Paget & garden wildlife

On both Thursday 17th & Friday 18th March as if on cue, a calling Siskin flew due west over the staff carpark at the back of the James Paget Hospital at 9.20am on both days. Friday also saw a very smart male Pied Wagtail feeding on the grass just outside the Library. Monday 21st March I saw my first butterfly of the year flying fleetingly over the hedge onto the grass of the former bowling green behind the Burrage centre. On closer inspection it proved a very smart looking Peacock looking resplendent in the mid morning sun. In the garden just after work, 2 Long- tailed Tits were attracted to the fat balls this evening as was a female Blackbird and Robin.

A trio of Grey Partridge at North Cove

On Saturday March 12, 3 Grey Partridge (2 a male and female with a male further along) Fen Barn North Cove close by road (thanks Dick) + 20 Fieldfare flew north, and a male Bullfinch by the crossing just east of there. At Carlton Marshes a Barn Owl flew along the northern perimeter path, also a Chinese Water Deer seen on the Carlton marshes.

Cattle Egret still

On Friday 11 March, the Cattle Egret still with North Cove Staithe, initially with the furthest group of cattle the far end of the field. The cattle gradually walked closer and closer until they were right by me. The Cattle Egret followed, it then flew to the 1st group of Highland Cattle from the track on the left to 2.10pm at least. Walking back, I saw 3 Lesser Redpoll and 5 Siskin on Alders feeding on the Alder seeds.

Cattle Egret at North Cove staithe

Driving to North Cove Staithe, on Saturday 5th March, I walked across the railway line and saw regular correspondent, Paul W, ahead. I joned Paul in watching the Cattle Egret feed amongst the distant Highland Cattle. Taking the path left opening the gate and walking around 50 metres the Cattle Egret, a Lizard tick if it's a wild bird, was feeding by a particular fine looking Highland cow. At one point, the Egret walked quickly right, "Max Wall like" as quoted by the regular correspondent and caufght something. On Sunday 6th March, repeating the journey, just past the railway line, I heard a Siskin call and a male was operched on the very apex of the Alders on the right of the track. A jogger went past and I suspect this person had flushed the Egret because I didn't see it despite staying until 9.15am. Nearby at the Three Horseshoes pub field. The Little Owl was finally seen, spending a lot of time between 2 trees, a hole in the tree was the preferred option but 3 troublesome Jackdaws either forced it down the hole or it had to fly to the next tree west. Settling in the shade where the main trunk forked.

Red- necked Grebe at Filby

On Monday 29th February at Filby Broad late on, 3.15pm I saw the Red- necked Grebe in the distant far south- west corner of the Broad, viewed from the end of the boardwalk, just left of a person fishing from a boat on the Broad. Also up to 10 Goldeneye seen, too.