Sunday 29 March 2015

North Norfolk

Starting on the patch during the week just the Jack Snipe again but flushed from the water filled ditch by CNSW this time.

Now Rach n I took a couple days off work and went to our friends van again, good job as we were going to camp but the weather turned out wet n windy. This meant birding was tough and walking around various places unpleasant so we just had a relaxing time visiting local haunts and not travelling too far.
On the Thursday Titchwell was a good place as it was fairly sheltered from the wind but not many noticeable birds, a pair of Red crested pochard were pick of the bunch. On the sea 29 RB Mergs with 6 GC Grebes.
I made a little effort digiscoping but the weather wasn't kind.















A couple of Red Kite between Titchwell and Holkham, still some pinks too.

On Friday a trip to Holt CP produced a singing Firecrest and a visit to the Heath produced the usual stuff, Dartford's, Stonechats, Woodlark, and Adders. Thanks to a friend who showed me a great Adder spot as the weather put them off from my usual areas. 3 Chiffchaffs singing made it sound like spring even if the weather didn't.


 

 
Saturday was the best day for birds, male and female Garganey on the pool at Weybourn, then 2 cracking Lapland Buntings and 3 Snow Buntings by the coastguard cottages. blowing a hooley though.




Saturday afternoon and Sunday Morning were spent sight seeing and photographing some of the local steam engines around Sherringham and Cromer.  So a nice relaxing break but lack of birds.








Back to reality tomorrow.

Sunday 22 March 2015

Minsmere

Started on the patch but it was very quiet with just a Sparrowhawk. So Danny invited me to Minsmere with him n the girls. Started with a Chiffchaff then spent quiet a bit of time in the hide at Island mere watching the Bitterns fly past a few times, Marsh harriers showing and a few duck n Geese species.




 
 
We got wind of 3 Spoonbills from West hide so went to see those. From the Visitors car park I picked up a nice Red Kite in the distance.
Arrived at West hide to 2 Juvs and a nice Adult Spoonbill.
The Juv bird was rung it seems somewhere in Holland.













Finished at the Bittern hide but it was dead except when danny spotted a water rail fly from one side to the other so we decided it was  time to head home although we did nip into Wrentham for the escaped Black Kite again. Light was much better. (click to enlarge)