Sickening news – why would they be 'ecstatic' about killing birds?! I just don't understand at all.
"Malta has narrowly rejected proposals to ban controversial spring
hunting, during which migrating birds are shot before they can breed"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32274233
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32274939
Sunday, 12 April 2015
Possible Orca Photographed from Muckleburgh Hill!
Via Kayn Forbes on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/birdingnorfolk/status/587200399016382464
Norfolk's first reported Orca sighting was in February 2012 by Giles Dunmore and Phil Vines.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-17011462
https://twitter.com/birdingnorfolk/status/587200399016382464
Norfolk's first reported Orca sighting was in February 2012 by Giles Dunmore and Phil Vines.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-17011462
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Tree Pipit at West Runton.
Spoonbill at Thornham Marsh, viewed from Titchwell RSPB.
Black Redstart at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Ring Ouzel at Weybourne.
Black Redstart at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Common Cranes x 2 flew west at 11.15am over Cromer.
Common Cranes x 2 flew NW at 10.30am over Happisburgh.
Ring Ouzel at Happisburgh.
Common Cranes x 2 flew SW at 11.40am over Sheringham.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Sidestrand.
Ring Ouzel north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Garganey at Welney WWT.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Roydon Common.
Black Redstarts, Little Terns x 4 at Overstrand.
Green-winged Teal, Red-crested Pochards x 5 at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gull at Cromer.
Ring Ouzel at Trimingham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
Ring Ouzel at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel at Nunnery Lakes NR, Thetford.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Tree Pipit at West Runton.
Spoonbill at Thornham Marsh, viewed from Titchwell RSPB.
Black Redstart at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Ring Ouzel at Weybourne.
Black Redstart at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Common Cranes x 2 flew west at 11.15am over Cromer.
Common Cranes x 2 flew NW at 10.30am over Happisburgh.
Ring Ouzel at Happisburgh.
Common Cranes x 2 flew SW at 11.40am over Sheringham.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Sidestrand.
Ring Ouzel north of Choseley Drying Barns.
Garganey at Welney WWT.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Roydon Common.
Black Redstarts, Little Terns x 4 at Overstrand.
Green-winged Teal, Red-crested Pochards x 5 at Titchwell RSPB.
Glaucous Gull at Cromer.
Ring Ouzel at Trimingham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
Saturday, 11 April 2015
Birding In the Garden!
In my parent's garden to be precise, whilst 'Father Sitting' all afternoon. A beautiful sunny but cold day, but sadly was not able to go birding.
I have been sleeping on a camp bed since my house was smoke damaged and I have not been sleeping brilliantly at all. At last my new bed arrived this morning, can't wait to get in it! Lots of family stress at the moment – that's a massive understatement. I spent the afternoon and early evening looking after Father, whilst Vivien took Mother to an optician's in King's Lynn. I might aswell not have been there though, as Father was in the worst mood I have ever seen him – he wouldn't let me help him with anything at all and told me to get out of the room and stay out. I sat in the kitchen with my laptop and spent ages selecting and sorting photos for the blog. It was freezing in their house, as Mother let the parkray fire out last week. I looked after the stray cat more than Father. He refused his tea and coffee. He also refused the offer of a new hotwater bottle (always has one on his lap), help with toileting etc. Anything I offered made him angry. I had a kleenex box and a toilet roll thrown at me. Very sadly, he is starting to lose his mind, bit by bit, day by day.
I watched a beautiful Chiffchaff flitting about amongst the leafy tree just outside the kitchen window. 6 Stock Doves were feeding outside the dining room window along with 2 Blackbirds, 3 Jackdaws, a Moorhen, 3 Hedge Sparrows, 2 Chaffinches, a Robin, 5 Goldfinches, a Great Tit, a pair of Pheasants and a large rat. The Honey Bee nest in the kitchen roof is very active and because of this, you can't sit with the kitchen door open!
Mother and Vivien returned with more food shopping and with news of Mother being prescribed with reading and distance glasses, which I am collecting for her next week, nothing else sinister was found thank goodness. Father continued to be bad-tempered and his last words were to me 'I don't want to see you for at least a month'. I drove home in an emotional state.
So looking forward to going to sleep in a proper bed – hope to get out birding tomorrow – good night.
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
I have been sleeping on a camp bed since my house was smoke damaged and I have not been sleeping brilliantly at all. At last my new bed arrived this morning, can't wait to get in it! Lots of family stress at the moment – that's a massive understatement. I spent the afternoon and early evening looking after Father, whilst Vivien took Mother to an optician's in King's Lynn. I might aswell not have been there though, as Father was in the worst mood I have ever seen him – he wouldn't let me help him with anything at all and told me to get out of the room and stay out. I sat in the kitchen with my laptop and spent ages selecting and sorting photos for the blog. It was freezing in their house, as Mother let the parkray fire out last week. I looked after the stray cat more than Father. He refused his tea and coffee. He also refused the offer of a new hotwater bottle (always has one on his lap), help with toileting etc. Anything I offered made him angry. I had a kleenex box and a toilet roll thrown at me. Very sadly, he is starting to lose his mind, bit by bit, day by day.
I watched a beautiful Chiffchaff flitting about amongst the leafy tree just outside the kitchen window. 6 Stock Doves were feeding outside the dining room window along with 2 Blackbirds, 3 Jackdaws, a Moorhen, 3 Hedge Sparrows, 2 Chaffinches, a Robin, 5 Goldfinches, a Great Tit, a pair of Pheasants and a large rat. The Honey Bee nest in the kitchen roof is very active and because of this, you can't sit with the kitchen door open!
Mother and Vivien returned with more food shopping and with news of Mother being prescribed with reading and distance glasses, which I am collecting for her next week, nothing else sinister was found thank goodness. Father continued to be bad-tempered and his last words were to me 'I don't want to see you for at least a month'. I drove home in an emotional state.
So looking forward to going to sleep in a proper bed – hope to get out birding tomorrow – good night.
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat at West Runton.
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
Hooded Crow, Black Redstart at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Ring Ouzel at Somerton Holmes.
Serin flew north over Gorleston-on-Sea.
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Roydon Common.
White Stork esc. at Acle.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Ring Ouzel at Great Cressingham.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Common Crane at Horsey.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT BUSTARD in field early afternoon, then flew west at Hadlow, Kent.
MEGA! SCOPS OWL in main garden, Great Saltee Island, County Wexford, Ireland.
MEGA! GREATER YELLOWLEGS viewable from Meon Shore Hide at Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, Hampshire.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
Ring Ouzel at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Ring Ouzel at North Dunes, Winterton.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel, Whinchat at West Runton.
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
Hooded Crow, Black Redstart at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Ring Ouzel at Somerton Holmes.
Serin flew north over Gorleston-on-Sea.
Ring Ouzels x 5 at Roydon Common.
White Stork esc. at Acle.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes.
Ring Ouzel at Great Cressingham.
Ring Ouzels x 2, Common Crane at Horsey.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! GREAT BUSTARD in field early afternoon, then flew west at Hadlow, Kent.
MEGA! SCOPS OWL in main garden, Great Saltee Island, County Wexford, Ireland.
MEGA! GREATER YELLOWLEGS viewable from Meon Shore Hide at Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, Hampshire.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
Friday, 10 April 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great Grey Shrike still, south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Whimbrel yesterday flew over Norwich.
Black Redstart, Yellow Wagtails x 2, at Beach Road, Common Cranes x 2 (flew east) at Salthouse.
Ring Ouzel at Salthouse Heath.
Black Redstart at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Yellow Wagtail at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzel, Sedge Warbler at Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 4 at Holme Marsh.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Houghton Hall near King's Lynn.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Little Gull, Common Tern at Colney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzel, Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Weybourne.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Sidestrand.
Hooded Crow at Happisburgh.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Little Gull, Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Little Gull at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Ruddy Shelduck at Boughton Fen.
Little Ringed Plover, Yellow Wagtails x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Shorelarks x 7, Short-eared Owl at Blakeney Point.
Garganey x 2 at Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
NOTE: Scarce migrants seen throughout UK:
32 Hoopoe's, 6 Wrynecks, 3 Great Grey Shrikes and
250 migrant Ring Ouzels, 44 Redstarts, 37 Garganey, 20 Ospreys,
5 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Black Terns, 2 Whinchats and a Wood Sandpiper!
Fabulous list for the day!
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
Great Grey Shrike still, south of Choseley Drying Barns.
Whimbrel yesterday flew over Norwich.
Black Redstart, Yellow Wagtails x 2, at Beach Road, Common Cranes x 2 (flew east) at Salthouse.
Ring Ouzel at Salthouse Heath.
Black Redstart at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
Yellow Wagtail at Cley NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 6 at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Ring Ouzel at Felbrigg Hall NT.
Spoonbill at Titchwell RSPB.
Ring Ouzel, Sedge Warbler at Holme Dunes NWT.
Ring Ouzels x 4 at Holme Marsh.
Ring Ouzels x 2 at Houghton Hall near King's Lynn.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Little Gull, Common Tern at Colney Gravel Pits.
Ring Ouzel, Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Great Grey Shrike at Weybourne.
Ring Ouzels x 3 at Sidestrand.
Hooded Crow at Happisburgh.
Ring Ouzels x 3, Little Gull, Short-eared Owl at Horsey.
Little Gull at Pentney Gravel Pits.
Ruddy Shelduck at Boughton Fen.
Little Ringed Plover, Yellow Wagtails x 3 at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Great White Egret at Hockwold Washes, Lakenheath Fen RSPB.
Shorelarks x 7, Short-eared Owl at Blakeney Point.
Garganey x 2 at Welney WWT.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
NOTE: Scarce migrants seen throughout UK:
32 Hoopoe's, 6 Wrynecks, 3 Great Grey Shrikes and
250 migrant Ring Ouzels, 44 Redstarts, 37 Garganey, 20 Ospreys,
5 Pied Flycatchers, 4 Black Terns, 2 Whinchats and a Wood Sandpiper!
Fabulous list for the day!
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR – 16th & 17th May
NORFOLK BIRD & WILDLIFE FAIR!
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May!
Last year was a huge success, this year will be even bigger!
Celebrity Bill Oddie will be signing books and presenting on Sunday!!!
Mannington Hall is a fifteenth century moated house – a stunning venue with beautiful formal and woodland gardens, ponds, walled rose garden, temple, nineteenth century follies, nature reserve, teashop and that's without the Bird & Wildlife Fair!!!
Exhibitors include:
Optics, Cameras, Art, Photography, Wildlife Organisations & Businesses, Holidays & Tours, Charities, Caterers and Local Produce.
SPONSORED BIRD RACE (see website for details)
LECTURES on both days
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
• Face Painting • Pond Dipping • Book Signings • Moth Trapping
• Wild Touch • Willow Weaving • Ladybird Trail • Geocaching Trail and loads more!
• Wild Touch • Willow Weaving • Ladybird Trail • Geocaching Trail and loads more!
Children will be free admittance (max. 3 per adult under 16)
No dogs permitted on site – guide dogs only
A fabulous day out for all the family!
I will be going both days – looking forward to Vette's Veggie Van again! I sat watching a Spotted Flycatcher last year, whilst eating an ice-cream – hope the sun shines for the weekend.
Some of the exciting birds that can be seen at Mannington Hall are:
Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker,
Kingfisher (from hide) and Firecrest!
Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker,
Kingfisher (from hide) and Firecrest!
See my write-up and pictures from last year:
Thursday, 9 April 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owls x 2 (North Dunes), Rough-legged Buzzard at Winterton.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Caister-on-Sea.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Black Redstart in churchyard, north of Yarmouth Minster, Great Yarmouth.
Whimbrel at Cley NWT.
Redstart in Crown Lane, Wells.
Firecrest near Cross Street, Salthouse.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike south of Choseley Drying Barns.
White Wagtails x 4 at Horsey.
Cuckoo, Yellow-legged Gull at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford NNR.
Twite x 4 at Happisburgh.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Short-eared Owls x 2 (North Dunes), Rough-legged Buzzard at Winterton.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Caister-on-Sea.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Black Redstart in churchyard, north of Yarmouth Minster, Great Yarmouth.
Whimbrel at Cley NWT.
Redstart in Crown Lane, Wells.
Firecrest near Cross Street, Salthouse.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Great Grey Shrike south of Choseley Drying Barns.
White Wagtails x 4 at Horsey.
Cuckoo, Yellow-legged Gull at Nunnery Lakes, Thetford NNR.
Twite x 4 at Happisburgh.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Hard Core Day!
Extra hard day at work today. Phoned Mother at lunchtime to get the shopping list – she hadn't done it and I had to ring her back again! Also informed her that I had requested a home visit from her GP for her this afternoon – she went beserk, but she wouldn't have done it, so I had to (won't go into details). Doctor came out and asked Mother to book an Optician's Appointment firstly (she did, amazingly) and then to book an appointment for several checks to be done at GP surgery after that. The doctor sounded like he was quite thorough and tested Mother out with several things. I really don't know how/who we are going to get to sit with Father whilst she goes to opticians and GP's though – he can't be left at all.
Rainbow Cleaning Team arrived with the rest of my clothes and laundry at 5pm and there was only one member of staff, so I had to carry everything that was on hangers upstairs myself. I lost count of how many times I went up and down those stairs! Last thing I needed to be doing after my hard day at work. Also 18 large boxes of clothes are now sitting in my living room! I couldn't face carrying all those upstairs aswell, so I have alot of stuff to sort out over the next few days.
Drove to Hunstanton and had fish 'n' chips on the cliff top and gave a third away to the gulls, much to their enjoyment. Went to Sainsbury's to do parent's big weekly shop. Took shopping to Holme, put away, had a cup of tea and a chat with parent's. Father asked me a question – I can't remember specifically what it was now, but I replied 'Z' – he smiled and then chuckled! I was being sarcastic as this is normally his answer to everything!!! He's still stuck in the armchair – the physios have still not been out and he is now back on the waiting list again. Arrived back at my house at 9.30pm. I really need to do some supermarket shopping myself, but don't have the time right now.
Rainbow Cleaning Team arrived with the rest of my clothes and laundry at 5pm and there was only one member of staff, so I had to carry everything that was on hangers upstairs myself. I lost count of how many times I went up and down those stairs! Last thing I needed to be doing after my hard day at work. Also 18 large boxes of clothes are now sitting in my living room! I couldn't face carrying all those upstairs aswell, so I have alot of stuff to sort out over the next few days.
Drove to Hunstanton and had fish 'n' chips on the cliff top and gave a third away to the gulls, much to their enjoyment. Went to Sainsbury's to do parent's big weekly shop. Took shopping to Holme, put away, had a cup of tea and a chat with parent's. Father asked me a question – I can't remember specifically what it was now, but I replied 'Z' – he smiled and then chuckled! I was being sarcastic as this is normally his answer to everything!!! He's still stuck in the armchair – the physios have still not been out and he is now back on the waiting list again. Arrived back at my house at 9.30pm. I really need to do some supermarket shopping myself, but don't have the time right now.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Iceland Gull at Weybourne.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Black Redstart in Cemetery, Great Yarmouth.
Ring Ouzel at Holme NWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Warham Greens.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl in North Dunes, Black Redstart in East side of Village, Winterton.
Black Redstart in allotments, Holt.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Iceland Gull at Weybourne.
Ring Ouzel at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Spotted Redshank at Breydon Water.
Black Redstart in Cemetery, Great Yarmouth.
Ring Ouzel at Holme NWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Warham Greens.
Spoonbill at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Ring Ouzel, Short-eared Owl in North Dunes, Black Redstart in East side of Village, Winterton.
Black Redstart in allotments, Holt.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl at Haddiscoe Island.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Ring Ouzel at South Dunes and one 'in Paddocks', Winterton.
Scaup x 2 at Filby Broad.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Hawfinch, Firecrests x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
RAVEN flew east at 3.40pm at Holkham Park.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Hooded Crow at Happisburgh.
Gargeney at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Short-eared Owl at Halvergate Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Scolt Head Island NNR.
Redstart SW of Little Walsingham.
Spoonbill at Cley NWT.
Shorelarks x 8, Short-eared Owl at Blakeney Point.
Firecrest in Norwich.
Short-eared Owl, Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! CRAG MARTIN Bonchurch at East Dene, briefly 2.15pm then drifted north and no sign since 4.30pm – Isle of Wight.MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Ring Ouzel at South Dunes and one 'in Paddocks', Winterton.
Scaup x 2 at Filby Broad.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Firecrest at Beeston Common, Sheringham.
Hawfinch, Firecrests x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
RAVEN flew east at 3.40pm at Holkham Park.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Hooded Crow at Happisburgh.
Gargeney at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Short-eared Owl at Halvergate Marshes.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Scolt Head Island NNR.
Redstart SW of Little Walsingham.
Spoonbill at Cley NWT.
Shorelarks x 8, Short-eared Owl at Blakeney Point.
Firecrest in Norwich.
Short-eared Owl, Bure Park, Great Yarmouth.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! CRAG MARTIN Bonchurch at East Dene, briefly 2.15pm then drifted north and no sign since 4.30pm – Isle of Wight.MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Monday, 6 April 2015
Goshawk Captured On Camera At Blakeney Freshes!
Juvenile Goshawk caught on a trail camera at Blakeney Freshes!
Imagine the excitement of seeing that on the camera!
Imagine the excitement of seeing that on the camera!
Very sad to hear of a fire at Friary Hills, Blakeney, which it is believed that somebody deliberately set fire to two areas of gorse. Also news of Sandwich Terns settling in on Far Point and other interesting posts from Ranger Ajay at Blakeney Point on their popular and well written blog.
http://norfolkcoastnationaltrust.blogspot.co.uk/
Bank Holiday Birding at Burnham Overy Dunes, Gun Hill, Cley & Salthouse!
I was determined to have a full day out birding and had set the alarm early. I bashed the snooze button at 5am and again and again! The skies were blue and the sun was out. I was on the road by 7.15am. At the crossroads north of Bircham Newton I saw a Barn Owl fly from a post, which was a nice start to the day! I always drive quite slowly through Bircham Newton Training Centre as I always imagine a hoopoe feeding on the short turfed verges and large areas of mowed grass here – there were a few Rooks, Blackbirds and Pied Wagtails. As I neared the coast the skies melted into a grey murky gloom and dense fog in places too – I couldn't believe it! I parked up at Burnham Overy Staithe and I couldn't see the horizon – how depressing. Where had my blue skies and sunshine disappeared to? I presumed this was the usual coastal blanket fog, whilst inland areas bathed in sunshine. My second Barn Owl of the morning flew across the fields nearby. Packed up my rucksack and with camera and bins in hand I was off.
Burnham Overy Dunes and Gun Hill
Walking along the track produced Chaffinches, Linnets, Goldfinches and Hedgesparrows, but no hint of any migrants. I didn't even hear a Chiffchaff in the large sallows. I watched two Kestrels hovering over a stubble field and there were plenty of Greylag Geese around along with Lapwings, Coots, Wigeon, Teal, Oystercatchers, several Curlews, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. The wonderful sound of Skylarks cheered up the gloomy, dull start to the day.
The bushes at the end of the sea wall only produced a single Magpie. I walked west along the path to Gun Hill. I expected to at least see a Wheatear, but nothing. A familiar 'clacking' sound produced several Fieldfares feeding on the short turf along with Linnets at 9.30am – they all then flew off over the bank. I managed to creep up on them to get some poor record shots on the camera and counted 11 Fieldfares in all, before they headed off east. Good numbers of Brent Geese on the marshes, a couple of Little Egrets and the odd Cormorant flying over. I sat on the seat by the 'Grey Goose' and enjoyed a coffee and a marmalade roll before heading back. A single Reed Bunting was perched in a hawthorn singing by the sluice. The bank holiday dogs on masses had now started to arrive with very few on leads, but to be fair most looked pretty well behaved. I spotted a single Canada Goose amongst the Greylags and there was a Mute Swan, a pair of Tufted Ducks and Mallard on the pool east of the sea wall. Along with numerous Redshanks, there were 37 Black-tailed Godwits feeding in the channel near the sluice. A rare occurrence then happened! A Bittern started booming from the middle of the reedbeds in the marsh at 11am! I have never heard one here before, what a fabulous surprise! Shortly after this I watched a pair of Marsh Harriers sky dancing and then another three distantly. Not far from where I stood, there were a few clods of earth in a row in the field – as I scanned past with the bins I realised that all the clods were not clods, but were in fact two Grey Partridges who had camouflaged themselves perfectly! You would never have known they were there without binoculars! Back at the car I watched 5 Common Buzzards circling distantly.
Cley Coastguards & Visitor Centre NWT
The traffic through Cley village was both amusing and infuriating – I don't know why people drive differently on a bank holiday here, but they do, honest! The sun had now decided to show its face and with blue skies and fluffy white clouds, the afternoon improved no end. I started off at Coastguards and scanned with the scope for anything exciting on the sea in hope of a sandwich tern or similar, but it was a very poor state of affairs, apart from Black-headed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls nothing at all. Kept looking up, but no hirundines either. Local birder Dave chatted for a while and he hadn't seen anything much either – he had been looking for Ring Ouzels in favourite spots, but failed.
Visitor Centre for my lunch – it wasn't as crazily packed out as I thought it would be, but the jacket potatoes had run out by 1.45pm so had to make do with my second choice of Houmous and Vege toastie, but I did manage to get a window seat. I didn't want to sit outside when I discovered to my dismay that dogs are allowed on the 'terrace'. I really hope this doesn't last long – a few doggie 'accidents' or bitten child will soon put an end to that! Why would I want to spend my lunch listening to barking dogs? Come to that, why would anybody? So although I congratulate the NWT for their fabulous new education centre and stunning terrace area, I am not impressed with the dog addition idea at all!
Salthouse and Walsey Hills NOA
I parked up at Beach Road and was going to walk to Gramborough Hill, but changed my mind as there were too many people here and bouncy dogs. Re-located to Walsey Hills and walked along the bottom path to listen to a Chiffchaff singing. I couldn't see it though, never mind photograph it! I walked all round and was surprised not to see a single butterfly here. I smiled with delight when I found a single Common Lizard basking on the railway sleeper on the bank. I stood by the hide and was admiring the view, when I found myself half heartily watching what I assumed was two marsh harriers over Snipe's Pool – as they neared (note, my camera was zipped up in bag at this point) I realised, both had forked tails. Suddenly 2 awesome Red Kites were sailing over my head – directly over my head with all their stunning colours and crisp outline against the blue sky – perfect flight shots. I grappled to get the camera out and got some shots as they had passed and continued to head east at 3.40pm. Note to self: always have the camera ready!
Re-parked the car in the East Bank car park and lazily walked along the bank to see Bearded Tits. It was really pretty along here and the 'Serpentine' was full of birds including Teal, Wigeon, Shovelers, Little Egrets, Greylags, Redshanks, Pied Wagtails etc. I sat part way down the bottom of the East Bank just before the sluice on the west side, in hope of seeing Bearded Tits – I did see three fly across to the east side, but that was it. Suddenly I found myself dozing in the sunshine – lovely! Later I got up and started to walk back along the bank. A familiar face appeared... Kim and her husband Adam from work! It was weird seeing someone I work with here – you get used to seeing someone only in their uniform. Kim made me laugh when she said she had just being saying to her husband that she works with a lady called Penny who birdwatches at Cley and here I was! This was their first visit to Cley and they were really enjoying it. I ID'd some birds for them and they continued their walk to the end of the East Bank, west along to Coastguards and then back along the West Bank, Beach Road and returned along the main road – I take my hat off to them, that's a long walk!
Dauke's Hide, Cley NWT
Whilst walking along the path to the hides I bumped into John M. who declared E.T.M was not a happy mood because of a birder dressed in bright red and hanging out of the hide flap in Bishop's Hide – oh dear! Made me chuckle. Anyway, in the hide the light was stunning, but it was absolutely freezing even with gloves on. A Water Rail raced across, but managed to capture this on the camera. Two Hares lolloped towards the hide until my annoyingly loud shutter made them re-trace their steps – bl**dy photographers!!! Lots of Avocets, Teal, Wigeon, Shelducks, Redshanks, a single Ruff, Black-headed Gulls and 10 Little Egrets. Also 3 Grey Herons flew across landing in front of Avocet Hide. A couple of Marsh Harriers scattered a few birds briefly before I left.
Fell asleep as soon as I got home and was too tired to write the blog up, hence my late update of this on Tuesday evening, sorry! Sleep beckons.
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE ADDED
Burnham Overy Dunes and Gun Hill
Walking along the track produced Chaffinches, Linnets, Goldfinches and Hedgesparrows, but no hint of any migrants. I didn't even hear a Chiffchaff in the large sallows. I watched two Kestrels hovering over a stubble field and there were plenty of Greylag Geese around along with Lapwings, Coots, Wigeon, Teal, Oystercatchers, several Curlews, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits. The wonderful sound of Skylarks cheered up the gloomy, dull start to the day.
The bushes at the end of the sea wall only produced a single Magpie. I walked west along the path to Gun Hill. I expected to at least see a Wheatear, but nothing. A familiar 'clacking' sound produced several Fieldfares feeding on the short turf along with Linnets at 9.30am – they all then flew off over the bank. I managed to creep up on them to get some poor record shots on the camera and counted 11 Fieldfares in all, before they headed off east. Good numbers of Brent Geese on the marshes, a couple of Little Egrets and the odd Cormorant flying over. I sat on the seat by the 'Grey Goose' and enjoyed a coffee and a marmalade roll before heading back. A single Reed Bunting was perched in a hawthorn singing by the sluice. The bank holiday dogs on masses had now started to arrive with very few on leads, but to be fair most looked pretty well behaved. I spotted a single Canada Goose amongst the Greylags and there was a Mute Swan, a pair of Tufted Ducks and Mallard on the pool east of the sea wall. Along with numerous Redshanks, there were 37 Black-tailed Godwits feeding in the channel near the sluice. A rare occurrence then happened! A Bittern started booming from the middle of the reedbeds in the marsh at 11am! I have never heard one here before, what a fabulous surprise! Shortly after this I watched a pair of Marsh Harriers sky dancing and then another three distantly. Not far from where I stood, there were a few clods of earth in a row in the field – as I scanned past with the bins I realised that all the clods were not clods, but were in fact two Grey Partridges who had camouflaged themselves perfectly! You would never have known they were there without binoculars! Back at the car I watched 5 Common Buzzards circling distantly.
Cley Coastguards & Visitor Centre NWT
The traffic through Cley village was both amusing and infuriating – I don't know why people drive differently on a bank holiday here, but they do, honest! The sun had now decided to show its face and with blue skies and fluffy white clouds, the afternoon improved no end. I started off at Coastguards and scanned with the scope for anything exciting on the sea in hope of a sandwich tern or similar, but it was a very poor state of affairs, apart from Black-headed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls nothing at all. Kept looking up, but no hirundines either. Local birder Dave chatted for a while and he hadn't seen anything much either – he had been looking for Ring Ouzels in favourite spots, but failed.
Visitor Centre for my lunch – it wasn't as crazily packed out as I thought it would be, but the jacket potatoes had run out by 1.45pm so had to make do with my second choice of Houmous and Vege toastie, but I did manage to get a window seat. I didn't want to sit outside when I discovered to my dismay that dogs are allowed on the 'terrace'. I really hope this doesn't last long – a few doggie 'accidents' or bitten child will soon put an end to that! Why would I want to spend my lunch listening to barking dogs? Come to that, why would anybody? So although I congratulate the NWT for their fabulous new education centre and stunning terrace area, I am not impressed with the dog addition idea at all!
Salthouse and Walsey Hills NOA
I parked up at Beach Road and was going to walk to Gramborough Hill, but changed my mind as there were too many people here and bouncy dogs. Re-located to Walsey Hills and walked along the bottom path to listen to a Chiffchaff singing. I couldn't see it though, never mind photograph it! I walked all round and was surprised not to see a single butterfly here. I smiled with delight when I found a single Common Lizard basking on the railway sleeper on the bank. I stood by the hide and was admiring the view, when I found myself half heartily watching what I assumed was two marsh harriers over Snipe's Pool – as they neared (note, my camera was zipped up in bag at this point) I realised, both had forked tails. Suddenly 2 awesome Red Kites were sailing over my head – directly over my head with all their stunning colours and crisp outline against the blue sky – perfect flight shots. I grappled to get the camera out and got some shots as they had passed and continued to head east at 3.40pm. Note to self: always have the camera ready!
Re-parked the car in the East Bank car park and lazily walked along the bank to see Bearded Tits. It was really pretty along here and the 'Serpentine' was full of birds including Teal, Wigeon, Shovelers, Little Egrets, Greylags, Redshanks, Pied Wagtails etc. I sat part way down the bottom of the East Bank just before the sluice on the west side, in hope of seeing Bearded Tits – I did see three fly across to the east side, but that was it. Suddenly I found myself dozing in the sunshine – lovely! Later I got up and started to walk back along the bank. A familiar face appeared... Kim and her husband Adam from work! It was weird seeing someone I work with here – you get used to seeing someone only in their uniform. Kim made me laugh when she said she had just being saying to her husband that she works with a lady called Penny who birdwatches at Cley and here I was! This was their first visit to Cley and they were really enjoying it. I ID'd some birds for them and they continued their walk to the end of the East Bank, west along to Coastguards and then back along the West Bank, Beach Road and returned along the main road – I take my hat off to them, that's a long walk!
Dauke's Hide, Cley NWT
Whilst walking along the path to the hides I bumped into John M. who declared E.T.M was not a happy mood because of a birder dressed in bright red and hanging out of the hide flap in Bishop's Hide – oh dear! Made me chuckle. Anyway, in the hide the light was stunning, but it was absolutely freezing even with gloves on. A Water Rail raced across, but managed to capture this on the camera. Two Hares lolloped towards the hide until my annoyingly loud shutter made them re-trace their steps – bl**dy photographers!!! Lots of Avocets, Teal, Wigeon, Shelducks, Redshanks, a single Ruff, Black-headed Gulls and 10 Little Egrets. Also 3 Grey Herons flew across landing in front of Avocet Hide. A couple of Marsh Harriers scattered a few birds briefly before I left.
Fell asleep as soon as I got home and was too tired to write the blog up, hence my late update of this on Tuesday evening, sorry! Sleep beckons.
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Firecrest at North Dunes, Black Redstart at South Dunes, Winterton.
Firecrest at Hemsby.
Gargeney x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Twite x 25 at Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Norton.
Spoonbills x 2 at Upton Marshes.
Spoonbill yesterday at Salthouse.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Spoonbills x 2 at Halvergate Marshes.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Little Gulls x 2 at Barton Broad.
Spoonbill east of Quay at Wells.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Glaucous Gull, Firecrests x 2 'recently' at Sea Palling.
Short-eared Owl at Waxham.
Turtle Dove flew over A149 at 10.20am, between Titchwell & Brancaster.
Long-eared Owl, Lapland Bunting at Trimingham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Firecrest at North Dunes, Black Redstart at South Dunes, Winterton.
Firecrest at Hemsby.
Gargeney x 2 at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Twite x 25 at Salthouse.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Great White Egret, Spoonbills x 2 at Burnham Norton.
Spoonbills x 2 at Upton Marshes.
Spoonbill yesterday at Salthouse.
Rough-legged Buzzard, Spoonbills x 2 at Halvergate Marshes.
Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Little Gulls x 2 at Barton Broad.
Spoonbill east of Quay at Wells.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Dunes.
Glaucous Gull, Firecrests x 2 'recently' at Sea Palling.
Short-eared Owl at Waxham.
Turtle Dove flew over A149 at 10.20am, between Titchwell & Brancaster.
Long-eared Owl, Lapland Bunting at Trimingham.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles.
Sunday, 5 April 2015
My First Spring Twitch!
The last couple of days, have involved sorting more stuff in the spare room, being ruthless, going to the tip and preparing for the delivery of my massive clothes collection, which is being returned to me this Wednesday evening! It hasn't been worth posting about what I have been up to over Easter, that is until this evening!
I was 'Father Sitting' this afternoon, to allow my Mother to escape from the house for a short time. She hasn't left the house, since Father has come home from hospital. My sister Vivien took Mother to Home Marsh Reserve NWT and on her return remarked about how late everything is this year. She was delighted to see a Red Admiral and Peacock butterfly whilst there and some young ducklings on the pool in the field, just before you walk through the first gate. She also heard a Cetti's Warbler and a Chiffchaff. She looked much happier when she came home. Father was not in the best of moods, sadly. I'm sure he'll feel better when a ramp has been built, so we can get him outside in the wheelchair, but he insists that he won't be getting into any wheelchair! Mind you after the six month waiting time from Social Services to get the ramp done, he may have changed his mind!
Whilst I was at Holme, the pager bleeped up with Ring Ouzel along 'Thornham Road', Ringstead. I left Holme and drove up the Ringstead Road, turned left on the sharp corner into Thornham Road and looked for the Ring Ouzel or birders! Neither found, I carried on. Watched a fabulously bright Yellowhammer singing in the uppermost branches of a thick hedge and attempted to photograph it, using the car as a hide – but there was too much foliage in front of the bird to get any sharp pictures. Then a more detailed message appeared on the pager about the Ring Ouzel. I returned to the first hedge that runs north, approx 300 yrds from the turn off left on the sharp corner that is 'Thornham Road'. Parked the car up and walked alongside the hedge slowly. It was so nice to be out and it was a beautiful sunny evening. I spent nearly an hour here looking for the Ring Ouzel. Scanned the ploughed field, the grassy field, the hedge further west and well everywhere, no sign! Several Red-legged and Grey Partridges, a couple of Oystercatchers, Yellowhammers, Chaffinches and Hedgesparrows and also a good number of Hares seen. I watched a large raptor flying steadily south west distantly (my gut instinct was Osprey), but had left my scope in the car – this wasn't one of my best ideas!
A couple of birders arrived and started walking along the opposite side of the hedge that I had walked. They were only approximately 50 yards from me, when the young man pointed down to an area of grass fairly close to me. I very carefully stepped to peep over onto that side of the hedge and the Ring Ouzel was so quick, I didn't even see it on the ground! Up it flew and away – I could see that it was a cracking male. I couldn't believe that it had only been yards from me all that time!!! Higher and higher it flew, north towards Holme village. I watched it until it was the tiniest speck! I managed to get some tiny speck photographs as it flew off (dot on the screen) – they won't win any prizes! How exciting! Another birder arrived, sadly too late. My Easter and Spring birding has begun at last! Looking forward to tomorrow!
I left and parked the car at the junction of 'Greenway' and walked along the track a little way in hope of re-finding the Ring Ouzel, but no luck. It felt really cold now, but still a beautiful evening. Lots of Hares running around in the field, a Barn Owl was quartering the field and the bright orange sun was setting over the sea at Hunstanton – a stunning scene indeed.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
I was 'Father Sitting' this afternoon, to allow my Mother to escape from the house for a short time. She hasn't left the house, since Father has come home from hospital. My sister Vivien took Mother to Home Marsh Reserve NWT and on her return remarked about how late everything is this year. She was delighted to see a Red Admiral and Peacock butterfly whilst there and some young ducklings on the pool in the field, just before you walk through the first gate. She also heard a Cetti's Warbler and a Chiffchaff. She looked much happier when she came home. Father was not in the best of moods, sadly. I'm sure he'll feel better when a ramp has been built, so we can get him outside in the wheelchair, but he insists that he won't be getting into any wheelchair! Mind you after the six month waiting time from Social Services to get the ramp done, he may have changed his mind!
Whilst I was at Holme, the pager bleeped up with Ring Ouzel along 'Thornham Road', Ringstead. I left Holme and drove up the Ringstead Road, turned left on the sharp corner into Thornham Road and looked for the Ring Ouzel or birders! Neither found, I carried on. Watched a fabulously bright Yellowhammer singing in the uppermost branches of a thick hedge and attempted to photograph it, using the car as a hide – but there was too much foliage in front of the bird to get any sharp pictures. Then a more detailed message appeared on the pager about the Ring Ouzel. I returned to the first hedge that runs north, approx 300 yrds from the turn off left on the sharp corner that is 'Thornham Road'. Parked the car up and walked alongside the hedge slowly. It was so nice to be out and it was a beautiful sunny evening. I spent nearly an hour here looking for the Ring Ouzel. Scanned the ploughed field, the grassy field, the hedge further west and well everywhere, no sign! Several Red-legged and Grey Partridges, a couple of Oystercatchers, Yellowhammers, Chaffinches and Hedgesparrows and also a good number of Hares seen. I watched a large raptor flying steadily south west distantly (my gut instinct was Osprey), but had left my scope in the car – this wasn't one of my best ideas!
A couple of birders arrived and started walking along the opposite side of the hedge that I had walked. They were only approximately 50 yards from me, when the young man pointed down to an area of grass fairly close to me. I very carefully stepped to peep over onto that side of the hedge and the Ring Ouzel was so quick, I didn't even see it on the ground! Up it flew and away – I could see that it was a cracking male. I couldn't believe that it had only been yards from me all that time!!! Higher and higher it flew, north towards Holme village. I watched it until it was the tiniest speck! I managed to get some tiny speck photographs as it flew off (dot on the screen) – they won't win any prizes! How exciting! Another birder arrived, sadly too late. My Easter and Spring birding has begun at last! Looking forward to tomorrow!
I left and parked the car at the junction of 'Greenway' and walked along the track a little way in hope of re-finding the Ring Ouzel, but no luck. It felt really cold now, but still a beautiful evening. Lots of Hares running around in the field, a Barn Owl was quartering the field and the bright orange sun was setting over the sea at Hunstanton – a stunning scene indeed.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
EASTER SUNDAY
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey x 2, Sedge Warbler, Bittern, Red-crested Pochards x 8 at Titchwell RSPB.
Gargeney, Common Cranes x 4, Bittern at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Twite x 24 at Salthouse.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Gargeney x 2 (Beach Pool), Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Redstart, Hen Harrier at Dersingham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzel at Ringstead.
Firecrest at Hemsby.
Hawfinches x 2, Firecrests x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Common Crane flew south over Cley-next-Sea.
Common Crane flew east over Holt.
Gargeney, Ruddy Shelducks x 2 at Kimberley Hall.
Shorelarks x 8 at Blakeney Point.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Garganey x 2, Sedge Warbler, Bittern, Red-crested Pochards x 8 at Titchwell RSPB.
Gargeney, Common Cranes x 4, Bittern at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Twite x 24 at Salthouse.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Gargeney x 2 (Beach Pool), Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Redstart, Hen Harrier at Dersingham.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Breydon Water.
Ring Ouzel at Ringstead.
Firecrest at Hemsby.
Hawfinches x 2, Firecrests x 3 at Lynford Aboretum.
Rough-legged Buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Common Crane flew south over Cley-next-Sea.
Common Crane flew east over Holt.
Gargeney, Ruddy Shelducks x 2 at Kimberley Hall.
Shorelarks x 8 at Blakeney Point.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Saturday, 4 April 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Scaup at Cantley Beet Factory.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Iceland Gull, Garganey x 2 (Beach Pool), Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Black Redstart, Common Cranes x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
White Stork esc. at Haddiscoe Marshes.
Short-eared Owl at Salthouse.
Short-eared Owl at Chedgrave.
Short-eared Owl at Holme.
Shorelarks x 8, Black Redstart at Blakeney Point.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Little Gulls x 2 at Barton Broad.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Scaup at Cantley Beet Factory.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Great Grey Shrike at Roydon Common.
Iceland Gull, Garganey x 2 (Beach Pool), Lapland Buntings x 2 at Weybourne.
Black Redstart, Common Cranes x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
White Stork esc. at Haddiscoe Marshes.
Short-eared Owl at Salthouse.
Short-eared Owl at Chedgrave.
Short-eared Owl at Holme.
Shorelarks x 8, Black Redstart at Blakeney Point.
Great White Egret at Welney WWT.
Hawfinches x 4 at Lynford Aboretum.
Little Gulls x 2 at Barton Broad.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Brora, Highland, Scotland.
Friday, 3 April 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
GOOD FRIDAY
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 3 at Acle.
SERIN at Hemsby Dunes.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Black Redstart at Stiffkey Fen (E.T.M).
Lapland Buntings x 2, Snow Buntings x 3 at Weybourne.
Scaup, Short-eared Owl at Chedgrave Marshes.
Iceland Gull at Weybourne.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Claxton Marshes.
Also Swallow over Stiffkey Fen (E.T.M)
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles.
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Common Cranes x 3 at Acle.
SERIN at Hemsby Dunes.
Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves.
Black Redstart at Stiffkey Fen (E.T.M).
Lapland Buntings x 2, Snow Buntings x 3 at Weybourne.
Scaup, Short-eared Owl at Chedgrave Marshes.
Iceland Gull at Weybourne.
Short-eared Owls x 2 at Claxton Marshes.
Also Swallow over Stiffkey Fen (E.T.M)
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! HARLEQUIN DUCK still, Aberdeen, Highland, Scotland.
MEGA! AMERICAN COOT still, Balranald RSPB, North Uist, Western Isles.
Thursday, 2 April 2015
Thursday Update!
When I returned home from work last night, I had the weirdest thing happen. As I walked in my front door I noticed a parcel card on the mat, which informed me a parcel had been left round a neighbours house. Parcel? I wasn't expecting any parcel! Mystified, I walked to the neighbours house to find a large box containing a bouquet of flowers. How odd! A mystery admirer maybe... who could they be from? A card read 'Just to say.... please enjoy these flowers, it was lovely speaking to you Saturday night regarding your renewal – Susan Cook MoreThan' I just couldn't believe what I was reading – MoreThan Insurance who I have just renewed the Skoda with, had sent me a bouquet of flowers as a thank you. Well I might sound Victor Meldrew'ish, BUT I would have much rather had cheaper insurance than be sent a bouquet of flowers!!! What an odd thing to do and a complete waste of money!
Went to the GP about my tendinitis elbow to consider my options – had this for months and really getting on my nerves now. Then drove to Hunstanton to do weekly shop for my parents. Father was in a disgustingly bad mood when I arrived – I don't know why, but he was. Got home late.
After work this evening, some of my work colleagues and I joined Sara for her 50th Birthday Celebrations at the 'The Crown' at Middleton. Nicely presented food, good service, but nothing to write home about. My vegetarian burger wasn't exactly exciting, but the 'wedges' were good. I didn't bother with dessert. It was nice to spend time with everyone out of work though. As Andrea said 'two down, one to go – I was 50, Sara is 50 tomorrow and Andrea is 50 in September!
Looking forward to the Easter Weekend and no working at all until Tuesday! Weather is supposed to be rubbish tomorrow, which is fine as I have to spend one day in the house sorting stuff, in preparation for all my clothes being returned next Wednesday evening by the professional cleaning team. Saturday, Sunday and Monday look pretty good for an Easter weekend.
Went to the GP about my tendinitis elbow to consider my options – had this for months and really getting on my nerves now. Then drove to Hunstanton to do weekly shop for my parents. Father was in a disgustingly bad mood when I arrived – I don't know why, but he was. Got home late.
After work this evening, some of my work colleagues and I joined Sara for her 50th Birthday Celebrations at the 'The Crown' at Middleton. Nicely presented food, good service, but nothing to write home about. My vegetarian burger wasn't exactly exciting, but the 'wedges' were good. I didn't bother with dessert. It was nice to spend time with everyone out of work though. As Andrea said 'two down, one to go – I was 50, Sara is 50 tomorrow and Andrea is 50 in September!
Looking forward to the Easter Weekend and no working at all until Tuesday! Weather is supposed to be rubbish tomorrow, which is fine as I have to spend one day in the house sorting stuff, in preparation for all my clothes being returned next Wednesday evening by the professional cleaning team. Saturday, Sunday and Monday look pretty good for an Easter weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
