Confiding Barwit along Gunton beach

On BH Monday 29th August, just after 1pm after a tweet from James W, I parked up along North Parade cliff and together with Rob h we made our way down Link's Road and it was immediately apparent that there was along pool on the beach and we soon picked up the excellent immature Bar- tailed Godwit was constantly feeding in the sand, presumably feeding on Sand Hoppers. There was a little raised shelf that Rob and I could to look over the beach and the pool and the Godwit would often walk up and down constantly feeding. Dog walkers around 8, a detectorist all veered out of the way when they could see us photographing the bird, others walking by enquired about the bird and Rob was on hand to give an explanation, whilst I still photographed the bird particularly when the light and improved from the rather cloudy we had been experieincing even culminating in a brief burst of sunlight. Also by the far side of the pool were several Gulls including an immature Mediterranean Gull, which also posed well for the camera. Until after an hour or so, a couple walked with dogs either side of the pool and forced the bird to fly a hundred yards north and it settled on the beach by a groyne where we left it.

Little Gull in Link's rd compound

On Wednesday 24th August evening, I saw the 2nd year/ winter Little Gull asleep in the middle of Link's road compound. It flew west but then seen flying south over the sea, before flying back and landing in Link's road compound presumably to roost, nice to see Chris a too.

Little Gull duo at North beach

On Tuesday 23 August, at around 7.15pm, I spied an adult winter Little Gull on the sea from North Parade cliff, walkers along the beach shoreline disturbed and it flew south and settled on the sea by a distant groyne. I saw jeremy A 2nd winter Little Gull flew back, a second bird and eventually settled on the Link's road compound, again eluding the camera sadly. Several 5 Common Terns seen and 2 Sandwich Terns settled on a groyne but sadly no Black Terns seen.

Ness Point August goodies

On Sunday 21 August in the early afternoon I drove down to Ness Point and parked near the Wind Turbine compound, getting out of the car, I saw the excellent immature Cuckoo fly across from the right (north) and settled on one of the perimeter fence posts. I hastily assembled my camera gear onto the tripod but as luck would have it a van drove out of the storage park behind the compound and flushed the Cuckoo, it flew into the storage compound by fortunately soon settled on a verticle metal bar and I was able to get some shots and on a container too, before something in the compound spooked it again and it was gone, despite a thorough search around the area several times (and Rob H appearing too) It was not seen. We did however see a showy Painted Lady that spent a lot of her time resting on the pavement on the NE tip of the old Gas compound. I went back and wwas able to get a few shots of her. From the compass at ness Point on the rocks were 2 exquisitely summer plumaged Turnstones and I got a few photos of these too. Whilst out to see, 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls settled on the sea and then flew south. Nothing at the Net posts whilst on the Oval were another 2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls. Looking from the south end of North Parage looking into the Link's road compound (formerly car park were 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls and a fine adult winter Little Gull all on its own bang in the middle of the car park. It showed a smudges black crown hread spot behind the eye, thin black bill and legs. The Little Gull was initially asleep and the woke up and also flew off south. It hadn't been disturbed as I was viewing from the top of North Parade cliff, scoping it.

Little Gull in the compound

On Saturday 20th August, I drove down to Link's Road in the early evening 6pm and saw the very fine adult winter Little Gull in the compound not far from Link's road, it was looking around and looking nervous and sadly soon took to flight flying south over the sea, so no chance of any pics although the wire mesh of the fencing would have spoiled the pic anyway, plus I have no way of showing them while the computer is in for repair.

Gunton Redstart and a quartet of Flycatchers

On Friday 19th August, I drove to Gunton Church, parked up and looked around the Churchyard and the Gunton Burial site, nothing seen, Walking towards the field north of the site, I saw Andrew E, he had just located a female Redstart which had come down to the fence, I saw it fly showy the wonderful fiery tail and on the Track itself I saw it flitting around in a bush and well near the thick base of a bush where the head and shoulders seen well. Suddenly, a Pied Flycatcher perched on top of a bush and flew north. Andrew walked onto the old Pitch and Putt, by one isolated group of trees we saw another Pied Flycatcher mostly in the shade and third Pied Flycatcher seen by a tall group of trees and bushes high up where it briefly lit up by the sun. Finally by the Hawthorn, by the north- east part of Dip Farm we saw a bird flitting about that proved to be a 4th Pied Flycatcher for me seen very briefly. Walking back I crossed the rail track and saw the female Redstart perced on a post, a dog came along barked at me and put paid to me getting any pics. PS. No pics will be posted for a while, a) I haven't obtained any new pics and b) the AppleMac has gone wrong again and at the Computer shop for repair. Post done from my Windows computer!

Another Hummer in the garden

On Thursday 17th August, between 7.05- 7.10 a Hummingbird Hawk Moth again seen feeding around the large garden Buddlea, this has easily been the best year for them in this garden (but not phot'ing them).

RIP Freya the Walrus

I was shocked,appalled and visibly upset by the brutal and totally unnecessary killing (or brutal murder more like) of Freya the Walrus, by the Norwegian Marine Directorate who considered it the only option. This was an appalling decision. Walruses are supposed to be a protected species and why cull a perfectly healthy individual, that was in all likelihood going to move on when she had depleted the supplies of shellfish in the local marine habitat. When Wally the Walrus visited Tenby, Pembrokeshire in Wales, then Cornwall, France, Spain, Isles of Scilly, Ireland etc cordons were put in place and in Tenby the Marine Life volunteers were on hand to "police" the event and inform the public about Walrus natural history and why he was at Tenby. Local businesses had benefitted greatly from the influx of tourists spending money on food and snacks, and even commemorative 't' shirts and mugs designed by local entrepreneurs (including me!). The local council had also benefitted from the influx of visitors using local car parks. In a very difficult year for me, personally, seeing Wally the Walrus was a massive highlight which I shall never forget. This appalling decision by Norwegian Marine Directorate shows a lack of imagination, a totally inhumane decision and a total nature disconnect of murdering a poor defenceless innocent animal. Surely they could have cordoned the area off staffed by volunteers to police the event and celebrate the presence of such a characterful, wonderful and enigmatic visitor. We share this planet with many wonderful creatures and we should respect and care for them. The Norwegian Marine Directorate doesn't subscribe to this point of view. ============================================================================================================ You can complain by e-mailing: anette.aase@fiskeridir.no To Anette Aase, Directorate of Fisheries Norway, Here's my e-mail: I am shocked appalled and upset that you/ your organisation sanctioned the killing of Freya the Walrus, a perfectly healthy animal that had been present in Norwegian waters. You should be delighted that you received a visit from such a magnificent creature. I was delighted last year to see Wally the Walrus, which spent time at Tenby in Wales and then France, Isles of Scilly & Ireland where the authorities in all these countries cordoned off the area and it was policed by volunteers (of wildlife/ Marine rescue organisations) to ensure both the safety of the animal and for people who came to visit and were kept at a distance to avoid disturbing the Walrus. You could have done the same, so why didn't you? Wally made it back north and I am so glad he didn’t visit Norway re: the unnecessary killing of Freya. The local community of Tenby took great pride in hosting a visit by wally the Walrus & they benefitted in other ways too, more people were visiting Tenby spending money in local shops, car parks and even buying up hastily designed Wally the Walrus 't' shirts and mugs designed by entreprising entrepreneurs. I cannot understand why this animal was culled and I will think twice before visiting Norway, if this is the way you treat animals, it is too late for Freya but please think twice before culling any other animals that visit your country in the future. Peter Ransome (Pic below of Wally the Walrus who fortunately didn't visit Norway).

Lesser Emperor then a Flycatcher fest at Fisher Row

On Sunday 14th August, I headed up to Filby Broad and from the Boardwalk, I noted Red-eyed Damselfly, plus a male Black- tailed Skimmer, several 3 Male Migrant Hawkers and after 20 minutes a fine female Lesser Emperor flying around hunting particularly by the edge of reedbed on the left. not a lot seen from Ormesby Little Broad, save for a male Migrant Hawker.. I then drove over to fisher Row and from the car park took the path bordering the field with the Tin Hut just to the left of St. Michael's Church. In the field I saw a Green Woodpecker and a 2nd Green Woodpecker flew into the very large Oak tree. A Great- Spotted Woodpecker seen too. and in the large Hawthorn bushes bordering the west side of the bush I spotted 1st one Spotted flycatcher and then Julie arrived and we saw 2 Spotted flycatchers. Julie spotted a fine Red Kite wheeling around and then it flew north. I spotted a Buzzard later too. After Julie left, I spotted the Pied Flycatcher fly down from the hawthorn bush further back and then later saw it fly over to the sycamore ( seeing its cream/ white belly. I was standing under! I looked up and could see it clearly above me but it had sadly gone after I had received my camera. Phil D arrived and Phil spotted a Sparrowhawk flying over. We saw the 2 Spotted Flycatchers in the 2 Hawthorns west of the field and we then spotted a female Blackcap, a rather showy Lesser Whitethroat, a female Whitethroat and later a male Blackcap. Walking back to the car park, a Buzzard flew north- east, a Buzzard also seen flying north over Oulton Playing field too.

Willow Emerald once again the garden late afternoon/ evening

On Saturday 13th August, the W<b>illow Emerald was once again in the back garden by the Pagoda and then by the wildlife pond.

Return to Benacre

On Saturday 13 August, at 9.20am, driving through the wood, I saw a Fox in the road, it soon trotted back into the wood. Parking the car, 2 Red Admirals flew by. A tired Gatekeeper resting on the path was flopping around on the path I picked it up carefully and put it on a plant to recuperate. By 9.30am I was walking along the cliffs at Covehithe heading down to the Broad, where the much loved old hide had been taken down and a new hide (sadly 2/3rd smaller but otherwise a great hide) had been set up 100 yards west of the old one. Immediately looking west I saw the 2 1st summer Spoonbills were asleep and when they awoke and stretched their pink bills and blackish grey on the wing tips. They soon wandered over to a group of 3 Little Egrets and feel asleep here too! The Broad or very low looking about 1/2 the size of its usual size obvious due to the drought, heatwave conditions and total lack of rain for weeks. By the mud just over to the right a fine Greenshank was seen. 5 Ringed Plovers seen and a summer plumaged Sanderling was seen on the same stretch of mud. A family party of 4 Sandwich Terns (2 ads, 2 imms) flew in off the sea and wheeled around and all 4 settled on the farside muddy bank. The Greenshank flew to the far muddy bank and then c40 Greylag Geese flew in from the west and settled on the Broad beach side.

Willow Emerald in the garden again

On Friday 12 August, in the garden after work, a Painted Lady flew up and flew south. On the washing line, a female Common Darter was seen in the perched on the washing line and then perched on the leaves of a bush where I managed to get some shots. From 5.40pm, I spotted the excellent Willow Emerald this time on various perches around the wildlife pond and settled on the Copper Beech too. The Willow Emerald settled on a tall pink flower and made regular sallies or sorties catching small insects midges and the like and devouring whilst back on its regular perch. It was seen right up until 7.40pm when the sun disappeared shaded by our tall Buddlea and bushes bordering the western perimeter of the back garden.

Willow Emerald in the garden

On Thursday 11th August, in the back garden I saw a Damselfly fly onto the Wisteria, a strand hanging down from the Pagoda. It was an Emerald Damselfly and I managed to get several pictures of it, where I could see it had the distinctive spur onto the thorax, proving it was a Willow Emerald Damselfly.

Caped Crusader at Grafham Water!

On Wednesday 10th August, I was able to get an on the day A/L from work and together with the Fergusons drove to Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire via Bury St. Edmunds, 112 miles away. We arrived at Grafham water at 11.40am, the bird had flown from the railings just 20 minutes previously. We met a dejected JHG but we went over to the Water Park, where we saw an adult Yellow- legged Gull and san on distant shore by a long line of Cormorants where we spied a Black- backed Gull but it was too far away. John had to leave and barely 15 minutes after we left we had an interesting candidate perched on the "Q" buoy, it showed a white tertial crescent it showed all black primaries. When it stretched out its wings on both sides the primaries were all black. It also showed a big bill and looked like a big Gull too (bigger than LBB for example) The bird then flew right and then over the Sailing Club where I lost it, other birders then mistakenly got onto the wrong bird and when it settled closer to us on the water 2 tell tail white mirrors near the base of the primaries revealed its true ID as a GBB Gull! We walked back to the Reservoir centre and just bought some food, drink and ice creams, when a birder said the Cape Gull was flying towards the railings. We quickly finished the food and another birder said it had now settled on the railings, so it was a quick walk in blistering heat and we saw the bird perched reasonably close on the railings. Again a GBB Gull size with big swollen bill, black back and prominent white tertial crescent with all balck primaries and grey legs. It was the fantastic 3rd summer Cape Gull, a first for Britian that should normally be residing on the Cape in South Africa!

First record of Emerald damselfly in the garden

On Sunday 7th August as Jenny & I were looking at taking out a dead Hebe from the front garden at 3pm, amazingly an Emerald Damselfly was perched on it it flew over to a nearby bush before it disappeared, first record for the garden, whilst trying to refind it I saw a Painted Lady on the Buddlea at the far end of our close and the ground nearby!

Migrant Hawkers

After 5 Migrant Hawkers patrolling the garden in feeding flight one evening, Wednesday 3rd August last week all in flight, I was able to locate a single male Migrant Hawker at rest by a rose bush on Saturday 6th August by the Pagoda this afternoon and it stayed into the early evening resting in the same area.

Return to the Bee-eaters

On Thursday 4th August, on a very pleasant day, I took my cousin Hilly to see the breeding Bee-eaters at Trimmingham, NE Norfolk. When we got there 4 Bee- eaters were sitting on a wire above a large shed, really distantly. Too far to photo for me. The birds soon flew off and we could only see 1, always distant, perched on wires and sometimes flying closer and we could hear the wonderful chortling call. Later we went to cromer to see the Banksy artwork which has now faded and abraded somewhat and still no sign of any Caspians.

Interesting insects at the Paget

On Monday 1st August, whilst having lunch outside the back of the Burrage Centre at the JPUH Hospital, I disturbed a Common Field Grasshopper that jumped into a hedge. On Tuesday 2nd, a Hornet Mimic Hoverfly- Volucella Zonaria flew onto the side door of the Library at about 10.30am and I was able to get a pic or two. In the evening, I photographed our very late flowering Southern Marsh Orchid, 6 plants were out this year, 5 flowered, this particular plant (3rd pic below) has flowered for 10 years and stand at 26 inches or 2.2 foot proud (or 0.66 metres or 66cm tall!

BHL survives rough sleeper & record year now for Garden Hummers!

On a really hot Sunday 30th July a trip to the local wood, I counted 28 Broad- leaved Helleborines, with 5 in the "meadow area" lying right next door to the BHL I had put sticks round was a rough sleeper, the sticks had probabbly saved it from being squashed. Not to be deterred, I set up my camera gear and started taking pics. He woke up, took one look at me and slowly got up wandering away and giving me a nasty stare, given all the equipment I had with me, I decided it was probably best to leave, so my photography was curtailed somewahat, sadly. Sadly, I found what looked like a sprig of Japanese Knotweed (a very damaging alien invasive species) was found by a caged area. I will e-mail those responsible for managing the wood, in order firstly save the Helleborines from being strimmed and secondly warning them of taking out and burning the Japanese Knotweed. Also in the garden on Sunday 30th July, a Hummingbird Hawk Moth was feeding on our Buddlea from 6.47-6.55pm and then there were 2 Hummingbird hawk Moths on the Buddlea 7.58- 8.04pm now making it the nest ever year for sightings of Hummers in the garden!