Very heavy downpours this evening as is forecast for late tomorrow afternoon and for much of Saturday on my day off. Looks like a nice sunny, dry day on Sunday when I am working! Oh well!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646403
One of my colleagues today witnessed a black 4x4 (note!!!) driving like crazy on her way to work this morning. The 4x4 overtook several cars in one go, going uphill and driving dangerously – this was near East Rudham. Could this be the same vehicle and fourth incident?!!! If it is, I hope they are caught soon.
Thursday, 31 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
SPOTTED CRAKE, Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpiper, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 3, Little Gulls x 4 on Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
OSPREY flew south over Thornham Harbour yesterday evening.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Artic Skuas x 6, Spoonbill at Thornham Point.
Spotted Redshanks x 3, Curlew Sandpiper at Breydon Water.
BLACK KITE possible, with Red Kites x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
BLACK KITE, Spoonbills x 9 at Stiffkey Fen.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s fem at Minsmere RSPB.
BEE-EATERS x 4 – 2 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
SPOTTED CRAKE, Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpiper, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 3, Little Gulls x 4 on Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
OSPREY flew south over Thornham Harbour yesterday evening.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Artic Skuas x 6, Spoonbill at Thornham Point.
Spotted Redshanks x 3, Curlew Sandpiper at Breydon Water.
BLACK KITE possible, with Red Kites x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
BLACK KITE, Spoonbills x 9 at Stiffkey Fen.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s fem at Minsmere RSPB.
BEE-EATERS x 4 – 2 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Long-tailed Skua, Thornham Point
I don't often create a post about one picture, well three in fact, but these pictures were so brilliant, I decided they needed their own post!
Photographer Keith Bilverstone took these wonderful pictures, early morning at Thornham Point on 29th July of the recent adult Long-tailed Skua! I would have been jumping for joy if these had been my pictures. The pictures are linked HERE, HERE and HERE.
Photographer Keith Bilverstone took these wonderful pictures, early morning at Thornham Point on 29th July of the recent adult Long-tailed Skua! I would have been jumping for joy if these had been my pictures. The pictures are linked HERE, HERE and HERE.
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Car Incident Update!
The car got me home ok last night and seemed to be driving normally, but it had go to the garage asap to get checked out obviously. My garage at Walkers Skoda, King's Lynn are just the best, their service is just brilliant. I took the car to them this morning before work and left it with them to inspect properly. They kindly got one of their drivers to take me to work and then picked me up again when I finished work this evening. I had some fabulous news! My bill was nil!!! Phew! Yes, there was a hole and scrape underneath in the undercarriage, but no serious damage done and no repairs required, I couldn't believe it to be honest AND they had washed the car for me – you can't get better service than that, can you!!! Oh and the dripping liquid was simply condensation from the air-conditioning unit which is normal. One very happy bunny!
I couldn't decide whether to ring 101 or not to report this crazy black 4x4 monster that ran me off the road yesterday (and Lee, see post last night) as neither Lee or I got the Reg number and in the end I decided not to bother. BUT changed my mind after reading a local birder's comment on my facebook page this evening which said "Same one almost ran Malc and myself off the road on Sunday, black 4x4, He's just got to be local or staying in Hunston." Well, obviously its not necessarily the same vehicle, but it could be..... This was enough to sway my decision, so I just ran 101 and spoke to a very nice lady officer, who took all my details and she seemed pleased that I had rung and said the local police would keep a look out for this vehicle. As I pointed out, the next person they run off the road could be fatal!!! I strongly believe that with the speed they were going, I don't think I would been here today if I had not had quickly veered off onto the verge. I'm glad I have rung now, might be valuable evidence at a later date, you never know! It's made me angry enough to want to go back to Choseley and wait in a field entrance for a black 4x4 to go whizzing by and then follow it long enough to get the Reg number! But that would be a waste of my day off this weekend – more important things to do!
I couldn't decide whether to ring 101 or not to report this crazy black 4x4 monster that ran me off the road yesterday (and Lee, see post last night) as neither Lee or I got the Reg number and in the end I decided not to bother. BUT changed my mind after reading a local birder's comment on my facebook page this evening which said "Same one almost ran Malc and myself off the road on Sunday, black 4x4, He's just got to be local or staying in Hunston." Well, obviously its not necessarily the same vehicle, but it could be..... This was enough to sway my decision, so I just ran 101 and spoke to a very nice lady officer, who took all my details and she seemed pleased that I had rung and said the local police would keep a look out for this vehicle. As I pointed out, the next person they run off the road could be fatal!!! I strongly believe that with the speed they were going, I don't think I would been here today if I had not had quickly veered off onto the verge. I'm glad I have rung now, might be valuable evidence at a later date, you never know! It's made me angry enough to want to go back to Choseley and wait in a field entrance for a black 4x4 to go whizzing by and then follow it long enough to get the Reg number! But that would be a waste of my day off this weekend – more important things to do!
RBA Weekly Round-Up 23rd to 29th July!
By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2014-30.aspx?s_id=141366054
Thanks to the RBA Team for using my Spotted Crake Photograph for their Round-Up.
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2014-30.aspx?s_id=141366054
Thanks to the RBA Team for using my Spotted Crake Photograph for their Round-Up.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
SPOTTED CRAKE, Spoonbills x 9, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour.
Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Spoonbills x 2 Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 2 on Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 21, Wood Sandipers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour.
Other News
White-rumped Sandpiper at Gibraltar Point NNR.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 3 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc, at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FEAS PETREL County Cork, Ireland!
Black-winged Pratincole at Cuckmere Haven, Sussex
SPOTTED CRAKE, Spoonbills x 9, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour.
Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Spoonbills x 2 Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 2 on Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 21, Wood Sandipers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour.
Other News
White-rumped Sandpiper at Gibraltar Point NNR.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 3 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc, at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FEAS PETREL County Cork, Ireland!
Black-winged Pratincole at Cuckmere Haven, Sussex
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Crash & The Spotted Crake!!!
SPOTTED CRAKE
8.16pm – Island Hide, Titchwell RSPB
AN EVENTFUL EVENING!!!
I was too exhausted last night to go and see the Spotted Crake at Titchwell RSPB and I just hoped that it would show again today! Luckily it did, although elusive, having only been seen twice during the afternoon. After work, I went home to collect my birding gear and then made my way to Titchwell via the Choseley roads.
As I was driving along I remembered a time recently when I was driving a little too fast along this narrow road, so I made sure I was driving at a sensible speed to allow time for another vehicle to pass if one should suddenly appear – as I was thinking about this a huge black 4x4 headed towards me, literally! They were driving much too fast and as I slowed down, they didn't reduce their speed at all and I realised that if I didn't mount the verge, we would have crashed, so they left me no choice but to veer onto the verge. The 4x4 also then moved across onto the verge (although only a small amount compared to me) and continued on at break neck speed. I was really unlucky – there must have been a lump of concrete or something similar, as the noise of my car hitting something along the verge sounded frighteningly loud! As I came to almost a standstill, I looked in my rear view window to see that the 4x4 had continued on and not even stopped! I don't know why, but I just didn't want to get out to see the state of my car – my instinct told me that I had done some serious damage to the bodywork and I decided to carry on to Titchwell before I dared to look.
In the carpark at Titchwell I was shocked to see that there was no visible damage to the car at all. I couldn't quite believe it, but when I looked underneath the car I found a hole and dripping liquid – my heart sank – felt and smelt the liquid, but couldn't smell anything, so at least it wasn't fuel. This spoilt the evening and I couldn't decide what to do. I decided to carry on birding. Nothing was going to change what happened.
Things deteriorated further when several birders told me not to bother hurrying, as the Spotted Crake had not been seen for hours! What next?!!! So, I strolled along the path towards Island Hide to join other birders and hope! Juv. Yellow Wagtail directly in front of me in the small bay just to the right of Island Hide, which is were the Spotted Crake was last seen. Shortly after my arrival, Lee Evans turned up with tan and white shorts! Unbelievably Lee had also encountered the black 4x4 on the Choseley Road, minutes after my incident! He said they had almost run him off the road too and that they were driving much too fast – two men apparently were in the driver's and passenger seat. Frustratingly neither Lee or I managed to get the reg number.
Back to birds! There was a fantastic selection of birds at Titchwell. The reserve is holding huge numbers of waders currently and is looking really good! Lee pointed out a juv. Turtle Dove that flew across from the west and flew east across the main path! There were 7 Arctic Skuas distantly over Thornham Point, but no sign of the Long-tailed Skua. Other birds seen were: Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, several Spotted Redshanks, tons of Avocets, Little Egrets, 1 Heron, 17 Spoonbills (by late evening), several Yellow Wagtails flitting about, a Barn Owl, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Kestrels, Water Rail, tons of gulls, Redshanks, Common Terns, Grey lag Geese etc. The light was perfect, but the prize bird was in hiding! Several people gave up and left including Lee.
AN EVENTFUL EVENING!!!
I was too exhausted last night to go and see the Spotted Crake at Titchwell RSPB and I just hoped that it would show again today! Luckily it did, although elusive, having only been seen twice during the afternoon. After work, I went home to collect my birding gear and then made my way to Titchwell via the Choseley roads.
As I was driving along I remembered a time recently when I was driving a little too fast along this narrow road, so I made sure I was driving at a sensible speed to allow time for another vehicle to pass if one should suddenly appear – as I was thinking about this a huge black 4x4 headed towards me, literally! They were driving much too fast and as I slowed down, they didn't reduce their speed at all and I realised that if I didn't mount the verge, we would have crashed, so they left me no choice but to veer onto the verge. The 4x4 also then moved across onto the verge (although only a small amount compared to me) and continued on at break neck speed. I was really unlucky – there must have been a lump of concrete or something similar, as the noise of my car hitting something along the verge sounded frighteningly loud! As I came to almost a standstill, I looked in my rear view window to see that the 4x4 had continued on and not even stopped! I don't know why, but I just didn't want to get out to see the state of my car – my instinct told me that I had done some serious damage to the bodywork and I decided to carry on to Titchwell before I dared to look.
In the carpark at Titchwell I was shocked to see that there was no visible damage to the car at all. I couldn't quite believe it, but when I looked underneath the car I found a hole and dripping liquid – my heart sank – felt and smelt the liquid, but couldn't smell anything, so at least it wasn't fuel. This spoilt the evening and I couldn't decide what to do. I decided to carry on birding. Nothing was going to change what happened.
Things deteriorated further when several birders told me not to bother hurrying, as the Spotted Crake had not been seen for hours! What next?!!! So, I strolled along the path towards Island Hide to join other birders and hope! Juv. Yellow Wagtail directly in front of me in the small bay just to the right of Island Hide, which is were the Spotted Crake was last seen. Shortly after my arrival, Lee Evans turned up with tan and white shorts! Unbelievably Lee had also encountered the black 4x4 on the Choseley Road, minutes after my incident! He said they had almost run him off the road too and that they were driving much too fast – two men apparently were in the driver's and passenger seat. Frustratingly neither Lee or I managed to get the reg number.
Back to birds! There was a fantastic selection of birds at Titchwell. The reserve is holding huge numbers of waders currently and is looking really good! Lee pointed out a juv. Turtle Dove that flew across from the west and flew east across the main path! There were 7 Arctic Skuas distantly over Thornham Point, but no sign of the Long-tailed Skua. Other birds seen were: Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, several Spotted Redshanks, tons of Avocets, Little Egrets, 1 Heron, 17 Spoonbills (by late evening), several Yellow Wagtails flitting about, a Barn Owl, 5 Marsh Harriers, 2 Kestrels, Water Rail, tons of gulls, Redshanks, Common Terns, Grey lag Geese etc. The light was perfect, but the prize bird was in hiding! Several people gave up and left including Lee.
There was only about 4 or 5 of us left in the end. Suddenly someone
said 'there it is' and there it was indeed, emerging out of the edge of
the reeds and put on a fabulous display for us at 8.16pm. Phoned Lee to let him
know.... he said a few choice words and then hung up – he had obviously
started to run, as a few minutes later we could see him sprinting up the
path towards us and he 'ticked' the bird in my scope. You can hear Lee
talking about me calling him in the video (above) and me laughing about
his ice-cream that he had been in the middle of! Phoned RBA to update
the recent 'no news' message. The Spotted Crake was being seriously
harrassed and bullied by two Moorhens who teamed up together to chase
the crake at any opportunity, but they did eventually give up which
allowed the crake to relax a bit. After reeling off some photos I set up
my phone-scoping kit and took some video through my Nikon ED50 scope
with 13-40 zoom eyepiece. The video is not very good I'm afraid, as you
can't get rid of the vignetting with this eyepiece, but you can see what
the bird is! The sunset was stunning and it was a beautiful end to the day. Sadly though, very much tarnished by my car incident!
Lee left before me and very kindly checked my car out me to make sure it was road worthy and phoned me to say it was ok to drive, which re-assured me, thanks. Steve from Long Stratton also kindly had a look at the car for me when I got back to the carpark. Drove home slowly! Garage in the morning to check out the damage!
Lee left before me and very kindly checked my car out me to make sure it was road worthy and phoned me to say it was ok to drive, which re-assured me, thanks. Steve from Long Stratton also kindly had a look at the car for me when I got back to the carpark. Drove home slowly! Garage in the morning to check out the damage!
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skuas x 9 at Thornham Point.
SPOTTED CRAKE, TURTLE DOVE, Spoonbills x 15, Arctic Skuas x 7, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 12 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 20, Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Wood Sandpipers x 5, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 3 at Cley NWT.
Wood Sandpiper, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Little Gulls x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Redstart juv. at Hickling Broad NWT.
TURTLE DOVES x 2 (along Firs Road), Wood Sandpiper at Redwell Marsh NOA, Holme.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER, White-rumped Sandpiper at Gibraltar Point NNR.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 NW of Great Livermere, flew S over pig fields towards Great Livermere Lake, Suffolk.
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL at Fair Isle, Shetland!
Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skuas x 9 at Thornham Point.
SPOTTED CRAKE, TURTLE DOVE, Spoonbills x 15, Arctic Skuas x 7, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 12 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 20, Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Wood Sandpipers x 5, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 3 at Cley NWT.
Wood Sandpiper, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Little Gulls x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Redstart juv. at Hickling Broad NWT.
TURTLE DOVES x 2 (along Firs Road), Wood Sandpiper at Redwell Marsh NOA, Holme.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER, White-rumped Sandpiper at Gibraltar Point NNR.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 NW of Great Livermere, flew S over pig fields towards Great Livermere Lake, Suffolk.
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL at Fair Isle, Shetland!
Bee-eaters Breeding on the Isle of Wight!!!
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
They are only the third pair to breed successfully in the UK, in more than a century! How exciting!!!
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355850439842/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-28529406
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-2708580/BEE-EATERS-SET-UP-HOME-IN-UK.html
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/Bee-eater_breed_on_the_Isle_of_Wight.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/IsleofWightNT
Monday, 28 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 4, Grey Plovers x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
SPOTTED CRAKE, Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Curlew Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skuas x 7 over Thornham Harbour/Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Caspian Gulls x 2, Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 4 at Cley NWT.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
White-rumped Sandpiper + Redstart at Gibraltar Point NNR.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 4, Grey Plovers x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
SPOTTED CRAKE, Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Curlew Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skuas x 7 over Thornham Harbour/Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Caspian Gulls x 2, Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 4 at Cley NWT.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
White-rumped Sandpiper + Redstart at Gibraltar Point NNR.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BEE-EATERS x 5 – 3 Adults + 2+ Young in nest, Wydcombe Estate Nature Reserve, Niton, Isle of Wight. Adults have been present since 8th June. Use RSPB/NT carpark + viewpoint.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Banks Losing Millions of Disgruntled Customers!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-52996/Banks-losing-millions-disgruntled-customers.html
I was a 'disgruntled' customer of Barclays. My 33 year relationship is being replaced this week, by a new model.... Nationwide!
I was a 'disgruntled' customer of Barclays. My 33 year relationship is being replaced this week, by a new model.... Nationwide!
Sunday, 27 July 2014
Perils of the English Countryside!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-27588210
Scroll down the above and you will find a location map for the False Black Widow Spider – looks like they have been found in North West Norfolk..... either Hunstanton or Holme maybe?
Scroll down the above and you will find a location map for the False Black Widow Spider – looks like they have been found in North West Norfolk..... either Hunstanton or Holme maybe?
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Wood Sandpipers at Martham Broad.
Spoonbills x 7, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 9 at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 2, Green Sandpipers x 35 at Cantley Beet Factory.
Great Skua at Winterton.
Spoonbills x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Red-necked Phalarope, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 19 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbill flew over Hickling Broad NWT.
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT.
Wood Sandpipers x 4 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Wood Sandpipers at Martham Broad.
Spoonbills x 7, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 9 at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 2, Green Sandpipers x 35 at Cantley Beet Factory.
Great Skua at Winterton.
Spoonbills x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Red-necked Phalarope, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 19 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbill flew over Hickling Broad NWT.
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT.
Wood Sandpipers x 4 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Saturday, 26 July 2014
Titchwell RSPB!
I was up early, but had to go into town to sort banks and other mundane jobs, which took the entire morning up! It was very hot AGAIN today! There are lots of new arty, farty wooden seated areas with buddleia and other butterfly rich plants, springing up in different areas of the town centre – which were adorned with butterflies, including Red Admirals, Peacocks, Large Whites, Graylings, Bees and Hoverflies etc. Walked back along the quayside to my car. Returned home, cooked lunch. Picked my sister Lucy up and visited parents at Holme.
I escaped to Titchwell RSPB for the evening – it was much cooler thank goodness and the light was fabulous. There were tons of birds on the scrapes including: at least 9 Spoonbills, loads of Avocets, Mute Swans, Black-headed Gulls, Common Terns flying round, Redshanks, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, Teal, Mallards, Shelducks, Moorhens, Coots, 1 Heron, Little Egrets, Greylag Geese, Pied Wagtails, Yellow Wagtails (2 Juvs), 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank (at least) and had fabulous views of a Water Vole swimming across the pool! On reaching the beach, the tide was high and covered the rocks on the beach – several Sanderling running along the shore and a good number of Oystercatchers towards the east end of the beach. Distant views of the Long-tailed Skua over Thornham Harbour – but it certainly wasn't going to be a full frame picture on my camera! Bumped into Mark B. and Mike S. whilst here and had a chat. 4 Eider on the sea, Sandwich Terns flying west and east and also a few Swallows, Sand and House Martins flying over the sea. 2 Meadow Pipits in the marram grass and a Swallow perched on the orange rope alongside the path, just before the beach. It was a beautiful sunset as I walked back, casting orange ripples over the pool on the west side, as a Mute Swan glided past into the edge of the reeds.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
I escaped to Titchwell RSPB for the evening – it was much cooler thank goodness and the light was fabulous. There were tons of birds on the scrapes including: at least 9 Spoonbills, loads of Avocets, Mute Swans, Black-headed Gulls, Common Terns flying round, Redshanks, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, a Common Sandpiper, Teal, Mallards, Shelducks, Moorhens, Coots, 1 Heron, Little Egrets, Greylag Geese, Pied Wagtails, Yellow Wagtails (2 Juvs), 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank (at least) and had fabulous views of a Water Vole swimming across the pool! On reaching the beach, the tide was high and covered the rocks on the beach – several Sanderling running along the shore and a good number of Oystercatchers towards the east end of the beach. Distant views of the Long-tailed Skua over Thornham Harbour – but it certainly wasn't going to be a full frame picture on my camera! Bumped into Mark B. and Mike S. whilst here and had a chat. 4 Eider on the sea, Sandwich Terns flying west and east and also a few Swallows, Sand and House Martins flying over the sea. 2 Meadow Pipits in the marram grass and a Swallow perched on the orange rope alongside the path, just before the beach. It was a beautiful sunset as I walked back, casting orange ripples over the pool on the west side, as a Mute Swan glided past into the edge of the reeds.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skuas x 3, Spoonbills x 11, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Curlew Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Long-tailed Skua at Thornham Harbour (this evening).
Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Spoonbills x 12, Garganey x 2, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Ruff x 45, Little Stint, Caspian Gull, Yello-legged Gulls x 3 at Cley NWT.
Sanderling flew over UEA Broad, Norwich.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 2 at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Purple Heron at Claxton Marshes.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male still at North Dunes, Winterton.
Wood Sandpipers x 2, Garganey at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
CAMBERWELL BEAUTY BUTTERFLY early afternoon at Salthouse Heath
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
Leucistic House Sparrow at Alkborough, Lincolshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
Purple Heron reported at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Sabine's Gull at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Long-tailed Skua, Arctic Skuas x 3, Spoonbills x 11, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Curlew Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Long-tailed Skua at Thornham Harbour (this evening).
Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Spoonbills x 12, Garganey x 2, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Ruff x 45, Little Stint, Caspian Gull, Yello-legged Gulls x 3 at Cley NWT.
Sanderling flew over UEA Broad, Norwich.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 2 at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Purple Heron at Claxton Marshes.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male still at North Dunes, Winterton.
Wood Sandpipers x 2, Garganey at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
CAMBERWELL BEAUTY BUTTERFLY early afternoon at Salthouse Heath
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
Leucistic House Sparrow at Alkborough, Lincolshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
Purple Heron reported at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Sabine's Gull at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Friday, 25 July 2014
The Weekend!
I am so glad this week is over – the heat has been unbearable. Lots of things to sort tomorrow, but hope to get some birding in too!
Cooler over the weekend apparently – I hope the forecast is correct!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646403
Bedstraw Hawkmoth found in King's Lynn town centre today!
https://twitter.com/TonyDevenish/status/492368968850874369/photo/1
David Wilson caught a Silvery Gem E. virgo – at Blythburgh, Suffolk today. Only the second British record and a ‘first’ for Suffolk.
http://suffolkmoths.org.uk/blog/index.php/2014/07/25/a-splash-of-scandinavian-silver/
Cooler over the weekend apparently – I hope the forecast is correct!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646403
Bedstraw Hawkmoth found in King's Lynn town centre today!
https://twitter.com/TonyDevenish/status/492368968850874369/photo/1
David Wilson caught a Silvery Gem E. virgo – at Blythburgh, Suffolk today. Only the second British record and a ‘first’ for Suffolk.
http://suffolkmoths.org.uk/blog/index.php/2014/07/25/a-splash-of-scandinavian-silver/
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Curlew Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 4 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 20, Little Stint, Garganey, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3 at Cley NWT.
Little Gull at UEA Broad, Norwich.
Spoonbills x 13, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 6, Arctic Skuas x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
TURTLE DOVE, Little Gulls x 5 at Horsey.
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT.
Spoonbills x 7 at Breydon Water.
• Silvery Gem Moth trapped at Weybourne – available to view at Cley Visitor Centre NWT on Saturday between 10am and 5pm.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE esc. at Hollesley Marshes RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Highlight of the day: AQUATIC WARBLER Lytchett Bay, Dorset
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL, Fair Isle, Scotland
Curlew Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 4 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 20, Little Stint, Garganey, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3 at Cley NWT.
Little Gull at UEA Broad, Norwich.
Spoonbills x 13, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 6, Arctic Skuas x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
TURTLE DOVE, Little Gulls x 5 at Horsey.
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT.
Spoonbills x 7 at Breydon Water.
• Silvery Gem Moth trapped at Weybourne – available to view at Cley Visitor Centre NWT on Saturday between 10am and 5pm.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE esc. at Hollesley Marshes RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Highlight of the day: AQUATIC WARBLER Lytchett Bay, Dorset
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL, Fair Isle, Scotland
Thursday, 24 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbills x 4, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Little Stints x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 20, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Garganey, Caspian Gulls x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT.
Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Spoonbills x 4 at Stiffkey Fen
Black Redstart at Holme Bird Observatory NOA.
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT.
Pied Flycatcher at Holkham Pines.
TURTLE DOVE at Kelling Heath.
• Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Mown Fen, East Ruston.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis, TURTLE DOVES x 2 at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 3 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Spoonbills x 4, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Little Stints x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 20, Little Stint, Spotted Redshank, Garganey, Caspian Gulls x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT.
Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Spoonbills x 4 at Stiffkey Fen
Black Redstart at Holme Bird Observatory NOA.
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT.
Pied Flycatcher at Holkham Pines.
TURTLE DOVE at Kelling Heath.
• Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Mown Fen, East Ruston.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis, TURTLE DOVES x 2 at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 3 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD esc. at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Upton Marshes.
Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Little Stint, Garganey at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 18, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshank at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Other News
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 5 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD, WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! LESSER-CRESTED TERN at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk, but later re-indentified as an orange-billed Tern sp/hybrid from photographs.
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Upton Marshes.
Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Little Stint, Garganey at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 18, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshank at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Other News
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 5 at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD, WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! LESSER-CRESTED TERN at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk, but later re-indentified as an orange-billed Tern sp/hybrid from photographs.
BARCLAYS BANK
I have been with Barclays since I was 16 years old, but after the shock
of finding out that they are now charging me £1.50 daily for my
overdraft facility and also the fact that they have scrapped all counter
service in my large local branch with self-service machines, I refuse
to bank with them any longer. I detest self-service machines, including
supermarket self service. I want to be served by a human being not a
bl**dy machine!!! Also what about all those staff at Barclays losing
their jobs because of this. Barclays are going to lose a serious amount
of customers! Just need to decide which bank to change to and I'm off!!!
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Little Gulls x 3, Spoonbill at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Great White Egret at Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 10, Garganey, Arctic Skuas x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 6, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 14 at Brancaster.
Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Roseate Tern, Arctic Tern at Winterton.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE unconfirmed report NW of Norwich over Costessey.
Other News
Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILT esc at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILT at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Little Gulls x 3, Spoonbill at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Great White Egret at Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 10, Garganey, Arctic Skuas x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 6, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 14 at Brancaster.
Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Roseate Tern, Arctic Tern at Winterton.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE unconfirmed report NW of Norwich over Costessey.
Other News
Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILT esc at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
BLACK-WINGED STILT at Cavenham, Suffolk.
BUFFLEHEAD at Trimley Marshes, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Monday, 21 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Wood Sandpipers x 7, *Black Tern (*yesterday) at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Whimbrel flew over Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Spoonbills x 6 yesterday at Brancaster.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male still, North Dunes at Winterton.
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT.
Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 15, Garganey at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 5, Yellow-legged Gull, Little Gull, Caspian Gull at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Little Gulls x 2 at Winterton.
Montagu's Harrier between Haddiscoe and St. Olaves.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILT esc at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 3 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Wood Sandpipers x 7, *Black Tern (*yesterday) at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Whimbrel flew over Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Spoonbills x 6 yesterday at Brancaster.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male still, North Dunes at Winterton.
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT.
Spoonbills x 12, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 15, Garganey at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpipers x 5, Yellow-legged Gull, Little Gull, Caspian Gull at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Little Gulls x 2 at Winterton.
Montagu's Harrier between Haddiscoe and St. Olaves.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILT esc at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 3 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Family Get Together!
Worked all day – insanely hot on the ward. Whizzed home, shower and straight out of door to take both my sisters to Holme to spend some time with our parents where we all had a lovely evening. Father walking badly, trying to teach him to walk properly with my physio experience, but don't think I can change the bad walking pattern he has developed sadly.
Made the mistake of watching a very disturbing drama this evening, based on a true story, when I should have gone to bed early – wished I hadn't watched it to be honest, excellent acting and a tragic end. You know when the credits start to roll and you can't believe its ended there! Very sad. Here is a link to the drama.
Made the mistake of watching a very disturbing drama this evening, based on a true story, when I should have gone to bed early – wished I hadn't watched it to be honest, excellent acting and a tragic end. You know when the credits start to roll and you can't believe its ended there! Very sad. Here is a link to the drama.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Glossy Ibis at Welney WWT.
Temminck's Stint, Spoonbills x 10, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Arctic Skua at Titchwell RSPB.
Roseate Tern at Hemsby.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male still, North Dunes at Winterton.
Wood Sandpiper at Kelling Water Meadows.
Spoonbills x 17, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Little Gull at Cley NWT.
Other News
TEREK SANDPIPER 'Probable' reported at 10am, but no further sign after that at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILT esc at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
Wholly unconfirmed report of a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, County Cork, Ireland.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Glossy Ibis at Welney WWT.
Temminck's Stint, Spoonbills x 10, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Wood Sandpiper, Arctic Skua at Titchwell RSPB.
Roseate Tern at Hemsby.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male still, North Dunes at Winterton.
Wood Sandpiper at Kelling Water Meadows.
Spoonbills x 17, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Little Gull at Cley NWT.
Other News
TEREK SANDPIPER 'Probable' reported at 10am, but no further sign after that at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILT esc at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
Wholly unconfirmed report of a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, County Cork, Ireland.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Waiting for a Bridled Tern at Winterton!
Birders waiting and hoping for a Bridled Tern to Appear!
Winterton
I started off at Cleyspy at Glandford and kindly ask Phil and Andrew to repair my tripod head, which was loose and I couldn't quite work out why (I had already tightened the screw). I don't know what they did, but its all fine now, so thanks.
Cley Fete
I stopped here for one purpose only – to go to the produce stall to buy a jar of marmelade! There were tons of people here, but I was very unimpressed with the stalls this year to be honest. The main event seemed to be a dog fancy dress (yep, you did read that right!) – My arrival was badly timed, when the winning pooch (which seemed to have wings attached to it) was being paraded up and down with lots of applauding – here is the picture and TV Presenter Anneka Rice was the judge (Anneka follows me on Twitter!). The brass band of course was good and there was an ice-cream stall, but the bric-a-brac stall was a load of old rubbish! I walked into the church to look at the bird books on offer – there were only a handful, took me all of two seconds to browse through! The cream teas on offer in the church and the art were of course excellent. The heat was incredible and I just couldn't bear it.
Coastguards, Cley
At least I will get some coolness and breeze here I thought, as I drove along Beach Road to the carpark. How wrong was I! It was just as hot as it was inland! I spent about 10 minutes chatting to another birder and then left.
Weybourne
I arrived at Pinewalk Road to find the white buddleia, where yesterday's Scarce Tortoiseshell Butterfly had been seen. I didn't take long to find it, as two birders were standing looking at it! It had not been seen today, but I met the finder of yesterday's sighting, who is Mike Gough and he told me he watched it for just over 5 minutes, early afternoon only. His pictures are HERE. There was a good selection of other butterflies including Red Admiral, Peacock, Painted Ladies, Comma and Small Tortoishell. Whilst standing here, news came on the pager about an 'Unconfirmed sighting of a BRIDLED TERN that roosted with terns at Winterton yesterday evening!!! Now..... my plans had been to go back to Cley and spend the evening in the hides, but this changed things completely, or did it? Would it be crazy to drive for an hour to Winterton, when the chances of seeing a Bridled Tern were practically nil? I thought about this and imagined how I would feel if I was in Cley or worse still, back in King's Lynn when up on the pager came 'Mega, Bridled Tern at Winterton'....... I couldn't risk it, I had to go!
Surely this should have a red asterisk next to it!!! Rather than just 'passing along coast'!
Birders waiting for a mega to appear!
Winterton!
I arrived at the cafe carpark at 6.45pm. The carpark I found out, closes and is locked at 7.30pm – no good to me! So I re-located to the village carpark, where I had to wait for a bit to get a space. Walked back up the road and bumped into Barry Jarvis on route, so walked to the beach with him. We chatted with an RSPB Volunteer at the information hut to try and find out about yesterday's Bridled Tern sighting. A lady volunteer had seen the tern 'late yesterday afternoon' and spent the entire evening looking through books and came to the conclusion that it could only have been a Bridled Tern. The sighting was then entered in the book in the information hut this morning (I believe). It was chalked up on the blackboard outside the hut (see picture). Barry and I then joined a few other birders and we stood watching Little and Common Terns on the shore line. There was much discussion about the sighting, as expected for a potentially mega bird. It was a beautiful evening and cooler here (thank goodness). More birders turned up in dribs and drabs and by the finish there was about 26 people here. Birds seen besides the terns were a Ringed Plover, Sanderling, at least 6 Whimbrel, several Gannets, several Common Scoters, a Med. Gull which flew close along the beach. Bird of the evening was a Hobby chasing a Little Tern, which Barry spotted a long way out before it came in closer at 9pm. Several people here including Dave H., Justin L., R. Martin, Tim A. and others I knew by face, but couldn't remember their names, sorry! Most of us left by 9.05pm, leaving three people standing on the beach.
The RSPB Information Hut, Winterton.
Sunset over Winterton Dunes.
It was going to be a long drive home! I arrived back in King's Lynn at 11.20pm!
It was frustrating to see a message on the pager at 23.04 saying 'Scarce Tortoiseshell Butterfly Holme' – now I know RBA don't know, otherwise they would have said. But wherever this information came from, could at least said if it was in a private garden or not. I presume it was not on any of the reserves as there would be no need to suppress a butterfly on a nature reserve which many of us pay membership for to support/visit. It would be nice to know what time it was seen too and for how long – does anyone know please?
Sunday Update: Robert Smith replied to my question for information on FB: "At c2pm yesterday a large orange butterfly was seen briefly in flight in the NOA car park\path to the nwt hides. The finder ran to alert others but it could not be relocated. As far as I'm aware it was only ever a possible."
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Glossy Ibis at Welney WWT.
Temminck's Stint (ETM), Spoonbills x 5, Curlew Sandpiper, Garganey at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 2 at Thornham.
Spoonbills x 8, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Garganey at Cley NWT.
BRIDLED TERN (Unconfirmed report yesterday) roosted with terns at Winterton.
Black Tern, Whimbrels x 6, Med. Gull at Winterton.
Wood Sandpipers x 4 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Garganey at Holme NWT.
Black Tern Juv. at Hickling Broad NWT.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY – NO SIGN of at Weybourne.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY – yesterday in garden, Thetford.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY – at Holme (no more info/time of sighting etc)
Other News
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills x 3 still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None, but: BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Glossy Ibis at Welney WWT.
Temminck's Stint (ETM), Spoonbills x 5, Curlew Sandpiper, Garganey at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 2 at Thornham.
Spoonbills x 8, Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Garganey at Cley NWT.
BRIDLED TERN (Unconfirmed report yesterday) roosted with terns at Winterton.
Black Tern, Whimbrels x 6, Med. Gull at Winterton.
Wood Sandpipers x 4 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB.
Garganey at Holme NWT.
Black Tern Juv. at Hickling Broad NWT.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY – NO SIGN of at Weybourne.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY – yesterday in garden, Thetford.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY – at Holme (no more info/time of sighting etc)
Other News
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
BLACK-WINGED STILTS x 6 at Cavenham Pits, Suffolk.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills x 3 still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None, but: BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Ouse Washes RSPB, Cambridgeshire.
Yellow-legged Tortoiseshell News!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-28345031
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2696724/Asian-visitor-60-years-Yellow-legged-tortoiseshell-butterflies-spotted-east-coast-time-1953.html
http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/489582/Rare-butterfly-returns-UK-after-60-years
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=xanthomelas
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/butterfly-not-seen-in-britain-for-60-years-spotted-1.1361467
Link to the Weybourne sighting and pictures/finder HERE
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2696724/Asian-visitor-60-years-Yellow-legged-tortoiseshell-butterflies-spotted-east-coast-time-1953.html
http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/489582/Rare-butterfly-returns-UK-after-60-years
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=xanthomelas
http://gulfnews.com/news/world/butterfly-not-seen-in-britain-for-60-years-spotted-1.1361467
Link to the Weybourne sighting and pictures/finder HERE
Friday, 18 July 2014
VIOLENT STORMS ON THE WAY!!!
It was sheer joy to go to Tescos after work – the air conditioning was heaven! I don't know if anyone will be seeing any butterflies tomorrow, never mind yellow-legged ones!
http://www.metcheck.com/UK/warnings.asp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
http://www.metcheck.com/UK/warnings.asp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Little Gull at Wells Harbour.
TURTLE DOVE at Watton.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again, Crossbill at North Dunes, Winterton.
BALTIC GULL, Spoonbills x 2, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
Black Kite at Acle (on Wednesday).
Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Upton Broad NWT.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY on Pine Walk on white buddleia on left 100 yds from Station Road Junction at 2pm and then at 4.55pm, Weybourne.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL again, Fair Isle
Little Gull at Wells Harbour.
TURTLE DOVE at Watton.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again, Crossbill at North Dunes, Winterton.
BALTIC GULL, Spoonbills x 2, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
Black Kite at Acle (on Wednesday).
Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Upton Broad NWT.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY on Pine Walk on white buddleia on left 100 yds from Station Road Junction at 2pm and then at 4.55pm, Weybourne.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL again, Fair Isle
Thursday, 17 July 2014
HOT, HOT HOT!
That's all I've got to say really! Got home from work, cold shower, collapsed with exhaustion on sofa and fell asleep and that's where I stayed – couldn't even be bothered to cook tea! Tomorrow is going to be even hotter – great, so looking forward to that, not!
Had a lovely email from Bill (see last night's post) who recalled some lovely birds he had seen at Holme NOA including the Fan-tailed Warbler that I saw! Will we ever get another I wonder.....
Also had a lovely comment on my Frampton Marsh RSPB post.
Scarce Tortoiseshell Butterflies seem to be springing up all over the place, including the lastest sighting at Sheringham – would be awesome to see one – lots of discussion HERE. Where will the Black-winged Pratincole end up next? – I predict Titchwell RSPB tomorrow.
Climbed up the charts to Number 22 on the Fatbirder Birding Top 1000 today! Thanks everyone for your support. Also Number 3 on the Nature Blog Network!
Oh and my sincere apologies to several people who have sent me emails recently – got really behind with replying back, I will respond soon!
Had a lovely email from Bill (see last night's post) who recalled some lovely birds he had seen at Holme NOA including the Fan-tailed Warbler that I saw! Will we ever get another I wonder.....
Also had a lovely comment on my Frampton Marsh RSPB post.
Scarce Tortoiseshell Butterflies seem to be springing up all over the place, including the lastest sighting at Sheringham – would be awesome to see one – lots of discussion HERE. Where will the Black-winged Pratincole end up next? – I predict Titchwell RSPB tomorrow.
Climbed up the charts to Number 22 on the Fatbirder Birding Top 1000 today! Thanks everyone for your support. Also Number 3 on the Nature Blog Network!
Oh and my sincere apologies to several people who have sent me emails recently – got really behind with replying back, I will respond soon!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen all day, but flew high west just after 5.40pm.
Montagu's Harrier (probable) flew north over A149, Spoonbills x 8, Wood Sandpiper at Stiffkey Fen.
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spotted Redshanks x 20 at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
TURTLE DOVES x 3 at Weeting Heath NWT.
TURTLE DOVE at Watton.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY in garden at Hoveton yesterday.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY probable, near Holt on Tuesday.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY south of A149 Cromer road on A1082 Holway Road, Sheringham.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY on Monday, 3.5mls NE of Bardney at Chambers Farm Wood (photographed).
• LARGE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY reported on Tuesday at Tata Steelworks, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire and again today (probable).
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None – but bird of the day:
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen, Norfolk, until it flew high west just after 5.40pm.
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen all day, but flew high west just after 5.40pm.
Montagu's Harrier (probable) flew north over A149, Spoonbills x 8, Wood Sandpiper at Stiffkey Fen.
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spotted Redshanks x 20 at Titchwell RSPB.
Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
TURTLE DOVES x 3 at Weeting Heath NWT.
TURTLE DOVE at Watton.
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY in garden at Hoveton yesterday.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY probable, near Holt on Tuesday.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY south of A149 Cromer road on A1082 Holway Road, Sheringham.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY on Monday, 3.5mls NE of Bardney at Chambers Farm Wood (photographed).
• LARGE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY reported on Tuesday at Tata Steelworks, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire and again today (probable).
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk.
MEGA NEWS!
None – but bird of the day:
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen, Norfolk, until it flew high west just after 5.40pm.
Wednesday, 16 July 2014
Twitch, Dip and a Black-winged Pratincole!!!
I
have had a diabolical week for birds, no Great Knot, no Long-tailed
Skua, no Black-winged Pratincole at Cley and this evening dipped on the Woodchat Shrike!
I packed the car up this morning before work with all my birding gear, tea for tonight, drinks, clothes to change into etc – I was going to Breydon after work to see THE Great Knot..... or maybe 'knot'! My heart sank as I saw that only too familiar message on the pager 'no sign of Great Knot by......'. These 'no sign of' messages continued throughout the day, so that was that!!! Failure! When I finished work, I looked at the RBA website to see that there was a Woodchat Shrike at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse, so with a determination not to give up and go home, I changed into birding clothes and made my way to Salthouse. It was a beautiful evening, but ridiculously hot, far too hot for me.
As I parked the car in Beach Road, Salthouse I bumped into Jacquie and Dave Bridges who had not seen the Woodchat Shrike. I also found out later that it had not been seen since 5pm. It was now 6.20pm. I do wish someone had put the 'no sign of' news out, I would have gone birding to Burnham Overy Dunes instead. I carried on to Gramborough Hill anyway and sat patiently with a few other birders, no sign at all. Even Steve G. hadn't seen it, which surprised me, he doesn't miss much! My instinct told me to search further east and I walked all the way to Kelling Water Meadows to continue my search. Reed Buntings, a big flock of Linnets, Goldfinches, Meadow Pipits and a Kestrel were seen and on the pool itself were around 12 Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Egret and a few Black-headed Gulls. I was insanely hot and I trudged back slowly to Gramborough Hill. Just before I reached the hill a message bleeped up on the pager "Black-winged Pratincole at Stiffkey Fen at 8.20pm" – had I got time to get there before dark? Hmmmmm....... well why not, give it a go, nothing to lose, I had missed everything else this week! Speeded up my pace, ringing Eddie on route (he doesn't have a pager) and was very pleased I had called him to let him know.
Drove to Stiffkey Fen quickly! Slung the car on the side and jogged slowly along the path. The public footpath is a disgrace – I have never seen it like this, completely overgrown, I could hardly get down there and also a huge ivy covered tree across the path which I had to get down really low to get under and Eddie (told me) that he had to crawl to get under it! As I reached the steps to the sea wall I could see a handful of people standing on the bank. A very nice birder called Bill let me look through his scope (several times in fact! Thank you very much) and there it was – a cracking Black-winged Pratincole sitting on the edge of the one of the islands amongst Lapwings, Black-headed Gulls and also a single Knot (not any bigger!) at 9.03pm. Huge thanks to the birder who found it – he was there, but didn't know his name. Eddie arrived and also a birder from Kelling (who told me earlier he had also missed out on the other good birds this week), so he was pleased. We watched this wonderful bird until 9.15pm until we just couldn't see any more! Phew – the evening had been saved!
Walked back and witnessed poor Eddie having to crawl under the tree – crazy! On the way home I saw two Barn Owls between Stiffkey and Wells – arrived home around 10.15pm!
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
I packed the car up this morning before work with all my birding gear, tea for tonight, drinks, clothes to change into etc – I was going to Breydon after work to see THE Great Knot..... or maybe 'knot'! My heart sank as I saw that only too familiar message on the pager 'no sign of Great Knot by......'. These 'no sign of' messages continued throughout the day, so that was that!!! Failure! When I finished work, I looked at the RBA website to see that there was a Woodchat Shrike at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse, so with a determination not to give up and go home, I changed into birding clothes and made my way to Salthouse. It was a beautiful evening, but ridiculously hot, far too hot for me.
As I parked the car in Beach Road, Salthouse I bumped into Jacquie and Dave Bridges who had not seen the Woodchat Shrike. I also found out later that it had not been seen since 5pm. It was now 6.20pm. I do wish someone had put the 'no sign of' news out, I would have gone birding to Burnham Overy Dunes instead. I carried on to Gramborough Hill anyway and sat patiently with a few other birders, no sign at all. Even Steve G. hadn't seen it, which surprised me, he doesn't miss much! My instinct told me to search further east and I walked all the way to Kelling Water Meadows to continue my search. Reed Buntings, a big flock of Linnets, Goldfinches, Meadow Pipits and a Kestrel were seen and on the pool itself were around 12 Black-tailed Godwits, a Little Egret and a few Black-headed Gulls. I was insanely hot and I trudged back slowly to Gramborough Hill. Just before I reached the hill a message bleeped up on the pager "Black-winged Pratincole at Stiffkey Fen at 8.20pm" – had I got time to get there before dark? Hmmmmm....... well why not, give it a go, nothing to lose, I had missed everything else this week! Speeded up my pace, ringing Eddie on route (he doesn't have a pager) and was very pleased I had called him to let him know.
Drove to Stiffkey Fen quickly! Slung the car on the side and jogged slowly along the path. The public footpath is a disgrace – I have never seen it like this, completely overgrown, I could hardly get down there and also a huge ivy covered tree across the path which I had to get down really low to get under and Eddie (told me) that he had to crawl to get under it! As I reached the steps to the sea wall I could see a handful of people standing on the bank. A very nice birder called Bill let me look through his scope (several times in fact! Thank you very much) and there it was – a cracking Black-winged Pratincole sitting on the edge of the one of the islands amongst Lapwings, Black-headed Gulls and also a single Knot (not any bigger!) at 9.03pm. Huge thanks to the birder who found it – he was there, but didn't know his name. Eddie arrived and also a birder from Kelling (who told me earlier he had also missed out on the other good birds this week), so he was pleased. We watched this wonderful bird until 9.15pm until we just couldn't see any more! Phew – the evening had been saved!
Walked back and witnessed poor Eddie having to crawl under the tree – crazy! On the way home I saw two Barn Owls between Stiffkey and Wells – arrived home around 10.15pm!
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
RBA Weekly Round-Up 9th to 15th July!
By John Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2014no28.aspx?s_id=796846090
Thanks to the RBA Team for including my Glossy Ibis Photograph at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
Also used in Bird Guides Weekly Round-Up HERE, thanks!
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2014no28.aspx?s_id=796846090
Thanks to the RBA Team for including my Glossy Ibis Photograph at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
Also used in Bird Guides Weekly Round-Up HERE, thanks!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
GREAT KNOT at Breydon Water – NO SIGN ALL DAY!!!
Spoonbills x 14, Spotted Redshanks x 8 at Titchwell RSPB
Scaup at Cantley Beet Factory
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton
Spoonbills x 22, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
WOODCHAT SHRIKE at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Little Gulls x 2 at Breydon Water
TURTLE DOVE at West Dereham
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen (found at 8.20pm)
Long-tailed Skua flew south at Great Yarmouth
Long-tailed Skua flew west over Holme Reserves (see details here and here)
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY in garden at Burgh Castle for 2nd day
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY still at Tavernham (see yesterday's bird news for directions) – 11.24am and until early pm only.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY 'Probable' at a site with no general access at Wells briefly
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL again at Fair Isle
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen, Norfolk
GREAT KNOT at Breydon Water – NO SIGN ALL DAY!!!
Spoonbills x 14, Spotted Redshanks x 8 at Titchwell RSPB
Scaup at Cantley Beet Factory
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton
Spoonbills x 22, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
WOODCHAT SHRIKE at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Little Gulls x 2 at Breydon Water
TURTLE DOVE at West Dereham
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen (found at 8.20pm)
Long-tailed Skua flew south at Great Yarmouth
Long-tailed Skua flew west over Holme Reserves (see details here and here)
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY in garden at Burgh Castle for 2nd day
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY still at Tavernham (see yesterday's bird news for directions) – 11.24am and until early pm only.
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY 'Probable' at a site with no general access at Wells briefly
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
COLLARED PRATINCOLE remains at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL again at Fair Isle
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Stiffkey Fen, Norfolk
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Hot Birding and Life!!!
Well, Norfolk has certainly has some top draw birds over the last couple of days – with a First for Norfolk GREAT KNOT and a cracking Long-tailed Skua sitting on the shoreline at Winterton and today we have a Black-winged Pratincole at Cley NWT and the Great Knot remains for a second day. To add to that, we also have a Scarce Tortoiseshell Butterfly which is potentially a first for the UK!!!
I have sadly seen none of this action at all. I couldn't go birding this evening either. But hopefully I can escape after work tomorrow! Horrible word 'work' when there are major birds to see!
I have sadly seen none of this action at all. I couldn't go birding this evening either. But hopefully I can escape after work tomorrow! Horrible word 'work' when there are major birds to see!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
MEGA! GREAT KNOT for third day at Breydon Water!
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Cley NWT!
Pectoral Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 30, Garganey x 3, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT
Great White Egret at Blakeney Harbour
Spoonbills x 8 at Blakeney Marsh
Spoonbills x 4 at west end of Broad Water, Holme NWT
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton
Glossy Ibis at Welney WWT
Spoonbills x 8, Little Stint, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Little Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Common Cranes x 3 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 2 flew over Cantley
Common Cranes x 8 by Nelson Head Track at Horsey
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY at Queen's Hills, Costessey, Norwich yesterday for 2nd day (note, a number of non-native butterfly species were released at Colney on Wednesday) and again today at 11.30am. Seen also this evening south of Taverham, access from 10am tomorrow – TG.157.128 and follow on site instructions.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
COLLARED PRATINCOLE at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY also at Minsmere RSPB for 2nd day
Black Kite (esc) again at Wrentham, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT KNOT Breydon Water, Norfolk
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE (possible) at Blashford Lakes HWT, Ringwood, Hampshire
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Cley NWT, Norfolk
MEGA! GREAT KNOT for third day at Breydon Water!
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Cley NWT!
Pectoral Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 30, Garganey x 3, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT
Great White Egret at Blakeney Harbour
Spoonbills x 8 at Blakeney Marsh
Spoonbills x 4 at west end of Broad Water, Holme NWT
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton
Glossy Ibis at Welney WWT
Spoonbills x 8, Little Stint, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Little Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Common Cranes x 3 at Buckingham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 2 flew over Cantley
Common Cranes x 8 by Nelson Head Track at Horsey
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY at Queen's Hills, Costessey, Norwich yesterday for 2nd day (note, a number of non-native butterfly species were released at Colney on Wednesday) and again today at 11.30am. Seen also this evening south of Taverham, access from 10am tomorrow – TG.157.128 and follow on site instructions.
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
COLLARED PRATINCOLE at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY also at Minsmere RSPB for 2nd day
Black Kite (esc) again at Wrentham, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT KNOT Breydon Water, Norfolk
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE (possible) at Blashford Lakes HWT, Ringwood, Hampshire
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Cley NWT, Norfolk
Monday, 14 July 2014
MEGA! GREAT KNOT in Norfolk!!!
First for Norfolk, Fourth for Britain!!!
Found by Pete Allard, late last night and still here again today at East end of Breydon Water from Rugby Club on South Wall. Use Asda carpark, then walk under bridge and up steps and along west side of A12 or turn west off A12 just south of bridge and use Rugby carpark NR31 0AY.
The first Great Knot was found in Shetland in 1989, then Cleveland in 1996, County Dublin 2004 and Lancashire in 2004.
Discussion: HERE.
Pictures on RBA by Will Soar here: HERE and HERE. Also on Surfbirds HERE
Unfortunately I felt so exhausted after my first day back at work and the medication I am taking leaves me shattered. I just couldn't physically or mentally drive 69 miles each way tonight. I will just have to hope that the bird stays and I feel more energetic another evening – very unlike me. I remember doing this drive after work to Breydon to see the last one (that was/wasn't). Good Luck to all those that are going and enjoy this mega bird!
Found by Pete Allard, late last night and still here again today at East end of Breydon Water from Rugby Club on South Wall. Use Asda carpark, then walk under bridge and up steps and along west side of A12 or turn west off A12 just south of bridge and use Rugby carpark NR31 0AY.
The first Great Knot was found in Shetland in 1989, then Cleveland in 1996, County Dublin 2004 and Lancashire in 2004.
Discussion: HERE.
Pictures on RBA by Will Soar here: HERE and HERE. Also on Surfbirds HERE
Unfortunately I felt so exhausted after my first day back at work and the medication I am taking leaves me shattered. I just couldn't physically or mentally drive 69 miles each way tonight. I will just have to hope that the bird stays and I feel more energetic another evening – very unlike me. I remember doing this drive after work to Breydon to see the last one (that was/wasn't). Good Luck to all those that are going and enjoy this mega bird!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
MEGA! GREAT KNOT (yesterday late evening) & today at Breydon Water!
White Stork (esc), Spoobills x 4, Spotted Redshank x 3, Whimbrel x 16, Med. Gulls x 27 at Breydon Water
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 13, Spotted Redshanks x 15 at Titchwell RSPB
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again, Long-tailed Skua at North Dunes, Winterton
Little Gulls x 18 flew west past Holme NOA
Other News
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Gilbraltar Point NNR
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GLOSSY IBIS, TURTLE DOVE, Wood Sandpiper still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY at Minsmere RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT KNOT Breydon Water, Norfolk
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE (on Saturday) at Thursley Common, Surrey and probable today, west of Brockenhurst in New Forest, Hampshire
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL again, Fair Isle
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL County Down, Ireland
MEGA! GREAT KNOT (yesterday late evening) & today at Breydon Water!
White Stork (esc), Spoobills x 4, Spotted Redshank x 3, Whimbrel x 16, Med. Gulls x 27 at Breydon Water
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 13, Spotted Redshanks x 15 at Titchwell RSPB
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again, Long-tailed Skua at North Dunes, Winterton
Little Gulls x 18 flew west past Holme NOA
Other News
BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Gilbraltar Point NNR
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GLOSSY IBIS, TURTLE DOVE, Wood Sandpiper still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
• SCARCE TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY at Minsmere RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT KNOT Breydon Water, Norfolk
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE (on Saturday) at Thursley Common, Surrey and probable today, west of Brockenhurst in New Forest, Hampshire
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL again, Fair Isle
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL County Down, Ireland
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Frampton Marsh RSPB!
GLOSSY IBIS
Evening light at Frampton Marsh RSPB
I have not been to Frampton Marsh Reserve for several years, which is dreadful really, especially when its only half a mile more than going to Cley Reserves (34.5 miles). I'm always drawn by the coast and I find it difficult to leave Norfolk! With a Lesser Yellowlegs and a Glossy Ibis on offer and with a good selection of waders to add, I decided to re-visit this reserve.
The medication I am still taking for my back, completely wipes you out and I didn't get up until late in the morning. After lunch I made my way to Frampton. There was a torrrential storm on route which made for interesting driving! On my arrival in the carpark, I didn't recognise anything. I can't remember the visitor centre being there at all, but I suppose it must have been. I asked advice in the centre on where to find the Lesser Yellowlegs and headed along the path/road towards the sea bank and pools. There were a few birders here and it took a while to see, but eventually I had a distant view through my scope! I can see why there's hardly any pictures of this bird, well I haven't found any decent ones on the net yet, but a birder I met later said he put some on the Lincs Bird Club Website. Oh and just found one here. The Glossy Ibis was very obliging and was feeding in shallow, muddy pools near the roadside, but the light was the wrong direction for photos sadly.
I decided to walk round to the East Hide, which looked very distant, but thought I may have a chance of having a closer view of the Lesser Yellowlegs from here if I was lucky! The walk round was beautiful, this reserve has really developed into an amazing place. There is a fantastic mix of flowers and plants, which in turn attracts lots bees and insects. In fact bees were abundant here, spending lots of time on the carpets of clover. The East Scrape (think its called) which is your left when walking up to the hide entrance was full of birds: including several Common Terns, Avocets, Teal, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers (with cute fluffy chicks) and Little Egrets were dotted around. The East Hide itself is a brilliant design – with viewing flaps all the way round and the wooden bench seats were the right height – well they were for me anyway! In the very far distance I thought I could see the Lesser Yellow-legs, but it was hazy and I couldn't be sure at all – took some phonescoped video, but this still doesn't clarify the ID! Sheep grazing all round the reserve and a cute lamb was skipping close to the hide. Large numbers of Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits here also. I couldn't decide whether to walk back via the sea bank or return the same way. With skittish cattle on the sea bank, I decided to return the same way! Before I walked back, I climbed the steps up to the sea bank and scanned the marshes for a while and could see a Marsh Harrier distantly – the views of the wash from here are vast. Other birds seen were: Reed Buntings, Skylarks, Black-headed Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, Redshanks, Snipe, Spotted Redshank, several Ruff, a Brent Goose, Lapwings, Marsh Harriers, Heron, Sandwich Terns, Dunlins, massive Starling flocks, Mute Swans, Great Crested Grebes, Sedge and Reed Warblers singing and seen, Swallows and Swifts.
I had a lovely surprise when I returned to the carpark. I was sitting in my deckchair eating my tea (sandwiches) when suddenly a Turtle Dove flew across the carpark, landed in a tree and started 'purring'! How wonderful! I couldn't get a picture, as the sun was the wrong side (again). I walked along the public footpath between the hawthorn hedges to find more Turtle Doves (as recommended), but only found a blackbird and chaffinches here. At the end of the path I sat on the bench seat for a short while, which overlooks the marshes and watched Little Egrets and Lapwings in a muddy pool. Two greenfinches landed in a large, dead elder tree. I walked back to the carpark and then spent some time looking in the visitor centre nature garden, which I was very impressed with. Lots of butterfly attracting plants and flowers planted in wooden, framed areas. Willow coppicing tunnel and large dome (presumably for children to play in). I also found a magnify glass to view items incorporated into the top of a post which was a brilliant idea. Several picnic tables here also – a very pretty and well designed setting. All the plants reminded me of the nature garden that father had at HBO in which he planted plants to attract butterflies/insects in big blue tubs to show visitors.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
Distantly at Frampton Marsh RSPB
Rubbish picture, but best I could do!
I spent the rest of the evening trying to see the Lesser Yellowlegs again by the shallow pools by the sea bank – I did see it again, briefly. Hundreds of Black-tailed Godwits and some Bar-tailed here in the roost! Got some better pictures of the Glossy Ibis this evening. Left here far too late.
I was horrified when I reached the Boston roundabout to return the same way, when it said 'ROAD CLOSED.... follow diversions'. I could see the road being re-tarmacked. The diversion took me all the way to Spalding, I was not a happy bunny and got home later than expected. I did see a Little Owl on my diversion though – on a back road somewhere near Holbeach.
Aside from the big detour home, I had a fabulous afternoon on a first class reserve.
PICTURES AND VIDEOS TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
GREAT WHITE EGRET at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 20 at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 4 at Blakeney Quay
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton
Spoonbills x 2 at Breydon Water
Spotted Redshanks x 14 at Titchwell RSPB
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GLOSSY IBIS, TURTLE DOVE, Wood Sandpiper still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN flew south past Whitburn Coastal Park, County Durham
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN Hartlepool Headland, Seaton Carew, Cleveland
MEGA! FEA'S PETROL Easington, Yorkshire
GREAT WHITE EGRET at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 20 at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 4 at Blakeney Quay
RED-BACKED SHRIKE Male again at North Dunes, Winterton
Spoonbills x 2 at Breydon Water
Spotted Redshanks x 14 at Titchwell RSPB
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GLOSSY IBIS, TURTLE DOVE, Wood Sandpiper still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN flew south past Whitburn Coastal Park, County Durham
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN Hartlepool Headland, Seaton Carew, Cleveland
MEGA! FEA'S PETROL Easington, Yorkshire
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Cley Birding!
Spent the afternoon at Cley. Arrived at Coastguards to a very busy carpark and lots of people sunbathing and posing! It was boiling hot, sticky weather and it felt thundery – there was mist rising off the pools, which looked unusual during the day in full sunshine! Walked to North Hide (that was) where there is now a new screen which looks very smart....... but the viewing slits are not suitable for most heights! I had to kneel to look through the lowest, the second one was shorter than me and the third is for someone way over 6ft! 2 Spoonbills on Billy's Wash, a nice Ruff, Cormorants, Avocets, 2 Marsh Harriers etc. Sandwich Terns flying along the sea. Plodded back to the carpark in the heat.
Walsey Hills NOA produced a Common Lizard, lots of butterflies including Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock and Speckled Wood, male and female blackcap, goldfinches and chaffinches. Plenty of banter with Warden David B, John F. and Eddie M. (who by the way has a shiny new car!). Also lots of 'Silver Y' moths along the top path and an interesting fly that looked like a bee, which I managed to get on the iphone with my new Olloclip macro attachments!
Sat having my tea in the carpark at the bottom of Old Women's Lane and then walked to Dauke's Hide NWT, where I spent the rest of the evening. Good selection of birds seen: 2 Spoonbills, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, lots of Black-headed Gulls, Lesser black-backed gulls, 2 Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Avocets, several Ruff in various plumage. Also Barn Owl and 2 Marsh Harriers. Reed Warblers singing on the way back.
PICTURES AND VIDEO TO BE ADDED
As I am sure some of you have noticed, I have got a little behind with photos again recently – all posts will be updated with pictures by the end of this week!
Walsey Hills NOA produced a Common Lizard, lots of butterflies including Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Peacock and Speckled Wood, male and female blackcap, goldfinches and chaffinches. Plenty of banter with Warden David B, John F. and Eddie M. (who by the way has a shiny new car!). Also lots of 'Silver Y' moths along the top path and an interesting fly that looked like a bee, which I managed to get on the iphone with my new Olloclip macro attachments!
Sat having my tea in the carpark at the bottom of Old Women's Lane and then walked to Dauke's Hide NWT, where I spent the rest of the evening. Good selection of birds seen: 2 Spoonbills, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, lots of Black-headed Gulls, Lesser black-backed gulls, 2 Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Avocets, several Ruff in various plumage. Also Barn Owl and 2 Marsh Harriers. Reed Warblers singing on the way back.
PICTURES AND VIDEO TO BE ADDED
As I am sure some of you have noticed, I have got a little behind with photos again recently – all posts will be updated with pictures by the end of this week!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
TURTLE DOVES x 5, Spoonbills x 9, Spotted Redshanks x 17, Little Gull, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 11 at Cley NWT
STILT SANDPIPER reported at Swim Coots (access by NWT boat), Hickling Broad NWT (no sign after 11.06am)
RED-FOOTED FALCON Fem, HONEY BUZZARD at Hickling Broad NWT
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water
HONEY BUZZARD at Felmingham
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
MEGA NEWS!MEGA! BRIDLED TERN at Seacliff Bay, North Berwick, Lothian, Scotland
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE north of Hatchet Pond Carpark, Hampshire
MEGA! SWINHOE PETREL again, Fair Isle, Shetland
TURTLE DOVES x 5, Spoonbills x 9, Spotted Redshanks x 17, Little Gull, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 11 at Cley NWT
STILT SANDPIPER reported at Swim Coots (access by NWT boat), Hickling Broad NWT (no sign after 11.06am)
RED-FOOTED FALCON Fem, HONEY BUZZARD at Hickling Broad NWT
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water
HONEY BUZZARD at Felmingham
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
MEGA NEWS!MEGA! BRIDLED TERN at Seacliff Bay, North Berwick, Lothian, Scotland
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE north of Hatchet Pond Carpark, Hampshire
MEGA! SWINHOE PETREL again, Fair Isle, Shetland
DON'T FORGET!!!
THE WONDER OF BIRDS EXHIBITION IN NORWICH!
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/norwich-castle-prepares-for-new-wonder.html
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/norwich-castle-prepares-for-new-wonder.html
Friday, 11 July 2014
The Weekend!
Back pain improved no end today. But I decided to be very sensible and not go where I was going to this evening. I have been so looking forward to watching 'Rough Copy' (X-Factor finalists) play at 'Festival Too' in King's Lynn this evening, but decided it would be too much. I was mainly going to photograph them, as they are going to be the next big band – remember I said this! Gutted I have missed out on seeing them, but didn't want to take any risks with my back pain – need to be fit for work next week. Last night of 'Festival Too' tomorrow, see the line up HERE.
It will be so brilliant to spend some time birding this weekend – I feel like I haven't been out for weeks. First job in the morning though is to get four new tyres fitted – they have lasted since I bought the car in March 2012 and I've done 24,500 miles. I am so impressed with this, that I am buying exactly the same tyres again – I lead such an exciting life!!!
I saw the Stilt Sandpiper at Burnham Norton in May 2005, so don't 'need' it for my list. But depending on time and how I feel, I may go over and see this bird at Hickling tomorrow, if its still there of course! I quite fancy going to Frampton too and also would like to witness the Spoonbill extravaganza at Cley! On the other hand, these tablets make me feel sleepy, so I will be more than probably have a lazy birding day!
Weather for the weekend:
Rain, Showers and Sunshine! You won't need your shorts or flip flops, more like hats and gloves with NW/NE winds blowing on the coast!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
It will be so brilliant to spend some time birding this weekend – I feel like I haven't been out for weeks. First job in the morning though is to get four new tyres fitted – they have lasted since I bought the car in March 2012 and I've done 24,500 miles. I am so impressed with this, that I am buying exactly the same tyres again – I lead such an exciting life!!!
I saw the Stilt Sandpiper at Burnham Norton in May 2005, so don't 'need' it for my list. But depending on time and how I feel, I may go over and see this bird at Hickling tomorrow, if its still there of course! I quite fancy going to Frampton too and also would like to witness the Spoonbill extravaganza at Cley! On the other hand, these tablets make me feel sleepy, so I will be more than probably have a lazy birding day!
Weather for the weekend:
Rain, Showers and Sunshine! You won't need your shorts or flip flops, more like hats and gloves with NW/NE winds blowing on the coast!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 15, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
STILT SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Little Gulls x 7 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Little Gulls x 2 at Trimingham
Little Gulls x 13, Arctic Skua at Winterton
Spoonbills x 8, Little Stint, Spotted Redshanks x 4, Little Gull, Great Skua at Titchwell RSPB
TURTLE DOVES x 2 at Watton
Spoonbills x 6 at Stiffkey Fen
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT
Little Gulls x 20, Arctic Terns x 5, Spotted Redshank at Gorleston
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
MEDITERRANEAN GULLS x 310 flew past Walberswick, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
NONE
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 15, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
STILT SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Little Gulls x 7 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Little Gulls x 2 at Trimingham
Little Gulls x 13, Arctic Skua at Winterton
Spoonbills x 8, Little Stint, Spotted Redshanks x 4, Little Gull, Great Skua at Titchwell RSPB
TURTLE DOVES x 2 at Watton
Spoonbills x 6 at Stiffkey Fen
Wood Sandpiper at Welney WWT
Little Gulls x 20, Arctic Terns x 5, Spotted Redshank at Gorleston
Other News
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
MEDITERRANEAN GULLS x 310 flew past Walberswick, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
NONE
Thursday, 10 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 2, south of Hardley Staithe, Loddon
Little Gulls x 2 at Trimingham
BEE-EATER (heard only) flew north over Winterton Gap
CORY'S SHEARWATER, Arctic Skua, Little Gulls x 3+ at Winterton
Black Tern, Little Gulls x 3 at Titchwell RSPB
STORM PETRELS x 2 flew north past Gorleston
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER (possible) flew north past Gorleston
Other News
Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB
BLACK-WINGED STILT (esc.) at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN at Seacliff Bay, North Berwick, Lothian, Scotland
Common Cranes x 2, south of Hardley Staithe, Loddon
Little Gulls x 2 at Trimingham
BEE-EATER (heard only) flew north over Winterton Gap
CORY'S SHEARWATER, Arctic Skua, Little Gulls x 3+ at Winterton
Black Tern, Little Gulls x 3 at Titchwell RSPB
STORM PETRELS x 2 flew north past Gorleston
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER (possible) flew north past Gorleston
Other News
Glossy Ibis still at Frampton Marsh RSPB
BLACK-WINGED STILT (esc.) at Berry Fen, Cambridgeshire
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN at Seacliff Bay, North Berwick, Lothian, Scotland
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Blogger problem!
For some strange reason, the number of posts showing on my blog has decreased significantly!!!! I havn't changed anything, so don't know what's going on! Also the area in which the posts are showing has become shorter - it normally ends at the bottom of my blog in line with the turquoise area on right hand side! I have posted this query in the blogger help forums, so hopefully will be resolved soon.
Update: Sorted!!!
With help from someone on the blogger forum. Basically each page (of posts) that you see can only hold a certain amount of information and memory – this includes all codes that are not visible eg, I am editing this post in 'compose', but if I switch to 'HTML' it shows all the codes that make up this post. The problems were all my Norfolk Bird News posts and the reason for this is that I tended to copy and paste from the previous day and just amend accordingly. Doing this created (don't know why) tons and tons of codes which all count as memory. This in turn mean't that only a small number of posts were showing on the current page. So to solve this..... instead of copying yesterday's bird news and pasting into the post with the short cut 'Command, v', I need to use 'Command, shift, v' which puts all the text in, but without the text size changes, colour changes, bold, underlines etc and removes the masses of codes!!! This does mean a bit of extra work every day to these posts, but decided I will cut down on time by not underlining the village/town where each bird is located and this in turn will also mean less codes/memory used! Technology!!!
Update: Sorted!!!
With help from someone on the blogger forum. Basically each page (of posts) that you see can only hold a certain amount of information and memory – this includes all codes that are not visible eg, I am editing this post in 'compose', but if I switch to 'HTML' it shows all the codes that make up this post. The problems were all my Norfolk Bird News posts and the reason for this is that I tended to copy and paste from the previous day and just amend accordingly. Doing this created (don't know why) tons and tons of codes which all count as memory. This in turn mean't that only a small number of posts were showing on the current page. So to solve this..... instead of copying yesterday's bird news and pasting into the post with the short cut 'Command, v', I need to use 'Command, shift, v' which puts all the text in, but without the text size changes, colour changes, bold, underlines etc and removes the masses of codes!!! This does mean a bit of extra work every day to these posts, but decided I will cut down on time by not underlining the village/town where each bird is located and this in turn will also mean less codes/memory used! Technology!!!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbills x 3 at Redwell Marsh NOA, Holme
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 21 at Cley NWT
STORM PETREL, Arctic Skuas x 2 flew past Cley
Scaup, Arctic Skua flew past Winterton
TURTLE DOVE at Barrow Common, Brancaster Staithe
HONEY BUZZARD at Watton
CORY'S SHEARWATER flew east past Sheringham
Arctic Skua, Little Gulls x 2 flew past Horsey
HONEY BUZZARD at Horning
STORM PETRELS x 2, Roseate Tern, Sooty Shearwaters x 2, Arctic Terns x 5 flew north past Great Yarmouth
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL Fair Isle, Shetland
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN Port Seton, then flew towards Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN still, Inner Farne on Farne Islands, Northumberland
Spoonbills x 3 at Redwell Marsh NOA, Holme
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 21 at Cley NWT
STORM PETREL, Arctic Skuas x 2 flew past Cley
Scaup, Arctic Skua flew past Winterton
TURTLE DOVE at Barrow Common, Brancaster Staithe
HONEY BUZZARD at Watton
CORY'S SHEARWATER flew east past Sheringham
Arctic Skua, Little Gulls x 2 flew past Horsey
HONEY BUZZARD at Horning
STORM PETRELS x 2, Roseate Tern, Sooty Shearwaters x 2, Arctic Terns x 5 flew north past Great Yarmouth
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SWINHOE'S PETREL Fair Isle, Shetland
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN Port Seton, then flew towards Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN still, Inner Farne on Farne Islands, Northumberland
Rest of Week off
After speaking to a Nurse Practitioner at my surgery this morning, she advised to have the rest of the week off. She explained (obvious really) that if I go back to soon, it would just flare up again and would take longer to heal. She suggested going back Monday if I felt fine, so that's the plan. She also told me that sitting for long periods would not help and that the best thing I should be doing is walking! She also said I should be doing core exercises and she recommended a few for me to do and also to place an ice-pack for about 10 minutes every now and again. I was very impressed with her advice – she told me far more than the doctor I saw on Monday! The pain has significantly improved, but its still there, even with the prescribed Naproxen, supplemented with paracetamol. I can't remember ever having a back issue before, so this is all new to me and massively boring.
New Magazine "Wildlife East Anglia"
First Issue Now Available on Line!
http://issuu.com/norfolkbirdfair/docs/june_magazine/50?e=12398085/8554074
http://issuu.com/norfolkbirdfair/docs/june_magazine/50?e=12398085/8554074
Report into Cley Helicopter Crash!
Report into Cley helicopter crash finds US Air Force pilots knocked unconscious by “multiple bird strikes”
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/update_report_into_cley_helicopter_crash_finds_us_air_force_pilots_knocked_unconscious_by_multiple_bird_strikes_1_3676291
http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/all-news/2014-07-09-nwt-response-to-helicopter-cra
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/update_report_into_cley_helicopter_crash_finds_us_air_force_pilots_knocked_unconscious_by_multiple_bird_strikes_1_3676291
http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/all-news/2014-07-09-nwt-response-to-helicopter-cra
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Still off work
Taking all this medication is making me so tired, feel completely exhausted. The pain is starting to get a bit better thank goodness, but still can't put socks on!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'STONE CURLEW at Happisburgh
Spoonbills x 6, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT
• Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Felbrigg Hall Lake
• Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Hickling Broad NWT
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB
BLACK KITE (esc) still at Wrentham, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN still, Inner Farne on Farne Islands, Northumberland
Spoonbills x 6, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT
• Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Felbrigg Hall Lake
• Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Hickling Broad NWT
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB
BLACK KITE (esc) still at Wrentham, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN still, Inner Farne on Farne Islands, Northumberland
Monday, 7 July 2014
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 19 at Cley NWT
TURTLE DOVES x 2, Spoonbills x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 13 at Titchwell RSPB
TURTLE DOVES x 2 at Wymondham Cemetery
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water
• Red-veined Darter Dragonflies x 3 on northern most pool, North Dunes, Winterton
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB
BLACK KITE (esc) still at Wrentham, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN still, Inner Farne on Farne Islands, Northumberland
MEGA! BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Holywell Pond, Northumberland
PECTORAL SANDPIPER, Spoonbills x 19 at Cley NWT
TURTLE DOVES x 2, Spoonbills x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 13 at Titchwell RSPB
TURTLE DOVES x 2 at Wymondham Cemetery
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water
• Red-veined Darter Dragonflies x 3 on northern most pool, North Dunes, Winterton
Other News
Glossy Ibis at Frampton Marsh RSPB
BLACK KITE (esc) still at Wrentham, Suffolk
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN still, Inner Farne on Farne Islands, Northumberland
MEGA! BLACK-WINGED PRATINCOLE at Holywell Pond, Northumberland
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