"Butterfly Conservation President Sir David Attenborough has warned that butterflies could suffer serious population crashes this year following record-breaking wet weather."
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/article/9/297/butterfly_warning_as_deluge_takes_toll.html
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Out Birding at last!
Got up late, visited my parents and delivered a huge coffee cake to father which I bought from the Knightshill Farm Shop at King's Lynn. Father loves coffee cake and so do I - but I didn't have any at all as I am dieting again (seriously this time, no really!).
Holme Marsh Reserve NWT
Complete waste of time as all you could see out of the flaps of Hide 1 and 2 were reeds. The skies were gloomy and grey and not a single butterfly was seen either.
Cley Coastguards
Bumped into John F. and Pete S. and together we walked to North Hide in hope of the Pectoral Sandpiper that was seen yesterday. The sun had finally decided to break through the grey clouds and it turned out to be a beautiful evening. Nice selection of birds including marsh harrier, several ruff, avocets, dunlins, redshanks, spotted redshanks, black-tailed godwits, 7 Spoonbills, lapwings, cormorants, shelducks etc and LGRE! No Pectoral Sandpiper in view though! The Short-toed Lark at BP had only been seen first thing this morning. I suddenly remembered about the recent Red-veined darter Dragonflies that have been seen at Kelling, so off I went with John F. Paul W. and others to find them in the now glorious sunshine.
Kelling Water Meadows
Black-tailed Skimmers, meadow browns and bees were seen. 2 Egyptian Geese on the edge of the pool and that was it. But I did have awesome views of a barn owl hunting and actually got some half decent shots on the camera, which cheered the day up.
Went to Walsey Hills to inspect the bottom public footpath - what bottom path? Its as though there never was a path its so overgrown - never seen it this bad. Lets hope the local council cut this back soon - its going to be seriously hard work to cut back, now its in this state!
It was now 7.45pm and a bit too late to bother going to the NWT hides so went to Cley Coastguards again - sat here eating the rest of my lunch/tea. Norfolk Exhibition Project Committee has some arty farty pieces located on the shingle bank at Coastguards including a giant Teepee constructed from reeds, a giant metal toaster and two other pieces. Saw a barn owl here and watched the swallows flying back and forth to their nest. Sandwich, Common and Little Terns all going west along the beach. 2 spoonbills flew east across Beach Road as I left. A beautiful sunset this evening with shards of light radiating down to the horizon over the sea.
The finale of Festival Too was this evening with headline acts being Marcus Collins and Lemar, but I couldn't be bothered to go.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
Holme Marsh Reserve NWT
Complete waste of time as all you could see out of the flaps of Hide 1 and 2 were reeds. The skies were gloomy and grey and not a single butterfly was seen either.
Cley Coastguards
Bumped into John F. and Pete S. and together we walked to North Hide in hope of the Pectoral Sandpiper that was seen yesterday. The sun had finally decided to break through the grey clouds and it turned out to be a beautiful evening. Nice selection of birds including marsh harrier, several ruff, avocets, dunlins, redshanks, spotted redshanks, black-tailed godwits, 7 Spoonbills, lapwings, cormorants, shelducks etc and LGRE! No Pectoral Sandpiper in view though! The Short-toed Lark at BP had only been seen first thing this morning. I suddenly remembered about the recent Red-veined darter Dragonflies that have been seen at Kelling, so off I went with John F. Paul W. and others to find them in the now glorious sunshine.
Kelling Water Meadows
Black-tailed Skimmers, meadow browns and bees were seen. 2 Egyptian Geese on the edge of the pool and that was it. But I did have awesome views of a barn owl hunting and actually got some half decent shots on the camera, which cheered the day up.
Went to Walsey Hills to inspect the bottom public footpath - what bottom path? Its as though there never was a path its so overgrown - never seen it this bad. Lets hope the local council cut this back soon - its going to be seriously hard work to cut back, now its in this state!
It was now 7.45pm and a bit too late to bother going to the NWT hides so went to Cley Coastguards again - sat here eating the rest of my lunch/tea. Norfolk Exhibition Project Committee has some arty farty pieces located on the shingle bank at Coastguards including a giant Teepee constructed from reeds, a giant metal toaster and two other pieces. Saw a barn owl here and watched the swallows flying back and forth to their nest. Sandwich, Common and Little Terns all going west along the beach. 2 spoonbills flew east across Beach Road as I left. A beautiful sunset this evening with shards of light radiating down to the horizon over the sea.
The finale of Festival Too was this evening with headline acts being Marcus Collins and Lemar, but I couldn't be bothered to go.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Late Bird News and a Short-toed Lark at BP!
Worked a psychopathic shift this morning – can't say any more than that! Let's just say I was glad to finish the shift!
Highlights in Norfolk today:
Caspian Tern (yesterday) at Wissington Beet Factory.
Caspian Tern (again yesterday) reported 'past Cley'.
Short-toed Lark at 'Beachway' Blakeney Point this afternoon
{haven't got a clue where 'Beachway' is on BP - just looked on an old map of BP in the 'Blakeney Point and Scolt Head Island' book which my mother picked up a charity shop and gave to me on Friday and I can see no name on the map saying 'Beachway' - anyone else know where this is please?)
See pictures of Short-toed Lark HERE
Highlights in Norfolk today:
Caspian Tern (yesterday) at Wissington Beet Factory.
Caspian Tern (again yesterday) reported 'past Cley'.
Short-toed Lark at 'Beachway' Blakeney Point this afternoon
{haven't got a clue where 'Beachway' is on BP - just looked on an old map of BP in the 'Blakeney Point and Scolt Head Island' book which my mother picked up a charity shop and gave to me on Friday and I can see no name on the map saying 'Beachway' - anyone else know where this is please?)
See pictures of Short-toed Lark HERE
Andy Murray's tears after losing Wimbledon Final to Roger Federer!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/9385339/Andy-Murrays-tears-and-raw-emotion-after-defeat-to-Roger-Federer-in-Wimbledon-final-endear-him-to-a-nation.html
Congratulations to Roger Federer for his 7th Wimbledon title and to Andy Murray who most definately ruffled Roger's feathers in the first set – they both fought for their lives! Heart breaking for Andy at the finish.
Congratulations to Roger Federer for his 7th Wimbledon title and to Andy Murray who most definately ruffled Roger's feathers in the first set – they both fought for their lives! Heart breaking for Andy at the finish.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Crappy Day all round!
After the shocking news of Robin Abel's sudden death I felt rock bottom today – goodness knows how his closest and dearest friends are feeling, never mind his family - my heart goes out to you all.
My original plans were to go to RSPB Frampton today as I have not been there for a very long time and wanted to see how this reserve had developed since my last visit. I see on RBA a White-rumped Sandpiper turned up there today!
Its been torrential rain most of the day with a few sunny intervals. Currently pouring with rain as I write at 8.30pm. I was going to Festival Too this evening to watch the Brand New Heavies, but most definately not in the mood for it now.
All I managed to do today is to get up, eat and watch tennis. Oh and also booked my tickets for Bird Fair on line – very easy to do and cheaper than paying on the day, see here
Congratulations to Serena Williams who beat Agnieszka Radwanska in the Wimbledon Final - see here – I wanted Agnieszka to win though – she worked so hard when she was obviously so ill.
My original plans were to go to RSPB Frampton today as I have not been there for a very long time and wanted to see how this reserve had developed since my last visit. I see on RBA a White-rumped Sandpiper turned up there today!
Its been torrential rain most of the day with a few sunny intervals. Currently pouring with rain as I write at 8.30pm. I was going to Festival Too this evening to watch the Brand New Heavies, but most definately not in the mood for it now.
All I managed to do today is to get up, eat and watch tennis. Oh and also booked my tickets for Bird Fair on line – very easy to do and cheaper than paying on the day, see here
Congratulations to Serena Williams who beat Agnieszka Radwanska in the Wimbledon Final - see here – I wanted Agnieszka to win though – she worked so hard when she was obviously so ill.
Robin Abel – Rest in Peace
Very, very sad indeed, heard this shocking news late last night and although I only knew Robin for a short time compared to others, it's really rocked me - couldn't leave the house today. Robin lived in Norwich and lived for his birds and year listing. Such a lovely man, and although he came across as a quiet person, he had a wicked sense of humour. Robin was only 59 years old, he certainly looked younger. His last picture posted of the Squacco Heron at Welney last week on Birding World website here, so so sad. Every good bird that turned up in Norfolk and Robin was there for his year list – our paths crossed many times when I did my only year list in 2009. His sudden departure from our lives will affect many – my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
A beautiful obituary here and also fond memories written on the BF Norfolk thread here
RIP Robin.
A beautiful obituary here and also fond memories written on the BF Norfolk thread here
RIP Robin.
Friday, 6 July 2012
Torrential Rain and some very sad news indeed!
It was the heaviest rain here in King's Lynn I have seen since living here – I got soaked this morning just walking from my front door to the car! It had rained all night and all day until just after lunch. We had leaks at work and there were lots of buckets in use!!! I have never known such torrential rain for such a long period and severe weather warnings have been issued for the weekend – see here
Festival too kicked off this evening (I didn't bother going) and tomorrow night which I am going to with:
Jessies Ghost at 18:30
Kenza at 19:30
Jake Morrell at 20:00
The Brand New Heavies at 21:30
Finale of Festival Too is next Friday 13th and Saturday 14th.
Had to whizz over to my parents after Andy' Murrays Semi-final victory to sort their television out as quote from mother 'father had done something to the telly' – mother couldn't watch the tennis! I sorted it out for them and I watched the highlights of the match again with them before going home. Also father wasn't very well again today - so worried about him. My mother had to 'deal' with a horrible bully of a man this week who lives in the village – a very selfish, nasty person, who if I had been a 'son' I would have gone round to his house and decked him, if only I had a big brother! Mind you, it riled me so much, that someone has upset my mother, I feel like going round myself anyway!!!
Anyway on returning home this evening I was just about to jump in the shower, when I received an absolutely shocking text from a birding friend about a Norfolk birder who had passed away this week – I can't say who as I don't know who knows yet and not appropriate to say just now, but I am so shocked, life is an absolute bitch, I know we are all going to depart from this earth at some point but still, so very, very sad........
Its been like that at work this week as well – had to fight back the tears this morning in 'handover'. I am in the wrong job really, I get too emotionally attached to my patients.
Festival too kicked off this evening (I didn't bother going) and tomorrow night which I am going to with:
Jessies Ghost at 18:30
Kenza at 19:30
Jake Morrell at 20:00
The Brand New Heavies at 21:30
Finale of Festival Too is next Friday 13th and Saturday 14th.
Had to whizz over to my parents after Andy' Murrays Semi-final victory to sort their television out as quote from mother 'father had done something to the telly' – mother couldn't watch the tennis! I sorted it out for them and I watched the highlights of the match again with them before going home. Also father wasn't very well again today - so worried about him. My mother had to 'deal' with a horrible bully of a man this week who lives in the village – a very selfish, nasty person, who if I had been a 'son' I would have gone round to his house and decked him, if only I had a big brother! Mind you, it riled me so much, that someone has upset my mother, I feel like going round myself anyway!!!
Anyway on returning home this evening I was just about to jump in the shower, when I received an absolutely shocking text from a birding friend about a Norfolk birder who had passed away this week – I can't say who as I don't know who knows yet and not appropriate to say just now, but I am so shocked, life is an absolute bitch, I know we are all going to depart from this earth at some point but still, so very, very sad........
Its been like that at work this week as well – had to fight back the tears this morning in 'handover'. I am in the wrong job really, I get too emotionally attached to my patients.
Andy Murray beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga!!!!!
Wahoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Andy Murray has become the first British man to reach the Wimbledon men’s final for 74 years in a thrilling semi-final against Tsonga, beating him 4 sets to 1!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS ANDY!!!!!
Andy Murray – Wimbledon Final – Sunday, against Roger Federer!!!!
What a match that's going to be!
Andy Murray has become the first British man to reach the Wimbledon men’s final for 74 years in a thrilling semi-final against Tsonga, beating him 4 sets to 1!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS ANDY!!!!!
Andy Murray – Wimbledon Final – Sunday, against Roger Federer!!!!
What a match that's going to be!
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Land's End to John O'Groats for Charity!!!
My work colleague Lydia Payne is cycling 1000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats for the Alzheimer's Society. If anyone would like to sponser her, here is the link. Thank you.
http://www.justgiving.com/pedallingpaynes
http://www.justgiving.com/pedallingpaynes
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Andy Murray beats David Ferrer!
It was such an incredibly exciting match. Andy now goes on to play his fourth successive semi-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday. I don't know what time the semi-final starts on Friday, but I bet its while I'm working.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9377057/Wimbledon-2012-Andy-Murray-marches-into-semi-finals-with-thrilling-defeat-of-David-Ferrer.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9377057/Wimbledon-2012-Andy-Murray-marches-into-semi-finals-with-thrilling-defeat-of-David-Ferrer.html
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
My Blog Pictures
Once I have finished choosing, editing and adding ALL pictures to my blog, I vow NEVER to get behind again! This is a MAMMOTH task. They are being added slowly on a daily basis. Currently working on July 2011!!!!!
Monday, 2 July 2012
Extraordinary footage!!!
GREAT WHITE SHARK – PLANET EARTH – BBC
"Extraordinary footage from an ultra-high speed camera captures and illuminates shark behaviour in a wholly new way..........."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Great_white_shark#p0036vd6
"Extraordinary footage from an ultra-high speed camera captures and illuminates shark behaviour in a wholly new way..........."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Great_white_shark#p0036vd6
Welney WWT
I hoped that the Squacco Heron would stay another day, but when I looked at RBA at lunchtime there was 'no news' – typical! I had gone to great lengths yesterday to swap my working day with my colleague Sarah, so that I could do her early shift, to enable me to finish at 3.15pm. I know there was 'no news' but I decided to go anyway. I was on the road by 3.30pm and arrived at Welney at 4pm. I was told on arrival that there had been several people looking for the bird this morning. When I walked into the Reedbed Hide there was no one else here – I searched in vain. It was spitting with rain the whole time I was there. Walked out of the hide and walked further along the track to the furthest point and then back again to the centre. Oh well, you win some, you lose some! Sat in the car and had my tea – sandwiches which I had made last night. I was so tired at this point I started to fall asleep. Along Ten Mile Bank Road I saw three Grey Wagtails flit away by the roadside. I was so close to Ely where my little sister Vivien lives, it was very tempting to surprise her, but I felt exhausted, so sensibly drove back home. Working 6 days a week is getting tougher and tougher now I am getting older – poor 'ol gal'!!!
Anyway, enormous thanks to Sarah for swapping shifts x
Highlights in Norfolk today:
3 Ruddy Shelducks at Pentney Gravel Pits
Snow Bunting (male) between Salthouse and Little Eye
Anyway, enormous thanks to Sarah for swapping shifts x
Highlights in Norfolk today:
3 Ruddy Shelducks at Pentney Gravel Pits
Snow Bunting (male) between Salthouse and Little Eye
Sunday, 1 July 2012
MEGA – Western Black-eared Wheatear!!!
SQUACCO HERON still at Welney WWT today!!!
I am REALLY hoping to see this bird before it disappears – will keep my fingers crossed that it stays – PLEASE!!!
An absolutely stunning photograph of this bird by Chris Baines on RBA HERE
Three Red-veined Darter Dragonflies still at Kelling Water Meadows today.
An absolutely stunning photograph of this bird by Chris Baines on RBA HERE
Three Red-veined Darter Dragonflies still at Kelling Water Meadows today.
Spain 4-0 Italy
Watched most of the Final of Euro 2012 after I finished working all day. Spain just wiped Italy out! I wanted Italy to win, I really felt for them at the finish – someone has to lose I suppose! Saw MG's name come up in the credits at the end of the programme.
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