My Mother phoned me at 2.30am this morning as she was at her wits end – Father refused to stay in bed and said he wasn't tired. She couldn't leave him half in and half out of bed. Even when he did get back in bed, he refused to have any bed clothes/blankets over him – he was shouting and being completely unreasonable, but not his fault he has got into this state poor man. Mother gave up in the end and went upstairs to bed. All was well when I phoned this morning before work.
I have been at work all day and then spent early evening collecting
prescriptions from GP, re-fuelling car, food shopping, fish 'n' chips
and then collapsed at home! Torrential rain here early evening, but dry
now. The Aurora is supposed to be visible from Norfolk tonight, but too
exhausted to leave the house. My New Year's Eve has been very quiet, aside from all the fireworks going off.
Looking forward to going birding tomorrow. The weather looks ok for New Year's Day! http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
Thursday, 31 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. reported at dusk on Tuesday at Brancaster.
Little Gulls x 4, Caspian Gull, Tundra Bean Geese x 5, Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Cley.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. again at 9.56am along A149, 100 yds east of B1155 junction at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier south of Choseley Drying Barns.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 at Kelling.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Purple Sandpipers x 4 at Sheringham.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at west end below Burgh Castle at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Shag at Hopton-on-Sea.
Short-eared Owl at Morston.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. midday at Burnham Deepdale.
Taiga Bean Geese x 10 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 6, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Ducks x 5 at Holme.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Tundra Bean Goose at Burnham Overy Marshes.
Swallow at North Dunes, Winterton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! LITTLE SWIFT SE of Dunbar over beach at Thorntonloch, Lothian, Scotland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE again, SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. reported at dusk on Tuesday at Brancaster.
Little Gulls x 4, Caspian Gull, Tundra Bean Geese x 5, Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Cley.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. again at 9.56am along A149, 100 yds east of B1155 junction at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier south of Choseley Drying Barns.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 at Kelling.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Purple Sandpipers x 4 at Sheringham.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at west end below Burgh Castle at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Shag at Hopton-on-Sea.
Short-eared Owl at Morston.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. midday at Burnham Deepdale.
Taiga Bean Geese x 10 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 6, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Ducks x 5 at Holme.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Tundra Bean Goose at Burnham Overy Marshes.
Swallow at North Dunes, Winterton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! LITTLE SWIFT SE of Dunbar over beach at Thorntonloch, Lothian, Scotland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE again, SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. again along A149, 100 yds east of B1155 junction at Holkham.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 in field at Kelling.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Black Brant, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT.
Common Cranes x 2 at Martham.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Crossbills x 10 at Santon Warren.
Velvet Scoters x 2 at Holme.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. again along A149, 100 yds east of B1155 junction at Holkham.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 in field at Kelling.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Black Brant, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT.
Common Cranes x 2 at Martham.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Crossbills x 10 at Santon Warren.
Velvet Scoters x 2 at Holme.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Velvet Scoters x 9, Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harrier, Slavonian Grebe, Red-crested Pochards x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great Northern Diver at Thornham Point.
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard, Spoonbill, Snow Buntings x 30, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 80 at Holkham.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 over pines opposite Field House Farm Track at Brancaster.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Black Brant in Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Short-eared Owl at Salthouse and Cley.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at west end opposite Burgh Castle, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3, Slavonian Grebe (on sea), Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Bewick's Swans x 45, Whooper Swans x 20 at Ludham Airfield.
Rough-legged Buzzard between Wymondham and Kimberley.
Snow Buntings x 24, Little Gull at North Beach, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harrier at Point Green Nature Trail, King's Lynn.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at East Hills, Wells.
Great Grey Shrike at Buxton Heath.
Water Pipit at Cantley Beet Factory.
Golden Pheasant on north side of Wolferton Triangle.
Hen Harriers x 3, Marsh Harriers x 46, Common Cranes x 7 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey.
Great White Egret, White-fronted Geese x 5 at Welney WWT.
Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
Glaucous Gull flew west past Sheringham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Pink-footed Geese x 1,200 in field at Kelling.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
Velvet Scoters x 9, Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harrier, Slavonian Grebe, Red-crested Pochards x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great Northern Diver at Thornham Point.
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard, Spoonbill, Snow Buntings x 30, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 80 at Holkham.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 over pines opposite Field House Farm Track at Brancaster.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Black Brant in Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Short-eared Owl at Salthouse and Cley.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at west end opposite Burgh Castle, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3, Slavonian Grebe (on sea), Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Bewick's Swans x 45, Whooper Swans x 20 at Ludham Airfield.
Rough-legged Buzzard between Wymondham and Kimberley.
Snow Buntings x 24, Little Gull at North Beach, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harrier at Point Green Nature Trail, King's Lynn.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at East Hills, Wells.
Great Grey Shrike at Buxton Heath.
Water Pipit at Cantley Beet Factory.
Golden Pheasant on north side of Wolferton Triangle.
Hen Harriers x 3, Marsh Harriers x 46, Common Cranes x 7 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey.
Great White Egret, White-fronted Geese x 5 at Welney WWT.
Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
Glaucous Gull flew west past Sheringham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Pink-footed Geese x 1,200 in field at Kelling.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
Monday, 28 December 2015
Bank Holiday Hot Birding!
PALLID HARRIER
Abbey Farm, Flitcham, Norfolk
I didn't bother posting yesterday as I didn't do very much, had a chilled morning and then spent the afternoon at Holme with all of my family and met Vivien's new boyfriend Ray. Spent some time cutting father's nails, shaving him, soaking his feet in a bowl etc to help Mother out. Took Lucy back to King's Lynn and I collapsed on the sofa at home.
Today was magical to say the least. I arrived at Flitcham this morning to find that the Pallid Harrier was in the field around the Little Owl oak tree. At times it spent ages perched on a distant dead tree and occasionally it would fly closer. The best moment was when there was a Little Owl, a Barn Owl and the Pallid Harrier all perched in the oak tree together!!! To add that, a stoat was murdering a rabbit in front of the tree! Moments later a Hen Harrier flew over the far fields. Lots of familiar faces here including Gary Elton, Billy and Connor Rand + Nan, Rob & Jill Wilson etc. The Pallid Harrier flew across the road to its favoured field.
PALLID HARRIER
Abbey Farm, Flitcham, Norfolk
I relocated to the field next to the greenhouses, but didn't see the Pallid Harrier for a while. I watched a Peregrine flying east, at least two Common Buzzards, five Fieldfares, Blackbirds, a big flock of Linnets, Goldfinches feeding on thistles, Chaffinches and big numbers of Woodpigeons. Eventually the Pallid Harrier appeared and flew across the field, where I got some record shots. I walked off along the field edge and then headed off along a high hedge lined track where I found lots of Chaffinches, more Fieldfares and a Merlin shot past me which was nice. Also watched a Hare run past me along the edge of a field. I returned to my car to have a coffee. A landrover pulled up and a man dressed in tweed, hat and brass horn round his neck etc asked both myself and another two birders if we could kindly leave here shortly, as there was going to be a shooting party here soon. Let's hope the Pallid Harrier survives!!! Of all the places to carry out a shoot!!! I was about to leave anyway and headed for Holkham.
Hare in stubble field at Flitcham
Driving to Holkham was a complete waste of petrol and time I discovered – the Red-rumped Swallow had not been seen since the initial sighting this morning. Ok so I had already seen it on Christmas Day, but the rain and light had been dire and I wanted to photograph it in better light with blue skies! I left and headed for Wells – parked along the quayside and walked all around the quay and town centre, High Street etc in hope of finding the Red-rumped Swallow, but no joy. A Little Egret, Redshank and Gulls were feeding along the quayside and a couple of Brent Geese flew across the marshes. As I walked around the town with binoculars around my neck and very muddy rain trousers, I got lots of odd looks from the hordes of smartly dressed shoppers, it was quite amusing really!
Thousands of Pink-footed Geese at Holkham as I headed west. I returned to Flitcham to see if the shooting party had arrived – there was no sign of them at all, mystery! Maybe they had been and gone, maybe they hadn't arrived yet, who knows! Nipped into Abbey Farm Hide to find several birders in there and found out they had been watching the Pallid Harrier from the hide around an hour before I arrived.
I returned home, cooked tea and promptly fell asleep on the sofa. Back to work tomorrow. Next day off is 1st January! Can't decide what to do on Friday – county bird race or maybe I'll just enjoy the day birding?!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach by Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Black Brant, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 4, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Rough-legged Buzzard over pines opposite Field House Farm Track at Brancaster.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. along A149, 100 yds east of B1155 junction, Great White Egret, Velvet Scoter, Shag at Holkham.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 112 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Common Crane at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2, Snow Bunting, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 19 at North Beach, Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey.
Common Cranes x 9, Bewick's Swans x 29, Whooper Swans x 4, Marsh Harriers x 30, Hen Harriers x 4 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Shorelark reported at North Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach by Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Black Brant, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 4, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Rough-legged Buzzard over pines opposite Field House Farm Track at Brancaster.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. along A149, 100 yds east of B1155 junction, Great White Egret, Velvet Scoter, Shag at Holkham.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 112 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Common Crane at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2, Snow Bunting, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 19 at North Beach, Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey.
Common Cranes x 9, Bewick's Swans x 29, Whooper Swans x 4, Marsh Harriers x 30, Hen Harriers x 4 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Shorelark reported at North Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
Sunday, 27 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Brancaster Staithe.
Water Pipit, Long-tailed Duck, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW possible, flew south over North Dunes, Winterton.
Swallow at Winterton.
Black Brant east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Pomarine Skua, Great Skua, Short-eared Owl, Water Pipits x 8, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Snow Buntings x 30 at Cley.
Taiga Bean Geese x 5, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 40 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier over Ringstead.
Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Long-tailed Duck, Short-eared Owl at Holme.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Short-eared Owl at Salthouse.
Water Pipits x 4 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland.
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Brancaster Staithe.
Water Pipit, Long-tailed Duck, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW possible, flew south over North Dunes, Winterton.
Swallow at Winterton.
Black Brant east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Pomarine Skua, Great Skua, Short-eared Owl, Water Pipits x 8, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Snow Buntings x 30 at Cley.
Taiga Bean Geese x 5, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 40 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier over Ringstead.
Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Long-tailed Duck, Short-eared Owl at Holme.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Short-eared Owl at Salthouse.
Water Pipits x 4 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland.
BOXING DAY BIRDING!
Early bird catches the worm and all that jazz. Arrived at Flitcham five minutes too late for the close flypast, that several birders and photographers had of the Pallid Harrier. Julian B then showed me some fabulous pictures on the back of his camera! I decided to stick it out and spent the rest of the day waiting for the Pallid Harrier to cruise close enough to get some shots, but alas it was only ever distant. Obviously it was a cracking bird to watch, but it would have been nice to have it on the camera, only myself to blame! I also saw a couple of Common Buzzards, a large flock of Linnets, several Magpies, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, masses of Woodpigeons and some Red-legged Partridges.
Returned home late afternoon and spent the evening cooking my very late Christmas Roast dinner and watched Skyfall – you can't beat watching a Bond Film! Mother phoned me to say my fruit cake was the best she had tasted and that is a compliment! Mother doesn't dish them out very often!
Returned home late afternoon and spent the evening cooking my very late Christmas Roast dinner and watched Skyfall – you can't beat watching a Bond Film! Mother phoned me to say my fruit cake was the best she had tasted and that is a compliment! Mother doesn't dish them out very often!
Saturday, 26 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149 near B115 junction, Great White Egret at Holkham.
Snow Buntings x 25, Hen Harrier at North Beach, Winterton.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Brancaster.
Dartford Warbler at The Skirts (MAG), Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Twite x 7 north of campsite car park at Stiffkey.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE in garden at Lerwick, Shetland.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149 near B115 junction, Great White Egret at Holkham.
Snow Buntings x 25, Hen Harrier at North Beach, Winterton.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Brancaster.
Dartford Warbler at The Skirts (MAG), Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Twite x 7 north of campsite car park at Stiffkey.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE in garden at Lerwick, Shetland.
NHS Choir Beat Bieber to UK Christmas Number 1!
A choir of nurses, doctors and other NHS staff have beaten Justin Bieber
and X Factor winner Louisa Johnson to the UK's Christmas number one
spot.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35177842
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35177842
Friday, 25 December 2015
CHRISTMAS DAY! Red-rumped Swallow, Red-nosed Reindeer & More!
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW
In the rain at Holkham on Christmas Day!
Initial sighting of the Red-nosed Reindeer!
Red-nosed Reindeer – Showing Well!
Ok, so this is the actual picture!!!
Had great fun photoshopping John's nose red! I'm in trouble!
The weather and light was dire and it was raining. The Red-rumped Swallow performed well, but photography was rubbish in this light. A Red-nosed Reindeer (alias John Furse) dropped in briefly!!! (see picture). Eddie M. pointed out the Great White Egret to me in the far distance at the edge of a pool. I found it hard to take in that I was watching a Red-rumped Swallow on Christmas Day – how cool is that!!! Met a couple of birders dressed in Christmas attire who had taken some fabulous pictures of the Royal Family at Sandringham this morning – wished I had gone now! Also bumped into another couple who had had good views of the Pallid Harrier at Flitcham.
Our Christmas Tea
Father and I on Christmas Day!
Went back home via Flitcham and spent quite a while searching in vain for the Pallid Harrier and then returned to King's Lynn. My roast dinner was cancelled because of birding – will have to cook my nut roast on Boxing Day! Quick change at home, loaded up the car with my home baking and then picked Lucy up and we spent the afternoon with our parents and for Christmas tea. Vivien wasn't with us this year – she spent the day with her new man! There were no presents to open this year as we had all decided not to bother. My Mother was exhausted, having been up several times in the night attending to Father. We all felt tired today. Enjoyed our Christmas tea, watched some TV, had a snooze. Father enjoyed a few mouthfuls of my chocolate cake and gave it a 7 out of 10, so that was pretty good! Father looked so tired today – worn himself out over the last few days and also had been refusing most of his tablets – not good. We had a lovely phone call from Morris and Audrey Eccleshall – NOA members from long ago – it was so nice to hear their voices.
Took Lucy home and then returned home and watched Mrs Brown's Boys and Michael McIntyre. Pictures of the Queen and other Royals attending church at Sandringham here.
CHRISTMAS NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret flew from River Tiffey, Crossbills x 3 at Wymondham.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Water Pipits x 2, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Iron Road at Salthouse.
DUSKY WARBLER in hedge at top of Bone's Drift (JM), RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149 near B115 junction, Great White Egret at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ringstead Downs NWT.
Snow Buntings x 27 at North Beach, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Great White Egret flew from River Tiffey, Crossbills x 3 at Wymondham.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Water Pipits x 2, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose near Iron Road at Salthouse.
DUSKY WARBLER in hedge at top of Bone's Drift (JM), RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149 near B115 junction, Great White Egret at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ringstead Downs NWT.
Snow Buntings x 27 at North Beach, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
To All My Readers, Friends & Family
Wishing You All Peace, Good Health & Happiness
Thursday, 24 December 2015
CHRISTMAS EVE!!!
Worked all day until just after 4pm. Spent the entire evening baking cakes! I made a fruit cake for my mother, which is her favourite cake and then made a chocolate sponge and some chocolate date bars – all for our Christmas tea tomorrow!
Chocolate Cake
Chocolate Date Bars
Fruit Cake
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harriers x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm from hide at Flitcham.
Spotted Redshank, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe, Twite x 8 at Brancaster Staithe.
Black Brant east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149 at Holkham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. around Christmas Tree, High Street and the Harbour at Wells.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 20 on beach by Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 one mile north of Binham.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Scarning.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harriers x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm from hide at Flitcham.
Spotted Redshank, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe, Twite x 8 at Brancaster Staithe.
Black Brant east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149 at Holkham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. around Christmas Tree, High Street and the Harbour at Wells.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 20 on beach by Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 one mile north of Binham.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Scarning.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Brancaster.
Rough-legged Buzzard 2 miles north of Stanhoe.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149, Great White Egret at Holkham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. around Christmas Tree, High Street, Wells.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Firecrest at Lynford Aboretum.
Spotted Redshank, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach by Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm from hide at Flitcham.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 13 at Thornham Harbour.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 250, Water Pipits x 2 east of East Bank, Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Pat's Pool at Cley NWT.
Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2, Mediterranean Gulls x 113 at Breydon Water.
Hen Harriers x 6, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Common Cranes x 9 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Snow Buntings x 28 at North Beach, Winterton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT possible, reported off Newquay, Cornwall.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Brancaster.
Rough-legged Buzzard 2 miles north of Stanhoe.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, just north of A149, Great White Egret at Holkham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. around Christmas Tree, High Street, Wells.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Firecrest at Lynford Aboretum.
Spotted Redshank, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach by Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm from hide at Flitcham.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 13 at Thornham Harbour.
Iceland Gull at Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 250, Water Pipits x 2 east of East Bank, Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Pat's Pool at Cley NWT.
Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2, Mediterranean Gulls x 113 at Breydon Water.
Hen Harriers x 6, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Common Cranes x 9 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Snow Buntings x 28 at North Beach, Winterton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT possible, reported off Newquay, Cornwall.
Last Trip To The Dentist EVER!!!
I left work this afternoon to go to my last appointment for my root filling. There was I thinking that this treatment would be relatively pain free – how wrong I was! It was the worst dentist appointment I have had. More injections and after the second, I presumed it would be ok. I almost jumped off of the couch at one point with pain. Three injections later it dulled whatever drilling and filling that dentist was doing. I was just over an hour in the chair! How can one small tooth cause so much pain and stress!!! Thank god its all over!
As I walked out of the dentist and feeling wobbly, I noticed a homeless man sitting by a shop with cap on the floor – I bought him a large hot sausage roll from a posh bakers – he tucked into it straight away – my minuscule good deed for Christmas, not that one measly sausage roll will make any difference, but it all helps.
Did the Christmas supermarket shop late this evening. Work all day on Christmas Eve and then I'm baking cakes in the evening!
As I walked out of the dentist and feeling wobbly, I noticed a homeless man sitting by a shop with cap on the floor – I bought him a large hot sausage roll from a posh bakers – he tucked into it straight away – my minuscule good deed for Christmas, not that one measly sausage roll will make any difference, but it all helps.
Did the Christmas supermarket shop late this evening. Work all day on Christmas Eve and then I'm baking cakes in the evening!
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Shortest Day Of The Year & Christmas Day!
Thank goodness for that! Looking forward to lighter evenings.
We are so busy at work, there is no time to think about Christmas until Christmas Eve! I'm doing something VERY exciting on Christmas Day, something very different indeed. All will be revealed on the day!
Last dentist appointment tomorrow, great! Suppose I had better hit the supermarket after work tomorrow and get my Christmas dinner for one sorted out!
We are so busy at work, there is no time to think about Christmas until Christmas Eve! I'm doing something VERY exciting on Christmas Day, something very different indeed. All will be revealed on the day!
Last dentist appointment tomorrow, great! Suppose I had better hit the supermarket after work tomorrow and get my Christmas dinner for one sorted out!
Christmas Party Photos!
All pictures and videos now on my Christmas Party!
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/stroke-rehabilitation-christmas-party.html
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/stroke-rehabilitation-christmas-party.html
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull juv., Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. by A149 just before turning for Burnham Market.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. along A149 by pines, 1/4 mile east of B1155 junction at Holkham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv., Shag at Wells Quay.
Snow Buntings x 16 at Holkham.
Tundra Peregrine (form calidus) yesterday, early afternoon then flew east at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 14 at Thornham Harbour.
Caspian Gull 2w north of Norwich.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Waxwings x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Jack Snipe at Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB.
Caspian Gull 1w at Horsey.
Snow Buntings x 20 at North Beach, Winterton.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Iceland Gull juv., Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. by A149 just before turning for Burnham Market.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. along A149 by pines, 1/4 mile east of B1155 junction at Holkham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv., Shag at Wells Quay.
Snow Buntings x 16 at Holkham.
Tundra Peregrine (form calidus) yesterday, early afternoon then flew east at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 14 at Thornham Harbour.
Caspian Gull 2w north of Norwich.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Waxwings x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Jack Snipe at Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB.
Caspian Gull 1w at Horsey.
Snow Buntings x 20 at North Beach, Winterton.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Monday, 21 December 2015
Fond Memories!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Short-eared Owl at Wymondham Abbey.
Waxwing in garden at Cley.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, Holkham.
Richard's Pipit (probable) on shingle ridge between Sea Pool and Iron Road, Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 800 in Eye Field, Water Pipit from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 11 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Waxwing in Co-op car park at Cromer.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 50 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Jack Snipes x 2 at Buxton Heath.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Short-eared Owl at Wymondham Abbey.
Waxwing in garden at Cley.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW Juv. west of Lady Ann's Drive, Holkham.
Richard's Pipit (probable) on shingle ridge between Sea Pool and Iron Road, Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 800 in Eye Field, Water Pipit from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 11 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Waxwing in Co-op car park at Cromer.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 50 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Jack Snipes x 2 at Buxton Heath.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Lapland Buntings x 7, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 14 at Thornham Harbour.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 23 at North Beach, Winterton.
PALLID HARRIER Juv flew SE over field north of Abbey Farm Hide, Hen Harriers x 2 at Flitcham.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in field along Beach Road at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Puffin at Sea Palling.
Iceland Gull Juv, Snow Bunting off Gore Point, Velvet Scoter, Great Skua at Holme.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW with Swallow opposite French's fish n chip shop at Wells Quay.
Short-eared Owl, Jack Snipes x 2 at Buxton Heath.
Yellow Wagtail reported at Holt Country Park.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Spotted Redshank at Burgh Castle.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Lapland Buntings x 7, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 14 at Thornham Harbour.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 23 at North Beach, Winterton.
PALLID HARRIER Juv flew SE over field north of Abbey Farm Hide, Hen Harriers x 2 at Flitcham.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in field along Beach Road at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Puffin at Sea Palling.
Iceland Gull Juv, Snow Bunting off Gore Point, Velvet Scoter, Great Skua at Holme.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW with Swallow opposite French's fish n chip shop at Wells Quay.
Short-eared Owl, Jack Snipes x 2 at Buxton Heath.
Yellow Wagtail reported at Holt Country Park.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Spotted Redshank at Burgh Castle.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
We Need Fewer Exams & More Wilderness In Education – Ben Fogle
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/dec/17/we-need-fewer-exams-and-more-wilderness-in-education?CMP=share_btn_fb
My primary schools' (Holme CP) headmaster took us children for 'Nature Walks' weekly – all part of the school curriculum! Can you imagine that today!!!
My primary schools' (Holme CP) headmaster took us children for 'Nature Walks' weekly – all part of the school curriculum! Can you imagine that today!!!
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Crazy, Busy Day & Another Party!
I can't believe how quickly this year has disappeared – each year seems to speed up faster then the previous one! Must be an old age thing – the older you get, the quicker time goes. A very frustrating weekend as I have not and won't have time to go birding. I had to do some errands today, including selecting and delivering another new Dimplex heater for my parents. Father looked fairly well and quite chirpy, but Mother looked shattered. Whizzed over to Thornham Harbour in hope of seeing the Red-rumped Swallow, but I was too late and I presume it had continued west, with no news after 12.13pm. Only saw a Barn Owl and didn't have time to look for anything else. Returned to King's Lynn, to do a quick supermarket shop, filled up with petrol which was the cheapest for several years and then back to my house to get ready for a very rare event.
Vivien arrived at my house at 5pm and after picking Lucy up we arrived in the Saturday market place to have a Christmas meal together at Pizza Express in King's Lynn. I can't ever recall us going out for a meal – may sound strange, but we just haven't. Pizza Express may sound rather boring, but it's a really nice, modern restaurant with cool lighting and decor. It was really lovely to have a meal together, although it was rather noisy with Christmas Party Revellers. We had a pizza each, shared a large Leggera Salad and all had Tiramisu for dessert – all scrumptious. I exchanged Sainsbury's Nectar points for PE vouchers, so we got £20 off the bill!!! Excellent service from the waiting staff too, highly recommended.
Took some pictures of the Custom House lit up and then we all went back to my house to watch the Strictly Come Dancing Finale with coffee and chocolate brownies! I really enjoyed the evening with my sisters, it was really nice and relaxed.
Work tomorrow! Good for the bank balance, but not for birding! Roll on the Christmas break!
Vivien arrived at my house at 5pm and after picking Lucy up we arrived in the Saturday market place to have a Christmas meal together at Pizza Express in King's Lynn. I can't ever recall us going out for a meal – may sound strange, but we just haven't. Pizza Express may sound rather boring, but it's a really nice, modern restaurant with cool lighting and decor. It was really lovely to have a meal together, although it was rather noisy with Christmas Party Revellers. We had a pizza each, shared a large Leggera Salad and all had Tiramisu for dessert – all scrumptious. I exchanged Sainsbury's Nectar points for PE vouchers, so we got £20 off the bill!!! Excellent service from the waiting staff too, highly recommended.
Took some pictures of the Custom House lit up and then we all went back to my house to watch the Strictly Come Dancing Finale with coffee and chocolate brownies! I really enjoyed the evening with my sisters, it was really nice and relaxed.
Work tomorrow! Good for the bank balance, but not for birding! Roll on the Christmas break!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshanks x 5, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv flew west over field, north of Abbey Farm Hide at Flitcham.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill, Black Brant (possible) over marsh at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 5 at Thornham Harbour.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in field along Beach Road, Snow Buntings x 30 near pill box at Cley NWT.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW over Thornham Marsh, viewed from Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe, Twite x 13 at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Brancaster.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Little Gull at Hemsby.
Snow Buntings x 30 at Sea Palling.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 5 at Blakeney.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 25, Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Barton Bendish.
Iceland Gull Juv off Gore Point at Holme.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshanks x 5, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv flew west over field, north of Abbey Farm Hide at Flitcham.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill, Black Brant (possible) over marsh at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 5 at Thornham Harbour.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in field along Beach Road, Snow Buntings x 30 near pill box at Cley NWT.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW over Thornham Marsh, viewed from Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe, Twite x 13 at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Brancaster.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Little Gull at Hemsby.
Snow Buntings x 30 at Sea Palling.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 5 at Blakeney.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 25, Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Barton Bendish.
Iceland Gull Juv off Gore Point at Holme.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Friday, 18 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull, Velvet Scoters x 3, Snow Bunting at Holme.
Bean Geese x 2, White-fronted Geese x 2 flew over Winterton.
Snowbuntings x 27 at North Beach, Winterton.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Lapland Bunting x 3, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW again west of Cley NWT Visitor Centre and Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in field midway along Beach Road, Water Pipit by windmill at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Shorelarks x 3, Slavonian Grebe at Thornham Harbour.
Hen Harrier, Bewick's Swans x 29, Whooper Swans x 8 at Ludham Airfield.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Mealy Redpolls x 2, Lesser Redpolls x 80 at Weybourne.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Bean Goose, Water Pipit, Firecrest at Happisburgh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common.
Great White Egrets x 3 at Welney WWT.
Waxwing at Hungry Hill, Northrepps.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull, Velvet Scoters x 3, Snow Bunting at Holme.
Bean Geese x 2, White-fronted Geese x 2 flew over Winterton.
Snowbuntings x 27 at North Beach, Winterton.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Lapland Bunting x 3, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW again west of Cley NWT Visitor Centre and Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in field midway along Beach Road, Water Pipit by windmill at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Shorelarks x 3, Slavonian Grebe at Thornham Harbour.
Hen Harrier, Bewick's Swans x 29, Whooper Swans x 8 at Ludham Airfield.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Mealy Redpolls x 2, Lesser Redpolls x 80 at Weybourne.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Bean Goose, Water Pipit, Firecrest at Happisburgh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common.
Great White Egrets x 3 at Welney WWT.
Waxwing at Hungry Hill, Northrepps.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Thursday, 17 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egrets x 4 at Welney WWT.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW flew NW over East Bank car park at 2.35pm and west past the windmill at 2.45pm, Grey Phalarope east of East Bank, Black Brant in field midway along Beach Road, Hen Harrier north of windmill at Cley NWT.
Twite x 8, Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Red-necked Grebe, Lapland Bunting at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Common Cranes x 3 at Horsey.
Snow Buntings x 12 at North Beach, Winterton.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Iceland Gull on Holme Beach.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, 1 mile east of Flitcham.
Spotted Redshanks x 3, Golden Plovers x 22,000, Black-taileld Godwits x 1,700, Hen Harrier at Breydon Water.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Bewick's Swans x 40, Whooper Swans x 20 at Ludham.
Jack Snipe, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 20 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Common Cranes x 5 at Billockby.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egrets x 4 at Welney WWT.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW flew NW over East Bank car park at 2.35pm and west past the windmill at 2.45pm, Grey Phalarope east of East Bank, Black Brant in field midway along Beach Road, Hen Harrier north of windmill at Cley NWT.
Twite x 8, Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshanks x 12, Red-necked Grebe, Lapland Bunting at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Common Cranes x 3 at Horsey.
Snow Buntings x 12 at North Beach, Winterton.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Iceland Gull on Holme Beach.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, 1 mile east of Flitcham.
Spotted Redshanks x 3, Golden Plovers x 22,000, Black-taileld Godwits x 1,700, Hen Harrier at Breydon Water.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Bewick's Swans x 40, Whooper Swans x 20 at Ludham.
Jack Snipe, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 20 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Common Cranes x 5 at Billockby.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Grey Phalarope on The Serpentine, Black Brant in Eye Field, Water Pipits x 3, Harrier sp. at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach, Slavonian Grebes in channel off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
PALLID HARRIER Juv over field north of Abbey Farm Hide at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Caspian Gulls x 3, Yellow-legged Gulls x 7 in field by riding school WSW of East Winch.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Taiga Bean Geese x 19, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 70 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Great White Egrets x 4, Black-tailed Godwits x 1130 at Welney WWT.
Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL flew between Tralee Bay Wetlands & Omniplex, County Kerry, Ireland.
Grey Phalarope on The Serpentine, Black Brant in Eye Field, Water Pipits x 3, Harrier sp. at Cley NWT.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach, Slavonian Grebes in channel off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
PALLID HARRIER Juv over field north of Abbey Farm Hide at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Caspian Gulls x 3, Yellow-legged Gulls x 7 in field by riding school WSW of East Winch.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Taiga Bean Geese x 19, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 70 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Great White Egrets x 4, Black-tailed Godwits x 1130 at Welney WWT.
Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL flew between Tralee Bay Wetlands & Omniplex, County Kerry, Ireland.
RBA Weekly Round-Up 9th to 15th December 2015!
By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2015-49.aspx?s_id=170175140
Thanks to the RBA Team for using my Iceland Gull picture in the weekly review.
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2015-49.aspx?s_id=170175140
Thanks to the RBA Team for using my Iceland Gull picture in the weekly review.
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Hen Harriers x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Taiga Bean Geese x 7 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Langham.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Shorelarks x 2, Snow Buntings x 5 on beach north of Gun Hill, Slavonian Grebes x 3 in channel off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 750, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 12, Hen Harrier at North Beach, Winterton.
Waxwing at Weybourne Camp.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Hen Harriers x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Taiga Bean Geese x 7 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Langham.
Iceland Gull at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Shorelarks x 2, Snow Buntings x 5 on beach north of Gun Hill, Slavonian Grebes x 3 in channel off Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 750, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 12, Hen Harrier at North Beach, Winterton.
Waxwing at Weybourne Camp.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Monday, 14 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Great White Egret, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 150 in field east of Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Waxwing, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 2 on beach north of Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Taiga Bean Geese x 20 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE possible, at 2.55pm though distant, flew over East Hills towards Holkham, viewed from Stiffkey Campsite car park.
Snow Buntings x 13 at North Beach, Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve.
Twite x 9 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Great White Egret, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 150 in field east of Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Waxwing, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 2 on beach north of Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Taiga Bean Geese x 20 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE possible, at 2.55pm though distant, flew over East Hills towards Holkham, viewed from Stiffkey Campsite car park.
Snow Buntings x 13 at North Beach, Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve.
Twite x 9 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Golden Day In The Rain!
ICELAND GULL
Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn
The last time I saw the Iceland Gull at The Fisher Fleet in King's Lynn, it was blowing a gale and I could hardly keep the camera still. I re-visited today in much calmer conditions, but when I arrived there was no sign of the Iceland Gull. Another birder hadn't seen it either. Fabulous views of two Peregrines perched on the tower though!
Around 15 minutes later a birder pulled up in car, who told us the Iceland Gull was showing round the corner of the road on route to Lynn Point, only 50 yards from us and was sitting near the edge of the road and was so close he had to stand back with his camera! I drove round the corner and joined some other birders who were just leaving. The Iceland Gull was indeed very close! I got the camera out of the car and as the other birders drove off, I looked towards were the Iceland Gull had been standing and much to my massive disappointment.... it wasn't there any more! I presume the car leaving had flushed it possibly, who knows. I couldn't believe it, very bad luck. I returned to the fishing boats and the Iceland Gull was back on the far muddy slope, much too far away for my 300mm lens. Rob and Jill Wilson arrived. I think my camera or the lens, don't know which, is failing. I took no end of pictures and several flight shots and didn't get a single sharp shot – the same thing happened later on.
Iceland Gull, Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn
It was now raining and very very dull. I headed to Wolferton and got very very lucky with a stunning male Golden Pheasant parading around near the Give Way sign approx 100 yards along the Wolferton road from the A149. I had frame filling pictures, but again no sharp pictures. Very worried about my camera situation. Any kind millionaires out there want to buy me a new camera and lens please?!!! It was the best views I have had of a Golden Pheasant at this site – it looked fantastic, even in the dire light.
Golden Pheasant
Showing very nicely indeed at Wolferton
I headed towards Sandringham to the bird table, but no food on the table meant no birds, although I did see one Robin. About a mile past the Royal Saw Mill I saw four Grey Partridges in a beet field, so stopped to watch them for a while. A bird flew from the tall hedge into the beet field – I had no idea what it was, so waited to see if it appeared – I waited and waited. Frustrated at not knowing what this bird was, I got out of the car and walked to where I had seen it land – nothing. Whatever it was, had promptly vanished. I continued along the road to Shernbourne looking for geese, but didn't see any.
The light was fading fast and after a worried phone call from my Mother, I had headed to Holme via Sainsbury's to pick up a few things for her. Father had not spoken to her for around three hours, but just before I turned up he had started to speak again. I don't know what was going really, but his forehead felt cold and clammy for the next hour and then his temperature felt normal later on. Mother didn't want to call anyone out which I can understand. Mother had got her new Dimplex radiator on today for the first time, which I got for her a few weeks ago – she seemed very pleased with how it works. I have to get another smaller one for another room upstairs. Mother normally has the Parkray fire going all winter, but she can't face all the work involved with this and emptying the ash pan etc, so she is relying on plug in radiators to keep the house warm. They really need to move, but after being there for around 47 years, its a difficult decision – I can't see them moving out of there at all.
I drove home feeling very sad about their situation. My father has nothing left. How long can you go on for mentally, just sitting in the same chair, day in, day out. He can't walk, can't see, can barely stand to use the stern with Mother and is eating less and less. No life at all. Old age is tough and cruel. He cries nearly every time I see him and it breaks my heart. But from a clinical and positive point of view, he has lived a long and generally healthy life – up until he broke his first hip on 10th February 2010, I can't recall him ever going to the doctors, never mind hospital! Apart from a cataract operation. It must have been that healthy lifestyle as Warden at Holme for 33 years! His first stroke on 13th April 2012 was when everything changed, losing his cognition and whole way of thinking. His camera still sits with the film in from that week – it would be nice to see what pictures he had taken, but when I suggest getting the film developed, he gets cross and says no – the film is probably no good anyway now. This year has been tough for him with his second broken hip at the beginning of the year, other hospital admissions and his second stroke recently – all spiralling out of control. Spiralling out of control – that's how I feel at times.
On a lighter note.......!!!!! Spent the evening watching the X-Factor final. I'm glad Louisa won – she was the obvious star from the start – an incredible voice for a 17 year old! Roll on the Christmas break with four days off!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier, Waxwings x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Slavonian Grebe at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Twite x 14 at Thornham Harbour.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Waxwing flew over near Burnham Market.
Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshanks x 4, Velvet Scoters x 3, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Richard's Pipit, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 59 at Holkham.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 at Blakeney Quay.
Common Cranes x 3 at Horsey.
Bewick's Swans x 22, Whooper Swans x 12 at Ludham Airfield.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field, Water Pipit from Bishop's Hide at Cley NWT.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Horsey Mere.
Great Northern Diver on River Thurne at Martham.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Great Northern Diver in channel off Far Point, Blakeney Point – viewed from Stiffkey Fen.
Common Crane at Billockby.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 82 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier, Waxwings x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Slavonian Grebe at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Twite x 14 at Thornham Harbour.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Waxwing flew over near Burnham Market.
Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshanks x 4, Velvet Scoters x 3, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Richard's Pipit, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 59 at Holkham.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 at Blakeney Quay.
Common Cranes x 3 at Horsey.
Bewick's Swans x 22, Whooper Swans x 12 at Ludham Airfield.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field, Water Pipit from Bishop's Hide at Cley NWT.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Horsey Mere.
Great Northern Diver on River Thurne at Martham.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Great Northern Diver in channel off Far Point, Blakeney Point – viewed from Stiffkey Fen.
Common Crane at Billockby.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 82 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Family Day
After an exhausting six day working week, I was incapable of getting up early this morning. It rained ALL day here and I commend any birders out in that weather! I wasn't one of them. I spent what was left of the day with my sisters and parents at Holme. My father has fallen twice this week and had paramedics out to assist my mother – difficult times.
No pain in my tooth, just waiting for the second appointment to finish the root filling off and hopefully that will be the end! My Saturday evening was mega exciting with a Tesco run and X-Factor – note sarcasm!
No pain in my tooth, just waiting for the second appointment to finish the root filling off and hopefully that will be the end! My Saturday evening was mega exciting with a Tesco run and X-Factor – note sarcasm!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Rough-legged Buzzard SE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe, Twite at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Common Cranes x 5 at Billockby.
Common Cranes x 6 at Eastgate Road, Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill, Hickling.
Snow Buntings x 12 at North Beach, Winterton.
Spotted Redshanks x 5, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Breydon Water.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again at Snettisham RSPB.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 500, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Salthouse.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ten Mile Bank.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Shorelarks x 2 at Holkham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HAWK OWL wholly unconfirmed report (yesterday) on fence by A12 early afternoon at Blythburgh, Suffolk but no sign today.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
Rough-legged Buzzard SE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe, Twite at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Common Cranes x 5 at Billockby.
Common Cranes x 6 at Eastgate Road, Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill, Hickling.
Snow Buntings x 12 at North Beach, Winterton.
Spotted Redshanks x 5, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Breydon Water.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again at Snettisham RSPB.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 500, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Salthouse.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Ten Mile Bank.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Shorelarks x 2 at Holkham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HAWK OWL wholly unconfirmed report (yesterday) on fence by A12 early afternoon at Blythburgh, Suffolk but no sign today.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Friday 11th December
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Jack Snipe at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Water Pipit on Thornham Marsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER probable, early morning only on River Glaven at Natural Surroundings, Glandford.
Black Brant in Eye Field, Snow Buntings x 34 on shingle ridge east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Common Cranes x 4 at Horsey.
Waxwings x 3 flew over Pilling Park, Norwich.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Black Redstart at South Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Purple Sandpiper on rocks below cliffs at Hunstanton.
Rough-legged Buzzard SE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe at Hemsby.
Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Water Pipits x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 93 at Cantley Beet Factory.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Jack Snipe at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Cattle Egret SW of Sea Palling.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Water Pipit on Thornham Marsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER probable, early morning only on River Glaven at Natural Surroundings, Glandford.
Black Brant in Eye Field, Snow Buntings x 34 on shingle ridge east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Common Cranes x 4 at Horsey.
Waxwings x 3 flew over Pilling Park, Norwich.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Black Redstart at South Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Purple Sandpiper on rocks below cliffs at Hunstanton.
Rough-legged Buzzard SE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe at Hemsby.
Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Water Pipits x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 93 at Cantley Beet Factory.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Black Brant at Cley NWT.
Snow Bunting at North Beach, Winterton.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again at Snettisham RSPB.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Pink-footed Geese x 900 at Gallow Hill, SW of Burnham Market.
Barnacle Goose in field by Beacon Hill, Burnham Market.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Ring Ouzel at Salthouse.
Taiga Bean Geese x 25, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 50 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Barnacle Goose in field east of Docking.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Bewick's Swans x 25 a Titchwell RSPB.
Water Pipit yesterday at Surlingham Broad.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
Black Brant at Cley NWT.
Snow Bunting at North Beach, Winterton.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again at Snettisham RSPB.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Pink-footed Geese x 900 at Gallow Hill, SW of Burnham Market.
Barnacle Goose in field by Beacon Hill, Burnham Market.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Ring Ouzel at Salthouse.
Taiga Bean Geese x 25, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 50 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Barnacle Goose in field east of Docking.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Bewick's Swans x 25 a Titchwell RSPB.
Water Pipit yesterday at Surlingham Broad.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Dentist Again!
I have almost lost count now of how many times I have been to the dentist for ONE bl**dy tooth! I was in pain ALL weekend after having my tooth re-filled on Thursday. Pre Christmas Party brandy took the pain away very nicely indeed on Friday, but I didn't want to turn into an alcoholic over the weekend!!! Mind you, brandy would have probably been better than all the paracetamol and ibuprofen I had! I phoned the dentist first thing Monday morning to find out that my dentist doesn't work on a Monday and I would have to wait until Tuesday to be seen – great! This resulted in another night of broken sleep and was finally seen yesterday at 2.50pm. I had to wait around 45 minutes to be seen. The dentist said I had a choice of having the tooth extracted or attempt a root filling. I opted for the root filling. The two injections nearly had me flying off the chair. Having needles sunk into my very painful and sore mouth was absolute torture. I was so anaesthetised that luckily I didn't feel any pain from the drilling at all. Later on when the anaesthetic wore off I couldn't feel any pain whatsoever and none today either thank goodness! The last appointment to tart the tooth up is just before Christmas. Why didn't they just do a root filling last Thursday instead of re-filling it!!!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Taiga Bean Geese x 22, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 123 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 3 at Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Thornham Point.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Yellow-legged Gull, Water Pipits x 2, Snow Buntings x 5, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Male flew south over fields towards Fakenham at Waterden Lane, Egmere.
Swallow at Cley NWT.
Swallow at Burnham Thorpe.
Snow Buntings x 8 at North Beach Winterton.
RED-BREASTED GEESE x 2 at 9.25am then flew west at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Hopton-on-Sea.
Short-eared Owls x 5, Hen Harrier at Waveney Forest.
Twite x 8, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT possible on sea briefly at 9.25am, but no further sign by midday at South Gare, Cleveland.
Taiga Bean Geese x 22, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 123 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 3 at Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Thornham Point.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Yellow-legged Gull, Water Pipits x 2, Snow Buntings x 5, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv again, Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Male flew south over fields towards Fakenham at Waterden Lane, Egmere.
Swallow at Cley NWT.
Swallow at Burnham Thorpe.
Snow Buntings x 8 at North Beach Winterton.
RED-BREASTED GEESE x 2 at 9.25am then flew west at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Hopton-on-Sea.
Short-eared Owls x 5, Hen Harrier at Waveney Forest.
Twite x 8, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT possible on sea briefly at 9.25am, but no further sign by midday at South Gare, Cleveland.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Tuesday 8th December
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harriers x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley Drying Barns.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 5 at Thornham Harbour.
Short-eared Owls x 2, Snow Buntings x 4 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Water Pipit, Velvet Scoters x 2, Yellow-legged Gull, Red-crested Pochards x 4, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Castlegregory, County Kerry, Ireland.
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harriers x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley Drying Barns.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 5 at Thornham Harbour.
Short-eared Owls x 2, Snow Buntings x 4 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Water Pipit, Velvet Scoters x 2, Yellow-legged Gull, Red-crested Pochards x 4, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS Castlegregory, County Kerry, Ireland.
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Monday, 7 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harriers x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Brancaster.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Bunting at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Heacham.
Red-necked Grebes x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Holkham.
Ring-necked Parakeet between Hellesdon Road and Marriot's Way over river at Norwich.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Bewick's Swans x 11 at Ludham Airfield.
Spoonbill, Velvet Scoters x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Hen Harriers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Twite x 8 at Blakeney.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harriers x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Brancaster.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Bunting at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Heacham.
Red-necked Grebes x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Holkham.
Ring-necked Parakeet between Hellesdon Road and Marriot's Way over river at Norwich.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Bewick's Swans x 11 at Ludham Airfield.
Spoonbill, Velvet Scoters x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Hen Harriers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Twite x 8 at Blakeney.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
Sunday, 6 December 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe in New Glaven Channel, Blakeney.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in fields west of Binham.
Tundra Bean Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 2500 west of Burnham Market.
Iceland Gull at Hemsby.
Ring Ouzel at Salthouse.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Swallow at Gorleston seafront.
Taiga Bean Geese x 22 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! FORSTERS TERN at Flaggy Shore, County Clare, Ireland.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe in New Glaven Channel, Blakeney.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Snettisham RSPB.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in fields west of Binham.
Tundra Bean Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 2500 west of Burnham Market.
Iceland Gull at Hemsby.
Ring Ouzel at Salthouse.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Swallow at Gorleston seafront.
Taiga Bean Geese x 22 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! FORSTERS TERN at Flaggy Shore, County Clare, Ireland.
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Gale Force Birding in King's Lynn!
ICELAND GULL
Fisher Fleet, Docks at King's Lynn
Phone-scoped Video with Swarovski ATS 65mm HD Telescope with 25-50x w eye-piece &
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
I woke up at some ridiculous hour with toothache again – after going all through the agony of having a filling removed and re-filled, it looks like I will have to return to the dentist again, to find out why I am still in bl**dy pain! More paracetamol and ibuprofen today.
Slept in to recover from the Christmas Party, so I didn't get out until the afternoon. I decided to stay local and had fabulous views of the stunning Juvenile Iceland Gull at the Fisher Fleet in King's Lynn. It was blowing a massive gale and I had a job to stop the scope from blowing over. Phone-scoping and photography was virtually impossible in those winds, but I had a go anyway. I ended up phone-scoping with the scope balanced on a bean bag from the car window, which didn't turn out too bad really. Herring Gulls and Black-headed Gulls where in the mix and they were all being battered by the wind – most of them were hunkered down on the mud to keep their balance. Every time the Iceland Gull stood up, he was buffeted in the wind.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Red-necked Grebe in New Glaven Channel, Great Northern Diver at the Harbour, Blakeney.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Shorelarks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Sandwich Tern flew west past Coastguards at Cley.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Snow Buntings x 3, Great Skua at North Beach, Winterton.
Taiga Bean Geese x 22 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Iceland Gull still at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn.
Red-necked Grebe in New Glaven Channel, Great Northern Diver at the Harbour, Blakeney.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Shorelarks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Sandwich Tern flew west past Coastguards at Cley.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Snow Buntings x 3, Great Skua at North Beach, Winterton.
Taiga Bean Geese x 22 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! AMERICAN BITTERN again on small lake below Castlefreke House, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE 1w (form meena) again in garden at Ladysmith Road on West side at Scalloway, Shetland.
Friday, 4 December 2015
Stroke Rehabilitation Christmas Party!
Stroke Rehabilitation Christmas Party
Dukes Head Hotel, King's Lynn – 4th December
Scott, Bev, Sarah, James, Chloe, Gemma, Keri, Caraline, Kelly & Penny
Because of my painful tooth I only had about three hours sleep last night and the thought of coping with a full day at work and then having to get ready and go to our Christmas Party didn't bare thinking about! But, I got through the day, got my glad rags on with bling and glitter etc and joined my colleagues for our party.
Our venue this year was The Dukes Head Hotel in the market place in King's Lynn, which looks very grand from the street, but hasn't had glowing reports over the years for food and service – it has changed hands fairly recently and reviews have improved. It was the most expensive party we have booked at £38.00 per head and initially I had no intention of forking out that much, but was heavily persuaded by my colleagues that I should go! To be fair it did include a disco.
I got a very kind lift each way, from a couple of people that were not drinking. I was determined not to fork out masses of money for alcohol and had a triple shot of brandy before I left the house and popped a tiny bottle of baileys and a bottle of brandy in each of my coat pockets! I only really drink at the work Christmas Party, so I do tend to let my hair down!
Sarah & Emily having a wee drink!
Suzy, Sarah & Emily
Hilary & Bev
Charly & Hayley
Catherine & Caraline
Katherine & Catherine
Andrea & Julie
Cilla, Suzy, Jane & Keri
Emily, Sarah, James, Scott & Kelly
Emily, James, Scott, Kelly, Chloe, Gema, Cilla, Jane & Keri
Chloe, Gemma & Cilla
Kelly & Chloe
Suzy... smokin'!
Penny, Hilary & Bev
Penny & Caraline
Scott, Bev, Sarah, James, Chloe, Gemma, Keri, Caraline, Kelly & Penny
Scott, Bev, Sarah, Chloe, Gemma, Keri, Caraline, Kelly & Penny
Jane – always glamorous
Hilary, who hadn't even had a drink!!!
Penny, Hilary & Keri
I'm so glad I bought my own little supply of drink, as a glass of wine was £6!!! That's insane! I only bought one drink – an Amaretto and coke which cost me £3.75 and someone else kindly bought me a vodka and lemonade later on. The room we were in was a huge ballroom with around fifteen large round tables decorated with balloons, crackers and the usual festive decorations. There were several other companies there too. The meal was surprisingly good for mass catering and food was served fairly quickly. I had tomato and red pepper soup to start, followed by a scrumptious nut roast with new potatoes and veg, followed by a to die for lemon mousse dessert with short-bread biscuit and decorated with a kumquat/leaves. Coffee and mince pies completed the meal.
The DJ was also surprisingly good and made the evening fun for everyone. The first table to run to the dance floor received a bottle of wine, which was the second of our two tables! Normally you get loads of crappy, silly Christmas songs at this type of event, but most of the music was current and we all danced liked devils possessed, especially Keri! It was lovely seeing all my colleagues dressed up – we have so many stunning ladies in our team, not discounting Scott and James of course! I didn't have the energy to dance how I normally would, which I was slightly annoyed about, but enjoyed myself anyway. Suzy and I had to wait ages for our request of Fleur East's 'Sax' which we flew round the floor too – listen and you will see why!
A FEW CHRISTMAS PARTY VIDEOS!
After the party
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