Hoopoe Search!

On hearing via the RBA pager at 5.41pm, that a Hoopoe had been seen flying over gardens near King's Lynn Academy at 2pm, I left the house! The academy is only a couple of minutes from where I live. Parked up and scanned the large grounds, but only found two cats watching Blackbirds and Woodpigeons feeding on the grass. Searched another nearby grassy field and then relocated.

Searched the North and South side of Hardwick Cemetery, which looked beautiful after the rain. There are some fabulous mature trees here, some of which must be way over a hundred years old. Vivien's friend Sally had a Hoopoe in this cemetery many years ago, so no reason not to have one again. Found several Blackbirds, Robins, Mistle and Song Thrush, 3 Jays, a Wren, Chaffinch and Woodpigeons.

Next stop...... Gaywood Cemetery! A place I have never visited until this evening. Lovely place for birds overall, but no Hoopoe. A Green Woodpecker was feeding amongst the gravestones, several Blackbirds seen, a Robin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was climbing up a short stump on the grass! House Sparrows and Goldfinches were in the surrounding hedges and trees.

Last stop.... the cycle path and school fields near where I live. Saw a Heron, heard a Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat and Blackbird singing. Several Muntjac deer around and lots of Woodpigeons and Starlings feeding on the school field, plus lots of rubbish!

I didn't have time to check The Walks or the QEH grounds, which has a particularly good grassed area under my Stroke office window – a spot I have often imagined would be good for a Hoopoe! So where is the Hoopoe? In someone's garden maybe? Or moved on? We may never know! Congratulations to the birder who found it though!