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Wednesday 31 January 2018

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-thoated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoter, Little Gulls x 30 at Titchwell RSPB
Twite x 30, Hen Harrier at Thornham Harbour
Velvet Scoter off South Dunes, Snow Buntings x 17 at North Beach, Winterton
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Hawfinches x 3 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Water Pipits x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Haddiscoe Island

MEGA NEWS 
None

RBA Weekly Round-Up 21st to 30th January!

By Jon Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2018-05.aspx?s_id=178544694

Tuesday 30 January 2018

‘An Act Of Crass Stupidity’ – Man Poses For Pictures While Petting Seal Pup!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/man-pets-seal-pup-in-horsey-1-5375025

Selfish, stupid, cruel and irresponsible. These are not dogs or cats – these are wild animals and should NOT be disturbed, stressed or approached so closely, just so someone can take a bloody selfie – for goodness sake!!! LEAVE THEM ALONE!

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-necked Grebe at Barton Broad
Velvet Scoter, Slavonian Grebes x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Hen Harrier, Red-crested Pochard at Titchwell RSPB
Black Brant at Blakeney Freshmarsh
Hawfinches x 16 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Hooded Crow at North Dunes, Velvet Scoter off South Dunes, Snow Buntings x 6 on beach at Winterton
Great White Egret between Nar Valley Fisheries
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 8 at Santon Warren, ENE of Santon Downham
Whooper Swans x 6, Hen Harrier at Horsey Mere
Water Pipits x 4, Common Cranes x 3, Mealy Redpoll at Potter Heigham Marshes
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Glaucous Gull flew over Whitlingham Country Park
Glossy Ibis flew over A47 at Tilney All Saints

MEGA NEWS 
None

RSPB Minsmere Winter Starling Murmuration!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-suffolk-42881898/rspb-minsmere-winter-starling-murmuration#

Monday 29 January 2018

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 Scoter at Titchwell RSPB
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Geese x 104, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Hen Harrier at Blakeney Harbour
Bewick's Swans x 22, Whooper Swans x 4 between Ingham and Sea Palling
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 flew over Cantley
Black Brant at Cley NWT
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 3 at Haddiscoe Island
Great White Egrets x 2, Smew redheads x 2 at Nar Valley Fisheries
Common Cranes x 5 NE of Billockby
Black-throated Diver off Weybourne Camp
Caspian Gull at Happisburgh
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour

MEGA NEWS 
RED-THROATED THRUSH
Wholly unconfirmed report, recently in garden at north end of Sanday, Orkney

Sunday 28 January 2018

Great Massingham Churchyard!

 St Mary's Churchyard, Great Massingham


You know that moment, when you arrive on site and someone says 'it was just showing brilliantly, right out in the open, for a good while'. We've all heard it, so many times! So, I waited patiently in the beautiful sunshine for one of the Hawfinches to reappear in the yew trees in the churchyard at Great Massingham, but I was unlucky and didn't even see one, never mind get a picture. Only other birds seen were a Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Robin and a Sparrowhawk sped through late afternoon.

Bumped into some blog readers – one of them was a very nice lady called Mo, who lives in Taverham, chatted to an elderly lady I met later who lives in Pott Row and who went to the same school as me in Hunstanton and another man turned up to ask 'are you hot Penny?' to which I replied 'no, I'm Penny'!!! Also bumped into Gary Elton (AW at HBO) which was nice, it was Gary who had found the Hawfinches in the churchyard. There were lots of Snowdrops amongst the gravestones which was lovely to see. Great Massingham is a beautiful village – I looked at houses for sale here when I got home – all way out of my price bracket sadly. Most of Norfolk is out of my price bracket – really don't what to do.
Snowdrops – Spring is on the way!


The fallen tree in my garden was removed yesterday by tree surgeons and all other trees have been removed from both my boundary and other neighbours' boundaries – trees that were sturdy and healthy and didn't need to be cut down. When Spring arrives there are now no trees to view from my kitchen, no buds, no blossom, no nothing, aside from the rest of the distant humongous willow tree that still remains. No Blackbirds, Chiffchaffs or Goldcrests will be flitting around in the trees that lined my garden any more – how sad.

I spent the evening making a Victoria Sandwich for my work colleagues – as is usual when its someone's birthday, we all bring cakes in – the sides of the sponge collapsed a bit, but I'm sure they will still enjoy it!

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  
Hawfinches x 30 at Lynford Aboretum
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island
Water Pipits x 4, Hen Harrier, Russian White-fronted Geese x 25 at Haddiscoe Marshes
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
Smew redhead at Setchey Farm Reservoir, SE of West Winch
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL (for 2nd day), Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 2, Mealy Redpoll still at Kelling
Great White Egret, Whooper Swans x 8 between Blackborough End & Wormegay
Black Brant, Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Black-necked Grebe at Barton Broad
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Hen Harrier at Breydon Water
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour
Hawfinches x 2 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Snow Buntings x 100 at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Hawfinch at Holkham Park
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Mealy Redpoll at Beeston Common, Sheringham
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens
Russian White-fronted Geese x 26 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Snow Buntings x 5 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Fritton Marshes

MEGA NEWS 
None

Saturday 27 January 2018

MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS!

I really don't know what happened last night, it felt like food poisoning, but it didn't continue today thank goodness. I did get to sleep eventually, but it had drained me completely and I was not able to get up until late morning, which was a wicked waste of my birthday. But, there was nothing I could do about, so tried to make the best of the rest of the day. Atrocious weather with rain and wind.

Dragged myself out of bed, washed hair and tried to make myself look 33, but felt aged 103 today! I had another card in the post today, so that was nice and also a 'Jacquie Lawson e-card' card from one of my blog readers, Terry B – thank you so much! I also received several lovely birthday emails and texts and nearly 80 Facebook messages – thank you all so much!

It was pouring with rain as I made my way to Holme. Picked Lucy, Vivien and mother up and went to Briarfields at Titchwell for my birthday lunch. This was a last minute choice and we had never eaten here before – we were not disappointed! The service was excellent from all waiting staff, who were both polite, professional and aimed to please. Glass bottled water and glasses were promptly brought to our table with seconds of sitting down. I can't remember the exact name of the beautiful pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, olives etc that we all ordered, but it was divine and was obviously freshly made to order. Garlic bread was not on the menu, but the staff were only too happy to make us some and very good it was too! Mother and Vivien decided not to do dessert, which I think they regretted, but Lucy and I (as always!) excitedly ordered our desserts and both choose the same. The Hazelnut mille-feuille was probably the most exciting dessert I have ever tasted – so many flavours, so much texture and stunningly presented, I couldn't fault it.
Where we sat at Briarfields
Screenshot from their website, but I'm sure they won't mind, being as I'm giving them an excellent review!

Hazelnut mille-feuillechocolate mousse, cherry & praline

BEST DESSERT AWARD 2018!


We could hear clapping every now and again whilst we enjoyed our lunch, so there must have been a wedding or conference going on. Its rare to find a place to eat in Norfolk now, where there are no yapping dogs. It was beautiful, peaceful, private and there were no noisy people – I couldn't have had a better birthday lunch anywhere in Norfolk. Also the open fire and wood burning stoves made it very cosy and I noticed there was a fish pond and fountain in a courtyard on route to the toilets (which were spotless). We all enjoyed the food so much, we made enquiries about Christmas Day lunch!

Nobody wanted to go for a walk, even though there was a break in the rain, so I drove everyone back to Holme, where I opened very generous presents from my mother and sisters. In brief, I was very kindly given money for my new Bosch Microwave I purchased a week ago. In addition I was kindly given a coffee cake, grapes, chocolate mints and some beautiful flowers! The words/poem in my mother's card was so moving, it brought a tear to my eye.
Flowers from Lucy and Ray (Vivien's partner)


THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH
FOR MY LOVELY PRESENTS, CARDS & MESSAGES
FROM FAMILY & FRIENDS XXX

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  
Smew redhead at Setchey Farm Reservoir, SE of West Winch
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Hawfinches x 5 at Lynford Aboretum
Hawfinches x 14 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Black-necked Grebe at Barton Broad
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL still at Kelling
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour
Velvet Scoters x 12, Great Northern Diver, Red-crested Pochard, Little Gulls x 64,  at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 8 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Black Redstart on sea front, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham
Great White Egret between Blackborough End & Wormegay
Snow Buntings x 100 at Salthouse
Russian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

MEGA NEWS 
None

Friday 26 January 2018

Friday Night Update!

I'm cream-crackered! The pace of life is insane! After work, I popped into Tescos to pick up a few essentials and felt too exhausted to cook anything or follow my diet and I really fancied some chips. So for a change, I bought a bag of chips from my local chinese take-away – MISTAKE! I returned home and cooked a couple of fried eggs to have with the chips. About an hour later, I experienced the most severe griping pains in my stomach etc......! Food poisoning maybe? I think it must be, to come on that suddenly. I feel really rough. 2018 is pretty pants so far!

I'm supposed to be meeting up with my sisters and mother tomorrow, but I may be having a very lonely birthday!!! Also, only two people have remembered my birthday so far – I have a lovely card from dearest friends Malcolm and Eileen and from my long time friend Christine who lives in Bury St Edmunds and a card from some of my work colleagues. Maybe there will be more cards arriving tomorrow? 😞 Good Night!

Snowy Owl Floating on Ice – Wow!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/563782300468953/permalink/847651752082005/?pnref=story

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-throated Divers x 2, Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Hawfinches x 3 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Russian White-fronted Geese x 2, Pink-footed Geese x 260 at Horsey Corner
Black Redstart on seafront at Sheringham
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island
Long-tailed Ducks x 4, Velvet Scoter, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 4 still at Kelling
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 4, Water Pipits x 3 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Twite x 25 at Thornham Harbour
Snow Buntings x 16 at Winterton
Russian White-fronted Geese x 2, Pink-footed Geese x 200 at Cantley
Russian White-fronted Geese x 111 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret east of bypass at Caister-on-Sea
Hen Harrier at Breydon Water
Caspian Gull at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford
Hawfinch at Felbrigg Hall NT
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
Snow Buntings x 5 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Hawfinches x 14 at Lynford Aboretum
Snow Buntings x 100 at Salthouse
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens
Black-necked Grebe at Barton Broad
Bewick's Swans x 12 between Ingham and Sea Palling

MEGA NEWS 
None

Thursday 25 January 2018

The Biking Birder 2016 : The Quest for 300 (The Biking Birder Adventures)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07969N4HH/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516554723&sr=1-1&keywords=biking+birder+2016

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  
Hawfinches x 12 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Snow Buntings x 100 at Gramborough Hill at Salthouse
Black-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 8, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB
Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Black-throated Diver at Mundesley
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
Black Brant at Cley NWT
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Russian White-fronted Geese x 21 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Mealy Redpoll, Beeston Common, Sheringham
Bewick's Swan with Whooper Swans at Ingham
Hawfinch at Holkham Park
Caspian Gull at Burrell Way, Thetford
Great White Egret at Caister-on-Sea
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 4 on Saturday [6 individuals present 17th-20th January] at Kelling
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Haddiscoe Island
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 east of Lady Anne's Drive, Holkham
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey
Snow Buntings x 4 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Common Cranes x 9, Hen Harriers x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT

MEGA NEWS 
AUDOUIN'S GULL
Unconfirmed report, between Pendeen Watch & Boat Cove, Cornwall

Wednesday 24 January 2018

Norfolk Day Tours with ORIOLE BIRDING!

https://www.oriolebirding.com/norfolk---day-tours-tourdetails-132.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  
Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Great Northern Diver at Titchwell RSPB
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
Black Brant, Glaucous Gull, Hen Harrier, Snow Buntings x 15 at Cley NWT
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 2 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Glaucous Gull, Great Northern Divers x 2 at Mundesley
Black Redstart on sea front, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham
Bewick's Swan at Ingham
Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey

MEGA NEWS 
None

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

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2018-04.aspx?s_id=13663079

Tuesday 23 January 2018

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  
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Black Redstart on sea front at Sheringham
Hawfinches x 10 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Twite x 22, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Hen Harrier at Cranwich Heath
Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Velvet Scoter, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Great White Egret, Bittern at Holkham Freshmarsh
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer
Bewick's Swans x 20, Whooper Swans x 6 between Ingham and Sea Palling
Russian White-fronted Geese x 11 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Waxwings x 4 at Beacon Park, Gorleston-on-Sea
Great White Egret flew over Norwich
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Snow Buntings x 100 at Gramborough Hill, Glaucous Gull at Salthouse
Taiga Bean Geese x 8, Water Pipits x 3 at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 2, Mealy Redpoll at Kelling

MEGA NEWS 
None

Monday 22 January 2018

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  
Purple Sandpiper at Overstrand
Iceland Gull at Cromer
Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Velvet Scoter at Winterton
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Shorelarks x 6 at Holkham Bay
Hawfinch at Holkham Park 
Hawfinch in churchyard at Great Massingham
Caspian Gull at The Nunnery, Thetford
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 17 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Black Redstart on sea front at Sheringham
Mealy Redpoll at Beeston Common, Sheringham 
Water Pipit on Thornham Marsh, Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB
Twite x 22 at Thornham Harbour
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Common Cranes x 8 at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT
Snow Buntings x 120 at Little Eye, Purple Sandpiper at Salthouse
Rough-legged Buzzard at Haddiscoe Island
Great White Egret east of bypass at Caister-on-Sea
Black-throated Diver at Holme NOA
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Berney Marshes RSPB
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Short-eared Owls x 2, Snow Buntings x 5 at Snettisham Coastal Park
Russian White-fronted Goose in field south of A149 at Burnham Overy Staithe
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL at Kelling

MEGA NEWS 
None

Sunday 21 January 2018

Lucy & The Norfolk Symphony Orchestra!

THE NORFOLK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Corn Exchange, King's Lynn
Lucy playing her violin – front, far left side


Lucy playing her violin – front, far left side


I took my mother to watch Lucy play at The Corn Exchange in King's Lynn this afternoon. The weather was atrocious as we drove to King's Lynn, with sleet and rain and it was wickedly cold. Very sadly Vivien had to turn back after driving as far as Littleport, as the weather was atrocious, that must have been a difficult decision to make – although it was better to be safe than sorry, as they say.

The Corn Exchange was pretty full, which was good. This was Lucy's first concert being in First Violins (was in Second Violins previously) and she is usually sat in the middle 'ish towards the back. I was overcome with emotion, when she walked onto the stage and was seated right at the front on the far left hand side! She has gained so much more confidence over the last year. I felt so sorry for her though, as the chairs are not made for short people – Lucy is under 5ft and her feet were not on the floor, which mean't her back was supported, but had no base of support for her feet. If she had shuffled forward to have her feet on the floor, her back wouldn't have been supported! Lucy said the chairs they all sit in at their rehearsals are smaller and much more comfortable for her.

I was so proud of her – I had tears in my eyes several times and the music was beautiful. However, I was annoyed to see in the programme that they had spelt her name wrong 'Lucy Clark' – where was the 'e' at the end of 'Clarke'?! When the concert had finished to much applause, mother and I made our way to the foyer and waited for Lucy to join us. Normally you have to be quick to get a table in the foyer at the end of a concert, but because the doors were swinging in and out, it was freezing cold and no one wanted to hang around! When Lucy joined us, we promptly left and went back to Holme for a couple of hours and had hot drinks and discussed the concert. Took Lucy home around 8pm and back in King's Lynn by 9pm.

Black Redstart at Sheringham & Redpolls at Kelling!

BLACK REDSTART
Sheringham


I have seen so many lovely pictures of the stunning Black Redstart at Sheringham, I wanted to see this cracking little bird myself, so braved the bitter cold and made my way over this morning. It was very frosty and there was fog for part of my journey to Sheringham. Snow, sleet and rain was forecast for this afternoon.

When I arrived there was only one person photographing the Black Redstart and they were crouched down quietly with their camera on a tripod, so I joined them. The redstart was not showing at this moment and the person next to me then left. Seconds after this, the stunning Black Redstart appeared on the wall and flew down to feed on the grassy area just yards in front of me! What a stunning bird! Kneeling on ice cold, knobbly concrete is not good for your knees, but I stuck it out for as long as I could bare, before then struggling to stand up because of the cold. Plus there were too many people here now and poor field craft going on. There was a very smart male Blackbird puffing his chest out and attempting to outshine the Black Restart and also Mrs Blackbird was close by and a few House Sparrows were perched deep in a small bush by the side of the road. It was nice to bump into John Furse here too!

Black Redstart at Sheringham


Next stop was Kelling for the Coues's Arctic Redpolls. I was told that the Weybourne road was closed off due to waterworks, but it wasn't when I reached the village, so carried on and parked up at Kelling. The time was getting on now and I had to pick my mother up by 2pm to go to Lucy's Concert at 3.30pm (see next post). So I only had a small window of opportunity for the redpolls. I walked along the muddy track and found Richard 'the hat' and a tree full of redpolls, mostly 'Lesser' but at least 3+ 'Mealys' were seen. But, I wasn't lucky with seeing any 'Coues's' before I had to depart. There was also a big flock of Goldfinches around too. Trudged back to the car and had to nip along the coast road pretty quick in order to pick my mother up on time. I didn't have time for any lunch, even though I had soup etc with me, so after picking mother up and arriving at my house in King's Lynn, I just had time to have my lunch, before swapping muddy birding attire for posh theatre attire!

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  
Long-tailed Ducks x 9 at Titchwell RSPB
Black Redstart on sea front at Sheringham
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 2 at Kelling
Hawfinches x 2 near church at Great Massingham
Water Pipits x 3 at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe
Great White Egret, Bittern at Whitlingham Country Park
Caspian Gull at Burrell Way, Thetford
Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Snow Buntings x 70 at Gramborough Hill at Salthouse
Waxwing at Holme NOA
Hen Harrier at Blakeney Point
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh, west of Norwich
Twite x 25 at Thornham Harbour
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forest
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Hawfinch at Felbrigg Hall NT
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Hawfinches x 16 near church at Swannington

MEGA NEWS 
None

Saturday 20 January 2018

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  
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 20 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Iceland Gull at golf course, Great Northern Divers x 2 on sea at Cromer
Black Redstart on sea front, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 east of Lady Anne's Drive, Holkham
Snow Buntings x 100 at Gramborough Hill, Black-throated Divers x 2 on sea at Salthouse
Caspian Gull at Burrell Way, Thetford
Siberian Chiffchaff (possible) at Church Marsh, Surlingham
Hen Harrier at Chedgrave Marshes
Velvet Scoter, Black-throated Diver, Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL x 2, Mealy Redpolls x 10 south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Twite x 2, Russian White-fronted Geese x17 at Breydon Water
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 3, Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Kelling
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 2 still in area with no general access at Bodham
Waxwings x 2, Great Northern Divers x 2 on sea at Holme NOA
Bewicks Swans x 14 from Norfolk Road at Horning
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island
Hen Harrier at Weybourne
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits
Great White Egret at Nar Valley Fisheries
Water Pipit at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS 
FORSTER'S TERN
Aughinish, County Clare, Ireland

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  
FRIDAY 19th JANUARY
Common Cranes x 11 flew over Drayton
Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Ducks x 12 at Titchwell RSPB
Glaucous Gull at Sidestrand
Waxwings x 2 still at Tescos, Purple Sandpipers x 2 on seafront, Black Redstart near RNLI car park at Sheringham
HUME'S WARBLER still, in Shangri-la garden at Waxham
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 3 (present 4+ days), Mealy Redpolls x 7  at Kelling
Great White Egret, Mealy Redpoll at Colney Gravel Pits
Whooper Swans x 29 at Ludham
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Russian White-fronted Geese x 8 east of Lady Anne's Drive, Holkham
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Short-eared Owl at Cley NWT
Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Rough-legged Buzzard reported at Cantley and Buckenham
Waxwing still at Holme NOA
Caspian Gull at Burrell Way, Thetford
Great White Egret by River Yare at Bawburgh
Common Cranes x 11, Hen Harriers x 2 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT
Bewick's Swans x 15 at Ingham Corner
White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 5,000 west of Burnham Market

MEGA NEWS 
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Thursday 18 January 2018

BAN DRIVEN GROUSE SHOOTING!

If you haven't done so already, please sign this, thank you very much. It only takes seconds to complete – every vote counts!

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/201443

Storm Damage!

I hardly slept last night, not because of the gale, I just couldn't sleep. When I got up for work (my first day back after being unwell) I discovered a tree had been tossed into my back garden and another tree had fallen into my neighbour's garden too. Luckily my fence still looks intact, but I need to investigate this properly at the weekend. My neighbour's fence however, was completely demolished. After work and the supermarket run this evening, I popped round to the neighbour's house whose trees had fallen into our gardens to discuss this. The damage was far worse than I thought! The reason these two trees had fallen is because a humongous section of a massive willow tree (from a different neighbour), had come crashing down and flattened a huge shed and caught the two trees that had crashed into mine and another neighbour's garden! The couple I went to see showed me by torchlight the state of their shed!!! It was like a war zone! This willow tree is the biggest I have ever seen anywhere in my life and although it is a magnificent tree, its far too dangerous in a built up area – if the main central trunk was to fall it could crash through the middle of my house or two others, thank god that didn't go! Its going to be a big insurance job I was told, so the tree in my garden is hardly worth mentioning compared to the damage in the other neighbour's garden!

The willow tree belongs to the same neighbour that has a massive row of huge leyandi's, one of which crashed through my garden and greenhouse a few years back. I think he should have kept his trees trimmed to a safe height in the first place! Its such a pity these two trees have fallen, as they were full of birds in Spring and now I have nothing but a view of houses and for the first time I can see a busy road with cars going past. Another notch in the post, to make me sell up and move this year. I can't decided where to move to and what to buy – its very scary selling a house. This house is the only house I have bought and even though I have made a lot of dosh since purchasing this property, its still not enough to buy even a flat anywhere nice in Norfolk, due to the insane house prices/second home owner market. Norfolk is now the new London, that's how it feels to me at times.

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  
Pale-bellied Brent Goose with Pink-footed Geese in field ENE of Sedgeford
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 14 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
HUME'S WARBLER still, in Shangri-la garden at Waxham
Black Guillemot, Great Northern Diver, Iceland Gull at Mundesley
Long-tailed Ducks x 15, Velvet Scoter, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwings x 3 still at Tescos, Black Redstart near RNLI car park at Sheringham
Russian White-fronted Geese x 61 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL, Mealy Redpoll south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common
Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Short-eared Owls x 4 at Chedgrave Island
Waxwing still at Holme NOA
Snow Buntings x 40 at Little Eye, Salthouse
Iceland Gull on golf course at Cromer

MEGA NEWS 
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Wednesday 17 January 2018

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  
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Waxwing still, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 on sea at Holme NOA
Waxwings x 3 at Tescos, Black Redstart on seafront, Iceland Gull near golf course at Sheringham
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 13 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Snow Buntings x 70 at Gramborough Hill, Great White Egret near end of Iron Road, Salthouse
Caspian Gull in field west of Courtyard Farm, Ringstead
HUME'S WARBLER still, in Shangri-la garden at Waxham
Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Pink-footed Geese x 800 in field ENE of Sedgeford
Twite x 15 at Thornham Harbour
Hen Harrier at Morston
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Great White Egrets x 2, Russian White-fronted Geese x 3 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Hawfinch at Felbrigg Hall NT
Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Titchwell RSPB

MEGA NEWS 
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RBA Weekly Round-Up 10th to 16th January!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2018-03.aspx?s_id=922495764

Hellesdon High School Pupil Nicknamed ‘trash girl’ By Bullies Refuses To Stop Collecting Litter

Good for you Nadia!
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/hellesdon-high-school-trash-girl-environment-1-5358295

Tuesday 16 January 2018

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  
Waxwings x 3 at Tescos, Black Redstart on seafront, Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham
Iceland Gull at Cromer
Snow Buntings x 30 at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Black-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 8, Little Gulls x 15, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
HUME'S WARBLER still, in Shangri-la garden at Waxham
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 11 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Waxwing still at Holme NOA
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 2 south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Hen Harriers x 2, Common Cranes x 23 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens

MEGA NEWS 
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Monday 15 January 2018

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  
Twite x 16 at Thornham Harbour
Red-necked Grebes x 2, Water Pipits x 2 at Cley NWT
Long-tailed Ducks x 12, Velvet Scoter, Great Northern Divers x 2, Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Waxwing at Drove Orchards Farm Shop, Thornham
Waxwings x 3 at Tescos, Sheringham
Waxwings x 3 at Upper Sheringham
Snow Buntings x 9 at Winterton

MEGA NEWS 
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Sunday 14 January 2018

Good Health to You All, But Not To Me!!!

To add to my excellent health right now (note sarcasm), I now have a very sore throat, earache, ulcers, temperature and feel like **** !!! I'm loving this year so far!!! Good night!

Five Penguins Set Up Home On Felixstowe Beach!!!

http://www.suffolkgazette.com/news/penguins-in-felixstowe/

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  
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 36 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Red-necked Grebe at Hunstanton
Black-necked Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Ducks x 12, Velvet Scoter, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
WHITE-BILLED DIVER (possible) on sea then flew east, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Divers x 4, Black-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Thornham Point
Waxwing at Drove Orchards Farm Shop, Thornham
Twite x 31 at Thornham Harbour
Russian White-fronted Geese x 7, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water
Iceland Gull at Cromer
Shorelarks x 9, Slavonian Grebe at Holkham Bay
Bittern & Great White Egret from Washington Hide, Black Brant at Holkham Freshmarsh
Snow Buntings x 90 at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Black Redstart on seafront, Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Sheringham
Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl at Berney Marshes RSPB
Lapland Bunting flew over Choseley Barns
HUME'S WARBLER still, in Shangri-la garden at Waxham
Mealy Redpolls x 2, Twite x 2 in Meadow Lane, Kelling
Snow Buntings x 8, Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 at Winterton
Waxwing, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck at Holme
Waxwing north of Market Road/Mill Road junction at Burgh Castle
Red-necked Grebe, Scaup, Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey
Hen Harrier at Morston
Hen Harriers x 3 at Warham Greens
Hawfinch at Felbrigg Hall NT
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL 1+, Mealy Redpolls x 2 south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Bittern at Whitlingham Country Park
Black-necked Grebe at Hickling Broad NWT
Water Pipit at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common
Water Pipit at Cantley Beet Factory
Russian White-fronted Geese x 10 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Water Pipits x 3 at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS 
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Saturday 13 January 2018

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  
Waxwings x 2 at Drove Orchards Farm Shop, Thornham 
Caspian Gulls x 2 in fields, ENE of Docking
Iceland Gull at Cromer
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
HUME'S WARBLER still, in Shangri-la garden at Waxham
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 28 at Santon Warren, ESE of Santon Downham
Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling
Great White Egrets x 2, Russian White-fronted Geese x 79 at Holkham Freshmarsh 
Red-necked Grebe, Scaup viewed from Stiffkey boat store, outer harbour, Blakeney
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water
Mealy Redpolls x 4 on garden feeders at Wiveton
Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Ducks x 11, Black Brant, Lapland Bunting, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh
Snow Bunting at Happisburgh
Black Brant at Cley
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 2, Mealy Redpolls x 2 south of Letheringsett near ford, west of Holt
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour
Common Cranes x 2 at Winterton
Black Redstart on seafront at Sheringham
Waxwings x 2 flew over Norwich
Waxwing at Holme NOA
Short-eared Owl flew from forestry at Holme Dunes NWT
Hawfinches x 2 at Felbrigg Hall NT
Common Cranes x 2 south of Horsey Mill
Great White Egret at Welney WWT

MEGA NEWS 
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