Birding the Brecks Alone

I had set aside today (27th) as my bird watching day of my 10 days off work. With very few migrants on the coast I decided on a trip to the Brecks in the hope of catching up with e the recently re-emerged Parrot Crossbill at Santon Downham. After a sunny day on Monday it was no surprise that Tuesday was cool, dull and damp again. With the heaviest rain set to ease off by 10.30am I decided to set out a little later at 8am and call by a couple of other sites on route.

First stop was Bintree Mill where a drake Gargany has been present the last few days, luckily with its still drizzling hard I could pull up in the car and scan the flood without getting out of the car. Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and a few Teal were all I could see. After checking my route to the next stop I had a second scan, and to my surprise the Gargany had appeared all be it along the reedy back edge of the pool but still a pretty little bird to see. While here a Little Egret came into the dyke only a few meters away, but he spotted me just as I raised my camera.

Next stop was Cockey Cley to look for Willow Tit, now a Norfolk rarity, but thanks to a local birder setting up a feeding station I was hopeful that with a bit of patience I would catch up with one. It started raining heavily again so I was in no hurry to reach the Brecks, this was lucky as I missed my turn off and ambled through the back roads without reception before Google maps came back online. Once back on the main roads I soon found the village and with a grid ref and directions soon found were to park. Walking up track FR110 I soon found the two feeding stations that had been set up, just before that I rather promisingly heard a Willow Tit call. The drizzle was still hard enough to soak me so I hid up under the trees in view of both feeders. Blue Tit and Great Tit came regularly to the tables, but the bird most predominate was Coal Tit which was nice to see. 2 Nuthatch came in along with a few Chaffinch and Robin. After 20 minutes of so a Willow Tit dropped in, grabbing a sunflower seed and disappearing, luckily it soon came back. I topped up the feeders and headed back to the car, also seeing 3 Yellowhammer.

Driving to Lynford I tried a few fields that looked good for Stone Curlew but without any luck. At Lynford although more mizzle than drizzle I still got wet. I walked the area near Lynford Water and got lucky with 2 Woodlark unintentionally flush from close to the path. The pools held a few Tufted Duck, Great Crest Grebe, Greylag Geese and 2 Oystercatcher on the rafts. A Nuthatch was near the car and a Mistle Thrush was nearby, but with another heavy shower I decided not to walk the arboretum.

Parking up by the Railway Crossing a Santon Downham, I had a good look around the nearby pines with no sign of any Crossbill. By the river bridge a Grey Wagtail flew down stream, I too walked down stream seeing 2 Marsh Tit at close quarters before a pair a Mandarin flew over. A further 2 pair of Mandarin, Nuthatch and Treecreeper were seen before reaching the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker site. It was dry now so I hung around for 30 minutes or so, and just before leaving a LSW flew over from the Suffolk side of the river, over my head and over the railway line. Having seen a LSW locally near home I didn't wait around for better views instead heading off to look for Parrot Crossbill. Walking back a Kingfisher whizzed by and I saw my first singing Chiffchaff of the spring. I searched the tracks both side of the railway line and also the clearings opposite the car park with little success. A drive down to St Helen's Picnic Area gave up a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 fly-over Common Crossbill and a small Redwing flock. Driving back up the track a Sparrowhawk flew through. Feeling rather hungry I realised it was almost 2pm and I hadn't had any lunch so headed home, grabbing a sandwich on route.

I always enjoy a visit to the Brecks, with its mixture of habitat very different to North East Norfolk. Today was my first solo visit to the area, with my main bird watching friends now living in Norwich company is sometimes hard to come by, any birders local to North Walsham feel free to email me, an extra pair of eyes always welcome. Sorry about a lack of photos, with the persistent rain I left the camera in the car.

Alderfen NWT

With a couple of hours free on Saturday I decided to visit a reserve I've never call in on before despite it being only a 15 minute drive away. Alderfen Broad is between the villages of Neatishead and Irstead, but despite knowing exactly where the  reserve was I couldn't locate the car park so parked up on the road to the SE of the reserve and walked in along a public footpath. The car park is down a long unmarked dirt track.

Walking through the wet woodland I saw Blue Tit, Great Tit and a Goldcrest, a small group of Redpoll also flew over. The first signs of spring migrants for the year came in the form of 3 Chiffchaff, none of which were singing though. Making it to the viewing screen, I read in the sightings book a Gargany was present the previous day. I had no luck locating it but there are lots of reedy margins to hide in. 30+ Wigeon, 20+ Tufted Duck, a Great Crested Grebe and a few Coot the birds on the water. With later commitments I wandered back to the car, seeing all the common Tits again. Back by the car I viewed a pair of Marsh Tit interacting at close quarters, a delicate bird I love to see.

A nice little reserve I will definitely visit again, hopefully I'll also find the car park next time, now I knew where it is. It should be noted water levels are high so wellies are advisable as the paths are sticky in places.

When is a Patch Tick not a Patch Tick?

After a morning spent digging the allotment and re-cladding part of the garage, I rewarded myself with an afternoon stroll around part of the patch, Paston Cliffs. I was optimistically hoping for an early migrant but it seems that 2pm is dog walking rush hour, and with most dogs off the lead little was about walking the grassy cliff tops near the paddocks to the west.

There were however lots of gulls on the beach so I spent some time scanning through them, among them I found a Caspian Gull a patch tick I though, but actually I have seen one here in 2015. Most of the gulls were large but with the few Black-headed Gulls I found a single Little Gull, possibly the bird from Bacton earlier in the week? Surprisingly this was a new patch tick, as although I had seen Little Gull here in the past it was before this was my patch!

By now the dog walkers had disperse so I walked towards the Gas Terminal, a group of Linnet and Skylark were in the fields and singing loudly. I thought I saw a female Reed Bunting drive into the brambles but on closer inspection 8 Yellowhammer exploded out from their cover. On the cliff edge 2 Oystercatcher probed the path edge and 7 Stock Dove fed in the bare field, where the Caspian Gull had relocated from the beach with most of the gulls. No Bluethroat, Black Redstart or even a Wheatear but an hour well spent, if no one looks nothing will be seen.

More Snowiness

After the disappointment of not being able to get to see the Snowy Owl in North Norfolk, a combination of no car, work and Mother's Day commitments left me only able too look at pictures on friends blogs.

On Friday 16th we headed down to South Wales to visit family, I knew I wouldn't have time to target any rare birds on route or while there, but that I should have time for a local walk or two. On Friday after arriving mid-morning I got to stretch my legs with a short walk around Diamond Park in Ystadglanlais, a landscaped old colliery (Diamond Colliery). Bird life was as expected, tits, finches and thrushes but what was nice to see was the large numbers of Song Thrush. Walking by the River Tawe I saw at least 3 of one of my favourite little birds, Dipper, despite the river flowing very fast after overnight rain. The birds were very vocal I assume staking out territories. On my return to the house a Red Kite was drifting over the roof tops at aerial height.

Saturday afternoon I had two or three hours free and set my sights on scaling a nearby hill/mountain (Fartag Hill) to get views over the valley, but with no local maps it was a bit off the hoof. I started off in Diamond Park, getting crippling views of Bullfinch, before stumbling across Wern Plemys Nature Reserve. The information boards highlight the array of orchids here but I had to make do with lots and lots of Scarlet Elfcap fungus. After following a disused railway line I stumbled across footpath and headed further uphill. No great wildlife highlights, but great views of the town. Walking back I visited the remains of a local Tin Works before again following the river and admiring a few Dipper and also close views of Grey Wagtail.

Sunday I woke up to 2 inches of snow, no mountain climbing, but a snowy walk along the riverside and Diamond Park with the family.

Today (19th) back in Norfolk I spent the morning in the woods near Witton cutting firewood. After a quick cuppa I had a wander and disturbed 11 Woodcock on the edge of the wood. In this area a few weeks ago I only saw 1, the result of new birds from the continent moved by the Beast from the East? After lunch  I had a wander at Bacton, unsurprisingly no migrants on the clifftop but Turnstone, Oystercatcher and a few gulls on the beach, including at least 1 adult Little Gull. The biggest surprise was the state of the beach with most of the sand washed away and the slipway rendered useless.

A Snowy Patch

Last Wednesday (28th) after a failed attempt to drive Laura to work in Norwich, and after the worst of the snow had eased I decided to have a wander around the Quiet Lanes near the house. Before I left the garden I had 4 Fieldfare fly over the house and a Brambling under the feeders. The wind was whipping up as I crossed the the fields and the snow was starting to drift.

By the humped-back bridge a few Fieldfare and Redwing were by the hedge but it was rather quiet, and by the Alpaca Field 4 Song Thrush scrapped about. It was by Pond Cottage that I found a large mixed Finch and Tit flock, that held Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits as well as two Coal Tits.. Goldfinch and Chaffinch dominated the finches but a few Greenfinch and 3 Brambling were also around, along with two Goldcrest and a possible Chiffchaff I only got a fleeting glimpse of. On the lane towards Antingham Pond a Yellowhammer was in the hedge and two Stock Dove appear to be paired up. In the trees by the pond I could hear both Siskin and Redpoll but could only see a few Siskin in the Alder. Peeking through the hedge most of the pond was frozen over with a resident Mute Swan, Canada and Greylag Geese and Mallard present, but no obviously over wintering wildfowl. By Lyngate Gardens another large group of birds was taking advantage of feeders in the gardens, but again it was predominantly the common finches and tits, although a Mistle Thrush was on the paddock and 3 more Stock Dove were nearby. In the pine belt last year I saw Firecrest and I thought I may have heard one again, but couldn't see anything, but another 2 Coal Tit were nice to see. Walking back via the Industrial Estate I scanned the gulls on the factory roof but saw nothing of interest before heading home for a warming cuppa.

On Thursday all roads in and out of North Walsham were blocked by deep snow drifts, while building a snowman Fieldfare once again flew over the garden and one of the juv. Blackbird was being fed, sadly I later found the second drown in the pond.

Over the last week or so as well as the numerous Buzzard and Kestrel often seen between North Walsham and Norwich, we also saw 2 Barn Owl, a Little Owl (25th) and a Tawny Owl (2nd) on our commute.

A Snowy Surprise

I spent the morning warm indoors wallpapering, before cutting and chopping a trailer load of firewood between heavy showers of snow. While walking through the woods I flushed a Woodcock my first of the year.

Getting home I found this little fellow in the garden, I put out some extra meal worms and after a trip to the shop came back to the parent birds feeding two almost fully fledged chicks.

North Norfolk stroll

On Tuesday 13th I met James and we headed off for a mini tour of North Norfolk, the bird time I've taken the car out any distance to go birding. Our first couple of stops were speculative, calling in first at Sparham Pools hoping for a Goosander. There seems very few around this winter and unsurprisingly there were none here. A large group of Fieldfare were in a nearby field and 3/4 Shoveler the best of the wildfowl on the semi-frozen pools. Going back a few years Manderin used to be seen near Guist, I haven't heard of them here recently but it was on route to North Norfolk so worth a stop. No ducks but I did almost get us stuck while turning around in a gate way.

Near Choesley there was no sign on the previous days Hooded Crow, although James counted 15+ Brown Hare in one field, so we headed onto Titchwell RSPB. By the path to the visitor centre James IDed so fungi while I had a look through the large finch flock, containing mainly Chaffinch and Goldfinch, but a few Brambling, Greenfinch and Siskin were also seen. With high water levels we scooted past the Fresh Marsh and up to the sea. The tide was out so most birds were a little distant, the best birds offshore being Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser and Common Scoter. The New Tidal Marsh held a Ringed Plover and quite a few Knot on our way back, but we could not locate the reported Spotted Redshank despite out best efforts. The Meadow Trail did at least turn up a new year bird for me, with at least 4 Red-crested Pochard on the pool past the Fen Hide.

I drove the back roads towards Ringstead slowly in the hope of locating Corn Bunting or other finches but we only came across some commoner birds. Near Ringstead we located part of the Pink-footed Goose flock that has in recent times held a Bean Goose, but it was ease where on this day.

Final stop was Flitcham, and for the first time in ages the Little Owl was actually showing well in the fallen tree. A fellow birder pointed out two freshly hatched Egyptian Geese and a large Starling Flock drifted about. It had started to rain so we had to have an all to short look through the finch flock in the lane, with no sign of hoped for Tree Sparrow we headed back towards Norwich

Happisburgh and Letheringsett

Last Wednesday (7th) after getting the food shopping I headed to Happisburgh with an hour to kill hoping to catch up with the Shorelark that have been present most of the winter, but have eluded me on two previous visits. Walking up to the Lighthouse I had a better view of the whole of the 'lighthouse field' as last time i'd walked the clifftop path. After 10 minutes of scanning I located the Shorelark feeding relatively distantly feeding near the coastal path, typical. 3 Brent Geese were also in the field, 1 Pied Wagtail and a couple of Skylark. Walkiing the clifftop for a closer view the waves pounded the base of the cliff and there was evidence of further small cliff falls that morning. As I got closer to the area the Shorelark had been in a dog walker approached from the direction of Cart Gap and the Shorelark flew past me before landing further inland, close to the Lighthouse but out of view. A quick scan of the sea reveled a few Red-throated Diver, a group of 5 Brent Geese and the expected gulls.

I had a quick look in on Lessingham Church but it was locked, so after a few external photos I headed headed to Stalham. A Marsh Harrier was quartering the field near Ingham, before I picked up some gardening supplies at Wayford. Agnes was having a nap when I got back to mum's so I spent a hour or so digging the allotment. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit and an unexpected Reed Bunting were nearby and a mixed group of Fieldfare and Redwing flew over.

On Thursday Agnes and I had a walk on Walcott seafront collecting stones and flotsam and jetsam from the tide line. The Turnstone's rapid walking reducing Agnes to fits of laughter.

This morning (12th) as Agnes was up and fed early I thought we could have a wander in Holt. Firstly we headed to Letheringsett to see if we could see the long-staying Arctic Redpoll. It was rather quiet when we arrived, but Agnes was happy playing Pooh Sticks on the bridge for a bit, a flock of LTT also came very close and amused her. I heard a Redpoll call and eventually found a small group of Redpoll in the Alders in the field. I soon located the Mealy Redpoll and after a couple of birds arrived from further along the track spotted atleast 1 Arctic Redpoll, however the birds soon moved and Agnes' patience ran out. I felt a bit guilty as I left the birders who had located the Arctic Redpoll for me, with Agnes screaming. Rather than visit Holt we stopped off at Salhouse duck pond and fed the ducks, much more to Agnes' liking. A Marsh Harrier was close by, the Brent Geese and Black Brant could not be seen while driving past Cley East Bank. Stopping at Sheringham for a wander around the shops we saw a Purple Sandpiper on the rocks by The Crown and plenty of gulls but nothing unusual.

A Heron Filled Afternoon

Arriving back from shopping in Norwich at 2pm I was going to have a wander around the lanes behind the house, but Laura said I should go look for the Glossy Ibis at Great Yarmouth after i'd mentioned it earlier in the day.

Getting into the car a Grey Heron flew over the garden and on the way to Yarmouth two Common Crane flew over the road at Repps. A Great White Egret has been on the marshes near to the Caister Tesco's store and approaching Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium it was hard not to miss the GWE feeding in a ditch only a few meters from the edge of the main road.

Pulling into Bure Park in Yarmouth I ended up parking in the overflow just inside the gate, I didn't realise the main car park was slightly further along the track. While putting on my boots I spotted 2 Moorhen walking on the flooded/marshy meadow, initially totally missing the Glossy Ibis only meters away from me just the other side of the dyke. I moved slightly further along to get better views, with the ditch side reeds in the way. I then wandered over to the river bank where while looking at a herd of Mute Swan spotted my 5th Heron species withing an hour with 2 Little Egret in flight over the marsh.

Rather annoyingly with the Ibis being so close, I was more than annoyed to discover that I had left the camera at home, I had to make due with a quick record shot on my phone. With such good views and no camera, i'd had my fill after 20 minutes or so and thought I might still have time for a 20min look for Shorelark at Happisburgh, but driving home the skies darkened. Driving through a heavy wintery shower, I cut my loses after a nice afternoon and headed home for a warming cuppa.

Mundesley Cliffs and Allotment

On Thursday morning before the forecast rain Agnes and I headed to Walcott for a walk on the beach, however the tide was quite high so I continued onto Mundesley Holiday camp in the hope of adding Glaucous Gull to the patch list. Walking west towards the village I soon located the juv. Glaucous Gull on the groyne post, level with the sea front. We walked as far as the donkey paddock above the lifeboat station, before walking back. A few Red-throated Diver flew off shore, along with a couple of auk sp. I couldn't ID just with binoculars. The wind was blustery and biting so I decided not to walk east towards the Gas Terminal, but in the brambles near the rubbish compound a Chiffchaff was of note if little else.

Dad had discovered new diggings near his allotment, and keen to put out the camera trap again I headed up there after my walk. Getting out of the car I spotted a woodpecker in the corner of my eye and upon locating the bird it was one of the resident pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that dad sees on a regular basis. A pair of Blue Tit were inspecting a nest box and seemed very aggressive towards a Great Tit also nearby.  I'm taking on an area of the allotment and hope to put some feeders up soon, and will be interested to see what birds i can lure in.

Despite a night of pouring rain on collecting the camera yesterday, I had two brief clips of a Badger popping its head out of the sett and thinking better of it, diving back in out of the rain.

Big Garden Bird Watch

Yesterday after putting Agnes down for a mid-morning nap I pulled up the chair in the study to conduct my hour of bird watching for the RSPB Big Garden Bird watch, after 20 minutes it was obvious Agnes didn't want to nap so I decided to postpone my bird watching until later. Instead we headed out as a family to take in a couple of local churches as part of my family history research. Barton Turf church was very pleasant, but I discovered from some very good literature within the church my relations buried here have unmarked graves. We thought about walking around the board walk to Barton Broad, but instead decided to try and find Neatistead Church. I wish we had stopped as I have since found out a Black-necked Grebe has been present 2 days. Driving on towards Potter Heigham for a light lunch I did see a small group of wild swans on the marshes by Ludham, but didn't stop for a detailed ID. On our return it was raining so I didn't bother continuing the Garden Bird Watch.

Saturday 27th 10:00am -10:20am (max. counts)

17 Feral Pigeon     06 Blackbird
28 Woodpigeon     12 House Sparrow
02 Magpie             01 Robin
11 Goldfinch         02 Black-headed Gull
06 Herring Gull     02 Jackdaw
02 Chaffinch

With Agnes staying at my parent's over night Laura enjoyed and over due lay in, while I got up and got an hour of bird watching undisturbed. For now at least I can view quite a large area from the study window, my garden, an area wasteland behind the house and a distant view of farmland beyond the industrial estate. A neighbour a few doors down seemed to have a better bird banquet on offer, so although my immediate garden was quiet I still managed a decent tally. A small group of Gulls tend to roost on the industrial estate buildings, and being early I watched them heading out to the fields. There were many more Gulls present than recorded, as they slowly drifted off and only max. number was listed. I also managed a new 'Garden List' bird, with a Female Bullfinch in the scrub on the wasteland.

Sunday 07:50am - 08:50am

05 Feral Pigeon     08 Blackbird
34 Woodpigeon     14 House Sparrow
05 Magpie             01 Blue Tit
09 Goldfinch         13 Black-headed Gull
17 Herring Gull     09 Jackdaw
04 Chaffinch         11 Starling
01 Song Thrush     09 Carrion Crow
02 Dunnock           01 Grey Heron
01 Bullfinch          02 Common Gull
01 Collared Dove  02 Great Tit
02 Long-tailed Tit 02 Lesser Black-backed Gull

This afternoon we decided to take a drive to Sea Palling so Agnes could play in the amusement arcade for an hour. On route we saw two Common Buzzard near Dilham, perched by the road I've seen them in the same tree 3 of the last 4 times I've driven past. A Red Kite soured over the road by Wayford Bridge and two Kestrel were near Stalham. Adding to the raptor list, on our return a Merlin flew along side the car near Sea Palling and a Marsh Harrier headed towards the Hickling roost. Near Ingham Corner two bats flew around while Laura was pulled over to take a sunset photo. A Tawny Owl also flew across the road at Meeting Hill.

Wet feet and Badgers

On Monday I popped out with Dad to set up the camera trap again, and doing so discovered the hard way I had a hole in mt Wellington boots, inherited from my Grandfather they have served us well. It was while looking for new boots in Wroxham on Tuesday, that I finally caught up with some Lesser Redpoll and also a few Siskin in the Alders by the River/Railway line.

With strong wind and rain forecast I decided to pick the camera trap up on my way home, despite it only being out overnight. I'd set the camera up not far from where a badger had triggered the trap last week, it was overlooking a possible sett, although it didn't look very active. Looking through the images again I had lots of empty clips, but increasing the sensitivity of the camera I had also caught a Blue Tit, LTT, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird and mouse on film. Despite the heavy rain at 3am a Badger emerged from the sett in front of the camera before scuttling off, it wasn't seen again all night. 

A Windy Walk-about

On Thursday (18th) Agnes was invited to play at a friends giving me a couple of hours to myself. After collecting the new car last weekend it also meant I could think about more than a walk around the block. I decided to head for Sheringham looking for the Black Redstart and Waxwing of previous days.

After the overnight storm the wind was still quite strong and there was plenty of debris to dodge on the road. I got to Sheringham about 9.30 parking by the RNLI slope a brief hunt failed to locate the Black Redstart. But from this view point and walking East along the prom I saw numerous Guillemot flying West as well as a few RT Diver and my first Gannet of the year. Just below the Mo a Purple Sandpiper was on the rocks with the Turnastone before I headed inland along back streets towards the station. There was initially no sign of the Waxwing and a fellow birder also confirmed they had had no luck. Just a few minutes later a group of Blackbird and Starling erupted from a small rear garden and among them were the 3 Waxwing. I got flight views and one briefly perched before they returned to feed in the garden. Walking back along the prom I decided to walk to the Lifeboat shed with little expectation as a digger was working on breaking up and repairing the seawall. To my surprise atop a small rubble pile only feet from the workmen the Black Redstart flitted about. I soon had to return and collect my daughter but a delightful hour or so.

After her post lunch nap Agnes got herself up and I found her in the study looking out the window, she had found my spare binoculars and informed me she was 'looking at birdies'.

Playing with New Toys

While in the city on Sunday I finally got to call into Warehouse Express and treat myself to a new pair of binoculars, not because I really needed them but because I could. The need to 'test' them gave me an excuse to visit Bowthorpe/Earlham Marshes, after we had done a bit of shopping. Luckily I met a nice chap with a scope who had already scanned Colney Pits without seeing much so I opted for a scan across the marshes from the road bridge and then a short wander. East of the bridge was quiet with just a few gulls loafing around, but looking west I soon spotted the Great White Egret close to the river. Although the bird was a little distant I decided not to walk to far as there were lots of dog walkers and it seemed quite quiet, a few Redwing and Fieldfare were in the area though, and a Grey Wagtail called from near the weir.

Earlier in the day I popped out and collected my new camera trap after its first outing. New to this tech I wasn't really sure of the best settings to use or where to locate it. Dad had located a good track near his farm allotment that he was curious about, so I strapped it to a tree and hoped for the best. The trap had been activated 14 times in the 36 hours I'd left it out, I was expecting very little but I had to wait until I got back from Norwich to have a proper look. I had 5 day time activations and 9 over night. Unsurprisingly I had captured myself twice but also a cock Pheasant showing off in front of the camera, the best clip though was a Muntjac Deer wandering around in full daylight.

I was most impressed by the night vision of the camera, a 'distant' Muntjac could be easily identified and I also had the back end view of 2 Badger running through shot. I also had 5 clips of what appeared to be nothing (I assume something triggered the side sensors but failed to enter the camera view). With little prep these results were overwhelming, so I'm planning to set it out again later in the week, using higher resolution video and longer recording times, but any advice would be greatly received. 

'Mystical valley' Hume's Warbler

With a free weekend I text James to see if he fancied a trip to Cromer to look for the Coues's Arctic Redpoll and Iceland Gull. He was already planning a return trip to Waxham and the Shangri-la Chalet area to look for the Hume's Warbler after last Sundays failings.

Knowing I would be visiting Waxham on Saturday I jumped at the change to pop to Cromer with dad on Friday. After a quick bit of shopping (the purpose of his trip) we wandered over to the 'Lifeboat' slope and very quickly spotted the juv. Iceland Gull among a group of mainly Black-headed and Herring Gull that appeared has a Crab boat prepared it pots anchored close into shore. After that success we drove home via the coast road, but with no sign of any birders we didn't try to stop and look for the Arctic Redpoll. Leaving Agnes with mum, dad and I visited his allotment to collect some winter veg but also to set up my new camera trap near by, i'll report any success later in the week. A large mixed tit flock near the allotment held LTT, Blue Tit, Great Tit and 2 Marsh Tit something i'd not seen here before and also new for the year.

This morning (13th) Laura and I first had to go and collect our second car, meaning now I can get out birding with Agnes on my days off, without relying on lifts. James called by at 10.30 and we headed off to Waxham. As with last week we found a small group of birders near the chalet, with no recent sign of the Hume's Warbler i was surprised not much searching was going on. After a short while we headed south along the landward side of the dunes determined not only to find the bird but stay warm. For the next hour Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin and Wren frustrated us, before a small bird-watching tour located the bird, not far from us, just south of the chalet. We got really clear if brief views on three of for occasions over about 10 minutes, the bird mainly kept low in the often dense under canopy of the stunted sycamores. What really surprised us both was how vocal the bird was at times and the volume of the call. A couple of Goldcrest were also seen and i heard and probably briefly saw a Chiffchaff, while trying to follow the Hume's Warbler back towards Shangri-la.

We next called at Happisbugh in the hope of connecting with the c11 Shorelark frequenting the area. We had no luck locating them, and neither did Gary White who we met of the Coastal Path near the Lighthouse. He had earlier had a Lapland Bunting nearby so we wandered further on towards Cart Gap. We also failed to relocated the Lapland Bunting, but two male Stonechat added to my fledgling year list and walking back James spotted 4 Snow Bunting slowing making their way along the beach.
Arriving back home for a warming cuppa a Song Thrush sang boldly in the hedge neighbouring my house. A pleasant couple of hours, with my first lifer of the year.

Hume, just a Blackbird.

After putting the Christmas decorations back in the loft for another year. Laura, Agnes and I headed to Wroxham for Sunday lunch. News of  Hume's Warbler at Waxham gave us an opportunity too see a bird I've looked for in the past but failed to see. It would also be Agnes first twitch where she was actually 'helping' me look, nows she just over 2.

Near Ingham we saw a group of 7/8 wild swans but couldn't stop. They looked pretty good to all be Bewick's, a large corvid flock was also nearby.

Arriving around 2pm I was soon told the bird was elusive and moving along about 500m of dunes, however no one seemed to be moving far from the spot it had last been seen 2 hours previous. Agnes was annoyed I'd not brought her binoculars and wanted mine, i also heard a few tuts when upon seeing a Blackbird she correctly shouted out 'Blackbird'. Laura took her for a walk West thinking i might get linched while I left the small group (after seeing only a Robin and said Blackbird in over 15 minutes) and went East. Not far along I soon found a tit flock and got very exited when a small warbler appeared with the LTTs but alass it was a Goldcrest. After a good scan through the flock I meet the girls again and decided having spent an hour in the cold blustery wind do head home.

Driving back via Horsey and Martham we found a large flock of Mute Swan but also a second wild swan flock, mainly Whooper but also 2/3 Bewick's.

A Record 1st January

Gary and I set out, as is now tradition at 5.30am with the aim of being the first visitors to Titchwell RSPB of the year. Although the forecast was favourable we had no great expectations, with few rare birds to search out. I believe this lack of rare birds actually proved the making of our biggest 1st January total as we never felt rushed spending time at each site and turning up some real bonuses.

Robin, Blackbird and Feral Pigeon were all seen by street light before leaving North Walsham. 3 Tawny Owl were seen on route and we took our rightful place in an empty car park around 6.30am.
Unlike the drizzly dawn of last year it was soon getting light and upon reaching the beach we had already listed 30 species and not just shadowy silhouettes. With the tide quite high and sea relatively flat sea conditions looked good, the beach held large numbers of gulls and waders and we had a 48 species total before looking inland to the marshes. Beach highlights inc 2x GND, 20+ close Long-tailed duck, an almost constant stream of Red-throated Divers (easily 200+) and a bonus juv. Shag. Scanning the Brackish and Fresh Marshes we took our time slowly building our total. An unseasonal Greenshank another unexpected bird and often tricky Water Pipit had us at 65 before the fen trail and the prospect a of a Cornish 'style' pasty breakfast at the cafe. Getting into the car 6 fly over Redwing gave us a running total of 82. (78 new plus Robin and Blackbird meant 80 Titchwell birds!)

A brief stop at Thornham allowed us to see Twite and Rock Pipit before heading inland. Chosley Barns have proven disappointing but recently we have found a favorable route through the neigbouring back roads towards Docking. This year we stumbled across a Linnet flock of maybe 600+ birds with a few Chaffinch and Goldfinch tagging along. I also managed a lone Brambling in an adjoining hedge. Next was our only off piste twitch looking for a Glaucous Gull rumoured to be in a pig field not far away. The pig farm appeared to cover numerous fields but as we pulled up within seconds Gary located the bird sleeping not far from the car.

With time on our side we decided to break with our regular route swapping a dash cross country targeting a few birds at Flitcham for a more leisurely woodland walk at Holkham. Driving via Burnham Market we flushed a Short-eared Owl from a hedge and added a few geese species looking out towards Gun Hill. Avoiding the madness of Lady Anne's Drive we parked up by Holkham Park gates with over 100 species seen before 12.30. Only a few feet from the car Gary was onto a calling Firecrest and then a chunky fly over finch had us both thinking "Hawfinch", two unexpected birds in as many minutes. A walk around the woods, park and lake added a few more species and we climbed back in the car on 113. Driving through Stiffkey I briefly though about the Cattle Egret reported frequently before Christmas and as we drove post the flooded field sure enough Gary said "are those Cattle Egret" and lifting my binoculars yes they were. We stopped by the Dun Cow in the hope of distantly scoping the Snow Bunting flock reported by the 'Little Eye' but before seeing those birds 115 and 116 were surprisingly Pied Wagtail and Rook! Stopping a Sheringham we hurried along the prom we quickly located a Purple Sandpiper before continuing East.

A 'drive-by' of the regular 'tundra swan' fields near Ludham was the only site we dipped at all day (the small flock has being hanging out near Ingham recently it turns out). We arrived at Hickling NWT with the light still good, and walking towards the Stubb Mill Roost we had equaled our previous best 1st January total of 118. A Sparrowhawk flew along the track ahead of us and from the roost Barn Owl and Hen Harrier were soon seen. With advise the Common Crane were roosting else where on the reserve, we decided to relocate part way back along the track. This was soon rewarded with 17 Crane flying in and calling at close quarters in the fading light, a delightful way to end a very pleasant and surprisingly relaxing day.

122 species seen, but still driving home our thoughts couldn't help drifted to what could have been. Redpoll, Spotted Redshank, Bearded Tit and Eider just a few we 'missed', but I'm sure if we had targeted these we would have missed many others. I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas and Happy Birding for 2018.

Bird Watching - Starting them Young

As Autumn has drawn to a close a few birds have appeared in Norfolk but I found myself busy on the days the birds appeared. Although for once I had some time off work while Norwich Beer Festival was on, and on 24th October meet James and Karl for a lunchtime session. Bird related beers (and nature) were at a premium, I started by sampling Jo C's Stout Robin and then People's Raveningham Bitter (it had Raven in the name!). Among a few other beers Three Blind Mice's Milk Worm (almost Silk Worm and their Lonely Snake wasn't on.) and East London's Orchid had enough'nature' about the to tempt me. James and I then went for a walk in Train Woods hoping for a bit of fungi, but the dry weather meant little was about. However the Eyelash fungi Scutellinia sp. was a new type of fungi for me and I learnt quite a lot more about leaf mines from James.

I deciding to put down the DIY tools I took Agnes on a walk around part of the patch to Antingham. Although not two until tomorrow (7th) she is very good at spotting birds already, even if shouting 'Birdie' scares a few of them off. Lots of the expected common birds including a very large mixed tit flock, which also held 2 Goldcrest, Agnes particularly enjoyed the Long-tailed Tits that came within a few feet and also a hovering Kestrel. I enjoyed watching both Marsh and Coal Tit birds I rarely see on this area of the patch. A pleasant couple of hours well spent.

With news of the White-billed Diver moving backwards and forwards along the coast. Before going out for lunch at the weekend I got Laura to stop off at Walcott, an hour of strolling along the wall and a bit of sea watching proved successful, when the White-billed diver was located by another kind birder, i also saw a Great Northern Diver and numerous Red-throated Diver. Gannet drifted past in large numbers, a Little Auk scurried through going west and a Guillemot was surprisingly my first this year in Norfolk. Highlight of the day was not the life tick in White-billed Diver, but Agnes shouting 'Look Turnstone' as we got back into the car, after Laura had pointed them out to her at the beginning of our walk.

Today while making a brief stop near Norwich Airport to collect Birthday presents, Agnes correctly identified a fly-over Pigeon, (I left her off not being specific to Wood Pigeon) and while she pointed out high flying gulls (birdies), I heard the call of a Hawfinch and on turning around 2 few over our heads.

Optimistic Birding - Rewarded

Today (18th) was the only day during my annual two week 'Autumn Migrant Holiday' where the persistent Westerly winds gave way to a light Easterly/North-Easterly, and with a little bit of drizzle forecast I was probably a little over optimistic of taking something from a quiet Autumn.

Without the car I had two 'public transport' options head East and walk from Sea Palling or head North and start at Cromer. The train pulled into Cromer station at 8am, the light was poor with drizzle in the air. Looking out to sea I picked up a Fulmar and distant Gannet. Between the Doctor's Slope and the Lighthouse, Chaffinch (17) and Robin (18) seemed to be moving East along the clifftop, but it was too dull to see anything in the woods. A lone Redwing was in the gorse, but on reaching the golf course I was a little underwhelmed.

Looking out to sea a bank of cloud was heading towards me, then half way across the Golf Course while on the Coastal Path I seemed to be awash with Goldcrest (48), with them appearing in every bush. In this short stretch of maybe 1km I also saw my favorite bird of the day a Firecrest, a female Ring Ouzel and 3 Song Thrush all appearing to be new arrivals. A large flock of Goldfinch (100+) also held a few Linnet and Greenfinch but little else. Approaching Overstand my 'fall' of birds evaporated as quickly as it arrived, reverting back to being Robin and Chaffinch.

I stopped for a cuppa and toast in the cafe before continuing East, the light had improved now and I picked out 3 Red-throated Diver offshore. I was getting towards Trimingham before the next birds of note a flock of c30 Meadow Pipit and 30+ Skylark, that split and merged over the stubble fields. 60+ Cormorant were on the beach with a fixed gull flock and 6 Brent Geese headed West. The Clifftop Wood was silent, 5 Starling flew in off the sea and a Grey Wagtail flew over calling. I was aware of an elusive Barred Warbler behind the Pilgrim's Shelter on Monday, but wasn't expecting for it to be boldly sitting up in the hawthorn hedge. Needless to say it wasn't there long and despite knowing exactly where it was hiding I could not see it again.

The Coastal Path briefly comes inland to avoid the radar station and here a small group of 5 Yellowhammer had the company of a male Reed Bunting. Past the beach ramp at Trimingham I was skirting the caravan park when a smart male Stonechat appeared at close quarters. Sadly I gave him only brief attention as a large mixed flock of finches appeared from between the caravans (i suspect someone had put seed down) among the group of 50+ mainly Chaffinch and Goldfinch I picked out at least 2 Brambling. Walking towards Mundesley a heavy drizzle set in and I saw very little extra. Behind the Holiday Camp (on my patch), I turned up a lonely Goldcrest, 2 Reed Bunting and c20 Skylark before turning inland towards home. By Paston Great Barn a group of Redwing, my first thrush flock of the day passed over. Walking the Paston Way along the old railway line and via Pigney's Wood I saw only the expected resident birds.

I arrived home 7 hours and 26km after getting off the train in Cromer, time for a cuppa and sit down. Maybe it's already to late in the Autumn but I failed to see single Wheatear, Chiffchaff or Willow Warbler, but the fall of Goldcrest and great (if brief views) of the Barred Warbler have to be the highlights of an enjoyable if tiring day.

A quiet Autumn so far . . .

The weather this Autumn hasn't been ideal for migrants on the East Coast, with low numbers of  relatively common birds reported. In fact we haven't had any weather window that have encouraged me to change plans and head for the coast. I have however stumbbled across a few birds and the month has gone on.

On Tuesday 5rd October i headed to Sheringham, not really to bird watch but just a wander really with Agnes, however the binoculars went in the bag as normal. With a NW wind blowing it was worth a quick look over the sea. Sea watching with a 2yr old, a limited supply of snacks and no scope isn't easy so i only managed 20 minutes, long enough with the help of a 'prepared' birder to spot a Sooty Shearwater and a Guillemot.

Walking too work via the River Wensum the regular Grey Wagtail have been in evidence, appearing to defend territories, but probably trying to finally chase off their fully grown young. I've also seen the Kingfisher on at least 3 mornings, and had a small group of Redwing fly over on 6th Oct.

At home Blackbird numbers seem up in and around the garden and our Song Thrush has returned, Redwing have also been heard flying over a few mornings and seen on the 12th Oct.

Today (16th Oct.) enjoying what may well be the last 't-shirt' day of the year, Agnes and I headed for Cromer Zoo. After getting off the train we first walked the cliff top along the Runton Road car park, a group of Meadow Pipit flitted about the grass and a group of Starling appeared to come in-off but may have just circled around. The only migrant i can be sure of was a late Yellow Wagtail in the horse paddock near the zoo. I also saw this rather smart Small Copper butterfly enjoying the sun on my way home.

It is only mid October so we still may get some easterly migrants, but with hurricane Ophilia bearing down on the west coast. they'll probably arrive after my 10 days holiday that i started on Saturday.