Last visit for 2020

On the afternoon of Thursday 31st December, I went back to Lake Lothing, the omens didn't look too good, as there was no initial sign of the RBM and 3 'fishermen' were walking about on the concrete pier, but I saw a close Redshank on the rocks just north of the wooden posts that just eluded the camera and a more distant Little Grebe. Suddenly, I spotted the female Red- breasted Merganser swimming left and near the channel, she then swam back and a boat coming in flushed it again and it flew towards the channel before settling down just beyond the wooden posts, reasonably close where I managed a few pics and there were now 2 Little Grebes together. As the sun became enveloped by cloud, the now silhouetted RBM came even closer, why is it more confiding when it gets cloudy?

Hooded Merganser and record tally of Goosanders

On Tuesday 29th December, a very grey and murky day but very enjoyable and rewarding day I took my exercise walk in a lovely part of the world (but still within our local council area), firstly driving past Blythburgh I saw the Bean Geese from the road, the usual group of 25. I headed for Butley and just NW of there was Wantisden corner (and Staverton Park area) and parking down a road just left of there, I parked by a a group of 4 cars parked (surely birders cars?), I phoned Craig the finder and got great directions from him. A group of 8 Crossbills chipping at they flew over my head and towards a group of Pines where I lost them. another birder walking back also gave me great directions and I bumped into gerald J who also gave me directions (always very handy for a new place visited plus told me to look out for the field full of Fieldfares) walking down the road through the flooded part and then opposite Wantisden Corner farm, I took the track left down to a red parked tractor and then walked over top a concrete building and then left again down to an area looking over an area of reed fringed water bordered by trees, where 3 birders were looking including Dick. The bird had just gone out of view, but in a pattern which was repeated 5X, it, the fantastic female Hooded Merganser swam out from a treed island, bigger than Smew but smaller than a RBM, obscuring the left hand of the mere. Its tufted fanned head and thin bill immediately noticeable. It then swam out to the middle of the lake and was very successful in catching fish, it caught at least 10 fish during the hour or so I was there. We were then joined by Paul & Jane walking down the track towards us from the other direction, a very convivial 45 minutes or so as we all watched the fine Hooded Merganser swimming out fishing then swimming left again (at its closest point, always the best place for photography against the dark water) befoire it disappeared for some 10 minutes before swimming right again and repeating the whole process. It flapped its wings 3X and was also very wary when a female Marsh Harrier flew over. A group of around 40 calling Siskins flew left over the Mere, a fine Great White Egret was at the back and flew up and flew back again. After around hour and a half the cold was getting to my feet so we all decided to walk back by the turnip field, the Fieldfares were back, an incredible flock of exactly 90 Fieldfares counted, plus a Mistle Thrush perched on a mole hill and 2 Redwings counted amongst their number, all these Thrushes gave off a wonderful winter vista, sadly all too rarely seen these days. The Thrushes were at the back of the field and in poor light so not suitable for photography but a wonderful winter vision to take in and marvel at. We also heard a Water Rail squealing. Bidding farewell to Dick and the Fergusons I decided to call in at Minsmere, driving in at 2.40pm I didn't expect to follow 4 cars driving in! All were non birders but I headed for the public hide and looking over to the East Scrape, I counted an incredible tally of 20 Goosanders, with 7 respendent males and 13 more subtle but still elegant & beautiful female Goosanders. My highest ever tally of this species in East Anglia, an incredible total. Walking back, I decided to check the pools just NW of the North Hide from the mound and was surprised and dismayed to see a totally selfish togger with a 400mm lens creeping to the edge of the scrape presumably to photograph some birds. I went back to the centre and spoke to staff including Ian B. who were going to take immediate action. UPDATE" Chris went over and spoke to the guy who claimed he wanted to photograph a Kingfisher! (My advice wait til island Mere or Bittern hides are open again or go to Lackford Pits SWT or Oultton Broad and don't disturb the birds on the Scrape at Minsmere or anywhere else for that matter!

Local again

On Monday 28th December, another look down Lake Lothing initially no sign, but the Shag was perched on the floating orange rig again. but I saw Paul & Jane F walk out to wards the concrete ship with intent and the female Red- breasted Merganser was present again, she swam to the back and didn'yt come closer until after Paul & Jane left preferring instead to swim around at the back swimming as far as the 'Excelsior.' After Paul & Jane had departed, the merganser swam a lot closer past the concrete jetty and into the corner just past the wooden groyne but by this time the light was fading fast.

Another local walkabout

As soon as they sun poked its head out of the clouds at lunchtime I was out and I saw Richard from the rail bridge and we saw the female Red- breasted Merganser this time way down in the channel looking east, the Little Grebe was also present. I then travelled to hamilton Dock, nothing there but at Ness Point by the finger I saw Rob H and we spied initially 10 Purple Sandpipers and around 8 Turnstones, most of the Sandpipers were feeding at the end of the finger, but 2 were a little closer, one hopped over to the rocks just south of the finger and was giving very close views in shade and another came closer the other side sometimes in sunlight, but our best views were of 2 feeding on the seaweed encrusted rocks near the compass, 2 were here and then Rob said we had a "Baker's dozen" ie. 13 Purple Sandpipers, because we could clearly count 11 at the tip of the finger. My highest tally of the winter so far! We left to the sound of feral young children being 'marshalled' by slightly older ones by the funnel, throwing a mint condition motorcycle helmet onto the ground repeatedly, with the visor coming off, so time to leave!

Festive walkabout

Early on Christmas day, I drove to Covehithe, going down the lane, 8 Fieldfares flew out of a close bush by the right hand side of the road. Parking at the end, I walked down to Covehithe Broad, an initial look and I failed to see the LT Duck but another scanned revealed with Mallard at the back edge of the northern section of the Broad, then the excellent Long- tailed Duck swam a little closer and at one point flapped its wings but unfortunately not captured on film. Also along the south section of the Broad was a female Goldeneye. A look out to sea revealed a constant stream of Divers flying north, most readily identified as Red- throated Divers with an amazing tally of 3,500+ Red- throated Divers counted (all flying north) in around a 40 minute watch. One ot two candidates looked interesting but were too far out to safely ID. However, on the sea mid distance was a flock of 14 Scoter (13 Common Scoter) swimming on the sea and the white- wing clip revealed a fine Velvet Scoter almongst their number, as if to confirm this, they all flew south with the white in the wings clearly seen on the Velvet. A female Marsh Harrier quartered the reeds at the back of the Broad. I then drove just past Blythburgh and took the first road to Wenhaston, overlooking the field between the village and the A12, initially no sign of the Beans but first 12 Fieldfares and then another 2 Fieldfares flew over my head and inland, but 22 Bean Geese first heard calling and then they flew over my head wheeled around and then settled in the field. When I scoped thenm there were definitely 25 Bean Geese in the field, I wonder where the other 3 had been? A look around the back roads of Benacre village was soon cut short because of flooding, indeed much of Kessingland levels was flooded on a scale I hadn't seen before. A look at Lake Lothing from the railway bridge I spotted the fine female Red- breasted Merganser swimming towards the concrete jetty, I waited until it dived and then ran into prome position on the jetty. But unfortunately a couple walking towards the waters edge pushed it further back and I hid by the wooden groyne but again it didn't surface very closely, it then swam towards the concrete jetty again and then went close to the waters edge I got really close but a thick black cloud meant it was apalling light (ISO 6400) on camera meant no pics (or silhouette only) despite how close I was to the bird, very frustrating, but nevertheless a great birding, but lousy photography day! No sign of either the Dabchick or the Shags! Merry Christmas and Season's greeting to all my readers, lets hope 2021 is a better year, a healthy one for evryone and lots of good birding, wildlife watching and photography!

Lake Lothing walkabout

On Saturday 19th December, I drove to the edge of Normanston Park and bumped into Rob Wil & his son Joel, he said the RBM was still there swimming between the concrete jetty and the boatyard waters, but when I walked over the bridge to the shore of Lake Lothing it had disappeared and there was no sign. I saw Paul & Jane F and we spotted, what is fast becoming a Christmas tradition,(!), the super sharp Jane who spotted 2 Shags perched on the edge of a concrete jetty, but one soon flew off. Whilst we were watching them, Paul picked up the fine female Red- breasted Merganser, shen than swam in along the northern edge of the water. We also saw 1 Little Grebe. Sadly a arer sight on these waters this winter. On Sunday 20th December, I visited again and the female Red- breasted Merganser was in the same area and the 2 Shags were on a bright orange floating jetty that occasionally drifted a little. Nice to finally meet Wildlifetog and Kevin C. again toggers on a rare visit from their Carlton Marshes habitat!

Very quiet at Oulton Marshes

On Wednesday 16 December, an afternoon trip to Fisher Row revealed very little, no sign of the EWFG flock, I did see around 20 Canada & a Greylag/ Snow Goose hybrid on Camps Heath marshes, a trek around the very muddy river path revealed Kestrel and a Grey Heron flying off from a dyke, plus 2 Meadow Pipits in a flooded field by the track. Absolutely nothing at all on Oulton Marshes no birds at all. In contrast, Peto's Marsh over the river was packed with birds with Wigeon, Teal, Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets and the red- tagged female Marsh Harrier flying over.

Greenfinch in the garden

On Sunday 13th December, in the afternoon, during a rain shower, nice to see a male Greenfinch come to the feeders, a scarcer visitor given the building site beyond and our trees and shrubs are the only ones within 40 metres.

Iceland Gull at Winterton

On Sunday 13th December, the weather was kind enough for me to drive to Winterton, by the roadside just north of Hemsby, nice to see a group of around 30 Pink- footed Geese in afield just west of the road. Parking at the north of the village I walked up past the Toad pools, seeing a male Stonechat and a Buzzard flying over the woods. I reached the dune over looking rock groyne 59, there was initially no sign of the Iceland. But many c200 adult Grey Seals lying on the beach and around 30 baby Grey Seals most small cream baby seals recently born. I spied a birder slighly further north and saw a fine 1st winter Iceland Gull, biscuit coloured with white wings, dark eye, bi-coloured pink and black bill. It was by the shoreline but after an adult Seal went fot it, it walked closer drank from the pool and finally walked right to the top of the beach being only 15- 20 minutes away! Ali R arrived and the fine Iceland Gull walking by the wooden groyne. A quick look at Filby Broad revealed 4 female Goldeneye and 30 Pochards right at the back, but no sign of the LT Duck (not to worried after having such excellent views of the bird at Covehithe Broad) which was seen later in the day. Good to see David from Strumpshaw.

Seasonal successful wild goose quest

On Saturday 12th December, I was keen to have a look for the Tundra Bean Geese just seen in fields off the road to Wenhaston. The problem was there are 5 different roads to Wenhaston off the A12, after 90 minutes of searching I finally narrowed it down to 1 of 2 roads (based on the grid reference provided) and finally taking the road, signed to Wenhaston 2 miles and Wormells Nursery, the first road west after travelling south through Blythburgh, after a mile a large field to the south of the road, I stopped and spotted 19 fine Tundra Bean Geese feeding in the muddier brown section of the field (the south east corner). Typically, smaller than Taiga's, as I explained to a birder who arrived and asked the exact same question of "what is the difference?" between them and Taiga's. I explained it's a bit like the difference between Bewick's & Whoopers. With the Tundras size wise like Bewick's smaller, shorter necked and less long wedge shaped bills. Both having orange legs and black and orange bills. He also hadn't brought his telescope which I found surprising and Geese are nearly always distant when viewed and this flock was no exception. Next stop, Benacre and after thoughly wiping down the telescope, eye piece and tripod with an anti- bacterial cloth and wiping down with anti- bacterial gel for extra safety. I drove around the village of Benacre taking the road leading south from the entrance to Benacre Beach farm and just west of there in a field I was delighted to find a flock of 78 European White- fronted Geese, I counted thenm 3X they were busy feeding right at the back of the field and I stayed in the car to make sure I didn't disturb them. They were several thick dark belly striped males within the flock and they were constantly feeding. I got back home about 1.30pm too, too late to travel to Winterton.

Double Celebration Day!

On Wednesday 9th December, it was a double celebration day, as I was surprised and honoured to jointly receive 'JPUH Trust Employee of the month' (for Oct) for work I did helping a colleague at the local Clinical Care Commissioning Group and she very kindly put me forward for the award. I am really proud to work for the NHS, particularly the Paget where everyone works so hard and they all so dedicated to providing the best possible patient care. I am indebted to the great support I get from my friends and colleagues: especially the Library Team (Debbie & Karl), the Education Practice & Development Team and the JPUH Trust team as a whole and dedicate my award to all of them. It was a real honour to receive the award from our Chief Exec, she leads the Trust really well, it is a tough job to do at anytime but particularly now and she handles all of this with great aplomb. After I had received the award, I just had time after leaving the Hospital at 2pm to visit Ormesby & Rollesby Broads, stradling the A149, looking first on Rollesby Broad, I saw 2 female Goldeneyes. Then looking over the road at Ormesby Broad, I saw a group of 30+ Pochard (including 24 males) this bird is becoming particularly scarce locally so really nice to see this cold weather influx of these birds. I also saw the fine Slavonian Grebe (the reason for my visit) right at the back, which was frequently diving and it did swim a little closer but still distant. sadly no time to go onto Winterton but I'll leave that for the weekend.

Finally the EYW!

Another attempt for the EYW at Carlton Marshes on Sunday 6th December, I arrived at 1.30pm, I saw Paul (Paul & Sarah) and somone else scanning from just before the Ferry hide overlooking Peto's marsh from the western end. Only up to 5 Pied Wagtails seen and 2 Water Pipits. Paul had to leave at 3pm and at 3.10pm I gave up to and walked back and joined a group of birders including Rob Wil and Andrew E. I had mentioned to Paul earlier that the cavalry had arrived (when we spied Andrew Rob & James W walking up, although they didn't reach us choosing to view instead from just off the main track), that Andrew would probably pick up the bird and indeed he did! At 3.20pm, he said he had it It was mid way out on the grass just left of a channel of water. The superb Eastern Yellow Wagtail fed and then flew right, it perched on a small bull of mud and then flew a little way right, the group of Pied Wagtails had increased to around 15 birds and then it flew a little closer feeding with the Wagtails behind a group of Lapwings. It then flew right again flying by the river and then it was lost to view at 3.40pm. A Great White Egret was seen here. A group of 44 Fieldfares flew by and settled in a tree by the river and nicely framed by a pinky sky. Finally, 6 Redwings flew west and then a Great White Egret flew by and settled to roost in a tree by Whitecast Marsh.

Covehithe magic & second encounter with the Great Grimpen Mire

On Saturday 5th December, I parked at Covehithe village (nice to see only 1 car and only 1 pair of dog walkers coming back) saw Carl B briefly and then I walked down to what was to prove to be a very enjoyable visit to the ever reliable Covehithe Broad, in the field north of there were some 400 Barnacle Geese with some closer birds so I took a couple of pics and then walked down to the Broad, I was able to walk through the flooded bit on the beach near the northern path as I was armed with wellies. I could see Maurice B, Clive N watching a bird along the north section, as I reached them I could see it was the excellent Long- tailed Duck. It started to swim towards us and swam north along the Broad giving some exceptional views barely 7 metres away, couple with the early morning sun pokings tts rays through the cloud giving perfect conditions for photography. The LT Duck would regularly dive, giving me an opportunity to run into position and kneel down befoe it resurfaced. It was giving very confiding views, once it resurfaced with a string of pond weed around its bill. It then swam further north along the Broad. A fine male Scaup, with dark green head, yellow eye and white scaly back. It kept further back but at one point it also swam a little north and slightly closer before swimming back to the southern section of the Broad again. Further back was a pair of Goldeneye. Talking to Clive N, first a Knot flew around us and then south and then 3 Dunlin followed the same route again. Walking back I got momentarily stuck in what was to be my second encounter of the Great Grimpen Mire this year (see 31 August entry for 2020 for my first encounter!), as the flooded area on the beach I got completely stuck for a few minutes before using a firmer section of the beach to release the tight grip it had on one of my wellington boots! I then went to Southwold parking in North road and walking to the Boating Lake, no sign of the female Scaup, but I saw Rob H and we saw 4 Bearded Tits in the reeds (bordering the back of the cafe) including 2 fine adult males. I had a quick look for Purple Sandpiper but didn't see it, the skies were looking leaden grey and about to burst with rain/ hail so I made my way back and just dodged the heavy hail storm that followed. Nice to obtain the Suffolk Bird Report for 2019 where I was very pleased to see 7 of my pictures published inc. Great Northern Diver, Razorbill, Purple Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Stock Dove, Darford Warbler and Pied Flycatcher. (A very fair selection).

No sign again

On a bitterly cold dull afternoon, on Wednesday 2nd December, I walked to the bund overlooking Peto's again, saw again, despite a good look only notable birds seen 4 Water Pipit, 10 Pied Wagtails and 100+ lapwing. A poor return, again no sign of the EYW.

Harbour & Ness Point goodies

On Sunday 29th November, a look in Hamilton Dock revealed the Red- throated Diver in the southern harbour area near the South Pier where it was joined by a second Red- throated Diver. Some calls revealed 2 excellent Russian White- fronted geese flying high over the Hamilton Dock and inland. OFB turned up and we drove over and walked over to the South Pier, we were joined by Steve from Norwich, initially no sign then I saw a single Red- throated Diver back in Hamilton Dock, so back to Hamilton road and we initially had mid distance views. Chris M joined and he walked over to Ness Point and called us over he had spotted a Guillemot but it was drifting quickly north with the tide and I ran to join him and eventually picked up the fine Guillemot just before it reached the "finger"! 2 calling Oystercatchers flew south over the sea. Later on typical to hear the EYW had turned up at CM again.

No sign of the EYW at Carlton Marshes

On Saturday 28th November, started when queuing in the car for the delicious breakfast meal at a well known fast food outlet, when a lady kindly told me I had a brake light out and went down to Halfords to soon have it replaced! Despite walking down to Peto's, no sign of the elusive EYW (a really good potential Lowestoft & Lizard tick) as expected it wasn't seen at all. 2 fine Glossy Ibis flew in however from west of where we were standing from the southern view point bund over Peto's and settled in the marshy reed area by the river bordering Fisher Row. 2 Great White Egrets were seen, one fishing just west of us it flew into the flooded field in front of us and showed well, whilst another flew south. Walking back and looking across north they were seen walking about and at around 3.40pm they flew north towards Somerleyton.

Sotterley lacking the star birds

On Sunday 22nd November, I had my exercise walk at Sotterley, looking carefully around the Dell, just north and south and along the field margin to the west of there very little seen. Walking over to the church, checking the weir, a fine Grey Wagtail flew off. Nothing by the church either. Walking back past the lake, a chattering Nuthatch, revealed said bird scaling up down and a thick trunk of tree, where at the very apex, a Mistle Thrush perched and it was soon joined by its mate, a second Mistle Thrush. A group of 5 Long- tailed Tits, included 4 Blue Tits and 2 Goldcrests. 7 Redwings were seen flying north- west overhead. Walking back along the meadow to the Dell, a mewing Buzzard was heard. Again, checking the Dell, nothing here but 14 Redwings flew east. Walking back to the car, through the trees I could see a Carrion Crow mobbing a Red Kite. Not bad, however my Sotterley hoodo continues as just 20 minutes after I left 1 Hawfinch was seen flying north and later in the afternoon, 4 were seen along the northern edge of the Dell, Sotterley almost matches my seawatching exploits to equal, an epic fail!

Greenfinch in garden

On Saturday 21st November in the morning, a Greenfinch was seen perched in the Cherry tree briefly.

Shore Lark (the highlight) the low light complete lack of fieldcraft X2

On Monday 16th November, I walked along the Lowestoft North Denes and in between the 2 shelter belts I was astounded to see a so called 'birder' standing slap bang in the Dusky W territory amongst the bracken in front of the large bush. What utter stupidity, I called him back and he apologised saying he didn't know about it's territory but surely common sense would override this apparently not! I heard a Firecrest but not seen, unsurprisingly no sight nor sound of the Dusky, I waited half an hour and then walked back and in Link's Road car park, 6 adult winter Mediterranean Gulls including one ringed individual (white ring black letters E861- one I've seen several times before, an old friend, first seen as an adult winter 20 September 2013, 26 October 2016 and 24 September 2020)) and 2 Common Gulls. Walking down to Heathlands, a LT Tit flock comprised a couple of Goldcrest and a calling Chiff- Chaff, by the pool nearest the sea, I saw 2 feeding Sanderling and also Tony B and we walked north along the beach and I checked the bit where the water kinks inland and sure enough an excellent Shore Lark flew up and onto the beach shore line where it gave good views and posed nicely for the camera for 10 minutes before it suddenly flew across the water and landed along the inland edge somewhere. We saw Nick M he tried elsewhere, as Tony and I walked back around half way along, a Shore Lark suddenly flew in and settled along the shore edge before feeding by the marram grass in front of us, I tweeted it out and after some gesturing Nick who was walking back from the inland side saw it. Walking back, I looked back and 4 Sanderling flew south along the pool. I was dismayed to see 9 large dogs not under control with 5 people laughing they were splashing in the pools. They were heading in the direction of the Shore Lark pool and i tweeted out a warning to the birders present there and sure enough they were disturbed but did eventually conme back. A walk from Walberswick Hoist covert car park revealed a calling redpoll flying inland just I got to the marshes, nice to see Dick W, we had a catch up and Dick said have a look at the really confiding Snow B's. So when I reached the beach, I walked left or north for 30 yards and then on my knees I got within 30 feet of the super confiding 6 Snow Buntings (2 males and 4 females) feeding in the green patch by the post leaning at a 90 degree angle seawards. Light was very poor sadly but before I could get more than a couple of shots, another complete idiot walked straight up to me and bellowed "Where are they mate?" He still couldn't see them still them (should have gone to Specsavers! Other optical retailers are available too!) when I politely asked him to lower his voice, he didn't resulting in 4 of the birds running back soon to be joined by the other 2. By the pool just north of the path, I heard an EYW plus 8 Teal, 3 males and 5 females. Plus a Great White Egret flew past right over the path ahead of us, the second seen after one flying over the reeds further south. Walking back by the planked walkway srcub area, a flock of LT Tits included a Marsh Tit (heard only, 2 Goldcrest and a briefly confiding Lesser Redpoll. Does my current age of 56 mean I am turning into a Victor Meldrew??

Birthday birding

On Sunday 15 November, despite the poor weather forecast I was out early and along the Lowestoft North Denes between the first and second shelter belts north of the Oval, the Dusky Warbler was in the bracken at the base of the slope, I could hear it chacking and split second views were seen in the bracken and frustratingly it showed out in the open for around 10 seconds when I was texting the information out. It flew to the back hawthorn bush and parts of the bird were on show for a few minutes but parts were obscured too, at 8.05am. In Links road car park, 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls seen. The rain started and I went to Ness Point where there were gale force gusts and the rain was pelting down stinging my face, probably some of the most extreme weather conditions I have faced at Ness Point! Unsurprisingly nothing seen! Retreating to the the sanctuary of home I only ventured out again after the rain had stopped. Walking to the pines by the second shelter belt, I could hear the high pitched "wheezing" of a Firecrest (like a Goldcrest with a sore throat!) and sure enough a fine Firecrest appeared in front of me in the hawthorn, showing well briefly. The Dusky warbler was still in the bracken chacking constantly but again just split second views obtained. Back at the Links Road car park, an incredible 9 adult Mediterranean Gulls seen including "stumpy" the one legged indvidual and one ringed with a white ring but frustratingly I couldn't read it as they all flew off when a van headed straight for the Gull flock (some unhinged people around!) Not really believing, the Met office forecast of bright sun at Halesworth, I drove to Pakefield and sure enough it appeared bright to the south and west. So it was, all for 'Legs or bust and I drove to Dunwich. Walking down to the pools taking in 2 close Little Egrets, a wp Black- tailed Godwit see on the walk up. The Greater Yellowlegs was showing by the gap between the 2 pools, it walked throgh but then was seen in the gap, initially asleep, it walked through and fed really close even walking right in front of us on the most easterly part of the pool right in front of us. It would often catch fish, the sticklebacks appeared to give a slight problems as it coughed before the fish went down. It walked over in the company of a Redshank, it was very bright due south of us and cross lighting was a problem sometimes, sometimes OK but when it walked right in front of us unfortunately it was in shadow, but overall pleased with the pics obtained. 3+ Water Pipits seen and heard and the "chew-it" of a Spotted redshank too heard. walking back by the hill just west of the car park, almost at dusk, 8 Red Deer seen including 2 fine stags, "monarchs of the saltmarsh!" One an 8 pointer and the other a particularly fine 10 pointer!

Dusky Warbler still on North Denes

On Thursday 12th November, I walked back to the first shelter belt by the slope just north of the Oval, another birder was there, I immediately heard the chacking of the super Dusky Warbler and we had glimpses of it in the bracken at the back showing fairly regularly for a second or two views. It then flew over to the second shelter belt and showed similar views by the bracken here too before I had to leave for work at 8.10am.

Greater Yellowlegs still in poor light

On Wednesday 11th November, I had a half day and I immediately headed back to Walbersw at 1.30pm, but dismayed to see dark cloud. The wind was increasing too, so no chance on the EYW's so I walked straight to the Yellowlegs pool, a hard mile slog south on the shingle. I bumped into B and he said it was still there by the Little Egret at the back there. When I arrived the excellent Greater Yellowlegs was fortunately much closer, sheltering against the wind by a muddy bank on the right where there was an opening and it would occasionally walk to the back and out of sight before walking back again. It then spent a lot of time sheltering here. Nice to see aidan fro m CEFAS and amazingly a London birder wanted a lift to the nearest rail station, I politely declined, but absolutely no way illegal given the latest COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and a high chance of possible infection!

Dusky Warbler along the North Denes

On Tuesday 10th November, at first light I was down on Lowestoft's North Denes following Robert Wil's tweet from yesterday having found a Dusky on North Denes, I made my way to the first shelter belt north of the Oval and initially no sign, I looked around the Oval seeing very little but a tweet from Andrew E and I joined him looking in the scrub and bracken at the base of the North Denes slope opposite the first shelter belt north of the Oval. The chakking could be heard immediately and the bird was elusive but the excellent Dusky Warbler showed well briefly at 8.05am, I saw the bird back on in the bracken and it flew back into a tree and the distinct supercilia could be seen in glimpses. We moved toward the second shelter belt and a Tit flock moved through and Andrew E spotted a Firecrest, obviously not doubting this at all, but inconclusive views for me, so I still await my first 2020 Firecrest in Lowestoft.

Hume's Warbler at Gunton & North Denes

at 10.30am on Sunday 8th November, I joined both James W (the finder)and Andew E walking behind the Gunton Meadow SWT (same side as Tesco's Petrol station) and walked at the back bordering the Artists estate, I saw James W who explained the bird had flown further west, Andrew was there and had just heard it, then I heard it, the excellent Hume's Warbler, its distinctive lost chick call and saw the bird, a greyer version of YBW with buff supercilia (rather than yellow) and buff on flanks as it moved quickly through the trees moving west the whole time, showed reasonably well for seconds before it over the path and into some large trees bordering the Artists residential estate. Around the North Denes, no sign of the YBW in warren House wood, little along the North denes. The area of the North Denes had been mown with the middle area left. Behind the Links Road car park, both the male and female Stonechats were showing well and I managed a few pics, as were a Common Gull, 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and adult winter Mediterranean Gull (all unringed) amongst the BH Gull flock (3o birds).

Migrating Thrushes again

On Saturday 7th November, at 10.15 pm, 2 calling Redwings and a "chacking" Fieldfare flew over outr house at Parkhill.

A Walberswick "most excellent adventure"

On Saturday 7th November, for my exercise walk I decided to visit Walberswick in the hope of seeing the Eastern Yellow Wagtails and maybe see erupting Bearded Tits and Snow Buntings. I parked by the side of the road at Hoist Covert, with 3 cars already parked there and walked through the rather wonderful scene of Hoist Covert woods, the reedbeds were alive with tpinging Bearded Tits although I didn't see any until I got to the shore pools. A female Marsh Harrier quartered the reeds behind the mill. Taking the path to join the beach, immediately soth of the path, was a pool and I could see the excellent 1st winter Eastern Yellow Wagtail along the near edge showing well until I set the camera and then it disappeared, joining a few birders on the beach (less than 6 and socially distanced) including Matthew D and Craig F, we eventually saw the very grey looking 1st winter Eastern Yellow Wagtail (only a little yellow on its belly) around the near edge before it flew. We then saw it again by the same pool on viewed from the beach and it flew much nearer on the shingle beach, other birders (including Lee W and Dave F) ran by shouting Adams Rowlands had just found a Greater Yellowlegs on Dunwich shore pools! I stayed to photograph the presumed 1st winter Eastern Yellow Wagtail which was showing really nicely with just 2 of us in attendance! I then traipsed the mile along the beach further south and we joined a small group of birders scoping 1 of 2 birds on the pool at mid distance. The first bird was a Redshank, but the second was a magnificent 1st winter Greater Yellowlegs. A rare American visitor, stockier and slightly large than Lesser, with straw yellow legs and speckled brown above it was walking behind an island and then flew a short way to the northern side of the pool, where it continued to feed well, although 1 or 2 presumed Sticklebacks provided a swallowing problem on 2 occasions. This was the 3rd bird I have seen of this species, all in Suffolk having seen the Minsmere bird in 1985, the Southwold and Burgh Castle (Watsonian Suffolk but deemed in Norfolk) bird in 1995. My second Yellowlegs species in 4 days and probable 3rd (in number) of the autumn with the Runham bird being so shy an secretive unlike the Cley bird! A Great White Egret flew north along the reedbed and 2 Little Egret seen. Then the fine adult Eastern Yellow Wagtail, basically grey above and yellow below. It walked towards me then flew north. Walking back to the pool just south of the Dingle hills path, both the 1st winter and adult Eastern Yellow Wagtails feeding together, often flying up together and spiralling up then down again. I saw the adult Eastern Yellow Wagtail feeding along the edge of the beach it then went down into a dyke I was going to follow it when it suddenly appeared o the beach right in front of me, unfortunately as I spun round to get these pics, the ground gave way and the noise flushed the bird and I didn't get the close pictures I was hoping for. Walking 50 metres north, by the fedding area, 4 fine Snow Buntings seen. Walking back Matthew D had 2 fine looking moths, both Oak Rustic (brown moth with a white spot on each wing) and Olive Tree Pearl (white micro moth although quite big, with brown leading edge) and released them on Oak tree leaves.

Viz or audible mig at the Paget, out shopping & at home

On Friday 6th November, as I was having my lunch outside at 1pm, I heard a Grey Wagtail flying around the Burrage centre at the James Paget Hospital. Shopping at Aldi at 9pm I heard several Redwings flying over and then completing my shop at Tesco's Gunton between 9.30- 9.40pm I could heard the regualr hooting of a Tawny Owl from Gunton wood somwwhere behind Tesco's petrol station and Redwings again flying over both Gunton Tesco's superstore and our home at Parkhill whilst I was unloading all the shopping.

The ultra showy Lesser Yellowlegs at Cley

On Wednesday 4th November, I caved in and finally went for the Lesser Yellowlegs at Cley because a) reports were saying it was really showy and b) for once it would be a nice sunny day finally c) also it was the last day before lockdown, so it was today or bust. Having booked a morning's leave off work, I left at 6am in the morning and by 7.30am I was drawing into Cley NWT car park. Lesser Yellowlegs is a rare visitor to the UK from across the "pond" usually blown over by westerly gales. After receving excellent directions from John H I walked left and past the entrance to the hides but couldn't see it in the flooded fields, walking down towards the hides no sign there either so back on the footpath near the road, I saw a chap scurrying by, I followed him and saw another 5 toggers looking just over the fence at the excellent Lesser Yellowlegs, which was this side of a puddle barely 5 metres away, it was incredibly confiding even walking to within 2 metres of me, but it was constanly on the move, initally in shadow but later as the sun rose it shone on the bird as it was continally walking around feeding giving superlative views. A dog walker with 2 dogs off leads spooked it and it flew over to the next field where it was further away and it settled the far side of the puddle where it stood for a while and preened. A male Stonechat flew by and perched briefly on the fence further down. At this point I left, no chance of enetring the hides before 10am (which was very disappointing as I knew I wouldn't get a chance to look for a long overdue Norfolk tick Caspian Gulls which had been seen on the reserve recently. A walk down the east bank only revealed 3 Pintail on the far pool and no sign of the Scaup, although Wigeons were calling on the marsh the other side. No sign of any Otters either.

Curlew Sand, elusive Great White & Scaup still at Carlton Marshes

On Sunday 25th October, I walked up to the old scrape and saw a Great White Egret on Peto's Marsh, much further away thn yesterday but worth a few pics in the good afternoon light. Looking over the old scrape, unfortunately I was looking directly into the sun and could only make out the silhouette of a Knot and could not see the Curlew Sand. Rob H, kindly texted to say it was viewable from the other side (it was news to me that the Share Marsh track was open, I thought it was still closed!) Rob walked over and kindly pointed out the adult Curlew Sandpiper, the poor thing was hopping along but the distinctive down curved bill and elongated dhape could be seen and brick red rusty blotchy colouration could be seen at one stage. Walking over to Peto's Marsh, the Great White Egret was seen in a similar area to yesterday albeit more distantly but unfortunately a family walking further along the bank flushed it and it flew to the middle of the marsh. 2 Little Egrets flew in and were squaring up to each other flying up and attacking each other. A Buzzard was seen flying at the back and then seen flying over the Marsh. A female Marsh Harrier seen north- west of here and red wing tagged male seen on the marsh. We heard a Redpoll flying over and several Kingfisher calls from the river behind us and the squealing of a Water Rail. The Tufted Duck, Little Grebe and the female Scaup were again seen. Walking back, we saw Chris D and his wife and he pointed out a distant Short- eared Owl flying in the extreme south- east area of the reserve.

Scaup at Carlton Marshes

During the afternoon of Saturday 24th October, a long walk up to the Peto's Marsh meant I had left my camera at home with the windy conditions, big mistake! A close feeding yellow- billed Great White Egret feeding barely 50 metres away meant I would have frame filling photos. This is a large Egret species around Grey Heron sized, sporting a striking yellow bill (winter plumage) and typically long necked with the distinctive kink half way down, it fed in the nearest flooded pool and was totally fearless. Seeing Julie we then walked up past the first new n hide to half way over to the North hide and looking out I first saw a Tufted Duck and then up popped the female Scaup, with light "dirt" brown plumage and distinction white circular band at the base of the bill.

Hawfinch at Tar Works road allotments

On Friday at work, I received a tweet from Tommy C, a great field birder, who had found a Hawfinch in Great Yarmouth. On Saturday 24th March, early morning, following the excellent directions from both Tommy & John H. I parked neat the Lobec Fabrications Ltd building (sitated over the river) and located a lone Hawthorn intially I couldn't see the bird looking at the southern side of the bush by walking north a couple of metres, I then spotted the excellent Hawfinch, perched on the left hand side of the bush busily feeding. It looked like a young male to me, being a more 'faded'version of an adult male. A large finch with enormous bill, it spent the duration feeding on berries in the bush flying down at one stage before quickly flying up to its favoured spot. Sadly too far away to photograph and looking into the early morning sun meant photography wasn't an option. My third in the Great Yarmouth area, having seen one in Great Yarmouth Cemetary, one at Ormesby St Michael found by Peter C. Also seen a couple of times was a calling Grey Wagtail flying over the river several times. Around 3 Redwings seen flying south too. I then went to Corton and apart from the usual 4 Blackbirds and a Sparrowhawk flying over it was quiet in Corton Churchyard.

Great Viz-mig at the Paget

On Thursday 22nd November whilst eating my lunch outside the Burrage centre at 2pm an excellent Crossbill flew north- east calling "chip chip as it flew". On Friday 23rd October, a Grey Wagtail flew north- east over the Burrage centre at 12.45pm (loving these lunch breaks outside) Walking the south bushes I also saw a Grey Wagtail fly over going north- east at 2.45pm.

Ness Point Black Redstarts

On Sunday 18th October, late afternoon, a walk around Ness Point at very low tide revealed at 4.20pm, 3 Black Redstarts in the SLP yard opposite the Orbis Energy building. The resplendant male singing from the very top of the builsing joined by one female then another female when it flew down to the ground. I also heard a Rock Pipit too. By the fence a group of 8 Linnets fed with 7 Goldfinches and the Linnets were later seen feeding in the SLP dock complex. By Birds Eye a roost of around 20 House Sparrows and 2 calling Dunnocks calling to each other. 1 Dunnock also seen under the Tamarisk bushes along the northern edge of Birds Eye car park.

Back to local patching

On Sunday 18th October, it was a nice early jaunt around Corton, with a rasping Brambling perched high up in the south east corner of Corton churchyard bordering the road. 2 Redwings in the hedge and more heard around the churchyard, 4 Blackbirds in the hedge but no sign of the Ouzel. A Grey Wagtail called and flew over and headed south- east. A walk around Corton new sewage works was uneventful until a 1st winter female Ring Ouzel took exception to me walking past the western path just 30 metres south of the metal gate by Stirrups Lane. heavily obscured, I could she was brown and very scaly (hence 1st winter) and paler wings and cream white crescent on the breast then shew as gone! Immediately afterwards 20 calling Redpolls flew overhead and north.

Big day in Norfolk

On Saturday 17th October, I was keen to get some pictures of the Red- flanked Bluetail at Waxham, so I parked very early at first light by Shangri-La and walked the mile south following the footpath, one of the infamous the East Norfolk suppressors was hurriedly rushing back (I wondered if he as off to twitch a mega rarity but he didn't say anything to me) and past the RB Shrike area (I could have parked opp. Brograve Farm and walked down Penny Lane), around 24 Redpolls flew north west calling as they flew over, over the Dunes then inland to the area formerly known as the pipe dump, around 150 Pink- footed Geese seen in the field. The grass was flooded and we (5 other birders photographers present) looked back into the bushes and it wasn't long before the excellent Red- flanked Bluetail was seen flitting around in the trees and then it preceded to hunt for food from the fence giving good views albeit in poor light. It would occasionally disappear and iour attention shifted to the up to 5 Goldcrests flying down to the ground feeding on insects from the ground giving really confiding views. The Red- flanked Bluetail was then perched on the fence further north and as the photographers moved the bird moved further along. Having heard the amazing news that a Rufous Bush Chat had been seen at 7.28am at Stiffkey Campsite path by the salt marshes, I was in a dilemma of what to do. I decided to check out the Church and a chap was there, the magnificent well marked male Black Redstart was seen on the Church tower then the church roof and when he left, he flew down to the gravestones to feed. It was joined by a female Black Redstart by the tower. When 3 very loud talking toggers with 400mm lens turned up very noisily both birds flew up to the top of the tower, I decided to leave and as I approached the car 50 yards east of the church a female Black Redstart was seen on the fence opposite. I then drove up to North Norfolk and approaching Stiffkey I was unsure where to park or where to go but luckily Lee Evans was standing by the second road heading seawards at Stiffkey and I asked him where to park, he indicated 300 yards further along on the A149 on the left, another birder said some cars had left and I found a spot to park completely off the road but it was a tight fit, luckily birder directed me in and I walked back and down the road to the campsite, cars parked all along the side all sensibly and walked out onto a very and very muddy saltmarsh, luckily Carl B. had tweeted to take Wellingtons which I had on and I very nervously joined (with a mask on) a crowd of some 300 strong, 200 the seaward end and a 100 along another creek. I saw Gerald J. and Matthew D. and they directed to to be big clump or island of Sueda and bushes amongst the saltmarsh. After 20 minutes still no sign but excitement from left of where we were were I walked over and saw Jeremy G who had the bird in a dark hole on the ground along the right side of the island from where he was looking at, I got onto the bird straight away, a magnificent Rufous Bush Chat, one of my most wanted European birds having missed them in Lesvos (too early and Rhodes (too late) and also in other parts of Europe. It was initially stood on the ground facing left the dark eye- stripe and crown seen and longish bill, it appeared to be a pale creamish colour but when it moved round it showed its long rufous raggedy tail which was held low then characteristically cocked (RB Fly like) the whole bird could be seen facing right then it moved right and only the back and tail could be seen, before it moved around again and the head bill and mantle could be seen, after about 4 minutes it flew up showing a riot of rufous colouring specifically its long tail and it perched out on the open in vegtation if full view for an all too short 10 seconds before it flew over and left over the bushes and out of sight. An amazing sighting all seen through the scope, a little too far away for the camera. On the walk back I was joined by Richard from Bungay who had memorably found the calling Corncrake one summer and Jeremy G joined us. We met Matthew S and we walked the mile or so back past Stiffkey campside woods and to the far end just around the corner. In the wood hear, I immediately got onto the fine Pallas's Warbler that was immidiately above me, it helpfully called around 10X during the period of observation making easier to pick again away from the foraging 5 or so Golcrests also feeding in the wood. When I moved out to the field edge looking into the wood, it helpfully stopped and preened on a branch enabling some oictures to be taken. Walking back really good to see Justin L out and about, I told him so and then I bade my farewell to Matthew S and drove back to Waxham but the very sunny weather I had encountered back at Sheringham and all the way to North Walsham and Stalham led to incresing cloud and poorer light as I travelled through Sea Palling then Waxham so a return trip to the RFB was ruled out and I headed to Corton Churchyard where I saw Tim B. we had a female Sparrowhawk fly past and west. Around 3 Blackbirds were in the hedge and I thought heard some brief Ouzel like chacking, Tim left and by 5.15pm, a 4th Thrush was in the bush feeding albeit heavily obscured it a pale buffish crescent on its chest it was the fine female Ring Ouzel although always buried deep in the bush. Driving back along Station road by the playing field I heard a Grey Wagtail which appeared to be travelling south and last memorable encounter was an old American Police car (straight out of the "Dukes of Hazzard!") driving east half way down Corton Long Lane then turning down a rough track/ lane heading north!) FIRST PIC BY KIND COURTESY OF JOHN H (too far away when I saw it!)

Fall of birds around Corton

With rain and north- easterly winds and the rain easing off Wednesday afternoon just nicely for me to have a quick look around the area, I started at Link's Road car park, no sign of the Brent Goose so I decided to go to the only area where news hadn't been forthcoming, Corton. It turned out to be a good choice but as drew into Corton Church carpark I could see both Rob M & his wife and Richard S looking in the far hedge they had beaten me to it! They had seen a LW and Goldcrests but little else, I decided to check the old sewage works where sadly the field just north of there was rapidly being developed, a flock of Herring Gulls in the field and little else so I walked back and in the hedge bordering the dyke. I was pleased to see a Lesser Redpoll (cabaret) moving about in the bush albeit heavily obscured. Back in the Churchyard, I saw the Lesser Whitethroat fly diagonally across the churchyard and it showed reasonably well in the back hedge. I could only see the head and the mantle, it was quite a sandy brown individual with no clear distinction between the crown and the mantle, from the picture afterwards I could see white in the tail, so James B's suggestion that it was a blythii Siberian Lesser Whitethroat seems entirely feasible, although I couldn't see any pale lores, the bird didn't call while I watched it moving about in the hedge and I only saw the head and mantle. Several Goldcrests were seen around 8. A tweet from Richard S. he struck the jackpot with finding a super Pallas's warbler along the western path of the new SW. Northing along the old Corton rail track, so I walked along the path heading west by the road and then took the western path south and joined Richard S in the south- west corner of the complex and LT Tits moved through and loosely associating with them I refound the excellent Pallas's Warbler with thick yellow supercilia, wing bars and lemon yellow rump, as I alaways a real gem of a bird. It moved wuickly right, around half way up the tree then see in the next tree then it disappeared. James B and Chris A arrived. I decided to check radar lodge road and the wooded walk along the edge of the Potters' field. Lots of Goldcrests seen including a flock of 8 flying in and several chacking Thrushes and "tseeping" Redwings, a mystery white underparted Warbler seen distantly along the north-west edge of Radar Lodge but it disappeared quickly.

Redwings calling over the garden

On Monday- Tuesday 12 & 13 October Redwings were heard a group of 4 one night and then 8 flew over during the early morning of the 13th all over the garden.

Pink-footed Geese over the Paget

On Monday 12th October 54 Pink- footed Geese flew in a "V" formation calling as they flew WNW low over the Burrage Centre at James Paget Hospital where I was sitting outside by the new picnic tables having my lunch.

Really disappointing weekend

On Saturday 10th October, I was hoping to twitch the Lammergeier in Lincolnshire but not sure exactly where to go I opted to leave it to Sunday and travel with John H, it showed really well so that was a big mistake that I bitterly regret as the bird had gone Saturday. Instead, I travelled to Southwold campsite and saw the Radde's Warbler briefly in the low right- hand branch of a pine tree for all of 5 seconds at 10.40am that's all I saw and no pics, which was very disappointing. Twitchers standing in the area where it frequented didn't help. A Redpoll flew over calling too. Little seen on Sunday.

Second try to photograph the Steppe Grey Shrike

On Wednesday 7 October, at 4pm I parked again at Kessingland Caravan park and walked through although no sign of the GGS Shrike on the levels by the JVC digger, it wasn't showing as I walked past. Likewise for the SGS viewing from the cliff top, I was staring into the sun, so I took the track leading inland from Beach farm. 3 birders were intently staring at the bush line running south past 2 pillboxes either side. Trouble was that they were too far away to ask and when I saw a female Sparrowhawk fly down the line of bushes, I feared the worst and they immediately turned and started walking back down the road and inland, I couldn't ask them if they had seen the Shrike fly off, hide up or been caught by the Hawk? I went back to the cliff top and viewing from a safe area, I still couldn't see the Shrike, so again I went back inland. This time I heard a familiar voice greet me, and ace field birder, James B turned up and another birder was there too. Immediatelt, James B called a calling Lapland Bunting that flew north west over a field, a heavier bunting seen, a great spot! 10 Redpolls were also calling flew south too. Matthew D then arrived and informed us he had bumped into the birders as they were walking back along the track and the Shrike had flown up high and flown north. Armed with this info, we walked north along the back of Benacre Pit and at 5.28pm, Matthew D brilliantly relocated the superb Steppe Grey Shrike just on top of some bushes at the back of the Pit, bordering the field to the west (where the GGS had been seen on Monday). A more buff tinged grey bird with noticably horn coloured (ie. not black bill as in GGS). It stayed here for a while and the best views were had standing just inside the field (just west of the pillbox) to the south west of the bird, where I managed to obrtain the following shot (see below), tricky light conditions so I had to use an exposure of +1. After 20 minutes it hopped and sat on top of the bush for a further 5 minutes before it flew up and flew over the thicket/ large area of scrub to the south west of the pit presumably flying ack to its favoured area. On the Pit, 2 Little Grebe were seen constantly diving. A flock of 12 Linnet were seen also. Mission accomplished, reasonably pleased with the record shot obtained, albeit in difficult light.