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Sunday 31 January 2016

Lucy's Concert!

 Norfolk Symphony Orchestra
 Corn Exchange, King's Lynn


I have a wasted alot of time this weekend and haven't really achieved anything much. Family issues on Saturday and Father now refusing to take any more of his tablets, so the clock will be ticking now.

The best thing that happened this weekend was watching Lucy in concert – playing 2nd violin with The Norfolk Symphony Orchestra at the Corn Exchange in King's Lynn. Vivien and I were both there to support her and obviously to enjoy the concert. It was so lovely to watch Lucy play her violin – the love of her life.

You are not supposed to take any pictures in the theatre, but I was a rebel and took a couple of pictures at the end – I wouldn't have done this during the concert as this would have been inappropriate and rude. I was thinking about taking a third picture when a lady usher on our far right hand side looked at me with a very disapproving glare – she started to walk towards us and then stopped when I didn't take the third picture! I whispered to Vivien that we needed to exit to our left!

Lucy looked so happy when she joined us in the foyer at the end of the performance and said she enjoyed it more than the last concert in November. I think she has settled into it now – her nerves were awful at the last concert, as it was the first time she had played in public for over ten years! I'm so pleased for her and overjoyed she has joined the NSO again. I take her to rehearsals every week – however I have forewarned her that when the evenings get lighter and a rare bird turns up she will have to get a taxi! Looking forward to the next concert!
Orchestra and Actors take a bow at the end of their performance
Lucy is shorter than me! There is a lady violinist to the left of and behind the conductor
– you can just see Lucy's head to the left of that violinist!

Lucy and I just after her concert!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Firecrest 1/2 mile east of Lady Ann's Drive at Holkham.
Hawfinches x 2 in trees by River Tiffey Bridge at Carleton Forehoe.
Twite x 3 with Linnets x 400+ in field by road to Choseley, south of Thornham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier east of Choseley Drying Barns.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Lapland Buntings x 10, Twite x 6 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Siberian Chiffchaff, Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. at 4pm, Hen Harriers x 4 at Roydon Common NNR.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Snow Buntings x 40 at North Beach, Winterton.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Common Cranes x 6 by Weaver's Way, Billockby.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere Pier, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance at Perran Sands at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Such Sad News!

I was so shocked when I woke up to the news that Sir Terry Wogan had died! I had no idea he was ill, which is why it was such a shock – such sad news. A national treasure, someone that most of us have spent our lives with in a funny kind of way. His wit and sense of humour was brilliant and this along with his kindness and earthiness, was the reason the nation adored him. I loved listening to him on "Wake up to Wogan" on BBC Radio 2 – as many have said today, you felt like he was connecting with you alone, as you stirred from your sleep. He connected with everyone – a rare and unique man.
             Rest in Peace Sir Terry

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35453541

Saturday 30 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, Hen Harriers x 2 at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. between 4pm-4.45pm, Hen Harriers x 5 at Roydon Common NNR.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 25 at Thornham Harbour.
Slavonian Grebes x 2, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshank at Burgh Castle.
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
RAVEN flew west over Ashwicken.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Glaucous Gull at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Snow Buntings x 45 at North Beach, Winterton.
Scaup x 2 at Lake, Holkham Park.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Lapland Buntings x 5 on Freshmarsh, Yellow-legged Gull in harbour at Blakeney.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens.
Water Pipit at Cantley Beet Factory.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.

Cambridge Highlights
FRANKLIN'S GULL Ad. at Fen Drayton Lakes RSPB.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere Pier, County Cork, Ireland.

MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance at Perran Sands at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Friday 29 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Velvet Scoter, Water Pipt at Titchwell RSPB.
Green-winged Teal, Teal x 1000 at Ranworth Broad.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier at Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Sandwich Tern flew west past at 9.20am, Overstrand.
Glaucous Gull at Beaconsfield Recreational Park and Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Common Cranes x 5 flew over Stubb Mill at Hickling Broad NWT.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Snow Buntings x 25 at east end of north end of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Snow Buntings x 45, Short-eared Owl, Great Skuas x 2 at North Beach, Winterton.
Water Pipits x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Sandringham.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.

Thursday 28 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Firecrest near Salts Hole Pool, Barnacle Geese x 3 from Washington Hide, Snow Buntings x 23 at the Gap, Scaup drake and fem (possible) at The Lake – Holkham.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 20 on beach north of car park at Winterton.
Black Redstart at The Esplanade, Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe, Velvet Scoter at Titchwell RSPB.
Lesser-spotted Woodpecker at west end of Sandringham Park.
Shorelarks x 3, 500 yards east of Visitor Centre at Holme Dunes.
Long-tailed Ducks x 6 offshore at Holme NOA.
Glaucous Gull on roof at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Common Cranes x 5 at Horsey Mill.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Snettisham RSPB.
Serin again, on rough ground between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Bittern on wader scrape at Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forest.
Whooper Swans x 2 on lake at Wolterton.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Spoonbill at Burgh Castle Marina.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

Wednesday 27 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Caspian Gulls x 4, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3 south of A47, north of riding school, between East Winch & Middleton.
Sandwich Tern flew east  at 9.05am and on beach at 1.30pm at Overstrand.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
Black-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoters x 2, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, RAVEN mid afternoon, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Choseley Drying Barns.
RAVEN flew south over Dersingham at 11am towards Anmer.
Water Pipits x 2 at Cley NWT.
Hen Harriers x 5, Spoonbills x 2 at Warham Greens.
Common Cranes x 14, Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill Roost at Hickling Broad NWT.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! SNOWY OWL yesterday SSE of Galway between Kinvara and Ballinderreen in County Galway, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance just west of Perran Sands at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 20th to 26th January!

By Jon Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyroundup2016-04.aspx?s_id=137430046

It's My Birthday!

Another year has gone by and here I'm aged 21 again! Now, I should be excited, but I'm not at an age to get excited about birthdays, plus I'm at work all day. I normally book the day off and go birding, but couldn't be bothered this year – but now I wish I had, oh well I'll have a birthday birding session at the weekend instead, maybe with a Cley VC cheese scone thrown in and a piece of ginger & pear cake from the Cley Deli! If any knights in shining armour would care to wine and dine me this evening, please let me know or Plan B will be fish 'n' chips at home alone..... more likely to be Plan B I think!
Flowers from my sister Lucy

Evening Update
Well – there was no knight in shining armour this evening and I didn't bother with fish 'n' chips either! I was so tired when I finished work and promptly fell asleep on the sofa when I got home. I had a really unhealthy tea of Waitrose miniature chocolate cup cakes, which Vivien bought me!!! I had some very kind presents from my family and an unexpected one from a very good friend and some lovely cards. Also received some amusing verse from J.F!

Thank you so much to everyone for so many lovely birthday wishes from friends and celebrities both on Facebook (81 messages so far!), email and via my blog – lucky me!!! Much appreciated. Sorry I can't reply to you all individually. I was at work, but had a lovely day with all my colleagues – birthday birding at the weekend! The evenings are slowly starting to get lighter, which can only mean one thing...... birding after work!!!

There will be no birthday picture from me – I've been at work all day and look my age today – obviously not 21!!

Tuesday 26 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Golden Pheasant at Wolfterton.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, RAVENS x 2 flew east at 10.21am at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzard east of Choseley Drying Barns.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at NE end of Lumps & Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marshes.
Snow Buntings x 22 east of Holkham Gap.
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Serin again, on rough ground between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Snow Buntings x 20 at beach car park at Winterton.
Snow Buntings x 30 yesterday on beach near to North Gap at Sea Palling.
Taiga Bean Goose (probable), Pink-footed Geese x 2,000, Tundra Bean Goose in field near Horsey Mill.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Walcott.
Black Redstart near Burlington Hotel, Sheringham.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipit, Red-crested Pochards x 12 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance at Perran Sands at Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Monday 25 January 2016

Fifth Sperm Whale Washes Up In Lincolnshire!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35400884

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Serin reported mid-afternoon, yesterday again and this morning, on rough ground between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, Hen Harriers x 2 at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Snow Buntings x 20 east of Holkham Gap.
Smew redhead on sea, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Water Pipits x 2, Twite at Titchwell RSPB.
Slavonian Grebe, Twite x 3 at Thornham Point.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at NE end of west side of Lumps at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Glaucous Gull juv. on roof opposite south end of Waterways at Great Yarmouth.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh.
Bewick's Swans x 130, Whooper Swans x 39 at Ludham Airfield.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Great Grey Shrike at Grime's Graves.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Snow Buntings x 18, Short-eared Owl at North Beach, Winterton.
Hen Harrier at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion at Trenow Cove, Cornwall.
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN east of Newtownlynch, County Galway, Ireland. 

Sunday 24 January 2016

Flitcham, Kelling, Sheringham, Weybourne, Salthouse & Holme!

I wasn't able to go birding on Saturday, which made if all the more frustrating today, when neither the Serin at Downham Market or the Grey Phalarope at Cley were showing! The weather was pretty dire today with light rain and dull skies, whereas yesterday had been a beautiful sunny day.

I headed east and stopped off to cruise around Flitcham for another look at the Pallid Harrier, but no joy there. However, I had lovely views of a big flock of finches, which included a good number of Bramblings. There were quite alot of people around, hoping for a glimpse of the harrier. The verges have become very churned up along the road towards the polytunnels and the road was extremely muddy. Please note that the track that runs up hill past the polytunnels (where I walked recently) is private – this was pointed out to me via a very nice email I had a few days ago, from the Manager of Abbey Farm.

Next stop was Kelling were I parked up to walk to the water meadows in search of the Grey Phalarope – I was hoping it may have relocated to the pool. As I got out of the car, John F. was driving past and then joined me to walk the water meadows. The track was the muddiest I have ever seen it and wasn't really suitable for walking boots – wellies would have been far more appropriate! An ivy clad tree had fallen across the track and another looked very precarious! Lots of Wigeon and Teal on the pool, a Shelduck, Egyptian Geese and a few Curlew were on the marsh. We walked as far as the second corner by the gate, when I spotted a diver on the flooded area west of the track – on closer inspection it turned out to be a Red-throated Diver! We managed to get some distant pictures – the chest of the bird was oiled, poor thing. It didn't stay very long and flew off west when a dog walker flushed it. Back at the car, John headed west and I went into the tea rooms at Kelling to buy a piece of coffee and walnut cake.

I headed east to Sheringham to look for the reported Black Redstart on the Esplanade. I walked towards the boating lake and spent ages trying to find this bird – found a Hedge Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, House Sparrows and lots of Black-headed Gulls on the boating lake, but no sign of the Black Redstart. I walked behind the flats and around other roads peering into gardens and roofs, but found nothing. I gave up and headed east along the promenade to the 'Funky Mackerel Cafe' to look for Purple Sandpipers, but sadly there were far too many dogs, people, children etc – bounding and climbing over the rocks, so I only managed to see a few Turnstones and gulls.

On the way back, John kindly phoned me to say he was watching the Black Redstart! I speedily walked back and joined John by the Burlington Hotel, which is opposite the children's playground. The Black Redstart was high up on the roof! Cracking little bird, so pleased to have seen this. Only obtained rubbish photos though, as too far away and the light was poor. John left to go home. The Black Redstart spent most of its time on the roof of a house – a lady came out of the house and asked what I was watching – she was delighted to look through my binoculars for a closer look at the bird. I also had a lovely surprise, when a stunning Grey Wagtail landed on the tiled roof! A couple of birders who were just leaving Sheringham, joined me after seeing my pager message I had put out and were delighted at seeing both the Black Redstart and the Grey Wagtail! Just proves that putting out messages promptly, helps your fellow birders.

I stopped off at Weybourne and parked the car next to the waterworks in Beach Road and sat with the window open to watch the finches feeding by the gate. I only got to see a Blackbird and a couple of Chaffinches, when another car pulled up next to me and someone got out of the car, which flushed everything! I left and headed to Beach Road at Salthouse, where I sat and had a hot chocolate with my coffee & walnut cake, whilst watching the beautiful pink sunset. Pete S. phoned me to say he had seen a Hen Harrier west of Beach Road, Cley. A skein of Pink-footed Geese flew west overhead.

I cruised west and arrived at Holme early evening to join my parents, sister Vivien and her partner Ray. Vivien and Mother gave me birthday cards and presents for my birthday next week. Vivien has at last has got rid of her ancient, dodgy mobile phone and bought a new Samsung Galaxy phone, which means I can now text her pictures. I found this phone far more complex to use, compared with my iphone. Father was very quiet and looked sleepy. Vivien and I helped him to eat his tea. Before I headed home, I watched the last in the series of 'Walking the Himalayas' on Channel 4, which has been one of the most exciting documentaries I have watched for a long time.

PHOTOS TO BE ADDED

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Long-tailed Duck off Gore Point at Holme.
Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Velvet Scoters x 2, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gull juv. on football pitch, Glaucous Gull opposite Furzdedown Hotel at Great Yarmouth.
Mealy Redpoll at pumping station on west side of Beach Lane, Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Mill Road, Brancaster.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS off south wall car park, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Black-necked Grebe again at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Black Redstart at Esplanade, Sheringham.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 22 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Tundra Bean Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Horsey.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Waveney Forest.
Scaup at Holkham Park Lake, Snow Buntings x 22 east of Holkham Gap.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Short-eared Owl, Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Welney WWT.
Short-eared Owl at Hardley Staithe, Loddon.
Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT.

Lincolnshire Highlights:
SPERM WHALES x 3 dead on beach at Skegness.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance, just west of Perran Sands between Perranuthnoe and Boat Cove, Cornwall.

MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland. 

Three Dead Sperm Whales At Skegness!

Believed to be from the same pod as the one that died at Hunstanton on Friday evening. Very sad indeed that these magnificant creatures lives have been cut short.     

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/wildlife/12118569/Three-dead-sperm-whales-wash-up-near-Skegness.html

Saturday 23 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Serin still, on rough ground between Fairfield Road & railway (am only) at Downham Market.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh, Norwich.
Black-necked Grebe again at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
SPERM WHALE dead, 400 yds north of Salad Bowl Cafe at Hunstanton.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS again at NE end Breydon Water.
Tundra Bean Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 4, Short-eared Owl, Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 20 at North Beach, Winterton.
Smew on pool briefly at Kelling Quags.
Smew redhead on Pat's Pool, Grey Phalarope, Water Pipits x 3 from Babcock Hide, Snow Buntings x 25 east of north end of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Mealy Redpoll at pumping station on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 113 on Freshmarsh, Snow Buntings x 22 on beach west of Gap, Sandwich Tern late pm at Holkham.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 30, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour.
Glaucous Gull at Beaconsfield Road, Great Yarmouth.
Red-necked Grebe on Snipe's Marsh at Walsey Hills NOA.
Smew redhead at Filby Broad.
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Waveney Forest.
Hen Harriers x 5 at Warham Greens.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 7, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Roydon Common.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Common Cranes x 4, Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harriers x 50 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT.
Great Grey Shrike by railway at Santon Warren.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 miles east of Penzance, just west of Perran Sands between
Perranuthnoe and Boat Cove, Cornwall.

Friday 22 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh, Norwich.
Serin still, on rough ground between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Bittern on Great Broad, north of island at Whitlingham Country Park, SE of Norwich.
Snow Buntings x 9 at North Beach, Great Yarmouth.
Grey Phalarope, Water Pipits x 2 from Babcock Hide, Caspian Gull Ad. on Pat's Pool at Cley NWT.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Rough-legged Buzzard SE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Black-necked Grebe again at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens.
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Blackborough End.
SPERM WHALES x 3 on beach at Hunstanton.
SPERM WHALE on rocks below Salad Bowl Cafe.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Tundra Bean Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Horsey.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion east of Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

Sperm Whale Stranded at Hunstanton!

Four Sperm Whales seen at Hunstanton today – very sadly one is still stranded on rocks and therefore won't survive – nature is cruel.

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/whale_stranded_at_hunstanton_beach_1_4390630

Thursday 21 January 2016

Evening at Holme!

When I finished work, I popped into town to buy some things for Mother and then returned home, changed and whizzed over to Holme to surprise my parents. All was calm in the Clarke household on my arrival and father was quiet from having his sleeping tablet last night. The large rat in the loft was far from quiet!!! Well, I presume it was a big fat rat, it sounded like the size of dog to me, clomping around in hob nail boots above the bathroom ceiling! This was stressing Mother out to the max and she was banging the ceiling in the bathroom with a broom handle to frighten it off, which did make me smile – as if that would make the slightest bit of difference!

I trimmed and manicured Father's nails and chatted to him for a while – I think I confused him a little as I don't normally visit in the evenings on week days, but felt I needed to go over to support them after the other night's ordeal. I unpacked the new bed rail out of its box and assembled it and Mother and I tested it out on the bed – seems to work quite well. Delivered some food items in addition to today's on-line shop and also the EDP and The Times – isn't it ridiculous that you can't order newspapers on-line – well actually I lie, you can with Tescos, but not with Sainsbury's who Mother orders her shopping with. Mother loves to read the papers, but can only have them when I deliver them. Gone are the days of having three shops in the village and delivery vans. I can remember a fish van, bread van, butcher and newspapers being delivered in Holme – or you could walk to the shop to get a newspaper. Now, you have to drive to Old Hunstanton shop, or Thornham Deli to buy a newspaper which is no good if you are elderly with no car!

Father said the sweetest thing to me just as I was leaving. He said "have you got anyone to go home to?" "No", I replied.... "I havn't" "Will I do?" he said!!! "Ahhhhhh.... how sweet, if only I could, but my house is not safe for you to live in and I have to go to work" I replied. "That would be nice" he said in a sad voice! I could have cried when he said that – if only I was in a position to care for him myself full time, I would.

I drove home via Ringstead in hope of seeing owls on route, but all I saw were stars! I don't know where the week has disappeared to – its Friday again tomorrow! Anyone of a certain age will remember "Its Friday. It's Five O-Clock and it's CRACKERJACK!" Goodnight.

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Grey Phalarope, Water Pipits x 2 from Babcock Hide, Red-necked Grebe on Pat's Pool, Hen Harrier at Cley NWT. Bittern flew west from allotments at Cley.
Serin still on rough ground, between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Black-necked Grebe again at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Great White Egret, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 4, Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 24 at Holkham.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier SE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB.
Bitterns x 2 at Little Broad, Ormesby St Margaret.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh, Norwich.
Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 50 at North Beach, Winterton.
Whimbrel, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 2, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 800, Water Pipits x 3, Otter at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS again at West end of Burgh Castle.
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at pumping station on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.

MEGA NEWS!
None.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Girly Night Out & Trouble at Holme!

Last night I was very kindly invited for dinner by my work colleagues Sarah and Chloe. Sarah only lives about two minutes walk away from me. They cooked homemade vegetable lasagne with garlic bread and salad, with homemade cheesecake and chocolate/mocca cake to follow, all washed down with a nice glass of wine! It was a really lovely girly evening and the food was awesome. I also met Sarah's new puppy, which flew round the house like crazy, but was quite sweet as dogs go!

I returned home and was looking forward to a good night's sleep, but I was woken up at 12.45am by my Mother, who was very distraught, as Father had fallen out of bed and was laying on the cold floor. She had phoned Swift Response (run by social services and is a non-emergency 24 hour service who assist to get people off the floor) and was told they were too busy and had no one in the area and that she needed to call paramedics, which she then did. She rang me again at 2.30am as no one had turned up and she had no one else to turn to but me. There would have been no point in me going out, as I'm not able to get Father off the floor either, he's too heavy. Mother waited well over TWO hours for assistance. I totally understand that a fallen person in a home is last in line to be attended to, but surely there must be some kind of help out there for this situation!!! Well, actually there isn't I found out when I phoned both Swift Response and Social Services this evening. A lady at Swift Response said their service has become very 'popular' and they now don't have enough staff to cope with the whole county.

My Mother had only had two hours broken sleep, before Father was calling out again at 6am this morning and she unfortunately had to deal with another situation which I won't go in to. Tough times. This evening she fell asleep in the chair whilst writing the shopping list for me to order on line, but we got it done in the end.

The Himalayan Forest Thrush – A New Species of Bird Discovered!

New species of bird discovered in India and China by international team of scientists.

What a cracker – the size of beak and eye in relation to the body size is incredible!

http://phys.org/news/2016-01-species-bird-india-china-international.html

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Serin still on rough ground, between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour.
Grey Phalarope, Water Pipits x 2 from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Lapland Buntings x 5, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at pumping station on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Water Pipits x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard in tree in first field west of layby on B1153 at Brancaster.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh, Norwich.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Little Auk on sea at Walcott.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 near Choseley Drying Barns.
Short-eared Owl at Ken Hill Marshes, Snettisham.
Black-necked Grebe again at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier at west end of Burgh Castle, Breydon Water.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 3 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Snow Buntings x 60 at North Beach, Winterton.
Caspian Gull at Wissington Beet Factory, SE of Downham Market.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 miles east of Penzance at Marazion east of Trenow Cove, Cornwall.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 13th to 19th January!

By Jon Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2016-03.aspx?s_id=1002053848

Tuesday 19 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe Marsh, Norwich.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Serin still on rough ground, between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Grey Phalarope on pools and Snow Buntings x 25 east of East Bank, Red-necked Grebe on The Serpentine, Bittern at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzard 1/2 mile east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Lapland Buntings x 2, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Slavonian Grebe at Blakeney Harbour.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 36 flew SW over Great Yarmouth.
Glaucous Gull juv. just north of Beaconsfield Recreational Park at Great Yarmouth.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 4 at Horsey.
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at pumping station on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Bittern at Whitlingham Country Park
Great White Egret on pool in SW corner of marsh at Colney.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach, Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Snow Buntings x 45 at North Beach, Great Skua at Winterton.
Snow Buntings x 30, Purple Sandpiper at Sea Palling.
Black-necked Grebe at Tottenhill Gravel Pits.
Long-tailed Duck, Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Short-eared Owl, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at west end of Burgh Castle at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Cockley Cley.
Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 mls east of Penzance, on beach at Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Monday 18 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Serin still on rough ground, between Fairfield Road & railway at Downham Market.
Great Skua over sea, Red-necked Grebe on The Serpentine, Grey Phalarope from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS at west end of Burgh Castle, Bewicks Swans x 9 along North Wall at Breydon Water.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Great Northern Divers x 2 off Far Point at Blakeney Point.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew over west end of Blakeney Harbour.
Slavonian Grebe in channel on saltmarsh between Stiffkey and Blakeney Harbour.
Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Langham.
Hen Harrier at Warham Greens.
Rough-legged Buzzard 1/2 mile east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Grey Phalarope on pool just west of south end of Iron Road at Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Long-tailed Duck at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
PALLID HARRIER Juv. still at Abbey Farm, Flitcham.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Docking.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 mls east of Penzance, on beach at Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Cromer’s Chalk Reef, Thought To Be Europe’s Largest, Is Now A Protected Area!

http://edp24.co.uk/1.4382112

Sunday 17 January 2016

Weekend Update!

My parents had a very kind mystery present arrive a few days ago, a convector heater – it was left on the step of their front porch! No message or delivery information, so no way of finding out where it came from and who to thank!!!! A huge thanks to who ever delivered this, much appreciated.

A few weeks ago my sister Vivien and I arranged to meet at my parents house, so that Vivien could take Mother out – I can't remember the last time she left the house! We arrived at 10am on Saturday. I had hoped that Mother would go to King's Lynn to buy some much needed clothes, but she refused to travel that far and opted for Hunstanton instead. I stayed at home to look after Father. I took advantageous of the fact that Mother had left the house and hoovered and had a general tidy up whilst they were gone. I was very pleased that Mother had had a mini break, but felt sad that I'm wasn't able to take her out myself, being the only daughter able to deal with the personal care side of looking after Father. Vivien and Mother returned with fish 'n' chips and I helped Father to eat his lunch – he had changed his mind twice this morning about what he wanted... firstly he requested two sausages and chips and then changed his mind and wanted cod and chips. Part way through his meal, he said "I can't taste the sausages yet?"!!! I reminded him of what he had finally requested! The afternoon just slipped away and before we knew it, darkness fell. Vivien left as she was worried about icy roads on the return journey. I stayed until 8pm. My Father thanked me and said 'I've had a nice day' – this made me feel quite sad, I hadn't done anything different for him than my Mother would have done. Drove home and watched the rest of 'The Voice'.

This morning it was really cold when I woke up, so snuggled back under the duvet for a while. I wanted to go birding, but had some important jobs to complete – because of this I didn't get out until after lunch. With limited time left before the day ended, I stayed local and went to Flitcham and hoped for another view of the Pallid Harrier. I was surprised at how many birders were here after all these weeks! I wasn't expecting a crowd! A few people had apparently seen the Pallid Harrier with a Hen Harrier only minutes before I turned up, but others said they were both Hen Harriers. I did see a picture on the back of someone's camera, but the harrier was distant and out of focus – I couldn't see even a hint of the neck collar, but again picture was not clear, so who knows! It did look orangy, but then so do some Hen Harriers! From the 5-bar gate I watched lots of Redwings in the field and another birder pointed out the Little Owl sitting in the middle of a hedge, almost camouflaged!

I left the crowd and walked along the up hill track past the greenhouses to the highest vantage point. The icy puddles crunched under my boots. On route I saw several Fieldfares, a few Blackbirds, Great and Blue Tits, Chaffinches and Goldfinches in the hedges. There were large numbers of Lapwings and Grey and Red-legged Partridges scattered from the fields. A skein of Pink-footed Geese flew towards The Wash. I also had fabulous views of a Barn Owl flying straight towards me along with four Roe Deer distantly, hares, rabbits and pheasants – a typical winter scene. I could view all the fields from up here! In fact I could see King's Lynn too – excellent views as the day came to a close. No sign of any harriers though. I headed back to my car – it was seriously cold now.

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Red-necked Grebe on Arnold's Marsh, Water Pipit from Babcock's Hide, Snow Buntings x 3 east of North end of East Bank & Grey Phalarope on sea, Snow Buntings x 20, Bonxie at Cley NWT.
Grey Phalarope also seen at west of north end of Beach Road at Salthouse and on pool east along track towards Kelling Quags.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Beaconsfield Grounds, Caspian Gull on beach, Great Yarmouth.
MINKE WHALE at 9.25am, east past Kelling Hard.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 7 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Divers x 3 at Blakeney Harbour.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 25 at Thornham Harbour.
Black Redstart on Esplanade, Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
White-fronted Geese x 4 at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS, Short-eared Owl at west end of Burgh Castle, Glaucous Gull & Spotted Redshanks x 3 at NE of Breydon Water.
Rough-legged Buzzard flew west, Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Scaup at Holkham Gap, Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham.
Serin on rough ground, left of concrete road to sewage works at Downham Market.
Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Hen Harriers x 2 at Flitcham.
Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Gore Point, Holme.
Great Northern Diver at Rollesby Broad.
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Blackborough End.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Hen Harriers x 6 at Langham.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 mls east of Penzance, on beach at Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Saturday 16 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Scaup x 2 still at boating lake, Shag at Quay, Wells.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Beaconsfield Grounds, Little Gulls x 2 offshore at Great Yarmouth.
Snow Buntings x 25 at North Beach, Winterton.
Great Grey Shrike west of level crossing at Santon Warren.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, Hen Harrier, east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Black Redstart, Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Sheringham.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 20 at Thornham Harbour.
Snow Buntings x 25 at North end of East Bank, Grey Phalarope, Water Pipits x 3, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 5 from Babcock Hide at Cley NWT.
Lapland Buntings x 3, Twite x 5 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Slavonian Grebe, Great Skua at Blakeney Point.
Hen Harrier, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Horsey.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Short-eared Owls x 2, Hen Harrier at Haddiscoe Island.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 on Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe.
Hen Harriers x 4 at Warham Greens.
Common Cranes x 8, Hen Harriers x 2, Short-eared Owl at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Dunes.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL 4 mls east of Penzance, just west of Perran Sands, Cornwall.

Friday 15 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike west of level crossing at Santon Warren.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Whooper Swans x 4, Bewick's Swans x 50, Black Redstart at Ludham Airfield.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 25, Great Northern Diver, Spoonbill at Thornham Harbour.
Velvet Scoters x 3, Snow Buntings x 3, Great Northern Divers x 2 at Thornham Point.
Glaucous Gull juv. at Beaconsfield Grounds, Great Yarmouth.
Snow Buntings x 35 at North Beach, Winterton.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2, east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Great Skuas x 3, Puffins x 5, Little Gulls x 15, Shag x 2 at Sheringham.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Short-eared Owl at Terrington St Marsh.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Caister St Edmund.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 70 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Hawfinches x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Spoonbill, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Attleborough.
Scaup x 2 at boating lake, Wells.
Snow Bunting at Carleton Fen.
Great Northern Diver at Salthouse.
Water Pipits x 3 from Babcock Hide, Little Gull at Cley NWT.
Tundra Bean Geese x 10, White-fronted Geese x 9 at Langham.
Shorelark at Brancaster Beach.
Black Redstart at Sheringham.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

Thursday 14 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Glaucous Gull juv. at Beaconsfield Grounds, Great Yarmouth.
Iceland Gull ad. flew west offshore at Trimingham.
Great Grey Shrike west of level crossing, Willow Tit by level crossing at Santon Warren.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Common Cranes x 2 at Martham Ferry.
Rough-legged Buzzard, 1/2 mile east of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Blue Fulmar offshore at 3.35pm at Cley.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.

Wednesday 13 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Glaucous Gull juv at Beaconsfield Grounds, Black Redstarts x 2, Purple Sandpiper at South Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Little Auk flew west past Sheringham.
Waxwing flew east, Bonxie offshore at Trimingham.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Mealy Redpoll at sewage works on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Spoonbill, Snow Buntings x 2 at Snettisham RSPB.
Snow Buntings x 26, Short-eared Owls x 2 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Great Skua at Waxham.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese south of Horsey Mill.
Great White Egret, Snow Buntings x 20 at Holkham.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 in pines opposite Field House by B1153, south of Brancaster.
Great Grey Shrike at Santon Warren.
White-fronted Geese x 6 on west side of Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Tundra Bean Geese x 14, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 11, Pink-footed Geese x 3,000, Caspian Gull at Cley NWT.
Waxwing at Taverham.
Grey Plover at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Mealy Redpolls x 3 in garden at Sculthorpe Moor.
Caspian Gulls x 2 1w & 3w, 1/2 mile east of Middleton, north of A47 by riding school near King's Lynn.
Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

RBA Weekly Round-Up 6th to 12th January!

By John Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2016-02.aspx

Tuesday 12 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
TURTLE DOVE 1w in garden, then flew off at Limpenhoe.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Glaucous Gull juv at Beaconsfield Grounds, Great Yarmouth.
Cattle Egret SSE of Gayton at Abbey Farm along Church Lane at East Walton.
Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Snettisham RSPB.
Great Northern Diver at Barton Broad.
Tundra Bean Geese x 10, 3/4 mile east of Langham.
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey.
Common Cranes x 5 at Martham Ferry.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Common Crane (briefly) 1/2 mile east of Choseley Drying Barns.
White-fronted Goose at Cley NWT.
Caspian Gull 1w, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3 1/2 mile east of Middleton, north of A47 by riding school near King's Lynn.
Whooper Swans x 10, Bewick's Swans x 120 at Ludham Airfield.
Twite x 7 at bend on seawall at Blakeney.
Snow Buntings x 25 at north end of East Bank at Cley NWT.
White-fronted Geese x 6 on west side of Nunnery Lakes, Thetford.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 120 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour.
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 4, Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT still at Scapa Bay, SSW of Kirkwall, Orkney.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

Monday 11 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Divers x 3 at Blakeney Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Morston Quay.
Black Brant at Stiffkey Fen.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Shag at Wells Quay.
Short-eared Owl, Snow Buntings x 30 at north end of East Bank at Cley NWT.
Great White Egret at Holkham.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Snow Buntings x 37, Short-eared Owl at North Dunes, Winterton.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Glaucous Gull at Waterways, Great Yarmouth.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Little Gulls x 5, Great Skua at Hopton-on-Sea.
Tundra Bean Geese x 10 near Langham.
Black-throated Diver at Barton Broad.
Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Snettisham RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Spoonbill, Water Pipits x 2, Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB.
Whooper Swans x 10, Bewick's Swans x 100 at Ludham Airfield.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 mls east of Penzance at Marazion, Cornwall.
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT in Scapa Bay, SSW of Kirkwall, Orkney.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

David Bowie: Genius, Till Death Us Do Part – 1947-2016

I'm always in such a rush in the mornings, that I rarely hear the news until I get home from work. As I switched on the TV this evening, pictures of David Bowie filled the screen. The news reader was saying 'he was a genius.....' 'David Bowie was......' . 'Was' is past tense! What did they mean 'was?'. Then the realisation sunk in after being transfixed to the news, that David Bowie had died yesterday, 10th January after an 18 month battle with cancer. I couldn't believe it! I know we all have to depart this earth at some point, but it was unexpected, completely unexpected.

My mind then drifted to my teens and the David Bowie albums that I had, loved and still have. His crazy and unique fashion was definitely an influence on the whacky clothes I used to wear as an art student! David Bowie was a big part of my early years and growing up, as he would have been for so many millions of others around the world.

A genius to the end with his last album 'Black Star' – Dark. Deep. Emotional. A work of art. His way of saying goodbye, released on his birthday 8th January, three days ago.

R . I . P .


Where are we now? – 2013

 Blackstar – 2016

 Lazarus from 'Blackstar' – 2016

Sunday 10 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier, Ravens x 2 reported + flew north towards Anmer at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Great White Egret, Rough-legged Buzzard, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 60 at Holkham.
Mealy Redpolls x 2 at sewage works on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour, Spotted Redshank at Thornham.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Cattle Egret 10am at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Cattle Egret in pony field at 12.08pm, Bawsey.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 at Haddiscoe Island.
Lapland Buntings x 4 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Divers x 3, Short-eared Owl at Blakeney Harbour.
Snow Buntings x 60 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve.
Hen Harrier at Brancaster Staithe.
Black Redstart again by farm building opposite Beacon Hill Road at Burnham Market.
White-fronted Geese x 5 at south end of Ken Hill Marshes, Snettisham.
Eurasian White-fronted Goose at Snettisham RSPB.
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Hen Harriers x 4, Short-eared Owl, Bewick's Swans x 8 at Warham Greens.
Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Stiffkey.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Iceland Gull at The Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Velvet Scoter at Holme NWT.
BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT possible, on sea at beach car park at 11am, then flew west, Snow Buntings x 30 at Cley NWT.
Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 9 at Salthouse.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN at Kinvarra, County Clare, Ireland.
 
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT possible, on sea at beach car park at 11am, then flew west at Cley, Norfolk.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

Saturday 9 January 2016

CleySpy, Binocular & Book Review, Gramborough Hill & Holme!

STONECHAT
Gramborough Hill, Salthouse


I got lots of jobs done this morning, had early lunch and then headed east. I picked up some shopping for my parents on route and then continued to CleySpy at Glandford. Treated the car and paid for it to be washed on the way. I had shopping requests from Mother – a sack of bird seed which cost £12.99 and to buy an Olight Torch. I purchased an 'Olight i1 EOS SS Key Chain Torch' from CleySpy quite a while ago now – at only 65mm long, its attached to my car keys and yes it did cost serious dosh, but at full beam, its like a car headlight and the best torch I've ever had. Mother was fed up with her rubbish cheap torches and wanted the same one. On arrival at CleySpy I discovered they are now unable to get hold of any more of these torches (shipping/manufacturing issues or something) and only had a handful left in the shop, three miniature ones, which were smaller than mine and one which was larger and even more powerful than mine – so at a bargain price I purchased this one for Mother.

I also asked advice on behalf of a work colleague, who isn't a birder, but wants to purchase a pair of binoculars for a wildlife holiday that she and her husband are going on this year – maximum spend of £100. I was shown a pair of Minox BF 8x42 binoculars at £99.00 (normally £200). For the money, these are extremely good bins and I was pleasantly surprised when I looked through them! Bargain! They weren't especially pretty to look at and were fairly heavy for their size, but looked robust and well made. Fully Waterproof and with a 5 year guarantee, makes them the cheapest and best binoculars I've seen!!! At that price, I'm sure the stock will disappear quickly. Get yourself to CleySpy now for a bargain!

I was very close to buying myself a very nice black wool Tilly Hat, but was good and didn't succumb, nice hats, but with a nice price!

I was also drawn to a very funky pair of Leica bins in 'Apple Green' – they would so match my new car!!! Oh to be rich! For those of you that are, they are also available in 'Cherry Pink'.

As I drove through Cley, I noticed how much the fields had flooded with all the recent rain and the gulls were loving it! Headed for Beach Road at Salthouse. It was so nice to be here with only a handful of cars and people. The coffee man was here with his van, Julian I think his name is. I chatted briefly with a nice lady who reads my blog, before I walked to Gramborough Hill through the flooded paths and shingle – I didn't expect to see anything really, but had a wonderful surprise of a stunning pair of Stonechats on the fence line by the first bramble and got some half decent pictures too. Not another soul here, lovely! Walked to the top of the hill and could see a large number of Common Scoter on the sea. A couple of Little Egrets were on the marsh, along with a Pied Wagtail and a Redshank with a Black-headed Gull, were feeding around the muddy edges of the tidal pool. Later, back at the coffee van, Rob Holmes was talking to Julian – we had a brief chat. He was telling me about his New Year's Eve, which sounded a whole load better than mine,with Northern Lights seen from Cley Beach, along with a tipple or too!!!

I nipped into Cley Visitor Centre NWT and purchased the new Eastern Daily Press WILD & WONDERFUL NORFOLK 1926-2016 Celebrating 90 Years – Norfolk Wildlife Trust book which is £5.95, but only £3.50 for NWT members. The front cover is perfect, quite stunning – a perfect layout and composition – I don't think I've ever said that about any front cover! Having been in the print industry for most of my life, I am extremely pedantic! However, inside the book there are a few pictures that are not particularly exciting or sharp! Also some of the landscape scenes have been portrayed at a massive size on the page, which does seem rather a waste of space! David Tipling has some top draw shots (all sharp I may add!) which adds quality to the publication. There are some fabulous aerial shots from Mike Page and also a good number of quality photographs from other photographers. I would have liked to have seen more bird pictures, maybe some of the rarities that Cley and other reserves have been famed for, which there would have been room for, if some of the large scale landscapes had been sized down. There is an interesting history section at the beginning, including pictures of the founder, past and present warden, also Richard Richardson is standing amongst the 'Cley Bird Observatory Committee', on what looks like the East Bank, also Prince Charles, The Queen, Dick Bagnall-Oakley and Sir David Attenborough feature, amongst others.

Further along in the book, a writer talks about his childhood memories at Holme Dunes reserve and writes '.......As the Firs drew closer, we'd check for a kestrel perched on the telegraph wires.......' I and many others used to scan the telegraph wires for many birds, including shrikes that used to perch on them, swallows, martins, bee-eaters etc etc. Sadly those wires are there no more and its not the same without them. He goes on to say 'We'd run through the thyme-scented dunes....' I don't remember thyme ever growing in the dunes and neither does Mother when I asked her later! He also writes 'I cherish the isolation of Holme and it is still easy today to find both solitude and an intimacy with nature.' I agree with that statement in mid-winter, when its either raining or extremely cold with no sun, but with the sun out in the winter months and most certainly in the Spring, Summer and Autumn, it definitely isn't a place for solitude anymore, far too many loose dogs flying around and far too many people who are not naturalists and don't respect the countryside, which is why I don't visit my beloved Holme anywhere near as much as I used to. Overall its a very nice publication and an interesting read.

I couldn't resist visiting Cley Deli and buying some pear & ginger cake – it would have been wrong not to! I havn't been to the deli since last summer – as soon as I walked to the counter, the lady serving smiled and said 'pear & ginger cake?'!!! I also bought a piece of coffee cake for Father. Cruised along the coast road to Holme. I was surprised that I didn't encounter any barn owls on route, I normally do. I then spent the evening with my parents.

Discussed the above book with Mother – she was trying to ID some of the birders in the old history pictures. Mother was very pleased with her new torch. I also gave her my photo calendar, which I put together last night. Father was in an emotional state and I spent some time talking to him and just simply holding his hand. Its so difficult to make him feel happy, when he can't see or do anything. Helped Father to eat some coffee cake, but he preferred the pear & ginger cake – he only managed a couple of mouthfuls of cake and then had his usual banana and cup of coffee.

A very good friend and lady I used to lodge with in Lavenham (many, many years ago) kindly sent me a photograph today, of a plate in an old book produced by the EDP, of the opening of Holme Bird Observatory in 1969! The picture shows my Father in his tweed jacket with blue warden badge and swept back hair! Next to him in the foreground is Dick Bagnall-Oakeley and in the background I'm sure I can see a back view of Audrey Eccleshall. I'm pretty sure Bill Oddie was at this opening too. I was 4 years old – I do remember being there, but the memory of any detail has faded completely!

Back at home in King's Lynn, I watched the last half an hour of the new series of 'The Voice.' Work tomorrow all day. I noticed on the NARVOS links this evening, that a Great Grey Shrike has been seen near Hilborough on 4th January – no further details about exact location though – maybe its still around!

PICTURES TO BE ADDED

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier, Twite x 4 at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Black Brant, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 12, Water Pipits x 2 (from Babcock Hide) at Cley NWT.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Lapland Bunting at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Shorelarks x 3, Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour.
Velvet Scoters x 6, Spotted Redshank offshore at Thornham.
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 SW of Harpley.
Water Pipits x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Snow Buntings x 40 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Great White Egret, Hen Harrier at Holkham.
Iceland Gull at The Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
Black Redstart in garden behind Whelks Copper Team Rooms at Sheringham.
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank, Great Northern Diver, Hen Harriers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey Fen.
Great Northern Diver, Little Gulls x 3 at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Divers x 3, Hen Harriers x 2, Whooper Swans x 3 at Blakeney Harbour.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Hen Harriers x 4, Short-eared Owl at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FORSTER'S TERN in Corranroo Bay, County Clare, Ireland.
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT in Scapa Bay, SSW of Kirkwall, Orkney.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 mls east of Penzance at Marazion, Cornwall.

Orca Whale Dies Tangled In Fishing Line, Signals End Of U.K. Pod!

http://www.digitaljournal.com/science/orca-whale-dies-tangled-in-fishing-line-signals-end-of-u-k-pod/article/454199#hv28389

Friday 8 January 2016

Friday Update!

My parents had a lovely surprise this week – a visit from Chris Knights! I can't remember if Chris reads my blog or if someone else told him about my post last week – but it was very kind of him to take the time to visit and is very much appreciated, thank you Chris.

Took my sister Lucy to her rehearsals again with the NSO this evening – her second concert is soon!

I spent this evening printing out 6x4" photos for my photo calendar and also made one for my parents – pity I can't afford a print run of Penny's Hot Birding Calendar 2016 – I reckon it could sell quite well! I also made a cognitive assessment for work – just need to laminate what I have made and its finished – a 'Blue Peter' special! I love making things – the arty farty side to my crazy personality!

I'm seriously behind with my emails, so massive apologies to anyone who has not received a reply yet – I will catch up over the next few days, promise!

Life is so busy at the moment – so many jobs to do. Can't wait for the evenings to get lighter, always a boost to the system! Had to defrost the car the this morning – after the weeks of uncannily warm weather we've had, there is a definite chill in the air now!

All kinds of things to do tomorrow and determined to get some birding in too. Working again this Sunday, but then have entire weekends free until the end of February, thank goodness!

It only seems like a few months ago when I had my big birthday, but its only just over two weeks to the next one!!!

Snowy Owl Spotted Soaring by A Traffic Camera!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/snowy-owl-flying-transport-quebec-traffic-camera-1.3393343

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull at The Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER juv again, Hen Harrier, Twite x 4 at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Divers x 2, Twite x 20 at Blakeney Harbour.
Purple Sandpiper at Sheringham.
Snow Buntings x 21 north end of East Bank, Tundra Bean Geese x 10, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 3, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Cley NWT.
Shorelarks x 3, Bewick's Swans x 2, Twite x 30 at Thornham Harbour.
Rough-legged Buzzards x 2 SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Mealy Redpoll at sewage works on west side of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Water Pipit, Yellow-legged Gull, Short-eared Owl, Little Gull at Titchwell RSPB.
Firecrest at Carrow Hill, Norwich.
Taiga Bean Geese x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Eurasian White-fronted Geese x 7 at Berney Marshes RSPB.
Black Redstart by farm building opposite Beacon Hill Road at Burnham Market.
Red-necked Grebe at Brancaster Staithe Harbour.
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 at Horsey.
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 2, Hen Harrier at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT.

MEGA NEWS! 
MEGA! BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT in Scapa Bay, SSW of Kirkwall, Orkney.
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

Thursday 7 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull at The Fisherfleet, King's Lynn.
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB.
Tundra Bean Geese x 10, Water Pipit at Cley NWT.
Hen Harriers x 3 at Roydon Common.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 mls east of Penzance at Marazion, Cornwall.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.

Big Bird 'on the loose' in Terrington St Clement!

"A large bird that is native to South America has been on the loose in Terrington St Clement, police say.

Officers received calls at around 11:00 to reports of a rhea, described as being similar in size to an ostrich, emerging from a children's playing field on the Station Road junction.

Drivers later reported it being on the A17. Police say despite their investigations, they've not found the bird and can't be sure if it has returned to its home or been recaptured by its owner."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-norfolk-35207810

Wednesday 6 January 2016

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
PALLID HARRIER juv again at Abbey Farm at Flitcham.
Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle.
Rough-legged Buzzard SSE of Choseley Drying Barns.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Brancaster.
Snow Buntings x 20 at Cley NWT.
Shag, Goosander at Hunstanton.
Mealy Redpoll at pumping station on west of Beach Lane at Weybourne.
Lapland Buntings x 3 at Blakeney Freshmarsh.
Great Northern Divers x 2, Short-eared Owl, Hen Harrier at Blakeney Harbour.
Hen Harrier at Blakeney Point.
Shorelarks x 3 on beach at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum.
Shorelarks x 3 at Thornham Harbour.
Spotted Redshank at Holme.
Little Gulls x 52, Great Skua, Goosander at Hopton-on-Sea.
Mediterranean Gull at South Beach, Heacham.
Caspian Gulls x 6 at Blackborough End.
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Pink-footed Geese x 5,000 on Crabbe Farm Road near Wighton.
Spotted Redshanks x 3, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Breydon Water.
Barnacle Geese x 3, Pink-footed Geese x 3,000 near Langham.
Caspian Gull near East Harling.
Short-eared Owl near Barnham Broom Golf Club.
Little Gulls x 20 at Winterton.
Water Pipits x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Little Gulls x 92 flew past Sheringham.

MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL Adult still at Castletownbere Harbour, County Cork, Ireland.
MEGA! HUDSONIAN WHIMBREL still at Mount's Bay, 3 mls east of Penzance at Marazion, Cornwall.
MEGA! MOURNING DOVE still SW of Loch of Clickimin at Murrayston, Shetland.