NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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WHITE-TAILED EAGLE between Horsey & Winterton

Purple Sandpiper at Winterton

Ring Ouzel at Beeston Bump, Sheringham

Ring Ouzel on golf course at Hunstanton

Garganey x 8 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Lapland Buntings x 11 at Happisburgh

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Somerton Holmes

Garganey x 8 at Hockwold Washes

Kittiwake, Little Gull at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Slavonian Grebes x 2 at Ormesby Broad

Spoonbills x 2 at Cley NWT

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Hickling Broad NWT

Ring Ouzel on golf course at Holme

Kittiwake at Billingford Lakes, WSW of Foxley

Spoonbill flew past Weybourne Camp

MEGA NEWS

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

Still at Barcombe Cross, Sussex

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

Unconfirmed report, near Pulborough, Sussex

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Shorelarks x 3 at Blakeney Point

Common Crane flew over Blakeney Freshmarsh

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew over, Grey Phalarope, Iceland Gull at Cley

Spoonbills x 4 at Cley NWT

Garganey x 7 at Hockwold Washes

White Storks x 5 flew west over Silfied, SSE of Wymondham

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew south of Setchley, south of King's Lynn

Dusky Warbler at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford

Osprey flew over Norwich

Common Crane, Spoonbill at North Point Pools, Wells

Ring Ouzels x 2 flew over Caistor St Edmund

Ring Ouzels x 3 at West Runton

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at Lynford Aboretum

Osprey flew over, Kittiwake at Whitlingham Country Park

Cuckoo singing at Fakenham

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, Cattle Egret, Common Cranes x 5, Great White Egret at Welney WWT

Lapland Buntings x 11 at Happisburgh

Little Gull at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Little Gulls x 3 at Filby Broad

Redstart, Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme

Garganey x 6 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Garganey x 2 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB

Iceland Gull at Weybourne Camp

Cuckoo at Hempton Marsh NOA

MEGA NEWS

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

Still at Barcombe Cross, Sussex

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

West of Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland

BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT

North Ronaldsay, Orkney

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Dies!

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 

His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

Further announcements will be made in due course.  

The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

 

1921–2021

Rest In Peace

 

A long and remarkable lifetime of devotion,

duty and service to the Queen,

Country and Commonwealth

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-21927210

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-56692547

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-10648666

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-46523383

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   

Grey Phalaropes x 2, Spoonbill, Iceland Gull at Cley NWT

Hooded Crows x 2 between Horsey & Winterton

Great White Egrets x 2 at Horsey

Kittiwake, Little Gull at Whitlingham Country Park

Shorelarks x 3 at Blakeney Point

Iceland Gull, Spoonbills x 3 at Weybourne Camp

Lapland Buntings x 12 at Happisburgh

Little Gull at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Iceland Gull east of Gramborough Hill, Salthouse

Garganey x 7 at Hockwold Washes

Swift flew over Wymondham

Little Gull flew past Holme Dunes

Common Cranes x 5 flew over Hindolveston

Caspian Gull, Black Redstart at Titchwell RSPB

Woodlark flew over Hunstanton

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

Near Pulborough (same, Devon bird!), Sussex

WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

Recently and still at Barcombe Cross, Sussex

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

NO SIGN OF in garden at Exmouth, Devon

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

North of Ballylongford, County Kerry, Ireland

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   

Glaucous Gull juv., Caspian Gull, Black Redstart at Titchwell RSPB

Grey Phalarope on Eye Field, Iceland Gull at Cley NWT

Glaucous Gull juv., flew past beach car park, Great Northern Diver at Cley

Lapland Buntings x 12 at Happisburgh

Iceland Gull flew past West Runton

Hobby flew over Snettisham Coastal Park

Garganey x 2 at Potter Heigham Marshes

Glaucous Gull juv., flew past Cromer

Grey Phalarope at Rockland Broad

Little Gull at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Garganey x 7 at Hockwold Washes

Spoonbill at Holme Dunes NWT

Garganey x 2 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Common Crane at Holkham

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland 

Gull Festival, Glaucous Gull & Stunning Light At Titchwell RSPB!

Titchwell Beach

 

I didn't feel too good again today and also had a mini accident! I fell down the last few steps of the stairs this morning and in order to save myself, further injured my painful left shoulder, for which I'm on a waiting list for an ultrasound scan!!! Great!

It was wickedly cold today with strong NW winds, but very sunny here in King's Lynn. Mid afternoon was weird to say the least – snow begin to fall, whilst the sun was still shining in blue skies with white fluffy clouds! Never seen that before! It didn't last long and the sunny weather continued. I needed to go for a long walk, plus I need to keep up my exercise routine, to speed up my weight loss. I felt so tired, but late this afternoon, I forced myself out of the house and didn't regret it!

As I left King's Lynn, the skies changed to a blanket of grey with a heavy snow storm! I nearly turned back. I arrived at Titchwell RSPB at just before 5.30pm – still snowing lightly. I had to put far more layers on than I expected, down hat, hood up, serious gloves etc, what a contrast to my last trip out on Sunday! The snow storm didn't last long and the rest of the evening, although bitterly cold and windy, was stunning. The sun and light was incredible and so were the birds!

GLAUCOUS GULL

Found by Ashley Saunders at Titchwell RSPB

 

I made my way around the Fen Trail to see if I could see the Black Redstarts in the horse paddocks, but no luck with that. The snow stopped and the sun came out for the rest of the evening with dramatic skies. A female Blackcap emerged from the willows. On Patsy's pool, there were a few Shoveler, Mute Swans, Teal and Mallard and a couple of Marsh Harriers were over the reedbeds. I retraced my steps and walked along the main path towards the beach. There was no one else here..... but I was wrong, a solitary figure was crouched down looking through their scope intently at the mass of gulls – it was Ashley Saunders! Plus he had just found a Glaucous Gull – lucky me!!! I'm no gull expert I confess, but this chunky gull certainly stood out from the rest! The Glaucous Gull had a ring and Ashley told me it was from a Norwegian scheme. The light was crystal – pure white gulls against dark blue water made for excellent viewing and photos. A Spoonbill flew over north. I sat here for a while watching the gulls and trying to get a half decent picture of the Glaucous Gull, which was too far away for my lens really.

Further along the path I was amazed to see at least 20+ Kittiwakes flying across the path and then out towards the sea! The strong winds had obviously knocked them off course a bit! I saw 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a few Black-tailed Godwits hunkered down, Avocets, Redshanks, lots of Teal, Shovelers, Shelducks and a Little Egret. I also watched a Cormorant struggling to swallow a huge eel! There were several gulls hovering above the cormorant, presumably in case the eel escaped! Unluckily for the gulls, the Cormorant managed to gulp it down!

Thousand of gulls on Titchwell Beach

 

At the beach it was a entirely different level of coldness! The sun was still shining and the light still stunning. The scene before me of thousands, yes thousands of gulls, feeding frantically on the shoreline was something I have not seen for a long time and I was the only person to witness it! Tons of Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls in a feeding frenzie and squabbling over their finds. Also Curlews, Oystercatchers, Turnstones, Sanderling and Ringed Plovers x 2. Over the troughs I saw a Little Gull and lots of Kittiwakes. After taking lots of pictures, I made my way back along the main path to my car. I was frozen, but really happy I had made the effort to get out! It was 7.55pm when I left!

LOTS OF PICTURES TO BE ADDED

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Garganey x 4 at Hockwold Washes

Lapland Buntings x 11 at Happisburgh

Snow Bunting at Winterton

Little Gull at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Grey Phalarope on Eye Field, Iceland Gull, Spoonbill at Cley NWT

Glaucous Gull juv., Caspian Gull, Black Redstarts x 2, Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB

Spoonbills x 2 on marsh at Stiffkey

Garganey x 6 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Garganey x 2, Spoonbill at Hickling Broad NWT

Turtle Dove at New Buckenham

Hen Harrier flew over Martham

Spoonbill at Salthouse

Dusky Warbler at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford

Cattle Egret at Welney WWT

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

RBA Weekly Round-Up 30th March to 5th April!

By Jon Dunn

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/weeklyRoundup2021_14.aspx?s_id=522190350

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
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Iceland Gull flew past beach car park and then on North Scrape, Spoonbill at Cley NWT

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Welney WWT

Lapland Buntings x 10 at Happisburgh

Black Redstart, Spoonbill at Holme Dunes NWT

Turtle Doves x 2 at Hindolveston

Kittiwakes x 2, Little Gull at Whitlingham Country Park

Little Gull at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Garganey x 5, Water Pipit at Hockwold Washes

Long-tailed Duck at Ormesby Little Broad

Black Redstart at Hardingham 

 

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

Bank Holiday Monday

I was expecting to have a day at home, with the forecast snow and 50mph winds, but when I woke up it was another glorious sunny day! Yes, it was windy and it was much colder, but no snow here! Although other parts of Norfolk did have a few flurries I heard. Rebbeca Nason (photographer) posted an awesome picture of her little girl with an Easter bunny 'snowman' today, in snow covered Shetland via Twitter!

After getting up this morning, I felt exhausted and completely shattered, I can only presume this is STILL my ongoing long Covid fatigue. I spent the rest of the day asleep on the sofa. This is so not like me, especially when it was such a lovely day, but I couldn't keep awake. It seems that my body can only cope with one day of exercise and then I need a day to recover! Such a wicked waste of time, but nothing I can do about it. I can only hope that it will improve at some point. I'm planning to spend my last day off tomorrow birding somewhere, whatever the weather is doing!

Fabulous Day At Salthouse, Kelling & Cley!

 Easter Sunday 🐥 

Gramborough Hill, Salthouse

I spent the day at one of my favourite places in Norfolk and I felt so happy to be back! Arrived at Beach Road, Salthouse and the first person I saw was John F.! I had a quick coffee and a marmalade sandwich, before setting off to Gramborough Hill. It was so beautiful here – a glorious sunny day! A Reed Bunting and a Pied Wagtail were seen, along with 2 Avocets. At Gramborough Hill I had a very brief view of a Song Thrush flying under a bush, also Meadow Pipits, 2 Little Egrets, Rooks and best of all LOADS of beautiful Sand Martins gracing the blue skies! Such a joy! Suddenly another birder, Louis called out the Iceland Gull that has been here over recent days. We quickly walked across the shingle to the beach, to watch the Iceland Gull making its way east towards Kelling – too far away for any good pictures at this point, but fabulous to see.

The pool just west of Gramborough Hill, Salthouse

 

Gramborough Hill, Salthouse

 

Salthouse Beach

 

 

I sat on the shingle for a while, just watching the waves and soaking up the atmosphere (see video below). Sand Martins skimmed around me, Herring Gulls sailed above me and it felt so magical! I then rejoined John and Louis and we meandered back to Beach Road, where I bumped into Pete S.! It was so good to catch up with people today. Lots of banter, laughter and birding, what more do you need?! My first Spring Wheatears x 3 were seen in the field east of the road and also excitedly my first Spring Swallows x 2 skimmed overhead west! The Iceland Gull then reappeared over the shingle and I managed to get some shots, but again, too far away for my 300mm lens. A very glamorous young lady, a new NT warden arrived to check the signs and fencing at Gramborough – she did not go unnoticed, I noted amusingly!

Herring Gull at Salthouse Beach

 

Iceland Gull just north of Beach Road, Salthouse

 

 

Kelling Water Meadows (Kelling Quags)

Pete and I then decided to walk to Kelling Water Meadows. We parked in the usual spot opposite the tea rooms (which do excellent food, including one of my favourites, ginger cake – but currently closed) and ambled along the track to the pool. It was so beautiful to be out somewhere different. I know I keep saying it, but everywhere I go after this lockdown, seems like I'm seeing everything afresh. We both saw an Orange Tip butterfly by the little stream, next to the school playing field and also Pete sharply spotted a Bee-Fly! A Chiffchaff appeared in the scrub alongside the track. At the pool we saw a Snipe, Redshank, Teal, Mallards, Oystercatchers and Black-headed Gulls. We then bumped into local birder Ian (who's wife and daughter we passed and chatted to earlier, along the track) and whilst chatting, we heard a Yellow Wagtail flying over and a Red Kite came sailing overhead, giving us incredible views! 2 Stonechats were seen in the bushes along Meadow Lane. Walked back to our cars and Pete headed home east.

Red Kite at Kelling Quags

 

 

Coastguards, Cley

I stopped here for lunch and to see if there were any birds on the Eye Pool. The car park was jam packed and with no NWT staff/pay hut to take parking fees, it was a free for all. Also because of this, the overflow field parking area was not open. I saw Chris Mills in the car park and had a quick catch up. I parked my car in front of the closed field parking area, there were no other spaces left. Half the car park was full of camper vans and motor homes. Why oh why and I have said it many times, do the NWT not put a height restriction barrier here?! It would also stop the parking overnight and rubbish situation. After my lunch I walked across the shingle and after encountering several dollops of dog's mess and too many people, I returned to my car and left.

 

Walsey Hills NOA

There have certainly been some changes here! Emma Buck, who is NOA Warden, has certainly made an impact on the reserve! I still have not met her yet – one day! There is a new and much larger pond by the feeders, which looks absolutely brilliant! Areas of scrub have been removed to let in some sunlight and areas for birds to feed and seats and tables have been painted a subtle light green. You can walk along the bottom public footpath easily, which can be overgrown at times. Due to more regular ringing at this site, you can not walk through the centre of the reserve down the steps as you used to, this is for staff only now. I sat on the seat for a while and enjoyed the views, whilst watching Hedge Sparrows, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Robins, Great Tit and a Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler were singing.

Overlooking Snipe's Marsh at Walsey Hills NOA

New pond at Walsey Hills NOA!

 

Walsey Hills NOA

New steps at Walsey Hills NOA

 

The lower footpath at Walsey Hills NOA

Blackthorn at Walsey Hills NOA

Blackthorn and Gorse in bloom at the top of Walsey Hills NOA

 

Arnold's Marsh from Walsey Hills NOA

 

 

Walking along the bottom public footpath, I noticed some sycamore trees have been removed in the net rides area, I don't quite know why, as these are the best trees for leaf warblers. I spent a long time at Walsey Hills and walked all around the top end. A Grey Partridge was seen distantly in a field. Along the path to the small pine belt, I spent some time overlooking Arnold's Marsh and the sea beyond – a magnificent view! I watched 2 Spoonbills flying across the marsh! Other birds seen: Marsh Harriers x 2, another Swallow, Sand Martins, Avocets, Teal, Mallards and Greylag Geese. Returned to the building at Walsey Hills via a new gate, very smart! Sat on the seat overlooking the new pond again for a short while and then returned to my car.

Spoonbills flying over Arnold's Marsh at Cley NWT

East Bank, Cley NWT

I joined Eddie M. here for a catch up and beautiful walk along the East Bank. It felt much chillier now! Spent some time photographing the 2 Spoonbills on The Serpentine. On Arnold's Marsh there were lots of waders including a big number of Dunlins, always a joy to watch and some Med Gulls flew over. We sat on the shingle for a short while (too cold). Eddie spotted a Grey Heron flying east, distantly over the sea! No sign of the Iceland Gull here. Returned back along the bank and were delighted to see two newly arrived Little Ringed Plovers at The Serpentine – I took some pictures, although a little distant for my lens. A Snipe was also seen and another Grey Heron.

The Serpentine east of East Bank, Cley NWT

 

Eddie on The East Bank at Cley NWT

 

East Bank, Cley NWT with Walsey Hills NOA on the horizon

 

Spoonbills on The Serpentine, off East Bank at Cley NWT

Med Gull off the north end of East Bank at Cley NWT

Little Ringed Plover on The Serpentine, off East Bank at Cley NWT

 

Sunset from the East Bank at Cley NWT

 

 

Visitor Centre, Cley NWT

We relocated here for a short while and saw a Great White Egret distantly and a Bittern boomed twice at 7pm! As I left the car park, 2 Red-legged Partridges were in the bottom car park. A huge Motorhome was parked across all the front parking spaces here, obviously intending to stay for the night!

Beach Road, Salthouse and Friary Hills at Blakeney

I returned to see if any of the Wheatears were any closer to the fence for photos – I couldn't see them anywhere, so they had obviously retired for the night! I left here and went to Friary Hills at Blakeney to stop and have a coffee and something to eat before returning home. I sat with the window of the car open, in hope of hearing a Sedge Warbler singing, but no luck with that. There was a Common Buzzard sitting on a tree along the track out to the marsh and a ginger cat prowled along the path by the 'No Dogs' sign to Friary Hills!

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   

Lapland Buntings x 14, Short-eared Owl at Happisburgh

Iceland Gull at Weybourne

Osprey over Congham, NE of Roydon

Black Redstart, Common Crane at Little Melton, NW of Cringleford

Hen Harrier at Halvergate Marshes

Black Redstart on south side of Holkham Hall

Garganey x 8, Little Gull at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Iceland Gull, Short-eared Owl at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse

Iceland Gull at Weybourne

Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Over Staithe

Black Redstarts x 2, Ring Ouzel at Burnham Overy Dunes

Lesser Whitethroat at Hopton-on-Sea

Garganey x 5 at Hockwold Washes

Spoonbill at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham

Spoonbill at Snettisham RSPB

Iceland Gull at Coastguards, Cley

Spoonbills x 2 on The Serpentine, East Bank, Cley

Garganey x 2, Hen Harrier at Berney Marshes RSPB

Hen Harrier male, Cattle Egrets x 6 at Welney WWT

Black Redstarts x 3, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB

Black Redstart in churchyard at Marsham

Black Redstarts x 3 at Waxham Sands Holiday Park

Hen Harrier male at Salthouse Heath

Common Scoters x 3 at Whitlingham Country Park

Hen Harrier SW of Sedgeford

Black Redstart, Spotted Redshank at Holme

Spoonbill at Holme Dunes NWT

Shorelarks x 3 at Blakeney Point

Little Gull, Common Crane at Thorpe Marshes, Thorpe St Andrew

Hen Harrier west of Dersingham

Hawfinch flew over Muckleburgh Hill

 

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

Snettisham Coastal Park & The Manure Heap At Sedgeford!

Bitterly cold NE winds today and almost no migrants on offer at all. Snettisham Coastal Park produced one Chiffchaff, Chaffinches x 2, Wood Pigeons, Mallard, Moorhen and a flock of Linnets. I had to listen to a couple shouting loudly and continuously for their large white dog, which ran off from them on the far high bank/path (Ken Hill side) – if they had read the 'keep your dogs on a lead sign', it wouldn't have happened. Goodness knows what the dog got up and what it disturbed or ate, while it was off out of control. All dogs I could see distantly were not on leads, not one.

I decided to go to the manure heap at Sedgeford, where last year's fabulous "Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail" was watched by many. Nobody else here but me, surprise, surprise! No birds of note either, apart from a Great Tit in the small copse next the manure heap, a female Pheasant and a flock of Linnets.

Tomorrow is the only sunny, warmish day with SW winds over the Easter period – on Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday, 50mph winds and snow showers are forecast!!!

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   

Black Redstarts x 3 at Titchwell RSPB

Dusky Warbler at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford

Iceland Gull at Kelling Quags

Slavonian Grebes x 2, Little Gulls x 2 at Ormesby Broad

Black Redstart in garden at Martham

Garganey x 8 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Iceland Gull at Salthouse

Little Gull at Whitlingham Country Park

Long-tailed Duck at Filby Broad

Black Redstarts x 2, Spoonbill at Holme Dunes NWT

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Weybourne

Black Redstart at Little Melton, NW of Cringleford

Black Redstart at UEA Broad, Norwich

Ring Ouzel at Burnham Overy Staithe

Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum

 

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

Ballylongford, County Kerry, Ireland

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

SUMMARY OF TODAY'S BIRD NEWS VIA "RARE BIRD ALERT" 
  For access to full details of daily sightings, please subscribe to one of RBA's Bird News Services   

Garganey x 4 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB

Slavonian Grebes x 2 at Ormesby Broad

Iceland Gull at Kelling Quags

Iceland Gull at Winterton Holmes

Black Redstarts x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT

Spoonbills x 5 at Cley NWT

Garganey at Hockwold Washes

Black Redstarts x 3, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB

Black Redstart, Velvet Scoters x 3 at Weybourne Camp

Black Redstart at Stiffkey Fen

Water Pipit at Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB

Garganey x 7 at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB

Hawfinch at Lynford Aboretum

 

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

Musselburgh Lagoons, Lothian, Scotland

SOLITARY SANDPIPER

Probable, St Just, Cornwall

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

Ballylongford, County Kerry, Ireland

Easter Weekend!

🐣 🐣 🐥  🐇

What a contrast?! Yesterday was another hot day, but today is NE, windy and chilly, as are the following days. Oh well, it might stop the hordes of people descending on the beaches! Strong winds and snow/sleet are forecast for this Bank Holiday Monday and no, that's not a late April Fool's joke!!! Don't get your shorts out yet!!! Hat, gloves, scarf, winter coat and double socks will be required this weekend!

Poor Vivien is quite shaken up this evening. Can't go into too much detail, but she was the first person on the scene to save a lady, who had fallen into the water at the Marina in Ely, late this afternoon! The lady is fine now, but Vivien's very worried that she might have done her bad back in, being as she was holding on to the lady and then assisted to pull her out with someone else. Hope she's ok in the morning. What a star! That must have been so scary! It was very lucky that Vivien was in the right place at the right time!

I joined the 'digital' WW package last week, so will be weighing myself every Wednesday evening. On my first weigh-in last night, I lost 5lbs! I'm a long way off my goal though, but I will reach it!

Update: Big News! I have a hairdressing appointment! Sadly, a long time away..... 4th May!

HAPPY EASTER & HAPPY BIRDING!

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   

Little Gull at Whitlingham Country Park

Garganey x 4 at Potter Heigham Marshes

Ring Ouzels x 2 at Holme Dunes NWT

Ring Ouzels x 2 at Felbrigg Hall NT

Garganey x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE imm. circled over Narford Lake, Narborough

Common Scoters x 2 at Ormesby Little Broad

Cattle Egrets x 7 at Welney WWT

Garganey x 5, Cattle Egret at Hockwold Washes

Long-tailed Duck at Filby Broad

Iceland Gull at Weybourne Camp

Little Bunting, Mealy Redpolls x 3 in area with no general access at West Acre

Black Redstart near the cliffs at Hunstanton

Caspian Gull at Cromer

Hen Harriers x 2 at Haddiscoe Marsh

Iceland Gull at Kelling Quags

 

MEGA NEWS

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

In garden at Exmouth, Devon

NEW COUNTRYSIDE CODE LAUNCHED!

https://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/content/New_Countryside_Code_launched.aspx?s_id=711164751

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code

 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/973254/countryside-code-leaflet.pdf

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD & WALRUS TWITCH!

I am MEGA excited! Today's HUGE twitch and annual leave has been organised for a little while now, but had to keep quiet for various reasons. Obviously it depended on the Mockingbird still being around, which was likely, given the time it has already been there. We also had to wait to assess the lockdown situation – obviously, as soon as the 'stay at home' rule changed, our trip was on!!!

We are also now doing a big detour to go and see the fabulous Walrus in Pembrokeshire afterwards! To be honest, I'm far more excited about seeing this than the Mockingbird!

Quick post as leaving shortly! I'm very kindly being picked up by some Norfolk birders (who I know extremely well 😉) – all travelling in one car, as we have all had the vaccine, so should be ok – will be keeping the windows open too. With just over 5 hours journey (give and take) to the Mockingbird and then another 3.5 hours (ish) to the Walrus, we might be home a little late!!! What a week!!! So excited, oh my goodness!

Full update and pictures either very late Thursday evening or Friday morning........

UPDATE

APRIL FOOL!!!

I have been at work all day! 🤣 🤣 🤣

So, I did catch a few people out and received some concerned and expected stern type messages via Twitter, Facebook and email! Only took about 10 minutes after I posted this!!!😂 Yes, I know its illegal to travel to Wales right now, and that I'm not allowed to share a car with anyone else and wouldn't do any of the above anyway! 😂

Obviously some people were still half asleep early this morning and hadn't quite noticed the 1st April date at the top of my post!!! So, I managed to "Fool" at least five people this morning, if not more! I won't embarrass them and say who they were! As the morning progressed, those who were more awake, had realised it was the 1st April! Sorry!!!😂