Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Spoonbills x 5, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 13, Spotted Redshanks x 4, Little Gulls x 5 at Titchwell RSPB
Med. Gulls x 24 at Holkham Park
Spotted Redshanks x 6 at Broadwater, Holme Bird Observatory
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN remains on Inner Farne, Northumberland and latest info HERE
Wood Sandpipers x 4 at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
Black Kite, possible at RAF Wittering circled over then drifted west
Spoonbills x 5, Wood Sandpiper at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 13, Spotted Redshanks x 4, Little Gulls x 5 at Titchwell RSPB
Med. Gulls x 24 at Holkham Park
Spotted Redshanks x 6 at Broadwater, Holme Bird Observatory
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN remains on Inner Farne, Northumberland and latest info HERE
Wood Sandpipers x 4 at Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire
Black Kite, possible at RAF Wittering circled over then drifted west
Monday, 15 July 2013
Two Eagle Owls & Two Parrots in King's Lynn!
As I informed the EDP, there are in fact two Eagle Owls on the loose in King's Lynn and apparently the owner of both birds has not been able to catch them. See the following links for the latest news on them!
• http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/local/latest-local-news/eagle-owl-still-on-the-loose-in-king-s-lynn-causing-some-fear-among-pet-owners-1-5270007
• http://www.klfm967.co.uk/news/klfm-news/1020038/two-owners-of-lost-eagle-owls-come-forward/
• http://www.klfm967.co.uk/news/klfm-news/1019159/owner-of-kings-lynns-eagle-owl-reveals-it-escaped-eight-weeks-ago/
• http://www.kingslynnonline.com/2013/06/owl-on-the-prowl-in-kings-lynn
Also two parrots described as green with red heads, were seen this morning in the play area next to Fairstead Primary School at 8.30am
• http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/local/two-parrots-loose-in-king-s-lynn-1-5268861
• http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/local/latest-local-news/eagle-owl-still-on-the-loose-in-king-s-lynn-causing-some-fear-among-pet-owners-1-5270007
• http://www.klfm967.co.uk/news/klfm-news/1020038/two-owners-of-lost-eagle-owls-come-forward/
• http://www.klfm967.co.uk/news/klfm-news/1019159/owner-of-kings-lynns-eagle-owl-reveals-it-escaped-eight-weeks-ago/
• http://www.kingslynnonline.com/2013/06/owl-on-the-prowl-in-kings-lynn
Also two parrots described as green with red heads, were seen this morning in the play area next to Fairstead Primary School at 8.30am
• http://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/local/two-parrots-loose-in-king-s-lynn-1-5268861
MEGA! Possible TRUMPETER FINCH!!!
TRUMPETER FINCH reported, Middleton-on-Sea, on seafront, but no sign this evening.
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Great White Egret at Breydon Water
Red-backed Shrike at Burgh Castle
Spoonbills x 9, Little Gulls x 7, Spotted Redshanks x 7 at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbills x 4, Arctic Skua, Med. Gull x 2, Little Gull at Cley NWT
Little Gulls x 2 at Salthouse
Little Gull, Med. Gull x 15 at Hopton-on-Sea
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN remains on Inner Farne, Northumberland and latest info HERE
MEGA! Possible TRUMPETER FINCH reported Middleton-on-Sea on seafront, but no sign this evening
Great White Egret at Breydon Water
Red-backed Shrike at Burgh Castle
Spoonbills x 9, Little Gulls x 7, Spotted Redshanks x 7 at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbills x 4, Arctic Skua, Med. Gull x 2, Little Gull at Cley NWT
Little Gulls x 2 at Salthouse
Little Gull, Med. Gull x 15 at Hopton-on-Sea
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN remains on Inner Farne, Northumberland and latest info HERE
MEGA! Possible TRUMPETER FINCH reported Middleton-on-Sea on seafront, but no sign this evening
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Sunday – a day of rest?
It was so unbelievably hot at work this morning, it was unreal. So glad I didn't have a double shift today – finished at 1pm. Grabbed a vegetable samosa and a cornetto from my local shop, whizzed home and went straight outside to start the mammoth task of cutting the hedges with my shears. I do have a hedge trimmer but its a re-chargeable one and its heavy. I have what seems is a permanently painful left shoulder, arm and wrist that is constantly in pain and it was even worse by the time I finished, even with having taken voltarol. I have never left it so late in cutting the hedges, its the first time I have cut them this year! It was hot work, but got it done eventually. It takes just as long to sweep all the cuttings up! Continued to weed the front garden and stopped at 6.30pm. Had a shower and washed my hair. Hung some washing up. Nipped to garage shop to buy some urgent food items and then sat down for half an hour. Got work gear ready. Started to write blog. Funny old rest day!
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Arctic Skuas x 2 at Hemsby
Spoonbills x 8 at Brancaster
Hen Harrier at Burgh Castle
Crossbills x 18 at Brundall
Roseate Tern flew east over 'Little Eye' at Salthouse
Spoonbills x 9, Little Gulls x 5, Spotted Redshanks x 15 at Titchwell RSPB
Med. Gulls x 53 at the Lifeboat Station, Wells
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN remains on Inner Farne, Northumberland
See write-up and more pictures taken this weekend of the Bridled Tern HERE!!!
Arctic Skuas x 2 at Hemsby
Spoonbills x 8 at Brancaster
Hen Harrier at Burgh Castle
Crossbills x 18 at Brundall
Roseate Tern flew east over 'Little Eye' at Salthouse
Spoonbills x 9, Little Gulls x 5, Spotted Redshanks x 15 at Titchwell RSPB
Med. Gulls x 53 at the Lifeboat Station, Wells
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN remains on Inner Farne, Northumberland
See write-up and more pictures taken this weekend of the Bridled Tern HERE!!!
Saturday, 13 July 2013
Very Hot Birding at Cley!!!
Hot, sticky weather all day, but cool sitting on the shingle ridge at the end of East Bank, Cley!
Cley, East Bank
Arrived at Cley fairly early and got the last parking space in the carpark. It was a beautiful, sunny day and it was already, very warm. I counted 8 Spoonbills chilling on 'The Serpentine' adjacent to the East Bank – some were asleep and some were preening. Common Terns were fishing on 'Arnold's'. At the end of the East Bank I also decided to chill and sat down on the high shingle path and sat and watched the sea crashing onto the shingle. It was beautiful here, warm and with the sea breeze in my hair I felt very relaxed – a good place to be. I watched a constant stream of Sandwich Terns, Little Terns and Common Terns flying west and east and fishing just in front of me, what more could you ask for? Well a Bridled Tern would be good, but that's decided to stay in the north – silly bird! I sat here from 9.30am to 12pm. I saw a Golden Plover west, several Cormorants, 15 Dunlin west, 5 Curlew West, 2 Eider east. Enjoyed my breakfast of ginger and marmelade sandwiches. Eddie came and joined me and pointed out a dark phase Arctic Skua flying west at 10.40am, fairly close in which was very nice. Eddie then left to get a coffee fix. I walked back along the East Bank alone and watched 7 juv. Bearded Tits swaying on the reed stems, also 2 Little Egrets and 2 Reed Buntings were seen. 7 of the 8 Spoonbills remained on The Serpentine and also some other birders pointed out a Yellow Wagtail at 12.30pm, flicking about on the water's edge.
Lunch and the Church Fete!
I hadn't bought any lunch with me today, fed up with making sandwiches daily, so decided to have lunch at the Cley NWT Visitor Centre. The prices have gone up, but I do like their new choice of Houmous toastie with salad. It was nice to sit here in the cool and delayed leaving, as I didn't want to roast outside! Jovial banter with Pat before I left! Mr Furse made a grand entrance in his summer attire and informed me that he was going to the Cley Church Fete and then onto Holt Country Park to look for Silver-washed Fritillaries, which is exactly what I had planned to do, so we teamed up. I went to the church fete last year, but there were tons more people there this year. This may have had something to do with the fact that Anneka Rice was there to judge a fancy dog show. John bought some cake, I was very good and bought only a card for a friend. Rummaged through the bird books with Richard M., but didn't find anything I wanted. Richard Porter, Trever and Gill and a few other birders there. I didn't see Anneka Rice, maybe she was chilling in someone's house with tea and scones! It was a really good fete, if you like that sort of thing – there was a band playing, all sorts of games to participate in, home-made cake stall, plant stall, bric-a-brac etc etc. The artworks and photographs in the church were fascinating and there were cream teas and more tempting cakes to buy. Musicians also playing! They must have made a good bit of money for the church funds, it was jam packed! Escaped the crowds and left.
Holt Country Park
John parked in a secret free place! I parked in the carpark and had to pay £1.50 – its gone up from a £1!!! Don't even think of not getting a ticket for your car, as John and I saw TWO carparking attendants arrive to check the cars whilst we were there!
We checked out the first ride (the first one on your left as your drive along the track to the carpark) and found a very crisp White Admiral, but no fritillaries showing. Walked to the pond where we saw an Emperor Dragonfly and several damselflies, but again no sign of fritillaries. A frog posed for my camera, which another birder pointed out in the grass. Back at the first ride we looked in, we were very pleased to find, not only one, but three Silver-washed Fritillaries – they really are special butterflies! John left and I stayed on to take lots of pictures of butterflies with my macro lens. I wanted to go to Holt Lowes to look for black-tailed skimmers, but with the risk of adders around and open toed sandals, I decided this was not a sensible idea! Walked back to the car and had my tea which was a fruit salad I had made.
Daukes Hide, Cley NWT
I can't remember the last time I had sat in this hide – it was lovely to be here. The light this evening was stunning and there was a good mix of birds on the pools. I wasn't in the mood for counting, but I would estimate 300+ Black-tailed Godwits. Loads of Avocets, Shelducks, Redshanks, Ruffs, a single Spotted Redshank, a few Dunlin, Little Egrets, Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls and also 1 1s Little Gull flying around. 3 Marsh Harriers including one passing food to another. Ringed Plover with juvs., Common Terns, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtails etc! Also lots of Sand Martins skimming through later on. I reluctantly left at 9pm.
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE ADDED
Cley, East Bank
Arrived at Cley fairly early and got the last parking space in the carpark. It was a beautiful, sunny day and it was already, very warm. I counted 8 Spoonbills chilling on 'The Serpentine' adjacent to the East Bank – some were asleep and some were preening. Common Terns were fishing on 'Arnold's'. At the end of the East Bank I also decided to chill and sat down on the high shingle path and sat and watched the sea crashing onto the shingle. It was beautiful here, warm and with the sea breeze in my hair I felt very relaxed – a good place to be. I watched a constant stream of Sandwich Terns, Little Terns and Common Terns flying west and east and fishing just in front of me, what more could you ask for? Well a Bridled Tern would be good, but that's decided to stay in the north – silly bird! I sat here from 9.30am to 12pm. I saw a Golden Plover west, several Cormorants, 15 Dunlin west, 5 Curlew West, 2 Eider east. Enjoyed my breakfast of ginger and marmelade sandwiches. Eddie came and joined me and pointed out a dark phase Arctic Skua flying west at 10.40am, fairly close in which was very nice. Eddie then left to get a coffee fix. I walked back along the East Bank alone and watched 7 juv. Bearded Tits swaying on the reed stems, also 2 Little Egrets and 2 Reed Buntings were seen. 7 of the 8 Spoonbills remained on The Serpentine and also some other birders pointed out a Yellow Wagtail at 12.30pm, flicking about on the water's edge.
Lunch and the Church Fete!
I hadn't bought any lunch with me today, fed up with making sandwiches daily, so decided to have lunch at the Cley NWT Visitor Centre. The prices have gone up, but I do like their new choice of Houmous toastie with salad. It was nice to sit here in the cool and delayed leaving, as I didn't want to roast outside! Jovial banter with Pat before I left! Mr Furse made a grand entrance in his summer attire and informed me that he was going to the Cley Church Fete and then onto Holt Country Park to look for Silver-washed Fritillaries, which is exactly what I had planned to do, so we teamed up. I went to the church fete last year, but there were tons more people there this year. This may have had something to do with the fact that Anneka Rice was there to judge a fancy dog show. John bought some cake, I was very good and bought only a card for a friend. Rummaged through the bird books with Richard M., but didn't find anything I wanted. Richard Porter, Trever and Gill and a few other birders there. I didn't see Anneka Rice, maybe she was chilling in someone's house with tea and scones! It was a really good fete, if you like that sort of thing – there was a band playing, all sorts of games to participate in, home-made cake stall, plant stall, bric-a-brac etc etc. The artworks and photographs in the church were fascinating and there were cream teas and more tempting cakes to buy. Musicians also playing! They must have made a good bit of money for the church funds, it was jam packed! Escaped the crowds and left.
Holt Country Park
John parked in a secret free place! I parked in the carpark and had to pay £1.50 – its gone up from a £1!!! Don't even think of not getting a ticket for your car, as John and I saw TWO carparking attendants arrive to check the cars whilst we were there!
We checked out the first ride (the first one on your left as your drive along the track to the carpark) and found a very crisp White Admiral, but no fritillaries showing. Walked to the pond where we saw an Emperor Dragonfly and several damselflies, but again no sign of fritillaries. A frog posed for my camera, which another birder pointed out in the grass. Back at the first ride we looked in, we were very pleased to find, not only one, but three Silver-washed Fritillaries – they really are special butterflies! John left and I stayed on to take lots of pictures of butterflies with my macro lens. I wanted to go to Holt Lowes to look for black-tailed skimmers, but with the risk of adders around and open toed sandals, I decided this was not a sensible idea! Walked back to the car and had my tea which was a fruit salad I had made.
Daukes Hide, Cley NWT
I can't remember the last time I had sat in this hide – it was lovely to be here. The light this evening was stunning and there was a good mix of birds on the pools. I wasn't in the mood for counting, but I would estimate 300+ Black-tailed Godwits. Loads of Avocets, Shelducks, Redshanks, Ruffs, a single Spotted Redshank, a few Dunlin, Little Egrets, Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls and also 1 1s Little Gull flying around. 3 Marsh Harriers including one passing food to another. Ringed Plover with juvs., Common Terns, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtails etc! Also lots of Sand Martins skimming through later on. I reluctantly left at 9pm.
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE ADDED
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Osprey at Breydon Water
Spoonbills x 8 on the Serpentine, East Bank, Cley
Spoonbilss x 9 at Brancaster
Meditterranean Gulls x 21 at Holkham
Little Gull at Breydon Water
Little Gull at Cley NWT
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN back on the Inner Farne, Northumberland!!!
Osprey at Breydon Water
Spoonbills x 8 on the Serpentine, East Bank, Cley
Spoonbilss x 9 at Brancaster
Meditterranean Gulls x 21 at Holkham
Little Gull at Breydon Water
Little Gull at Cley NWT
Other News
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN back on the Inner Farne, Northumberland!!!
Festival Too Finale!!!!
Tonight in the Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn. Headline Act: BLUE!!!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, 12 July 2013
Norfolk Bird News etc!
Main Highlights – RBA
Osprey at Hardley Flood
Spoonbills x 7 at Brancaster
Spoonbills x 10, Spotted Redshanks x 17, Little Gulls x 4, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB
Little Gull at Great Yarmouth
Med. Gulls x 15 at Holkham Park between lake and cricket pitch
Arctic Tern at Wells Harbour
Honey Buzzard at Swanton Novers
Other News
Leucistic Sand Martin at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
Swift with no tail at Cley!
James at work reported seeing the Eagle Owl in Suffield Way, King's Lynn on Wednesday.
Its about time that BRIDLED TERN made an appearance! I didn't go looking for it this evening, too tired. Tomorrow though, I will be. Dawn start I think before it gets too hot. Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
High Tide: King's Lynn 9.08am
Weather: HOT, HOT, HOT!! 23° or if you're old skool: 73 F!
Osprey at Hardley Flood
Spoonbills x 7 at Brancaster
Spoonbills x 10, Spotted Redshanks x 17, Little Gulls x 4, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB
Little Gull at Great Yarmouth
Med. Gulls x 15 at Holkham Park between lake and cricket pitch
Arctic Tern at Wells Harbour
Honey Buzzard at Swanton Novers
Other News
Leucistic Sand Martin at Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
Swift with no tail at Cley!
James at work reported seeing the Eagle Owl in Suffield Way, King's Lynn on Wednesday.
Its about time that BRIDLED TERN made an appearance! I didn't go looking for it this evening, too tired. Tomorrow though, I will be. Dawn start I think before it gets too hot. Have a fabulous weekend everyone!
High Tide: King's Lynn 9.08am
Weather: HOT, HOT, HOT!! 23° or if you're old skool: 73 F!
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Titchwell RSPB
Cycled home from work. Boiling hot and blue skies all day in King's Lynn. Got changed, drove to
Choseley Barns where I sat and ate fish 'n' chips for my tea – lovely!
Only saw greenfinches, goldfinches, yellowhammers and a few
swallows on the wires. The weather was totally different here, cloudy,
no sun and really cold, like seriously cold. Arriving at Titchwell I just
could not believe the difference in the weather, it was so cold, I wish I had bought my coat and gloves with
me. Loads of Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets, Knot, Spotted Redshanks, Ruff, Dunlin, Little Egrets etc
etc. Whilst chatting to Mark and Tracy Bradbury a large adult Med. Gull
dropped in. No sign of any interesting terns though! I was hoping to see Bridled and Caspian Tern together, hey ho!
Visited my parents before going home.
Visited my parents before going home.
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Manx Shearwaters x 8, Artic Skuas x 11, Spoonbills x 6, Black-tailed Continental Godwits x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Yellow-legged Gulls x 4 at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 15, Little Gulls x 6 at Titchwell RSPB
CASPIAN TERN flew NW past Walcott at 1.35pm
Crossbill at Norwich
Hoopoe at Stow Bardolph (on Monday and Tuesday)
Crossbills x 2 at Honing Lock
Manx Shearwaters x 8, Artic Skuas x 11, Spoonbills x 6, Black-tailed Continental Godwits x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Yellow-legged Gulls x 4 at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 15, Little Gulls x 6 at Titchwell RSPB
CASPIAN TERN flew NW past Walcott at 1.35pm
Crossbill at Norwich
Hoopoe at Stow Bardolph (on Monday and Tuesday)
Crossbills x 2 at Honing Lock
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
RBA Weekly Round-Up 3rd-9th July
ASCENSION FRIGATE BIRD IS THE HEADLINE ACT!
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2013no28.aspx?s_id=618148618
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2013no28.aspx?s_id=618148618
Owl on earth did that get there- Eagle Owl takes up residence in King’s Lynn churchyard - Environment - Eastern Daily Press
Owl on earth did that get there- Eagle Owl takes up residence in King’s Lynn churchyard - Environment - Eastern Daily Press
This bird looks much younger and is a different to the one I photographed on the 28th May – see my post and pictures HERE
This bird looks much younger and is a different to the one I photographed on the 28th May – see my post and pictures HERE
Norfolk Bird News!
Main Highlights – RBA
Little Gull, Spoonbills x 6 at Cley NWT
CASPIAN TERN flew north past Hopton-on-Sea at 12.10pm
Little Gulls x 3 at Breydon Water
Spoonbill, Spotted Redshanks x 17, Little Gulls x 5 at Titchwell RSPB
Montagu's Harrier at Blofield
Other News
BRIDLED TERN flew south past Flamborough Head at 11.15am!!!
STOP PRESS!!! ASCENSION FRIGATE BIRD – unconfirmed report yesterday 17 miles NNW of Campbeltown at Rhunahaorine Point on beach just south of Point Sands Caravan Park at 7pm
Little Gull, Spoonbills x 6 at Cley NWT
CASPIAN TERN flew north past Hopton-on-Sea at 12.10pm
Little Gulls x 3 at Breydon Water
Spoonbill, Spotted Redshanks x 17, Little Gulls x 5 at Titchwell RSPB
Montagu's Harrier at Blofield
Other News
BRIDLED TERN flew south past Flamborough Head at 11.15am!!!
STOP PRESS!!! ASCENSION FRIGATE BIRD – unconfirmed report yesterday 17 miles NNW of Campbeltown at Rhunahaorine Point on beach just south of Point Sands Caravan Park at 7pm
MEGA! BRIDLED TERN NOW HEADING SOUTH!!!
BRIDLED TERN flew south past Flamborough Head at 11.15am!!!
Seen on this morning's seawatch – record documented HERE
Keep going – all the way to Norfolk please! Eyes to the skies!!!
Seen on this morning's seawatch – record documented HERE
Keep going – all the way to Norfolk please! Eyes to the skies!!!
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