Easter Catch-up - Two

19th April - Ranworth

Meeting up with the in-laws, a delightful stroll around Ranworth had something for everyone. An Easter trail was being run by NWT so that kept Agnes (and the rest of us) amused for a while, I managed a couple of year ticks from the floating Information Center, with Osprey, Arctic and Common Tern, before we all tucked into a delightful lunch at The Maltsters.

21st April - Paston / Southrepps

An early start at Paston Cliffs gave up 2+ Ring Ouzel, 5 Wheatear a handful of Hindrines and 6 newly arrived Whitethroat, but no new patch migrants or exciting arrivals. I therefore headed off for a quick walk around Southrepps Common, an area now walked almost weekly with Agnes attending the nursery opposite, it should almost be part of the patch! I was looking for a Pied Flycatcher reported the previous evening by Fox Beck, but like the Great Grey Shrike earlier in the week I failed to find anything. With jobs to do I headed home, at least I still had 3 days left of my extended Easter Break.

22nd April - Holt / Potter Heigham

With few Bank Holiday events that took our fancy we headed out as a family to Holt Country Park. Agnes loves playing in the woods and the sculpture trail added an extra bit of excitement. I had hope to show her some lizards and snakes, a sure thing on the Lowes, however her over eagerness meant she scared the lizards I found before she saw them and we failed to locate any Adders often basking in the sun. Climbing the Observation Tower I was aware of the calls of a Woodlark and after a short wait finally located one of probably two singing birds. Arriving home by lunchtime Laura decided on a nap/chill out, but was happy for me to go out for a longer amble.

I had put off going to see the Black-winged Stilt at Potter Heigham, not because I didn't want to see it but because I was hoping to find some birds myself or something rarer to arrive. Being midday I was expecting lots of heat haze but after power walking the river back I was pleasantly surprised with a refreshing breeze in the air. I wasn't sure where the Black-winged Stilt was so checked each pool in turn. This proved quite rewarding with the pool closest the mill holding a Wood Sandpiper and two Gargany, as well as the commoner waders including some Ruff almost in summer plumage. The next pool held a Spoonbill feeding at close quarters and the last a Great White Egret and a Little Gull hawking about for good measure. As is often the case I had again myself the wrong side of the pools when for a target bird and had to walk around the far end and view from the other track, but today I couldn't complain. By the tin hut a local birder/dog walker advised me he had seen the Black-winged Stilt asleep almost tucked out of view. Luckily after 10 minutes or so it woke up, had a stretch and a wander before dozing off again. While waiting a second Great White Egret was seen along with a Common Crane feeding near by. I also realised that I had been listening to a few Reed Warbler calling, a new year tick so took the trouble to get visuals of one.

29th April - Paston / Worstead

A quick visit to Paston after dropping Agnes at Nursery offered up little, with only a couple of Whitethroat singing and a lone Wheatear still lingering. News that Dad had a Cuckoo by the Allotment first thing meant a quick trip out to Sandy Hills. I could hear the Cuckoo in the direction of Meeting Hill but despite a drive found failed to locate it, (that wouldn't matter as the next day would have it) but almost as exiting was a Spotted Flycatcher on the track to the Allotment. Dad now tells me the bird had been there about a week!

30th April - Burnham Overy / Salthouse

After 10 days with limited rarities arriving it was inevitable something would turn up the day I went back to work, a Purple Heron, a Norfolk Tick! Last year I sat patiently for almost 2 hours at Cley with my two year old waiting for a Purple Heron to emerge from a reed bed, (I eventually left when we ran out of snacks) the bird duelly appeared 15 minutes later. So with the bird showing well and sticking all week I headed to Burham Overy after the 9am nursery drop off. Near Egmere I spotted a Cuckoo perched up in a bare tree and two Red Kite. Luckily I then got stuck behind a very slow moving, very smelly mature cart!? Lucky because the s got withing a low pace enable me to catch sight over the hedges of the unmistakable outline of a Eagle, pulling over the bird was a little distant but undoubtedly a White-tailed Eagle mobbed by two 'small' Buzzard.

Parking up by Gun Hill I was met by a returning birder say 'it's a long walk, it's distant it's hazy', had I used my day's birding luck? Thankfully his friend added 'maybe worth a look from the harbour'. I jumped in the car and parked in Burnham Overy, a 50m walk along the wall and the Purple Heron came wandering across the grazing marsh, with unobstructed views the bird even struck a few poses, stretching out it elongated neck. After 20 mintes I had had my fill, just as I was getting in the car the birders from earlier reappeared offering up that a Great Spotted Cuckoo was at Salthouse. It was only 11.30 but I was already heading homeward.

I was amazed to find only two birders at Grambrough Hill, but apparently the Great Spotted Cuckoo had been seen only once before 9am and people had drifted away. I never saw the GSC but did see a lovely Whinchat. 3 Wheatear, 7 Whimbrel and a Common Cuckoo. The Cuckoo was gauging on Brown-tail moth Caterpillars, and I unintentionally got within a few a few meters, only alerted to his presents by two deafening 'cuckoo' calls, but even then he carried on eating. Almost a pleasing was standing by the 'cliff' edge and having a few dozen Sand Martin swirling around my head. More than delighted with my morning's birding I headed to Cley visitor center for a cuppa and cake, to finish of a Yellow Wagtail few across the road by Salthouse duck pond.

Easter Catch-up - One

Considering that in the last 5 weeks I've been out birding on only three occasions, with an week off work plus Easter I found myself birding almost every other day in April. I will need a couple of posts to get back up to date (I really should get back into the habit of posting weekly!).

9th April - Barton

With no nursery I decided to take Agnes for a walk around Barton, now 3 1/2 she's really starting to enjoy birding and was very proud in pointing out a Buzzard circling overhead. The Broad was more like the North Sea with the wind whipping up some waves, so little was seen. The wind also kept a lot of smaller birds well hidden, however numerous Chiffchaff were calling and my first Willow Warbler and Blackcap of the year were of note.

14th April - Morston

We should have been at an Easter Egg Hunt but as I had mis-read the start time, were ready to go a good hour early. Rather than sit in we headed to Morston, making use of our new National Trust pass we parked in at the Quay and set off to look for the Great Grey Shrike present. As was the case with the GGS in the Brecks I again dipped. Three new year ticks from the short jount however with 2 Spoonbill, Mediterranean Gull and 3 Wheatear. At the Egg Hunt in Matlaske Laura spotted a Red Kite gliding low over the parkland.

15th April - Waxham / Winterton

With the Schools of for Easter James Emerson and I set aside a day to catch up and go birding. We stopped on route at a site that has held migrant Osprey in the past, but today only a pair of Marsh Harrier and common birds. Walking the Dunes at Waxham turned up the two Ring Ouzel (present a few days), a Blackcap and couple of Chiffchaff. With little around and the long staying Hoopoe still at Winterton we decided to head further west.

Pulling in along the Horsey Straight we soon located the lone Tundra Bean Goose that remains with the resident Greylags. Scanning the geese we completely missed the Great White Egret standing in the field only meters away, with the bird taking flight at the first sight of a camera!

Stomping off through the South Dunes at Winterton we nearly reached Hemsby turning back with news the Hoopoe was back near the toilet block. We walked the North Dunes in the area of the Totem Pole with little success, with only Skylark and Meadow Pipit for our efforts. We were about to give up when a fellow birder pointed in a vague direction with the thumbs up. A few dunes later and James flushed the Hoopoe. It seems quite skittish and few low quite a distance between stops. We still managed good views of a lovely bird, with James capturing the below record shot.

16th April - Southrepps / Paston

After repairing some rotten woodwork at home I headed to Southrepps to look for another Great Grey Shrike reported the previous day. A walk north of The Common failed to turn up a GGS however 3 Swallows hawking over Warren Barn were my first for the year. Walking The Common the resident birds are now in full song and some of the areas distinctive flowers are starting to bloom, in this case
Fritillary.

Moving onto the patch at Paston, I had a nice male Wheatear by the car and a male Ring Ouzel of the cliff face very close by. As with my last visit Linnet seemed to be perched on every bush. A Lesser Whitethroat was by the turning circle and a Sandwich Tern was heading north out to sea. The Holiday Camp and Paddocks were very quite, although the Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel patrolling the cliff probably didn't help.

17th April - Morston / Cley / Felbrigg

With Agnes spending a day with the in-laws I decided to head to Cley and Salthouse in the hope of finding migrants in decent numbers. Greeted by a hazy sea mist lingering over the grazing marshes I drove on to Morston to give the Great Grey Shrike another try. Walking West towards Stiffkey Fen the expected waders were observed including a lone Whimbrel, with a couple of Wheatear and a male Stonechat hardly worth note. I walked just beyond Stiffkey Fen without seeing the GGS (it reappeared in the afternoon) but decided to give the Fen Pool a good scan. While scanning I realised I could hear at least 2 Sedge Warbler singing, new birds for the year, a delightful sound, but one I almost over looked. After locating the Sedge Warbler I continued my scan locating my 3rd year tick of the morning with a Common Sandpiper feeding in the margins. Walking back I watched the Stonechat for a while and flushed a Ring Ouzel from the gorse but still no GGS.

At Cley the haze had started to lift, a quick check of the Eye Field gave up only 2 Wheatear, but no hoped for Wagtails. Scanning the sea seemed pointless with the mist hanging just off shore that said however I sat down for 10 minutes and 2 Velvet Scoter passed close enough to be seen with their distinctive wing bar. Water levels seem very high from the main hides, consequently very few waders were present and after finding the hoped for Little Ringed Plover I headed to the Visitor Centre, to check I hadn't missed anything and have an early lunch. Walking back a Cetti's Warbler unusually sang out in the open giving exceptional views as it belted out its energetic song.

Driving home the sun was warm on my arms, and at the last minute I decided on a stop at Felbrigg. I still hadn't seen a Little Owl this year and this was perfect weather for one to perch up. Parking by the Wood Yard I bumped into a few members of the East Norfolk Bird Club finishing their walk so soon had a grasp on everything that was about. The hoped for Little Owl was soon found with the given directions, a Redwing/Fieldfare flock will probably be my last of the year and a Mistle Thrush was vocal in his presence. Unexpectedly (the bird club hadn't told me) two Ring Ouzel where seen at close quarters on the Warren, with a further also present nearer the sluice along with a Wheatear. On the lake 2 Tufted x Ferruginous Duck held my interest for a while before I saw my first Whitethroat of the year, completing my short loop back to the car.

Pre Easter catch up

With an early warm spell encouraging some wintering birds to leave early. I found very little to head out for in March instead getting some other jobs out of the way.

8th March - Cley / Kelling Heath

It's been a while since dad and I have managed to go out birding together so it was nice to head out to Cley. We walked out along East Bank I finally added Avocet to the year list but also adding Barnacle Goose, Green Sandpiper and Ruff. Bearded Tit pinged in the reeds and a small number of Pink-feet remained. After a cuppa in the visitor centre we had a wander around Kelling Heath, little was about however with Linnet the dominant birds.

14th March - Walcott / Mundesley

Driving though Walcott a white-winged gull flew over the road, and an Iceland Gull was then found loafing in a nearby field. The planned walk at Mundesley followed adding Kittiwake and Fulmar to my lists. Still early for migrants I had to be content with a few fossils from the beach. Taking Agnes to nursery on 24th March I had to pull over in Antingham after spotting a male Black Redstart on a farm building roof. Returning after drop off however I couldn't relocate the bird.

4th April - Paston

My first spring visit to the cliff top at Paston was a rather quiet. With a few now infarmous Sand Martin drifting along from Bacton joined by 2 House Martin. Every bush appeared to have it's own Linnet which at times was rather frustrating as nothing rarer was around.

6th April - Home

Pulling into my road my eye was drawn to a Gull that flew up from the road in front of me. On the roof of the factory was a Yellow-legged Gull with 2 Lesser Black-backs and a Herring Gull. As an added bonus from the bedroom window the YLG made it onto the garden list.

Late Winter Catch-up

After a flurry of trips out in January, February was a rather quieter affair. With just a couple of trips out and other jobs to do I've gotten rather lapse with the blog, but hopefully this will be the last summary type blog for a while.

Southrepps Common - 20th January

Directly next to my daughter's new nursery, Southrepps Common will probably become a regular spot as I take a 30 minute wander after drop off or pick up. This day however, Laura, Agnes and I had an extended walk of The Common and Lower Southrepps. The Common was rather quite bird wise with a work party tidying the reed beds and scrub. Warren Woods however held a few more birds including Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Behind Warren Wood, Fieldfare, Redwing and Green Woodpecker were in the Paddocks and a decent size gull flock were on the ploughed fields.

Felbrigg NT - 24th January

Parking at the back of Felbrigg I couldn't walk a full lap of the lake due to ongoing improvements to the dam area, So I decided to walk via the Church. I still haven't managed to see any Little Owl by the Hall, only finding Jackdaw in every tree! 4 Mistle Thrush we near the Car Park and a mixed Fieldfare and Redwing flock flew over. Sadly at the foot of the Church tower a female Kestral has met her demise, can only imagine flying into the tower as despite the freezing temperatures the bird was still warm. The lake was frozen except a small area being patrolled by a coupe was swans. A Stonechat was below the dam and a unusual flock of c15 Meadow Pipit and 20+ Linnet were in the rough grazing. By the flooded meadow I found a delightful mixed flock of birds holding, Bullfinch, Brambling and Marsh Tit as well as the commoner finches, tits and thrushes.

Lynford / Santon Downham - 28th January

Working a night shift but waking at 6am I made the most of my day visiting the Brecks before starting work at 6pm. Starting off a Lynford Arboretum I first walked down towards the gravel pits, a few Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe and a Little Egret the only birds of note. But no sign of the previous weeks reported Gooseander. WAlking through the Arboretum a couple of Crossbill flew over, a flock of Siskin were near the bridge and a Nuthatch was on the feeders. A walk around the Paddocks offered very little with no sign of the 30+ reported Hawfinch, just a single Mistle Thrush, until a lone Hawfinch flew over.

Rather disappointed with Lynford, I decided to head to Sandton Downham to look for the long staying Great Grey Shrike, but despite a good number of birders on site the bird was not located. It has since taken up residence in Brandon Country Park nearby.

Lyng NWT - 28th January

With time before starting work I detoured on my way back to Norwich. But like Lynford the Goosander seen here recently also couldn't be located. However good numbers of small birds made up fore this including a very confiding Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Marsh Tit, Song Thrush and Greenfinch a once common bird not encountered often.

Cley NWT / Sheringham - 31st January

Cockley Cley / Lynford - 21st February

Every school holiday James Emerson and I try to catch up for a bit of old time birding. Following my rather disappointing trip to the Brecks of previous weeks I decided on a revisit. Our first stop was a well known Raptor hotspot near Cockley Cley. Despite the overcast conditions a few Buzzard were 'up' and after a short while a Goshawk quartered woodland giving prolonged views. Buoyed by this success we headed to a nearly site for Willow Tit, but despite 45 minutes or so of waiting by the feeders, the best we could manage was an interesting Marsh Tit and a Nuthatch. Walking further along the track a Muntjac Deer and Great Spotted Woodpecker were also seen.

With a few hours to kill before heading off to try and see the Kumlein's Gull at Lackford Lakes, we decided on a visit to Lynford. Lynford Water was once again quiet though a massive flock of Siskin seemed to surround us with sound. in the Paddocks we soon located a flock of c15 Hawfinch that gave good views feeding under a Hornbeam. A nice male Crossbill was seen drinking by the bridge before we headed off.

Lackford Lakes SWT - 21st February

Neither James or I had been to Lackford Lakes before, this was obvious but we eventually found ourselves in the car park. It was still early for gulls in the roost so we had a cup of tea and a chat with a volunteer in the visitor centre before exploring a bit of the reserve. WE spent some time viewing a scrape known as 'The Slough'. A large flock of c400 Lapwing were put up by a couple of Buzzard and a few Pochard were with the expected common waterfowl. Among these ducks James was drawn by a couple of slightly unusual looking Mallard. This were Roseybill x Mallard hybrids, something James was more interested in than myself, but still something different to see. Sitting by the Sailing Lake a few Black-headed Gull were already in the roost and were being joined by more birds all the time. After about an hour we had to give up with birds still arriving, the pleasant weather meant the bird arrivingng later than previous days. James did pick out a 1st-winter Caspian Gull, a Red Kite flew over and a Kingfisher whizzed by while we waited for the gulls to arrive.

Blickling NT - 26th February

Laura had an extra day off work and waking to a sunny morning we headed to Blickling for a morning walk. We walked the Park and Lake before enjoying a scone and tea, and athough the best birds were only a Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Green Woodpecker it was a delightful couple of hours.

January 2019 so far . . . .

Bird Race - 1st January

The 1st January was the 10th Year that I have joined Gary for an informal bird race, (informal as we are not racing anyone else) aiming to start the year with as many species as possible. Arriving at Titchwell RSPB in the dark the birds started to emerge from the darkness. Sea watching at first light was very productive with 36 species seen as we turn back inland. Highlights being 3 Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe and a Black-throated Diver. The Fresh Marsh had high water levels so wader numbers were rather limited but we still arrived back at Reception, after picking up some woodland birds along the Meadow Trail with 70 species. A female Merlin chasing a Meadow Pipit over our heads was probably the best bird on the reserve. Fuelling up with a Bacon Bap. Dunnock, Greenfinch and Coal Tit were on the feeders and on a second attempt a Water Rail was found in its regular dyke nearby, before we left Titchwell Reserve.

Choseley Drying Barns in recent years have been disappointing, but we added 10 more species here including Brambling, Mistle Thrush and Yellowhammer, before moving on. Thornham Harbour gave up a Spotted Redshank and Rock Pipit before we eventually saw the c14 Twite that make the area home most winters. A few more common species were added in the Gun Hill/Holkham area so that our 100th bird of the day was Tree Sparrow, at an old site I've not visited for a number of years.

We tried Holt Sewage works on a whim a few years back, and visiting it again this year proved fruitful, with birds including Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and Firecrest. The Holkham became our was over run with New Year walkers, so Felbrigg became our favoured site to top up on woodland species. Nuthatch was expected but Marsh Tit was a nice addition.

Our only 'target' bird of the day was the Dipper near North Walsham, a bird neither of us had seen on the 1st January and a uncommon visitor to Norfolk. With the bird located by other birders, it was little more than a drive by sighting as the bird frequented the old lock at Briggate. The day was passing by fast but the Dipper was bird 112 for the day, so we headed towards Hickling and the Stubb Mill roost our traditional days end. On route the Whooper and Bewick's Swan were seen near Ludham, and female Scaup was seen on Hickling Broad. As well as viewing the expected Harriers from the Roost Canada Goose  was belatedly added to the day's list, 2 Common Crane fed in front of the view point and in the very last of the days light a Woodcock flew overhead. A grand total of 118 species seen, a good start to the year, if not our highest January 1st total with a few species suspicious by their absence.

Alderfen - 6th January

Laura, Agnes and I had decided on a Sunday walk and with the opportunity of a few birds we headed for Barton Broad. The car park was the full with people obviously walking off thier excesses of Christmas and the New Year, with cars even parked on grass. I'm not one for crowds so we drove onto Alderfen, one of NWT's oldest reserves and one much under visited (we were the only people there). The Broad held c60 Wigeon, plus good numbers Teal and Tufted Duck, as well as the expected waterfowl. Walking the wet woodland surprisingly few birds were seen and none specialised to the habitat. Driving home I decided to call in at Briggate and Ebridge I the hope the recently departed Dark-bellied Dipper may have returned. It hadn't but we did stumble upon a mixed finch flock including c50 Brambling.

Barton Broad - 10th January

After abandoning my visit a few days earlier and with Agnes spending her first full day at her new nursery I had some free time to visit Barton Broad again. Sadly the Black-necked Grebe of previous days had departed, but 2 female Scaup, c60 Goldeneye and a handful of Pochard were on the Broad. Surprisingly a Little Grebe was new for the year being missed on January 1st, along with Great Spotted Woodpecker and Lesser Redpoll also mist on the 1st. Driving on towards Potter Heigham and the coast a Green Woodpecker was another year tick, seen in Neatisthead.

Hickling/Potter Heigham - 10th January

I had planned to look for the Heigham Holmes Cattle Egret from Martham Ferry and then look through the geese near Horsey/Waxham, traffic was queued up and not moving near Potter Heigham so I decided on a walk around the Rush Hill area of Hickling NWT. Parking near Potter Church the walk to Rush Hills was uneventful with a few common birds, but generally quiet. I then stumbled across a mixed Tit flock, holding 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Treecreeper, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit and a Goldcrest.

Spurred on by this or maybe just being blindly optimistic I deiced to walk on to Potter Heigham Marshes, marking my walk quite long. The walk was worth it however when a Great White Egret was found, and then my realisation I could view the area of Heigham Holmes from near Candle Dyke. 3 Otter swam along Candle Dyke oblivious to my presence and after a short while the Cattle Egret was seen distantly by the farm buildings. Also nearby were c80 White-fronted Geese and my second Merlin of the year. Driving home I called by Ludham for a brief look at the wild swan flock although they were rather distant.

Paston Cliffs - 14th January

Having dropped Agnes in Southrepps for Nursery and called in to pay my mechanics bill in Mundesley, it would have been rude not to call in on this section of my patch for the first time this year. The expected Gulls loafed on the beach and a distant Gannet was off shore. A lone Fieldfare fed with a small group of Blackbird on the edge of the set-a-side field joined by a few Linnet and Skylark. Suddenly many more birds erupted from the field c20 Skylark, 3/4 Meadow Pipit, c20 Linnet and a family of Goldfinch, most of whom were hidden from view sent skyward by the resident female Sparrowhawk. The Sparrowhawk left without breakfast and the birds settled again a Mistle Thrush had appeared in the middle of the throng. With a mild NW breeze I had a short 15 minute sea watch, a few birds were closer in than usual with 5/6 Guillemot and numerous Red-throated Diver joining the earlier mentioned Gannet. But the best, two Long-tailed Duck were a new Patch Tick.

East Ruston/Happisburgh - 15th January

A brief stop at East Ruston Common to check for waterfowl on the pools proved fruitless. However in the road side Gorse 6+ Goldcrest were joined by at least 1 Firecrest a bird I will never tire of seeing, and by the water treatment site 2 Marsh Tit were showing well.

Happisburgh was my destination, and although quite a long walk was surprisingly quite with no geese seen in the area or any of the hoped for Snow or Lapland Bunting that often frequent the area in the winter. A mixed Chaffinch/Brambling flock were seen between the water tower and Grubb Street before I parked by the village hall and wandered off through the village. The garden feeders in Blacksmiths Lane only held House Sparrow and Great Tit and I was on Beach Road before i encountered more birds. The Manors orchard held a large number of Blackbird feeding on the fallen apples, and a good number of House Sparrow and Linnet in the boundary hedge but nothing stand out. I walked the cliff top from here to Doggett's Lane, with on 8 Turnstone and 4 Linnet seen in the Lighthouse Field. Rather surprisingly though I watched a Great Northern Diver come in off the sea and fly over my head, heading inland! To complete my lap I walked the clifftop towards the Old Coastguard Lookout and took the track back towards the village hall. I had noticed a few distant Red-throated Diver distantly passing so paused by the old lookout to look out to sea. c40 RTD could be seen with probable other more distant, but also 10+ Guillemot, a Razorbill, Red-necked Grebe and a Shag also seen. The later two additions to the Year List, belatedly giving the walk some credibility.

The Final Birds of 2018

Filby - 21st Dec

Just before Christmas I found myself not far from Filby so stopped in to look for the red head Smew. Agnes was very excited but once I had wrestled my scope off her I couldn't locate the Smew on Filby Broad. A walk down to the viewing platform over Ormsby Broad also was unsuccessful, but while walking back through the trees I saw a small duck land. Finding a better view we watched the Smew diving for a few minutes before it swam out of view.

North Walsham - 30th Dec

With Christmas and work commitments I wasn't expecting any birding before January 1st, but news of possibly my favorite British bird a Dipper a few miles from home couldn't be turned down.  I popped out at first light calling first at Ebridge Mill without luck. I drove the short distance to Briggate Mill no Dipper but at least I meet a fellow birder. I also came across two Red Deer stags by the roadside. I drove home via Ebridge, again I found myself alone, and initially I saw no bird. A final quick look by the mill pool overflow and the Dark-bellied Dipper was only a few meters away. The bird was very confiding allowing me close enough to get photos with my small compact camera. A delightful bonus bird to end the year.

Happy New Year and Happy Birding.

More Christmas Shopping

Each year work permit us one extra day off at Christmas, on Thursday (6th) we attended Agnes' first Nativity, she was 'The Star'. By about 10am I was free to go and try to finish my Christmas shopping and planned to head to Holt.

News of an unseasonal Red-rumped Swallow, meant a detour via Cley was inevitable. Luckily I could see the RRS as I pulled in by the East Bank. The bird hawked away over my head for 10 minutes, before I decided I should actually do some shopping. A couple of the shops I planned to visit were closed so I was soon heading off again. I'm not a great fan of shopping and after another brief stop I somehow found myself at Titchwell RSPB! Driving via the lanes near Choseley I came across two Corn Bunting my first of the year, but little else worthy of note.

Titchwell reserve was very quiet, on my stomp out to the beach I passed only 2 or 3 people. The tide was out so I walked out to the gun platform to view the sea. I soon found a group of Goldeneye just beyond the surf, followed by a lone juvenile Eider and two Great Crested Grebe. Over the next 30 minute a few auk passed distantly, I found a few Long-tailed Duck, a passing Great Northern Diver and a Red necked Grebe. It always amazes me how you miss birds scanning a relatively flat sea, as from nowhere a Slavonian Grebe appeared close inshore. By the dunes a kind gent pointed out a Black throated Diver towards Brancaster, it's been a while since I've seen one on the deck and it surprised me the definition on black and white. Back on the fresh marsh I located a Water Pipit in the cut reed margins and a Water Rail called unseen by reception.

Heading toward Norwich to have dinner and late night shopping with Laura a Red Kite drifted by between Fakenham and Guist.

I have just about completed my Chrismas shopping now and also don't expect to add more birds to my year list. Atleast I won't have to by petrol station gifts on Xmas eve after going on a twitch!

Christmas shopping for Beans

Sea Palling - 24th November

On Saturday we visited a Christmas Fayre in Martham and Hicklong. We came back via Waxham and Sea Palling allowing me to look for the Tundra Bean Geese in the area. Luckily they were on the edge of the larger goose flock and not far from the road so only took a brief 10 minute stop between Fayres.

Wroxham/Buckenham - 29th November

By 9.30am on Thursday I had dropped Agnes at nursery, done a quick Lidl shop and brought some Christmas presents in Wroxham. I decided to check out Wroxham Broad, a few Tufties, Little and Great Crested Grebe were a litle disappointing. With plenty of time I decided to call in at Buckenham to look at the recently returned Taiga Bean Geese. Upon arrival the wind had whippied up something rotten and standing by the gate my scope was rocking. Luckily the small clump of bushes on the track gave enough shelter to scan the grazing marsh towards Cantley. 6 Pinkfeet initially excited me and 5 Barnacle geese were with the large flock of Canada Geese. However at the back of the marsh I spotted a dark head appear followed by a second. Eventally 7 Taiga Bean Geese appeared from behind a bank/grassy hollow, distant but distinct.

Sheringham - 3rd December

Today I headed for Sheringham after the Nursery run for a couple more presents, but as most shops opened at 9.30 I had almost an hour sea watching. The sea was quite calm, good for viability but not good for close in birds. I managed c25 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Brent Geese and a decent number of auks. Many where distant and mainly Guillemots, but at least 2 Razorbill could be IDed and a surprise Puffin briefly landed just beyond the pots. Also a delight to see was the returning Black Redstart, wintering again by the old hotel. While I was there it spent most of its time on the railings and hopping about on the prom at times only a few meters away as I sea watched.

Barton Birdfest

Yesterday (22nd) despite the overcast weather I decided on a morning jaunt around Barton Turf, as I hadn't been out for a week or so. Walking down the lane between the carpark and board walk, a large group of thrushes passed over mainly being Redwing but also a few Fieldfare, good numbers of Chaffinch and Blue/Great Tit where in the road side hedge. The carr woodland was rather quite but a group of Siskin/Redpoll flitting about the Alders were worth note. Scanning the Broad most of the ducks seemed distant but after a while a boat passed through and many came closer. 50+ Goldeneye were surprisingly the dominant wildfowl, but also 3 Scaup, 16 Great Crested Grebe, a Long-tailed Duck and lone Pochard, plus the expected Mallard, Tufties and Teal. A Kingfisher whizzed past and just as I was about to leave when two female Goosander drifted into flew before flying towards the back of the Broad. Walking back the lane was even busier than before. The Redwing had settled in the ivy by the board walk entrance along with 3 Song Thrush and I followed a family of Long-tailed Tit along the hedge. A Roe deer then ran across the road heading into a strip of maize, birds scattered. I counted 8 Bullfinch (6 male), 30+ Brambling, Siskin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, 2 Reed Bunting, Blue Tit and Great Tit, as the birds settled in the hedge. A Marsh Tit also called and the Thrush flock (or another) joined the throng. I had a quick drive/wander around the village/staithe area finding to further large Redwing/Fieldfare flocks but little else.

A Little Birthday Birding

On Thursday (8th), my Birthday  Laura and I started off at Sheringham having a full English Breakfast. Before this we had a quick look for the King Eider from the Lifeboat slope. It didn't take us long to locate the bird on a calm flat sea, we both had good scope views before heading off for breakfast. Walking back to the car a Red-throated diver was seen close in and a Purple Sandpiper flew past.

Next stop was Felbrigg, and parking up by the back gate we first had a wander in the woods seeing the usual suspects. We then bumped into some old neighbours, so had a coffee and a chat, sitting it the warm sun of the courtyard before walking the lake loop. A female Mandarin on the water meadows was the only note worthy bird.

Walking to work in the morning I have started to see wildlife and birds start to move back into the city centre for the Winter. On the 26th October I saw a dog Otter near New Mills Yard and in the same area a Water Rail on 5th November. The Grey Wagtail are now a regular sight but not so the regular Kingfishers of last year. Also on the 5th November a Black Redstart was seen singing at the top of Lower Goat Lane.

Today (12th) after the Nursery drop off I headed to Horsford to see if I could catch up with the Parrot Crossbill as I,m busy for the next few days. After a short while I heard and located a small group of Crossbill in the pines. Among their called I could hear a deeper sounding call and after 30 minutes of watching in the dense tree tops got brief views of a male Parrot Crossbill. I continued my wander hoping to locate a larger group of Crossbill that might hold the additional reported Parrot Crossbill and hopefully better views. This I failed to do however the woods were full of interesting fungi and numerous groups of small birds including a lone Brambling and a Siskin flock.

After typing up this post I noticed that yesterday's Pallid Swift from Sheringham had been relocated near Overstrand, and with 55 minutes before pickup at Nursery I decided to attempt a 'Swift' Twitch in more than once sense. Driving towards Cromer I got stuck behind a bus and then a tractor, so it was almost 11.30am when I parked. A quick jog across the golf course and I was viewing the Pallid Swift cutting along the cliff edge in the company of a House Martin. Five minutes of decent views and I had to rush off again. This bird would be a Norfolk Tick hence the rush, having seen one other Pallid Swift in Suffolk, but half way home I remembered seeing a Pallid Swift at Cley, whoops! 

Late October Update

Salthouse - 22nd October

On Monday I collect James from Norwich for our regular half-term bird watching catch up. With two new birds for Norfolk in the Weybourne/Salthouse area we knew where we were heading. Weybourne's Brown Shrike of the previous day had not been relocated so we first stopped at Salthouse. Parking by the Duck Pond we soon found ourselves looking at the probable Stejneger's Stonechat, if a little distant. Over the next 15 minutes the bird showed well in the scope but never came to close, perching in the reeds and sheltering from the worst of the blustery wind. A Wheatear also flitted about the marshes. We decided to move onto Weybourne despite no news on the Brown Shrike, parking up we were met by a stream of returning birders. No only had the bird not been re-found but access to the core of the site had been temporarily at least revoked. It is a military and tank demonstration area so I guess you don't want to get in the way! James and I spent a short while looking in from the periphery, but after further news the finder had given the site a good walk though decided, it had probably moved on over night and we moved on to.

Gun Hill - 22nd October

James and I decided to head towards Holkham always a hot spot for migrant, parking up on the Coast Road we headed down towards Gun Hill. Surprising the hedgerows alongside the track often bristling with Thrushes held few birds, but a few Pink-feet and Brent Geese head in the meadows. By the board walk a Stonechat was chirping and we could see a few birds along the saltmarsh margins. Made up of Linnet, Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting the little group came and went when walkers passed by, but among them one bird drew our attention. With strong chestnut head colours and quite a clean breast a juvenile bunting had us debating Rustic Bunting, unable to get a photo and on balance we decided it was most likely a Reed Bunting. A late Whinchat uncharacteristically skulked around the sueada, before perching up as we had a snack lunch. A few Redwing flew over and a Chiffchaff was the only migrant warbler seen as we walked West. Walking back along the seaward side, we spent time looking for specialist dune fungi and insects.

A quick stop at a favoured site for Tree Sparrow was fruitless, with extensive development on site likely to moved the birds on. Also the nearly set a side fields, often full of wintering birds as yet seemed quiet.

Paston Cliffs - 28th October

With the clock changing we dove to Great Yarmouth along the coast waiting for the shops to open. Between Hickling and Potter Heigham a pale looking buzzard flew over the car and pulling over we could clearly see it was of the Rough-legged flavour. While shopping I heard of a King Eider at Sea Palling, a bird I've missed a couple of times and it looked like I would be missed again as it had flown off by the time I returned home.

I decided to call in at Walcott in the hope the King Eider may still be in the area. The waves were still rolling in and I soon realised with my low elevation by the sea wall I was probably missing many birds between the waves. Gannets steamed through and a few auks were seem cutting through the waves, I was about to leave when I saw a small bird disappear behind a wave, I was surprised to see a Leach's Petrel emerge, an not the half expected Little Auk.

Despite this success I still packed up the scope and headed to Paston Cliffs in the hope of finding a migrant Owl perched up. Upon arriving I could see a heavy shower hanging offshore and heading my way, so I stayed in the car, and sea watched from the back seat! This higher elevation made seeing the bird much easier and I could see large numbers of Gannet, Guillemot and Razorbill passing distantly, also smaller numbers of Kittewake and Red-throated Diver. A Great Northern Diver was my first of the Autumn, before I got very lucky. The King Eider earlier seen at Sea Palling flew through heading North and to help with identification was followed 5 minutes later by a group of 17 Eider, a mixture of juvenile and adult bird. 2 Little Auk also flew through close to the breakers completing a rather hectic 40 minutes or so of sea watching. A quick lap of the scrub and holiday camp gave up little, the hoped for migrant owls were not seen but the sea watching more than made up for that. A group of 12 GBB Gull on the beach were of note along with c600 Starling new in. Just before I left a Rainbow appeared out to sea, slowly drifting toward the cliffs with a rain shower and appeared to pass right through me!

Paston Cliffs - 3rd November

A late afternoon walk offered little bird life in the quickly gathering dusk. The resident Linnet and Dunnock bar a few gulls the only birds until 3 Redpoll flew over calling. As I left a mass of corvids gathered by the windmill ready to roost.

More North East Norfolk Birding

Norwich - 14th Oct

In my last post I failed to mention my flying visit too Cotessey to see the Rosie Starling. Having to visit Longwater Retail park it would have been silly not to look despite the light drizzle in the air. I got out of the car and Laura parked just around the corner. Within seconds the bird popped up over a rooftop ridge. I watched for a minute before realising Laura could see just as clearly from the opposite side of the house. So we watched for 5 minutes from the car before the bird dropped from view and we went shopping.

Trimingham/Paston Cliffs - 16th Oct

See previous post.

Happisburgh - 17th Oct

After the success of Tuesday I felt optermistic about Wednesday so after finishing physio at 10am I killed two hours at Happisburgh. Parking by the village hall, the cricket pitch hedge held a couple of Goldcrest and the church yard 2 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and mixed tit flock. I took a slow walk along get beach road knowing a Pallas Warbler was nearby on Tuesday, I probably took 45 minutes to walk 150m. But picking through the tits and finches present I was rewarded with my favourite stripy sprite, a Pallas Warbler near the Manor's orchard gates. 2 Blackcap, 4+ Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff were nearby. Redwing streamed overhead just as on Tuesday and grounded Blackbird were evident. By the track to the long gone lifeboat shed c15 Brambling fed in the sycamores and a skulky Dunnock held my attention too long. Along the cliffs by the old coastguard's a good number of Skylark and Meadow Pipit were probably mainly migrants. A smallish looking bunting among these drew my attention but I was a ready running late to collect Agnes. I did however manage a grainy record shot which on reviewing at home looked larger and was probably just a strangely marked Reed Bunting, rather than something rarer.

Paston Cliffs - 18th Oct

A flying visit found the cliff top patch surprisingly quite. Tuesdays 2 Lapland Bunting flying over again the only highlight. A 20 minute sea watch only produced a steady stream of Gannet East, a few lingering Red-throated Diver off shore and few Wigeon West. Friday meant a return to work and the deminished chance of more autumn migrants.

Local Birders in the mist

The forecast didn't look like much, but this morning I woke to a heavy mist shrouding the house, always good for a fall of migrants. I decided to head to Trimingham knowing that a Lapland Bunting had recently been present. I parked up near the church and noted a few Chaffinch and Brambling around the church yard. I then spotted Mike Lawrence (Back in Birdland) with his camera suggesting something might be about. Behind the Pottery Mike was waiting for an illusive warbler in the scrub, after a brief chat I continued further on to the clifftop wood. The mist was slowly clearing and Redwing streamed in, in small groups along with the odd Fieldfare and Song Thrush. The clifftop wood was full of Goldcrest 30+ but I couldn't make out anything rarer than 2 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. Joining to other birders we walked the cliff and small copse, Redwing and Goldcrest topped the list, but Skylark and Meadow Pipit appeared to come in-off the sea. Walking back we flushed the Lapland Bunting present for a few days, c400 Starling passed over in two groups and the fields seemed alive with Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail.

Back by the Pottery the illusive Dusky Warbler found earlier was still being illusive, I was directed to it's last known location and left alone to wait. After 30 minutes or so the bird finally called and I managed brief views, clearly showing its bright supercilium. Despite the bird continuing to call on and off I only managed a couple of typical skulking views.

After the success of Trimingham I decided I should check the patch at Paston Cliffs. Getting out of the car incoming Thrushes were obvious, especially Redwing. 5 Goldcrest flitted about by the cliff edge track. I then spotted 2 Lapland Bunting drinking from a small puddle only feet away. The now resident Stonchat flitted in the Brambles, and a very large Goldfinch/Linnet flock was on the fallow field. I then meet Bob Cobbold, another local birder and over the the next hour we chatted and walked the small area.

A Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and a Chiffchaff were seen along with a decent amount of grounded Song Thrush and Blackbird The Lapland Bunting flew over again, before we were both drawn to an unusual bird for the patch, a Coal Tit. With gingery flanks and a slatey blue back the birds showed characteristics of the continental race. That capped of a very pleasant morning spent unexpectedly in the company of some local birders, whom I know I share my patch with but we very rarely bump into.

Horsey Ortolan

Yesterday I was out early has I had a list of jobs I should have been doing, but still wanted to have a look at Horsey for the previous days Ortolan Bunting. I arrived at Horsey Corner just after 7.15am early enough for free parking a good start (the pay machines is locked away overnight), and headed towards Waxham Sand Holiday Park. I had briefly stopped a Happisburgh for a sunrise photo.

A theme of the last few days, a pair of Stonechat just south of the Caravan Park were still delightful to watch. I set up in the dunes to scan the short turf of the caravan park, and on my second pass I spotted the Ortolan Bunting feeding on the edge of a track way. I watched the bird for 3/4 minutes before a dog ran across the grass, the OB flew directly over my head and appeared to drop in the dunes a short distance away. I spent a short while looking, succeeding in only flushing the bird before losing it again, but a Richard's Pipit flew over calling. I returned to scan the caravan park but added only a Chiffchaff in the brambles. I walked north scanning the bushes and scrub before turning back to the car park via the dunes. At the northern edge of the caravan park a Yellow-browed Warbler was calling and a Richard's Pipit was seen in the dunes not far from the car. The peace and quiet of the morning walk was soon replaced by the whine of the petrol strimmer, as I gave our hedge its annual major hair cut now the birds have stopped nesting.

Blyth's Reed Warbler and other Migrants

I had decided to head out to Blakeney Point after dropping Agnes at Nursery at 8am. I though this would be my best chance to see the bird, rather than wait for news and then set off. The day started in shambolic style, putting Agnes in the car I realised my walking boots had just been driven to Norwich with my wife, rushing for Nursery I grabbed my sandals to drive in and threw my wellies in the boot, not ideal footwear to tackle the Point! Then halfway to Blakeney for some reason I glanced onto the back seat, S**T no binocluars, driving back home I found them by the boot rack.

After a very brief pull into Walsey Hills, where a Jack Snipe was on view from the road, I belatedly arrived in Cley's Beach Road car park about 9.30am. At least by this time a report had just come out that the Bylth's Reed Warbler had stayed overnight. Knowing the tides was going out I took the long slog out on the shingle, reserving sandy beach for my walk back.

Not far beyond the fishing boats I had a female Brambling emerge from the sueada, but I was almost at Halfway House before the next notable bird, a male Ring Ouzel. Near the Hood a Yellow-browed Warbler skirted the saltmarsh margins, flitting a few more yards every time I approached. There seemed good numbers of Meadow Pipit and Linnet around and 4 juv. Gannet passed close to the shore, along with groups of Wigeon and Teal.

Approaching the Plantation 4/5 Wheatear frequented the short grass, but no birder watchers. I made myself comfortable and had only been seated 5 minutes when the Blyth's Reed Warbler was chased from the brambles by a Yellow-browed Warbler. This diminutive bird must have suffered from Napoleon complex as preceded to chase everything. The Blyth's Reed showed on and off for 5-10 minutes before again being chased. I watched the Plantation for the next hour as a few other birders arrived. The Blyth's failed to reappear, but 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, a Chiffchaff and Goldcrest all showed on and off.

I wandered over to the Old Lifeboat House and soon located a smart pair of Stonechat, while watching these I noticed a thrush disappear behind the toilet block. Further investigation revealed a lone Fieldfare and 6 Redwing in the brambles, but also another Lesser Whitethroat and a Barred Warbler. The Barred Warbler showed well as it ate blackberries before being disturbed by the Redwing. After a further 10 minutes by the Plantation I decided to walk back via the Dunes. A second Brambling of the day was in the dunes and a couple of Chaffinch appeared a little out of place on the beach.

A slow amble back along the surf was easy on the feet and gave me a chance enjoy the warm sun that had broken through. A couple of species jellyfish were on the beach, I only photographed one but have no idea on ID. Back at the car by 2.30pm I though about going to Waxham for the Ortolan Bunting, but my legs said no!

Patch-tastic

This morning (7th) Laura, Agnes and myself decided to have a wander around Blickling NT. While walking the park land and around the lake 3 groups a Redwing flew overhead my first of the Autumn. A Green Woodpecker was seen a very close quarters, and 2 others more distant. 2 Mistle Thrush were by the formal gardens and a probable Hawfinch briefly in the beeches by the lake.

Laura offered too cook an evening roast, but that meant I couldn't paint the kitchen ceiling so by 2pm I found myself once again at Paston Cliffs.

On getting out of the car the patch felt and sounded different, with the resident Dunnock families rather adjatated, there were extra birds about. By the cliff edge track I soon located a tit flock unusual in itself here, with Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tit together, but also a Yellow-browed Warbler in tow.

Close by another warbler drew my attention, it appeared to be a Lesser Whitethoat but with more extensive brown tones, possible 'Siberian' characteristics now I'm looking in a book, but I'll never know as it dissopeared into the scrub and re-emerging as my second Yellow-browed Warbler!

A group of pipit appeared to come in-off and all looked like Meadow Pipit. A very grumpy Dunnock alerted me to a striking male Stonechat perched on the cliff face gorse, and this was quickly joined by a female partner. Chiffchaff and migrant Robin were also seem along the cliff. I then spent a few minutes having a stare off with Stoat only a few meters away. The potato field has been lifted and held 2 Stock Dove and a number of Skylark.

Retracing my steps I scanned the scrub and cliff face. The grumpy Dunnock was still calling but this time on the short turf nearby a Snow Bunting was yet another surprise. The YBW was still with the tit flock along with a Chiffchaff. Walking towards Mundesley there is much less scrub and thus fewer birds but a couple of Redwing appeared exhausted near the paddocks.

With earlier news of  RB Flycatcher at Trimingham and a few GG Shrike appearing along the coast I detoured home via the quiet lanes of Gimingham and Trimingham taking it slow. No GG Shrike and the RB Flycatcher had not been seen again, however a flock of c.20 Brambling where in Trimingham church yard. A lone Fieldfare was seen drinking from a puddle near Trunch to complete my migrants for the afternoon.

I now have 10 days off work, with only a kitchen ceiling to paint and migrants arriving, maybe this year I've timed my Autumn holiday right?!

A bit more sea watching

Paston Cliffs - 26th September

Again the winds were not ideal, but I was able to start sea watching at Paston just after 7am, so I was hopeful of at least a few birds passing through early. Shortly after arriving I heard the unmistakable 'wink-wink' call of Pink-footed Geese and soon saw my first returning birds of the Autumn with c60 heading east. With relatively strong north-westerly winds the day before most bird seen seemed to be passing back west. During the hour I watched the sea only 5 Gannet, 3 Sandwich Tern and 4 Cormorant headed East. These were joined by 4 Pink-footed Geese low over the sea and a small skein of 14 Brent Geese also heading east. Birds were heading West in slightly larger numbers, highlights being 3 Velvet Scoter among 23 Common Scoter, a lone Arctic Skua harassing Sandwich Tern and single Balearic and Manx Shearwater. A group of c15 Teal also headed west.

While sea watching two further skeins of c70 and c60 Pink-footed Geese flew overhead. Scanning the paddocks and scrub were very unproductive with only resident birds seen, a late House Martin flew East and a lone Stock Dove was on the freshly drilled field.

Trimingham - 26th September

After popping home and applying a second coat of paint in the kitchen, I was left with the choice of watching paint dry, food shopping or another walk. I opted for a second walk followed by shopping.
Walking the cliff top fields and the clifftop woods failed to turn up anything of note, and the scrub behind the Pilgrim Shelter only held a couple of Chiffchaff.

Cley Marshes NWT - 27th September

With a day off from DIY I headed for Cley after dropping Agnes at Pre-School. I wasn't expecting much but decided on a change of scenery from the patch. The daily sightings board was still empty so I headed for the main hide cluster. An educational group had taken over Dauke's Hide, so positioned myself looking over Simmond's Scrape in Avocet Hide, but I could see no waders. The reason for this was soon obvious, with a male Peregrine sitting in the middle of one of the small islands. After 10 minutes and only a flyby Marsh Harrier I relocated into Teal Hide looking over Pat's Pool. A few Ruff and Dunlin were on show if a little distant, but before I could scan for anything more interesting, the Peregrine flew through scattering everything. A Common Sandpiper bobbed along the far bank once the birds eventually settled and after further scanning the previous days Pectoral Sandpiper was found feeding with the Ruff and Dunlin. A small flock of Golden Plover were a sign of the changing seasons. The Peregrine's third appearance was my cue to head back to the visitor center for a cup of tea. Driving down Beach Road I hoped to see the reported Purple Sandpiper by the sluice however maintenance work on the West Bank meant there was lots of heavy machinery about so I couldn't park. I contented myself with a leisurely drive home, via the back roads.

Paston Cliffs - 2nd October

Today I managed to catch an hour or so sea watching between 8.00am and 9.10am. The previous days winds had subdued but there was still a strong movement of birds East. With my first Red-throated diver, Great Skua and Pomarine Skua of the Autumn. The scrub gave up no raraties to note however 4 tired looking Blackbird and 5 Robin were probably birds passing through.

Gannet x52 (e) x4 (w)
Sooty Shearwater x2 (e)
Red-throated Diver x11 (e)
Sandwich Tern x4 (e)
Cormorant x9 (e) x4 (w)
Great Skua x1 (e)
Arctic Skua x1 (w)
Pomarine Skua x1 (e)
Shelduck x1 (e)
Common Scoter x5 (w)
Wigeon x36 (w)
Great Crested Grebe x1 (e)
Guillemot x2 (w)

September in Norfolk

Paston Cliffs - 6th September

After dropping Agnes at Nursery for her first day I headed to Paston Cliffs in the hope of a few migrants or a maybe a passing sea bird. The wind wasn't ideal but I started off sea watching using the car for shelter, after 40 minutes I had a modest total of 6 Sandwich Tern, 5 Gannet, 2 Guillemot and a single Manx Shearwater, before managing to swash a wasp between my finger and scope. With a swollen finger I gave up looking at the sea and hit the bushes. The resident Linnet were about and to my delight I also found 3 juv. Yellowhammer. The nearby fields are being ploughed and had attracted lots of gulls, many of which flew overhead and landed on the beach. Scanning through I managed to find a single Little Gull but little else. However sitting on the end groyne post was a 'small' Cormorant, on second inspection it was an unexpected Shag. Back at the car the male Sparrowhawk of the resident pair was perched close by and I got within feet before if flew off.

Waxham - 11th September

A mild head cold was good enough excuse not to paint the new kitchen, so I decided to 'take some air' at Waxham. Parking behind the church I headed East towards the Pipe Dump (or as it should be called the area previously known as, because the area has now been cleared). With the winds not the most favourable it was unsurprising the lack of migrants, with only a few 5 Swallow East and a few Whitethroat that could all have been resident seem among a group of commoner species. Beyond the Pipe Dump the birds picked up with a group of Swallow (c12) and 2 House Martin hawking over Waxham Sans campsite, a Wheatear on the grass and a female Stonechat close by. Walking back via the dunes 2 Meadow Pipit flew over high going East and a Reed Bunting was flushed. Looking inland a flock of 18 Common Crane where flying towards Horsey Mill. By the board walk path I watched a family of 4 Kestrel hunting and squabbling together, before finding 2 Whinchat perched up. The trees and scrub around Shangri-La chalet held no new birds but in the sheltered sunny spots dragonfly and butterfly enjoyed that later summer warmth.

Happisburgh - 16th September

After a morning shopping trip the wife encouraged me to go for a walk while little one slept. The winds were westerly so I wasn't hoping for much. Parking by the village hall at Happisburgh I wandered out past the paddocks to the Old Coastguard Lookout. A silent Chiffchaff was in the hedge by the paddocks but it seemed very quiet. Checking out the old buildings a Wheatear in the field beyond caught my eye. I was pleasantly surprised that sitting in the Elders out of the wind was the Barred Warbler seen here by others a few days earlier. Typically I had no camera but watched the bird at close quarters for 5 minutes before it was spooked by a dog walker. 4 Swallow flew south and 2 House Martin were still around the village. Just as interesting as the bird life was the Odonata species among the old building, rather surprising considering the lack of nearby fresh water. Common Blue Damselfly, Common Darter and  Migrant Hawker were all seen but most surprising considering the habitat was at least 2 Willow Emerald Damselfly. Excuse the poor picture taken on my phone in blustery wind and strong sunlight!

Bacton Woods - 22nd September

In the morning as a family we had a pleasant walk around Bacton Woods, collecting pine cones for Christmas and hiding in dens! As ever bird life was limited in the primarily pine woodland, but Goldcrest were present in high numbers, and Coal Tit and Treecreeper were nice to see. Also despite the very dry summer fungus are starting to emerge this Autumn.

Paston Cliffs - 22nd September

In the afternoon I headed again to Paston Cliffs, with westerly winds it was a walk of hope rather than expectation. Walking west I scanned the scrub on the cliff face and happened to look up to catch a lone Black-tailed Godwit flying West. While following the bird I noticed a few Sandwich Tern passing offshore so had a 15 minute impromptu sea watch. 9 Sandwich Tern and 2 Common Tern headed west but little was passing by, however I found 2 new patch birds on the sea in the form of a Red-necked Grebe and immature Eider. A juvenile Yellowhammer sulking in the bracken gave hope of something rarer, but the cutting of the set-a-side field has lead to a much quieter feel, with most of the large Linnet and Goldfinch flock absent. Walking back to the car a Tree Pipit flew East through calling, continuing towards the Gas Terminal.

Birds & Beer back on Tour

Earlier in the Summer I had invited James, Gary and Jim on a nostaligic birds watching tour of the pubs of North Norfolk, when I heard this may be the last summer the Coasthopper Bus service may Run. On the 31st August (Nine years after the original tour) James arrives to collect me at 10am. James had volunteered to be our designated driver after deciding against using the bus with our offer of a lift to the start point just too early.

I had a short target list of Pubs to visit, first was the King's Arms in Blakeney, initially this looks a poor choice being on the main street however I knew it backed onto the grazing meadows and onward towards the outer harbour and Morston. With stong heat haze already scoping towards the more distant areas was out of the question, but we soon had a tally on 20 species. With a new pub birding tick in Reed Warbler seen in the adjacent Hawthorn hedge.

Next stop was the Three Swallows at Cley, a pub offering bonus birds in it's title! A large group of hinderines swooped about over the marshes and a Sparrowhawk also flew through.

Moving onto the Dun Cow (the Birds and Beer Mecca) we soon abandoned our plans for lunch, it was just too posh. We stayed long enough to add a few more birds, including Avocet flying towards Cley. In truth it was disappointing with the dry summer and current weather the marshes were dry and heat haze prevailed.

Un-deterred we headed to Sheringham, as much for food as the birds. However the Two Life Boats on the seafront gave us the opportunity to watch the sea and eat. Jim picked out 3 Gannet then a few Sandwich Tern. A flock of Ringed Plover flew east before we decided to leaves the crowds.

The Gunton Arms was out final stop, set on the edge of a deer park it offered the potential of many birds still absent from out pub lists. Sadly this proved an bit of an anticlimax with only a few additional common birds. We finished the day with 42 species a modest total but still a pleasant day spent with friends none the less.

Early Morning on the Patch

I haven't really ventured onto the patch much, but with a few migrants starting to pass through Paston Cliffs seemed a good place to visit after waking early on Thursday (23rd).

Arriving at 6.15am the site was very quiet, just a few Dunnock and the resident Linnet viable on exiting the car. I had walked only a few yards and a large spot of rain landed on my head. I had a quick scan of the scrub by the car and spent a few minutes rooting out a juv. Whitethroat before the shower forced me back into the car. I re positioned the car had 10 minutes sea watching while the shower quickly blew through, my reward a single distant Gannet and unidentified small wader.

Walking towards the Gas Terminal everything was rather subdued, with the highlight being a very smart Greenfinch unusual for the site. A few Swallow drifted east seemingly with purpose, and a Kestrel hoovered over the cliff edge. Back near the car a female Sparrowhawk cut along the hedge boardering the path coming within a few feet, and near the holiday chalets a male was also perched up (the reason for a lack of bird life?). A secretive warbler could not be teased out of the Blackthorn and I soon found myself back at the car, minus any early migrants. A further 15 minutes of sea watching gave up my first Manx Shearwater of the year, two Auks both almost certainly Guillemot and few distant Tern, a mixture of Sandwich and probably Common. With little passing within reasonable distance of the shore I headed home.