Willow and Adelaide, Horsey, Sat 10th Oct. Willow is thinking, "Dad, what is that small brown bird on the edge of the beach with a white arse?"
Thursday, 15 October 2009
The Pillbox
Up to Horsey for dawn, met Dean Harlow in the car park, plus some other birder who was from Peterborough apparently. Did Cambs expand it's boundaries overnight? No sign of any Wheatears, so headed down to my little Wheatear-spot, where again I drew a blank. On the way back I realised another birder was glued to his scope, so I clambered over. The Pied Wheatear was actually in the pillbox, presumably having roosted in there overnight. It was quite happy scuttling about in the gloom, among the shit and syringes for a bit, before venturing outside to admire the local graffiti. Great views of a smart, educational bird. I had not really noticed how obvious the streaked breast band was before, and this is a good feature I reckon. Scooted north towards Waxham to see if I could pull it out of the bag. There was much more activity than on Sunday, with several Chiffchaffs, Goldcrests and Robins in the bushes, with a lot of finches and mippits overhead. Apparently 'our' Shore Lark was still present by the bogs on the campsite. Sadly, work beckoned, so off I went.
Willow and Adelaide, Horsey, Sat 10th Oct. Willow is thinking, "Dad, what is that small brown bird on the edge of the beach with a white arse?"
Willow and Adelaide, Horsey, Sat 10th Oct. Willow is thinking, "Dad, what is that small brown bird on the edge of the beach with a white arse?"
Getting thrush
Monday morning, followed Willow down the garden to see if a Y-brow had dropped in overnight. Suddenly aware of a lot of Redwing calls over head. Through the half-light it became apparent someone had left the gate open in Scandinavia and a torrent of Redwings were now flooding in over the North Sea. I was simply captivated, as wave after wave of these dudes headed west straight over my head. Occasionally flocks switchbacked in to feed on the haws down the lane next to the orchard. Soon, Fieldfares came over, with occasional groups of Song Thrushes. A wheeze, and three Brambling flicked in, landing briefly in the big Ash, before heading on west. More and more Redwings. They were coming thick and fast; my counting reduced to estimates in tens. One flock contained over 500. I set out to stretch Willow's legs round the fields. The thrushes continued non-stop whilst I did the entire circuit and continued as I walked down to the station. I counted nearly 150 whilst standing on the platform. Awesome stuff! I just wish I had the day off! Apparently there were 40,000 over Sandy later. Philip texted me at 8am to say 'there are a lot of thrushes over Cambridge'. I can't imagine how many birds went over that night and morning, but presumably a large proportion of the Scandinavian population. Maybe the westerlies had backed them up and then with the change in the weather, the floodgates opened. I reckoned there would be some good birds found soon...I was right.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
More Teal than you could shake a stick at
Had a wander south from Horsey Gap yesterday arvo. Lots of Brents and Wigeon passing west offshore. Two or three Wheatears were at the foot of the dunes, whilst a few Swallows and Redwings went over, adding to the ones in the garden earlier.
No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler reported earlier, sadly. Checked the Goldie flock near Fleggborough, but nowt doing. Lots of pinks around today generally.
Today, Sunday, did the WeBS count with Reg and John at Hickling from the boat. Not a lot doing, though a second winter Med Gull flew over, followed by a first winter on Swim Coots. Highlights from the two hides were over 2.5K Teal, probably more than I have ever seen in one place before. Pretty amazing; I would have liked to have gone through them all carefully, but we had to get on with the count. Other notable birds, were c20 Ruff, 3 Dunlin, several Snipe, 1 Ringo and the usual Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers.
On to Horsey where after refuelling with a bacon butty, we went north for a change towards Waxham. The habitat looks impressive, with a variety of dune slacks, scrubby patches and short grass fields. We shortly arrived at a caravan park, which may be at the south end of Waxham. This had a lot of activity and looked great for a Tawny Pipit or something. Within a few seconds Reg landed the bird of the day, with a Shore Lark scuttling about in the dirt. A really stonking bird. I texted a couple of local birders and it turned out it was the first in this area for a while, so it caused a mini-twitch. Carried on doing the scrub as we went, but without success. A few Redpoll sp. went over and a Siskin or two, but all the Y-brows and Radde's eluded us. But we were happy with Shore Lark; beats the usual Wheatears...
In the evening, Willow and me pottered down to the river at Buckenham Marshes. A white blob on a distant gate was presumably a Barn Owl, but with the scope it metamorphosised into a large rather white-breasted Peregrine. It sat there for fifteen minutes, before heading east like a rocket. I didn't see what it went after. A little later three Marsh Harriers came in from the east, and went off down the valley towards Strumpshaw, presumably to roost. A decent flock of Lapwings and gulls were on the scrape, which seems to be filling back up. Sadly, I could not find a third Med for the day.
No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler reported earlier, sadly. Checked the Goldie flock near Fleggborough, but nowt doing. Lots of pinks around today generally.
Today, Sunday, did the WeBS count with Reg and John at Hickling from the boat. Not a lot doing, though a second winter Med Gull flew over, followed by a first winter on Swim Coots. Highlights from the two hides were over 2.5K Teal, probably more than I have ever seen in one place before. Pretty amazing; I would have liked to have gone through them all carefully, but we had to get on with the count. Other notable birds, were c20 Ruff, 3 Dunlin, several Snipe, 1 Ringo and the usual Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers.
On to Horsey where after refuelling with a bacon butty, we went north for a change towards Waxham. The habitat looks impressive, with a variety of dune slacks, scrubby patches and short grass fields. We shortly arrived at a caravan park, which may be at the south end of Waxham. This had a lot of activity and looked great for a Tawny Pipit or something. Within a few seconds Reg landed the bird of the day, with a Shore Lark scuttling about in the dirt. A really stonking bird. I texted a couple of local birders and it turned out it was the first in this area for a while, so it caused a mini-twitch. Carried on doing the scrub as we went, but without success. A few Redpoll sp. went over and a Siskin or two, but all the Y-brows and Radde's eluded us. But we were happy with Shore Lark; beats the usual Wheatears...
In the evening, Willow and me pottered down to the river at Buckenham Marshes. A white blob on a distant gate was presumably a Barn Owl, but with the scope it metamorphosised into a large rather white-breasted Peregrine. It sat there for fifteen minutes, before heading east like a rocket. I didn't see what it went after. A little later three Marsh Harriers came in from the east, and went off down the valley towards Strumpshaw, presumably to roost. A decent flock of Lapwings and gulls were on the scrape, which seems to be filling back up. Sadly, I could not find a third Med for the day.
Monday, 5 October 2009
When will it go east?
Well, maybe the end of this week. Pottered through Broadland on my annual birthday birding trip, looking for errant Sandhill Cranes, without joy and grilling golden plover and geese flocks for rares, again, without success. Didn't bother with bushes due to fresh westerly breeze and headed instead for Cley, where Philip soon picked up the bird of the day in the shape of a smart juv Pom heading east. A fine bird with classic double white wing flash, pot belly and casual but powerful flight. Had a look on the marshes, with a Little Stint and 26 Snow Bunts being noteworthy.
Earlier today, a dawn walk at Buckenham revealed a flighty flock of 28 Barnacle Geese plus one presumed Snow or Ross's x Barnacle hybrid. Also 11 Bearded Tits here and a few Golden Plover.
Earlier today, a dawn walk at Buckenham revealed a flighty flock of 28 Barnacle Geese plus one presumed Snow or Ross's x Barnacle hybrid. Also 11 Bearded Tits here and a few Golden Plover.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Waxy
Headed for Waxham first thing, with new birding mate and colleague, Reg. The fog lay like loft insulation over the marshes as a weakening sun shimmered over the line of dunes.
How very poetic. The track down to the dunes was covered in dog crap; how delightful. A big flock of pinks were in the field near the car, a quick scan through revealed nothing white, though obscuration (is that a word?) by vegetation and the angle of the sun meant I didn't bother trying for a bean.
Assaulted by a huge dew in the dunes meant we were soon soaked from boot to nads, so we clambered over the dunes on to the beach. Cut in at the pipe dump. Little doing here, except the local Dunnocks and Stonechats, a big flock of Starlings and a dozen Linnets. The fields were really kicking off, unlike the vis mig, with one Goldfinch west and ten Starlings east. The top weedy field had been messed with during the week, with the tell tale signs of new foot drains being put in. Apparently the land here has been bought by an Argentinian millionaire who is going to drain and improve them as grazing for polo ponies. What a twat. So, where will the big flock of Goldies, Lapwings and Skylarks go then? Nothing rare here, though very enjoyable birding with stacks of birds in among the weeds and stubbles. Interesting to note that several of the Goldies still sported plenty of black on the underparts. Looks fab for a Richard's Pipit or Lap Bunt if the wind goes round. Three Wheatears were along the fenceline here, the only genuine landbird migrants we had seen. What did I expect in a light westerly with clear skies?! Anyway, a quick scan back at the car revealed 28 Cranes flapping over Brograve towards Heigham Holes. A fine sight.
On to Hickling Broad NWT, where a few Chiffchaffs, ten Shoveler and a moderate movement of Swallows was going on. Ok I am clutching at straws. A great morning to be out birding, despite the continuing lack of rare.
How very poetic. The track down to the dunes was covered in dog crap; how delightful. A big flock of pinks were in the field near the car, a quick scan through revealed nothing white, though obscuration (is that a word?) by vegetation and the angle of the sun meant I didn't bother trying for a bean.
Assaulted by a huge dew in the dunes meant we were soon soaked from boot to nads, so we clambered over the dunes on to the beach. Cut in at the pipe dump. Little doing here, except the local Dunnocks and Stonechats, a big flock of Starlings and a dozen Linnets. The fields were really kicking off, unlike the vis mig, with one Goldfinch west and ten Starlings east. The top weedy field had been messed with during the week, with the tell tale signs of new foot drains being put in. Apparently the land here has been bought by an Argentinian millionaire who is going to drain and improve them as grazing for polo ponies. What a twat. So, where will the big flock of Goldies, Lapwings and Skylarks go then? Nothing rare here, though very enjoyable birding with stacks of birds in among the weeds and stubbles. Interesting to note that several of the Goldies still sported plenty of black on the underparts. Looks fab for a Richard's Pipit or Lap Bunt if the wind goes round. Three Wheatears were along the fenceline here, the only genuine landbird migrants we had seen. What did I expect in a light westerly with clear skies?! Anyway, a quick scan back at the car revealed 28 Cranes flapping over Brograve towards Heigham Holes. A fine sight.
On to Hickling Broad NWT, where a few Chiffchaffs, ten Shoveler and a moderate movement of Swallows was going on. Ok I am clutching at straws. A great morning to be out birding, despite the continuing lack of rare.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Horsey
Light westerlies, sunshine, late September. Well, one out of three suggested rare potential, so I put daughter and dog in the car and hit the dunes. Also, in the back of my mind, I remember someone somewhere once saying that the big one can turn up in any weather...
Anyway, it didn't at least not at Horsey. Three Wheatears, a few common wobblers and several skeins of Pinks dropping into fields inland was about the lot, plus some awesome views of one bull and four cow Grey Seals cavorting in the surf. A couple of nice Small Coppers flicking through the dunes were good too.
A top bacon buttie and a brew from the trailer in the car park topped off a fairly birdless but nevertheless delightful stroll. Adz can now say 'pipit', 'kink keet' (pinkfeet) and 'ween wickwecker' (Green Woodpecker).
Couple of Chiffchaffs in the garden still.
Anyway, it didn't at least not at Horsey. Three Wheatears, a few common wobblers and several skeins of Pinks dropping into fields inland was about the lot, plus some awesome views of one bull and four cow Grey Seals cavorting in the surf. A couple of nice Small Coppers flicking through the dunes were good too.
A top bacon buttie and a brew from the trailer in the car park topped off a fairly birdless but nevertheless delightful stroll. Adz can now say 'pipit', 'kink keet' (pinkfeet) and 'ween wickwecker' (Green Woodpecker).
Couple of Chiffchaffs in the garden still.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Work, work, work
Well, the phone was busy yesterday with various megas turning up all over; Sandhill Crane in Orkney, Cisticola and poss Booted Eagle in Kent, Albatross and Solitary Sand in Ireland...sadly, the best I could do was three Wheatears along the fence at the roman camp, Stoke Holy Cross, after dipping the Glossy Ibises.
Nevermind, serves me right for dirty twitching!
Had a day out on the recently cleared Grimston Warren NWT today, with Bill Boyd. The place looks amazing. Bird-wise, heard a few Woodlarks, and saw a Buzzard and a few Curlew. Also ticked Hares-foot Clover...More than i would have seen at my desk anyway. Roll on the weekend!
Nevermind, serves me right for dirty twitching!
Had a day out on the recently cleared Grimston Warren NWT today, with Bill Boyd. The place looks amazing. Bird-wise, heard a few Woodlarks, and saw a Buzzard and a few Curlew. Also ticked Hares-foot Clover...More than i would have seen at my desk anyway. Roll on the weekend!
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Remember these guys?
3rd Bass. A few birders I know could do with getting The Gasface.
I could list them, but you know who you are...
Black Lark at Winterton?!
Philip and me went off to the coast early on and arrived at Waxham to see the wind had picked up overnight. Birds were immediately obvious on arrival in a large field covered in stinking muck. Mainly mippits, I raised my bins and saw a Wheatear plonk down. A better start than yesterday I thought. We toiled down to the foot of the dunes and then down towards the pipe dump, seeing very little save a couple more Wheatears. Philip found a good hoverfly, telling me it's latin name, which I promptly forgot. He also found a dead Wheatear, well, a pile of Wheatear feathers, presumably a Merlin or Sprawk kill. Around the pipe dump, a Whinchat was hanging out on the brambles, and a decent flock of mippits and linnets were on the grass. A good grilling failed to find us a rosefinch or Red-throated Pipit, so we ambled back through the fields checking every mippit we flushed, to no avail. Tempted by a bacon sarnie, we popped into Winterton so we could use the cafe. The place was heaving with birders; it looked like a big twitch! It turned out that all these people had turned up to see a Red-breasted Fly! Unbelievable! Anyway, we enjoyed our brew and bacon sarnie then we legged it.
After more fatherly duties, took the family down to Buckenham to see if an ibis or two had dropped in again. Sadly not, though almost half a dozen Hobbies catching dragonflies over the marshes was a fine sight, as was a Wheatear by the cattle coral. The Red-breasted Goose was busy grazing among the large flock of (78) Egyptian Geese and Greylags, presumably fine-tuning it's 'wild' performance before joining a large Brent flock on the north coast in November. The Wigeon flock is increasing with over 40 counted, plus several Teal. Just need a bit of water for them now! Back home, a couple of Chiffchaffs moving along the back hedge calling before dusk and heard the Little Owls again.
After more fatherly duties, took the family down to Buckenham to see if an ibis or two had dropped in again. Sadly not, though almost half a dozen Hobbies catching dragonflies over the marshes was a fine sight, as was a Wheatear by the cattle coral. The Red-breasted Goose was busy grazing among the large flock of (78) Egyptian Geese and Greylags, presumably fine-tuning it's 'wild' performance before joining a large Brent flock on the north coast in November. The Wigeon flock is increasing with over 40 counted, plus several Teal. Just need a bit of water for them now! Back home, a couple of Chiffchaffs moving along the back hedge calling before dusk and heard the Little Owls again.
The coast is clear
Gave Vicky the morning off and took Adelaide and Willow to Horsey Gap. Adz decided she wanted carrying the entire time, so I trudged south from the car park checking the cover along the way. Adelaide was unceremoniously plonked down if I saw anything worth investigating (which wasn't often, sadly). When I did put her down, she seemed quite happy picking up gravel as usual. After an uneventful half mile with migrants noticeable by their absence, I finally rejoiced at the sight of a Wheatear looking windswept atop a fence post on the dunes. Then, to the beach, where three Snow Buntings flew over and pitched on the strandline a little way off. Willow was happy in the surf, with a nearby bull Grey Seal keeping an eye on things. Very little moving past over the sea, a marked contrast to last weekend. I struggled back, with Adz now asleep in my arms. I will have biceps like Madonna if she carries on like this!
Carrots, Cuckoos and Orchards
So, we are finally here in Norfolk. Well, we have been now since May 1st, but life has been so chaotic that I haven't had chance to pick up where I left off on the blog front. Birding-wise, I did Thorpe Marshes/Station Marsh/Whitlingham area of Norwich until mid-August when we moved into a house in Norwich. After the dizzy heights of Grafham Water, Cambs, the marshes were hard work, with only a handful of waders, black terns, marsh harriers etc to show for my efforts. I even missed a punk scarce special within a stones throw of my house, which was a bit frustrating, but them's the breaks.
In mid-August we moved to Strumpshaw, east of Norwich. We are only two minutes from Buckenham Marshes and Strumpshaw Fen, with Breydon a mere 15 minutes away and Winterton and the other NE coast sites only a little further. I am hopeful, therefore, to get my birding back on track this autumn. I now have no excuse...
In mid-August we moved to Strumpshaw, east of Norwich. We are only two minutes from Buckenham Marshes and Strumpshaw Fen, with Breydon a mere 15 minutes away and Winterton and the other NE coast sites only a little further. I am hopeful, therefore, to get my birding back on track this autumn. I now have no excuse...
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