Breckland Mixed Bag

On Sunday Gary, his dad Paul and myself headed out into the Brecks for Gary's 'Birthday Bird-Day'. We started off looking for raptors, and once an early shower had passed the birds started to appear above the trees. Firstly a few Buzzard, 2 to start with but up to 7 were up together. A Red Kite was then seen (later joined by a second), before 2 and then 3 Goshawk appeared. Initially distant, but moving closer as they displayed. At least 1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Kestrel completed a large raptor haul in less than an hour. Lots of Skylark and Siskin were around and also a lone Crossbill was of note. But no Woodlark as reported from the same site a week or so ago.

Our next stop for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker proved less productive, with two hours spent and only a handful of commoner birds seen, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin and most of the Tits although a probable Willow Tit lightened the mood.

The long staying Black-bellied Dipper at Thetford decided to go AWOL while we visited but while there we did get crippling views of one of the now famous otters. Finishing on a high note we did then catch up with a flock of 22 Waxwing in Thetford. Feeding close to the road they allowed us to approach very closely, not noticing us in their frenzy to feed. (annoyingly i was so close the camera wouldn't focus).