Showy Purple Sandpipers at Ness Point

At about midday Monday 30th December, on the very fine sunny day, I drove down to Ness Point and immediately bumped into Gavin D, I was hoping to see the reported 9 Purple sands, initially there were none, but Gavin spotted 2 fine Purple Sandpipers on the defence rocks just south of the compass by the ledge. Walking down to the southern tip of Ness Point 3 Rock Pipits were seen, 2 flew over to the SLP yard. Nothing in Hamilton Dock, save for 1 Cormorant and 1 Black- headed Gull fishing. We walked over to the rocks just north of the finger and this new hot spot for the species revealed 2 very confiding individuals, so 4 Purple Sandpiper in all. As always great to photograph in this light where the purple iridescence in the plumage truly stood out. An incredible 5 Ringed Plovers (my largest number of this species at Ness Point) flew north very close in. Initially asleep on the rocks, our patience was rewarded when of another 2 Purple Sandpipers, first one then the second woke up and started feeding. The first individual even flew closer and fed around 10 feet away albeit in shadow.

5 Purple Sandpipers at Ness Point

Also on Saturday 28th December, I went down to Ness Point at 3pm on the rocks by the compass I saw 2 Purple Sandpipers and by the defence rocks just north of the finger, I saw first 3 Purple sandpipers all on one rock and 2 further Purple Sandpipers behind them, so 5 Purple Sandpipers in total was my highest tally of this winter to date (although 11 had been seen earlier in the day). Also a Rock Pipit seen here and 2 further Rock Pipit flying around the SLP yard and then onto the rocks by the sea.

North- west Norfolk trip for the Eastern Yellow Wagtail Alaskan Wagtail

On Saturday 28th December, I drove over to John H's at Hemsby and together with Tony S and Bob B, John drove us up to near Ringsfield so we could try for the Eastern Yellow Wagtail Alaskan Wagtail a new sub- species for the UK and a good bird to try and see. Arriving at john's at 7am, we went over to Acle and picked up Tony S and Bob B and within an hour a quarter we were approaching Docking then realising we needed to take the road between Ringsfield and Sedgeford, we turned and and off and along the country road we initially saw a load of cars parked on the left side of the road and a massive muck heap also on the left side of the road. The bird wasn't there sadly but was on view from a track to the right where we looked over a field and a kind birder enabled us all to look through his scope and see the excellent Eastern Yellow Alaskan Wagtail (EYWAW). It has been labelled Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Blue-headed Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Alaskan Yellow Wagtail, Tschutschensis Wagtail, a real mouthful! Anyway a great bird whatever it is called!It looked to me like what a blue- headed wagtail would look like in winter. Problem is the complete lack of literature on this type of bird. It was seen in the field and then flew south and was seen on the brow of the hill. It then flew further south and we walked 400 yards down the track to see 2 smaller Muck heaps on the right and the bird was initially seen between the 2 muck heaps in the company of a Pied Wagtail and then EYWAW flew away and perched in the top of some trees before returning and was on the ground in front of a large puddle then it returned to the left hand muck heap wandering around the left hand side before returning to the area between the muck heaps in grassy stems being then flying up to the left hand muck heap. An interesting bird it showed a grey head thick white square ended super cilia ending 2/3 of the way back along its head, darker black loves between the bill and eye, pale bill with a dark tip, grey brown mantle and white fringed dark flight feathers and dark slate grey legs log dark white edged tail which it constantly quivered as it walked about searching for food. It also had a distinctive, diagnostic sharp tshreep like a metallic "Richard's Pipit" type call. It had yellowy underparts with whitish throat. A super bird! Really difficult to photograph though as the light was abysmal and the distance involved from the bird, so I decided to gamble and lower the ISO to 1600 and hope the bird stayed still long enough to get a reasonable image I was quite pleased with the result! Next stop was just after the bridge, by Holkham fields a Buzzard seen perched. Heading to Wells and after 50 yards we parked on the left by the start of the footpath across the fields to Wells/ Holkham woods. Looking across 2 fields we had excellent views of a fine immature Rough- legged Buzzard perched on top of a bush by some huts. Also seen was a Buzzard perched on a post and a Grey Heron flew to a nearby dyke.

Christmas Day Great Northern

On Christmas Day, I visited Benacre, parking at Covehithe at just after 9am there was not a soul about and I made my way down the cliffs, viewing a group of 5 Brent Geese in the approach field, 2 were immature birds with barring on the wings. 4 Linnets flew over the cliffs (where about another 2 metres had fallen into the sea) At the Broad, the fine i<b>mmature Great Northern Diver was straight out about half way out showing well, diving occasionally it sometimes fed on food and it even swam up to some BH Gulls nearby. Also seen at the very back of the Broad straight across were 3 Goldeneye, 2 males and a female. A walk down to Covehithe Broad along the cliff top, revealed lots of walkers and dog walkers down at Covehithe and the beach (now 11.30am) more than I've ever seen on Xmas Day before. There were 4 Goldeneye on the Broad, a male and female at the far southern western end and distant plus 2 further females by the northern end, one would have been quite close but was flushed by a dog walker. Nothing at Asda Lake Lothing, save for 1 adult Cormorant on the near post and nothing at Ness Point, but at Link's road there were 3 adult winter Mediterranean Gulls one was ringed (sadly I couldn't read the ring. It either started with a B or an 8 silver ring.

Horsey Grey Seals

On 24th December, at 12 noon I parked opposite the Nelson Head track and took the long walk along the rrack to the back to the roped of seal viewing area. Around 30 baby seals seen and around 40 adult Seals seen on the beach. Around 15 were pale cream. 2 were very close to the viewing area but in shadow. There were even 2 on the main path through the viewing area one at the back and one heaving itself along so we stepped back several metres to view.

Stunning Black- throated Thrush at Whipsnade zoo

On Sunday 22nd December, John H and I travelled across to Whipsnade zoo, 3 hours after we set off we arrived at the zoo, under leaden skies and constant rain and John kindly did the driving. As we arrived, the rain stopped and the skies brightened and the sun came out! I had a feeling this was going to be a very special day! Once we had both paid our £26 zoo admission fee, at 10am after a short wait, we were allowed in and what appeared to be near Hullabalo Play area. We assembled on grass in front of a concrete walkway, we overlooked a grassy green area complete with a couple of berry trees and our immediate focus was a fenced off pond area, a large elder bush just left of the pond had the bird in question perched right in the middle. Apparently it was the superb male Black- throated Thrush. This would be my first since one twitched at Werrington, Peterborough in February 1996 (again another smart male) and a 1st winter female seen at Hangman's wood, Sheringham 31 Oct 1993, decades ago, last century! By this point a crowd of about 50 had gathered, mostly encircling the bush, far too close. We all backed off considerably and sensibly to give the bird space to come out and hopefully fly to the berry laden tree on the green area, in front of where we were gathered. The only problem was the bird was initially almost totally obscured, but slowly the salient features became apparent. The pale grey back, the tail and then the bill with its obvious yellow lower mandible, then when it moved slightly part of the black- throat. After some 20 minutes it shifted position a little and moved up, enabling the head, face, bill and part of the throat seen. It then flew to the top of the bush where this magnificent bird could be seen in all its glory. A quite simply stunning individual with pale grey back, in sunlight a superb glossy iridescent black face and throat, the greyer crown had black 'freckles' it it. It was white below and dark bill with extensive yellow at the base. It hopped to the top and then flew over to the berry laden tree, perched in full view tearing off and eating the berries. The only problem for me was the light so when the bird had flown back to its original bush, I repositioned myself in a more favourable spot with the sun directly behind and before too long the bird had flown back, although the head was totally obscured by berries, initially. I diverted my attentions to a a fine Redwing that was also in the tree and it it showed well briefly feeding on berries in the full sunlight. The Black- throated Thush then retreated to the middle of the tree and seen hopping down the sloping horizontal bow of the tree at one point. It then hopped out again feeding in full view and finally managed to get my shots out in the sun. It flew back to its original bush again and then flew back once more to the tree where I was finally able to get it with a berry in its bill. It then flew down to the ground, initially behind the tree in shadow before it briefly hopped around to the front. Then it flew over to the area where pigs had been kept and perched initially on a fence before flying down into an enclosure where it sat for some 20 minutes in the corner before commencing feeding. On examining the pictures, it confirmed what people had been stating some of its right tertials were missing, it was said this bird had survived a Sparrowhawk strike. Finally it flew back to its original bush and sat in full obscured view. Superb views of a wonderfully photogenic bird, definitely bird of the year and easily one of the best birds of the decade!

An incredible flock of Waxwings at Rectory road

On Saturday 21st December, a look around Lowestoft initially failed to reveal anything Lake Lothing at the Bridge was quiet and there was a fine pair of Pintail seen on Leathes Ham, but a look out at Rectory road for any Waxwings failed to reveal any. Just as I was about to leave 4 Waxwings flew east then 10 minutes later, a large flock of "trilling" Waxwings flew over my head, their buff plumage and shimmering wings distinctive as they flew directly overhead, a real evocative Christmas experience! Try as I might I failed to locate them settles anyway but a t road further west, I saw the flock again and counted exactly 31 Waxwings as they flew east towards Rectory road again. Heading back, I again failed to locate them. I then looked at Corton, on Corton Playing field I saw 5 Mediterranean Gulls (4 adults and 1 1st winter) plus 37 Common Gulls eventually counted (36 adults and 1st winter). Colton woods was very quiet with just 2-3 Redwings heard calling. At Links road car park, amongst a few Black- headed Gulls, 1 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull (unsigned) seen.

Great Northern & Waxwing

On Thursday 19th December, on a cloudy morning, I drove to Covehithe, only 1 car there, a Jay flew to the cottage and walked down to the Braod seeing Peter N, who passed on the welcome news that the GN was still there. Walking down around 20 Linnet flew inland and I also passed Cliff W and friend who were walking down to. I had time to enter the hide and immediately pick out the Great Northern Diver, an immature bird with scaling on its back, also near it behind it were 3 Goldeneye, a smart adult male, sub-adult male and a female. A female Marsh harrier quartered the reeds at the back. Later I walked up to the fence just before the Broad edge and got a few record pics of the Diver which had swum a little closer. I then tried to drive to Southward but the Wrentham to Southward road was flooded with a foot and a half of water at Potter's Bridge so I abandoned the drive to Southward for the Ibis and instead drove to Minsmere to purchase a copy of the new Suffolk Bird report for 2018, I had been successful in getting 3 pictures published Mandarin, Penduline Tit and Bittern. It is getting increasingly difficult to get pictures in with quite a few new people moved into the area and submitting (admittedly excellent pics). I drove back to Lowestoft and decided to call in at Rectory road, Carlton Collie where I didn't see the bird initial;ly as the bin men were collecting refuse but as I walked back to the junction with The Street, I spied the Waxwing in the big tree and it flew down to the small Berry tree by the junction and fed on berries here where I left it.

Back to Felixstowe Ferry

On Saturday 14th December with the 'promise' of sunny weather initially, I made my way down to Felixstowe Ferry to get hopefully fully lit pics of the confiding Black- necked Grebe. The sun was rising nicely at Lowestoft, but the only problem was clouding over rapidly as I approached Felixstowe, so no such luck! I parked up at the cliff top car park, paid my 2 hour car parking levy and walked down onto the beach where I could Lee W, Tim O and another chap. The fine Black- necked Grebe was still on the pool and showing well, a few rays of sun poked through the cloud but soon it was totally covered by ashy clouds. We were joined by John R and after Lee had walked around we shifted our position onto the beach side and the bird swam even closer to us showing down to a few metres, albeit with grey leaden skies behind us. It then eventually started raining so we beat a hasty retreat to our cars and John R kindly used his star alan key to do up the mount from my lens to the tripod clamp grip which was starting to get a little loose, really grateful for John for this. A trip to Minsmere revealed no 2018 Bird reports as yet (they are on sale at Ipswich Museum but didn't fancy the trip into town on a busy Saturday before Christmas) but the promise of copies coming in next week.

Eastern Stonechat and confiding Black- necked Grebe

Having suffered with bad toothache the previous weekend, I had written off going to see the Eastern or Siberian Stonechat as I had seen one previously in Suffolk in 1993. Having heard that that a potential DNA sample had been obtained, I looked in Steve Piotrowski's excellent "Birds of Suffolk expecting the Lowestoft bird to be have been accepted as a "Maura" but it stated "Stejneger's" or "Maura", so the opportunity to go and see an Eastern Stonechat was very tempting. Having been fully dosed up with anti-biotics, of course I was keen to see a bird I hadn't seen either at all in Suffolk or for 26 years! The trip was on with hastily arranged leave undetaken on Mon 9th December with the best day of the week booked and fingers crossed the bird would stay and it wouldn't be flooded out Monday night (high tides and flood alerts for the south Norfolk and East Suffolk coasts). As the morning dawned I had done my homework and checked the RSPB directions sadly they didn't give a grid ref which I was find helpful, (I am always wary of going to new locations as I usually get lost or can't find the place! See my Tenerife trip report where all the sites for rare bird bar 1 I couldn't find!!!) the directions stated follow the signs for HMP Prison from Woodbridge. I drove to Woodbridge and went around twice around the town and Melton village too, no signs whatsoever! I then had a brainwave and remembered seeing a sign to Hollesley opposite the Sutton Hoo entrance so I drove there followed the sign through Sutton Heath and then found HMP Colony signs that I followed. First problem, there were 2 prisons, Warren Hill YOI which I tried no RSPB reserve signs (despite being directed there by the "workmen") there and then I followed the road to the main prison, it was closed "workmen" were clearing the road of a fallen tree, there were very helpful and let me through as it was only a temporary closure (I think they must have been some of the open prisoners) and I then approached the main prison with some trepidation. But before I thought I would have to speak with one of the warders, there was an RSPB reserve car park sign to the left and I followed the slightly muddy and pitted track, just adjacent to a high fence, but with a door left open. So I parked up (made sure there was nothing tempting on show in the car) and then took the track first to a hide on the left where an impressive array of wildfowl seen, including around 60 really close Wigeon that soon walked off. I knew I had to head for the river bank so I took the main path and saw a birder scoping same said marsh. he said I needed to walk right along the reversal path some 500 yards where 3 birders were looking intently at the bird. As I reached within 100 yards they all broke up and one walked towards me it was Ali R and he said the bird had just disappeared. I joined the other 2 birders one of which was John R. I spent the next 20 minutes looking for the bird in vain until John R who had walked further right came back and said the bird was by the fared of the field perched on a bent yellow marker, sure enough I saw the excellent and stunning Siberian Stonechat, strikingly very pale below and as it came closer I noted a faint peachy breast colour and rump. Also at this closer viewpoint, we could see a subtle combination of brownish black above with white fringed black tortillas and a deeper peach on its rump.It would fly very minute or so onto a grass stem then perched in the hedge at the back and then back on the bent yellow marker and then it flew closer half way back and then closer still. As I got my camera out the bird promptly disappeared not to beset again by me on this visit. A Redshank flew over the field and over to the river behind us. 2 Curlew and then 1 Curlew flew south over the field. I noticed a problem with the scope the tripod bush strap had broken meaning the scope could not be secured to the tripod. having received excellent directions from John, I walked back the car was fine and hadn't been broken into. Driving to felixstowe Ferry, which was a little difficult to find as the main sign had been taken down and I tried "Golf road", "Links road" to no avail and I even found another Golf club but not the right one. Following the OS map, I soon got back on the right route and I parked at a very sunny the clifftop pay and display car park at Felixstowe Ferry (just before the Felixstowe ferry Golf club), a very fine and confiding male Pied Wagtail fed just by the side of the car and then posed on a fence rail so I took a few pics of this obliging individual and then walked down to the beach and a 100 yards left or north to 2 shore pools by the beach just abutting a concrete promenade walkway. The southern pool was only a quarter size of the one remaining Benacre Pit and I quickly spotted the excellent Black- necked Grebe. A textbook winter plumaged individual withe bright red eye and dainty upturned bill. It was diving frequently which meant I was able to get into position (when it was underwater) and I managed to get some nice shots albeit in the fading light as the bright sun was enveloped by a very unwelcome cloud. The bird dived and caught a small fish which it promptly devoured. By 3.30pm I decided to leave (sadly no time for the RLB at Bawdsey picnic site) and go to Viking Optical to get my telescope sent off and repaired, the service and expertise there was as always excellent and I was told the scope would have to be sent to the Leica factory in Portugal it would close down for Christmas but I would get it back repaired and fully serviced/ cleaned early in January, perfect! Now time to dig out the old drawtube Optolyth 30X75GA scope, but still optically excellent! (Pics of the Grebe to be posted when I free up space on my computer).

Eagle Owl spectacular part 2

On Wednesday 4th December, I couldn't resist another look at the magnificent Eagle Owl at Winterton. I particularly wanted to try for some pics of this bird, as I hadn't taken my camera last time regrettably, a real "bubo, bubo!" As I walked up Bulmers Lane from the Church at Black street, around 20 yards south of 10 Bulmers Lane, opposite The Cobbleways, we could see the magnificent Eagle Owl perched half way up, this time in a deciduous tree (devoid of its leaves) as the 2 birders walked off. I heard some very familiar "trilling" and a lovely Waxwing, with raised crest perched in a lone tall tree just beyond an open cul-de-sac entrance, seen from 3.15pm for all of 2 minutes, I shouted to the 2 birders to come back. They were 2 slow as the Waxwing then flew low north (behind the Bulmers Lane houses) and was lost as around 7 Starling decided to fly at the same time. The Waxwing was heading in a northerly direction towards the Church. Always nice to find a waxwing & my first self find of this species this winter. As I walked following Somerton road around, I could see Peter C and Diane parked up at the playing field car park and we walked around and then took the road going south from Somerton road up to the Council houses opposite a nice woodland copse area. I instantly spied the magnificent Eagle Owl perched up in the same tree, this time in a bough left of the main trunk around half way up. I put Peter C & Diane onto it. Joined a couple of birders at the top of the road, they suggested I could get closer views and pics by going through the gap in the hedge and walking east along the field edge I joined 2 birders who were within 50 yards of the bird. I managed to get some magnificent views of the bird and close pics of the bird despite the fading light and ISO 6400 ( I also had to lighten the pic by 3/4 exposure too). It was quite unperturbed by us. It was ever vigilant as the head turned revealing the magnificent orange eyes and even preening its left leg (revealing no rings). It even stretched its wing several times. As we watched the bird we heard a Tawny Owl hooting but try as I might I could not see it. It also stretched its left leg out clearly seeing the whole leg and I couldn't see a ring on it. After I took a few shots. I walked back to join Peter & Diane along the road and then the bird flew and sat out in the open on the low roof of a house, before incredibly we saw it fly towards us and directly over our heads and then south- west and out of sight.

Around the Trinity Broads & Eagle Owl spectacular

On Saturday 30th November, I visited the trinity Broads which is always a very pleasant trip out. At Filby, I could see 15 Goldeneye with around 3 males seen. Also 20 Pochard seen too but scan as I might for around 30 minutes from the Boardwalk I could not see the BN Grebe. Around 20 Pochard seen from Ormesby Little Broad too. Walking back 2 charming Marsh Tits seen low down with a Coal Tit and female Siskin seen too. I drove over to Billockby barn and saw Justin L. and his family, no sign of the Cranes but Justin said they had flown to the far side of the field I drove back around 100 yards then took the road north and after 100 yards parked in a space just off the road to the left and spied a nice total of 20 Cranes feeding in the fields. A look at Ormesby broad was instantly successful with the Long- tailed Duck seen often diving. A quick pop home and then it was back out again to travel to Winterton, as I was travelling along Bulmers Lane, I could see some birders looking across, so I parked at the Church and walked back and saw Steve S, Tim H and other birders and they had their scopes trained on the magnificent Eagle Owl perched 2/3 of the way up a Pine tree, viewed from 10 Bulmers Lane and next door to birder's Patrick G's house. The bird was initially partially obscured so only half the face and body could be seen but it leapt onto another branch right out in the open, we marvelled at its piercing orange eye, magnificent talons as it preened and wing stretching. Justin spotted a Sparrowhawk male which swooped down Bulmer Lane, weaved around the bushes bordering garden on the east side of the road before it perched on Winterton church tower. We walked around to and from here a much bigger crowd of birders marvelled at this magnificent bird.At around 4pm it suddenly leapt of its per and flew around on a magnificently broad wings and then flew right over out heads and then perching on Church Tower roof. from here it perched for a while before it leapt down onto the roof and out of sight presumably after Pigeons which had been present here minutes previously. On Sunday 1st December, a look at Filby Broad, this time with the Boardwalk to myself and I instantly spied the fine Black Necked Grebe really distant but swimming just to the left of the wooden platform.

18 Waxwings at Clovelly Rise

After drawing a complete blank looking around Lowestoft on the 23rd, Sunday 24th, I received a tweet saying there were 18 in Clovelly Rise. I drove straight over saw 18 Waxwings in the tree at the top of the road and parked carefully as to not to disturb them, & then typically, 11 birds flew off, then another 4 then 2 then finally the last one and that was it! They all flew west in the direction of Crestview drive, I was told they feed on berries at Potomac, but no idea where that address is (other than Crestview Drive!).

NO Waxwings

On Saturday 23 November, I looked for Waxwings at various places around Lowestoft this afternoon after the rain had stopped, Gunton Estate, Gunton, Lowestoft Crown Meadow FC, Hoseasons and North Quay Retail Park, no sign, all I saw were Starlings. A Stock Dove flew east over the garden earlier, bird of the day for me.

Little at Corton but Waxwings save the day

In the morning, I had a look around Corton ORT, Churchyard nothing seen and at Corton Old Sewage works where a Jay flew up from the field and 11 Common Gulls seen in the field to the south. depressingly more of the field to the north and extending right back to the old sewage works has been taken presumably for an extension to the caravan park, less habitat, more people and dogs not a prospect I relish. I was just about to pop out to the supermarket before they closed at 4pm when James W tweeted that Waxwings were along the Gunton Estate and I drove down Weston road and down Westhall road and the Waxwings were in a Berry tree, I stopped and saw James W opposite. I joined him at 3.35p. Looking across the Open/ playground area, 6 Waxwings were perched in the top of a tree and occasionally they flew down and across onto the Beey tree to eat the berries for a few minutes before fling back. In very much the same area as the Westhall road birds of the previous winter and probably the same birds that had been over at the North Quay retail park over the last few days.

Waxwings, Snow Buntings & Med Gulls

On Saturday 16th November, in the morning a look at the North quay retail park revealed 6 Waxwings (where had the other one gone?) in the silver birch tree and they once came down to the feed from the Berry tree. It was getting a bit busy in the car park, with cars streaming in, my sign to leave so I did. During to Links road car park, I heard 3 Snow Bunting and saw them flying over north, Chris M was gesticulating at me and he pointed to a Snow Bunting perched on the seawall just 50 metres south of the car park, as I walked down the other 3 joined it and all 4 Snow Buntings perched on the wall and then flew down at regular intervals to feed between the cracks in the concrete, being flushed every minute or so b=y walkers, dogs and even cyclists, which combined with dogs on the beach had them all fly north along the beach. We had been joined by Rob H and at the car park, Rob said there was a Med Gull, whilst I watched one adult winter mediterreanean Gull fly south. There was indeed an adult winter Mediterranean Gull in the car park sporting a partial black hood, it was joined by 2 further adults, the regular one- legged bird and a ringed bird too, so 3 Adult Mediterranean Gulls in all.

Waxwings at the North Quay retail park & Ness Point

The ever prolific bird finder Andrew E had found some Waxwings at the North Quay retail park, at just after 9am I drove down there initially not seeing anything but as I was about to leave I saw Rob H who had them, they were perched near the top of a Silver Birch tree, cunningly hidden, if you didn't know they were there. The weather was overcast with dark cloud and became quite windy. There were 7 excellent Waxwings perched up in the silver birch tree and every 20 minutes or so, preceded by some trilling calls. they would fly down in one, twos or threes to quickly gulp down a few berries before flying back up to the silver birch. I had rung Jane F earlier to find out exactly where the birds had been seen and I rang her when Rob H had spotted the birds and Whats App messaged both the Thursday Club and BINS networks to enable others to twitch them. We attracted a lot of interest from passers by and pleased to note most of them knew about Waxwings. The birds flew down to the tree about 7 or 8 times whilst I was there and we were eventually joined by David B, Richard and Jane F who finally made it there. I had a couple of problems with the camera which stopped me getting some shots on two occasions. At 11.20am, they suddenly flew up and flew south. Time for us to leave too. A quick stop at home for a coffee (No Costa for me!) and I was out down at Ness Point seeing Rob H again. There was a strong north- east winds, very choppy and big waves, crashing over onto the area just north of the compass at Ness point and further north along the sea wall. Immediately we saw a group of 8 Wigeon flying north and then 2 Brent Geese flying south, another group of 18 Wigeon also seen flying south and I had an adult Gannet, 2 Gannets (adult and juv), another 2 Gannets all flying north. A Purple Sandpiper was seen briefly by the rocks. I saw something bravely swimming and battling the waves trying to swim north, its pointed nose identified as a Grey Seal. After Rob had left a fairly close Red- throated Diver flew south and then another one did so, too. then 3 Purple sandpipers was seen flying in from the extreme south section of the sea and they settled around the defence rocks just south of the compass, 2 disappeared bu one Purple Sandpiper was on the rocks here before flying to the very top of the rocks. Then a lovely adult Kittiwake flew right over my head, nicely silhouetted by the very dark clouds out to see. Hunger pangs saw me leave at 1.15pm and after lunch, I checked the Links road car park and north beach area, lots of Gulls seen around 40 including an unringed second winter Mediterranean Gull and an adult winter Kittiwake that I photographed but nothing seen out to sea whatsoever!

Incoming Redwings

On the evening of November 14th, when I filled up at the Gunton Tesco Petrol station this evening ay 8.15pm, I heard several c10 incoming Redwings calling and flying inland overhead.

Isabelline Wheatear & great supporting cast at Cley

On Wednesday 13th November, rather fortuitously I had to cover for a colleague (in the mid to late afternoon, when I usually finish work at 2.30pm) and was able to take most of the morning off. So following some excellent directions (as always) from John H, I drew up into the little car park by the famous East bank walk, the haunt of the late, great Cley regular Richard Richardson in the 1950's- 1970's. There was only 3 cars in the car park, when I arrived so I duly parked up. I saw 2 birders who came back off the east bank stating it was negative news on the Issy Wheatear but it was only 7.30am! I read someone's blog yesterday when they had arrived at 6.45am and hadn't seen the bird until 8.15am. It was only now that the sun was rising and became a gloriously sunny, but cold day. 5 minutes later, I was nearing the end of the East bank walk and John had mentioned about the Long-tailed Duck on the pool near the beach looking out to your left as you walked towards the beach. I saw the female Long- tailed Duck swimming left from a a group of 4 Mute Swans, she was constantly diving but was seen well, if distantly. On a near dyke, a Little Grebe seen and quite a few c80 Wigeon seen too. On one of the posts marking the marsh boundary from the beach sat a large, probably female Peregrine Falcon, ominous given the news that the Wheatear hadn't been seen. A chap I was following along said "Is that it?" The Wheatear perched on the shady ridge by the sea, was clearly the excellent Isabelline Wheatear, other birders walking along on the pebbly beach flushed it further down the beach. Also present were 2 very close Snow Buntings literally at our feet that sadly could only be briefly enjoyed. Then the Wheatear flew over the fence and into Arnold's Marsh where it hunted for food along a distant grassy knoll and several times it was seen perched up on a post. It then flew much, much closer but disappeared behind a bush. We then didn't see it for a tense 25 minutes but we were treated to a gorgeous group of 30 calling Snow Buntings flying over our heads, there tinkling calls straight out of a musical advent calendar and the left and then right over the beach, always a joy to see. The Isabelle Wheatear hoped out heralded by a cameras snapping in unison (only problems was it was back on and against the light) briefly back on along the right hand side of the bush before it flew back again to the more distant grassy knoll on Arnold's Marsh. It then spent a lot of time in the grassy knoll just beyond a marram mound and could only be viewed distantly. Finally, it flew over the fence and onto the beach and was semi- settled in a small grassy area and we were able to admire it at closer quarters at around 15 metres away, where it settled for several minutes. At this point it was 10.30am and very sadly, I had to leave as I had to be in work by 11.50am. I didn't want to leave as it probably would continue to be very confiding, especially after my first hour and a half at Cley the bird was keeping its distance. So it proved when Chris L tweeted it had been very close to him at one stage, oh the joys of working!

Reasonably showy Humes' and elusive Pallas's Warblers

On Sunday 10th November, first stop, up at Hopton cliff top path and I am pleased to say the Holiday camp car park is now open again, so I duly parked there. I saw a suitably chastised James B, eating great chunks of humble pie, as he had made the dash over to Walberswick very early morning to twitch the super Eastern Yellow Wagtail, which apparently would never be "confirmed or accepted??!" Our luck was out because we saw no sign of the Eastern Lesser Whitethroat (Ferguson luck now having worn off!) All I saw was a rather hoarse calling Chiff- Chaff. I looked over at the beach but instantly gave up as a couple with 5 dogs were all over the beach. Further blanks at Hopton track and Corton Old sewage works, where distressingly I saw half of the field just north of the OSW was being developed (the area by Broadland Sands and the area by the cliff) perhaps for more holiday homes, equalling loss of habitat and let more inevitable disturbance from humans and dogs and probably more fly tipping too (which has increased exponentially since they expanded on the inland field). I then went back to behind the Oval almost instantly seeing the Humes' Warbler down the slope by the steps by the northern part of the Oval. It was in a close Sycamore and called a few times before flying across the path and flew into the tree right by the path (west side) calling 3 times but we couldn't see it though. It flew out across the path and it the tall Sycamores lining the Alley walk at the bottom, where we saw it well. It moved a little way south. walking back to the Ravine steps, we suddenly heard a Humes' Warbler constantly calling around 30 times, looking from the top by the North Parade, we couldn't see it. I went down the Ravine steps and at the bottom, we could see it in very low foliage but people charging up the slope was enough for me, so I ran up the Ravine steps (or rather 3/4 because I was totally exhausted and out of breath, no change since school as on school runs it was always the same!) At the top, near the slope by the North steps, I used up the last vestiges of Ferguson luck when the bird showed well in the middle of a tall Sycamore for several minutes and I managed to fire off a few pics. Back at Kessingland Swage works the Pallas' Warbler was very elusive but in the "Firecrest thicket" opposite the Sewage beds, the northern end, I saw the a glimpse of the bird where I noted the striking yellow supercilium and even the yellow rump when it hovered briefly and that was it. It was always moving at the back of the bush. 2 Chiff- Chaffs were also seen and around 8 Long- tailed Tits. Back at Lowestoft, a check of the Oval and a quick swatch at the end of Swimming Pool road failed to reveal any Little Auks, Skuas or anything.

Eastern Yellow Wagtail, Pallas's & Hume's Warblers= at last a great Autumn 2019 day!

On Saturday 9th November, hearing of a putative Eastern Yellow Wagtail (now split by BOU as a separate species) I drove down to Walberswick Hoist covert car park hoping to park up and walk out, but inexplicably wooden logs had been put across to stop access (??) so I parked on the verge just beyond it afterwards handily parking behind Paul & Jane F. I thought it was bound to be a successful twitch I though even in this this the worst autumn ever! Walking through the woods, always a nice walk and even better today with such good company, we enjoyed a couple of groups of irrupting Bearded Tits flying over the reeds. We saw the crowd assembled on the beach and joined them just north of where the public footpath met the beach, looking at few pools just in from the beach, initially no sign but within 20 minutes, it flew calling a rasping call, and settled into a slightly more distant small pool where a monochrome bird generally grey above and white below wagtail seen with supercilia and yellowish wash to the vent and a yellow spot on the upper breast, and a little yellow down the middle of the breast (seen in photos). Crucially also seen in photos was the long hind claw (pics 3 & 4 below which is indicative of this species). It then flew to the nearer pool and was seen well through the scope between the grass. It flew and was joined by another Western Yellow Wagtail and they flew around and on a couple of occasions both birds would fly back and the Eastern Yellow Wagtail often settled on the edge of the pebble beach giving a couple of minutes photo opportunity. The last time it did this it spent some time preening on the edge of the beach which helped. Again the Wagtails flew around flew past the assembled throng of admirers on the beach over the sea and then back again. Reed Buntings and Meadow Pipts also seen here. Plus, while we were watching a fine small flock of "tinkling" calls of 7 Snow Buntings and flew in the weeds in front of us. We also saw a Great White Egret flying north over the marsh. Walking back again we saw irrupting Bearded Tits and a female Marsh Harrier quartering the reeds. Hearing of a Pallas' Warbler at Kessingland, Julie had tweeted a picture in the hand of the bird. We drove to Kessingland and spent around half an hour waling the patch, Tit flocks were non- existent until one flock of Long- tailed Tits, south of the Sewage works which included a Chiff- Chaff. Walking past the filter beds we saw a group of people at the northern gate looking in the hedgerow forming the northern border of the sewage works, where the Dusky Warbler had been a couple of years ago. The Pallas's was being seen, initially in a Sycamore but it flew into a closer tree and I saw the bird, thanks to great directions from Paul & Jane, half way up the tree mid right looking through foliage I could see the wing- bars and a broad yellow supercilia and the yellow rump seen briefly too when it hovered and that was it, it flitted away. A text came through from Rob Will that he had found a Humes at Flycatcher Alley, so we decided to carry on there. Parking along North Parade, overlooking the Oval, the Hume's Warbler was seen from the top low down in the vegetation, initially in an elderberry bush. But by far the best views for me when we saw it perched in dead sycamore branches lying on the ground and it spent around 3 minutes hopping around here. A great day finally for the Autumn of 2019, with great weather and great company accompanied by the usual Ferguson luck (so sorely lacking when I'm on my own!)

Garden birds

On Wednesday 6th November, a Buzzard circled over the house at the front mid- afternoon whilst talking to my neighbour and on Thursday 7th November, a rasping Brambling heard over the garden.

Ivy Bee in house, fungi & Southwold

On Sunday 3rd November, a Bee buzzing around the kitchen window proved to be an Ivy Bee that I let outside straight away, although thinking about I should have got some pictures first, a new species for me! A large bit of Fungi was seen and photographed in the garden along the western fence line and a look around Southward Churchyard produced 2 Goldcrests, a Chiff- Chaff, around 10 Goldfinches and a surprise very late Painted Lady that flew onto a gravestone at 2.50pm then flew south. all the birds scattered and a female Sparrowhawk flew west overhead. Not the hoped for Firecrest. I looked around Belle Vue Park and the ravine around 3.15pm but failed to see Firecrest here either.

Very little in the Parks

On Saturday 2nd November getting up before first light and walking down the Carlton Marshes track, a Marsh Harrier was seen and 1 female Marsh Harrier was seen sitting on the now flooded Peto's Marsh but no sign of any Cranes, my big bogey Lowestoft birds having never seen them despite countless efforts. A look in the Parks, initially parking at Marine Parade, 2 calling Siskins flew into the trees here. failed to reveal the hoped for Pallas'. I looked at 3 separate Long- tailed Tit flocks. In the Parks, at Belle Vue, A rasping Brambling heard (but not seen) calling overhead but not seen and 2 Sky Larks flew overhead too. 2 Chiff- Chaffs seen with the LT Tit flock at the southern end of Flycatcher Alley. Good to see Paul & Jane F, Andre W, Rob Will and Rene. A sad morning too as I heard that Paul Woolnough had passed away in September.

RIP Paul Woolnough- birder, twitcher, lister & a real character

Really, very sad indeed to hear today from Paul & Jane F, of belated news that our friend Paul Woolnough had died at home, aged just 60 years old, in mid to late September. Paul Woolnough was a Norfolk birder of long standing. A particularly garrulous individual, he was a real character, a loner who loved his birds and would always be at the big twitches. He worked for many years as a van delivery driver for Norfolk Norse but had left his job in the last 18 months. Although a loner, he was very sociable and was well known to Norwich, Norfolk and Lowestoft birders. He particularly liked us Lowestoft birders (he was also friends with Justin, the Norwich & other Norfolk birders especially the Dereham birders, for example). He was always very helpful in giving directions to various, out of the way locations (even offering to meet us and guide us to our quarry, in our pursuit of wildlife, which we were very grateful for). He also had a great love of other wildlife especially Butterflies, Dragonflies, Orchids etc and planned his holidays so he could observe and tick off different Butterfly, Dragonfly and Orchid species. He had a particularly successful trip to Scotland in the summer of last year. We first came across him on twitches in Norfolk in the early 1980's when he sported some particularly fine flared trousers and Ricky famously dubbed him "Lionel Flair!" after Lionel Blair, the entertainer. I'm sure we may even have called him Lionel on a few occasions, too! We didn't know his real name, sadly till quite a bit later. He would often be seen on twitches in Norfolk and he would always come over for a chat, he was also quite the obsessive lister, with Cley square patch lists, Norfolk lists and then later on a Lowestoft Lizardland list. He loved his patch lists, so it seems very fitting to recap some of the birds he had seen: He had an impressive Cley patch list of 314 (source: Bubo bird lists) which probably included his last good bird the Black Guillemot off Cley car park. Paul also had seen such megas such as Moltoni's Warbler, Alder Flycatcher, White- Crowned Sparrow, Dark- eyed Junco in the past and he had found a Glossy Ibis at Cley in 2014. He also had a very impressive Lowestoft area list of 273 (particularly as he lived in Norwich and not Lowestoft!) including recent sightings of Pacific Golden Plover, Savi's Warbler, Iberian Chiff- Chaff, GW Teal, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Barred Warbler and American Bittern (Source: Bubo Bird lists). He had a great recall of the exact dates when he had seen birds in the past and was keen to share that information with all and sundry. He was a fine birder though and could be relied upon on any sightings he had seen, to be spot on. He was also very sharp eyed and I was fortunate enough to benefit on several occasions, specifically when standing next to him when he picked up the Norfolk Beeston Blyth's Reed Warbler and he pointed it out to me and I had a great view for all of half a minute before it disappeared never to be seen again. His Twitter tag was the "Norfolk Visitor" and he then started to bird/twitch around the Lizardland area quite a lot. Around 2011- 2013 he would often post very welcome comments on this blog on various species he had seen or the last time one had been sighted. I was pleased to bump into him early morning at the Savi's Warbler at Carlton Marshes this Spring and in July was very concerned to see him struggle the mile and half along Breydon south shore to the Pacfic Golden Plover, Yare Valley Justin & I offered to walk back with him but he insisted he would be OK and we only left when he guaranteed he would phone when he got back to the car, which he did. I rang him a day later to see how he was and he said he had taken my advice and said he was better following his visit to the GP who had given him a prescription. He recovered sufficiently to twitch the Black Guillemot off Cley in August, but following a tweet a couple days ago from Justin enquiring to his whereabouts, (as we would have expected to have seen him at the Two- barred Greenish Warbler twitch), it was very odd that no one had heard from him since September. He was sent direct texts and I called him several times and no response, which was very odd as he was so punctilious at replying. We are grateful to Justin for raising concerns initially and calling at his address and unfortunately finding out from his neighbours about this very sad news, Paul was a unique individual and I for one will miss him. RIP Paul. (Photos: first one: Paul on his 56th birthday enjoying a pint and at the Lizard Orchid somewhere in Norfolk, second one: courtesy of Jane Ferguson), 3rd & 4th one: my copyright!

Compensation for painting exterior woodwork

Just before luch, on this sunny day Sunday 27th October, I saw House Sparrow fly over the roof and perched on next door's (no.7) aerial and start chirruping, a fine male House Sparrow which is rarely seen in the garden. Out at the front garden a low flying Buzzard circled low over the Close and house at 3pm. Later a Pied Wagtail flew west. Adequate compensation for very pessary outside painting of the garage woodwork.

A look around Ness Point & Fallowfields

At Ness Point, on Saturday 26th October, the usual flock of 17 Turnstone flew in, no sign of the Purple Sand although it was very high tide. In the SLP yard just south of the Orbis Energy building, a female Black Redstart fed in the yard just beyond the railings. At the southern end of the Point a calling Rock Pipit flew onto the defence rocks. Also 1 Rock Pipit heard in Hamilton Dock too. Saw Maurice and we saw 4 Teal fly south. Back home, a calling Chiff- Chaff just beyond the garden had me peering over the fence without optical aids (except my spectacles) and the Chiff- Chaff showed well just 2 metres away in new Sallow bushes which have grown up since the Badger Building clearance of the land last March. Finally a Stock Dove flew east over the garden.

Surfin' USA, (Lowestoft) North Beach style!!

On Wednesday 23rd October, I left work just after 1pm and headed to Ness Point, 21 Turnstones were by the rock ledge just east of the compass point. A young Herring Gull was seen standing on a wooden pallet surfing on the sea, which brought to mind the Beach Boys song "Surfin' USA" anything to keep me amused in this most dire of autumn's!) was of interest too and a Red- throated Diver flying south was all I saw.

Twilight birding

On Tuesday 22nd October, after work with the light fading I visited Corton ORT and was immediately apparent there were a lot of Goldcrests present and I must have seen 50+ Also seen were 5 Robins and 5 Song Thrushes and in one small group of Crests and intriguing white bellied bird seen very briefly (Firecrest/ Ybw?) Also seen was a Chiff- Chaff. Nothing really seen at Corton Old Sewage works, but the light was fading rapidly with the sun setting at 5.50pm, maybe my last after work (5pm) birding for the year. Pity because the prospects of saving what has been a dire autumn seem slim.

Benacre Bound

On Saturday 19th October, I drove to Benacre, ostensively to get some landscape pictures on the initially sunny morning for an upcoming talk for the Lowestoft RSPB. Pics of Church taken. A walk down the track to the end of Covehithe cliff, I heard a Brambling and then pics of the crumbling cliff taken. At the hide pics of the beach, Broad and trees on the beach and view north taken. A close Stonechat showed well by the tree just east of the hide before being quickly scared by dog walkers, nothing of note on the Broad at all. A walk back and a Chiff- Chaff seen and heard by the cottage. At Ness Point, in the SLP yard just south of Orbis Energy centre, first a female Black Redstart seen by the fence then the smart male Black Redstart seen and flew up to the horizontal beam. Really good to see Robert Win and catch up.

Sparrowhawk & Pied Wag

On Thursday 17th October, a particularly fine and very black- backed male Pied Wagtail seen as I walked outside the James Paget Hospital towards the Dermatology department, later on (just after lunch) a female Sparrowhawk flew over the main building of the Hospital.

Redwings arrive!

On Monday 14th October as I was leaving for work at 8.10am, 5 low flying Redwings called and flew low and west over the house viewed from the front. On Tuesday 15th October at 1.30pm a flock of around 105 Redwings calling flew over the James Paget Hospital as I walked from the Burrage Centre to the main Hospital building. At 5.20pm around 43 strong calling Redwings were again seen flying west and inland over the Burrage Centre as I left work for home.

A very, very elusive Two- barred Greenish Warbler at Orford

On Sunday 13th October, first stop was Ness Point where the Shore Lark showed initially before disappearing then pandemonium as a BINS message went round of a probable Two- barred Greenish Warbler was at Orford, once Richard had tweeted it was one, I took Maurice B down and we parked at the Meadow car park. Lots of people around 100 gathered around the path overlooking some tall trees. In the vegetation I found a fine bronze Beetle Chrysolina bankii, which is locally scarce, but initially no sign of the bird but within half an hour people were running and we followed and gathered in front of a very large Buddlea where people said the bird was. Imagine the frustration as I couldn't see it latching onto 2 Goldcrests and then checking the bush and still not seeing it. I was only one of handful of people missing it here, which was so frustrating in the extreme. I have missed several major birds. A bird flew out left from the Buddlea which people said was it, but I couldn't positively ID it, later it was seen at the side of a field and again I missed it but heading back to Buddlea bushes 10 minutes later, I saw a Chiff- Chaff sized bird fly out from the Buddlea at very close range showing pure green upper parts, a large wing bar, a stout flesh coloured bill, whitish underparts which were more yellowy- olive by the face but by far the most prominent feature was a very thick yellow supercilium which was very obvious and the supercilia was kinked up at the back and the bird was fairly longer tailed (noticeably bigger and longer tailed than YBW). Seen for around 10 seconds in flight in all, at the time I didn't want to call it out in front of the assembled crowd. We all turned our attention to the bush but it didn't appear and a bird flew back to the Buddlea not (seen nearly as well) this time. On seeing the tweeted pics later on, I realised that this was indeed the superb but all too brief view of a Two- barred Greenish Warbler which had saved me from a horrendous dip, but pity I didn't see better and more prolonged views of such a fabulous bird. I have some experience with the species seeing several in China in 1999. Later on at 4.30pm, I went back to Ness Point and eventually saw the Shore Lark fly back and feed on the concrete car park.

All quiet at Benacre but birds on the way back home

A report of a possible RN Grebe on Benacre Broad had me driving in light rain to Covehithe, on Saturday 12th October I walked down to the Broad in the fields just south a group of Gulls included an adult Yellow- legged Gull, a real brute of a bird with a very white head, slightly darker slate grey back yellow legs. By the Broad nothing really seen but the Tit flock moving past the hide revealed a Treecreeper scaling up the trunk of a tree. walking back past the wood, I heard the rattling of an unseen Mistle Thrush. Back at the Covehithe path walk, I heard the rasping of a Brambling 3 birds flew off one was definitely the Brambling. Walking back by the path to Covehithe Broad in the large tree, I had a good view of a Chiff- Chaff in the light rain. Hearing of a BR at Heritage Green, Kessingland, I met David B and the female Black Redstart seen in gardens opposite with it briefly seen on the fence then it flew back and settled on the left hand corner of a roof for 10 seconds before it flew down and out of sight. Going onto the North Denes, after Andrew E had tweeted a Dartford had been seen following Stonechat around. I saw James B and I could see a male Stonechat but no sign of the Dartford. James left and I walked along the inland path to check some brambles when I heard some cracking and a silver winged chocolate brown female Ring Ouzel with pale cream on the upper breast flew past and perched in the pines and then out of sight. As I was searching for this bird. I turned and saw the male Stonechat, perched on the brambles but even better around 10 metres behind it the Dartford Warbler flew up and perched for 20 seconds on one of the tall Alexanders before flying down, my first sighting on the North Denes. Despite phoning James B, who had only just reached home and him returning, we failed to see either the Dartford or the Ouzel again.

Stunning views of the Shore Lark today

On Wednesday 9th October leaving work at 1.30pm I went straight down to Ness Point and drove up to the old Coastguards car park at the southern end of Ness Point. Another car was already there and really good to see Tim B photographing the Shore Lark posing on the wall. I crawled round the back of Tim's car and fired off a few shots before I got back in the car and we both got some great shots from our cars with the bird still on the sea wall even giving a brief snatch of song, it sat down and rested for some 20 minutes before flying down to the car park and feeding before a walker disturbed as it flew to the seawall north of the coastguards, the bird then flew back and gave superlative views feeding in the car park as we both stayed in our cars and perched on the wall again. I saw Peter No and later Gus H, as I saw a Black Redstart briefly on the fence and Gus indicated it was perched on the dark vertical beam of the SLP building at the southern end of the SLP yard. A really enjoyable trip this time with great company and optimal conditions for photography made me very happy! A walk around the Netposts revealed little save for 3 Linnets in the weedy area. I decided to visit Gunton Wood and no sooner had I walked to the usual area that I heard first Siskin, then another, then the rasping of a Brambling then the strident "tsuip" call of a YBW. Hearing the YBW call around 5 times I finally pinned it down to the bush next to the Holm Oaks, west side of the path, it called a further 3X and I spotted it, a fine Yellow-browed Warbler, flitting about near the top and saw the cream super cilia and wing bars for all of 30 seconds before it disappeared again. A really enjoyable afternoon's birding!

Shore Lark again and nasty encounter

This morning at first light I drove down and saw the Shore Lark perched along the top walkway, it then started singing briefly and then flew down to the gravel area, where I saw it well. Also finally seen was a female Black Redstart perched on the railings, a long overdue first sighting of this species for me in 2019. Directly after work, I returned after a fruitless quick visit to Gunton ORT where nothing was seen. The fine Shore Lark was seen again along the top walkway just north of the usual area. I noticed a person hanging around by the railings with a dog but when a woman walking her dog walked straight and deliberately at the bird (she didn't walk on she returned the railings) and scared it and hurling a load of expletives at both me and another birder with his young family (whatever his wife/ young children thought I don't know, but they soon left.) We were entirely innocent of any provocation. She is slim 30's with mousey or blond hair wearing a yellow fluorescent cagoule and walking a Golden Retriever type dog. I have unfortunately encountered her before, whilst photographing an immature Kittiwake on the sea wall by the Link's road car park and a load of abuse was hurled at me then, too. If it happens again, I will notify the Police. She doesn't like birders or photographers, so best to keep well clear of her. The bird flushed to the aerial mast area again. It fed around the concrete weedy edges and flew to the top part and even started singing which was lovely to hear. I also saw 2 Black Redstarts here and briefly heard the song of a male Black Redstart too. This couldn't be fully enjoyed because fearing my safety, the aforementioned woman was joined by a man/ partner they were conversing in a very loud turn her talking about the ******* birdwatchers and feeling a little trapped here, I decided to leave. The light was going anyway, so I left again having not improved on my shots from the previous evening in part due to the obnoxious dog walker.

Bramblings and Shore Lark

On Monday 7th October, first light birding I heard and saw 2 Bramblings flying west over the north end of Gunton Old Rail track plus what may have been the immature female Ring Ouzel flew into a bushy area, some cracking heard so may well have been the bird. At Corton Old Sewage works as I reached the lane running north west of the complex, a Fox was staring back at me from the vegetation sadly it moved as i got the camera out. I heard a rasping Brambling. After work, a trip to Hamilton road, because Rob Win had come up trumps yet again with a superb Shore Lark find at the old coastguards at the southern end of Ness Point. I saw James B. by the railings along, northern tip of the concreted area and he said the bird was just south of here. He'd also seen 2 Redstarts. After a few minutes the superb Shore Lark, was seen feeding by the gravel and puddles before it suddenly flew over to the old coastguards. James left and I used the radio mast tower to shield myself while I took a few shots as it ran and fed along the top walkway which headed south then west as the bird fed, I got a couple of nice shots albeit in poor light. Andrew E arrived and it then ran back along the top walkway, then it flew back to the gravel area.

Wonderful Ring Ouzel at Gunton ORT

At 5pm I saw 1 Redwing fly over the garden calling "steep" and a Song Thrush heard in the garden that was seen flying over to fallow fields. A Stock Dove was also seen flying south over the Parkhill Hotel wall at some some height too. This inspired me to check the local area. After all the rain that had fallen and with easterly winds and easing of the rain, meant I would go out with just the bins (should have taken the camera but it was still raining albeit lightly!) I looked around Gunton Old Rail track, Dip Farm, Hubbards Loke, Gunton Woodland Burial and then leeward side of the ORT hedge. Totals of 34 Song Thrush, 30 Robin, 12 Redwing, 10 Blackbird, 5 Goldcrest (all seen along the Gunton ORT bar 1 Goldcrest at Hubbards Loke, where I also saw 2 Chaffinch. Best of all as I was walking along the lea (inland side of the Gunton ORT bushes by the fence around 100 yards north of the Gunton Woodland burial. I saw an interesting Rouzel type Thrush fly into the second red- berried Hawthorne bush, It was only around 10 metres away and slightly obscured view in the bush. I looked at it, noting both the brown long bill chocolate brown head and mantle, distinctive white fringing to the wings and a very slight pale patch on the upper breast. I was so close, I could see the distinctive scalloping to the underparts (last seen on the other bird I saw really close the Oval bird- read on) and long wings extending beyond the rump, another good ID feature. It was a superb immature female Ring Ouzel and it was very confiding sitting on the same perch for around 10 minutes. I was really enjoying these views rarely seen this close as they are usually so skulking and secretive. It was "chacking" quite a bit too, which is as another aural ID feature, as I slowly edged round to get further views. It would have been to nice to photograph, but I hadn't brought my camera as it was still raining (albeit slightly when I left home) although the light was not great either and the bird was partially obscured but definitely my best views since the fine adult male I had seen on the Oval, one spring, several years ago. I really enjoyed watching this fine bird and it was ample reward for getting wet this afternoon and all of the dips yesterday! After 10 minutes it flew back to its original bush and out of sight where I decided to leave it go to roost without being disturbed.

Quintuple dip day

On Saturday 5th October, best birds of the day were the 4 adult- winter Mediterranean Gulls on Links road car park, missed the YBW and Ouzel along the North Denes slope, missed the Black Red at Hamilton road (still haven't seen one this year!), missed the Purple Sand at Ness Point and the RV Darter just N of Birds Eye in the weedy patch, a day to forget! Rob spotted a pale Buzzard flying north hassled by around 8 Carrion Crows. Best bit was seeing Barry W, Rob Will, Chris M. I did however hear at least 2 Redwings "tseeping" behind the southern section of the Oval in the tall trees at the back. Parties of 5 and 15 Brent Geese seen flying south over the sea. Later 2 Redwings were heard at Fallowfields, but not seen.

Return of the Rock Pipits and Yellow- Brow show

On Friday 4th October, I arrived at the North Denes and saw 4 winter Mediterranean Gulls (3 adult birds and 1 second- winter). At around 9.30am a wonderful Hobby flew in off the sea flew over Links Road and then over the Denes and Gunton cliff disappearing going inland over Corton road. The YBW had been seen early morning but no sign for me. I met David B and his wife and we spied a Rock Pipit on the seaward side ledge of the seawall wanting to move past and photograph it looking south so the sun was on the bird, we did an arc around the bird but as we approached the steps it was directly by the steps right by us and it flew north towards Ness Point. Leaving david B and his wife, I immediately spotted another Rock Pipit on the seaward side ledge just north and it flew north. 30 Linnet seen by the fenced off area. I then checked Gunton cliff and 100 yards north of the Holm Oak copse (300 yards north of Warren House wood), I heard the distinctive strident call of a YBW at 11.20am, it flew into a Mountain Ash and showed the Yellow- browed Warbler reasonably well where I noted both wing- bars and the super cilia from behind before it disappeared and out of sight.

Tricky Yellow- brows

On Thursday 3rd September after work, I went to Gunton cliff, saw around 15 Long- tailed Tits but no YBW for me. Intriguingly, I heard a distant "tsuip" strident call from the Dip Farm shelter belt, a quick search failed to reveal the Yellow- browed Warbler here. belthearing of 4 then 5 on the North Denes, I raced over there, sprinted to where Rob and Andrew was watching one bird zipping around in some tamarisk in the southern most shelter belt just north of the Oval, unfortunately my glasses steamed over and I saw a tiny olive both and white below warbler, which was the Yellow- browed Warbler, but unnoticeable for me as I didn't see any wing bars or super cilia because of my fogged glasses, it was obviously the bird and it flew to the cliff and called the distinctive sharp/ loud "tsp" which clinched it but not satisfactory views at all. I checked north along the Denes and Warren House wood, nothing so I went back. I heard 2 different "tsuip" calls from 2 separate area almost calling in unison meaning there were still 2 Yellow- browed Warblers on the Gunton cliff going to roost, but it was almost dark (approaching 6.30pm).

Ness Point goodies

On Wednesday 2nd October, in the afternoon, I took a look around the local area. At the Links road car park, were 4 adult winter Mediterranean Gulls including the one- legged individual. At Ness Point, I spied a Guillemot on the sea fairly close in directly opposite the wind turbine. A few waders including 5 Turnstone flew up and included the fine Purple Sandpiper, but it then disappeared and settled on the defence rocks again opposite the wind turbine but unfortunately out of sight.

Grey Wagtail over the River Yare

On Tuesday October 1st at 8.30am, I saw a Grey Wagtail flying due south over the River are at Gorleston Riverside, whilst delivering my car for its MOT, (it passed with flying colours by the way!). A singing immature Pied Wagtail was feeding on the "bowling green lawn" behind the Burrage Centre at work.

All quiet on the eastern front

On Friday 27th September walking over to the Education & Training centre at the James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, I saw a wonderfully large Devil's Coach Horse (2 inches) crossing the path. In the evening of 27th September, 5 House Martins were flying over the house. Very little at Ness Point on Sunday 29th September, 5 Turnstone and 1 Pied Wagtail were the only birds seen. On Monday 30th September, 3 House Martins flying south over the house at 5.30pm.

Four Frogs on the patio

On Sunday 22nd September, in the early evening around 7pm during a rain shower, 4 adult Frogs were seen on the patio in the back garden. They all looked quite brown in colouration.

Minsmere again

On Sunday 22 September, a drive down to Minsmere in the morning and a very fine male Migrant Hawker flew around at the back of the West Hide (no Wildlife lookout for me!) and settled in good light and posed beautifully for the camera. Back again for the Pec in the morning, great light but surprise, surprise the fine juvenile Pectoral Sandpiper was feeding at the back of the Konik field and still really distant, 2 Little Egret flew in closer and showed well. Seeing Matt S we went and checked the Sluice bushes, little seen bird wise but by the side of the southern most path into the bushes just by the right of the path I discovered a fine Garden Tiger Moth caterpillar, very brown and furry I moved it and put it into a safer spot. Whilst looking for the Bush Crickets a female Dartford warbler flew out and settled to the left side of a bramble bush and was feeding on blackberries! It flew very close into a bare bush right in front of us. A male Dartford Warbler was also seen on the top a tall bush between the East hide and the Public hide. 8 Wigeon flew in of the sea and onto the Scrape. From the East hide, a single Dunlin, Black- tailed Godwit and around 100 Wigeon seen. back at the Pec field, the Pectoral sandpiper was at the back and then it walked forward being much closer this side of the pool but unfortunately the light was all wrong.

No Lap

A hectic scorch after work down to Easton Barents fields had me parking at Reydon Industrial Park and walking the mile and a half down to the fields. No sign of the lapland Bunting and little else seen, as I reached the field I had a final 45 kins of daylight.

Second visit to see the Pec

On Wednesday 18th September, I was keen to try and get pics of the Pec, several people had got some reasonable pics including a couple of non digiscopers. It had been little distant on Saturday. Walking around in the afternoon, from 4pm it was very sunny and as expected the light was totally against me. The fine Pectoral Sandpiper was in the Konik field, in the southernmost pool nearest the path running west, it was slightly closer but still distant and of course the light was all wrong. It spent the whole time feeding. 2 Snipe and Teal also seen here. From the South hide, 2 2 Black- tailed Godwits, 8 Dunlin, and an Avocet and a grey Knot seen over to the right hand side. Walking down a Painted Lady seen resting in some foliage and a smart Comma outside the West hide. Not much seen from the West hide, save for an Lesser Black- backed Gull with what looked like a broken wing.

An amazing number of Red- veined Darters

On Sunday 15th September, following a late evening tweet from Andrew E, at 9am we assembled at Carlton Marshes car park and we walked out with John W, Robert Will, Rob and a few others. Walking around we saw up to 100 Red- veined Darters an incredible number, mainly teneral ones but at least one old male with tatty wings seen perched on some dried mud. Walking around the edge we saw around 15 exuvia (the chrysalis larvae case skins, shed when they break out to become adult form dragonflies), with one RV Darter sadly seen bursting out from one case but had very sadly died in mid metamorphosis. Plus, a Greenshank flying around and 2 Snipe seen too. Finally a very fine adult male Migrant Hawker seen flying around the GR Spider dyke by the bridge, it was seen perched a few times too.