Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
PARROT CROSSBILL at Aylmerton
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Norwich
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15 at Edgefield
MEGA! WHITE WINGED SCOTER Female (possible), Velvet Scoters x 25 at Titchwell RSPB
Iceland Gull at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Waxwing at Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Waveney Forest
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Friday, 28 February 2014
Northern Lights at Cley!
Thursday, 27 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Mealy Redpoll, Lesser Redpolls x 16 at Dereham
Waxwing at Norwich
Great White Egret (yesterday) at Upton Marshes
Firecrest in South Dunes at Winterton
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 6 at Edgefield
AURORA BOREALIS visible this evening
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Mealy Redpoll, Lesser Redpolls x 16 at Dereham
Waxwing at Norwich
Great White Egret (yesterday) at Upton Marshes
Firecrest in South Dunes at Winterton
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 6 at Edgefield
AURORA BOREALIS visible this evening
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Northern Lights illuminate the UK!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26378027
In Norfolk: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=716403895060121&set=a.295911613776020.76719.100000715513337&type=1&theater
On the Eastern Daily Press Website HERE
Even if I wanted to go out and look, I wouldn't be able to, furious to see that one of my neighbours has blocked me in – fuming!
Asked neighbour to move his car and whizzed off to the coast. Crazy I know, but I just had to go! I arrived at Cley at just after 1am and parked up at Coastguards – I stayed until 3am, but very sadly I was too late. All black skies, missed it all. Really annoyed as I didn't know the Northern Lights would be on show this evening until it was too late. No one I know phoned or texted me either – chance in a lifetime, gone.
There are some unbelievable pictures taken at Cley this evening.
In Norfolk: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=716403895060121&set=a.295911613776020.76719.100000715513337&type=1&theater
On the Eastern Daily Press Website HERE
Even if I wanted to go out and look, I wouldn't be able to, furious to see that one of my neighbours has blocked me in – fuming!
Asked neighbour to move his car and whizzed off to the coast. Crazy I know, but I just had to go! I arrived at Cley at just after 1am and parked up at Coastguards – I stayed until 3am, but very sadly I was too late. All black skies, missed it all. Really annoyed as I didn't know the Northern Lights would be on show this evening until it was too late. No one I know phoned or texted me either – chance in a lifetime, gone.
There are some unbelievable pictures taken at Cley this evening.
SWAROVSKI OPTIK Digiscoping Adapter PA-i5
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This product will be available at authorized dealers starting on 1st March, 2014
http://www.swarovskioptik.com/nature/binocular-accessories-c210401/phone-adapter-cl-companion-p5101641
This product will be available at authorized dealers starting on 1st March, 2014
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Firecrest in South Dunes, Snow Buntings x 70 in North Beach, Winterton
Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Mealy Redpolls x 7 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Common Cranes x 8 at Welney WWT
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at UEA, Norwich
Common Cranes x 2 at Acle
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery
Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Scaup, Velvet Scoters x 10 at Titchwell RSPB
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 5 at Edgefield
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey Mill
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Firecrest in South Dunes, Snow Buntings x 70 in North Beach, Winterton
Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Mealy Redpolls x 7 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Common Cranes x 8 at Welney WWT
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at UEA, Norwich
Common Cranes x 2 at Acle
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery
Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Scaup, Velvet Scoters x 10 at Titchwell RSPB
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 5 at Edgefield
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey Mill
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 2 at Acle
Mealy Redpolls x 3 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Waxwing at Norwich
Little Gulls x 3 at Hemsby
Twite x 5, Bewick's Swans x 15, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Snow Buntings x 44 at Holme
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe at Blakeney Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILL at Waveney Forest
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 8 at Edgefield
Scaup (yesterday) at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Common Cranes x 2 at Acle
Mealy Redpolls x 3 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Waxwing at Norwich
Little Gulls x 3 at Hemsby
Twite x 5, Bewick's Swans x 15, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Snow Buntings x 44 at Holme
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe at Blakeney Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILL at Waveney Forest
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 8 at Edgefield
Scaup (yesterday) at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Monday, 24 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Mealy Redpolls x 3 at UEA, Norwich
Woodlarks, Crossbills x 18 at Sidestrand
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 9 at Waveney Forest
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15, Crossbills x 22 at Edgefield
PARROT CROSSBILL at Holt Country Park
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT
Snow Buntings x 4 at Holme
Willow Warbler reported at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Mealy Redpolls x 3 at UEA, Norwich
Woodlarks, Crossbills x 18 at Sidestrand
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 9 at Waveney Forest
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15, Crossbills x 22 at Edgefield
PARROT CROSSBILL at Holt Country Park
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT
Snow Buntings x 4 at Holme
Willow Warbler reported at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Sunday, 23 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13, Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham
Snow Buntings x 35, Long-tailed Duck at Holme
Common Cranes x 4 at Horsey Mill
Waxwing at Norwich
Black Brant at Cockthorpe
Black-throated Divers x 4, Great Northern Divers x 4, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16, Crossbills x 6 at Edgefield
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13, Rough-legged Buzzard at Waveney Forest
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham
Snow Buntings x 35, Long-tailed Duck at Holme
Common Cranes x 4 at Horsey Mill
Waxwing at Norwich
Black Brant at Cockthorpe
Black-throated Divers x 4, Great Northern Divers x 4, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16, Crossbills x 6 at Edgefield
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Comments on My Blog
I have always allowed comments to be published on my blog without checking them first, but sadly because of an increased amount of crappy, inappropriate comments, which have nothing to do with my posting whatsoever, I have to change this. Unfortunately because of the huge number of views my blog has daily, sad individuals see this blog as an effective way of advertising their dodgy websites. Well – NO MORE!!!! I have changed comments in my settings so that I can check them out first, before they are published. This is a pain in the backside for those of you that want to comment, as you will now have to type those stupid letters and numbers into the box to prove you are 'not a robot' as it says! Sorry about this, but I have no choice.
Tony Robinson Walks The North Norfolk Coast!
Shown on Channel 4 last night (Saturday), but I missed it, so if you did too, here it is the link:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/walking-through-history/4od#3657128
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/walking-through-history/4od#3657128
Simon King Introduces Birdfair 2014!
Date for your diary:
For anyone who hasn't been to the Rutland Bird Fair, here is a summary of events from Simon King:
15th, 16th & 17th August 2014
For anyone who hasn't been to the Rutland Bird Fair, here is a summary of events from Simon King:
Saturday, 22 February 2014
Titchwell RSPB
Up late because of last's night's celebrations, so didn't get out of the house early, which was a pity as it was a gloriously sunny day. Can't burn the candle at both ends at my age!!! Oh well, at least next weekend I'm not working and there are no social events, so no excuse to get out!
To be honest I didn't see that much anyway – too late in the day. Stayed local and went to Titchwell RSPB. Good numbers of Avocets – at least 50+ when I attempted to count them. At least three Cettis Warblers were heard singing which was nice and also four Pintail along with the usual waders. From the Fen Hide I saw a Bittern flying across the reed bed and four Marsh Harriers in the roost. A snipe was feeding on the pool edge and a blackbird was gathering nesting material! Along the Fen Hide path I saw both Great and Blue Tits, Robin, Hedgesparrow and also Moorhens paddling in a small pool in a clearing.
Visited parents on the way home and went to buy mother some sticks from the farm along the Ringstead Road, though I see that it's up for sale, so the cheap sack of sticks for £2.50 will be no more soon! Will need to find a new supplier. Mother said she had seen a bumble bee today.
I really need to go and see this Rough-legged Buzzard which is being seen at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn, but unbelievably I don't actually know where Ongar Hill is, so need to this find out!
At work all day on Sunday.
To be honest I didn't see that much anyway – too late in the day. Stayed local and went to Titchwell RSPB. Good numbers of Avocets – at least 50+ when I attempted to count them. At least three Cettis Warblers were heard singing which was nice and also four Pintail along with the usual waders. From the Fen Hide I saw a Bittern flying across the reed bed and four Marsh Harriers in the roost. A snipe was feeding on the pool edge and a blackbird was gathering nesting material! Along the Fen Hide path I saw both Great and Blue Tits, Robin, Hedgesparrow and also Moorhens paddling in a small pool in a clearing.
Visited parents on the way home and went to buy mother some sticks from the farm along the Ringstead Road, though I see that it's up for sale, so the cheap sack of sticks for £2.50 will be no more soon! Will need to find a new supplier. Mother said she had seen a bumble bee today.
I really need to go and see this Rough-legged Buzzard which is being seen at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn, but unbelievably I don't actually know where Ongar Hill is, so need to this find out!
At work all day on Sunday.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Snow Buntings x 50, Twite x 10 at Holme
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Wimberley Park Lake
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 18, Crossbills x 9, Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Waveney Forest
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Divers x 9, Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Slavonian Grebe, Black Brant at Blakeney Harbour
Black-throated Diver at Martham Broad
Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier, Twite x 9 at Thornham Harbour
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Velvet Scoters x 39, Common Scoters x 2000, Water Pipit, Scaup, Snow Bunting, Bittern at Titchwell RSPB
Mealy Redpolls x 8 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Snow Buntings x 100 at North Dunes, Winterton
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Mealy Redpoll at UEA, Norwich
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16, Crossbills x 6 at Edgefield
Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Rough-legged Buzzard at Scolt Head Island
Black Brant, Brent Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 170 at Wells Harbour
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Snow Buntings x 50, Twite x 10 at Holme
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Wimberley Park Lake
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 18, Crossbills x 9, Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Waveney Forest
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Divers x 9, Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Slavonian Grebe, Black Brant at Blakeney Harbour
Black-throated Diver at Martham Broad
Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier, Twite x 9 at Thornham Harbour
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Velvet Scoters x 39, Common Scoters x 2000, Water Pipit, Scaup, Snow Bunting, Bittern at Titchwell RSPB
Mealy Redpolls x 8 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Snow Buntings x 100 at North Dunes, Winterton
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Mealy Redpoll at UEA, Norwich
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16, Crossbills x 6 at Edgefield
Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Rough-legged Buzzard at Scolt Head Island
Black Brant, Brent Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 170 at Wells Harbour
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Friday, 21 February 2014
Rachael's Leaving Party!
Rachael is an Occupational Therapist in our team and is leaving on Monday to return to Ireland. The leaving celebrations started with her being thrown in the pool, fully clothed at the end of the day, which of course she wasn't expecting!!!
Dinner at the Dukes Head Hotel, King's Lynn for around twenty people, which was very nice and then onto Kudos in town for some serious dancing and drinking for some of us. I decided to be sensible and drive. Rachael, Cilla, Matt, Hilary, Sarah, Luc, Scott and I had a cracking night. Five of us left in the end and we all left at 1am.
She's a big character and will be very much missed by our team – we know she will come back to visit though.
VIDEO AND PICTURES TO BE ADDED
Dinner at the Dukes Head Hotel, King's Lynn for around twenty people, which was very nice and then onto Kudos in town for some serious dancing and drinking for some of us. I decided to be sensible and drive. Rachael, Cilla, Matt, Hilary, Sarah, Luc, Scott and I had a cracking night. Five of us left in the end and we all left at 1am.
She's a big character and will be very much missed by our team – we know she will come back to visit though.
VIDEO AND PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Black-throated Diver at Martham Broad
Waxwing at Norwich
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16 at Edgefield
Black-throated Divers x 4, Great Northern Divers x 5, Long-tailed Duck at Blakeney Harbour
Hen Harrier at Thornham
Hawfinch, Firecrest, Crossbills x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Lynn Point, King's Lynn
Shorelarks x 3 at Blakeney Point
Crossbill at Holme Dunes
Crossbills x 5 at Waveney Forest
Snow Buntings x 6 at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Black-throated Diver at Martham Broad
Waxwing at Norwich
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16 at Edgefield
Black-throated Divers x 4, Great Northern Divers x 5, Long-tailed Duck at Blakeney Harbour
Hen Harrier at Thornham
Hawfinch, Firecrest, Crossbills x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Lynn Point, King's Lynn
Shorelarks x 3 at Blakeney Point
Crossbill at Holme Dunes
Crossbills x 5 at Waveney Forest
Snow Buntings x 6 at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Thursday, 20 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spotted Redshank, Snow Buntings x 3 at Burgh Castle
Mealy Redpoll, Greenland Redpoll (possible) at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Wells
Waxwing at Norwich
Scaup, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Snow Buntings x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harriers x 2 at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard, Twite x 12 at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Great Northern Divers x 3, Slavonian Grebe at Morston
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16 at Edgefield
Black-throated Divers x 3 at Blakeney Harbour
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Spotted Redshank, Snow Buntings x 3 at Burgh Castle
Mealy Redpoll, Greenland Redpoll (possible) at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Wells
Waxwing at Norwich
Scaup, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Snow Buntings x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harriers x 2 at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard, Twite x 12 at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Great Northern Divers x 3, Slavonian Grebe at Morston
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16 at Edgefield
Black-throated Divers x 3 at Blakeney Harbour
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier, Twite x 7 at Thornham Harbour
Velvet Scoters x 15, Common Scoters x 5,500, Black Brant, Scaup at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Norwich
Great White Egret, Hen Harrier at Horsey
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15, Crossbills x 7 at Edgefield
Glossy Ibis, Black-throated Diver, Water Pipit at Martham
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Great Northern Divers x 4 at Morston
Twite x 5 at Stiffkey
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Snow Buntings x 19, Black Brant at Burnham Overy Staithe
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 8, Crossbills x 8 at Waveney Forest
Snow Buntings x 6, Crossbills x 2 at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – remains at County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Hen Harrier, Twite x 7 at Thornham Harbour
Velvet Scoters x 15, Common Scoters x 5,500, Black Brant, Scaup at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Norwich
Great White Egret, Hen Harrier at Horsey
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15, Crossbills x 7 at Edgefield
Glossy Ibis, Black-throated Diver, Water Pipit at Martham
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Great Northern Divers x 4 at Morston
Twite x 5 at Stiffkey
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier, Snow Buntings x 19, Black Brant at Burnham Overy Staithe
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 8, Crossbills x 8 at Waveney Forest
Snow Buntings x 6, Crossbills x 2 at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – remains at County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
HAPPY!!!
I JUST LOVE THIS TUNE!!!
SLIMMING WORLD
I lost another 1lb at Slimming World tonight and also won a raffle prize! Cooked Country Vegetable Soup and Lentil Shepherd's Pie – scrumptious! This is the easiest diet ever, shouldn't have any problems in trimming down this year at all.
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Twite x 8, Black Brant, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
Waxwing at Norwich
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey Fen
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Mealy Redpolls x 6 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford Shorelark at Great Yarmouth
Scaup, Velvet Scoters x 4, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 12 at Edgefield
Hen Harrier at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Twite x 8, Black Brant, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
Waxwing at Norwich
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey Fen
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Ongar Hill, King's Lynn
Mealy Redpolls x 6 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford Shorelark at Great Yarmouth
Scaup, Velvet Scoters x 4, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 12 at Edgefield
Hen Harrier at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Monday, 17 February 2014
Birding Couple from Sheringham Who Survivived the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Disaster!
Dr Moss Taylor and Robina Churchyard voice their concerns HERE
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Twite x 8 at Thornham Harbour
Mealy Redpolls x 6 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Twite (yesterday) at Stiffkey Fen
Rough-legged Buzzard, Crossbills x 14 at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15 at Edgefield
Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Old Hunstanton
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad
Waxwing at Norwich
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at UEA, Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe
Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moore Nature Reserve
Twite x 3 at Titchwell RSPB
Shorelark at Great Yarmouth
Snow Buntings x 60, Long-tailed Ducks x 5, Velvet Scoters x 5 at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – NO SIGN, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Twite x 8 at Thornham Harbour
Mealy Redpolls x 6 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Twite (yesterday) at Stiffkey Fen
Rough-legged Buzzard, Crossbills x 14 at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 15 at Edgefield
Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Old Hunstanton
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad
Waxwing at Norwich
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at UEA, Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe
Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moore Nature Reserve
Twite x 3 at Titchwell RSPB
Shorelark at Great Yarmouth
Snow Buntings x 60, Long-tailed Ducks x 5, Velvet Scoters x 5 at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – NO SIGN, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Holme Birding!
Don't get excited, I wasn't out for long!!! I have been at work for most of the day, but we finished earlier than expected at 3pm. So – I whizzed home, changed, and with birding gear in boot, cruised to Holme.
I haven't been to Holme Marsh Reserve for quite awhile, so was really looked forward to my mini birding excursion here. The track to the small carpark was an absolute mud bath. From the carpark, I saw a Barn Owl flying along the public footpath. It was around 4.20pm when I arrived and it was still beautifully sunny. It's so wonderful to see the evenings getting lighter.
As I walked along the path to the hides I could see several moorhens, coots and mallards in the small pools just before the kissing gate. I sat in the first hide and waited patiently for something exciting to appear, but it was a bit late in the day now for anything. A Grey Heron flew over Holme marsh. Mute Swan on the pool, Mallards, a Wren, Blackbird and that was about it!
The second hide was slightly more productive with 2 Little Grebes who seemed to be diving simultaneously, 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 boxing hares! I returned to the first hide for a short while where I met and chatted with another birder. It was freezing cold, once the sun had set – walked back to my car.
Went to visit my parents briefly. Mother told me about a lovely little incident she had been lucky enough to witness this morning: a hedgesparrow was sitting on the kitchen window ledge, looking into the glass, singing and serenading itself for ages!
I haven't been to Holme Marsh Reserve for quite awhile, so was really looked forward to my mini birding excursion here. The track to the small carpark was an absolute mud bath. From the carpark, I saw a Barn Owl flying along the public footpath. It was around 4.20pm when I arrived and it was still beautifully sunny. It's so wonderful to see the evenings getting lighter.
As I walked along the path to the hides I could see several moorhens, coots and mallards in the small pools just before the kissing gate. I sat in the first hide and waited patiently for something exciting to appear, but it was a bit late in the day now for anything. A Grey Heron flew over Holme marsh. Mute Swan on the pool, Mallards, a Wren, Blackbird and that was about it!
The second hide was slightly more productive with 2 Little Grebes who seemed to be diving simultaneously, 2 Marsh Harriers and 2 boxing hares! I returned to the first hide for a short while where I met and chatted with another birder. It was freezing cold, once the sun had set – walked back to my car.
Went to visit my parents briefly. Mother told me about a lovely little incident she had been lucky enough to witness this morning: a hedgesparrow was sitting on the kitchen window ledge, looking into the glass, singing and serenading itself for ages!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Waxwing at Norwich
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Short-eared Owls x 3, Bewick's Swans x 36, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water
Hooded Crow at Horsey
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Glaucous Gull at Blakeney Point
Snow Buntings x 80 at North Beach, Winterton
Firecrest at Winterton Dunes
Glossy Ibis at Martham
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 2 at Edgefield
Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank at Burgh Castle
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Velvet Scoters x 36, Common Scoters x 6,500, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Waxwing at Norwich
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Short-eared Owls x 3, Bewick's Swans x 36, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water
Hooded Crow at Horsey
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Glaucous Gull at Blakeney Point
Snow Buntings x 80 at North Beach, Winterton
Firecrest at Winterton Dunes
Glossy Ibis at Martham
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 2 at Edgefield
Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank at Burgh Castle
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Velvet Scoters x 36, Common Scoters x 6,500, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Saturday, 15 February 2014
Cley Birding & Birthday Lunch!
It was still quite windy this morning, but it was nowhere near as strong as it was last night!
Lunch at The Three Swallows pub in Cley with a few birders to celebrate Eddie's birthday (this Monday) which was very nice. No sign of the Glossy Ibis with the curlew in the flooded field near the pub, when I cruised past. An ivy covered tree had fallen across one of the roads in Cley.
Went to the Cley NWT Visitor Centre to collect three fabulous photographs of Richard Richardson that a VERY kind birder had left for me – thank you so much! Had a brief chat with Pat and then went to Coastguards.
Pete S. was seawatching outside the shelter. I ducked down and sat inside and found that it was really quite cosy in here and sheltered from the wind. Kneeling or sitting on the now raised shingle provides better views of the sea than there was before! Only works if you are under 6ft though! We saw 6 Fulmars going both east and west, Great Crested Grebe, Guillemot, several Cormorants and an auk sp.
Went to the Cley VC for a pot of tea and then went to Bishop's Hide. Big flock of Lapwing and Golden Plover, at least 8 Dunlin, a few Shelducks and 2 Marsh Harriers. We were then treated to a Merlin, which flew low over the pool west and scattered most of the birds. Pete then went home.
I parked the car in the East Bank carpark and walked along the East Bank and back again. The huge reed clumps from the storm surge are still strewn along the path. Spitting with rain and light disappearing fast at 5.20pm. Saw 4 Marsh Harriers over Arnold's Marsh and 5 Little Egrets flying to roost, that was about it.
Lunch at The Three Swallows pub in Cley with a few birders to celebrate Eddie's birthday (this Monday) which was very nice. No sign of the Glossy Ibis with the curlew in the flooded field near the pub, when I cruised past. An ivy covered tree had fallen across one of the roads in Cley.
Went to the Cley NWT Visitor Centre to collect three fabulous photographs of Richard Richardson that a VERY kind birder had left for me – thank you so much! Had a brief chat with Pat and then went to Coastguards.
Pete S. was seawatching outside the shelter. I ducked down and sat inside and found that it was really quite cosy in here and sheltered from the wind. Kneeling or sitting on the now raised shingle provides better views of the sea than there was before! Only works if you are under 6ft though! We saw 6 Fulmars going both east and west, Great Crested Grebe, Guillemot, several Cormorants and an auk sp.
Went to the Cley VC for a pot of tea and then went to Bishop's Hide. Big flock of Lapwing and Golden Plover, at least 8 Dunlin, a few Shelducks and 2 Marsh Harriers. We were then treated to a Merlin, which flew low over the pool west and scattered most of the birds. Pete then went home.
I parked the car in the East Bank carpark and walked along the East Bank and back again. The huge reed clumps from the storm surge are still strewn along the path. Spitting with rain and light disappearing fast at 5.20pm. Saw 4 Marsh Harriers over Arnold's Marsh and 5 Little Egrets flying to roost, that was about it.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Little Auk at Hemsby
Waxwing at Norwich
Waxwings x 35 at Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich
Little Gull, Spotted Redshanks x 5, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Other News
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT at Leiston, Suffolk!
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Little Auk at Hemsby
Waxwing at Norwich
Waxwings x 35 at Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich
Little Gull, Spotted Redshanks x 5, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Other News
OLIVE-BACKED PIPIT at Leiston, Suffolk!
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Friday, 14 February 2014
Raging Gales & Rain Continue To Batter UK!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26200497
LIVE TEXTS FROM BBC HERE:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26184648
Portland in Dorset is now cut off from the mainland!
23.41: A freak wave hits a cruise ship in the English Channel, killing one passenger and injuring others. The wave struck the UK-based MS Marco Polo as it headed for its home port of Tilbury in Essex.
We have had the wettest January in England and Wales since 1766 - 5 months rain in 19 days!
LIVE TEXTS FROM BBC HERE:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26184648
Portland in Dorset is now cut off from the mainland!
23.41: A freak wave hits a cruise ship in the English Channel, killing one passenger and injuring others. The wave struck the UK-based MS Marco Polo as it headed for its home port of Tilbury in Essex.
We have had the wettest January in England and Wales since 1766 - 5 months rain in 19 days!
The Good Shepherd IV, Fair Isle!
Happy memories!!!! This was linked on my FB page by Dave Wheeler.
Only the hardiest attempt this three hour crossing!!! I'm hardcore me!!!
Only the hardiest attempt this three hour crossing!!! I'm hardcore me!!!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 10 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Glossy Ibis at Cley
Waxwing at Norwich
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16 at Edgefield
Hen Harrier at Holme
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 9 at Horsey
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
Hen Harrier at Roydon
Glaucous Gull, Great Northern Diver, Scaup x 2, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Buntings x 150 at North Beach, Winterton
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Glossy Ibis at Martham
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL – Exnaboe, Shetland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Common Cranes x 10 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Glossy Ibis at Cley
Waxwing at Norwich
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 16 at Edgefield
Hen Harrier at Holme
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 9 at Horsey
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
Hen Harrier at Roydon
Glaucous Gull, Great Northern Diver, Scaup x 2, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Buntings x 150 at North Beach, Winterton
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Glossy Ibis at Martham
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL – Exnaboe, Shetland
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Valentine's Day!!!
I could hardly open the door this evening when I returned home. There
were so many valentines cards stacked up on the mat!!!!!!!!!! Note
Sarcasm!
Not a single card – sad face! Bovered? No, not really......whatever!!!
I left work and spent 45 minutes gridlocked in traffic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Finally got out of the hospital grounds at 5.30pm. Whizzed over to Watton to Advanced Camera Services to collect my lens (which I dropped in on Tuesday evening). The drive out there was pretty scary, I encountered several flooded roads on route. I now have my Canon 300mm lens back, repaired and working – wahooo!!!!!! Ready for the Spring! New Power Diaphram, Gro Unit, IS Unit, so it should be perfect now!
Very strong winds and heavy rain late afternoon and still now at 9pm. Rubbish weather again for tomorrow, but sunny and dry spells on Sunday (when I am working!)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
Not a single card – sad face! Bovered? No, not really......whatever!!!
I left work and spent 45 minutes gridlocked in traffic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Finally got out of the hospital grounds at 5.30pm. Whizzed over to Watton to Advanced Camera Services to collect my lens (which I dropped in on Tuesday evening). The drive out there was pretty scary, I encountered several flooded roads on route. I now have my Canon 300mm lens back, repaired and working – wahooo!!!!!! Ready for the Spring! New Power Diaphram, Gro Unit, IS Unit, so it should be perfect now!
Very strong winds and heavy rain late afternoon and still now at 9pm. Rubbish weather again for tomorrow, but sunny and dry spells on Sunday (when I am working!)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
Thursday, 13 February 2014
Top British Designers Create Stylish Nest Boxes for RSPB – Bid for Yours Now!
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/362647-fashion-and-feathers-collide?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=News
"It's not often the worlds of style and wildlife collide, but with London Fashion Week and National Nestbox Week both starting on 14 February, the RSPB and the British Fashion Council decided to join forces.
Eleven top names from the British fashion industry have put their unique stamp on a plain, unloved nestbox, all in the name of giving nature a (more stylish) home. The results are as diverse and amazing as nature!
And now is your chance to own one of these unique, never-to-be-repeated special bird hotels for yourself."
http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/nestboxauction.aspx
"It's not often the worlds of style and wildlife collide, but with London Fashion Week and National Nestbox Week both starting on 14 February, the RSPB and the British Fashion Council decided to join forces.
Eleven top names from the British fashion industry have put their unique stamp on a plain, unloved nestbox, all in the name of giving nature a (more stylish) home. The results are as diverse and amazing as nature!
And now is your chance to own one of these unique, never-to-be-repeated special bird hotels for yourself."
http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/nestboxauction.aspx
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Skua, Snow Buntings x 35 at Holme
Eurasian White-fronted Geese at Buckingham Marshes RSPB
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Richard's Pipit at Salthouse
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Mealy Redpoll at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Common Cranes x 2 at Waxham
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 14 at Edgefield
Shag x 2 at Wells
Velvet Scoter x 4, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Great Skua, Snow Buntings x 35 at Holme
Eurasian White-fronted Geese at Buckingham Marshes RSPB
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Richard's Pipit at Salthouse
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Mealy Redpoll at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Common Cranes x 2 at Waxham
Black Redstart at Happisburgh
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 14 at Edgefield
Shag x 2 at Wells
Velvet Scoter x 4, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
UK STORMS BATTER BRITAIN!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26157937
• Winds of more than 100mph are battering west Wales and north-west England.
• The Met Office has issued its first "red warning" - meaning there is a "risk to life" - of the winter.
• Transport has been widely disrupted and tens of thousands of homes have lost power.
The Eastern Daily Press reports on the STORM today in Norfolk HERE and report the following:
"Spells of heavy rain and gale force winds have been forecast for the East of England from Friday into the weekend, contributing towards making this the wettest winter in 250 years in England"
Serious gales here in Norfolk this afternoon and evening. The car was rocking when I was driving out to see a patient in the community at work. It's a good job we havn't got north winds with these 100mph gales, the rest of our already battered coastline from the 5th December Storm would be completely wrecked. Shocking, looking at the footage of the floods and devastation elsewhere in the country and it going to get worse before it gets better.
• Winds of more than 100mph are battering west Wales and north-west England.
• The Met Office has issued its first "red warning" - meaning there is a "risk to life" - of the winter.
• Transport has been widely disrupted and tens of thousands of homes have lost power.
The Eastern Daily Press reports on the STORM today in Norfolk HERE and report the following:
"Spells of heavy rain and gale force winds have been forecast for the East of England from Friday into the weekend, contributing towards making this the wettest winter in 250 years in England"
Serious gales here in Norfolk this afternoon and evening. The car was rocking when I was driving out to see a patient in the community at work. It's a good job we havn't got north winds with these 100mph gales, the rest of our already battered coastline from the 5th December Storm would be completely wrecked. Shocking, looking at the footage of the floods and devastation elsewhere in the country and it going to get worse before it gets better.
Success!
My first weigh-in at Slimming World tonight – I lost 3lbs! You can eat so much food on this diet, tons better than Weightwatchers, very pleased! No counting points, just selecting from the Free Foods list and the 'A' and the 'B' list – simples! It does mean however, that you have to cook from scratch, no pre-packed/frozen meals allowed, which is of course what we should all be doing anyway. Sadly it doesn't list cheese scones, chocolate, cakes, crisps or anything else naughty as an option though! Climbing that ladder to a new me!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 5 at Edgefield
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Glossy Ibis, Black Brant at Cley
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Velvet Scoter at Snettisham RSPB
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Hen Harrier at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 5 at Edgefield
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Glossy Ibis, Black Brant at Cley
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
Velvet Scoter at Snettisham RSPB
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Hen Harrier at Holme
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Richard Richardson
Some fabulous new pictures of RAR have surfaced here:
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=2926849&postcount=35
Update: Wednesday evening – there are some lovely comments being posted on the above thread which I started in 2006 – click onto page 2 for latest comments:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=65063
Here are the pictures with very kind permission from the photographer. Please note these pictures are the copyright of the photographer (as are all pictures) and are not be used in any way without permission.
http://www.birdforum.net/showpost.php?p=2926849&postcount=35
Update: Wednesday evening – there are some lovely comments being posted on the above thread which I started in 2006 – click onto page 2 for latest comments:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=65063
Here are the pictures with very kind permission from the photographer. Please note these pictures are the copyright of the photographer (as are all pictures) and are not be used in any way without permission.
RICHARD RICHARDSON
Fair Isle – 1976
Richard very sadly passed away the following year aged 55.
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Shirley Temple Dies aged 85
I have a Shirley Temple LP that belonged to my grandmother somewhere packed up in a box. I have very fond memories of listening to that as a child. RIP.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/shirley-temple-dies-aged-85-9120936.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLLSqpYyPD8
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/shirley-temple-dies-aged-85-9120936.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLLSqpYyPD8
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
TWO BARRED CROSSBILL Male at Hoveton Hall
Glossy Ibis, Black Brant at Cley
Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad
Mealy Redpoll at UEA, Norwich
Common Cranes x 4, Black-throated Diver at Martham
Mealy Redpolls x 7 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Scaup at Ormesby St Margarets
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 8 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
TWO BARRED CROSSBILL Male at Hoveton Hall
Glossy Ibis, Black Brant at Cley
Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad
Mealy Redpoll at UEA, Norwich
Common Cranes x 4, Black-throated Diver at Martham
Mealy Redpolls x 7 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Scaup at Ormesby St Margarets
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 8 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
My Norfolk Bird News
I
have changed the layout and style (slightly) of my Norfolk bird news
this evening. Ideally I would like to type the place names first, but
that takes much longer to do when you are gathering information from the
RBA website and to be honest I just don't have the time. For those of you that are not subscribers of RBA, you can't 'cut
and paste' from their website, so everything has to be typed up from scratch.
Also I have had on the odd occasion, requests for more detail on each sighting, but I don't do this for several reasons – one of which is that I feel that it would be unfair to RBA and their paying subscribers to type every detail. This way, it gives visiting birders/locals etc a rough idea of what birds are about and where. If people want more details, it will encourage them to subscribe to the RBA website! I do however, write the details (and more) of a rare or mega in Norfolk!!!
Also I have had on the odd occasion, requests for more detail on each sighting, but I don't do this for several reasons – one of which is that I feel that it would be unfair to RBA and their paying subscribers to type every detail. This way, it gives visiting birders/locals etc a rough idea of what birds are about and where. If people want more details, it will encourage them to subscribe to the RBA website! I do however, write the details (and more) of a rare or mega in Norfolk!!!
Monday, 10 February 2014
Happy Birthday Lucy!
Spent some time with my sister Lucy this evening who's birthday it is today. Expensive time of year with mother's yesterday aswell!
I think the river must be overflowing in King's Lynn, as when I parked my car outside Lucy's it was dry concrete. When I returned to my car, it was a good few inches deep in water!!!
I think the river must be overflowing in King's Lynn, as when I parked my car outside Lucy's it was dry concrete. When I returned to my car, it was a good few inches deep in water!!!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGA'S!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Slavonian Grebe at Hockwold Washes
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13 at Edgefield
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Snow Buntings x 50 at Holme
Hen Harrier, Bramblings x 10 at Flitcham
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
TWO BARRED CROSSBILL Male at Hoveton Hall
Slavonian Grebe at Holkham
Glossy Ibis at Glandford
Richard's Pipit at Salthouse
Slavonian Grebe at Old Hunstanton
Hen Harrier at King's Lynn
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley Drying Barns
Black-throated Divers x 4, Great Northern Divers x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Slavonian Grebe at Blakeney Harbour
Scaup at Ormesby St Margarets
Black-throated Divers x 8, Great Northern Diver, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Cley
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
Velvet Scoter at Titchwell
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common
Other Norfolk Bird News
• My mother had a possible GOSHAWK over her house at Holme today at 12.10pm. She described it as long-tailed and broad winged, flying high and heading towards Old Hunstanton – it was 'on a mission'. It's calls were 'gull like' .... ka ka and like a 'wining call'. 'Like a giant sparrowhawk'. Can't think what else it could have been really. She phoned and alerted Holme NWT Warden Gary Hibberd, but he had not seen this bird.
• A local birder texted me to say he had a SWALLOW at Swaffham this morning! I noticed on BIRDGUIDES that Swallows have been reported in Sussex today! So things are on the move!
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL – Spurn, Yorkshire
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Slavonian Grebe at Hockwold Washes
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13 at Edgefield
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton
Snow Buntings x 50 at Holme
Hen Harrier, Bramblings x 10 at Flitcham
Slavonian Grebe, Smew at Filby Broad
TWO BARRED CROSSBILL Male at Hoveton Hall
Slavonian Grebe at Holkham
Glossy Ibis at Glandford
Richard's Pipit at Salthouse
Slavonian Grebe at Old Hunstanton
Hen Harrier at King's Lynn
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley Drying Barns
Black-throated Divers x 4, Great Northern Divers x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Slavonian Grebe at Blakeney Harbour
Scaup at Ormesby St Margarets
Black-throated Divers x 8, Great Northern Diver, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Cley
Black-throated Diver at Horsey Mere
Velvet Scoter at Titchwell
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common
Other Norfolk Bird News
• My mother had a possible GOSHAWK over her house at Holme today at 12.10pm. She described it as long-tailed and broad winged, flying high and heading towards Old Hunstanton – it was 'on a mission'. It's calls were 'gull like' .... ka ka and like a 'wining call'. 'Like a giant sparrowhawk'. Can't think what else it could have been really. She phoned and alerted Holme NWT Warden Gary Hibberd, but he had not seen this bird.
• A local birder texted me to say he had a SWALLOW at Swaffham this morning! I noticed on BIRDGUIDES that Swallows have been reported in Sussex today! So things are on the move!
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL – Spurn, Yorkshire
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN – County Mayo, Ireland
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER – remains at Shincliffe, County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT – remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL – remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Sunday, 9 February 2014
The Weekend!
I'll have serious birding withdrawal symptoms by the end of the week, as I have not been birding at all this weekend! Just didn't happen, been busy with other stuff. Spent Saturday, spring cleaning kitchen cupboards, massive shop for new foods and ingredients for my new diet, birthday present shopping for my mother and sister Lucy.
Happy Birthday to my Dear Mother today! Family day with both my sisters and parent's at Holme to celebrate Mother's birthday. I cooked the dinner and did some fancy desserts (Slimming World recipes!). Even if I had wanted to twitch the Myrtle Warbler, I would not have cancelled mother's birthday and it's Monday tomorrow, so unless it hangs around and I get the urge next weekend, it's not going to happen! Back at my house this evening I made some scrumptious lentil and vegetable soup. All exciting news from me on this blog........not!!!
Happy Birthday to my Dear Mother today! Family day with both my sisters and parent's at Holme to celebrate Mother's birthday. I cooked the dinner and did some fancy desserts (Slimming World recipes!). Even if I had wanted to twitch the Myrtle Warbler, I would not have cancelled mother's birthday and it's Monday tomorrow, so unless it hangs around and I get the urge next weekend, it's not going to happen! Back at my house this evening I made some scrumptious lentil and vegetable soup. All exciting news from me on this blog........not!!!
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Glossy Ibis, Shag at Cley
Glossy Ibis at Wiveton
PARROT CROSSBILL x 14 at Edgefield
Snow Buntings x 80, Bewick's Swans x 15 at Winterton
Slavonian Grebe at Hockwold Washes
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 59 at Holkham
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Rough-legged Buzzard at King's Lynn
Lapland Buntings x 2, Snow Buntings x 40, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoters x 2, Red-necked Grebe (found dead) at Holme
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Divers x 4, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Blakeney Harbour
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Other News
NEWS RELEASED: MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER still 2mls SE of Durham at High Shincliffe on Apperley Avenue tho mobile. Park carefully +respect privacy of residents DH1 2TY. Video HERE. Write-up and pictures HERE
MEGA! SLATY-BACKED GULL yesterday in County Galway, Ireland, no news today
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Glossy Ibis, Shag at Cley
Glossy Ibis at Wiveton
PARROT CROSSBILL x 14 at Edgefield
Snow Buntings x 80, Bewick's Swans x 15 at Winterton
Slavonian Grebe at Hockwold Washes
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 59 at Holkham
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island, viewable from Waveney Forest
Rough-legged Buzzard at King's Lynn
Lapland Buntings x 2, Snow Buntings x 40, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoters x 2, Red-necked Grebe (found dead) at Holme
Black-throated Divers x 3, Great Northern Divers x 4, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Blakeney Harbour
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Other News
NEWS RELEASED: MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER still 2mls SE of Durham at High Shincliffe on Apperley Avenue tho mobile. Park carefully +respect privacy of residents DH1 2TY. Video HERE. Write-up and pictures HERE
MEGA! SLATY-BACKED GULL yesterday in County Galway, Ireland, no news today
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Saturday, 8 February 2014
MYRTLE WARBLER STILL in County Durham!!!
Message on Rare Bird Alert at 9.23pm.
Still in garden at undisclosed site. Access arrangements are being negotiated.
Still in garden at undisclosed site. Access arrangements are being negotiated.
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Slavonian Grebe at Hockwold Washes
Glossy Ibis at Cley and Glandford
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Rough-legged Buzzard at King's Lynn
PARROT CROSSBILL x 14 at Edgefield
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill
Bewick's Swans x 7 at Halvergate
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Velvet Scoters x 7, Great Northern Divers x 2, Twite, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Hen Harrier at Welney WWT
Snow Buntings x 140 at Winterton
Snow Buntings x 40 at Caister-on-Sea
Snow Buntings x 60 at Holme
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 52 at Holkham
Other News
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER still in garden at undisclosed site at County Durham. Access arrangements are being negotiated.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Slavonian Grebe at Hockwold Washes
Glossy Ibis at Cley and Glandford
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Rough-legged Buzzard at King's Lynn
PARROT CROSSBILL x 14 at Edgefield
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill
Bewick's Swans x 7 at Halvergate
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Velvet Scoters x 7, Great Northern Divers x 2, Twite, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Hen Harrier at Welney WWT
Snow Buntings x 140 at Winterton
Snow Buntings x 40 at Caister-on-Sea
Snow Buntings x 60 at Holme
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 52 at Holkham
Other News
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER still in garden at undisclosed site at County Durham. Access arrangements are being negotiated.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Friday, 7 February 2014
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham
Common Cranes x 3 at Horsey
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL, Crossbills x 15 at Hoveton Hall
Firecrests x 2 at Great Yarmouth Cemetery
Snow Buntings x 26 at North Beach, Great Yarmouth
Velvet Scoters x 7, Great Northern Divers x 2, Twite at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Aylsham
Black-throated Divers x 2, Great Northern Divers x 3 at Blakeney Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILL, Crossbills x 2 at Holt Country Park
Glossy Ibis at Cley
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Long-tailed Duck, Snow Buntings x 42, Short-eared Owl at Holme
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Mealy Redpoll at UEA, Norwich
Other News
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER on 27th January at unknown site on feeder in garden (photographed), County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham
Common Cranes x 3 at Horsey
TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL, Crossbills x 15 at Hoveton Hall
Firecrests x 2 at Great Yarmouth Cemetery
Snow Buntings x 26 at North Beach, Great Yarmouth
Velvet Scoters x 7, Great Northern Divers x 2, Twite at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Aylsham
Black-throated Divers x 2, Great Northern Divers x 3 at Blakeney Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILL, Crossbills x 2 at Holt Country Park
Glossy Ibis at Cley
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Long-tailed Duck, Snow Buntings x 42, Short-eared Owl at Holme
Scaup at Ormesby St Margaret
Mealy Redpoll at UEA, Norwich
Other News
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER on 27th January at unknown site on feeder in garden (photographed), County Durham
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Antarctic pair set record for 'longest polar journey'
A British adventurer and a former French rugby player claim to have set a
world record for the "longest polar journey on foot in history".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-26086133
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-26086133
MEGA! MYRTLE WARBLER in County Durham!
MEGA NEWS! Earliest Footprints Outside Africa Discovered in Norfolk!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26066386
"Scientists have discovered the earliest evidence of human footprints outside of Africa, on the Norfolk coast in the east of England. The footprints are more than 800,000 years old and were found on the shores of Happisburgh. They are direct evidence of the earliest known humans in northern Europe. Dr Nick Ashton of the British Museum was part of the team that found the footprints."
See the Eastern Daily Press also HERE Guardian HERE Independent HERE Daily Mail HERE, Archaelogy Website HERE etc etc!
"Scientists have discovered the earliest evidence of human footprints outside of Africa, on the Norfolk coast in the east of England. The footprints are more than 800,000 years old and were found on the shores of Happisburgh. They are direct evidence of the earliest known humans in northern Europe. Dr Nick Ashton of the British Museum was part of the team that found the footprints."
See the Eastern Daily Press also HERE Guardian HERE Independent HERE Daily Mail HERE, Archaelogy Website HERE etc etc!
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Great White Egret at Castle Acre
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 14 at Edgefield
Waxwing at Aylsham
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Whooper Swans x 16 at Catfield
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill
Glossy Ibis, Great Northern Diver, Pale-bellied Brent Goose x 3 at Cley
Greenland White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 6,600, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Goose, Barnacle Goose at Burnham Market
Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 5,400, Barnacle Goose at Fring
Snow Buntings x 40, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Divers x 2, Short-eared Owl at Holme
Great Northern Divers x 3 at Hunstanton
Velvet Scoter at Holkham
Great Northern Divers x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Blakeney Harbour
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens
Other News
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Lovely evening with the girls at Caraline's grand 'residence'!!!!
Great White Egret at Castle Acre
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 14 at Edgefield
Waxwing at Aylsham
Shorelarks x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Glossy Ibis at Martham
Whooper Swans x 16 at Catfield
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum
Richard's Pipit at Gramborough Hill
Glossy Ibis, Great Northern Diver, Pale-bellied Brent Goose x 3 at Cley
Greenland White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 6,600, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Goose, Barnacle Goose at Burnham Market
Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 5,400, Barnacle Goose at Fring
Snow Buntings x 40, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Divers x 2, Short-eared Owl at Holme
Great Northern Divers x 3 at Hunstanton
Velvet Scoter at Holkham
Great Northern Divers x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Blakeney Harbour
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens
Other News
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT remains at Loch Flemington, Highland, Scotland
RED-FLANKED BLUETAIL remains in Marshfield, Gloucestershire
Lovely evening with the girls at Caraline's grand 'residence'!!!!
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