2009
December 2009
22nd December 2009, Snipe again by the side of the road on the way to work.
21st December 2009, Still Very cold and the crawl to work gave me the chance to gaze around and a similar theme to yesterday with many Snipe being spooked from the road side.
20th December 2009, Had to get out there because of the thick layer of snow that layed around. I headed to Happisburgh and on the way spooked many Snipe from the road side. At Walcott I watched the Med Gull feed over the sea. I then got to Happisburgh where I had a field of Lapwing, Golden Plover and around 50 Snipe, I spooked these by mistake on arrival but then spotted one that remained this was in fact a Jack Snipe this also took off in the end but most of the other birds did return so maybe it was in with them somewhere.
19th December 2009, Built a new fence at the front of the house so didn't get out till the afternoon, here I went for a local walk around North Walsham completing a TT. Nothing to special of note but 3 Snipe were a surprise just out of North Walsham.
16th December 2009, After having my car smashed into and missing lamp posts, and the on coming traffic (everyone is fine) I caught the train to Great Yarmouth whislt I waited for my courtesy car to turn up. Anyway to cut a long story short from the train I had Kingfisher, Little Egret and watch the huge flock of waders over Breydon.
9th December 2009, Marsh Harrier and Little Egret over Acle Straight at around 11.00
7th December 2009, Got diverted on the way to work but saw a Peregrine flying over the Acle Straight.
6th December 2009, we set off at 9.15 although should have been 9.05 I left Adam and James in the rain for 10mins Opps. We headed straight for Welney to try our luck with the American Wigeon with a quick stop at Denver Sluice on the way.
At Denver Sluice the only bird of note was a Barn Owl crossing the river, just before the reserve we stopped to watch a large flock of Whooper Swans with a few Bewick’s mixed in. We arrived at Welney £6.30 per adult for a reserve that has limited access due to flooding seemed a little steep to me. Anyway we sat in the main observatory and were given the general direction that the bird had last been seen. We scanned the birds had a few is it isn't it moments when I then came across a sleeping bird that looked good for American Wigeon, we stared for more than 30mins at the bird and soon the whole hide was staring at the same bird, not everyone seemed convinced at this very distant bird but I was sure that was it. The distance was actually 0.42 miles (did it on Google earth). I decided to get my video camera on it as this sometimes can make a distant bird clearer - well it didn't actually help but I thought I would do a quick recording and at that point the American Wigeon awoke for two seconds not great but enough time to id the bird. See the video here with a few of the other birds at Welney.
We then headed off to Snettisham to try for the Ferruginous Duck; we arrived and headed straight for the Rotary Hide here James pick up the bird asleep on the spit. The Ferruginous duck stayed asleep most of the time we were there but did have a little waddle at one point allowing us to see it well. A video of birds at Snettisham here. Below - American Wigeon and Ferruginous Duck.
Nothing much else of note so we headed back, found one of the single most largest flocks of geese I had seen in years at the back of Wells which I managed to record as the headed off to roost.
We then went to the Dun Cow where we added a few more species to our ‘Birds from the Pub List’ including Mute Swan, Lapwing, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Egyptain Goose and Brent Goose.
November 2009
28th November 2009, A half day cruising the North Norfolk coast, I popped to Sheringing first to try and get pictures of the Purple Sandpipers, but all I could find was Turnstones never mind. The terrible rain pushed me on further up the coast. I headed for Kelling Heath where after an hour of walking round and seeing only 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wren and 5 Blackbirds (weather still not great) I gave up and went for the dry option of the hides at Cley.
Here I hoped to get some pictures of the Green-winged Teal I sat in Daukes hide for andhour or so watching the not that many birds. About 13 Avocets, 16 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Dunlin, 15 Ruff including a white headed Male, 3 Marsh Harrier and the usual ducks (but in lesser numbers). I scaned through everything trying to turn all birds into a transatlantic migrant but had no joy. I was getting cold so I left the hide and decided to head back. As I walked out I though I would go have a look at Billy's Wash where low and behold the Green-winged Teal (click bird for Video) sat there asleep. I then headed off and went home as was heading out for tea, I have also put together a small video of the different birds I saw at Cley.
24th November 2009, An afternoon of saw me heading back to Wroxham to look for the Ring-necked Duck, I stood for over an hour scanning though the thousands of ducks and Gull (poss a Yellow-Legged there). Another birder had also been looking and he spotted the bird that was only 30/40 yards away I could believe how easy it could be missed just because you expect a bird to be in the distance. The bird then swam around the corner and joined the flock of Pochard that were in the Jetty's from the boat yard. If anyone does head down this is worth a look, just go into the trees and peek through the fence if Pochard are there just keep looking as many birds can be hidden (we watched to bird go into one part and you could only keep seeing the very top of its head for 30mins).
22nd November 2009, After the day before being a Wedding and Party, the all day drinking left me in bed until about 9.00 so we headed out late. Claire and I headed off to Wroxham Broad in search of the Ring-necked Duck however the bird had been spooked by a fishing boat and flown away. With this we left and headed to Sculthorpe Moor.
Here the birds seemed absent a flock of about 100 Goldfinch's were about all we saw as we headed directly to the Scrape hide. In the hide there really was only one highlight and that was James and Cath and Cath's mum, also two Muntjac fed in the distant field and a Mute Swan sat on the scrape.
We left here in the pouring rain and headed for the Fen Hide, here a few more birds made the most of the food with Chaffinch's, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit and Blue Tit also. A brief visit from a Juv Male Sparrowhawk gave us a minute of excitment and a tiny Bank Vole kept us entertained, just before leaving the hide very brief views of a Water Rail were also good.
The Chaffinch (nearly as wet as we were) and Muntjac click here for Video Highlights
The rest of the reserve was quite and we head off, I popped to Cley and picked up a copy of the Norfolk Bird and Mammal report and the went to Sheringham. A quick look here produced two Purple Sandpipers with the Turnstones.
17th November 2009, Just had a Red Kite near Potter Heigham flying over the road - that brightened up the trip to work.
15th November 2009, Me and Claire headed out again, first stop Sheringham where the tide was miles out and the beach full with people both factors contributing to the lack of any Purple Sandpipers. A few Turnstone were about and a diver sp briefly on the sea that dived and couldn't be found again.
We then stopped at Felbrigg hall where we had 4 Mandarin's on the lake (2 Drk) and a Barn Owl over the meadows, but I soon got fed up with some thick couple that kept throwing sticks into the lake for there dogs to get and it was only 10mins before I got asked 'where the Swans had gone?' I think I found the answer.
We headed back through the wood and saw a Robin and heard Long-tailed Tit, Wren and Goldcrest, although our search wasn't intensive there seemed to be a serious lack of birds with the birds in this paragraph being the only in the wood.
14th November 2009, no bird news but I did get a new pc that turns on in two minutes rather than 40mins so once its up and going updates on here might even be the same day.
8th November 2009, Had a lie in after the day before I need it. I sugested to Claire about heading out for a walk and I thought Holkham seemed like a good idea. We went for breakfast at Morrisons in Cromer and then headed to West Runton with no other birders around I wasn't sure were to look, we took two steps into the stubble field when two Lapland Buntings and a Skylark flew up and over us. They landed in the nearby grass field briefly before flying up over us again.
We arrived at Holkham and had a brief look for the Snow Goose but couldn't actually see any geese. We then went out into the Gap and it wasn't long until the Shorelarks were visable.
Then went for a look on the sea and straight away I could see a Great Northern Diver and in time found Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe and Common Scoter. Just before we were about to leave I saw and Auk Sp briefly in the scope sitting on the sea, I spotted it again and it was a Little Auk it then vanished into the depths of the ocean and I could not find it again.
A walk back across the gap allowed us to find a handfull of Rock Pipits and some Skylark.
We then went into the Washington Hide where straight away we were onto the Snow Goose that has been in the area. Not much else though apart from a Leucistic Pink-Footed Goose (it almost looked like a Juv Snow Goose) and a high number of Jay's outside the hide.
7th November 2009, This was it, a last ditched attemped at the Fan-tailed Warbler, I had had enough of watching the pager every day with the same old message appearing, I want this for my life list so I was going for it again, Claire wanted to come also but sounded less keen when I mentioned the 4.30 leave, Adam and James tag along as always.
Anyway we arrived at Pegwell Bay for the second time and got to the crowd of birders and straight away I could hear the call of the Fan-tailed Warbler, the bloke next to me asked is that it calling and I told him yes although it has been 8 year since I heard my last in Greece. Then all of a sudden the Fan-tailed Warbler popped out into view.
Overhead a large flock of Golden Plover flew over and a small flock of 8 Ring-necked Parakeets went over also followed by a closer two.
The Fan-tailed Warbler showed a few more times but Claire wanted to see a closer Parakeet so we went for a little walk around the reserve.
We did manage to find any Parakeet's but a large flock of Goldfinch/Chaffinch with a Reed Bunting thrown in kept us entertained a Great Spotted Woodpecker also went around the bushes.
With nothing else to show we went for one last look at the Fan-tailed Warbler and I got a different video had a bacon roll and we all headed off.
With James and Claire missing the Brown Shrike I felt it would be wrong if we didn't go and see it as we would only be 40 or so miles away once we hit the M25, we arrived in Staines and headed down the very muddy track. Straight away we got onto the Brown Shrike although this time it was further away it was nice to be able to have a propper look. Two Green Woodpeckers flew over whilst we were there.
We then departed and headed to Southend were once again we managed to dip the easiest bird since sliced bread, although we pulled out all the stops we had no joy, did manage to pick out 4 Med Gulls but nothing else.
1st November 2009, Me and had decided to try and see the Great White Egret at Minsmere as this was a Lifer for her, I mentioned to James we were going and him and Cath decided to tag along also. We got to Minsmere and ventured out in the torrential rain we got to the Island Mere hide absolutely soaked and found some just about dry seats and looked out, whilst I was still wiping the rain off my optics I could see some Swans in the water and a in my mind a strange Swan that stood upright then it all clicked into place and of course this was the Great White Egret.
The rain did stop briefly allowing us to have some good views, also on the mere were Bewick's Swans, a fly by Kingfisher and a Cetti's Warbler could be heard. The rain started again and got harder than ever so we sat it out for 
a little longer but saw nothing else, we then made a dash to the cafe to warm up and dry off.
By the time we had finished our drinks the rain had past so we headed to the scrape hides where again nothing of real interest apart from some more Bewick's Swans were seen until we made it the East Hide where James spotted a Caspian Gull (right) and I then found the Leucistic Moorhen and some Whooper Swans I then scanned all of the Teal but found nothing else.
October 2009
31st October 2009, I decided to go out today and see what's been happening around North Norfolk. I set off expecting James and Adam to be out somewhere but Adam was working and James was hung over from half term fun but decided it would be best to face the daylight (pouring rain) and join me. I did a U turn and picked James up and we set off in search of the Snow Goose.
We headed to Burnham OveryDeepMarketDale Staithe in search of geese, we found many geese 3 large flocks and lots of smaller ones but after intensive searching through the 8000 Pink-Foots from as many different angles as possible we only turned up a Pale-bellied Brent.
With this we headed to Holme and got onto Three Shore Larks pretty much straight away, I also spoke to a man who say's he saw the Snow Goose two weeks before the Pink-Foots arrived with a Greylag Flock and is doubtful of the origin of the Burnham OveryDeepMarketDale Staithe bird?
With this we checked out the few Starlings that flew by and then headed to Cley detouring around the Pink-Foots again and having a final scan of each flock.
We got to Cley and headed for Dawkes Hide, I started to scan the ducks and admired the Wigeon that were at close quarters and the Shelduck also, I then found a Water Pipit on a far island, I scanned the Teal four times before I then spotted the Green-winged Teal asleep on the Island. I then had to dash home as I was late for going out.
24th October 2009, Feeling knackered I plucked up courage and energy to drive to South Shields. Setting off at about 5.20am getting Phil, Adam and James on route. We stopped half way for breakfast and did a little pager watching. I know we shouldn't but times are hard and saving the extra 250 miles from the trip would be worth it if the bird had gone, which upon first impressions it had but within 15mins later it came on the pager, I felt like running to the car but with +100miles plus to go I realised that that maybe pointless.
We arrived at about 11 something might even of been 10 something who knows the wave of birders was visible from the road as we went down to the car park. We then walked across the wind blown field to view the bushes and within seconds the Eastern Crowned Warbler was showing this was a first for Britain and continued to show well as it flew from bush to bush occasional being harassed by the Yellow-browed Warbler. Each time the bird flew some distance and was then relocated by the ever moving crowd of birders. We then headed off as there were other birds to see.
I wish I had had a proper look at the map as we drove right next to a Blue-winged Teal site and didn't realise. But anyway we tried to find some Grouse on the moors but the rain proved too much I feel for any birds to be showing. So we then headed to Bempton where a Red-flanked Bluetail which showed well if you like lying down in stinging nettles and had night vision lenses. To be fair it was a dull day and you could just make out the orange flanks and blueish tail.
But with another bird on the cards further down the road we thought we had better take a look this time a Dusky Warbler and at first it was a no show and then the Heavens opened we stood in the rain about twenty until it stopped, and almost straight away the Dusky was spotted I then got great view further round the bush until it flew along the brambles and dropped out of sight. It then flew back and called twice and I then got brief views again before heading home.
14th October 2009 to 21st October 2009 - Went to the Scilly's full tip report soon on here. In the mean time check out a few taster video's of Minke Whale, Radde's Warbler, Common Snipe, Spoonbill, Song Thrush, Sparrows and Stick Insect.
13th October 2009 - News broke out of a Brown Shrike at Staines the day before so I decided I would co-inside this with our trip to the Scilly's today. We had hardly anytime as the hire car needed to be in Penzance by 6.00pm but enough time to see the Shrike. We arrived at some time near lunch as I was feeling peckish (although that could be anytime really), we left our Non-birding companions behind (thanks for letting us stop guys) and headed to the bird, it was slightly further than we hoped and wasn't showing but within two minutes the masses go on to it, I borrowed a view through someone else's scope as mine was packed and took a couple of record shots right.
4th October 2009 - Wanted a day out so I did. Collected my dad and headed to Titchwell, well thank God the Jack Snipe was there as the entire reserve seemed dead. Everything was very quiet whether this was due to the work going on or the unseasonal temperature I am not sure, below is Common Snipe and Jack Snipe.
With nothing else to see we headed to Warham and saw only a few Golden Plover and a Wheatear all in all very quiet we spent a few hours here before heading home. A little interesting wildlife here and there a Small Copper some Beetle and a Moth - James please ID for me please.
September 2009
27th September 2009 - I was all geared up when the alarm went off at 3.30am I managed to dress myself and find my car in the drive I picked up Phil, Adam and James and we headed off to Kent in search of the 65 days long stayed Fan-tailed Warbler. We 
arrived at 8am at Pegwell Bay and straight away I picked up a Ring-necked Parakeet flying over. We stood and within 30mins a man shout there it is as a Wren whizzed past. We waited and watched the many Blackcaps in the Elder bushes behind us a small flock of Linnets were also present. Then all of a sudden a quick march after someone whistling there dog led us up the track and everyone scratching there heads. I then picked up two Ring-necked Parakeets landing in a nearby apple tree which allowed a photograph moment. The rest of the day we wondered around the reserve looking through the Blackcaps we got onto a Whinchat and later found a different Whinchat in the same area. I picked out a Clouded Yellow that vanished into thin air, and Roesel's Bush Crickets were all over the shop. A dog show next to a conveniently placed cafe gave us a few laughs during our tea breaks but after 6.5 hours of searching we decided that it wasn't the today. We then set our sights on a much easier bird that has now been there for about 8 years, this is the Ring-billed Gull at Westcliffe a walk along the very busy sea front only produced no Ring-billed Gull, but I did manage to spot a Wheatear on the groins and at least 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 ads and 1 1st Winter). An ice-cream and two hours later the fading light proved spotting gulls very hard so we headed home.
23rd September 2009 - Another well positioned meeting allowed me to go down to Caister St Edmonds for a try at the Glossy Ibis that had been in the area. I went down to the river with reports on no sighting by the other birders coming back. I walked all the way along with nothing to show generally very quiet for birds. On the way back James was just leaving the Car park so we headed up to the mill and again no sign. We then had another little look here and there but no Ibis to be seen never mind though.
22nd September 2009 - A quick stroll down Kelling Water Meadows in between client meetings produced many House Martins and Swallows all heading West? The pools were very quite as were the bushes along the track.
17th September 2009 - Got up early to do a Sea Watch, A lone Pomarine Skua and close in Shag were the only highlights, not as good today as other days earlier in week, drove to the patch - Great Tit and Blue Tit now joined Long-tailed in cliff Top wood at Trimingham, had Redstart down lanes to Gimingham flying along the road.
16th September 2009 - Spent the morning at work and had the afternoon booked off, then the pager called to me with a MEGA 
Tufted Puffin, had afternoon off any way - Good Times, arranged to go with Phil sorted, Bird gone 5mins later - Bad Times, had an hour until I finished an the bird did not reappear, so I sulked on way home from work, met Phil and went to Wells. We arrived around 3.00 after a small detour to Cley spy and headed to the area of a Red-Breasted Flycatcher at first this proved hard to find then in the distance a flycatcher appeared got on it and a Pied was the ID. About 30mins later the Red-Breasted Flycatcher (right) came out and flicked around above our heads. We then left the area here to find us some rare elsewhere in the wood. We head out to the edge of the wood around the main track in the brambles, not to many birds until a tit flock came through and I picked up a yellowish warbler at first I thought could it be the Icterine that we had searched for on the Sunday? But no it wasn't but it was a lovely little Wood Warbler which is still a nice bird. We continued though and found a few more Pied Flycatchers.
13th September 2009 - On the motive of finding our own we set out at 7.00 and headed to Trimingham the previous night being very still we were a little worried about what migrants would be here but the morning brought cloud and a force 5 gale, It looked promising.
We arrived (we being Adam, James and myself) and our first stop was Trimingham our aim to find some scarce if lucky a rare, we are hoping to return to the area over the next two months to see what we can find. Anyway the cliff top wood had 3 maybe 4 Long-tailed Tits after a good 20mins of searching, the other wood had nothing Philip joined us, the sea had many Gannets and Kittiwake. Sea watching was very tempting but we managed to withdraw and keep searching for migrants. We then tried the area by the church and again no birds seemed about a small walk around the block and only a Meadow Pipit to report, although we did have a Warbler prob Chiffchaff which vanished before a proper id could be made. With the serious lack of birds we decided to look go for a more sheltered spot so the larger wood next to Cromer lighthouse seemed to be a good idea. But yet again a serious lack of birds with only 5/6 Long-tailed Tits seen. Another quick sea watch produce yet more Gannets and Kittiwakes and a few Scoter. After three hours of nothing we went to Wells to try for the Icterine Warbler. I feel that maybe if we had stayed all day we may of found something but it was just to windy and any migrants that managed to cling onto the land would of been skulking out of the wind as soon as the wind dies down a little I am sure lots will be around to be seen.
We got to Wells and nobody had seen the Icterine although a Wheatear in the wood seemed slightly out of context. We hung around the Dell watching the Long-tailed Tits had a Chiffchaff and Treecreeper amongst them, Philip spotted a Pied Fly that then vanished and was not seen by the rest of us. James and I had a sole Pink-foot fly over. We then walked around everywhere a kept finding the Tit flock but no sign of the Icterine. We then lost the flock and decided maybe staying to one spot might work, this was near the Dell looking into some Silver Birch. After 30mins or so and only 1 Chiffchaff we then headed to the drinking pool and waited there this time another 30mins past and only a Jay was seen. A walk back along the main track we had a look through the scrubby shrubby brambly bit and Philip had a Lesser Whitethroat which we all got to watch. The tit flock returned a Whitethroat popped about but nothing else appeared. Me and James had another look around the Dell again no birds but a Muntjac ran from the undergrowth quickly followed by a Dog (I hope it took the owners all afternoon to find it). I had one last sweep around the Dell and it seemed a bundle of Chiffchaff had arrived with quiet a few going through the Birch and Brambles.
We then headed back via Cley and got some great view of the Red-necked Phalarope after this we then done an hours sea watching. Highlights from the sea were a Puffin that James picked up and landed at close quarters, a load of manx, a few Arctic Skua and a furry dead thing. With no proper counts I would estimate numbers as this. Gannets (ou ahh ermm) about 1000, Kittiwakes 450-500, Arctic Skua 4, Manx Shearwater 15, Puffin 1, other Auk sp 2, Guillemot 1, Common Scoter 5, Fulmar 20, Sandwich Tern 4 and furry dead thing 1.
12th September 2009 - Walcott had a 30mins Sea Watch which was very productive heading west a Long-tailed Duck flew with a Common Scoter, 2 addition Common Scoter flew through later also West were 5 Teal and 1 Sandwich Tern. Going East were a high number of Gannets one flock was 32 strong I had 126 in total also 7 Red-breasted Merganser were a surprise but the cream of the crop was the Leach's Petrel that flew through.
5th September 2009 - Went out after work to see my second Ortolan Bunting for Norfolk and the UK my first one being seven years ago. I always struggle with these as they tend to bugger off before I arrive, but this one sat on the East Bank at Cley without a care in the world. I then went to Salthouse were a Whinchat sat on the wires and an evening sea watch proved its worth. After 10mins of Gannets things started to liven up, around 20 Eider flew through and 6 Manx Shearwaters were distant, then a closer Shearwater was a very nice Balearic. I then had a very close bird flying towards me in the scope, I focused on it as it landed and a lovely 'Red-throated' Red-throated Diver was sat on the sea, and behind it I could not believe my eyes as a juv Long-tailed Skua sat on the sea also, I was about to ring it through when it took off and left. A few more Gannets and some Arctic Skua chased the Sandwich Terns.
4th September 2009 - A trip back to the Osprey on a nice sunny morning meant I could get a few snaps of it. Also a Garden Warbler was going about its business.
3rd September 2009 - A tip off from Bob allowed me to see an Osprey at a local site.
August 2009
30th August 2009 - Yay and Birds and Beer tour, not many birds and half the number of beverages.
24th August 2009 - Garden had a new bird a fly over Grey Wagtail.
23rd August 2009 - Just noticed Swifts have gone from the roof but only in the last few days. Anyways after deciding not to go to Northumberland due to a Semi-Palmated Sand vanishing on Saturday and waking Sunday morning to find its there again, I got mad at the birds and decided to hunt down the Red-Footed Falcon again. Straight to the Bittern hide where there wasn't much other than a Bittern the light wasn't great so I walked around the reserve, a load a Dragonflies a Little Egret and a Second Bittern was all I saw. So I went home. The Garden had 5 Common Darters and a Emperor Dragonfly. Claire also found a huge Elephant Hawk-Moth caterpillar.
18th August 2009 - Left work a little early and took James to try and see the Red-footed Falcon that hadn't been seen since 1.15pm but never mind. We marched to Rush Hills where a incoming Curlew was the highlight. So we left and walked towards Potterham and a Emerald Damselfly was a new one for me then a small debate on a backlit bird had James and I torn between Wood Pigeon and Collard Dove so I moved a little, scoped it and wow cazam it was a Turtle Dove, which meant I won. We then walked back and I was beginning a small obsesion with the Ponies complaining that I hadn't seen them for ages when James yelped out 'Ponies' giving me a fright like it was a Bald Eagle flying over. We stopped and looked then as we walked of I notice a bird fly behind the hedge road, I thought to myself hhhmm Marsh Harrier? The bird then came out the other side of the hedge and I could see it properly I shout Short-eared Owl but as I got my bins on it I then realised it was actually Long-Eared Owl, that was a nice surprise. We then wondered back and came across some geese with some CanadaXGreylagXGirafe in amongst them (they were not migrants from Africa that had bred with Girafe they just had long necks).
11th August 2009 - Head out after tea with Claire to Cley had a look at the poss Semipalmated Sandpiper it looked good although was just to far away to say yes. Curlew Sandpiper and Garganey were also present. Also had Cinnabar Moth caterpillers and some other moth that I will idea later. On the way back we bought an ice cream from a Garage in Sheringham so further up the road we pulled into a car park were a Nightjar was calling I got out of the car and got the scope on it just in time for Claire to have a look before it flew over our heads.
10th August 2009 - An after work jaunt down to Rush Hills with Adam and James allowed us to see the wonder that was the feral population of Barnacle Geese, also joined by the Baird's Sandpiper which was ok. Other new birds for the year were Common Sandpiper and Little Stint. Also heard a strange Reed Warbler and saw a Garden Tiger moth.
9th August 2009 - News of a Baird's Sandpiper the evening before meant I had a sleepless night (or was it the fact the cat kept walking on my face) so I left early to head to Rush Hills I arrived and just from the car two Little Egrets done a fly past, as I got to the hide all the Waders had been flushed off the scrape due to a Hobby circling around. They settled again and straight away I was onto Wood Sandpiper which then flew off and later a Green Sandpiper, apart from that there was nothing else to see so I headed back. Along the track I saw many Dragonflies I haven't a clue which types because I just dont know I have pictures so will ID them later. I then popped to Horsey again to get butterfly pics saw pretty much the same as yesterday but at least 10 Dark Green Fritillary's were flying around. Got home and had a fly over Hobby from the Garden.
8th August 2009 - A stroal around Horsey Gap produced little in birds of note a Kittiwake juv flew along the sea and a Cuckoo was feeding on the field at the end of the Nelson Head track. Plenty of butterflies though between Nelson head and the gap car park including Wall (4+), Graylings (loads), Gatekeeper (even more than Graylings), Small Heath (2), Meadow Brown (a few less than Graylings) Common Blue (about 10), Peacocks (not as many as I thought there should be) and Dark Green Fritillary (2).
4th August 2009 - An evening walk around Honing and East Ruston took a wrong turn and had to walk miles in the pitch black but never mind. Saw Peacock caterpillers on some nettles and a load of little moths that I haven't a clue about. Birds seen and heard were :- Kingfisher, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Grasshopper Warbler.
3rd August 2009 - Had a Black Tern fly past at Horsey Gap, also had 8 ducks that looked remarkabley like Marbled Ducks that flew over my head (from nelson head track area) out to sea they were very pale underneath with the distinct eye patch. At the time I thought na... couldn't be but the more I think of it the more I think what if.
It was around 7-7.30 I was walking back along the track at Horsey about 1/4 mile north of the nelson head track where I then spotted 8 ducks above me.
They were very pale underneath with no distinct markings, and the face/head had a very dark stripe going along the top of it coming back from the eye. They weren't flying particularly high and the light was still good.
This may sound crazy but I believe they may of been Marbled Ducks, I know that my viewing time was limited but the more I think about it the more it makes sense.
The 8 ducks flew over the dunes so I ran up to the top and tracked the birds flying east straight out to sea they did not seem to return.
Has anybody heard of any random reports that you may of dismissed or if someone is missing there collection?
I have seen Marbled Duck in a wild situation before so am familiar with them.
If any one can help that would be great I spent all last night scratching my head trying to come up with an id other than Marbled Duck but nothing fit the bill
2nd August 2009 - New Butterflies in the garden today Holly Blue and a Small White also many more Peacocks with at least 13. I walk around Witton looking for White Admirals again produced only Comma's and Speckled Woods and many Dragonflies.
July 2009
31st July 2009 - Had another peak at the PG Plover - I wonder if it is a different bird to what I saw on the 22nd?
26th July 2009 - Finished for my final TT today not many birds but had a Six Spotted Burnet moth in the garden. Also had 12+ Painted Lady's, 11+ Large White, 3+ Peacock and a Small Tortoiseshell
Also had an arm chair tick in the way of thePacific Golden Plover originally id as American some plumage changes has now made this bird re identified as Pacific if only I had had better view maybe I could of re identified it.
25th July 2009 - I headed down to Horsey today went along the track and saw Stonechat and Whitethroats, so thought I would try the sea. It started slow with only a few seals but later on I spotted a wader on the sand bank which turned out to be a Curlew Sandpiper, I then sat watching the terns go by when I picked up a Roseate Tern flying north and later on an Arctic Skua chasing the Common Terns.
I got home had my tea and headed to Northrepps, where straight away I could hear Quail, in the distance, I headed up the road and got closer. Whislt listening to the Quails a Wood Sanpiper flew over calling and Little Owl youngsters were screeming for the parent that sat on the poles in front of me to come and a feed them. I moved further up the the road to a Sugar Beet field where it seemed one Quail was calling from. Then a stroke of luck as a Roe Deer started walking around the Barley Field next to the Beet field I moved to where the fields meet, and as the deer wondered around it either smelt me or something else and bolted and spooked a Quail from the Barley into the Beet field, what a stroke of luck. To finish off a Barn Owl flew over the field also.
I then went to Southrepps Common for my second attemped at Glow Worms but only saw three Tawny Owls.
23rd July 2009 - Wow can you believe it, a Great Spotted Cuckoo at Salthouse it gave everyone the run around but in the end I had some great views. I have seen one in Britian before but it was over ten years ago on 28th March 1999.
Left - Great Spotted Cuckoo, Right - A few of the people disturbing the Thursday night peace.
22nd July 2009 - News of an American Golden Plover at Breydon (less than qtr mile from work) broke out as I had finished my breakfast so I took my scope with me and went there via work. Got there and the usual story it was there by the avocets but its now out of sight. Whislt the chap in the hide was finishing the directions I eyed up Greenshank and Curlew Sandpiper when all of a sudden before my eyes the AGP flew. It went low and right so I went back out the hide to get a better look. I headed round the path and scanned but with nothing other than a few Med Gulls I then hear a shout from behind. I look up and there is some pointing going on at somewhere near me? Anyways it turns out the APG was flying again and try to land right infront of me. We then picked to bird up again just up the track and inbetween lowering our bins and looking though our scopes all 4 birders present didn't see it fly off.
19th July 2009 - A little stroll around Witton Woods to look for White Admiral produced nothing much other than some Small Skippers and these Gatekeepers (Left). That afternoon went Go-Karting came 4th out of 16.
18th July 2009 - A brief Bins only seawatch produced many Sandwich Terns but on the edge of the Sea three Green Sandpipers were feeding. (Trimingham)
13th July 2009 - An evening walk around Pigneys Wood saw some Linnets, Willow Warbler and a Song Thrush, also saw weird bug thing and some Ladybirds. Then decided to try for Glow Worms and had no joy.
12th July 2009 - I finally managed to get out of bed and after news of a Lesser Crested Tern flying past Cley came on the pager I decided that I would head out. First of two stops was Cley I arrived at the beach Car Park where I found James munching an apple. Went to North Hide where the Buff-Breasted showed well and a few Spot Shanks wandered around. Then due to be being slightly thick we went to Arnolds Marsh in search of the Curlew Sandpiper that was on Pat's Pool. Finding nothing other than some Black-headed Gull chicks looking stranded in the rising water we carried on round to Pats Pool. Pat's Pool played host to two young Marsh Harriers, a load of Avocets and a couple of Yellow-legged Gull's.
With news of the Curlew Sand now on North Scrape I decided that we should go to Kelling, here we saw no birds other that a pair of Stonechat and a Linnet, but we did see many butterflies. Species seen were - Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small Skipper, Small Copper, Common Blue, Ringlet and another large Orange type that will remain unknown.
1st 2nd and 3rd to bloody hot.
June 2009
28th June 2009 - Spoonbill at Cley and not much else.
May 2009
24th May 2009 - Bird Race DAY see bird race for a copied homework but changed a few words style report - Sorry Guys had to be done.
16th May 2009 - Had a go at the Collard Pratincole missed it by about 10mins Adam and James were also out but we had no joy - I suggest Blakney Fresh marsh which later proved to be the place to be (but after we had given up and gone home) as a pair of non-art exbidition goes me and Adam left James to get the bus and went up to Salthouse Heath heard a Nightingale but could not see it. We then went up to Great Ryburgh where a Hoopoe showed well.
10th May 2009 - Had a Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler at Horsey
9th May 2009 - About bloody time I finally see a Red-Rumped Swallow in Norfolk - Hip Hip Hooray also had Hobby and Reed Warbler (all at Cley)
8th May 2009 - Awoke to see Swifts flying around outside.
3rd May 2009 - First Twitch out of the county and it was looking like a good one Crested Lark Kent with Collard Flycatcher Dorset, Left really early and got to Dungeness straight away we were looking at the Lark top job, we watched for a while when news on the Collard Fly was negative so we started heading back and had breakfast at Maidstone here we waited on news negative again so we headed home. But then news of a Short-toed Lark came on the pager at West Runton so we headed up for that. After a few hours of waiting it finaly 'popped' up so we could get a look. The last Short-toed Lark I had in Norfolk was in 1999 at Weyborne.
April 2009
26th April 2009 - Thought we would 'do the point' which in the end was pointless, a morning stop to look for a Red-rumped Swallow proved fruitless (but House Martin), then the 10 mile round treck allowed us to see many many Wheatears, Whimbrel, Little Tern and Yellow Wagtail.
13th April 2009 - Out with Dad Minsmere first stop though Dunwich - Sand Martin and Dartford Warbler, Then around the reserve Blackcap,Willow Warbler, Green Woodpecker, Sandwich Tern, Black Redstart, Whitethroat, Spotted Redshank, Glaucous Gull and Sedge Warbler were a few of the best bits.
8th April 2009 a detour to Breydon after a meeting from work allow a glimps of a strange Plover (Paciffic or American Golden) it will to this day remain a strange Plover, a Swallow flying around proved a little consilation.
March 2009
15th March 2009 - The first spring trip out and with Adam and James down to Oli's Farm, straight away had a few Crossbills flying around and a few hours later a distant Goshawk also strangely a Iceland Gull. When then headed to Roydon and just out of Thetford a Red Kite flew over the Road at Roydon it wasn't long until we found what we went for a Great Grey Shrike.
February 2009
18th February 2009 - a trip to see the Cattle Egret at Matlaske
Had some time off done TT and saw nothing of special note other than a Little Egret near Gunton
11th February 2009 - Went to Strumpshaw to try and see the Penduline Tit but after 6 hours of waiting I got bored and gave up but did see three Bitterns and a Cetti's Warbler, after that I popped to Cantley where the Taiga Beans were showing.
1st February 2009 - Waxwing at Sainsbury's in North Walsham, Purple Sand at Sheringham
January 2009
18th January 2009 - Went out with Dad - Sparham first where a small group of Goosanders were milling around, then off to Titchwell where I located a Red-necked Grebe on the Sea on the way back we watched a Water Pipit on the Islands when a Peregrine came steaming through.
10th January 2009 - Sales shopping allowed a quick visit to Whitlingham where a Scaup made its presence, unlike the Waxwings further down the road that failed to show.
9th January 2009 - Tawny Owl on the way home from swiming at Edingthorpe
NB as I am writing this in July this is only the highlight
4th January 2009 - Out with Adam and James, first stop Felbrigg only bird was a Grey Wagtail the lake was quiet but the woods had two Hawfinchs still. We then moved onto Salthouse where a Gannet could be seen out to sea and the Glaucous Gull was miles away up the beach.
After that we went to Cockthorpe where a flock of Brent Geese had a Pale-bellied in amongst them. So with that we decided to look for Willow Tits at Sculthorpe on the way two Bullfinch flew along the road.
At Sculthorpe all we managed was Marsh Tit and Siskin and a few Brambling and a leucistic Fieldfare so we tried Flitcham, there the Little Owl was tucked up out of the wind and a Canada Goose was on the reserve also, but on the field just out of the car park was a huge flock of finches, at first it seemed mostly Chaffinch but then hundreds of Brambling came out of the hedge. We watched for a while when a Tree Sparrow appeared in the hedge line.
We ended the day at Titchwell where my only new bird for the year was a Ringed Plover.
2nd January 2009 - Awoke to see Brambling in the Garden, a trip out for Breakfast at the Kingfisher in Walcot allowed me to see the Med Gull that I had missed the day before and then a walk to see the Seals at Horsey with Claire (wife) allowed me to see a Kittiwake flying along the sea and on the drive home two Grey Partridges at Waxham.
1st January 2009 - Yet again the tradition continued although the very first bird of the day was a Blackbird spooked by fireworks just after midnight, anyway after 5hrs sleep we headed to Titchwell as always only this year the Sun decided coming up was a bad idea and we were by the sea whislt it was still quite dark, although we managed to pick out a few ducks on the way up.
On the sea we had Eider, Merganser, both Scoter and a Long-tailed Duck, also the usual waders ran around the beach. During the walk back we could now see more of the marshes and had everything you would expect including Spot Shank and Water Rail.
So with that we went on our way Chosley gave us Dunnock and Yellowhammer then a stop at Holkham alowed us to see Fieldfare and Treecreeper with a few other common spieces.
We then headed to Salthouse where the Glaucous Gull showed well on the beach and Red-throated Divers and Razorbills were close inshore, also has a fly through Black-throated Diver.
So off to Holkham we went and were soon on the Hawfinch's from the car park a quick dash to the lake and there was a lone female Mandarin asleep on the ice with the Malards. Walking back behind the hall we saw Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch also strangely a Kingfisher flew through the trees.
Anyway time was pressing so we headed for the roost at Hickling with a quick stop off at Ludham Bridge for Whooper and Bewick Swans. At the roost we had Hen Harrier, Barn Owl, Merlin and Crane and my final bird of the day was Woodcock a total of 102 I felt was quite good.
2008
Decmeber 2008
27th December 2008 - More Tetrads today Mundesley, Knapton, Paston, Bacton and Walcott, not much about apart from one field that held a flock of 50+ Snow Buntings and 30+ Skylark of which had a single Lapland Bunting.
7th December 2008 - A walk around the Gunton/Thorpe Market area for a tetrad produced (of worthy note) a Fieldfare and 2 Siskin.
November 2008
29th November 2008 - Out and about around Antingham & Southrepps - found a large flock of finches/buntings containing at least 15 Corn Buntings.
22nd November 2008 - Really cold - Blackcap briefly feasting on apples in the Garden, then headed out to Antingham for a TT nothing unusual but 45 species in two hours not bad. Then two Happisburgh - even colder and vast areas with no birds at all but flocks of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Pink-footed Geese kept me going.
16th November 2008 - Started an Atlas Square today not much to note a few White-fronted Geese near Edingthorpe and a Chiffchaff near Bacton Church. At Walcott the Med Gull has returned.
15th November 2008 - Doing the floor in the Loft today but managed a brief trip to Cromer to wonder around Co-op car park for 20mins looking for Waxwings that never appeared.
12th November 2008 - Car seemed like it was going to blow up but got the bird never the less, saw Adam and James who had just treked around the Great Broad at Whitlingham I however pull up and get on the bird within two minutes, a nice Fem Ring-necked Duck a Norfolk Lifer.
9th November 2008 A trip out to Lincolnshire & Yorkshire first stop the Steppe Grey Shrike at Grainsthorpe. Well started bad in that we had no idea where to go but a wrong turn led us within 200 yards of the bird rather than the 1.5mile walk that was recommended, easy. The bird showed really well before flying off across the field another lifer my 7th this year. 
Next stop just down the road Desert Wheatear at Saltfleet again really easy hop over the dune, stroll over and there it was a nice female my 7th Desert Wheatear. 
So then off to Yorkshire target bird was Canvasback but no sign of that meant we went for the subs. First to Filey where a Pied Wheatear had been about a wrong turn in the Caravan Park saw us at the wrong toilet block where it had been seen so we wandered round, I spotted some other birders looking over the cliff so I headed that way on the very muddy water logged slippery grass in my slick tread trainers. My exact words to Adam then were 'I am really going to piss over in a minute' and no sooner had I said that I was losing my footing down the hill ended up covered in mud head to toe funny at the time even funnier now
.
But anyway Pied Wheatear had vanished so we wondered off I happened to turn around a saw a birder running then another, so off we went back and sure enough the Pied Wheatear showed for us my 3rd Pied Wheatear.
As we walked back a car pulled up beside and the driver said 'at least you saw the bird, I saw you go down very funny'. So with that done we headed across Yorkshire to our next bird.
We arrived easy enough at a place called Urra and walked across the hills redirected when we spotted a man in a florescent jacket which had been at every bird we had all day. Stood in someone's garden (many thanks) for 10mins when out of nowhere the Male Two-Barred Crossbill appear and went onto the peanut feeder this is only my 2nd ever. Great day in all even though I had a constant 'be careful it slippery here'.
8th November 2008- had a Yellow-browed in my front garden
2nd November 2008 Another crack at the Red-flanked Bluetail at Weyborne and score showed well until the hoards got wind I had it another Norfolk Lifer.
1st November 2008 - Went to look for Red-flanked Bluetail at Weyborne after work but no joy but did pop to Glanford where a Black-bellied Dipper showed really well till I got out my camera, the Dipper a Norfolk Lifer.
October 2008
12th October 2008 - Wilsons Phalarope from Walsey Hills distant but still a Norfolk Lifer, Firecrest at Holkham.
4th - 11th October 2008 - On Scilly's check report.
September 2008
28th September 2008 - A flyover Green Sandpiper over the Garden this morning and 150 ish Pink-footed Geese this afternoon
27th September 2008 - An afternoon with Adam produced a Chiffchaff at Northrepps and a Few Corn Buntings. An interest Bunting at Gimingham was lost in the fields somewhere after thinking about flight and size etc it was prob only a Lap but who knows. Then on to Bacton/Walcott where the fog got the better of us and only 5/6 Wheatears seemed to be the only migrants around.
21st September 2008 - I trip out with some old school colleges (Adam & James), started at Titchwell where the Red-necked Phalarope span on the fresh marsh also 9+ Little Stint. The Brackish held numerous Little Egrets and Herons in the retreating water and many Greenshank on the fringes. Down at the sea 6/7 Great-Crested Grebes and an Arctic Skua past West and East close to shore, also many Gannets very distant and a Grey Heron at least 3 miles out to sea heading up the wash. Reports of a Red-footed Falcon seem strange as there was nobody that had actually seen it. Scanning the fresh marsh again when a Merlin flew through.
On to Holkham and a brief stop at the path to Gun Hill where 2 Marsh Harriers circled over the road and drifted inland. Arrived at Holkham to have distant views of the Osprey circling over the marsh.
We then went to Stifkey on the basis of finding rare but only found Kingfisher and and elusive Whitethroat.
So next stop Cley east bank where 4/5 Spotted Redshanks were on Arnolds Marsh and a Juv Dotterel (Below) at the end of the West end of East Bank. Off the East End of East Bank numerous Wheatears flashed there rumps and a party of Meadow Pipits. Also another Kingfisher.
Last stop Salthouse Gamborough Hill, a few Wheatears potted about and a Whinchat was on the wires. Walking about the bushes James spotted a Warbler so we proceeded to identify finding that there were three skulking about the elder. One by one they came out the first a Garden Warbler the second was more interesting it couldn't be identified in the time it showed apart from the size (being a bigger Warbler than the Garden Warbler) and a strange tail. So we proceeded to relocate and Identify Adam done some classic thrashing and eventually I got enough on it to Identify it a Juv Barred Warbler the size and pale edged wing feathers gave it away. Oh and the strange tail that we saw before was strange due the fact it had no tail. Also the third bird in the bush was a Blackcap a Song Thrush flew out the grass around the mound and another Kingfisher flew through.
17th September 2008 - Had the day off work today to go to the races at Yarmouth so in the morning I headed back down to Waxham I arrived at around 7.00 whislt waiting for the possible SC Flycatcher had many Redstarts, Wheatears, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Whitethroat and a Redwing. At about 7.50 had a glimps of a flycatcher as it darted into the bushes. At around 8.10 it popped out but then flew past us and went on the fence behind allowing some great views it then flew back in the bush and a flycatcher flew off much further along the dunes, we had no more sightings of the bird which I am sure will be a Pied Flycatcher anyway. A Hobby stormed though just before I left.
Walked back through the dunes and had an Eider on the Sea.
MinTotals for the Morning :-
Redstart 30, Wheatear 20, Whinchat 6, Blackcap 4, Garden Warbler 2, Whitethroat 2, Pied Flycatcher 6, Blackbird 15, Song Thrush 3, Redwing 1, Hobby 1.
16th September 2008 - A visit to Horsey Gap this moring before work allowed me to find a few Whinchats another 2 Redstarts alot of Willow Warblers and on the way back through the dunes I spooked a Wryneck out of a Holly Bush.
15th September 2008 - Semi-Collared Flycatcher? is it or not that is the debate, it is different. Also many Whinchats and a Redstart in the dunes.
August 2008
Again (being that July is before August even though you will read this before July) a brief summary.
Norfolk Lifer - Marsh Sandpiper at Hickling
Nice find - Pied Flycatcher at Horsey
July 2008
Well as this is a get up-to-date I will do a brief summary of birds seen during July and maybe do a more detailed summary in the future.
Puzzler - Brambling at Witton Woods a single male also around 40 Crossbills
Great - Quail at Antingham
Bonus - Roseate Tern at Horsey plus Arctic Tern and Grasshopper Warbler
Also - Manx Shearwater off Trimingham
June 2008
As for the rest of June didn't do much birding as had weddings and Stag weekends to attended to.
7th June - As with most Saturday's I work in the Morning then go birding/do housework in the afternoon today plan was to head to Minsmere for the Thrush Nightingale but this was soon interepted with news of the Bee-eater at Northrepps which was a craker shame the conditions weren't better but if they were would the bird of stayed? Got to Minsmere had a views of a Nightingale (not Thrush) then a brief call which turned it full song as I was about to leave to go to a wedding. Heard but not seen.
1st June - Doing a spot of gardening when the pager calls but before I finshed cutting the lawn the bird had gone. So continued digging when it came back a Trumpeter Finch on Blakeney Point. I hate Blakeney point I suffer from bad knees and ankles and walking 6 miles on shingle does them no good, but when its a first for Norfolk you have to do it. Got to the point with my legs throbing but saw the bird not great views at first but we moved closer and got much better view. I then headed 'Up the Heath' for Tree Pipit and some fantastic before dusk views of Nightjar
Left Trumpeter Finch - Pic taken by Bob Cobbald
May 2008
31st May - Witton Woods very quiet but Marsh Warb still there.
30th May - Another Survey around Trunch which produced the norm then onto a different tetrad with my dad which was generally quite until I heard a bird of plenty of different songs straight away I thought Marsh Warbler I contacted a few local birders at this private site and after an afternoon of quiet from it, the bird finally performed on the pics of the wings confirmed Marsh Warbler this was a lifer for my dad so I was very pleased with the find. The little warbler managed perfect mimicry of (in no particular order) Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, Bee-Eater, Yellowhammer, Quail, Goldfinch, Coot, Chaffich, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Great Tit, Whitethroat, Yellow Wagtail, Blackcap, Reed Warbler, Nightingale, Pied Wagtail, House Martin, Cetti's Warbler and African Sedge (this was heard by another birder) thats a total of 24 from this smashing little bird.
Marsh Warbler - Pic Taken by Bob Cobbald
29th May - A couple of days of to do some TT and a bit of local birding, started early on a Gimingham/Southrepps walk where I had Little Owl, Barn Owl, Kingfisher and a couple of Spotted Flycatchers. Then onto Bradfield where the only highlight was a huge Goshawk to be fair when I first spotted it I thought it was a Buzzard. Then to Edingthorpe where I did have some rather cute baby Malards.
24th May - Still no Golden Oriole just a migrant then shame if only a female had turned up then maybe it was like a mini lakenheath.
18th May - Midday a quick trip down to the G.O site with no joy the bird has gone? will have a little listen next week.
17th May - After a telephone conversation with a friend the day before where all I could hear in the backround was his find I decided to go out early and have a look for myself. Got there at 7am and upon arrival I could straight away hear the Golden Oriole the bird sang for 2 hrs and I didn't get a glimps dang.
11th May - Down to Westleton Heath to try and see the Spectacled Warbler but no luck with that. Did get onto Buzzard and Dartford Warbler, and heard a Woodlark but could not see it.
10th May - Another TT around Swafield had a really nice Fem Bullfinch and a Cetti's Warbler.
8th May - A Hobby over the A149 at Catfield
4th May - Another TT this time around Lower Southrepps/Bradfield nothing much to report but another load of Whitethroats and another Lesser Whitethroat and a Wheatear.
After my TT my dad and I went on a see what we could find trip up the
We carried on towards Chosley where the Dotterels were but we had no joy as this was the one day in there month stay they decided not to be there. At the barns we had plenty of Corn Buntings and heard a Turtle Dove. At the Dotterels location Dad spotted a Ring-tail across the fields I got on it to find it was a smashing Montagu's Harrier. Then down to Titchwell where to cut a long story short we had Fulmar, Common & Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Little Gull, Little & Common Tern, Red-crested Pochard, Whinchat, Reed Warbler, Bearded Tit and another Black Tern. Also heard a Booming Bittern.
On the way back home we stopped at Salthouse and saw the Green-winged Teal.
3rd May - Went on a TT around where I live. Started at Pigney's Wood at around 7am and there I had Whitethroats singing straight away I could hear them before I got out of the car the sun was shining and I knew it would be a good day. Moving through the wood I had
With the TT done I went to work in Bacton (little Saturday job) there I had a Yellow Wagtail fly over and a Ring Ouzel in the bushes by the car park and around the cottages a House Martin.
26th April - Swallow's at Bacton and heard a Blackcap at Edingthorpe. Also had 3 Swifts over the garden and heard a Cuckoo
21st April - Swallow over Rollesby on the way to work.
20th April - Just finished planting the last of plants and digging the pond acheing all over when I see that there is a wholly uncomfirmed report of a Black Lark at Winterton, I thought to myself if only! Then was just about to take a bath when bam the MEGA message took me for six running around the house trying to get me jeans on and collecting my bins and scope for the best bird for Norfolk since ... well the White-crowned Sparrow. Swung by my mates to take him down to and saw a Swallow at Trimingham. We arrived at Winterton at 5.50 and headed across the dunes cramp was setting into my calf mussles but I thought to myself I will rest when I get there. Finally arrived at the tallest dune and two minutes later there it was the Black Lark on the track. What a bird, really unbelievable it then flew off about half a mile and landed it then came back a flew low over our heads.
13th April - Digging my pond and looking up at a arriving storm when I spot two Buzzards circling ahead of it. Still got 20 Brambling.
12th April - Got back from work and was just scanning through the finches in the garden when I spot a Hawfinch! in my tree. It then came to the bird table and then all the birds were spooked and it flew away not to return.
7th April - Stock Dove back in garden
6th April - DIY weekend so no birding but still got 15+ Bramblings in the garden.
2nd April - walking back from the pub after watching the game noticed a large movement of Redwings passing through.
31st March - had a Barn Owl along the Caister bypass at arount 6.00
30th March - Went to Minsmere and had Cetti's Warbler and Chiffchaff nothing much to tell really but Atlas starts next week can't wait! Still got quite a few Brambling in the garden and a Dunnock making a nest.
27 March - Had Two Barn Owls around Eccles this morning on the way to the Blue-throat. Got to the Bluethroat at around 7.15 and the had been no sign for around 40mins and the was still no sign when I left for work at 8.30. There was a Chiffchaff though.
Went back to Winterton and saw the Bluethoat but no pics as my camera wouldn't zoom what a time to go.
25th March - Had a Buzzard between Worstead and North Walsham, also in the Garden pretty much the same as yesterday but a Goldfinch as well.
24th March - A short drive out due to the snow and came across a Black Redstart at Ridlington. Also had a Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher at Witton. In the garden today we had, 20 Collard Doves, 7 Pigeons, 6 Blackbirds, 5 Chaffinch, 41 Brambling, 5 Greenfinch, 5 House Sparrow, 2 Starling, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Robin, 2 Great Tit, 4 Long-tailed tit and 2 Siskin.
23rd March - Lifer Trip set off at 3.30am before the snow hit Norfolk and headed for Somerset, the Lesser Scaup was the first port of call and after around an half an hour of scaning there it was my first Lesser Scaup. Then went to the Franklin's site but in the pouring rain I could not find the gull never mind I had seen the one at Titchwell anyway.
Then went to the onto pembroke and had the Ring-billed Gull and the Black Duck (another lifer).
21st March - Bank Holiday so DIY day but on the way to the tip had a Red Kite over the road at Sco Ruston.
18th March - Marsh Harrier over fields just south of Stalham. Popped out to see the Glaucous Gull at Gorleston a very white individual.
17th March - Had a Woodcock flying over the road at Rollesby.
16th March - In the Garden - 13 Collard Doves, 5 Blackbird, 3 Chaffinch, 20, Brambling, 3 Greenfinch, 4 House Sparrow, 5 Wood Pigeon, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Starling, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Jackdaw, 1 Robin, 1 Great Tit, 3 Long-tailed Tit and 1 Siskin.
15th March - In the Garden - 12 Collard Doves, 4 Blackbird, 3 Chaffinch, 23, Brambling, 3 Greenfinch, 3 House Sparrow, 5 Wood Pigeon, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Starling, 1 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Jackdaw, 1 Robin, 1 Great Tit, 3 Long-tailed Tit and 2 Siskin.
14th March - Garden - Today 22 Collard Doves, 4 Wood Pigeon, 5 Blackbirds (2m 3f), 8 Chaffinch (3m 5f), 19 Brambling, 1 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 3 Jackdaw, 2 Blue Tits, 1 Great Tit, 5 House Sparrows (2m 3f), 4 Greenfinch and 1 Goldfinch.
11th March - Peregrine seen from George St car park in Yarmouth flying high over the river.
9th March - Garden - Still at least 9 Bramblings in the Garden. Went to Essex (family) near Clacton and had 5 Buzzards from there Garden.
8th March - Med Gull Still at Walcott
29th February - Two more Atlas squares done today with 3 Goosander near Little London.
20th February - Headed for Thompson Water due to reports of a Lesser Scaup but no joy then had 3 Jack Snipe at an undisclosed fen where we also got to see some ringing taking place (pics soon).
19th February Two Atlas squares today started with Swafield got 39 species and had 5 Brambling. The other square is my other Gimingham square this is my favourite because it is my old local patch, had a cracking 47 species over 2 hours and considering that for the most of it your in open farmland I don’t think its that bad. Highlight for the square were Kingfisher, Scaup, Buzzard and Tawny Owl.
18th February - a week off work to do my Atlas squares and today started with one of the heaviest frosts of the year. This square was in Edinthorpe with 37 species in 2 hours and a flock of 200 Golden Plover. Then went shrike hunting at Kelling and found only a Barn Owl.
17th February out doing atlas again this time Gimingham and Trimingham with 40 and 27 species in each, in Gimingham had a great count of 130 House Sparrows, also had to Chiffchaff but weather these wintered over or a new arrivals I have no idea. On the sea off Trimingham had 59 Black-throated divers which seem happy sitting in the sea in small flocks of 5-10 also had Shag on the groins there. Then in fields nearby had Snow Bunting and later on Lapland Bunting.
10th February another tetrad around
3rd February another bird atlas this one was around the Bacton Wood area had 33 species in two hours with an amazing 177 Siskin's and 10 Brambling.
27th January - Bird Atlas - First time bird watching since Jan 1st because of illness, parties and hangovers. This square had for me 48 species which was great, of special note there was a Great Northern Diver on a private lake.
22nd January - Bewick's Swan near Ludham whislt driving to work.
13th January - Waxwing at Cromer nice bird
8th January - 3 Whooper Swans near Ludham whilst driving to work.
7th January - Egyptian Goose at Stalham whilst driving to work.
6th January - The Usual Sunday stuff to do nurse the hang over and put the Xmas dec's away as I promised to do so. Then a good friend of mine Phil calls me up just to say that there is a White-Crowned Sparrow at Cley, now Phil is a trickster and I didn't believe him so I went to look at the pager and sure enough there it was. So in a flash the Xmas dec’s stayed where they were and I went to Cley, found a place to dump the car and got in amongst the crowd got a 2 second glimpse and got out of there (hoping it will hang around so I can see it better another day).
After that went for a relax at the roost and saw 2+ Merlin, 3+Hen Harrier, 40+Marsh Harriers, 23 Cranes and a Mistle Thrush.
1st January - Started the day by heading for Titchwell for sun rise along the way we (Dad & I) had two Tawny's one at Kelling and another at Holkham the second bird did require an emergency stop and swerve to miss it. Also had a Barn Owl at Wells
At Titchwell we had all the usual and some brilliant swimming views of Water Rail, on the sea were a lot of Goldeneye, 4 Long-tailed Ducks and a Red-breasted Merganser in total we saw 66 species bringing our total to 68 for the day.
After a Bacon Roll we headed to Thornham and saw 2 Twite and a few other odds and ends total now 76.
Then went to Chosley and Docking we had a GS Woody at the drying barns and a Brambling in a mixed flock of Yellowhammers and Chaffinches further up the road also had a Song Thrush, total now 80.
Then on to Salthouse around the car park we had the Snow & Lapland Bunting on the sea Red-throated Diver and Velvet Scoter, total now 87.
On the way to Felbrigg Dad spotted some Red-legged Partridge at Pretty Corner, at Felbrigg we had a few more woodland birds including Marsh Tit, Treecreeper and Nuthatch, Total Now 95 and it is pouring with rain.
Every year we try and get 100+ species on the first the last few we have been very successful but this years seemed to hard put I said we would push onto the roost at Hickling even though the rain was terrible.
On the way we stopped at Walcott and got onto the Med Gull and a Purple Sand, at Hickling we had no visibility at all but managed views of Heron, Fieldfare, Redwing, Merlin, Marsh Harrier and Woodcock making our total 103.
2007
December 2007
23rd December - A trip to foggy Welney for the a Red-head Smew, then down to Thetford for Lesser-Spot and Willow Tit.
16th December - Started Count birds in garden - Bramblings now at 7,Collard Doves 42, Blackbirds 11, Redwing 1, Chaffinch 9, Greenfinch 7, House Sparrow 9, Starling 4, Great Tit 2, Blue Tit 3, Wood Pigeon 4, Robin 1 and Dunnock 2. These are all regular to the Garden and they are the highest counts seen at any one time.
Also done another survey today, this one was around Trunch where we were shocked to discover a Water Rail in a farmers overflow ditch and we also had Little Owl.
2nd December - Another day pooring with rain was trying to count the Bramblings in the Garden which are at 6 now when a Kingfisher flew though, and for those that dont know where I live its in a town nowhere near a river or pond so Kingfisher was a surprise. Then went and done a survey around Swafield with nothing unusual to report but 39 spiecies I didn't think was bad.
November 2007
25th November - After late news of a Desert Wheatear at Horsey the night before that was the place I went straight to in the morning. Had craking views do to 3 feet. After that done another survey around Gimingham, there we had a 1w male Scaup which is a first for my old local patch, then we had a large flock a mixed finches which had a Lesser Redpoll in.
24th November - Finished work and went to see the Ross's Goose between Edingthorpe and Bacton. Then headed to Edgefield where we got straight onto a 1w Caspain Gull but no sign of the Iceland then we hung around for an hour it was freezing and the tip stench stung my eyes then as if by magic the Iceland Gull re-appeared in the field.
17th November - Another Tetrad around North Walsham - good bird - Northern Bullfinch. Did have 3 Song Thrush and 6 other Bullfinch.
11th November - A quick Sea watch with my mate he hadn't had Little Auk yet which he got then more BTO Bird Atlas survey another two Tetrads with 36 + 37 spiecies noted in both. We saw 2 Woodcocks, 2 Brambling, 2 Bullfinch and a Barn Owl at 1.00 in the afternoon.
10th November - First chance of a Sea Watch in the strong NE winds got onto many Little Auks and a Puffin
4th November - Taking part in the BTO Bird atlas in and around my old local patch of Gimingham saw a total of 34 spiecies in one Tetrad and 41 in another. Good birds Long-tailed Duck and a flock of 70 House Sparrows.
October 2007
28th October - Spent 5.5 hours at Wells and only got a glimps of the Olive-Backed Pipit and got very wet and cold.
21st October - Went to Titchwell only had 17 (at least) Spotted Redshanks, a Med Gull and a Fem Red-crested Pochard.
14th October - Went out with my Dad and his boss Dennis good day in all arrived a Kelling at around 10.15 saw the Red-necked Phalarope, then headed to Salthouse and had great views of Razorbills and a Guillemot on the sea. Went to Titchwell and had Red-necked Grebe, Eider, Snow Buntings and Water Rail, 95 Species seen today.
7th October - Its offical after this year I am having a year out of Norfolk year listing slow down the twitching and start hunting ( looking for) for my own good finds. Today I went to Pentney GPs to see the Shag it took about 30mins before it showed, we then went to Titchwell where I had a Slavonian Grebe close inshore for a second before it took off and done a circit of the wash and landed near skegness. Also at Titchwell Little Stints and Curlew Sand, We then went to Holkham after reports of the Lesser Grey again as my Dad hadn't seen one in the country yet but no joy. We wondered down to the Washington hide and scaned out there for an hour over the Pink-feet and ducks. Then the Rosefinch reported early was on the pager and showing well so I dashed down stood for 5mins before it came out feeding on the Elderberries. Then theres a shout look at this Egret, though bins it looked big and had a slow wing beat it looked Great, sure enough (subject to pager erroronous message) it was Great White Egret, I scoped it and it had dark legs (and feet) and a light bill 10-15 others there were happy with it to. All in all a good day.
6th October - Bacton whilst working in gardens a Richards Pipit flew over calling one later seen a mile up the road at Paston maybe the same bird.
4th October - 70 miles there 50 home all for a temminck's stint at Titchwell still another year tick.
2nd October - Itching all day at work after discovering that there was a Lesser Grey Shrike at Holkham - this would be my 2nd for the UK and Norfolk (acle straight 2003). Managed to knock off 15mins early (5.15pm) and tared across the county to Holkham (bare in mind I work in Yarmouth), Got to Holkham at about 6.20pm only one other chap there he let me look in his scope at the superb Lesser Grey Shrike.
September 2007
30th September - Straight to Holkham for the Subalpine as we park the car news of the Blyth's Reed came on I decided as I had spent £3 pound I went to see the Subalpine Warbler. We marched down got some good views then left for salthouse. Salthouse was very busy but after an hour of waiting I got the Blyth's Reed in the brambles this was a lifer so all in all a great weekend. We then went to cley and saw the 3 Grey and 1 Red-necked Phalarope a congregation like this a proberbly rarer than the Blyth's Reed Warbler.
29th September - missed the RFBT due to work (never mind), But did get chance to see Red-Breasted Flycatcher at Wells around the back of the dell, also had a Yellow-browed Warbler somewhere between the dell a the drinking pool and a Pied Flycatcher there also. Then went to cley to try a get pics of the Sabine's but that had gone. So looked though the suede saw 500+ Redwings, 200+ Goldcrests, 50+ Chaffinchs, 2 Song Thrush and another Yellow-Browed Warbler.
27th September - another early on went to see Grey Phalarope at Cley and got it, good bird, done a little seawatching only saw 1 Manx and a Bonxie. Then had to go home to let the carpet fitters in.
26th September - After yesterday standing in what seemed force 9 gales on happisburgh cliffs I decided a sea watch would beed a good idea before work. I got to Walcott about 6.15 and parked the car up next to the sea wall and angled it so the sea wasn't washing into the car. Got the scope out and the first bird I get onto is a close Leach's Petrel feeding as it difted into the wind, also had 2 Arctic Skua, 2 Bonxie, 30+ Razorbills, 7 Manx Shearwater, 50+ Shearwater Sp (dam things to far out to tell), 5 Little Gulls, 4 Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Tern and 150+ Gannets. But 10mins or so before I left I was out of the car taking a pic of a rainbow over the sea and I got my bins on gull straight away it looked like a Sabine's Juv, got the scope on it and made sure. Then as I was leaving another Arctic Skua flew past so close it was over the road. It was a good morning lets hope these winds will bring something to be found at the weekend.
25th September - Left work, saw the pager a dashed to Happisburgh, I had no bins, no scope and was wearing a suit, but never mind go to Happisburgh and walked across the fields to the Lighthouse no sign of the bird but it is the field somewhere but then it was spotted, I took a peek and there it was Buff-Breasted Sandpiper, nice little bird.
24th September - Looked for the reported hoopoe at Rollesby but no sign.
22nd September - At Titchwell before dawn, didn't want to risk not seeing the Long-Billed Dowitcher. Went straight to the Island hide there was a horrible mist over the scrape proving viewing difficult, then the sun came up and made viewing even harder. But eventually over by the reeds was the Long-billed Dowitcher this is a Norfolk Lifer which was great. Then went up to the sea not much up there but as I was leaving a Long-tailed Skua done a fly by. Back at the visitor centre around the feeders was a male Brambling alough it was very mobile, quite a few Redwings flew over also.
15th September - Spent the afternoon looking though Meadow Pipits and Linnets eventually came across the Lapland Bunting and brief view and a quick flight across the field and I didn't see it again.
1st September - 8th September, Holiday in france - Lifers - Griffon Vulture and Black Woodpecker, also saw Cattle Egret and Craig Martin
August 2007
25th August - Greenish Day, Started at Waxham found the Barred Warbler which had been in the area and a Wryneck (also another at Sea Pauling) also alot of Blackbirds passing through. Then saw Greenish Warbler a Happisburgh and another at Stifkey and Cley later.
24th August - Early Afternoon at Cantley saw Red-necked Phalarope and Wood Sandpiper
17th August - Afterwork trip to Breydon to see my first Norfolk year tick for a month a White-Rumped Sandpiper also had Little Stint.
12th August - Haven't been out in ages - nearly a month it would seem, but the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper got me putting down the unpacked boxes, so I went to Oare Marshes in Kent. I left at 4am to get there early so I could see it go home and do some house shopping. Got there early but the bird decided not to be there, by 9.30 I give up and went Squacco hunting. Found that site on the way back, as I arrived you could feel the buzz that is because everyone had just had great views before it flew into the reeds. Hung around for about 30mins when it flew over the GP and out of sight again. On the way back to the car I relocated the Squacco on another GP and got some half decent view (recordshot to follow soon). Squacco was a long overdue British Lifer so the day wasn't bad after all.
July 2007
From 14th to end been nowhere as decorating new house, haven't miss nothing though.
14th July - Wanted to go to minsmere but on the way down the Pec Sand at Cley forced me to turn around as I thought I really need the Norfolk tick. At Cley got Curlew Sand, Bittern and from the North Hide had good views of the Pec, but then I thought I heard someone say Dark Eyed Junco at Languard (worth the trip I thought) looked at the pager Mega Norfolk ( I dont remember languard being in Norfolk) but no it was a Langham, so a grueling run across half mile of shingle then all the way down East Bank. Got to Langham saw the bird, great lifer, great Norfolk tick, thanks to No 10 and 6.
1st July - Sisters birthday today Happy Birthday, couldn't stay out to long so a dash to Cley to see Roseate Terns .
June 2007
26th June - shot up Cley after work just in time to see the White-winged Black Tern fly off the North Scrape towards Blakney.
24th June - was shopping for our new home when the Little Bittern turned up again at Titchwell, got there as fast as I could stood around for a few hours then found it coming up out of the reeds near the main ditch, this was a British lifer so I was choughed.
(will update the inbetween slowly)
November 2006
12th November - Long-billed Murrelet super job.
5th November - A trip to Waxham for American Golden Plover my third for Norfolk.
3rd November - Self-found a squashed Ring-necked Parakeet on A149 at Potter Heigham.
October 2006
29th October - Titchwell Surf Scoter on sea very distant but in brilliant light super bird, third ever Surf Scoter for me all three at Titchwell last one in June 2002. Also went to Flitcham and saw nothing.
21st October - The Red-flanked Bluetail proved relativley easy to see in the end an early start to the day allowed us to see the bird with no problem, then headed down to minsmere (very quiet) then onto dunwich where many Dartford Warblers were around also many Swallow's (40+).
16th October - ditched work early to dip Red-Flanked Bluetail will spend all week making up time, fingers cross that it stays till Saturday.
15th October - Watched Sparrowhawk eat juv Wood Pigeon in our flat car park.
14th October, five year ticks - 1 of which Norfolk Lifer, First port of call was Blakney for my Norfolk Lifer Cattle Egret very distant but still counts. Then headed to Docking for Snow Goose and again very distant. Then on to titchwell for Whiskered Tern and Pec Sand, and finshed the day at Cley with White-rumped Sandpiper.
Quick Update
As I haven't been keeping this up to date I will try to do so from now on (19/10/06), but between April and now I have seen 4 Lifers (in no particular order) Scops Owl, Wilsons Phalarope, Spotted Sandpiper and Long-billed Dowitcher. 9th Sept got married, then Eygpt (27 lifers).
April 2006
I went to Binham on the 2nd April to see the Fem Black Redstart, then to Cley where there were Sandwich Terns. Then on the pager Alpine Swift Whitlingham which I missed by about 5 mins. If it was a week day I would of been at work and seen it, typical.I did get Sand Martin there though. I then went to Waxham on the way saw a Swallow at Martham, at Waxham I had Northern Long-tailed tit and Firecrest.
March 2006
A trip to Stifkey Fen produced Ruddy Duck and Jack Snipe on the 25th March and then down to Santon Downham for the Great Grey Shrike.
Another extended lunch break on 20th March to see the Drk Scaup at filby.
Still didn't dare to go out until 18th March where I waited for 4 hours to see the Red Kite at Ryburgh. Also went to titchwell and saw Rob. (bloody cold still though)
At the begining of March I was still ill I was back at work in time to pop out and see the Garganey at Whitlingham on 10th March.
February 2006
4th February, Well one month down and another attempt to see the Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler at Horsey with no joy this is a bird which must weekend away because on the Monday yet again it is on the pager. No sign of the Green-winged Teal either in fact I had no new year ticks this weekend. Did see Goosander Drk on Horsey Mere first thing and some more Bearded Tits.
Later went to Stubb Mill roost where we saw 8 Cranes, 4 Barn Owls and a Male Hen Harrier.
6th February saw Cetti's Warbler in Thorpe - Norwich
Been very busy with exam studying so haven't been out much
18th February Saw American Wigeon at Breydon and Rock Pipit on the South Wall, then went to Winterton North Dunes where I got a fem Goshawk high over.
Rest of February I was ill I had caught chest infection.
January 2006
The 1st of January is always a big day for me I head out to see as many as I can to get a good start to the year.
This year like most years I go with my Dad and we started as alway's at Titchwell, we arrived at 7.30am at which point had already seen Red-legged Partridge, Tawny Owl, Blackbird and Song Thrush on the way.
Titchwell is always great for picking up a core number of spieces this year we saw 76 just at Titchwell, highlight were fly-by's of many divers all of which were Red-throated Divers appart from one Black-throated Diver and one Great Northern Diver. Also on the sea were Common and Velvet Scoter, Northern Eider and Red-breasted Merganser.
On the way back on the Brackish marsh was another Red-breasted Merganser and a Kingfisher.
We managed to pick up most of the common birds and a Bacon Butty and then headed to Chosley for Corn Bunting which were in a huge flock of 210+.
Then when driving the back roads of Chosley on the pager come's Norfolk ROSS'S GULL Cley by the coastguards. So we headed straight there incase it decided to go up the point like the day before (one and a half mile treck along shingle was a leg breaker but worth it).
Arrived at Cley and could see the crowds of birders and the Ross's Gull which is the best 1st January bird I have seen.
We then headed to Holkham to try for LS Woodpecker but no joy, did get Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper though.
It was then 3.00 so we went to Warham roost and got our last two birds of the day Grey Heron and Hen Harrier which made it 104.
104 was a good start not as good as last years 111 but didn't see many common spieces including Pied Wagtail and Long-tailed Tit.
2nd January Produced Black Guillemot - at Titchwell, Little Bunting and Dartford Warbler Morston and Waxwing
3rd January Slavonian Grebe Norwich in a lunch time rush to see it.
5th January at the car before I left for work a Pied Wagtail (where have they been for the past 5 days)
7th January started early at Kelling Water Meadows for Bittern which was wondering around a cow field without a care in the world and was even brave enough to see off an approching cow, also saw a Water Rail there.
I then headed to Salthouse and saw only two Snow Buntings and a dabbling Red-Breasted Merganser on the pool, sea watching produced many Red-throated Divers, Guillemot and Razorbill, there was also a single Puffin close inshore which then took off west. I then located a Black Brant opposite the Dun Cow and headed to Titchwell to try and find Tundra Bean Goose but after a few hours of looking through Pink-feet I gave up.
Then went to Flitcham Abbey and saw Little Owl and another Water Rail.
On the way home had Mandarin Duck at Felbrigg and 50+ Bewick's, 5 Whooper and one Black Swan at Brunstead.
14th January left early and went to Holkham to try and find the Richardson's Canada Goose when we arrived spent an hour looking. There was no Richardson's (to be seen in 40,000 Pink-footed Geese) but Barn Owl being mob by a Kestrel behind us and White-fronted Geese also, both new for the year. After the hour we headed to the bay, couldn't see the Shorelark at first but there were a handful of Snow Buntings. It was still early so we went to look at the sea.
On the sea there three HUGE flocks of scoter one close in, scaning through the flock found a few Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Ducks and Red-necked Grebe.
We then went back around the dunes for another look for Shorelark we walked along the dunes asking every person if they had seen them but they all came out with the same 'no but there's a few Snow Bunts' so we continued walking. It felt like we were nearly in Wells before we nearly stood on six Shorelarks (see home page) which flew out from under our feet. We watch them for a while but then the pager said Richardson's Canada Goose so of we went back to the freshmarsh.
We spent another one and a half hours scaning the flock but no joy but we did pick out two Peregrines sitting in with the geese though. We then headed towards the park with a detour to dip the Rough-legged Buzzard at Wighton. In the park only one year tick a Green Woodpecker otherwise it was very quiet in there, so we went back to Wighton for another look. Still no Rough-leg but three Common Buzzards were great.
I then went to Stubb Mill Hickling for the roost which was as good as alway's with 3/4 Ringtail Hen Harriers, 20+ Marsh Harriers and 4/5 Merlin. But after all the raptors had gone there were still no Cranes the warden there said that they will come in from the left but they may feed into the night as it's a full moon (great). But at 16.48 there they were 28 dark blobs with necks, a great way to finsh the day which produced nine year ticks with Cranes.
15th January another early start off to Wayland Wood arrived there at 8.00am. Year tick as I got out of the car there was a pair of Marsh Tits which were the first of many. While wondering around the wood for three hours other year ticks were Woodcock, Long-tailed Tit and Bullfinch. Then I heard a Golden Pheasent and through the undergrowth a single male was creeping through.
I then headed to Eaton Park to see Hawfinch which was very easy to find and showed quite well. Staying in Norwich I then went to Whittlingham Lane to see the Red Head Smew and also saw Rob Martin who said that was his 4th bird of the year (at least thats one person out of the running this year). That was two more ticks so I then went to Filby.
I arrived at Filby and was straight on to the Black-necked Grebe in the middle of the broad after every that was there left the grebe then swam towards me and came down to 10m to give some cracking views. I then went the other side of the road and was looking at a flock of Siskins when 10 Lesser Redpolls flew in and at least 1 Mealy Redpoll was with them. So another great way to finish today with 10 year ticks bring my total to 139.
18th January sat at work in Norwich Grey Wagtial on garage roof oppisite.
21st January another ealry start at Holkham for the Richardson's Canada Goose but still no joy as I arrived all the geese took off and headed inland so I followed found them to somewhere near North Creake where I did find a Tundra Bean Goose and Barnacle Goose but no Richardson's. I then went to Holkham Park to look for the elusive Hume's which I had no joy in finding but did see Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit. After 3 hours I gave up so I went up to Wighton and saw the Rough-legged Buzzard hovering about 3 miles away towards Stifkey.
22nd January frosty start went to Flitcham and saw only two Tree Sparrows which was very disapointing also saw Little Owl again, then went to Chosley and saw Lapland Bunting in the huge flock of Corn Bunts, Linnets and Sky Larks on the wires there. Then went to Morston for the Twite thats 148 for the year and still top.
28th January early start headed to Horsey Mill in the field just south of the mill were two Water Pipits with a flock of around 30 Meadow Pipits which then flew off at about 8.00. So I then went into the NT car park to look for the Hume's Yellow-browed Warbler and went around the plantation I did see Bearded Tits in the reed bed behind the plantation and saw a well marked ring-tail Harrier and 22+ Cranes. But four hours later still no Hume's so I went to yarmouth.
At Yarmouth I saw around 40 Med Gulls so I headed back to Horsey for another wait for 3 more hours still no Hume's so I went home.
29th January went to Lynford and within two hours I saw several Crossbills, Firecrest and fem Goosander on the GP. After that I went to Cantley for the Taiga Bean and saw more Water Pipits and then headed to Horsey Mill again as a Green-winged Teal had been spotted.
No sign of Green-winged Teal after scanning through the teal flock for an hour and half so I had another look for the Hume's but still no sign maybe the Sparrow Hawk had got it I thought (but no its been seen again on 31st January). I Will try again at the weekend (fingers crossed).