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Saturday 31 March 2018

End Of An Era!

The Rare Bird Alert Vodafone pager ends today. I'm not expecting the new forthcoming pager to be personalised!😢

But, I am very much looking forward to receiving the new SwiftAlert pager in April!

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  
Long-tailed Duck, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS x 4, Mealy Redpolls x 5 SW of church, SSE of Felthorpe
Spoonbill, Garganey, Common Cranes x 23 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Caspian Gull at Salthouse
Iceland Gull at Blakeney Point
Firecrest, Spoonbills x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Willow Tit at Cockley Cley
Firecrest, Jack Snipe at Burnham Overy Dunes
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Holkham Freshmarsh
Little Gulls x 2 at Barton Broad
Swallow flew west, Common Cranes x 3 flew west, Spoonbills x 2, Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
Caspian Gull at Hemsby
Purple Sandpipers x 4, Iceland Gull at Sheringham
Caspian Gull, Black Redstarts x 2 east of pier at Cromer
Red-throated Diver in channel at Martham
Shorelark, Short-eared Owl, Jack Snipe at Holme

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

Friday 30 March 2018

Golden Egg Hunt & Birding – Brancaster to Burnham Overy Staithe & RBA Bird News!

I felt quite excited about finding a 'golden egg' along the coastal path. See my post on Wednesday. I had already emailed the manager at the White Horse to be kindly informed that the eggs would be hidden along the coastal path between Titchwell and Burnham Overy Staithe. Now, the official coastal footpath runs inland from Brancaster to Titchwell and I suspected that none would be hidden there and that they would be hidden along the more well known footpath along the seaward side. So I decided to start my search and birding at Brancaster. I got up far too early after a busy week at work, but decided to make the effort!

I arrived just after dawn and parked my car along the road next to the gates at Brancaster church. I searched the churchyard just in case! With camera bag, food and drink for the day, I set off. I made the mistake of wearing my Muck Boots, which became very heavy later and also brought my walking stick (only ever used for walking out to East Hills) to poke about in the vegetation for eggs! I headed north along the road to the beginning of the coastal footpath and walked east along the boardwalk, with reedbeds and marsh on my left and scenic coastal homes on my right. The weather forecast was incorrect and it wasn't long before the sun appeared and it turned out be a beautiful day, with no rain at all whilst I was out, which was very lucky as the walk from Burnham Deepdale to Burnham Norton is bleak and very much out in the open!

I looked hard for eggs to begin with, but the novelty did wear off eventually and I decided it was more productive to 'look up' as David Lindo says, than to look down. I kept alert though and poked about in little places where I would have hidden an egg – obviously the Easter Bunny didn't think as I did! But this was the question, who else was in the know and were all 30 eggs actually hidden? Or was the entire thing just good advertising and marketing for the pub? Well, yes obviously it would bring customers to the pub! Anyway, forgetting about eggs for a moment, the biggest surprise today, was the lack of birds – in fact it was sadly shocking. After all the miles I covered, I expected a good variety of birds and hoped for some early migrants too, this was not to be. I didn't even bother to write in my notebook!

ROUTE
I walked from Brancaster to Brancaster Staithe Harbour, then to Burnham Deepdale (where I stood and watched my first Snowy Owl on 9th March), then along the exposed and bleak sea bank around Burnham Norton Marshes and then onto Burnham Overy Staithe and part way to Burnham Overy Dunes, then turned back south to the main road and caught the Coast Hopper bus back to my car at Brancaster. See the X's on the map marking the start and finish of my route.
Boardwalk between Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe

House at Brancaster Staithe just before the harbour


Between Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe I saw very little indeed, aside from a few gulls over the harbour, a single Blackbird and a couple of Long-tailed Tits, I didn't even see a Robin! The walk was beautiful though and it was good to be out in the early morning light. I half-heartedly searched the harbour area for golden eggs and then continued east on to Burnham Deepdale.

The walk along this next stretch is particularly scenic and looks potentially brilliant for migrants, with large landscaped lawns of huge properties which look good for wagtails and hoopoes etc! Walking past the back of the White Horse pub, made me pause and wonder if there were any eggs hidden in the actually pub? Turns out that there was I found out later! I didn't see a single Stonechat on my very long walk, which I was very surprised by.
The bleak sea bank from Burnham Deepdale to Burnham Norton

Burnham Norton Marshes


From Burnham Deepdale along the sea bank, I did see a couple of Reed Buntings, but that was all. There were however, good numbers of duck on the marshes including Wigeon, Teal, Shelducks and also small numbers of Avocets and several gulls. I didn't see a single Marsh Harrier, but did see a Barn Owl at Burnham Norton on the path that runs south. At the end of the long walk to Burnham Norton I sat down to have late breakfast. The grass was soaked, but I had waterproof over trousers on so all was good. My legs were beginning to ache – its a long way in wellies! I really regretted not wearing my walking boots, but too late now! I then heard a text pinging through – it was from my friend and work colleague Jane Veall – the text read... 😊👍 This could only mean one thing! I phoned her straight away to find out that she had found an egg!!! Jane had found it hidden under an old tyre, just north along the sea bank at Burnham Deepdale! I don't even recall seeing a bl**dy tyre! Miles and miles I had walked, not an egg in sight! Oh well! At least someone I know had found one, massive congratulations Jane!!! Her prize was 'drinks for four'. I ambled along the path south and heard a Cettis's Warbler at the corner, just before I crossed the field adjacent to the windmill.

I then walked along the edge of the field (still on coastal path), then along the main road and and onto the harbour at Burnham Overy Staithe. I searched under bits of wood and other objects, but no eggs found. I also peered inside every lobster pot on the quayside, still no luck with golden eggs. I then continued north along the sea bank to Burnham Overy Dunes, but my body and mind were failing. I rested on a couple of seats and when I reached the corner (see X on map) along the path which I would normally join from the main road, I realised there was no way I was going to make it out to the dunes. So I headed back south along my usual path to the main road, passing the 5-bar gate and over the stile. After looking at the bus time table on my phone, I realised that if I stepped up my pace, I might be very lucky and catch the Coast Hopper bus that was due in a few minutes time. I may not have been lucky with eggs, but was very lucky with the bus! It was running approximately 10 minutes late and after reaching the main road, I only had to wait a couple of minutes! It was a joyous sight seeing that bus I can tell you!

The journey on the bus was the noisiest one I have ever experienced – a large group of young girls and lads were making a terrific noise as if in competition with each other. Shortly after they got off the bus at Burnham Market, the bus driver turned around smiling and said 'thank goodness for that'. When I got off the bus at The Ship pub at Brancaster it felt difficult to walk the short distance to my car next to the church – I suddenly felt very old! It felt so good to back with my car. Took the wellies off, changed my socks and put my walking boots on. Sat in the car and had coffee and sandwiches. The road was jam-packed with cars and I'm sure my space would be filled quickly when I left.

For a last chance of finding an egg, I decided to drive along the coastal path that runs inland of Titchwell – an area I never explored I'm ashamed to say. The road runs just west from the B1153 in Brancaster. Not far along the tarmacked road, it became a track and then continued for a good way and then deteriorated! In hindsight, I should have turned back, but carried on. I really don't know where I ended up, but eventually arrived in Thornham. I  then went to the 'The Green' and sat on a seat for a while in case this morning's Ring Ouzel was on view – it wasn't. I then went to the boathouse at Thornham Harbour to sit for a while and then visted my mother in Holme.

I collapsed on the sofa at 2.30pm and apparently I was asleep on the sofa for three hours!!! Eventually I returned home to King's Lynn, absolutely cream-crackered! I don't think I will be doing too much tomorrow!
Today would have been my parent's 54th Wedding Anniversary😢


I OVER WROTE THE RBA BIRD NEWS FOR TODAY ON THURSDAY'S BIRD NEWS! TOOK ME AGES TO WORK OUT WHAT I HAD DONE! JUST HAD TO TYPE THURSDAY'S OUT AGAIN!

SO HERE IT IS!

FRIDAY 30th MARCH
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  
Glaucous Gull flew over Wymondham
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Ring Ouzel at Thornham
Spoonbill at Whitlingham Country Park
Spoonbills x 2 at Hickling Broad NWT
Black Redstart, Velvet Scoter at Waxham
Spoonbills x 3 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Spoonbill, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Spoonbill south of Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Black Redstarts x 2 east of pier at Cromer
Black Redstart at Beeston Bump, Sheringham
Caspian Gull, Garganey, Grey Plover at Potter Heigham Marshes
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 4, possible at Horsford Common
Spoonbills x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Bittern on marsh at Holme
Hawfinches x 6 at Lynford Aboretum
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Santon Warren, Santon Downham
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

East Siberian White Wagtail – 2nd Record For The Western Palearctic!

Found by Ashley Saunders and Jason Moss, the day after identifying the 3rd record of Blyth's Pipit for Cyprus! Read their accounts and exciting bird news on their Cyprus trip here:
 
https://www.oriolebirding.com/birding-diary-news-4.html


Your Number One Team For Birdwatching Holidays – UK & Worldwide

Thursday 29 March 2018

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  
Long-tailed Ducks x 8 at Titchwell RSPB
Garganey x 2, Common Crane at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Black Redstart at Nunnery Lakes Nature Reserve, Thetford
Mealy Redpoll at Beeston Common, Sheringham
Mealy Redpoll in garden at Cockley Cley
Short-eared Owl at Burnham Norton
Black Redstart at Winterton
Black Redstarts x 2 east of pier at Cromer
Glaucous Gull flew over Norwich
Black Redstarts x 2 at West Runton
Garganey at Bintree Mill
Common Cranes x 2 at Welney WWT
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

Wednesday 28 March 2018

Golden Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza!!!

Birding on Good Friday and searching for a 'prize' golden egg along the coastal path, could be huge fun!!!😀 On the downside, it won't be a quiet and peaceful walk😒!

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHorseBrancaster/posts/1854880881190789

https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHorseBrancaster/posts/1863819876963556

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  
Iceland Gull at East Runton
Firecrest south of Shangri-La, Waxham
Garganey at Bintree Mill
Short-eared Owl at Dersingham Bog
Black Redstarts x 2 east of pier, Iceland Gull at Cromer
Short-eared Owl at Thornham Marsh
Spoonbill, Hen Harrier at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

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

By Jon Dunn
http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyRoundup2018-13.aspx?s_id=416537721

Tuesday 27 March 2018

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  
Mealy Redpoll in garden at Cockley Cley
Hawfinch flew over Attlebridge
Hawfinch at Aylmerton
Water Pipit, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Garganey at Bintree Mill

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland
FORSTER'S TERN
Near Aughinish Island, County Clare, Ireland

Monday 26 March 2018

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  
Caspian Gull flew past Sidestrand
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Spoonbills x 3, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Garganey at Bintree Mill
Shorelarks x 3, Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Bunting at Winterton
Great White Egrets x 2 at Nar Valley Fisheries
Black Redstart in garden at Snetterton
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Santon Warren, ENE of Santon Downham
Short-eared Owls x 3 at Haddiscoe Island
Mealy Redpoll in garden at Swaffham
PARROT CROSSBILL at Santon Warren, ENE of Santon Downham

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

Sunday 25 March 2018

Weekend Update!

After working six days last week and my mother being very poorly on Thursday and Friday, I was completely exhausted by Saturday. The only thing I achieved was collecting my new iphone 6 battery from the Apple Store in Norwich – so hopefully the phone will operate a bit better now.

Today I dropped some shopping off at mother's and then went to Titchwell RSPB and walked around the Fen Trail and to Patsy's Pool and East trail. I counted 8 smart Bramblings in the willows along the boardwalk not far from the shop, but nothing else of note really. A pair of Mute Swans were at the small pool at the far end of the East Trail and a couple of Long-tailed Tits were flitting around in the hedge. I was hoping for a Chiffchaff or other Spring migrants, but no luck. It was a beautiful sunny day, but this is not going to last according to the weather forecast – cold weather and snow is forecast for the Easter break! Back in the car park I sprinkled some bird seed out for a couple of Robins and sat for a while watching them. Bees were out today and I also saw a toad.

I was going to head east and walk Burnham Overy Dunes to look for a Wheatear, but felt really lousy. I felt like I had the beginning of a virus, so had no choice but to head home and was back in King's Lynn just after 5pm. Took a couple of paracetemol and spent the evening on the sofa, not feeling very good at all.

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  
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers x 2 at Santon Warren, ENE of Santon Downham
Russian White-fronted Geese x 80 flew over Winterton
Black Redstart at West Runton
Garganey at Bintree Mill
Great White Egret at Sparham Pools, Lyng
Caspian Gull, Purple Sandpipers x 4 at Sheringham
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum
Mealy Redpolls x 5 at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Spoonbill, Great White Egrets x 2 at Hockwold Marshes, viewed from Lakenheath Fen RSPB
Hen Harrier at Kelling Water Meadows
Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB
Short-eared Owl at Thornham Marsh
Water Pipit at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew
Great White Egret on River Wensum, Ringland
Great White Egrets x 2 at Nar Flood Storage Reservoir, Blackborough End

MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

Saturday 24 March 2018

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  
Mealy Redpoll at Cockley Cley
Short-eared Owl at Acle
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 17, Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers x 2 at Santon Warren, ENE of Santon Downham
Garganey at Bintree Mill
Short-eared Owl, Shag, Firecrest at Winterton
Glaucous Gull, Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Mealy Redpoll at Whitlingham Country Park
Black Redstart at Hopton-on-Sea
Great White Egrets x 2 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Great White Egret at Sparham Pools, Lyng
Glaucous Gull at Earlham Marsh
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey Fen
Great White Egret at Nar Valley Fisheries
Mealy Redpoll ringed at Holme NOA
Common Cranes x 23 flew over Potter Heigham Marshes
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Waxham

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

Friday 23 March 2018

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  
Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Titchwell RSPB
Common Cranes x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Woodlark flew over Sidestrand
Black Redstart at Weybourne
Spoonbill at Blakeney Freshmarsh
PARROT CROSSBILLS x 29 at Santon Warren, ENE of Santon Downham
Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham
Caspian Gull at North Dunes, Winterton
Garganey at Alderfen Broad, WSW of Irstead
Iceland Gull, Caspian Gull at Cromer
Spoonbill at Breydon Water
Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe Island
Glaucous Gull flew over Gramborough Hill, Salthouse

MEGA NEWS 
None

Moth Traps Now Available at CleySpy!

https://www.cleyspy.co.uk/accessories/moth-traps.html

Thursday 22 March 2018

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  
Spoonbill, Purple Sandpiper at Cley NWT
Ospreys x 2 flew over, Jack Snipe, Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Shorelarks x 8 at Holkham Bay
Osprey, Ring Ouzel at Holkham 
Long-tailed Ducks x 4 at Titchwell RSPB
White Stork (presumed esc.) at Breydon Water
Slavonian Grebe, Shag, Black Redstart at Weybourne
Snow Bunting at Waxham
Spoonbill flew over, Snow Bunting at Sheringham
Spotted Redshank, Twite x 3 at Thornham
Great White Egreat at West Winch
Water Pipit at Burnham Norton

MEGA NEWS 
None

5% of Me Gone!

I got a little 5% sticker and a certificate from Weight Watchers yesterday, when I lost another 2.5lbs – I have now lost 5% of my body weight!!! I have estimated that my goal weight will be achieved by Christmas this year or there abouts! #littleblackdress

MINI INVASION OF SNOWY OWLS?!

Do we have a mini invasion of Snowy Owls going on – along with the recent 'beast from the east' and 'mini beast' (what silly names!)?!!!
  • Snowy Owl 1w female on Scolt Head Island/Titchwell RSPB and Snettisham RSPB.
  • Snowy Owl, unconfirmed sighting on Monday at Brancaster?
  • Snowy Owl 1w female yesterday at Friskney in Lincolnshire.
  • Snowy Owl fem on Calf of Eday, Orkney
  • Snowy Owl 1w female on Tresco, Isles of Scilly
  • Snowy Owl in Nether Poppleton, Yorkshire
  • Snowy Owl unconfirmed report in Warslow, Staffordshire
  • Snowy Owl (22 March) NW of Newport in South Wales 
  • Snowy Owl reported recently on Stronsay, Orkney

Wednesday 21 March 2018

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  
Mealy Redpoll at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Glaucous Gull, Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh
Glaucous Gull at Cley NWT
Hen Harrier at Acle
Gargeney at Bintree Mill
Glaucous Gull, Snow Bunting, Purple Sandpipers x 4 at Sheringham
Spotted Redshank, Wigeon x 16,300 at Breydon Water
Russian White-fronted Geese x 134 at Heigham Holmes
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Scaup at Holme
Jack Snipe at Hickling Broad NWT
Little Stint at Potter Heigham Marshes
Black Redstarts x 3 at Low Road, Winterton
Puffin on beach, then taken into care at Brancaster
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL 1w, PARROT CROSSBILL probable, Willow Tits x 2 at Cockley Cley
Lapland Bunting flew over Stiffkey
Bittern at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford
Great White Egret south of Blackborough End
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Santon Warren, Santon Downham

MEGA NEWS 
None

RBA Weekly Round-Up 14th to 20th May!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2018-12.aspx?s_id=259020285

Talking Birds - Mark James Pearson Talks To Dawn Balmer!

http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/Talking-Birds-Dawn-Balmer.aspx?s_id=259020285

Tuesday 20 March 2018

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  
Mealy Redpolls x 2, Firecrest, Willow Warbler, Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Glaucous Gull, Spoonbill, Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Snow Bunting, Purple Sandpiper, Little Gull at Sheringham
Glaucous Gull at Weybourne
Long-tailed Ducks x 6 at Titchwell RSPB
Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Velvet Scoter at Holme
Black Redstart by Low Road, Winterton
Black-bellied Dipper unconfirmed report, recently by mill at Stoke Holy Cross
Mealy Redpoll in garden, Willow Tit at Cockley Cley
Great White Egret at Colney Gravel Pits
Great White Egret at Pentney Gravel Pits

MEGA NEWS 
None

Monday 19 March 2018

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  
Iceland Gull, Little Gulls x 2, Water Pipit, Long-tailed Duck, Little Ringed Plovers x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Iceland Gull, Little Gull, Glaucous Gull, Caspian Gull at Cromer
Mealy Redpolls x 3 at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Willow Warbler in church car park at Harleston
Little Gulls x 2 at Great Yarmouth
Russian White-fronted Goose x 50 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Black Redstarts x 4, Little Gulls x 3 at Winterton
Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Snow Bunting at Sheringham
Black Redstart at Poplar Farm, Waxham
Glaucous Gull, Puffin off coastguards at Cley
Hooded Crow south of Choseley Drying Barns
SNOWY OWL unconfirmed report at 8.30am by flood by London Street, Brancaster
Caspian Gull at East Runton
Willow Tit singing yesterday at Cockley Cley
Great White Egrets x 3 at Nar Valley Fisheries
Great White Egret, Little Ringed Plover at Pentney Gravel Pits

MEGA NEWS 
None

Sunday 18 March 2018

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  
Caspian Gull, Mealy Redpolls x 2 at Whitlingham Country Park
Mealy Redpolls x 5, Jack Snipe, Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Black Redstart behind Old Town Wall House, Glaucous Gull, Little Gull at Cley NWT
Black Redstart at Holmes Road, Winterton
Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Little Gulls x 2, Black Redstart at Cromer
Spoonbill, Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes
Little Gulls x 5 flew past Walcott
Little Gulls x 2 at Gorleston-on-Sea
Great White Egret at Cantley Beet Factory
Common Cranes x 5 flew over Clippesby
Smew redhead reported at Rollesby Broad
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Twite at Thornham Harbour
Russian White-fronted Goose x 50 at Holkham Freshmarsh

MEGA NEWS 
NUTCRACKER
Unconfirmed report on Rousay, Orkney

Nature Reserve Describes “Heartbreak” After Being Targeted By Criminals!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/sculthorpe-nature-reserve-targeted-1-5439797

Hemsby Homes Evacuated As Storm Batters Coast!

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/weather/residents-tell-of-horror-hemsby-homes-could-collapse-1-5439552

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/weather/picture-of-hemsby-devastation-1-5440053

http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/houses-in-the-marrams-expected-to-fall-into-the-sea-following-erosion-1-5442929 

Saturday 17 March 2018

50mph East Winds, Snow, Lunch, Birding & More!

Dramatic Sea & 50mph East Winds at Cley Beach!


My mother is not too well at the moment, so I drove over to her house early this morning to help with a few personal chores, washed her hair for her etc. My mother is extremely deaf (not according to her though!) and whilst in the kitchen I could hear a huge thud, as though something had slammed against the house – the 50mph winds seem to soften the thud and I could not work out what it was – mother didn't hear a thing. A short while later on route upstairs, from the window I could see that a huge brick pillar had fallen smack down on the paving stones, right outside mother's dining room window where she feeds the birds and where there are several bird drinking pools. This brick pillar has been there since before my parents bought the house and is approximately 8ft tall. I was horrified to see this fallen down – it had not smashed, but remained intact, all 8ft of it. One of my mother's first jobs in the morning is to put bird seed out, she could have been out there at that time, I shudder to think what might have happened! Mother then informs me that it has been 'loose' for a long time!!! She also said that father said it would never fall down as it had a metal bracket within the structure/attached to the concrete foundation – well father, you were right about so many things, but got this one wrong I'm afraid!

It was wickedly cold today, the coldest day I can recall for a long time – the bitter east wind was awful. I put the bird seed out for mother and sprinkled some on the new brick pillar bird table! I just hope there were no bird fatalities when this hit the concrete! I spent a long time watching the birds in the garden which included Robins, Hedge Sparrows, Chaffinches, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tit, Blackbirds, Wood Pigeons and Pheasants. I tried to persuade mother to come out with me for lunch, but to be honest I don't blame her for not wanting to leave the house in these extreme weather conditions.

Headed to Holt to return Lucy's shoes to 'Siddalls', that she bought 28 days ago – last day to take them back! She decided that they were not as comfortable as she thought they were. Whilst in Siddalls, I purchased a pair of 'Joya' black walking sandals for the summer 😂 which were half price and so luxuriously comfortable, I couldn't leave them in the shop. Went into 'Bakers and Larners' for a quick look round and then headed to a jewellers shop to purchase a clock that mother wanted – mission accomplished! It was now 3pm, I was really hungry and very late for my lunch.

Next destination: Natural Surroundings Cafe at Glandford where I had a fabulous lunch of Leek and Potato Soup with wholemeal bread, followed by a piece of courgette, lime and mascarpone cake which was divine! Yes, I'm still on the diet before anyone comments! Allowed 'smart points' for this and all accounted for! I have lost 8lbs so far! Eddie walked into the cafe (unexpectedly) and joined me – he also had cake! Bought some meal worms. Walked to the lake with Eddie and saw no birds of note at all – it was freezing, even with all my serious layers on. Walked around the path through the trees and back along the main drive to my car. Eddie left to walk to Glandford Ford and I headed to Cley.
Rolling Surf at Cley Beach


What was I thinking?!!! There wasn't another soul in the beach car park at Cley – anyone normal would be tucked up indoors, toasting their toes by the fire! The wind was so ferocious that I could hardly open the car door. I love dramatic seas and I got my fix big time! The sea was like the devil possessed! I could hardly hold the phone still to take a picture! I didn't spend long out there! The beach shelter has filled up with shingle again, but if you are my height or under, its fine! Left Cley and returned to Holme via the coast road. Stopped at Stiffkey Campsite car park on route to watch for raptors – none seen!

Delivered mother's clock, meal worms and a portion of chips from 'Eric's' – fell asleep, chatted, had coffee and left to return to King's Lynn. I should have left earlier, the snow was falling heavily and the blizzard driving home was not funny at all. Took my time and got home safely. I'm at work tomorrow, hope I don't have to walk in. Looking out of the window now, I can only see a white car! Oh dear! Roll on Summer!

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  
Blue Fulmar flew past, Caspian Gull, Iceland Gull, Snow Bunting at Sheringham
Iceland Gull at Cromer
Red-crested Pochards x 2 at Whitlingham Country Park
Black Redstart north of Beach Road, Winterton
Black Redstart at Lacon Road, Caister-on-Sea
Spoonbill at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Tundra Bean Goose, Common Crane at Welney WWT
Russian White-fronted Goose x 19 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Common Cranes x 18 between Clippesby and Repps
Black Redstart near George Hotel at Cley NWT
Swallows x 3 (first ones reported) over South Fen at East Ruston
Little Gulls x 3 at North Beach, Heacham
Hawfinches x 2 flew over Sparham

MEGA NEWS 
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Friday 16 March 2018

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  
Mealy Redpolls x 2, Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Snow Bunting, Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Great White Egret at Earlham Marsh
Tundra Bean Goose, Spoonbill, Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Shag on sea off Hunstanton Cliffs
Long-tailed Ducks x 10 at Titchwell RSPB
Osprey at Holkham Freshmarsh
Iceland Gull at Blakeney Point
COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL near Little Broad at Whitlingham Country Park
Caspian Gull at Cromer
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Santon Warren, Santon Downham
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum

MEGA NEWS 
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Thursday 15 March 2018

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
Hawfinches x 22 at Church Hill Common, Ringland
Common Cranes x 2, Spotted Redshank, Grey Plovers x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Mealy Redpoll, Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Spotted Redshank south of Horsey Mill
Common Cranes x 33 at Repps
Velvet Scoter, Snow Bunting at Thornham Point
Iceland Gull at Buxton
Black Redstart at North Beach, Heacham
Short-eared Owls x 2, Snow Buntings x 3 at Holme
Great White Egret, Spoonbill at Holkham Freshmarsh
Hen Harrier flew over Morston
Hawfinches x 16 flew NE over Reepham Road, Horsford
Scaup x 5 at Titchwell RSPB
Spoonbill at Cley NWT
Hawfinches x 10 in churchyard at Great Massingham
Caspian Gull, Black Redstart at Sheringham
Hen Harrier at Surlingham Marsh
Black Redstart at Weybourne Camp

MEGA NEWS 
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Wednesday 14 March 2018

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  
Iceland Gull at Breydon Water
Hawfinch at Church Hill Common, Ringland
Willow Warbler singing (first one reported), Mealy Redpolls x 2, Bittern at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Hawfinches x 2 flew over Sidestrand
Mealy Redpoll, Beeston Common, Sheringham
Snow Buntings x 3 at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
Shorelarks x 9 at Holkham Bay
Osprey at Holkham Freshmarsh
Great White Egret at Lyng
Sand Martin (first one reported) north of Blackborough End
Jack Snipe at Cley NWT
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers x 2 at Santon Warren, Santon Downham
Twite x 7 at Thornham Harbour
Hawfinch flew over Hunstanton Cliffs
Glaucous Gull at Mundesley
White Stork (presumably escape) NE of South Walsham

MEGA NEWS 
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