CleySpy, Swarovski – the new GTX at Cley NWT! Mike Dilger, Wryneck at Walsey Hills NOA & More!

The day began with a telephone call from my mother, to inform me that she had fallen out of bed this morning at around 2am!!! She had fallen heavily and cut her nose and said "you would have been horrified Penny, if you had seen how much blood there was". Did she call me? no. Did she call 111? No. Did she want me to take her to A&E? No. She had patched herself up with Savlon and a big plaster and said it hurt at the time, but she didn't have any pain now. She insisted that I didn't need to come over. I felt pretty selfish not going over to see how she really was, but as she seemed to be ok, I headed out for the day and then went to visit her later on. But, I did ring the District Nurse team to go and visit her – which they did and simply told her that she would have two black eyes tomorrow! They were not allowed to dress her injury and that if she was worried at all, she should go to A&E – which of course she had already refused to do!

Mike Dilger, Wildlife Reporter for the BBC1's One Show
with me at the Visitor Centre at Cley NWT

With south east winds, there had to be some birds turning up somewhere in Norfolk today. I noted that the Red-winged Blackbird was still on North Ronaldsay, which mean't there would be some very happy listers today! I headed east as planned, to the Visitor Centre at Cley NWT to join CleySpy and meet the Swarovski team, who were here on the first leg of their UK Tour, to promote their new BTX Binocular Spotting Scope System. Celebrity Mike Dilger from the BBC's One Show was also here to assist with the promotion.

I managed to get a parking place in the car park, which I was surprised by. Local birders had arrived to take a look at this exciting new telescope system, including Eddie and John F. amongst many others throughout the day. I met and talked with Mike Dilger for ages – what a seriously nice man and so knowledgeable – he seemed to know Norfolk well, when we discussed various things. I was introduced to him by Director Tim Strivens at CleySpy, who told Mike briefly about my blog. Mike asked for my blog name later on, which I gave him – he also asked if I made a living from my blog – I wish!

Mike Dilger with me at Cley NWT ©Tim Strivens

Mike Dilger with John Furse at Cley NWT

Swarovski's BTX Binocular Spotting Scope System!

My initial thoughts about the new scope system, is that it will bring huge comfort and joy to sea-watchers for several reasons: the headrest is adjustable and surprisingly comfortable and as another birder mused 'you could fall asleep' and no one would know! Sea watching for several hours is a strain on your eyes and fatigues you, so this new system brings sea-watching to a whole new level! Picking up the entire kit and tripod was lighter than I thought it would be, but still too heavy to carry around for any distance I would have thought, certainly for me anyway. The price tag is sadly too much for my bank to handle, but if I had the pennies I would certainly have one for sea-watching. I wouldn't swop if for my scope set-up, as I phone-scope and the new kit does not accommodate for phone scoping yet as far as I know. A full in-depth review will be added at a later date – in the not too distant future.

The Swarovski's BTX system is available at CleySpy – the best place for to buy all your binoculars, telescopes, tripods etc, ranging from birders on a budget to the elite end of the market, with excellent service from all staff. Cleyspy's main shop is at Glandford and their second shop is based next to Cley NWT Visitor Centre – see their website for directions.

Tim Strivens, Director at CleySpy and Mike Dilger at Cley NWT

I saw 13 Arctic Terns flying east through the new scope system (which Eddie called out). I had a jacket potato lunch in the visitor centre, which was very nice, then news came on the pager of a Wryneck at Walsey Hills NOA just as my lunch was being served!

I got the last parking spot at Walsey Hills and spent a long time searching for the very elusive Wryneck. Eventually I had excellent views, but the sun was hazy and too distant for my 300mm lens – but obtained a few record shots. Kieran Nixon and Warden David Bratt found the Wryneck today – it was nice to catch up with them both. A Cettis's Warbler burst into song and I could hear Sedge Warblers and Blackcaps singing and saw a Chiffchaff.

Wryneck at Walsey Hills NOA

Wryneck at Walsey Hills NOA

I left Walsey Hills and headed to Salthouse and parked up at Beach Road to walk to Gramborough Hill (John's Hill!). It was really windy out here, so the chance of seeing any migrants would be difficult. I found two Stonechats, one Wheatear, Meadow Pipits, one Whitethroat, Linnets, Starlings and the wonderful views of the Sand Martin colony.

I returned to Walsey Hills again and had approximately 10 minutes viewing of the Wryneck sitting in a tree, along with other birders – it then dropped down and wasn't seen again this evening. I headed west and visited my mother.

The huge plaster on her nose, will not catch on as a trend and looked ridiculous. I felt so sorry for her as both her eye sockets looked purple and you could see the bruising developing – she's going to be black tomorrow! She was really cross with herself and said she wouldn't be falling again – hopefully not. Apparently she was trying to kick a hot water bottle out, at the same time as trying to get out of bed! I did remind her that she was 77 and not 18 anymore.

I really enjoyed today and it was so good to be back in Cley – I can't remember the last time I was here – I was way overdue for a visit!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Black Terns x 38, Arctic Terns x 24, Little Gulls x 8, Spoonbill at Breydon Water
Black-winged Stilts x 2, Great White Egrets x 3, Garganey at Welney WWT
Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Little Gulls x 3 at Rush Hill Scrape, Black Terns x 2, Arctic Terns x 15 at Hickling Broad NWT
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret, Black Terns x 2, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Garganey x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath RSPB
Wood Sandpiper flew east, Ring Ouzels x 5 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Wood Warbler south of fenced off area at west end of the pines, Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holkham
Hen Harrier, Arctic Terns x 155, Black Terns x 15 flew east + 5 on Arnold's Marsh at Cley
Turtle Dove singing, Wood Sandpiper, Velvet Scoters x 20, Arctic Tern at Titchwell RSPB
Turtle Doves x 4, Common Crane flew over Choseley Drying Barns
Common Crane flew over Hunstanton
Woodlark at Holkham
Serin at Waxham Sands Holiday Park
Black Terns x 4 flew south at Waxham
Cattle Egret at Halvergate
Black Terns x 4 at Colney Gravel Pits
Black Terns x 5 at Martham Broad
Arctic Terns x 57, Black Terns x 19 flew past Horsey
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes
Wryneck at Walsey Hills NOA (KN & DB)
Black Terns x 5, Arctic Terns x 9 flew past Caister-on-Sea
Arctic Terns x 275, Black Terns x 18 flew east, Common Crane flew in off sea at Holme
Black Terns x 15, Scaup at Stiffkey Harbour
White Stork at Clenchwarton
Black Terns x 5, Arctic Terns x 6 at Ormesby Broad
Arctic Terns x 3 at Filby Broad
Black Terns x 2, Arctic Terns x 4, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Little Stint, Garganey, Spoonbills x 3 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Black Terns x 8, Little Gull at Sparham Pools, Lyng
Black Terns x 24 flew south at Winterton
Black Terns x 6, Arctic Terns x 11 flew past Weybourne Camp
Wood Sandpiper at East Wretham Heath
Osprey flew south over Mundesley
Osprey at Bintree Mill
Turtle Dove at Snettisham Coastal Park
Black Terns x 24, Arctic Terns x 123, Little Gulls x 2 flew east, also Ring Ouzel at Sheringham

MEGA NEWS
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD Female 
Still for 2nd day – potentially a First for Britain!
North Ronaldsay, Orkney

Turtle Doves, Med Gull Bonanza & Cuckoo!

TURTLE DOVE

Choseley Drying Barns

Choseley Drying Barns
I arrived at Choseley Drying Barns, where three birders were stood outside their cars by the barrier across the concrete. Yellowhammers were present on the concrete, but not much else. I remained in my car. The birders left shortly after I arrived – only minutes after that, I was rewarded with stupendous views of two Turtle Doves, one of which posed beautifully for my camera – best pictures I have ever obtained of Turtle Dove I think!

Yellowhammer at Choseley Drying Barns

Turtle Dove at Choseley Drying Barns

There was a wonderful selection of birds here including: Corn Buntings, lots of Yellowhammers, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Pied Wagtails, Red-legged and Grey Partridges, Blackbirds, Swallows skimming past, Racing Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Pheasants, Marsh Harriers x 2 and a Leveret playing around on the concrete, which was fun to watch. I knew Eddie was at Titchwell RSPB, so I phoned him to see what he had seen – a huge number of Med Gulls were present from Island Hide he said!

Titchwell RSPB
A Cetti's Warbler burst into song and a Blackcap was singing, as I walked along the main path to join Eddie M. and Sue B. in Island Hide. Eddie had counted 101 Mediterranean Gulls at the back of the scrape – some of them were sitting on the fence posts, but the majority were behind the fence line!!! I can't recall ever seeing that many in one spot – it was fabulous to see, it really was.

On the way back, we heard a Cuckoo calling – my first this Spring. Sue heard little bursts of reeling from a Grasshopper Warbler, but Eddie and I couldn't hear it, however long we stood and listened! We tried to locate the Cuckoo, which was calling from the Fen Trail, but failed to see it.

Called in to see mother briefly on the way back and then headed home. I'm looking forward to going to Cley tomorrow. I can't remember the last time I visited! I asked mother if she would like to join me tomorrow, but she said she couldn't leave the cat that long!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Black Kite at Rush Hill Scrape, Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Hickling Broad NWT
Turtle Doves x 2 flew over Barrow Common, Whinchat, Whimbrel x 16 on golf course practice at Brancaster
Turtle Dove at  Gypsy Lane, Titchwell
Turtle Dove in car park, Ruddy Shelduck at Titchwell RSPB
Black-winged Stilts x 2 on Lady Fen, Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 9, Spoonbill, Grey Plover, Garganey at Welney WWT
Turtle Doves x 2 at Choseley Drying Barns
Woodlark at North Dunes, Winterton
Waxwings x 6 at Costessey
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE reported SE of Norwich
Ring Ouzels x 15, Long-tailed Duck, Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Hen Harrier at Cley NWT
Hen Harrier at Salthouse
Ring Ouzels x 4 flew over West Runton
Ring Ouzel at Weybourne Camp
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Common, Sheringham
Ring Ouzel at Drymere
Ring Ouzel at Roydon Common NWT
Cattle Egret at Halvergate
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Holme NWT
Ring Ouzel at Cranwich Heath
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey
Short-eared Owl at Snettisham Coastal Park

MEGA NEWS
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD Female
Potentially a First for Britain!
North Ronaldsay, Orkney

BRITISH GAS ARE UTTERLY CRAP!

Three months ago I made my Saturday morning appointment between 8am and 1pm to have my boiler serviced. I pay BG £20.00 a month for breakdown of my central heating system and boiler and because of that I expect a good service. British Gas sent me a polite reminder on Wednesday to confirm that they were coming out this morning. It takes a long time to get a Saturday appointment and my boiler service was now overdue. I was up and ready early this morning and car packed to go birding as soon as they had been. It got to 11.30am, so I decide I better phone them to see what time they were actually coming....... they are not coming they tell me and apparently tried to ring me yesterday on my landline phone, even though I have told them before, that my landline phone does not work and even if it did, how would someone that works be able to answer their phone at home!!! I pointed out that I wasn't a lady that lunched, that I work 37.5 hours and sometimes 6 days a week. I went into the biggest rant of my life with multiple swear words. Apparently they had had too many emergency call outs. The lady I was speaking to 'Chloe' said she would ring the 'Dispatch Team' and ring me back, but guess what, she didn't!

I went all through the laborious process of ringing BG again and got through to 'Corina' who I then had to tell the entire story to again. She apologised, but apologies are not good enough as far as I'm concerned. It wasn't a last minute appointment, it had been booked for ages and no one had bothered to ring my mobile either yesterday or today to say it was cancelled. Corina asked if I would like another appointment next Saturday. 'No' I reply, we are scattering my father's ashes that day. She then offered me the following Saturday and I replied with 'you are joking..... and take the risk of you wasting another of my precious days'........ 'bleep the boiler' and slammed the phone down. She tried to ring back, but I didn't answer. My BP remained at top levels for a good few hours – I was beyond fuming. For the first time, they will be getting a serious complaint in writing from me with compensation for wasted time.😠

Mike Dilger will be at The Swarovski BTX Tour at Cley NWT on Sunday!

"This Sunday 30th April The Swarovski BTX Tour kicks off at the beautiful Cley Marshes, near Cley-Next-The-Sea in Norfolk. It is home to some of the largest areas of reedbed and bracken lagoon in England. They attract million of birds throughout the whole year and is a popular stop-off for migratory species in particular. The nature reserve is complete with a Norfolk Wildlife Trust centre and Cley Spy’s second optics store: the Cley Spy Marshes.

There will be plenty of BTX demonstration units for you to try, as well as Swarovski reps and Cley Spy staff who will answer any questions you may have about the BTX and ATX binocular/telescope hybrid.

Mike Dilger, wildlife reporter for The One Show and celebrity ecologist, will be attending as our guest all day, so this is your time to ask him anything you like about birdwatching, ecology, binoculars and wildlife.

There will be a limited selection of BTX modules for sale at the event, but you will have the opportunity to pre-order and receive the new BTX module when more are released."

http://www.cleyspy.co.uk/blog/BTX-Tour/

STOP PRESS! MEGA! RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, potentially first for Britain on North Ronaldsay!

A female Red-winged Blackbird has been found on North Ronaldsay, Orkney!!!

FOUND BY SIMON DAVIS – CONGRATULATIONS!

OMG! Pictures here:
https://twitter.com/NRonBirdObs/status/858302802749247488/photo/1

More pictures here:
http://northronbirdobs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/red-winged-blackbird.html

Fossil-hunters Make Mammoth Discovery On Beach At West Runton!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/a-fantastic-find-fossil-hunters-make-mammoth-discovery-on-beach-at-west-runton-1-4996064

Couch to 5k Update, Marsh Tits & Nine Days Holiday!

About a week ago, I hung up a red net bag of nuts and bird seed from a birch branch, just in front of my regular car parking spot at work. Yesterday I noticed that a huge amount of seed had disappeared – I found out why today, a Jay flew in and balanced on the very thin branch to gobble loads of seed! I have had Great Tits and Blue Tits regularly feeding in my lunch breaks. Today I had a fabulous surprise – two Marsh Tits arrived to feast on the seed! To watch them only yards from my car was wonderful!

Completed my third and final run of Week One, COUCH TO 5K early this morning – it was lovely sunshine first thing and I had close views of a Marsh Tit on route. I can't recall seeing three Marsh Tits on the same day for a very long time! Week Two, which commences on Monday is another week of three runs and its more intense than this week. At the end of the nine weeks I will be running three miles, three times a week.

Now on holiday for the next nine days! SE winds – serious migration and rares begin! My mother heard a Cuckoo in the early afternoon – she's beaten me on that one!

Oh dear..... just tickled my car on a bloody concrete post after picking my sister Lucy up from her concert rehearsal at 10pm!!! Of course the scrape covers several panels, which will be very costly – so cross with myself. Only my second accident ever, the last one was a post too!

THIS SUNDAY AT CLEYSPY,  CLEY NWT CENTRE:
http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/date-for-your-diary.html

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Hickling Broad NWT
Turtle Dove, Great White Egrets x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Arctic Terns x 40 flew north at Snettisham
Turtle Doves x 2, Ring Ouzels x 3 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Arctic Terns x 20 flew north at Sheringham
Ring Ouzel at Burnham Overy Dunes
Arctic Terns x 13 at Whitlingham Country Park
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Waxham
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT
Ring Ouzels x 6, Short-eared Owl at Holme
Shorelarks x 6 at Happisburgh
Spoonbills x 2 north of whirlygig, Little Gull at Stiffkey Fen
Ring Ouzels x 4 at Horsey
Redstart at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbill on saltmarsh at Thornham
Waxwings x 3 at Thorpe St Andrew
Turtle Dove at Choseley
Waxwings x 6 at Costessey
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Dersingham Bog

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Bufflehead esc. fem. (bearing yellow ring) at Potter Heigham
Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Hickling Broad NWT
Turtle Dove singing, Caspian Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Glaucous Gull at Salthouse
Little Gull, Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Ring Ouzels x 10 at Horsey
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton
Glossy Ibis at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Common Cranes x 9 at Welney WWT
Spoonbills x 2 at Brancaster Staithe
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Snettisham Coastal Park

MEGA NEWS
None

Hot Birding Next Week!

I completed my second run for 'Couch to 5k' this morning, in freezing conditions and light rain – my third one is on Friday and then the schedule changes weekly with increasingly longer runs ending with a 5k run by week 9 – we'll see!

I have set up a mini bird feeding station at work, where I park my car, which has been hugely successful and fabulous to watch birds feeding directly in front of me in my lunch break – that is if I am able to get my favoured car parking space every morning, which is not always possible! The weather is seriously cold – we've had heavy rain, hail and wind, but its all changing next week!

The week ahead looks very exciting indeed, with south east winds kicking off this Saturday! Well, to be precise, winds switch to south east at 10pm on Friday night, according to BBC weather! Looks like I have struck gold with an entire week off! If you can arrange last minute holidays – book the week off! Just one small problem – I have to wait in on Saturday morning for British Gas to service my boiler – can't change it, as its taken three months to get the appointment!

On Tuesday, the wind switches back to north west, then we have a run of north easterlies for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The magical month of May birding begins!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Ring Ouzels x 2 flew over Thorpe Marshes
Whimbrels x 41 on playing field, by village hall at Thornham
Ring Ouzels x 3, Spoonbills x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme NWT
White Stork flew over Great Ryburgh
Redstart male at Walsey Hills NOA
Spoonbills x 4 at Warham Greens
Spoonbill at Welney WWT
Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Hickling Broad NWT
Shorelarks x 6 at Happisburgh
Waxwings x 6 at Costessey
Hen Harrier at Cley NWT
Glaucous Gull juv. at Titchwell RSPB
Glossy Ibis at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Lynford Aboretum

MEGA NEWS
None

RBA Weekly Round-Up 19th to 25th April!

By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2017-17.aspx?s_id=18072148

The week ahead looks very exciting indeed, with south east winds kicking off on Saturday! Looks like I have struck gold with an entire week off! If you can, book the week off!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
TUESDAY 25TH APRIL
Shorelarks x 9 at Happisburgh
Ring Ouzels x 3 at South Beach, Heacham
Savi's Warbler at Heigham Corner, Spoonbills x 3, White Stork esc. at Hickling Broad NWT
Great White Egrets x 2, Spoonbills x 7 yesterday at
Burnham Overy Dunes
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Waxwings x 13 at Costessey
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes,
Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Black Redstart at end of the Esplanade, Sheringham
Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Welney WWT
White Storks x 3 at Feltwell
Ring Ouzel, Spoonbills x 3 at Stiffkey
Turtle Doves x 2, Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park
Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB
White Storks x 3 esc. at Feltwell

MEGA NEWS
None

COUCH TO 5K!!! My First Run!

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/one-you-couch-to-5k/id1082307672?mt=8

Today I ran my first 'COUCH TO 5K'! The beginning of a new fitter me! Long distance running was the only sport I really enjoyed at school. I remember going in for the 'Norfolk Trials' and came in 12th behind my friend Veronica Bland in 11th place! I don't think I have ever run since! I was surprised I was able to complete the first stage this morning to be honest. Thanks to Cilla Williams a Physiotherapist I work with, for her advice and encouragement. Cilla is running 10k on the 30th April – here is her donation page: Cilla's 10k for Little Discoverers on MyDonate

Week One – you run three times a week.  You have four trainers to choose from, I choose Michael Johnson. You start off with a brisk 5 minute warm up walk and then run for 60 seconds, brisk walk for 90 seconds, run for 60 seconds and so on until the end of the 20 minute session, when you finish with a 5 minute brisk walk. By the 9th week, you should be able to run 5k in 30 minutes! I'm fed up with dieting, so thought I would run off the stones!

I didn't get any birding done at the weekend. Jobs and errands on Saturday and then worked all day on Sunday. But, I have nine days off from this Saturday – 29th April!!!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Savi's Warbler at Heigham Corner, Spoonbills x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Ring Ouzels x 15 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Ring Ouzels x 2 flew west over Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Waxham
Spoonbills x 2 flew west over Salthouse
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Black Terns x 2 at Colney Gravel Pits
Ring Ouzels x 2 south of Heacham Dam
Turtle Doves x 2, Ring Ouzels x 5, Whinchat at Snettisham Coastal Park
Shorelarks x 10 at Happisburgh
Glossy Ibis at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Ring Ouzel at Wiveton
Black Kite 3.5 miles ENE of Downham Market
Whimbrels x 29 on village hall field at Thornham

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Savi's Warbler at Heigham Corner, Spoonbills x 2, Garganey x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 4, Garganey x 4, Common Cranes x 13 at Potter Heigham
Ring Ouzels x 7 flew west, Velvet Scoters x 40 at Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel, Grasshopper Warbler, Garganey x 2 at
Snettisham Coastal Park
Waxwings x 16 at New Costessey
Waxwings x 18 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes,
Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Spotted Redshanks x 5 at Breydon Water
Ring Ouzel at Mousehold Heath, Norwich
Ring Ouzels x 2 in garden at North Repps
Ring Ouzels x 29 at West Runton
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Stiffkey Fen
Turtle Dove singing in village, Ring Ouzels x 7 at Holme Dunes NWT, Ring Ouzels x 5 near watch tower at Holme
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Winterton
Blue-headed Wagtail, Ring Ouzel at Kelling Quags
Shorelarks x 10 at Happisburgh
Redstart at East Wretham Heath
White-tailed Eagle at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Common Crane at Barton Broad
Bar-tailed Godwit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hen Harrier at Heacham
Hooded Crow flew west, Ring Ouzel at Sheringham

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
White-tailed Eagle, Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Spoonbills x 2, Common Cranes x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape at
Hickling Broad NWT
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes,
Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Black Tern, Spoonbills x 2, Velvet Scoters x 64 at Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel in field at Great Bircham
White-tailed Eagle, Osprey at Ormesby Little Broad,
Ormesby St Margaret
Common Cranes x 18, Garganey, Spoonbills x 2 at
Potter Heigham Marshes
Osprey, Arctic Terns x 5 at Cley NWT
Whimbrel x 11 at Thornham
Ring Ouzels x 3, Woodlark, Common Cranes x 2 at Winterton
Spoonbill at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Ring Ouzel at Sheringham
Osprey at East Dereham
Osprey at Burnham Overy Dunes
Waxwings x 6 at New Costessey
Ring Ouzels x 3 west of Blakeney
Spoonbill at Breydon Water
Shorelarks x 7 at Happisburgh
Bar-tailed Godwit, Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Ring Ouzel at Welney WWT
Purple Sandpipers x 13 at Waxham
Waxwings x 16 at Longwater Retail Park, NW of Norwich

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Velvet Scoters x 45, Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB
Black Brant or hybrid yesterday at Snettisham RSPB
Ring Ouzels x 5 flew west, Blue-headed Wagtail in cattle field by car park at West Runton
Ring Ouzel in garden at Sheringham
Spoonbill, Russian White-fronted Goose at Cley NWT
White-tailed Eagle flew over Ormesby Little Broad, Spoonbill at
Ormesby St Margaret
Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Spoonbills x 3 at Rush Hill Scrape, Common Cranes x 2 at Hickling Broad NWT
Ring Ouzels x 2 at South Dunes, Winterton
Ring Ouzels x 2 flew over Meadow Lane, Salthouse
Great White Egrets x 4, Bar-tailed Godwit at Welney WWT
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Waxwings x 16 at Longwater Retail Park, NW of Norwich
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret, Garganey x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Osprey at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
White Stork at Heigham Holmes
White Stork esc. at Waxham
Ravens x 2 flew over Sandringham

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
THURSDAY 20th APRIL
Ring Ouzels x 17+, Hen Harrier, Spoonbill, Velvet Scoters x 8 offshore at Burnham Overy Dunes
Turtle Dove, Velvet Scoters x 35, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at
Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel between Heacham and Hunstanton
Blue-headed Wagtail in paddock south of Hunstanton
Honey Buzzard at Ranworth Broad
White Stork drifted south, Ring Ouzels x 4 at Horsey
White Stork drifted south over Winterton
Ring Ouzels x 2 south of Beeston Bump, Sheringham
Hoopoe flew west over Sheringham
Hoopoe flew west over beach at Salthouse
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Drayton
Shorelarks x 2, Blue-headed Wagtail, White Wagtails x 3 at Happisburgh
Spoonbill at north end of East Bank at Cley NWT
Great White Egrets x 5 at Welney WWT
Savi's Warbler singing at Heigham Corner, Hickling Broad NWT
Great White Egret at Holkham
Garganey x 2, Bar-tailed Godwit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 9 flew ESE over Norwich
Common Cranes x 9 flew east over Brundall/Strumpshaw
Waxwings x 16 at Longwater Retail Park
Crossbills x 2 flew SE over Sidestrand
Osprey at Rockland Broad

MEGA NEWS
None

Chris Packham Accosted By Police, Who Force Him to Stop Filming Bird Hunters in Malta!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39652901

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/20/chris-packham-cleared-of-assault-malta-bird-altercation-bbc-wildlife

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3371264/chris-packham-bbc-springwatch-accused-assault-malta-video/#comments

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/19/chris-packham-pushed-police-charged-assault-confrontation-bird/ 

https://twitter.com/ChrisGPackham?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Turtle Dove, Velvet Scoters x 37, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at
Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart at Kelling Quags
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Drayton
Ring Ouzel flew south along cliffs, Ring Ouzel at Searles Golf Course at Hunstanton
Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstart, Garganey x 2, Cuckoos x 2, Whimbrels x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Ruddy Shelduck east of East Bank at Cley NWT
Common Cranes x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes,
Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Gun Hill, Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Dunes
Ring Ouzels x 5, White Stork (presumed esc.) at Horsey
Hoopoe on lawn at Mundesley
Dartford Warbler, Shorelarks x 5, Shag, White Stork at Happisburgh
Garganey at Cantley
Ring Ouzels x 4 at Cawston Heath
Common Cranes x 9 flew north over Wiveton

MEGA NEWS
HERMIT THRUSH
Isle of Noss, Shetland

RBA Weekly Round-Up 12th to 18th April!

By Mark Golley
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2017-16.aspx?s_id=926927557

Burnham Overy Dunes and Gun Hill!

Ring Ouzel

This evening at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes

Today was my first proper day's birding in ages! I also can't remember the last time I walked to Burnham Overy Dunes! It was a gloriously sunny day, but with a biting north easterly wind to keep you alert! It was obvious that the Easter break was over, as there were very few people about and hardly any dogs.

As I walked along the hedge-lined track, a Swallow flew over and a Spoonbill flew west. A male Blackcap appeared in an elder by the stile. My first Sedge Warbler burst into song, by the first metal gate – this was one of several I heard this afternoon. There were lots of Egyptian Geese, Greylag and Canada Geese on the marshes, along with Lapwings displaying, Red-legged and Grey Partridges, Little Egrets, Shelducks, Mallards, Marsh Harrier, a Kestrel and Meadow Pipits. A Yellow Wagtail flew over calling. At the end of the boardwalk a Hedge Sparrow was singing in the newly blossomed apple tree. I love this apple tree, so many good birds have found shelter in this little tree  – I won't forget photographing a Pallas's Warbler here a few years back.

I headed east through the dunes to the pines. At least five Wheatears were feeding on the short turf, along with a big flock of 50+ Linnets – some of them were very bright indeed, as they perched on the barbed wire fence in the sunshine. I explored most of the dunes, which was hard work – as I'm pretty unfit at the moment. A striking male Stonechat was perched at the top of a bush singing, which was nice and the Wheatear count continued. I walked to the Subalpine Warbler pit (locals will know where I mean) and it started to rain – no birds here. The rain shower was brief thank goodness. I walked around the pines and then back to sit on the high dune overlooking the fenced off area in hope of a Ring Ouzel. I played the 'Lark Ascending' on my iphone and thought about my father, got upset and turned the music off – it was pretty silly to play it in the first place! A Robin sat in an elder the entire time I was here – no Ring Ouzels were seen! Two Marsh Harriers were cruising over the marshes distantly. The best bird here was an unexpected Fieldfare, which flew past me at eye level, going east towards the pines.

I walked back through the dunes with several more sightings of Wheatears and Meadow Pipits. I climbed the high dune to walk along the flat area next to the barbed wire fence, but looked back for a few moments and suddenly spotted a blackish bird distantly – looked through bins to find a smart male Ring Ouzel! Another appeared and another..... four in all – good job I looked back before I continued my walk. They were too far away for photos though. Back at the boardwalk, I headed west to Gun Hill – it was now 6pm.

Ring Ouzel at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes

Along the lower path I found three lovely Reed Buntings in the suada scrub and more Wheatears appeared, along with another big flock of Linnets. There were approximately 400 Brent Geese on the marshes and two Spoonbills were in the creek just south of Gun Hill. There were at least 10 Wheatears in this area. Three Whimbrel flew overhead calling. I walked to the far west end of Gun Hill and then back along the seaward side. The only bird I found in the scrub just below the hill was a Hedge Sparrow sneaking around in the undergrowth. As I walked around the hill to view the slope below, I had wonderful surprise of four more Ring Ouzels! They were nigh on impossible to get close to and even more difficult to photograph! They are typically nervous birds and I have never obtained a crisp shot of one yet. There was also a pair of Stonechats perched up with the Ring Ouzels and along with the Wheatears and Meadow Pipits flitting around, it was a lovely scene to watch.

Stonechat at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes

I made my way back to the boardwalk – it was extremely chilly now, which helped me to quicken my pace! I saw another Spoonbill near the sluice and heard more Sedge Warblers on route. Got back to my car before dark and headed to Holme to visit mother for a short while and collected the on-line shopping list, which I only just got done in time before the deadline, when I returned to King's Lynn. Back to work tomorrow.

I have wasted quite a bit of time over the Easter period, but my spirit is still feeling so sad and its difficult to pull yourself together at times. Once we have scattered father's ashes, hopefully time will heal and normality (what ever normality is) will I'm sure return to some degree. I have a week's holiday starting on Saturday 29th April, but not sure if I want to be on my own for a week with the way I am still feeling – I may cancel it. On the other hand, maybe I'll wait and see what the weather and winds are doing for that week!😀

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Velvet Scoters x 10, Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB
Glossy Ibis at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Ring Ouzels x 2, Whinchat at Cawston Heath
Iberian Chiffchaff reported yesterday was a Chiffchaff at Foxley Wood
Ring Ouzel at Beeston Regis
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Drayton
Ring Ouzels x 8 + 4 at Gun Hill, Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Serin male esc. (bearing blue ring) at Snettisham Coastal Park
Arctic Tern flew over Colney Gravel Pits
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Ringstead Downs
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Horsey
Iceland Gull at Ashwicken Gravel Pits, north of East Winch
Great White Egrets x 3 at Welney WWT
Shorelarks x 2 at Happisburgh
Siberian Chiffchaff probable at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Osprey flew west over Overstrand
Ring Ouzel at Kelling Hard
Velvet Scoters x 18, Long-tailed Ducks x 6 at Titchwell RSPB
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes,
Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Ring Ouzel flew over Nunnery Lakes, Thetford
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Ring Ouzel west of Blakeney
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Horsey
Montagu's Harrier or Pallid Harrier fem/juv flew east over Chalkpit Lane near Choseley Barns
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Potter Heigham
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Drayton
Iberian Chiffchaff probable at Foxley Wood
Turtle Dove, Ring Ouzels x 5 at Cawston Heath
Great White Egrets x 2, Garganey at Welney WWT
Shorelarks x 5, Blue-headed Wagtail at Happisburgh
Short-eared Owl at Winterton
Redstart at Beeston Common, Sheringham
Garganey x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Osprey, Whimbrel at Hingham
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Grimston Warren
Common Cranes x 8 flew over Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT

MEGA NEWS
None

Easter Sunday at Titchwell RSPB!

Bloody-nosed Beetle

Taken with Apple iphone 6 on the East Trail, Titchwell RSPB

I picked Lucy up and headed for Holme, to persuade mother to come out with us for the morning. She agreed in the end and off we went to Titchwell RSPB (via the farm shop at Thornham for bread etc) and parked in a disabled spot, using mother's new official badge. It was cold but fairly bright with sunny intervals. Neither my mother or sister Lucy are able to walk very far, so I knew it we wouldn't be covering the entire reserve!

We walked around the Fen Trail. We had good views of two male Blackcaps in the main feeding station area, along with Goldfinches, Robins and Wrens. Chiffchaffs were singing and Cetti's Warbler heard and seen at close range. At the Fen Hide, we headed towards the East Trail. We had lovely views of a Bloody-nosed Beetle on the wide concrete area – to be honest, I couldn't remember what beetle it was until I ID'd him in an insect book later on.

We sat on the seats overlooking Patsy's Pool – the water level was pretty high, in fact I haven't ever seen it this high before and there were no muddy edges on show. Fabulous close views of a Great Crested Grebe along with Gadwall, Mallards, Tufted Ducks, Greylag Geese with fluffy bundles of young. A Marsh Harrier was seen distantly over the far wood. It started to spit with rain, so we headed back to the cafe for lunch. We didn't see any hirundines and it was not exactly buzzing with birdlife – cold north winds not helping at all!

We all had the Potato skins with cheese and red onions with salad and coleslaw, which were very nice indeed, but the potatoes were considerably smaller than what they usually are. The hot desserts have gone up in price – I'm pretty sure they were £2.95, they are now £3.95! I wasn't going to pay that much, so we bought a piece of cake and shared it.

If I had been on my own, I would have gone on to walk along the main path, to the hides and sea, but Lucy and Mother had had enough. They both spent a long time in the shop, where mother bought some bird seed and Lucy purchased a bird book and some very expensive chocolate! I looked at the price of the 'Paramo' jackets which are now £325 – mine was £300 when I bought it several years ago and has now ripped beyond repair – it will have to stay ripped as can't afford £325.00 for another!

We headed home and spent the afternoon chatting about Trump, Kim Jong-un, Nuclear war, diets and lots of other depressing subjects – the rain was pelting down with dark and gloomy skies. All in all it was a very jolly afternoon!!! Oh, and there is something really weird going on with the cat – it has a new habit of sleeping on a plastic carrier bag on a wide low shelf in the bathroom! What is all that about? I picked it up and brought it downstairs and it went straight back up again to snooze on the bag?! Weird cat!

MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED LATER

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Ring Ouzels x 10, Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Dunes
Garganey x 6, Knot at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Velvet Scoters x 28 at Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Beeston Common, Sheringham
Glaucous Gull, Spoonbills x 2, Ring Ouzels x 3 all flew west at Sheringham
Spoonbill, Garganey at Potter Heigham Marshes
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Costessey Mill
Ring Ouzel east of church at Morston
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Syderstone Common
White Stork flew over Cley NWT
Osprey at Wroxham
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Gramborough Hill, Ring Ouzel at Dun Cow Pub garden at Salthouse
Glossy Ibis at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB

MEGA NEWS
AMERICAN COOT
Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Hitches Ride To Work in Chicago!

Date For Your Diary – 30th April 2017!

http://www.cleyspy.co.uk/blog/Swarovski-BTX-live-tour/

Hope to see some of you at this exciting event!

Mood, Hair, Rant & Acknowledgments!

Not a good day for me, but lovely weather! I felt very sad today and kept thinking about my dear father. This resulted in no action, no birding, no nothing at all really.

My recent new hair cut has grown too quickly, so nipped to a walk-in hairdressers late in the day, to get it cut back into shape. My regular hair salon was closed, due to the Easter weekend – it was a bit risky going somewhere else, but Hayley at "Envy" did a good job and it was cheaper! I couldn't wait until my three month appointment in mid May!

Had lunch and tea all rolled into one, which was the salad I prepared for when I went out birding today, followed by strawberries, raspberries and soya custard – yummy!

Acknowledgment in the EDP today and on-line:
http://www.familynotices24.co.uk/edp/view/4342954/peter-robert-clarke

I'm seeing a lot of messages on social media today about dogs going missing in Norfolk, when people are out walking on beaches and in woods etc. Keep them on a lead, its quite simple! Plus, it protects other people, children and wildlife from being jumped at, slobbered over, snarled at, bitten etc – win, win all round! Happy owner, happy dog, happy everyone else!

My younger sister Vivien is cruising with her partner Ray on his narrowboat for a week, so won't see her for a while. Lucy, Mother and I are going birding locally tomorrow, hope the rain holds off!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Ring Ouzels x 8, Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Waxham
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Velvet Scoters x 26 at Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel at Dersingham Bog
Ring Ouzel at Gunthorpe
Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT
Ring Ouzels x 10 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Ring Ouzel at Weybourne Camp
Common Cranes x 15 at Winterton
Glossy Ibis at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Spoonbills x 2 at Holme NOA
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Holme Dunes NWT
Spoonbill at Breydon Water
Ring Ouzel south of Blakeney

MEGA NEWS
ROCK THRUSH Male 
St Martin's, Isles of Scilly
AMERICAN COOT
Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles

Develop A GCSE In Natural History!

Please sign the petition below and pass the message on, thank you.

"Re-engagement with Britain's natural history has never been more urgent. Young people need the skills to name, observe, monitor and record wildlife. It is vital to understand the contribution nature makes to our lives physically, culturally, emotionally and scientifically both in the past and today.

Britain’s reputation for recording its natural history was unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Those skills are disappearing as new generations are increasingly disconnected. The UK also has outstanding nature writing, art, poetry, film and radio. It has always been integral to our culture and heritage."

• Tony Juniper: “This is a brilliant idea and I am happy to endorse, support and advocate however I can.”

• Professor Tim Birkhead FRS: “This is the best idea I have heard about for a long time.”

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/176749

Ringstead Downs NWT!

The picnic area at Ringstead Downs NWT

I felt exhausted this morning and didn't get up very early at all. With good numbers of Ring Ouzels along the Norfolk coast, I decided to search for my own. The slopes of Ringstead Downs are an excellent place to find Ring Ouzels and I felt pretty sure there would be some there.

The parking area for the 'Downs' has been enlarged considerably – there was only space for approximately four cars before. Two large 4x4's arrived seconds after me, with loads of dogs piling out for their late afternoon walk. I set off along the track in search of migrants. I had the place to myself as the dog walkers headed towards the chalk face and picnic area. It was a very dull afternoon with rain filled clouds looming.

Considering the dull weather, I saw a good number of birds. Five British White Cattle were grazing the slopes of the Downs and there was a notice up stating this at the gate, with a 'keep dogs on leads' notice. The cattle did not seem bothered at all when I ambled past them. Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were both singing as was a Mistle Thrush. I had good views of a female Blackcap later on. I had both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Green Woodpecker in the tops of the trees on route. There were several Robins and Blackbirds gathering food on the slopes. I saw a Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and a single Swallow over the farm buildings and a Pied Wagtail on a roof. Bees were collecting nectar from nettle flowers. There were some lovely clumps of 'Lords-and-Ladies' and some Periwinkle flowers. I could not believe there were not ANY Ring Ouzels!!! If they are elsewhere in Norfolk, I have always found them here! Very disappointing not to have found any.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum)

Cowslips (Primula veris)

Just before the chalk face and gate at the north end of the downs, I witnessed a Sparrowhawk chasing a mistle thrush, but thankfully the Sparrowhawk failed! Around the corner of the farm buildings I watched several birds feeding on the edge of a sloped ploughed field, including: Red-legged Partridges, Hedgesparrow, Linnets, a single Yellowhammer, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and some Goldfinches in the elders adjacent to the field. On the way back I had a Common Buzzard circling overhead, a Kestrel hovering and two Greylag Geese flew over. A single Long-tailed Tit was seen, along with Great Tit and a Blue Tit. Bird of the day was a Whitethroat 'tacking' and seen in an elder bush about half way along the track.

Picnic area at Ringstead Downs

Picnic area at Ringstead Downs
 

I made my way through the trees to the picnic area and chalk face. It was very pretty here with lots of cowslips, carpets of forget-me-knots and other flowers. There are picnic tables and a bench here and its a very scenic spot. Unfortunately it was spoilt by a very selfish dog owner, who had not cleared up mess, left right bang in the middle of this pretty scene – disgusting, even more, so if any children come here to play over the next few days. I have always imagined a wallcreeper adorned over this chalkface, wouldn't that be incredible!

I headed back to the car and noticed the fabulous array of colourful bluebells in the woods on private land, on the left hand side of the path just before the car park. How lucky was I, it started to rain pretty heavily just as I opened my car door!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT"
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   
Ring Ouzels x 3 south of Holme Bird Observatory
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT
Long-tailed Ducks x 35, Velvet Scoters x 32 at Titchwell RSPB
Whimbrel flew north, Garganey, Ring Ouzels x 3, Redstart male at Snettisham Coastal Park
Swift at North Dunes, Hobby at South Dunes, Hen Harrier at Winterton
Glossy Ibis, Great White Egret, Garganey x 2 at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Black Redstart at South Beach, Heacham
Great White Egret at Berney Marshes RSPB
Ring Ouzels x 8 at Sidestrand
Ring Ouzels x 8 at Waxham
Spoonbills x 6 on saltmarsh, Ring Ouzels x 4 at Garden Drove,
Warham Greens
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham
Ring Ouzels x 11 at Gun Hill, Burnham Overy Dunes
Arctic Tern at Barton Broad
Glaucous Gull at Stalham
Ring Ouzel, Firecrest, Kingfisher at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Garganey at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Ring Ouzel at Weybourne Camp
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Breydon Water
Ring Ouzel, Common Cranes x 2, Redstart, Black Redstart at Horsey
Knot at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS
ROCK THRUSH Male
St Martin's, Isles of Scilly
NORTHERN HARRIER
North Ronaldsay, Orkney

Stop the Illegal Slaughter of Migrating Songbirds on MoD land in Cyprus!

PLEASE SIGN HERE:

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/191485

EASTER WEEKEND!

HAPPY  EASTER!

I have been treating patients out in the community all day and had my lunch out on route. My lunch spot was a field entrance a few miles from Swaffham! It was really peaceful and I heard a Blackcap singing and saw an Orange Tip butterfly. When I finished work, I picked mother up from her hospital appointment and took her home to Holme, where we both shared a portion of fish 'n' chips. The north wind in Hunstanton was freezing! I expect there will be some silly holidaymakers in shorts over the weekend! When I returned to King's Lynn, I had to do a supermarket run before going home. I have travelled almost a 100 miles today!

Now finished work for the Easter break and booked (ages ago) an extra day, so have Tuesday off as well and then return to work next Wednesday. Looking forward to seeing some Spring Migrants, although I don't think there will be tons with the cold north winds!

Weather for Easter Weekend!

GOOD FRIDAY
"Generally cloudy with some brighter spells possible especially in the morning. Mostly light rain will spread to all parts through the afternoon. South West Winds."

SATURDAY TO MONDAY
"Breezy on Saturday with sunny spells, and isolated showers. Starting dry but chilly Sunday with cloud and patchy rain later. Rain clearing later on Monday leaving brighter but colder conditions. North West/West and North winds on all three days."

Saturday is forecast to be the sunniest day – still too cold for shorts or beach wear! Also if you are not local, please read my post here.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646403

HAPPY BIRDING!