Sculthorpe Moor Putative

Wednesday February 20

Sculthorpe Moor's Redpolls have become the centre of many a discussion. Was it an Arctic?  Were all the pale ones Mealy?

The Scandinavian Arctic Redpoll, or Coues’s Arctic Redpoll as it is sometimes known, breeds in Northern Europe eastwards into Siberia, extending from southern Novaya Zemlya,Finland, Sweden, Norway and in to northern Denmark. In southern Lapland, the species breeds in alpine Birch forests and overlaps with the breeding range of the Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis flammea).

Scandinavian Arctic Redpoll can be separated from a well-marked Mealy Redpoll by the following criteria -:

1) Overall whiteness of plumage, with variable amounts of light streaking on the
flanksides and predominantly gleaming white undertail coverts, often with a single
evenly narrow dark shaft-streak on the longest feather;
2) A noticeably ‘pinched-in’ short, concave bill, in contrast to the typical long, pointed
bill of Mealy. Also, the red forehead poll averages smaller;
3) A noticeable gleaming white rump, with some occasional streaking at the sides and at each end. The tail of exilipes is longer than that of Mealy;
4) Cloaked feathering on the nape feathers and much white saturation in the mantle;
Mealies often show white ‘tram-lines’ but do not have such intense white ground
colouration;
5) Cloaked feathering on the tarsi but this feature overlaps with a good proportion of
Mealies;
6) Slightly bulkier and heavier than Mealy, especially around the nape, with an
extensive pure white greater covert wing bar and white fringes to the flight feathers
and tertials; Mealy Redpolls are often grey or buff marked in these areas.
Additionally, the ear coverts of exilipes are almost concolorous with the rest of the
head whereas Mealy Redpoll is invariably darker on the ear coverts;
7) Separation from a well-marked grey Mealy Redpoll is very difficult and with some
individuals may be impossible but generally these will have a dark-streaked pale
rump, mantle tramlines, a much stouter bill and more streaks on the sides and on the
undertail.
8) Again, some Icelandic Northwestern Redpolls can approach this appearance but are generally much more heavily streaked, much longer-billed and darker streaked on
the upperparts and on the rump. They are also much larger.

Confused?  

We arrived before mid morning to find a full car parking area near the volunteers portakabin - to which we are allowed to drive. I picked up a free wheelchair so that I could be sure of a seat, pushed it round the corner of the boardwalk finding the bench had room for two. Two people were stood in the only space where the chair fitted. I had to park it in front of the bench, hoping that there was enough room for passing wheelies. 

Ten minutes passed without a single bird appearing on or near the two long, niger seed filled, hanging feeders. A cheerful wave heralded the approach of Sue and Ian who failed to see THE bird yesterday but, believed that they had succeeded this morning. Whilst chatting, Redpolls flew into the top of the alder trees before flitting down to the feeders, where they stayed for at least ten minutes. I took many photographs, hoping for one which was sharp enough to study, as they were some distance away for a 300mm lens on a cloudy day. There were aslo a couple of Siskins present, a species Pam had previously missed.

This reminds me of 'Good, Better, Best' on the Antiques Roadshow.

I believe that the feeder holds Siskin, 1 Mealy Redpoll, one Lesser Redpoll and one pretty convincing Arctic Redpoll.

Some more photos.........

Our second Treecreeper  ascended an adjoining tree.

Our next target was Courtyard Farm, where large flocks of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings had been reported. We found flocks of Chaffinches and Goldfinches in the many weedy set-aside areas of this organic farm but, not the birds for which we searched. Even better for me was the Rough-legged Buzzard, which attracted my attention by hovering, before flying away across a ridge, showing its white tail with the banded end.

An extremely low tide at Brancaster Staithe did not keep us long.

The sun's appearance, together with the hazel catkins which adorn the hedgerows, reminded me that Spring is on its way. This photo show a single female flower, an inconspicuous red tuft.

Cockthorpe airfield was the last call and, at last, success. A Little Owl hid very successfully underneath, and at the far end of, the 13 A roof coping.

 

Wild Gos Chase

Monday February 11

Surely they'd be flying after such a cold, overcast and rainy weekend? To-day dawned bright and sunny. East to west across Norfolk is always a tortuous journey, especially if the driver wants to avoid Norwich. Two hours on the way there (Norfolk's worst kept secret location), one and a half on the return journey when we turned off the SatNav and made for Bawdeswell.

We saw our 2018 bird in the Brecks, we haven't been on this hunt for a few years so it was definitely via the pretty way that we reached the lay-by which allows one to look over a field, to a distant belt of trees. Three other cars parked, their occupants taking up the available space. We squeezed in and then moved to a better situation when two cars-full left. 

Scoping from the car, I soon picked up two Goshawks rising from the left of the trees before performing a short courtship display. Their slow, deep, wing flapping reminded me of the flight of a Nightjar. I then had the best - and longest - scope views ever as they flew along the tree line, soon separating. The one I followed spiralled ever higher, staying around for about half an hour. Not visible to the naked eye, a speck in the bins., not much better in the scope. I needed a photo for my year folder. It is a Goshawk.............. 

After a short ride up the road to try and see what a Buzzard had been feeding on roadside - it was a cock Pheasant with maize spilling out of its gizzard - we returned to the empty lay-by for more views and lunch. Dot and Steve drew up. The fine day had encouraged Steve to take a day off work - he's self employed. The high and distant bird was still around as were four spirallng Buzzards.

What a lovely day. 

This is one of  the Grey Wagtails I took at  Holt Sewage Treatment Works. Another 2019 folder shot.

 

Wild Goose Chase

Thursday February 7

Sitting over a cuppa and a chat in Cley Centre is always a pleasure. Even on a grey drizzly day. Tales of adventures in icy Japan from returning birders, anticipating forthcoming trips to Baja California and Southerm Mexico by others. Moth identification too. We trapped five Pale Brindled Beauty, two Chestnuts and the first 2019 Small Quaker last night  Greg had a Spring Usher,  Richard a probable heracliana micro. 

A handsome Marsh Harrier cruised the reeds close by,  before causing a general  and chaotic aerial scramble of resting ducks whilst returning across the pools. Beach Road called. 

Two large flocks of Brent Geese drew attention on the way out, we'd look at them on the way back. A smaller group washed and drank in the large puddle near the car park in the Eye Field. A quick look from the car park proved positive for the Pale-bellied Brent Goose seen here earlier. A stop on the road brought the flock even nearer.

To enhance the sighting, two Grey Partridges ran across the field between us and the geese.

There had been talk of other geese in a Pink-feet flock between Wiveton and Langham. Near enough to check, although the last report was at 10 a.m. 

We soon found a flock, lucky enough to park in an adjacent muddy lane where there was a large gap in the hedge. I scoped the flock for nearly half an hour, not completely satisfied with any views of Tundra Bean Geese. Were they orange legs or just dark pink? Was it 6cms larger than the Pink-foot? Did it only have a small pink band across the end of the bill? 

Finally, YEEEES. I was happy with one and Pam saw it too.

We were able to reverse from pole position and allow one of the waiting cars to take our place.

Annual Must

Monday February 5

Waking to steady rain meant another latish start. The SatNav route didn't help. It took us via Norwich, much traffic and many roadworks. Tedious. We came home via Kings Lynn and the A149 which took an almost identical time - and was an enjoyable drive. Pam stopped whinging.

Ah yes. Where did we go? Welney WWT reserve.

Ten mile bank had warnings of 'Danger, poor road surface'. They were not joking. It was undulating, had deep hollows usefully full of water to-day, and broken verges. Several herds of mainly Whooper Swans heralded the reserve's approach. Where were all the Corn Buntings? 

Exiting the car, we were greeted by..... silence. No swans at all in the adjacent field. 

Whilst I was in the loo, Pam noticed a couple of buggies in the entrance lobby. A volunteer on desk duty said that they were freely available. One of them had a front basket into which my camera would fit. Great. With a veneer of panache I drove it straight into the lift without knocking anything, including Pam who squeezed in beside me. My scope just fitted between me and the steering column. Coffee was first on the agenda. The cafe was empty apart from one table occupied by grandparents and two small children, who soon finished their refreshments and left. We had a window table overlooking the feeders below - which had no birds at all. A few minutes passed before a small flock of handsome Tree Sparrows, two Goldfinches and a few Reed Buntings descended.

They fed for a few minutes, departing for the nearby reeds and bramble,  before repeating the activity. One adult and a juvenile Moorhen, plus a female Pheasant, arrived to clear up the food scattered below by the feeding birds.

Time to cross the windy bridge over the road to the main hide. More like a waiting room than a hide. Centrally heated with a row of comfortable chairs along the large, down-angled windows, overlooking a vast watery marsh. The deeper water nearby held a number of swans, mainly Whooper with a few Bewick's (Tundra) and Mute and about a 100 male Pochard in splendid breeding plumage. 

Most of the female ducks are sunning themselves in southern France and Spain..We walked in on a warden giving a general talk on 'what's about' which was both informative and interesting. Two of the six others present spent much of the time having a private conversation - and not a quiet one. I found this intrusive and rude. Is that the ex teacher talking? 

At least it had stopped raining, but visibility was poor. We both enjoyed taking photographs through the windows before I started to scan the distant bank where the Cattle Egrets were reputed to hang oiut. Not to-day. I did find the Ring-necked Duck, several Snipe, Pintail, Wigeon, Canada Geese, Moorhen, Coot, Greylag. Pam also found Black-tailed Godwits and Marsh Harrier when I passed her the scope. 

Time for a second intake of hot drink and snack. Same table - the only other occupants were the chef and helper on a break and, four male birders.

More attempts at photography, this time a very distant Great White Egret on the pools viewable from the cafe.

Contented and refreshed, we left the car park and found a Barn Owl on the roadside fence. Unfortunately,  a car coming towards us spooked the bird into flight but it returned. We both managed a few pics.

Ten Mile Bank successfully negotiated, Golden Plover added to the month list, cheap petrol £1.14.9 a litre at Lynn Sainsbury's and a good journey home .......in sunshine. 

Tuesday February 5

After leaving Natural Surroundings, we drove in to Holt Sewage Works. It being a weekday, the gates were open, enabling is to drive in for an unimpeded view of the gravel beds. I immediately saw a Grey Wagtail hitching a ride on one of the sprinkler arms circulating the furthest bed. Thanks Mike.

Another Month

Friday February 1

A gentle drizzle fell as we left at 8.30 a.m., hoping to avoid early ice and traffic. The rain soon stopped but it was louring grey overcast until mid morning. We did well for variety this morning, despite the conditions. A Grey Heron had flown towards Roy's pond before we left and we'd got to mid teens by the time we reached Sculthorpe Moor Reserve. We'd decided that a visit to the Portakabin feeders there would help the day's list considerably.  Bullfinches (3), Brambling (2 males) are expected. Surprisingly, we saw both these species elsewhere during the day but, not the Dunnock feeding under the station. No Mealy Redpoll for us, regularly reported here throughout the day, nor the Long-tailed Tits , Coal Tit and Marsh Tit seen during our last visit. We only stayed for 20 minutes or so as the daylight hours are still short.

The highlight was.....at last.......never had tio wait so long before, Barn Owl at the far end of the field abutting the car park. The cold spell has forced it to hunt in daylight.

Red Kite is almost expected near the dead end lane we favour near Harpley and the Dogotel. Not disappointed to-day. Off the lane is a 'conservation headland' where we photographed wild flower swathes earlier last year. This planting was identical to the one on the RSPB farm highlighted on Countryfile a couple of Sundays ago. None of the myriad Yellowhammers and other finches gathered on their farm hedgerows though. 

No hares there to-day either, yet there were several off Valley Farm Lane and at Choseley.

The dense hedgerows just before Abbey Farm Hide held a mass of constantly flying from side to side finches.So restless that we couldn't capture an identification view in our bins.Then, I worked out that their disappearance from view in the hedge was because they were landing in the field behind. Duh.

Pam reversed, pulling bonnet first into a gateway. From there we could see that the flock of 150+ was mostly Chaffinches, but a third of them were Bramblings. They'd hardly touched the ground below the dead seed holding vegetation belt in the fileld than they were off again. Fortunately, many stayed in the hedge facing the field where we could admire the stand-out male Bramblings, their mottled orange and brown plumage highlighted by the weak winter sun.

So busy looking that I forgot to use my camera !

The plug had been pulled at Snettisham. Miles of mud with a scattering of waders which had to be searched for. The sea edge masses were too distant to ID.

Curlew, Shelduck, Dunlin, Grey Plover, one Great Ringed Plover. Where has the flock of Golden Plover gone? None seen all day. The highlighgt was a dozen or more Pintail, the males' white breasts standing out amongst the drabber Wigeon.

One male Goldeneye, a mass of Greylags, Wigeon and Teal on the pits, a few Coot and one Moorhen. Then Pam spotted a distant male Gadwall.

Hunstanton Town seashore car park was a chance to photograph Starling and Rock Dove for the year folder.

The tide was coming in at Thornham and well in at Brancaster. Our 2019 tide timetable only covers Snettisham. Pam bought them at Titchwell when she went to renew our driving permit for Snettisham. The latter has always been a laminated card which we handed in and accepted a replacement with a change of date - if the car number was the same. This time, Email address, telephone number and much other information was required and the result ? A grotty piece of thin folded A4 paper. That will need safe keeping.

A lot of extra work for the staff too.
We added a dusky feathered Rock Pipit, an adult Mediterranean Gull and Black-tailed Godwit at Brancaster Staithe. 
Two Barnacle Geese in the flock of several hundred Pinkfeet spread across the Gun Hill marsh.
A Great White Egret, Ruff and a few Marsh Harriers at Holkham.
More Marsh Harriers in much faded light at Stiffkey. Unfortunately no Hen Harrier this time nor Little Owl at Cockthorpe.

What an enjoyable day.