By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2020_14.aspx?s_id=373033412
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Monday, 30 March 2020
LOCKDOWN DAY 7 – COVID-19
I feel pretty low today, its all feeling very scary now its all starting to kick off.
King's Lynn hospital coronavirus case total jumps to 40
Norfolk coronavirus deaths rise to 11
https://medium.com/@Cancerwarrior/covid-19-why-we-should-all-wear-masks-there-is-new-scientific-rationale-280e08ceee71
Coronavirus: Building NHS Nightingale Hospital London
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
Common Cranes x 3 at Upton Marshes NWT
Common Cranes x 3 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Spoonbill at Salthouse
Great White Egret at Seamere Fen, Hingham
Cattle Egret at Attleborough
Black Redstart at Antingham, North Walsham
Black Redstart at Fakenham
White Wagtail at West Runton
Osprey flew over Swaffham
Russian White-fronted Geese x 74 at Hemsby
Purple Heron at Salthouse
Caspian Gull at Hockwold-cum-Wilton
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Common Cranes x 3 at Upton Marshes NWT
Common Cranes x 3 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Spoonbill at Salthouse
Great White Egret at Seamere Fen, Hingham
Cattle Egret at Attleborough
Black Redstart at Antingham, North Walsham
Black Redstart at Fakenham
White Wagtail at West Runton
Osprey flew over Swaffham
Russian White-fronted Geese x 74 at Hemsby
Purple Heron at Salthouse
Caspian Gull at Hockwold-cum-Wilton
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Wedding Anniversary Memories!
Today would have been my parent's 56th Wedding Anniversary
Love to you both up there, amongst the stars, hand in hand forever
Until we meet again
💕
80's - Imagination - Just an Illusion 1982
Danced to this in a competition at the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton, I was aged 18!!!
The Brothers Johnson - Stomp! (Official Video)
Another favourite tune!!!
I use to fly round the floor to this, more than I do now!
Got the LP, oh dear, showing my age!!!
Hayla - Naked – Best Dance Tune Out There!
BEST TUNE OUT THERE, GET DANCING IN YOUR KITCHEN!
I watched Hayla live
at the LCR, UEA – she was supporting EXAMPLE who I saw on the 4th March
2020, she has an incredible voice!!!
Sunday, 29 March 2020
LOCKDOWN DAY 6 – COVID-19 – First Walk From Home!
At around 4.30pm I went for my first allowed walk from my house since Lockdown began. To be honest I wish I hadn't bothered. One of the reasons why I don't walk around King's Lynn is because it can be quite unnerving for a female on your own. Ok, so its fine if you going shopping in the town centre, but if you are attempting to find wildlife, you can sometimes end up in unsavoury areas!
I walked (for those that know King's Lynn) from my house to past the train station, through the corner of the walks, across the busy road, past the library and down to Fisherfleet to look for Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail – both which I have seen here over the years, but neither seen today, just lots of discarded shopping trolleys and loads of other rubbish. I did see some Mallard, 2 Blackbirds and some Wood Pigeons. By the corner of the road looking out over the Great Ouse River, I could see distant gulls, some were Black-headed, others were too far away, also a Redshank and an Oystercatcher were feeding on the distant mudflats.
I diverted through the back of Boal Quay car park and up onto a high bank that leads to Harding's Pits Doorstep Green, which if had been along the coast, would have been a lovely little spot. The Visitor Information Board had been covered in graffiti, as had every single bench/seat in what could be an idyllic little reserve. Next to every seat were piles of lager cans and such like and it was all pretty depressing. I felt very uneasy walking round here and its highly unlikely I will return. Left here feeling pretty glum, walked back via a different route through The Walks, which is a large park in the centre of King's Lynn, but again didn't feel particularly safe walking there either. The highlight as soon as I entered the park, was a Song Thrush feeding amongst leaf litter. Only other birds seen were Wood Pigeons (all exciting stuff), Mallards and 1 Moorhen. Aside from the Song Thrush, the flowers beds were more interesting than the bird life.
Crossed over by the railway crossing and diverted right along the cycle path that comes out by the Jet Garage – tons and tons of depressing rubbish in the ditch that runs the length of this path. Bird of the day was seen here, a male Blackcap shot across the path and melted away into a dense bush, not to be seen again. I still haven't heard a Chiffchaff this Spring yet. On the playing fields (King Edward VII Academy) I saw 2 Mistle Thrushes and 1 Starling and on the opposite side of the path, 8 Jackdaws were feeding on another school playing field. It was very cold now, returned home tired and fed-up.
I was even more fed-up when I heard this evening, that the lockdown may go on for 6 months. People's mental health is going to be seriously affected by then, if not before. I see on social media that these wet markets in China, selling everything from cats to dogs, bats etc are back in action, according to an undercover reporter – I hope to god that this is fake news!
I going to miss the sea so much. I seriously get withdrawal symptoms when I havn't seen the sea for a while, its going to be very difficult to cope with. I can't believe that the Spring Migration is going to be non-existent for myself and many land-locked birders. Mind you, some people are not bothered about twisting the rules and are still going to the coast, even today with posts on Twitter about people driving to Brancaster beach to walk their dogs, but police were there to send them packing – hopefully people will get the message eventually that driving to the beach is NOT essential travel and not necessary in order to have your daily permitted exercise walk, which should be started from your front door, be it a flat, housing estate, village or town. I'm not going to post as many tweets as I have been lately as I have been getting over involved and some people are just trying to wind me up, because they have nothing better to do, I can't be doing with it, especially as its now going to get really serious at the QEH.
I more than probably won't go for any more walks in King's Lynn, instead I think I will blitz the garden, which to be honest needs loads of work doing and I won't have to worry about the 6ft gap between people either, plus there are more birds in my garden than what I have seen today!
I walked (for those that know King's Lynn) from my house to past the train station, through the corner of the walks, across the busy road, past the library and down to Fisherfleet to look for Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail – both which I have seen here over the years, but neither seen today, just lots of discarded shopping trolleys and loads of other rubbish. I did see some Mallard, 2 Blackbirds and some Wood Pigeons. By the corner of the road looking out over the Great Ouse River, I could see distant gulls, some were Black-headed, others were too far away, also a Redshank and an Oystercatcher were feeding on the distant mudflats.
I diverted through the back of Boal Quay car park and up onto a high bank that leads to Harding's Pits Doorstep Green, which if had been along the coast, would have been a lovely little spot. The Visitor Information Board had been covered in graffiti, as had every single bench/seat in what could be an idyllic little reserve. Next to every seat were piles of lager cans and such like and it was all pretty depressing. I felt very uneasy walking round here and its highly unlikely I will return. Left here feeling pretty glum, walked back via a different route through The Walks, which is a large park in the centre of King's Lynn, but again didn't feel particularly safe walking there either. The highlight as soon as I entered the park, was a Song Thrush feeding amongst leaf litter. Only other birds seen were Wood Pigeons (all exciting stuff), Mallards and 1 Moorhen. Aside from the Song Thrush, the flowers beds were more interesting than the bird life.
Crossed over by the railway crossing and diverted right along the cycle path that comes out by the Jet Garage – tons and tons of depressing rubbish in the ditch that runs the length of this path. Bird of the day was seen here, a male Blackcap shot across the path and melted away into a dense bush, not to be seen again. I still haven't heard a Chiffchaff this Spring yet. On the playing fields (King Edward VII Academy) I saw 2 Mistle Thrushes and 1 Starling and on the opposite side of the path, 8 Jackdaws were feeding on another school playing field. It was very cold now, returned home tired and fed-up.
I was even more fed-up when I heard this evening, that the lockdown may go on for 6 months. People's mental health is going to be seriously affected by then, if not before. I see on social media that these wet markets in China, selling everything from cats to dogs, bats etc are back in action, according to an undercover reporter – I hope to god that this is fake news!
I going to miss the sea so much. I seriously get withdrawal symptoms when I havn't seen the sea for a while, its going to be very difficult to cope with. I can't believe that the Spring Migration is going to be non-existent for myself and many land-locked birders. Mind you, some people are not bothered about twisting the rules and are still going to the coast, even today with posts on Twitter about people driving to Brancaster beach to walk their dogs, but police were there to send them packing – hopefully people will get the message eventually that driving to the beach is NOT essential travel and not necessary in order to have your daily permitted exercise walk, which should be started from your front door, be it a flat, housing estate, village or town. I'm not going to post as many tweets as I have been lately as I have been getting over involved and some people are just trying to wind me up, because they have nothing better to do, I can't be doing with it, especially as its now going to get really serious at the QEH.
I more than probably won't go for any more walks in King's Lynn, instead I think I will blitz the garden, which to be honest needs loads of work doing and I won't have to worry about the 6ft gap between people either, plus there are more birds in my garden than what I have seen today!
Coronavirus: Four more deaths at Norfolk hospitals as national figure rises by 260
Coronavirus: Six months before UK 'returns to normal' - deputy chief medical officer
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 Redstart at Antingham, North Walsham
Grey Plover, Firecrest at Felmingham
Great Northern Divers x 2 flew past Hemsby
Black Redstart at Caister-on-Sea
Black Redstart in garden at Ingoldisthorpe
Cuckoo singing at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrews
MEGA NEWS
None
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Black Redstart at Antingham, North Walsham
Grey Plover, Firecrest at Felmingham
Great Northern Divers x 2 flew past Hemsby
Black Redstart at Caister-on-Sea
Black Redstart in garden at Ingoldisthorpe
Cuckoo singing at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrews
MEGA NEWS
None
Saturday, 28 March 2020
LOCKDOWN DAY 5 – COVID-19 – A Day At Home!
Got up at 8am to retrieve my honey and sunflower seed bread that I had put on the timer in my bread maker last night. It was fabulous to walk downstairs to the aroma of cooked bread! Went back to bed as I still felt shattered.
Got up late morning, washed hair etc. Did some washing and general mundane chores. Had eggs, tomatoes, baked beans and toast, whilst watching the birds in the garden. 2 Robins, several Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Hedge Sparrows, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Collared Doves x 2, Wood Pigeons, 1 Sparrowhawk flew over. Later on a black and white cat cheekily landed on the roof of my bird table – it obviously didn't stay long, after I turned into a window banging, screaming maniac!!! I had intended on going for a walk, but it was very cold and to be honest I couldn't be bothered, I didn't feel it was necessary to go out.
Made some phone calls to distant friends to make sure they were ok, fell asleep on the sofa. Cleaned the bird baths out and replenished all the feeders. Ate rubbish snacks, watched the news and then late evening I decided to start cooking! I'm a terrible night owl – I more than often liven up, when everyone else has gone to bed! Part of the reason for wanting to cook, was because I had several dodgy bananas that needed using up, so I cooked a "Brilliant Banana Loaf", drizzled in icing, which turned out far better than expected – I cooked double the recipe and rather than make a loaf, made a huge round cake! Then I cooked a recipe I have made before "Berry-baked Oats with Coconut" which contains a entire tub of Alpro Soya Yoghurt, which needed to be used by today. I then cooked a new recipe "Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Quorn Vegan Pieces" – the curry is for tomorrow and work on Monday. I had to do something with the Quorn pieces as their sell by date was yesterday and there was no way I was going to waste them. I didn't have any spinach so that was substituted by finely cut up broccoli. I was very pleased with all my efforts and that I had not wasted any food.
Got up late morning, washed hair etc. Did some washing and general mundane chores. Had eggs, tomatoes, baked beans and toast, whilst watching the birds in the garden. 2 Robins, several Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Hedge Sparrows, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Collared Doves x 2, Wood Pigeons, 1 Sparrowhawk flew over. Later on a black and white cat cheekily landed on the roof of my bird table – it obviously didn't stay long, after I turned into a window banging, screaming maniac!!! I had intended on going for a walk, but it was very cold and to be honest I couldn't be bothered, I didn't feel it was necessary to go out.
Made some phone calls to distant friends to make sure they were ok, fell asleep on the sofa. Cleaned the bird baths out and replenished all the feeders. Ate rubbish snacks, watched the news and then late evening I decided to start cooking! I'm a terrible night owl – I more than often liven up, when everyone else has gone to bed! Part of the reason for wanting to cook, was because I had several dodgy bananas that needed using up, so I cooked a "Brilliant Banana Loaf", drizzled in icing, which turned out far better than expected – I cooked double the recipe and rather than make a loaf, made a huge round cake! Then I cooked a recipe I have made before "Berry-baked Oats with Coconut" which contains a entire tub of Alpro Soya Yoghurt, which needed to be used by today. I then cooked a new recipe "Chickpea and Spinach Curry with Quorn Vegan Pieces" – the curry is for tomorrow and work on Monday. I had to do something with the Quorn pieces as their sell by date was yesterday and there was no way I was going to waste them. I didn't have any spinach so that was substituted by finely cut up broccoli. I was very pleased with all my efforts and that I had not wasted any food.
Coronavirus: Things will get worse, PM warns in letter to Britons
Four more deaths at Norfolk hospitals as national figure rises by 260
Two more patients diagnosed with coronavirus die at QEH
UK's coronavirus death toll leaps by 260 in a single day to hit 1,019
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
Cuckoo singing at Methwold
Common Scoter flew over Brundall
Great White Egret at Nar Valley Fisheries
Black Redstart at Antingham, North Walsham
Black Redstart at Hemsby
Purple Heron at Salthouse
Black Redstarts x 4, Wheatear, Woodcock at Blakeney Point
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Cuckoo singing at Methwold
Common Scoter flew over Brundall
Great White Egret at Nar Valley Fisheries
Black Redstart at Antingham, North Walsham
Black Redstart at Hemsby
Purple Heron at Salthouse
Black Redstarts x 4, Wheatear, Woodcock at Blakeney Point
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Friday, 27 March 2020
LOCKDOWN DAY 4 – COVID-19
Coronavirus: Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive along with
England's Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had also tested positive
while England's Chief Medical Officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has shown
symptoms.
Hospital bosses braced for coronavirus cases peak in third week of April
Coronavirus: How new police powers will affect you and your family
Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 22 at QEH
Five remain in critical care with Covid-19 at King's Lynn hospital
Coronavirus: More than 900 deaths in a day in Italy
Rise of 181 deaths – the biggest day-on-day rise in UK
I had my last holiday for the NHS holiday year, which ends on 31st March and used my last half day, finishing at 12.15pm, but left later than that, as ran over writing patient notes. The hospital is being rearranged to accommodate Covid-19 patients, as I'm sure every hospital in the UK is – that is all I can say – its very, very scary, as its not even hit us yet!
Spent part of the afternoon getting a few more important supplies, including trying to get loo roll and yeast for two work colleagues (failed with both), something for Lucy (classed as a vulnerable adult now) and dropped her supplies (each one wiped over thoroughly with a Dettol wipe) off outside the porch of where she lives, for her to pick up whilst I stood about 10ft from her. Lucy is not coping with this situation well at all. Vivien is okish with Ray on their little narrow boat! Beautiful sunny day, but biting north easterly wind.
Collapsed on the sofa at home and had late lunch of cheese on toast, whilst watching two Robins and a Blackbird in my garden. I have more than enough to do in my house and garden this weekend without leaving the house at all for my daily exercise allowed walk, but I will go out once, maybe tomorrow as the weather looks pants on Sunday. I don't think it will be long before we won't be allowed out at all, except for one supermarket shop a week to be honest. Whilst the numbers of deaths and confirmed cases keeps catapulting, the lock down will get stricter. On a lighter note, below is a screenshot of something I tweeted this evening!
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
Firecrest singing at north end of Norwich Road at Wymondham
Black Redstart in garden, Spoonbills x 4 flew east over Cley
Tree Pipit flew over Thetford
Firecrest at Southrepps Common
Osprey flew over garden at Felthorpe
Great White Egret at Seamere Fen, Hingham
Spoonbills x 2 flew over Winterton
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Firecrest singing at north end of Norwich Road at Wymondham
Black Redstart in garden, Spoonbills x 4 flew east over Cley
Tree Pipit flew over Thetford
Firecrest at Southrepps Common
Osprey flew over garden at Felthorpe
Great White Egret at Seamere Fen, Hingham
Spoonbills x 2 flew over Winterton
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Thursday, 26 March 2020
LOCKDOWN DAY 3 – COVID-19
Now its really kicking off!!!
PLEASE DO NOT PUT ANYONE ELSE AT RISK!
Do not drive somewhere to go for a walk, either a mile down the road, 5 miles down the road, or 30 miles, OR to walk the dog. Your daily permitted walk with or without dog, should ONLY be from your house and anyone you pass should be at least 6ft away from you. You can only walk (or cycle) out of the house with the people that live in your house. You can not meet up with anyone to walk with, either family or friends.
Police ban driving anywhere to walk your dog or exercise
UK police use drones and roadblocks to enforce lockdown
The Martin Lewis Money Show - A Coronavirus Special
Six new coronavirus cases in Norfolk as total reaches 51
Coronavirus update: 18 patients have tested positive at QEH
Parking charges scrapped at QEH
QEH: No visiting on hospital wards
CLAP FOR OUR CARERS 8PM!
When I heard about Annemarie
Plas, who was behind "Clap For Our Carers" in Italy, I never, never
expected this to take off in the UK, and for anyone to actually do it! I
also didn't expected anyone in my little estate to bother either.
How wrong was I! I was talking and having a catch up with Vivien on the
phone, when I said to her 'its 8pm, I'm just going to look outside to
see if anyone is actually clapping' and to my astonishment, they were,
lots of them, cheering, whistling and thanking us NHS workers and also
heard two people thanking me and asking me if I was ok! Four doors down from me is another NHS
worker. I was extremely emotional and had a few tears. I had not
expected this at all. Thank you to all and every one of you, it is much
appreciated, in what is a VERY difficult time, that is only just kicking
off and is going to get so much worse over the next few days and weeks. Our lives at QEH are changing daily.
hashtags on Twitter:
#clapforourcarers #clapforNHS #clapforkeyworkers #NHShereos #NHSclap
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-52057020/coronavirus-clap-for-our-carers-creator-on-her-viral-challenge
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-52054745/clap-for-our-carers-national-applause-for-coronavirus-health-workers
https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1243271386845581325
https://twitter.com/Pennyshotbirdin/status/1243269837989777410
hashtags on Twitter:
#clapforourcarers #clapforNHS #clapforkeyworkers #NHShereos #NHSclap
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-52057020/coronavirus-clap-for-our-carers-creator-on-her-viral-challenge
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-52054745/clap-for-our-carers-national-applause-for-coronavirus-health-workers
https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1243271386845581325
https://twitter.com/Pennyshotbirdin/status/1243269837989777410
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 north of King's Lynn
Black Redstart in garden at Ditchingham
Black Redstart at Winterton
Black Redstart at Weybourne Camp
Great White Egret at Cley NWT
Little Gulls x 3 at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew
Black Redstarts x 2 at Hemsby
Great White Egret at Burgh Castle
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Osprey flew north of King's Lynn
Black Redstart in garden at Ditchingham
Black Redstart at Winterton
Black Redstart at Weybourne Camp
Great White Egret at Cley NWT
Little Gulls x 3 at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew
Black Redstarts x 2 at Hemsby
Great White Egret at Burgh Castle
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
CORONAVIRUS INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED! Coronavirus Updates – LOCKDOWN DAY 3!
THE LOCKDOWN AND RULES OF STAYING AT HOME DOES NOT INCLUDE DRIVING TO VISIT RELATIVES, FRIENDS, GIRLFRIENDS, BOYFRIENDS, AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY – THAT MEANS OVER A 24 HOUR PERIOD IF YOU STILL DON'T GET IT!
You may well be ok, and feel this its fine to just see all your family, but ITS NOT! This virus is SO contagious that YOU can spread it to others without even knowing it. The rules listed below are so simple to follow, you don't even need a degree!!!
REMINDER
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875786/Full_guidance_on_staying_at_home_and_away_from_others_-_200324__1_.pdf
If you want to return to 'normal' life, then the quicker we ALL do EXACTLY as the Government are instructing us, the sooner we can get back to doing all the things we love to do. Its not too much to ask is it! Whilst those of you are not adhering to this and unknowingly spreading the virus, us NHS front line workers are risking our lives for you. YOU are also delaying EVERYBODY getting back to normal.
For anybody NOT following the law of staying at home, read this written on Facebook yesterday by a staff nurse:
45 cases now confirmed in Norfolk
Coronavirus patient in 50's dies at Norwich Hospital
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has confirmed more patients have tested positive for COVID-19.
UPDATE FROM NORFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST
I'm glad they are shutting the beach car park at Cley, that will solve the cars that were parked there on 24th! I hope they block the road off with a barrier next to the main road, otherwise people breaking rules will park along Beach Road!
You may well be ok, and feel this its fine to just see all your family, but ITS NOT! This virus is SO contagious that YOU can spread it to others without even knowing it. The rules listed below are so simple to follow, you don't even need a degree!!!
REMINDER
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/875786/Full_guidance_on_staying_at_home_and_away_from_others_-_200324__1_.pdf
If you want to return to 'normal' life, then the quicker we ALL do EXACTLY as the Government are instructing us, the sooner we can get back to doing all the things we love to do. Its not too much to ask is it! Whilst those of you are not adhering to this and unknowingly spreading the virus, us NHS front line workers are risking our lives for you. YOU are also delaying EVERYBODY getting back to normal.
For anybody NOT following the law of staying at home, read this written on Facebook yesterday by a staff nurse:
Woman, 21, 'with no underlying health conditions dies from Covid-19'
Coronavirus Updates In Norfolk45 cases now confirmed in Norfolk
Coronavirus patient in 50's dies at Norwich Hospital
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has confirmed more patients have tested positive for COVID-19.
UPDATE FROM NORFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST
I'm glad they are shutting the beach car park at Cley, that will solve the cars that were parked there on 24th! I hope they block the road off with a barrier next to the main road, otherwise people breaking rules will park along Beach Road!
Wednesday, 25 March 2020
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 Redstart at Cley
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Black Redstart at Cantley Beet Factory
Great White Egret at Breydon Water
Black Redstart at West Runton
Wheatears x 2, Willow Warbler at Snettisham Coastal Park
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Black Redstart at Cley
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Black Redstart at Cantley Beet Factory
Great White Egret at Breydon Water
Black Redstart at West Runton
Wheatears x 2, Willow Warbler at Snettisham Coastal Park
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Coronavirus Updates – LOCKDOWN DAY 1!
Nationally, the total number of UK cases stands at 8,077 with 422 people now confirmed to have died from the virus.
ExCeL Centre planned as NHS Field hospital
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52022417
Clear instruction for families, not to travel to second homes & to return from them if they have already fled. A new 4,000 bed hospital in London for you - far more likely to get a bed there than in our small NORFOLK hospitals!
ExCeL Centre planned as NHS Field hospital
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52022417
Clear instruction for families, not to travel to second homes & to return from them if they have already fled. A new 4,000 bed hospital in London for you - far more likely to get a bed there than in our small NORFOLK hospitals!
From The Daily Mail this morning, sent to me on WhatsApp from a work colleague
Number Of Covid-19 Cases In Norfolk Increases to 42
Pier fenced off as tourists keep flocking to coast
'I'm why you must take this seriously' – Healthy 28 year Old Tells of Coronavirus Horror
'Mobbed' Seaside Village Closes Car Park and Begs People Not To Visit
MP For West Norfolk Praises Staff At QEH In Parliament
NATURE RESERVES IN NORFOLK
- All NOA Reserves have been completely closed to all members and visitors, this includes Holme Bird Observatory, Walsey Hills, Kelling Quags and Hempton Marsh. Also note that Holme Dunes NWT is also completely closed.
- All RSPB Reserves have now closed all their reserves to all visitors throughout the UK.
- Awaiting to hear in full about Norfolk Wildlife Trust – on 22nd March is said the following on their website: "Following a review of the number of visitors to our nature reserves this weekend, and in support of Government advice, NWT is now considering closing some of our nature reserves, including some car parks. While we of course want to give people the opportunity to enjoy nature, it is vital we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff and play our part in helping to stop the spread of the virus. Meanwhile we continue to ask you to stay local and ensure you follow distancing and isolation as appropriate. "
- Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve is now closed to everyone.
- National Trust's Gardens, Houses, Car Parks etc all closed to everyone throughout the UK.
Such a pity that many bed and breakfasts are accepting holidaymakers in Norfolk I hear through the grapefine #bothpartiesselfish #gohomeandstayathomenow
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
Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water
Black Redstart, Common Cranes x 6 at Horsey Corner
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Marsh
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water
Black Redstart, Common Cranes x 6 at Horsey Corner
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Marsh
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
Monday, 23 March 2020
UK LOCKDOWN!
About time!
Hope this necessary lockdown isn't too late!
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF.pdf
Well, that's that then! So now, we have to comply and good job too! It was obvious it was going to happen, people don't like being 'advised' to do stuff, even if does mean saving lives – the majority of people are pretty dam selfish and that's putting it mildly. No mention of enforcing the second home owners back to London..... yet, anyway, come on Boris, do it! It does make me really cross that all those people acting like imbeciles over the weekend, have now stopped local people who don't live near the coast (because we can't afford to live on the coast!), being able to get there now, being as you can only walk from your house to exercise and have to "minimise time spent outside of the home". As a birder I find that extremely frustrating – if I lived on the coast or at least somewhere near the countryside, I would be more than happy for weeks on end with today's new 'measures', just simply going for one walk daily and seeing a few local birds – but, very sadly where I live, my local area consists of pavements and houses, nothing therapeutic about that at all! After having to work all day in the hospital in an incredibly stressful and increasingly worrying situation, it would have been so lovely to have gone for a short country walk, either after work or at the weekend. My life balance is going to be utterly rubbish! At least I have a few birds in my garden thank goodness!
I was very pleased to see the Holkham Estate has shut its car parks and everything else from 3pm today and in any case, nobody would be able to park there anyway now, as not allowed to drive to go for a walk. You can only walk for exercise from your house – if you live in Holkham you will be very lucky! I envy my fellow birders who do live on the coast, hugely right now!!! No Spring migrants for me this year, none at all😢 Mind you, I did see a Wheatear at Cley last week, so that could well be the only one! I detest suppression of rare birds hugely, but in these extreme circumstances that we find ourselves in, I would be eternally grateful, that if anybody finds a good bird in Norfolk, that they DO suppress it, for my sake and many others!!! Can't believe I just said that! Don't even think of broadcasting news of a first for Britain either! I don't want to know!
Let's hope that this lockdown doesn't go on for months on end, but I fear that could very well happen. Take care and look after each other, for those that are lucky enough to have more than one person in their house – I will end up talking to myself (no change there!).
Oh my goodness, I have just realised all the hairdressers are closing, my appointment on 7th April will obviously not happen. Can you imagine how crazy busy the hairdressers will be on the day they eventually open again! It takes three months to get an appointment booked at mine as it is! My hair will be very long again, by the time I get there!
On-line shopping will now kill off any high street shops completely. People will get so used to shopping this way, that any high street shops will more than probably never open again. We are getting a daily free cup of Costa Coffee at work, but I'm guessing that will be closed by the morning, we'll see.
I think I might start a new daily post at weekends "Hot Birding at Penny's!" Good night!
Well, that's that then! So now, we have to comply and good job too! It was obvious it was going to happen, people don't like being 'advised' to do stuff, even if does mean saving lives – the majority of people are pretty dam selfish and that's putting it mildly. No mention of enforcing the second home owners back to London..... yet, anyway, come on Boris, do it! It does make me really cross that all those people acting like imbeciles over the weekend, have now stopped local people who don't live near the coast (because we can't afford to live on the coast!), being able to get there now, being as you can only walk from your house to exercise and have to "minimise time spent outside of the home". As a birder I find that extremely frustrating – if I lived on the coast or at least somewhere near the countryside, I would be more than happy for weeks on end with today's new 'measures', just simply going for one walk daily and seeing a few local birds – but, very sadly where I live, my local area consists of pavements and houses, nothing therapeutic about that at all! After having to work all day in the hospital in an incredibly stressful and increasingly worrying situation, it would have been so lovely to have gone for a short country walk, either after work or at the weekend. My life balance is going to be utterly rubbish! At least I have a few birds in my garden thank goodness!
I was very pleased to see the Holkham Estate has shut its car parks and everything else from 3pm today and in any case, nobody would be able to park there anyway now, as not allowed to drive to go for a walk. You can only walk for exercise from your house – if you live in Holkham you will be very lucky! I envy my fellow birders who do live on the coast, hugely right now!!! No Spring migrants for me this year, none at all😢 Mind you, I did see a Wheatear at Cley last week, so that could well be the only one! I detest suppression of rare birds hugely, but in these extreme circumstances that we find ourselves in, I would be eternally grateful, that if anybody finds a good bird in Norfolk, that they DO suppress it, for my sake and many others!!! Can't believe I just said that! Don't even think of broadcasting news of a first for Britain either! I don't want to know!
Let's hope that this lockdown doesn't go on for months on end, but I fear that could very well happen. Take care and look after each other, for those that are lucky enough to have more than one person in their house – I will end up talking to myself (no change there!).
Oh my goodness, I have just realised all the hairdressers are closing, my appointment on 7th April will obviously not happen. Can you imagine how crazy busy the hairdressers will be on the day they eventually open again! It takes three months to get an appointment booked at mine as it is! My hair will be very long again, by the time I get there!
On-line shopping will now kill off any high street shops completely. People will get so used to shopping this way, that any high street shops will more than probably never open again. We are getting a daily free cup of Costa Coffee at work, but I'm guessing that will be closed by the morning, we'll see.
I think I might start a new daily post at weekends "Hot Birding at Penny's!" Good night!
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
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Cattle Egrets x 5, Great White Egrets x 5 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Great White Egrets x 6, Common Cranes x 3 at Welney WWT
Common Crane flew over Brancaster
Osprey flew over UEA at Norwich
Firecrest at Hopton-on-Sea
Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Great White Egret at Seamore Fen, Hingham
Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Caspian Gull, Spoonbill at Cley NWT
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
TENGMALM'S OWL
Lyndsay Lee Plantation, SW of Kergord House, Shetland
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Cattle Egrets x 5, Great White Egrets x 5 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Great White Egrets x 6, Common Cranes x 3 at Welney WWT
Common Crane flew over Brancaster
Osprey flew over UEA at Norwich
Firecrest at Hopton-on-Sea
Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Great White Egret at Seamore Fen, Hingham
Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Caspian Gull, Spoonbill at Cley NWT
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
TENGMALM'S OWL
Lyndsay Lee Plantation, SW of Kergord House, Shetland
Sunday, 22 March 2020
Tescos for NHS, Mother's Day, Lucy, BBC Look East & Bread Flour Drop Off!
Very, very tired – I was up far too late last night/this morning tweeting!!! Brief Post:
Went to Hardwick Tescos, King's Lynn for the NHS opening time of 9am until 10am. I won't be doing this again, it was crazy, but I did get the last two white bread flours for my friends in Heacham who are elderly and have no bread. No yeast or loo rolls. Huge thank you to Tesco for the beautiful and unexpected bouquet of flowers they gave to every NHS worker this morning – it brought tears to my eyes, as it did several others. Very much appreciated. For some reason I can't email the photo to post on here, emails not sending from iphone – need to sort that tomorrow night.
Went to Lucy's and dropped her off some requested items and wiped each item over with a Dettol wipe before dropping them into a bag for her. We stood in the car park where she lives, standing a good distance apart and we did an air hug – something I started at work, where you circle your arms around as if going to give someone a hug! I so wanted to hug her, so difficult having to distance yourself from people you love.
Returned home shattered. BBC Look East contacted me and from their message they sent me, obviously liked my posts and thoughts re Covid-19 and asked me if I would like to do a Skype video tomorrow morning!!!! I thanked them, but declined, not my thing! I said I was quite happy if they wanted to link any of my tweets or blog posts on the BBC website though.
Cooked lunch and fell asleep on the sofa. Drove to Heacham to drop the bread flours off and a box of yeast (that was mine), so now M. and E. can make bread! Came back home, cooked tea and fell asleep again! Chatted on the phone to Pete S. who told me he decided to go for a little walk to his nearest beach (he lives in Weybourne) and couldn't even get in the car park – he said he never seen it so heaving with people and cars at this time of the year. I had the same conversation with John F. who said Gramborough Hill at Salthouse was also heaving with people and no one social distancing – people were having picnics in groups, children running round with each other etc etc. What don't people get? From others, it sounded similar all the way along the coast. Selfish, irresponsible and shocking behaviour! We are so going to pay for this!!!
For all those REFUSING to social distance and for those day trippers to Norfolk and second home owners, who have descended upon us, pushing our resources way beyond the limit, please watch the following: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8131269/Fit-healthy-gym-goer-39-struggles-breathe-coronavirus.html
I have read so many posts this evening that are similar to mine on my blog and Twitter, local people in Norfolk are really angry that people are descending on Norfolk for day trips and moving into their second homes – they are so angry, I can't even link what they are saying as there are so many swear words written, far more than mine! Quote "My mind is blown by the selfishness of people" is one of the more polite ones.
There are approximately 859,400 permanent residents living in Norfolk. Let's say that 1% of you need to be hospitalised because of Covid-19? I leave you to do the maths...... they won't all fit into our three hospitals, so very sadly many will die at home.
Late news from the BBC states "Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence."
Went to Hardwick Tescos, King's Lynn for the NHS opening time of 9am until 10am. I won't be doing this again, it was crazy, but I did get the last two white bread flours for my friends in Heacham who are elderly and have no bread. No yeast or loo rolls. Huge thank you to Tesco for the beautiful and unexpected bouquet of flowers they gave to every NHS worker this morning – it brought tears to my eyes, as it did several others. Very much appreciated. For some reason I can't email the photo to post on here, emails not sending from iphone – need to sort that tomorrow night.
Happy Mother's Day to My Dearest Mother
up there in the blue skies with the birds
I miss you so much and think of you every single day
💔
Went to Lucy's and dropped her off some requested items and wiped each item over with a Dettol wipe before dropping them into a bag for her. We stood in the car park where she lives, standing a good distance apart and we did an air hug – something I started at work, where you circle your arms around as if going to give someone a hug! I so wanted to hug her, so difficult having to distance yourself from people you love.
Returned home shattered. BBC Look East contacted me and from their message they sent me, obviously liked my posts and thoughts re Covid-19 and asked me if I would like to do a Skype video tomorrow morning!!!! I thanked them, but declined, not my thing! I said I was quite happy if they wanted to link any of my tweets or blog posts on the BBC website though.
Cooked lunch and fell asleep on the sofa. Drove to Heacham to drop the bread flours off and a box of yeast (that was mine), so now M. and E. can make bread! Came back home, cooked tea and fell asleep again! Chatted on the phone to Pete S. who told me he decided to go for a little walk to his nearest beach (he lives in Weybourne) and couldn't even get in the car park – he said he never seen it so heaving with people and cars at this time of the year. I had the same conversation with John F. who said Gramborough Hill at Salthouse was also heaving with people and no one social distancing – people were having picnics in groups, children running round with each other etc etc. What don't people get? From others, it sounded similar all the way along the coast. Selfish, irresponsible and shocking behaviour! We are so going to pay for this!!!
For all those REFUSING to social distance and for those day trippers to Norfolk and second home owners, who have descended upon us, pushing our resources way beyond the limit, please watch the following: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8131269/Fit-healthy-gym-goer-39-struggles-breathe-coronavirus.html
I have read so many posts this evening that are similar to mine on my blog and Twitter, local people in Norfolk are really angry that people are descending on Norfolk for day trips and moving into their second homes – they are so angry, I can't even link what they are saying as there are so many swear words written, far more than mine! Quote "My mind is blown by the selfishness of people" is one of the more polite ones.
There are approximately 859,400 permanent residents living in Norfolk. Let's say that 1% of you need to be hospitalised because of Covid-19? I leave you to do the maths...... they won't all fit into our three hospitals, so very sadly many will die at home.
Late news from the BBC states "Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar, whether for isolation purposes or holidays. People should remain in their primary residence."
- STAY AT HOME AT YOUR MAIN RESIDENCE AND WHERE YOUR GP IS REGISTERED
- DO NOT TRAVEL UNNECESSARILY
- DO TAKE DAY TRIPS TO OTHER PLACES AND SPREAD THE VIRUS TO OTHERS, YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE IT OR NOT......YET!
- WE HAVE ONE CHANCE TO GET THIS RIGHT!
- PRAYING THAT BORIS WILL DO A SERIOUS LOCKDOWN TOMORROW
- SCARED ABOUT GOING TO WORK TOMORROW
#STAYATHOME
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
Rough-legged Buzzard juv. again, NW of Wells
Water Pipit at North Point Pools, Wells
Waxwings x 4 at Salthouse
Great White Egrets x 7 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Common Cranes x 2 at Brundall
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Waxwing near Fakenham Road at Norwich
Long-tailed Duck flew east at Holme Dunes NWT
Spoonbills x 5, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Common Cranes x 2 at Claxton Marshes
Great White Egret at Seamore Fen, Hingham
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
TENGMALM'S OWL
Lyndsay Lee Plantation, SW of Kergord House, Shetland
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Rough-legged Buzzard juv. again, NW of Wells
Water Pipit at North Point Pools, Wells
Waxwings x 4 at Salthouse
Great White Egrets x 7 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Common Cranes x 2 at Brundall
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Waxwing near Fakenham Road at Norwich
Long-tailed Duck flew east at Holme Dunes NWT
Spoonbills x 5, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Common Cranes x 2 at Claxton Marshes
Great White Egret at Seamore Fen, Hingham
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
TENGMALM'S OWL
Lyndsay Lee Plantation, SW of Kergord House, Shetland
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland
Saturday, 21 March 2020
A SHOCKING DAY IN NORFOLK!
I have been tweeting A LOT on Twitter since last night and for good reason. People are not listening, well some are, but there are MASSES who are NOT!
This is serious, it couldn't be more serious. Currently the government are recommending that if we are outside that we keep a good distance from everybody who we are walking with or sitting with outside, later today this information changed and people are now being urged to stay at home and only travel if absolutely essential. This will now include ALL THE STUPID day trippers piling into Norfolk and the second home owners flooding in to escape London and in turn some of them will be bringing the virus here with them, thanks alot! We only have three small hospitals in Norfolk, we won't have enough beds for people that live here permanently, never mind a few thousand more and this huge influx of second home owners will add to the supermarket chaos! All second home owners should be enforced to return to their main residence.
WE ARE HEADING FOR A CATASTROPHE HERE IN NORFOLK AND ALL BECAUSE WE HAVE FAR MORE PEOPLE HERE THAN WE NORMALLY WOULD HAVE AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR & BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING! WE ARE A TICKING TIME BOMB! THE HOSPITALS AND SUPERMARKETS WILL NOT COPE - FACT!
I was shocked at the scenes in Hunstanton as I left Tescos to drive along the cliff top on route to Old Hunstanton shop. There were people EVERYWHERE, I couldn't believe what I saw! People sitting on picnic tables eating their fish 'n' chips outside a fish 'n' chip shop (I thought they had to close?!), all sitting closely together and no one social distancing at all. People walking along the seafront in groups, loads of bikers parked up by the entertainment centre – the entire scene looked like a typical Bank Holiday Monday weekend. Are people not aware of what is going to hit us?! As Steve Trewhella wrote on Twitter "It’s a world wide pandemic not a fucking bank holiday you twats"
The cliff top itself was jam-packed, in fact I have never seen it that full! The cars were parked from beginning to end with no gaps. People are being so stupid, its sickening to see. They are not taking it seriously at all. Look at the stats for Italy! We are two weeks away from they are now. As someone wrote on Twitter today: "Nearly 800 people died from Coronavirus in Italy today. 29 days since their 1st death. We are on day 17 with 233 deaths. Italy had 233 on day 15. Not sure people realise how serious this is. WAKE UP UK, time to lockdown completely before this gets out of hand."
I heard that the rest of the coast was the same today, with tons of people out at Wells, queueing closely together like they normally would do outside a fish n chip shop, Lady Anne's Drive full (I have contacted Holkham Estate to request they close Lady Anne's Drive and Wells car park, not heard back yet), all the way along the coast, hearing stories of masses of people not social distancing at all and carrying on as normal. But, its NOT NORMAL, please take notice for your sakes and others!
THREE HOSPITALS IN NORFOLK DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO COPE WITH PATIENTS FROM NORFOLK & LONDON, SO IF YOU HAVE A 2ND HOME HERE, PLEASE RETURN TO LONDON, WHERE THERE ARE MORE HOSPITALS TO COPE WITH BIGGER NUMBERS, IT MAY BE YOU THAT WILL DIE AT HOME BECAUSE OF LACK OF ACUTE BEDS!
Boris Johnson needs to lock down the entire country NOW and get the army in to enforce it and he WILL need the army, as there will still be IGNORANT AND SELFISH PEOPLE that leave the house to do other stuff besides getting food and medication.
Government announces further measures on social distancing
Entertainment and hospitality premises closed temporarily on Friday and today people urged to ONLY travel if absolutely essential.
This is serious, it couldn't be more serious. Currently the government are recommending that if we are outside that we keep a good distance from everybody who we are walking with or sitting with outside, later today this information changed and people are now being urged to stay at home and only travel if absolutely essential. This will now include ALL THE STUPID day trippers piling into Norfolk and the second home owners flooding in to escape London and in turn some of them will be bringing the virus here with them, thanks alot! We only have three small hospitals in Norfolk, we won't have enough beds for people that live here permanently, never mind a few thousand more and this huge influx of second home owners will add to the supermarket chaos! All second home owners should be enforced to return to their main residence.
WE ARE HEADING FOR A CATASTROPHE HERE IN NORFOLK AND ALL BECAUSE WE HAVE FAR MORE PEOPLE HERE THAN WE NORMALLY WOULD HAVE AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR & BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING! WE ARE A TICKING TIME BOMB! THE HOSPITALS AND SUPERMARKETS WILL NOT COPE - FACT!
I was shocked at the scenes in Hunstanton as I left Tescos to drive along the cliff top on route to Old Hunstanton shop. There were people EVERYWHERE, I couldn't believe what I saw! People sitting on picnic tables eating their fish 'n' chips outside a fish 'n' chip shop (I thought they had to close?!), all sitting closely together and no one social distancing at all. People walking along the seafront in groups, loads of bikers parked up by the entertainment centre – the entire scene looked like a typical Bank Holiday Monday weekend. Are people not aware of what is going to hit us?! As Steve Trewhella wrote on Twitter "It’s a world wide pandemic not a fucking bank holiday you twats"
The cliff top itself was jam-packed, in fact I have never seen it that full! The cars were parked from beginning to end with no gaps. People are being so stupid, its sickening to see. They are not taking it seriously at all. Look at the stats for Italy! We are two weeks away from they are now. As someone wrote on Twitter today: "Nearly 800 people died from Coronavirus in Italy today. 29 days since their 1st death. We are on day 17 with 233 deaths. Italy had 233 on day 15. Not sure people realise how serious this is. WAKE UP UK, time to lockdown completely before this gets out of hand."
I heard that the rest of the coast was the same today, with tons of people out at Wells, queueing closely together like they normally would do outside a fish n chip shop, Lady Anne's Drive full (I have contacted Holkham Estate to request they close Lady Anne's Drive and Wells car park, not heard back yet), all the way along the coast, hearing stories of masses of people not social distancing at all and carrying on as normal. But, its NOT NORMAL, please take notice for your sakes and others!
THREE HOSPITALS IN NORFOLK DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO COPE WITH PATIENTS FROM NORFOLK & LONDON, SO IF YOU HAVE A 2ND HOME HERE, PLEASE RETURN TO LONDON, WHERE THERE ARE MORE HOSPITALS TO COPE WITH BIGGER NUMBERS, IT MAY BE YOU THAT WILL DIE AT HOME BECAUSE OF LACK OF ACUTE BEDS!
Boris Johnson needs to lock down the entire country NOW and get the army in to enforce it and he WILL need the army, as there will still be IGNORANT AND SELFISH PEOPLE that leave the house to do other stuff besides getting food and medication.
Government announces further measures on social distancing
Entertainment and hospitality premises closed temporarily on Friday and today people urged to ONLY travel if absolutely essential.
Helping My 'Family', Shopping & Birding!
I was so tired from my egg delivery runs last night and generally from work last week, that I didn't get up as early as I wanted to. Oh well! It was a beautiful sunny day with east winds. I feared that Norfolk would be jam-packed with day trippers today and indeed it was, I discovered later on.
I headed to Heacham, to "Moulham and Horn" to buy some much needed bird food and got a good selection to keep the birds happy over the next few weeks. They close at 12.30pm and I only just made it in time! I kept my visit as brief as I could and then left. I then phoned my very good 'family' friends M. and E. who live in Heacham, to ask if they were ok and if they need anything. I felt quite sad when they said I was the only person to have rung, to see if they were ok. They really wanted some bread flour, yeast and white granulated sugar, so I said I would see what I could do. I drove round to their house and chatted to them from the road at a good distance away over their garden fence. It was lovely to catch up, as I had not seen them both for a while.
Headed to the local supermarkets to see what I could find for them. Tescos at Hunstanton had none of the products they wanted and very little else either, lots of empty shelves, no loo rolls, no flour, no yeast, no sugar, no potatoes etc etc. I have not been able to find any hand sanitiser anywhere, so currently using Dettol hard surface wipes to clean my steering wheel etc and my hands (which are getting sore now). I had a lovely moment in the Tesco car park – at the back there are lots of bushes growing on a sloped bank, it was full of loads of chirping House Sparrows, the volume was so loud! I felt very much aware that there was no air traffic – the skies were silent, blue and clear, it was quite weird, very weird. I also saw a Comma Butterfly feeding on Alexander leaves by my feet – a lovely moment and brought a smile to my face for a short while. I didn't bother going to the much smaller Sainsbury's store, there would be no point.
I was shocked at the scenes in Hunstanton as I left Tescos to drive along the cliff top on route to Old Hunstanton shop. There were people EVERYWHERE, I couldn't believe what I saw! People sitting on picnic tables eating their fish 'n' chips outside a fish 'n' chip shop (I thought they had to close?!), all sitting closely together and no one social distancing at all. People walking along the seafront in groups, loads of bikers parked up by the entertainment centre – the entire scene looked like a typical Bank Holiday Monday weekend. Are people not aware of what is going to hit us?! As Steve Trewhella wrote on Twitter "It’s a world wide pandemic not a fucking bank holiday you twats"
The cliff top itself was jam-packed, in fact I have never seen it that full! The cars were parked from beginning to end with no gaps. I left this mayhem and headed to the shop on the main road at Old Hunstanton. I managed to find one of the products in here and bought two small bags of white granulated sugar. I then headed to Ringstead stores, but didn't find anything else there that M. and E. wanted. But, I did find one bag of Wholemeal bread flour for me – there was one bag left after that, which I'm sure got sold quickly.
Headed to the Thornham Farm Shop. No flour or yeast there either, but they did have bread, so brought M. and E. a sliced white loaf of local bread (they can't eat wholemeal). There was plenty of eggs here too and a few veg left. I bought for myself a bunch of bananas (almost run out at home) and some proper earth covered potatoes! No sacks being sold here now, a limit of 3kg per person. Tomorrow I am going to the NHS Staff only hour at Tescos, so hopefully will get some white bread flour and yeast for my friends and then deliver to them tomorrow, although I don't think I will get either to be honest. The owner at Ringstead shop told me that yeast is 'like gold right now'.
Now it was time for my fresh air, a bit of birding and relaxation, which I have needed so much after being at work all week. If the car park at Titchwell RSPB had been packed out, I wasn't stopping, but thankfully there were hardly any cars there at all. But, there were three huge campervans in the far car park, no doubt planning to spend the night there when they shouldn't be! The toilets were open, but there was no loo roll left – am guessing because no staff are there to top it up or had it been stolen?! I sat and had my late lunch, which was a sandwich made with my home-made granary bread, cheese and cucumber. It was now late afternoon and very cold and I regretted not getting here earlier, but I was determined to get a walk in.
Ambled around the Fen Trail and only passed one couple with a little girl on route to Patsy's Pool. I didn't see that much, plus my mind wasn't on birding if I'm honest, too many thoughts racing through my mind, but it was very therapeutic to be out amongst nature. The best thing I was saw was a pair of Tufted Duck on the pool! Not seen any Tufted Ducks for ages! Four Marsh Harriers were coming in to roost, there were several Cormorants and a couple of Little Egrets. I didn't see or hear any other birds here apart from a Great Tit.
I walked to the main path and all the way along to the beach. The hides were open still, with recommended social distancing notices etc, but I personally think they should be closed, as Cley NWT have done. Hides are confirmed spaces and you can't really keep a few metres apart in a small space! I certainly didn't and won't be going in any hides. There were big numbers of gulls roosting on the freshmarsh, along with Avocets, Oystercatchers, Shelduck, Teal, Med Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Redshanks etc. It was so cold now, I nearly turned back, but I was so glad I carried on to the beach as it was a very high tide! I only passed one couple on route to the beach and we both gave each other space by the path/Island Hide as we passed each other. The beach was dramatic and beautiful. Lots of Oystercatchers feeding along the tide line, nothing else seen. One couple walking back from Thornham Point, otherwise devoid of people and dogs. I stood for a while, watching the waves crashing on the shore and pondered. Where will we all be in a few months time? Sadly and scarily, some of us won't be here!
Walked briskly back to my car with hat on and both hoods of my two coats pulled up! Went to Heacham to deliver the sugar and bread to M. and E. Returned to King's Lynn and fell asleep on the sofa! I don't think I have ever sent so many tweets on Twitter as I have today, nearly all about Covid-19!
I headed to Heacham, to "Moulham and Horn" to buy some much needed bird food and got a good selection to keep the birds happy over the next few weeks. They close at 12.30pm and I only just made it in time! I kept my visit as brief as I could and then left. I then phoned my very good 'family' friends M. and E. who live in Heacham, to ask if they were ok and if they need anything. I felt quite sad when they said I was the only person to have rung, to see if they were ok. They really wanted some bread flour, yeast and white granulated sugar, so I said I would see what I could do. I drove round to their house and chatted to them from the road at a good distance away over their garden fence. It was lovely to catch up, as I had not seen them both for a while.
Headed to the local supermarkets to see what I could find for them. Tescos at Hunstanton had none of the products they wanted and very little else either, lots of empty shelves, no loo rolls, no flour, no yeast, no sugar, no potatoes etc etc. I have not been able to find any hand sanitiser anywhere, so currently using Dettol hard surface wipes to clean my steering wheel etc and my hands (which are getting sore now). I had a lovely moment in the Tesco car park – at the back there are lots of bushes growing on a sloped bank, it was full of loads of chirping House Sparrows, the volume was so loud! I felt very much aware that there was no air traffic – the skies were silent, blue and clear, it was quite weird, very weird. I also saw a Comma Butterfly feeding on Alexander leaves by my feet – a lovely moment and brought a smile to my face for a short while. I didn't bother going to the much smaller Sainsbury's store, there would be no point.
I was shocked at the scenes in Hunstanton as I left Tescos to drive along the cliff top on route to Old Hunstanton shop. There were people EVERYWHERE, I couldn't believe what I saw! People sitting on picnic tables eating their fish 'n' chips outside a fish 'n' chip shop (I thought they had to close?!), all sitting closely together and no one social distancing at all. People walking along the seafront in groups, loads of bikers parked up by the entertainment centre – the entire scene looked like a typical Bank Holiday Monday weekend. Are people not aware of what is going to hit us?! As Steve Trewhella wrote on Twitter "It’s a world wide pandemic not a fucking bank holiday you twats"
The cliff top itself was jam-packed, in fact I have never seen it that full! The cars were parked from beginning to end with no gaps. I left this mayhem and headed to the shop on the main road at Old Hunstanton. I managed to find one of the products in here and bought two small bags of white granulated sugar. I then headed to Ringstead stores, but didn't find anything else there that M. and E. wanted. But, I did find one bag of Wholemeal bread flour for me – there was one bag left after that, which I'm sure got sold quickly.
Headed to the Thornham Farm Shop. No flour or yeast there either, but they did have bread, so brought M. and E. a sliced white loaf of local bread (they can't eat wholemeal). There was plenty of eggs here too and a few veg left. I bought for myself a bunch of bananas (almost run out at home) and some proper earth covered potatoes! No sacks being sold here now, a limit of 3kg per person. Tomorrow I am going to the NHS Staff only hour at Tescos, so hopefully will get some white bread flour and yeast for my friends and then deliver to them tomorrow, although I don't think I will get either to be honest. The owner at Ringstead shop told me that yeast is 'like gold right now'.
Now it was time for my fresh air, a bit of birding and relaxation, which I have needed so much after being at work all week. If the car park at Titchwell RSPB had been packed out, I wasn't stopping, but thankfully there were hardly any cars there at all. But, there were three huge campervans in the far car park, no doubt planning to spend the night there when they shouldn't be! The toilets were open, but there was no loo roll left – am guessing because no staff are there to top it up or had it been stolen?! I sat and had my late lunch, which was a sandwich made with my home-made granary bread, cheese and cucumber. It was now late afternoon and very cold and I regretted not getting here earlier, but I was determined to get a walk in.
Ambled around the Fen Trail and only passed one couple with a little girl on route to Patsy's Pool. I didn't see that much, plus my mind wasn't on birding if I'm honest, too many thoughts racing through my mind, but it was very therapeutic to be out amongst nature. The best thing I was saw was a pair of Tufted Duck on the pool! Not seen any Tufted Ducks for ages! Four Marsh Harriers were coming in to roost, there were several Cormorants and a couple of Little Egrets. I didn't see or hear any other birds here apart from a Great Tit.
I walked to the main path and all the way along to the beach. The hides were open still, with recommended social distancing notices etc, but I personally think they should be closed, as Cley NWT have done. Hides are confirmed spaces and you can't really keep a few metres apart in a small space! I certainly didn't and won't be going in any hides. There were big numbers of gulls roosting on the freshmarsh, along with Avocets, Oystercatchers, Shelduck, Teal, Med Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Redshanks etc. It was so cold now, I nearly turned back, but I was so glad I carried on to the beach as it was a very high tide! I only passed one couple on route to the beach and we both gave each other space by the path/Island Hide as we passed each other. The beach was dramatic and beautiful. Lots of Oystercatchers feeding along the tide line, nothing else seen. One couple walking back from Thornham Point, otherwise devoid of people and dogs. I stood for a while, watching the waves crashing on the shore and pondered. Where will we all be in a few months time? Sadly and scarily, some of us won't be here!
Walked briskly back to my car with hat on and both hoods of my two coats pulled up! Went to Heacham to deliver the sugar and bread to M. and E. Returned to King's Lynn and fell asleep on the sofa! I don't think I have ever sent so many tweets on Twitter as I have today, nearly all about Covid-19!
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
Short-eared Owl at Thornham Marsh
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Raven, Hooded Crow at Winterton
Great White Egrets x 2 flew over St Olaves
Short-eared Owls x 2, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Holkham Gap
Common Cranes x 12 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Rough-legged Buzzard juv. again, NW of Wells
Great White Egret at Blakeney Freshmarsh
Little Gulls x 4 at Sheringham
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Short-eared Owl at Thornham Marsh
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Raven, Hooded Crow at Winterton
Great White Egrets x 2 flew over St Olaves
Short-eared Owls x 2, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Holkham Gap
Common Cranes x 12 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Rough-legged Buzzard juv. again, NW of Wells
Great White Egret at Blakeney Freshmarsh
Little Gulls x 4 at Sheringham
MEGA NEWS
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
MP Urges Londoners Not To Use Their Norfolk Second Homes
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/second-home-warning-in-norfolk-coronavirus-uk-1-6572648?fbclid=IwAR13RxZ4KJ1hfk_msXhZif1GeyOyYMhmFNOqztNHITNlN63zoJDck5wPJlU
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/duncan-baker-urgent-plea-to-holiday-makers-1-6572786
A BIT TOO FUCKING LATE!!!
Every second homer seems to be doing this throughout the UK, down south in Cornwall, Devon, in the Highlands and Scottish Islands and so on.
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2090794/this-isnt-a-wilderness-you-are-risking-lives-highland-msp-issues-warning-to-people-travelling-north-during-coronavirus-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2uATQFUe6wD53QE_q_ALnuJIqGN5YnITIRrWdkpEx3xCns-1JCuKynvFY
SPREADING THE VIRUS TO OTHER COUNTIES, THANKS EVERYONE!
We will be in a worse state than Italy in two weeks time and all because people are selfish! God help us all! We are a ticking time bomb. I feel frightened to return to work!
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/duncan-baker-urgent-plea-to-holiday-makers-1-6572786
A BIT TOO FUCKING LATE!!!
Every second homer seems to be doing this throughout the UK, down south in Cornwall, Devon, in the Highlands and Scottish Islands and so on.
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/2090794/this-isnt-a-wilderness-you-are-risking-lives-highland-msp-issues-warning-to-people-travelling-north-during-coronavirus-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2uATQFUe6wD53QE_q_ALnuJIqGN5YnITIRrWdkpEx3xCns-1JCuKynvFY
SPREADING THE VIRUS TO OTHER COUNTIES, THANKS EVERYONE!
We will be in a worse state than Italy in two weeks time and all because people are selfish! God help us all! We are a ticking time bomb. I feel frightened to return to work!
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Friday, 20 March 2020
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
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egrets x 2, Common Crane at Welney WWT
Hen Harrier, Common Cranes x 2 flew over Roydon Common NNR
Rough-legged Buzzard juv. again, NW of Wells
Great White Egret at Blakeney Freshmarsh
Garganey x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT
Little Gulls x 4 flew past beach car park at Cley
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Black Redstarts x 2 in garden at South Creake
Twite x 4 at Thornham Harbour
Common Cranes x 6 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Great White Egrets x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Winterton
Shorelarks x 5, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Velvet Scoter at Holkham Gap
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Caspian Gull at Burrell Way, Thetford
Velvet Scoters x 2 flew past Mundesley
MEGA NEWS
SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER
Again, Dungeness, Kent
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland
For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egrets x 2, Common Crane at Welney WWT
Hen Harrier, Common Cranes x 2 flew over Roydon Common NNR
Rough-legged Buzzard juv. again, NW of Wells
Great White Egret at Blakeney Freshmarsh
Garganey x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT
Little Gulls x 4 flew past beach car park at Cley
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Black Redstarts x 2 in garden at South Creake
Twite x 4 at Thornham Harbour
Common Cranes x 6 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Great White Egrets x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Winterton
Shorelarks x 5, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Velvet Scoter at Holkham Gap
Great Grey Shrike at Black Drove, Fincham
Caspian Gull at Burrell Way, Thetford
Velvet Scoters x 2 flew past Mundesley
MEGA NEWS
SHORT-TOED TREECREEPER
Again, Dungeness, Kent
LESSER KESTREL
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland
Emergency Egg Delivery!
I left work this evening and headed to a farm shop egg shed, which was quite a few miles away from where I live. I took orders from some of my work colleagues via our new WhatsApp group and then returned and delivered eggs to everyone. It was hard work but eggciting!!! There are no eggs left in supermarkets in King's Lynn amongst other basic items. Got home just after 8pm and cooked chips, eggs and baked beans. Cream-crackered, good night.
Coronavirus: Two confirmed to have died at QEH!
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-deaths-at-queen-elizabeth-hospital-kings-lynn-1-6571602
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-patient-leaves-norfolk-and-norwich-hospital-before-covid-19-test-1-6571555
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/number-of-coronavirus-cases-norfolk-uk-17-1-6572282
I seriously, seriously hope that all the 2nd home owners haven’t piled down to NORFOLK for when we go into total lock down, as our three small hospitals WILL NOT BE able to care for everyone!
I read on Twitter this evening that someone witnessed lots of people, including elderly people, sitting and eating in cafes all along the Norfolk coast today like everything was normal! Selfish, stupid people – they have no idea what’s coming – all hospitals are discharging as many as people as possible to make space for COVID-19 patients when they arrive in droves, but there won’t be enough room – lots will die at home sadly.
THREE HOSPITALS IN NORFOLK DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO COPE WITH PATIENTS FROM NORFOLK & LONDON, SO IF YOU HAVE A 2ND HOME HERE, PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR FIRST RESIDENCE, WHERE THERE ARE MORE HOSPITALS TO COPE WITH BIGGER NUMBERS, IT MAY BE YOU THAT WILL DIE AT HOME BECAUSE OF LACK OF ACUTE BEDS HERE!
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-patient-leaves-norfolk-and-norwich-hospital-before-covid-19-test-1-6571555
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/number-of-coronavirus-cases-norfolk-uk-17-1-6572282
I seriously, seriously hope that all the 2nd home owners haven’t piled down to NORFOLK for when we go into total lock down, as our three small hospitals WILL NOT BE able to care for everyone!
I read on Twitter this evening that someone witnessed lots of people, including elderly people, sitting and eating in cafes all along the Norfolk coast today like everything was normal! Selfish, stupid people – they have no idea what’s coming – all hospitals are discharging as many as people as possible to make space for COVID-19 patients when they arrive in droves, but there won’t be enough room – lots will die at home sadly.
THREE HOSPITALS IN NORFOLK DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO COPE WITH PATIENTS FROM NORFOLK & LONDON, SO IF YOU HAVE A 2ND HOME HERE, PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR FIRST RESIDENCE, WHERE THERE ARE MORE HOSPITALS TO COPE WITH BIGGER NUMBERS, IT MAY BE YOU THAT WILL DIE AT HOME BECAUSE OF LACK OF ACUTE BEDS HERE!
WAKE UP EVERYONE! DO NOT SOCIALISE AND MIX WITH OTHERS
Hot Birding! East Winds Until 1st April!!!
IF you are not having to self isolate at home for 7 days (if you live alone) OR 14 days (if you or someone else you are living with, has Coronavirus symptoms), this is good news indeed, if you are a birder or want to escape to the countryside! I can't remember the last time I saw a long run of forecast easterly winds, as we have from now until 1st April at least!
So, this means (following above rules) and avoiding all social contact, us birders and nature lovers can still go outside birding, to keep our mental states on an even keel. We won't and shouldn't be using ANY bird hides though, as this is a confined space, the equivalent of being indoors with someone else. However, when we go to complete lock down, which will only be a matter of days I reckon and certainly not more than a couple of weeks I predict, none of us will be birding. So I would get out and do some hardcore birding while you can. As soon as we go into lock down, we will only be able to leave our houses to go food shopping or get medical supplies. There will be NO birding for anyone outside your gardens. This Spring migration's list of rarities will be virtually nil and nobody will be able to twitch, even if someone does find a first for Britain in their back garden. Roll on Autumn migration! Enjoy what could be the last weekend out for a while!
So, this means (following above rules) and avoiding all social contact, us birders and nature lovers can still go outside birding, to keep our mental states on an even keel. We won't and shouldn't be using ANY bird hides though, as this is a confined space, the equivalent of being indoors with someone else. However, when we go to complete lock down, which will only be a matter of days I reckon and certainly not more than a couple of weeks I predict, none of us will be birding. So I would get out and do some hardcore birding while you can. As soon as we go into lock down, we will only be able to leave our houses to go food shopping or get medical supplies. There will be NO birding for anyone outside your gardens. This Spring migration's list of rarities will be virtually nil and nobody will be able to twitch, even if someone does find a first for Britain in their back garden. Roll on Autumn migration! Enjoy what could be the last weekend out for a while!
Thursday, 19 March 2020
NHS QEH!
The daily struggles for everyone now, both at work and at home are going to be challenging to say the least, especially for working mothers and fathers, trying to cope with the huge issues that have arisen with children off school, childcare, juggling work hours, trying to get basic food on the table, the stress, the emotion and mental health will be stretched to the limit. I've heard several people say this, including my sister Vivien this evening – its all very surreal. You can not believe this is happening and it hasn't even kicked off yet! We are still at the starting line! It will pass, but we have a mountain to climb, before it even begins to get better. #BE KIND #NHS #LOVETOALL
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