at Thetford
Snow Buntings x 7 at Breydon Water
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Waxwings x 7 at Blundall
Waxwings x 4 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Snow Buntings x 40 at Caister-on-Sea
Waxwings x 6 at Acle
Ruddy Shelduck, Great White Egret at Haddiscoe Island
Waxwings x 7, Taiga Bean Geese x 60, Short-eared Owl x 3, Hen Harrier at Buckingham Marshes
Short-eared Owl x 4 at Halvergate Marshes
Short-eared Owl at King's Lynn
Smew at Hardley Flood
Waxwing at Northrepps
Waxwings x 5 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Velvet Scoter x 9 at Waxham
I wasn't very well today at all, so unable to go to work – horrible bug and felt extremely tired.
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Penny's Hot Birding and Life!: My Binoculars for Sale!
Penny's Hot Birding and Life!: My Binoculars for Sale!: LEICA TRINOVID 8 x 32 BN Binoculars F O R S A L E Purchased new in September 2007. Case, instruction booklet and original box. Jus...
Boxing Day Birding News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Snow Buntings x 7 at Breydon Water
Waxwings x 4 at Strumpshaw Fen
Northern Bullfinch x 3 at Stiffkey
Waxwings x 36 at Thetford
Hen Harrier at Kelling
Black Brant at Salthouse
Snow Buntings x 21 at Eccles-on-Sea
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Snow Buntings x 7 at Breydon Water
Waxwings x 4 at Strumpshaw Fen
Northern Bullfinch x 3 at Stiffkey
Waxwings x 36 at Thetford
Hen Harrier at Kelling
Black Brant at Salthouse
Snow Buntings x 21 at Eccles-on-Sea
Boxing Day Birding!
I woke up far too early this morning – I'm sure it was around 4am and I found it difficult to get back to sleep. I still felt tired when I got up, but was determined not to waste the day. The sun was shining and I needed to escape. I went to Ringstead to buy a sack of sticks for mother's fire and delivered them along with an Eastern Daily Press. I arrived at Titchwell RSPB and was horrified to find all carparks full. But the carparks were not full with birders, they were full with the coloured wellington brigade with armfuls of dogs, some on leads, some off leads – they took over the reserve and were filtering along the main bank to the beach. I presume they were taking advantageous of the fact that there was no one in the information hut in the carpark to entice them to put some money in the ticket machine. I hope that Titchwell doesn't end up like Holme, I really do. Throughout my time here I could see people carrying their little doggy bags and I know for a fact that they didn't all end up in the dog bin, as I spotted two of them slung on top of the grassy bank that runs alongside the main path. There are now a staggering10.5 million dogs in the UK – what I don't understand is why people have to have so many?! I watched a couple today with 5 in tow and another family with 6!!!!
Anyway back to birding! A water rail was in the dyke by the willow tree at the start of the main path. Lots of birds on the feeders including greenfinches, chaffinches, great, blue and long-tailed tits etc. A robin jumped in front of my camera and posed beautifully. On the freshmarsh there were hundreds of golden plovers, at least 85+ lapwings, shovelers, teal, oystercatchers, 1 avocet, shelduck, brent geese, 2 mute swans etc. When I reached the beach I walked east towards Brancaster to photograph the seals. On route there were loads of turnstones and oystercatchers feeding amongst the massive razor wreck. There were six seals in the creek and they were having a fabulous time playing together and on several occasions they flipped out of the water! Sadly though, dog owners were selfish and seemed to enjoy watching their dogs harrass the seals, which annoyed me intensely and I shouted across to ask them to keep their dogs under control and on a lead. Whilst I sat on the sand watching the seals there were several groups of people walking here from Brancaster, all with dogs – now this was just in the 45 minutes that I sat here, which means these seals are being stressed by dogs all day every day!!! I left feeling really sad.
I trudged back along the beach and it had now started to rain. Loads of gulls and waders on the shoreline. Walked back along the main path and sat in Fen Hide for a while. It was now dusk and I counted four marsh harriers and a little egret coming in to roost, but unusually I didn't see any hen harriers. Lots of blackbirds were making a fuss as I walked back through the copse to my car – possibly an owl around!
Watched the film "Miss Potter" starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor – a wonderful film.
Back to work tomorrow.
Anyway back to birding! A water rail was in the dyke by the willow tree at the start of the main path. Lots of birds on the feeders including greenfinches, chaffinches, great, blue and long-tailed tits etc. A robin jumped in front of my camera and posed beautifully. On the freshmarsh there were hundreds of golden plovers, at least 85+ lapwings, shovelers, teal, oystercatchers, 1 avocet, shelduck, brent geese, 2 mute swans etc. When I reached the beach I walked east towards Brancaster to photograph the seals. On route there were loads of turnstones and oystercatchers feeding amongst the massive razor wreck. There were six seals in the creek and they were having a fabulous time playing together and on several occasions they flipped out of the water! Sadly though, dog owners were selfish and seemed to enjoy watching their dogs harrass the seals, which annoyed me intensely and I shouted across to ask them to keep their dogs under control and on a lead. Whilst I sat on the sand watching the seals there were several groups of people walking here from Brancaster, all with dogs – now this was just in the 45 minutes that I sat here, which means these seals are being stressed by dogs all day every day!!! I left feeling really sad.
I trudged back along the beach and it had now started to rain. Loads of gulls and waders on the shoreline. Walked back along the main path and sat in Fen Hide for a while. It was now dusk and I counted four marsh harriers and a little egret coming in to roost, but unusually I didn't see any hen harriers. Lots of blackbirds were making a fuss as I walked back through the copse to my car – possibly an owl around!
Watched the film "Miss Potter" starring Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor – a wonderful film.
Back to work tomorrow.
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Christmas at Holme
I got up early and cooked roast potatoes and honey roasted parsnips to help my mother out with christmas lunch. The sun made a half hearted attempt to break through the clouds this morning, but disappeared in the afternoon to be replaced by grey skies and rain. I then picked Lucy and Vivien up and we spent a lovely day with my parents. I nearly always go for a walk on Christmas Day, but I felt ridiculously tired and I fell asleep in the afternoon. In fact for the first time that I can remember, we all snoozed in different rooms at the same time, for about an hour – the whole house was unusually silent! Must be old age, I reckon! None of us are getting any younger. Father found it difficult to cope with four women all day though, bless him. I didn't think that father would make christmas to be honest, after having his stroke in April, but he has and I am so glad he is still here with us.
Christmas Bird News!
Waxwings x 21 at Bowthorpe
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 36 at Thetford
Waxwings x 2 and Crossbills x 3 at East Carleton
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 36 at Thetford
Waxwings x 2 and Crossbills x 3 at East Carleton
Monday, 24 December 2012
Christmas Eve!
I have been a busy bee at work all day and this evening I have spent cooking two loaves of bread and a lentil roast for Christmas Day.
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings x 40 at Bowthorpe
American Wigeon at Norwich
Waxwings x 25 at Thorpe St Andrew
Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Holme NOA
Waxwings x 40 at Bowthorpe
American Wigeon at Norwich
Waxwings x 25 at Thorpe St Andrew
Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Holme NOA
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Bird News etc!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Dark-bellied Brent Goose x 900, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Black Brant, Sacred Ibis at Cley
Hen Harrier at Salthouse
Waxwing at Holt
Waxwings x 11 at Newton Flotman
Waxwings x 40 at Norwich
Waxwings x 60 at Bowthorpe
Snow Buntings x 50 at Caister-on-Sea
Great White Egret at Haddiscoe
Water Pipit x 2 at Cantley Beet Factory
Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Snow Buntings x 12 at Gorleston
Glaucous Gull at King's Lynn Docks
Dartford Warbler, Velvet Scoter x 6 at Waxham
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Red-necked Grebe at Titchwell
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Waxwings x 4 at Thetford
Med. Gulls x 3 at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Bunting at Holme
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Buckingham Marshes
Other bird news – Smew (female) at Nar Valley Fisheries
Worked a double shift today – shattered.
There must have been (as my mother put it) 'a movement of long-tailed tits today' as mother had lots going through her garden and also my sister Lucy in King's Lynn had a big party of them just outside her window today. A much warmer day than of late and there was very little rain which made a nice change.
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Dark-bellied Brent Goose x 900, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Black Brant, Sacred Ibis at Cley
Hen Harrier at Salthouse
Waxwing at Holt
Waxwings x 11 at Newton Flotman
Waxwings x 40 at Norwich
Waxwings x 60 at Bowthorpe
Snow Buntings x 50 at Caister-on-Sea
Great White Egret at Haddiscoe
Water Pipit x 2 at Cantley Beet Factory
Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Snow Buntings x 12 at Gorleston
Glaucous Gull at King's Lynn Docks
Dartford Warbler, Velvet Scoter x 6 at Waxham
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Red-necked Grebe at Titchwell
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Waxwings x 4 at Thetford
Med. Gulls x 3 at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Bunting at Holme
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Buckingham Marshes
Other bird news – Smew (female) at Nar Valley Fisheries
Worked a double shift today – shattered.
There must have been (as my mother put it) 'a movement of long-tailed tits today' as mother had lots going through her garden and also my sister Lucy in King's Lynn had a big party of them just outside her window today. A much warmer day than of late and there was very little rain which made a nice change.
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Ross's Goose along with 800 Pink-footed Geese at Cley
Waxwings x 7 at Acle
Waxwings x 33 at Bowthorpe
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Shag at Walpole Highway
Ross's Goose along with 800 Pink-footed Geese at Cley
Waxwings x 7 at Acle
Waxwings x 33 at Bowthorpe
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Quags
Shag at Walpole Highway
Rain, rain go away!
It has been raining solidly ALL day, as it did yesterday and the day before that! There is a pond opposite my parent's house which is at the highest level on record and is close to flooding the entire road, which is VERY worrying indeed! The owners of the pond are not there (weekend cottage) so my parents can't even inform them of the dangerously high level the water has reached!
Work has again been incredibly busy, stressful and manic. I hadn't got the energy to carry out food shopping last night, so had no choice but to go today, as working all day tomorrow and on Christmas Eve. Got up late, joined the crowds to buy food etc and then flew over to CleySpy to collect my completely refurbished Leica bins that I am selling. They look so good now, that I am not sure if I do want to sell them anymore – BUT I need the money and I don't really need two pairs of binoculars – or do I?!!!! http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/my-binoculars-for-sale.html
Delivered Christmas cards and then went home and watched Strictly Come Dancing Final – Lewis and Flavia won – fab–u–lus!!!!! http://tv.uk.msn.com/reality-tv/strictly-come-dancing-2012-final-louis-smith-wins
Work has again been incredibly busy, stressful and manic. I hadn't got the energy to carry out food shopping last night, so had no choice but to go today, as working all day tomorrow and on Christmas Eve. Got up late, joined the crowds to buy food etc and then flew over to CleySpy to collect my completely refurbished Leica bins that I am selling. They look so good now, that I am not sure if I do want to sell them anymore – BUT I need the money and I don't really need two pairs of binoculars – or do I?!!!! http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/my-binoculars-for-sale.html
Delivered Christmas cards and then went home and watched Strictly Come Dancing Final – Lewis and Flavia won – fab–u–lus!!!!! http://tv.uk.msn.com/reality-tv/strictly-come-dancing-2012-final-louis-smith-wins
Friday, 21 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings x 4 in Thetford
Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Water Meadows
Snow Buntings x 5 at Gorleston
Ross's Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 250, Barnacle Geese x 6
Waxwings x 6 at Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl x 2 at Chedgrave
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6, Snow Bunting x 40 at
Burnham Overy Staithe
Hawfinch x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Waxwings x 7 at Acle
Snow Buntings x 60 at Holme
Velvet Scoter x 7 at Waxham
Common Crane x 8 at Horsey
Waxwings x 4 in Thetford
Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Mediterranean Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Richardson's Canada Goose at Kelling Water Meadows
Snow Buntings x 5 at Gorleston
Ross's Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 250, Barnacle Geese x 6
Waxwings x 6 at Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl x 2 at Chedgrave
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6, Snow Bunting x 40 at
Burnham Overy Staithe
Hawfinch x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Waxwings x 7 at Acle
Snow Buntings x 60 at Holme
Velvet Scoter x 7 at Waxham
Common Crane x 8 at Horsey
My Binoculars for Sale!
LEICA TRINOVID 8 x 32 BN Binoculars
F O R S A L E
Purchased new in September 2007.
Case, instruction booklet and original box.
Case, instruction booklet and original box.
Just arrived back from Leica with new eye pieces,
cleaned and restored to original condition.
cleaned and restored to original condition.
Please email me at pennyclarke@dsl.pipex.com
if interested
UPDATE
I collected the Leica Bins from CleySpy this afternoon (Saturday). They have completely new lenses, focus wheel, have been re-rubbered, new eye cups, basically they are 'as new'. The neck strap has not been replaced and is worn to be fair.
My asking price will be £700.
They look so good, part of me doesn't want to sell them!!!
if interested
UPDATE
I collected the Leica Bins from CleySpy this afternoon (Saturday). They have completely new lenses, focus wheel, have been re-rubbered, new eye cups, basically they are 'as new'. The neck strap has not been replaced and is worn to be fair.
My asking price will be £700.
They look so good, part of me doesn't want to sell them!!!
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Water Pipits x 6 at Cantley
Water Pipit x 1 at Titchwell RSPB
Bitterns x 2 at Cley
Smew at Welney WWT
Purple Sandpiper at Cley
Water Pipits x 6 at Cantley
Water Pipit x 1 at Titchwell RSPB
Bitterns x 2 at Cley
Smew at Welney WWT
Purple Sandpiper at Cley
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Bittern at Chedgrave
Water Pipit at Buckingham Marshes
Taiga Bean Geese x 30 at Cantley
Waxwings x 4 at Colkirk
Waxwings x 7 at Sculthorpe
Waxwings x 12 at Long Stratton
Waxwings x 14 at Norwich
Twite x 14 at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Bunting x 60 and Short-eared Owl at Holme
Twite and Hen Harrier at Breydon Water
Velvet Scoter at Sheringham
Bittern at Chedgrave
Water Pipit at Buckingham Marshes
Taiga Bean Geese x 30 at Cantley
Waxwings x 4 at Colkirk
Waxwings x 7 at Sculthorpe
Waxwings x 12 at Long Stratton
Waxwings x 14 at Norwich
Twite x 14 at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Bunting x 60 and Short-eared Owl at Holme
Twite and Hen Harrier at Breydon Water
Velvet Scoter at Sheringham
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
One Week to Christmas!
Where has the year disappeared to?!!! Christmas – I have been asked several times recently 'are you ready for christmas?' – yes I am 'ready for christmas'. None of my family are buying presents. In any case there is only mother, father, Lucy, Vivien and I left and we are all grown up enough to not be bothered about the materialistic side of Christmas. I will do my food shopping as normal. I am working all day on Christmas Eve and will then spend the evening alone. Christmas Day will be spent with my family. Christmas evening will be spent alone and Boxing Day I will be out birding. New Year's Eve I am working all day and will spend the evening alone and New Year's Day I will be doing a bird race, as I have done the last few years!
Had to take my car into the garage this morning as I could hear an odd rattling sound. Collected it this evening and the rattle was a stone in the brake system! Car was washed and waxed and looks brand new again. I love my Skoda!
Manic at work today – our lovely student has finished her rotation with us, our TL is off now on Maternity leave and two people off sick today, mean't we were flying round trying to rehab 29 patient's between a handful of people! There is no 'bank' cover for the rehabilition teams in the hospital, but there is for nurses!
Had a lovely christmas card from my friend Lorraine in Colchester (where I used to live) – HELLO Lorraine!
Had to take my car into the garage this morning as I could hear an odd rattling sound. Collected it this evening and the rattle was a stone in the brake system! Car was washed and waxed and looks brand new again. I love my Skoda!
Manic at work today – our lovely student has finished her rotation with us, our TL is off now on Maternity leave and two people off sick today, mean't we were flying round trying to rehab 29 patient's between a handful of people! There is no 'bank' cover for the rehabilition teams in the hospital, but there is for nurses!
Had a lovely christmas card from my friend Lorraine in Colchester (where I used to live) – HELLO Lorraine!
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Long Stratton, Harleston, Swaffham and Holme NOA
Hen Harrier, Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, at Titchwell RSPB
Bewick's Swans x 4 at Geldeston
Little Gull and Bitterns x 3 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 65, Barnacle Geese x 73, Short-eared Owl x 3, Taiga Bean Geese x 43 at Buckingham Marshes
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2, Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling
Common Cranes x 6 at Martham
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl x 3, Bittern at Chedgrave
Bittern and Slavonian Grebe at Holme
Waxwings at Long Stratton, Harleston, Swaffham and Holme NOA
Hen Harrier, Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, at Titchwell RSPB
Bewick's Swans x 4 at Geldeston
Little Gull and Bitterns x 3 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 65, Barnacle Geese x 73, Short-eared Owl x 3, Taiga Bean Geese x 43 at Buckingham Marshes
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2, Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling
Common Cranes x 6 at Martham
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl x 3, Bittern at Chedgrave
Bittern and Slavonian Grebe at Holme
Monday, 17 December 2012
Bird News etc!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Long Stratton, Cley and Titchwell, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Holme
Bewicks Swan, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 25, Long-tailed Duck x 8, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Barnacle Geese x 2 at Abbey Farm, Flitcham
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Bittern at Home
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Taiga Bean Geese x 59, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 60 at Buckingham Marshes
Bittern x 3, Water Pipit, Otter at Strumpshaw Fen
Short-eared Owl at Babingley
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Ruddy Shelduck at Chedgrave
Waxwings at Long Stratton, Cley and Titchwell, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Holme
Bewicks Swan, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 25, Long-tailed Duck x 8, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Barnacle Geese x 2 at Abbey Farm, Flitcham
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Bittern at Home
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Taiga Bean Geese x 59, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 60 at Buckingham Marshes
Bittern x 3, Water Pipit, Otter at Strumpshaw Fen
Short-eared Owl at Babingley
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Ruddy Shelduck at Chedgrave
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Heacham, Acle, Long Stratton
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Short-eared Owl x 7 at Haddiscoe
Black-throated Diver at Winterton
Hen Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forestry
Common Crane x 7 at Welney WWT
Taiga Bean Geese x 36 at Buckingham Marshes
Shorelark, Red-necked Grebe at Blakeney Point
Waxwings at Heacham, Acle, Long Stratton
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Short-eared Owl x 7 at Haddiscoe
Black-throated Diver at Winterton
Hen Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forestry
Common Crane x 7 at Welney WWT
Taiga Bean Geese x 36 at Buckingham Marshes
Shorelark, Red-necked Grebe at Blakeney Point
Stressful Day!
It was horrible being at work all day, knowing that my neighbour was in my garden cutting bits off this precarious tree!!! I can't really say too much on here at the moment, but all I will say is that he removed all of the tree, which was good in some ways and not in others – can't go into this at the moment.
I now have a smashed in greenhouse, 3 fence panels out into next door's, RSPB feeder poles bent into the ground and my central fence (other side) wobbly since he cut down the rest of the tree.
Also after another update from my insurance company I have discovered there is no point in having insurance at all!!!
I now have a smashed in greenhouse, 3 fence panels out into next door's, RSPB feeder poles bent into the ground and my central fence (other side) wobbly since he cut down the rest of the tree.
Also after another update from my insurance company I have discovered there is no point in having insurance at all!!!
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Crappy Day!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Titchwell, Holme, Heacham, Stiffkey, Norwich
Taiga Bean Geese x 40, Common Crane x 3 at Buckingham Marshes
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw
Common Crane x 7 at Welney WWT
Ring-necked Duck and Common Scoter at Whitlingham Country Park
Slavonian Grebe at Thorpe Broad, Norwich
Hawfinch x 4 at Lynford Arboretum
Hen Harrier, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck x 4 at Titchwell RSPB
Bewick's Swans x 2 at Geldeston
Hen Harrier x 7 at Wareham Greens
Black-throated Diver at Holme
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Friday, 14 December 2012
Another Christmas Party!
Don't book a christmas party at Leziate Sailing Club – the food was atrocious and the DJ was rubbish. The only good thing about the evening was spending time with my work colleagues and seeing everyone dressed up in all their finery. Gemma got gold star for the most enthusiastic party animal with Ragen coming a close second!!! You don't expect the finest cuisine at these mass christmas parties, BUT this was really bad – the roast potatoes were almost black and the potato was watery when you cut into them, the vege spinach tart I had was burnt and watery, it was completely and utterly tasteless. As I and others said, we couldn't believe they actually served this food up. The meat was the same and several of us asked for our meals to be replaced – which they did but with the same quality of food again!!! I will be writing to complain. I have never, ever moaned about a christmas party before in my life, but this food was completely unacceptable. There were several other companies there this evening and I quizzed other people in passing and they all felt the same. The vodka I was drinking at least had some flavour!!!
Thanks to Sarah's sister Claire for driving us there and to Ragen for safely taking us home.
Thanks to Sarah's sister Claire for driving us there and to Ragen for safely taking us home.
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Titchwell RSPB, Welney WWT, Thorpe St Andrew
Hen Harrier, Yellow-legged Gull, Jack Snipe, Bewick's Swan at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings at Titchwell RSPB, Welney WWT, Thorpe St Andrew
Hen Harrier, Yellow-legged Gull, Jack Snipe, Bewick's Swan at Titchwell RSPB
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER (probable) at Nar Millhouse at Narborough!
Is this the Thetford one, or another?!!!
Snow Bunting x 19 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Long-tailed Duck x 2 at Titchwell
Scaup at Wroxham Broad
Sacred Ibis, Scaup, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Cley
Ring-necked Duck at Whitlingham Country Park
Common Cranes x 54 at Horsey!!!
Hen Harrier at Choseley
Waxwings at Norwich, Surlingham, Longwater, Cley, Strumpshaw Fen
On the Narvos Website email link I received the following:
John Filowiat 4:08pm Dec 13
Dipper this morning at Narboro' mill
BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER (probable) at Nar Millhouse at Narborough!
Is this the Thetford one, or another?!!!
Snow Bunting x 19 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Long-tailed Duck x 2 at Titchwell
Scaup at Wroxham Broad
Sacred Ibis, Scaup, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Cley
Ring-necked Duck at Whitlingham Country Park
Common Cranes x 54 at Horsey!!!
Hen Harrier at Choseley
Waxwings at Norwich, Surlingham, Longwater, Cley, Strumpshaw Fen
On the Narvos Website email link I received the following:
John Filowiat 4:08pm Dec 13
Dipper this morning at Narboro' mill
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
A Sparkly Day!
Freezing fog and icy conditions created a magical scene today. It was so frosty it looked like it had snowed and it remained like this throughout the day! Frosty leaves and branches sparkled and glistened like jewels in this winter wonderland. I nipped out at lunchtime to take a few photos on the iphone. Sarah, Jules and I put the christmas tree up at work, so everything is looking quite festive now. Spent the evening in the hairdressers. Our second christmas party is this week which I am really looking forward to. Oh and my mother said she nearly cycled over a waxwing yesterday, which was drinking from a puddle on the road between Holme and Thornham!
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Hemsby, Welney WWT, Longwater, Titchwell, Breydon Water, Weybourne, Thorpe St Andrew, Wimbotsham
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Bewick's Swans x 14, Hen Harrier at Titchwell
Bewick's Swans x 5 at Breydon Water
Scaup and Whooper Swans x 7 at Cley
Bewick's Swans x 8, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Rockland Broad
Common Crane x 4, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and Marsh Harriers x 40 at Hickling Broad
Velvet Scoter at Sea Palling
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen
Taiga Beans Geese x 65 and Short-eared Owl at Buckingham Marshes
Waxwings at Hemsby, Welney WWT, Longwater, Titchwell, Breydon Water, Weybourne, Thorpe St Andrew, Wimbotsham
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Bewick's Swans x 14, Hen Harrier at Titchwell
Bewick's Swans x 5 at Breydon Water
Scaup and Whooper Swans x 7 at Cley
Bewick's Swans x 8, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Rockland Broad
Common Crane x 4, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and Marsh Harriers x 40 at Hickling Broad
Velvet Scoter at Sea Palling
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen
Taiga Beans Geese x 65 and Short-eared Owl at Buckingham Marshes
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Wiveton, Norwich, Longwater, Swannington, Haddiscoe, Welney WWT, Holme
Taiga Bean Geese x 32 at Buckingham Marshes
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw
Common Crane x 4 at Horsey
Richardson's Canada Goose at Blakeney and Cley
Little Auk at Cley
Waxwings at Wiveton, Norwich, Longwater, Swannington, Haddiscoe, Welney WWT, Holme
Taiga Bean Geese x 32 at Buckingham Marshes
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw
Common Crane x 4 at Horsey
Richardson's Canada Goose at Blakeney and Cley
Little Auk at Cley
Monday, 10 December 2012
Hot Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Terrington St John's and then flew west!
FRANKLIN'S GULL (yesterday morning) at Lessingham, but no sign today
Hen Harriers x 3 and Waxwings x 15 at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 12 at Wymondham
Ring-necked Duck at Whitlingham
Waxwings x 12 at Norwich
Also over the border a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL still at Aldeburgh, Suffolk
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Terrington St John's and then flew west!
FRANKLIN'S GULL (yesterday morning) at Lessingham, but no sign today
Hen Harriers x 3 and Waxwings x 15 at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 12 at Wymondham
Ring-necked Duck at Whitlingham
Waxwings x 12 at Norwich
Also over the border a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL still at Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Sheringham, Longwater, Surlingham, Holme, Titchwell, Hillington, Sheringham, Grimston Heath
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Ring-necked Duck at Whitlingham
Bewick's Swans at Ingoldisthorpe
Bewick's Swans at Old Catton
Velvet Scoter at Hemsby
Little Auk at Winterton
Firecrest at Surlingham
Little Gull, Twite x 3 at Holme
Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon
Little Gulls x 5, Velvet Scoter x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Eddie M. saw and photographed an Otter and two cubs by Walsey Hills – see HERE!!!
Also over the border a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL still at Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Worked a double shift today after very little sleep, as next door's dog was barking and howling from 6.30pm Saturday evening until 2.45am this morning!
Waxwings at Sheringham, Longwater, Surlingham, Holme, Titchwell, Hillington, Sheringham, Grimston Heath
American Wigeon at Bawburgh
Ring-necked Duck at Whitlingham
Bewick's Swans at Ingoldisthorpe
Bewick's Swans at Old Catton
Velvet Scoter at Hemsby
Little Auk at Winterton
Firecrest at Surlingham
Little Gull, Twite x 3 at Holme
Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon
Little Gulls x 5, Velvet Scoter x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Eddie M. saw and photographed an Otter and two cubs by Walsey Hills – see HERE!!!
Also over the border a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL still at Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Worked a double shift today after very little sleep, as next door's dog was barking and howling from 6.30pm Saturday evening until 2.45am this morning!
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Lunch at the Art Cafe!
Got up late this morning and then helped my parents with shopping. It was a beautiful sunny day and it's a pity I wasted it getting up late, but I was very tired and needed lots of sleep.
Cruised along the coast road to Cley. Popped into CleySpy who informed me that my Leica Trinovid 8x32 BN binoculars are currently being re-furbished to as new condition and will be with me shortly. Also Leica will not be charging me. That's pretty good considering some of the problems I have heard about people fighting to get their bins repaired under guarantee. I will probably be selling these binoculars when I get them back if anyone is interested.
I then met up with Pete S. for lunch in the Art Cafe, which is a few yards from CleySpy. We were lucky to get the last table. I had bubble and squeak burger with nut pate, red cabbage and walnuts, cous cous, salad etc and a brown roll. Pete was impressed with the food. I am always impressed with the high quality of food served here, it really is excellent.
Coastguards, Cley – a female stonechat was seen on the wire fence in the Eye Field and also a small flock of goldfinches. From North Hide there were a pair of colour-ringed Stonechats just in front of the hide. Little else of note really.
Walked along the East Bank alone in failing light. Big flock of starlings swirling round and a couple of marsh harriers.
Saw a woodcock on route to Holt. Went to Bakers and Larners and bought a few interesting vegetarian items and then drove home listening to Rita Ora's album.
X FACTOR FINAL
Thank goodness James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas are going through to the final! The X-Factor winner will be announced tomorrow night.
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Longwater, Fakenham, Cley, Glandford, Hemsby, Holme
Sooty Shearwater, Purple Sandpiper, Snow Bunting x 70 at Cley
Glaucous Gull at Sheringham
Bewick's Swans x 30 flew over Swaffham
Bearded Tit on cliff path at Weybourne
Lapland Bunting at Weybourne
Velvet Scoter x 10 at Waxham
Taiga Been Geese x 31 at Buckingham Marshes
Hen Harriers x 8 at Warham Greens
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon
Snow Buntings x 25 at Salthouse
Hen Harriers x 3, Little Gulls x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Scaup at Wroxham Broad
Also over the border a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL at Aldeburgh, Suffolk – see stunning pictures HERE
My mother saw 100+ Lapwing in the fields between Old Hunstanton and Holme this morning.
Cruised along the coast road to Cley. Popped into CleySpy who informed me that my Leica Trinovid 8x32 BN binoculars are currently being re-furbished to as new condition and will be with me shortly. Also Leica will not be charging me. That's pretty good considering some of the problems I have heard about people fighting to get their bins repaired under guarantee. I will probably be selling these binoculars when I get them back if anyone is interested.
I then met up with Pete S. for lunch in the Art Cafe, which is a few yards from CleySpy. We were lucky to get the last table. I had bubble and squeak burger with nut pate, red cabbage and walnuts, cous cous, salad etc and a brown roll. Pete was impressed with the food. I am always impressed with the high quality of food served here, it really is excellent.
Coastguards, Cley – a female stonechat was seen on the wire fence in the Eye Field and also a small flock of goldfinches. From North Hide there were a pair of colour-ringed Stonechats just in front of the hide. Little else of note really.
Walked along the East Bank alone in failing light. Big flock of starlings swirling round and a couple of marsh harriers.
Saw a woodcock on route to Holt. Went to Bakers and Larners and bought a few interesting vegetarian items and then drove home listening to Rita Ora's album.
X FACTOR FINAL
Thank goodness James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas are going through to the final! The X-Factor winner will be announced tomorrow night.
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Longwater, Fakenham, Cley, Glandford, Hemsby, Holme
Sooty Shearwater, Purple Sandpiper, Snow Bunting x 70 at Cley
Glaucous Gull at Sheringham
Bewick's Swans x 30 flew over Swaffham
Bearded Tit on cliff path at Weybourne
Lapland Bunting at Weybourne
Velvet Scoter x 10 at Waxham
Taiga Been Geese x 31 at Buckingham Marshes
Hen Harriers x 8 at Warham Greens
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon
Snow Buntings x 25 at Salthouse
Hen Harriers x 3, Little Gulls x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Scaup at Wroxham Broad
Also over the border a HORNEMANN'S ARCTIC REDPOLL at Aldeburgh, Suffolk – see stunning pictures HERE
My mother saw 100+ Lapwing in the fields between Old Hunstanton and Holme this morning.
Friday, 7 December 2012
Update and News!
I can't believe its December – where has the year disappeared to!!! I don't really like this time of year, especially January as I will be another year older. A very good old friend and past neighbour of mine said to me once 'the older you get, the quicker time goes' – how true is that!
The diet is going well since my lapse last Saturday, so should achieve some kind of loss on Tuesday evening!
It was snowing this morning when I woke up but quickly turned into lashing rain and wind for most of the day and it's horribly cold. Apparently we are going to have the hardest winter for over 100 years!!! That will be great with all the fuel bills going up and up and up!!!
Have not got a date for my operation yet – good!
Apologies for any unanswered emails lately – work and life has been exhausting recently!
I cooked a scrumptious Lentil Roast this evening which was so nice I might have to cook one for Christmas Day for mother and I.
Here is the recipe:
LENTIL ROAST
from the "The Complete Farmhouse Kitchen Cook Book" (from the Yorkshire TV Series)
225g Lentils
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Red Onions
1 large Cooking Apple
2 Large Tomatoes
50g Wholewheat Bread Crumbs
1 Egg
Salt and Pepper
1 teaspoon of Mixed Herbs or Sage
The diet is going well since my lapse last Saturday, so should achieve some kind of loss on Tuesday evening!
It was snowing this morning when I woke up but quickly turned into lashing rain and wind for most of the day and it's horribly cold. Apparently we are going to have the hardest winter for over 100 years!!! That will be great with all the fuel bills going up and up and up!!!
Have not got a date for my operation yet – good!
Apologies for any unanswered emails lately – work and life has been exhausting recently!
I cooked a scrumptious Lentil Roast this evening which was so nice I might have to cook one for Christmas Day for mother and I.
Here is the recipe:
LENTIL ROAST
from the "The Complete Farmhouse Kitchen Cook Book" (from the Yorkshire TV Series)
225g Lentils
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Red Onions
1 large Cooking Apple
2 Large Tomatoes
50g Wholewheat Bread Crumbs
1 Egg
Salt and Pepper
1 teaspoon of Mixed Herbs or Sage
- Soak lentils overnight.
- Cook lentils in same water until soft and beat smooth.
- Heat oil in pan and fry onions until soft.
- Finely slice apple and skin and chop tomatoes and add to onion and fry until soft.
- Add to lentils with bread crumbs, beaten egg, herbs and seasoning.
- Press into greased loaf tin and cover.
- Bake at 190˚C for 50 minutes.
Welney WWT opening at 7am tomorrow!
WWT Welney Wetland Centre open from
7.00am this Saturday 8th & Monday 10th December.
"Witness swan-filled skies as over 2,300 swans roosting next to the centre get ready to fly out to the fields just after dawn.
With good weather predicted for the weekend WWT Welney will be opening early to allow people to enjoy this spectacle from the high vantage point and comfort of the Wigeon cafe.
Normal admission applies, refreshments will be available for people to purchase throughout the morning and the main observatory will be open early too so that the morning feed can be watched as well (this is not normally available to the public)."
7.00am this Saturday 8th & Monday 10th December.
"Witness swan-filled skies as over 2,300 swans roosting next to the centre get ready to fly out to the fields just after dawn.
With good weather predicted for the weekend WWT Welney will be opening early to allow people to enjoy this spectacle from the high vantage point and comfort of the Wigeon cafe.
Normal admission applies, refreshments will be available for people to purchase throughout the morning and the main observatory will be open early too so that the morning feed can be watched as well (this is not normally available to the public)."
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings x 34 at Longwater and 3 at Surlingham
Snow Buntings x 14 at Cley
That is it for birds reported today!
Waxwings x 34 at Longwater and 3 at Surlingham
Snow Buntings x 14 at Cley
That is it for birds reported today!
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER remains at Thetford!
Ross's Goose at Berney Marshes
Waxwings at Surlingham, Terrington Marsh, Norwich, Snettisham, Overstrand, Swaffham,
Common Crane x 6 at Waxham
Velvet Scoter at Cley
Bewick's Swans x 11 flew over the QEH at King's Lynn (wasn't me who saw them!)
Snow Bunting x 12, Velvet Scoter x 11 at Titchwell RSPB
Bewick's Swans x 60 flew over Norwich
Taiga Bean Geese x 65, Water Pipit at Buckingham Marshes
Bewick's Swans x 120 flew over Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Ross's Goose at Haddiscoe
Snow Bunting at Holme
Main Highlights in Norfolk on Wednesday – RBA
Waxwings at Norwich, Thorpe St. Andrew, Taverham, Longwater, Titchwell RSPB, Overstrand
Taiga Bean Geese x 50 at Buckingham Marshes
Rough-legged Buzzard at Langham
Richardson's Canada Goose at Cley
Pom. Skua, Black-throated Diver at Cley
Barnacle Goose x 2, Pink-footed Geese x 2000 at Holkham
Swallow at East Runton (must be the latest record surely?)
Great Northern Diver x 3 at Caister-on-Sea
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Bird News!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Holme, Titchwell, Little Plumstead, Thornage, Norwich, Rockland Broad and Taverham
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Holme
Taiga Bean Goose x 53 at Buckenham Marshes
Hen Harrier x 2 at Titchwell
Pom. Skua at Hopton-on-Sea
Richardson's Canada Goose at Cley
Waxwings at Holme, Titchwell, Little Plumstead, Thornage, Norwich, Rockland Broad and Taverham
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Holme
Taiga Bean Goose x 53 at Buckenham Marshes
Hen Harrier x 2 at Titchwell
Pom. Skua at Hopton-on-Sea
Richardson's Canada Goose at Cley
WEIGHTWATCHERS
WEEK THREE
Gained 1.5 lbs today. Total loss so far 5.5lbs.
My drinking/dancing extravenganza on Saturday evening completely blew the diet. Isn't it amazing how just one night can ruin six days of hard work! Half a glass of brandy, several vodka smirnoff ice's and WKD's later, followed by a nut cutlet and 3 pototo waffles under the grill at 3am has blown my whole week! All I can say is that its a good job I don't socialise or drink at all normally! Back to the drawing board. Keep Calm and Carry On! Just to summarize my night out: pulled ligaments in ankle, pulled muscle in my shoulder, cost me my shift on Sunday afternoon and ruined the diet! A costly night out indeed! Lessons to be learn't Penelope!
Gained 1.5 lbs today. Total loss so far 5.5lbs.
My drinking/dancing extravenganza on Saturday evening completely blew the diet. Isn't it amazing how just one night can ruin six days of hard work! Half a glass of brandy, several vodka smirnoff ice's and WKD's later, followed by a nut cutlet and 3 pototo waffles under the grill at 3am has blown my whole week! All I can say is that its a good job I don't socialise or drink at all normally! Back to the drawing board. Keep Calm and Carry On! Just to summarize my night out: pulled ligaments in ankle, pulled muscle in my shoulder, cost me my shift on Sunday afternoon and ruined the diet! A costly night out indeed! Lessons to be learn't Penelope!
Monday, 3 December 2012
Bird News
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Smallburgh, Norwich, Snettisham, Holme, Kelling, Taverham, Cromer, Longwater and Stalham
Lapland Bunting x 7 at Holkham
Hawfinch and Crossbill at Lynford Aboretum
Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter x 3, Snowbunting x 12 at Holme
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell
Hen Harriers at Roydon
Richardson's Canada Goose at Cley
Jack Snipe x 2 at Salthouse
Short-eared Owl at Titchwell
Waxwings at Smallburgh, Norwich, Snettisham, Holme, Kelling, Taverham, Cromer, Longwater and Stalham
Lapland Bunting x 7 at Holkham
Hawfinch and Crossbill at Lynford Aboretum
Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter x 3, Snowbunting x 12 at Holme
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell
Hen Harriers at Roydon
Richardson's Canada Goose at Cley
Jack Snipe x 2 at Salthouse
Short-eared Owl at Titchwell
Aches and Pains!
I am paying dearly for my crazy night out. Can't look over my left shoulder, can't lift my left arm and I am hobbling on my left foot. Apart from that, everything else is fine!!! I got ticked off from some of my work colleagues for walking home alone at 3am and I still can't believe I did that, but I did and I am still here!
Popped into HMV when I left off work to buy Tulisa's new album out today 'The female boss' and Rita Ora's album 'Ora'. Watched the Royal Variety Performance's 100th Anniversary which was brilliantly presented by David Walliams. Hot news – Kate and William are expecting!
Popped into HMV when I left off work to buy Tulisa's new album out today 'The female boss' and Rita Ora's album 'Ora'. Watched the Royal Variety Performance's 100th Anniversary which was brilliantly presented by David Walliams. Hot news – Kate and William are expecting!
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Late Start to the Day!
I woke up ridiculously late and sat with my injured ankle on a bag of peas to reduce the swelling and pain. I was so lazy and was still in my dressing gown by mid afternoon! I then made another stupid decision as I decided I wanted some air. I drove to Titchwell RSPB. It was painful to change gear with my sore shoulder and it was painful to walk. I hobbled along the main path at Titchwell for a short distance. No sympathy from anyone please, all my own doing!
Birds seen at Titchwell were: a treecreeper on the willow tree at the start of the main path, a water rail by Island Hide, loads of golden plover, teal, shoveler, pintail, 2 avocets, little egrets, 1 snipe etc. 4 marsh harriers were gliding over the reed beds in the setting sun, west of the main path. By the Fen Hide I watched another 5 marsh harriers and 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier and also another water rail. Popped into my parents briefly on the way home.
Watched X-Factor – I can't believe that Chris Maloney is still in and also in the bl**dy finale next week! Yes he can sing, but he hasn't got the passion, soul or 'oomph' of James or Jahmene. James Arthur to win PLEASE!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Titchwell, Holme, Walpole Highway, Sheringham, Fakenham, Thetford, Acle, Taverham, Castle Acre, Ranworth, Letheringsett
Shorelark at Morston
SURF SCOTER at Weybourne
Snow Buntings x 8 at Horsey
Richardson's Canada Goose, Walsey Hills, Salthouse
Hen Harrier at Cley
Short-eared Owl, Snow Buntings x 9 at Winterton
Velvet Scoter at Overstrand
Taiga Bean Goose x 35 at Buckingham
Velvet Scoter x 3, Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling
Snow Bunting x 41 at Caister-on-Sea
Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe
Hen Harrier x 3 and a Swallow! at Roydon
Birds seen at Titchwell were: a treecreeper on the willow tree at the start of the main path, a water rail by Island Hide, loads of golden plover, teal, shoveler, pintail, 2 avocets, little egrets, 1 snipe etc. 4 marsh harriers were gliding over the reed beds in the setting sun, west of the main path. By the Fen Hide I watched another 5 marsh harriers and 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier and also another water rail. Popped into my parents briefly on the way home.
Watched X-Factor – I can't believe that Chris Maloney is still in and also in the bl**dy finale next week! Yes he can sing, but he hasn't got the passion, soul or 'oomph' of James or Jahmene. James Arthur to win PLEASE!
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings at Titchwell, Holme, Walpole Highway, Sheringham, Fakenham, Thetford, Acle, Taverham, Castle Acre, Ranworth, Letheringsett
Shorelark at Morston
SURF SCOTER at Weybourne
Snow Buntings x 8 at Horsey
Richardson's Canada Goose, Walsey Hills, Salthouse
Hen Harrier at Cley
Short-eared Owl, Snow Buntings x 9 at Winterton
Velvet Scoter at Overstrand
Taiga Bean Goose x 35 at Buckingham
Velvet Scoter x 3, Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling
Snow Bunting x 41 at Caister-on-Sea
Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe
Hen Harrier x 3 and a Swallow! at Roydon
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Christmas Party!
A young lady at work organised a huge party for all of Rehabilitation Services which consists of all Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Therapy Assistants and office staff. The Christmas party was held as a private function at the Linnet Lounge, which is at the football club in King's Lynn. I love to dance with a passion and I had planned for a long night ahead! I don't drink as a rule, but make the exception at some Christmas Parties! It was great seeing everyone dressed up in their finest attire and having a good time. Black-eyed Peas 'Don't Stop the Party' got me spinning on the dance floor. Lots of vodka was consumed and more! There were around 75 of us, not too bad a turn out really. There was a raffle at 9pm and I actually won a prize! I had a taxi booked at 11.45pm and then went on to Kudos, a club in town with Sarah, Claire, Jules, Suzi, Cilla, Amy, Phil, Becs and others. I had obviously consumed too much vodka, as I fell over when I was dancing. The energetic way that I dance, combined with alcohol doesn't really mix! I can't remember how I fell exactly, or getting up again, but I found out later that I had injured my ankle! Apart from Amy, most of the youngsters had left by 1.30am(ish). I continued dancing until 2.45am – not too bad for an oldie! No stamina these youngsters!!! I had booked a taxi earlier to pick me up at 3am, but when I went outside at 2.45am to ring the taxi firm to say I was ready, they said they hadn't been able to hear where I wanted picking up from! No problem I decided, as there were about five taxis waiting to take my money. As I walked along to select a taxi, I did something absolutely crazy – I decided not to part with any money and proceeded to walk two miles home! I only had a short jacket on and it was freezing cold and very frosty. I would never, ever take the risk of walking home alone at 3am, but I did today. I power walked/ran home and I couldn't believe how quickly I got back. As I put the key in the front door, I was still asking myself why I had made that crazy decision! My ankle was killing me from when I fell earlier and then I slipped on the stairs later on and as I tried to stop myself falling, I pulled a muscle in my shoulder!!! Lessons to be learn't here – don't drink and party 'til dawn!!! But it was worth it as I have not partied for a long, long time and I had had a wicked night out.
Bird News
Main Highlights in Norfolk – RBA
Waxwings x 2 at Blakeney
Slavonian Grebe x 6, Shag, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Waxwing at Titchwell
Waxwings x 12 at Holkham
Waxwing at Salthouse
Waxwings x 6 at Stiffkey
Waxwings x 4 at Hethersett
Waxwings x 8 at Haddiscoe
Waxwings x 2 at Cley
Little Auk, 2 Velvet Scoters, Waxwings x 2 at Holme
I got up very late today and had to do lots of jobs and also preparing for our first Christmas Work's Party! So no birding today.
Waxwings x 2 at Blakeney
Slavonian Grebe x 6, Shag, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Waxwing at Titchwell
Waxwings x 12 at Holkham
Waxwing at Salthouse
Waxwings x 6 at Stiffkey
Waxwings x 4 at Hethersett
Waxwings x 8 at Haddiscoe
Waxwings x 2 at Cley
Little Auk, 2 Velvet Scoters, Waxwings x 2 at Holme
I got up very late today and had to do lots of jobs and also preparing for our first Christmas Work's Party! So no birding today.
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