Monday January 31
We'd decided not to go out to-day as it will be a long day to-morrow. Getting up to a beautiful sunny day, it wasn't long before Pam suggested a trip to Cley Centre cafe. We both love the view from there, Pam wishes that home had something similar.
At my instigation we drove via Felbrigg. The main coast road between Antingham and Cromer is closed for ? weeks (that's what the notices say!). Our chosen detour is the minor road past Gunton - first left at the first closure notice.
The main gates to Felbrigg are also closed, the work on the new pillars still incomplete. On the offchance that access was allowed from the back entrance, we drove that way and, found that it was. As soon as we parked, a Little Owl was visible, hunched on a branch in it's nesthole tree. The sun had indeed brought it out.
Luckily, two people vacated seats at the window whilst Pam was ordering the coffee, their seats didn't get cold.
I was busily scanning the narsh when I became aware that someone was talking to me. Our near neighbours, Jackie and Colin, who were on the reserve for the day. I can often be oblivious to all around me and Colin's greeting wasn't his first. They're very keen but, not knowledgeable so we tried to help them out a bit with ID info on American Wigeon and Brent Geese in flight etc.
As we left the car park our first (!) Song Thrush flew across the road. Not a vintage January, 131 birds in total, all but one in Norfolk though.
Early start to-morrow, must clean up Robbie's sick and go to bed.
Monday, 31 January 2011
Sunday, 30 January 2011
A White One
Sunday January 30
Disgusted with our batsmen's capitulation in the Gabba ODI and Murray's anhilation in the Aussie Open, we drove to Lowestoft late morning. Ness Point was grey but not too cold. No sign of our target bird but three Purple Sandpipers on the rocks with Turnstones.
A slow drive along the front, inspecting all the gulls on the buildings, especially the Birdseye factory, mainly Black-headed with a few Herring.
Next stop, a seaside car park at the end of Corton Road, it's entrance blocks too narrow for all but the smallest saloons. We parked outside.
Jammy, a scope was already in situ, it's owner looking at the Iceland Gull perched on a distant groyne. Good year tick and, our first non Norfolk addition.
Nothing ventured........I haven't tried photographing through my scope simply holding my Ixus to the eyepiece.
This is the result, not scintillating but better than I expected. Must practice.
Leathes Ham is like someone's very large duckpond, full of many duck species - but how many are genuinely wild? No sign of the eight Scaup reported seen this morning though.
Home in time to watch Man City score a late equaliser against Notts County in the FA Cup. We've drawn (Man U) Crawley in the next round, the last 16. Should be a nice little earner for Crawley.
Disgusted with our batsmen's capitulation in the Gabba ODI and Murray's anhilation in the Aussie Open, we drove to Lowestoft late morning. Ness Point was grey but not too cold. No sign of our target bird but three Purple Sandpipers on the rocks with Turnstones.
A slow drive along the front, inspecting all the gulls on the buildings, especially the Birdseye factory, mainly Black-headed with a few Herring.
Next stop, a seaside car park at the end of Corton Road, it's entrance blocks too narrow for all but the smallest saloons. We parked outside.
Jammy, a scope was already in situ, it's owner looking at the Iceland Gull perched on a distant groyne. Good year tick and, our first non Norfolk addition.
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| Cropped Photograph taken with 400 lens |
Nothing ventured........I haven't tried photographing through my scope simply holding my Ixus to the eyepiece.
This is the result, not scintillating but better than I expected. Must practice.
Leathes Ham is like someone's very large duckpond, full of many duck species - but how many are genuinely wild? No sign of the eight Scaup reported seen this morning though.
Home in time to watch Man City score a late equaliser against Notts County in the FA Cup. We've drawn (Man U) Crawley in the next round, the last 16. Should be a nice little earner for Crawley.
Friday, 28 January 2011
Success this Time
Friday January 28
Yes, Sculthorpe Moor reserve was open. To be fair, Monday is the only day it's shut.
Puddles thick with overnight ice, we crunched our way to the boardwalk. Close inspection of the first group of Alders brought views of about a dozen Lesser Redpoll, as usual keeping to the top of these tall trees. The Alders at Titchwell are shorter.
Jarvis Hide feeders were as popular as ever with the commoner woodland birds. Over a dozen Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, eight Greenfinches, an in and out Marsh Tit and Coal Tit, 30+ Chaffinches, the occasional Dunnock and a male Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Whitley Hide has views of two feeding areas. The one at the far end was in the sun but lacks near cover. Our favourite, just inside the door, has many birds and the cover of a close shrubby tree from which the birds can venture forth and, return to cover, or, to crack open the sunflower seeds provided on the open table. There's also water and a reed bed which stretches into the distance, dotted with the occasional birch tree. Marsh Harriers often quarter this area but not to-day.
We stayed for about three quarters of an hour - until rigor mortis started to set in - enjoying the two male and one female Bramblings, a pair of Bullfinches, Coal, Blue, Great and Marsh Tits and a host of Chaffinches.
A dozen delightful Long Tailed Tits descended on the table
and a Water Rail made two foraging raids on the seed strewn ground under the feeder, before dashing back into the reeds.
A female Reed Bunting was a surprise visitor.
Lovely.
Hot chocolate from the machine in the Centre was most welcome !
Yes, Sculthorpe Moor reserve was open. To be fair, Monday is the only day it's shut.
Puddles thick with overnight ice, we crunched our way to the boardwalk. Close inspection of the first group of Alders brought views of about a dozen Lesser Redpoll, as usual keeping to the top of these tall trees. The Alders at Titchwell are shorter.
Jarvis Hide feeders were as popular as ever with the commoner woodland birds. Over a dozen Blackbirds, 1 Redwing, eight Greenfinches, an in and out Marsh Tit and Coal Tit, 30+ Chaffinches, the occasional Dunnock and a male Great Spotted Woodpecker.
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| Shy - but proof it's a male |
I do find the bench name 'Old Gits Corner' rather offensive but, appreciate the seat. A well filled feeder but no birds, we've seen Willow Tit here in the past.
Making our way along the river to Whitley Hide, we saw no birds at all, maybe because we kept our heads down, huddled inside coat collars, avoiding the biting wind, not strong but icy.Whitley Hide has views of two feeding areas. The one at the far end was in the sun but lacks near cover. Our favourite, just inside the door, has many birds and the cover of a close shrubby tree from which the birds can venture forth and, return to cover, or, to crack open the sunflower seeds provided on the open table. There's also water and a reed bed which stretches into the distance, dotted with the occasional birch tree. Marsh Harriers often quarter this area but not to-day.
We stayed for about three quarters of an hour - until rigor mortis started to set in - enjoying the two male and one female Bramblings, a pair of Bullfinches, Coal, Blue, Great and Marsh Tits and a host of Chaffinches.
A dozen delightful Long Tailed Tits descended on the table
and a Water Rail made two foraging raids on the seed strewn ground under the feeder, before dashing back into the reeds.
 |
| Couldn't resist adding this Goony bird |
Lovely.
Hot chocolate from the machine in the Centre was most welcome !
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Lunchtime Outing
Tuesday January 25
Pam wanted to go out 'somewhere' - but it took most of the morning to decide where and, to actually set off. Last night's GYBC meeting - when we saw some great photographs taken by Peter Ransome - tipped the decision towards Winterton beach via Cart Gap, Horsey and Somerton. The informal chat with friends, including Bob, told of a Peregrine regularly seen sat in a field north of West Somerton.
We saw little of note until we reached Winterton Beach and parked in the turning area so that I could scope the sea - the car park was closed. There was instant action. During our half an hour stay, we counted a minimum of 40 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver and 1 Gannet. The Red- throats were largely flying north but some flew south so we couldn't be sure of numbers as some may have been returning. The GND was obvious, it's straight neck and heavier, slower wingbeats, stood out amongst it's smaller, faster flapping cousins. We also saw 30+ Cormorants, many sporting their breeding plumage white 'price tags'.
More careful field scoping on the return trip, adding one Barn Owl and two Marsh Harriers to the day list.
Pam wanted to go out 'somewhere' - but it took most of the morning to decide where and, to actually set off. Last night's GYBC meeting - when we saw some great photographs taken by Peter Ransome - tipped the decision towards Winterton beach via Cart Gap, Horsey and Somerton. The informal chat with friends, including Bob, told of a Peregrine regularly seen sat in a field north of West Somerton.
We saw little of note until we reached Winterton Beach and parked in the turning area so that I could scope the sea - the car park was closed. There was instant action. During our half an hour stay, we counted a minimum of 40 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver and 1 Gannet. The Red- throats were largely flying north but some flew south so we couldn't be sure of numbers as some may have been returning. The GND was obvious, it's straight neck and heavier, slower wingbeats, stood out amongst it's smaller, faster flapping cousins. We also saw 30+ Cormorants, many sporting their breeding plumage white 'price tags'.
More careful field scoping on the return trip, adding one Barn Owl and two Marsh Harriers to the day list.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Gate Open - Reserve Closed
Monday January 24
We are both members of Sculthorpe Moor Reserve, how could we both have been unaware that the reserve shuts on Mondays? I thought that ALL Norfolk reserves are now open seven days a week and didn't think to check. The car park had several cars and one gate was open because there was a meeting at the centre. Very disappointing. We made the best of it and drove towards home along the coast.
Hundreds of Pinks from Lady Anne's, a mere fraction of the numbers seen there last week though. The park gates were still closed to all but deliveries, no info as to why.
About high tide at Wells, the water was barely a foot below the quay, not as high a tide as that expected to-night either, we've never witnessed it as high. It looked lovely, boats and wildlife almost level with the marsh stretching away to the shore.
Our first 2011 visit to Stiffkey, expecting to see the usual dozens of Redshank on the small amount of mud left uncovered in the creeks. One lovely silvery grey Spotted Redshank the only bird in view.
The 25 Snow Bunting at Salthouse allow remarkably close parking but are in constant flight from one side of the area to another and along the shingle bank, hardly settling to feed. I took a few photographs but am not really happy with any.
We always said that Sheringham was the coldest place in Norfolk but have added several other contenders. To-day.....it took first place. A biting easterly which led to streaming eyes and nose as we walked the seafront, inspecting the rocks for Purple Sandpipers. Thank goodness we soon found them, just east of the steps on rocks near the out jutting shelter. The reported two, there together - along with up to 20 Turnstones. Such delightful little waders. Not showy but with endearing ways, scuttling mouse-like along and down the rocks, dodging the waves.
We are both members of Sculthorpe Moor Reserve, how could we both have been unaware that the reserve shuts on Mondays? I thought that ALL Norfolk reserves are now open seven days a week and didn't think to check. The car park had several cars and one gate was open because there was a meeting at the centre. Very disappointing. We made the best of it and drove towards home along the coast.
Hundreds of Pinks from Lady Anne's, a mere fraction of the numbers seen there last week though. The park gates were still closed to all but deliveries, no info as to why.
About high tide at Wells, the water was barely a foot below the quay, not as high a tide as that expected to-night either, we've never witnessed it as high. It looked lovely, boats and wildlife almost level with the marsh stretching away to the shore.
Our first 2011 visit to Stiffkey, expecting to see the usual dozens of Redshank on the small amount of mud left uncovered in the creeks. One lovely silvery grey Spotted Redshank the only bird in view.
The 25 Snow Bunting at Salthouse allow remarkably close parking but are in constant flight from one side of the area to another and along the shingle bank, hardly settling to feed. I took a few photographs but am not really happy with any.
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| Male Snow Bunting |
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Purple Sandpipers |
Friday, 21 January 2011
Titchwell
Friday January 21
Even with very little wind, Titchwell in January is COLD. 2C at the coast. I should have bought that furry cap with ear covers which caused Pam such amusement when I tried it on. My ears were singing and cheeks stinging for much of to-day.
We set out from home in rain. Thankfully, the promised sun had appeared by the time we arrived at the reserve, via Choseley and a single Corn Bunting at last. Third time lucky.
A female Bullfinch appeared just past the feeding area, others saw six, silvery grey enough to be a Northern?
Stopping to admire a Great Crested Grebe on the first pool to the left of the path, we also heard our first Cetti's of the year. Good start.
Two birders blocking the path, redeemed themselves by pointing out the Northern Harrier perched in a dead tree about a mile away in a large copse. The one with the old tower at the far end. Later, I set up my scope and viewed the large blob preening, its russet breast gleaming in the sunshine.
Many Snipe on an east marsh pool to-day, they've been absent for a month or two.
I love to hear geese, especially Brent with their soft gargles, and to see them fly overhead down to the freshwater pool to drink and ablute.
What a relief to find the seat empty when we eventually arrived at the beach. Maybe the wet wood had put people off......
My torn calf muscle (Scilly last October) was sore to-day. I could have done without carrying my DSLR camera as well as the scope - but I'm delighted I bothered.
There must have been nearly three thousand Common Scoter on the sea. Distant in a long straggling line, in two seperate groups. As we scanned the sea, admiring two Red-necked Grebes, the Scoter flew, enabling both of us to pick out at least three Velvet Scoter.
Half an hour was enough, my bones felt cold again.
It really was a trudge to the superb Parrinder Hides We joined the birders scoping from outside, seeing a Bearded Reedling, a flock of 50+ Twite, 30ish Skylarks and a few Ruff on the brackish marsh.
Sitting comfortably in the hide, we scanned them all again - in between regular mass departures - before the flocks returned. The RSPB warden called a fast flying Sparrowhawk, which we both managed to latch on to before it disappeared over the bank. A loudly calling Curlew was the last bird to leave.
At last, the shelter of the trees near the Centre and a view of a Water Rail skulking around the tree roots, constantly hassled by a Moorhen. Our first actually seen bird.
After lunch at Brancaster Staithe , we drove home to enjoy the fire, after adding a very satisfactory 8 birds to the year list.
News has broken of a Dusky Thrush in a non birder's garden in Dec 2010. The photos show a lovely adult male. Wow - that would have been some tick.
Even with very little wind, Titchwell in January is COLD. 2C at the coast. I should have bought that furry cap with ear covers which caused Pam such amusement when I tried it on. My ears were singing and cheeks stinging for much of to-day.
We set out from home in rain. Thankfully, the promised sun had appeared by the time we arrived at the reserve, via Choseley and a single Corn Bunting at last. Third time lucky.
A female Bullfinch appeared just past the feeding area, others saw six, silvery grey enough to be a Northern?
Stopping to admire a Great Crested Grebe on the first pool to the left of the path, we also heard our first Cetti's of the year. Good start.
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| Great Crested Grebe |
Many Snipe on an east marsh pool to-day, they've been absent for a month or two.
I love to hear geese, especially Brent with their soft gargles, and to see them fly overhead down to the freshwater pool to drink and ablute.
 |
| Dark-bellied Brent Geese |
My torn calf muscle (Scilly last October) was sore to-day. I could have done without carrying my DSLR camera as well as the scope - but I'm delighted I bothered.
There must have been nearly three thousand Common Scoter on the sea. Distant in a long straggling line, in two seperate groups. As we scanned the sea, admiring two Red-necked Grebes, the Scoter flew, enabling both of us to pick out at least three Velvet Scoter.
Half an hour was enough, my bones felt cold again.
It really was a trudge to the superb Parrinder Hides We joined the birders scoping from outside, seeing a Bearded Reedling, a flock of 50+ Twite, 30ish Skylarks and a few Ruff on the brackish marsh.
Sitting comfortably in the hide, we scanned them all again - in between regular mass departures - before the flocks returned. The RSPB warden called a fast flying Sparrowhawk, which we both managed to latch on to before it disappeared over the bank. A loudly calling Curlew was the last bird to leave.
After lunch at Brancaster Staithe , we drove home to enjoy the fire, after adding a very satisfactory 8 birds to the year list.
News has broken of a Dusky Thrush in a non birder's garden in Dec 2010. The photos show a lovely adult male. Wow - that would have been some tick.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
No Opportunity Wasted
Thursday January 20
Pam had a physio appointment in Norwich and I needed to visit the Apple shop in Chapelfield, so I went with her. This decision entailed a 45 -50 minutes wait in an increasingly cold car - the forecast was right, 5C on the way in. Still no breakfast for me and we didn't leave the Mall until 1.00 p.m. My choice......
Should we try? We weren't successful the last time they were reported in Lower Clarendon Road. Don't try, don't get.
The road is a loop off Thorpe Road/ Clarendon Road with a large P.O depot half way along, the other side overlooking the station. The birds were reported to be feeding on apples, where on earth were there apples? We parked in order to wait a while and saw a birder further down the road who ran back to us and pointed out both the apples (hidden behind the railings) and some of the Waxwings distantly perched in the top of a tree on the main road. He thought it was Thorpe Road. He then told me that he worked for the RSPB. Pam viewed from the car whilst the helpful birder and I watched c20 Waxwings flying down to feed on roadside privet berries. Constantly spooked by noisy buses and lorries, yet staying in nearby trees. Lovely birds with at least one adult male.
I took photos but will have to load them later as my PC is playing up.
Pam had a physio appointment in Norwich and I needed to visit the Apple shop in Chapelfield, so I went with her. This decision entailed a 45 -50 minutes wait in an increasingly cold car - the forecast was right, 5C on the way in. Still no breakfast for me and we didn't leave the Mall until 1.00 p.m. My choice......
Should we try? We weren't successful the last time they were reported in Lower Clarendon Road. Don't try, don't get.
The road is a loop off Thorpe Road/ Clarendon Road with a large P.O depot half way along, the other side overlooking the station. The birds were reported to be feeding on apples, where on earth were there apples? We parked in order to wait a while and saw a birder further down the road who ran back to us and pointed out both the apples (hidden behind the railings) and some of the Waxwings distantly perched in the top of a tree on the main road. He thought it was Thorpe Road. He then told me that he worked for the RSPB. Pam viewed from the car whilst the helpful birder and I watched c20 Waxwings flying down to feed on roadside privet berries. Constantly spooked by noisy buses and lorries, yet staying in nearby trees. Lovely birds with at least one adult male.
I took photos but will have to load them later as my PC is playing up.
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