I realised that most raptors produced pellets, but only recently discovered in fact almost all birds produce them. Does anyone have an option on what bird this came from? My thoughts are either Kestrel or Tawny Owl.
Monday, 16 April 2018
Mystery Pellet
Last while walking back along the track from the allotment I picked up a small bird pellet. Until this morning I forgot it was in my bag (in a pot). The pellet was very compact and had hardened since collecting so I only managed to pull out the largest bones. These I believe belonged to a Field Vole, with distinctive zig-zag set teeth, seen at x30 magnification.
I realised that most raptors produced pellets, but only recently discovered in fact almost all birds produce them. Does anyone have an option on what bird this came from? My thoughts are either Kestrel or Tawny Owl.
I realised that most raptors produced pellets, but only recently discovered in fact almost all birds produce them. Does anyone have an option on what bird this came from? My thoughts are either Kestrel or Tawny Owl.
Thursday, 12 April 2018
Wheatears In The Mist?
After taking Agnes to the in-laws, doing some shopping in the city and pottering at home, by 1pm the thick mist I had awoken to still persisted. I had considered going to look for the American Bittern after shopping in Norwich, so really wanted to do some sort of birding despite the murk.
I decided to have a wander around Happisburgh, an area I've not yet visited this spring. Parking at the Village Hall a few Pied Wagtail were around the Cricket Pitch and more flew over calling, but out of sight in the mist. Walking towards the Old Coastguard Lookout this greeted me, and viability seemed worse in person.
Before reaching the Pill Box my eyes were drawn to a small silhouetted bird atop the muck heap, finally a Wheatear? As I crept closer to investigate 2 female Ring Ouzel burst from the scrub to my right and quickly disappeared in the mist, flying inland. Turning back to the muck heap my 'Wheatear' was actually a male Black Redstart. He was showing very well, but in the poor light I couldn't get a photo. While I followed him around the buildings though I flushed 2 Goldcrest that seemed rather tired and in no hurry to move off. Four Redwing and two Fieldfare then got up from the very edge of the plough, I must have walked past them once at least. I left the Black Redstart atop the Pill Box and walked the coast path towards the church. Some Linnet and Redwing flew over calling but I saw no birds until I was beyond the caravan site. Here I disturbed a third Ring Ouzel this time a male, I seemed to be on top of the bird before noticing because of the poor viability. Walking back along Beach Road and through the village I saw the usual Tits, Finches and common birds.
Typically as I return to the car the mist started to lift a little. This enabled me to participate in some drive by birding, slowly scanning the fields and meadows between here and Walcott from the car. No sign of that illusive spring Wheatear or a transient Yellow Wagtail, but a dozen or so Fieldfare were near Witton as I returning home and the mist again descended.
I decided to have a wander around Happisburgh, an area I've not yet visited this spring. Parking at the Village Hall a few Pied Wagtail were around the Cricket Pitch and more flew over calling, but out of sight in the mist. Walking towards the Old Coastguard Lookout this greeted me, and viability seemed worse in person.
Before reaching the Pill Box my eyes were drawn to a small silhouetted bird atop the muck heap, finally a Wheatear? As I crept closer to investigate 2 female Ring Ouzel burst from the scrub to my right and quickly disappeared in the mist, flying inland. Turning back to the muck heap my 'Wheatear' was actually a male Black Redstart. He was showing very well, but in the poor light I couldn't get a photo. While I followed him around the buildings though I flushed 2 Goldcrest that seemed rather tired and in no hurry to move off. Four Redwing and two Fieldfare then got up from the very edge of the plough, I must have walked past them once at least. I left the Black Redstart atop the Pill Box and walked the coast path towards the church. Some Linnet and Redwing flew over calling but I saw no birds until I was beyond the caravan site. Here I disturbed a third Ring Ouzel this time a male, I seemed to be on top of the bird before noticing because of the poor viability. Walking back along Beach Road and through the village I saw the usual Tits, Finches and common birds.
Typically as I return to the car the mist started to lift a little. This enabled me to participate in some drive by birding, slowly scanning the fields and meadows between here and Walcott from the car. No sign of that illusive spring Wheatear or a transient Yellow Wagtail, but a dozen or so Fieldfare were near Witton as I returning home and the mist again descended.
Wednesday, 11 April 2018
Effort Rewarded
On Thursday 5th after a short stop at the allotment I called in to have a cuppa with mum. Agnes wanted a nap while there, so I had an hour to kill. I headed off to East Ruston an area in the past I have seen Osprey in the spring. I had no luck, with a pair of Buzzard and lone Kestrel the raptors on display. On the pools a few Teal and Tufted Duck remain and a Canada x Greylag goose was with the Greylag flock. Walking the small heath area I saw 2 Adder in the sun and a couple of lizards I could't quickly identify as they scuttled off.
After grabbing some food shopping on Friday morning Agnes and I had a short walk at Paston Cliffs. The Black Redstart from Wednesday was not around and migrants seemed thin on the ground, in fact two singing Chiffchaff were the only migrants. The resident Linnet, Yellowhammer and Skylark were however in full song and 2 Meadow Pipit were om the cliff face. Driving past Stow Windmill on the way home, 2 Swallow on the wires were the first on the patch this year.
On Saturday 7th I headed to Waxham in the search for a 'Spring Wheatear' and some migrants. Parking up behind the church a heavy shower passed through, so I started my search in light drizzle. Just East of Shangri-la a Tit flock held 4+ Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler none of which were calling. A fellow birder highlighted a Firecrest further East which I soon located. It was then rather quiet until just before the Pipe Dump, except for regular small groups of Linnet flying East. A lone male Siskin in some scrub was unusual and briefly had me dreaming of a Serin. Flushing a Male Ring Ouzel it flew inland over the chicken sheds and pair Stonechat seemed to be on territory just East of the Pipe Dump. Next I found the bird of the day a male Whinchat just beyond the Poplar Farm Gap, with the naked eye I thought Stonechat, but on raising my binoculars could not miss the striking supercilium. 2 House Martin were hawking over the flooded area of Pipe Dump and were new for the year. On wandering through the dune slacks 4 Roe Deer at close quarters were a bit of a surprise. 50+ Seals were by Polar Farm Gap and 4 additional Ring Ouzel (3 Female and 1 Male) flew from the dunes. A single Swallow flew North as I approached the car. During the morning 15+ Chiffchaff were seen most being silent, and 250+ Linnet has passed East mainly in small groups of 5-10, a further Swallow was near Sea Palling driving home.
Saturday afternoon I again found myself at Cley NWT, this time with the family meeting a friend for lunch. Agnes got very excited looking for birds from the old visitor center mound. Little was on the sighting board I hadn't seen earlier in the week, so we decided on a walk in the quieter surrounding of Kelling Heath. The walk was dominated by the call of Chiffchaff and Linnet enjoying the warming sun. I did hear a distant Dartford Warbler but on getting closer all had gone quiet, and with non-birding friend I couldn't spend long looking. We popped back to Cley village to get some smoked fish and nibbles, from here looking West I saw my first Sand Martin of the year.
During a quick stop at the allotment to collect some spring greens tops for the chickens later on Sunday, I was surprised to hear the unmistakable call of a Ring Ouzel in the neighbouring meadow, sadly though with limited viewing I couldn't see the bird.
The previous week is probably the most concerted effort I have made for Spring Migrants in many years, but with a few nuggets it was very rewarding and made me realise I should get out more even for a hour or so.
After grabbing some food shopping on Friday morning Agnes and I had a short walk at Paston Cliffs. The Black Redstart from Wednesday was not around and migrants seemed thin on the ground, in fact two singing Chiffchaff were the only migrants. The resident Linnet, Yellowhammer and Skylark were however in full song and 2 Meadow Pipit were om the cliff face. Driving past Stow Windmill on the way home, 2 Swallow on the wires were the first on the patch this year.
On Saturday 7th I headed to Waxham in the search for a 'Spring Wheatear' and some migrants. Parking up behind the church a heavy shower passed through, so I started my search in light drizzle. Just East of Shangri-la a Tit flock held 4+ Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler none of which were calling. A fellow birder highlighted a Firecrest further East which I soon located. It was then rather quiet until just before the Pipe Dump, except for regular small groups of Linnet flying East. A lone male Siskin in some scrub was unusual and briefly had me dreaming of a Serin. Flushing a Male Ring Ouzel it flew inland over the chicken sheds and pair Stonechat seemed to be on territory just East of the Pipe Dump. Next I found the bird of the day a male Whinchat just beyond the Poplar Farm Gap, with the naked eye I thought Stonechat, but on raising my binoculars could not miss the striking supercilium. 2 House Martin were hawking over the flooded area of Pipe Dump and were new for the year. On wandering through the dune slacks 4 Roe Deer at close quarters were a bit of a surprise. 50+ Seals were by Polar Farm Gap and 4 additional Ring Ouzel (3 Female and 1 Male) flew from the dunes. A single Swallow flew North as I approached the car. During the morning 15+ Chiffchaff were seen most being silent, and 250+ Linnet has passed East mainly in small groups of 5-10, a further Swallow was near Sea Palling driving home.
Saturday afternoon I again found myself at Cley NWT, this time with the family meeting a friend for lunch. Agnes got very excited looking for birds from the old visitor center mound. Little was on the sighting board I hadn't seen earlier in the week, so we decided on a walk in the quieter surrounding of Kelling Heath. The walk was dominated by the call of Chiffchaff and Linnet enjoying the warming sun. I did hear a distant Dartford Warbler but on getting closer all had gone quiet, and with non-birding friend I couldn't spend long looking. We popped back to Cley village to get some smoked fish and nibbles, from here looking West I saw my first Sand Martin of the year.
During a quick stop at the allotment to collect some spring greens tops for the chickens later on Sunday, I was surprised to hear the unmistakable call of a Ring Ouzel in the neighbouring meadow, sadly though with limited viewing I couldn't see the bird.
The previous week is probably the most concerted effort I have made for Spring Migrants in many years, but with a few nuggets it was very rewarding and made me realise I should get out more even for a hour or so.
Thursday, 5 April 2018
Migrants at Cley
What a difference a day makes, yesterday at Minsmere I saw limited evidence of spring migration but today was more productive, for migrants at least. After dropping off Agnes and catching up with James in Norwich I arrived at Cley NWT in time for lunch in the cafe. Refueled I headed out to the main cluster of hides, in contrast to yesterday at Minsmere all 3 hides were empty (although the Cley car park was full?!) From Daukes Hide I had a good view of both scrapes. Simmons Scrape had 58 Curlew, 8 Ruff and two Little Ringed Plover among the other common waders, Redshank, Avocet, Bar-tailed Godwit and Dunlin. A White Wagtail was in front of the hide, but no sign of the reported Wheatear. Walking back a Sedge Warbler could be heard but not seen and a Cetti's Warbler was calling and briefly seen near the Wardens House, also more surprisingly a Brambling flew over calling. 8 Eider had been reported on the sea so I drove down Beach Road, on route 3 Swallow flew over heading West. With a land wind the sea was calm and I soon located 2 Teal close in and further out 2 Eider. A pair of Marsh Harrier wheeled over the Eye Field Pool, but after much scanning I still couldn't find a Wheatear. The reported Black Redstart couldn't be seen by the Coast Road/Beach Road junction so I decided to head homeward, but not before pulling in at the Iron Road, Salthouse Duck Pond and West Runton to scan favourable fields for Wheatear. That would have proved fruitless if it wasn't for a couple of Bearded Tit at Salthouse that at least made my Norfolk Year List.
I was aware that a Ring Ouzel had been seen near Mundesley, so upon leaving Cley NWT thought I would give the patch at Paston Cliffs a quick once over. I scanned the cliff tops and face but had no luck with any Ring Ouzel (I found 3 here last spring), but 2 Reed Bunting have joined the Yellowhammer flock and the small flock of Stock Dove were again present walking East. The Yellowhammer were singing from 3 or 4 spots so I assume the flock will soon disperse hopefully leaving a couple of pairs to breed. As I walked towards the Paddocks and grass cliff top, the preferred areas for Wheatear a squally shower passed through, plummeting the temperature and soaking me with a few minutes. No Wheatear were present just the resident Linnet and a couple of Meadow Pipit. Walking back, through my murky glasses I noticed a small bird hopping about by the parked cars on the holiday camp. I lost the bird under the cars and assumed it was probably just a local Pied Wagtail, but seeing a White Wagtail earlier at Cley decided to give it a second look. The bird reappeared sheltering in the wheel arch of a car, it was a Black Redstart. I managed a poor record shot with my phone through binoculars before as the rain eased and it hopped off between the chalets.
I was aware that a Ring Ouzel had been seen near Mundesley, so upon leaving Cley NWT thought I would give the patch at Paston Cliffs a quick once over. I scanned the cliff tops and face but had no luck with any Ring Ouzel (I found 3 here last spring), but 2 Reed Bunting have joined the Yellowhammer flock and the small flock of Stock Dove were again present walking East. The Yellowhammer were singing from 3 or 4 spots so I assume the flock will soon disperse hopefully leaving a couple of pairs to breed. As I walked towards the Paddocks and grass cliff top, the preferred areas for Wheatear a squally shower passed through, plummeting the temperature and soaking me with a few minutes. No Wheatear were present just the resident Linnet and a couple of Meadow Pipit. Walking back, through my murky glasses I noticed a small bird hopping about by the parked cars on the holiday camp. I lost the bird under the cars and assumed it was probably just a local Pied Wagtail, but seeing a White Wagtail earlier at Cley decided to give it a second look. The bird reappeared sheltering in the wheel arch of a car, it was a Black Redstart. I managed a poor record shot with my phone through binoculars before as the rain eased and it hopped off between the chalets.
Wednesday, 4 April 2018
Birding East Suffolk
About 2pm om Monday I heard of Penduline Tit nr Lowestoft, but with rain still hammering down I waited. I had already got soaked shopping in Cromer and I failed to see the 2 Black Redstart by the Pier. By 3pm I had decided with the rain easing to go and walk the patch at Paston Cliffs. The Penduline Tit I would look for on Tuesday and head onward to Minsmere RSPB afterwards.
The patch was as expected, quiet with drizzle still heavy in the air. I found no migrants but the small flock of Yellowhammer seen last week now numbers 30+, a large group of Corvids (300+) mainly Carrion Crow were on the plough by the Gas Terminal and 2 Stock Dove were nearby. Walking west I hoped for a Wheatear by the Paddocks but could only turn up a lone Meadow Pipit, a finch flock and handful of Starling. After conducting an emergency stop near Knapton, with the window down I heard a singing Blackcap, and saw the bird just yards from were I had pulled up. Typically the rain finally stopped for the day as i pulled back into the yard at home.
Tuesday (3rd) was my set aside bird watching day of a few days off work, so after dropping off Agnes I headed for the Penduline Tit site near Lowestoft. I soon found the site and had to walk only a short distance before finding a gathering of people. After waiting 20 minute there was no sign but birders present had seen it earlier so i wasnt worried, I did walk the short distance to the railway bridge and scan Lake Lothing (Lowestoft's Inner Harbour) and soon located the Shag and Common Scoter present. Back at the Penduline Tit there and been movement seen deep in the rushes, and although initially I saw a Chiffchaff I eventually saw the Penduline Tit. The bird then flew into the willows giving great views is to silhouetted for a photo. The bird showed well on and off for the next 20 minutes, but sadly most of my attempts at photography were poor, but I was more than satisfied with the great views of the bird.
I arrived at Minsmere in good time, and after having my wallet emptied to enter, checked the sightings board and headed off to add a few birds to the year lift. At North Hide I spent quite awhile locating one of 2 Jack Snipe present, while seeing lots of commoner species. I heard Bearded Tit pinging while walking to the beach but failed to see any. Looking out to see a few gulls drifted past and 2 Red-throated Diver headed North. From the East Hide 2 Sandwich Tern were found while of was there and are probably new arrivals and a guide pointed out the sleeping female Goosander that has been present most of the winter. Mediterranean Gull number must have been 30+ and along with Black-headed Gull they dominated the scrape. A quick poke around the infamous 'Sluice Bushes' soon turned up one of the reported 3 Firecrest present, before a waded along the flooded path to the South Hide. I spent awhile looking for the 2 redhead Smew reported the evening before, but after scanning lots of sleeping Teal decided they must have moved on. Up to 3 Sandwich Tern could be seen and may have been in addition to the birds seen earlier, a drake Pintail the only other highlight apart from more immaculate Mediterranean Gull. The West hide offered little new as it over looks the same scrape as North Hide, although it does have some lovely graffiti style artwork, and 2 Bearded Tit flew through. Bittern Hide was very busy, much like most of the hides and with little to see and no seating I wandered down to Island Mere. The hide was empty and I got point blank views of Little Egret in front of the hide and up to 6 Marsh Harrier displayed over the reeds. A Little Gull was also present. Back at the Visitor Center I grabbed a rather nice Date Slice and cuppa, and admiring the Marsh Tit on the feeder before heading off.
I left the reserve via the Eastbridge exit keen to see the Glossy Ibis of the flood there and maybe go onto Aldburgh to look for an illusive Night Heron. I soon found the 'flood' but it covered the road to knee height (a walker waded it), I couldn't see the Ibis so turned around. Aldburgh is quite a detour so I decided to pop to Dunwich Heath for Dartford Warbler. As I arrived hour a squally shower passed through, and reluctant to pay the National Trusts £5 parking for a short walk, conducted a slow drive by bird watch without success before heading home. Undecided on the best route home I pulled over at Wangford to check the map, and spotted a raptor being harassed by some crows. It turned out to the the escaped Black Kite that frequents the area, a nice bird if untickable.
The patch was as expected, quiet with drizzle still heavy in the air. I found no migrants but the small flock of Yellowhammer seen last week now numbers 30+, a large group of Corvids (300+) mainly Carrion Crow were on the plough by the Gas Terminal and 2 Stock Dove were nearby. Walking west I hoped for a Wheatear by the Paddocks but could only turn up a lone Meadow Pipit, a finch flock and handful of Starling. After conducting an emergency stop near Knapton, with the window down I heard a singing Blackcap, and saw the bird just yards from were I had pulled up. Typically the rain finally stopped for the day as i pulled back into the yard at home.
Tuesday (3rd) was my set aside bird watching day of a few days off work, so after dropping off Agnes I headed for the Penduline Tit site near Lowestoft. I soon found the site and had to walk only a short distance before finding a gathering of people. After waiting 20 minute there was no sign but birders present had seen it earlier so i wasnt worried, I did walk the short distance to the railway bridge and scan Lake Lothing (Lowestoft's Inner Harbour) and soon located the Shag and Common Scoter present. Back at the Penduline Tit there and been movement seen deep in the rushes, and although initially I saw a Chiffchaff I eventually saw the Penduline Tit. The bird then flew into the willows giving great views is to silhouetted for a photo. The bird showed well on and off for the next 20 minutes, but sadly most of my attempts at photography were poor, but I was more than satisfied with the great views of the bird.
I arrived at Minsmere in good time, and after having my wallet emptied to enter, checked the sightings board and headed off to add a few birds to the year lift. At North Hide I spent quite awhile locating one of 2 Jack Snipe present, while seeing lots of commoner species. I heard Bearded Tit pinging while walking to the beach but failed to see any. Looking out to see a few gulls drifted past and 2 Red-throated Diver headed North. From the East Hide 2 Sandwich Tern were found while of was there and are probably new arrivals and a guide pointed out the sleeping female Goosander that has been present most of the winter. Mediterranean Gull number must have been 30+ and along with Black-headed Gull they dominated the scrape. A quick poke around the infamous 'Sluice Bushes' soon turned up one of the reported 3 Firecrest present, before a waded along the flooded path to the South Hide. I spent awhile looking for the 2 redhead Smew reported the evening before, but after scanning lots of sleeping Teal decided they must have moved on. Up to 3 Sandwich Tern could be seen and may have been in addition to the birds seen earlier, a drake Pintail the only other highlight apart from more immaculate Mediterranean Gull. The West hide offered little new as it over looks the same scrape as North Hide, although it does have some lovely graffiti style artwork, and 2 Bearded Tit flew through. Bittern Hide was very busy, much like most of the hides and with little to see and no seating I wandered down to Island Mere. The hide was empty and I got point blank views of Little Egret in front of the hide and up to 6 Marsh Harrier displayed over the reeds. A Little Gull was also present. Back at the Visitor Center I grabbed a rather nice Date Slice and cuppa, and admiring the Marsh Tit on the feeder before heading off.
I left the reserve via the Eastbridge exit keen to see the Glossy Ibis of the flood there and maybe go onto Aldburgh to look for an illusive Night Heron. I soon found the 'flood' but it covered the road to knee height (a walker waded it), I couldn't see the Ibis so turned around. Aldburgh is quite a detour so I decided to pop to Dunwich Heath for Dartford Warbler. As I arrived hour a squally shower passed through, and reluctant to pay the National Trusts £5 parking for a short walk, conducted a slow drive by bird watch without success before heading home. Undecided on the best route home I pulled over at Wangford to check the map, and spotted a raptor being harassed by some crows. It turned out to the the escaped Black Kite that frequents the area, a nice bird if untickable.
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
Birding the Brecks Alone
I had set aside today (27th) as my bird watching day of my 10 days off work. With very few migrants on the coast I decided on a trip to the Brecks in the hope of catching up with e the recently re-emerged Parrot Crossbill at Santon Downham. After a sunny day on Monday it was no surprise that Tuesday was cool, dull and damp again. With the heaviest rain set to ease off by 10.30am I decided to set out a little later at 8am and call by a couple of other sites on route.
First stop was Bintree Mill where a drake Gargany has been present the last few days, luckily with its still drizzling hard I could pull up in the car and scan the flood without getting out of the car. Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and a few Teal were all I could see. After checking my route to the next stop I had a second scan, and to my surprise the Gargany had appeared all be it along the reedy back edge of the pool but still a pretty little bird to see. While here a Little Egret came into the dyke only a few meters away, but he spotted me just as I raised my camera.
Next stop was Cockey Cley to look for Willow Tit, now a Norfolk rarity, but thanks to a local birder setting up a feeding station I was hopeful that with a bit of patience I would catch up with one. It started raining heavily again so I was in no hurry to reach the Brecks, this was lucky as I missed my turn off and ambled through the back roads without reception before Google maps came back online. Once back on the main roads I soon found the village and with a grid ref and directions soon found were to park. Walking up track FR110 I soon found the two feeding stations that had been set up, just before that I rather promisingly heard a Willow Tit call. The drizzle was still hard enough to soak me so I hid up under the trees in view of both feeders. Blue Tit and Great Tit came regularly to the tables, but the bird most predominate was Coal Tit which was nice to see. 2 Nuthatch came in along with a few Chaffinch and Robin. After 20 minutes of so a Willow Tit dropped in, grabbing a sunflower seed and disappearing, luckily it soon came back. I topped up the feeders and headed back to the car, also seeing 3 Yellowhammer.
Driving to Lynford I tried a few fields that looked good for Stone Curlew but without any luck. At Lynford although more mizzle than drizzle I still got wet. I walked the area near Lynford Water and got lucky with 2 Woodlark unintentionally flush from close to the path. The pools held a few Tufted Duck, Great Crest Grebe, Greylag Geese and 2 Oystercatcher on the rafts. A Nuthatch was near the car and a Mistle Thrush was nearby, but with another heavy shower I decided not to walk the arboretum.
Parking up by the Railway Crossing a Santon Downham, I had a good look around the nearby pines with no sign of any Crossbill. By the river bridge a Grey Wagtail flew down stream, I too walked down stream seeing 2 Marsh Tit at close quarters before a pair a Mandarin flew over. A further 2 pair of Mandarin, Nuthatch and Treecreeper were seen before reaching the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker site. It was dry now so I hung around for 30 minutes or so, and just before leaving a LSW flew over from the Suffolk side of the river, over my head and over the railway line. Having seen a LSW locally near home I didn't wait around for better views instead heading off to look for Parrot Crossbill. Walking back a Kingfisher whizzed by and I saw my first singing Chiffchaff of the spring. I searched the tracks both side of the railway line and also the clearings opposite the car park with little success. A drive down to St Helen's Picnic Area gave up a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 fly-over Common Crossbill and a small Redwing flock. Driving back up the track a Sparrowhawk flew through. Feeling rather hungry I realised it was almost 2pm and I hadn't had any lunch so headed home, grabbing a sandwich on route.
I always enjoy a visit to the Brecks, with its mixture of habitat very different to North East Norfolk. Today was my first solo visit to the area, with my main bird watching friends now living in Norwich company is sometimes hard to come by, any birders local to North Walsham feel free to email me, an extra pair of eyes always welcome. Sorry about a lack of photos, with the persistent rain I left the camera in the car.
First stop was Bintree Mill where a drake Gargany has been present the last few days, luckily with its still drizzling hard I could pull up in the car and scan the flood without getting out of the car. Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and a few Teal were all I could see. After checking my route to the next stop I had a second scan, and to my surprise the Gargany had appeared all be it along the reedy back edge of the pool but still a pretty little bird to see. While here a Little Egret came into the dyke only a few meters away, but he spotted me just as I raised my camera.
Next stop was Cockey Cley to look for Willow Tit, now a Norfolk rarity, but thanks to a local birder setting up a feeding station I was hopeful that with a bit of patience I would catch up with one. It started raining heavily again so I was in no hurry to reach the Brecks, this was lucky as I missed my turn off and ambled through the back roads without reception before Google maps came back online. Once back on the main roads I soon found the village and with a grid ref and directions soon found were to park. Walking up track FR110 I soon found the two feeding stations that had been set up, just before that I rather promisingly heard a Willow Tit call. The drizzle was still hard enough to soak me so I hid up under the trees in view of both feeders. Blue Tit and Great Tit came regularly to the tables, but the bird most predominate was Coal Tit which was nice to see. 2 Nuthatch came in along with a few Chaffinch and Robin. After 20 minutes of so a Willow Tit dropped in, grabbing a sunflower seed and disappearing, luckily it soon came back. I topped up the feeders and headed back to the car, also seeing 3 Yellowhammer.
Driving to Lynford I tried a few fields that looked good for Stone Curlew but without any luck. At Lynford although more mizzle than drizzle I still got wet. I walked the area near Lynford Water and got lucky with 2 Woodlark unintentionally flush from close to the path. The pools held a few Tufted Duck, Great Crest Grebe, Greylag Geese and 2 Oystercatcher on the rafts. A Nuthatch was near the car and a Mistle Thrush was nearby, but with another heavy shower I decided not to walk the arboretum.
Parking up by the Railway Crossing a Santon Downham, I had a good look around the nearby pines with no sign of any Crossbill. By the river bridge a Grey Wagtail flew down stream, I too walked down stream seeing 2 Marsh Tit at close quarters before a pair a Mandarin flew over. A further 2 pair of Mandarin, Nuthatch and Treecreeper were seen before reaching the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker site. It was dry now so I hung around for 30 minutes or so, and just before leaving a LSW flew over from the Suffolk side of the river, over my head and over the railway line. Having seen a LSW locally near home I didn't wait around for better views instead heading off to look for Parrot Crossbill. Walking back a Kingfisher whizzed by and I saw my first singing Chiffchaff of the spring. I searched the tracks both side of the railway line and also the clearings opposite the car park with little success. A drive down to St Helen's Picnic Area gave up a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 fly-over Common Crossbill and a small Redwing flock. Driving back up the track a Sparrowhawk flew through. Feeling rather hungry I realised it was almost 2pm and I hadn't had any lunch so headed home, grabbing a sandwich on route.
I always enjoy a visit to the Brecks, with its mixture of habitat very different to North East Norfolk. Today was my first solo visit to the area, with my main bird watching friends now living in Norwich company is sometimes hard to come by, any birders local to North Walsham feel free to email me, an extra pair of eyes always welcome. Sorry about a lack of photos, with the persistent rain I left the camera in the car.
Monday, 26 March 2018
Alderfen NWT
With a couple of hours free on Saturday I decided to visit a reserve I've never call in on before despite it being only a 15 minute drive away. Alderfen Broad is between the villages of Neatishead and Irstead, but despite knowing exactly where the reserve was I couldn't locate the car park so parked up on the road to the SE of the reserve and walked in along a public footpath. The car park is down a long unmarked dirt track.
Walking through the wet woodland I saw Blue Tit, Great Tit and a Goldcrest, a small group of Redpoll also flew over. The first signs of spring migrants for the year came in the form of 3 Chiffchaff, none of which were singing though. Making it to the viewing screen, I read in the sightings book a Gargany was present the previous day. I had no luck locating it but there are lots of reedy margins to hide in. 30+ Wigeon, 20+ Tufted Duck, a Great Crested Grebe and a few Coot the birds on the water. With later commitments I wandered back to the car, seeing all the common Tits again. Back by the car I viewed a pair of Marsh Tit interacting at close quarters, a delicate bird I love to see.
A nice little reserve I will definitely visit again, hopefully I'll also find the car park next time, now I knew where it is. It should be noted water levels are high so wellies are advisable as the paths are sticky in places.
A nice little reserve I will definitely visit again, hopefully I'll also find the car park next time, now I knew where it is. It should be noted water levels are high so wellies are advisable as the paths are sticky in places.
Thursday, 22 March 2018
When is a Patch Tick not a Patch Tick?
After a morning spent digging the allotment and re-cladding part of the garage, I rewarded myself with an afternoon stroll around part of the patch, Paston Cliffs. I was optimistically hoping for an early migrant but it seems that 2pm is dog walking rush hour, and with most dogs off the lead little was about walking the grassy cliff tops near the paddocks to the west.
There were however lots of gulls on the beach so I spent some time scanning through them, among them I found a Caspian Gull a patch tick I though, but actually I have seen one here in 2015. Most of the gulls were large but with the few Black-headed Gulls I found a single Little Gull, possibly the bird from Bacton earlier in the week? Surprisingly this was a new patch tick, as although I had seen Little Gull here in the past it was before this was my patch!
By now the dog walkers had disperse so I walked towards the Gas Terminal, a group of Linnet and Skylark were in the fields and singing loudly. I thought I saw a female Reed Bunting drive into the brambles but on closer inspection 8 Yellowhammer exploded out from their cover. On the cliff edge 2 Oystercatcher probed the path edge and 7 Stock Dove fed in the bare field, where the Caspian Gull had relocated from the beach with most of the gulls. No Bluethroat, Black Redstart or even a Wheatear but an hour well spent, if no one looks nothing will be seen.
There were however lots of gulls on the beach so I spent some time scanning through them, among them I found a Caspian Gull a patch tick I though, but actually I have seen one here in 2015. Most of the gulls were large but with the few Black-headed Gulls I found a single Little Gull, possibly the bird from Bacton earlier in the week? Surprisingly this was a new patch tick, as although I had seen Little Gull here in the past it was before this was my patch!
By now the dog walkers had disperse so I walked towards the Gas Terminal, a group of Linnet and Skylark were in the fields and singing loudly. I thought I saw a female Reed Bunting drive into the brambles but on closer inspection 8 Yellowhammer exploded out from their cover. On the cliff edge 2 Oystercatcher probed the path edge and 7 Stock Dove fed in the bare field, where the Caspian Gull had relocated from the beach with most of the gulls. No Bluethroat, Black Redstart or even a Wheatear but an hour well spent, if no one looks nothing will be seen.
Monday, 19 March 2018
More Snowiness
After the disappointment of not being able to get to see the Snowy Owl in North Norfolk, a combination of no car, work and Mother's Day commitments left me only able too look at pictures on friends blogs.
On Friday 16th we headed down to South Wales to visit family, I knew I wouldn't have time to target any rare birds on route or while there, but that I should have time for a local walk or two. On Friday after arriving mid-morning I got to stretch my legs with a short walk around Diamond Park in Ystadglanlais, a landscaped old colliery (Diamond Colliery). Bird life was as expected, tits, finches and thrushes but what was nice to see was the large numbers of Song Thrush. Walking by the River Tawe I saw at least 3 of one of my favourite little birds, Dipper, despite the river flowing very fast after overnight rain. The birds were very vocal I assume staking out territories. On my return to the house a Red Kite was drifting over the roof tops at aerial height.
Saturday afternoon I had two or three hours free and set my sights on scaling a nearby hill/mountain (Fartag Hill) to get views over the valley, but with no local maps it was a bit off the hoof. I started off in Diamond Park, getting crippling views of Bullfinch, before stumbling across Wern Plemys Nature Reserve. The information boards highlight the array of orchids here but I had to make do with lots and lots of Scarlet Elfcap fungus. After following a disused railway line I stumbled across footpath and headed further uphill. No great wildlife highlights, but great views of the town. Walking back I visited the remains of a local Tin Works before again following the river and admiring a few Dipper and also close views of Grey Wagtail.
Sunday I woke up to 2 inches of snow, no mountain climbing, but a snowy walk along the riverside and Diamond Park with the family.
Today (19th) back in Norfolk I spent the morning in the woods near Witton cutting firewood. After a quick cuppa I had a wander and disturbed 11 Woodcock on the edge of the wood. In this area a few weeks ago I only saw 1, the result of new birds from the continent moved by the Beast from the East? After lunch I had a wander at Bacton, unsurprisingly no migrants on the clifftop but Turnstone, Oystercatcher and a few gulls on the beach, including at least 1 adult Little Gull. The biggest surprise was the state of the beach with most of the sand washed away and the slipway rendered useless.
On Friday 16th we headed down to South Wales to visit family, I knew I wouldn't have time to target any rare birds on route or while there, but that I should have time for a local walk or two. On Friday after arriving mid-morning I got to stretch my legs with a short walk around Diamond Park in Ystadglanlais, a landscaped old colliery (Diamond Colliery). Bird life was as expected, tits, finches and thrushes but what was nice to see was the large numbers of Song Thrush. Walking by the River Tawe I saw at least 3 of one of my favourite little birds, Dipper, despite the river flowing very fast after overnight rain. The birds were very vocal I assume staking out territories. On my return to the house a Red Kite was drifting over the roof tops at aerial height.
Saturday afternoon I had two or three hours free and set my sights on scaling a nearby hill/mountain (Fartag Hill) to get views over the valley, but with no local maps it was a bit off the hoof. I started off in Diamond Park, getting crippling views of Bullfinch, before stumbling across Wern Plemys Nature Reserve. The information boards highlight the array of orchids here but I had to make do with lots and lots of Scarlet Elfcap fungus. After following a disused railway line I stumbled across footpath and headed further uphill. No great wildlife highlights, but great views of the town. Walking back I visited the remains of a local Tin Works before again following the river and admiring a few Dipper and also close views of Grey Wagtail.
Sunday I woke up to 2 inches of snow, no mountain climbing, but a snowy walk along the riverside and Diamond Park with the family.
Today (19th) back in Norfolk I spent the morning in the woods near Witton cutting firewood. After a quick cuppa I had a wander and disturbed 11 Woodcock on the edge of the wood. In this area a few weeks ago I only saw 1, the result of new birds from the continent moved by the Beast from the East? After lunch I had a wander at Bacton, unsurprisingly no migrants on the clifftop but Turnstone, Oystercatcher and a few gulls on the beach, including at least 1 adult Little Gull. The biggest surprise was the state of the beach with most of the sand washed away and the slipway rendered useless.
Monday, 5 March 2018
A Snowy Patch
Last Wednesday (28th) after a failed attempt to drive Laura to work in Norwich, and after the worst of the snow had eased I decided to have a wander around the Quiet Lanes near the house. Before I left the garden I had 4 Fieldfare fly over the house and a Brambling under the feeders. The wind was whipping up as I crossed the the fields and the snow was starting to drift.
By the humped-back bridge a few Fieldfare and Redwing were by the hedge but it was rather quiet, and by the Alpaca Field 4 Song Thrush scrapped about. It was by Pond Cottage that I found a large mixed Finch and Tit flock, that held Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits as well as two Coal Tits.. Goldfinch and Chaffinch dominated the finches but a few Greenfinch and 3 Brambling were also around, along with two Goldcrest and a possible Chiffchaff I only got a fleeting glimpse of. On the lane towards Antingham Pond a Yellowhammer was in the hedge and two Stock Dove appear to be paired up. In the trees by the pond I could hear both Siskin and Redpoll but could only see a few Siskin in the Alder. Peeking through the hedge most of the pond was frozen over with a resident Mute Swan, Canada and Greylag Geese and Mallard present, but no obviously over wintering wildfowl. By Lyngate Gardens another large group of birds was taking advantage of feeders in the gardens, but again it was predominantly the common finches and tits, although a Mistle Thrush was on the paddock and 3 more Stock Dove were nearby. In the pine belt last year I saw Firecrest and I thought I may have heard one again, but couldn't see anything, but another 2 Coal Tit were nice to see. Walking back via the Industrial Estate I scanned the gulls on the factory roof but saw nothing of interest before heading home for a warming cuppa.
On Thursday all roads in and out of North Walsham were blocked by deep snow drifts, while building a snowman Fieldfare once again flew over the garden and one of the juv. Blackbird was being fed, sadly I later found the second drown in the pond.
Over the last week or so as well as the numerous Buzzard and Kestrel often seen between North Walsham and Norwich, we also saw 2 Barn Owl, a Little Owl (25th) and a Tawny Owl (2nd) on our commute.
By the humped-back bridge a few Fieldfare and Redwing were by the hedge but it was rather quiet, and by the Alpaca Field 4 Song Thrush scrapped about. It was by Pond Cottage that I found a large mixed Finch and Tit flock, that held Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits as well as two Coal Tits.. Goldfinch and Chaffinch dominated the finches but a few Greenfinch and 3 Brambling were also around, along with two Goldcrest and a possible Chiffchaff I only got a fleeting glimpse of. On the lane towards Antingham Pond a Yellowhammer was in the hedge and two Stock Dove appear to be paired up. In the trees by the pond I could hear both Siskin and Redpoll but could only see a few Siskin in the Alder. Peeking through the hedge most of the pond was frozen over with a resident Mute Swan, Canada and Greylag Geese and Mallard present, but no obviously over wintering wildfowl. By Lyngate Gardens another large group of birds was taking advantage of feeders in the gardens, but again it was predominantly the common finches and tits, although a Mistle Thrush was on the paddock and 3 more Stock Dove were nearby. In the pine belt last year I saw Firecrest and I thought I may have heard one again, but couldn't see anything, but another 2 Coal Tit were nice to see. Walking back via the Industrial Estate I scanned the gulls on the factory roof but saw nothing of interest before heading home for a warming cuppa.
On Thursday all roads in and out of North Walsham were blocked by deep snow drifts, while building a snowman Fieldfare once again flew over the garden and one of the juv. Blackbird was being fed, sadly I later found the second drown in the pond.
Over the last week or so as well as the numerous Buzzard and Kestrel often seen between North Walsham and Norwich, we also saw 2 Barn Owl, a Little Owl (25th) and a Tawny Owl (2nd) on our commute.
Monday, 26 February 2018
A Snowy Surprise
I spent the morning warm indoors wallpapering, before cutting and chopping a trailer load of firewood between heavy showers of snow. While walking through the woods I flushed a Woodcock my first of the year.
Getting home I found this little fellow in the garden, I put out some extra meal worms and after a trip to the shop came back to the parent birds feeding two almost fully fledged chicks.
Getting home I found this little fellow in the garden, I put out some extra meal worms and after a trip to the shop came back to the parent birds feeding two almost fully fledged chicks.
Friday, 23 February 2018
North Norfolk stroll
On Tuesday 13th I met James and we headed off for a mini tour of North Norfolk, the bird time I've taken the car out any distance to go birding. Our first couple of stops were speculative, calling in first at Sparham Pools hoping for a Goosander. There seems very few around this winter and unsurprisingly there were none here. A large group of Fieldfare were in a nearby field and 3/4 Shoveler the best of the wildfowl on the semi-frozen pools. Going back a few years Manderin used to be seen near Guist, I haven't heard of them here recently but it was on route to North Norfolk so worth a stop. No ducks but I did almost get us stuck while turning around in a gate way.
Near Choesley there was no sign on the previous days Hooded Crow, although James counted 15+ Brown Hare in one field, so we headed onto Titchwell RSPB. By the path to the visitor centre James IDed so fungi while I had a look through the large finch flock, containing mainly Chaffinch and Goldfinch, but a few Brambling, Greenfinch and Siskin were also seen. With high water levels we scooted past the Fresh Marsh and up to the sea. The tide was out so most birds were a little distant, the best birds offshore being Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser and Common Scoter. The New Tidal Marsh held a Ringed Plover and quite a few Knot on our way back, but we could not locate the reported Spotted Redshank despite out best efforts. The Meadow Trail did at least turn up a new year bird for me, with at least 4 Red-crested Pochard on the pool past the Fen Hide.
I drove the back roads towards Ringstead slowly in the hope of locating Corn Bunting or other finches but we only came across some commoner birds. Near Ringstead we located part of the Pink-footed Goose flock that has in recent times held a Bean Goose, but it was ease where on this day.
Final stop was Flitcham, and for the first time in ages the Little Owl was actually showing well in the fallen tree. A fellow birder pointed out two freshly hatched Egyptian Geese and a large Starling Flock drifted about. It had started to rain so we had to have an all to short look through the finch flock in the lane, with no sign of hoped for Tree Sparrow we headed back towards Norwich
Near Choesley there was no sign on the previous days Hooded Crow, although James counted 15+ Brown Hare in one field, so we headed onto Titchwell RSPB. By the path to the visitor centre James IDed so fungi while I had a look through the large finch flock, containing mainly Chaffinch and Goldfinch, but a few Brambling, Greenfinch and Siskin were also seen. With high water levels we scooted past the Fresh Marsh and up to the sea. The tide was out so most birds were a little distant, the best birds offshore being Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser and Common Scoter. The New Tidal Marsh held a Ringed Plover and quite a few Knot on our way back, but we could not locate the reported Spotted Redshank despite out best efforts. The Meadow Trail did at least turn up a new year bird for me, with at least 4 Red-crested Pochard on the pool past the Fen Hide.
I drove the back roads towards Ringstead slowly in the hope of locating Corn Bunting or other finches but we only came across some commoner birds. Near Ringstead we located part of the Pink-footed Goose flock that has in recent times held a Bean Goose, but it was ease where on this day.
Final stop was Flitcham, and for the first time in ages the Little Owl was actually showing well in the fallen tree. A fellow birder pointed out two freshly hatched Egyptian Geese and a large Starling Flock drifted about. It had started to rain so we had to have an all to short look through the finch flock in the lane, with no sign of hoped for Tree Sparrow we headed back towards Norwich
Monday, 12 February 2018
Happisburgh and Letheringsett
Last Wednesday (7th) after getting the food shopping I headed to Happisburgh with an hour to kill hoping to catch up with the Shorelark that have been present most of the winter, but have eluded me on two previous visits. Walking up to the Lighthouse I had a better view of the whole of the 'lighthouse field' as last time i'd walked the clifftop path. After 10 minutes of scanning I located the Shorelark feeding relatively distantly feeding near the coastal path, typical. 3 Brent Geese were also in the field, 1 Pied Wagtail and a couple of Skylark. Walkiing the clifftop for a closer view the waves pounded the base of the cliff and there was evidence of further small cliff falls that morning. As I got closer to the area the Shorelark had been in a dog walker approached from the direction of Cart Gap and the Shorelark flew past me before landing further inland, close to the Lighthouse but out of view. A quick scan of the sea reveled a few Red-throated Diver, a group of 5 Brent Geese and the expected gulls.
I had a quick look in on Lessingham Church but it was locked, so after a few external photos I headed headed to Stalham. A Marsh Harrier was quartering the field near Ingham, before I picked up some gardening supplies at Wayford. Agnes was having a nap when I got back to mum's so I spent a hour or so digging the allotment. 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit and an unexpected Reed Bunting were nearby and a mixed group of Fieldfare and Redwing flew over.
On Thursday Agnes and I had a walk on Walcott seafront collecting stones and flotsam and jetsam from the tide line. The Turnstone's rapid walking reducing Agnes to fits of laughter.
On Thursday Agnes and I had a walk on Walcott seafront collecting stones and flotsam and jetsam from the tide line. The Turnstone's rapid walking reducing Agnes to fits of laughter.
This morning (12th) as Agnes was up and fed early I thought we could have a wander in Holt. Firstly we headed to Letheringsett to see if we could see the long-staying Arctic Redpoll. It was rather quiet when we arrived, but Agnes was happy playing Pooh Sticks on the bridge for a bit, a flock of LTT also came very close and amused her. I heard a Redpoll call and eventually found a small group of Redpoll in the Alders in the field. I soon located the Mealy Redpoll and after a couple of birds arrived from further along the track spotted atleast 1 Arctic Redpoll, however the birds soon moved and Agnes' patience ran out. I felt a bit guilty as I left the birders who had located the Arctic Redpoll for me, with Agnes screaming. Rather than visit Holt we stopped off at Salhouse duck pond and fed the ducks, much more to Agnes' liking. A Marsh Harrier was close by, the Brent Geese and Black Brant could not be seen while driving past Cley East Bank. Stopping at Sheringham for a wander around the shops we saw a Purple Sandpiper on the rocks by The Crown and plenty of gulls but nothing unusual.
Sunday, 4 February 2018
A Heron Filled Afternoon
Arriving back from shopping in Norwich at 2pm I was going to have a wander around the lanes behind the house, but Laura said I should go look for the Glossy Ibis at Great Yarmouth after i'd mentioned it earlier in the day.
Getting into the car a Grey Heron flew over the garden and on the way to Yarmouth two Common Crane flew over the road at Repps. A Great White Egret has been on the marshes near to the Caister Tesco's store and approaching Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium it was hard not to miss the GWE feeding in a ditch only a few meters from the edge of the main road.
Pulling into Bure Park in Yarmouth I ended up parking in the overflow just inside the gate, I didn't realise the main car park was slightly further along the track. While putting on my boots I spotted 2 Moorhen walking on the flooded/marshy meadow, initially totally missing the Glossy Ibis only meters away from me just the other side of the dyke. I moved slightly further along to get better views, with the ditch side reeds in the way. I then wandered over to the river bank where while looking at a herd of Mute Swan spotted my 5th Heron species withing an hour with 2 Little Egret in flight over the marsh.
Rather annoyingly with the Ibis being so close, I was more than annoyed to discover that I had left the camera at home, I had to make due with a quick record shot on my phone. With such good views and no camera, i'd had my fill after 20 minutes or so and thought I might still have time for a 20min look for Shorelark at Happisburgh, but driving home the skies darkened. Driving through a heavy wintery shower, I cut my loses after a nice afternoon and headed home for a warming cuppa.
Getting into the car a Grey Heron flew over the garden and on the way to Yarmouth two Common Crane flew over the road at Repps. A Great White Egret has been on the marshes near to the Caister Tesco's store and approaching Yarmouth Greyhound Stadium it was hard not to miss the GWE feeding in a ditch only a few meters from the edge of the main road.
Rather annoyingly with the Ibis being so close, I was more than annoyed to discover that I had left the camera at home, I had to make due with a quick record shot on my phone. With such good views and no camera, i'd had my fill after 20 minutes or so and thought I might still have time for a 20min look for Shorelark at Happisburgh, but driving home the skies darkened. Driving through a heavy wintery shower, I cut my loses after a nice afternoon and headed home for a warming cuppa.
Saturday, 3 February 2018
Mundesley Cliffs and Allotment
On Thursday morning before the forecast rain Agnes and I headed to Walcott for a walk on the beach, however the tide was quite high so I continued onto Mundesley Holiday camp in the hope of adding Glaucous Gull to the patch list. Walking west towards the village I soon located the juv. Glaucous Gull on the groyne post, level with the sea front. We walked as far as the donkey paddock above the lifeboat station, before walking back. A few Red-throated Diver flew off shore, along with a couple of auk sp. I couldn't ID just with binoculars. The wind was blustery and biting so I decided not to walk east towards the Gas Terminal, but in the brambles near the rubbish compound a Chiffchaff was of note if little else.
Dad had discovered new diggings near his allotment, and keen to put out the camera trap again I headed up there after my walk. Getting out of the car I spotted a woodpecker in the corner of my eye and upon locating the bird it was one of the resident pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that dad sees on a regular basis. A pair of Blue Tit were inspecting a nest box and seemed very aggressive towards a Great Tit also nearby. I'm taking on an area of the allotment and hope to put some feeders up soon, and will be interested to see what birds i can lure in.
Despite a night of pouring rain on collecting the camera yesterday, I had two brief clips of a Badger popping its head out of the sett and thinking better of it, diving back in out of the rain.
Dad had discovered new diggings near his allotment, and keen to put out the camera trap again I headed up there after my walk. Getting out of the car I spotted a woodpecker in the corner of my eye and upon locating the bird it was one of the resident pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker that dad sees on a regular basis. A pair of Blue Tit were inspecting a nest box and seemed very aggressive towards a Great Tit also nearby. I'm taking on an area of the allotment and hope to put some feeders up soon, and will be interested to see what birds i can lure in.
Despite a night of pouring rain on collecting the camera yesterday, I had two brief clips of a Badger popping its head out of the sett and thinking better of it, diving back in out of the rain.
Sunday, 28 January 2018
Big Garden Bird Watch
Yesterday after putting Agnes down for a mid-morning nap I pulled up the chair in the study to conduct my hour of bird watching for the RSPB Big Garden Bird watch, after 20 minutes it was obvious Agnes didn't want to nap so I decided to postpone my bird watching until later. Instead we headed out as a family to take in a couple of local churches as part of my family history research. Barton Turf church was very pleasant, but I discovered from some very good literature within the church my relations buried here have unmarked graves. We thought about walking around the board walk to Barton Broad, but instead decided to try and find Neatistead Church. I wish we had stopped as I have since found out a Black-necked Grebe has been present 2 days. Driving on towards Potter Heigham for a light lunch I did see a small group of wild swans on the marshes by Ludham, but didn't stop for a detailed ID. On our return it was raining so I didn't bother continuing the Garden Bird Watch.
Saturday 27th 10:00am -10:20am (max. counts)
17 Feral Pigeon 06 Blackbird
28 Woodpigeon 12 House Sparrow
02 Magpie 01 Robin
11 Goldfinch 02 Black-headed Gull
06 Herring Gull 02 Jackdaw
02 Chaffinch
With Agnes staying at my parent's over night Laura enjoyed and over due lay in, while I got up and got an hour of bird watching undisturbed. For now at least I can view quite a large area from the study window, my garden, an area wasteland behind the house and a distant view of farmland beyond the industrial estate. A neighbour a few doors down seemed to have a better bird banquet on offer, so although my immediate garden was quiet I still managed a decent tally. A small group of Gulls tend to roost on the industrial estate buildings, and being early I watched them heading out to the fields. There were many more Gulls present than recorded, as they slowly drifted off and only max. number was listed. I also managed a new 'Garden List' bird, with a Female Bullfinch in the scrub on the wasteland.
Sunday 07:50am - 08:50am
05 Feral Pigeon 08 Blackbird
34 Woodpigeon 14 House Sparrow
05 Magpie 01 Blue Tit
09 Goldfinch 13 Black-headed Gull
17 Herring Gull 09 Jackdaw
04 Chaffinch 11 Starling
01 Song Thrush 09 Carrion Crow
02 Dunnock 01 Grey Heron
01 Bullfinch 02 Common Gull
01 Collared Dove 02 Great Tit
02 Long-tailed Tit 02 Lesser Black-backed Gull
This afternoon we decided to take a drive to Sea Palling so Agnes could play in the amusement arcade for an hour. On route we saw two Common Buzzard near Dilham, perched by the road I've seen them in the same tree 3 of the last 4 times I've driven past. A Red Kite soured over the road by Wayford Bridge and two Kestrel were near Stalham. Adding to the raptor list, on our return a Merlin flew along side the car near Sea Palling and a Marsh Harrier headed towards the Hickling roost. Near Ingham Corner two bats flew around while Laura was pulled over to take a sunset photo. A Tawny Owl also flew across the road at Meeting Hill.
Saturday 27th 10:00am -10:20am (max. counts)
17 Feral Pigeon 06 Blackbird
28 Woodpigeon 12 House Sparrow
02 Magpie 01 Robin
11 Goldfinch 02 Black-headed Gull
06 Herring Gull 02 Jackdaw
02 Chaffinch
With Agnes staying at my parent's over night Laura enjoyed and over due lay in, while I got up and got an hour of bird watching undisturbed. For now at least I can view quite a large area from the study window, my garden, an area wasteland behind the house and a distant view of farmland beyond the industrial estate. A neighbour a few doors down seemed to have a better bird banquet on offer, so although my immediate garden was quiet I still managed a decent tally. A small group of Gulls tend to roost on the industrial estate buildings, and being early I watched them heading out to the fields. There were many more Gulls present than recorded, as they slowly drifted off and only max. number was listed. I also managed a new 'Garden List' bird, with a Female Bullfinch in the scrub on the wasteland.
Sunday 07:50am - 08:50am
05 Feral Pigeon 08 Blackbird
34 Woodpigeon 14 House Sparrow
05 Magpie 01 Blue Tit
09 Goldfinch 13 Black-headed Gull
17 Herring Gull 09 Jackdaw
04 Chaffinch 11 Starling
01 Song Thrush 09 Carrion Crow
02 Dunnock 01 Grey Heron
01 Bullfinch 02 Common Gull
01 Collared Dove 02 Great Tit
02 Long-tailed Tit 02 Lesser Black-backed Gull
This afternoon we decided to take a drive to Sea Palling so Agnes could play in the amusement arcade for an hour. On route we saw two Common Buzzard near Dilham, perched by the road I've seen them in the same tree 3 of the last 4 times I've driven past. A Red Kite soured over the road by Wayford Bridge and two Kestrel were near Stalham. Adding to the raptor list, on our return a Merlin flew along side the car near Sea Palling and a Marsh Harrier headed towards the Hickling roost. Near Ingham Corner two bats flew around while Laura was pulled over to take a sunset photo. A Tawny Owl also flew across the road at Meeting Hill.
Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Wet feet and Badgers
On Monday I popped out with Dad to set up the camera trap again, and doing so discovered the hard way I had a hole in mt Wellington boots, inherited from my Grandfather they have served us well. It was while looking for new boots in Wroxham on Tuesday, that I finally caught up with some Lesser Redpoll and also a few Siskin in the Alders by the River/Railway line.
With strong wind and rain forecast I decided to pick the camera trap up on my way home, despite it only being out overnight. I'd set the camera up not far from where a badger had triggered the trap last week, it was overlooking a possible sett, although it didn't look very active. Looking through the images again I had lots of empty clips, but increasing the sensitivity of the camera I had also caught a Blue Tit, LTT, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird and mouse on film. Despite the heavy rain at 3am a Badger emerged from the sett in front of the camera before scuttling off, it wasn't seen again all night.
Saturday, 20 January 2018
A Windy Walk-about
On Thursday (18th) Agnes was invited to play at a friends giving me a couple of hours to myself. After collecting the new car last weekend it also meant I could think about more than a walk around the block. I decided to head for Sheringham looking for the Black Redstart and Waxwing of previous days.
After the overnight storm the wind was still quite strong and there was plenty of debris to dodge on the road. I got to Sheringham about 9.30 parking by the RNLI slope a brief hunt failed to locate the Black Redstart. But from this view point and walking East along the prom I saw numerous Guillemot flying West as well as a few RT Diver and my first Gannet of the year. Just below the Mo a Purple Sandpiper was on the rocks with the Turnastone before I headed inland along back streets towards the station. There was initially no sign of the Waxwing and a fellow birder also confirmed they had had no luck. Just a few minutes later a group of Blackbird and Starling erupted from a small rear garden and among them were the 3 Waxwing. I got flight views and one briefly perched before they returned to feed in the garden. Walking back along the prom I decided to walk to the Lifeboat shed with little expectation as a digger was working on breaking up and repairing the seawall. To my surprise atop a small rubble pile only feet from the workmen the Black Redstart flitted about. I soon had to return and collect my daughter but a delightful hour or so.
After her post lunch nap Agnes got herself up and I found her in the study looking out the window, she had found my spare binoculars and informed me she was 'looking at birdies'.
After the overnight storm the wind was still quite strong and there was plenty of debris to dodge on the road. I got to Sheringham about 9.30 parking by the RNLI slope a brief hunt failed to locate the Black Redstart. But from this view point and walking East along the prom I saw numerous Guillemot flying West as well as a few RT Diver and my first Gannet of the year. Just below the Mo a Purple Sandpiper was on the rocks with the Turnastone before I headed inland along back streets towards the station. There was initially no sign of the Waxwing and a fellow birder also confirmed they had had no luck. Just a few minutes later a group of Blackbird and Starling erupted from a small rear garden and among them were the 3 Waxwing. I got flight views and one briefly perched before they returned to feed in the garden. Walking back along the prom I decided to walk to the Lifeboat shed with little expectation as a digger was working on breaking up and repairing the seawall. To my surprise atop a small rubble pile only feet from the workmen the Black Redstart flitted about. I soon had to return and collect my daughter but a delightful hour or so.
After her post lunch nap Agnes got herself up and I found her in the study looking out the window, she had found my spare binoculars and informed me she was 'looking at birdies'.
Sunday, 14 January 2018
Playing with New Toys
While in the city on Sunday I finally got to call into Warehouse Express and treat myself to a new pair of binoculars, not because I really needed them but because I could. The need to 'test' them gave me an excuse to visit Bowthorpe/Earlham Marshes, after we had done a bit of shopping. Luckily I met a nice chap with a scope who had already scanned Colney Pits without seeing much so I opted for a scan across the marshes from the road bridge and then a short wander. East of the bridge was quiet with just a few gulls loafing around, but looking west I soon spotted the Great White Egret close to the river. Although the bird was a little distant I decided not to walk to far as there were lots of dog walkers and it seemed quite quiet, a few Redwing and Fieldfare were in the area though, and a Grey Wagtail called from near the weir.
Earlier in the day I popped out and collected my new camera trap after its first outing. New to this tech I wasn't really sure of the best settings to use or where to locate it. Dad had located a good track near his farm allotment that he was curious about, so I strapped it to a tree and hoped for the best. The trap had been activated 14 times in the 36 hours I'd left it out, I was expecting very little but I had to wait until I got back from Norwich to have a proper look. I had 5 day time activations and 9 over night. Unsurprisingly I had captured myself twice but also a cock Pheasant showing off in front of the camera, the best clip though was a Muntjac Deer wandering around in full daylight.
I was most impressed by the night vision of the camera, a 'distant' Muntjac could be easily identified and I also had the back end view of 2 Badger running through shot. I also had 5 clips of what appeared to be nothing (I assume something triggered the side sensors but failed to enter the camera view). With little prep these results were overwhelming, so I'm planning to set it out again later in the week, using higher resolution video and longer recording times, but any advice would be greatly received.
Saturday, 13 January 2018
'Mystical valley' Hume's Warbler
With a free weekend I text James to see if he fancied a trip to Cromer to look for the Coues's Arctic Redpoll and Iceland Gull. He was already planning a return trip to Waxham and the Shangri-la Chalet area to look for the Hume's Warbler after last Sundays failings.
Knowing I would be visiting Waxham on Saturday I jumped at the change to pop to Cromer with dad on Friday. After a quick bit of shopping (the purpose of his trip) we wandered over to the 'Lifeboat' slope and very quickly spotted the juv. Iceland Gull among a group of mainly Black-headed and Herring Gull that appeared has a Crab boat prepared it pots anchored close into shore. After that success we drove home via the coast road, but with no sign of any birders we didn't try to stop and look for the Arctic Redpoll. Leaving Agnes with mum, dad and I visited his allotment to collect some winter veg but also to set up my new camera trap near by, i'll report any success later in the week. A large mixed tit flock near the allotment held LTT, Blue Tit, Great Tit and 2 Marsh Tit something i'd not seen here before and also new for the year.
This morning (13th) Laura and I first had to go and collect our second car, meaning now I can get out birding with Agnes on my days off, without relying on lifts. James called by at 10.30 and we headed off to Waxham. As with last week we found a small group of birders near the chalet, with no recent sign of the Hume's Warbler i was surprised not much searching was going on. After a short while we headed south along the landward side of the dunes determined not only to find the bird but stay warm. For the next hour Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin and Wren frustrated us, before a small bird-watching tour located the bird, not far from us, just south of the chalet. We got really clear if brief views on three of for occasions over about 10 minutes, the bird mainly kept low in the often dense under canopy of the stunted sycamores. What really surprised us both was how vocal the bird was at times and the volume of the call. A couple of Goldcrest were also seen and i heard and probably briefly saw a Chiffchaff, while trying to follow the Hume's Warbler back towards Shangri-la.
We next called at Happisbugh in the hope of connecting with the c11 Shorelark frequenting the area. We had no luck locating them, and neither did Gary White who we met of the Coastal Path near the Lighthouse. He had earlier had a Lapland Bunting nearby so we wandered further on towards Cart Gap. We also failed to relocated the Lapland Bunting, but two male Stonechat added to my fledgling year list and walking back James spotted 4 Snow Bunting slowing making their way along the beach.
Arriving back home for a warming cuppa a Song Thrush sang boldly in the hedge neighbouring my house. A pleasant couple of hours, with my first lifer of the year.
Knowing I would be visiting Waxham on Saturday I jumped at the change to pop to Cromer with dad on Friday. After a quick bit of shopping (the purpose of his trip) we wandered over to the 'Lifeboat' slope and very quickly spotted the juv. Iceland Gull among a group of mainly Black-headed and Herring Gull that appeared has a Crab boat prepared it pots anchored close into shore. After that success we drove home via the coast road, but with no sign of any birders we didn't try to stop and look for the Arctic Redpoll. Leaving Agnes with mum, dad and I visited his allotment to collect some winter veg but also to set up my new camera trap near by, i'll report any success later in the week. A large mixed tit flock near the allotment held LTT, Blue Tit, Great Tit and 2 Marsh Tit something i'd not seen here before and also new for the year.
This morning (13th) Laura and I first had to go and collect our second car, meaning now I can get out birding with Agnes on my days off, without relying on lifts. James called by at 10.30 and we headed off to Waxham. As with last week we found a small group of birders near the chalet, with no recent sign of the Hume's Warbler i was surprised not much searching was going on. After a short while we headed south along the landward side of the dunes determined not only to find the bird but stay warm. For the next hour Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin and Wren frustrated us, before a small bird-watching tour located the bird, not far from us, just south of the chalet. We got really clear if brief views on three of for occasions over about 10 minutes, the bird mainly kept low in the often dense under canopy of the stunted sycamores. What really surprised us both was how vocal the bird was at times and the volume of the call. A couple of Goldcrest were also seen and i heard and probably briefly saw a Chiffchaff, while trying to follow the Hume's Warbler back towards Shangri-la.
We next called at Happisbugh in the hope of connecting with the c11 Shorelark frequenting the area. We had no luck locating them, and neither did Gary White who we met of the Coastal Path near the Lighthouse. He had earlier had a Lapland Bunting nearby so we wandered further on towards Cart Gap. We also failed to relocated the Lapland Bunting, but two male Stonechat added to my fledgling year list and walking back James spotted 4 Snow Bunting slowing making their way along the beach.
Arriving back home for a warming cuppa a Song Thrush sang boldly in the hedge neighbouring my house. A pleasant couple of hours, with my first lifer of the year.
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