Thursday, 31 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Little Gull, Common Tern at Barton Broad.
PENDULINE TIT, Common Crane at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel at South Beach, Heacham.
WHITE STORK esc, Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Black Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl SE of Terrington St John.
Firecrests x 2 north of pipe dump in trees behind dunes at Waxham.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshes.
Black Redstart in garden at Watton.
WHITE STORK flew north at 11.20am over Hopton-on-Sea.
WHITE STORK in field north of A147, east of Acle.
Black Redstart between Kelling Hard and Muckleburgh.
Firecrest along main path, 200 yards from beach at Titchwell RSPB.
Garganey x 2 at Hockwold Washes.
Black Redstart at Owl Barn near lighthouse at Happisburgh.
Slavonian Grebe, Common Cranes x 7 at South Broad, Martham.
Common Crane in field south of Horsey Mill.
Common Cranes x 4 flew over Kelling Heath.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Puffins x 2 flew east at dusk, past Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Little Gull, Common Tern at Barton Broad.
PENDULINE TIT, Common Crane at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Redstart, Ring Ouzel at South Beach, Heacham.
WHITE STORK esc, Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Black Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl SE of Terrington St John.
Firecrests x 2 north of pipe dump in trees behind dunes at Waxham.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshes.
Black Redstart in garden at Watton.
WHITE STORK flew north at 11.20am over Hopton-on-Sea.
WHITE STORK in field north of A147, east of Acle.
Black Redstart between Kelling Hard and Muckleburgh.
Firecrest along main path, 200 yards from beach at Titchwell RSPB.
Garganey x 2 at Hockwold Washes.
Black Redstart at Owl Barn near lighthouse at Happisburgh.
Slavonian Grebe, Common Cranes x 7 at South Broad, Martham.
Common Crane in field south of Horsey Mill.
Common Cranes x 4 flew over Kelling Heath.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Puffins x 2 flew east at dusk, past Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Wednesday, 30 March 2016
52nd Wedding Anniversary!
My parent's Peter & Margaret Clarke on their Wedding Day
at St. Mary's Church, Holme-next-Sea – 30th March 1964.
52nd Wedding Anniversary!
Love to you both xxx
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Black Redstart in esplanade garden, Firecrest at Beeston Common, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at North Dunes, Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton.
Goshawk flew through and then flew high NE at Felmingham.
Black Redstart, White Wagtails x 2 between Kelling Hard and Muckleburgh.
Osprey and Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
RAVEN circling over Stiffkey Fen.
WHITE STORK drifted north at 1.35pm over Heacham.
Osprey flew west at 2.46pm, Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshes.
Osprey flew west at 4.05pm, Water Pipits x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
WHITE STORK flew south at 2.15pm over Ken Hill Grazing Marsh, towards Snettisham RSPB.
Spoonbill, Water Pipits x 4 at Burnham Norton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hooded Crow (probable) on wires opposite Lathams just east of A149 at Potter Heigham.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Great White Egret, Water Pipits x 2, White Wagtail, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Short-eared Owl at Holme.
EAGLE sp. unconfirmed report at approx. 5pm, 2.5 miles NW of Foulsham at Guestwick.
Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT.
Common Crane flew south over Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Black Redstart in esplanade garden, Firecrest at Beeston Common, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at North Dunes, Firecrest at South Dunes, Winterton.
Goshawk flew through and then flew high NE at Felmingham.
Black Redstart, White Wagtails x 2 between Kelling Hard and Muckleburgh.
Osprey and Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
RAVEN circling over Stiffkey Fen.
WHITE STORK drifted north at 1.35pm over Heacham.
Osprey flew west at 2.46pm, Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshes.
Osprey flew west at 4.05pm, Water Pipits x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
WHITE STORK flew south at 2.15pm over Ken Hill Grazing Marsh, towards Snettisham RSPB.
Spoonbill, Water Pipits x 4 at Burnham Norton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hooded Crow (probable) on wires opposite Lathams just east of A149 at Potter Heigham.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Great White Egret, Water Pipits x 2, White Wagtail, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Short-eared Owl at Holme.
EAGLE sp. unconfirmed report at approx. 5pm, 2.5 miles NW of Foulsham at Guestwick.
Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT.
Common Crane flew south over Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
RBA Weekly Round-Up 23rd to 29th March!
By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2016-13.aspx?s_id=518374068
Thanks to the RBA team for including my Lapland Bunting picture in their review.
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2016-13.aspx?s_id=518374068
Thanks to the RBA team for including my Lapland Bunting picture in their review.
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Hot Birding at Blakeney!
Lapland Bunting
Blakeney Freshes
I'm probably one of the last birders to go and see the very obliging Lapland Buntings at Blakeney Freshes – I did go once recently and didn't see them. Its a very poor state of affairs, that I haven't seen them at all yet! So, on the last day of my mini-break I decided to nip over to Blakeney. I only had this morning to go birding, as I had to be at Holme by lunchtime, for an important family/social services meeting. It was sunny and fairly bright as I left King's Lynn.
Lapland Buntings
Blakeney Freshes
I parked the car by Friary Hills at Blakeney and walked along the very water logged, muddy path north, towards the sea wall. The light was beautiful – perfect for photography! I sat down on some long dryish grass, with my back against the barbed wire fence and didn't move at all. All the pools of water were in front of me and the sun was behind – perfect scenario. Within minutes of me sitting down, the stunning Lapland Bunting in the above picture, landed on the muddy path. I took a lot of out of focus shots, as I wasn't quite close enough with my 300mm lens, but got a few 'keepers'. There were other birders on the sea wall watching them from a distance, so I didn't want to flush them. I had a wonderful couple of hours sitting here, but it did result in a freezing cold bottom and dead legs. There were at least three Lapland Buntings happily feeding around me, an extremely tame male Reed Bunting who came too close to be photographed, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and a female Chaffinch. Also a Little Ringed Plover landed on the pool and the biggest surprise, my first Wheatear of the Spring landed briefly in front of me, before flying off along the path south!!! The only thing that spoilt this beautiful and tranquil scene, was lots of barking dogs charging along the sea wall. At 11.30am I headed back to my car, hoping for a Sand Martin maybe, but not so lucky with that.
My first Spring Wheatear!
Little Ringed Plover
Skylark
Chaffinch
Cruised along the coast road to Holme, but stopped at Titchwell RSPB, just to buy some lunch. It would have been nice to go birding here, but I had to go. Arrived at my parent's at about 12.30pm ready for the 1.30pm meeting, which my sister Vivien also came to. Helped Father with his lunch before the meeting. The meeting went on until 3.45pm!!! We were all mentally worn out by the end of it! Lots of form filling in and difficult decisions and box ticking etc. Family discussions etc afterwards, mean't there wasn't time to sneak any birding in later. Headed to 'Sunny Hunny' and to the fish 'n' chip shop and enjoyed a portion of chips on the cliff top – a good third of which I fed to the gulls, before heading home.
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Blakeney Freshes.
Great White Egrets x 2, Common Crane, Bittern at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Water Pipits x 10 at Titchwell RSPB.
Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank on Whitwell Scrape at Cley NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Blakeney Freshes.
Great White Egrets x 2, Common Crane, Bittern at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Water Pipits x 10 at Titchwell RSPB.
Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank on Whitwell Scrape at Cley NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Monday, 28 March 2016
Bank Holiday Washout!
Last night raged with gale force winds and rain and continued throughout this morning. The winds lost strength as the day went on and the sun showed its face late afternoon. I was determined to get out birding for a short while and cruised to Holme.
I parked by the 5-bar gate half way along the Firs Road. The light was beautiful with dramatic looming clouds and the wind was still pretty strong. I was looking forward to my peaceful walk – I needed some me time and time to think. Apart from one other birder and one dog walker, there was no one else here, magical! I started walking along the coastal footpath and was going to continue to NOA, but after seeing no birds of note, I decided not to bother. So, instead of walking back the same way, which I hate doing, I nipped across the Forestry and back onto the Firs Road to walk back to my car – this proved a good move as I saw three Marsh Harriers over the marsh and a Chiffchaff flew across the road perching momentarily on a bramble bush before disappearing. There were good numbers of birds on the pools including Shelduck, Wigeon, Shovelers, Mallards, Teal, Redshanks, Black-headed Gulls, Grey lag Geese, Curlews, a Pied Wagtail and a few Pheasants. I scanned the paddocks for Wheatears on the way back to my car, but no joy, but did see a Little Egret by a gate.
I was very sad to see that 'Sandy Ridge' has planning permission to be demolished and a new big house is going to be slapped in its place. My parents rented Sandy Ridge for a while when we were children. Another memory to be erased from Holme. Sandy Ridge is the last house on the left hand side opposite the wooden chalet (where the Collared Flycatcher was). I do wish people would build their massive holiday homes somewhere else, instead of trying to make an SSSI site look like a London suburb! There is a huge modern house already along the Firs Road with shingle front and lollipop trees (that's what they look like to me!) in a neat row – it looks so out of place here – if only I could turn the clocks back. I would turn them back to when we had the telegraph wires running adjacent to the Firs Road and the wonderful scenes of Swallows and Martins on the wires, along with Kestrels, Bee-eater etc etc. I know some things have to change and that's fine, but some things DON'T need to change! The telegraph wires didn't need to come down and we don't need skyscraper houses ruining the landscape of a very beautiful place!!! The amusing thing is that its only a matter of time before we get another, bigger storm surge and these newly erected, monstrous houses will be history!!! If I had the money to build houses like that, I wouldn't be building them so close to the sea, anywhere along the coast! Silly people, oh well.
Parked by Redwell Marsh NOA and sat in the hide for a while, which was even more peaceful. A Grey Heron flew across the marsh. On the pool were two Avocets, two Little Grebes, Shovelers, Mallards, 2 Redshank flew over and there were a few Black-headed Gulls. Some Jackdaws flew over the hide towards Holme Church. Its fabulous having that extra hour of light now, birding after work at last!
Big meeting tomorrow with parents, social workers etc in the afternoon. Hope to get out birding in the morning and then back to work on Wednesday.
It was very sad to hear via a friend on Facebook that today a 'fox red staff type dog, possible cross breed, wearing a red collar was found unsupervised in a field at the back of a house in Syderstone, no owner in sight, the dog was mauling a muntjac deer...........it has been reported to the police.' Like I keep saying, all dogs should be on a lead in public, especially ones that are likely to attack another animal or human being!
I parked by the 5-bar gate half way along the Firs Road. The light was beautiful with dramatic looming clouds and the wind was still pretty strong. I was looking forward to my peaceful walk – I needed some me time and time to think. Apart from one other birder and one dog walker, there was no one else here, magical! I started walking along the coastal footpath and was going to continue to NOA, but after seeing no birds of note, I decided not to bother. So, instead of walking back the same way, which I hate doing, I nipped across the Forestry and back onto the Firs Road to walk back to my car – this proved a good move as I saw three Marsh Harriers over the marsh and a Chiffchaff flew across the road perching momentarily on a bramble bush before disappearing. There were good numbers of birds on the pools including Shelduck, Wigeon, Shovelers, Mallards, Teal, Redshanks, Black-headed Gulls, Grey lag Geese, Curlews, a Pied Wagtail and a few Pheasants. I scanned the paddocks for Wheatears on the way back to my car, but no joy, but did see a Little Egret by a gate.
I was very sad to see that 'Sandy Ridge' has planning permission to be demolished and a new big house is going to be slapped in its place. My parents rented Sandy Ridge for a while when we were children. Another memory to be erased from Holme. Sandy Ridge is the last house on the left hand side opposite the wooden chalet (where the Collared Flycatcher was). I do wish people would build their massive holiday homes somewhere else, instead of trying to make an SSSI site look like a London suburb! There is a huge modern house already along the Firs Road with shingle front and lollipop trees (that's what they look like to me!) in a neat row – it looks so out of place here – if only I could turn the clocks back. I would turn them back to when we had the telegraph wires running adjacent to the Firs Road and the wonderful scenes of Swallows and Martins on the wires, along with Kestrels, Bee-eater etc etc. I know some things have to change and that's fine, but some things DON'T need to change! The telegraph wires didn't need to come down and we don't need skyscraper houses ruining the landscape of a very beautiful place!!! The amusing thing is that its only a matter of time before we get another, bigger storm surge and these newly erected, monstrous houses will be history!!! If I had the money to build houses like that, I wouldn't be building them so close to the sea, anywhere along the coast! Silly people, oh well.
Parked by Redwell Marsh NOA and sat in the hide for a while, which was even more peaceful. A Grey Heron flew across the marsh. On the pool were two Avocets, two Little Grebes, Shovelers, Mallards, 2 Redshank flew over and there were a few Black-headed Gulls. Some Jackdaws flew over the hide towards Holme Church. Its fabulous having that extra hour of light now, birding after work at last!
Big meeting tomorrow with parents, social workers etc in the afternoon. Hope to get out birding in the morning and then back to work on Wednesday.
It was very sad to hear via a friend on Facebook that today a 'fox red staff type dog, possible cross breed, wearing a red collar was found unsupervised in a field at the back of a house in Syderstone, no owner in sight, the dog was mauling a muntjac deer...........it has been reported to the police.' Like I keep saying, all dogs should be on a lead in public, especially ones that are likely to attack another animal or human being!
BANK HOLIDAY NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Firecrests x 2, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great White Egret at Poplar Farm at Waxham.
Black Redstart by chalet 46 briefly at South Beach, Heacham.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Great White Egret reported at 7pm flying over Titchwell RSPB.
Shag in area with no general access at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Hen Harrier at Thornham Marsh.
Suffolk Highlights
• THAYER'S GULL Ad on 2nd pool south of sluice on South levels at Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Firecrests x 2, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great White Egret at Poplar Farm at Waxham.
Black Redstart by chalet 46 briefly at South Beach, Heacham.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Great White Egret reported at 7pm flying over Titchwell RSPB.
Shag in area with no general access at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Hen Harrier at Thornham Marsh.
Suffolk Highlights
• THAYER'S GULL Ad on 2nd pool south of sluice on South levels at Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Sunday, 27 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipits x 5 at Titchwell RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach near Gun Hill, Spoonbills x 2 flew west at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Common Scoter on Thorpe Broad at Thorpe St Andrew.
Tundra Bean Goose on grazing marsh, Short-eared Owl at Holme.
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Garganey x 2 from hide by fishermen's car park at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at south end of Horsey.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
White Wagtail male at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Green-winged Teal on main flood behind the Berney Arms, Spoonbill at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hooded Crow by Thain's Lane at East Runton.
Suffolk Highlights
• THAYER'S GULL Ad on West Scrape, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipits x 5 at Titchwell RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach near Gun Hill, Spoonbills x 2 flew west at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Common Scoter on Thorpe Broad at Thorpe St Andrew.
Tundra Bean Goose on grazing marsh, Short-eared Owl at Holme.
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Garganey x 2 from hide by fishermen's car park at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at south end of Horsey.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at South Broad, Martham.
White Wagtail male at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Green-winged Teal on main flood behind the Berney Arms, Spoonbill at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Hooded Crow by Thain's Lane at East Runton.
Suffolk Highlights
• THAYER'S GULL Ad on West Scrape, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Nurse Penny!
My poor Mother had an extremely difficult time with Father last night – he fell out of bed and she had to call Swift Response out and then an ambulance out later. She phoned me at 2.45am and at 7am. She had no sleep whatsoever. When I arrived at my parent's house this morning, my Mother sat exhausted in her chair. She was in a real state and was understandably bad-tempered. I re-made her hot water bottle and sent her up to bed – it took alot of persuading, but she looked awful and I dug my heels in. She must have been tired, as she gave in eventually. Whilst she dozed, I was doing domestic chores and looking after Father all morning.
Lucy arrived by bus at 12.30pm which was nice of her. I put a wash load of clothes outside and had to put on extra pegs to keep the clothes on the line, with the 50mph winds battering Norfolk today! Mother woke up at about 1.30pm. Went to the posh fish 'n' chip shop at the Thornham Farm Shop complex, which has just gone up from £6.50 to £7.00 for a portion of fish 'n' chips! The restaurant and take-away service was packed out with Easter holidaymakers, so had to wait a while. After I helped Father with his lunch, I hovered the house, washed up etc and then had a catnap myself!
Father was quite reasonable during the day, but he started to get very confused and unreasonable early evening. You could see him building up to being difficult later on this evening – I hope very much for Mother's sake, that I'm wrong. Typical dementia symptoms, sleeping during day and playing up at night. I don't think it will be too many more days now before Mother gives in and has no choice about putting him into a care home. There are few people that would have coped as she has done and for this amount of time at any age! Lucy and I left at 8.30pm. It was lashing down with rain and there was alot of water on the roads driving back to King's Lynn. I hope to get out birding again tomorrow.
Lucy arrived by bus at 12.30pm which was nice of her. I put a wash load of clothes outside and had to put on extra pegs to keep the clothes on the line, with the 50mph winds battering Norfolk today! Mother woke up at about 1.30pm. Went to the posh fish 'n' chip shop at the Thornham Farm Shop complex, which has just gone up from £6.50 to £7.00 for a portion of fish 'n' chips! The restaurant and take-away service was packed out with Easter holidaymakers, so had to wait a while. After I helped Father with his lunch, I hovered the house, washed up etc and then had a catnap myself!
Father was quite reasonable during the day, but he started to get very confused and unreasonable early evening. You could see him building up to being difficult later on this evening – I hope very much for Mother's sake, that I'm wrong. Typical dementia symptoms, sleeping during day and playing up at night. I don't think it will be too many more days now before Mother gives in and has no choice about putting him into a care home. There are few people that would have coped as she has done and for this amount of time at any age! Lucy and I left at 8.30pm. It was lashing down with rain and there was alot of water on the roads driving back to King's Lynn. I hope to get out birding again tomorrow.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier between Snettisham and Fring.
Hen Harrier at Holme Dunes NWT.
Spoonbill yesterday, Water Pipits x 7 at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on east side, north of A149 by phonebox, Thornham.
Garganey x 2, Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Blakeney Point.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Great White Egret at Horsey.
Tundra Bean Goose on grazing marsh at Holme.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Hen Harrier between Snettisham and Fring.
Hen Harrier at Holme Dunes NWT.
Spoonbill yesterday, Water Pipits x 7 at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on east side, north of A149 by phonebox, Thornham.
Garganey x 2, Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Blakeney Point.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Great White Egret at Horsey.
Tundra Bean Goose on grazing marsh at Holme.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Friday, 25 March 2016
Spring Migrants at Burnham Overy Dunes & Cley!
Stonechat
Burnham Overy Dunes
My holiday started yesterday, but I was so exhausted from doing two six day weeks on the trot, I didn't even leave the house, which was a shame, but sometimes you just need to rest!
Today was forecast to be the only nice day over the Easter weekend, so I wasn't going to waste it. It was a warm, sunny and beautiful day with southerly winds and a light breeze – perfect weather! I headed to one of my favourite places – Burnham Overy Dunes. I was hoping to bag the first Swallow in Norfolk today, but I didn't quite make it!
Burnham Market was full of tourists as I attempted to drive through the village. People walked hand in hand in the middle of the road like they owned it and reluctantly moved to allow passing traffic. There were a few cars already parked just outside Burnham Overy, but I managed to get a space for my little green Skoda! It was good to be out, I can't remember the last time I did some proper birding, due to family commitments, mood, work etc.
The hedge lined track was adorned with dog crap, worse than usual. By the oak tree on the left hand side just after the stile, I had wonderful views of a pair of Bullfinches – a nice start to the day. Hedge Sparrows and Wrens were singing, as were Skylarks high in the blue skies and bees were buzzing! In the fields and over the marsh were two Grey Partridges, Egyptian Geese, Shelducks, Brent Geese, Redshanks, Curlews, a Reed Bunting, Linnets, Starlings, Marsh Harrier, Little Egrets x 3 and Lapwings displaying. It really was a beautiful day, although I wished I had arrived much earlier, as there were far too many people here for my liking and far too many dogs racing round.
Just before the last corner of the sea wall, I was mega excited to see my first Swallow of the Spring, skimming and twisting past me at eye level and heading west at 11.05am– wow! The first Swallow had already been reported at Blakeney this morning, followed by one at Ryburgh, so mine was the third one reported today. A few seconds later I asked a photographer with long lens if he had seen the Swallow – he hadn't – he didn't have any binoculars, but I still don't know how he missed it, as he was only standing a few yards from me, unlucky. A Hedge Sparrow serenaded me in the apple tree in the bushes and there were a few Linnets. I saw a couple of Peacock Butterflies on route to Gun Hill, but no hoped for Wheatears. I searched hard and sat on the seaward side of Gun Hill to have a coffee and marmalade sandwich, whilst enjoying the view out to Scolt Head Island. No other birds of note apart from more Linnets, a few Meadow Pipits and lots of Cormorants flying overhead.
Back at the bushes and boardwalk, I headed east through the dunes towards Holkham pines, but re-traced my steps half way, after not finding a hoped for Wheatear or anything else come to think of it. Back at the bushes and boardwalk I was delighted to find a pair of Stonechats – the female showed on the barbed wire fence and bushes enough times for me to get some pictures, but her stunning partner only revealed himself a couple of times and was flushed continually by passing dogs. I arrived back at my car at 2.20pm. I was so hot and collapsed in the car to have my lunch.
Lady Anne's Drive at Holkham looked horrendous as I drove past, it was jam packed solid with cars, as far as the main road. I headed east and arrived at Cley NWT Visitor Centre, where I bumped into Andy J. who I chatted with briefly before heading to Walsey Hills NOA. Heard a Cetti's Warbler and saw the usual Chaffinches, Robin, Great and Blue Tits, but nothing else of note. Chiffchaffs had been singing this morning I was told. Also bumped into Mr Furse here!
Cley Coastguards – walked past the pill box and to North Scrape screen to search for a Wheatear, but again no luck. Lots of Brent Geese on the marsh, a few Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. I walked back along the beach and took funky mono pictures of the sea crashing on the shingle. Back at the car park two Black-headed Gulls were sitting on fence posts in anticipation of food scraps.
I left and headed for the East Bank car park – as I neared the car park I spotted a Common Crane flying over Snipe's Marsh/North Forlorn Wood at 5.52pm, heading south/inland. It disappeared very quickly, which was pretty annoying. Shot down the road to park at Walsey Hills, but couldn't see where the Crane had flown to. I drove up Old Woman's Lane to gain some height and scanned the fields, but no sign of the Crane. At Cley Sewage Works I watched a Redwing fly overhead in the fading light at 6.20pm and a Cetti's Warbler burst into song briefly.
Ended the day at Glandford Ford listening to a Song Thrush singing as dusk fell. A Kestrel flew past over the trees – no sign of any Barn Owls. It seemed to take ages to get home. Weather for the rest of the weekend looks pretty dire with strong winds and rain, but with southerlies, who knows what could drift in!!!
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
GOOD FRIDAY NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard flew east, Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipits x 5 at Titchwell RSPB.
Black Redstarts x 2 at Upsher Court, Great White Egret flew east past the esplinade at Sheringham.
Purple Sandpiper, Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
PENDULINE TIT, Garganey x 2, Jack Snipe x 2, Firecrest (yesterday) at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Swallow, Lapland Buntings x 8, Water Pipit, Jack Snipe at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Wheatear between green hut and hump at South Beach, Heacham.
Bonaparte's Gull 1w, possible at 8.54am then flew high south at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Common Cranes x 6 at Barton Broad.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Swallow flew north at 8.15am over Great Ryburgh.
Swallow flew west at 11.05am at Burnham Overy Dunes (PAC).
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Common Crane, Hen Harrier at Horsey.
Spoonbill at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Firecrest at Burgh Castle.
Common Cranes x 3 flew west at 4.45pm over East Bank, Common Crane flew south over Snipe's Marsh at 5.52pm, Cley NWT.
Swallow flew west of railway station this morning at Reedham.
Hen Harrier at Thornham Marsh.
Short-eared Owl at St Benet's Abbey at Thurne.
Firecrest, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 20 at Holkham.
Short-eared Owl between Stiffkey and Warham.
Crossbill at The Firs, Holme NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew east, Red-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipits x 5 at Titchwell RSPB.
Black Redstarts x 2 at Upsher Court, Great White Egret flew east past the esplinade at Sheringham.
Purple Sandpiper, Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
PENDULINE TIT, Garganey x 2, Jack Snipe x 2, Firecrest (yesterday) at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Swallow, Lapland Buntings x 8, Water Pipit, Jack Snipe at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Wheatear between green hut and hump at South Beach, Heacham.
Bonaparte's Gull 1w, possible at 8.54am then flew high south at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Common Cranes x 6 at Barton Broad.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Swallow flew north at 8.15am over Great Ryburgh.
Swallow flew west at 11.05am at Burnham Overy Dunes (PAC).
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Common Crane, Hen Harrier at Horsey.
Spoonbill at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Firecrest at Burgh Castle.
Common Cranes x 3 flew west at 4.45pm over East Bank, Common Crane flew south over Snipe's Marsh at 5.52pm, Cley NWT.
Swallow flew west of railway station this morning at Reedham.
Hen Harrier at Thornham Marsh.
Short-eared Owl at St Benet's Abbey at Thurne.
Firecrest, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 20 at Holkham.
Short-eared Owl between Stiffkey and Warham.
Crossbill at The Firs, Holme NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Thursday, 24 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PENDULINE TIT, Bittern, Garganey x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Redstart at west end of promenade at Sheringham.
Common Crane flew east over saltmarsh, north of Stiffkey Fen.
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Common Scoter, Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Hen Harrier flew south over Ingoldisthorpe.
Black Redstart behind beach huts behind golf course at Hunstanton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Common Cranes x 2 on Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Wheatear reported at north end of Beach Road, Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
PENDULINE TIT, Bittern, Garganey x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Redstart at west end of promenade at Sheringham.
Common Crane flew east over saltmarsh, north of Stiffkey Fen.
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Common Scoter, Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Hen Harrier flew south over Ingoldisthorpe.
Black Redstart behind beach huts behind golf course at Hunstanton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Common Cranes x 2 on Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Wheatear reported at north end of Beach Road, Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Wednesday, 23 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Snow Buntings x 3 at Winterton.
Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum.
Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Twite x 10 between Blakeney and Morston.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Great White Egret, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Snow Buntings x 3 at Winterton.
Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum.
Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Twite x 10 between Blakeney and Morston.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Tuesday, 22 March 2016
BAN DRIVEN GROUSE SHOOTING!
PLEASE SIGN, IT ONLY TAKES A FEW SECONDS, THANK YOU.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125003
PASS THE MESSAGE ON!
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125003
PASS THE MESSAGE ON!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Cuckoo flew over A148 at 7.22am NW of Alymerton.
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Common Crane flew west over Langham.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over saltmarsh at Thornham.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Black Redstart singing at Great Yarmouth.
Firecrest NE of Red Cross depot on Woodfarm Lane at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Tundra Bean Goose with Pink-footed Geese (opposite Holme Bird Observatory) at Holme.
Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Crossbills x 2, Sandwich Tern flew west at Holkham.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Cuckoo flew over A148 at 7.22am NW of Alymerton.
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Common Crane flew west over Langham.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over saltmarsh at Thornham.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Black Redstart singing at Great Yarmouth.
Firecrest NE of Red Cross depot on Woodfarm Lane at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Tundra Bean Goose with Pink-footed Geese (opposite Holme Bird Observatory) at Holme.
Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Crossbills x 2, Sandwich Tern flew west at Holkham.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
First Butterfly, First Cuckoo!
Watched my first Brimstone butterfly this Spring, flying across the road in the village of Watlington, whilst on work duties! It was the warmest day of the year so far, a really beautiful day and I note via the RBA website, that the first Cuckoo in Norfolk was seen flying over the A148 at Alymerton early this morning. I have not had the joy of hearing the first Chiffchaff singing in the wood next the hospital yet, but then there isn't much left of the wood for birds to sing in! On that note, see here for those of you that don't remember my recent post – there has been no further work in the wood – all that remains now is a very large muddy area, surrounded by the trees left around the perimeter.
Monday, 21 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Guillemot flew west past Sheringham.
Water Pipits x 2, Common Scoter at Hickling Broad NWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Lapland Buntings x 7, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Common Crane on flooded field by Pinewoods Caravan Park at Wells.
Little Auk reported on sea at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
Common Scoter on northernmost pit east of Common Lane at Hoe.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Guillemot flew west past Sheringham.
Water Pipits x 2, Common Scoter at Hickling Broad NWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Lapland Buntings x 7, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Common Crane on flooded field by Pinewoods Caravan Park at Wells.
Little Auk reported on sea at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
Common Scoter on northernmost pit east of Common Lane at Hoe.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Sunday, 20 March 2016
Weekend Update!
Saturday was a very frustrating day – I could hardly move, after pulling a muscle in my lower back on Friday.
My sister Lucy played violin in her third concert this year today, but sadly I wasn't able to go because of working all day. I went to King's Lynn docks after work and watched two Peregrines on the tower, plus lots of gulls around, including several summer plumaged Black-headed Gulls and a big flock of Turnstones and a dozen or so Mallard. Went to see Lucy after the concert – she was still on a high and looked happy but tired – it was a long day, rehearsing the entire concert and then doing it all again an hour later – so proud of her.
I spent the evening with my parents and helped Father get into bed before I returned home. Saw a Barn Owl sitting on top of a hedge between Holme and Old Hunstanton on route back.
Two six day weeks is taking its toll, but really looking forward to my first mini break – finish this Wednesday and not back until Wednesday 30th March – can't wait! Hopefully there will be some Spring migrants to see over the Easter break. Some nice southerly winds coming my way on Thursday!
My sister Lucy played violin in her third concert this year today, but sadly I wasn't able to go because of working all day. I went to King's Lynn docks after work and watched two Peregrines on the tower, plus lots of gulls around, including several summer plumaged Black-headed Gulls and a big flock of Turnstones and a dozen or so Mallard. Went to see Lucy after the concert – she was still on a high and looked happy but tired – it was a long day, rehearsing the entire concert and then doing it all again an hour later – so proud of her.
I spent the evening with my parents and helped Father get into bed before I returned home. Saw a Barn Owl sitting on top of a hedge between Holme and Old Hunstanton on route back.
Two six day weeks is taking its toll, but really looking forward to my first mini break – finish this Wednesday and not back until Wednesday 30th March – can't wait! Hopefully there will be some Spring migrants to see over the Easter break. Some nice southerly winds coming my way on Thursday!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Twite x 19 on saltmarsh off Gypsy Lane, Brancaster.
Jack Snipe, Bittern at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Hawfinches x 10 at Lynford Aboretum.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 120 at Holkham.
Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at gravel pit, Jack Snipes x 7 at Beetley.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
WHITE STORK flew over east end, Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
RAVENS x 2 flew east over windmill at Weybourne.
Spoonbill flew west over Stiffkey.
Jack Snipe, Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Common Crane on marsh south of Wells Woods.
Common Scoter on northernmost pit of Common Lane at Hoe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Twite x 19 on saltmarsh off Gypsy Lane, Brancaster.
Jack Snipe, Bittern at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Hawfinches x 10 at Lynford Aboretum.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 120 at Holkham.
Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at gravel pit, Jack Snipes x 7 at Beetley.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
WHITE STORK flew over east end, Slavonian Grebe, Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
RAVENS x 2 flew east over windmill at Weybourne.
Spoonbill flew west over Stiffkey.
Jack Snipe, Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Common Crane on marsh south of Wells Woods.
Common Scoter on northernmost pit of Common Lane at Hoe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Saturday, 19 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
RAVENS x 2, Hawfinches x 13 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Lapland Buntings x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Water Pipit, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Black Brant just south of Rotary Hide at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Black Redstart at South Beach, Heacham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
RAVENS x 2, Hawfinches x 13 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Lapland Buntings x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Water Pipit, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Black Brant just south of Rotary Hide at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Black Redstart at South Beach, Heacham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Friday, 18 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hen Harrier at Hardley Flood.
Black Redstart at entrance of harbour at Great Yarmouth.
Firecrest in trees between Washington Hide and Salts Hole Pool, Spoonbill from Joe Jordan Hide at Holkham.
Crossbill yesterday at Dersingham Bog.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gulls x 3 at Blackborough End landfill.
Lapland Buntings x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hen Harrier at Hardley Flood.
Black Redstart at entrance of harbour at Great Yarmouth.
Firecrest in trees between Washington Hide and Salts Hole Pool, Spoonbill from Joe Jordan Hide at Holkham.
Crossbill yesterday at Dersingham Bog.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gulls x 3 at Blackborough End landfill.
Lapland Buntings x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
Thursday, 17 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Common Crane flew south over Paston.
Hen Harrier at Claxton Marsh.
Hen Harrier at Warham Greens.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Green-winged Teal at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Slavonian Grebe, Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
Common Cranes x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Common Crane flew south over Paston.
Hen Harrier at Claxton Marsh.
Hen Harrier at Warham Greens.
Pale-bellied Brent Goose in Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Green-winged Teal at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Slavonian Grebe, Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hawfinches x 9 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
RAVENS x 2 flew SE over Spring Walk, Thetford.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, White-fronted Goose at Snettisham RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 4, Twite x 7, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Green-winged Teal at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Firecrest east of Washington Hide at Holkham.
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Hawfinches x 9 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
RAVENS x 2 flew SE over Spring Walk, Thetford.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, White-fronted Goose at Snettisham RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 4, Twite x 7, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Green-winged Teal at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Firecrest east of Washington Hide at Holkham.
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Tuesday, 15 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 2 at Ranworth Broad.
Green-winged Teal, Bewick's Swans x 21 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Common Cranes x 2 just east of Horsey.
Black Brant yesterday at Horsey.
Crossbill by The Firs House at Holmes Dunes NWT.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at gravel pit near Beetley.
Snow Buntings x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
Common Cranes x 2 at Ranworth Broad.
Green-winged Teal, Bewick's Swans x 21 at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Common Cranes x 2 just east of Horsey.
Black Brant yesterday at Horsey.
Crossbill by The Firs House at Holmes Dunes NWT.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at gravel pit near Beetley.
Snow Buntings x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
Monday, 14 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Water Pipits x 2, Snow Buntings x 2, Short-eared Owl, Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Black Redstart yesterday at Hardings Way, King's Lynn.
WHITE STORK esc flew east, Glaucous Gull at Blackborough End Landfill.
Hen Harriers x 6, Spoonbill at Warham Greens.
Lapland Buntings x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Water Pipits x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Water Pipits x 2, Snow Buntings x 2, Short-eared Owl, Great Northern Diver, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Black Redstart yesterday at Hardings Way, King's Lynn.
WHITE STORK esc flew east, Glaucous Gull at Blackborough End Landfill.
Hen Harriers x 6, Spoonbill at Warham Greens.
Lapland Buntings x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Water Pipits x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Sunday, 13 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Crane flew east, Snow Buntings x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Lapland Buntings x 13, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Green-winged Teal at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Hen Harrier at Burnham Norton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Black Redstart still, by chalet with digger, south of South Beach Road at Heacham.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing green ring Z1213) yesterday at West Winch Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 60 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Common Crane circling over Colney Gravel Pits.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.
Water Pipit at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT SNIPE reported, 1.5 miles east of Brighton at Sheepcote Valley, Sussex.
MEGA! LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE x 2 at Loch of Skaill, Orkney, Scotland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 3 miles east of Penzance, at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Common Crane flew east, Snow Buntings x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Lapland Buntings x 13, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Green-winged Teal at Cantley Marshes RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Hen Harrier at Burnham Norton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Black Redstart still, by chalet with digger, south of South Beach Road at Heacham.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing green ring Z1213) yesterday at West Winch Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 60 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Common Crane circling over Colney Gravel Pits.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.
Water Pipit at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT SNIPE reported, 1.5 miles east of Brighton at Sheepcote Valley, Sussex.
MEGA! LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE x 2 at Loch of Skaill, Orkney, Scotland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 3 miles east of Penzance, at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Saturday, 12 March 2016
Local Birding and Titchwell RSPB!
It was a very misty and dull start to the day, but the sun broke out later on. I was determined to make time to go birding today – I don't feel I have been out properly for ages.
I looked for the Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle, but no sign of. Three Common Buzzards were circling above the Dersingham bypass roundabout. Stopped at South Beach Road, Heacham to look for the reported Black Redstart – thoroughly searched all the chalets, but found nothing. I retraced my steps and then walked along the river path – watched House Sparrows chattering away in a large bush and Mallards dappling in the sunshine.
Stopped in Hunstanton to look at a residential care home and then did some shopping for Mother in Sainsbury's – bumped into Chris Mills and had a quick catch-up, whilst watching a Pied Wagtail on the supermarket roof. I found another three Common Buzzards circling in the thermals over Old Hunstanton shop along the main road. I dropped the shopping into my parents and then headed to Titchwell RSPB.
Snowdrops and primroses out at Titchwell and trees were in bud – Spring is on the way! Fed a Robin in the car park with some of my granola slice, which enticed two more Robins to battle for more! An obese Woodpigeon waddled in to join the feast – like it needed it! Come to think of it, neither did I!
Saw a nice Brambling at the feeders along with Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Robins, Goldfinches and Chaffinches. The Fen Trail was closed due to the boardwalk being replaced – open again on 31st March. Walked to the beach and back. Other birds seen: 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier (5.30pm), 1 Barn Owl west of the main path, Little Egret, Cetti's Warblers x 2 singing near Island Hide, 3 Reed Buntings, Wren, Water Rail in the usual ditch, Curlews, Black-tailed Godwits, Shelducks, Avocets 30+, Golden Plovers x 4, Redshanks, Black-headed Gulls, Lapwings, Teal, 1 Pochard, Starlings, Brent Geese, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese.
Visited my parents and as I walked in the door, my little sister Vivien had just made Father some cheese on toast – he looked very pleased. I did have to point out to Vivien that she would have to cut the toast into small pieces for him to eat though. I made Father a coffee and Vivien and I chatted, whilst Mother pottered in the garden until dark.
Its been another very difficult week, with Mother up two night's running and no sleep and at breaking point. But the last couple of nights have been more tolerable and last night Father slept right through without Mother having to get up at all – I hope this pattern continues – I will remain hopeful.
I looked for the Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle, but no sign of. Three Common Buzzards were circling above the Dersingham bypass roundabout. Stopped at South Beach Road, Heacham to look for the reported Black Redstart – thoroughly searched all the chalets, but found nothing. I retraced my steps and then walked along the river path – watched House Sparrows chattering away in a large bush and Mallards dappling in the sunshine.
Stopped in Hunstanton to look at a residential care home and then did some shopping for Mother in Sainsbury's – bumped into Chris Mills and had a quick catch-up, whilst watching a Pied Wagtail on the supermarket roof. I found another three Common Buzzards circling in the thermals over Old Hunstanton shop along the main road. I dropped the shopping into my parents and then headed to Titchwell RSPB.
Snowdrops and primroses out at Titchwell and trees were in bud – Spring is on the way! Fed a Robin in the car park with some of my granola slice, which enticed two more Robins to battle for more! An obese Woodpigeon waddled in to join the feast – like it needed it! Come to think of it, neither did I!
Saw a nice Brambling at the feeders along with Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits, Robins, Goldfinches and Chaffinches. The Fen Trail was closed due to the boardwalk being replaced – open again on 31st March. Walked to the beach and back. Other birds seen: 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Ringtail Hen Harrier (5.30pm), 1 Barn Owl west of the main path, Little Egret, Cetti's Warblers x 2 singing near Island Hide, 3 Reed Buntings, Wren, Water Rail in the usual ditch, Curlews, Black-tailed Godwits, Shelducks, Avocets 30+, Golden Plovers x 4, Redshanks, Black-headed Gulls, Lapwings, Teal, 1 Pochard, Starlings, Brent Geese, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese.
Visited my parents and as I walked in the door, my little sister Vivien had just made Father some cheese on toast – he looked very pleased. I did have to point out to Vivien that she would have to cut the toast into small pieces for him to eat though. I made Father a coffee and Vivien and I chatted, whilst Mother pottered in the garden until dark.
Its been another very difficult week, with Mother up two night's running and no sleep and at breaking point. But the last couple of nights have been more tolerable and last night Father slept right through without Mother having to get up at all – I hope this pattern continues – I will remain hopeful.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Snow Buntings x 6 at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 11, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Redstart by chalets, south of South Beach Road at Heacham.
Short-eared Owl at Barnham Broom.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Snow Bunting at Gorleston-on-Sea.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 3 miles east of Penzance, at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 3, Slavonian Grebe, Snow Buntings x 6 at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 11, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Redstart by chalets, south of South Beach Road at Heacham.
Short-eared Owl at Barnham Broom.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Snow Bunting at Gorleston-on-Sea.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 3 miles east of Penzance, at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Friday, 11 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Water Pipits x 3, Red-crested Pochards x 7, Slavonian Grebe, Snow Buntings x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 8, Twite x 7, Water Pipits x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Spoonbills x 3 at Salthouse.
Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Velvet Scoter at Weybourne.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Hen Harrier at Thornham Point.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Water Pipits x 3, Red-crested Pochards x 7, Slavonian Grebe, Snow Buntings x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 8, Twite x 7, Water Pipits x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Spoonbills x 3 at Salthouse.
Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Velvet Scoter at Weybourne.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Hen Harrier at Thornham Point.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Thursday, 10 March 2016
Penguin Swims 5,000 Miles Every Year For Reunion With Man Who Saved His Life!
An incredibly beautiful and amazing story – brought tears to my eyes.
http://metro.co.uk/2016/03/09/penguin-swims-5000-miles-every-year-for-reunion-with-the-man-who-saved-his-life-5741518/
http://metro.co.uk/2016/03/09/penguin-swims-5000-miles-every-year-for-reunion-with-the-man-who-saved-his-life-5741518/
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Little Ringed Plover by cottages at Weybourne.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by footbridge at St Helen's Picnic site at Santon Warren.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 7, Spoonbills x 2 flew east at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing ring Z1213) at Nar Valley Fisheries, viewable from Wormegay High Bridge.
Spoonbill at Burnham Norton.
Common Cranes x 5 flew NE over Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Thornham Marsh.
Snow Buntings x 3 at Thornham Point.
Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret flew east over Cley NWT.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Little Ringed Plover by cottages at Weybourne.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by footbridge at St Helen's Picnic site at Santon Warren.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 7, Spoonbills x 2 flew east at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing ring Z1213) at Nar Valley Fisheries, viewable from Wormegay High Bridge.
Spoonbill at Burnham Norton.
Common Cranes x 5 flew NE over Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Thornham Marsh.
Snow Buntings x 3 at Thornham Point.
Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret flew east over Cley NWT.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Bear With Me!
My family and I are going through very difficult times at the moment, so have not been able to look at or reply to any emails at all, or post on my blog as much as I would like to. Please bear with!
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Jack Snipe, Otters x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Little Ringed Plover, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Very heavy rain all day in Norfolk, dire birding conditions!
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Jack Snipe, Otters x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Little Ringed Plover, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Very heavy rain all day in Norfolk, dire birding conditions!
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Kittiwake on East Lake, Nunnery Lakes NR at Thetford.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret flew over Hall Fen near How Hill.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Kittiwake on East Lake, Nunnery Lakes NR at Thetford.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret flew over Hall Fen near How Hill.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Monday, 7 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey Mill.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Snow Buntings x 10 NE of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing green ring Z1213) in area with no general access at Lyng.
Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey Mill.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Snow Buntings x 10 NE of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing green ring Z1213) in area with no general access at Lyng.
Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Family Day!
It's really difficult for me to get any birding in at the moment, which is frustrating, but that's how it is. Looked at some care homes yesterday, not impressed with any yet – need to visit more. Watched 'The Revenant' on line last night – what an incredible film!!!
Spent today with all of my family for Mother's Day. Vivien took Mother out to Ringstead Nurseries (the only place Mother wanted to go). Lucy sat and supervised Father, whilst I made a start on removing all the willow branches and logs that a tree surgeon had left. My Mother paid a team of three tree surgeons to cut down a massive section of her weeping willow tree in late 2015 and asked them to cut it into 'manageable pieces'. I don't call branches that are around 15 ft long 'manageable'!!! Some I couldn't even drag and they had to be sawn into sections, before I could even move them. Those three men could have chainsawed those up in seconds – they wouldn't have left so quickly if I had been there! It took me around three hours to sort. Also cut some leylandi branches hanging over the greenhouse and finished up with my hair full of sawdust and covered in bits and pieces from head to toe, cut my thumb and ripped my trousers! My weekends are such fun at the moment!
Father was very emotional today, but generally quiet. Mother had received an exciting package of photographs from a distant relative last week, which included fabulous pictures of my father as a little boy, that none of us had seen before, pictures of his father Bert and a picture of Bert's Mother, of which none of us had seen this picture either! As Lucy and Vivien sadly pointed out though, who's going to have them after we have all gone, none of us have children to pass them on to, very sad indeed.
I had a phone call from Mother at 11.15pm saying father refused to get into bed again! I presume he has now, as I haven't heard any more. Roll on Easter, when I have booked some extra days off. Good Night!
Spent today with all of my family for Mother's Day. Vivien took Mother out to Ringstead Nurseries (the only place Mother wanted to go). Lucy sat and supervised Father, whilst I made a start on removing all the willow branches and logs that a tree surgeon had left. My Mother paid a team of three tree surgeons to cut down a massive section of her weeping willow tree in late 2015 and asked them to cut it into 'manageable pieces'. I don't call branches that are around 15 ft long 'manageable'!!! Some I couldn't even drag and they had to be sawn into sections, before I could even move them. Those three men could have chainsawed those up in seconds – they wouldn't have left so quickly if I had been there! It took me around three hours to sort. Also cut some leylandi branches hanging over the greenhouse and finished up with my hair full of sawdust and covered in bits and pieces from head to toe, cut my thumb and ripped my trousers! My weekends are such fun at the moment!
Father was very emotional today, but generally quiet. Mother had received an exciting package of photographs from a distant relative last week, which included fabulous pictures of my father as a little boy, that none of us had seen before, pictures of his father Bert and a picture of Bert's Mother, of which none of us had seen this picture either! As Lucy and Vivien sadly pointed out though, who's going to have them after we have all gone, none of us have children to pass them on to, very sad indeed.
I had a phone call from Mother at 11.15pm saying father refused to get into bed again! I presume he has now, as I haven't heard any more. Roll on Easter, when I have booked some extra days off. Good Night!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Glaucous Gull, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Lapland Buntings x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Diver off Far Point from Blakeney Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Snow Buntings x 14 north of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 9 at North Beach, Great Yarmouth.
Snow Buntings x 16 at North Beach, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Caspian Gull 1w on freshmarsh at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Spoonbill at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Holkham.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 3 at Haddiscoe Island.
Snow Buntings x 9 at Caister-on-Sea.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, 3 miles east of Penzance, at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Glaucous Gull, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Spoonbill at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Lapland Buntings x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Diver off Far Point from Blakeney Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Snow Buntings x 14 north of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 9 at North Beach, Great Yarmouth.
Snow Buntings x 16 at North Beach, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Caspian Gull 1w on freshmarsh at Titchwell RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Spoonbill at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Halvergate Marshes.
Hen Harriers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Holkham.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 3 at Haddiscoe Island.
Snow Buntings x 9 at Caister-on-Sea.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, 3 miles east of Penzance, at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL on 27th February, south of Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute, Scotland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Perran Sands, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL on 27th February, south of Bridge of Orchy, Argyll and Bute, Scotland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Perran Sands, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Celebrate NWT’s 90th Anniversary At Cley Marshes For Just 9p!
"To celebrate reaching its 90th anniversary of protecting Cley Marshes
and many of the county’s other most important wildlife sites, Norfolk
Wildlife Trust will be going back to the roaring twenties on Sunday 6
March at Cley Marshes visitor centre. Staff will be dressed in 1920's
outfits, a gypsy jazz band will play in the centre and 90th anniversary
archives will be on display. The centre is open from 10am to 4pm.
For this day only, entry to the nature reserve which is normally £5 for non-members, will be at the 1920s price: just 9p.
As Sunday 6 March is Mothering Sunday, a vintage-themed afternoon high tea will be available, with a delicious assortment of cakes, finger sandwiches and small scones on cake stands."
http://norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/all-news/2016-02-29-celebrate-nwt-s-90th-anniversa
For this day only, entry to the nature reserve which is normally £5 for non-members, will be at the 1920s price: just 9p.
As Sunday 6 March is Mothering Sunday, a vintage-themed afternoon high tea will be available, with a delicious assortment of cakes, finger sandwiches and small scones on cake stands."
http://norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/all-news/2016-02-29-celebrate-nwt-s-90th-anniversa
Friday, 4 March 2016
Friday Night Update!
Had a major hair cut this week – three inches chopped off!!! I feel scalped! Got fed up with it and now feels loads lighter. Growing my fringe out, which will be a massive pain, but having lots cut off will help the fringe to catch the rest up.
Dire and crisis situation with my parents this week, like really bad. I'm off to look at care homes tomorrow. Mother hasn't really had any sleep over the last 48 hours – Father refused to go to bed until 2am Thursday morning and not until 4am Friday morning and combined with accidents, my Mother is beyond exhausted. I had to ring all sorts of people today, Social Services, District Nurses etc etc to kick some asses (sorry for bluntness, but I'm also exhausted). Mother didn't put her phone back on properly from early morning ALL DAY, which made me stressed at work all day. I was really, really worried, I didn't know if something serious had happened, if Father had been taken to a res. home or what the hell was going on.
I normally take my sister Lucy to her orchestra rehearsal on Friday evenings, but had to get someone else to do that, which was lucky. I went straight over to parents after work. When I arrived at Holme, I opened the front door and there was Mother, sitting in a chair watching the news and father sat in his chair looking very sleepy and not looking very well. Mother looked surprised to see me. I was pretty angry and bossily instructed Mother to turn round and look at the phone – 'what?' she said. "Its off the bl**dy hook' I said.... 'its been off ALL bleep bleep day' and I went into a massive rant!!! 'It must have been the cat who knocked the receiver off...'she said. Later on I sellotaped a massive note on her front door to ALWAYS check that the phone is ON!
I visited one care home in Hunstanton this evening, which I was not particularly enthralled by – I turned up unannounced deliberately – I like to see things as they really are! A few more homes to look at locally tomorrow. Social Services coming out to do a care home assessment for Father next week and to see how they can assist Mother at home, if she still declines to put Father into a Residential home. She is being far too good a wife. I don't want my Father in a care home any more than she does, but its killing her and putting it bluntly if it does, then he will have to go into care anyway. If only I was in a position to care for him myself I would. It's tearing me apart.
Father has refused his quetiapine tablet the last two days, but had agreed to have this tablet this evening with Mother, just before I arrived. Its not a good idea to give this tablet early evening, best taken late evening and because of this, Father was now seriously sluggish and lethargic. I had to stay and help to get him into bed early, before we couldn't do anything with him. He wasn't making much sense when I tried to talk to him this evening. He accepted my hugs and a kiss and was calm, but got really angry when I tried to take his jumper off to change into pyjamas – I just carried on, there's no other way of dealing with someone with dementia when they are like this. Mother and I did a good job of getting him into bed in a very comfortable position and all was calm when I left at 8.30pm.
Returned to King's Lynn to do a big Tesco shop at 9pm. Walked round the shop in a sleepy trance, having had no dinner this evening. Finished just in time to go and pick my sister Lucy up at 10pm, took her home and then got back to my house at 10.30pm. It was really funny, Lucy had also had three inches cut off her long hair this week, we both have the same hair cut now! Collapsed on the sofa and struggled to put my shopping away. Sleepily typing blog.
Good Night!
Dire and crisis situation with my parents this week, like really bad. I'm off to look at care homes tomorrow. Mother hasn't really had any sleep over the last 48 hours – Father refused to go to bed until 2am Thursday morning and not until 4am Friday morning and combined with accidents, my Mother is beyond exhausted. I had to ring all sorts of people today, Social Services, District Nurses etc etc to kick some asses (sorry for bluntness, but I'm also exhausted). Mother didn't put her phone back on properly from early morning ALL DAY, which made me stressed at work all day. I was really, really worried, I didn't know if something serious had happened, if Father had been taken to a res. home or what the hell was going on.
I normally take my sister Lucy to her orchestra rehearsal on Friday evenings, but had to get someone else to do that, which was lucky. I went straight over to parents after work. When I arrived at Holme, I opened the front door and there was Mother, sitting in a chair watching the news and father sat in his chair looking very sleepy and not looking very well. Mother looked surprised to see me. I was pretty angry and bossily instructed Mother to turn round and look at the phone – 'what?' she said. "Its off the bl**dy hook' I said.... 'its been off ALL bleep bleep day' and I went into a massive rant!!! 'It must have been the cat who knocked the receiver off...'she said. Later on I sellotaped a massive note on her front door to ALWAYS check that the phone is ON!
I visited one care home in Hunstanton this evening, which I was not particularly enthralled by – I turned up unannounced deliberately – I like to see things as they really are! A few more homes to look at locally tomorrow. Social Services coming out to do a care home assessment for Father next week and to see how they can assist Mother at home, if she still declines to put Father into a Residential home. She is being far too good a wife. I don't want my Father in a care home any more than she does, but its killing her and putting it bluntly if it does, then he will have to go into care anyway. If only I was in a position to care for him myself I would. It's tearing me apart.
Father has refused his quetiapine tablet the last two days, but had agreed to have this tablet this evening with Mother, just before I arrived. Its not a good idea to give this tablet early evening, best taken late evening and because of this, Father was now seriously sluggish and lethargic. I had to stay and help to get him into bed early, before we couldn't do anything with him. He wasn't making much sense when I tried to talk to him this evening. He accepted my hugs and a kiss and was calm, but got really angry when I tried to take his jumper off to change into pyjamas – I just carried on, there's no other way of dealing with someone with dementia when they are like this. Mother and I did a good job of getting him into bed in a very comfortable position and all was calm when I left at 8.30pm.
Returned to King's Lynn to do a big Tesco shop at 9pm. Walked round the shop in a sleepy trance, having had no dinner this evening. Finished just in time to go and pick my sister Lucy up at 10pm, took her home and then got back to my house at 10.30pm. It was really funny, Lucy had also had three inches cut off her long hair this week, we both have the same hair cut now! Collapsed on the sofa and struggled to put my shopping away. Sleepily typing blog.
Good Night!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Firecrest at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Snow Buntings x 40, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
RAVENS x 2 south of New Holkham.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh, then flew towards Bowthorpe Marsh.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Snow Buntings x 11 on beach north of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe offshore at Weybourne.
Hen Harriers x 5, Short-eared Owl, Spoonbill at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
WHITE STORK esc, (bearing green ring Z1213) at Lyng, then flew off.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Firecrest at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Snow Buntings x 40, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
RAVENS x 2 south of New Holkham.
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh, then flew towards Bowthorpe Marsh.
Shag at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Snow Buntings x 11 on beach north of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe offshore at Weybourne.
Hen Harriers x 5, Short-eared Owl, Spoonbill at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
WHITE STORK esc, (bearing green ring Z1213) at Lyng, then flew off.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Thursday, 3 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Kittiwake on East Lake, at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard near Choseley Drying Barns.
Hen Harrier at Brancaster Staithe.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great White Egret at Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 6 on beach near Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Snow Buntings x 45, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Snow Buntings x 11 on beach north of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 80 at Holkham.
Hen Harriers x 5, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 3 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe on rocks just east of Boat Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Kittiwake on East Lake, at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard near Choseley Drying Barns.
Hen Harrier at Brancaster Staithe.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great White Egret at Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 6 on beach near Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Snow Buntings x 45, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Snow Buntings x 11 on beach north of Arnold's Marsh, Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 80 at Holkham.
Hen Harriers x 5, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Warham Greens.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 3 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe on rocks just east of Boat Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Bewick's Swans x 21, Spoonbill at east end of Breydon Water.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Ludham.
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 3, Bittern, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 40 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Must be the shortest list ever!
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Bewick's Swans x 21, Spoonbill at east end of Breydon Water.
Bewick's Swans x 6 at Ludham.
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbills x 3, Bittern, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 40 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Must be the shortest list ever!
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
WHITE STORK escaped, yesterday opposite visitor centre at Welney WWT – a free flying bird from Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, Langmere (bears green ring code Z1213) ringed in Poland before being taken into care.
Black Brant, Eurasian White-fronted Goose, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Holme NWT.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Lapland Buntings x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Water Pipits x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull imm. reported, east of fishing boats at Wells Quay.
Caspian Gull flew west past beach, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 4, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 1200 east of Beach Road at Cley NWT.
EAGLE OWL Male (esc) reported, singing at 7pm in North Street, Burnham Market.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
WHITE STORK escaped, yesterday opposite visitor centre at Welney WWT – a free flying bird from Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, Langmere (bears green ring code Z1213) ringed in Poland before being taken into care.
Black Brant, Eurasian White-fronted Goose, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Holme NWT.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Lapland Buntings x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Water Pipits x 4 at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull imm. reported, east of fishing boats at Wells Quay.
Caspian Gull flew west past beach, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 4, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 1200 east of Beach Road at Cley NWT.
EAGLE OWL Male (esc) reported, singing at 7pm in North Street, Burnham Market.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
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