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Tuesday 31 December 2019

New Year's Eve!

Spent a quiet evening at home alone watching Spectre – James Bond and resting after being at work all day. No drinking for me, did enough of that at the Christmas Party!

I hope everyone else is having a fun and happy New Year's Eve!

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  
Waxwings x 2 SE of Colkirk
Great White Egret flew over Thornham
Spotted Redshank, Twite x 6 at Thornham Harbour
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Tundra Bean Goose at Shernborne
BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Grey-bellied Brant (possible) just north of Anmer
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Water Pipit, Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Black-throated Diver at Titchwell RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 5 at Hemsby
Black-necked Grebe, Great White Egret at Holkham Park Lake
Russian White-fronted Geese x 23, Cattle Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Russian White-fronted Geese x 90, Cattle Egret, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 71 at Holkham Bay
Short-eared Owl, Common Cranes x 14 at Welney WWT
Short-eared Owls x 6 at Hardly Staithe, Chedgrave
Long-tailed Duck, Red-necked Grebe at Holme
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Deepdale
Cattle Egrets x 2, Great White Egret at Burnham Overy Staithe
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey

MEGA NEWS 
None

Monday 30 December 2019

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  
Hen Harrier at Thornham
Twite x 10 at Thornham Harbour
BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Tundra Bean Geese x 6, Russian White-fronted Goose, Bewick's Swan at Choseley
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 4, Water Pipit, Bewick's Swan, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Black-necked Grebe, Great White Egrets x 2 at Holkham Park Lake
Russian White-fronted Geese x 89, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 75, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Velvet Scoters x 2 at Holkham Bay
Grey-bellied Brant (possible), Tundra Bean Goose NE of Shernborne
Hen Harrier at Docking
Taiga Bean Geese x 3, Tundra Bean Goose at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hen Harrier at Dersingham
Snow Buntings x 11 at Gore Point, Holme
Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Caspian Gull, Snow Buntings x 2 at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Waxwings x 2 SE of Colkirk
Hen Harriers x 4, Short-eared Owl at Warham Greens
Cattle Egrets x 6 at Burnham Overy Marshes
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (presumed escape) at Ranworth Broad

MEGA NEWS 
None

Sunday 29 December 2019

Another Trip To The Dung Heaps!

BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL
SEDGEFORD


I couldn't resist another trip out to the dung heaps at Sedgeford, to see the cracking Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail again! I'm back at work tomorrow, when it is forecast to be sunny all day, typical! All those retired and holiday photographers will be back in their droves tomorrow to get some sunny pictures – how I wish I could join them! No sun forecast for New Year's Day (my only day off this week), but sun forecast for Saturday 4th January (working again on the 5th).
The now very famous dung heaps at Sedgeford!
The most exciting location in Norfolk – us birders know all the best places!

My "Black Brant" I found last night amongst the 5,000 Pink-footed Geese was mis ID'd by me – who else! It was poor light and late on, was at the back of the flock on the hill!!! Excuses, excuses! Anyway, texts from M.A.G this morning, indicated that this was in fact a Grey-bellied Brant and he said this was only the third sighting this winter. I see it was still there again today amongst 7,000 Pink-footed Geese.
  Spectacular Sunset over Sedgeford this evening


It was nice to meet some of my blog followers at Sedgeford over the last few days, can't quite believe the distances that some people have travelled from to see this bird, including one family from Cardiff! The end of my Christmas break and back to work tomorrow. Looking forward to new beginnings in 2020!

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-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Hen Harrier west of Sedgeford
Russian White-fronted Goose, Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Pink-footed Geese x 8,000 at Choseley
Grey-bellied Brant (possible), Tundra Bean Geese x 7, Russian White-fronted Goose, White-fronted Geese x 2, Pink-footed Geese 7,000 NE of Shernborne
Common Cranes x 9 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Common Cranes x 19 flew over road near Thurne
Snow Buntings x 50 at Cley NWT
Velvet Scoters on sea, Hen Harrier at Cley
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Spotted Redshank, Great White Egret at Breydon Water
Waxwing, Taiga Bean Geese x 7, Russian White-fronted Geese x 44 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 24 at Ten Mile Bank
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Cattle Egrets x 7, Great White Egrets x 3 on marshes, Waxwing by layby at Burnham Overy Staithe
Black Redstart at South Beach, Hunstanton
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 83, Long-tailed Ducks x 3, Velvet Scoters x 3 at Holkham Bay
Ravens x 2, Black-necked Grebe, Great White Egret at Holkham Park Lake
Great White Egrets x 2 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Waxwings x 2 100 yds of Colkirk Motors at Colkirk
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 SW of Great Bircham
Caspian Gull at Ketteringham Recyling Centre
Snow Buntings x 11 at Staithe Lane, Thornham
Water Pipit at Welney WWT
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Russian White-fronted Geese x 3 on grazing marsh, Snow Buntings x 40 at Gore Point, Holme
Waxwing at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Common Cranes x 10 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Tundra Bean Geese x 27, Pink-footed Geese x 5,200 at Hemsby
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe Island
Short-eared Owl at Hardley Staithe, Chedgrave

MEGA NEWS 
None

Saturday 28 December 2019

Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail – Take Two!

BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL
SEDGEFORD


The weather was slightly better than Boxing Day, but still no sun. I was surprised at how many people were there when I arrived this morning and because of this I was never going to get mint pictures at the distance we were all viewing from – not with a 300mm lens anyway! The Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail showed well for everyone. Other birds seen: Red Kite, Common Buzzard, House Sparrows, Hedge Sparrows, Wren, Blue Tit, Chaffinches, Robin, Pied Wagtails.


It was nice to bump into some familiar faces including Marilyn F., whom I havn't seen for a while, also Barry W., Ray R. and Richard C. amongst others. Returned to my car for lunch and then went back with my scope to take some phone scope video. Left late afternoon and headed home via Fring and Shernborne.

5,000+ Pink-footed Geese at Shernborne


Stopped at Shernborne to watch thousands of Pink-footed Geese feeding in a stubble field – there must have been at least 5,000 – it was an amazing sight! I managed to find a single Black Brant amongst the geese, but nothing else of note. My phone scope kit played up and is now out of sync, so sadly couldn't take any scope videos of the geese. Update: Black Brant was a Grey-bellied Brant – see post on 29th.

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-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Shorelarks x 6, Snow Buntings x 90, Velvet Scoters x 4, Long-tailed Ducks x 3 at Holkham Bay
Black-necked Grebe, Great White Egret at Holkham Park Lake
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Short-eared Owl at Roydon Common NWT
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Goose, Barnacle Goose at Choseley
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Snow Buntings x 30, Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Waxwing, Taiga Bean Geese x 7 (probable) at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 12, Pink-footed Geese x 2,500, Velvet Scoter at Hemsby
Common Cranes x 24 at Ten Mile Bank
Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 5, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 5 at Breydon Water
Great White Egret at Welney WWT

MEGA NEWS 
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland

Friday 27 December 2019

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-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Waxwing, Taiga Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Geese x 10 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Velvet Scoter at Winterton
Shorelarks x 6, Snow Buntings x 50, Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Holkham Bay
Russian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Black-necked Grebe, Great White Egret at Holkham Park Lake
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Russian White-fronted Goose at Choseley
Great White Egret at Thorpe Marshes, Haddiscoe
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum
Bewick's Swans x 9 at Wiggenhall St Germans
Purple Sandpipers x 3 at Horsey
Hen Harrier flew over Stubb Mill, Common Cranes x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT
Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Slavonian Grebe, Water Pipits x 5, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Hen Harriers x 3 at Stiffkey
Water Pipit, Common Cranes x 4 at Potter Heigham Marshes
Tundra Bean Geese x 12, Pink-footed Geese 2,500 at Hemsby

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Thursday 26 December 2019

BOXING DAY TWITCH – Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail!

In dismal and rainy conditions I finally got to see the cracking Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Sedgeford this afternoon – phew! Not many people spend Boxing Day standing in puddles and mud by three dung heaps, it was certainly worth it. I would never expect to find something like that, at this time of the year in Norfolk and in such an odd place – just goes to show there are rare birds to be found any time, we just need to put the work in to find them, which of course finders JM and KF most certainly do! Met three London birders here, who had just popped up for the afternoon! Nice to meet you all, one of them was called 'Franko'. Good job I wore my wellies, its certainly not walking shoe/boot conditions along that road! It was interesting watching other birds here too, including Pied Wagtails, Chaffinches, Blackbirds and House Sparrows and a Blue Tit feeding on the dung heaps. My pictures are as dismal as the weather was, so may not bother posting them. I will return another day in better light, hopefully!

Picked Lucy up at 5pm and did a Boxing Day tea for her, watched more TV, took Lucy home and now going to bed at a decent time – shattered, good night!

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-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Russian White-fronted Geese x 18 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Russian White-fronted Geese x 7, Scaup at Welney WWT
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 50 at Holkham
Black-necked Grebe at Holkham Park Lake
Waxwing at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Velvet Scoters x 3, Snow Buntings x 66, Hawfinch probable flew in off sea at Winterton
Great White Egret near Horsey
Common Cranes x 14 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Snow Buntings x 33, Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT
Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Buntings x 10, Russian White-fronted Geese x 7 at Thornham Harbour
Hen Harriers x 6 at Warham Greens
Velvet Scoters flew past Hemsby
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 between Hemsby & East Somerton

MEGA NEWS 
None

Wednesday 25 December 2019

CHRISTMAS DAY!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A lovely day spent with Lucy at my house. Veggie Roast Lunch, followed by my home-made trifle which was absolutely out of this world (see link to recipe yesterday). Lots of birds at the bird table in the garden as we ate, including Great Tits, Blue Tits, Hedge Sparrows, House Sparrows, Robin, Blackbirds and Collared Doves. Watched Oliver, the Queen's Speech, Call the Midwife and EastEnders. I was so exhausted from cooking all last night and this morning that I could have gone to bed this afternoon to be honest! Took Lucy home at 10.45pm and had to de-ice the car before we went anywhere – very foggy out there too.

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-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE between Titchwell & Choseley
Waxwing at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 80, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebes x 2, Velvet Scoters x 10, Long-tailed Ducks x 4, Great Northern Diver, Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Holkham
Russian White-fronted Geese x 63, Taiga Bean Geese x 9 possible at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hooded Crow at Horsey
Shorelark, Twite x 2, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Snow Buntings x 10 at Thornham Harbour
Snow Buntings x 20, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 5 at Cley NWT
Snow Buntings x 4 at Snettisham RSPB
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Great White Egret at the lake, Holkham Park
Hen Harrier at Warham Greens
White-billed Diver at Hemsby
Common Cranes x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT

MEGA NEWS 
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Between Titchwell and Choseley, Norfolk

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday 24 December 2019

CHRISTMAS EVE!

Crazy day at work and finished at 4.40pm. I have had a lovely time cooking all evening! I have made some Florentine's (from a book I have called "The Complete Farmhouse Kitchen Cook Book" – Page 345) a chocolate covered Marble Cake, an Orange Cheesecake and an extravagant Sherry Trifle! Lucy and I will be having a feast tomorrow!

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services  
BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Snow Buntings x 2 on beach at Thornham
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 2 at Welney WWT
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Waxwing at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common
Hen Harrier at Holmes Dunes NWT
Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Velvet Scoters x 8 on sea, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, hybrid Black Brant x Dark-bellied Brent Goose near Lady Anne's Drive, Snow Buntings x 70 at Holkham
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Buntings x 76, Black-throated Diver at Hemsby
Caspian Gull at Cley NWT

MEGA NEWS 
None

RBA Annual Rarity Roundup 2019: Part 1

By David Campbell
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/Rarity_Review_2019_Part_1.aspx?s_id=219510279

RBA Weekly Round-Up 18th to 23rd December!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2019_52.aspx?s_id=219510279

BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL IN NORFOLK!

BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford. 5th for Britain, 1st male for Britain, 1st for Norfolk!!! Found yesterday 23rd December by James McCallum and Kayn Forbes.

Pictures here:
https://twitter.com/CleyBirds/status/1209163745525739521?s=19
https://twitter.com/KaynForbes/status/1209118282483208192?s=19
https://twitter.com/MikeHoit/status/1209140364029956096

My Christmas Cake!


A few of the decorations were my late mother's: the little Penguins, Father Christmas, Snowman, little green fir tree, Rabbit holding a tree and the Merry Christmas words. The rest I purchased from Dobbies and The Range. The mass of silver balls is supposed to an icy pool of water in the snow! The icing took all day to set and it is now covered with a white bin bag, as the cake lid doesn't fit on! When Lucy has seen it on Christmas day and when cut into, I will have to remove the trees, Snowy Owl and Reindeer in order for it to go in a cake tin. Roll on 4.30pm Christmas Eve and then I have a lovely break and hopefully will be seeing the Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Sedgeford!

Monday 23 December 2019

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  
Hen Harrier at Choseley
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Yellow-browed Warbler, Russian White-fronted Geese x 20, Great White Egrets x 3 at Holkham Pines
Waxwing, Water Pipits x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Hawfinches x 6 at Lynford Aboretum
Iceland Gull flew over Kelling
Hen Harrier, Water Pipits x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
BLUE-HEADED EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (nominate form tschutschensis) 1w male at dung heap, west of Ringstead Road, north of Sedgeford
Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Russian White-fronted Goose, Grey-bellied Brant (possible) north of Sedgeford
Common Cranes x 9 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Taiga Bean Geese x 7, Russian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 between Burnham Overy & Burnham Thorpe
Cattle Egrets x 6, Great White Egrets x 4 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Tundra Bean Geese x 3 south of Horsey Mill
Great White Egret at Hingham
Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Snow Buntings x 7 at Holme Dunes NWT
Great White Egret at Burgh Castle
Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Great White Egrets x 3, Common Cranes x 2 at Welney WWT
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Tundra Bean Geese x 4 at Waxham
Snow Buntings x 33 at Blakeney Point

MEGA NEWS 
STELLER'S EIDER
Papa Westray, Orkney

Sunday 22 December 2019

Christmas Lunch at Castle Rising Tea Rooms!


Early yesterday morning I did a big Christmas shop in Sainsbury's and then fell asleep all afternoon, as I was exhausted. Can't wait for my Christmas break! Working all Christmas Eve and then have Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Friday, Saturday and Sunday off!

Vivien, Ray, Lucy and I had a Christmas Lunch (pre-booked) at Castle Rising Tea Rooms today. Its the only time we will all get together over the Christmas period. Our table was booked for 12.30pm and we had a large round table in a corner. It was a really lovely meal and a bargain at £24.95 for three courses. The decorations on our table were really pretty with crackers, candles, a little Christmas tree and the service was excellent.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at my house. Ray and Vivien left around 6.30pm and I took Lucy back home. I spent the evening making royal icing and decorating my Christmas cake, which I made about a week ago and covered in marzipan yesterday. My creative decorations all look lovely with two tall trees, Bambi deer with little Robins sitting on back (was a tree dec.), Snowy Owl perched overlooking a pond with two tiny penguins, a rabbit, snowman, father Christmas and holly, BUT the height of the trees means I can't put the cake cover over!!! I will post some pictures, once its all set properly – far too risky moving it around to take arty farty pictures, as the icing is far from set!

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  
Hen Harrier between Choseley & Thornham
Hawfinches x 8 at Lynford Aboretum
Water Pipit, Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT
Shorelark flew over Coastguards, Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe at Cley
Ravens x 2 between Castle Rising & Wolferton
Bewick's Swans x 2, Whooper Swans x 8 at Ludham Airfield
Waxwing at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Common Cranes x 15 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Cattle Egret east of Halvergate
Great White Egrets x 3 at Welney WWT
Rough-legged Buzzard, Russian White-fronted Geese x 37 NW of Wells
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 60 at Holkham Gap
Snow Buntings x 2 at Holme NWT
Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Hen Harriers x 2 at Roydon Common
Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Red-necked Grebe at South Beach, Heacham
Short-eared Owls x 6, Great White Egret at Haddiscoe Island
Caspian Gull, Great White Egrets x 2 at Hockwold Washes

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Saturday 21 December 2019

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  
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 20, Short-eared Owls x 4, Red-necked Grebes x 2, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoters x 6, Long-tailed Ducks x 5, at Holkham Gap
Purple Sandpiper at Brancaster Staithe
Cattle Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Short-eared Owl at Halvergate
Tundra Bean Geese x 5 east of Sedgeford
Great White Egret, Gannet juv. at Welney WWT
Bewick's Swans x 33, Whooper Swans x 13 at Ludham Airfield
Taiga Bean Geese x 7, Russian White-fronted Geese x 12 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Caspian Gull, Ruddy Shelduck at Cley NWT
Short-eared Owls x 4 at Haddiscoe Island
Hen Harrier at Stiffkey
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egret flew over marsh at Belton
Common Cranes x 12 between Acle Bridge & Billockby

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland
STELLER'S EIDER
Papa Westray, Orkney

Friday 20 December 2019

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  
Shag at Breydon Water
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Snow Buntings x 13, Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Raven at Holkham Park
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Hen Harriers, Marsh Harriers x 80 at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egret at Hingham
Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Divers x 2, Velvet Scoter at Hemsby
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Fisher Fleet, King's Lynn
Little Auk (probable), Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 5, Velvet Scoters x 11, Snow Buntings x 65, Russian White-fronted Geese x 12 at Holkham Bay

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

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  
THURSDAY 19th DECEMBER
Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Snow Buntings x 2, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Twite x 6, Long-tailed Duck, Snow Buntings x 45 at Thornham Harbour
Short-eared Owl at Snettisham RSPB
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Taiga Bean Geese x 6 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Waxwing between Hillington & Harpley
Cattle Egrets x 6 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 26 at Holkham Gap
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Choseley Drying Barns
Common Cranes x 30 between Acle Bridge & Billockby
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Hemsby
Raven, Hooded Crow, Snow Buntings x 81 at Winterton
Velvet Scoters x 7 at Mundesley

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Wednesday 18 December 2019

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  
Water Pipit, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier, Snow Bunting at Titchwell RSPB
Cattle Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver at Holme
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE west of Beacon Hill Road, Burnham Market
Waxwing on wires by A47 SW of King's Lynn
Bewick's Swans x 14 at Ludham Airfield
Bewick's Swans x 5 flew over East Raynham, SW of Fakenham
Twite x 4, Spotted Redshank at Thornham Harbour
Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum
Taiga Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Geese x 5 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
White-billed Divers x 4 on 8th December at Waxham
Cattle Egret, Water Pipit, Russian White-fronted Geese x 3 at Halvergate Marshes
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Taiga Bean Geese x 8 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at Stowbridge
Common Rosefinch fem/juv.male on feeder in garden in early December at Northrepps
Snow Buntings x 76, Black-throated Diver at Hemsby
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Long-tailed Duck at Holkham Gap

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
West of Beacon Hill Road, Burnham Market, Norfolk
STELLER'S EIDER
Papa Westray, Orkney

RBA Weekly Round-Up 11th to 17th December!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2019_51.aspx?s_id=231536343

Tuesday 17 December 2019

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  
Hen Harrier at Choseley Drying Barns
Hawfinches x 12 at Lynford Aboretum
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Common Cranes x 18 between Acle & Billockby
Puffin flew past, Snow Buntings x 72 at Winterton
Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Ravens x 2 at Holkham Park
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Water Pipit, Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Monday 16 December 2019

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  
Twite x 12, Short-eared Owl at Thornham Harbour
Swallow flew east over Staithe Lane at Thornham
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 70, Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Velvet Scoters x 4, Bewick's Swans x 2 at Holkham Gap
Great White Egrets x 5 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Long-tailed Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 7 between Acle & Billockby
Great White Egrets x 2, Common Cranes x 4, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT
Great White Egrets x 2 at Breydon Water
Russian White-fronted Goose, White-fronted Goose, Snow Buntings x 86, Water Pipit at Cley NWT
Bewick's Swans x 15 at Catfield
Tundra Bean Geese x 5, Pink-footed Geese x 1000 at Horsey
Common Cranes x 10 at Acle
Caspian Gull at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford
Hen Harriers x 2, Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Tundra Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Goose by Docking Road, east of Ringstead
Great Northern Diver, Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Snow Buntings x 16, Common Cranes x 2 at Waxham
Cattle Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Little Stint at Snettisham RSPB
Long-tailed Duck at Holme Dunes NWT
Cattle Egret, Great White Egrets x 2, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe
Purple Sandpiper between Waxham Sands & Horsey Gap
Tundra Bean Geese x 6 recently near Horsey Mill
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Water Pipit, Common Cranes x 12 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Taiga Bean Goose at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret from bridge at Downham Market
Great White Egret at Nar Valley Fisheries

MEGA NEWS 
None

Outrage As Seal Pups Die 'due to human intervention'

Truly wicked! If people are not capable of following the requests of viewing from the dunes, its quite simple – ban all humans and dogs from the beach during pupping season, with huge fines if broken. This has gone on far too long. Drastic measures need to be taken.

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/winterton-on-sea-beach-seals-deaths-december-2019-1-6426275

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/bid-to-ban-dogs-from-beach-after-seal-deaths-at-winterton-1-6429688

Sunday 15 December 2019

Titchwell RSPB & Holme Marsh Reserve NWT!

Inside Fen Hide at Titchwell RSPB


It seems like several weeks since I have been birding. Various issues have affected me getting out of the house, so it was good to finally escape today. At this time of the year, I try not to drive too far, especially as I have to cover so many miles in my job. I'm on a community rotation at the moment for six months – I return to the ward in early February.

I didn't see very much today, but it was still nice to be out. Had a wonderful lunch at Titchwell RSPB. The feeding station is beautifully decorated and I was very pleased to see that there are more choices on the menu since I last visited. I had macaroni cheese with garlic bread, followed by the best cake I've ever had at a reserve – it was Ginger Marble Cake, covered with dark chocolate and decorated with little gingerbread men and Christmas trees – it was exceptionally nice! Nice to bump into Chris S. here, who now volunteers at this reserve. The seating has changed and there is now a table running the length of the window with chairs to look out onto the feeders (as Cley NWT) and it looks loads better like this I feel. They are now giving you china mugs for hot drinks instead of the paper ones, which is an excellent idea and saves waste – good idea and much nicer to drink from a proper mug.
 Festive Decorations in The Feeding Station at Titchwell RSPB


Bird of the day was a Woodcock along Meadow Trail, partly camouflaged behind branches and lovely to see, but not in a position to be photographed at all! Also saw a female Blackcap briefly, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Kestrel, Magpies, Marsh Harrier, Little Egret, Moorhens, Great Tit. I spent a long while in Fen Hide waiting for a Bittern to appear, but no luck with that. Beautiful arrangement in the hide (see top picture).
Patsy's Reedbed


Ended the day at Holme Marsh Reserve NWT and saw a Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Barn Owl, lots of Mallards, Wren, Little Grebe, Moorhens, Curlew and skeins of Pink-footed Geese flying over. Thought about my mother a lot whilst here, one of her favourite places. Christmas is a rubbish time when you've lost both your parents. I miss having Christmas day with my family at Holme – my mother was an excellent cook. So sad its all ended, so sad.

Lucy, Vivien & Ray and I are have a pre Christmas lunch this coming Sunday 23rd December. On Christmas Day I will be cooking a veggie lunch for Lucy and I at my house and Vivien and Ray will be in a pub somewhere south of Ely. I then have Boxing Day and Friday (booked off as annual leave), Saturday and Sunday off work, before I return on Monday 30th December. New year's day off only that week. Looking forward to a new life in 2020.

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  
Tundra Bean Goose south of Burnham Market
Long-tailed Ducks x 6, Water Pipits x 2, Great Northern Diver, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Hen Harrier at Massingham Heath
Cattle Egret, Great White Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 89, Great Northern Diver, Lapland Bunting at Holkham Gap
Bewick's Swans x 4, Russian White-fronted Geese x 65, Cattle Egrets x 2, Great White Egrets x 4, Short-eared Owl at Holkham Freshmarsh
Common Cranes x 27 between Acle & Billockby
Scaup at Welney WWT
Taiga Bean Geese x 3, Russian White-fronted Geese x 26 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at St Olaves
Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT
Short-eared Owls x 7, Great White Egret at Haddiscoe Island
Snow Buntings x 30 at Blakeney Point
Hen Harriers x 2 at Warham Greens
Snow Buntings x 60, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Winterton
Bewick's Swans x 4 flew past Mundesley
Snow Buntings x 10 at Gramborough Hill
Water Pipit at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Caspian Gull, Velvet Scoters x 2, Bewick's Swans x 4 at Sheringham
White-billed Diver flew south, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Divers x 2 at Hemsby

MEGA NEWS 
None

Saturday 14 December 2019

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  
Taiga Bean Geese x 8 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 24, Hen Harrier between Acle & Billockby
Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 5, Black Brant, Caspian Gulls x 2 at Cley NWT
Long-tailed Duck at Ormesby Broad
Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 8 at Welney WWT
Cattle Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in field by B1155, SW of Burnham Market
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common NNR
Red-necked Grebe, Caspian Gull at Sheringham
Great Grey Shrike flew south over A148 near Roydon
Snow Buntings x 60 on beach at Winterton
Little Auk, Long-tailed Duck, Velvet Scoter, Great Northern Diver, Water Pipit, Caspian Gull at Titchwell RSPB
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Caspian Gull at Earlham Marsh
White-fronted Geese x 8 near lake at Bayfield Hall
Water Pipit at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Russian White-fronted Geese x 40 at Cantley Marshes RSPB

MEGA NEWS 
LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
SW of Burnham Market, Norfolk
STELLER'S EIDER juv. 
Papa Westray, Orkney

Friday 13 December 2019

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  
Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Long-tailed Ducks x 4, Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, Twite at Titchwell RSPB
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Common Cranes x 24 between Acle & Billockby
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 60 at Holkham Gap
Great White Egrets x 2 at Hingham
Cattle Egret, Great White Egret at Halvergate Marshes
Cattle Egrets x 8 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe
Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Taiga Bean Geese x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Bewick's Swans x 18, Whooper Swans x 17 at Ludham Airfield
Hen Harriers x 2 at Stiffkey
Common Cranes x 12, Great White Egret at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Hooded Crow at Horsey
Velvet Scoter at Sheringham

MEGA NEWS 
None

Thursday 12 December 2019

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  
Common Cranes x 3 flew over Norwich
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Marsh Harriers x 95 early morning, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egrets x 5 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Cattle Egrets x 8, Great White Egrets x 4 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Great White Egret at Bowthorpe
Common Cranes x 18, Hen Harrier at Acle
Common Cranes x 16 at Billockby
Caspian Gull on beach, Red-necked Grebe at Sheringham
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common NNR
Red-necked Grebe on sea at Holme
Twite x 10 at Thornham Harbour
Short-eared Owl at Baconsthorpe
Bewick's Swans x 17 at Sea Palling
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Caspian Gull on beach at Cromer

MEGA NEWS 
None

Greta Thunberg Named Time Person Of The Year For 2019

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50740324

Hundreds Of Dead Birds Found In Mystery Mass Death!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50741457

Naturalist And Presenter David Bellamy Dies At 86!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50752089

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  
WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER
Bitterns x 2, Taiga Bean Geese x 7 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Shorelarks x 7, Waxwing, Snow Buntings x 70, Velvet Scoters x 4, Long-tailed Duck at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 30, Great White Egret at Holkham Freshmarsh
Red-necked Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Water Pipits x 2, Snow Bunting, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Russian White-fronted Geese x 6 at Holme
Cattle Egrets x 8, Great White Egrets x 3, Short-eared Owls x 3, Russian White-fronted Geese x 3 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Hen Harrier at Waxham
Cattle Egret, Great White Egret at Horsey
Eagle Owl escaped (anklet/ring on left leg) by old rectory, Raven, Hooded Crow, Snow Buntings x 50 at Winterton
Great White Egret, Short-eared Owls x 3 at Haddiscoe Island
Common Cranes x 2, Scaup, Great White Egret, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT
Caspian Gull, Pale-bellied Brent Geese x 4 at Sheringham

MEGA NEWS 
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland

RBA Weekly Round-Up 4th to 10th December!

By Jon Dunn
https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/WeeklyRoundup2019_50.aspx?s_id=146932431

Tuesday 10 December 2019

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  
Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Lapland Bunting on beach at Brancaster Staithe
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Great White Egret, Cattle Egret at Welney WWT
Tundra Bean Geese x 2 SWW of Burnham Market
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common NNR
Red-necked Grebe, Great Northern Divers x 2, Caspian Gull at Sheringham

MEGA NEWS 
None

Monday 9 December 2019

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  
Taiga Bean Geese x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Pomarine Skua, Spotted Redshank, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Great Northern Diver at Titchwell RSPB
Great White Egret at Welney WWT
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common NNR
Puffins x 2 flew past Mundesley
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Caspian Gull at Cley NWT
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebes x 2 at Cley
Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey
Pomarine Skuas x 5 flew past Sheringham

MEGA NEWS 
SIBERIAN THRUSH
Male, unconfirmed report at Rathangan, County Wexford, Ireland

Sunday 8 December 2019

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  
Raven, Hooded Crow, Bewick's Swans x 9 at Horsey
Taiga Bean Geese x 4, Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Common Cranes x 25 at Billockby
Great White Egrets x 2 at Welney WWT
Shorelarks x 6, Snow Buntings x 80, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Velvet Scoters x 6 at Holkham Gap
Cattle Egrets x 7, Great White Egrets x 5, Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Eagle Owl escaped (ring/anklet on left leg) in old rectory garden, Winterton
Caspian Gull, Little Gull at Dickleburgh Moor
Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Atlantic Canada Goose at Cley NWT
Great Northern Diver flew past Mundesley
Great White Egret at Burnham Overy Staithe

MEGA NEWS 
None

Saturday 7 December 2019

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  
Hen Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard NW of Wells
Cattle Egret, Great White Egret, Common Cranes x 3 at Welney WWT
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 50 at Holkham Gap
Short-eared Owls x 3 at Holkham Pines
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Black-throated Diver, Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshanks x 2, Whooper Swans x 7, Water Pipits x 2, Mealy Redpoll, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Common Cranes x 35 at Billockby
Russian White-fronted Geese x 40 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Taiga Bean Geese x 4 at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Great White Egret at Burnham Norton
Ravens x 2, Great White Egrets x 4, Cattle Egrets x 8 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Hooded Crow, Common Cranes x 2 at Horsey
Hen Harrier flew along Great Ouse Channel at Admiralty Point
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island
Bewick's Swans x 3 at Ingham
Eagle Owl escaped (ring/anklet on left leg), still near Hales Lodge, Winterton

MEGA NEWS 
HERMIT THRUSH 
St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Friday 6 December 2019

Stroke Team Christmas Party!!!


Sarah B. and Andrea G. organised an incredible party for all the West Raynham Staff. It was a crazy party and probably the best one ever!!! It all kicked off at 7pm with hot buffet food and wine. My 7pm taxi was half an hour late, which I wasn't happy about at all and I discovered that this had happened to several other people too. I had also pre-booked a taxi for 11.45pm to join others into town to continue the party later, however this did not happen!
For those who were drinking we all brought our own alcohol – in my case it was my usual yearly tipple of brandy and babycham! I hadn't touched any alcohol since the last party I went to, which was two years ago. Harbour Lights Roadshow's DJ was brilliant and played all requested tunes and the usual Christmas mix and current tunes to keep everyone on the dance floor. It was so lovely to see everyone glammed up and letting their hair down – brilliant night! I had too good a time, as many others did too!!! I took 130 photos and a big video (see above), but only put 30 photos on here, as most were rubbish, plus my photography skills were crap as the evening progressed! I had to Photoshop a good number of these pictures too – removed a few bags, people out of focus and other stuff. 
Everything was fine until I went outside to see if my 11.45am taxi had arrived – it hadn't. The cold air hit my brandy soaked brain. I came back into the village hall and sat down on the floor in the reception area to wait for the taxi. I can't remember sitting down that clearly, but vaguely remember saying that I needed to lay down. The next thing I know is that I can hear Scott saying 'Penny get up'..... 'Penny get up'. Then I was in Gemma's car with Anne-Marie and Sarah B, but I don't know how I got there. The next thing I recall is someone tucking pillows behind my head. Then someone asking me if I had any spare keys, to which I vaguely recall saying 'somewhere in the hall'.
Hours later......... I woke up at 7.30am on Saturday to discover I was on my sofa with a duvet over me, a towel had been draped down to the floor with a washing up bowl positioned for any mishaps (which thankfully I didn't need)! A cup of water was on the side and my iPhone had been placed next to me. I felt quite shocked to be honest, realising that I couldn't remember being taken to my house! I had no hangover at all, but felt very light headed! I very slowly and carefully made my way upstairs to bed. Whilst I continued sleeping, Sarah Barber had very kindly let herself in my house to check I was ok later in the morning and I had no idea she had been in the house until we chatted later on the phone! Sarah told me that Gemma and Anne-Marie had assisted me along the path to my front door, into the house and put me on the sofa – Sarah made me laugh when she said that Anne-Marie went into work mode as if she was speaking to a patient, when she had said to me 'sit forward Penny' so she could place a pillow behind me. I was mortified to think that my colleagues had to even do all that!!! That is the first and last time!
Huge thanks to Sarah B, Gemma V and Anne-Marie H. for taking me home and taking so much care of me. I can’t remember going to my house at all and to be honest although it all sounds funny, its dreadful to be in that state and quite scary to think that I had no recollection of part of the evening! I have never in my entire life lost control on a night out!  NEVER – and it won't be happening again! I certainly wasn't the only one that lost control that night from some of the stories I've heard! I think I can safely say that a good number of us let our hair down big time!
I am so thankful that one of the girls took my new iPhone out of my sequinned bag, as I discovered later on, that the bag and lining was soaked with alcohol, so the phone would have probably died had it sat in there wet for several hours. I had also left my little bag with drinks bottle, fancy glass and bottle opener at the village hall, but Sarah had very kindly looked after them for me.
When I finally got up late morning, all I felt like eating was plain toast and drinking lots of water. I stayed on the sofa until 4pm and then decided it was about time I removed all my glittery eye-make up! I felt really hungry, so whilst I was in the shower, I had somehow managed to put potatoes in the oven and later on had a lovely lunch/dinner of nut cutlets, roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy! Sat and watched Strictly Come Dancing and went to bed very early as going to work in the morning (Sunday). Good night all!