SHETLAND BIRD NEWS, PHOTOS, BIRDING, LIFE AND MORE! MY 16th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2026!


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Tuesday, 7 June 2022

FABULOUS NEWS!

Slept fairly well last night, but was woken up very early with pain, presumably because the slow release Diclofenac had probably worn off. Took next dose etc and went to the hospital for my 8am physio appointment.

The physiotherapist said my pain was too acute for him to assess right now and he would only make it worse, so he would see me next week to fully assess me – appointment made for next Tuesday. Meanwhile he instructed me to do neck stretches, cold compress on shoulder only and warm compress on neck. It dawned on me last night, what might have caused this pain, as I have an old injury to this left shoulder (work related) many years ago, that has been fine (mostly) but I have presumably antagonised it – as I said to the physio, it maybe the "Cobra" exercises he asked me to do for my hip? – this exercise did cause pain to my left shoulder, but was doing what was advised, can't think what else it can be. The main and most important thing is that I now know, that is this is more than probably muscular and is resolvable, thank goodness!

All this sounds like I'm a "hypochondriac", as nastily mentioned in a comment, which I decided to publish this morning and replied to, see yesterday's post! I am NOT a bl**dy hypochondriac! When you work in the job that I and my colleagues do, many of us (at any age) have and do suffer with aches and strains, its the nature of the work – you do your best to resolve it and carry on! Plus more crap happens as we all get older – can't turn the clocks back!

My next appointment at 9am, was what I was seriously worried about. I'm not going to go into full details on my blog (although happy to with people I know). Like thousands of other women/men and people I know (including my sister once), I had a scare, which meant after seeing my GP last Monday, who also seemed concerned, I had an urgent referral to the Breast Clinic this morning. Being as my dear mother died of breast cancer in August 2018, I was obviously scared stiff and very, very stressed. I had more than one symptom, which made it even more worrying. I had already had my two year mammogram in January this year, that we all have over aged 50, so that was not repeated this morning (it would have been if something was found on ultrasound). The Ultrasound I had was completely CLEAR and after discussion with a lovely doctor and specialist nurse, I was discharged!!! Quote "no concerning signs at this stage" The relief was enormous and if it wasn't for my shoulder pain, I feel like throwing a party!!!

This has done me good in some ways though, as it has shocked me into losing weight, which is the only thing against me. They tell you to cut down meat and to stop drinking alcohol when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, which obviously I have a head start with, being veggie (mostly, apart from fish) and only drinking once a year at the work Christmas party! But being overweight is not good, for anybody, so I need to rectify that ASAP! Earlier in the week I purchased a selection of paraben and aluminium free deodorant's to trial, as they ask you to stop using deodorant's with parabens and aluminium when you are diagnosed with B.C., so it will be good to use a product without these things in anyway!

After I walked out of the breast clinic, I sat at a picnic table in the hospital grounds and immediately let my sisters and a couple of friends know everything was ok. I then drove to BOOTS and purchased the following:

Now back at home and I have been sitting with the above on neck and shoulder, as physio instructed.
 
A very happy and relieved Penny!
 
🎉  🥳  👍  😊

Monday, 6 June 2022

A Trip To A&E!

The pain in my left shoulder, arm, neck and collar bone was so bad, I hardly had any sleep. Again, the ibuprofen and Co-codamol didn't touch the pain at all. Submitted the usual form to my GP practice via their website at 8am this morning and a doctor called me back within half an hour. The doctor asked me to ring 999, as wanted to rule out any heart issues – after discussion that I only lived 5 minutes away, I drove myself to A&E and was there all day until 5.45pm.

Saw triage nurse after long wait and then back in waiting room for ages. Saw nurse who did an ECG, of which the results were "fine", which was a huge relief. Bloods also done and also fine. Obs done, all ok. Back in waiting room for ages. Assessed by F1 doctor (I presumed) who was lovely and assessed my shoulder etc and also did a sensory test on both my arms. My pain level was 10/10 when I was asked, it really was, I was literally writhing around in the waiting room to the point I felt I was going to faint at times. This pain was far worse than my hip/back pain (right side) a couple of weeks ago. Was given Oramorph and later on I was also given Diclofenac, as the Oramorph had hardly touched the pain. The pain then subsided to approx. 7/10 and remained at that level, but at least the pain wasn't as crippling now. Felt spaced out.

The F1 doctor said he was going to admit me to get the pain under control. He was also going to send me for a X-Ray, which later on he said he wasn't going to and then changed his mind (presumably after discussion with senior staff). Back in waiting room for another 1.5 hours before going to X-Ray. The waiting room was insanely packed now and at least 10 patients were sitting on the floor!!! Never seen it like this before! X-Ray results were also fine! I couldn't understand what was going on! Back in waiting room. Codeine also given, made no difference.

Saw a different and senior doctor, who said they were not going to admit me now (I didn't want to stay anyway!). Plan: referral to Orthopedics for further investigation and send me home with Diclofenac 75mg tablets x 4 for two days and more Co-codamol 30/500mg tablets. Discharged – sat in pharmacy to wait and collect prescription and returned home.

Had to type this on right hand, as even touching a key with left hand is very painful. Took start of medication this evening, pain exactly the same as it has been all day, can't see me getting much sleep tonight either.

Seeing staff Physio tomorrow morning for what was my back/hip issue! This is good timing in some ways as the physio maybe able to advise me about my shoulder/arm. Then I have a fast track referral for something else after that! Fabulous week I'm having!!! Update tomorrow.

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 

SUBALPINE WARBLER sp. fem still, Pied Flycatchers x 2 at The Plantation, Blakeney Point
Purple Heron flew over, Glossy Ibis at Potter Heigham Marshes
Red-necked Phalarope at Welney WWT
Red-backed Shrike fem. , Spoonbills x 4 at Titchwell RSPB
Hooded Crow (hybrid) at Warham Greens
Garganey at North Point Pools, Wells
Quail singing at Scunthorpe
Caspian Gull on beach at Cromer
 
MEGA NEWS
LEAST TERN ad.male
North of Portrane, Dublin, Ireland
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire

Sunday, 5 June 2022

Holiday Update – A Rubbish Week!

The first few days of my holiday didn't start well, as I was still recovering from my chronic back and hip pain, this resulted in me missing the Golden Oriole festival on the first Saturday.

The second week of my holiday, has probably been the worst week I've had for several years. Its been one thing after another and my mental state has been pushed over the edge! It seems like something has happened every day this week, you couldn't make it up!

  1. The potential biggest thing I can't talk about yet, but resulted in me staring into space for five days.

  2. A second humongous thing happened, can't talk about that either.

  3. Food Poisoning (mild) for two days, resulting in a night of no sleep.

  4. Car window screen cracked immediately after stone chip, which I haven't sorted yet.

  5. Sudden and severe pain started in my left shoulder last night and arm down to hand. Took ibuprofen and Co-codamol (high dose that was prescribed for my back), this didn't touch the pain and couldn't sleep all night, it was so painful. I have no idea why this occurred. Still in chronic pain with this now.

  6. I have a possible abscess next to an old root-filled tooth that has been playing up, I noticed this evening. I have been delaying getting this taken out as it doesn't hurt at all, unless you put pressure on the tooth, but it obviously needs to come out now.

  7. A serious appointment to go to on Tuesday
     
Smaller things of note:
  • Excess to now pay on window screen replacement.
  • Wasn't able to go to see four Bee-eaters today due to lack of sleep and pain.
  • Cost and trauma of having tooth removed.
  • After having tooth removed, I will only be able to do a half smile!
  • Virtually no birding done at all or jobs.

Positives:

  • Lost some weight!
  • My back and hip is so much better after my physio exercises.
  • Enjoyed watching all the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

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 4, Little Gulls x 8 at Titchwell RSPB
Bee-eaters x 4 at Trimingham
Turtle Dove, Spoonbills x 2 at Snettisham RSPB
Spoonbills x 8, Sandwich Tern at Brendan's Marsh, Hickling Broad NWT
Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Black Redstart at Winterton
Red-backed Shrike fem. at Burnham Overy Dunes
Garganey at North Point Pools, Wells
SUBALPINE WARBLER sp. fem, at The Plantation, Blakeney Point
 
MEGA NEWS
WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL
Yesterday, 75 miles off Duncansby Head near Fair Isle on MV.Ortelius, Shetland
MOLTONI'S WARBLER
Norwick, Unst, Shetland
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire
LEAST TERN ad.male
North of Portrane, Dublin, Ireland
SHORT-TOED EAGLE
ENE of Lairg, Highland and Caithness

The Platinum Pageant!

This was amazing to watch – what a show!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00185r8/the-queens-platinum-jubilee-the-platinum-pageant-no-commentary

Highlights from the four day's Jubilee Celebrations:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001847z/the-queens-platinum-jubilee-what-a-weekend

Saturday, 4 June 2022

Platinum Party At The Palace!

The Party at The Palace was without doubt the BEST concert I have ever seen on TV! Flawless, brilliant and spectacular. The light show and the way it was sequenced was iconic.

Highlights for me were the Queen's surprise sketch with Paddington Bear – this was sheer brilliance and ended with them tapping their tea cups to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You". Performers I especially enjoyed were Queen with Adam Lambert (show stopping as always), Diversity who performed a routine to a number of British songs from the Queen's 70-year reign – a very creative performance, Craig David who did an incredible rap written for the Queen, Alicia Keys (stunning voice as ever), Sam Ryder (on a par with Adam Lambert), Jax Jones, Celeste and Andrea Bocelli. Lee Mack added huge entertainment throughout! It was also great to hear Prince William and Prince Charles give heartfelt speeches. Can't wait for this to come up on iPlayer, so I can watch it all again!

The woman sitting behind Prince William looked like she would rather be at home with a cup of tea, I have no idea who she was, but they sat her in the wrong chair!

BBC summary on Youtube:


Now on BBC iPlayer here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0bk5pd7/the-queens-platinum-jubilee-platinum-party-at-the-palace 

Queen Opens Platinum Party at Palace with Paddington Bear Sketch!

This was sheer brilliance, I have not laughed so much in ages, the Queen's acting skills and timing are simply brilliant! This was the highlight of the party! Apparently she kept this secret from her children and grand children, so it was a fabulous surprise for them too. I just love it! Can't stop watching this!


https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10885203/The-Queen-meets-meets-Paddington-bear-hilarious-sketch-ahead-Platinum-Jubilee-concert.html#v-7367672448217858392

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 at North Point Pools, Wells
Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills x 3 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Great Reed Warbler, Spoonbills x 3 at Ken Hill Marsh at Snettisham Coastal Park
Black Tern at Snettisham RSPB
Honey Buzzard, Wood Sandpiper at Pensthorpe Water Fowl Park
Little Gulls x 6, Spoonbills x 5 at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbill at Welney WWT
Spoonbills x 4 at Walsey Hills NOA
Garganey, Little Stint at Brendan's Marsh, Hickling Broad NWT
Common Cranes x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
 
MEGA NEWS
ELEONORA'S FALCON
Worth Marsh, Kent
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire
SHORT-TOED EAGLE
ENE of Lairg, Highland and Caithness
LEAST TERN ad.male
North of Portrane, Dublin, Ireland

Friday, 3 June 2022

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 

Bee-eater (heard only), Glossy Ibis, Garganey, Little Gull, Spoonbills x 8, Little Stint, Grey Plovers x 3, Turnstone at Brendan's Marsh, Hickling Broad NWT
Garganey at North Point Pools, Wells
Great Reed Warbler, Turtle Doves x 3, Spoonbills x 5, Little Gull at Ken Hill Marsh at Snettisham Coastal Park
Little Gulls x 2 at Salthouse
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Garganey at Warham Greens
Glossy Ibis, Common Cranes x 2, Garganey, Spoonbill at Welney WWT
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Weeting Heath NWT
Common Cranes x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Little Gull at Holme NOA
 
MEGA NEWS
ELEONORA'S FALCON
Worth Marsh, Kent
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire
SHORT-TOED EAGLE
ENE of Lairg, Highland and Caithness
LEAST TERN ad.male
North of Portrane, Dublin, Ireland

Dogs Face Ban at Holme Beach!

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/holme-beach-new-dog-controls-9011702


Its a pity the yellow section is not brown too, but its a start I suppose.
 
My version ↓ 🤭

The survey link doesn't work in the EDP article, so here it is:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ZKWPHD7 

Obviously I have filled this survey in!

https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news-and-articles/news/all-news/2022-06-01-help-us-to-protect-wildlife-at

Thursday, 2 June 2022

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 at Weeting Heath NWT
Great Reed Warbler, Turtle Doves x 3 at Ken Hill Marsh at Snettisham Coastal Park
Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB
Garganey at Welney WWT
Spoonbills x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Bee-eaters x 4 flew over Heacham, Holme & Titchwell
Spoonbill at Holme Dunes NWT
Spoonbills x 4 at Brendan's Marsh, Garganey x 2, Little Gull, Knot x 3, Spoonbills x 7 at Hickling Broad NWT
Cattle Egrets x 7 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Turtle Dove at Downsland Park, Great Moulton
Osprey, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gulls x 2, Spoonbills x 4, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT
Garganey at North Point Pools, Wells
Red-footed Falcon fem. flew over Great Ryburgh
Cattle Egrets x 2 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Quail singing at Sculthorpe
 
MEGA NEWS
ELEONORA'S FALCON
Worth Marsh, Kent
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire
SHORT-TOED EAGLE
ENE of Lairg, Highland and Caithness
LEAST TERN ad.male
North of Portrane, Dublin, Ireland

PLATINUM JUBILEE!

Congratulations to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
 
On Her Platinum Jubilee!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-61649612

The best thing I have seen on TV for ages, Charles and Camilla in tonight's Eastenders, something I will never forget!!! Very impressive acting and sense of humour – awesome!

The best moment was Camilla meeting and discussing rum with "Patrick Trueman"

"You've got a nice little bottle there I see?"

"its rum, specially from Trinidad and as they say a drop a day keeps the doctor away"

"I've tried that in Trinidad"

"You've tried that in Trinidad?

"yes – it's pretty good"

"and you're still standing Ma'am?"

"I stopped after...."

"Before you leave Ma'am, can I interest you in a little...."

"you can"

😂  😂  😂

 
Watch it on BBC iPlayer here: 

Westminister Abbey Footage:

Wednesday, 1 June 2022

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 at North Point Pools, Wells
Great Reed Warblers x 2 Turtle Doves x 4, Spoonbills x 4 at Ken Hill Marsh, Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park
Garganey x 2 at Brendan's Marsh, Spoonbills x 3 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Wood Sandpiper, Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT
Eastern Stonechat sp. (possible) at Horsey
Spoonbills x 2, Russian White-fronted Goose at Potter Heigham Marshes
Red-throated Diver at Filby Broad
Little Gull, Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB
 
MEGA NEWS
ELEONORA'S FALCON
Worth Marsh, Kent
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS
Bempton Cliffs RSPB, Yorkshire
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
Woolston Eyes NR, Cheshire and Wirral
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
Sandwell Valley RSPB, West Midlands
SHORT-TOED EAGLE
ENE of Lairg, Highland and Caithness

Springwatch Returns to Ken Hill Marsh at Snettisham!

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/bbc-springwatch-returns-to-wild-ken-hill-9003078

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qgm3

If you missed the first two episodes, here they are:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0017x1g/springwatch-2022-episode-1

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0017x0s/springwatch-2022-episode-2

Third live episode tonight at 8pm on BBC2.

PLATINUM JUBILIEE: Guide to Norfolk Events!

https://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk/things-to-do/days-out/north-norfolk-jubilee-whats-on-8992984

https://www.edp24.co.uk/things-to-do/days-out/where-to-see-planes-over-norfolk-jubilee-weekend-9006580 

https://www.yourlocalpaper.co.uk/2022/05/27/its-time-for-a-right-royal-celebration/

https://www.lynnnews.co.uk/news/heres-the-list-of-west-norfolk-platinum-jubilee-events-happ-9255858/

https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/custom/events

https://www.hunstantontowncouncil.gov.uk/images/1589620/large.jpg 

https://www.festival3.com/events/music/live-music-festival-2022

https://livepromotions.co.uk/katherine-jenkins/ 

https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/events 

https://norfolklocalguide.co.uk/platinum-jubilee-events-in-norfolk/

https://www.pensthorpe.com/event/may-half-term/ 

https://www.platinumjubileenorfolk.org/

♕ ♕ ♕

https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/events/ 

https://www.royal.uk/guide-platinum-jubilee-weekend 

 

Alternatively, you can simply bring a picnic 😋 and go birding 🐦 as normal! 😊

Holiday Not Going To Plan!

Tuesday 31st May

The second week of my holiday is not going how I expected it to. I'm in the middle of a possible health scare and it has stopped me in my tracks, like an arctic truck hitting a wall at speed. Everything is in slow motion and I can't think straight at all. I have not left the house since, I had an emergency appointment on Monday morning. I had no intention of writing anything on my blog, but this is also my diary and it helps me to put pen to paper so to speak. Will update on here, when I know more.

I need to get out of the house and immerse myself in nature, no point in sitting at home dwelling on something that might or might not be. Its not easy to keep upbeat and positive, especially when you live on your own – I only wish I was that type of person.

The juvenile Starlings, House Sparrows and Collared Doves are hoovering up all the bird food far too quickly! I can see foresee many garden birds suffering, through people not being able to afford bird food in the current circumstances – maybe not so much at this time of the year, but they will later on if things don't change. I also had two Magpies attacking the fat blocks today, which I have never seen before and a Squirrel also joined in! Busy garden!

A large piece of Amber was found at West Runton Beach, see story in the EDP. I have two pieces that belonged to my father, one piece is quite large, but not quite the size of the piece found at West Runton!