Coronavirus: Boris Johnson postpones lockdown easing in England

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53609467

Latest coronavirus infection rates show rise in Norwich

Local lockdown ‘last resort’ for fresh Norfolk coronavirus outbreak

Hottest Day Of The Year!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53165918

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/winterton-gridlock-as-hm-coastguard-delayed-1-6772278

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/eleven-people-rescued-norfolk-coast-1-6772802

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/thousands-flock-to-lowestoft-hottest-day-1-6772716

We were dripping hot at work and when I got in the car at the end of the day, the temperature outside of my car was 35C! So lovely to have a cool shower and sit and chill with my electric fan when I got home – bliss!

Tomorrow will be the third Saturday where I have to stay in again, as the rubber seal on my five day old washing machine has buckled and I have to stay at home to wait for an engineer to come out tomorrow to replace 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  
Purple Heron, Great White Egret at Titchwell RSPB
Honey Buzzard flew over Sutton
Southern Migrant Hawker Dragonflies x 3 at Thompson Common
Common Cranes x 4, Cattle Egret, Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at Blickling Hall Lake
Black Tern flew past Holme
Curlew Sandpiper at Breydon Water
Spoonbills x 36 at Stiffkey Fen
Black Terns x 2 at Hemsby
Dorset Cream Wave Moth at Gorleston-on-Sea
Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS
None

Extinction: Quarter of UK Mammals 'Under Threat'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53585627

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  
Balearic Shearwater, Black Terns x 2, Cattle Egret, Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT
Southern Migrant Hawker Dragonflies x 4 at Thompson Common
Spoonbills x 39 at Stiffkey Fen
Common Cranes x 4, Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Great White Egrets x 3 at Welney WWT
Great White Egret, Turtle Dove, Black Terns x 2, Spoonbills x 7 at Titchwell RSPB
Purple Heron, Garganey x 2 at Burnham Norton
Purple Heron at west end of Holkham Pines
Spoonbills x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Lynn Point, King's Lynn

MEGA NEWS
ZINO'S PETREL
SW of Bishop's Rock, Isles of Scilly

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  
Spoonbills x 7, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbills x 30 at Stiffkey Fen
Garganey at North Point Pools, Wells
Common Cranes x 4, Spoonbills x 3, Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Large Shearwater Sp. flew past, Spoonbills x 13, Ruddy Shelduck (hybrid), Honey Buzzard at Cley NWT
Great White Egrets x 2, Spoonbill at Holkham Freshmarsh
Great Shearwater flew past Sea Palling
Great Shearwater flew past Hemsby
Spoonbills x 9 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Great White Egret, Little Gulls x 2 at Holme Dunes
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cromer
Pomarine Skua dark morph at Hopton-on-Sea
Turtle Dove at Snettisham RSPB
Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Southern Migrant Hawker Dragonfly at Thompson Common

MEGA NEWS
SOOTY TERN 
Cullernose Point, Northumberland

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 5 at Lynford Aboretum
Wood Sandpiper, Great White Egret at Hickling Broad NWT
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Common Cranes x 4 at Welney WWT
Garganey x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Turtle Doves x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 10, Spoonbills x 5, Arctic Terns x 5 at Snettisham RSPB
Spoonbill at Holme Dunes
Little Stint reported at Cantley Beet Factory
Spoonbills x 33 at Stiffkey Fen
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cromer
Southern Migrant Hawker Dragonflies x 3 at Thompson Common
Southern Migrant Hawker Dragonfly at Beeston Common
Spoonbills x 4 at Titchwell RSPB

MEGA NEWS
GREEN WARBLER
1st-7th June, has been confirmed by DNA, North Ronaldsay, Orkney
SOOTY TERN
In bay at Embleton, Northumberland
SOLITARY SANDPIPER
Possible, at Lodmoor RSPB, NE of Weymouth, Dorset

RBA Weekly Round-Up 21st to 27th July!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2020_31.aspx?s_id=56592114

Happy Norfolk Day 2020 – A Year That’s Shown Our Strength And Spirit

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/norfolk-day-2020-celebrating-the-county-at-its-best-1-6763803

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  
Garganey, Spoonbills x 16, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egret, Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 6 at Welney WWT
Roseate Tern, Turtle Doves x 4, Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB
Garganey x 2 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 2, Little Gull, Little Stint at Cley NWT
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cromer

MEGA NEWS
FEA'S OR DESERTAS PETREL
Flew past Polperro, Cornwall
SNOW FINCH
Wholly unconfirmed report of White-winged Snowfinch at Walberswick, Suffolk

New Norfolk Safari Park Set To Open Soon!

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/new-wataunga-safari-park-opening-near-kings-lynn-1-6763523?fbclid=IwAR0wE1s2I6aHB13JHToIs8qV9IXXeeVyrgIwChcpds0fP1yz28g8I5s9EkU

https://www.watatunga.co.uk/

Currently, you can only visit as part of a guided trailer tour, but by Autumn this year they "hope to offer birdwatchers access to our bird hides without needing to book a trailer ride. At the time of writing, it is too wet to do the necessary landscaping to facilitate this but please check back here soon for news of new opportunities."

No dogs allowed apart from Guide Dogs! That makes a change, can't wait to visit!

"Watatunga is a stunning new wildlife reserve in west Norfolk, due to open to the public in April 2020 but currently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Situated amongst 170 acres of woodland, grassland and lakes, Watatunga provides a unique environment for over twenty types of ungulate and nearly 70 different bird species to roam at their will.   We run breeding programmes for many of our species including the Malayan sambar, hog deer, barasingha and the Great Bustard, a spectacular bird which went extinct in the U.K. in 1832.

Access to the reserve is via guided tour only and this must be pre-booked online.  We also offer luxurious self-catering accommodation with stunning views of the animals and the option to organise private tours for small groups in our electric buggies or large groups in our safari trailer. 

Step inside Watatunga and be part of conservation today for wildlife tomorrow."

Time Spent With Lucy!

AT LAST, after almost FIVE months, I was allowed to take my sister Lucy out in my car! We both had to wear masks in the car and Lucy had to sit in the back behind the passenger seat and the windows had to be open. Lucy simply wanted to sit in my garden, so that’s what we did. She has almost become institutionalized, but even though she has found things extremely difficult, she has somehow got through it! Sitting in my garden was so much better than meeting in the 'Walks'! No barking dogs, just lots of birds, bees, hoverflies and butterflies to watch in the garden – she really enjoyed herself. I did offer to take her to the beach as well, but I completely understood that it would have been too much for her all in one go.

I cooked Lucy's tea and of course we had dessert! We listened to classical music – it was so nice! We were not allowed to sit in my house, luckily it didn’t rain! We were given very strict rules from the Manager where Lucy lives and we followed everything that we were supposed to – we didn't even hug, even though we wanted to – we did an air hug as I call it. Sadly Vivien couldn't join us, as she and Ray had to drive to Surrey to look at a new and bigger narrowboat. Hopefully Lucy will let me take her a bit further a field next time, but today was a good start! I don't think she will go too far though, as like me, she doesn't travel well in the back of a car and with a mask on as well, its not exactly fun.

I can't remember the last time I went birding, it seems like ages! I'm planning to visit Titchwell RSPB one night this week after work – if I have the energy after wearing a mask all day! At least I have all next weekend free to go birding!

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  
Garganey x 3 at North Point Pools, Wells
Short-eared Owl at East Hill, Wells
Turtle Dove, Roseate Tern, Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB
Cattle Egret on Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham Coastal Park
Spoonbills x 44 at Stiffkey Fen
Lesser Emperor Dragonflies x 2 at Winterton Dunes
Honey Buzzard flew over Holt Country Park
Great White Egrets x 5, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Hickling Broad NWT
Honey Buzzard flew over Sutton Broad
Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 8 at Titchwell RSPB
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew over Dickleburgh
Spoonbills x 3 at Holme Dunes
Spoonbills x 5 flew over Weybourne Camp
Great White Egret, Garganey at Buckenham Marshes RSPB

MEGA NEWS
None

Weekend Update!

Last Saturday, British Gas fixed my hot water/heating system and it was the three way valve that had broken – it was replaced at a very reasonable cost and got the boiler serviced at the same time. I spent this morning, moving stuff around to allow 'Hughes' delivery men to take out my old washing machine and deliver the new one, which arrived at 2.30pm today, thank goodness! Cracking thunderstorm and torrential rain this afternoon, which has ruined some of my flowers. Went to Sainsbury's this evening, where the majority of people were wearing face masks, but still the odd person not following the rules!

At last, I have been given permission to take Lucy out in my car!!! But, with very strict rules! We both have to wear masks and Lucy will have to sit behind the front passenger seat, so we are the furthest apart that we can be. I have to tell the Manager (where Lucy lives), exactly where I take Lucy, so that she can 'risk assess' the situation!!! I was sent a word document of rules that I have to agree to and sign, before taking her out! Crazy! Like me, Lucy does not travel well in the back of a car, so I don't expect she will want to go far. We will probably just sit in my garden tomorrow (which she is also allowed to do now). That in itself will be an outing for Lucy! She's been stuck in the same place since March, as many people have done, who have and are still shielding.

My tooth seems to have settled down again and I have had several good night's sleep with no pain! The dodgy tooth did exactly the same thing back in April and then settled again. It still needs re-filling, but still waiting for the dentist to obtain full PPE kit.

Lots of birds in the garden, including lots of House Sparrows, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Starlings, Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons, Hedge Sparrow, Robins, Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Great Tit  and not a rat in sight so far! Swifts also gracing moody skies 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  
Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT
Garganey x 3, Wood Sandpipers x 2 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 44 at Stiffkey Fen
Cattle Egret at Welney WWT
Garganey x 4, Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Great White Egrets x 2 at Hickling Broad NWT
Turtle Doves x 2, Spoonbills x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 11 at Snettisham RSPB
Honey Buzzard flew over Wiveton Downs
Great White Egrets x 2 on marsh at Holme Dunes

MEGA NEWS
SOOTY TERN
Flew past St Mary's Island, Northumberland

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Turtle Doves x 3, Curlew Sandpiper at Snettisham RSPB
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Great White Egrets x 2, Wood Sandpiper at Hickling Broad NWT
Spoonbills x 24 at Stiffkey Fen
Black Tern, Great White Egret at Holme
Caspian Gull at Cromer
Garganey at North Point Pools, Wells
Honey Buzzard at Salthouse
Black Tern flew past Titchwell RSPB

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Little Gull, Spoonbill, Honey Buzzard at Cley NWT
Roseate Terns x 2 on beach at Eccles-on-Sea
Spoonbills x 10, Spotted Redshanks x 4 at Titchwell RSPB
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew over Hickling Broad NWT, Winterton & Runham
Scaup at Holkham
Garganey x 6, Great White Egret, Bittern at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Turtle Doves x 2 at Snettisham RSPB

MEGA NEWS
SOOTY TERN
Culzean Bay, NE of Maidens, Ayrshire, Scotland

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  
LITTLE CRAKE reported yesterday, by River Ant, SE of Irstead
Turtle Dove at Kelling Heath
Garganey x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Black Terns x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 8 at Snettisham RSPB
Quail at Bodham
Great White Egret between Blakeney & Cley
Roseate Tern at Cley NWT
Great White Egrets x 2, Spoonbills x 6 on Broadwater at Holme
Great White Egret at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Caspian Gull at Cromer

MEGA NEWS
SCOPS OWL
Possible, at Great Blasket Island, County Kerry, Ireland
LITTLE CRAKE
Reported yesterday, by River Ant, SE of Irstead, Norfolk

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  
Quail singing at Thorpe Marriott
Curlew Sandpiper, Spoonbill at North Point Pools, Wells
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Spotted Redshanks x 10 at Snettisham RSPB
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Honey Buzzard at Walsey Hills NOA
Roseate Tern flew past Kelling Hard
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 7, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Garganey, Caspian Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Roseate Tern flew past Cley NWT
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour
Quail x 3 at Abbey Farm, Flitcham

MEGA NEWS
None

RBA Weekly Round Up 14th to 20th July!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2020_30.aspx?s_id=972402941

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  
Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Curlew Sandpiper at North Point Pools, Wells
Little Stint at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Cattle Egret at Salthouse

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Spoonbills x 2 at Snettisham RSPB
Garganey, Spoonbill, Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Great White Egret at Holme Dunes
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 42 at Stiffkey Fen
Great White Egret at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Quail, south of Pretty Corner, Sheringham
Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill at Hickling Broad NWT
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Great White Egrets x 2, Spoonbills x 13, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Spoonbills x 18 at Stiffkey Fen
Great White Egret at Cley NWT
Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Garganey at Breydon Water
Common Scoters x 2 on Wroxham Broad
Wood Sandpiper at Salthouse
Great White Egret at Holme Dunes
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh
Wood Sandpiper flew over Pottergate, Norwich
Spoonbils x 10, Great White Egret at Titchwell RSPB

MEGA NEWS
BROWN BOOBY
Has died in care, County Wicklow, Ireland

Friday Update!

The last few days have been very stressful. So, my washing machine has died and had to order a new one, arriving Saturday 25th July. Two work colleagues very kindly offered use of their washing machines, but I'm a stubborn and fiercely independent person, so spent this evening hand washing clothes. Last night my hot water system decided to go wrong as well! The hot water boost heated all the radiators up to boiling point – I was really stressed and didn't what the hell was going on. Long story short, turned main switch off and the radiators eventually cooled. Googling, I discovered that a three way valve will probably have to be replaced. Have to wait for British Gas to come out between 8am and 1pm tomorrow. Hope nobody goes and refinds the Great Spotted Cuckoo until I can escape! The tooth weirdly has settled down a bit, but still have to take pain relief at nights in order to get a good nights sleep. Completely exhausted. 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 SPOTTED CUCKOO juv. flew over fields south of seawall at 7.55am, but no further sign, WNW of harbour car park at Thornham
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour
Spoonbill at Welney WWT
Great White Egret at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 26 at Stiffkey Fen
Quail singing near Beck Hall, Foxley
Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Honey Buzzard between Holt & Cley
Great White Egret, Spotted Redshank, Spoonbill, Continental Black-tailed Godwit at Cley NWT
Great White Egrets x 2 at Holme Dunes
Great White Egret at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Sanderling at Dickleburgh
Garganey x 6 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Turtle Dove, Great White Egret at South Beach, Heacham
Spoonbills x 5, Great White Egret, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Continental Black-tailed Godwit at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbills x 6, Garganey at Potter Heigham Marshes

MEGA NEWS
BROWN BOOBY
On Monday at sea, SW of Cape Clear on fishing boat for 2nd day, County Cork, Ireland
BROWN BOOBY
Still in care (500g underweight), County Wicklow, Ireland

Update: Titchwell RSPB!

 https://twitter.com/RSPBTitchwell/status/1283703476145606657

https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/titchwellmarsh/b/titchwellmarsh-blog/posts/back-with-a-boom

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 White Egret, Wood Sandpiper, Velvet Scoters x 2, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT
Black Redstart at Sea Palling
Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly by Reception Hide at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Cattle Egrets x 3, Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 7 at Burnham Norton
Great White Egret at Holme Dunes
Great White Egrets x 4, Common Cranes x 4 at Hickling Broad NWT
Great White Egret flew over Weybourne Camp
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Pectoral Sandpiper at Cley NWT
Turtle Dove, Spoonbills x 7 at Snettisham RSPB
Spoonbills x 35 at Stiffkey Fen
Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly by Reception Hide at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Spoonbills x 7 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spotted Redshank opposite lifeboat station at Wells
Cattle Egret, Great White Egrets x 5 at Hickling Broad NWT
Great White Egrets x 2 at How Hill NNR
Garganey x 6 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at Holme Dunes
Roseate Terns x 2 at West Runton

MEGA NEWS
BROWN BOOBY
North Pier, Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland
BAROLO SHEARWATER
Possible, flew past Pendeen Watch, Cornwall

RBA Weekly Round-Up 7th to 13th July!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyRoundup2020_29.aspx?s_id=723083704

Holme Reserves!

I have not been to where my parent's ashes are since March and this is one of many things that has been difficult to cope with. It would have been far easier, had they requested to be laid to rest in Holme churchyard! So today, after four months of not being able to visit the reserves, I was finally able to sit with them and spend some time reminiscing. It made me feel relieved to be back there, thankfully nothing had changed and everything looked lovely with beautiful flowers growing close by. It was spitting with rain this evening as I sat there.

At Holme Bird Observatory this afternoon, I had a lovely catch up with Sophie (Warden) and paid my overdue membership fee. Several seats had been moved around to ensure social distancing and there is hand gel to use at all entry points. I saw 2 Spoonbills flying east over the marsh, but didn't see the Great White Egret seen by others today. Sophie said the NWT car park was more or less full at midday, which doesn't bode well for the weekend! The wader pool path and hides are completely closed, so there is only the NWT Forestry to walk around, plus the car park – lets hope its not too long before we can use the hides again. The lure of the beach, toilets and cafe will no doubt bring the hoards back, of which there won't be many birders sadly. NOA Redwell Marsh Hide is also closed. I haven't been to look, but I'm sure the village hides (NWT) are still closed too. There was also a barricade across the short path to the seat that overlooks the Broadwater (NWT), which I don't quite know why that has been done. All NOA seats along the bank and in front of observatory are available to sit on, but the Dell Hide and car park hide are closed.

I walked from the observatory to Post 10, as I remember it – this spot was part of my father's nature trail, that used to be – this is by the curved wooden bench seat overlooking the Broadwater. I was horrified to discover that someone had left a bag of dog crap on the actual seat! Where lots of people sit and a seat that is in memory to someone loved and lost! How low can some dog owners stoop to?! Sickening behaviour! What a sad and selfish thing to do! A refillable drinks bottle also left on the seat, which wouldn't have been cheap, approximately £10 I reckon looking at it! I don't understand why someone would leave a poo bag on the seat?! Why? Is that so that the local dog poo collector can see it easier to pick it up? There is NO local dog poo collector!!! I did the only thing I could do and found a stick to flick the bag to the ground, as if it was left on the seat, the stench would quickly seep through and become ingrained in the wood and would stink for ages, plus people would be unknowingly sitting on it and no I wasn't going to carry it back to my car and dispose of it – the person carrying that bag could have Covid-19.

A singer/artist's huge house that was being built last time I was here, has now been completed along the Firs Road. It was so weird to be back here – I felt like I had been robbed of the Spring, which of course I and everyone else has! Four months have been erased! A third of the year, gone! I'm very much looking forward to Autumn migration, and hope very much that we don't have a second lockdown! Missing Spring migration is serious enough, but Autumn in Norfolk would be far far worse to miss! I didn't sleep brilliantly last night, but it was better than the night before. I have learnt that I mustn't put even the slightest pressure/touch on my dodgy tooth, so have to eat on the left side only. Going back to work on Thursday. 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  
Spoonbills x 8 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 35 at Stiffkey Fen
Curlew Sandpiper at Breydon Water
Caspian Gull on beach at Cromer
Common Cranes x 2 at Welney WWT
Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly by Reception Hide at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Turtle Dove, Great White Egrets x 4 at Hickling Broad NWT
Pectoral Sandpiper at Cley NWT
Great White Egret Spoonbills x 2 at Holme Dunes
Spoonbills x 2 flew over California
Spoonbills x 2 at Blakeney Harbour

MEGA NEWS
BROWN BOOBY
North Pier, Greystones, County Wicklow, Ireland

West Acre Gardens & Weekend Update!

Thursday evening was hell, with no sleep and severe 10/10 pain with my tooth. Spent all morning Friday trying to get my tooth sorted, its such a long tedious story, so I won't go into it all. In summary, none of the dentists have the correct PPE, in order to do aerosol work eg fillings and drilling etc and they estimate it will be four weeks before they get the PPE, so I will just have to live in pain. I'm not having the tooth out, as the gap will show when I smile, so will just have to wait until I can get it refilled. There is no guarantee that an implant tooth can be done, it depends on your bone density I found out, so absolutely not getting that tooth extracted. Less pain Friday night, but was awake all night worrying about the tooth! Saw the Comet from my bedroom window at around 3.30am! Saturday was spent recovering from no sleep, but managed to potter about in the garden and did a few jobs in the house. I should have gone to North Point Pools to see the Lesser Yellowlegs really, but I couldn't face all the traffic and was too tired anyway.

Today I went on my first little outing in ages. When I first moved to King's Lynn, I visited West Acre Gardens and purchased some wonderful plants, which I still have. One of them is like a bamboo, but isn't...... its currently about 8ft high! For some odd reason I haven't been to West Acre for at least ten years and its only eleven miles from my house! So, I popped over this afternoon and was so glad I did. There were a bit too many people there really and it was insanely hot, but the gardens were absolutely beautiful. Its a brilliant place to go, as its free to walk round their very high walled gardens. They sell lots of unusual plants and there are now tearooms too! Hollyhocks, rambling roses, fig trees, tons of giant bamboo which is fascinating, lots of different grasses, the list goes on. Lots of seats to sit on and mature trees overhang the wonderful stone wall. It really is a beautiful place. I purchased four items, can't remember what they were called now, but one was a small tree that flowers in September and is popular with insects, two were very tall plants that had huge big yellow flowers which were full of bees and a small pink flowering plant. I'll add the names when I look again tomorrow. http://www.westacregardens.co.uk/

I heard some very sad news today. Firstly, several people camped on top of Gramborough Hill at Salthouse last night, so goodness knows what they have left behind. The iconic Gramborough Hill signpost has been ripped out of the ground!!! NT and local birders had a good search and couldn't find it anywhere. Maybe someone had taken it home? How nasty is that! That sign has been there for god knows how many years – why would someone do that?!😢 

Very early this morning, I saw a Heron perched on someone's tall Leylandi! It dropped down to the ground somewhere and returned to its perch and did this a few times – someone may be missing some fish from their pond! A few birds are starting to return to my garden since I put the bird feeders back yesterday. Today I have seen a Blackbird, Hedgesparrow, Robin, Song Thrush, Starling and a Blue Tit. I really hope that all the House Sparrows come back, not seen one yet! Lots of flying ants in King's Lynn this afternoon and evening, which resulted in tons of gulls in the skies and a few Swifts.

I am going to pray that I get a full night's sleep tonight. Good night!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Spoonbills x 7 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 37, Wood Sandpiper at Stiffkey Fen
Great White Egrets x 2, Spoonbills x 5 on Cadbury Marsh + new scrape at Hickling Broad NWT
Little Gulls x 2 flew past Cley
Turtle Doves x 2, Spoonbills x 8 at Burnham Norton

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Scaup, Spoonbills x 8 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Spoonbills x 30, Great White Egret at Stiffkey Fen
Lesser Yellowlegs, Spoonbills x 8 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 3 flew over Holme Dunes
Turtle Dove at Snettisham Coastal Park
Common Cranes x 2 flew over Waxham

MEGA NEWS
None

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Lesser Emperor Dragonfly at North Dunes, Winterton
Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 3 at Cley NWT
Great Northern Diver, Little Gull flew past Weybourne Camp
Wood Sandpipers x 2 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 33 at Stiffkey Fen
Scaup, Spoonbills x 10 at Potter Heigham Marshes

MEGA NEWS
YELKOUAN SHEARWATER  
Portland Bill, Isle of Portland, Dorset
FORSTER'S TERN 
Possible, flew past Old Nab, Staithes, Yorkshire

Life Update!

I'm not going into full details, but things have been extremely difficult for me over the last few weeks. Last week in particular was really bad and I hardly moved from the sofa, never mind leave the house. To add to everything else going on, I have had and still have spasms of chronic toothache, which started last week. I had an emergency dentist appointment on Monday this week and had 2 x-rays – the dentist I saw (not my usual one) said I didn't have infection in the tooth that I thought it was and it was explained to me that because its a root filling (with gold crown) that it was nigh on impossible for that tooth to be in pain. The dentist thought it was another tooth (front right) that has a particularly deep mercury filling and he believes this filling is causing me pain and it needs to be replaced with a white filling. But, they are waiting for their full PPE kit to arrive, which will be around three weeks away and until then, they are not doing any aerosol treatments, which includes drillings or fillings! So I have to wait! I then went to BOOTS and purchased Clove Oil for the first time and combined with paracetamol, this has really helped. I have had several nights with no sleep at all, as the pain always seems to be ten times worse at night – laying flat is not possible. This has resulted in me being absolutely wrecked on top of my depression – great!

I'm still not allowed to take Lucy out in my car or walk into the house where she lives, which is very frustrating, but apparently its because two people are still 'shielding' where she lives. Mind you, I haven't been well enough to take her out anyway. Goodness knows when she will see the beach again and its really affecting her a lot. I did meet up with her and Vivien in "The Walks" this week, but it was awful, the weather was dull and it was spitting with rain and there were loose dogs running everywhere and barking at us. One yappy dog came right up to us and just barked continuously – the owner didn't call it back, but just walked right up to us and said 'he's just noisy, he won't bite' – she then proceeded to walk through our circle of 2 metre chairs, which meant she was less than a metre from each of us! You couldn't make it up! We couldn't sit in peace at all. We are not going there again.

I saw my first Hummingbird Hawk-moth in MY garden ever at around 4.20pm today, frustratingly I did not have time to get the camera out, as I was rushing out of the door to the hairdressers – it was feeding on my newly flowered buddleia. Not only was I shocked to see this, but it has been raining ALL DAY! This was the last thing I expected to see in this weather! I still don't have any bird feeders up, I think I have solved the rat situation and have not seen one for ages now, but frightened about putting them back, even though my Robin and tame Blackbird keep hinting!

At 5pm I finally got my hair done. The last time I was at the hairdressers was the 22nd January! I missed my 7th April and 23rd June appointments. I had to wear a mask to walk in the hairdressers and all the staff were PPE'd up and all stations cleaned down after use. It was such a relief to look tidy again and get the roots done! Hopefully I will be returning to work next week, if all goes well with mind and tooth!!! Its going to be a long night, as I have taken Paracetamol and applied the Clove Oil and I'm STILL in pain!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Wood Sandpiper at North Point Pools, Wells
Hoopoe reported, flushed and no further sign at Stiffkey Campsite
Spoonbills x 31 at Stiffkey Fen
Scaup, Spoonbills x 10 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Great White Egret at Sheringham
Great White Egret flew over Holme Dunes
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Hickling Broad NWT
Little Gull, Great White Egret at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS
YELKOUAN SHEARWATER  
Portland Bill, Isle of Portland, Dorset

BRILLIANT SONG BY RAVEN SHAW! "Aren't We All?"

Hollie & Deryk Shaw’s (ex FIBO warden) very talented daughter Raven, has just written an incredible song and something to help us all right now in these difficult times. Raven is destined to be a superstar! This needs to go global!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Great White Egret, Little Gull at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 2 at Thornham Harbour
Little Gull at Weybourne
Little Gull at Sheringham

MEGA NEWS
SOOTY TERN
Sizewell Power Station, Suffolk
YELKOUAN SHEARWATER
Portland Bill, Isle of Portland, Dorset

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Turtle Dove, Spotted Redshanks x 7, Spoonbills x 7 at Snettisham RSPB
Balearic Shearwaters x 4, Puffin, Black-throated Diver, Little Gulls x 2, Spoonbill, Great White Egret at Cley NWT
Scaup at Potter Heigham Marshes

MEGA NEWS
None

RBA Weekly Round-Up 20th June to 6th July!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2020_28.aspx?s_id=597207210

NOA RESERVES TO RE-OPEN FROM MONDAY 13TH JULY 2020

Holme Bird Observatory, Walsey Hills and Hempton Marsh will all open from 13th July, but all hides on all reserves will remain closed, except for the ones stated on their website.

Holme Dunes NWT also opens on Monday 13th, but all their hides also remain closed.

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Red-necked Phalarope, Spoonbills x 3, Crossbills x 14 at Cley NWT
Cattle Egrets x 3 flew over, Little Gulls x 2 at Salthouse
Hoopoe yesterday in garden (on trail cam images) at Weybourne
Little Gull at Weybourne
Osprey at Hickling Broad NWT
Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 4 at North Point Pools, Wells
Black Redstart in Castle Meadow Gardens, Norwich
Black Kite flew past Hopton-on-Sea
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Quail singing at Thorpe Marriott

MEGA NEWS
GREATER SAND PLOVER 
At Tyninghame, 2 miles west of Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland

William and Kate Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital!

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/william-and-kate-visit-qeh-in-king-s-lynn-1-6731189

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 at Hickling Broad NWT
Red-necked Phalarope, Little Gull at Cley NWT
Little Gull flew past Weybourne
Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 2 at North Point Pools, Wells
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Montagu's Harrier flew over Syderstone Common
Caspian Gull on beach at Gorleston

MEGA NEWS
GREATER SAND PLOVER 
At Tyninghame, 2 miles west of Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland

Norfolk's First Breeding Cattle Egrets!!!

Norfolk's first breeding Cattle Egrets have been successful at Holkham NNR! https://twitter.com/NHarnser/status/1279297470653255680

ORCAS! AN INCREDIBLE ENCOUNTER!

Two fishermen on Shetland, Piet and Don were fishing in Levenwick and had incredibly close views of Orcas! So close, they almost rocked the boat! Piet is the husband of Niki, a lovely couple who's awesome accommodation (Voortrekker) I stayed in last October. Watch the amazing video here:

https://www.facebook.com/683526268352598/posts/3204397169598816/?vh=e&d=n

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  
Cattle Egrets 3+ (2+juvs) recently at Holkham NNR
Osprey at Hickling Broad NWT
Cattle Egrets x 2, Great White Egrets x 2, Spoonbills x 6 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Spoonbills x 35 at Stiffkey Fen
Spoonbills x 13, Great White Egret at Potter Heigham Marshes
Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 5 at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbill, Great White Egret at Holme
Spoonbills x 8, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS
GREATER SAND PLOVER 
At Tyninghame, 2 miles west of Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland
YELKOUAN SHEARWATER
Probable, flew past Dawlish Warren NNR, Devon
BROWN BOOBY
Possible, flew past Withernsea, Yorkshire

LOCKDOWN DAY 101 – COVID-19 – LAST POST

We are not out of the woods yet – PM message ahead of Saturday reopenings

‘It’s a real unknown’: Police prepare for first weekend of pubs being open

Norfolk had 600 more coronavirus cases than reported at height of pandemic

England lockdown easing 'biggest step yet', says PM

Leicester lockdown: New laws come into force

Almost 30,000 'excess' care homes deaths

Coronavirus: Why surviving the virus may be just the beginning

Why we're not returning to the hairdressers

What are the UK's travel rules and which countries can you visit?

Supermarkets snub coconut goods picked by monkeys

Total deaths in UK: 44,131.

Total confirmed cases in UK: 284,276.

There are so many things that are open from tomorrow, that there isn't much point in continuing with my "Lockdown" posts, as most things seem to be opening up, including pubs, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers, holiday accommodation, holidays, museums, galleries, children's playgrounds, outdoor gyms, cinemas and so on. Oh and second home owners can visit and stay at their properties for the first time, which won't be hundreds, as many broke the rules and have been here since the beginning of lockdown anyway! I find it highly unfair and frustrating, that people can get p*ssed up in the pubs, but, I STILL can't take my sister Lucy out in the car!!! How long will this go on for?😢

What we can do from 4th July:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52530518

MY LAST LOCKDOWN POST

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  
Spoonbills x 27, Great White Egret at Stiffkey Fen
Spoonbills x 8 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Caspian Gull at Cromer
Spoonbills x 8 at Snettisham RSPB
Scaup at Burnham Norton
Spoonbills x 2 at North Point Pools, Wells

MEGA NEWS
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Flamborough Head & Bempton Cliffs RSPB am only, Yorkshire 
GREATER SAND PLOVER
At Tyninghame, 2 miles west of Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland

LOCKDOWN DAY 100 – COVID-19

RNLI warning ahead of weekend reopening after spike in Norfolk call-outs

Holme Dunes Visitor Centre NWT and Hickling Broad Visitor Centre NWT open on Monday 13th July

Cley Marshes Visitor Centre NWT open on Wednesday 15th July 

All hides remain closed though, to ALL NWT reserves

Titchwell RSPB remains closed, as does Holme Bird Observatory, NOA 😢

Shortages of PPE fuelled coronavirus spread in Norfolk care homes - UEA study

Holt rallies after devastating supermarket fire

‘Let’s not let ourselves down’ – Weekend revellers asked to act responsibly as pubs and restaurants reopen

Coronavirus: Testing sewage an 'easy win'

Hundreds arrested as crime chat network cracked

Derek Owusu: Stormzy-signed author wins Desmond Elliott book prize

Public should 'act responsibly' as England's lockdown is eased, says PM

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  
Balearic Shearwaters x 3, Little Gulls x 3 flew past Cley
Turtle Doves x 2, Spoonbills x 7 at South Beach, Heacham
Spoonbills x 28, Great White Egret at Stiffkey Fen
Crossbills x 3 at Bacton Woods, east of North Walsham
Common Cranes x 2 at Welney WWT
Quails x 2 flew overnight (ID'd from sound recording) at Great Massingham
Continental Black-tailed Godwit at North Point Pools, Wells
Spoonbills x 7 at Potter Heigham Marshes

MEGA NEWS
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire 
GREATER SAND PLOVER
At Tyninghame, 2 miles west of Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland

LOCKDOWN DAY 99 – COVID-19

Health leaders to finally get local data on number of new Covid-19 cases

Leicester lockdown ‘a concern’ for Norfolk’s coastal towns

Huge offshore wind farm gets green light  more loss of habitat!

Please show restraint – health bosses message for July 4

UK firms slash more than 12,000 jobs in two days

Hundreds of elephants found dead in Botswana

'I've been stared at in disbelief when I introduce myself'

Hong Kong: UK makes citizenship offer to residents

What does Covid-19 do to the brain?

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 at Rockland Broad
Spoonbills x 28, Great White Egret at Stiffkey Fen
Spoonbills x 6 at Cley NWT
Spoonbill on Broadwater at Holme

MEGA NEWS
GREATER SAND PLOVER
At Tyninghame, 2 miles west of Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland