16th May - Paston Cliffs
My last trip out under 'lockdown' restrictions was actually a drive in the car after having to drop of supplies to Mundesley, I took advantage to have a short walk on the edge of my patch by the holiday camp. Spring migration seems to be curtailing off with most migrants now in the summer haunts and getting ready to breed. Garden Warber, Whitethroat, Swallow, Sand Martin and Sandwich Tern all seen from or on the cliff tops. The only surprise bird and final addition to my lockdown list was a juv. type Eider lingeing off shore, lockdown species 95.
Maybe I could have gotten to 100 species with a cycle out to a bit of open water or the coast more than once, but with warmer weather I turned to doing the DIY that I have put off for ages, rather than a sweaty cycle ride. On the 20th while in the garden a Mistle Thrush flew over the garden but turned out not to be the garden tick i thought, having seen one in 2014.
19th/20th May - North Walsham
It had been ages since I've use my moth trap and after dusting it down ran it over two nights. I was hoping for something to show Agnes as during lock down and while off nursery we have been looking in the garden and locally for insects, flowers and anything nature. The first night was disappointing with only 3 moths of two species, Green Carpet and Muslin, although Agnes enjoyed the 14 Cockchafer Beetles I turned out. The second night was a little better with 10 moths of 8 species. A Clouded-boarded Brindle was new for the garden, but Agnes like the White Ermine and Lime Hawk-moth most of all.
The DIY kept me at home until Agnes, Laura and myself all had a day together (our anniversary). I decided to have a walk around East Ruston, exploring the variety of wet and dry heath land to look for snakes/lizards and other things to show Agnes. In the event we saw just two lizards that made very sharp exits on out approach but Agnes saw both. Bird life was very limited probably due to the growing heat of the day but find of the day was a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth that sadly didn't want its photo to appear on my blog! I was suitability impressed by the management work here to return soon, having previously only explored the wetter areas.
27th May - Cley
Cley proved to be an impromptu stop for a short walk after a food shop in Sheringham (we needed something only Tesco seems to have). Knowing a Red-footed Falcon was in the area I was dropped off near the East Bank car park and walked back to the village while Laura and Agnes acquired some nice 'anniversary' treats from the deli. Despite seeing 2/3 Red-footed Falcon and their regular appearance I had failed to connect with one in Norfolk, so was delighted to see the bird over the reserve if not getting the best views.
31st May - Bayfield
Returning from work Sunday and with plans for extensive DIY on Monday, Laura persuaded me to go out and look for the Squacco Heron at Bayfield Hall, not leaving the house until 6.30pm I was hoping the bird didn't decide to go to roost early. I only found 3 birders on site at Bayfield and was soon advised the Squacco Heron was still present but out of view. After only 10 minute a brief flight view were gained as it moved a few meters. A fellow birder wandered down stream a bit trying to find a better angled view and was soon waving to the few of us left patiently staring int the reeds. After clear views of the birds distinctive head, I headed home with my second new 'Norfolk tick' in a few days. I called in at three Nightingale sites on the way home without success, I do hope this special bird has not been lost in North Norfolk.
7th June - Potter Heigham
After morning shift at work and regular heavy showers I sat down to a cup of tea to discover a Caspian Tern had been found at Potter Heigham, like last weeks Squacco Heron this is a bird I had previously dipped twice in recent times. Needing some mesh for the chicken run and gardening equipment i convinced myself a duel purpose trip to Latham's was required. Arriving the rain had eased and I gambled on the path to the east of the marsh. I soon found myself looking at a 'Carrot billed beast of a tern' not only a Norfolk, but a Life tick. I spent some time admiring the bird with only one other birder nearby, I managed a couple of record shots using my phone before walking back to Latham's after a squally shower passed through. Despite the less than pleasant weather this short walk gave up over 50 species with a Mediterranean Gull and Common Sandpiper worth note.
095 - Lockdown Total
179 - Norfolk Year Total
179 - Britain Year Total
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