It just about killed me to get up so early, but I did and it paid off! I was out at dawn and arrived at the bowling green at Hunstanton for a quick scan – lots of House Sparrows chirping away, with Greenfinches and Hedge Sparrows by the pitch 'n' putt bushes, adjacent to the bowling green. Fulmars were soaring over the cliff top in the beautiful blue skies. No bank holiday tourists had arrived yet, all was serene! Just remembered..... on the way to Hunstanton I saw four Fallow Deer standing on the edge of a belt of trees on the right handside of the A149, just before the Castle Rising turn off.
Arrived at the village car park at Holme before 6am and used my car as a hide to watch the bushes and willows surrounding the seated area, opposite the toilet block. A Cuckoo was calling from the golf course. It was alive with birds and there wasn't anyone else here – I had even beaten the dog walkers – well impressed! Willow Warblers singing, Chiffchaffs, male and female Blackcaps, Hedge Sparrows, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Wren, Robins, Whitethroats and lots of hirundines hurtling over west. Suddenly a cracking male Redstart appeared in the willows! It posed perfectly and I got some very pleasing shots – happy me! It flicked about feeding contentedly – had this fabulous little bird all to myself... until, Mr Robin decided enough was enough on his patch and like a bullet, launched itself aggresively at my Redstart and duly flushed it, not to be seen again!
I drove along the Firs Road and parked on the verge just past the pay hut – a Marsh Harrier flew across the road and over the Saltings. I walked back along the coastal footpath that runs behind the bungalows. Didn't really see that much hear, but got very excited when I heard the beautiful and magical purring of a Turtle Dove (at 7.10am), but sadly didn't see it! Several Wood pigeons and a couple of Collared Doves were seen along with a Bullfinch and several Whitethroats. Walked back through the village car park, where I was earlier, but no further sign of the Redstart. Noisy, yelping dogs had now arrived for their walk and this completey ruined the ambiance. The biggest surprise of the morning was 2 Little Egrets I found, preening in their roosting spot, which was a tall hedge in someone's garden – the house that sits back quite a way off the road, next to Beach House, opposite the entrance to The Firs road. Lots of Starlings, Jackdaws and House Sparrows around this area too.
I walked back along the Firs Road, but diverted to the river path from Redwell Marsh Hide, which brings you out to the 'standing caravan' as it was called, but its been up-marketed to a posh wooden chalet. Had lovely views of a least 3 Sedge Warblers here, singing away in the small area of reeds alongside the path. Also 2 Mistle Thrushes gathering food in the paddocks and a Cetti's Warbler singing. Increase in hirundines numbers flying over west. I spent a long time photographing a Willow Warbler opposite 'Sandy Ridge'.
At 8.30am I had to leave, as the rest of the day was taken up with continued sorting of care issues. Nipped into my parents briefly and then met my sister Vivien at a care home in Hunstanton for a second opinion. I had short-listed three care homes for Vivien to view – the second two were in Heacham. This took most of the morning up! Vivien then left to go to parents and pick Lucy up on route. I then had to head back to King's Lynn to do some important errands and sorting stuff for Mother. King's Lynn town centre is the last place I wanted to be, but it had to be done – it was packed out with familys trudging round the town with their children.
Arrived back at my parents at around 3.30pm. Family meetings and discussions commenced! I left around 7.45pm (ish). Stopped at Hunstanton to photograph the stunning sunset over the cliffs. The pager bleeped up with 'Wryneck showing well' in a garden in Heacham at 5pm – message came through at 8.20pm. Such a pity the message didn't come up earlier, but I decided to twitch it anyway. Arrived in semi-dusk, but no sign. The person that had put the news out, came out to tell me where it was exactly and how they had watched it for 20 minutes, feeding on the grass, but it had disappeared. Drove wearily home – survived the day on almost no sleep! Far too exhausted to think about getting pictures off the camera! Sorry!
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
Saturday, 30 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
TURTLE DOVE singing behind pay hut along Firs Road at 7.10am, Redstart male in village car park at 6am, Holme. (PAC) Black Redstart fem. in horse paddock at Holme Dunes NWT.
Richard's Pipit at 6pm then flushed and no further sign, Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstart Male, Short-eared Owl on golfcourse at Holme.
Redstart fem. in pines, Tree Pipits x 2 at Holme NOA.
Short-eared Owl, Long-tailed Duck off North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey x 2 on water meadow north of lake at Felbrigg Hall NT.
WHITE STORK esc, Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Redstart fem., Ring Ouzels x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
WHITE STORK esc, flew east just over A148, just east of Hillington.
Whinchat at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Blue-headed Wagtail briefly, mid morning at Sidestrand.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Whinchats x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Tree Pipits x 2, east of Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
WHITE STORKS x 2 esc, flew west over Lyng.
Temminck's Stint on pool behind The Serpentine, viewed from East Bank, Whinchats x 2 at beach car park, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Cley NWT.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzel at Kelling Water Medows.
TURTLE DOVE singing at Reedham
Wryneck in front garden at 5pm, but no further sign late evening at Heacham.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS
MEGA! WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW trapped & ringed at Woolston Eyes NR and then seen at No. 3 bed , left of John Morgan Hide, Cheshire and Wirral.
MEGA! SNOWY OWL again on Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE (form meena) 1w still yesterday and again today, on south side of Otford, east of A225 in tree in back garden on The Old Walk, viewed from The Butts, Otford, Kent.
TURTLE DOVE singing behind pay hut along Firs Road at 7.10am, Redstart male in village car park at 6am, Holme. (PAC) Black Redstart fem. in horse paddock at Holme Dunes NWT.
Richard's Pipit at 6pm then flushed and no further sign, Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstart Male, Short-eared Owl on golfcourse at Holme.
Redstart fem. in pines, Tree Pipits x 2 at Holme NOA.
Short-eared Owl, Long-tailed Duck off North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey x 2 on water meadow north of lake at Felbrigg Hall NT.
WHITE STORK esc, Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Redstart fem., Ring Ouzels x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
WHITE STORK esc, flew east just over A148, just east of Hillington.
Whinchat at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Blue-headed Wagtail briefly, mid morning at Sidestrand.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Whinchats x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Tree Pipits x 2, east of Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
WHITE STORKS x 2 esc, flew west over Lyng.
Temminck's Stint on pool behind The Serpentine, viewed from East Bank, Whinchats x 2 at beach car park, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Cley NWT.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzel at Kelling Water Medows.
TURTLE DOVE singing at Reedham
Wryneck in front garden at 5pm, but no further sign late evening at Heacham.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS
MEGA! WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW trapped & ringed at Woolston Eyes NR and then seen at No. 3 bed , left of John Morgan Hide, Cheshire and Wirral.
MEGA! SNOWY OWL again on Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE (form meena) 1w still yesterday and again today, on south side of Otford, east of A225 in tree in back garden on The Old Walk, viewed from The Butts, Otford, Kent.
The Norfolk Bird Race, Today 30th April!!!
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Norfolk-Bird-Race-2016
The Norfolk Bird Race in association with the Norfolk Bird and Wildlife Fair run an annual 24 hour sponsored bird race. This year the race will be raising money for Wader Quest as five teams compete to become Bird Race Champions 2016.
Waders are under more global pressure today than at any time in the past, particularly long distance migrants that depend upon the intertidal zone for refuelling and resting. Nearly half (48%) of waders species, where a population trend is known, are in decline.
By sponsoring participants in the race you will be helping Wader Quest and therefore helping waders and their habitats. If you donate £5.00 or more, you will also be eligible to become a Friend of Wader Quest for a year, so please leave your details. If you are supporting a particular team then leave a message of support for them in the comments section."
The Norfolk Bird Race in association with the Norfolk Bird and Wildlife Fair run an annual 24 hour sponsored bird race. This year the race will be raising money for Wader Quest as five teams compete to become Bird Race Champions 2016.
"On
30th April 2016, the Norfolk Bird Race in association with the Norfolk
Bird and Wildlife Fair will be raising money for Wader Quest
(http://www.waderquest.org/). Five teams of four people will be
sponsored to spend 24 hours trying to see or hear as many birds as
possible in East Anglia.
Wader Quest is a charity that aims to get more people directly involved in wader conservation through Community Wader Conservation projects, or indirectly as a Friend or Sponsor of Wader Quest.
Wader Quest is a charity that aims to get more people directly involved in wader conservation through Community Wader Conservation projects, or indirectly as a Friend or Sponsor of Wader Quest.
Waders are under more global pressure today than at any time in the past, particularly long distance migrants that depend upon the intertidal zone for refuelling and resting. Nearly half (48%) of waders species, where a population trend is known, are in decline.
By sponsoring participants in the race you will be helping Wader Quest and therefore helping waders and their habitats. If you donate £5.00 or more, you will also be eligible to become a Friend of Wader Quest for a year, so please leave your details. If you are supporting a particular team then leave a message of support for them in the comments section."
Friday, 29 April 2016
Bank Holiday Weekend!
I didn't get out birding today at all, I'm sorry to report. Tons more stuff went on today concerning parents. Took Lucy to rehearsals for her next concert this evening. Dawn start tomorrow to get in some hot birding, before meeting with Vivien to look at my short list of care homes.
Hopefully with bank holiday birders added to the mix, some good birds might be found – hopefully anyway. Weather looks considerably warmer and sunnier tomorrow – early start will avoid the queues of holiday traffic! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.
Weekend Weather
Saturday
After a sunny start for most areas, a few well scattered showers will develop, mainly during the afternoon. Feeling warmer with winds staying mostly light.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
A bright start on Sunday, though turning cloudy with some patchy rain overnight, becoming more persistent before eventually clearing late Monday. Sunshine and showers following for Tuesday, and feeling warmer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
King's Lynn Docks – Hide Tides
Saturday 30th April – 12.31.
Sunday 1st May – 13.49.
Monday 2nd May – 15.09.
Wells Bar – High and Low Tides
Saturday 30th April – Low Tide: 08.15. High Tide: 13.08.
Sunday 1st May – Low Tide: 09.16. High Tide: 14.29.
Monday 2nd May – Low Tide: 10.19. High Tide: 15.46.
Hopefully with bank holiday birders added to the mix, some good birds might be found – hopefully anyway. Weather looks considerably warmer and sunnier tomorrow – early start will avoid the queues of holiday traffic! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.
Weekend Weather
Saturday
After a sunny start for most areas, a few well scattered showers will develop, mainly during the afternoon. Feeling warmer with winds staying mostly light.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
A bright start on Sunday, though turning cloudy with some patchy rain overnight, becoming more persistent before eventually clearing late Monday. Sunshine and showers following for Tuesday, and feeling warmer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2652856
King's Lynn Docks – Hide Tides
Saturday 30th April – 12.31.
Sunday 1st May – 13.49.
Monday 2nd May – 15.09.
Wells Bar – High and Low Tides
Saturday 30th April – Low Tide: 08.15. High Tide: 13.08.
Sunday 1st May – Low Tide: 09.16. High Tide: 14.29.
Monday 2nd May – Low Tide: 10.19. High Tide: 15.46.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Short-eared Owl at Brancaster.
Short-eared Owl flew west past Sidestrand.
Glossy Ibises x 2 flew in off sea and then flew SW over Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart just west of visitor centre at Holme Dunes NWT.
Great White Egrets x 2, Garganey x 4 at Welney WWT.
Garganey on water meadow north of lake at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat at Cawston Heath.
Wryneck South of A149 in gardens at Hill Top though elusive, Cley.
BLACK KITE unconfirmed report, flew over A149 SE of Norwich.
Black Brant still on saltmarsh at Blakeney.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, 4 miles east of Penzance just SE of Perranuthoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Short-eared Owl at Brancaster.
Short-eared Owl flew west past Sidestrand.
Glossy Ibises x 2 flew in off sea and then flew SW over Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart just west of visitor centre at Holme Dunes NWT.
Great White Egrets x 2, Garganey x 4 at Welney WWT.
Garganey on water meadow north of lake at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat at Cawston Heath.
Wryneck South of A149 in gardens at Hill Top though elusive, Cley.
BLACK KITE unconfirmed report, flew over A149 SE of Norwich.
Black Brant still on saltmarsh at Blakeney.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, 4 miles east of Penzance just SE of Perranuthoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Thursday, 28 April 2016
Searching for..........
a good residential care home that is registered for dementia or an 'EMI' home. I spent around six hours today, visiting local homes in Heacham, Snettisham, Ingoldisthorpe and Docking. I hadn't arranged any appointments – always best to visit unexpected for a true picture!!! There was only two I would consider for my Father, but currently neither homes have a vacant room. Docking was the last place I visited and then decided to get a spot of birding in, before going to parent's to inform Mother about the care homes I had visited.
At Choseley Barns I only managed to see a Pheasant, as there were lorries and tractors working on the concrete pad. At the village playing field at Thornham I watched 33 Whimbrels feeding in the pouring rain, along with a couple of Oystercatches, Red-legged Partridges x 4 and a Pied Wagtail.
At Holme I found something very unusual – a freshly dead Stoat on the roadside along Beach Road, just off the A149 – I can't remember ever seeing one dead. Along the Firs Road, by the 5-bar gate, I watched a cracking male Bullfinch which exploded from a hawthorn and then disappeared into the sea-buckthorn. No sight or sound of the Wood Warbler seen this morning by the pay hut, but had lovely views of a pair of Grey Partridges in the paddock next to 'Sandy Ridge'. A Grey Heron flew over the Holme Marsh. The weather was atrocious this afternoon with rain and cold winds.
Spent the rest of the evening with my parents. My Mother is not good at all and I stayed to get Father into bed, which resulted in me getting home late. My sister Vivien is joining me on Saturday to look round my short list of care homes, to make a final decision for when a room becomes available. Out birding tomorrow unless any emergencies crop up. Winds turning south west over the next few days, so should be considerably warmer!
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE ADDED
At Choseley Barns I only managed to see a Pheasant, as there were lorries and tractors working on the concrete pad. At the village playing field at Thornham I watched 33 Whimbrels feeding in the pouring rain, along with a couple of Oystercatches, Red-legged Partridges x 4 and a Pied Wagtail.
At Holme I found something very unusual – a freshly dead Stoat on the roadside along Beach Road, just off the A149 – I can't remember ever seeing one dead. Along the Firs Road, by the 5-bar gate, I watched a cracking male Bullfinch which exploded from a hawthorn and then disappeared into the sea-buckthorn. No sight or sound of the Wood Warbler seen this morning by the pay hut, but had lovely views of a pair of Grey Partridges in the paddock next to 'Sandy Ridge'. A Grey Heron flew over the Holme Marsh. The weather was atrocious this afternoon with rain and cold winds.
Spent the rest of the evening with my parents. My Mother is not good at all and I stayed to get Father into bed, which resulted in me getting home late. My sister Vivien is joining me on Saturday to look round my short list of care homes, to make a final decision for when a room becomes available. Out birding tomorrow unless any emergencies crop up. Winds turning south west over the next few days, so should be considerably warmer!
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker north of water meadow briefly, Redstart fem., Garganey x 2 at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel at Friary Hills NT.
Wryneck South of A149 in gardens at Hill Top, Cley.
Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Wood Warbler by pay hut along Firs Road, Firecrest trapped and ringed, Ring Ouzel at Holme NOA.
Richard's Pipit and Spoonbill flew West over Sheringham.
Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbill at Salthouse.
Ring Ouzel in sheep field at Kelling Water Meadows.
Whimbrels x 33 on village hall sports ground at Thornham.
Garganey, Short-eared Owl at Hickling Broad NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BELTED KINGFISHER Male on Friday, on River Bann at Mountsandel Wood in tree above Cutts, viewed from East bank in evening, but no sign since, South of Coleraine, County Kerry, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE (form meena) 1w on Sunday still, in gardens on estate behind Volkswagen dealer on south side of Otford off A225, 3.5 miles north of Sevenoaks.
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker north of water meadow briefly, Redstart fem., Garganey x 2 at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel at Friary Hills NT.
Wryneck South of A149 in gardens at Hill Top, Cley.
Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Wood Warbler by pay hut along Firs Road, Firecrest trapped and ringed, Ring Ouzel at Holme NOA.
Richard's Pipit and Spoonbill flew West over Sheringham.
Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
Spoonbill at Salthouse.
Ring Ouzel in sheep field at Kelling Water Meadows.
Whimbrels x 33 on village hall sports ground at Thornham.
Garganey, Short-eared Owl at Hickling Broad NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BELTED KINGFISHER Male on Friday, on River Bann at Mountsandel Wood in tree above Cutts, viewed from East bank in evening, but no sign since, South of Coleraine, County Kerry, Ireland.
MEGA! WESTERN RUFOUS TURTLE DOVE (form meena) 1w on Sunday still, in gardens on estate behind Volkswagen dealer on south side of Otford off A225, 3.5 miles north of Sevenoaks.
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Wryneck in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Ring Ouzel at Sidestrand.
Garganey x 2 in water meadow North of Felbrigg Hall NT.
Temminck's Stint, Continental Black-tailed Godwit still on Pat's Pool at Cley NWT.
Great White Egrets x 2, Garganey x 2, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
Arctic Terns x 2 flew East past Horsey.
Wood Warbler singing just east of Washington Hide, briefly at 2.30pm, Firecrest in pines just east of Lady Anne's Drive at Holkham.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 100 on saltings on North side of Blakeney Bank.
WHITE STORK esc. flew SW over Surlingham Marsh RSPB.
Ring Ouzel in sheep field at Kelling Water Meadows.
WHITE STORK esc. flew West over Whitlingham Country Park.
Whimbrels x 23 on village hall sports ground at Thornham.
Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Ten Mile Bank.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Wryneck in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Ring Ouzel at Sidestrand.
Garganey x 2 in water meadow North of Felbrigg Hall NT.
Temminck's Stint, Continental Black-tailed Godwit still on Pat's Pool at Cley NWT.
Great White Egrets x 2, Garganey x 2, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
Arctic Terns x 2 flew East past Horsey.
Wood Warbler singing just east of Washington Hide, briefly at 2.30pm, Firecrest in pines just east of Lady Anne's Drive at Holkham.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 100 on saltings on North side of Blakeney Bank.
WHITE STORK esc. flew SW over Surlingham Marsh RSPB.
Ring Ouzel in sheep field at Kelling Water Meadows.
WHITE STORK esc. flew West over Whitlingham Country Park.
Whimbrels x 23 on village hall sports ground at Thornham.
Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Ten Mile Bank.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Inside A Russian Fur Farm!
Warning: disturbing footage of Mink, Arctic Foxes and a Lynx kept in miniature cages and clearly distressed – CRUELTY for fashion and status at the expense of the cruel torture and finally death of these wild animals – sick and desperately sad.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36135834?post_id=10207282523006332_10209286382221560#_=_
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36135834?post_id=10207282523006332_10209286382221560#_=_
Winter Weather!
We've had some pretty bizarre weather today – strong North West Winds, rain, sun, sleet and as I was writing notes in the day room at the QEH this afternoon, we had the heaviest and longest hail storm that I can recall for a very long time. A new member of staff rushed to the window for a few moments, to witness the hail storm – she had never seen hail before and looked so excited – it was very touching. The country this member of staff came from, never has hail! Early evening produced the most spectacular blue/pink skies with rays of sun and dramatic black and white clouds.
Tons more parent related phone calls had to made at lunchtime and as soon as I returned home from work to Social Services, GP's etc etc – then cooked my tea. I was supposed to do the supermarket run, but fell asleep. Burnt out. One more day left at work and then I have FIVE DAYS OFF!!! Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday! Some of those days will be sorting stuff to do with Father, but should definitely get some quality birding in somewhere – that is if these bitterly cold North Winds disappear!!!
Tons more parent related phone calls had to made at lunchtime and as soon as I returned home from work to Social Services, GP's etc etc – then cooked my tea. I was supposed to do the supermarket run, but fell asleep. Burnt out. One more day left at work and then I have FIVE DAYS OFF!!! Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday! Some of those days will be sorting stuff to do with Father, but should definitely get some quality birding in somewhere – that is if these bitterly cold North Winds disappear!!!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Wrynecks x 2 in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Spoonbill West of East Bank car park, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 2 on Pat's Pool at Cley NWT
Common Cranes x 3 flew over Fring Road junction at Sedgeford.
Spoonbill flew east over saltmarsh at Wells.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Arctic Terns x 4 at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Colney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzel distantly at Kelling Water Meadows.
Ring Ouzels x 5+ in dunes east of sea wall at Burnham Over Dunes.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzel on playing field at Dilham.
Arctic Terns x 18 flew North over Thetford.
WHITE STORK esc. South of A147, 1/2 mile West of Britannia Farm at Halvergate Marshes.
WHITE STORK esc. (green ringed) in field North of Setchey Road, at Setchey near King's Lynn.
WHITE STORKS esc. x 2, 2 miles east of Stacey Arms, by A47 East of Acle.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, still on Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
Wrynecks x 2 in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Spoonbill West of East Bank car park, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 2 on Pat's Pool at Cley NWT
Common Cranes x 3 flew over Fring Road junction at Sedgeford.
Spoonbill flew east over saltmarsh at Wells.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Arctic Terns x 4 at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Colney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzel distantly at Kelling Water Meadows.
Ring Ouzels x 5+ in dunes east of sea wall at Burnham Over Dunes.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzel on playing field at Dilham.
Arctic Terns x 18 flew North over Thetford.
WHITE STORK esc. South of A147, 1/2 mile West of Britannia Farm at Halvergate Marshes.
WHITE STORK esc. (green ringed) in field North of Setchey Road, at Setchey near King's Lynn.
WHITE STORKS esc. x 2, 2 miles east of Stacey Arms, by A47 East of Acle.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, still on Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
Monday, 25 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
WHITE STORK esc. at Ashwicken Lake, Ashwicken Road, North of East Winch and South of Ashwicken.
Redstart fem. at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Wryneck in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Black Redstart, Whinchats x 2 in horse paddocks at Holme.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Ring Ouzels x 6 in dunes east of sea wall at Burnham Over Dunes.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
TURTLE DOVE singing at Gressinghall Museum.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Rockland Broad.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, at Bryher and then Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
Garganey x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
WHITE STORK esc. at Ashwicken Lake, Ashwicken Road, North of East Winch and South of Ashwicken.
Redstart fem. at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Wryneck in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Black Redstart, Whinchats x 2 in horse paddocks at Holme.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Ring Ouzels x 6 in dunes east of sea wall at Burnham Over Dunes.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
TURTLE DOVE singing at Gressinghall Museum.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Rockland Broad.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, at Bryher and then Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
Sunday, 24 April 2016
Snettisham Coastal Park!
The weekend has been pretty dire all round. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings taken up with parents. I won't even go into the disgusting service from Social Services – you wouldn't believe me if I told you the stuff that's gone on recently. Saturday up late with exhaustion and then visited another care home. Spent rest of time at parents and fell asleep whilst there. Worked all day today.
After work I visited Snettisham Coastal Park, hoping to find my own Wryneck. It was FREEZING cold! Wore waterproof trousers on top of my trousers to keep warm, coat and gloves etc! I only saw a handful of birds in these bitterly cold North West winds. A few Goldfinches, Sedge Warbler singing briefly, Cetti's Warbler, Black Birds and Chaffinches. No sign of any Wheatears or anything else on the large expanse of short turf. The only highlight was my first Cuckoo of the Spring calling, when I returned to my car.
Had to go to my parent's to help again this evening. Mother had had another night of no sleep last night. It was a dreadful evening and I broke down in tears – long story, can't go into it all now.
After work I visited Snettisham Coastal Park, hoping to find my own Wryneck. It was FREEZING cold! Wore waterproof trousers on top of my trousers to keep warm, coat and gloves etc! I only saw a handful of birds in these bitterly cold North West winds. A few Goldfinches, Sedge Warbler singing briefly, Cetti's Warbler, Black Birds and Chaffinches. No sign of any Wheatears or anything else on the large expanse of short turf. The only highlight was my first Cuckoo of the Spring calling, when I returned to my car.
Had to go to my parent's to help again this evening. Mother had had another night of no sleep last night. It was a dreadful evening and I broke down in tears – long story, can't go into it all now.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spotted Redshank from Dauke's Hide, Spoonbill south of Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Pomarine Skua, Long-tailed Duck flew past Winterton.
Ring Ouzel, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Common Cranes x 2 circled over North Wall at Breydon Water.
Purple Sandpipers x 13 on first rock groyne, south of church at Waxham.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Waxham Sands Holiday Park.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
TURTLE DOVE in garden at Little Barningham.
Wryneck in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Arctic Tern at Poplar Lake, Aylsham.
Black Terns x 2, Arctic Terns x 12 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Common Crane on Rush Hill Scrape at Hickling Broad NWT.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 yesterday on saltmarsh at Morston.
Garganey x 2, Whinchat at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Spotted Redshanks x 4 on marsh by Marsh House Farm at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Jack Snipe x 2 at Blakeney Harbour.
WHITE STORK esc. by A47 at Acle.
Common Crane, Short-eared Owl flew over River Waveney, West of Belton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
Spotted Redshank from Dauke's Hide, Spoonbill south of Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Pomarine Skua, Long-tailed Duck flew past Winterton.
Ring Ouzel, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Common Cranes x 2 circled over North Wall at Breydon Water.
Purple Sandpipers x 13 on first rock groyne, south of church at Waxham.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Waxham Sands Holiday Park.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
TURTLE DOVE in garden at Little Barningham.
Wryneck in gardens west of warden's house along A149 at Cley.
Arctic Tern at Poplar Lake, Aylsham.
Black Terns x 2, Arctic Terns x 12 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Common Crane on Rush Hill Scrape at Hickling Broad NWT.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2 yesterday on saltmarsh at Morston.
Garganey x 2, Whinchat at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Spotted Redshanks x 4 on marsh by Marsh House Farm at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Jack Snipe x 2 at Blakeney Harbour.
WHITE STORK esc. by A47 at Acle.
Common Crane, Short-eared Owl flew over River Waveney, West of Belton.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
SATURDAY 23rd April
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Northrepps.
Little Stint, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on slope with sheep opposite Kelling Water Meadows.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Manx Shearwater, Great Skua, Arctic Skuas x 2 at Winterton.
Caspian Gull 1s at mouth of River Yare, Gorleston-on-Sea.
Wryneck in bushes across road from visitor centre at Cley NWT.
Whinchats x 2 along sea wall, opposite car park at Thornham.
Redstart near Moors Pool at Upton Marshes NWT.
Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl at Castle Marshes, Aldeby.
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Black Redstart at Holme Dunes NWT.
WHITE STORK esc. by A47 at Acle.
Whinchat between north end of Beach Road and Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER (ID'D from DNA), trapped and ringed at Nanjizal Valley, Cornwall.
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, still Mount's Bay, east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Northrepps.
Little Stint, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on slope with sheep opposite Kelling Water Meadows.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Manx Shearwater, Great Skua, Arctic Skuas x 2 at Winterton.
Caspian Gull 1s at mouth of River Yare, Gorleston-on-Sea.
Wryneck in bushes across road from visitor centre at Cley NWT.
Whinchats x 2 along sea wall, opposite car park at Thornham.
Redstart near Moors Pool at Upton Marshes NWT.
Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl at Castle Marshes, Aldeby.
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Black Redstart at Holme Dunes NWT.
WHITE STORK esc. by A47 at Acle.
Whinchat between north end of Beach Road and Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER (ID'D from DNA), trapped and ringed at Nanjizal Valley, Cornwall.
MEGA! SNOWY OWL, Bryher, Isles of Scilly.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, still Mount's Bay, east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Saturday, 23 April 2016
Friday, 22 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Spotted Reshank at Thornham Marsh.
Ring Ouzel at Sparham Hole.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great White Egret near Joe Jordan Hide at Holkham.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 9 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT.
Common Cranes x 8 flew over Brograve Mill, Horsey Corner.
White Wagtail at Waxham Sands.
Ring Ouzel, Redstart male at St Mary's Church car park at East Somerton.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on slope with sheep opposite Kelling Water Meadows.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
WHITE STORK presumed esc. in grass field by farm resevoir at Setchey.
Spotted Redshank from Dauke's Hide at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, still Mount's Bay, east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Ring Ouzel, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Spotted Reshank at Thornham Marsh.
Ring Ouzel at Sparham Hole.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great White Egret near Joe Jordan Hide at Holkham.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 9 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT.
Common Cranes x 8 flew over Brograve Mill, Horsey Corner.
White Wagtail at Waxham Sands.
Ring Ouzel, Redstart male at St Mary's Church car park at East Somerton.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on slope with sheep opposite Kelling Water Meadows.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
WHITE STORK presumed esc. in grass field by farm resevoir at Setchey.
Spotted Redshank from Dauke's Hide at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing at Island Mere, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL, still Mount's Bay, east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Thursday, 21 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Ring Ouzel in NW corner of sheep field at Kelling Water Meadows.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Kelling Quags.
Great White Egret flew North over Snettisham Coastal Park.
Common Cranes x 2 circled over Cley NWT Visitor Centre.
Little Stint on Arnold's Marsh at Cley NWT.
Dartford Warbler in gorse 200 yards North of red lifeboat station at Caister-on-Sea.
Common Cranes x 2 flew NW over Blakeney Harbour.
Common Cranes x 3 flew West over Blakeney.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Short-eared Owl, Lavendar Marsh, Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzel still North of Choseley Drying Barns.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzels x 2 North of Low Road at South Wootton.
WHITE STORK esc. (bearing green ring Z1213) yesterday at Burgh Castle.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Ring Ouzel in NW corner of sheep field at Kelling Water Meadows.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Kelling Quags.
Great White Egret flew North over Snettisham Coastal Park.
Common Cranes x 2 circled over Cley NWT Visitor Centre.
Little Stint on Arnold's Marsh at Cley NWT.
Dartford Warbler in gorse 200 yards North of red lifeboat station at Caister-on-Sea.
Common Cranes x 2 flew NW over Blakeney Harbour.
Common Cranes x 3 flew West over Blakeney.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Short-eared Owl, Lavendar Marsh, Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzel still North of Choseley Drying Barns.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzels x 2 North of Low Road at South Wootton.
WHITE STORK esc. (bearing green ring Z1213) yesterday at Burgh Castle.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Prince, Singer & Superstar, Dies Aged 57!
R I P P R I N C E
I have been helping my parents again this evening and on returning home I decided to wind down and relax for a bit. Turned on the news and was gobsmacked to see the 'Breaking News' that PRINCE had died!!!! Another part of my teenage years has been erased. Can't quite believe it!!!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-36106778
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/36106764
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Holme Birding!
A short birding trip to Holme this evening, after I did Mother's on-line food shop. Parked the car by the gate to Redwell Marsh NOA, to search for today's reported singing Turtle Dove. Walked back along the Firs Road to Beach Road. Watched a Barn Owl over the paddocks, a Mistle Thrush harassing the owl, Pheasants, Red-legged Partridges x 2, Rabbits, a Muntjack deer and several House Sparrows chirping away in the brambles at the entrance track. Turned right to walk past the toilet block and was very upset to see the very large willow tree had been lopped dramatically to mere stumps – that won't be holding any migrants any more!!! I suppose it had be neat and tidy for visitors, after all, we mustn't let things stay wild in a SSSI area!!! Everything has to be 'managed'!!!
Walked through the village car park and saw 2 Oystercathers, 2 Pied Wagtails and several Woodpigeons feeding in the strip of ploughed mud at the far end of the car park. Continued along the path that leads to the coastal footpath, which overlooks the paddocks, hawthorn scrub and houses along the Firs Road. This area is excellent for Turtle Doves and they are regularly seen here in Spring – but alas I didn't see or hear any this evening. It was too cold and late in the day for any small birds to be showing. In fact it wasn't just cold, it was FREEZING with the East wind cutting through me and my gloves! Saw a few Linnets and heard a Willow Warbler singing briefly and that was it. Walked up as far as Gore Point and scanning over the marshes, spotted a lovely male Hen Harrier. I then crossed over to the dunes and walked back along the coastal footpath to the car park near the pay hut and then continued back along the Firs Road to my car at Redwell. From the hide, there were 2 Avocets, Shovelers x 2, Mallards, Coot and some Black-headed Gulls. I left here at 8.20pm.
Popped in to see my parents. My Mother fell again this evening, whilst on route to hanging washing out, she told me on my arrival – she's ok and got away without doing any serious damage. This was supposed to be a brief visit, but I ended up staying for ages, trying to get Father to take his tablets. He dug his heels in and refused and got really cross with Mother and I. We were exasperated and beyond despair. We tried to make him take the tablets, but that just resulted in wet pyjamas as he refused to gulp any drink to wash the tablets down. We got one tablet in eventually, but the second one came up again later...... I had just got him into bed and then had to sit him up extremely quickly, as his face suddenly turned bright red – he had started to choke on the tablet he led us to believe he had swallowed, but had in fact been storing it in his mouth!!! Sitting him up that quickly, didn't do my painful hip any favours whatsoever.
It may sound harsh, trying to make Father have his tablets, but he has already been refusing all his main tablets every morning, which include blood pressure tablets, aspirin and heart tablets. The two he takes at night are actually the most important ones, an indigestion tablet which stops him coughing all night and even more importantly 'Quetiapine' which stops him hallucinating. Mother has this battle with him every night now and can't take it any more. Enough is enough. Final plans will be going into place this week! My poor Mother had gone way beyond the call of duty in her excellent care – the lack of sleep is what's draining her – not even an 18 year old can cope with all she is doing. It's all so difficult and emotional – we don't want him to go into a Residential Home as we know he will hate it, but there is no choice left now.
Walked through the village car park and saw 2 Oystercathers, 2 Pied Wagtails and several Woodpigeons feeding in the strip of ploughed mud at the far end of the car park. Continued along the path that leads to the coastal footpath, which overlooks the paddocks, hawthorn scrub and houses along the Firs Road. This area is excellent for Turtle Doves and they are regularly seen here in Spring – but alas I didn't see or hear any this evening. It was too cold and late in the day for any small birds to be showing. In fact it wasn't just cold, it was FREEZING with the East wind cutting through me and my gloves! Saw a few Linnets and heard a Willow Warbler singing briefly and that was it. Walked up as far as Gore Point and scanning over the marshes, spotted a lovely male Hen Harrier. I then crossed over to the dunes and walked back along the coastal footpath to the car park near the pay hut and then continued back along the Firs Road to my car at Redwell. From the hide, there were 2 Avocets, Shovelers x 2, Mallards, Coot and some Black-headed Gulls. I left here at 8.20pm.
Popped in to see my parents. My Mother fell again this evening, whilst on route to hanging washing out, she told me on my arrival – she's ok and got away without doing any serious damage. This was supposed to be a brief visit, but I ended up staying for ages, trying to get Father to take his tablets. He dug his heels in and refused and got really cross with Mother and I. We were exasperated and beyond despair. We tried to make him take the tablets, but that just resulted in wet pyjamas as he refused to gulp any drink to wash the tablets down. We got one tablet in eventually, but the second one came up again later...... I had just got him into bed and then had to sit him up extremely quickly, as his face suddenly turned bright red – he had started to choke on the tablet he led us to believe he had swallowed, but had in fact been storing it in his mouth!!! Sitting him up that quickly, didn't do my painful hip any favours whatsoever.
It may sound harsh, trying to make Father have his tablets, but he has already been refusing all his main tablets every morning, which include blood pressure tablets, aspirin and heart tablets. The two he takes at night are actually the most important ones, an indigestion tablet which stops him coughing all night and even more importantly 'Quetiapine' which stops him hallucinating. Mother has this battle with him every night now and can't take it any more. Enough is enough. Final plans will be going into place this week! My poor Mother had gone way beyond the call of duty in her excellent care – the lack of sleep is what's draining her – not even an 18 year old can cope with all she is doing. It's all so difficult and emotional – we don't want him to go into a Residential Home as we know he will hate it, but there is no choice left now.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel at Mundesley Holiday Camp.
Ring Ouzels x 2 flew North, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails x 8 at East end of Eye Field, Spoonbill at The Serpentine, Common Cranes x 6 flew west, Cley NWT.
Common Cranes x 5 flew North over Lessingham.
Ring Ouzel in car park at Somerton Church.
Spoonbill at Stiffkey.
Shorelarks x 2 briefly, Common Cranes x 6 at Burnham Overy.
Common Cranes x 6 flew West over Brancaster Marsh.
TURTLE DOVE singing at Redwell Marsh NOA, Whimbrel flew over, Common Cranes x 6 flew North, Hen Harrier at Holme.
Redstart fem., Arctic Terns x 15, Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Common Cranes x 6 flew West over Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 6 circling then flew East at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Common Cranes x 6 flew South over Muckleburgh Hill.
Common Cranes x 6 flew East over Kelling Water Meadows.
Spoonbill at Burnham Norton.
WHITE STORK flew over Fakenham.
Redstart at Overstrand.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! COLLARED FLYCATCHER possible fem. (or male brownmorph Pied Fly) at Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon.
Ring Ouzel at Mundesley Holiday Camp.
Ring Ouzels x 2 flew North, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails x 8 at East end of Eye Field, Spoonbill at The Serpentine, Common Cranes x 6 flew west, Cley NWT.
Common Cranes x 5 flew North over Lessingham.
Ring Ouzel in car park at Somerton Church.
Spoonbill at Stiffkey.
Shorelarks x 2 briefly, Common Cranes x 6 at Burnham Overy.
Common Cranes x 6 flew West over Brancaster Marsh.
TURTLE DOVE singing at Redwell Marsh NOA, Whimbrel flew over, Common Cranes x 6 flew North, Hen Harrier at Holme.
Redstart fem., Arctic Terns x 15, Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water.
Common Cranes x 6 flew West over Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 6 circling then flew East at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Common Cranes x 6 flew South over Muckleburgh Hill.
Common Cranes x 6 flew East over Kelling Water Meadows.
Spoonbill at Burnham Norton.
WHITE STORK flew over Fakenham.
Redstart at Overstrand.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! COLLARED FLYCATCHER possible fem. (or male brownmorph Pied Fly) at Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon.
Tuesday, 19 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
RED-FOOTED FALCON possible, yesterday at West end of South Wall in evening, but no sign today at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in Dell, Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Firecrest at Kelling Heath.
Ring Ouzel east of Nelson's Head Track at Horsey.
Common Cranes x 14 flew over Horsey Mere.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel in hedge, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Green-winged Teal on flood at Burnham Norton.
WHITE STORK flew over just west of Sheringham.
WHITE STORK near West Runton.
WHITE STORK flew South over Cromer.
Common Crane flew SE over Denver.
Great White Egret on Freshmarsh, Spoonbills x 2 flew over at Holkham.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forest.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
RED-FOOTED FALCON possible, yesterday at West end of South Wall in evening, but no sign today at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in Dell, Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Firecrest at Kelling Heath.
Ring Ouzel east of Nelson's Head Track at Horsey.
Common Cranes x 14 flew over Horsey Mere.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel in hedge, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB.
Green-winged Teal on flood at Burnham Norton.
WHITE STORK flew over just west of Sheringham.
WHITE STORK near West Runton.
WHITE STORK flew South over Cromer.
Common Crane flew SE over Denver.
Great White Egret on Freshmarsh, Spoonbills x 2 flew over at Holkham.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forest.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Monday, 18 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
WHITE STORK esc. on flood at railway crossing at Acle.
Hen Harrier at Horsey.
Black Redstart in shelter on East Bank at Cley NWT.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard between Stiffkey and Wells.
Ring Ouzel in horse paddock off Mill Lane at Hindringham.
Blue-headed Wagtail at Welney WWT.
Garganey x 2 at middle wall at Potter Heigham.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on grass bank, on NE side at Dersingham Bog.
Firecrest in 'The Plantation' at Blakeney Point.
Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Osprey (this morning) flew over Hunstanton.
Ring Ouzels x 2, east of bend in road, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Suffolk Highlights
• RED-RUMPED SWALLOW flew north at 8.10am over Thorpeness.
• RED-RUMPED SWALLOW flew north (am) over North Warren RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL on Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
WHITE STORK esc. on flood at railway crossing at Acle.
Hen Harrier at Horsey.
Black Redstart in shelter on East Bank at Cley NWT.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard between Stiffkey and Wells.
Ring Ouzel in horse paddock off Mill Lane at Hindringham.
Blue-headed Wagtail at Welney WWT.
Garganey x 2 at middle wall at Potter Heigham.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on grass bank, on NE side at Dersingham Bog.
Firecrest in 'The Plantation' at Blakeney Point.
Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Osprey (this morning) flew over Hunstanton.
Ring Ouzels x 2, east of bend in road, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Suffolk Highlights
• RED-RUMPED SWALLOW flew north at 8.10am over Thorpeness.
• RED-RUMPED SWALLOW flew north (am) over North Warren RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL on Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Sunday, 17 April 2016
Cley NWT & Beyond!
Blue-headed Wagtail
The 'Eye Puddle', Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Considering I've had the entire weekend free, I've not been birding much at all, which is dreadful really, especially being as its April! However, I did have some quality birding this afternoon, with some new Spring birds and fabulous sunny weather!
Saturday
I spent yesterday with my family at Holme, including both my sisters. I also helped my sister Lucy to choose a lovely vase of Spring flowers, to be delivered on the day from Interflora, to a very dear older friend of Lucy's, who has been extremely ill of late. Lucy's friend has been very supportive of her throughout the tough times in her life and has been very kind, spending time with her, lunches etc. Lucy was very upset over how ill she has been and wanted to show her support. The flowers arrived early evening and Lucy received a lovely thank you text from her friend later on. After we ordered the flowers, I took Lucy to Holme via Ringstead where we stopped at the shop and bought some lovely cards to send to Lucy's friend.
At our parent's house, Father looked very pleased, when he realised all of his daughters were there and he looked pretty well. But..... later on he was not a happy bunny at all – all too much for him I think, plus he can't stand lots of noise and people. No wonder Mother is finding it difficult to put him into a residential home – she's right, he would hate it. Its really, really difficult at the moment for all of us. We tried to persuade Mother to go out with Vivien for a short while, whilst I kept an eye on Father, just to get her out of the house, but she refused point blank and said she was too tired. Vivien left early evening and Lucy and I left shortly afterwards. We stopped to buy some chips in Hunstanton and drove to the promenade, where we watched the Fulmars soaring round the cliffs as we enjoyed our chips. It was wickedly cold!
Sunday
It was a glorious day, but still cold with the NW winds. My hip and lower back are still annoyingly painful from my recent accident at work and this is made worse by driving. I used cruise control on the Skoda for the first time today and this helped reduce the pain considerably! On route to Cley I saw a Common Buzzard overhead at Bayfield Lake.
I parked the car close to the wire fence along Beach Road at Cley, yards behind Steve G! The Blue-headed Wagtail feeding around the Eye puddle was magical to watch in the sunshine, silhouetted in the blue water. Also saw 2 Pied Wagtails, lots of Wheatears, Linnets, Redshank, Oystercatchers x 2, Shovelers x 2, Marsh Harrier. There were several local birders standing on the path above the road, enjoying the Blue-headed Wagtail.
Blue-headed Wagtail at The 'Eye Puddle', Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Wheatear at The 'Eye Puddle', Eye Field, Cley NWT.
Walsey Hills NOA produced a singing Willow Warbler, male Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler, several Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinches and Robin. A pair of Pochard and Little Grebe were on Snipe's Marsh and a Peregrine flew south overhead (shouted out to me by John F. from the other side of the marsh!). Lots of bees around, but didn't see any butterflies. A Heron flew over as I stood talking to Eddie M., who I haven't seen in ages. The white flowers of the blackthorn and yellow gorse looked so beautiful in the sunshine.
I returned to the Eye Field and had much closer views of the Blue-headed Wagtail, but still too far for my 300mm lens, but did manage to get some good record shots. Eddie was standing on the bank with others and phoned me to point out a Peregrine distantly in the white clouds.
Stopped at Beach Road, Salthouse briefly and saw lots of Wheatears east of the road and also bumped into and chatted with Rob and Jill Wilson who had seen 4 Short-eared Owls here.
I spent the evening at Kelling Water Meadows. It was colder now, but the light was still good and the sunset this evening was stupendous. Saw my first House Martin this Spring, just above me as I parked the car. A Barn Owl flew over the fields along the track. Just before the pool I heard my first Whitethroat of the Spring, in the hedge along the path. There was a wonderful frenzy of hirundines skimming over the pool: Sand Martins and Swallows – lots of them! A pair of Egyptian Geese were feeding around the pool with cute babies, waddling through the long grass. A pair of Teal and Gadwall were in the water. Two Stonechats in the brambles, lots of Rooks feeding amongst the sheep on the hill, but I couldn't spot any Ring Ouzels – there had to be one there somewhere! I also saw a Wren, Chaffinches, Goldfinches and Heron. It was too late in the day to see any wagtails.
I stopped at Beach Road, Salthouse again and saw a Heron and 2 Pied Wagtails. At Cley Sluice I stopped briefly and listened to my first Sedge Warbler singing and a Cetti's Warbler burst into song. A Barn Owl flew over my head and across the reedbed, just as I left to go home.
I have heard some very sad news from several people this weekend. Sending my condolences, best wishes and support to you all – you know who you are x x x.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret, Black Brant, Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey Fen.
Ring Ouzels x 5, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at North Dunes, Black-throated Diver, Velvet Scoter, Winterton.
Little Gull at Felbrigg Hall Lake.
Whinchat at Thornham Point.
Black Redstart by 'The Funky Mackerel Cafe', Sheringham.
Ring Ouzel at Roydon Common.
WHITE STORK presumed escape, flew NE over Scania Way, King's Lynn.
Osprey flew over Surlingham Church.
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Ring Ouzel in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Redstart, Whinchat at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Kelling Heath.
Common Cranes x 2 flew West over Claxton.
Common Cranes x 3 flew over Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Blue-headed Wagtail in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Sparham Pools, Lyng.
Rough-legged Buzzard yesterday at Haddiscoe Island.
Ring Ouzel at hides at East end of village at Holme.
Short-eared Owls x 2 opposite 'The Dun Cow Pub', plus another 2 east of Beach Road at Salthouse.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burgh Castle.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• TURTLE DOVE singing at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL 2 miles SE of St Just, east of B3306 at Bartinney Downs, Cornwall.
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.
Great White Egret, Black Brant, Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey Fen.
Ring Ouzels x 5, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at North Dunes, Black-throated Diver, Velvet Scoter, Winterton.
Little Gull at Felbrigg Hall Lake.
Whinchat at Thornham Point.
Black Redstart by 'The Funky Mackerel Cafe', Sheringham.
Ring Ouzel at Roydon Common.
WHITE STORK presumed escape, flew NE over Scania Way, King's Lynn.
Osprey flew over Surlingham Church.
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Ring Ouzel in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Redstart, Whinchat at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Kelling Heath.
Common Cranes x 2 flew West over Claxton.
Common Cranes x 3 flew over Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Blue-headed Wagtail in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Sparham Pools, Lyng.
Rough-legged Buzzard yesterday at Haddiscoe Island.
Ring Ouzel at hides at East end of village at Holme.
Short-eared Owls x 2 opposite 'The Dun Cow Pub', plus another 2 east of Beach Road at Salthouse.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burgh Castle.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• TURTLE DOVE singing at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL 2 miles SE of St Just, east of B3306 at Bartinney Downs, Cornwall.
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.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
RAVEN flew east early morning, Black Redstart near The Leas, Sheringham.
Arctic Tern at Colney Gravel Pits.
Red-necked Grebe, Arctic Terns x 3 at Ormesby Little Broad, Ormesby St Margaret.
Iceland Gull juv flew over Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Arctic Terns x 4 at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 4, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Ring Ouzels x 7 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
HOODED CROW flew east at 3.33pm over golf course at Cromer.
Blue-headed Wagtails x 2 east of Beach Road, Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Three Bridges Farm at Elsing, Lyng.
Arctic Terns x 8 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Short-eared Owl at Drayton.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Admiralty Point.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• TURTLE DOVE at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
RAVEN flew east early morning, Black Redstart near The Leas, Sheringham.
Arctic Tern at Colney Gravel Pits.
Red-necked Grebe, Arctic Terns x 3 at Ormesby Little Broad, Ormesby St Margaret.
Iceland Gull juv flew over Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Arctic Terns x 4 at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 4, South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Ring Ouzels x 7 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT.
HOODED CROW flew east at 3.33pm over golf course at Cromer.
Blue-headed Wagtails x 2 east of Beach Road, Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Arctic Terns x 2 at Three Bridges Farm at Elsing, Lyng.
Arctic Terns x 8 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Short-eared Owl at Drayton.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Admiralty Point.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• TURTLE DOVE at Frampton Marsh RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Friday, 15 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Manx Shearwater flew east past Sheringham.
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery.
Grey-headed Wagtail by Beach Road, Salthouse.
Blue-headed Wagtail at Kelling Water Meadows.
Hen Harrier at Rockland Broad.
Little Gull, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Whinchat, Redstart, Hen Harrier at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Whimbrel x 4 in field north of Beach Road, Snettisham.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Ormesby Little Broad, Ormesby St Margaret.
Black-throated Diver, Arctic Terns x 2 flew past, Ring Ouzels x 3 at Weybourne Camp.
Spoonbill at Cley NWT.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-RUMPED SWALLOW at Freiston Shore RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL below Carn Kenidjack, NE of St Just, Cornwall.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Manx Shearwater flew east past Sheringham.
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery.
Grey-headed Wagtail by Beach Road, Salthouse.
Blue-headed Wagtail at Kelling Water Meadows.
Hen Harrier at Rockland Broad.
Little Gull, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Whinchat, Redstart, Hen Harrier at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Whimbrel x 4 in field north of Beach Road, Snettisham.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Ormesby Little Broad, Ormesby St Margaret.
Black-throated Diver, Arctic Terns x 2 flew past, Ring Ouzels x 3 at Weybourne Camp.
Spoonbill at Cley NWT.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-RUMPED SWALLOW at Freiston Shore RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL below Carn Kenidjack, NE of St Just, Cornwall.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Blue-headed Wagtail male, Yellow Wagtails x 19 yesterday by Beach Road, Salthouse.
Jack Snipe by fence at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Ring Ouzels x 3 flew across bank, Whinchats x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Montagu's Harrier in 1st field just West of Winterton, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Montagu's Harrier flew West over wind turbines between West Somerton and Winterton.
WHITE STORK esc. on lamp post by A47 at Acle.
Hen Harrier at South end of Horsey.
Blue-headed Wagtail male at Kelling Water Meadows.
Glaucous Gull, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK esc., Rough-legged Buzzard reported at Cockshoot Broad.
WHITE STORK esc. flew South over Dersingham.
Ring Ouzels x 2 1/2 mile South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Arctic Tern flew over Costessey Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 4 at Holme Dunes NWT.
Spoonbill flew West over Titchwell RSPB.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER again, singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! ALPINE ACCENTOR yesterday (photographed) at Brownwich Cliff towards Hill Head, near Chilling, Hampshire.
Blue-headed Wagtail male, Yellow Wagtails x 19 yesterday by Beach Road, Salthouse.
Jack Snipe by fence at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Ring Ouzels x 3 flew across bank, Whinchats x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Montagu's Harrier in 1st field just West of Winterton, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Montagu's Harrier flew West over wind turbines between West Somerton and Winterton.
WHITE STORK esc. on lamp post by A47 at Acle.
Hen Harrier at South end of Horsey.
Blue-headed Wagtail male at Kelling Water Meadows.
Glaucous Gull, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK esc., Rough-legged Buzzard reported at Cockshoot Broad.
WHITE STORK esc. flew South over Dersingham.
Ring Ouzels x 2 1/2 mile South of Choseley Drying Barns.
Arctic Tern flew over Costessey Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 4 at Holme Dunes NWT.
Spoonbill flew West over Titchwell RSPB.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER again, singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! ALPINE ACCENTOR yesterday (photographed) at Brownwich Cliff towards Hill Head, near Chilling, Hampshire.
Wednesday, 13 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Sidestrand.
Sandwich Tern, Shag on Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery.
Black Redstart, Redstart male at Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzel in Forestry at Holme Dunes NWT.
Little Gull at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Common Cranes x 3 flew NW along coast at Paston.
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
WHITE STORK presumed esc. flew over river in King's Lynn.
Garganey x 2, Spotted Redshank at Upton Broad and marshes.
Whimbrel on beach at Waxham.
Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl between Horsey Gap and Nelson's Head.
Red-necked Grebe viewed from Filby Bridge on Ormesby Little Broad at Ormesby St Margaret's.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails x 10 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Black Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Redstarts x 2, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Firecrest in wood at east end of trail at Titchwell RSPB.
Blue-headed Wagtails x 2 by fence in overspill car park at north end of Eye Field, Spoonbill off East Bank at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton.
Common Cranes x 2, Little Gull at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Redstart on pitch 'n' putt course at Old Hunstanton.
Short-eared Owl over Blakeney Eye.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER for second day, singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Sidestrand.
Sandwich Tern, Shag on Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Firecrest at Great Yarmouth Cemetery.
Black Redstart, Redstart male at Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzel in Forestry at Holme Dunes NWT.
Little Gull at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Common Cranes x 3 flew NW along coast at Paston.
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
WHITE STORK presumed esc. flew over river in King's Lynn.
Garganey x 2, Spotted Redshank at Upton Broad and marshes.
Whimbrel on beach at Waxham.
Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl between Horsey Gap and Nelson's Head.
Red-necked Grebe viewed from Filby Bridge on Ormesby Little Broad at Ormesby St Margaret's.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails x 10 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Black Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Redstarts x 2, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshank, Firecrest in wood at east end of trail at Titchwell RSPB.
Blue-headed Wagtails x 2 by fence in overspill car park at north end of Eye Field, Spoonbill off East Bank at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton.
Common Cranes x 2, Little Gull at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Redstart on pitch 'n' putt course at Old Hunstanton.
Short-eared Owl over Blakeney Eye.
Suffolk Highlights
• SAVI'S WARBLER for second day, singing from Island Mere Hide, Minsmere RSPB.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Hoopoe Search!
Thornham
I had made up my mind, that the Hoopoe seen at Holme this morning would be re-locating to Thornham behind the deli, in the field with the children's playground – there was one here on the 21st April 2014. Hoopoe's, as I'm sure most of you know, do like to feed on short turfed grass and this field is a large area too – perfect habitat for a hungry Hoopoe. I know it was long shot, but that's where I decided to start birding this evening after work.
On the Hoopoe field I found nothing but a couple of Pied Wagtails, three Greenfinches and two Chaffinches – oh well, I tried! Good numbers of Red-legged Partridges, Grey Partridges and Hares throughout my travels this evening. So, where was the Hoopoe? More than probably on some very lucky person's lawn!
Gypsy Lane, Titchwell
This seemed like a good place to find a few Spring migrants and it did not disappoint. Chiffchaffs were singing along the path amongst the white flowers of blackthorn and bees were buzzing. Sycamore leaves were freshly uncurling into a magical green and everything looked new and fresh. The most impressive thing was that I didn't spot any dog crap on the path at all – almost unbelievable! Ok, so there were a few of those nasty little plastic bags hanging on branches for decoration, but none on the path, so congratulations to all those responsible owners who have scooped up – a 10 from Pen!!!
I had lovely views of a Treecreeper flying from a tree in the small copse at the end of the path where it opens up near the reedbeds. The path was incredibly muddy and I had to be very careful with my dodgy hip! A Marsh Harrier flew only a few feet above my head, whilst I stood in the wood! There were several Robins, Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Chaffinches, a Song Thrush singing and seen and heard a Bullfinch. A Blackcap was also singing and I had lovely views of a cute little Goldcrest feeding amongst the white flowers of the blackthorn in the evening sunshine. Just as I started to walk back, I spotted a Barn Owl hunting over the reedbeds.
Choseley Barns
I decided to look for the reported Ring Ouzels. which were seen in a field south of the barns at 5pm. I searched and stopped and searched – but no sign of any striped 'Ouzels'. I found more Red-legged Partridges, Grey Partridges, Pheasants and Hares were boxing in the fields. The sunset was glorious this evening. Found lots of cowslips along a verge on route to Hunstanton. Fabulous views of a Barn Owl flying alongside the car and then landing on a fence post in a horse paddock in Ringstead village.
Went to Hunstanton and got a few items from Sainsbury's and delivered to parent's at Holme. Father was so tired, he looked drugged. In fact he looked so blank, I actually thought he had another another stroke, but after several investigations he was simply exhausted from having another night of keeping Mother up all last night with shouting and restlessness. As I said to Mother, I was her fairy godmother this evening – its a good job I turned up as I had a job to get Father into bed myself, I don't think Mother would have been able to do this herself this evening. Assisted with a few other jobs and then left their house at about 10.15pm!
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
I had made up my mind, that the Hoopoe seen at Holme this morning would be re-locating to Thornham behind the deli, in the field with the children's playground – there was one here on the 21st April 2014. Hoopoe's, as I'm sure most of you know, do like to feed on short turfed grass and this field is a large area too – perfect habitat for a hungry Hoopoe. I know it was long shot, but that's where I decided to start birding this evening after work.
On the Hoopoe field I found nothing but a couple of Pied Wagtails, three Greenfinches and two Chaffinches – oh well, I tried! Good numbers of Red-legged Partridges, Grey Partridges and Hares throughout my travels this evening. So, where was the Hoopoe? More than probably on some very lucky person's lawn!
Gypsy Lane, Titchwell
This seemed like a good place to find a few Spring migrants and it did not disappoint. Chiffchaffs were singing along the path amongst the white flowers of blackthorn and bees were buzzing. Sycamore leaves were freshly uncurling into a magical green and everything looked new and fresh. The most impressive thing was that I didn't spot any dog crap on the path at all – almost unbelievable! Ok, so there were a few of those nasty little plastic bags hanging on branches for decoration, but none on the path, so congratulations to all those responsible owners who have scooped up – a 10 from Pen!!!
I had lovely views of a Treecreeper flying from a tree in the small copse at the end of the path where it opens up near the reedbeds. The path was incredibly muddy and I had to be very careful with my dodgy hip! A Marsh Harrier flew only a few feet above my head, whilst I stood in the wood! There were several Robins, Blackbirds, Blue Tits, Chaffinches, a Song Thrush singing and seen and heard a Bullfinch. A Blackcap was also singing and I had lovely views of a cute little Goldcrest feeding amongst the white flowers of the blackthorn in the evening sunshine. Just as I started to walk back, I spotted a Barn Owl hunting over the reedbeds.
Choseley Barns
I decided to look for the reported Ring Ouzels. which were seen in a field south of the barns at 5pm. I searched and stopped and searched – but no sign of any striped 'Ouzels'. I found more Red-legged Partridges, Grey Partridges, Pheasants and Hares were boxing in the fields. The sunset was glorious this evening. Found lots of cowslips along a verge on route to Hunstanton. Fabulous views of a Barn Owl flying alongside the car and then landing on a fence post in a horse paddock in Ringstead village.
Went to Hunstanton and got a few items from Sainsbury's and delivered to parent's at Holme. Father was so tired, he looked drugged. In fact he looked so blank, I actually thought he had another another stroke, but after several investigations he was simply exhausted from having another night of keeping Mother up all last night with shouting and restlessness. As I said to Mother, I was her fairy godmother this evening – its a good job I turned up as I had a job to get Father into bed myself, I don't think Mother would have been able to do this herself this evening. Assisted with a few other jobs and then left their house at about 10.15pm!
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel east of beach huts at Old Hunstanton.
Garganey on Pat's Pool, Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT.
Sandwich Tern on Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 5, Redstart male in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Ring Ouzel, Firecrest at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great White Egret behind County School railway station, North Elmham.
HOOPOE by 'The Saltings' at West end of (then flew to saltmarsh) Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Little Gulls x 2, Common Scoter x 8 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Ring Ouzel, Hawfinch at Great Yarmouth Cemetery.
Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Arctic Terns x 3 at Welney WWT.
Arctic Tern on gravel pits at Worthing.
Little Gulls x 2 at Lenwade Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in field 1/2 mile south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails x 60 at Kelling Quags.
Arctic Tern at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Suffolk Highlights
• SUBALPINE WARBLER briefly in garden at Reydon.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Ring Ouzel east of beach huts at Old Hunstanton.
Garganey on Pat's Pool, Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT.
Sandwich Tern on Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 5, Redstart male in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Ring Ouzel, Firecrest at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great White Egret behind County School railway station, North Elmham.
HOOPOE by 'The Saltings' at West end of (then flew to saltmarsh) Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Little Gulls x 2, Common Scoter x 8 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Ring Ouzel, Hawfinch at Great Yarmouth Cemetery.
Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Arctic Terns x 3 at Welney WWT.
Arctic Tern on gravel pits at Worthing.
Little Gulls x 2 at Lenwade Pits.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in field 1/2 mile south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Blue-headed Wagtail, Yellow Wagtails x 60 at Kelling Quags.
Arctic Tern at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Suffolk Highlights
• SUBALPINE WARBLER briefly in garden at Reydon.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Monday, 11 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzels x 2 in field by road, just north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Little Ringed Plover in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Spotted Redshanks x 4 at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK presumed esc. flew over Cantley Beet Factory.
Redstart in paddocks at Holme.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Little Gull at Colney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzel in car park at West Runton.
WHITE STORK flew south at 12.40pm over King's Lynn.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing green ring) in grass field, north of Setchey Road between Setchey and Blackborough End, South of King's Lynn.
Pied Flycatcher male in pines near car park at Holme NWT.
WHITE STORK esc. by A47 at Acle.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on railway embankment by golf course at Upper Sheringham.
Ring Ouzels x 2 between North Dunes Winterton and Waxham.
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump.
Pied Flycatcher at Hicking Broad NWT.
Little Gulls x 2 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Redstarts x 2, Firecrest, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Hen Harrier along A149 at Tivetshall St Mary.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in field by road, just north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Little Ringed Plover in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Spotted Redshanks x 4 at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK presumed esc. flew over Cantley Beet Factory.
Redstart in paddocks at Holme.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Little Gull at Colney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzel in car park at West Runton.
WHITE STORK flew south at 12.40pm over King's Lynn.
WHITE STORK esc (bearing green ring) in grass field, north of Setchey Road between Setchey and Blackborough End, South of King's Lynn.
Pied Flycatcher male in pines near car park at Holme NWT.
WHITE STORK esc. by A47 at Acle.
Ring Ouzels x 2 on railway embankment by golf course at Upper Sheringham.
Ring Ouzels x 2 between North Dunes Winterton and Waxham.
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump.
Pied Flycatcher at Hicking Broad NWT.
Little Gulls x 2 at Whitlingham Country Park.
Redstarts x 2, Firecrest, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Hen Harrier along A149 at Tivetshall St Mary.
MEGA NEWS!
None.
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Titchwell RSPB & The Mega Celebrity!
'Biking Birder' – Gary Prescott!
Went to Titchwell RSPB for a short while after work, my only birding fix of the weekend. I noted there was a singing Firecrest in the car park at 4.30pm, via the pager, but by the time I got there at 6pm, the sun had disappeared and it was extremely cold. No sign of any Firecrest, however I did have two new Spring birds this evening. A beautiful male Blackcap was feeding amongst the willows along the Fen Trail and had a glimpse of a Bullfinch flying across the boardwalk. There was also a good number of Robins around and Chiffchaffs with singing along with a Cetti's Warbler. A Red-crested Pochard was on the pool, distantly amongst the reeds from the Fen Hide. I walked to the screen overlooking Patsy's Pool, were there were several more Red-crested Pochards, a Pochard, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Ducks, Gulls, Lapwings and Marsh Harriers were gliding over the reedbeds.
As I walked back along the Fen Trail, I spotted a Mega Celebrity!!! 'Biking Birder' – Gary Prescott!!! Gary has become famous amongst the birding community throughout the UK, for his crazy cycling round the country, in an amazing attempt to see as many birds as possible in a year by bike and raising money for several charities. Gary saw 289 birds in 2015 and is hoping for 300+ this year. Once met, never forgotten, with his cycle adorned in cuddly toys: Tigger, Orca, Robin etc! I remember him arriving by bike to Burnham Overy Dunes for the Citril Finch last year – he had cycled from Breydon Water – that's a long journey by car, never mind a bike!!!
Please see his website here: http://bikingbirder2016.blogspot.co.uk/ and to donate to his charities see:
https://www.justgiving.com/gary-prescott4
Whilst having a catch-up with Gary we listened to my first Willow Warbler singing this Spring – beautiful! We must have been chatting a long time, as suddenly I realised it was gone 7.30pm! I hobbled back to my car, feeling like a very old lady.
Spent the rest of the evening with my parents and got Father into bed, before returning home to King's Lynn. My hip is killing me! Good night.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
Weekend Update!
I've had one of those weekends, you just want to forget really. Friday night and all day Saturday was taken up by ringing Social Workers, visiting another care home and supporting parents. No birding achieved at all. Saturday evening I hardly got a wink of sleep, had restless leg syndrome and ended up getting up to watch TV at 2.30am!!! Rubbish day all round.
I was up at 7am on Sunday and spent most of the day at work. Just to add to the weekend, I did a 'Frank Spencer' stunt in the office at lunchtime, tripped over something, broke something and did my hip in badly!!! Feels like I have pulled a muscle in right hip/lower back. Drove to my parents early evening and then went birding for a short while (see next post).
The pain is now excruciating, after taking Ibuprofen and Volterol Gel. Tomorrow has to be better! I hope I will be able to move in the morning!
I was up at 7am on Sunday and spent most of the day at work. Just to add to the weekend, I did a 'Frank Spencer' stunt in the office at lunchtime, tripped over something, broke something and did my hip in badly!!! Feels like I have pulled a muscle in right hip/lower back. Drove to my parents early evening and then went birding for a short while (see next post).
The pain is now excruciating, after taking Ibuprofen and Volterol Gel. Tomorrow has to be better! I hope I will be able to move in the morning!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hooded Crow flew South at 7.30am over Hunstanton Cliffs.
Black Redstart by chalet 42 at North Beach Road, Ring Ouzel at South Beach, Heacham.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at East Hills, Wells.
Redstart still in garden at Holme.
PENDULINE TIT still at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Firecrest singing by information hut in car park, Redstart male on Fen Trail, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Common Cranes x 4, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Redstart male at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Redstart male in paddocks at Holme.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Shag, Little Gulls x 2 at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK esc. near Stracey Arms Windmill at Acle.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL again at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Hooded Crow flew South at 7.30am over Hunstanton Cliffs.
Black Redstart by chalet 42 at North Beach Road, Ring Ouzel at South Beach, Heacham.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at East Hills, Wells.
Redstart still in garden at Holme.
PENDULINE TIT still at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Firecrest singing by information hut in car park, Redstart male on Fen Trail, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Common Cranes x 4, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Little Gull at Barton Broad.
Redstart male at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Redstart male in paddocks at Holme.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Shag, Little Gulls x 2 at Breydon Water.
WHITE STORK esc. near Stracey Arms Windmill at Acle.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL again at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Saturday, 9 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbill at Welney WWT.
Spoonbill at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Redstart in garden at Holme.
Hooded Crow at 6.05pm then flew SW. Redstart male, Firecrest by visitor centre at Holme Dunes NWT.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Hoopoe at SE end in field South of Sunshine Cottage briefly at 6.55pm then flew South at Burnham Thorpe.
Great White Egret flew SE over Bishop's Hide at 6.55pm at Cley NWT.
Redstart at Felbrigg Hall NT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, Mount's Bay, 4 miles east of Penzance just SE of Parranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Spoonbill at Welney WWT.
Spoonbill at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Redstart in garden at Holme.
Hooded Crow at 6.05pm then flew SW. Redstart male, Firecrest by visitor centre at Holme Dunes NWT.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in paddock behind chip shop off Beach Road at Snettisham.
Hoopoe at SE end in field South of Sunshine Cottage briefly at 6.55pm then flew South at Burnham Thorpe.
Great White Egret flew SE over Bishop's Hide at 6.55pm at Cley NWT.
Redstart at Felbrigg Hall NT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, Mount's Bay, 4 miles east of Penzance just SE of Parranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.
Just A Bird By Gyr Crakes!
These audio podcasts from Gyr Crakes are pure genious!
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-a-bird/id1080782186?mt=2
Eastern Rosella Parrot Spotted Near North Walsham!
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/picturesque_parrot_spotted_near_north_walsham_1_4486259
At Ebridge Mills, near Spa Common in North Walsham on Tuesday.
Searching on Google it appears to be an Eastern Rosella Parrot.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-eximius
At Ebridge Mills, near Spa Common in North Walsham on Tuesday.
Searching on Google it appears to be an Eastern Rosella Parrot.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-eximius
You Won't Believe It!!!
So sad to realise, there are adults that know nothing about even the simpliest, most basic things in nature!
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/rspca_inspector_called_to_mating_frogs_in_great_yarmouth_1_4488391
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/rspca_inspector_called_to_mating_frogs_in_great_yarmouth_1_4488391
Friday, 8 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Garden Warbler at East end of boardwalk at UEA, Norwich.
Garganey at Welney WWT.
Common Cranes x 6, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Short-eared Owls x 3 East of Horsey Mill.
WHITE STORK circling over Gypsy Lane at 1.08pm, Titchwell.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at South end of chalets at South Beach, Heacham.
Common Crane west of Terrington St Clements.
WHITE STORK flew over Pott Row.
Ring Ouzel in paddock west of The Firs, Black Redstart, White Wagtail at Holme NWT.
PALLAS'S WARBLER unconfirmed report yesterday, in pines at Holme NOA.
Redstart at Holme.
PENDULINE TIT still at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
WHITE STORK esc. over Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Garden Warbler at East end of boardwalk at UEA, Norwich.
Garganey at Welney WWT.
Common Cranes x 6, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Short-eared Owls x 3 East of Horsey Mill.
WHITE STORK circling over Gypsy Lane at 1.08pm, Titchwell.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at South end of chalets at South Beach, Heacham.
Common Crane west of Terrington St Clements.
WHITE STORK flew over Pott Row.
Ring Ouzel in paddock west of The Firs, Black Redstart, White Wagtail at Holme NWT.
PALLAS'S WARBLER unconfirmed report yesterday, in pines at Holme NOA.
Redstart at Holme.
PENDULINE TIT still at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
WHITE STORK esc. over Halvergate Marshes.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
Thursday, 7 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hooded Crow flew west at 7.10am, Swift flew west at 8.50am over Sidestrand.
Swift flew in off sea at 8.10am at Cromer.
Swift flew in off sea at 9.30am at Cley NWT.
Hooded Crow flew west at 8am over cemetery at Sheringham.
Black-necked Grebe drifted south past beach car park at Winterton.
Hooded Crow in field east of duck pond at 11am at Blakeney.
Ring Ouzel at Waxham Sands Holiday Camp, Hen Harrier south of Shangri-La, Waxham.
Black Redstart South Beach, Heacham.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at North end of Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in sheep field by entrance track to Snettisham RSPB.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshes.
Ring Ouzel in hedge east of Lady Anne's Drive, Great White Egret on Freshmarsh at Holkham.
Firecrest at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
PENDULINE TIT still at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
WHITE STORK flew NW over County Hall at 12.58pm, Norwich.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Hooded Crow flew north over Horsey, Hen Harrier, Little Gull at Horsey Mere.
Redstart in garden at Holme, Ring Ouzel this afternoon at Holme Dunes NWT.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Water Pipits x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 north of sewage works, in field north of River Tiffey, Wymondham.
Garden Warbler at Upton Marshes NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
Hooded Crow flew west at 7.10am, Swift flew west at 8.50am over Sidestrand.
Swift flew in off sea at 8.10am at Cromer.
Swift flew in off sea at 9.30am at Cley NWT.
Hooded Crow flew west at 8am over cemetery at Sheringham.
Black-necked Grebe drifted south past beach car park at Winterton.
Hooded Crow in field east of duck pond at 11am at Blakeney.
Ring Ouzel at Waxham Sands Holiday Camp, Hen Harrier south of Shangri-La, Waxham.
Black Redstart South Beach, Heacham.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at North end of Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in sheep field by entrance track to Snettisham RSPB.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshes.
Ring Ouzel in hedge east of Lady Anne's Drive, Great White Egret on Freshmarsh at Holkham.
Firecrest at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
PENDULINE TIT still at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
WHITE STORK flew NW over County Hall at 12.58pm, Norwich.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Hooded Crow flew north over Horsey, Hen Harrier, Little Gull at Horsey Mere.
Redstart in garden at Holme, Ring Ouzel this afternoon at Holme Dunes NWT.
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Water Pipits x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 2 north of sewage works, in field north of River Tiffey, Wymondham.
Garden Warbler at Upton Marshes NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
A Difficult Evening!
Last night was a very difficult evening. At 10.30pm I had to drive over to my parents, but this time to assist my Mother more than Father! Mother had had a very painful left leg all day – she had a suspected pulled muscle by the sounds of things, she could hardly walk and then to top it all, she fell in the garden whilst on her way to get washing off the line at dusk and had grazed/bruised her right knee! She was not in a fit state to get Father into bed.
When I arrived at their house, I was shocked at Mother's level of mobility, which was poor to say the least – she could hardly put one foot in front of the other. I got Father into his pyjamas, administered tablets and got him into bed, calming him down and sweetly but firmly suggesting that he didn't disturb Mother in the night unnecessarily and not to wake up until at least 7am, instead of the usual 3am, 4am etc. Mother sat in the chair and said she just needed to wind down for a while. I bluntly told that I was going until she was in her bed too, so I sat on the bottom of the stairs, waiting for her to get ready for bed. She refused to take any tablets for her pain – impossible and stubborn is an understatement! But, I got my way over applying a lot of voltarol gel onto her leg to help ease the pain. Eventually I saw Mother safely into bed and then had to creep out of the house without disturbing Father, which I think I got away with.
Arrived back at my house early hours this morning – can't remember what time exactly, but I didn't get to bed until 2.30am. When I phoned Mother this morning to see how last night went – they had both slept and Father didn't call out until 7am!!! My therapeutic powers worked!
After a day at work, by this evening, I was 'cream-crackered'. I started watching what looked like a fascinating documentary 'How To Stay Young' BBC1 at 9pm – I saw the first 15 minutes and then opened my eyes to the BBC news – it was 10.10pm! So I missed most of it, will have to watch it on iplayer. Good night!
When I arrived at their house, I was shocked at Mother's level of mobility, which was poor to say the least – she could hardly put one foot in front of the other. I got Father into his pyjamas, administered tablets and got him into bed, calming him down and sweetly but firmly suggesting that he didn't disturb Mother in the night unnecessarily and not to wake up until at least 7am, instead of the usual 3am, 4am etc. Mother sat in the chair and said she just needed to wind down for a while. I bluntly told that I was going until she was in her bed too, so I sat on the bottom of the stairs, waiting for her to get ready for bed. She refused to take any tablets for her pain – impossible and stubborn is an understatement! But, I got my way over applying a lot of voltarol gel onto her leg to help ease the pain. Eventually I saw Mother safely into bed and then had to creep out of the house without disturbing Father, which I think I got away with.
Arrived back at my house early hours this morning – can't remember what time exactly, but I didn't get to bed until 2.30am. When I phoned Mother this morning to see how last night went – they had both slept and Father didn't call out until 7am!!! My therapeutic powers worked!
After a day at work, by this evening, I was 'cream-crackered'. I started watching what looked like a fascinating documentary 'How To Stay Young' BBC1 at 9pm – I saw the first 15 minutes and then opened my eyes to the BBC news – it was 10.10pm! So I missed most of it, will have to watch it on iplayer. Good night!
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Short-eared Owl at North Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Firecrest in allotment at Sea Palling.
Short-eared Owl at Sidestrand.
Short-eared Owl at Caister-on-Sea.
Ring Ouzels x 2 south of chalets just behind sea wall at Heacham.
Short-eared Owl flew in off sea at Scratby.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstart at Holme.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshes.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in paddock/bank behind chip shop at Snettisham.
Ring Ouzel at Roydon Common NWT (read my post yesterday!)
Firecrest at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Garganey at Hardley Flood.
Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, just SE of Perranuthoe on beach just west of Boat Cove, 4 miles east of Penzance, Cornwall.
Short-eared Owl at North Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Firecrest in allotment at Sea Palling.
Short-eared Owl at Sidestrand.
Short-eared Owl at Caister-on-Sea.
Ring Ouzels x 2 south of chalets just behind sea wall at Heacham.
Short-eared Owl flew in off sea at Scratby.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstart at Holme.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshes.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in paddock/bank behind chip shop at Snettisham.
Ring Ouzel at Roydon Common NWT (read my post yesterday!)
Firecrest at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Garganey at Hardley Flood.
Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, just SE of Perranuthoe on beach just west of Boat Cove, 4 miles east of Penzance, Cornwall.
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Roydon Common NWT!
Got home from work and dozed on the sofa for a while. Grabbed bins and camera and headed out for a spot of local birding. I don't often go to Roydon Common, especially in the evenings, its quite a lonely place, but decided it would be a change of scene and its only a few miles from my house. I was hoping to find some more Ring Ouzels. I found two at Snettisham Coastal Park at the weekend and then said on Sunday that Choseley Barns is a good place for Ring Ouzels and somebody goes and finds one the following day. Now, I didn't find any this evening, so this probably means someone will find one or two at Roydon Common tomorrow!
The car parking area has massive pot holes – its like a rollercoaster and needs to be driven along in 1st gear with great caution! It was a beautiful evening and there was no one else here at all. As soon as I started walking along the chalk path through the swathes of heather, I saw a stunning pair of Stonechats and another pair and another and ended up seeing 8 Stonechats, all pairs! A Ringtail Harrier flew over the reedbeds just under the tree line distantly. Two Common Buzzards flew overhead. A Skylark was singing high in the sky and two Grey Partridges plummeted from the heather. Lapwings were displaying and spending their time around the wet/flooded areas. A Jay flew across and there were several Jackdaws and a few Carrion Crows. A few Linnets sat around in the bushes at middle distance and 4 Canada Geese flew over.
My highlight was a Wheatear on the grassy slopes – well I thought it was the highlight until a bit later on. I scanned hard to find a Ring Ouzel, but no luck. On the way back I had an unexpected surprise! As I was watching one of the male Stonechats perched up (colour ringed), I spotted a turquoise shape, perched up – it didn't move – I continued to watch in disbelief that this was a Kingfisher. There are several pools around, but I have never seen a Kingfisher here before. Suddenly a flash of turquoise shot across the reeds and heather!!! It was a Kingfisher – this rather overshadowed the rest of my birding this evening!
Took some sunset pictures, just before I left. I didn't get any pictures of the Stonechats as they were too distant really. I still can't believe I saw a Kingfisher on Roydon Common! Nature is full of surprises. So glad I stirred from my doze on the sofa earlier!
Cooked an omelette when I got home and placed pan under grill to finish off – took out of oven and then very stupidly got hold of metal handle with my hand – as a St John First Aider. I should have known better! I had to wrap bandage around hand myself, which I just about managed. Good Night.
The car parking area has massive pot holes – its like a rollercoaster and needs to be driven along in 1st gear with great caution! It was a beautiful evening and there was no one else here at all. As soon as I started walking along the chalk path through the swathes of heather, I saw a stunning pair of Stonechats and another pair and another and ended up seeing 8 Stonechats, all pairs! A Ringtail Harrier flew over the reedbeds just under the tree line distantly. Two Common Buzzards flew overhead. A Skylark was singing high in the sky and two Grey Partridges plummeted from the heather. Lapwings were displaying and spending their time around the wet/flooded areas. A Jay flew across and there were several Jackdaws and a few Carrion Crows. A few Linnets sat around in the bushes at middle distance and 4 Canada Geese flew over.
My highlight was a Wheatear on the grassy slopes – well I thought it was the highlight until a bit later on. I scanned hard to find a Ring Ouzel, but no luck. On the way back I had an unexpected surprise! As I was watching one of the male Stonechats perched up (colour ringed), I spotted a turquoise shape, perched up – it didn't move – I continued to watch in disbelief that this was a Kingfisher. There are several pools around, but I have never seen a Kingfisher here before. Suddenly a flash of turquoise shot across the reeds and heather!!! It was a Kingfisher – this rather overshadowed the rest of my birding this evening!
Took some sunset pictures, just before I left. I didn't get any pictures of the Stonechats as they were too distant really. I still can't believe I saw a Kingfisher on Roydon Common! Nature is full of surprises. So glad I stirred from my doze on the sofa earlier!
Cooked an omelette when I got home and placed pan under grill to finish off – took out of oven and then very stupidly got hold of metal handle with my hand – as a St John First Aider. I should have known better! I had to wrap bandage around hand myself, which I just about managed. Good Night.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel in garden at Hilltop, Cley.
Black Redstart at north end of East Bank, Yellow Wagtails x 2 in Eye Field, Spoonbill at Cley NWT.
Dartford Warbler, Yellow Wagtail in dunes north of Horsey Gap.
Ring Ouzel, Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum.
Redstart male at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Yellow Wagtail in cliff top fields at West Runton.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Black Redstarts x 2, Redstart, Firecrest, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 4 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzel in field just north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Firecrest in south section of GY Cemetery, Firecrest in Caister Road Cemetery, Yellow Wagtail in Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in first field inland of saltmarsh at north end of Garden Drove, Warham.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstarts x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshes.
Spoonbill on marsh just south of Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzel in paddocks at Cawston Heath.
Firecrests x 2 at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Northern Long-tailed Tit, Firecrest just east of A12 in birch in open area south of west end of Clarence Road at 5.30pm only at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Black Redstart at Sidestrand.
Hen Harrier ringtail at Roydon Common NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, just SE of Perranuthoe on beach just west of Boat Cove, 4 miles east of Penzance, Cornwall.
Ring Ouzel in garden at Hilltop, Cley.
Black Redstart at north end of East Bank, Yellow Wagtails x 2 in Eye Field, Spoonbill at Cley NWT.
Dartford Warbler, Yellow Wagtail in dunes north of Horsey Gap.
Ring Ouzel, Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum.
Redstart male at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Yellow Wagtail in cliff top fields at West Runton.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Black Redstarts x 2, Redstart, Firecrest, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 4 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzel in field just north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Firecrest in south section of GY Cemetery, Firecrest in Caister Road Cemetery, Yellow Wagtail in Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
Ring Ouzels x 2 in first field inland of saltmarsh at north end of Garden Drove, Warham.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstarts x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Red-necked Grebe at Little Broad, Ormesby at Ormesby St Margaret.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshes.
Spoonbill on marsh just south of Gun Hill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzel in paddocks at Cawston Heath.
Firecrests x 2 at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Northern Long-tailed Tit, Firecrest just east of A12 in birch in open area south of west end of Clarence Road at 5.30pm only at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Black Redstart at Sidestrand.
Hen Harrier ringtail at Roydon Common NWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still, just SE of Perranuthoe on beach just west of Boat Cove, 4 miles east of Penzance, Cornwall.
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