Suffolk/Norfolk pics

Paul Frost's pics from our recent trip to Suffolk and Norfolk. Black Redstart at Lowestoft Ness in the Turbine Yard, next 2 pics are Grey Seals at Horsey Gap and final 3 pics Common Cranes at Stubbs Mill.

Great Grey Shrike

An afternoon visit to Coombe Road near Sandon; Great Grey Shrike, Fieldfare, Mistle Thrush, Yellowhammer, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel. Also noted 20+ Hare.

Suffolk and Norfolk Birding

29th October 2011. A days birding in Suffolk and Norfolk with Brendan and Paul.
First stop was Lowestoft Ness, we arrived about 08:30 and were quickly on to 3 Purple Sandpipers all showing well on a small jetty in front of the point. Also noted here were Turnstone, Oystercatcher and a Rock Pipit. We had intended to have seawatch from the point but the sea was shrouded in mist. We therefore turned our attentions to the Turbine Yard where Black Redstarts had recently beed reported. It took some searching but we were soon able to connect with 3 Black Redstarts which were hopping about amongst the various items of ironmongery contained within the Turbine Yard.
From here we went to the nearby Sparrows Nest Park in search of firecrest, however, after some intensive searching we could not connect.
Next port of call was Corton Sewage Works, again in search of recently reported Firecrests. Once again we drew a blank. We did connect with Lesser Redpoll, Bullfinch and Green Woodpecker.
Next stop was Horsey Gap. Here we noted Fieldfare, Red Throated Diver, Guillemot, Gannet, Whooper Swan, Pink Footed Goose. Also noted here were 20/30 Grey Seal.
Our final stop of the day was Stubbs Mill, which is part of Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Hickling Broad reserve. We arrived at the watchpoint about 2 hours before dusk. As soon as we arrived we connected with 5 Common Cranes as they flew past for a pre-roost gathering in some nearby fields. Then we watched as 25+ Marsh Harriers flew in to roost. Sparrowhawk and Kestrel aslo showed well. We were then able to connect with 3 Merlin that had also flown in to roost. Next a Barn Owl put in an appearence hunting over the fields to the right of the watchpoint. Finally, as darkness fell we watched 32 Common Crane fly past us to roost. Also noted here were Yellowhammer and Linnet.

Hawk Update

Many thanks to my hard working friend Mr Greville for the following update http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2052661/Hawk-nail-head--10k-reward-sadist-shot-it.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Pain in the neck

That's gotta hurt! http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/879326-hawk-with-nail-in-head-still-alive-and-flying-free-in-san-francisco-park

Ivinghoe Beacon

An hour near Ivinghoe Beacon late this afternoon; 20+ Redwing, 4 Bullfinch, 6 Skylark.

Wot no Robin

Sat 15th Oct 2011
Another visit to Norfolk with Paul and Brendan. Our target bird was the "mega" Rufous-tailed Robin that had been reported friday afternoon. We arrived at Warham Greens just before 08:00 and joined a few hundred other birders to look for the Rufous-tailed Robin, however, after a couple of hours it was clear the Robin had moved on, probably overnight. Whilst at this site we did connect with a couple of flocks of Pink-footed Geese and a handful of Redwing.

From Warham Greens we made our way to Stiffkey Fen. Here we connected with the following; Brent Goose, Curlew, Brambling, Yellow-browed Warbler, Reed Bunting, Little Egret, Stonechat, Bluethroat. The Bluethroat sighting was particularly pleasing as we and most people on site had all but given up seeing it. Then I was looking at a Stonechat through my scope and the Bluethroat flew in to join it! Brendan put the sighting out on his pager and about 30-40 other birders were soon on the scene. The Bluethroat had moved further out onto the marsh but to my knowledge they were all able to connect with the bird.

Next stop was Holme Dunes; We first searched for the recently reported Red-flanked Bluetail but along with many other birders we could not connect. We decided to have a walk through the dunes, whilst in the dunes Brendan spotted a distant raptor. On closer inspection it turned out to be a Rough-legged Buzzard and luckily for us it drifted our way. Soon after we had seen the Rough-legged we decided to have another look for the Red-flanked Bluetail. We positioned ourselve's close to a wire fence and after a few minute's the Red-flanked Bluetailed popped up right in front of us. It soon disappeared and after some searching by about 40 birders it was re-located nearby. Then lost and re-located again, so the term "elusive" is very apt for this bird. Also noted at Holme was two fairly large flocks of Pintail, in flight over the dunes and a Red-breasted Merganser over the sea.

Next stop was Titchwell Marsh; Cettis' Warbler, Pintail, Red Throated Diver (on the sea), Sanderling, Knot, Turnstone, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Brent Goose, Little Egret, Siskin, Chiffchaff, Short-eared Owl (in the dunes). The Short-eared Owl had flown in off the sea and appeared completely exhausted it was really hard to see in the tall grass and looking directly into the sun.

Paul's pic below; Pink Feet at Warham Greens, some of the many birders at Warham Greens including the "Blue Flash", Bluethroat at Stiffkey Fen, Stonechat at Stiffkey Fen, Pintail over Holme Dunes, Rough-legged Buzzard over Holme Dunes, Golden Plover at Titchwell, Kestrel near Holme Dunes visitor Centre.

We also managed two sightings, one at Warham Greens and another at Stiffkey of  Baron von Lapstroppe.

All Out Shrike

This morning I made a trip to Lowestoft and was rewarded with crippling views of a juvenile Woodchat Shrike. Some digiscoped pics below. As always click on pics to enlarge.

A Semi in Essex

A days birding in Kent then Essex with Brendan G and Paul F.

A seawatch at Shellness produced; Arctic Skua, Turnstone, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Brent Goose, Common Scoter, Oystercatcher, Marsh Harrier.

Harty Ferry raptor watchpoint; Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Green Sandpiper, Golden Plover.

Coalhouse Fort (essex); 30 mins after arriving at Coalhouse Fort. Brendan, Paul and myself had a Semi
palmated Sandpiper, also Little Stint, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Great Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Arctic Skua, Grey Wagtail, Swallow, House Martin, Sparrowhawk.

Vange Marshes; Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Avocet, Snipe, Ruff, Curlew, Stonechat, Teal, Wigeon, Kingfisher.
Paul Frost's pics below. Yellow-legged Gulls, Great black-backed Gull, Curlew and Snipe.

Sandhill Crane

An early evening visit to Boyton Marshes in suffolk produced great scope views of a Sandhill Crane. Paul F, Brendan G and myself viewed the crane untill 18:45 when it flew to roost with a mixed flock of Canada and Greylag geese. Pauls Frost's Crane pics and sunset over Boyton Marshes below.

Birding South Norfolk update.

The following is a list of our sightings for Sunday and Monday. Sites should be added later. Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Egyptian Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Common Scoter, Red Throated Diver, Red Legged Partridge, Pheasant, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Gannet, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Hobby, Moorhen, Coot, Common Crane, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Little Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Curlew, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, Pomarine Skua, Arctic Skua, Great Skua, Black headed Gull, Meditteranean Gull, Common Gull, Lesser black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great black Backed Gull, Little Tern, Black Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic  Tern, Guillemot, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Hooded Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Cetti's Warbler, Long Tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Robin, Whinchat, Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet.

Tuesday 27th Sept. With the entire South Norfolk coast encased in thick fog we ventured inland but with very limited success. We could only add 10 birds to our list; Avocet, Black Tailed Godwit, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, all at Breydon Water. Canada Goose at Filby Broad. Stonechat at Winterton north dunes. Skylark at Buckenham Marshes. Stock Dove, Tree Creeper and Goldcrest at Damgate Wood.

Weds 28th Sept, 12 birds added to our list today; Great Spotted Woodpecker at Winterton South dunes. Curlew Sandpiper, Turnstone, Bar Tailed Godwit, Knot, Shoveler, Merlin, Grey Plover, at Breydon Water. Little Grebe at Bure country park. Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker at Corton. Yelowhammer at Horsey track. Pink footed goose at Stubbs Mill.

Thurs 29th Sept, 6 birds added to our list today; Mistle Thrush nr Sculthorpe, Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler, Spotted Redshank, Sanderling and Peregrine all at Titchwell.

Fri 30th Sept 2011, 3 birds added to our seen list and 1 heard. Siskin and Redpoll at Winterton south dunes. Song Thrush at Burgh Castle. Little Owl heard at Maultby.

California Sands

Attending eldest daughter's wedding today so limited birding opportunities, although I have taught baby grandaughter to say "pipit".
Off to California Sands with Brendan G and Tony S for a weeks birding in the morning. We did the same last year although a little later in the year. I will try and update blog while I'm away but internet connection was poor last year. Below is a list of last years sightings.
Monday 11th October 2010;
Mute Swan
Pink-footed Goose
Brent Goose
Mallard
Long-tailed Duck
Common Scoter
Pheasant
Gannet
Cormorant
Little Egret
Grey Heron
Sparrowhawk
Kestrel
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Mediterranean Gull
Common Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Stock Dove
Woodpigeon
Barn Owl
Green Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Skylark
Meadow Pipit
Grey Wagtail
Pied Wagtail
Wren
Dunnock
Robin
Redstart
Whinchat
Stonechat
Wheatear
Blackbird
Fieldfare
Song Thrush
Redwing
Mistle Thrush
Blackcap
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tit
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
Great Grey Shrike
Jay
Magpie
Jackdaw
Carrion Crow
Starling
House Sparrow
Chaffinch
Brambling
Greenfinch
Goldfinch
Siskin
Reed Bunting
Tues 12th October 2010;
Eider
Velvet Scoter
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-legged Partridge
Red-throated Diver
Marsh Harrier
Buzzard
Crane
Ringed Plover
Golden Plover
Lapwing
Ruff
Snipe
Turnstone
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Collared Dove
Little Owl
Swallow
Pale Bellied Brent Goose
Red-flanked Bluetail
Black Redstart
Firecrest
Treecreeper
Rook
Linnet
Wigeon
Cetti’s Warbler (Heard)
Weds 13th October 2010;
Greylag Goose
Egyptian Goose
Gadwall
Teal
Pintail
Shoveler
Red-crested Pochard
Pochard
Tufted Duck
Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Sooty Shearwater
Coot
Oystercatcher
Avocet
Grey Plover
Knot
Dunlin
Black-tailed Godwit
Bar-tailed Godwit
Curlew
Redshank
Guillemot
Kingfisher
Yellow-browed Warbler
Bearded Tit
Comic Tern
Thurs 14th October 2010;
Canada Goose
Little Stint
Jack Snipe
Rock Pipit
Tawny Owl (Heard)
Fri 15th October 2010;
Scaup
Lapland Bunting
120 seen, 2 heard. 

Woodoaks Thurs and Fri

A couple of brief visits to Woodoaks Farm nr Maple Cross. After work on Thursday and Friday this week produced; Wheatear on old barn roof (thurs), Little Owl, Buzzard, Red Kite, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Yellow Wagtail, Ring Necked Parakeet, Swallow, House Martin, Kestrel (seems to have taken a liking to manure pile).
Friday evening  23rd Sept 2011; 10+ House Martin over parsonage close/abbots road, Abbots Langley.

Paul F's pics from Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes

Pics as follows; Little Stint, Turnstone, Rock Pipit, Sandwich Terns, Greenshank, Wheatear, Dunlin in flight, Knot, Little Egret.

Grafham Water

My birding pal Paul Frost returned to Grafham Water on tuesday evening and connected with both the long staying Sabine's Gull and a lone Grey Phalarope. Paul's pics below, please do not use without Paul's permission.

Woodoaks

Today at Woodoaks Farm nr Maple Cross; Ring Necked Parakeet, Little Owl, Kestrel, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Wagtail.

Wader Fest.

A trip to Keyhaven and Pennington Marshes in Hampshire with Dave J, Brendan G and Paul F produced the following; Lapwing, Redshank, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Little Stint, Knot, Black Tailed Godwit, Grey Phalarope, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Buzzard, Kestrel, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Stonechat, Whinchat, Wheatear, Green Woodpecker, Teal, Wigeon, Shelduck, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Mediterranean Gull, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin. Then half an hour seawatch at Milford on Sea; Gannet, Skua sp, Kittiwake. At Keyhaven no sign of Bairds Sandpiper but on the journey home it came through on Brendan and Dave's pagers.
Pic below Sandwich Terns

Colne Point

A trip to Colne point near St Osyth in sunny Essex with Brendan G produced great views of a Pallid Harrier. Then off to Holland Haven country park for a spot of sea watching; Common Scoter, Gannet, Guillemot, Swallow, House Martin, Common Tern, Great Black-Backed Gull, Curlew, Dunlin. Also noted 2 Grey Seal.

Sublime Sabine

After missing the Sabine's Gull at Grafham Water yesterday I decided to have another bash this afternoon. I arrived at Grafham and walked north along the waters edge for about half a mile. I joined several other birders and enjoyed great views of the Sabine's Gull. Some pics below. Also noted; Dunlin, Little Gull, Yellow Wagtail.

Grey Phalarope.

A late evening visit to Grafham Water with Paul F. We arrived 10 minutes too late for Sabine's Gull thanks to M1. We did, however, connect with 2 juvenile Grey Phalarope showing really well.

updates

I have fallen a little behind with my blogging so here is a brief update. Several visits to Woodoaks Farm in the last week produced; Little Owl, Ring Necked Parakeet, Kestrel, Red Kite, Whinchat, Wheatear, Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail.
On thursday 8th Sept 2011 I went to  NWT Cley Marshes; juv Citrine Wagtail, Cattle Egret, Arctic Skua, Common Scoter, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Wheatear, Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Avocet, Marsh Harrier. On the way back I stopped off at Wilstone Reservoir nr Tring; no sign of Pectoral Sandpiper but 3 Hobby, Little Stint, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper. Fri 9th Sept 2011, a brief morning visit to Wilstone Reservoir; Pectoral Sandpiper, Little Stint, Black Tern, Ringed Plover, Black Tailed Godwit, Whooper Swan (feral).
Paul Frost visted Wilstone on friday eveing and kindly sent me the pics of Pectoral Sandpiper and the feral Whooper Swans.

Funghi forage

Today at Woodoaks Farm nr Maple Cross; Swallow, House Martin, Kestrel, Wheatear, c10 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Little Owl, Red Kite. Also noted some interesting funghi. It was suggested to me by Lord Geoffrey Laptop of Little on the Green that one of the funghi looks like a phallic symbol. I can't see it myself!

Egyptians at Woodoaks

Sat 3rd Sept 2011. An hour from 08:00 to 09:00 at Woodoaks Farm nr Maple Cross. No sign of fridays Yellow Wagtails or Whinchat. I saw a Grey Heron catch a rat near the dung heap then proceed to eat it with some difficulty. Also noted; 3 Ring necked parakeet, 2 Little Owl, Sparrowhawk and 12 Egyptian Geese flew from the stubble field beyond the old orchard.

A nice chat at Woodoaks Farm

From the tarmac road that leads up to the farm I noticed a bird on the far side of the cows field sitting on the fence and occasionally dropping down to feed. It was too far away for me to i.d. but i suspected it to be a Whinchat. I made my way round to the farm outbuildings with the intention of moving along the fenceline to get a closer look. It was then that I noticed Sir Geoffrey Laptop jamming in on my bird! I spoke to Jethro and we decided to get my scope then go along the fenceline together to try to get a positive i.d. of the bird. We made our way along the fenceline then viewed the bird from a sensible distance and unbelievably we both identified the bird as a Whinchat at exactly the same time, right down to the milli-second! I phoned Brendan G with the news and Geoff informed Paul Lewis, they both joined us shortly after. Also noted at Woodoaks were; 5 House Martin, 2 Little Owl, 4 Ring Necked Parakeet, 3 Red Kite, 2 Kestrel, Buzzard, Hobby, 3 Yellow Wagtail, Chiffchaff.

Early evening over Parsonage Close, Abbots Langley; c20 House Martin.