SHETLAND BIRD NEWS, PHOTOS, BIRDING, LIFE AND MORE! MY 14th YEAR ANNIVERSARY 2024!


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Monday 31 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Grey Phalaropes x 2 flew past beach car park at Cley
Water Pipit, Snow Bunting at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Buntings x 60 at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 30 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Little Gull at Hungry Hill, Northrepps
Iceland Gull flew past Weybourne
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Welney WWT
Bittern at Whitlingham Country Park
Snow Buntings x 33 at Snettisham
Black Brant at Snettisham RSPB
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
BELTED KINGFISHER 
SSE of Samlesbury, Lancashire and North Merseyside
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
Crookhaven, County Cork, Ireland

Sunday 30 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Hen Harrier male at Roydon Common NNR
Hawfinches x 8 at Lynford Aboretum
Iceland Gull, Snow Buntings x 3 at Cley NWT
Shorelarks x 4 at Holkham Gap
Common Cranes x 31 at Clippesby
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male at Holkham Park
Red-necked Grebe at Rollesby Broad
Long-tailed Ducks x 4 offshore at Old Hunstanton
Hen Harrier at Thornham
Common Cranes x 36 at Thurne
Bewick's Swans x 16 at Ludham
Black Brant, Little Stint, Lapland Bunting, Hen Harrier male at Snettisham RSPB
Snow Buntings x 31 at Snettisham
Short-eared Owl, Cattle Egrets x 5, Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Welney WWT
Short-eared Owls x 4 at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 12 at Winterton
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male on beach, Siberian Chiffchaff, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Smew redhead at Taverham Mill NR, Norwich
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male flew west, Siberian Chiffchaff 1+ at Holme
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male flew south over Hunstanton towards Heacham
Cattle Egrets x 2 at Martham Ferry
Snow Buntings x 74 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Hen Harrier male at Upton Fen
Cattle Egret flew in off sea at Beeston Bump, Sheringham
Hen Harrier male at St Olaves
Hen Harrier male at Haddiscoe Island
Russian White-fronted Geese x 64, Bewick's Swans x 7, Water Pipit at Cantley Marshes RSPB
Russian White-fronted Geese x 106 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Purple Sandpiper on beach at Gorleston-on-Sea
Hen Harrier male, Common Cranes x 5 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
BELTED KINGFISHER 
SSE of Samlesbury, Lancashire and North Merseyside
NORTHERN HARRIER
Lough Boora Parklands, County Kerry, Ireland
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Lucy's Concert & A Late Ramble!

My sister Lucy played (1st Violins) in her first concert with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra today, for the first time in over two years! It was the first NSO concert since Covid began and I was pleased to hear that there was almost a full house at the Corn Exchange in King's Lynn! Vivien couldn't go and although part of me did want to go, I just don't feel ready to take the risk of sitting with 700+ people yet! I can't risk increasing my sickness record at work – every time you have a day off, it is classed as an episode, be it one day or six weeks – when you reach 5 episodes, you are interviewed etc etc and it rolls over from the last 12 months. I will more than probably go to the next concert in March. Hopefully the Covid situation will have dwindled more by then! I was really proud of Lucy, she must have been shattered – all the musicians had to be there at 11am for rehearsal, break for lunch and then do the concert at 3.30pm for approximately two hours. Lucy was understandably a bit nervous, but I reassured her beforehand, that every musician would be feeling nervous after not playing in public for over two years!

After doing the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (see previous post), I unexpectedly fell asleep for over three hours!!! I'm having a lot of issues with fatigue over the last few months, I don't know if its long Covid or quite what is going on – I'm under investigation! When I woke up, I discovered the White-tailed Eagle had been sitting on Titchwell beach and had then cruised west over Holme and then south over Hunstanton! I felt really guilty about not going to Lucy's concert , but I just couldn't take the risk and as Vivien said when I phoned her this afternoon...... Lucy sometimes feels more pressure if her family are there, so maybe it was for the best that I wasn't there.

I eventually went for a late afternoon walk at Titchwell RSPB, which gave me some much needed exercise, but didn't really see anything of particular note, as the light was rubbish by the time I got there. The usual birds were on the scrapes: Golden Plover, Pintail, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Shelduck etc. 4 Marsh Harriers flying over the reed beds and a Cetti's Warbler burst into song. A couple of Little Egrets on the marsh and a Kestrel on a post. Walked to the beach, it was high tide and the tideline was dominated by Oystercatchers – also 2 Knot, Herring Gulls, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Turnstones and one Cormorant. Two couples walked onto the beach with a mid brown poodle type dog (not birders). On my return along the main path I found a newly dumped light green plastic bag full of dog crap, by the seat at the beginning of the freshmarsh – it wasn't there when I had walked to the beach and the two couples with the dog were the only people with a dog, so logically it had to be them – they were a long way ahead of me on the walk back, so I couldn't ask them if they had forgotten to pick up their little green bag! As I wrote on Twitter "If you can’t be bothered to take your dog crap home with you, then don’t bother visiting Titchwell RSPB or anywhere in Norfolk! Why should the RSPB staff have to clear up your smelly dog bag?! Utterly selfish & illegal littering......"

I have been doing some baking over the last couple of days and had made a Ginger & Pear Loaf Cake and a Lemon Iced Coconut Loaf Cake (I added the lemon icing) – I was very pleased with the results and the Ginger & Pear cake was the best thing I have ever made – as good as the Cley Deli one!!! Even though I do say so myself! Scrumptious! On the way home this evening, I dropped off some of both my cakes to Lucy, who has a sweeter tooth than me!

Lucy told me all about the concert later this evening and said she was very tired and that her fingers ached with all the playing. She also told me something very sad – another musician asked Lucy if her mother was coming to the concert and Lucy had to tell her that she had died and the young lady who had asked, said she didn't know why she wasn't aware of that and apologised – that must have been difficult for both the young lady and Lucy. It was three and half years ago since our mother passed away and I still miss her so much – I miss our daily conversations more than I can put into words. There is hardly anyone to chat with now, apart from my sisters of course.

RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH!

 From my garden this morning from 8.18am to 9.18am:

  • House Sparrow  11
  • Dunnock  2
  • Goldcrest  1
  • Blue Tit  2
  • Great Tit  1
  • Robin  1
  • Blackbird  5
  • Starling  4
  • Wood Pigeon  1
  • Collared Dove  2
  • Magpie  1

The screenshot from the RSPB of my results, did not include Goldcrest. Its very rare I see a Goldcrest in my garden, so I was very lucky with that. I sometimes see Coal Tits and a Song Thrush and on the odd occasion a Goldfinch, but its years and years since I have seen a Greenfinch in my garden – I did when I first moved here just over 20 years ago.

Saturday 29 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Cattle Egrets x 6, Tundra Bean Geese x 9, Scaup, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT
Hawfinches x 11 at Lynford Aboretum
Purple Sandpiper south of Waxham
Smew redhead at Taverham Mill NR, Norwich
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male early morning at Stiffkey
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male, Scaup fem. at Holkham Park
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 40 at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 123 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Cattle Egrets x 5 north of Martham
Water Pipits x 2 at North Point Pools, Wells
Great Northern Diver offshore at Wells
Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Little Gull at Northrepps
Bewick's Swans x 56 at Hempstead Marshes
Hen Harrier male at Haddiscoe Island
Water Pipit (probable) flushed at Holme
Russian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham Coastal Park
Snow Buntings x 31 at Snettisham
Hen Harriers x 2 (1 male) at Roydon Common NNR
Pale-bellied Brent Goose at Burnham Overy Staithe
Short-eared Owls x 3 at North Dunes, Snow Buntings x 18 at Winterton
Russian White-fronted Geese x 56 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Snow Buntings x 33 at Gorleston-on-Sea
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
BELTED KINGFISHER 
SSE of Samlesbury, Lancashire and North Merseyside
AMERICAN COOT
Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland
AMERICAN COOT
Lough Yganavan, Cromane, County Kerry, Ireland
NORTHERN HARRIER
Lough Boora Parklands, County Kerry, Ireland

Friday 28 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male, Iceland Gull, Snow Buntings x 5 at Cley NWT
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male at Blakeney Harbour, then Blakeney Point
Hawfinches x 9 at Lynford Aboretum
Smew redhead at Taverham Mill NR, Norwich
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 150 at Holkham Gap
Water Pipits x 2 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Bewick's Swan between Sea Palling & Ingham 
Purple Sandpiper at Waxham
Short-eared Owls x 2 at North Dunes, Winterton
Tundra Bean Geese x 9, Ring-necked Duck at Welney WWT 
Red-necked Grebe at Rollesby Broad
Hen Harriers x 3 (2 males) at Haddiscoe Island
Great Northern Diver at Holme
Cattle Egrets x 2 at Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park
Common Cranes x 12 at Repps
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male at Stiffkey Fen
Cattle Egrets x 2 north of Martham
Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Divers x 2, Snow Buntings x 10 at Brancaster
Little Gull at Northrepps
Short-toed Lark at West Runton
Siberian Chiffchaff, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Russian White-fronted Geese x 53, Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Bewick's Swan at Potter Heigham Marshes
 
MEGA NEWS 
AMERICAN COOT
Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland

Thursday 27 January 2022

MY BIRTHDAY!

After my incredibly late night being a good samaritan and yesterday's outing, I woke up far later than I expected, which was extremely annoying. One birthday card arrived in the post today, so I have a grand total of three cards now! The cards get less, the older you get I've noticed! But on a positive note, I had tons of birthday messages on Facebook and a few on Twitter, so thank you very much indeed.

I decided to do something incredibly boring on route to Holkham and stopped at Tattersett to get my car washed, but there were far too many cars in the queue, so I carried on. Parked up in the car park for the free two hours at Holkham Hall and walked along the path to the lakeside. Photographed some Fallow deer in afternoon light, which was nice. Stood with a few other birders in hope that the White-tailed Eagle would fly over the lake (as it did last night apparently), but it sadly didn't put in an appearance – I was too late, as it had been seen this morning. Lots of duck on the lake, Tufted Ducks, Pochards and Mallards. Flocks of Starlings, Pink-footed Geese and Jackdaws in the setting sun. Huge flock of approximately 80+ Redwings feeding on the lawn, directly in front of Holkham Hall. Tawny Owl calling in the car park.

Stopped in a field entrance just before the Burnham Market turn off and had a coffee and some of my shortbread biscuits – it was lovely listening to the geese congregating on Holkham Freshmarsh and I also saw two Woodcocks flying overhead towards the woods!

Spent the evening at home. Couldn't be bothered to cook tea, so had the rest of my Banana cake whilst snoozing and watching TV! Not the most exciting of birthdays, yesterday was better! But at least I'm still here, which is obviously a plus point! Roll on Spring!

PICTURES TO FOLLOW

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 Burnham Norton
Red-necked Grebe off beach car park at Cley
Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 60, Great Northern Diver at Holkham Gap
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male at Holkham Park
Russian White-fronted Geese x 70 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Glaucous Gull, Common Cranes x 3, Purple Sandpipers x 2 at Waxham
Bewick's Swans x 45 between Sea Palling & Ingham
Little Stint at Snettisham RSPB
Smew redhead at Taverham Mill NR, Norwich
Red-necked Grebe at Rollesby Broad
Snow Buntings x 10 at Winterton
Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Welney WWT
Hen Harriers x 2 (1 male) at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT
Hen Harrier male flew over Grimston Warren
Cattle Egret between Bawsey & Grimston
Hen Harrier male at Roydon Common NNR
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Hen Harrier male at Haddiscoe Island
Cattle Egrets x 4 at Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Hundreds of Dolphins Filmed Off Pembrokeshire Coast!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-60145088

Wednesday 26 January 2022

Briarfields Birthday Lunch at Titchwell!

Lucy and I had had very little sleep last night because of a big incident that occurred and in normal circumstances, I think we both would have cancelled our lunch meet up, but we decided to carry on with our day! My original plan, was to go birding at Titchwell RSPB and then meet Lucy and Vivien at "Briarfields" in Titchwell, but after only having just under four hours sleep, I only just made lunch!

I wanted to go somewhere different for my birthday (tomorrow, but Vivien is working), as we always seem to end up at Castle Rising Tea Rooms. I searched on line for the place with the most interesting food and the yummiest dessert choice. As soon as I read that Briarfields did Sticky Gingerbread Pudding (poached pear & stem ginger compote, crème anglais) I was sold and booked a table!

Our last visit to Briarfields was almost four years ago with our dear mother, for Lucy's 50th birthday lunch – the chef had made a gloriously designed music themed cake in white icing, adorned with music notes and featured an exquisitely made violin and the food was divine.

We met up later than planned at 12.30pm and sat in the bar area at one of the four seater tables with high sofa seats, which are incredibly comfortable. The food was top class and the young waitress servicing us was so polite and well just perfect – a 10 out of 10 from "Pen" all round! Lucy and Vivien had the "IPA Battered Haddock" (with hand cut chips, minted mushy peas, tartare sauce & lemon) and I had the "Harissa marinated Halloumi" (Turkish baked tomato & aubergine, bulgur pilaf, cacik, spiced tomato relish) with hand-cut chips. We had coffees and cold drinks and Lucy and I both had dessert. Lucy had a very fancy looking Chocolate Mousse and I had the utterly scrumptious Sticky Gingerbread Pudding!

The food, service and timing was perfect and its rare I say that! Not cheap, but I don't mind paying that bit extra for perfection! Highly recommended. My only tiny complaint was that whilst we were having our dessert, a group of people arrived with two very loud barking dogs – they sat directly behind us and every time the dogs barked (every time someone came to serve their table), it seriously made me jump.

It was frustrating knowing that there was a White-tailed Eagle flying over here just before we arrived, but hey ho, I've seen a few now, so hopefully I will get to see this in the next few days. Lucy said she was freezing and absolutely refused to walk anywhere, but I did manage to persuade her to go for a short walk (in one of her favourite places), along the cliff top gardens in Hunstanton. We parked up by the bowling green and walked as far as the fish pond, but Lucy wouldn't even walk that far because it was "freezing" and she turned around to walk back, so we all returned to our cars. It was lovely to see the cliffs and the Fulmars gliding around in the lovely sunshine, even though it was the shortest walk ever! To be fair to Lucy, it was pretty cold, but refreshing!

We went back to my house for tea and cakes etc. Last night I had a baking session and made a "Brilliant Banana Loaf", "Berry Baked Oats with Coconut" and some "Short-bread Fingers", much to the delight of both my sisters. I packed up some of my bakes for them both to take home and some for Ray. Lucy and Vivien kindly gave me a birthday card each, an expensive joint present – my favourite perfume "Chanel N°5 Eau De Parfum Spray" and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Just need the diamond ring now, I will await for that delivery tomorrow?! 🤣🤣🤣 I took Lucy home and Vivien drove back to Ely. Tomorrow, I'm spending my birthday 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 

Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Spotted Redshank, Water Pipit, Hen Harrier at Titchwell RSPB
Glaucous Gull flew past, Short-eared Owls x 2, Purple Sandpiper at North Dunes, Russian White-fronted Goose at Winterton
Black Redstart at Snettisham
Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Great Northern Diver north of harbour at Wells
Snow Buntings x 80, Red-necked Grebe at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 18 at Holkham Freshmarsh
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE 2w. male, Scaup fem. at Holkham Park
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE juv. on beach at Thornham, then at Titchwell RSPB, Brancaster, Holkham Park, Burnham Norton
Lapland Bunting in garden at Congham near Grimston
Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water
Glaucous Gull, Common Cranes x 10 at Waxham
Hawfinches x 8 at Lynford Aboretum
Cattle Egrets x 4, Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Welney WWT
Bewick's Swans x 38, Short-eared Owls x 2, Hen Harrier male at Ludham
Hen Harrier male at Haddiscoe Island
Common Cranes x 26 at Clippesby
Bewick's Swans x 45 between Sea Palling & Ingham
Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island
Cattle Egrets x 6 on east side of Great Ryburgh
 
MEGA NEWS 
None

Early Morning Update!

In case anyone is wondering why I'm posting the bird news after 4am in the morning – no I haven't lost the plot, quite yet. I was assisting my sister Lucy with an emergency situation last night/this morning, which I can't go into, but because of that, I ended up having to then type up and email a report to the appropriate person and this has resulted in an extremely late night!!! Lucy is absolutely fine by the way.

I have at long last started clearing some stuff out of my house and that is what I have been doing over the last few days. On Monday I had to stay in anyway, as had to wait for British Gas to come and do my annual boiler service. Today, we are all meeting for up for an early birthday lunch. My birthday is tomorrow, but Vivien is working, so we are doing our get together today. Lucy and I are both going to be totally exhausted after our lack of sleep!

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 

TUESDAY 25th JANUARY
 
Black Redstart, Snow Buntings x 40 at Snettisham
Little Stint at Snettisham RSPB
Russian White-fronted Geese x 172 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 80, Velvet Scoters x 6, Great Northern Diver at Holkham Gap
Scaup fem. at Holkham Park
Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Iceland Gull flew past Coastguards at Cley
Russian White-fronted Goose at Cley NWT
Hawfinches x 15 at Lynford Aboretum
Rough-legged Buzzard (possible) NE of Dilham
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Hen Harrier at Burnham Overy Dunes
Glaucous Gull in field at Waxham
Snow Buntings x 51 at Brancaster
Cattle Egret at Bawsey
Hen Harrier male at Roydon Common NNR
Great Northern Diver at West Runton
Cattle Egrets x 3, Water Pipit at Welney WWT
Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver at Happisburgh
Common Cranes x 24 at Repps
Bewick's Swans x 36 between Sea Palling & Ingham
Short-eared Owls x 3 at North Dunes, Winterton
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland
AMERICAN COOT
Tacumshin, County Wexford, Ireland

RBA Weekly Round-Up 18th to 24th January!

By Jon Dunn

Tuesday 25 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

MONDAY 24th JANUARY
 
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Iceland Gull at Holme
Black Redstart, Snow Buntings x 40 at Snettisham
Little Stint at Snettisham RSPB
Russian White-fronted Geese x 160 at Holkham Freshmarsh 
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 50, Great Northern Diver, Iceland Gull flew past Holkham Gap
Siberian Chiffchaff, Iceland Gull, Hen Harrier, Slavonian Grebe at Titchwell RSPB
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew over West Newton
Tundra Bean Geese x 2, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Dark-bellied Brent Geese x 50 at Cley NWT
Hawfinches x 12 at Lynford Aboretum
Cattle Egrets x 4, Tundra Bean Geese x 9 at Welney WWT
Black Redstart, Short-eared Owls x 4 at North Dunes, Winterton
Great Northern Diver at Thornham Harbour
Cattle Egrets x 6 at Great Ryburgh
Russian White-fronted Geese x 200 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Snow Buntings x 9 east of Gramborough Hill
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Sunday 23 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Holkham Park
Shorelarks x 5, Snow Buntings x 71, Lapland Buntings x 7, Velvet Scoter at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 23 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Little Stint, Black Brant at Snettisham RSPB
Black Redstart, Snow Buntings x 50 at Snettisham
Short-toed Lark at West Runton
Iceland Gull, Snow Buntings x 3, Russian White-fronted Goose at Cley NWT
Hawfinches x 2 at Lynford Aboretum
Tundra Bean Geese x 9, Cattle Egrets x 2, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Welney WWT
Short-eared Owls x 4 at North Dunes, Winterton
Bewick's Swans x 13 at Ludham
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes
Spoonbills x 2 at Breydon Water
Iceland Gull flew past Weybourne
Water Pipit, Turnstone at Cantley Beet Factory
Common Cranes x 28 NW of Clippesby
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
AMERICAN COOT
Tacumshin, County Wexford, Ireland
AMERICAN COOT
Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
Crookhaven, County Cork, Ireland
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Saturday 22 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Great Northern Diver in Thornham Channel
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, Black Redstart, Snow Buntings x 54 at Snettisham
Little Stint, Scaup at Snettisham RSPB
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Thornham Harbour
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Holme
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum
Iceland Gull, Russian White-fronted Geese x 11, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Tundra Bean Geese x 2 at Cley NWT
Shorelarks x 4, Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Dunes
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Burnham Overy Staithe
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Brancaster
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE at Burnham Deepdale
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, Scaup at Holkham Park
Snow Buntings x 93 at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 70 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Cattle Egrets x 2 at Haddiscoe Island
Great Northern Divers x 2 at Brancaster
Cattle Egrets x 2 north of Martham
Water Pipits x 2, Spoonbill at Potter Heigham Marshes
Siberian Chiffchaff at Holt
Tundra Bean Geese x 9, Cattle Egrets x 5, Short-eared Owl, Common Cranes x 5 at Welney WWT
Hen Harriers x 2 (1 male), Water Pipit at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT
Short-eared Owls x 2, Hen Harrier at North Dunes, Winterton
Great Northern Diver, Hen Harrier, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Shorelark, Great Northern Diver at Happisburgh
Spotted Redshank on salthmarsh at Stiffkey
Great Northern Diver at Blakeney Harbour
Russian White-fronted Geese x 100, Water Pipit at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Water Pipits x 2 at Cantley Beet Factory
Water Pipit at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
 
MEGA NEWS 
NORTHERN HARRIER
Lough Boora Parklands, County Kerry, Ireland
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland
AMERICAN COOT
Tacumshin, County Wexford, Ireland
AMERICAN COOT
Cromane, County Kerry, Ireland
FORSTER'S TERN
Aughinish, County Clare, Ireland

Friday 21 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE flew over Heacham
WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, Snow Buntings x 20, Black Brant at Snettisham RSPB
Black Redstart at Snettisham
Siberian Chiffchaffs x 2, Water Pipit at Titchwell RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 9, Cattle Egrets x 2, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Welney WWT
Iceland Gull, Snow Buntings x 2 at Salthouse
Lesser Whitethroat, Short-eared Owls x 2 at Winterton
Snow Buntings x 71 at Holkham Gap
Scaup fem. on lake at Holkham Park
Glossy Ibis flew over Kelling Heath
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 4, Long-tailed Duck at Burnham Overy Dunes
Hen Harrier at Roydon Common NNR
Hawfinches x 15 at Lynford Aboretum
Water Pipit at Cantley Beet Factory
Caspian Gulls x 2 at East Wretham Heath
Cattle Egrets x 6 at Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park
Great Northern Divers x 2 at Brancaster Harbour
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland
AMERICAN COOT
Lough Gill, County Kerry, Ireland
NORTHERN HARRIER
Lough Boora Parklands, County Kerry, Ireland
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
Crookhaven, County Cork, Ireland

Thursday 20 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Scaup fem. on lake at Holkham Park
Shag at Whitlingham Country Park
Russian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Snow Buntings x 30 at Holkham Gap
Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Tundra Bean Geese x 8, Cattle Egrets x 4, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl at Welney WWT
Tundra Bean Goose at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hen Harrier at Thornham Harbour
Siberian Chiffchaff, Water Pipit, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Snow Buntings x 2 at Holme
Eagle Owl at Ormesby St Margaret
Snow Buntings x 30 at Snettisham Coastal Park
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
AMERICAN COOT
Cromane, County Kerry, Ireland
AMERICAN COOT
Tacumshin, County Wexford, Ireland
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
Crookhaven, County Cork, Ireland
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER
Musselburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Wednesday 19 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Glossy Ibis, Iceland Gull, Hen Harrier, Russian White-fronted Goose, Snow Buntings x 5 at Cley NWT
Smew redhead at Titchwell RSPB
Common Cranes x 24 at Clippesby
Iceland Gull flew past, Snow Buntings x 20 at Winterton
Black Redstart north of sailing club at Snettisham
Cattle Egret, Tundra Bean Geese x 7 at Welney WWT
Great Northern Diver at Holme
Shag at Whitlingham Country Park
Taiga Bean Goose at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Hen Harrier male, Common Cranes x 25 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Snow Buntings x 83, Velvet Scoter, Great Northern Diver at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 102 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Common Cranes x 4, Bewick's Swans x 23 at Ludham
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
AMERICAN COOT
Cromane, County Kerry, Ireland
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER
Crookhaven, County Cork, Ireland

RBA Weekly Round-Up 11th to 17th January

By Jon Dunn

Tuesday 18 January 2022

New Year Update and Titchwell RSPB!

I have not been very well over the last weeks, which is why there has been a huge lack of personal updates and birding news from me. Apart from being at work, I've hardly left the house, which is unusual for me. I did go to see the Waxwing at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve around a week ago, can't remember exact date, although I think it was the 11th January – I arrived late afternoon and as soon as I pulled up in the car park, the Waxwing was showing, perched in a bush next to the reception centre, I ambled across the car park to take a picture, but a lady got out of her car and the Waxwing duly flew off and landed in a hawthorn on the other side of the road. The light was dire, so didn't get any pictures – I didn't think it was worth posting about, being as it was the only bird I saw!

Today, well this afternoon, I finally got out for a short birding trip to Titchwell RSPB. Considering my short time there, I did quite well really. Along the Fen trail, a birder said he thought he had seen the Siberian Chiffchaff in amongst the Long-tailed Tit flock – after a short while of scanning through the tit flock I saw a Chiffchaff, but couldn't be 100% it was the Siberian Chiffchaff, as the light was rubbish and I only saw it high up in the willows against white/grey sky, plus it was moving around like lightening and I didn't hear it call at all. Also saw a Goldcrest and a Robin here.

On Patsy's Pool, there were a pair of Mute Swans, Pintails x 2, several Wigeon and Teal, Greylag Geese, Cormorants and 2 Marsh Harriers. In the newly cleared dyke opposite the weather station I accidentally flushed a Water Rail whilst watching a Hedge Sparrow. Made my way to the main path out to the beach. Found a Stonechat perched on a reed stem just west of the main path and a bit further along 2 Little Egrets were on the marsh. The sunset was absolutely stunning and it felt so good to be out again.

The freshmarsh was packed full of roosting birds! On the new islands it was fabulous to see so many Golden Plover close up. Also loads of Lapwings, Avocets x 11, a Heron, Black-headed Gulls, Shovelers, more Pintail, Teal, Wigeon, Shelducks, Oystercatchers, Greylag Geese and Starlings. Further along on the Volunteer Marsh, there were a good number of Dunlin feeding, along with more Teal and Wigeon. A Hen Harrier (ringtail) flew low over the path in front of me and headed out to Thornham Point, which was a nice surprise.

The highlight of the afternoon was a huge orange moon over the sea, whilst watching birds feeding along the shore line, including Oystercatchers and gulls. It was almost dark – the sunset was at its best now, red streaks through dark and light skies filled the horizon. I could just about see to walk back along the bank! The orange moon silhouetted over the islands and water – I attempted to photograph this, but couldn't replicate what I saw with a naked eye. Two Robins were feeding along the path on the way back, even though it was almost dark! It was 5.25pm when I returned to the car park. The evenings are getting a lighter, thank goodness.

I have next week off, as have to use holiday up before the end of March – if you don't take it before the 31st, you lose it. I decided my birthday week was as good as any to have off! Plus it means there will be less chance of me catching Covid (again)!

Now, the big question is, do I book Shetland again in the Autumn, do I go somewhere else for a change, do I stay in Norfolk and maybe save my pennies and move north?! Decisions, decisions!

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 Salthouse
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Iceland Gull, Black Brant at Cley NWT
Hen Harrier male at Ludham
Black Redstart at Snettisham Coastal Park
Water Pipits x 2 at Ken Hill Marsh, Snettisham Coastal Park
Shag at Whitlingham Country Park
Russian White-fronted Geese x 4 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Cattle Egrets x 2 south, Common Cranes x 4 WNW of Thurne
Bewick's Swans x 2 at Hempstead Marshes
Shorelarks x 3, Snow Buntings x 30, Long-tailed Ducks 2, Velvet Scoter at Holkham Bay
Hen Harriers x 2 (1 male) at Roydon Common NNR
Water Pipit, Cattle Egret, Short-eared Owl, Tundra Bean Geese x 8 at Welney WWT
Hen Harrier male at Stiffkey
Snow Bunting at Thornham Harbour
Hen Harrier at Thornham Point
Hen Harrier male at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Siberian Chiffchaff at Beeston Common
Short-eared Owls x 3 at North Dunes, Winterton
 
MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
AMERICAN COOT
Cromane, County Kerry, Ireland
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER 
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland

Monday 17 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Common Cranes x 43 at Stubb Mill, Hickling Broad NWT
Hawfinches x 12 at Lynford Aboretum
Shag at Whitlingham Country Park
Bewick's Swans x 17 at Ludham Airfield
Common Cranes x 4, Hen Harrier at Ludham
Taiga Bean Geese x 5, Russian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Tundra Bean Geese x 8, Cattle Egrets x 3, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 3 at Welney WWT
Russian White-fronted Geese x 2 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Shorelarks x 4, Snow Buntings x 100, Velvet Scoter at Holkham Gap
Wigeon x 38,800, Russian White-fronted Geese x 59 at Breydon Water
Common Cranes x 18 between Thurne & Clippesby
Common Cranes x 3 flew over Reedham Marshes
Water Pipit, Hen Harrier, Great Northern Diver at Titchwell RSPB
Long-tailed Ducks x 2, Lapland Bunting at Burnham Overy Staithe
Hen Harrier male at Haddiscoe Island
Common Cranes x 3 at Repps
Bewick's Swans x 2 between Sea Palling & Ingham
Hen Harriers x 2 (1 male) at Roydon Common NNR
Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Russian White-fronted Geese x 5 at Winterton
Hen Harrier at Thornham Marsh
Snow Buntings x 50 at Snettisham RSPB

MEGA NEWS 
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
AMERICAN COOT
Tacumshin, County Wexford, Ireland

Sunday 16 January 2022

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!

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

Siberian Chiffchaff, Hen Harrier, Spotted Redshank at Titchwell RSPB
Hawfinches x 12 at Lynford Aboretum
Bewick's Swans x 62 at Ludham Airfield
Hen Harrier between Ludham Bridge & How Hill
Short-eared Owls x 2 at St Benets Abbey, Ludham
Common Cranes x 19 at Clippesby
Taiga Bean Geese x 5, Russian White-fronted Geese x 100 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Iceland Gull at Cley NWT
Scaup fem. on lake at Holkham Park
Snow Buntings x 70, Lapland Buntings x 2 at Holkham Gap
Russian White-fronted Geese x 35 at Holkham Freshmarsh
Glossy Ibises x 3, Cattle Egrets x 3, Tundra Bean Geese x 8, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owls x 3 at Welney WWT
Long-tailed Ducks x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe
Red-necked Grebe at Ormesby Little Broad
Shag at Whitlingham Country Park
Cattle Egrets x 6 at Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park
Todd's Canada Goose, Tundra Bean Geese x 4, Russian White-fronted Geese x 3, NNE of Stanhoe
Cattle Egrets x 2 at Fleggburgh Marshes, Billockby
Hen Harrier male just north of Acle
Hen Harrier male at Stiffkey
Hen Harrier male between Blakeney & Morston
Spoonbill, Russian White-fronted Goose, Spotted Redshank, Short-eared Owl at Breydon Water
Hen Harrier male, Common Cranes x 3 at Stubb Mill Roost, Hickling Broad NWT
Hen Harrier male at Roydon Common NNR
Red-necked Grebe flew past Gramborough Hill, Salthouse
 
MEGA NEWS
 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER 
Fisherrow, Lothian, Scotland
WHITE-TAILED LAPWING
East Halton Skitter, Lincolnshire
FORSTER'S TERN
Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland