Hebrides Blog Link

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Getting Ready

 Sunday, April 25

Tenderstem seedlings and newly sprouted peppers now potted on into pots big enough for almost a month's growth whilst we are away. Sturdy Cucumber plants also in the ground in the lean-to greenhouse. I'd planned all my planting on the well-founded assumption that we would be unable to travel. Andrea will see to the watering whilst we are away.

Not knowing that we were able to go to the Hebrides until about ten days ago, there has been a lot of re-organising to do. The Highlands week already cancelled, the route has changed. England's Travelodges closed to non essential travellers until May 17 meant a direct drive to Scotland. A long day's drive for two octogenarians. Pam decided that taking our time and making regular stops would make it possible. I ended up making it a three night journey up, we can bird as we go - nothing new there. Our first stop will be at Gretna Green, as near to the border as is possible. The second at Dunbarton, a mere 90 miles. The final night, before crossing to the Isle of Mull, is at Corran Ferry, north of Oban. Convenient for the ferry, only seven miles from Fort William and the large supermarket where we can stock up for the week. 

New rules for the cottage too. We have to take our own bed linen, kitchen linen, and towels, to Burn Cottage on Mull. All islands ask for a lateral flow Covid test to be taken three days before, and a second one one day before travel. As mentioned in my last post.That's two lots for us. The second batch of tests has arrived, I was only allowed one at a time.. 

The hotel on Skye where we need to stay after leaving Mull, and before the ferry to North Uist, had not kept our booking. I found another Hotel - all B and Bs are still closed.The ferry from Uig is also booked, tickets to be collected on the day. Phew.

So, late afternoon, after the Man U match, we went birding. To Hickling NWT Reserve where, on production of a Blue Badge, one can drive to Whiteslea Lodge. Very little about on a dull, cool day. Willow Warblers the main songsters, Marsh Harriers busying about.  On the return journey, a cloud of Hirundine appeared. Mostly Swallows and Sand Martins with at least one House Martin. I saw one of the latter at West Runton, Pam didn't. Pam got out to climb the bank for a better view, returning quickly to point out a male Yellow Wagtail on top of a tree stump. Lovely. We then drove to Stubb Mill where we had very good views of a flying Common Crane. At last.

Pam has been keeping a record of garden birds. There have been no Brambling for the last three days. 

My Gentian sink looks great at the moment. They haven't much enjoyed the overnight frost and low temperature. but look fine from a distance. One of my very favourite flowers. This particular species is supposedly an Autumn flowering variety, all the plants derived from a single pot bought from Inshriach Alpine Nursery in the Highlands.

 

Migrant Catch-up

 Wednesday, April 21

Mid afternoon is not the optimum time to visit Barton Broad, that's what we did though. Using my Rollator, I walked out to the viewing platform along a wire netting covered boardwalk.through wet Alder carr. A couple of small patches of Slime Mould, a juvenile bracket fungus, and our first Willow Warbler of the year.The Alder catkins looked lovely, I should have photographed them.

Sitting on the viewing platform is a real penance in a northerly wind. We only managed about ten minutes, during which we saw distant Great Crested Grebes, Sand Martins and the odd Swallow skimming the far water, three Common Terns fishing near the reed bed. The birds are always rather far away here, I used my telescope which I transport laid across Rolly's seat. The bag takes my camera and 1-400 lens comfortably, better when when it isn't zoomed.

On the return trundle, the sun appeared, and immediately there was more bird song. At least three Willow Warblers, Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird and Blue Tit.

Pam had noticed a newly mown meadow in the last mile or so before the reserve disabled car park. On the return journey, Pam called a Mistle Thrush there as I called Ring Ouzel. Yes, it was definitely a two bird moment. The Ouzel was a female. No sooner had I pointed my lens than she flew off into the wood. We had to move on as it's a narrow one car lane and traffic arrived. We turned round, there was the Mistle - and a male Ring Ouzel. I took a few 'proof it was there' shots before we had to move on again.

 

Only the Thrush remained on our third passing.

Thursday April 22

There was a moth-ing session at Cley this morning. Due to Covid restrictions, only six people could be present, Pam and I volunteered to give it a miss. We shall be in Scotland for the next four sessions. Instead, we went to Titchwell. I haven't walked there for more than eighteen months.We aproached via Choseley, seeing our first Common Whitethroats, zipping about in the hedge, singing as they chased, never still.

A Kestrel led us a merry dance along the road. I have become a little obsessed with taking a decent photo of one. This is the best so far, keep trying.

 

The Fishermen's car park, which we have used for over thirty years, saving at least a hundred metres of walking, is ever more difficult. Soil tipped at the far end turning area, overgrown bushes and 'road' churned up by large machinery. I think it was a fifteen point turn.

Blackcaps sang as we set off towards the beach. The path looks flat. In actuality it has loose stones on a dusty grey surface which sends judders up my arms the whole time, some parts worse than others. My Rollator is not a cross country machine, they are too heavy to lift in and out of the car. What I need is some new, bigger and softer, wheels. Having complained, it  did make it possible for me to walk as far as the freshwater pool, making use of all the seats available. These became magically vacated as we approached. Was it Rolly?

More Willow , three Cetti's, and a few Sedge Warblers sang their delight and ''keep off my space'', songs. Bearded Tits pinged low in the reeds, a distant Bittern boomed.

At one stop. we were hailed by a couple who had attended Cley Moths last year, when they lived in Worcestershire. They now live in Snettisham. Both had been to look at the moths on the Visitor Centre wall near an outside light. Pam did so when she went to the shop for a hot drink, Early Tooth-stripe, Brindled Beauty and some I forget .True to my reputation, I would never have recognised this very pleasant couple. Probably not next time either.

The freshwater pool was full of water. We managed to see four Sandwich Terns hunkered down on a mud bank, head tucked under wing, before the slow walk back.

Our hot drinks were enjoyed at Brancaster Staithe, watching an inrushing tide, and the efforts by the owner of a Pelican dinghy to  launch the boat, and then, to  battle the currents, the sail flapping out of control. He had to use his outboard in the end. Very entertaining. A few Turnstone, Redshank and Oystercatchers were the only waders we saw.

North Point brought me a very welcome year tick - we didn't see one at all last year.  What a daft bogey bird when they are so common. A Common Snipe. At last.

A thoroughly enjoyable day out, although tiring on unfit legs with very dodgy knees.

We got home to find that our free pack of seven Covid lateral testing kits had arrived. I discovered on Tuesday that the Scottish Islands have asked for tests to be taken three days, and another, one day, before entry. The result has to be logged on the NHS website. As we are visiting two islands, we need two lots of tests. I sent for ours, they are available from major pharmacies.

 

Back at NS

Tuesday, April 20

Not many moths again in the Natural Surroundings traps, on a cloudless, warm, late spring morning. Very misty overnight, burnt off soon after dawn. Twelve of  us were present, we outnumbered the moths. The highlight was three Pammene Giganteana, Early Oak Piercer, pheromone lured by Andy, there at NS, into a hanging trap.

Pam's photo

 

After a hot drink and the usual enjoyable sociable chat, Pam and I went on to Morston. The tide was well in, the first of the seal watching boats' passengers returning to the far mooring spots. We did a quick turn around, parking on a small rise behind the cafe, overlooking the creek, marsh, and  the field where the target bird had been seen. We waited and watched, a Buzzard perched on a post and then a tree, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Jackdaws in the field. Brent Geese grazing on the marsh and two fly-by Swallows.

Another birder arrived, setting up his scope below us in a hedge gap. Pam joined him. He hadn't seen the bird either, she returned to the car. A few minutes later, he beckoned and we drove over. The handsome male Ring Ouzel had appeared out of the hedge lining the seaward edge of he field. Cue some shutter clicking. 

 

Despite all our entreaties, it never did come any closer.

We thanked the helpful birder, and drove to Cley Beach car park. No sight nor sound of the Sedge Warbler we saw last Thursday - nor of any other migrant. Maybe West Runton would be more productive.

As we could produce an NENBC membership card, the car park fee was only £1. We parked behind the hut so that I could look at the sea. Ian and Sue soon joined us. We'd made contact as we drove in. They'd walked, but the reputed Black and a Common Redstart plus a Common Whitethroat were nowhere to be seen. Whilst we chatted, a constant small scattering of hirundine flew through. Mainly Sand Martins with a few Swallows, and probably at least one House Martin. Both Sue and I thought that we had seen one. Better views wanted. A lone Fulmar was the only seabird of interest, a female Wheatear popping up on the edge of the cliff in front of us, was a delight.

 

Garden Update

Sunday, April 18 

 Our splendid tomato plants are now in their permanent home, the lean-to greenhouse. My aim always is to have them in situ before our annual Scottish trip as they are easier to water, and to care for. 

 

 The pots placed beside them direct the water straight to the roots.

 

I'm keeping the cucumber plants cossetted in the propogator at night, a little longer.

 

One is not encouraged to grow tomatoes and cues together as  the former inhibit the success of the latter. I've not found this to be a problem so will continue. The cues are planted out of direct sunlight, against the white painted back wall.

The alpine bed has dainty Narcissus bulbocodium, Hoop Petticoat, in bloom, a much increased group.

 

and this delightful white flower I bought from a rather good alpine plant nursery near Inverness.The marker has disappeared so I don't know its name.

 

The latest miniature tulip to flower forms a much smaller clump than last year, I must have removed some of the bulbs when I re-made that area of the bed last year. 

 

Watching Prince Phillip's funeral yesterday, I was captivated by the  Last Post etc beautifully played by the military brass bandsmen - although the instruments were silver. Dad played Euphonium in the Ystradgynlais Silver Band when they were in the top class with bands such as Foden Motors, Black Dyke Mills and Manchester CWS.  I sometimes accompanied him to rehearsals, sitting on the step beside him, reading a book. We once joined him on a trip to the Albert Hall for the annual National Championships. Manchester was another venue we attended. Most of the bands had Ystradgynlais old boys playing for them, lured by a better job out of the coal mine. One of the other conductors was a son of the Ystradgynlais band's leader.

All I remember about the London trip was seeing the Crazy Gang and Tommy Trinder at the Palladium (Aunt got the tickets),and being shown around the Kensington home of the then Speaker of the House of Commons. Dad's oldest sister, Aunt Ann, was his housekeeper. He had stuffed birds in cases lining the staircase. I remember a Tawny Owl.

Manchester was notable for going to watch a Doris Day movie - Move Over Darling - in a very plush cinema where an organ appeared from the floor to play a medley before the curtains opened. A real treat for a little Welsh girl.

Permit Renewal

Tuesday, April 13 

At last. Natural Surroundings was permitted to open its doors to visitors again. Our first moth-ing session of the year did not promise well. The temperature went down to freezing overnight - again - the ground was frost-white this morning. Unsure as to exactly where the traps were to be opened to-day, I believe that the Herb Garden is down the grassy slope below the Pavilion, I stayed in the car. The slope can be slippery. The path down from the car park is also hazardous for the unsure of knee.

I could see that there was a good turnout busying themselves fetching the traps etc. I sat and caught up on some magazine reading, listening to Blackcap song on a beautiful sunny morning.

Mike was the first to appear, coming over for a welcome chat, good to see people again. Pam then returned, accompanied by Val, another pleasant catch-up. Although one keeps in touch by text, email and phone, it's really good to talk face to face again.

Only three moths in the two traps, a paucity, as we all suspected. 

We decided not to stay for coffee as we'd planned a visit to Titchwell, to renew our long overdue permit to drive down at Snettisham RSPB. We then had a chiropodist appointment in Sheringham at 2.00,  the time available was truncated.

Driving west along the coast road was novel, we always drive west inland and return via the coast. A good decision. As we approached Wells, Pam called a large raptor flying almost overhead. The road was straight, we were able to stop safely. Now it came into my view. A White-tailed Eagle using the thermals to climb, its immense, broad, finger-feathered wings majestic, silhouetted against a blue sky. Accompanied by the usual coterie of shepherding raptors, Buzzards on this occasion, dwarfed by their target. They all disappeared.

Armed with the old permit and my Blue Badge, getting a new permit at Titchwell was straightforward - after the long one way system taking Pam around the whole shop. Good sales ploy. More Blackcap song whilst I waited. The toilets are cordoned off, two portaloos in the corner of the car park replacing them. Covid distancing I suppose.

As we drove into Brancaster Staithe, it was obvious that there had been a high tide. The brick-red, summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwits, probing the wet banks,  had soft-mud encrusted legs and beaks.  

 

On to the rise for lunch. A winter plumaged Grey Plover, a couple of Curlew, Turnstones, Redshanks and Oystercatchers kept us amused. As did the groups of Brent Geese rising from the distant marsh. One landed on nearer mud,. leaving only its footprints behind - like all good naturalists.

 

We now have a much improved view from the Meals House road gate. Hedges have been cleared, enabling a panoramic view of the marsh, and the Cormorant and Spoonbill nesting trees. We saw several Spoonbills, a Grey Heron, Red Kites, Marsh Harrier, Egyptian Geese and a herd of Belted Galloway. Retrospectively, we missed the five Cranes seen along the coast, including over Holkham.

Morston's resident Turkey was in full display mode, tail fanned to its extreme, neck arched, wattle and comb bright red and engorged, strutting his stuff. The female looked totally disinterested. 

Inspecting the brackish pool on the west of the far car park, Pam noticed a partially hidden wader, which obligingly climbed the bank into distant view. Our first Whimbrel of the year. Very well camouflaged.

 

One of the wintering Greenshank fed at the southern end of the creek.

Time to endure the 6-8 weekly toenail cutting before driving home for a welcome cuppa.

No White Tail

Saturday, April 10 

 

Maybe it was worth another go, after a distant speck at Cley and a dip at Horsey  This is definitely in my top five favourite birds, and my favourite UK raptor. Pallas's Sea Eagle, my most wanted raptor, seems like a distant dream now, impossible to achieve.

A twenty five minute drive, scanning the sky as we went, we arrived at Horsey Mill. The layby was full, the four cars present's occupants all looking west. We stopped further along, and could see nothing. 

As we passed on the return journey, one of the cars took off at speed. We followed - this has paid off in the past, daft though it sounds. He swung into the Horsey Corner car park track where a small group of birders were looking through scopes. We stopped just before all the no parking bollards to scan the field to the south. The juvenile White-tailed Eagle, one of the Isle of Wight release birds, was sat on the ground at least 400 metres away.

A birder we know as a member of Great Yarmouth Bird Club, told us that it was a bird new to East Anglia, according to Roy Dennis, Number G466 (if my memory serves me correctly). We sat and watched it for about ten minutes before it did a short flight, resuming its position, just gazing about, being buzzed by Magpies. 

It took off again, this time rising slowly before flying strongly away, the massive yellow beak very obvious, even at this distance, its lack of a white tail indicative of its lack of years.  

 

I am not proud of these photos, but pleased I got anything, hand holding a 400mm lens looking past Pam and out of the driver's open window. Into the sun and very distant too. Do these sound like excuses? They are.

Pfizer 2

 Thursday, April 8

To-day's punctuation mark achieved, our second Pfizer Covid jab. As efficient and painless as the first. Same place too, Rossi's in North Walsham. 

On the way home, a small group of Red Deer were browsing on top of the hill where they often appear from the sanctuary of Bacton Woods.

 

Moth-ing has been very slow this week. Pam found this lovely Brindled Beauty holding on to the sheet hung behind the MV trap on Sunday night - taking the traps in early as it was blowing a gale.

 

This morning, both traps were empty, apart from our first of the year, Pale Pinion. One never knows. Part of the attraction is the Christmas morning parcel opening anticipation of the contents.

I had planned a visit to Cley yesterday morning, forgetting that Andrea was here. She changed the gardening day so that she could spend Easter Monday with her partner.

Friend Pauline texted, telling me that the bird had flown. Ah well. It wasn't long before a second text told me that it had returned. Thank you P.

Andrea helped Pam empty the car boot of the bird food we got from Van Der in Melton Constable yesterday - one of the sunflower kernel sacks was for her anyway - and we left for Cley.

Yes, the Grey Phalarope was still spinning manically, and sewing machine pecking, in the Eye Pool. Pam turned the car, and we joined three others parked on a wider part of the road, so that I could try some photography. I've never photographed this bird before - and would wish for better results. The combination of rapid movement and back lighting was too much of a challenge for me.

I also got some video footage, unfortunately forgetting that it also recorded us talking. I'll stay quiet next time.

Another turn around, we returned to the Cley Beach car park, parking sideways on at the far end so that we could see a patch of sea as well as the Eye Field. Almost immediately, an all white gull rose above the shingle, dropping before Pam could see the Iceland Gull I called. We had several more tantalising views as it kept appearing very briefly above the shingle, fishing actively along with a group of Herring Gulls. The trick was in trying to forecast where it would appear next. I managed three shots, all absolutely dreadful. Out of focus fuzz.

My attention then turned to the small groups of Kittiwakes passing through. I saw some lovely photographs of them on Twitter last night. Taken against a lively sea in stormy light by The White Falcon (Mark Golly), I believe. 

Three year ticks happy, we drove home.

On the way back from Van Der yesterday, a stop at our woodland watchpoint enabled me to take some photos of a Brambling in a tree rather than on feeders or the ground in the garden. We are still getting three daily. I much prefer a more natural background.

 

Starlings are beautiful - even if they do choose to perch on barbed wire. 

 

One Fine Day

 Sunday, April 4

The last two days have been very cold, I thought that these temperatures were due to continue for several more. To-day is sunny and warm, north-westerlies and snow are due to return to-morrow. The snow is definite in the north, a possibility everywhere. Those poor early Swallows will starve.

Some of my alpine tulips are in bloom.

 

 

Just look at the real height difference. I must look more carefully at the descriptions. I have never been very successful at translating centimetres into actuality. I'm good with kilos, grams, litres and metres 

We've managed to catch up with Casper, the Glaven Valley white Barn Owl at last. It was accompanied in flight by three other Barn Owls, of the usual colouration. Casper landed on a convenient post, which helped in the rain and dusk.

 

  

We have continued to trap moths with varying results. Mostly low numbers, the largest catch approaching a hundred.

Nut-tree Tussock

Powdered Quaker

Scalloped Hook-tip

Diurnea Fagella March Tubic - a micro

The garden Siskin count is now up to a dozen at once, and five Brambling to-day.

 

All Birding Day-

Thursday, April 1

For the first time ever, I did not play an April Fool's joke on Pam. I am always successful. a tribute to her trust and my ingenuity. I had planned something, but forgot to carry out the initial step, before deciding to have a year off. Instead, I concentrated on enjoying a good day's legal birding.

Soon after seven a.m. on a dull and cloudy morning, the first bird was a Pheasant. Not unusual. Our garden always has at least one bird, year round. Not welcome visitors, we have learnt to tolerate them most of the time. It's a case of forced acceptance really, until a Star Wars Force Field can be put into operation. Or, the Government could decide that they are alien birds and forbid the breeding of millions every year so that mindless idiots can shoot them as recreation.

Our first woodland bird stop was a disappointment. Surprisingly, only a few Chaffinches put in an appearance.  Onwards and westwards with much more traffic on the road.

Hares were prominent to-day, much to Pam's joy. We saw over 20 without ever searching for them. Buzzards were also plentiful, three down in a field were being bombed by a pair of Red Kites. That held us in thrall until the birds tired of their game and drifted away. Chiffchaffs chiffchaffed everywhere we went.

Tree Sparrows made their presence known by cheeping a different note from House Sparrow, from a dense Hawthorn Hedge. 

 

The same lane's grassy verges had clusters of small white flowers, which, on closer inspection turned out to be Violets. Not what we expected, wild violets are violet.. 

 

A set aside type weedy field, scanned for the usual Stock Doves - not present - brought a darkly handsome, summer plumaged Fieldfare into focus. For no apparent reason, about forty of the previously unseen birds sprang, chakking, into the sky and away.

 

We added three birds to the year list. The first, a pair of Grey Partridges loitering in a stubble field. The second, a joyous adult Swallow, swooping over a Snettisham Pit before flying away, and out to sea, over our heads. The third was Tree Sparrow.

The predicted 7 metre plus high tide was still covering the Wash when we arrived at Snettisham. A chance to have a coffee and a breakfast snack whilst waiting for some mud and birds to appear.The far pit's islands were inundated too, only a small amount of their surface showing. A black and white Oystercatcher carpet on the far bank, a small group of restless Knot, Cormorants playing statues, and a few Teal amongst the Greylag studding the free water.

As the tide receded, a few Ringed Plover, Turnstone, and Redshank fed along the shore. We left. 

Thornham was closed off. Why? High Tide which covers the road? Or, the terrible condition of the road's surface. more potholes than tarmac.

Brancaster Staithe also showed evidence of a very high tideline. Wet mud where one usually drives, with a sea detritus strewn tideline. Well coloured Black-tailed Godwits,

 

and Curlew were feeding avidly on the soft mud.

 

Avocet were sweeping madly in the outrushing, tidal creek, occasionally lurching into deep, swimming-level water before finding their feet again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holkham Marsh, viewed from the Meals House lane gateway, gave clear views of the destruction to trees caused by nesting Cormorants and Spoonbills. This the current Spoonbill tree with Cormorants next door.

 

We needed to get to the doctor's surgery before they closed in order to pick up our prescriptions, we turned inland at Stiffkey. 

Numbers were in the middle seventies, the three new year birds the highlight, as were Great White Egrets, and a Green Woodpecker.

 

Friday, April 2

After Pam had finished working in the garden with Adrian, we drove to Buckenham Marshes, where the Garganey which have nested there for the last few years have returned. Like yesterday, it was cold - 7C - with a cutting northerly wind. Within five minutes of arrival we'd talked to Dot, parked in front of her car where Steve was sitting, and seen the beautiful male Garganey swim across the dyke nearest to the car park hide. We stayed a while, getting three more looks at the male bird, one of the female, when they appeared distantly out of cover. Although Steve had kindly moved their car so that we had a better view, when they left it was even better. I took a few photos for the folder.