They're not birds,They're not even alive

A recent post by David Bryant (Birds of the Heath) about finding pre-historic stone tools has inspired me to write a brief non-binding post.

I have been lucky to find a flint arrow head but in all honesty don't know what I'm looking for, I've had much more luck with fossils. Growing up not far from the NE Norfolk Coast I'd often return with a few belemite and on rare occasions a sea urchin fossil. Last Spring with a more knowledgeable adult eye we also found a few other things, and a trip to the Jurassic Dorset Coast piqued an interest.

However it was after my father's death last October when I took to long beach walks that I started to notice the variety of fossils locally. For a month or so I walked a hour or so 3 or 4 times a week on the local beaches, finding it both rewarding and therapeutic. I found various echinoids (sea urchin), antler, corals, bivalves and plants, I am however most excited when I find bone, we all dreamed of finding dinosaurs as children. I have fragments of mammoth, deer and bison, and favourite hippo tusk. Although lest frequent I try to get a fossil walk in whenever we have favorable tide and winds, I will always return with something of interest.

Bird watching is a great way to escape the everyday troubles life throws at you, but fossil hunting and being at once with nature is just as relaxing and just as addictive.

More New 'Ticks'

After you have been birding a few years your 'life' list's growth slows to a trickle, in my case British, Norfolk and Patch Lists.
However in the last week or so I added two Norfolk ticks and a life tick. This week surprisingly the run of birds continued. . . .

8th June - Roughton/ North Walsham

With my daughter back at nursery I planned to look for the Rosy Starling at Roughton after drop off but got called away. At 3pm waiting for pickup I checked the news feeds to see the Rosy Starling was still present but a Blyth's Reed Warbler had been found a mile from home on my patch! We hadn't got out of the car at Roughton when I saw the Rosy Starling on a roof top then in flight. I drove straight to Pigneys Wood rather than get out of the car and wait for the starling to reappear from a back garden. I've not taken a four year old to a twitch, especially not one where social distancing was expected so was slightly apprehensive. Luckily for me Agnes was good though did wonder off occasionally to look at flowers and insects but stayed her distance. I had just missed the Blyth's Reed Warbler showing well but after 10 minutes soon heard a delightful burst of song, my only previous BRW being a silent autumn bird. Brief restricted views followed over half hour, if I'd have been alone maybe i would have jostled for a better position, but i had seen the bird so we headed home for the promised ice cream pudding!

9th June - Swafield

After the nursery drop off I headed home via Trunch. I had forgotten flypaper on a recent shop and coincidenlty saw on the drive too nursery someone selling pitch plants from their driveway! Bargin Pitcher plant in hand (£3) I headed to work, but at Swafield I spotted the distinctive pink waist coat of Rosy Starling on the wires near the Church. A second patch tick in two days and a self find to boot. I could only stay a five minutes before work so I reported the bird and had to leave. After work I returned but couldn't relocate it.

As I write this I have been tempted to visit Thorpe to look for the Savi's Warbler a bird I have only heard but not seen once. But four early shifts means itll be mid-afternoon before I visit and I dont fancy my chances with heat haze, let's hope it stays a few days longer!

The Last of 'Lock Down' Birding

As May progressed the restrictions on the amount of time we could spend out of the house doing exercise and the distances we have been allowed to travel have increased, effectively (as long as social distancing is observed) allowing us to bird watch anywhere we like again. Some reserves and car parks have remained closed but slowly reopening therefore from 18th May I effectively closed my lockdown list of birds seen walking and cycling from home, with most places accessible again.

16th May - Paston Cliffs

My last trip out under 'lockdown' restrictions was actually a drive in the car after having to drop of supplies to Mundesley, I took advantage to have a short walk on the edge of my patch by the holiday camp. Spring migration seems to be curtailing off with most migrants now in the summer haunts and getting ready to breed. Garden Warber, Whitethroat, Swallow, Sand Martin and Sandwich Tern all seen from or on the cliff tops. The only surprise bird and final addition to my lockdown list was a juv. type Eider lingeing off shore, lockdown species 95.

Maybe I could have gotten to 100 species with a cycle out to a bit of open water or the coast more than once, but with warmer weather I turned to doing the DIY that I have put off for ages, rather than a sweaty cycle ride. On the 20th while in the garden a Mistle Thrush flew over the garden but turned out not to be the garden tick i thought, having seen one in 2014.

19th/20th May - North Walsham

It had been ages since I've use my moth trap and after dusting it down ran it over two nights. I was hoping for something to show Agnes as during lock down and while off nursery we have been looking in the garden and locally for insects, flowers and anything nature. The first night was disappointing with only 3 moths of two species, Green Carpet and Muslin, although Agnes enjoyed the 14 Cockchafer Beetles I turned out. The second night was a little better with 10 moths of 8 species. A Clouded-boarded Brindle was new for the garden, but Agnes like the White Ermine and Lime Hawk-moth most of all.

25th May - East Ruston

The DIY kept me at home until Agnes, Laura and myself all had a day together (our anniversary). I decided to have a walk around East Ruston, exploring the variety of wet and dry heath land to look for snakes/lizards and other things to show Agnes. In the event we saw just two lizards that made very sharp exits on out approach but Agnes saw both. Bird life was very limited probably due to the growing heat of the day but find of the day was a Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth that sadly didn't want its photo to appear on my blog! I was suitability impressed by the management work here to return soon, having previously only explored the wetter areas.

27th May - Cley

Cley proved to be an impromptu stop for a short walk after a food shop in Sheringham (we needed something only Tesco seems to have). Knowing a Red-footed Falcon was in the area I was dropped off near the East Bank car park and walked back to the village while Laura and Agnes acquired some nice 'anniversary' treats from the deli. Despite seeing 2/3 Red-footed Falcon and their regular appearance I had failed to connect with one in Norfolk, so was delighted to see the bird over the reserve if not getting the best views.

31st May - Bayfield

Returning from work Sunday and with plans for extensive DIY on Monday, Laura persuaded me to go out and look for the Squacco Heron at Bayfield Hall, not leaving the house until 6.30pm I was hoping the bird didn't decide to go to roost early. I only found 3 birders on site at Bayfield and was soon advised the Squacco Heron was still present but out of view. After only 10 minute a brief flight view were gained as it moved a few meters. A fellow birder wandered down stream a bit trying to find a better angled view and was soon waving to the few of us left patiently staring int the reeds. After clear views of the birds distinctive head, I headed home with my second new 'Norfolk tick' in a few days. I called in at three Nightingale sites on the way home without success, I do hope this special bird has not been lost in North Norfolk.

7th June - Potter Heigham

After morning shift at work and regular heavy showers I sat down to a cup of tea to discover a Caspian Tern had been found at Potter Heigham, like last weeks Squacco Heron this is a bird I had previously dipped twice in recent times. Needing some mesh for the chicken run and gardening equipment i convinced myself a duel purpose trip to Latham's was required. Arriving the rain had eased and I gambled on the path to the east of the marsh. I soon found myself looking at a 'Carrot billed beast of a tern' not only a Norfolk, but a Life tick. I spent some time admiring the bird with only one other birder nearby, I managed a couple of record shots using my phone before walking back to Latham's after a squally shower passed through. Despite the less than pleasant weather this short walk gave up over 50 species with a Mediterranean Gull and Common Sandpiper worth note.

095 - Lockdown Total

179 - Norfolk Year Total

179 - Britain Year Total

Still Birding from home

This last week with Laura at home some days I've managed to go for a walk either before or after my shift at work. The effects of 'lockdown', not being able to go far, continuous childcare, generally not being able to get much done and the cancelling of at least one holiday has started to catch up with me, so these couple of walks from home have given me some much needed alone time.

2nd May - Pigneys Wood (walk)

Pigneys Wood is probably my closest accessible area of marsh albeit not that large, and with a pleasant walk along the old railway line makes for a nice walk. The old Canal is this area has been further opened up and is now part of a larger circular walk from the town and unsurprisingly it was rather busy, most people stayed their distance but the amount of dogs of leads was frustrating. I picked up the expected resident birds on the edge of town and alone the old line. A pair of Marsh Tit the highlight, detracted collecting food allowed me to approach quite close. On the reserve it was by the reed bed that i heard then saw my first Reed Warbler of the year. It was joining in a chorus with Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler and Cetti's Warbler. Walking home past the water sports activity lake I saw Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Blackcap a birds I've surprisingly not seen much of yet.

3rd May - Spa Common - Ebridge (cycle/walk)

This is another area of the Old North Walsham and Dilham Canal with increased access. I decided to cycle to Spa Common and walk from there rather than recover previous days ground. I stopped off at North Walsham Sewage Works, it was all rather quiet with only a few Gulls, the probable reason being two Buzzard perched by the edge of one of the beds. Down by the Canal I first checked near the bridge for Grey Wagtail, I fear that the increased people walking here my have disturbed their nesting site of recent years. Walking towards Ebridge I heard my second Cuckoo of the year and so located it perched high above the marsh. Despite the overcast conditions a small group of c20 Swallow and House Martin swirled above Ebridge Mill Pool. Segde Warbler, Reed Warbler and a Cetti's Warbler sang from the reeds, and joining the Willow Warbler song from the scrub was the distinctive reel of a Grasshopper Warbler, although I couldn't see it a new 'lockdown' bird. This swiftly followed by a Swift and Grey Wagtail as new 'lockdown' ticks. From the Mill I cycled home seeing nothing else of note.

4th May - Swafield - Bradfield (walk)

Looking for a different route around the local 'Quiet Lanes, I first walked to Swafield, then followed the back roads to Bradfield and back to North Walsham. The road from Swafield to Bradfield is lined with paddocked so I hoped mayb for a Yellow Wagtail, in the event this section of the walk was very quiet with only a Goldcrest of any note. Near Bradfield Beck is a lovely area of damp woodland full of Bluebells and Wild Garlic, the smell was amazing and combine with the song of the the birds i could have forgotten we where amidst a pandemic. Among this woodland chatter was the call of another new 'lockdown' bird, a Nuthatch briefly seen in the canopy. Near the edge of Bradfield village I investigated a roadside Badger sett and noted 3 male Blackcap in a short length of hedge. A pair of Greenfinch are a rare sight so nice to see. Looking at some unusual flowers in the margin of a field of beans, i noticed a distant dark raptor, assuming it was one of the numerous local Buzzard i paid it little attention photoing the flowers. It was almost above me when I again looked at the bird, it was a Black Kite, most probably the bird that has been seen around Norfolk in recent weeks, but still totally unexpected. The walk home saw me use a regular walked section of the 'Quite Lanes' seeing more Blackcap, a Garden Warbler and hearing a Cuckoo for the second day in a row. The plants turned out to be Crimson Clover and Blue Tansy, often planted as part of cover or pollinator crops.

5th May - Happisburgh (cycle)

After an emergency trip to the opticians, Agnes and I went on an intended short bike ride, the plan visit East Ruston Heath to look for Snakes and Lizards. Heading out of town i decided we could call at another area of heath en route at Crostwright. The was a rather cool NE wind blowing which made cycling rather hard work, in the cooler conditions we didn't see any basking Adders and i only saw two lizard cutting of fin a hurry. Taking a wrong turn we were not far from my brother's house near Happisburgh, so we had a quick (distanced) catch up in the garden along with refreshing drink before cycling home. Two Grey Partridge in the fields near East Ruston were a rare sight, unlike the small covey of Red-legged Partridge further along the road. Finally at East Ruston Heath I contented myself looking at he large pool and reedbed rather than the heathland as I had already been out much longer than intended. A massive mixed group of Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin and Swift wheeled away overhead and a lone Tufted Duck was the only wild fowl seen. Near Meeting Hill I heard my forth Cuckoo of the week.


094 - Lockdown Total

174 - Norfolk Year Total
174 - Britain Year Total

More 'Lockdown' Birds

24rd April - Quiet Lanes (walk)

After being well behaved on previous walked I decided to extend Jaspers normal short daily walk and do the Quiet Lanes loop again. There seemed to be lots more people walking dogs or walking alone, many frustratingly not bothering to social distance. Dispite this distraction we managed 40 species, most unexpected was a Little Gull seen off Bradfield Road with other resting gulls. My second Ring Ouzel of the week was this time closer to home in the horse paddocks near the railway bridge and a Garden Warbler was heard but not seen near Bradfield Chapel. Another 'lockdown' tick was a Kingfisher seen through the tree on Antingham Pond.

25th April - Quite Lanes (walk)

After I returned from work Laura, Agnes and myself decided we would all take Jasper for his walk, Agnes want to continue to the Llama Paddock and we eventually completed the Quiet Lanes loop, although I didn't bother to view Antingham Pond. Being mid-afternoon we didn't see as many species as my earlier walks and again it was busy with other walkers. No new 'lockdown' ticks but we did see my first Sparrowhawk, Coal Tit and Whitethroat on the 'Loop walk'. 9 Buzzard were also circling together over Bradfield Road near Mill House.

26th April - Mundesley (cycle)

Laura wanted to get out on her new bike so we decided on a family bike ride to Mundesley as our daily lockdown exercise. We took a winding route through the back roads to Trunch and across Mundesley Golf Course before pausing on the cliff top for refreshment. There were lots of Whitethoat in the roadside hedges but few birds of note, however we did see out first orchids with several spikes of Early Purple Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid seen along Brick Kiln Road Trunch. (James I'm sure your'll correct my ID if its wrong!)

During our brief cliff top stop 2 Sand Martin were new for the year as were 3 Sandwich Tern offshore. A Fulmar was a new 'lockdown' tick and a few Swallow headed West. Cycling home a 'very pale' looking Buzzard peeked my interest enough to stop for a better look but turned out just to be a pale Buzzard. Arriving home I grabbed a beer and spent a good hour in the garden reading a book by my favored local naturalist, Arthur Patterson.

087 - Lockdown Total

170 - Norfolk Year Total
170 - Britain Year Total

Lockdown Birding

As Spring migration was about to start in earnest, the Government asked us to stay home and the schools closed. My wife and I however have had to remain at work, leading to a work/childcare juggling act. Therefore most days when not working I have a 4 year old in tow, a permitted (exercise) walk of any length really has not been an option. We have however managed many nice bike rides locally, with Agnes enjoying coming along in her trailer. Although not ideal for looking at birds we have still seen quite a bit and must be grateful we have the countryside on our doorstep. We can spend time looking at nature in the garden, we made a bug hotel last week. In recent days my rota has allowed me free time for a 4.5 mile walk of the country lanes near home, a route I walked reguar after moving back to the area.

Late March / Early April - Various (cycle)

We started 'lockdown' with a few short rides around the 'Quite Lanes' near home and soon saw many of the common resident birds of the area. We did brave a few longer rides out, one towards Tuttington and Skeyton was rewarded with a flyover Little Egret and Marsh Harrier. Another ride near Felmingham added a 'year tick' Swallow, Marsh Tit, Mistle Thrush and Green Woodpecker, and a third out towards Witton, Edingthorpe and Honing added my first Willow Warbler of the year as well as a few 'lockdown ticks' not seen closer to home.

19th April - Quiet Lanes (walk)

The designated 'Quite Lanes' towards Bradfield and Antingham had seen most of my cycle rides with Agnes but this was my first walk of the area, the more leisurely pace albeit with the dog in tow enabled me to heard and see more resident species in the area. A couple of pair of Stock Dove, Linnet and Bullfinch were new addition off Lyngate Road. A Goldcrest and first Blackcap of the year were between Lyngate Road and Pond Road. From Pond Road i could view part of Antingham Pond, my first open water in weeks and accordingly I added a number of waterfowl species to the 'lockdown' list. The regular Little Grebe are again nesting off Bradfield Road and Cetti's Warbler was singing by the bridge.

21st April - Southrepps/Felmingham (cycle)

We headed off towards Lower Southrepps, seeing my first Whitethroat of the year near Bradfield before just off Mill Lane a Wheatear was in a potato field before crossing the road into the sheep field. Near the school a Hobby few over a third year tick in 15 minutes and checking the NWT notice board by The Common alerted me to the presence of a Ring Ouzel and Lesser Whitethroat nearby. A quick cycle up to The Pit but no sign of the Ring Ouzel so we continued our ride past Gunton Station to listen for the Lesser Whitethroat. In the paddocks just off Chapel Road I heard the distinctive call of a Ring Ouzel which we soon saw. At the Station the Whitethroat was perch in the car park and barely necessitated me to stop peddling. Buoyed by 5 new year ticks I decided to cycle cross county towards Antingham, Suffield and then Felmingham before home. Two House Martin near Antingham and a Red Kite near Suffield seemed to vindicate this decision but the head on easterly breeze all the way home from Felmingham left me tired and questioning the decision. However an unexpected Great Black-backed Gull loafing in the fields near Rossi's perked me up and was added to my new 'lockdown list'.

22nd April - Quiet Lanes (walk)

On my second walk of 'The Lanes' I again saw many of the species seen the previous weekend but along Pond Road Treecreeper and Reed Bunting were added and a lone Tufted Duck was seen on Antingham Pond. By the Llama Paddock on Bradfield Road I heard my first Cuckoo of the year, distant but in the direction of North Walsham I hoped he might have been viewed from the bridge but without luck.  On Thursday (23rd) I ventured out of North Walsham for the first time in the car, albit only to go food shopping at Stalham (as I needed things Sainsburys and Waitrose just don't sell), but driving via East Ruston and Walcott added Sedge Warbler and Turnstone to the 'lockdown' total without stopping the car. I might get as far as Bacton on the bike next week for a few more seabirds.

078 - Lockdown Total

166 - Norfolk Year Total
166 - Britain Year Total

Late Winter Early Spring Update

I should have updated the blog awhile ago but with the covid-19 restrictions I have very little of my own time. When not at work I've had to be daddy daycare and come the evenings haven't felt like turning on the computer to be bombarded with news and pandemic information. This overdue update will be split into two halves pre and post lockdown.

3rd February - Salthouse/Cley

With few birds close to home after the school run I head to Salthouse to try and see one of the few Waxwing that have turned up in Norfolk this winter. Parking near the church i knew the Waxwing had to be closeby in one of the gardens, so headed to the high ground of the church yard for a good vantage point. I soon saw the Waxwing in flight but it dived into a garden. I took the chance to look around the church and grave yard, but failed to find ant trace of relatives on my growing family tree. The Waxwing failed to reappear so I called into Cley Coastguards hoping for the Snow Bunting flock to make an appearance. A quick sea watch turned up the first Razorbill of the year and the long staying juv Caspian Gull put in an appearance along with a lone Snow Bunting. A quick jaunt down the East Bank added Bearded Tit to the year list.

19th February - Holkham

James and myself met up for one of our regular school holiday birding trips. We headed off for Holkham with a couple of stops en route, first was Bayfield Lake. A regular spot for raptors 7/8 Buzzards and at least 2 Red Kite circled over the woods, a couple of White fronted Geese the highlight by the lake. Second stop was Wiveton Church for a moth that although relatively common was new for both James and I. We would never have located the Lichen Button moth on the lichen covered flint work on the porch without the help of a kind gent who had located the moth a short while before we arrived. A quick nose in the church and we continued west. A brief stop at Wells allowed James to catch up with the long staying Rough-legged Buzzard if a little distant.

We decided to brave Holkham beach and the half term crowds but parked near the Park gates. Scanning the bay we soon located a large Scoter flock which held at least 4 Velvet Scoter, and 6+ Red-breasted Merganser flew back and forth. In the roped off area behind the sea most dune swe soon found one of our targets the Snow Bunting flock which also held 5 Shorelark which soon broke off and then showed well at close quarters. With the crowds growing we contented ourselves with a drive around the roads inland of the estate hoping for a Raven but without luck. We did however have time to look for the 'escaped' Lesser White-fronted Goose seen near Matlaske. No sign of the bird but Barningham Winter Church was delightful, a predominately ruined estate church that's central naive now forms a small chapel.

4th March - Happisburgh/Bacton

After a quiet Autumn birding and my fathers death I started spending a few hours most weeks walking the local beaches looking for fossils, walking the tide line and enjoying the isolation of the winter beaches, with a few birds for good measure. This trip offered little of the later with only the expected local residents, but a bag full of driftwood will be a future project and a large piece of fossil bone from Bacton was my largest fossil to date.

5th March - Blickling

Feeling brave I decided to take our dog out for a walk and try to bird watch at the same time something I had not attempted previously as he is still quite excitable. I dropped Agnes at nursey and by 9.30am we parked up in the Fisherman's Car Park. A clockwise loop of the lake offered little in wild fowl however two female Goosander were unexpected, but the Ruddy Shelduck had been previously reported. From the views I had I would like to think it is a 'true' bird but others believe it to be a hybrid Ruddy Shelduck x Egyptian Goose. Lots of common birds and a well behaved dog made for a pleasant morning.

154 - Norfolk Year Total
154 - Britain Year Total

A Little Late January Birding

27th January - Wroxham Broad/Filby

The second half was January contained very little birding, mostly on the hoof between doing other things. Needing to call into Roys DIY for a couple of things I first headed to Wroxham Broad. Wildfowl seemed rather thin on the ground, with a few Mallard, Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose and Mute Swan all I saw on arrive. However news that the Slovenian Grebe was present but just out of view kept me there a while. The Slovenian Grebe emerged just as it started to rain but still gave good views before drifting towards the middle of the Broad.

After grabbing my shopping I decided on a detour home, heading to Filby via Ludham, hoping the Red-neck Grebe of previous days would still be on show. Arriving i bumped into David Bryant "No sign of the RNG in hour and half". I stayed for a while seeing Goldeneye, Tufted Duck, Pochard and a fly over Marsh Harrier, but the RNG had obviously moved on. At Ludham Airfield a few of the Whooper Swan flock were close to the road, but the returning rain stopped me taking any photos.

28th January - Overstrand

After a meeting in Overstand Mum and I had a coffee in the cafe on the cliff top, where among the gulls passing along the coast a Fulmer lingered offshore, and was a new bird for the year.

2nd February - Sea Palling/Hickling/Potter Heigham

As it was too wet for out planned walk to see the seals at Horsey, Laura and I decided called in at Sea Palling with Agnes. A quick look over the dunes and I located a Purple Sandpiper on the reefs to the west of the gap, before a hot drink and some time in the amusements.

Continuing with my whistle stop birding we stopped at the Pleasure Boat in Hicking where I took all of 30 seconds to locate the male Scaup, with a few Tufted Duck on Hickling Broad. A Hen Harrier was seen over the fields near Catfield and the wild swans were in the field near Ludham Airfield, although we didn't stop.

Final stop was a 10 minute stop at Potter Heigham, here I was directed the the Black Redstart near the boat yard and was heading home to do the food shop in double quick time.

145 - Norfolk Year Total
145 - Britain Year Total

A New Year and a New Start

Last year I was rather poor at updating my blog and buy early Autumn was just about getting up to date. Sadly the sudden passing of my father in mid October, put any thought of bird watching firmly to the back of my mind. In fact I only went out four times in the last quarter of the year, a trip to West Runton, two trips to Cley and a Felbrigg wander. However the Isabelline Wheatear at Cley and Little Bunting at West Runton were two new 'Norfolk Ticks'.

A New Year brings lots of changes on Christmas Eve I started a new job, part-time and more local to home. This will give me more time to care for my daughter and be closer for school runs etc, but also will give more time for local birding. As a minimum I will update the blog at the end of each month, but hope fully more frequently.

It maybe a couple of weeks late but I'd like to wish anyone who's still reading my blog a Happy New Year and prosperous birding in 2020.

1st January - 2020 Norfolk Bird Race

As is tradition my taxi to Titchwell (Gary) arrived at 5.30am and we headed off to be in place by dawn. A few birds were added on the drive, and a few silhouettes and heard birds added on the walk out to the beach. Rather shockingly someone was already at beach, this has never happened before, but undeterred we setup to scan the see as the sun started to rise. A good number or Red-breasted Merganser passed through, and it was nice to watch some smart Long-tailed Duck close to shore. Black-throated Diver and Ringed Plover, often hard to see on 1st Jan were seen before we headed back onto the reserve. With high water levels on the Fresh Marsh and few feeders handing up we added nothing unusual to the list, leaving Titchwell on a slightly disappointing total of 69.

In an unusual move we headed next to Holkham in a bid to avoid the crowds that gather. A brief stop looking out over Burnham Overy Marshes/Dunes added Red Kite, Great White and Cattle Egret. We stopped at Wells to see the encamped Rough-legged Buzzard before first looking for the Black-necked Grebe on Holkham Lake. The Grebe showed well at close quarters and we added most of the expected woodland species. Lady Ann's Drive was already crowded so we abandoned any ideas to look at Holkham Bay and again headed back West. A Spoonbill over the marshes brought us up to a total of 96 species

At Chosely we added Tundra Bean Goose (species 100), with Rock Pipit and Twite subsequently seen at Thornham before we headed further West to see the Eastern Yellow Wagtail at Sedgeford. This was bird 105 but more importantly a 'life tick' and a good start to a new year. Arriving at Flitcham with a few additional species in transit Tree Sparrow was added but no sign of any Little Owl.

We now embarked on a West to East drive to look for the Desert Wheatear at Eccles-on-sea. The drive and subsequent hunt for the bird took a large amount of time out of the day, and eventually only added Guillemot to our days total. Desert Wheatear would have been a 'Norfolk tick' and with few other targets was worth the effort. We didn't have far to drive to Hickling to view the roost from Stubb Mill. We had been told to expect the roost to be quieter than normal with high water levels forcing may raptors to roost else where, but I was surprised by the very few harriers coming onto roost. We added Crane, Song Thrush, Kingfisher, Bullfinch and Woodcock before the light faded leaving us with a January 1st 2020 total of 116 species.

2nd January - Eccles-on-sea

After failing to locate the Desert Wheatear at Eccles on the 1st I headed down to Eccles mid-morning at caught up with the smart little bird within seconds of arriving on the beach. The bird showed at close quarters, hopping about on the boulders for 5 minutes of so before flitting into the dunes. Content with my views of my second 'Norfolk Tick' of the year I popped into visit my uncle in Eccles after parking it his house to save a walk! Driving to Eccles I saw my first Fieldfare of the year and a couple of Mediterranean Gull in a nearby field, while a detour on the way home meant I also caught up with the Bewick's Swan at Ingham.

6th January - Southrepps

Agnes was back to school and after a few house chores during the morning I set off early to Southrepps for a wander around The Common before pick up at 3pm. Much of the reedbed amd wet meadows had cut to ensure the special habitat is maintained, but few birds were in this area. The carr by the beck gave up Siskin and Marsh Tit, new for the year among fixed tit and finch flock. A quick stomp down toward the sewage farm proved fruitful with Grey Wagtail on the Beck, Chiffchaff and Goldcrest with another tit flock and the surprise bird of the day a calling Firecrest. A Sparrowhawk over School Common was new.

7th January - Buckenham

After dropping Agnes at school I headed to the Yare valley to try and catch up on a few specialist birds that would be new for the year. In the fields north of Buckenham Station a large flock of Pink-footed Geese allegedly held a few Tundra Bean Geese but not that I could locate, though the field undulated quite a bit. Walking out to the river I picked up three distant geese that looked good for Taiga Bean Goose, but had to wait for slightly improved views before a helicopter spooked everything. Walking the causeway I soon located the Barancle and Canada Goose flocks, a few Ruff and Snipe. Among the Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler in the pools to the West I located a sleeping pair of Pintail. Closer to the Old Mill scanning the marshes reviled the large White-fronted Goose flock and a smart male Stonechat on a fence post along with a couple on resting Buzzard, including the very pale individual that has caused some confusion. East of the mill I located one of the Water Pipit present but the high water levels offered little mud for waders. Walking back to the car I met David Bryant (Birds of the Heath), someone often seen in passing but this time we had a good chat. Before leaving a Peregrine threw everything up into the air and a Red Kite drifted West.

11th January - Ranworth

A family trip to Ranworth to look for the Ferruginous Duck. Parking at the church we walked out along the board walk to the NWT Visitor Center. A couple of Great Spooted Woodpecker showed well and Lesser Redpoll among the commoner finches was new for the year. Standing by the staithe it was clear that the Ferruginous Duck was probably hiding in the waterside bushes with no sign for over an hour. Agnes and I had a good scan of Ranworth Broad seeing lots of other duck including Wigeon, Shoveler and Goldeneye. An unexpected bird was a Bittern flying along the right hand edge of the Broad, before a kettle of raptor flew overhead, made up of 3 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier and a Red Kite. Not wanting to test Agnes' patience we decided not to wait on the Ferruginous Duck any longer heading to Wroxham for some lunch.

14th January - Ranworth/Acle

With strong winds forecast for the afternoon I decided on a second trip to look for the Ferruginous Duck at Ranworth Broad. Stomping out along the board walk I saw all the expected species of my previous trip, but as previously the favoured area for the bird was devoid of any activity. Workmen were driving in piles to the left of the Visitor Centre so most wildfowl were distant on the Broad. I decided to have a look at Malthouse Broad and the boat yards the boarder it. Lots of Coot, Mallard and a few Tufted Duck seemed to be all that was around Malthouse Broad, but scanning out from one of the boat yards I finally saw the Ferruginous Duck near to the mooring on the far bank. Having spent to long already with jobs to do I decided to head home.

Detouring via Acle Bridge only added a few minute to my journey and gave me a change to scan the marshes from a higher view point. Shortly after stopping a Merlin flew through and a distant Short-eared Owl was out in the direction of Thurne Mill. By the car a Green Sandpiper called and landed in a nearby ditch. At Clippersby by the now infamous barn c12 Common Crane where close to the road but with a sugar beet lorry 'up my trumpet' I was unable to pull in for closer views. Ludham Airfield held a mixed flock of Bewick's and Whooper Swans

139 - Norfolk Year Total
139 - Britain Year Total

Late Summer (July/August)

July and August are always quite months for birding, but I did manage a couple of walks on the patch and a regular summer catch up with James.

1st July - Cley NWT

A trip to Cley after nursery drop off to catch up with the Green-winged Teal was a rather damp affair. I'd missed the bird on previous visits and was now looking for a bird that was starting to moult on a damp drizzly day. Luckily there were very few teal about and eventually the GW Teal, which as been asleep woke up long enough to be identified. A Curlew Sandpiper from Dauke's Hide was the only bird of note being a 'year tick'. A couple of Spoonbill are now par for the course and the Great White Egret that flew East towards Kelling not an unexpected sight. I was only in 2011 I was 'twitching' my first GWE in Norfolk!

17th July - Paston Cliffs

The patch at Paston Cliffs is always quiet during the summer, but I still feel I should visit occasionally if only to appreciate more the birds that pass though here on migration. Whitethroat were very prominent along with at least 2 singing Chiffchaff, a Lesser Whitethroat was also seen along with the resident Dunnock and Robin. I was surprised to see two juvenile Yellowhammer and even more surprised to see a pair of Stonechat, despite them being a winter regulars. Are they both breeding nearby?

31st July - Garden

While tiding the garden I heard a group of Long-tail Tits in the hedge, pleasant to see but nothing unusual. As they flew from the hedge into our cherry tree I counted them 23, then a few more emerged from the hedge and some more. In total 38 Long-tailed Tit, quite a flock, do they have a group name?

1st August - Cley NWT

Laura and I had signed up for an evening talk and supper at Cley NWT by author Elly Griffiths who has a series of novels set on the North Norfolk coast. We had spent the afternoon at my parent's during which time we found an Elephant Hawk moth caterpillar in their garden much to Agnes' delight , before leaving her for a sleep over and heading out. Arriving early we wandered over to Bishop's Hide, there had been an influx of Wood Sandpiper in previous days, and with only binoculars and with unfavouring low sun we soon picked out 15 Wood Sandpiper. We also noted a Green Sandpiper and 3 Spoonbill before headed to the education center for a pleasant supper before an engaging talk and the obligatory book signing.

12th August - Hickling NWT

Agnes and I headed off to Hicking NWT for a 'Nature Adventure'. She helped me pack, we had binoculars, a net, a magnifying glass, sample pots and most importantly a picnic. Getting out of the car Agnes notice a Buzzard and Marsh Harrier high above us while I put on my boots. She also pointed out the shop sold ice cream, that it was closed, but okay as we I could buy her one on the way back! She hunted around the bug hotel but decided was was not a very good bug hotel and we should carry on, we soon found lots of butterflies, dragonflies and other insects. She took particular interest in the Grasshoppers and Bush Cricket i managed to catch, before deciding it was time to look at flowers. During all this a Bittern flew up from some nearby reeds and did a 360 circle of us before dropping back in close to it original spot. A few Marsh Harrier circled over head and a few Bearded Tit pinged in the reeds but only one was seen. In the Observation Tower Agnes served up our picnic and we count the Mute Swans, Agnes got to 19 but i continued on to 156 with very few being juvenile. We then took the 'informal path' through the reeds/woods a path only occasionally open. With reeds brushing our faces, butterflies and dragonflies perched at eye level, we look at some fungi and poked very long sticks into very deep stinky mud, before returning to the carpark, seeing Wood Sandpiper on the scrape and flushing Green Sandpiper on route. We didn't forget to have our ice cream before going home.

28th August - Winterton

For our regular spot of 'school holiday' birding, we parked up at Horsey Mill and headed out along the Nelson's Head Track, towards Winterton Dunes. Migrant birds were thin on the ground so we decided to look for some of the rarer dragonflies and damsel flies recently seen at Winterton, knowing that if we were lucky we might find a migrant or two. The weather wasn't ideal with drizzle falling as we reached the 'blocks' and toad pools. We wandered the dunes for a while as the weather slowly improved, seeing 2 Whinchat, a few Chiifchaff and Willow Warbler. As well as the resident Stonechat, Linnet and Goldfinch. A Green Sandpiper flew through only noticing us at the last minute and missing James by a few feet, a Pied Flycatcher was calling in a nearby dense Willow patch but could not be seen. We saw lots of Emerald Damselflies but not the hoped for Scare Blue-tailed Damselfly, although what turned out to be an 'old' female Blue-tailed Damselfly held are attention for quite a while. After a cold drink at the Mill, on what was turning into quite a warm day he headed home.

Early Summer (May/June) Catchup

Apologies as I've got rather behind with my blog, after 'losing' a few posts that failed to upload I've had little time to redo them, with a new puppy, family wedding and summer childcare I just got further behind! With Autumn migration starting, renewed birding hope and the prospect of more regular outings, a couple of summary posts should get us up-to-date and I'll then try to post more frequently.

10th to 13th May - Thorpe Forest, Thetford

Although the Great Spotted Cuckoo persisted for a couple of weeks I never got the chance to get back to look for it with work and my brothers Stag Weekend filling my time. Staying near Thetford I was only a few miles from the Little Bittern, but without a car (and still intoxicated) was unable to get to see it.

I did however managed a couple of delightful early morning walks along the River Thet and also considered a new list to sit along side my 'Pub List', a 'Tub List'! With a hot tub on our veranda and me rising much earlier than the others I had ample time for a dawn chorus soak at 5am, before my morning walk. Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Wren, Robin amoung others may not prove to be 'blockers', but not many can have Spotted Flycatcher and Treecreeper on their 'Tub List'. Tawny Owl was also added one evening.

13th May - Beeston Regis

Arriving home from Thetford by 11am I had little to do until 3pm nursery pick-up so decided on a little walk. Temping as the Great Spotted Cuckoo was at Weybourne I knew I didn't have time to walk such a large site. A Wryneck had been seen at Beeston and despite seeing a few, it somehow had alluded my Norfolk List. I was soon told the Wryneck wasn't about, but decided to keep looking anyway. I failed to find much but did find an area I liked with lots of ant hills, returning to this area for a final look I heard an unrecognizable call. After consulting google it was a Wryneck call, it took a further 20 minute before the bird called again and was eventually seen and finally added to my Norfolk List.

20th May - Southrepps/Cley

A walk around Southrepps Common before Nursery has become a regular thing at Agnes insistence and has lead to us almost being late on  couple of occasions but today our walk was rewarded with our first Garden Warbler of the year.

With many of the previous week/days migrants having appeared to move off, including a Red-spotted Bluethroat I hoped to see, I opted for a walk along Cley East Bank after drop off. Hobby and Greenshank were added to the year list, but it was a little quiet and with the Great Spotted Cuckoo finally departing I decided to do some chores at home.

21st May - Felbrigg/Weybourne

Agnes wanted to go for a walk after Nursery so he headed to Felbrigg for a walk around the lake and meadows. On what was quite a warm afternoon unsurprisingly we saw very few birds, but she was happy just to show me the 'big' trees she had spotted.

Laura's return from work relieved me of childcare duties and I was free to visit Weybourne on what was becoming a delightful evening. Parking in Beach car park it was a bit of a walk to look for the Red-spotted Bluethroat that had been re-found mid-morning. I joined a group of birders from the East Norfolk Bird Club in looking for the bird, sorry I don't remember names but they offered great company and chat. Eventually the bird was located in a favoured spot, but offered only fleeting views before disappearing from view into a private area. A crowd was growing as others decided the evening was too nice for watching TV. After a while a local birder, with designated access organised to flush the bird. This resulted in rather spectacular views in the  evening light, stopped any trespass and allowed the bird to rest, as after a few minutes of viewing, most birders left very content.

23rd May - Titchwell/Wells/Cley/Marsham Heath

I'd snatched a few hours birding during my week off but today was the designated birding day, I had hoped to catch up with James and head to Cambridgeshire for the Bikal Teal, but other commitments meant I was alone and the Teal had also flown. Titchwell RSPB still held a few 'year ticks' so was my start destination. On route I caught up with the last of the long staying Dotterel at Chosley and a couple of Corn Bunting nearby. The Red-crested Pochard didn't take much finding on Patsy's Pool, but the calling Turtle Doves took an age to see. All the expected birds were seen at Titchwell but nothing else of real note, so I headed East after a bacon roll.

I stopped of at the relatively new pools to the east of Wells and in short time had seen 2 Black-wing Stilt, a Great White Egret and 4 Spoonbill, as well as a host of other waders. Content with my fill I continued east in the hunt for more migrants.

The Cley area was starting to feel like home but with little evidence of new migrant arrivals I settled for a pleasant couple of hours on the main reserve, rather than driving from place to place in hope. 4 Temmink's Stint were on Symmond's Scape supported by a Little Stint and 2 Little Tern, my first of the year, this supporting cast was swelled by the regular 'extras' of Avocet, Godwit, Dunlin ect.

After cooking Dinner I was about to settle on the sofa and watch whatever was on, when I decided as the evening was nice to go out for another walk. I headed to Marsham Heath in the hope of  catching up with a Nightjar. It was still rather light when the first bird started to churr and soon at least 3 birds were calling. Walking toward a tree in the middle of the heath soon a Nightjar was 'buzzing' me giving terrific views before perching in clear sight and continuing to churr. Waiting until it was almost dark I also saw 2 Woodcock and a Tawny Owl.

12th June - Horsey

After watching news of the Lesser Grey Shrike for a few days I finally got time to visit Horsey. Parking at Horsey Mill I bolted down The Nelson Track and soon as distant views of the Lesser Grey Shrike in the dune brambles. Soon the bird was flushed by walkers, moving onto some fence posts and giving slightly closer views. Walking back it occurred to me I may be able to add the bird to my 'Pub List'. Stopping at The Nelson's Head, standing on the bank in the back garden I could see a black and while dot in the scope! Walking back via the road I spotted a 'Reed Warbler' in the roadside hedge slightly out of place. Rounding the corner I found two birders scanning the hedge, they had seen the warbler to but it was doing a Swallow call, then a bit of Reed Bunting. After watching for a while it was obvious that I had stumbled across a Marsh Warbler, something later confirmed by the fellow birders sound recordings.

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!