Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard, Shorelarks x 3 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Raven probable, flew over Waxham.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Great Northern Diver, Velvet Scoters x 3 at Holkham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Red-crested Pochards x 4 at Thorpe Marshes.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Glaucous Gull at Breydon Water.
Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Newtownlynch, County Galway, Ireland.
Saturday, 28 February 2015
Friday, 27 February 2015
It's Friday!!!
I was being sarcastic. Normally I would be at work and now looking forward to the weekend. But off work because of fire and now because I have a nasty chest virus. Got up and went for breakfast and then felt so ill I went back to bed until 11.15am. Then I went to my GP's to pick up sick note for work and have been signed off for another week. Met with my insurer's assessor at my house at 12.30pm who seemed to be there forever, videoing and doing the same stuff as the asessor for the cleaning team. I now have loads of stuff to do, but feel too ill to do it. Took washing out of machine that I did last night and took it to laundrettes to tumbledry and then returned to hotel. Still have a temperature and feel rubbish.
My hotel stay has been extended, but only for a short while. The assessor suggested that I sleep in the second bedroom as the odour is less in there. This will mean moving tons of boxes of books by myself into my bedroom and moving the bed into that room – oh joy. Smoke will continue to leak back into my house until the fire house is cleaned. So I will have to sleep in my house soon, not looking forward to that and also it has been recommended not to open any windows to lessen the chances of further smoke exposure.
Mother visited Father in hospital today to see how he is mobilising with the physios – she used the sturn aid to transfer him, think this is what she will be issued to use at home for Father. OT visiting her house next week to assess the room and equipment – I've already told them what is needed! Father was very tearful, tired and fed-up and wants to go home. Feel so sad as I'm not well enough to visit him.
My hotel stay has been extended, but only for a short while. The assessor suggested that I sleep in the second bedroom as the odour is less in there. This will mean moving tons of boxes of books by myself into my bedroom and moving the bed into that room – oh joy. Smoke will continue to leak back into my house until the fire house is cleaned. So I will have to sleep in my house soon, not looking forward to that and also it has been recommended not to open any windows to lessen the chances of further smoke exposure.
Mother visited Father in hospital today to see how he is mobilising with the physios – she used the sturn aid to transfer him, think this is what she will be issued to use at home for Father. OT visiting her house next week to assess the room and equipment – I've already told them what is needed! Father was very tearful, tired and fed-up and wants to go home. Feel so sad as I'm not well enough to visit him.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Short-eared Owl, Velvet Scoter at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit, Red-crested Pochard x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Woodlark at Sidestrand.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Common Cranes x 5 flew east over Thorpe St Andrew.
Twite x 6 at Thornham Harbour.
Spoonbill at Holkham.
Great White Egret at Cley NWT and Walsey Hills NOA.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Stiffkey.
Firecrest at Beeston, Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Short-eared Owl, Bewick's Swans x 2 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Aylsham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Great White Egret, Scaup at Lyng.
Common Cranes x 5, Bittern at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Common Cranes x 12 at Horsey.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora on sea, Highland, Scotland.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Short-eared Owl, Velvet Scoter at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit, Red-crested Pochard x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Woodlark at Sidestrand.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Common Cranes x 5 flew east over Thorpe St Andrew.
Twite x 6 at Thornham Harbour.
Spoonbill at Holkham.
Great White Egret at Cley NWT and Walsey Hills NOA.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Stiffkey.
Firecrest at Beeston, Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Short-eared Owl, Bewick's Swans x 2 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Aylsham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Great White Egret, Scaup at Lyng.
Common Cranes x 5, Bittern at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Common Cranes x 12 at Horsey.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora on sea, Highland, Scotland.
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Chest Infection!
No improvement at all - 38.5 temperature this evening, Feel like crap. Dragged myself to my house late afternoon as needed to check it was ok – not been there since Tuesday when the house was fumigated. It was depressing driving into my road and part of me doesn't want to go back there at all. As I opened the door, a new and sickly smell enveloped my nose – I was told it would smell like cherry blossom – yeah right!!! It worries me that an air purifier has to run 24 hours – will be able to claim for the electric via insurance, so my cleaning company told me. I could still smell smoke in the house, especially upstairs. There is no way you could sleep in this house. Also I was told that I can't open the windows as this affects the air purifier and also I risk getting smoke back into my house from next door's house, until theirs is sorted and that could take weeks, if not months.
I put the washing machine on and soon as this finished, I went to Tescos to buy some coat hangers (mine all stink of smoke) and some clean bags etc. Asked for boxes to be saved for me for tomorrow morning. Went back home and realised the second lot of washing was not going to be done in time for the laundrettes. Went back to the laundrettes and tumble dried the first lot of washing, then returned home to wait for the second washload to finish, then returned to hotel. Felt like I had run a marathan by the time I got into bed. Lucy went to visit Father today who was sitting out in chair – again, I couldn't go as too ill.
I put the washing machine on and soon as this finished, I went to Tescos to buy some coat hangers (mine all stink of smoke) and some clean bags etc. Asked for boxes to be saved for me for tomorrow morning. Went back home and realised the second lot of washing was not going to be done in time for the laundrettes. Went back to the laundrettes and tumble dried the first lot of washing, then returned home to wait for the second washload to finish, then returned to hotel. Felt like I had run a marathan by the time I got into bed. Lucy went to visit Father today who was sitting out in chair – again, I couldn't go as too ill.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 135, Short-eared Owl at Holkham.
Snow Buntings x 18 at North Beach, Winterton.
Common Cranes x 11, Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 135, Short-eared Owl at Holkham.
Snow Buntings x 18 at North Beach, Winterton.
Common Cranes x 11, Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
My New Accommodation!
Woke up in my hotel, feeling rough, really rough. I knew I had a temperature, burning up and just wanted to close my eyes. I felt quite worried, was this the smoke inhalation or something else? Curled up and tried to sleep but couldn't. I had no paracetmol with me. It felt weird waking up in a hotel room – I still can't believe what's happened. Eventually got in the shower and went to the restaurant for breakfast and had a full english vegetarian breakfast! Phoned the GP and got told to come in straight away. I almost felt too ill to drive, but I got there. Waited an hour to be seen. I was told that I have a Upper Respiratory Chest Infection, my Temperature was 38.2 (high), Pulse 118. I broke down in tears when I told the nurse what had been happening lately. The smoke would not have helped she said and told me I needed to sleep, drink lots of water, take paracetamol, fresh air and deep breathing. She advised me not to visit my Father in this condition. So after purchasing paracetamol from the adjacent chemist, I returned to the hotel and slept.
Went for a fish n chip tea with ice-cream to follow and then retired to my room. Vivien had taken half a day's holiday and visited Father this afternoon, who was sitting out in the chair and said he felt loads better. The physio reported that he walked with a 'shuffling gait' the length of the bed – that sounds like Father's normal pattern of walking! Made me feel sad that I couldn't visit him this evening. Vivien said he has almost run out of his favourite food - red grapes, I texted Lucy and hinted for delivery tomorrow!
So the Insurance company have put me up in a hotel, whilst my house is being fumigated etc. But no point in going home until next door's house has been fumigated etc as all the smoke from their house will leak back into mine, so the serious clean up by a specialist team in my house can't begin until then, so I was told – feels lonely here – really fed-up. All my camera gear, binoculars, telescopes smoked out and will all have to be professionally cleaned. Hope this all gets sorted before Spring Migration!
For some reason I can't reply to any of my emails in this hotel, so thanks to David, Colin, John and others.
Watched the Brits and was really looking forward to watching Madonna perform. Could not believe it when she felt backwards down the steps after her cape didn't release – that was a big fall and she must have hurt herself. She got straight up, brushed herself off and continued without a waver in her voice, a true professional and star. Apparently she said later that she 'was fine' but she must have had some bruises. Her perfomance was amazing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31633349
Went for a fish n chip tea with ice-cream to follow and then retired to my room. Vivien had taken half a day's holiday and visited Father this afternoon, who was sitting out in the chair and said he felt loads better. The physio reported that he walked with a 'shuffling gait' the length of the bed – that sounds like Father's normal pattern of walking! Made me feel sad that I couldn't visit him this evening. Vivien said he has almost run out of his favourite food - red grapes, I texted Lucy and hinted for delivery tomorrow!
So the Insurance company have put me up in a hotel, whilst my house is being fumigated etc. But no point in going home until next door's house has been fumigated etc as all the smoke from their house will leak back into mine, so the serious clean up by a specialist team in my house can't begin until then, so I was told – feels lonely here – really fed-up. All my camera gear, binoculars, telescopes smoked out and will all have to be professionally cleaned. Hope this all gets sorted before Spring Migration!
For some reason I can't reply to any of my emails in this hotel, so thanks to David, Colin, John and others.
Watched the Brits and was really looking forward to watching Madonna perform. Could not believe it when she felt backwards down the steps after her cape didn't release – that was a big fall and she must have hurt herself. She got straight up, brushed herself off and continued without a waver in her voice, a true professional and star. Apparently she said later that she 'was fine' but she must have had some bruises. Her perfomance was amazing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31633349
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike, Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Richard's Pipit, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2, Avocets x 507, Twite x 20 at Breydon Water.
Water Pipit, Hen Harrier, Bittern, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Red-crested Pochards x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Bewick's Swans x 130, White Storks x 2 esc. at Acle.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Caister-on-Sea.
Tundra Bean Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose + probable Greenland White-fronted Goose at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 at Stiffkey.
Snow Bunting at Weybourne.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 8 at Haddiscoe Island.
Hen Harrier at North Wootton.
Twite x 30, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 99 at Holkham.
Snow Buntings x 40, Great Northern Divers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Wheatear reported at South Beach, Heacham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora on sea, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN County Galway, Ireland.
Great Grey Shrike, Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Richard's Pipit, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2, Avocets x 507, Twite x 20 at Breydon Water.
Water Pipit, Hen Harrier, Bittern, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Red-crested Pochards x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Bewick's Swans x 130, White Storks x 2 esc. at Acle.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Caister-on-Sea.
Tundra Bean Goose, Pale-bellied Brent Goose + probable Greenland White-fronted Goose at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 at Stiffkey.
Snow Bunting at Weybourne.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 8 at Haddiscoe Island.
Hen Harrier at North Wootton.
Twite x 30, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 99 at Holkham.
Snow Buntings x 40, Great Northern Divers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Wheatear reported at South Beach, Heacham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora on sea, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN County Galway, Ireland.
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Richard's Pipit x 2, Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Long-tailed Ducks x 7, Great Northern Diver at Holme.
Twite x 52 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Long-tailed Ducks x 11, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipits x 2, Twite x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owl at Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still at Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Wester Isles.
Richard's Pipit x 2, Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Long-tailed Ducks x 7, Great Northern Diver at Holme.
Twite x 52 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Long-tailed Ducks x 11, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipits x 2, Twite x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owl at Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still at Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Wester Isles.
The Day After The Fire!
Trying
to deal with this and my Father very poorly in hospital is testing me
to the limits. Back at my house this morning waiting for insurers to
come out. Everything has to come out of the house. Everything material,
everything. The stench is overwhelming and I was coughing for hours last
night at Sarah's. I shouldn't have even been in that house last night.
It's still unbearable this morning. Thank god I didn't still have my
beloved persian cats Tiger and Sapphire – they would have died by the
time I got home with the smoke. At least no one died. But I don't know
where to begin today. I should be at work. Washing machine on, but will
have to take it to laundrettes as don't have have a tumble drier and in
any case, can't leave any clean clothes in the house until smoke is out.
So my car will be my wardrobe - the only sane place right now! Took my duvets and pillows to the launderettes to collect at a later date.
Washed clothes on 40 degrees – clothes still stank of smoke – going round again on 60 degrees. A Loss adjuster from Rainbow Cleaning team is here for 3-4 hours and then the house has to be fumigated for 24 hours and I can't enter the property until its finished. Then a whole team will come in Monday (ish) and clean everything in house and take stuff away to wash eg clothes etc. All my camera gear stinks, even in the camera bags. All electrical equipment has to be checked. What a nightmare. It's so cold trying to sort stuff. I didn't expect to be eating porridge in a deckchair outside in bloody February!
A horrible day, so shocked at what's happened, it took me ages to think about what I needed for 24 hours. I was told that even after my house has been totally cleaned, the smoke from next door's house will leak back into mine until they clean their house, so what's the point in cleaning it yet! Left my house around 4pm when the fumigating had finished and went straight to the laundrettes at Gaywood. It's years since I have been in a laundrettes and it was pretty depressing, waiting for my dustbin bag of clothes to dry.
At this point I didn't know where I was sleeping tonight. My insurance company text me with details of the hotel that I would be staying at and off I went. Unpacked my stuff which didn't take long. Then had to go to a supermarket as realised I had forgotten a few bits and pieces. I was beyond exhausted now, but went to visit my Father in hospital for a short while which wasn't a good idea as he was tired and fed-up and demanded to go home – so sad. Back at the hotel I went to the restaurant to have soup and bread at 9.30pm and then retired for the night. I didn't sleep well with coughing and generally feeling rough. Think I need to go and see GP in the morning.
Washed clothes on 40 degrees – clothes still stank of smoke – going round again on 60 degrees. A Loss adjuster from Rainbow Cleaning team is here for 3-4 hours and then the house has to be fumigated for 24 hours and I can't enter the property until its finished. Then a whole team will come in Monday (ish) and clean everything in house and take stuff away to wash eg clothes etc. All my camera gear stinks, even in the camera bags. All electrical equipment has to be checked. What a nightmare. It's so cold trying to sort stuff. I didn't expect to be eating porridge in a deckchair outside in bloody February!
A horrible day, so shocked at what's happened, it took me ages to think about what I needed for 24 hours. I was told that even after my house has been totally cleaned, the smoke from next door's house will leak back into mine until they clean their house, so what's the point in cleaning it yet! Left my house around 4pm when the fumigating had finished and went straight to the laundrettes at Gaywood. It's years since I have been in a laundrettes and it was pretty depressing, waiting for my dustbin bag of clothes to dry.
At this point I didn't know where I was sleeping tonight. My insurance company text me with details of the hotel that I would be staying at and off I went. Unpacked my stuff which didn't take long. Then had to go to a supermarket as realised I had forgotten a few bits and pieces. I was beyond exhausted now, but went to visit my Father in hospital for a short while which wasn't a good idea as he was tired and fed-up and demanded to go home – so sad. Back at the hotel I went to the restaurant to have soup and bread at 9.30pm and then retired for the night. I didn't sleep well with coughing and generally feeling rough. Think I need to go and see GP in the morning.
Monday, 23 February 2015
My Visit to Father
Visited my Father in hospital this evening at 7.45pm. He was very tearful - we cried together, but he seemed to be understanding a bit better. The nurse reported that he had had loads to eat at tea time. Lucy had been to visit him this afternoon.
Went home and could hardly breathe with the stench of smoke in my house - my throat was rasping and I had to go in and out as quickly as possible. Walked round to Sarah's house with my duvet, pillow and bag and felt like the bag lady! Round at Sarah's I have drunk half a glass of brandy. I realised that I couldn't use my duvet or pillow as they stunk of smoke. Typing this in Sarah's spare bedroom via BlogPress. Have to have a day off work tomorrow as a Cleaning team and Insurance company are coming round. Good Night.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Went home and could hardly breathe with the stench of smoke in my house - my throat was rasping and I had to go in and out as quickly as possible. Walked round to Sarah's house with my duvet, pillow and bag and felt like the bag lady! Round at Sarah's I have drunk half a glass of brandy. I realised that I couldn't use my duvet or pillow as they stunk of smoke. Typing this in Sarah's spare bedroom via BlogPress. Have to have a day off work tomorrow as a Cleaning team and Insurance company are coming round. Good Night.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Common Cranes x 3 at Great Yarmouth.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Snow Buntings x 4, Twite x 14 at Titchwell RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 50, Arctic Skua at Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 7 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Acle.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Common Cranes x 3 at Great Yarmouth.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Snow Buntings x 4, Twite x 14 at Titchwell RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 50, Arctic Skua at Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 7 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Acle.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
FIRE Next Door!
Can life get any worse? Next door's house on fire. Their boiler blew up – postman found out house was alight after lunch apparently – started around 8am they think. No one hurt, as all out at work. Their house is gutted downstairs and I cried with Jade next door when I saw the state of her house. Another neighbour Julie phoned me at 3.30pm at the hospital. Raced home, terrified about what I would find. My house filled with smoke and soot. Can't sleep here tonight, thank goodness for Sarah Barber xxxxx It would have been nice if one of the neighbours had phoned earlier then I could have had the windows and doors opened for longer. Unbelievable that no one cared enough to phone. Everyone knows I work at the hospital. Getting out of this estate. STRESSED is an f*cking understatement!!!! Phoned my insurers – out tomorrow. Now off to visit Father in hospital.
Sunday, 22 February 2015
Busy, Busy Day!
I worked today until 2.30pm. Phoned to ask how Father was when I finished – he had been confused and agitated all day and had refused breakfast and lunch – the nurses could not treat him either and were hoping family would come in to calm him. Whizzed home, changed uniform, had a cup of tea and returned to the hospital.
Vivien was driving to Ely to Holme to pick Mother up to visit Father. When I arrived at the hospital, Father was still in a confused and angry state. I re-positioned him in bed, got him comfortable and sat with him, talking to him, reassuring him etc. It was obvious he was still in a state of delirium and initially he was cross etc but then later, seemed to be a happy state – he was reaching out for moths and IDing them – he was smiling and was clearly excited by some of his finds including a Swallowtail and also a Black Swallowtail (is there such a thing!!!?), also Bedstraw Hawkmoth amongst others. He kept looking up with delight at Moths and Butteflies that he could see fluttering around him – we talked moths for quite a while. He also mentioned 'Chalkie and Eileen' in his mumbled conversation. I assisted the nurse by keeping him calm so she could attach the tube to the cannula to get another dose of anti-biotics into him, take some bloods and do some obs. I took advantageous of this situation and went to the ward pantry where I had been storing his favourite Sainsbury's Rhubarb Fools. I got very lucky and he ate the entire Rhubarb Fool, half a banana and almost half a bottle of water!!!
Mother and Vivien then turned up and I was pleased I had managed to calm him considerably before their arrival. He started to turn again later. At supper time Vivien and Mother went downstairs to the canteen whilst I attempted to feed him – he managed three forkfuls of the cheesy potato, which I dipped into the vegetable soup, but refused point blank to have anything else to eat or drink – oh well, at least he had had something today. Father asked where Lucy was (she had not been feeling very well today). Vivien bought me a sandwich when they returned to the ward. I assisted a nurse to re-position him twice more during the evening. Father looked tired and we were all tired – we left around 7.40pm.
Vivien drove back to Ely and I took Mother back to Holme via Ringstead, where we bought a sack of sticks for the fire. The wind and rain was atrocious and the car door swung back violently as I opened the door at Holme – pools of water everywhere along my Mother's road – disgusting weather today. Got home around 9.30pm. I read in the leaflet about delirium that these symptoms can last for up to 7 weeks!!! Oh dear! Good night!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2201278/How-having-operation-send-delirious-Terrifying-post-surgery-hallucinations-strike-half-65s.html
Vivien was driving to Ely to Holme to pick Mother up to visit Father. When I arrived at the hospital, Father was still in a confused and angry state. I re-positioned him in bed, got him comfortable and sat with him, talking to him, reassuring him etc. It was obvious he was still in a state of delirium and initially he was cross etc but then later, seemed to be a happy state – he was reaching out for moths and IDing them – he was smiling and was clearly excited by some of his finds including a Swallowtail and also a Black Swallowtail (is there such a thing!!!?), also Bedstraw Hawkmoth amongst others. He kept looking up with delight at Moths and Butteflies that he could see fluttering around him – we talked moths for quite a while. He also mentioned 'Chalkie and Eileen' in his mumbled conversation. I assisted the nurse by keeping him calm so she could attach the tube to the cannula to get another dose of anti-biotics into him, take some bloods and do some obs. I took advantageous of this situation and went to the ward pantry where I had been storing his favourite Sainsbury's Rhubarb Fools. I got very lucky and he ate the entire Rhubarb Fool, half a banana and almost half a bottle of water!!!
Mother and Vivien then turned up and I was pleased I had managed to calm him considerably before their arrival. He started to turn again later. At supper time Vivien and Mother went downstairs to the canteen whilst I attempted to feed him – he managed three forkfuls of the cheesy potato, which I dipped into the vegetable soup, but refused point blank to have anything else to eat or drink – oh well, at least he had had something today. Father asked where Lucy was (she had not been feeling very well today). Vivien bought me a sandwich when they returned to the ward. I assisted a nurse to re-position him twice more during the evening. Father looked tired and we were all tired – we left around 7.40pm.
Vivien drove back to Ely and I took Mother back to Holme via Ringstead, where we bought a sack of sticks for the fire. The wind and rain was atrocious and the car door swung back violently as I opened the door at Holme – pools of water everywhere along my Mother's road – disgusting weather today. Got home around 9.30pm. I read in the leaflet about delirium that these symptoms can last for up to 7 weeks!!! Oh dear! Good night!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2201278/How-having-operation-send-delirious-Terrifying-post-surgery-hallucinations-strike-half-65s.html
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Northern Diver, Bewick's Swans x 74 at Winterton.
Long-tailed Ducks x 7, Great Northern Diver, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Salthouse.
Richard's Pipit x 2, Bewick's Swans x 110 at Breydon Water.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Kelling.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK at Brora, Scotland.
Great Northern Diver, Bewick's Swans x 74 at Winterton.
Long-tailed Ducks x 7, Great Northern Diver, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Salthouse.
Richard's Pipit x 2, Bewick's Swans x 110 at Breydon Water.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Kelling.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK at Brora, Scotland.
Saturday, 21 February 2015
Stressful Day!
There is other big stuff going on as well as Father's hospital admission, that I can't talk about on my blog at the moment – stuff that is stressing me out to the max. In fact I have been in a pretty downward spiral today. I have been exhausted all week and had broken sleep most nights. I woke up far too early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep, which resulted in me feeling rubbish for the rest of the day. I sat in my house this morning, just staring out of the window and watched blackbirds, a song thrush and great tit feeding in my garden – the day looked beautiful and it would have been a fabulous day for birding and photography. I phoned the hospital to hear that Father had been hoisted out to a recliner chair, so that was good news and that he had eaten half of his breakfast and lunch. Very sadly though he went down hill after lunch and when both my sisters arrived to visit him, he was in a confused state again, which understandably both of them found difficult to deal with, especially Lucy who had such a positive experience with him yesterday. I managed to have a snooze on the sofa late morning.
After cooking breakfast at 1pm I drove to Holme, hoping that Mother would come with me to visit Father, but she was tired and stressed out. She was especially cross (that's an understatement) with her neighbour who without her permission had removed all the ivy from the bottom of her hedge – all the way along, which meant you could see all the way through to next door's garden, it looks gappy at the bottom, means that anything could now get through the hedge, eg rabbits, dogs etc and the biggest issue Mother had was that several birds nest in the hedge during Spring time including a local Robin – in fact she was more than cross, she was furious and this has added to her stress. Very selfish indeed of that neighbour to carry this out without consulting her and especially at this very difficult time. The neighbour's garden is a typical town garden, large perfect lawn and perfect borders etc – you get the picture! This garden used to be beautiful and rambling with several apple trees that used to attract bullfinches etc – its ruined now as far as I'm concerned. Why do some people have to strip everything out that nature loves – everything has become so sterile. All of this made me angry too. I wanted to go and speak to the neighbour about this, but Mother was emphatic that I didn't. It's now going to cost Mother quite a bit of money, as she is now going to pay someone to put up wire netting all the way along, so nothing can get into her garden – the hedge with ivy was perfect as it was – perfect visually, perfect for nesting birds (that won't be now), perfect for insects etc. Again, its a situation of taking advantageous of someone older and being totally selfish.
Mother was too stressed to get in the car and said she was worn out. I got in trouble for trying to make her go, but I knew Father would appreciate seeing her, but then to be fair she is tired and worried and needs a rest from looking after Father – he hasn't been easy to look after the last few months. A party of Long-tailed Tits arrived in the garden and one of them perched on a stem only yards from the window where I was sitting in the dining room. I left Holme feeling fed-up, sad and angry all rolled into one. Stopped at Hunstanton by the lighthouse momentarily to watch the sun setting over the sea and Fulmars gliding over the cliff top. Went to Sainsburys to get food items for Father and then went to the hospital. Vivien had taken Lucy home as she had become upset at Father's state of mind and Vivien then returned to the hospital and sat in the car for a break whilst Father was having his tea. I walked up to the ward and Vivien then joined me. Father had only eaten a banana, but then I suppose that was better than nothing. He had calmed a little by the time I got there, but was still rambling about different things that didn't make any sense whatsoever. The Nurses did not have the results of the Chest X-ray that was taken yesterday and wouldn't know this until Monday – hospitals are supposed to be 24 hours, but this is not always the case! The physios would not now see Father until Monday. I'm really hoping that they can get him out of bed and attempt some stepping and walking with him next week. It would be fabulous to have him home as he was, but I am worried that the longer he is in bed, that his limbs will get even stiffer and his mobility will be decreased. Vivien and I left at 8pm and sat outside in the car, chatting for half an hour about what to do if Father's mobility was non-existent when he leaves hospital – we didn't come up with an answer.
Back at home, I sat with a cup of tea. Rang Sarah (who I worked with in the Stroke team) who lives a few doors away and she very kindly invited me round for a catch-up and some roulade that she had just made! It was really nice to see her and the roulade was fabulous. A nice end to my day.
After cooking breakfast at 1pm I drove to Holme, hoping that Mother would come with me to visit Father, but she was tired and stressed out. She was especially cross (that's an understatement) with her neighbour who without her permission had removed all the ivy from the bottom of her hedge – all the way along, which meant you could see all the way through to next door's garden, it looks gappy at the bottom, means that anything could now get through the hedge, eg rabbits, dogs etc and the biggest issue Mother had was that several birds nest in the hedge during Spring time including a local Robin – in fact she was more than cross, she was furious and this has added to her stress. Very selfish indeed of that neighbour to carry this out without consulting her and especially at this very difficult time. The neighbour's garden is a typical town garden, large perfect lawn and perfect borders etc – you get the picture! This garden used to be beautiful and rambling with several apple trees that used to attract bullfinches etc – its ruined now as far as I'm concerned. Why do some people have to strip everything out that nature loves – everything has become so sterile. All of this made me angry too. I wanted to go and speak to the neighbour about this, but Mother was emphatic that I didn't. It's now going to cost Mother quite a bit of money, as she is now going to pay someone to put up wire netting all the way along, so nothing can get into her garden – the hedge with ivy was perfect as it was – perfect visually, perfect for nesting birds (that won't be now), perfect for insects etc. Again, its a situation of taking advantageous of someone older and being totally selfish.
Mother was too stressed to get in the car and said she was worn out. I got in trouble for trying to make her go, but I knew Father would appreciate seeing her, but then to be fair she is tired and worried and needs a rest from looking after Father – he hasn't been easy to look after the last few months. A party of Long-tailed Tits arrived in the garden and one of them perched on a stem only yards from the window where I was sitting in the dining room. I left Holme feeling fed-up, sad and angry all rolled into one. Stopped at Hunstanton by the lighthouse momentarily to watch the sun setting over the sea and Fulmars gliding over the cliff top. Went to Sainsburys to get food items for Father and then went to the hospital. Vivien had taken Lucy home as she had become upset at Father's state of mind and Vivien then returned to the hospital and sat in the car for a break whilst Father was having his tea. I walked up to the ward and Vivien then joined me. Father had only eaten a banana, but then I suppose that was better than nothing. He had calmed a little by the time I got there, but was still rambling about different things that didn't make any sense whatsoever. The Nurses did not have the results of the Chest X-ray that was taken yesterday and wouldn't know this until Monday – hospitals are supposed to be 24 hours, but this is not always the case! The physios would not now see Father until Monday. I'm really hoping that they can get him out of bed and attempt some stepping and walking with him next week. It would be fabulous to have him home as he was, but I am worried that the longer he is in bed, that his limbs will get even stiffer and his mobility will be decreased. Vivien and I left at 8pm and sat outside in the car, chatting for half an hour about what to do if Father's mobility was non-existent when he leaves hospital – we didn't come up with an answer.
Back at home, I sat with a cup of tea. Rang Sarah (who I worked with in the Stroke team) who lives a few doors away and she very kindly invited me round for a catch-up and some roulade that she had just made! It was really nice to see her and the roulade was fabulous. A nice end to my day.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 7 at Haddiscoe Island.
Iceland Gull, Purple Sandpipers x 4 at Sheringham.
Bewick's Swans x 26 at Wymondham.
Long-tailed Ducks x 9, Twite x 20, Snow Buntings x 15, Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Bewick's Swans x 10 at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Halvergate Marshes.
Glaucous Gull at Hunstanton.
Snow Buntings x 40 at Cley NWT.
Bewick's Swan at Thurlton Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 8 at Warham Greens.
Scaup at Surlingham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Twite x 40 at Thornham Harbour.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Whooper Swans x 3 at Belton Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 7 at Haddiscoe Island.
Iceland Gull, Purple Sandpipers x 4 at Sheringham.
Bewick's Swans x 26 at Wymondham.
Long-tailed Ducks x 9, Twite x 20, Snow Buntings x 15, Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Bewick's Swans x 10 at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Halvergate Marshes.
Glaucous Gull at Hunstanton.
Snow Buntings x 40 at Cley NWT.
Bewick's Swan at Thurlton Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 8 at Warham Greens.
Scaup at Surlingham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Twite x 40 at Thornham Harbour.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Whooper Swans x 3 at Belton Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Celebrity BILL ODDIE Will Be At The Norfolk Bird & Wildlife Fair!
Bill Oddie will be attending on the Sunday to sign books and give a presentation. This will boost up the ticket sales! Now, we just need Simon King and all will be good!
http://www.norfolkbirdfair.com/
http://www.norfolkbirdfair.com/
Friday, 20 February 2015
Another Tough Day!
I phoned the hospital this morning before I started work. Father had been agitated and aggressive all night and had had a very high temperature. No one could get near him to treat him. He had calmed by the morning – well enough to allow an N/A to assist him to eat cornflakes. When I arrived in my short teabreak he was asleep and he looked drained and poorly. I didn't wake him. A doctor requested to speak with me privately in a room, which really alarmed me. Father had replied 'yes' before his operation to being resuscitated in an emergency so the doctor told me – that's the answer most people if not all would have given wouldn't they!!! The doctor felt that maybe my father hadn't got the capacity to make the decision and being as father was poorly wanted to know what the family's thoughts were. I clearly stated that we would want him resuscitated. Just because he is 88 – it doesn't mean we are going to give up on him! I phoned my Mother later in my lunch break about this which obviously stressed her, but I had no choice but to ring her as I was at work all day and she was too exhausted to come up to the hospital and the doctors wanted to know our thoughts on this today in case something happened. So I had 30 minutes to eat lunch, ring Mother and Vivien and fly up to the ward to visit Father. I managed to have 15 minutes with him – sadly he was aggressive and non-compliant again. He made a fist and raised it, but calmed at little when he knew it was me. I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be in that dilusional state, combined with the fact that he is also virtually blind – anyone coming near you, to care for you or treat you, would be part of the horrific reality dreams that people have – no wonder patients lash out in defence! Heart breaking to see him like this and torture to have to return to work. I just about got through the afternoon.
At 4.25pm I returned to the ward to find my dear sister Lucy sitting with him. The scene before me made both smile and cry. Lucy was smiling, father was smiling. Between the anti-biotics kicking in and Lucy's excellent nursing skills, father looked relaxed, smiling and co-operative. Lucy had helped him drink a whole beaker of coffee and he was munching on Mother's grapes she had left yesterday. He asked me if the fire had actually happened?! In his delusional state he had been in a huge fire – no wonder he was screaming and shouting all night. Lucy said he had been sent for a chest x-ray. The nurse told me that his blood test (taken yesterday) had all come back fine and his temperature was now much better, but he had refused lunch earlier (when he was confused again). He ate around 10 grapes and I went to the hospital kitchen to get him a banana which he ate all of and also drank a whole beaker of orange juice. He looked like Father Christmas – never seen his facial hair in this state before, he had a mini beard going on! No one had been able to shave him because of his confusion. He allowed me shave him, which took a while to do in the state he was in and he said it felt much better afterwards. If I had not assisted the HCA to put the cannula in last night, so that the anti-biotics could be administered – I don't know where we would be today, to be honest.
I phoned Mother and put my mobile phone next to father's ear so he could chat to her, which really helped and he said 'its nice to hear your voice' which made me emotional again. I got a N/A to help me get father higher up the bed and into a good sitting position – so important when people have not been out of bed for chest reasons etc to at least be sitting high up. We helped Father with his tea at 6pm – he had a bowl of mushroom soup, another banana, an ice-cream and a coffee. He then looked sleepy. We said our goodbyes and left. Took Lucy home who then re-heated her tea that had been cooked for her. I went home and collapsed. Had peanut butter on ryvitas – too exhausted to cook. Lucy has been an angel spending so many hours there this afternoon, especially as she is not a well person herself (long story).
Of all the weekends, I have to work on Sunday – can't cancel as I remain on the Stroke Ward rota for Sundays. I wouldn't mind looking for the Eagle Owl, but can't see me having the time to do that.
At 4.25pm I returned to the ward to find my dear sister Lucy sitting with him. The scene before me made both smile and cry. Lucy was smiling, father was smiling. Between the anti-biotics kicking in and Lucy's excellent nursing skills, father looked relaxed, smiling and co-operative. Lucy had helped him drink a whole beaker of coffee and he was munching on Mother's grapes she had left yesterday. He asked me if the fire had actually happened?! In his delusional state he had been in a huge fire – no wonder he was screaming and shouting all night. Lucy said he had been sent for a chest x-ray. The nurse told me that his blood test (taken yesterday) had all come back fine and his temperature was now much better, but he had refused lunch earlier (when he was confused again). He ate around 10 grapes and I went to the hospital kitchen to get him a banana which he ate all of and also drank a whole beaker of orange juice. He looked like Father Christmas – never seen his facial hair in this state before, he had a mini beard going on! No one had been able to shave him because of his confusion. He allowed me shave him, which took a while to do in the state he was in and he said it felt much better afterwards. If I had not assisted the HCA to put the cannula in last night, so that the anti-biotics could be administered – I don't know where we would be today, to be honest.
I phoned Mother and put my mobile phone next to father's ear so he could chat to her, which really helped and he said 'its nice to hear your voice' which made me emotional again. I got a N/A to help me get father higher up the bed and into a good sitting position – so important when people have not been out of bed for chest reasons etc to at least be sitting high up. We helped Father with his tea at 6pm – he had a bowl of mushroom soup, another banana, an ice-cream and a coffee. He then looked sleepy. We said our goodbyes and left. Took Lucy home who then re-heated her tea that had been cooked for her. I went home and collapsed. Had peanut butter on ryvitas – too exhausted to cook. Lucy has been an angel spending so many hours there this afternoon, especially as she is not a well person herself (long story).
Of all the weekends, I have to work on Sunday – can't cancel as I remain on the Stroke Ward rota for Sundays. I wouldn't mind looking for the Eagle Owl, but can't see me having the time to do that.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Scaup x 5, Twite at Snettisham RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike, Bittern, Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common.
Twite x 60 at Thornham Harbour.
Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Welney WWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Long-tailed Ducks x 11, Slavonian Grebe, Snow Buntings x 20, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Red-necked Grebe at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
Caspian Gull at Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Breydon Water.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Scaup x 5, Twite at Snettisham RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike, Bittern, Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common.
Twite x 60 at Thornham Harbour.
Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Welney WWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Long-tailed Ducks x 11, Slavonian Grebe, Snow Buntings x 20, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Red-necked Grebe at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
Caspian Gull at Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Breydon Water.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles.
Thursday, 19 February 2015
Eagle Owl reported at Castle Acre!!!
Via a couple of birders, I heard that an escape Eagle Owl has been seen around Castle Acre!
Father's Recovery
My father didn't look as well today when I saw him briefly a couple of times throughout the day whilst I was working. He had been sturned out of bed for the first time into a low recliner in the morning, but had to be hoisted back to bed later. Mother visited him just after lunch (via two taxi's again!) and I could see him deteriating again. When I finished work at 4pm, I stayed with him until 5.50pm – had to go then as British Gas were servicing my boiler. He was restless and in a state of delirium again. He was almost flat in bed, so got another N/A to assist to get him high up the bed and in a good sitting position with pillows to support under his arms to help him to relax. When I first arrived I managed to get him to sip a good amount of water through a straw and 2 teaspoons of yoghurt. The N/A's told me he had refused all food earlier. He would not allow the staff to carry out observations on him or insert a cannula so that an intravenous drip of anti-biotics could be fed into him. I managed to help them to do both. He NEEDS the anti-biotics to combat the infection that is making him delirious. I just phoned at 10.30pm to see if he had pulled the cannula out – I was shocked it was still in, but I was told he was trying to unravel the bandage that was secured over the cannula – it will be a miracle if it stays in. He is de-hydrated and desperately needs more fluids. Father told me that I have been written out of the Will – not the first time I've heard that! The first time was the last hip operation, the second was the Stroke and this will be the third! He was cross with me for helping with the cannula, he was cross with me for daring to ask if he wanted a drink or the yoghurt and even crosser because 'you have a car, take me home now Margaret..... I just want to go home'. I assured him that he would be going home, but couldn't when he wasn't well enough and not able to walk yet. 'Yes I can walk... help me out of this bed.... now!!! and so on and so on. Every so often he would be calm and we were both silent and I just held his hand. The nurse in charge informed me that his infection was higher and they needed to do a chest x-ray this evening. I always get called Margaret (my mother's name) when father is confused or cross. I can't see him coming out of hospital very quickly. Also the worrying thing is that the longer he stays in bed, the more stiff his legs will be and the more difficult it will be for him to walk again. I really hope he doesn't become bed bound – that would be awful.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
LESSER SCAUP probable, with Tufted Ducks x 40 at Colney Gravel Pits.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Bitterns x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Bewick's Swans x 7 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Twite x 15 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Garganey, Bean Geese x 4, Snow Buntings x 70, Twite x 30 at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Bawburgh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Snow Buntings x 16, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Common Cranes x 2, White-fronted Geese x 9, Pink-footed Geese x 120 at Horsey.
Bewick's Swans x 38, Whooper Swans x 11 at Ludham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Salhouse.
Jack Snipe, Merlin at Thorpe Marshes, Norwich.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
LESSER SCAUP probable, with Tufted Ducks x 40 at Colney Gravel Pits.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Bitterns x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Bewick's Swans x 7 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Twite x 15 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Garganey, Bean Geese x 4, Snow Buntings x 70, Twite x 30 at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Bawburgh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Snow Buntings x 16, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Common Cranes x 2, White-fronted Geese x 9, Pink-footed Geese x 120 at Horsey.
Bewick's Swans x 38, Whooper Swans x 11 at Ludham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Salhouse.
Jack Snipe, Merlin at Thorpe Marshes, Norwich.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
Traumatic Day!
I just don't know how I am managing to cope with my new job with what is going on right now, I really don't.
As I expected, Father was in a serious state of Delirium, also known as 'acute confusional state' which can be caused by surgery. [www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/.../Assets/Delirium.pdf] I have seen this many times with patient's who have had hip replacements and this happened to my father when he had a previous hip operation a few years back. I knew what to expect, but it was still very, very upsetting. He was shouting, was aggressive and lashing out at anyone that attempted to do any care etc. Because of this, the physios were not able to even think about getting him out of bed. He had been shouting all through the night, refused breakfast and lunch and had not been drinking at all. In my half an hour lunch I went to see him – I attempted to help him sip some water, but he got really angry and lashed out at me. I remained calm, but when I left and walked down the corridor to leave I just broke down. Had to pull myself together quickly though, as I had to return to my job.
Left work at 4pm. Had to fly down town to get a folder for my new job. Got some of Father's favourite foods from Sainsburys. Whizzed home, ate a microwave meal standing up. Whizzed back to hospital for a Consultants appointment that I had at 5.40pm. Then went to visit Father again. I was relieved to see that he was much calmer. I helped him eat his supper. He managed to eat half a banana, a small amount of egg sandwich, ice-cream and a caramel swissroll (which I bought in). He didn't want the Sainsbury's Rhubarb Yoghurt I bought, but at least he had had something to eat. I forgot to bring grapes in my tired state – pity, as he loves grapes. He even had several sips of water through a straw which proves he's still not right as he never drinks water at all normally, only orange juice and coffee. He also had a 1/4 of a cup of coffee. He looked absolutely shattered and I just sat holding his hand and re-assuring him and reminding of what had happened and how things were now. It was torture leaving him at 8.30pm, but I had to go. Mother couldn't see him today, she was too shattered and had too much to do. The cat had lashed out at Mother after a long phone call and she tells me she looks like dracula with a long scratch across her face!!! My little sister Vivien is still really ill with her cold/flue virus and too ill to visit Father which she is really upset and distraught over. Difficult times indeed.
Thank you to the very supportive email messages and comments on here, much appreciated.
As I expected, Father was in a serious state of Delirium, also known as 'acute confusional state' which can be caused by surgery. [www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/.../Assets/Delirium.pdf] I have seen this many times with patient's who have had hip replacements and this happened to my father when he had a previous hip operation a few years back. I knew what to expect, but it was still very, very upsetting. He was shouting, was aggressive and lashing out at anyone that attempted to do any care etc. Because of this, the physios were not able to even think about getting him out of bed. He had been shouting all through the night, refused breakfast and lunch and had not been drinking at all. In my half an hour lunch I went to see him – I attempted to help him sip some water, but he got really angry and lashed out at me. I remained calm, but when I left and walked down the corridor to leave I just broke down. Had to pull myself together quickly though, as I had to return to my job.
Left work at 4pm. Had to fly down town to get a folder for my new job. Got some of Father's favourite foods from Sainsburys. Whizzed home, ate a microwave meal standing up. Whizzed back to hospital for a Consultants appointment that I had at 5.40pm. Then went to visit Father again. I was relieved to see that he was much calmer. I helped him eat his supper. He managed to eat half a banana, a small amount of egg sandwich, ice-cream and a caramel swissroll (which I bought in). He didn't want the Sainsbury's Rhubarb Yoghurt I bought, but at least he had had something to eat. I forgot to bring grapes in my tired state – pity, as he loves grapes. He even had several sips of water through a straw which proves he's still not right as he never drinks water at all normally, only orange juice and coffee. He also had a 1/4 of a cup of coffee. He looked absolutely shattered and I just sat holding his hand and re-assuring him and reminding of what had happened and how things were now. It was torture leaving him at 8.30pm, but I had to go. Mother couldn't see him today, she was too shattered and had too much to do. The cat had lashed out at Mother after a long phone call and she tells me she looks like dracula with a long scratch across her face!!! My little sister Vivien is still really ill with her cold/flue virus and too ill to visit Father which she is really upset and distraught over. Difficult times indeed.
Thank you to the very supportive email messages and comments on here, much appreciated.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Bewick's Swans x 37 yesterday flew over Bradwell.
Hawfinches x 6 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Garganey, Black-throated Diver at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Richard's Pipit, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 4, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Scaup at Bawburgh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Hellesdon.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 48 at Halvergate Marshes.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Hemsby.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 at Welney WWT.
Great Grey Shrike, Hen Harriers x 8 at Roydon Common.
Smew at Narborough Fisheries.
Common Cranes x 20, Hen Harriers x 3, Marsh Harriers x 30 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
Twite x 55 at Thornham Harbour.
Barnacle Geese x 2 at Holme.
Water Pipit, Bittern, Red-crested Pochards x 4, Snow Buntings x 20 at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Bewick's Swans x 37 yesterday flew over Bradwell.
Hawfinches x 6 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Garganey, Black-throated Diver at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Richard's Pipit, Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 4, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Scaup at Bawburgh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Hellesdon.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 48 at Halvergate Marshes.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Hemsby.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 at Welney WWT.
Great Grey Shrike, Hen Harriers x 8 at Roydon Common.
Smew at Narborough Fisheries.
Common Cranes x 20, Hen Harriers x 3, Marsh Harriers x 30 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
Twite x 55 at Thornham Harbour.
Barnacle Geese x 2 at Holme.
Water Pipit, Bittern, Red-crested Pochards x 4, Snow Buntings x 20 at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Father 's Operation in the QEH!
I have been constantly worried all day and don't know how I got through my job on so little sleep. Father went for his operation at 2pm and returned to the ward at 5pm. Mother was already there when I arrived and had paid £28.00 for a taxi with Abbey Cars from Holme to QEH – I just could not believe how much it cost her! Father survived the operation and looked really well when he came back from theatre, thank goodnesss. I didn't think he would make it with his past stroke history, I really didn't and was expecting the worst. The staff on Gayton ward were excellent and I know he has been left in good hands – some of my favourite nurses work on here, whom I have known for years. Obs were all good, BP: 124/85 and 36.6 Temp. Mother and I left at 5.40pm, got fish n chips in Hunstanton which I couldn't eat very much of as I felt too sick with tirdness to eat. The house was freezing at Holme, but Mother just managed to rescue the parkray fire before it burnt out. I filled up the coal skuttles etc and left. Had to drive with the window open to get home safely. Now back home and going to bed.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Little Stint, Bewick's Swan at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Twite x 50, Hen Harrier at Thornham Harbour.
Snow Buntings x 17, Water Pipit, Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipits x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Breydon Water.
Snow Buntings x 45, Great Northern Diver at Half Way House, Blakeney Point.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Hen Harriers x 2, Common Cranes x 2 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harrier at Brancaster Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 15 at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Little Stint, Bewick's Swan at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Twite x 50, Hen Harrier at Thornham Harbour.
Snow Buntings x 17, Water Pipit, Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipits x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Breydon Water.
Snow Buntings x 45, Great Northern Diver at Half Way House, Blakeney Point.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Hen Harriers x 2, Common Cranes x 2 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harrier at Brancaster Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 15 at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Monday, 16 February 2015
New Job and Disasterous End To The day!
My new job went well today, very well indeed and I went home feeling good.
At 11pm I had a phone call from Vivien (sister) who was told not to tell me, because of my new job, but she did and yes she was right, I would have killed her if she hadn't of told me – Father rolled off the sofa and his hip is in agony – it must be bad for him to allow Mother to ring 999. I just can't believe this has happened and of all the days for it to have happened. At age 88 this is not good news at all. It's going to be a very long night and day.
UPDATE: So after several hours in A&E with my parents, the X-ray confirmed broken left hip. Father was just waiting to be transferred to a ward where we would not be allowed to go to anyway, so had to leave. I hated leaving, it killed me to leave him. Took Mother home and just arrived back in King's Lynn at 4.30am Tuesday. Is it worth going to bed when I'm at work at 8am? Probably not. Going to pray that someone gives me strength to get through the next 24 hours at work etc. My sister Vivien sounds so ill over the phone with flue type thing – she sounds like she can't breathe, she hasn't been able to lay down for three nights – she's off to GP in morning, hope another Clarke doesn't have to go to hospital! I can cope with most things, but with no sleep........
At 11pm I had a phone call from Vivien (sister) who was told not to tell me, because of my new job, but she did and yes she was right, I would have killed her if she hadn't of told me – Father rolled off the sofa and his hip is in agony – it must be bad for him to allow Mother to ring 999. I just can't believe this has happened and of all the days for it to have happened. At age 88 this is not good news at all. It's going to be a very long night and day.
UPDATE: So after several hours in A&E with my parents, the X-ray confirmed broken left hip. Father was just waiting to be transferred to a ward where we would not be allowed to go to anyway, so had to leave. I hated leaving, it killed me to leave him. Took Mother home and just arrived back in King's Lynn at 4.30am Tuesday. Is it worth going to bed when I'm at work at 8am? Probably not. Going to pray that someone gives me strength to get through the next 24 hours at work etc. My sister Vivien sounds so ill over the phone with flue type thing – she sounds like she can't breathe, she hasn't been able to lay down for three nights – she's off to GP in morning, hope another Clarke doesn't have to go to hospital! I can cope with most things, but with no sleep........
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Waxwings x 5 ENE of Fakenham.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
White Stork esc. at Acle.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Richard's Pipits x 2, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 5 at Haddiscoe Island.
Snow Buntings x 15, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Water Pipit at Burnham Norton.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens.
Iceland Gull at Weybourne.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2, Bewick's Swan x 100 at Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Waxwings x 5 ENE of Fakenham.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
White Stork esc. at Acle.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Richard's Pipits x 2, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 5 at Haddiscoe Island.
Snow Buntings x 15, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Water Pipit at Burnham Norton.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens.
Iceland Gull at Weybourne.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2, Bewick's Swan x 100 at Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Sunday, 15 February 2015
Titchwell RSPB!
It was a beautiful day, but I still had jobs to do and didn't get out until late morning. It felt so much warmer today, but was very chilly late afternoon.
I counted at least 32 Avocets today, an increase on my last count. Good numbers of Shelduck, Teal, 10+ Pintail (drake and females), Black-tailed Godwits, Curlews, Redshanks, 70+ Lapwings flew over east, Little Grebes, Golden Plover, Brent Geese, Little Egret etc on the pools. On the sea: 3 Goldeneye, 2 adult Gannets, close in flying east, several Cormorants, a raft of approx 50+ Common Scoters, but no sign of any Long-tailed Ducks through the eagle eye of my new scope! A flock of Goldfinches landed briefly on the small bush next to the sea-watching area. A lone Grey Plover stood on the shoreline, amidst Sanderlings scurrying along and Oystercatchers probing the wet sand.
Around the Fen Trail and bird feeders I saw Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Robins and a Wren and also 2 Marsh Harriers flying over Patsy's Pool and 1 Grey Heron. There were some amusing Valentine's messages on bird pictures around the Fen Trail – eg a picture of a Raven with the caption underneath 'I'm absolutely Raven about you' and another with a Ruff, and also a Wren, but I can't remember what the other captions said now, sorry! The new boardwalk around the Fen Trail is complete and all looks good. I was impressed with the new bird table and feeder just outside the Fen Hide, but it was sad to see some Alder trees cut down next to the the visitor centre to make way for a project that will replicate the entire reserve in minature and will be wheelchair friendly – this is a lovely idea, but just a pity the trees had to come down to accomodate for this.
All in all a productive afternoon and it was nice to use the Mulepack for the first time with my new scope. I have decided there is no such as thing as perfect carrying equipment, when you want to take so much gear with you, but the Mulepack overall felt light and comfortable. But then it would do, as you can't exactly fit in heavy duty items into the back pack area. It serves its purpose though – carrying tripod, scope, bottle of water, waterproof bag stuffed in for my camera and other odd small bits such as phonescoping adapters. You could squeeze in a sandwich, but not much else food wise, which of course would be good for one's waistline! My camera sat fairly comfortably on my shoulder with the strap secured through the chest strap of the Mulepack. With weight in the backpack I did find it a little difficult to put the whole thing back into my back – difficult to explain this, but after putting one arm through, the weight of the tripod pulls back as you attempt to put your other arm through the strap, but got there in the end! So good overall, but the whole thing would have to be swopped for my usual rucksack if I was going on a really long hike such as Blakeney Point, but then to be fair I don't tend to take a scope when I'm walking BP anyway.
Visited my parents for a while before returning home to King's Lynn. New job starts tomorrow, nervous but feel a little excited now – early night!
I counted at least 32 Avocets today, an increase on my last count. Good numbers of Shelduck, Teal, 10+ Pintail (drake and females), Black-tailed Godwits, Curlews, Redshanks, 70+ Lapwings flew over east, Little Grebes, Golden Plover, Brent Geese, Little Egret etc on the pools. On the sea: 3 Goldeneye, 2 adult Gannets, close in flying east, several Cormorants, a raft of approx 50+ Common Scoters, but no sign of any Long-tailed Ducks through the eagle eye of my new scope! A flock of Goldfinches landed briefly on the small bush next to the sea-watching area. A lone Grey Plover stood on the shoreline, amidst Sanderlings scurrying along and Oystercatchers probing the wet sand.
Around the Fen Trail and bird feeders I saw Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Blackbirds, Robins and a Wren and also 2 Marsh Harriers flying over Patsy's Pool and 1 Grey Heron. There were some amusing Valentine's messages on bird pictures around the Fen Trail – eg a picture of a Raven with the caption underneath 'I'm absolutely Raven about you' and another with a Ruff, and also a Wren, but I can't remember what the other captions said now, sorry! The new boardwalk around the Fen Trail is complete and all looks good. I was impressed with the new bird table and feeder just outside the Fen Hide, but it was sad to see some Alder trees cut down next to the the visitor centre to make way for a project that will replicate the entire reserve in minature and will be wheelchair friendly – this is a lovely idea, but just a pity the trees had to come down to accomodate for this.
All in all a productive afternoon and it was nice to use the Mulepack for the first time with my new scope. I have decided there is no such as thing as perfect carrying equipment, when you want to take so much gear with you, but the Mulepack overall felt light and comfortable. But then it would do, as you can't exactly fit in heavy duty items into the back pack area. It serves its purpose though – carrying tripod, scope, bottle of water, waterproof bag stuffed in for my camera and other odd small bits such as phonescoping adapters. You could squeeze in a sandwich, but not much else food wise, which of course would be good for one's waistline! My camera sat fairly comfortably on my shoulder with the strap secured through the chest strap of the Mulepack. With weight in the backpack I did find it a little difficult to put the whole thing back into my back – difficult to explain this, but after putting one arm through, the weight of the tripod pulls back as you attempt to put your other arm through the strap, but got there in the end! So good overall, but the whole thing would have to be swopped for my usual rucksack if I was going on a really long hike such as Blakeney Point, but then to be fair I don't tend to take a scope when I'm walking BP anyway.
Visited my parents for a while before returning home to King's Lynn. New job starts tomorrow, nervous but feel a little excited now – early night!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 (flew east) at Cley NWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Dark-breasted Barn Owl reported, Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Richard's Pipits x 2, Twite at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
Great White Egret, Smew x 2 at Nar Valley Fisheries, Narborough.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Black Brant at Salthouse.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham and Upper Sheringham.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harriers x 2, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe Island.
Scaup at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey Fen.
Little Auk dead at Blakeney Point.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Garganey, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 (flew east) at Cley NWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Dark-breasted Barn Owl reported, Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Richard's Pipits x 2, Twite at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
Great White Egret, Smew x 2 at Nar Valley Fisheries, Narborough.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Black Brant at Salthouse.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham and Upper Sheringham.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harriers x 2, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe Island.
Scaup at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey Fen.
Little Auk dead at Blakeney Point.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Valentine's Day!
It was such a romantic day and full of surprises, roses, chocolates, diamonds and dinner with Johnny Depp and then I woke up.
I had to sort lots of things today in preparation for my new job on Monday. Also did some Spring cleaning and made a start on sorting and chucking things out, which is way over due! It felt good to start this mammoth task. Nipped into town to get some essentials, watched 'The Voice', did some washing and more sorting. A dreary day with no sunshine. No Valentine's cards arrived.
Still can't decide about the car, think I will leave it for a while, as I need to concentrate on my new job. Although this will mean that I have to pay for car tax and my first MOT soon – can't see why it won't go through, there hasn't been any problems with the car at all.
Local News:
Robbery and Car Hijacking at my local Tesco Store!
Woman survives 60ft fall from Hunstanton Cliffs!
Fish & Chip Restaurant to open in April at Drove Orchard in Thornham.
I had to sort lots of things today in preparation for my new job on Monday. Also did some Spring cleaning and made a start on sorting and chucking things out, which is way over due! It felt good to start this mammoth task. Nipped into town to get some essentials, watched 'The Voice', did some washing and more sorting. A dreary day with no sunshine. No Valentine's cards arrived.
Still can't decide about the car, think I will leave it for a while, as I need to concentrate on my new job. Although this will mean that I have to pay for car tax and my first MOT soon – can't see why it won't go through, there hasn't been any problems with the car at all.
Local News:
Robbery and Car Hijacking at my local Tesco Store!
Woman survives 60ft fall from Hunstanton Cliffs!
Fish & Chip Restaurant to open in April at Drove Orchard in Thornham.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret, Smew x 3, Scaup at Nar Valley Fisheries, Narborough.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Garganey, Twite x 60 at Cley NWT.
Black-throated Diver at Salthouse.
Firecrest, Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 20 at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Long-tailed Ducks x 7, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marshes.
Great White Egret a Ongar Hill.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 6, Otter at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret at Surlingham.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Haddiscoe Marshes.
Bewick's Swans x 120 at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 3, Hen Harrier, Bittern at Haddiscoe Island.
Common Cranes x 3 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Bewick's Swan at Ludham.
Hen Harrier at Hickling Broad NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Great White Egret, Smew x 3, Scaup at Nar Valley Fisheries, Narborough.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Garganey, Twite x 60 at Cley NWT.
Black-throated Diver at Salthouse.
Firecrest, Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 20 at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Long-tailed Ducks x 7, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marshes.
Great White Egret a Ongar Hill.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 6, Otter at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret at Surlingham.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Haddiscoe Marshes.
Bewick's Swans x 120 at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 3, Hen Harrier, Bittern at Haddiscoe Island.
Common Cranes x 3 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Bewick's Swan at Ludham.
Hen Harrier at Hickling Broad NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Friday, 13 February 2015
The Weekend!
Valentine's Day tomorrow – so excited, not!
Looking forward to a chilled weekend before I start my new job as a Discharge Planning Assistant on Monday.
Weather forecast doesn't look too inspiring:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
Looking forward to a chilled weekend before I start my new job as a Discharge Planning Assistant on Monday.
Weather forecast doesn't look too inspiring:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 22 at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 58 at Halvergate Marshes.
Pomarine Skua at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Black-necked Grebe, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Snow Bunting at North Beach, Winterton.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret, Water Pipits x 4 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Winfarthing.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Hen Harrier, Bittern, Twite x 4, Snow Bunting, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Twite x 17 at Thornham Harbour.
Whooper Swans x 2 at Itteringham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 22 at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 58 at Halvergate Marshes.
Pomarine Skua at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Black-necked Grebe, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Snow Bunting at North Beach, Winterton.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret, Water Pipits x 4 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Winfarthing.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Hen Harrier, Bittern, Twite x 4, Snow Bunting, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Twite x 17 at Thornham Harbour.
Whooper Swans x 2 at Itteringham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
End of an Era!
To All My Work Colleagues
Today was the last day in my post as Senior Therapy Assistant on the Stroke Ward, where I have been working for the last six years. I have worked with some special and wonderful people over the years both in my rehab team and on the ward. The team has changed so much in that short time, from working with only Lesley, Val, Cararline and myself as T/A's at the start – all those ladies have sadly now left. The beginning of the Community Team and the changes that this brought about, securing our office to increase our working space in the gym etc. I have enjoyed working with everyone and only have one big complaint..... there are far too many 'bake-off' cooks – so hopefully in my new post as Discharge Planning Assistant I will lose the three stone I have gained in the Stroke Rehab. Team!!! Thank you all very much for my very generous TK Maxx Voucher (£45) and lovely heartfelt words in my card. Also massive thanks to the very lovely and unexpected present and card from Sharen Keys, Esther, Sarah and Helen – a turquoise pen and pencil set with birds on and a bird themed A4 writing book. Also Chocolate bunnies from Jane V. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I'm sure I will bump into you all when I am flying up and down the corridors in my new post! I wish my successor all the best and hope she finds her new role as fulfilling as I did. I have left a few birdy surprises around the office and gym – you all need to keep up your bird ID skills! Thanks again. Penny xxx
Today was the last day in my post as Senior Therapy Assistant on the Stroke Ward, where I have been working for the last six years. I have worked with some special and wonderful people over the years both in my rehab team and on the ward. The team has changed so much in that short time, from working with only Lesley, Val, Cararline and myself as T/A's at the start – all those ladies have sadly now left. The beginning of the Community Team and the changes that this brought about, securing our office to increase our working space in the gym etc. I have enjoyed working with everyone and only have one big complaint..... there are far too many 'bake-off' cooks – so hopefully in my new post as Discharge Planning Assistant I will lose the three stone I have gained in the Stroke Rehab. Team!!! Thank you all very much for my very generous TK Maxx Voucher (£45) and lovely heartfelt words in my card. Also massive thanks to the very lovely and unexpected present and card from Sharen Keys, Esther, Sarah and Helen – a turquoise pen and pencil set with birds on and a bird themed A4 writing book. Also Chocolate bunnies from Jane V. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. I'm sure I will bump into you all when I am flying up and down the corridors in my new post! I wish my successor all the best and hope she finds her new role as fulfilling as I did. I have left a few birdy surprises around the office and gym – you all need to keep up your bird ID skills! Thanks again. Penny xxx
Thursday, 12 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 5 yesterday at Haddiscoe Island.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Holme.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Slavonian Grebe at Holkham.
Garganey, Tundra Bean Goose, Snow Buntings x 30 at Cley NWT.
Twite x 12 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Spotted Redshanks x 2, Long-tailed Ducks x 11 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Great White Egrets x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 5 yesterday at Haddiscoe Island.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Holme.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Slavonian Grebe at Holkham.
Garganey, Tundra Bean Goose, Snow Buntings x 30 at Cley NWT.
Twite x 12 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Spotted Redshanks x 2, Long-tailed Ducks x 11 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Great White Egrets x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Last Two Days at Work!
Baked my third and final Carrot Cake this evening for my work colleagues and my Leaving Food Fuddle tomorrow. Can't believe I only have two days left at work. My four week's notice has disappeared very quickly indeed.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey, Twite x 40, Tundra Bean Goose at Cley NWT.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Holme.
Snow Bunting at Sidestrand.
Twite x 60 at Thornham Harbour.
Twite x 26, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 2, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Hawfinch, Firecrest at Lynford Aboretum.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! SLATY-BACKED GULL at Killybegs, County Donegal, Ireland.
Garganey, Twite x 40, Tundra Bean Goose at Cley NWT.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Holme.
Snow Bunting at Sidestrand.
Twite x 60 at Thornham Harbour.
Twite x 26, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Richard's Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 2, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Hawfinch, Firecrest at Lynford Aboretum.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! SLATY-BACKED GULL at Killybegs, County Donegal, Ireland.
LITTLE BUSTARD IN NORFOLK SHOT!!!
The recently found Little Bustard near Blofield, Norwich on 22nd January has been confirmed as being shot! How dreadfully sad.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/390516-police-and-rspb-appeal-for-information-on-shooting-of-protected-bird
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/police_appeal_after_protected_bird_shot_dead_near_blofield_1_3952649
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/390516-police-and-rspb-appeal-for-information-on-shooting-of-protected-bird
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/police_appeal_after_protected_bird_shot_dead_near_blofield_1_3952649
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Little Gull, Twite x 8 yesterday at Happisburgh.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Snow Buntings x 65, Bearded Tits x 13 at Cley NWT.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 10 at Holkham.
Short-eared Owls x 2, Hen Harrier at Halvergate Marshes.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 at Great Yarmouth.
Water Pipit at Burnham Deepdale.
Twite x 45 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 9 at Haddiscoe Island.
Hen Harriers x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Little Gull, Twite x 8 yesterday at Happisburgh.
Great White Egret at Lyng.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Snow Buntings x 65, Bearded Tits x 13 at Cley NWT.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 10 at Holkham.
Short-eared Owls x 2, Hen Harrier at Halvergate Marshes.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 at Great Yarmouth.
Water Pipit at Burnham Deepdale.
Twite x 45 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 9 at Haddiscoe Island.
Hen Harriers x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Another Birthday!
Happy Birthday to my sister Lucy!
Spent the evening with Lucy and besides presents already given, I bought her three bunches of flowers: roses and carnations and a fresh choux cream bun! She had already had birthday cake from Vivien at the weekend, which she had already eaten. She had also eaten half a big box of chocolates today and happily demolished the cream bun I bought – now you know where I get it from!!!
Monday, 9 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier (yesterday) at Hardley Flood.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Common Cranes x 3 at Billockby.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Black-throated Diver at Horsey.
Black Redstart at Lady Ann's Drive, Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 6 at Holme.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Hen Harrier (yesterday) at Hardley Flood.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Common Cranes x 3 at Billockby.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Black-throated Diver at Horsey.
Black Redstart at Lady Ann's Drive, Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Black-necked Grebe at Snettisham RSPB.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 6 at Holme.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Happy Birthday!
To My Dear Mother, who is 75 Today!
Spent the evening with my parent's and made Mother a pasta dish for her tea – my father wouldn't touch it! Their house was freezing cold, even with the parkray fire. Father is still in his shorts – word's fail me! Father was complaining about the cat, who has now taking a liking to the best chair in the house, by the fire!
Fed up with scraping ice from the car, every morning. Roll on Spring!
Sunday, 8 February 2015
Car Decisions, Birthday Buying & Work!
The new Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90PS SE in 'race blue'.
My weekend has been dominated by everything but birding. The weather was dull and uninspiring on Saturday which made the day more bearable when I wasn't able to go birding. But today was a gloriously sunny, almost Spring like, whilst I was at work all day!
I spent four hours in the Skoda Garage on Saturday, trying to work out what to do and when to buy a new car. I can't believe I have had my current car, for what will be three years this March! I will more than probably buy the Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90PS SE – which has loads of improvements since my current Fabia was built. I just can't decide on the colour though. Skoda has a new 'colour concept' feature, which means you can choose a different roof colour of either black, silver or white – the Rallye Green looks an incredibly exciting colour, especially with black roof and wheels to make it look more girl racer'ish!!! My mid-life crisis means I don't want a boring car. I might just go for plain black or red or maybe red with black roof, who knows!!! The 'Race Blue' which is featured on the front page of the brochure and I really liked, is NOT the same blue as it truly is at all when I saw this car at the garage! I wanted to add the panoramic sunroof and 17" Savio metallic black alloy wheels, but this is a non-starter, when I was told what the monthly payments would be! I know that a bright, funky colour etc will make the car at greater risk of being pinched, but being a Skoda, will this really make the chances of that happening more?!
Rallye green
Next on the agenda was birthday present buying for my Mother who will be 75 years old on Monday and Lucy's birthday on Tuesday. After wrapping presents and writing in cards at home, I then nipped over to Holme to deliver everything. Both my sisters were at Holme, so we all had a good catch-up. As soon as I walked in the front door, I declared my exhaustion from the day and Lucy very sweetly said 'would you like a hug?' – I most taken back and touched by her reaction, made my day. Even better, I managed to get Father to sign a card for Mother's birthday – considering his very poor eyesight and his trust in my instructions as to where he should place the pen, he managed to write incredibly clearly, almost to looking like his normal signature! He seemed really chuffed that one of his daughters had got a card for him to sign. So that was Saturday done with and I worked all day on Sunday!
One week left of my current job. Next weekend I am completely free to go birding, before I commence my new post on Monday 16th February. Part of the reason for taking this new job is that I will finish at 4pm instead of my current finish time of 4.45pm. 45 minutes makes a huge difference when a mega has turned up, especially in the Autumn, as we start to lose light. This will be far less late nights and posting on the blog in the 'wee' hours, as I will be starting earlier in the mornings!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard (possible, seen from moving car) west of King's Lynn.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Caspian Gull at Aldeby.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Halvergate Marshes.
Bewick's Swans x 4 Gillingham Marshes.
Glaucous Gull, Tundra Bean Geese x 14, Smew at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Smew at Burgh Castle.
Bewick's Swans x 35 at Fritton Marshes.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Cringleford.
Twite x 13 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Lenwade.
Bewick's Swans x 80 at Ludham Abbey.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Bewick's Swans x 20 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owl at St Olaves.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Tundra Bean Goose at Brancaster Staithe.
Twite x 55 at Thornham Harbour.
Twite x 110 at Salthouse.
Black Redstart, Lady Ann's Drive, Holkham.
Shorelarks x 6 at Blakeney Point.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Hen Harriers x 2, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard (possible, seen from moving car) west of King's Lynn.
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Caspian Gull at Aldeby.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Halvergate Marshes.
Bewick's Swans x 4 Gillingham Marshes.
Glaucous Gull, Tundra Bean Geese x 14, Smew at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Smew at Burgh Castle.
Bewick's Swans x 35 at Fritton Marshes.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Cringleford.
Twite x 13 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Lenwade.
Bewick's Swans x 80 at Ludham Abbey.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Bewick's Swans x 20 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owl at St Olaves.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Tundra Bean Goose at Brancaster Staithe.
Twite x 55 at Thornham Harbour.
Twite x 110 at Salthouse.
Black Redstart, Lady Ann's Drive, Holkham.
Shorelarks x 6 at Blakeney Point.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Hen Harriers x 2, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Saturday, 7 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Sheringham.
Pomarine Skua at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Glaucous Gull at Horsey.
Hen Harrier at Fring.
Bewick's Swans x 200, Whooper Swans x 30 at Ludham.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at Holkham.
Garganey, American Wigeon (hybrid), Tundra Bean Geese x 2, White-fronted Geese x 2, Snow Buntings x 40 at Cley NWT.
Glaucous Gull at Aldeby Tip.
Richard's Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers at Choseley Drying Barns.
Common Cranes x 2 at Billockby.
White-fronted Geese x 30 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 41 at Halvergate Marshes.
Common Cranes x 36, Hen Harriers x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Black Brant at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles, Scotland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN still, Galway, County Galway, Ireland.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Sheringham.
Pomarine Skua at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Glaucous Gull at Horsey.
Hen Harrier at Fring.
Bewick's Swans x 200, Whooper Swans x 30 at Ludham.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at Holkham.
Garganey, American Wigeon (hybrid), Tundra Bean Geese x 2, White-fronted Geese x 2, Snow Buntings x 40 at Cley NWT.
Glaucous Gull at Aldeby Tip.
Richard's Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Twite x 50 at Thornham Harbour.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers at Choseley Drying Barns.
Common Cranes x 2 at Billockby.
White-fronted Geese x 30 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 41 at Halvergate Marshes.
Common Cranes x 36, Hen Harriers x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Black Brant at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles, Scotland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN still, Galway, County Galway, Ireland.
Friday, 6 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
Twite x 58 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.
Hen Harrier at Acle.
Long-tailed Duck (yesterday) at Winterton.
Garganey, Glaucous Gull, Snow Buntings x 3, White-fronted Geese x 2, Tundra Bean Goose, Pink-footed Goose at Cley NWT.
Jack Snipe x 2 at Salthouse.
Iceland Gull, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Northern Long-tailed Tit (possible) on feeder in garden at midday (c10. days).
Caspian Gull at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Sparham Pools, Lyng.
Bewick's Swans x 2 at Gillingham Marshes.
Little Auk at Trimingham.
Snow Buntings x 25 at Holme.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Twite x 12 at Breydon Water.
Twite x 58 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.
Hen Harrier at Acle.
Long-tailed Duck (yesterday) at Winterton.
Garganey, Glaucous Gull, Snow Buntings x 3, White-fronted Geese x 2, Tundra Bean Goose, Pink-footed Goose at Cley NWT.
Jack Snipe x 2 at Salthouse.
Iceland Gull, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Northern Long-tailed Tit (possible) on feeder in garden at midday (c10. days).
Caspian Gull at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Sparham Pools, Lyng.
Bewick's Swans x 2 at Gillingham Marshes.
Little Auk at Trimingham.
Snow Buntings x 25 at Holme.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Thursday, 5 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Long-eared Owl yesterday at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe.
Glaucous Gull, Lapland Buntings x 2 at Salthouse.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Little Auk, Slavonian Grebe + Little Auk on sea and then taken by Great Black-backed Gull at Cley.
GYR Grey Morph, possible, flew NW over Halvergate Marshes, though distant.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Bewick's Swans x 43 at Halvergate Marshes.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Iceland Gull, Great Skua at Hopton-on-Sea.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham.
Richard's Pipit at Breydon Water.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Long-eared Owl yesterday at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe.
Glaucous Gull, Lapland Buntings x 2 at Salthouse.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Little Auk, Slavonian Grebe + Little Auk on sea and then taken by Great Black-backed Gull at Cley.
GYR Grey Morph, possible, flew NW over Halvergate Marshes, though distant.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl, Bewick's Swans x 43 at Halvergate Marshes.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Iceland Gull, Great Skua at Hopton-on-Sea.
Iceland Gull at Sheringham.
Richard's Pipit at Breydon Water.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Rhino Skull Fossil Found On Norfolk Beach!
"A fossil of a rhino skull has been found on West Runton beach in Norfolk. Geologist Martin Warren made the discovery and dug out the rhino skull, preserving it in plaster of Paris. It is thought the animal was alive more than 500,000 years ago."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-31123871
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Glaucous Gull flew SE at Overstrand.
Iceland Gulls x 2, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Cley.
Glaucous Gull flew west at Blakeney Point.
Waxwing east of Crab Lane, Gorleston-on-Sea.
Iceland Gull (flew east), Glaucous Gull (flew west) at Weybourne.
Twite x 13 at Breydon Water.
Hen Harrier at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Bewick's Swans x 3 at Gillingham Marshes.
Bittern at Ormesby Broad (on Saturday).
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Halvergate Marshes (on Saturday).
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SLATY-BACKED GULL possible, adult – SW of Southport at Ainsdale, on beach at 10.05-10.35am then flew NE.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Glaucous Gull flew SE at Overstrand.
Iceland Gulls x 2, Glaucous Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Cley.
Glaucous Gull flew west at Blakeney Point.
Waxwing east of Crab Lane, Gorleston-on-Sea.
Iceland Gull (flew east), Glaucous Gull (flew west) at Weybourne.
Twite x 13 at Breydon Water.
Hen Harrier at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Bewick's Swans x 3 at Gillingham Marshes.
Bittern at Ormesby Broad (on Saturday).
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Halvergate Marshes (on Saturday).
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SLATY-BACKED GULL possible, adult – SW of Southport at Ainsdale, on beach at 10.05-10.35am then flew NE.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Tuesday, 3 February 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gulls x 2, Glaucous Gull at Sheringham.
Richard's Pipit at Breydon Water.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owl at Great Yarmouth.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Pink-footed Geese x 2,600, Greenland White-fronted Goose at Docking.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Iceland Gulls x 2, Glaucous Gull at Sheringham.
Richard's Pipit at Breydon Water.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owl at Great Yarmouth.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Pink-footed Geese x 2,600, Greenland White-fronted Goose at Docking.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Monday, 2 February 2015
Stuart House Hotel, King's Lynn
Phoned Donna at the Stuart House Hotel in King's Lynn this evening and thanked all the staff for a
fabulous meal and first class service, highly recommended.
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/birthday-work-leaving-party.html
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/birthday-work-leaving-party.html
My Hand Accident Still Ongoing!
Remember my hand accident I had, back in November?
Well, at the time I thought I would lose either one or two of my nails,
but luckily I didn't. The bruising under the nail didn't look too bad
and seemed to move along with the nail as it was growing. But over the
last week, the nail has cracked in half on the middle finger and is
about to go on the ring finger. Its going to be a massive pain, trying
to keep them both covered whilst they re-grow – I will have to be so careful, if I catch them and rip them off, its going to be agony! I won't post a picture as it looks much more hideous than when I had the accident:
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/another-trip-to-a.html
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/another-trip-to-a.html
Serious Snow Fall!
It wasn't snowing when I returned home from work, but it is now!!! Completely white out there and I can't see the car. Looks like I will be walking to work in the morning. I had planned to take the car to the garage first thing for a mini valet etc – don't think it will be going anywhere!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Twite x 7 at Breydon Water.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Common Scoters x 3 at Hunstanton Cliffs.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Twite x 7 at Breydon Water.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Common Scoters x 3 at Hunstanton Cliffs.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Hot Soup, New Scope, Freezing North East Winds, Rain, Sleet, Rolling Sea & Birds!
North East Winds, Sleet, Heavy Rain and bitterly cold all day. The car felt like it was rocking as I headed along the A148 to Cley. Flooding in places and rubbish driving conditions all added to an interesting journey!
Met up with Eddie for lunch at the fabulous little cafe at Natural Surroundings at Glandford. The last day of my birthday indulgences included home-made Vegetable Soup with thick granary bread and butter, a big slice of Coffee Cake and a pot of tea. It was lovely sitting in there, really enjoyed that lunch. Eddie had seen 2 Glaucous Gulls already today – early bird catches the worm...... which is why I failed miserably to see any of the action on the sea today. Eddie went back to Cley and I went to CleySpy.
So exciting to collect my new scope from Cleyspy – well almost new, a Swarosvski ATS 65mm HD Telescope with new 25-50xW Zoom Eyepiece, stay on case and CleySpy's Mulepack to transport the tripod and scope. I have been teased for a while now about not having a 'grown-up' scope, well now I have! I will keep the Nikon ED50 (+ 13-40 Zoom eye-piece) for long treks etc as this is a very good, light weight scope, although I'm on the look out for the 27x Wide MC eyepiece, which is very difficult to get hold of I am finding. Also hoping to get the Swarosvski 20x wide eyepiece at some point – this is only available second-hand now though.
Arrived at Coastguards far too late. The usual hardcore team were there – Dave H., Mark G, James McC., Eddie M. and others. Several of them had been sea-watching all day and were rewarded with 2 Glaucous Gulls, Great Skuas, Puffin, Great Northern Diver, Little Auk, Kittiwakes, Peregrine etc. Huge rolling waves that looked exciting, but produced nothing for me whilst I was there. Well, I had a possible skua/shearwater distantly for a few moments that disappeared in the murk which James got onto and thought it was a skua in the few moments he was able to watch it. Near dusk, around 10 Snow Buntings flew west over the shingle right in front of the shelter, which was my only bird excitement today! It was so cold, that all my layers made no difference at all. Took me ages to thaw out with a coffee in the car, before returning home.
My mother said she and father had had a lovely surprise phone call from Paul Kirby today – a very old friend who still lives in Norfolk and was part of the birding crowd at Cley in the old days with father, Richard Richardson, Peter Jackson etc. Paul is now 88 he was telling mother and can't really get out much nowadays. My father managed to have a conversation with Paul on the phone which would have been really nice, as my father has very little contact (if at all) with anyone outside the family since his stroke. People sometimes get forgotten when they get old, which is sad.
Spent the evening sorting out my birding gear, washing lens cloths and working out what small items would fit into the new Mulepack!
Full review of the scope etc another day.
Met up with Eddie for lunch at the fabulous little cafe at Natural Surroundings at Glandford. The last day of my birthday indulgences included home-made Vegetable Soup with thick granary bread and butter, a big slice of Coffee Cake and a pot of tea. It was lovely sitting in there, really enjoyed that lunch. Eddie had seen 2 Glaucous Gulls already today – early bird catches the worm...... which is why I failed miserably to see any of the action on the sea today. Eddie went back to Cley and I went to CleySpy.
So exciting to collect my new scope from Cleyspy – well almost new, a Swarosvski ATS 65mm HD Telescope with new 25-50xW Zoom Eyepiece, stay on case and CleySpy's Mulepack to transport the tripod and scope. I have been teased for a while now about not having a 'grown-up' scope, well now I have! I will keep the Nikon ED50 (+ 13-40 Zoom eye-piece) for long treks etc as this is a very good, light weight scope, although I'm on the look out for the 27x Wide MC eyepiece, which is very difficult to get hold of I am finding. Also hoping to get the Swarosvski 20x wide eyepiece at some point – this is only available second-hand now though.
Arrived at Coastguards far too late. The usual hardcore team were there – Dave H., Mark G, James McC., Eddie M. and others. Several of them had been sea-watching all day and were rewarded with 2 Glaucous Gulls, Great Skuas, Puffin, Great Northern Diver, Little Auk, Kittiwakes, Peregrine etc. Huge rolling waves that looked exciting, but produced nothing for me whilst I was there. Well, I had a possible skua/shearwater distantly for a few moments that disappeared in the murk which James got onto and thought it was a skua in the few moments he was able to watch it. Near dusk, around 10 Snow Buntings flew west over the shingle right in front of the shelter, which was my only bird excitement today! It was so cold, that all my layers made no difference at all. Took me ages to thaw out with a coffee in the car, before returning home.
My mother said she and father had had a lovely surprise phone call from Paul Kirby today – a very old friend who still lives in Norfolk and was part of the birding crowd at Cley in the old days with father, Richard Richardson, Peter Jackson etc. Paul is now 88 he was telling mother and can't really get out much nowadays. My father managed to have a conversation with Paul on the phone which would have been really nice, as my father has very little contact (if at all) with anyone outside the family since his stroke. People sometimes get forgotten when they get old, which is sad.
Spent the evening sorting out my birding gear, washing lens cloths and working out what small items would fit into the new Mulepack!
Full review of the scope etc another day.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Bittern at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gulls x 2, Little Auk, Pomarine Skuas x 2, Great Skuas x 3, Great Northern Diver at Cley NWT.
Pomarine Skua, Great Skua at Hunstanton.
Richard's Pipit, Twite x 14 at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 21 at Halvergate Marshes.
Twite x 5, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour.
Waxwings x 6 flew over North Walsham.
Hen Harrier at Burgh Castle.
Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN Galway Bay, County Galway, Ireland.
Bittern at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gulls x 2, Little Auk, Pomarine Skuas x 2, Great Skuas x 3, Great Northern Diver at Cley NWT.
Pomarine Skua, Great Skua at Hunstanton.
Richard's Pipit, Twite x 14 at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Bewick's Swans x 21 at Halvergate Marshes.
Twite x 5, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour.
Waxwings x 6 flew over North Walsham.
Hen Harrier at Burgh Castle.
Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, North of Aberdeen, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN Galway Bay, County Galway, Ireland.
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