Monday 17th August
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Osprey, Black Tern, Little Gulls x 2 at Blakeney Point.
Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpipers x 2, Bittern, Little Gulls x 2, Yellow-legged Gulls x 5, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 2 at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 21 at Stiffkey Fen.
ICTERINE WARBLER still at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Honey Buzzard at Warham Greens.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male still at Willow Tree Fen LWT, WSW of Spalding.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! BELTED KINGFISHER wholly unconfirmed report reported on Thursday 1.5mls ESE of Stockton-on-Seas, Teeside, Cleveland.
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Sunday, 16 August 2015
Red-footed Falcon at Willow Tree Fen!
RED-FOOTED FALCON
Willow Tree Fen, Lincolnshire
Phone-scoped Video with Swarovski ATS 65mm HD Telescope with 25-50x w eye-piece &
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
I got to bed so late last night after typing my blog, I decided not to set the alarm this morning. Made a wonderful breakfast/brunch consisting of mashed potatoes, 2 fried eggs and baked beans – all within the diet, honest! The next job was to take all my photos off the SLR and copy onto the Mac and then download all my iphone pictures and videos before I ran out of space. I needed to clear this before my little venture today.
A Barred Warbler popped up on the pager at Burnham Overy Staithe – I knew this would happen, it was only a matter of time before someone found one, with so many birders trekking down for the Icterine Warbler, it was bound to happen. Normally I would have gone to see this, but I had made the decision to go and see the fabulous Red-footed Falcon in Lincolnshire – after all it was only an hour away from King's Lynn!
With the sat nav set up, I was off along the boring A17 by mid afternoon and planned to be there for early evening light. I have never taken so many left and right turns and also never driven along so many roller coaster styled roads. Note to self: do not..... under any circumstances put foot on accelerator to reach 60mph+ when you see a long straight road in Lincolnshire.... I nearly took off several times! The postcode on RBA took me past where I wanted to be. I had no idea what I was looking for, so stopped to ask a local lad mending his car, who said 'you want the nature reserve' and duly gave me accurate directions, back the way I had just come from, left opposite a farm over a track/hill into the car park of Willow Tree Fen Nature Reserve. I couldn't believe it – Sue and Steve G. had pulled up, just before me! Also Ian and a couple of other Norfolk birders also there, having already seen the bird and were now leaving.
I presumed (never presume) that it would be a park up and distant scope job, but I was completely wrong. To view the bird, you had to walk a very long way around this massive, but wonderful reserve to get onto the public footpath, which runs along a high bank overlooking the entire reserve. I could see some photographers in the very far distance. I took my scope with me as well as the SLR as I guessed I would be phone-scoping/videoing rather than being lucky enough to get any SLR shots. It was a beautiful walk along a long track, bordering tons and tons of reed mace, bulrushes, pools and dykes with cows grazing and Swallows skimming over the marshy landscape. At the end of the track you had to climb up onto the public footpath and walk quite a way left, to view a copse where the bird seems to favour. The Red-footed Falcon was on view straight away, sitting very, very distantly in a tree – even the phone-scoped video was naff at this distance! A bit later it took off and flew round over the marsh and landed much closer in a beautiful larch tree. I don't think any of us tire of seeing a Red-footed Falcon, what a cracking bird! It was still too far for SLR photography, but perfect for phone-scoped video, as you will see above! Also managed to get a few phone-scoped shots – one of below:
Phone-scoped with Swarovski ATS 65mm HD Telescope with 25-50x w eye-piece &
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
The Red-footed Falcon went missing for a while, then re-appeared in the larch tree again. Later it disappeared further over the other side of the copse. Several of us decided to walk along the bank to see if we could re-locate it. This also meant climbing down the very steep bank to climb over a 5-bar gate to get onto the actual reserve path. This paid off as we discovered the bird perched on a tall stick not that far from us! See below:
Phone-scoped with Swarovski ATS 65mm HD Telescope with 25-50x w eye-piece &
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
Apple iphone 6 with Kowa TSN-IP6 Photo Adapter.
The light was now poor and birds high up against a dull sky, only result in black silhouettes! Steve climbed back up the bank again to get some greenery behind the bird (I presumed), but I couldn't be bothered to climb through 4 strands of barbed wire – don't know he did! I'm glad I stayed where I was to be honest. I spent ages creeping along the path, not making any eye contact with the bird, until I had walked past it and then got some half decent SLR shots both perched on the stick and when it flew off. It was quite settled on the stick, but someones phone ringing playing a bird tune seemed to unsettle it and off it flew – I managed to get a few flight shots before it flew off over the reed beds and that was the last I saw of it.
Red-footed Falcon, just before it flew off.
Red-footed Falcon flying off, late evening
The above three pictures taken with the Canon 7D and 300 f4 lens
Someone pointed out two Yellow Wagtails flying over our heads. Packed up my gear and walked back with another birder. A couple of Green Woodpeckers flew over the reserve on the long walk back to the car. Lots of hirundines skimming over the marsh. I was very impressed with this reserve, which has several hides and trails and it looks very impressive and rich in habitat, just a pity its so far away from me. The reserve leaflet describes it as "The largest area of wild fenland in Lincolnshire" The reserve was purchased by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in 2009. "Willow Tree Fen is developing fast with meres, shallow pools, lush flora and dry meadows. Once an arable farm, it remains a farmed landscape. However, the wheat and beans have been replaced by low intensity grazing with cattle and sheep helping manage the nature reserve." Here is the link to the website: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/willow-tree-fen It also reads: that it is a ".....habitat defined by water. In winter the levels of water are topped up from the edge of the reserve, with the aim of getting the water level as high as possible. In the summer the water level is allowed to drop, creating muddy margins for feeding wader birds. Levels reach their lowest in July and August when we can access the fields and take hay cuts. Cattle graze some fields helping create a short sward ready for the overwintering birds that like to graze on short grass."
I arrived home just after 9pm. An excellent weekend all round! Roll on Thursday for my four days off. Some friends of mine are now going to The Rutland Bird Fair on Friday, so I may go that day now, rather than Saturday and also it depends on what birds are around anyway!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Pomarine Skua (possible), Velvet Scoter, Arctic Skua, Manx Shearwaters x 4 at Sheringham.
Black Tern, Curlew Sandpiper at Snettisham RSPB.
Whinchats x 3 yesterday at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
ICTERINE WARBLER still, BARRED WARBLER at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Spoonbills x 26, Spotted Redshank at Stiffkey Fen.
Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 2, Arctic Skuas x 3, Great Skuas x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Honey Buzzard over High Kelling.
Honey Buzzard over Wells Woods.
Black Tern at Holme.
Black Tern, Curlew Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Osprey at Salthouse.
Osprey at Ranworth Broad.
Ring-tail Harrier sp. flew west over Earsham.
Little Gull at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT, WSW of Spalding.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE possible reported, flew SW over Langton Matravers, Dorset.
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL from Scilly Pelagic, Isles of Scilly.
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Pomarine Skua (possible), Velvet Scoter, Arctic Skua, Manx Shearwaters x 4 at Sheringham.
Black Tern, Curlew Sandpiper at Snettisham RSPB.
Whinchats x 3 yesterday at Gramborough Hill, Salthouse.
ICTERINE WARBLER still, BARRED WARBLER at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Spoonbills x 26, Spotted Redshank at Stiffkey Fen.
Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Spoonbills x 2, Arctic Skuas x 3, Great Skuas x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Honey Buzzard over High Kelling.
Honey Buzzard over Wells Woods.
Black Tern at Holme.
Black Tern, Curlew Sandpipers x 2 at Cley NWT.
Osprey at Salthouse.
Osprey at Ranworth Broad.
Ring-tail Harrier sp. flew west over Earsham.
Little Gull at Buckenham Marshes RSPB.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT, WSW of Spalding.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! SHORT-TOED EAGLE possible reported, flew SW over Langton Matravers, Dorset.
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL from Scilly Pelagic, Isles of Scilly.
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Saturday, 15 August 2015
Burnham Overy Dunes, Death Roll at Garden Drove, Titchwell RSPB & Thornham Point!
ICTERINE WARBLER
Burnham Overy Dunes
Burnham Overy Dunes
It was freezing cold when I arrived at Burnham Overy this morning and had to wear my coat to walk down to see the Icterine Warbler. It was so cold, that I even stuffed gloves into my pocket! Very little seen on route. Bumped into Stuart White leaving as I walked down, who kindly informed me that the Icterine Warbler was still showing. There was only a handful of birders on site, which surprised me – the Icterine Warbler showed beautifully and we watched it skillfully catch several flies in between preening sessions. I met Viv Connett there (unknowingly at the time) – nice to meet you and another birder who reads my blog. There was also a Common Whitethroat and a few Linnets. I sat by the apple tree for quite a while and did see the Icterine Warbler close by this for a nano second, but not long enough to press the shutter release though!
Stoat In Death Roll With Large Rat!
Last Moments of Life
The End
Garden Drove, Warham
I decided it would be nice to find a Barred Warbler and Garden Drove is a good place to potentially find some migrants. On arrival at the concrete pad, there was a terrific squealing and screaming noise going on! I quickly realised that a Stoat had a big fat rat in a death roll! The rat fought hard as they rolled over and over in a frenzied combat, but the Stoat eventually won. Fortunately I had the camera on the seat and got some very cool, but gruesome shots of the murder!!! The rat was huge and far bigger than the Stoat – at the finish, the Stoat dragged the rat off into the long grass! Phew!
Long-tailed Tit juv. along Garden Drove, Warham
Party of Long-tailed Tits along the track, but nothing else of note bird wise really. Lots of insects though – dragonflies, bees, butterflies: including Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral and Common Blue. Kestrel on the roof of the farm building. I left and headed west along the A149. I had a 20 minute power nap in a field entrance just before Burnham Deepdale and also stopped to buy a Cornetto ice-cream – new flavour: peanut butter and dark chocolate – this was scrumptious, highly recommended!
Titchwell RSPB and Thornham Point
I didn't take my telescope as I wanted to walk to Thornham Point and couldn't face carrying the tripod etc all the way there. The light was beautiful this evening. The fresh marsh was alive with birds. I photographed a Ruff, a Little Egret fishing and a Black-tailed Godwit on route to the beach. Also I was amazed to watch a Chinese Water Deer walk across the shallow water amongst all the waders to the far side of the scrapes!!! Walked west along the beach to Thornham Point, but I could see a couple with two large dogs on the loose, so headed over the dunes (what's left of them) for a bit until they passed, and then crossed back onto the beach.
Ruff at Titchwell RSPB
Avocet at Titchwell RSPB
Black-tailed Godwits at Titchwell RSPB
Little Egret fishing at Titchwell RSPB
Titchwell Beach
Lots of gulls catching flies at Thornham Point, a couple of Magpies, a Redshank and 5 Little Egrets on the marsh. Sadly no sign of any hoped for migrants in the dense sea-buckthorn though..... until I walked round the far side and had a brief flurry of excitement, when a small bird got up from the sand and dived into the bushes, but saw it long enough to ID it as a Chaffinch! So.... I had walked all this way for a bl**dy chaffinch!!!
Trudged back along the beach and saw several Sanderlings feeding along the shore with at least 8 Ringed Plovers. The tide was very high and had covered the concrete boulders completely. The setting sun mirrored on the wet sands, looked so beautiful and I took lots of pictures on the phone.
On the main track back through the reserve I counted 16+ Spoonbills and a massive count of 60 Little Egrets roosting in the dead trees! 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Reed Buntings in the bullrushes and 1 Reed Warbler. Common Whitethroat in the sueda, west of the path and lots of gulls roosting, Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets, Ruff, Dunlins, Shelducks, Redshanks, ducks etc. It was almost dark as I reached my car. Drove home via Ringstead, but didn't see any owls this evening.
Sunset from Titchwell RSPB
My youngest sister Vivien popped in to see me briefly, to borrow some things for a wedding she is going to – she had just been to the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton to watch The Michael Jackson Show starrring Navi who is officially recognised as The World’s No. 1 Michael Jackson Tribute and who was the only one chosen by Michael Jackson himself – I have seen him perform before, he bears an uncanny resemblance and is also the same height and has the same voice!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
ICTERINE WARBLER at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Pied Flycatcher, Redstart at Holkham.
White-winged Black Tern possible, yesterday at Breydon Water.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Whinchats x 3 east of Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Whinchats x 2 yesterday at Weybourne.
Whinchats x 6, Pied Flycatcher yesterday at West Runton.
Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Arctic Skuas x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Sooty Shearwaters x 2, Manx Shearwaters x 7, Purple Sandpiper on North Scrape, Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Little Gull, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 2, Black Redstart in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Sooty Shearwater, Little Gull, Black Tern, Curlew Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Bittern at Salthouse and Weybourne.
Whinchat at Burnham Norton.
Redstart at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Red-backed Shrike at North Dunes, Winterton.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT, WSW of Spalding.
• BLACK STORK at Gibraltar Point NNR.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
ICTERINE WARBLER at Burnham Overy Staithe.
Pied Flycatcher, Redstart at Holkham.
White-winged Black Tern possible, yesterday at Breydon Water.
Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Whinchats x 3 east of Beeston Bump, Sheringham.
Whinchats x 2 yesterday at Weybourne.
Whinchats x 6, Pied Flycatcher yesterday at West Runton.
Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Arctic Skuas x 2 at Titchwell RSPB.
Sooty Shearwaters x 2, Manx Shearwaters x 7, Purple Sandpiper on North Scrape, Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Little Gull, Continental Black-tailed Godwits x 2, Black Redstart in Eye Field at Cley NWT.
Sooty Shearwater, Little Gull, Black Tern, Curlew Sandpipers x 2 at Sheringham.
Bittern at Salthouse and Weybourne.
Whinchat at Burnham Norton.
Redstart at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Red-backed Shrike at North Dunes, Winterton.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT, WSW of Spalding.
• BLACK STORK at Gibraltar Point NNR.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Friday, 14 August 2015
Friday Update!
I resisted going out birding this evening, even though there had obviously been a good fall of migrants. It was raining steadily when I left work and the skies were dark and gloomy, which mean't darkness would fall even sooner this evening. I knew that if I went out I would be out until dark, home late and up late!!!
My evening was full of laborious chores including a massive pile of ironing, cooking tea, chilled for a bit and then hit the supermarket. Made all diet food for tomorrow, did blog, now sleep!!!
What a fantastic record of 1,300 Mediterranean Gulls late this evening at Breydon Water!!! That has to be a record surely?
Icterine Warblers, Pied Flys, Redstarts and Whinchats...... that's enough to get me out early doors!!! I have next Thursday and Friday off, so looking forward to four days off. Will probably go to the Bird Fair on the Saturday – I didn't go last year at all, so will make an effort this year, but can't afford to go all three days like I used to I'm afraid.
High Tide – King's Lynn Docks
• Saturday: 7.45 and 20.08 • Sunday: 8.12 and 20.40
Weather:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646403
Saturday
North Westerly Winds. Thicker cloud and patchy rain may linger near the east coast for a time. Elsewhere, dry with sunny intervals. Feeling pleasantly warm in the sunshine, but a fresher feel.
Sunday to Tuesday
North Westerly Winds veering North Easterly around 17.00 on Sunday. A quieter spell with a lot of dry weather and some pleasantly warm sunny intervals. Isolated light showers are possible, perhaps more likely on Monday.
My evening was full of laborious chores including a massive pile of ironing, cooking tea, chilled for a bit and then hit the supermarket. Made all diet food for tomorrow, did blog, now sleep!!!
What a fantastic record of 1,300 Mediterranean Gulls late this evening at Breydon Water!!! That has to be a record surely?
Icterine Warblers, Pied Flys, Redstarts and Whinchats...... that's enough to get me out early doors!!! I have next Thursday and Friday off, so looking forward to four days off. Will probably go to the Bird Fair on the Saturday – I didn't go last year at all, so will make an effort this year, but can't afford to go all three days like I used to I'm afraid.
High Tide – King's Lynn Docks
• Saturday: 7.45 and 20.08 • Sunday: 8.12 and 20.40
Weather:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2646403
Saturday
North Westerly Winds. Thicker cloud and patchy rain may linger near the east coast for a time. Elsewhere, dry with sunny intervals. Feeling pleasantly warm in the sunshine, but a fresher feel.
Sunday to Tuesday
North Westerly Winds veering North Easterly around 17.00 on Sunday. A quieter spell with a lot of dry weather and some pleasantly warm sunny intervals. Isolated light showers are possible, perhaps more likely on Monday.
HAPPY BIRDING!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
TURTLE DOVE in garden at Horsey.
ICTERINE WARBLER trapped and ringed, also Pied Flycatcher at Holme NOA.
ICTERINE WARBLER still by Lupins, Pied Flycatchers x 2, Redstart, Whinchat, Spoonbill at Blakeney Point.
ICTERINE WARBLER, Pied Flycatcher, Redstarts x 2, Whinchat, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
MEDITERRANEAN GULLS x 1,300, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 5, Arctic Tern at Breydon Water.
Wood Warbler, Whinchats x 2 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Spoonbills x 9, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Black Terns x 6 at Sheringham.
Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Cromer.
Common Cranes x 5 at Welney WWT.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT by access track, WSW of Spalding.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
TURTLE DOVE in garden at Horsey.
ICTERINE WARBLER trapped and ringed, also Pied Flycatcher at Holme NOA.
ICTERINE WARBLER still by Lupins, Pied Flycatchers x 2, Redstart, Whinchat, Spoonbill at Blakeney Point.
ICTERINE WARBLER, Pied Flycatcher, Redstarts x 2, Whinchat, Short-eared Owl at Burnham Overy Staithe.
MEDITERRANEAN GULLS x 1,300, Curlew Sandpipers x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 5, Arctic Tern at Breydon Water.
Wood Warbler, Whinchats x 2 at North Dunes, Winterton.
Spoonbills x 9, Wood Sandpiper at Titchwell RSPB.
Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Black Terns x 6 at Sheringham.
Yellow-legged Gulls x 2 at Cromer.
Common Cranes x 5 at Welney WWT.
Garganey at Cley NWT.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT by access track, WSW of Spalding.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Thursday, 13 August 2015
Snettisham Coastal Park!
After seeing Icterine Warbler on the pager along with Redstarts etc I decided to make the effort to go and look for some Autumn migrants at Snettisham Coastal Park from 6.30pm to 9pm this evening.
I was very disappointed, very little seen and far too many big loose dogs around for my liking. Heard a Chiffchaff, saw 2 Wrens, a Blue Tit and a Sedge Warbler. Best bird was a Turtle Dove that was feeding close to the shoreline at 7.45pm, then flew off inland, didn't get a chance to get a photo though. At least 200+ Sanderlings feeding along the water's edge in a feeding frenzy, with a few Turnstones also in the flock. A Sparrowhawk bombed through and over the sea wall. I looked hard for the Redstart in the caravan park reported on RBA, but no sign. Gloomy, cloudy skies as I drove home.
I was very disappointed, very little seen and far too many big loose dogs around for my liking. Heard a Chiffchaff, saw 2 Wrens, a Blue Tit and a Sedge Warbler. Best bird was a Turtle Dove that was feeding close to the shoreline at 7.45pm, then flew off inland, didn't get a chance to get a photo though. At least 200+ Sanderlings feeding along the water's edge in a feeding frenzy, with a few Turnstones also in the flock. A Sparrowhawk bombed through and over the sea wall. I looked hard for the Redstart in the caravan park reported on RBA, but no sign. Gloomy, cloudy skies as I drove home.
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Tern, Arctic Terns x 100 at Cley Beach.
Osprey flew west over Holme, Redstart along approach road, Holme Dunes.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls x 15, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, Spotted Redshank, Continental Black-tailed Godwit at Cley NWT.
Garganey, Yellow-legged Gull yesterday at Cantley Beet Factory.
TURTLE DOVE on beach, then flew inland (PAC), Redstart fem. in caravan park at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Spoonbills x 7, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Little Stint, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3, Red-crested Pochards x 2, Bittern at Titchwell RSPB.
ICTERINE WARBLER at Pinchens Creek, Pied Flycatchers x 2, Redstarts x 4, Whinchats x 3 at Blakeney Point.
Great White Egret at Breydon Water.
Whinchats x 3 east of Totem Pole, Winterton.
Arctic Terns x 3 at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Spoonbills x 8 at Brancaster Marsh.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT in field by main track, WSW of Spalding.
• BLACK STORK just south of Goxhill.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON juv in marsh opposite car park at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Black Tern, Arctic Terns x 100 at Cley Beach.
Osprey flew west over Holme, Redstart along approach road, Holme Dunes.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls x 15, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Little Gull, Spotted Redshank, Continental Black-tailed Godwit at Cley NWT.
Garganey, Yellow-legged Gull yesterday at Cantley Beet Factory.
TURTLE DOVE on beach, then flew inland (PAC), Redstart fem. in caravan park at Snettisham Coastal Park.
Spoonbills x 7, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 3, Little Stint, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3, Red-crested Pochards x 2, Bittern at Titchwell RSPB.
ICTERINE WARBLER at Pinchens Creek, Pied Flycatchers x 2, Redstarts x 4, Whinchats x 3 at Blakeney Point.
Great White Egret at Breydon Water.
Whinchats x 3 east of Totem Pole, Winterton.
Arctic Terns x 3 at Gorleston-on-Sea.
Spoonbills x 8 at Brancaster Marsh.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen LWT in field by main track, WSW of Spalding.
• BLACK STORK just south of Goxhill.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON juv in marsh opposite car park at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Just Seen a Shooting Star & Photographed Sirius!
Taken with a slow shutter speed and hand held,
the presumed Sirius Star created a firework effect!
the presumed Sirius Star created a firework effect!
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbills x 17, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 6, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3, Avocets x 372 at Titchwell RSPB.
Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Yellow-legged Gull at Cromer.
Caspian Gull, Little Gull, Curlew Sandpiper at Cley NWT.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen on fence early evening, WSW of Spalding.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON juv in marsh opposite car park at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Spoonbills x 17, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 6, Yellow-legged Gulls x 3, Avocets x 372 at Titchwell RSPB.
Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 2 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Yellow-legged Gull at Cromer.
Caspian Gull, Little Gull, Curlew Sandpiper at Cley NWT.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• RED-FOOTED FALCON 1s Male at Willow Tree Fen on fence early evening, WSW of Spalding.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON juv in marsh opposite car park at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Tuesday, 11 August 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER from Island Hide, SPOTTED CRAKE on freshmarsh east of Parrinder Hide, Honey Buzzard, Spoonbills x 15, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshank on Broad Water, Holme Dunes.
Spoonbills x 2, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 20 at Stiffkey Fen.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• BLACK STORK at Croft, North Cockerington, Grimsby, Saltfleet, South Somercotes and finally at Covenham Reservoir late morning.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON 1s still at King's Fleet.
• PURPLE HERON juv taken into care on boat 16mls off Southwold and then released at 6pm at Carlton Marshes NR.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER from Island Hide, SPOTTED CRAKE on freshmarsh east of Parrinder Hide, Honey Buzzard, Spoonbills x 15, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 3 at Titchwell RSPB.
Spotted Redshank on Broad Water, Holme Dunes.
Spoonbills x 2, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshanks x 3 at Breydon Water.
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Wood Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank at Cley NWT.
Spoonbills x 20 at Stiffkey Fen.
Lincolnshire Highlights
• BLACK STORK at Croft, North Cockerington, Grimsby, Saltfleet, South Somercotes and finally at Covenham Reservoir late morning.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON 1s still at King's Fleet.
• PURPLE HERON juv taken into care on boat 16mls off Southwold and then released at 6pm at Carlton Marshes NR.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Monday, 10 August 2015
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Yellow-legged Gull at Overstrand.
SPOTTED CRAKE from Autumn Trail, Spoonbills x 12, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 7 at Titchwell RSPB.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, Common Cranes x 2, Little Stint at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Pied Flycatcher flew over beach at West Runton.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls x 7, Curlew Sandpiper, Whinchat juv. on East Bank at Cley NWT.
Pied Flycatcher on Friday at Blakeney Point.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON still at King's Fleet.
Autumn migration kicks off with Pied Flycatcher at Minsmere RSPB and a Whinchat at Benacre Sluice.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Great White Egret at Strumpshaw Fen RSPB.
Yellow-legged Gull at Overstrand.
SPOTTED CRAKE from Autumn Trail, Spoonbills x 12, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Spotted Redshanks x 7 at Titchwell RSPB.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, Common Cranes x 2, Little Stint at Rush Hill Scrape, Hickling Broad NWT.
Pied Flycatcher flew over beach at West Runton.
Caspian Gull, Yellow-legged Gulls x 7, Curlew Sandpiper, Whinchat juv. on East Bank at Cley NWT.
Pied Flycatcher on Friday at Blakeney Point.
Suffolk Highlights
• PURPLE HERON still at King's Fleet.
Autumn migration kicks off with Pied Flycatcher at Minsmere RSPB and a Whinchat at Benacre Sluice.
MEGA NEWS!
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Eagle Owl in Norfolk!
Fiona, a 10 week old Eagle Owl has escaped!
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/have_you_seen_missing_eagle_owl_fiona_1_4184010
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/environment/have_you_seen_missing_eagle_owl_fiona_1_4184010
Sunday, 9 August 2015
A New Reservoir Discovered in King's Lynn! Thornham & Titchwell RSPB!
King's Lynn Drainage Board
'Hardwick Farm Flood Storage Area'
OUTFALL SLUICE
For the last few months I have been pondering about how to access this new area. Along the bypass that runs to the Hardwick roundabout there is a relatively new, small roundabout, which gives access to the new Sainsbury's store. After you go over this roundabout (heading for large Hardwick roundabout) you catch a tantalising view of what seems like hundreds of birds on a new reservoir, over on your left hand side. You only get a few seconds view though and you can't stop to get a better look! Very frustrating indeed. Further along however is a pull in parking area – but you can't see anything at this point! I didn't want to attract attention, so didn't bring my 'adult' scope (for the amusement of the Cleyspy team), just my Nikon ED50 in a rucksack and my bins. I then walked along the grass verge which was pretty dangerous with all the traffic rushing past at 60mph+ until I reached a gate, fence and sign stating very clearly 'STRICTLY PRIVATE' and 'NO UNAUTHORISED ACCESS'.
Anyway, without going into the detail I would like to on a public blog, I found a different route to get to the reservoir to survey the site! On close inspection, this is like a mini Breydon Water!!! The water levels are perfect for birds, with graduated shallow muddy edges at the fore front and sandy banks/edges at the far side!!! Also large areas of muddy stretches in the water made a fabulous feeding/roosting area. Birds seen here were: tons of Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, lots of Jackdaws, a Crow, a single Cormorant, a single Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 3 Ringed Plovers (1 juv.) in the sandy area, 20+ Lapwings, lots of gulls including Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, Mallards, Teal and one Little Grebe. 2 Common Buzzards were spiralling overhead in the thermals and a Yellowhammer flew across into a hedge. So an excellent list of birds here! It was insanely hot today as yesterday, the August heatwave begins!
There are big boarded signs stating no access etc all around the reservoir itself, but there seems to be what looks like a public track above and alongside this and then running towards the A47. So after taking lots of pictures of the site, I spent a long time following this track towards the A47 to find an access point. I found a family of Common Whitethroats in a hedgerow on route and lots of black Water Boatmen sparkling on the surface of the water in a dyke below an old iron bridge – Amphibious Bistort was in abundance in the very clear water too. I then walked under an underpass bridge (very dodgy here!), which goes under the A47. Walking under the bridge, brings you to a wild area of grass and thistles, teasels etc which was rich with butterflies. The only access I could find was to climb up the embankment of the underpass and view the traffic! So, you could access the reservoir from here if you could find somewhere to park near the slip road to the A47. This underpass is immediately underneath you, as you turn onto the A47. I think there is a parking area further along on the right hand side, but it would be extremely dangerous to walk back along this road to climb down the embankment. Also this embankment/underpass is not exactly the most inviting/friendly of places to be walking under! I will email the King's Lynn Drainage Board to ask them if there will ever be any public access for birders, so will feed back to you all when I get a reply.
My car was still in one piece when I returned. The traffic was at a standstill with day trippers, so much so that I had no choice but to head in the opposite direction into King's Lynn town centre. Visited my sister Lucy for a short while and then headed to Thornham in hope of seeing the Ospreys that had been seen at Titchwell RSPB and two at Thornham Harbour including one watched eating a fish on the marsh! Diverted through Ringstead, when I eventually got as far as Heacham and headed along the back roads and sat and had a very late salad lunch on the side of the road next to the Thornham Reservoir (no access here either!). Well....... its only a few yards from where I was parked, so went to have a quick look and found a family of mallards, 1 Little Grebe, a few Black-headed Gulls, Woodpigeons and a couple of Sand Martins flying around. The view of the coast from this road is spectacular indeed, you can see the sea east and west of you from here including Holme Reserves, Holme and Thornham churches!
At Thornham Harbour I bumped into Mike Sidwell, who was NOT seeing any Ospreys, much to both his and my disappointment. I spent a long time scanning the marsh for an Osprey devouring a fish, but no sign and obviously not in the skies as all the birds would have been up. Several smart Grey Plovers, Golden Plovers, Common and Sandwich Terns, Curlew and the usual Cormorants, Little Egrets and gulls out on the mud flats. I also looked hard for a Caspian Tern, but no sign of any orange bills!
I re-located to Greenway at Thornham and walked around the small copse to the old duck shooting pond in case the Osprey had hidden itself here, but only Coots and a Little Grebe were here. Walked back to my car and went to visit my parents. Father was in a difficult mood, sadly and it was hard to talk normally to him today. Cooked the garlic bread (one left over from yesterday's barbecue) for Mother and I and then spent the evening at Titchwell RSPB in hope of a roosting Caspian Tern.
Titchwell RSPB
Hundreds of Dunlin, but wasn't able to count them accurately as they kept being disturbed, also hundreds of Avocets, Spoonbills x 18+, one Little Gull amongst the Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls etc, Green Sandpipers x 2 calling and seen, a few Spotted Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits, Curlews, Lapwings, massive Starling flock, Redshanks, Teal, Pied Wagtails. A Hobby shot through and disturbed everything in seconds! Very late evening a Caspian Gull landed in amongst the Herring Gulls which was a nice bonus. Several Little Egrets around too and Cormorants in the dead tree roost and a Barn Owl was seen briefly on the way back. I thought I caught a glimpse of a Short-eared owl over by Thornham Point, but couldn't be sure. It was completely dark as I put my gear away in the car!
On the way home I had a Little Owl fly across the road at Thornham (up by the reservoir), another seen along the Ringstead road and a Barn Owl at the Sedgeford road junction, before I headed towards Heacham. So all in all, an excellent day, but disappointing I missed the Ospreys.
PICTURES AND VIDEO TO BE ADDED
'Hardwick Farm Flood Storage Area'
OUTFALL SLUICE
For the last few months I have been pondering about how to access this new area. Along the bypass that runs to the Hardwick roundabout there is a relatively new, small roundabout, which gives access to the new Sainsbury's store. After you go over this roundabout (heading for large Hardwick roundabout) you catch a tantalising view of what seems like hundreds of birds on a new reservoir, over on your left hand side. You only get a few seconds view though and you can't stop to get a better look! Very frustrating indeed. Further along however is a pull in parking area – but you can't see anything at this point! I didn't want to attract attention, so didn't bring my 'adult' scope (for the amusement of the Cleyspy team), just my Nikon ED50 in a rucksack and my bins. I then walked along the grass verge which was pretty dangerous with all the traffic rushing past at 60mph+ until I reached a gate, fence and sign stating very clearly 'STRICTLY PRIVATE' and 'NO UNAUTHORISED ACCESS'.
Anyway, without going into the detail I would like to on a public blog, I found a different route to get to the reservoir to survey the site! On close inspection, this is like a mini Breydon Water!!! The water levels are perfect for birds, with graduated shallow muddy edges at the fore front and sandy banks/edges at the far side!!! Also large areas of muddy stretches in the water made a fabulous feeding/roosting area. Birds seen here were: tons of Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, lots of Jackdaws, a Crow, a single Cormorant, a single Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Greenshank, 3 Ringed Plovers (1 juv.) in the sandy area, 20+ Lapwings, lots of gulls including Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, Mallards, Teal and one Little Grebe. 2 Common Buzzards were spiralling overhead in the thermals and a Yellowhammer flew across into a hedge. So an excellent list of birds here! It was insanely hot today as yesterday, the August heatwave begins!
There are big boarded signs stating no access etc all around the reservoir itself, but there seems to be what looks like a public track above and alongside this and then running towards the A47. So after taking lots of pictures of the site, I spent a long time following this track towards the A47 to find an access point. I found a family of Common Whitethroats in a hedgerow on route and lots of black Water Boatmen sparkling on the surface of the water in a dyke below an old iron bridge – Amphibious Bistort was in abundance in the very clear water too. I then walked under an underpass bridge (very dodgy here!), which goes under the A47. Walking under the bridge, brings you to a wild area of grass and thistles, teasels etc which was rich with butterflies. The only access I could find was to climb up the embankment of the underpass and view the traffic! So, you could access the reservoir from here if you could find somewhere to park near the slip road to the A47. This underpass is immediately underneath you, as you turn onto the A47. I think there is a parking area further along on the right hand side, but it would be extremely dangerous to walk back along this road to climb down the embankment. Also this embankment/underpass is not exactly the most inviting/friendly of places to be walking under! I will email the King's Lynn Drainage Board to ask them if there will ever be any public access for birders, so will feed back to you all when I get a reply.
My car was still in one piece when I returned. The traffic was at a standstill with day trippers, so much so that I had no choice but to head in the opposite direction into King's Lynn town centre. Visited my sister Lucy for a short while and then headed to Thornham in hope of seeing the Ospreys that had been seen at Titchwell RSPB and two at Thornham Harbour including one watched eating a fish on the marsh! Diverted through Ringstead, when I eventually got as far as Heacham and headed along the back roads and sat and had a very late salad lunch on the side of the road next to the Thornham Reservoir (no access here either!). Well....... its only a few yards from where I was parked, so went to have a quick look and found a family of mallards, 1 Little Grebe, a few Black-headed Gulls, Woodpigeons and a couple of Sand Martins flying around. The view of the coast from this road is spectacular indeed, you can see the sea east and west of you from here including Holme Reserves, Holme and Thornham churches!
At Thornham Harbour I bumped into Mike Sidwell, who was NOT seeing any Ospreys, much to both his and my disappointment. I spent a long time scanning the marsh for an Osprey devouring a fish, but no sign and obviously not in the skies as all the birds would have been up. Several smart Grey Plovers, Golden Plovers, Common and Sandwich Terns, Curlew and the usual Cormorants, Little Egrets and gulls out on the mud flats. I also looked hard for a Caspian Tern, but no sign of any orange bills!
I re-located to Greenway at Thornham and walked around the small copse to the old duck shooting pond in case the Osprey had hidden itself here, but only Coots and a Little Grebe were here. Walked back to my car and went to visit my parents. Father was in a difficult mood, sadly and it was hard to talk normally to him today. Cooked the garlic bread (one left over from yesterday's barbecue) for Mother and I and then spent the evening at Titchwell RSPB in hope of a roosting Caspian Tern.
Titchwell RSPB
Hundreds of Dunlin, but wasn't able to count them accurately as they kept being disturbed, also hundreds of Avocets, Spoonbills x 18+, one Little Gull amongst the Black-headed Gulls, Herring Gulls etc, Green Sandpipers x 2 calling and seen, a few Spotted Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits, Curlews, Lapwings, massive Starling flock, Redshanks, Teal, Pied Wagtails. A Hobby shot through and disturbed everything in seconds! Very late evening a Caspian Gull landed in amongst the Herring Gulls which was a nice bonus. Several Little Egrets around too and Cormorants in the dead tree roost and a Barn Owl was seen briefly on the way back. I thought I caught a glimpse of a Short-eared owl over by Thornham Point, but couldn't be sure. It was completely dark as I put my gear away in the car!
On the way home I had a Little Owl fly across the road at Thornham (up by the reservoir), another seen along the Ringstead road and a Barn Owl at the Sedgeford road junction, before I headed towards Heacham. So all in all, an excellent day, but disappointing I missed the Ospreys.
PICTURES AND VIDEO TO BE ADDED
NORFOLK BIRD NEWS & MEGAS!
Norfolk Bird News via 'Rare Bird Alert'
Spoonbills x 2 at Breydon Water.
CASPIAN TERN at 7.10am only at Gore Point, Osprey flew SW over Holme Dunes.
Osprey at Blakeney Harbour.
Osprey, Spoonbills x 20, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 8 at Titchwell RSPB.
Whinchat at North Dunes, Short-eared Owl at Winterton.
Osprey x 2 at Thornham Harbour.
Osprey at Scolt Head Island.
Caspian Gulls x 3, Yellow-legged Gulls x 10, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Little Gull at Cley NWT.
Yellow-legged Gull by Pier at Cromer.
Honey Buzzard flew south over Wells.
Hen Harrier flew south over South Creake.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT.
Honey Buzzard flew south over Egmere.
Red-veined Darter Dragonflies x 5 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Suffolk Highlights
• AQUATIC WARBLER trapped and ringed at Orford Ness.
• BALD EAGLE presumed escaped at Hollesley Marshes.
• Long-tailed Blue Butterfly at Landseer Park, Ipswich.
• PURPLE HERON still at King's Fleet.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL at sea from pelagic, Toe's Head, County Cork, Ireland.
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Spoonbills x 2 at Breydon Water.
CASPIAN TERN at 7.10am only at Gore Point, Osprey flew SW over Holme Dunes.
Osprey at Blakeney Harbour.
Osprey, Spoonbills x 20, Little Stint, Wood Sandpipers x 3, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Spotted Redshanks x 8 at Titchwell RSPB.
Whinchat at North Dunes, Short-eared Owl at Winterton.
Osprey x 2 at Thornham Harbour.
Osprey at Scolt Head Island.
Caspian Gulls x 3, Yellow-legged Gulls x 10, Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpipers x 2, Little Gull at Cley NWT.
Yellow-legged Gull by Pier at Cromer.
Honey Buzzard flew south over Wells.
Hen Harrier flew south over South Creake.
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at Swim Coots, Hickling Broad NWT.
Honey Buzzard flew south over Egmere.
Red-veined Darter Dragonflies x 5 at Kelling Water Meadows.
Suffolk Highlights
• AQUATIC WARBLER trapped and ringed at Orford Ness.
• BALD EAGLE presumed escaped at Hollesley Marshes.
• Long-tailed Blue Butterfly at Landseer Park, Ipswich.
• PURPLE HERON still at King's Fleet.
MEGA NEWS!
MEGA! FEA'S PETREL at sea from pelagic, Toe's Head, County Cork, Ireland.
BEE-EATERS still at two nests, SSW of Brampton, Cumbria (present since mid-June). Access 8am-8pm only to RSPB viewpoint. Follow all on site instructions. £5.00 to park. (see my main post with links to further details).
Saturday, 8 August 2015
Gemma's Barbecue Party!
Gemma, one of the girls I work with, very kindly invited all her work colleagues to a barbecue at her house in Ely this afternoon. Her partner Mike did an excellent job of being barbecue king. The weather was glorious, but a little too hot for me really. All the girls I work with are hot chicks as you will see from the picture below – doesn't help me look any younger, when they are all half my age!!!
It was great to see Cilla and baby Theo, Caraline, Katherine with her husband and baby girl, Suzy, Karl and baby Matthew and Anne-Marie, Rhys and... well I was going to say baby Gregor, but he is much too tall to be called a baby anymore! Also Hilary, Andrea, Kelly and Ben, Kelly, Alison, Emily, Sarah, Chloe, Keri and James and Alice.
Far too much food was consumed! I made some garlic bread – a recipe I followed from Ainsley Harriott's Barbecue Bible which was published in 1997. I made two and a half times the receipe below – I was pleased, it turned out well, everyone loves garlic bread, well most people anyway.
Garlic Butter Bread
1 long fat french stick
3 garlic cloves
75g slightly slighted butter
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and fresh ground black pepper
The only birding today, consisted of seeing a Blackbird, House Sparrow and Goldfinches in Gemma's garden. I pinched one of Gemma's blackberries at the bottom of the garden as did Gregor, although he had four to be precise!
It was great to see Cilla and baby Theo, Caraline, Katherine with her husband and baby girl, Suzy, Karl and baby Matthew and Anne-Marie, Rhys and... well I was going to say baby Gregor, but he is much too tall to be called a baby anymore! Also Hilary, Andrea, Kelly and Ben, Kelly, Alison, Emily, Sarah, Chloe, Keri and James and Alice.
Far too much food was consumed! I made some garlic bread – a recipe I followed from Ainsley Harriott's Barbecue Bible which was published in 1997. I made two and a half times the receipe below – I was pleased, it turned out well, everyone loves garlic bread, well most people anyway.
Garlic Butter Bread
1 long fat french stick
3 garlic cloves
75g slightly slighted butter
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
salt and fresh ground black pepper
- Cut the bread diagonally, without cutting right through.
- Crush the garlic and mix with salt.
- Mix the butter with garlic, parsley and black pepper.
- Spread both sides of each slice of bread with a thin layer of the garlic butter and place on extra thick foil.
- Pleat the edges of the foil together well (wrap in two layers of foil)
- Cook on barbecue for 10-12 minutes or longer, turning regularly, until crisp and hot.
The only birding today, consisted of seeing a Blackbird, House Sparrow and Goldfinches in Gemma's garden. I pinched one of Gemma's blackberries at the bottom of the garden as did Gregor, although he had four to be precise!
Me with Kelly, Keri and Chloe
Posted this picture straight from iphone, which means it looks completely out of focus on here until you click to view it!
The barbecue had started at 2pm, so by 7pm quite alot of people had left. I helped to clear up a little and left the hard core party animals at around 7.30pm. My little sister Vivien only lives a couple of streets away from Gemma, so I went to visit her for little while before heading back to King's Lynn, arriving home at 10.15pm.
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
MORE PICTURES TO BE ADDED
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