Waveney Forest visit

On Wednesday 26th January, after work at 2.30pm I decided to visit Waveney Forest as my after work trip this week, again "sans" Camera (because most birds are distant) so I walked to the Mound in the hope of looking for raptors & SEOs. On the way down I read Whats App messages stating Alison A had seen a SEO from the other side of the Marshes and Chris M had recently seen a male HH and RK so things were looking good. A Coal Tit calling from a tree by the Lodge failed to reveal itself. When I reached the Mound, overlooking Chedgrave marshes, I saw Chris M and Peter N, the HH had gone and avian activity was initially limited to 2 then 3 Great White Egrets seen on the marshes. 2 Little Egrets seen too. A couple of Grey Herons seen too, plus up to 3 female Marsh Harriers quartering the area too. Also walking out was the alrming sight of 2 wildfowlers with guns, they set up a camouflage hide and stood inside, during daylight hours fortunately they didn't do any shooting but sadly about 5 gun shots were later heard as I was walking back as the light was fading. Why can't we put a stop to this nineteenth century anachronsitic pastime which should be consigned to history. Up to 3 Common Buzzards seen on the marsh. After Chris and Peter had left at 4.10pm, I spied a distant Fox running right along the edge of a field and 3 Chinese Water Deer seen also. close in I picked up early a magnificent male Hen Harrier flying north just over the river, it had lovely pale grey plumage with white rump and black wing tips and elegantly flew north over the marsh and I just soaked in the views of this wondrous bird. It was obviously going into roost. OFB phoned and as I was talking to him a Peregrine dashed through flying diagonally north-west and low over the marsh. Finally, "tpinging" Bearded Tits heard from the reeds but not seen. As the light was fading 5 Common Buzzards flew into the forest from the marsh. Walking back at the light was fading rapidly, as I walked past the Lodge I took the second path heading south and at 5.05pm just as it was getting dusk, I saw 5 Woodcocks fly up, individually, from the clearing and fly west over my head, a great end to yet another after work trip, 3rd week in a row!

Walberswick & Dunwich

On Saturday despite or maybe because of the bright day I had a headache all day pity as it would have been good photography weather. Sunday 23rd January was duller and my first stop was Asda car park where I looked across at the Grain silo and a Peregrine Falcon was flying around, another second Peregrine was also seen flying around scaring all the Feral Pigeons, the Cormorant was on its usual post and a Chiff- Chaff flew into the Pine trees by the riverside completing a good start to the day. Next stop was Wrentham cemetary, where a female Pheasant scuttled away from me by the edge of the hedge, on the back trees were 2 Greenfinch and a Song Thrush flew away from the central bit, still no Fieldfares, none on the back hedges either. A Buzzard was sat on the top of the tree to the east field from the cemetary. After cafefully negotiating the former pothole ridden Lodge road at Walberswick, I parked up by the side of Hoist Covert wood and immediately heard Marsh Tits, but I couldn't locate them and the same could be said of Treecreeper just past the board marshwalk area. A chap was cutting reeds to the east by the path and in a bush to the right a Sparrowhawk flew up onto the bush saw me and flew east. Then 8 Barnacle Geese suddenly appeared and flew right over my head and east. 18 Greylag Geese flew south and another 7 Greylag Geese flew east again over my head. By the wind pump a calling flock of 30 super White- fronted Geese flew south. Bearded Tits were calling from the reeds just past the wind pump but again they were staying low so weren't seen. I then checked the bird feeding station and success straight away when a Twite was seen feeding with 18 Linnets, a dog appearing on the ridge flushed them they all flew west over Corporation Marsh, the Twite was smaller squatter shorter tailed and distinctive call too. Later, on 13 Snow Buntings flew and perched by the ridge before they and 3 Linnets fed from the feeding station. Walking down to the area where the shore pools were around, a Great White Egret flew past and settled in a pool where it stood on an island, huddled up. Out to sea, A wp Great Crested Grebe seen on the sea and 2 Red- throated Divers flew north, no sign of any Scoter whatsoever. About 1.2 km north of Dunwich beach car park, I saw a flock of passerines mostly feeding on the back vegetation. Most were of the 40 strong flock were Linnets, but at least 9+ were super Twite, their yellow bills distinctive and showing like beacons even in this poor light, their buffy faces also seen well through the scope. At one point they flew closer. But then I sadly lost them. On the pools a scan revealed a Ringed Plover and around 10 Dunlin, plus a wp Spotted Redshank at the back too. A calling Water Pipit flew south, one of 4 seen/ heard during the day. I then saw the flock of 30 White- fronted Geese again flying north- west disappearing past Dingle Hills. Walking back, the Great White Egret was still hunched up on the island and back at the feeding station, 4 Reed Buntings seen plus Greenfinch and Chaffinch. 18 Linnets then flew in and then the 13 Snow Bunting also flew in later, inevitably another dog on the ridge forced them south. Walking back by the dyke on the corner, a Water Pipit seen and by the reeds just before the Wind pump 24 super Bearded Tits were feeding in the reeds and showing reasonably well. Walking back by the wind pump, the 30 White- fronted Geese flew north at the back of Westwood Lodge marshes. No sign of the SEO but still a very enjoyable visit to Walberswick hampered only by the poor light (so no photos- header is a Library pic from 2 Feb 2012 Burgh Castle/ Breydon Water).

Quick dash to Minsmere

On Wednesday 19th January, there had been no news on the Legs all day, so I left work at 2.20pm but as I walked to the car, a 'Whats App' message appeared the bird had been seen again at Lucky Pool. After last week's success with the Glaucous Gull even though time was limited. I decided to try for it, would I be lucky too? Initially the odds seem to be against me with Lowestoft throwing up everything to delay me getting there, new traffic lights had sprung up along Gorleston Road and the railway line lights were down so a diversion via Prospect road was in order. A good journey to Minsmere had me running or walking via the back of the Sluice and it was really good to see Steve P and John G, who confirmed it was still there. I saw Swans on the South Scrape and raised my bins to confirm hey were 5 fine Whooper Swans, always nice to see, but no time to enjoy as i rushed down past the sluice ang along the raised bank overlooking Lucky Pool. On the right hand side, I spotted almost immediately a slender grey wader and pencil thin bill and white "V" rump feeding along the right margin of the pool but no sooner had I spotted it than it disappeared. In its place appeared a Redshank and a Dunlin. Confirming with Jane F (via phone) I was looking in the right place, the Ferguson luck revealed the wader, the fine Lesser Yellowlegs on the island walking around, its yellow legs obvious even in the fading light. It even walked in front of the island and came clser before eventually returning to the right or north side of the Pool. The walk back revealed the Whoopers had departed to go to roost, several Beardies heard but not seen. An intersting selection of birds on the South Scrape revealed many teal, a male Pintail, c15 Wigeon, 5 Dunlin and several Lapwing. Walking past the West Hide (Wildlife Lookout anyone?) a small murmuration of Starlings flapped noisily from a busk and around 40 flew about and then settled in the reeds. (Note header pic is a Library pic, the Cley Lesser Yellowlegs 4 November 2020).

Bits & bobs at Ness Point

On Saturday 15th january, I bumped into Maurice who had just seen BR & RP but both had flown off and we couldn't find any Purple Sands. At an almost birdless Ness Point eventually revealed after a couple of hours, a female Black Redstart eventually seen by area just north of the wind turbine yard. Later on a trip to Beccles A146 bypass bridge looking north onto Gillingham Marshes 7 fine Bewick's Swans seen. On Sunday, the Black redstart seen instantly and looking north from Ness Pint, I spotted 4 Purple Sandpipers on the old seawall opposite the netposts.

Blythburgh estuary Glaucous Gull

On Wednesday 12 January, on such a bright sunny day there was a chance to quickly go for the Hen reedbeds Glaucous Gull, when I left at 2.30pm. calling in at home briefly to retrieve my bins and scope (no time or light for the camera!) I drove straight down there and despite being stuck behind a tractor from Kessingland to Blythburgh, I was parking up at 3.15pm and running down to the Hexagonal Hide, I was dismayed to see a mass exodus of Gulls flying north. Carrying on, I scanned the estuary in the channel directly to the south of the Hide. I saw several waders, c30 Dunlins, an Avocet, Grey Plover, Teal, Wigeon and finally I picked up the excellent 2nd winter Glaucous Gull, typically a hefty brute of a bird, which was swimming in the water amongst other Gulls, it had pale biscuit plumage and pure white wing tips and a two tone pink/ black bill. I admired this bird for some 10 minutes, before it flew up with other Gulls and flew east, perhaps to Southwold Harbour? Walking back, a calling Water Pipit flew onto the marsh by the hexagonal hide at 3.55pm. An Avocet was seen down the channel as I walked back. Ending a great quick trip out after work, Hen reedbeds is a happy stomping ground for me and nice to meet Trevor, a former Frampton Marsh regular who has moved into the area.

Big day on the 9th!

On Sunday 9th January, after a very frustrating rain filled day all of Saturday, meant an early start, driving past Pakefield Holiday camp, a Roe Deer in the field just south of the old rubbish dump was an unusual sighting. At Sotterley Park, not usually a happy stamping ground for me, it stared well with a distant sighting of a Red Kite flying north, a good start. I soon bumped into Jane & Paul F, Morris and Tim O. at the Dell, Paul had a brief view of one and as I was watching a fine calling Nuthatch (1 of 3 about) from a tree by the Cottage (west of the Dell) I spotted an excellent Hawfinch flying west along the tree tops but it disappeared and we couldn't refind it. Walking over, we looked back and saw a fine Mistle Thrush fly up to the top of a tree. Whilst walking across the field. We saw a distant Hawfinch perched on top of a tall tree by the wood bordering the lake but as I got the scope onto it flew! Walking over to the Lake area, a Stock Dove flew north but no further sign of the H'finches but 3 groups of around 20 Redwings flew out of the wood. Plus around 8 Redwing seen perched high up in a tree to the far east. back at the Dell, Tim O. spotted the Hawfinch on top a tree as soon as I scoped it, again it flew left and I followed it in the bins, nicely marked a fine male Hawfinch which again we soon lost from view. At least I had seen the Hawfinches, first time in 5 years at this site, but they weren't at all obliging. I headed down to Lymballs Lane, by Westleton and soon picjed out 8 excellent Whooper Swans, 5 adults and 3 immatures, they spend most of their time feeding fairly close to the road, which was great but I stayed in the car and managed a few shots at a good range for me and pleased with the results too. Whats App gave news of a Glossy Ibis at Oulton Marshes, so I drove there and walked down meeting Andrew E and the Fergusons who had had good views of the Ibis, as I was approaching the railway line, a massive Lowestoft bogey bird for me finally fell, because I spotted 3 excellent Cranes flying south west towards me and right over my head, amazing! I managed to get a few shots too, but they were too close to get all 3 in shot! Mark was further down the track and I called to him so he got onto them too. They continued to fly in a south west direction. I was about to tweet it out, but Paul & Sara had just beaten me to it. I am also pleased that they can be added as an addition to my birds found list too! Walking down the end, I had a quick chat with Mark, before I reached the river wall and walked right for 800 yards eventually reaching Paul & Sara, we were also joined by Tony B. The bird was in the field between the railway line and the river but the second field west, where I saw it, the fine Glossy Ibis, an adult in winter plumaged with white flecked head and glossy on the plumage, it was seen in the middle of the field as I was walking down it flew to the far side and briefly disappeared in a ditch before Paul picked it up again, over the far side. Something caused it and the other birds to fly it flew left and then circled round and flew back and settled in the middle of the field, near a BH Gull where I managed a few pics. West of us, a flock of 200+ Pink- footed Geese flew east and then back again west. The Shore Lark was seen again at Kessingland North beach, I am very grateful to Paul & Jane F who stayed there and I walked about 3/4 mile north from heathland steps, in an area 150 metres north of Pakefield Lighthouse and saw the fine Shore Lark on the beach in the company of 2 Sanderling that showed well in front of us. As we walked south, 17 Sanderling seen by the edge of a shore pool, and a fine flock of 32 Snow Buntings flew in, initially we only saw 2 birds but more were rapidly seen adding to a wonderful tally. We walked over to the marshy pool, initially we only saw male Chaffinch and Blackbird but as I walked along the eastern side 3/4 of the way along, a fine Jack Snipe flew up from my feet and flew to the northern edge of the pool. All in all, a great day!

Another poor day

On 3rd Janaury, looking at Ness Point, no sign of an Purple Sands or Black Reds, despite an extensive look, but I did see a Dunlin fly south close in. Nothing at Lake Lothing. There was also a 1st winter Shag in Hamilton Dock. From Links road car park, a flock of 43 Turnstones often flew in to the south eastern corner of Links Road car park where feed enticed themn in from time to time. A look at the back of the Denes revealed little.

Iceland Gull saves a poor day

On the 2nd January, a check of Lake Lothing from the railway bridge initially revealed only a Redshank and a Kingfisher flying over. Nothing at Oulton Broad. Late afternoon, 2pm I parked by Hotel Hatfield (or Best Western, the chain that has taken it over) and I walked over to the South Pier, I was soon joined by Andrew E and then Rob Wil. We saw an adult Shag fly down the channel and into the harbour mouth where it then flew out and heading north! Andrew poined out sadly 2 dead Shags on the steps (half way down the steps) at the far end of the Pier (the one heading down along and down from the north side) victims probably of the recent storm. Another 1st winter Shag flew down the channel headed out to sea but thius one flew south. The ever eagle- eyed Andrew spotted the fine 2nd winter Iceland Gull amongst an assemblage of Gulls by the jetty extending out from the fish dock where we were looking diagonally north- east from our vantage point. Just to the left of a metal morring post. Typically pale biscuit cloured with white wing tips.

New Year's Day Birding

On January 1st 2022, first stop was Carlton Marshes where I saw Chris M and he asked did I know about the GND by the Wherry at OB, I hadn't checked the phone and decided to drive straight there. I parked by the side road just north of the Commodore PH and walked over to the Wherry, immediately I saw the fantastic Great Northern Diver, fairly close but back on swimming towards the pleasure cruiser, I was hopeful of some good shots! Sadly, the Diver dived and then appeared by the water close in to the Ferry edge, I couldn't move until it dived which it soon did but it now resurfaced swimming further out. At this point Chris and Alison drove up and I put them onto the bird. The bird resurfaced by the farside by the builders yard, where I managed a distant shot, but not really the one I was hoping for! The bird was then swimming further west and towards the Maltings. At this point I walked over to Mutford Lock, where a newly arrived Dick W and I saw a very close 1st winter Shag seen, but always dived before I could get my camera onto it, it swam our side of the jetty and then in the chanel really close where the boats go through. Next stop was Leathes Ham, behind the Tennis courts initially no sign of the Sibe Chiff- Chaffs, until Dick played a recording of a Tristis Chiff- Chaff and immediately first one and then the second Siberian Chiff- Chaffs appeared from the reeds over to the right, they then were seen feeding in the bushes fairly high up but were always obscured by twigs and branches but showed well through the bins. I Whats App'd the news so that Alison and Chris who were further down the track were able to get onto the birds too. Next stop I drove to Filby Broad, where an almost full car park, meant I walked down to the end to view Ormesby Little Broad, the platform was packed but I viewed a little further back along the wooden boardwalk approaching the platform and viewed the fine Red- necked Grebe, over to the extereme far left where it kept swimming in and out of the far reeds, shame I couldn't get a pic with the sheer numbers of people but I didn't fancy crowding in with everybody with the chance of catching Covid. I soon walked back and the Alders were quiet but I did see 22 Goldeneye (7 males) over at Filby broad. I drove over to Martham and from Cess road at the end, I parked up by the boatyard paying the obligatory Norfolk Toll (why do charge for parking everywhere in Norfolk, at least it was only 50p!) In the field to the west around 22 fine Curlew seen, plus a female Marsh Harrier flew over Martham broad, initially no sign of the Cattle Egrets but I bumped into Phil H who said check the field with Cattle in (obviously! Problem was I didn't know where the field was But Phil kindly showed me and we saw 4 fine Cattle Egrets, 1 perched on a grassy hump and the others walking around the area where the Cattle where feeding on invertebrates disturbed by them and as I walked back I was bitterly disappointed to here, whilst we were watching the Egrets, a fine Male Hen Harrier had flown west in the field behind us, gutting, and sad to end on a dip but overall an excellent day.

Sibe Chiff- Chaffs at Carlton Marshes

On Thursday 30th December, at Carlton Marshes barely 50 yards past the path to the Tower Hide in the Willow scrub first clearing, I saw Gavin no sign and after 20 minutes he left. I walked up to the next clearing barely 30 yards past the first and in the cut Willow pile, I saw the excellent Siberian Chiff- Chaff it was flitting around by this pile then it flew to the bush just right of that really close, I called Gavin but the bird soon disappeared. I had seen 3 Bullfinches (1 male and 2 females) 1 then 2 Siberian Chiff- Chaffs seen. They were in the first clearing and one was sitting for a while in a bush at the back. I managed to get a few pics. They then disappeared and Rob H strolled up and instantly saw a Siberian Chiff- Chaff by the cut Willow pile where it was flitting about quite low around here and I managed to get a good shot albeit in very poor light. Rob H said a Red Kite was flying over and we saw it fly over our heads and due west!