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Monday 29 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
WHITE STORK (ringed) still, opposite visitor centre at Welney WWT.
WHITE STORK (ringed) flew over just SE of Downham Market.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 8 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Diver at Far Point, Blakeney Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard reported yesterday at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Red-necked Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Twite x 7 at north end of Iron Road, Water Pipit east of Iron Road at Salthouse.
Snow Buntings x 12 on beach, north of east end of Arnold's Marsh, Spoonbill flew east over Cley NWT.
Great White Egret on saltmarsh at south end, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
RAVEN yesterday, flew over Sennowe Park, Great Ryburgh.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Great Grey Shrike, Crossbills x 2 at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Short-eared Owl at Holme Dunes NWT.
Short-eared Owl at South Dunes, Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 4, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Sunday 28 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
WHITE STORK (ringed) still at Welney WWT.
PENDULINE TIT again, Jack Snipe, Hen Harrier at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
RAVENS x 2 at 9.18, West Rudham.
Lapland Buntings x 20 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Divers at Far Point from Blakeney Harbour.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey, Black Brant at Stiffkey Fen.
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad.
Puffin on beach in morning, Snow Buntings x 8 on beach near Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Spoonbill by East Bank, Snow Buntings x 10 on shingle north of Arnold's Marsh at Cley NWT.
RAVENS x 2 flew north at 14.40 over Choseley Drying Barns.
Spoonbills x 2 on grazing marsh at Holme.
Snow Buntings x 23 at North Beach, Winterton.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Hen Harriers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Nimmo's Pier, County Galway, Ireland.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Saturday 27 February 2016

Cley and Blakeney!

A cold day with north east winds and sunshine. I wasn't able to get out until the afternoon. Headed straight for Cleyspy to collect something and then had a look round their shop for new car binoculars, but couldn't find anything I fell in love with, apart from the funky green Leica bins – far too expensive for me! I like to have a cheapish pair of binoculars in my work bag/car – the pair I currently have could be better!

Walsey Hills NOA is looking good with lots of scrub clearance, although the top path at the east end still needs widening. Nothing of note really to report – Robin, Hedgesparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinches, Heron, Curlews and Pheasants. I could see the new hide/shelter on the East Bank, but didn't venture up there.

Blakeney Freshmarsh produced 2 Marsh Harriers, but no sign of any Lapland Buntings or Twite whilst I was there. Huge numbers of Shelduck in Blakeney Channel.

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Lapland Buntings x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Spoonbills x 3, Black-throated Diver at Burnham Overy Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island.
Snow Buntings x 12, east of north end of East Bank, Spoonbill flew over Arnold's Marsh at Cley NWT.
Lapland Bunting by pool 300 yds east of road at Choseley Drying Barns.
WHITE STORK, Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Firecrest in car park at Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
PENDULINE TIT at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Shocking Footage Reveals The Cruel Reality Of Britain's £2 Billion Game Shooting Industry

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/shocking-footage-reveals-cruel-reality-7442013

Friday 26 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 3, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 80 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Velvet Scoters x 2 at Holkham Gap.
RAVEN at 11.50am, south end of New Holkham.
Lapland Buntings x 10, Twite x 7, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Twite x 20, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
RAVENS x 2 drifted south at 12.34am, over east end of Wells.
Little Gull at Sidestrand.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gull at Blackborough End Landfill.
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker reported recently at Thompson Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Water Pipit, Hen Harriers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common NNR.
Snow Buntings x 13 at North Beach, Winterton.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Snettisham RSPB.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Thursday 25 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Smew redhead yesterday at Welney WWT.
Hen Harrier at Brancaster Staithe.
RAVENS x 2 at north end of lake, between island and monument at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 2 at Holkham Freshmarsh, Snow Buntings x 3 at Holkham Gap.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
Lapland Buntings x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew east over Field House Farm at Brancaster.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Twite x 10 from bench on corner, on path to Holme at Thornham.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Roydon Common.
Rough-legged Buzzard near Choseley Drying Barns.

MEGA NEWS!
None.


Note: Pallas's Warbler found at Portesham in Dorset today, also Yellow-browed Warblers in Cornwall – Spring migration begins!

Wednesday 24 February 2016

.....and Life!

Well as I'm sure you've guessed by now, I wasn't in a fit state to do any birding on Sunday. My long twenty one hour care stint with almost no sleep, had exhausted and drained me. All I managed to achieve besides a very long sleep, was a quick spin round to the Fisherfleet late in the day to watch a few gulls, Mallards and a Moorhen – all exciting stuff! I didn't even see any of the Peregrines on the tower, but there were plenty of Woodpigeons around – Whoopie Doo! It really wasn't worth writing a post out of on Sunday!

Yesterday I had to take half a day's annual leave for a meeting at my parent's house with a gentleman from the CCG for an assessment for NHS Continuing Health Care for my father. This is a long process and the next stage is a Multi Disciplinary Meeting with several professionals, including Social Worker, District Nurse, GP and family etc. At this meeting it is decided if Father qualifies for the NHS Continuing Health Care. After this two hour meeting, I helped Mother with some important jobs in the garden. Father became very emotional later on and thought that the 'man' who had been there earlier, had come to take him away – I had to do lots of reassuring and hugs to try and settle him down – not very successfully though.

When I told mother there was a Willow Warbler reported in Norfolk today, she replied 'no way!' I don't know what the earliest Spring record is for Norfolk – does anyone else please? We'll soon be looking out for the first Wheatears, Chiffchaffs, Sand Martins, Swallows etc – exciting times, roll on Spring!

Willow Warbler Update: I've just noticed that Dawn Balmer (BTO) has written on Twitter this evening: "Birds of Norfolk gives 11 March 1989 at Salthouse as earliest record, then 20 Mar 1957 Thompson Water" – so the above report would be the earliest ever recorded in Norfolk! Wow! We need to keep our ears open this week! The small copse at work was good for singing Willow Warblers, but now most of the trees have been chopped down, I don't think they will return here – we will see!

Its freezing cold in Norfolk right now – my car was frosted up this morning and frosted up now at 23.40. Beautiful sunny days this week though – perfect for photography, walking and birding.... if you're not at work that is! We now have a MASSIVE wind turbine in the hospital grounds – I will be monitoring it for bird fatalities over the coming months!

Saturday, I'm off to Cley – couple of errands and some much needed birding. Sunday I'm at work all day. Hairdressers next week and I really MUST knuckle down to get loads of important jobs completed before Spring kicks in properly. My first holiday of the year starts at the end of March/Easter – it seems a long way off!

After that we have the fabulous NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR at Mannington Hall on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd May 2016 – see you all there! Here are my reviews for Saturday 2015 and Saturday and Sunday 2014.

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe, Water Pipit at Brancaster Staithe.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.
RAVENS x 2 (late morning & again late afternoon) between main entrance and monument, then flew SE at Holkham Park.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, under fallen tree opposite Nature Trail 9 on lake at Holkham Park. 
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Willow Warbler reported this morning, singing at Cringleford, Norwich.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of, Hen Harrier at Choseley Barns.
Lapland Buntings x 7, Twite x 10 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
RAVEN flew SW at 1.40pm over Holt.
Short-eared Owl at Barnham Broom Golf Club.
Short-eared Owls x 2 flew west over saltmarsh at Brancaster.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Twite x 21 at Thornham Harbour.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 17th to 23rd February!

By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2016-08.aspx?s_id=760142166

Tuesday 23 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Bewick's Swans x 23 flew NE over Breydon Water.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Filby Broad.
Great Skua, Little Gulls x 2 flew east past Trimingham.
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2, east of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Scaup on lake at Holkham Park.
Bittern at Whitlingham Country Park.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Lapland Buntings x 8, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hen Harriers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Snettisham RSPB.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Monday 22 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Bewick's Swans x 50, flew east over Bradwell.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still opposite Nature Trail 8, Scaup, Red-crested Pochard on lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Water Pipits x 2 from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach near Gun Hill, Snow Buntings x 20 at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Bewick's Swans x 67 flew east over Burgh Castle.
Water Pipit by first pit by car park at Snettisham RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 8, Twite x 5, Spoonbill at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Redstart briefly at harbour mouth, Great Yarmouth.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Hen Harriers x 5, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens.
Red-necked Grebe at Filby Broad.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Sunday 21 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
White-fronted Geese x 7 flew SE over Northrepps.
Lapland Buntings x 10, Twite x 3, Water Pipit at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Rough-legged Buzzard near Field House Farm, between Docking and Brancaster.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup x 2, on lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Snow Buntings x 7 at North Beach, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach near Gun Hill, Snow Buntings x 12, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret, Smew redhead at Welney WWT.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion, Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

Saturday 20 February 2016

Emergency Carer – 21 Hours!

 I left my house at 1.45am this morning to help my Mother out. Yes, it was a crazy time to go out, but Father had refused to take his Quetiapine tablet for the second night running – this tablet is the most important one to keep him from going crazy. He was going crazy, which is why I had to go over to help out.

When I arrived at my parent's house, all was quiet, but I decided to stay anyway, as my Mother had had very little sleep the night before. I got into my sleeping bag and attempted to make myself comfortable on the small sofa, which is a few yards from where Father sleeps. Mother went upstairs to bed. Father had no idea, that he had a sleep-in carer!

Father was chuntering away to himself for what seemed like ages. Then all was quiet....... until just after 5am when I heard 'help me, help me?....' and so on. Father wanted help to go the toilet, but sadly it was a bit too late – he looked surprised when I told him I was there. I washed him top to bottom, shaved him and washed his hair etc – creamed and clothed with hot bottle on lap and blanket. Put all the bed linen and clothes into the washing machine and switched it on go!

After a massive tidy up and having a wash 'n' brush up myself, it was then 7.30am. Father made me chuckle when he said 'you're like a blow fly' 'what do you mean' I said..... he replied 'buzzing around'! I went outside to let the stray cat out of the shed (its home for the night). Emptied the bins and hung the washing outside. I made breakfast for Father and helped him to eat it. Mother came downstairs and looked wrecked – she didn't look like she had any sleep at all. We sat and had our breakfast together. After more tidying up and toileting, we all cap-napped for 20 minutes or so.

King's Lynn Mobility Shop (I had arranged this a couple of weeks ago) turned up at 10am with three armchairs/recliner chairs for Father to try out as his current chair is old, uncomfortable and rubbish. Father got very irritable by the third sturn transfer to a try out a chair. Unfortunately the best recliner was too big for the space in the room, so Mother opted for a normal armchair for Father and a different model for herself in the dining room – both came with footstools. The gentleman who had come out was very professional and very patient! Father sits much better in his new chair and doesn't sink to the right side constantly as he did in the old chair, so it was worth all the hassle!

I flew outside to get all the washing in, as it hard started to rain, but got in trouble for hanging it up in the wrong places! I then went to the Farm Shop at Thornham and bought fish 'n' chips for us all. After lunch we all crashed out and dozed. I was cream-crackered! Went to Hunstanton to buy some groceries for Mother, came back, had tea, helped Father with more ablutions etc whilst trying to watch 'The Voice'. I was going home early evening, but Father started to get very irritable, cross and unreasonable (due to the fact he had not had his Quetiapine tablet). It took me a couple of hours to persuade him to have that tablet – I got there in the end! Got him into pyjamas and into bed at 9.15pm. Mother thanked me and said she wouldn't have got through the day without me.

Arrived back in King's Lynn at 10pm – took me ages to unload all my stuff out of the car and has taken ages for me to wind down. I know I have been at work all week, which is why the entire night and day has shattered me, but I really don't know how my Mother manages him every day, I really don't. I can't see it going on for much longer – I think she is on the very edge of having to put him in a residential home and although I don't want him in a home, I don't think there is much choice left – its not fair for my Mother at all.

I forgot to say last week – Mother fell off her bicycle in a muddy wet area near her house and couldn't get up. Some very kind neighbours helped her up to her feet – no broken bones or injuries thank goodness, which was very lucky indeed. This muddy area is a result of a skip being sat outside last summer for a very long time, which left the area grassless and quickly became a very wet muddy area for the first time in all the years my family have lived there. I do wish someone would fill in the low, muddy area with some hard core or something to help dry it out! Also I nearly got my car stuck there today and had a job to reverse out of the mud!

If I recover from my today, I hope very much to go birding tomorrow. Good Night!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Black Brant at Brancaster Freshmarsh.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup x 2, Red-crested Pochards x 4 on lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Burgh Castle, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Twite on north side of island at Breydon Water.
Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipits x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Great Northern Divers x 2 off Far Point at Blakeney Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard 1/2 mile north of Field House Farm, between Docking and Brancaster.
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Lapland Buntings x 8, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Bunting at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 7 at Winterton.
Hen Harrier x 6 at Warham Greens.
PALLID HARRIER juv. male at 4.45pm, Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common NNR.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion, Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

Friday 19 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Bewick's Swans x 43 flew east over Horsey Corner.
Ravens x 2, Shorelarks x 3 at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Lapland Buntings x 9, Twite x 7, Red-throated Diver at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Burgh Castle, Short-eared Owls x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Snettisham RSPB.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup, Red-crested Pochard on lake at Holkham Park.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Purple Sandpiper at Walcott.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
PALLID HARRIER juv. male at 4.40pm & still at 5.01pm Roydon Common NNR.
Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
SERINs x 2 unconfirmed report at Felbrigg Hall NT.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

Thursday 18 February 2016

National Wildlife Crime Unit Facing Closure Within Weeks!

I can't actually believe what I'm reading!!!!

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/feb/18/national-wildlife-unit-to-close-within-weeks?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco

Save the Police Unit that Protects Wildlife from Human Cruelty

If you care about the protection of OUR wildlife, please sign here as a matter of urgency and pass on the message – thank you:
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/118005

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, by trail stop 2, Scaup x 2, Red-crested Pochards x 2 on lake at Holkham Park.
PALLID HARRIER juv. male at 4.45pm & still at 5.01pm Roydon Common NNR.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Landfill site at Blackborough End.
Caspian Gull at Ashwicken Lake, NNE of East Winch.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SNOWY OWL recently near Lairg, Highlands, Scotland.

MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN yesterday at Mutton Island, County Galway, Ireland.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL again at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Wednesday 17 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Shorelarks x 3 at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Shag at Wells Harbour.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Crossbills x 7 flew west over Sidestrand.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Short-eared Owl at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER juv. male at 9.30pm, Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
PALLID HARRIER juv. male at 4.30pm, Roydon Common NNR.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup on lake at Holkham Park.
Lapland Bunting, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Twite x 21 at Thornham Harbour.
Firecrest at Pretty Corner Wood, Sheringham.
Lapland Bunting at Weybourne Camp.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 10th to 16th February!

By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2016-07.aspx?s_id=551021864

Happy 60th Birthday!

E D D I E   M Y E R S
T O D A Y !

 OR
 
For anyone that knows Eddie well – you will understand above, if you don't, ask him how he feels about hide flaps that are left open after people have left the hide!!!

Eddie is going to either laugh his head off when he reads this,
kill me, or both!!! xxx


Hope you have a MEGA Birding Year Eddie!

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Protect The Mountain Hare!

This only takes seconds to sign.

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/protect-the-mountain-hare-3?bucket&source=facebook-share-button&time=1454524919

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv. male at 7.40am then flew east at Snettisham RSPB.
Possible hybrid Pine Bunting x Yellowhammer with Yellowhammers x 80 in the morning on Saturday, 1.5 miles east of Ringstead + just east of Ringstead Common in hedge in field NW of Ringstead Rd/Burnham Rd junction.
Shorelarks x 3 at Gun Hill, Spoonbill on saltmarsh at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Water Pipits x 2 at Cley NWT.
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Lapland Buntings x 6, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Long-tailed Duck at Gore Point, Holme.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
PALLID HARRIER juv. male late afternoon at Roydon Common NNR.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup, Red-crested Pochard on lake at Holkham Park.
Smew redhead (yesterday) on lake at Haveringland Hall.
Water Pipits x 3 at Cantley Beet Factory.
Whimbrel at Blakeney.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 4 miles east of Penzance between Marazion and Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Monday 15 February 2016

Mountain Hares Slaughtered In The Angus Glens!

I fell utterly sick, looking at this photo – be warned! How can people kill so much and look so happy – they all need counselling.

https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2016/02/15/more-mountain-hares-slaughtered-in-the-angus-glens/

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard SW of Sunderland Farm & 2 miles SW of Brancaster Staithe.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup x 2 on lake opposite information sign 8 at Holkham Park.
Firecrest in Holm oaks, just south of village car park at Holkham.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Shorelarks x 3, Short-eared Owl at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Puffin on sea, Shag, Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Lapland Bunting, Twite x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Snow Buntings x 40, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Bittern at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harriers x 2, Bittern at Titchwell RSPB.
Short-eared Owl at Horsey.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 4 miles east of Penzance between Marazion and Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Sunday 14 February 2016

Brancaster Staithe, Holkham & Cley!

Distant views of the Red-necked Grebe in the channel at Brancaster Staithe. I had much better views of 3 beautiful Red-breasted Mergansers, along with a Goldeneye, Tufted Ducks, Turnstones etc.

A long walk at Holkham Park produced a distant, blurry view of the Ferruginous duck asleep on the far bank, on the other side of the island in the lake. Also saw a Red Kite above my head and a lovely Grey Wagtail flicked around the opposite side of the lake. Saw a Mistle Thrush on the walk back, but no other birds of note. Carpets of snowdrops everywhere, lots of deer and beautiful light with blue skies.

Arrived at Cley Visitor Centre NWT with minutes to spare before they closed, just in time for me to buy a present for someone! The skies blackened and it started snowing!!! Drove to Coastguards and battled my way over the shingle for an exhilarating sea fix, watching massive waves crashing onto the shingle. It was bitterly cold. Watched the sun set, had a coffee and drove to Holme. Spent the rest of the evening with my parents. I could hear hail on the windows as we watched Country File. No snow in King's Lynn.... yet!

PICTURES TO BE ADDED

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton.
Snow Buntings x 15 at North Gap, Eccles-on-Sea.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup x 2 on lake opposite information sign 7 at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Lapland Buntings x 2, Twite x 10, Jack Snipe at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Great Grey Shrike on north bank of River Wissey, east of B1160 opposite Wissington Beet Factory.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Shorelarks x 3 at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Sooty Shearwater, Little Gulls x 2, Great Skua at Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great Skua east past Trimingham.
Great Skua, Little Gull off beach car park at Cley.
Lapland Buntings x 2 on north side of Green Lane in stubble, 2 fields east of Peddars' Way at Ringstead.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 3.53pm, Hen Harriers x 4 at Roydon Common NNR.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 4 miles east of Penzance, just SE of Perranuthnoe at Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Valentine's Day!

This can only mean one thing.......

B I R D I N G !!!

Saturday 13 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still, Scaup x 2 on lake opposite information sign 8 at Holkham Park.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Lapland Buntings x 2, Twite x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS still, Spotted Redshanks x 2 on north flats at Breydon Water.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 2 at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over Sculthorpe Moor NR.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great Northern Divers x 2 at Blakeney Harbour.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 240, Bittern at Holkham Freshmarsh.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 3.20pm, Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common NNR.
Caspian Gulls x 3 at Aldeby Landfill, south of  Burgh St Peter.
Lapland Buntings x 2 on north side of Green Lane in stubble, 2 fields east of Peddars' Way at Ringstead.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Friday 12 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 7, Water Pipits x 2, Whimbrel at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black Brant at Blakeney Harbour.
Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Burgh Castle.
Siberian Chiffchaff yesterday, east of Whitlingham Country Park, Norwich.
Bittern on Great Broad at Whitlingham Country Park, Norwich.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still on north end of lake at Holkham Park.
Common Cranes x 2, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Glaucous Gull juv. over seafront pier in town and at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Cattle Egret just north of River Waveney in cattle field by track, south of Eastend Farm, 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Caspian Gulls x 5, Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Aldeby Landfill, south of  Burgh St Peter.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Iceland Gulls x 2, Caspian Gulls x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 4, south of A47 + north of riding school, between East Winch and Middleton.
Snow Buntings x 3, Pomarine Skua near Happisburgh Lighthouse.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Snettisham RSPB.
Caspian Gull at Cromer.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 5pm at Roydon Common NNR.
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Snow Buntings x 22, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, east of north end of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Siberian Chiffchaff at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
BLACK KITE possible, unconfirmed report at 3.15pm, flew west over Little Walsingham.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland.

Thursday 11 February 2016

Einstein's Gravitational Waves 'seen' From Black Holes!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35524440

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
LESSER YELLOWLEGS still at west end on saltings opposite Burgh Castle, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Bewick's Swans x 70 flew east over Riverside, Norwich.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Jack Snipes x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh, Whimbrel flew over Blakeney.
Snow Buntings x 40 at North Beach, Winterton.
Water Pipits x 3 from Babcock Hide, Cley NWT.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 still on north end of lake, RAVENS x 2 over entrance gates at Holkham Park.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 between Docking and Brancaster.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 4.36pm at Roydon Common NNR.
Cattle Egret 1 mile south of Burgh St Peter.
Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gulls x 3 in field near Aldeby Landfill.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Hen Harrier, Velvet Scoters x 10 at Holme.
Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum.
Water Pipits x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Hen Harrier at Morston.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Water Pipits x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 2 in ridge stubble fields, along minor road east of Ringstead.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

Wednesday 10 February 2016

NORFOLK WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION!

http://www.norfolkbirdfair.com/home/photography-competition/

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 105 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Red-crested Pochard on west side of lake at Holkham Park.
Bewick's Swans x 9 flew over Winterton.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Lapland Buntings x 2, Twite x 8, Whimbrel at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Common Cranes x 2 at Acle.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Welney WWT.
Black Guillemot flew east at 8.49am, Great Skua at Sheringham.
Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 110 at Berney Marshes RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harriers x 4, late afternoon at Roydon Common NNR.
Short-eared Owl at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT.
Common Cranes x 2 at Somerton Holmes.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

Happy Birthday To Lucy!

I spent the evening with Lucy and we had a picnic in her room! Cream cakes, cheese scones, pringles etc! Lucy loved it – a lovely sister evening! Besides her presents I bought her a bouquet of flowers. Unfortunately she has had toothache all day from a tooth extraction she had a few days ago, so not one of her best birthdays.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 3rd to 9th February!

By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2016-06.aspx?s_id=341892752

Tuesday 9 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Hen Harrier, Bewick's Swans x 12 at Horsey Corner.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Jack Snipe at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 still midway along lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 65 at Holkham Freshmarsh.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 7, Hen Harriers x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
SPERM WHALE late morning at Mundesley.
Snow Buntings x 30 on shingle east of north end of the East Bank at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Water Pipits x 2, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 4.10-5pm, Hen Harriers x 5, Roydon Common NNR.
Hen Harriers x 7 at Warham Greens.
Bewick's Swans x 65, Whooper Swans x 45 at Ludham Airfield.
Snow Buntings x 15 at North Beach, Winterton.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne Camp.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

Mother's Birthday!

Big thanks to my work colleagues for pointing out it was Pancake day – I had no idea! I don't bother making pancakes normally, but being as it was Mother's birthday I decided to make some. I couldn't remember the last time I had made any and had to search for a recipe. Found this one in "The Classic 1000 Vegetarian Recipes" by Carolyn Humphries. I doubled the recipe and this made four big pancakes!

Basic Pancake Mix
100g flour
Pinch of salt
1/2 pint of milk
1 egg, beaten
15ml butter, melted
Oil, for shallow-frying

Whisk the flour, salt, milk and egg to a smooth batter. Whisk in the melted butter. Heat a little oil in frying pan. Pour in just enough mixture to cover the bottom of the pan and cook until just brown underneath. Toss or turn over and cook the other side. Sprinkle with lemon juice and sugar.

I picked up Lucy after work and we spent the evening with our parents to celebrate Mother's birthday. I had bought a birthday card for Father to sign and I was shocked that he could still sign his name and he even managed to add to some kisses – how lovely!

After Mother had opened her presents, I made the pancakes. I was so pleased I made the effort and the pancakes turned out fantastic. They were scrumptious, even though I say so myself! Mother and Lucy loved them and even Father had a few mouthfuls!

The evening went unusually smoothly in the Clarke household..... until...... I could hear this loud scratching sound of what was obviously a rat in the cavity wall – Mother went beserk and commenced her ritual of spraying Impulse Musk scent at the bottom of the skirting board. 'They hate it' she said. They can't hate it that much, as they keep coming back! The large pond opposite Mother's house, combined with her daily feeding of birds doesn't help the rat situation at all.

I helped Father get ready for bed and gave him a shave. He said he was aching all over and it was job to get him to stand on the sturn, but we got there in the end. Lucy and I left about 9.30pm. Lucy's birthday tomorrow!

Prevent The Training of Eagles To Catch Drones!

I can't believe I am even reading this!!! Please sign this petition, thank you.

https://www.change.org/p/metropolitan-police-bernard-hogan-howe-prevent-the-training-of-eagles-to-catch-drones?recruiter=32876088&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=des-lg-share_petition-reason_msg&fb_ref=Default

I am dead against these drones. What a waste of money and so dangerous in so many ways – what if one defaults and comes crashing down for a start. Before we know it,  terrorists will be attaching bombs to them – can you imagine the carnage!!! This world is out of control!!!

RIVER OF BIRDS IN THE SKY for Champions of the Flyway

Monday 8 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 still on north end of lake at Holkham Park.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 140 at Holkham.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Snow Buntings x 20 at North Beach, Winterton.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Point.
Hen Harriers x 7 at Warham Greens.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 4.17pm, Hen Harriers x 5, Roydon Common NNR.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

Sunday 7 February 2016

Pallid Harrier at Roydon Common NWT!

Spent far too much of my weekend finding and buying presents for my Mother and Lucy, who's birthdays are next week. I treated the car to a valet and had it checked over at the Skoda garage on Saturday – saw my old car for sale on the forecourt! I spent a long time in the mobility shop in King's Lynn, deciding which reclining chair would be the best one for father – staff will bring two or three chairs out this month to trial which one is best. Father's current chair is rubbish and is affecting a pressure sore he has on his hip.

Several Turnstones, 1 Redshank, Mallards, Herring and Black-headed Gulls at the Docks in King's Lynn, but no sign of the Iceland Gull or Peregrines today.

I was really surprised at how many birders were at Roydon Common this afternoon. I bumped into Eddie M. and Simon a bit later on who had counted 75 people!!! Good, but distant views of the Pallid Harrier along with two Hen Harriers. I also had two Woodcocks fly over my head, as I walked back to the car. Very, very cold and windy.

Visted my parents for the rest of the evening. Father looked fatigued and very fed-up. I helped him with his tea – one of Vivien's cheese scones, along with a banana and a cup of coffee. Mother looked worn out.

Very strong winds as I drove home, I could feel the car being pushed sideways a couple of times!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 21, Water Pipits x 2, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 still on north end of lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 4.09pm, Hen Harriers x 4, Roydon Common NNR.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 113 at Holkham.
Hen Harrier at Lynn Point.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey.
Snow Bunting on beach at Winterton.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

Saturday 6 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 still on north end of lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Glaucous Gull north of Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Scaup fem at Barton Broad.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Barton Broad.
Hen Harrier at Waxham.
Iceland Gull juv on mud at docks, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. 3.45pm at Roydon Common NNR.
Great White Egret, Hen Harrier at Ongar Hill on saltmarsh near Admiralty Point.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Waveney Forest.
Caspian Gull at Overstrand.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance , between Marazion and Perranuthnoe at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Friday 5 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Water Pipit, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Bewick's Swans x 4 in fields near Horsey Corner.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Horsey.
Bewick's Swans x 58 flew east over North Dunes, Winterton.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK still on lake at Holkham Park.
Firecrest in gardens on Mill Road, Dilham.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Lapland Bunting, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harriers x 4, 4.15pm at Roydon Common NNR.
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Hen Harrier at Waveney Forest.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Bewick's Swans x 100, Whooper Swans x 20 at Ludham Airfield.
Great Northern Diver at Barton Broad.
Common Cranes x 2 flew east over Norwich.
Twite x 25 at Thornham Harbour.
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Blackborough End Tip.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance , just SE of Perranuthnoe at Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Thursday 4 February 2016

Update On The Destruction Of My 'Patch'!

http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/standing-up-for-nature.html

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 at north of lake at Holkham Park.
SPERM WHALE stranded and then died on beach at Old Hunstanton.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 25 on beach at Gun Hill, Slavonian Grebe in channel at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Glaucous Gull at Beaconsfield Recreational Ground, Great Yarmouth.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harriers x 5 at 4.08pm at Roydon Common NNR.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Caspian Gull at Blackborough End Tip.
Spoonbill, Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere Pier, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance at west end at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Another Sperm Whale Dies at Hunstanton!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/sperm_whale_stranded_at_old_hunstanton_dies_1_4404989

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Sunset, River Great Ouse, South Quay, King's Lynn!

Sunset across River Great Ouse, South Quay, King's Lynn


Sunset after work this evening. Standing on South Quay, looking across to West Lynn and Palm Paper. Big flocks of Lapwings and Gulls flying across to roosting sites and a Grey Heron flew over. I could hear a Blackbird singing from the other side of the river! Spring is on the way!

Standing Up For Nature!

The view from our office window is beautiful – a mature woodland including corsican pines, birch, oak, holly, bracken, rhododendron, broom, bramble etc. There is a deep and healthy dyke running along the length of it at the far side and open fields are beyond the wood. The wood is not owned by the hospital – I don't know who it belongs to, but the hospital does own approximately a couple of yards into this wood, next to our road that runs around the hospital – this includes the most mature pine trees on the outer edge.

There has always been a good selection of birds here. Resident/regular birds include: treecreepers, nuthatch, siskins, great spotted and green woodpeckers, robins, redpolls, jays, goldcrests, long-tailed tits, coal, great, blue, and even rarer marsh tits, blackbirds, song thrushes, mistle thrushes - the list goes on. Spring migration brings Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps, Goldcrests and Cuckoos etc. Also tawny owl and protected species: Adders and Grass Snakes hibernate and breed in here. Birds nest in here too, including a Great Spotted Woodpecker in a large dead tree. I watch all of this most days from my car, as do other members of staff in our busy car parking areas.

A short while ago (maybe a couple of weeks) I was very alarmed to see tractors and machinery chopping down trees in the middle and clearing vegetation. Over the next few days they continued to clear more. I had to do something, before the whole lot went! I know the land is privately owned and I'm sure the owner can do exactly as he/she likes and I'm sure there is nothing anyone can do about it, but I wasn't sure of the law, so decided to seek advice to find out what was going on.

I rang the East of England Forestry Commission for advice and I was told that the owner is:
"opening up a glade within the wood, which will be put down to grass, but the rest of the wood will just be thinned. The wood is covered by a Woodland Tree Preservation Order which is put in place by the Planning Dept generally when they think that a wood is of high amenity value, it is basically the best protection that can be afforded to a woodland as any felling work has to be okayed by the local council......"

I emailed back to point out all the wildlife etc that has been lost in this wood etc and that goodness knows how many snakes, hedgehogs etc were killed off as the machines were taking all the tree roots etc out! I listed all the species I have seen in the wood and highlighted the grass snakes and adders which are a protected species. The woodpecker tree had been felled – very sad. The 'glade' is a massive area that they have felled. The wood is not huge - the area felled is probably more than half of the size of the entire wood! It's much more than a 'glade'! Its completely heartbreaking. When the Forestry Commission gentleman I was speaking to told me that the cleared area was going to be grassed, I was completely mystified! Why go to all this bother of stripping out all of this wonderful wood to replace it with green turf? I couldn't see the point? It must have cost a lot of money to get those contractors in and they are still there today – clearing and flattening this massive area of ground.

The Forestry Commission gentleman told me that the Tree Officer at the council was also involved, so I phoned him also and found out more! Apparently there is going to be sheep grazing on the grassed area. This is even more strange. Why would someone clear a wood, to lay grass, to graze sheep yards from the hospital grounds and extremely close to the very fast A149? All sounds rather strange to me! Also, locals walk their dogs through here (most off leads), so I am guessing there is a public right of way through here? If there is, then I don't think sheep and dogs are going to mix do you?!!! It doesn't add up at all.

Yesterday, I sat having my lunch in the car and for the first time in many many years I didn't see a single bird. I always see a minimum of Robin, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Blackbird in here every day in my lunch time. All the cover for the birds has gone, bare, stripped and all for some bloody grass, makes me so angry. My 'patch' has been destroyed!

When I finished work last night I took some pictures and this video (below) of the wood. The video is 8.5 minutes long and its a bit shakey as I walk through – the light was also fading fast. There was far more cleared than I had thought – it saddened me immensely. I will be keeping a close eye over the coming days and weeks! Maybe I have got it all wrong – maybe a wonderful pond will be dug out and improved planting with bird hides, feeders and a nature trail....... dream on Penelope! I will keep you all posted.
The Wood next to the QEH Hospital – 2nd February


UPDATE
I have been given some very very useful information and advice from a very kind blog reader. This information was sent via my blog. When someone comments on my blog, I can choose whether to publish the comment or delete it – I don't have that persons email, so can only continue conversation with them publicly via my blog. I don't want to divulge that persons name, so could not publish it, but I have copied the comment, minus the person's name and also a few words which might give away my blog readers ID:

"...........I bet that what is happening is something like this. Landowner wants to develop the land, possibly in collaboration with the hospital (NHS managers are notoriously ruthless I'm afraid when it comes to converting environmental assetts into healthcare cash) but the TPOs are blocking this. So they concoct a scheme to "improve" the woodland typically through "thinning". The forestry commission and local council will love this as they hate scruffy " wasteland", verges, hedgerows etc and if the plan involves some vague reference to improved amenity value and biodiversity (that'll be the sheep) this will go through the necessary approvals like a shot. They then "improve" ie decimate the wood and in only a few years will be able to quite accurately claim that it has diminished in environmental value to the point where the TPO can be revoked and is of unusable as amenity land because the dogs are terrorising the sheep. QED. The only real hope you have of stopping this (assuming my jaundiced assessment is correct) is local concerted community action, publicity and councillor logging - they do not like being bearded in their own dens or the papers but social media may well be your best bet. Find out who the landowner is and check the planning history to see if this has been submitted for development before and then you have your smoking gun. I hope I'm wrong but frankly the odds are with me.........."

A big thank you to the person who sent the above comment. Now – after reading above, let me surmise........ the hospital is VERY short of car parking spaces and this has been an ongoing problem. I wonder if the land owner will be renting/selling the land to the hospital for car parking further down the line?!!!!! Like I said earlier, sheep and skipping lambs grazing on grass doesn't wash with me – no pennies to be made from that is there?!!!

I have contacted a very important person this evening, who will hopefully be able to help me further – can't say any more than that yet. Will update you when I am able to over the next few days.

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 6 flew over Honingham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at East Somerton.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 2 at north of lake at Holkham Park.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Slavonian Grebe in channel between Gun Hill and Scolt Head Island.
Glaucous Gull just east of Wellesley Road at the football ground, Great Yarmouth.
Lapland Bunting, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach near Gun Hill, Snow Buntings x 20, Red-necked Grebe in channel near harbour, Bittern flew over reedbed east of footpath at Burnham Overy
Snow Buntings x 10 at main beach entrance at Holkham.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER possible, in Eye Field early afternoon at Cley NWT.
Red-necked Grebe still in main channel at Brancaster Staithe.
Twite x 25 at Thornham Harbour.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Hen Harrier at Morston Quay.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., 2.50pm at Flitcham Abbey Farm.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harriers x 4 at 5pm at Roydon Common NNR.
Snow Buntings x 30, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Firecrest at Whitlingham Country Park.
Black Brant, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 2,500 at Stiffkey Fen.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 27th January to 2nd February!

By Jon Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2016-05.aspx?s_id=132808593

Tuesday 2 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 3 at north of lake at Holkham Park.
Glaucous Gull, Great Skua, Snow Buntings x 50 at North Beach, Winterton.
Great Northern Diver at Trimingham.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 3.25pm & on a post at 4.35pm, Roydon Common NNR.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Iceland Gull at Welney WWT.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE HIGHLIGHTS
AMERICAN HERRING GULL Juv.  2 miles WNW of Whittlesey at King's Dyke on skip at McCain Factory.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN east of Newtownlynch Quay at Goat Island, County Galway, Ireland.

Monday 1 February 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Great Northern Divers x 2 Blakeney Harbour off Far Point, viewed from Stiffkey Fen.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK, Scaup x 3 on lake at Holkham Park.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Great White Egret at Nar Valley Fisheries.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Snow Buntings x 20 on beach east of Arnold's Marsh at Cley NWT.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
PALLID HARRIER Juv., Hen Harriers x 5 at 4pm, Roydon Common NNR.
Snow Buntings x 40. Great Skua at North Beach, Winterton.

MEGA NEWS!
None.