A 2 Shrike day

On Sunday 14th June, another late start (having booked a trip to London see the Ramesses exhibition- basically a range of Ancient Egyptian artefacts heard by the Ramesses II coffin) I started out at Westleton parking on the Minsmere approach road. A few people had gathered to view for the male RBS that had been ranging widely. Unfortunately it didn't show for some 45 minutes before I picked it out in the far north- east corner, perched on a tiny tree right at the back, reddish brown back, grey crown and black mask showing it was a fine male Red- backed Shrike with a pinkish flush to the chest to. It spent some time here but flew to the ground and then perched on another perch nearby. A male Stonechat and several Linnets seen too. Next stop was Dunwich Heath parking just outside the Heath I walked down the road and left and saw a group of people looking north, I scanned and spotted the fine female Red-backed Shrike with drabber grey crown barring on the chest and a browner back she hunted from a top of a tree and then moved to the next bush before flying back. Also seen was a male Stonechat and a young juvenile Stonechat too. Next stop was somewhere in the Blyth valley, where i saw a singing male Yellowhammer singing from a top of a bush, later a male Linnet was also perched here too. Walking around the field margins, I spotted the fine Lizard Orchid, maybe slightly past its best but still impressive.

Late start to a day around Westleton Heath & Minsmere

On Saturday 13th June, a late start meant I didn't reach Westleton Heath until 1.30pm, the news wasn't good as the RFF hadn't been seen for an hour but I met Paul & Jane F. who drove up to the parking area near the quarry. We then heard the Gull- billed Tern had been seen at Island Mere, so we drove to Minsmere and parked up only to hear the bird had flown off. We guessed it might fly over to the Scrape, so we walked to the West Scrape hide and I spotted a fine immature Spoonbill over the north side of the Scrape nearer the North Hide. Meanwhile on an island at the back of the West Scrape, 2 fine Little- ringed Plovers were running around. We then walked to South Hide, There were the usual assortment of Terns and I spotted the 1st year Little Gull to the right of the bund splashiong in the water. A kiitiwake flew onto the wooden step, as did a Common Tern later. By the bunds at the back, a Roseate Tern seen just to the left of a BH Gull and an immature bird. We then saw a strange looking Mediterranean Gull type with black hood but covering the same hooded area as a BH Gull, a blood red but thin bill (shape like a BH Gull bill) and black edgings in the primaries like a second year bird, probably a hybrid. Meanwhile at the back the Roseate Terns flew up, 2 birds and we followed one bird that flew over to our side and briefly settled on a small circular island with Common Terns, when it flew again another followed the Roseate Tern with a Sandeel in its mouth. The 3 adult Spoonbills flew over and south and settled on the southside of the south scrape. Later the trio of Spoonbills became a quartet when the juvenile Spoonbill joined them. One or two Black- tailed Godwits also seen and many Sandwich Terns c50 & c20 Kittiwakes at the back. Very satisfied, we left and I stopped off and saw 2 red and black Firebugs together, I went to retrieve my macro lens but they had gone when I went back. I then parked up by the area near the Westleton Heath quarry and news wasn't good here as a chap walking back said he had been there for 9o minutes not seeing the Falcon. I walked up and I saw a Falcon just east of the path in a Silver Birch, checking it with the Bins it looked very promising and using the cope confirmed it was the excellent 2nd calendar year female Red- footed Falcon. I quickly sent messages around all the Whats App groups. The female Red- foot sat here for around 20 minutes occasionally dropping to the ground before returning to the same tree before she flew away. I then went over to another area and saw a fine Little Owl in the 4th Oak tree, nearby a female Stonechat was also seen. I walked back and saw Tim O. where the bird had been seen over the road, we walked over and it was perched up on a distant Pine it flew a little closer where it was perched on a dead tree before it flew straight towards us and then left. I heard a Dartford Warbler and Wood Lark singing, whilst I walked back to the car I decided to call it a day but Tom O. and a newlyu arrived Phil D. walked back to the quarry and east.

Peregrines again

On the evening of...

A Five Falcon day

On Sunday 7th June, I started off locally and saw a juvenile Peregrine Falcon at the very top of the Silo, it walked over to the north-east corner and spent most of its time here occasionally calling and an adult male Peregrine Falcon sat half way up on the east side of the Silo. Later on the female Peregrine Falcon was flying just west of the Silo. The juvile then flapped its wings on 3 occasions and then flew down to the railings by the 3 cylinders but quickly disappeared behind a tank. After hearing the RFF was still at Walberswick, I parked at Hoist Covert and walked along by the path just before the Mill, a Moth larvae seen on the path I then walked to the Bund by the high gate looking west over Westwood Lodge marshes, as I walked down I saw Richard D. and who said it was still there. At the end I saw Steve A. who said it was still about but had just gone missing. Forty minutes later still bno sign, whilst we were sorting through 5 Hobbies flying over, with one browner immature bird. Steve A. the said he had it, but as the sun strenghthened the heat haze got a lot worse and a browner bird flying at the back with more flappy flight indicated this might be the RFF. It was only when it clouded slightly that the browner bird with a cream head was indeed the fine female Red- footed Falcon that would often hunting just over or just below the reeds. It was then seen around 5X, once flying constantly for 15 minutes or so. Maurice B. and Dave H. arrived. As we walked back, lots of Peacock buttefly larvae seen on the path, so I moved quite a few of these into the dsafety of other vegetation. As we walked though Hoist Covert woods, a fine female Broad- bodied Chaser seen flying away. Later on I went back to the Peregrines, the juvenile Peregrine was again right at the top of the Silo and a male Peregrine Falcon was sat up half way up along the North side, I took 2 shots of it before it flew. Finally a 2nd juvenile Peregrine Falcon was seenn on the east side of the Silo. On the way back at Nick B's I saw a Norfolk Hawker perched on Buddlea in his back garden.

2 imm Peregrines at the Silo

On Saturday 6 June, I had a look early morning on the Suffolk coast and saw 2 immature Peregrine Falcons around building but they were perched half way up and the light was awful, so no pics. It then started raining so I left. I tried again in a brief sunny interlude in the afternoon but this time there were no Peregrines on show.

Early morning PL and late afternoon Heath Spotteds

On Wednesday 3rd June, a Painted Lady was posing nicely on the flowering Raspberry bush in the garden before work 7.10am and I managed a few pics. Being early finish day I went into the wilds of East Anglia and located a fine colony of c150 Heath Spotted Orchids in a slightly boggy area just off the reserve at 6.30pm and managed to get a few pics. I managed to dodge the frequent rain showers fortunately.

Mating Painted Ladies & visits by HBHM to the garden

On Sunday 31st May, an eventful evening in the garden revealed 2 mating Painted Ladies disturbed as I watered the hanging basket by the pagoda and they flew up and over to the plastic garden chair by the back door and settled by the plastic watering can! Slightly later on a Hummingbird Hawk Moth very briefly visted the Red Valerian at 6.36pm again gone by the time I raised my camer but I was ready for it when it came back at 6.40pm and spent 3 minutes feeding from various Red Valerian plants before flying opff north-east down the passageway. PTBA

Gull-billed Tern at Minsmere

On Sunday 31st May, having been woken at 4.20am up by Andrew's tweet that the GBT was still at Minsmere, I left and arrived at Minsmere at 6am. I saw Andrew walking down the path and I doubled back to view from Whin Hill, where I could see the fine Gull- billed Tern flying around the Island Mere. There were also a couple of Bittern flying too. I walked down Whin Hill and entered the hide, Jon E. and were there. Maurice, John G. arrived later. The Gull- billed Tern woulfd fly around the Mere several times and it flew the far side by the west of the Mere and it flew south. TBC 1st year Little Gull close by the bund Roseate tern then the pair of Roseate Terns seen by the 2nd bund from the left as viewed from the public hide, heard Gropper but disappeared 20 seconds before I arrived by the bench along the boardwalk. I then went into deepest Suffolk and found 2 fine Greater Butterfly Orchids plus a Red- legged Partridge crouching very close under branches. TBC & PTBA

2 Painted Ladies in the garden

On Saturday 30th May, in the early afternoon, I saw 2 Painted Ladies high up in the trees by the rear fence, too high up to photograph.

Painted Lady fluttering around

On Thursday 28th May, in the early evening, a fine Painted Lady was seen fluttering around in the front garden directly underneath the Longe window but was off before I could photograph it, unsurprisingly!

Hummingbird Hawk Moth in garden briefly

On Wed 27th May, an Ichnoid Wasp was found in the work office at 8.30am, I successfully caught it with the butterfly net and released it unharhed in the wild patch of the Burrage Centre garden where the Bee Orchids were starting to flower with 1 of 4 flowering Bee Orchids photographed, there are 9 spikes of 8 plants. Meanwhile in the afternoon, a Hummingbird Hawk Moth was seen very briefly on Petunia in our back garden at 4.02pm.

Missed again at Minsmere

On Wednesday May afternoon, hearing of a Gull- billed Tern I left straight away and was very disappointed to hear it had flown off when I arrived at Minsmere car park, both Jon B. and Jane F. informed me it had gone. The Rosy Tern's were also not present, I always struggle with seeing this species at Minsmere. All 3 Terns had been seen twenty minutes previously. On the North Girder, 40+ Sandwich Terns seen, c15 Common Terns plus a Dunlin too. On the bund closer to the South Hide, 7 Little Tern seen. A flock of 40+ Black- tailed Godwits seen in the soth-east corner of west scrape. A stop off nearby revealed a Stone Curlew quite close but unfortunately the bright setting sun was directly behind it. plus a Dunlin too.

Birds on train journey

On the train journey down to Ipswich & London on 16th May, a Cuckoo seen flying around the marshes at melton and a very showy Collared Dove at Ipswich station.

Carlton Temminck's

On 15th May, directly after work I walked down to Carlton near the end, I saw a Cuckoo fly into a bush calling before it flew back towards Jenson's island. I was very disappointed to see some Toggers walk right up to the previously showy Hobby and flush it and I saw it fly south and then over Jenson's island. I walked over to the far end of Peto's and was initially unsure where the Temmick's was, I initially saw a Common Sandpiper fly in and then the far end of the pool I saw the fine Temmick's Stint walking left and constantly feeding.

Hoopoe singing in the rain?

On Thursday 14th May, at 6.39am the ever dependable Andrew E. posted that the Hoopoe was singing from the rooftops but it was cheucking down with rain where we were barely a mile away! When the rain stopped not long afterwards I drove over 7.40- 8.05am, as I walked down Mutford Drive I could hear the Hoopoe singing 'hoopoo-poo...hoopo-poo' but I couldn't see it so I walked to the end of Lakeland Drive, no sign there either, walking back to Mutford Drive just before 8am I heard it again calling just west of the end of Mutford Drive. I scanned across and on the aerial I immediately saw the fantastic Hoopoe perched on an aerial, it later flew onto the roof, perched here for a minute or so before a movement in the garden of the end house it flew east and out of sight. Later, on as I arrived home from work a House Martin was flying low over our front garden.

Evening Dip

A return to Mutford Close 6.20opm, typically the bird had been sighted 10 minutes after I had left, I saw Andrew E. and Rob Wil. who had seen the Hoopoe 5X in flight up to 6.10pm, (I was back there at 6.15pm) during a brief sunny spell, the bird had been recently calling but typically it had stopped calling and didn't show in the sunny spell that lasted all of 10 minutes before black cloud again rolled in again with rain, Rob H. and James W. arrived and I left again at 6.50pm. Before I left I did see a Great- spotted Woodpecker fly onto a feeder but then it flew off again.

Spring dipping sequence continues

On 13th May, rather appropriately, my annual spring dipping sequence is now reaching epic proportions, just after 3.50pm I arrived at Lakeland Drive/ Mutford Close, I initially saw Rob Wil. and Nick, no sign in 2 hours (Carl B. & others joined us) looking (left at 5.50pm)and was drenched twice having to endure worsening conditions with squally showers. A Marsh Harrier flew overhead and north-east.

Hoopoe no show

On Monday 11th May, a look directly after work for a Hoopoe along Lakeland Drive and nearby Normanston Park proved fruitless as there was no sign and an early rain shower made my mind up and I left!

Missed the RFF again!

I have missed a lot of birds this spring and the Carlton Marshes RFF is no exception, despite being there, 9.30- 2.15pm, this was the first time the RFF wasn't seen during the 10-2pm period seen it first arrived. Around 20+ Hobbies flew over Peto's catching dragonflies and other insects. as I walked up to the Moorings hide, a Greenshank flew west over the river, calling as it went and appearing to settle on the western end of Peto's. A Painted Lady was also feeding on the clump of yellow flowers by the path. Bitterns were also seen in flight twice, one landing in reeds fairly close to us. 5 marsh harriers and 5 Buzzards seen too. Matthew D. joined us and when we left we saw first a male and the another Wall Brown in flight. The male was seen perched several times. Walking back 5 Sand Martins flew over the track.

A fine summer plumaged Knot

On Friday 8th May, immediately after work, a fine summer plumaged Knot was seen on the jetty/ finger at Ness Point in full brick reddish-brown summer plumage. Initially, it was right at the far end of the finger, in company with 2 Turnstone, 1 in full breeding plumage. but all 3 birds gradually worked there way closer being half way along, feeding all the time, it seemed they would come even close but before unfortunately, a Feral Pigeon flew in and spooked them causing them to fly back to the end of the finger again. Also up to 15 Kittiwake seen flying south, several close in.

First House Martin & evening dips

On Thursday 7th May retrieving my optical gear to go for the Bee-eaters, immediately after work, I saw a fine House Martin fly over the back garden, my first of the year, a frustrating evening followed with dipping all around (no Bee-eaters, BW Kite or RFF).

Swallow over front garden and visit to Carlton Marshes

On Tuesday 5th May, as I walked to the car at 8.05am and was greeted by the lovely song of a lovely Swallow was flying low and west over the front garden calling as it went. In the evening, I tried to see the RFF at Carlton, I saw Rob H. and a distant LGRE (who tweeted no sign of any Hobbies or RFF in a search between 1.30-7.30pm) it was a no show, but I did see a fine Hobby perched on a dead tree at the tea garden at Fisher Row. A Grey Heron flew in too. We saw Barry B. on the way back too.

Four Green-wings

On Monday 4th May, at a local location, I found 4 diminutive Green- winged Orchids just east of the bushes near the path.

When 4 became 2

On Sunday 3rd May, Rob H. had told me about the 4 BWS's at Carlton Marshes I went straight there (switching my heavy Canon lens for the much lighter Nikon one- too far to walk with it now!). As usual I was late to the party seeing Carl B, Paul & Jane F, Chris, M. Phil and even John H. as I walked up. My late ness meant I missed 2 of them as they had flown to an inaccessible part of Peto,s in. the north- west corner. 2 Black- winged Stilts remained and were busy walking around feeding by the waters edge. 2 Greenshank also seen stood at the edge together. As I walked around the river wall, the 2 Greenshank flew north but the Black- winged Stilts remained feeding the male had black smudges on his head and the female a pure white head. Whilst overhead, 8 Hobbies seen plus 2 Swift above them. With gavin, I checked the North Hide area, not much seen here. Walking back, we saw the 2 Stilts again, we were joined by Tony B. and we saw a fine summer plumaged Black- tailed Godwit along the closest edge of the water too. I saw a low flying Bittern fly right and then settle in the reeds. A close quartering male Marsh Harrier seen too. walking back we saw Douglas from Winterton but by the time the remaining pair had flown north.

Migrant waders

On Sunday 3rd May, I walked up to Broadland Sands Holiday Camp, Corton as soon as the rain stopped, as I was keen to get some pictures of the BTG flock, I could see Rob H. on his bike, initially no sign of the flock but a wader flock, 27 strong was flying around plus many holidaymakers so I ran as fast I was able. The flock settled was constantly on the move feeding on leatherjackets but the people disturbed them and they flew onto the ploughed field just west of the grassy area. They were a fine mixed plumage flock of 27 Bar- tailed Godwits, some in full summer plumage, some in partial plumage and some still in winter plumage. Eventually they flew back onto the grass again, again constantly feeding before sadly once again passers by flushed them back into the cropped field.

Peregrine at Corton OSW

On Saturday 2nd May, I walked around the Corton OSW, at just after 7pm, I may have heard a brief snatch of Marsh Warbler song but it was only 5 seconds and inconclusive plus. a very pale bird flew up and settled for a second before darting into cover, only seen with the naked eye so again inconclusive. What I definitely did see was a very large Peregrine Falcon fly up from the edge of the grassy area by the wind turbines, obviously a female bird I later found a freshly killed Wood Pigeon which had been extensively gorged on, barely anything left of the carcass and the scatter of the feather spread for around 8 feet. As I walked past the dyke bushes I also saw a male Blackcap.

Woodchat, Iberian & other goodies

On Saturday 2nd May, I was waiting for news on the Tawny Pipit at Landguard but as usual it had done a weekend bunk, so another one I have missed out on (that and Lesser Yellowlegs also didn't stay for the weenend either). However, news on a Woodchat at Dunwich, as soon as the location was pinned down (200 yards east of the toilet blocks) and it said was showing well I thought I better take the big lens, I decided to park at Dunwich Heath car park, as I can't carry the lens very far these days. I looked on the website where the charge was £4.90 and it would take cash or card so I parked up and got a shock when it said £6 and cash only, I only had £5 in coins only. So I had to change some notes and the walk west of the toliet block where I saw Matthew D. walking back he siad it was still there but distant. I reached a small group of people looking south and easily picked the bird, the fine adult Woodchat Shrike, perched on a gorse bush just left of an obvious Pine. It was a textbook example being a 1st summer male bird with chestnut crown and black and white plumage. It spent its entite time perched in this gorse bush and occasionally dropping down and successfully catching insects. As we looked 2 Hobbys flew over from the left, too. Nearby, I then had a look at a fine Stone Curlew sat down behind an electric fence, whilst the male bird was walking around just this side of the fence. I also saw 3 Orange Tips flying around here too. I then drove over to Westleton Heath car park and I could hear the loud but very mellifluous song of Wood Lark and was delighted to see 3 birds, fly close and very low over the car park flying south- east. I then walked over to the IBCC site, as I walked up I saw 5 Small Copper butterflies mainly on the path up. the fine Iberian Chiff-Chaff could be heard singing constantly mainly from the wood at the end, it was incredibly difficult to see, I managed a few glimpses mainly at the very top of trees by the edge of the wood and I couldn't pick it out at all when it flew to the trees near the path so I didn't managed to get any pics with my big lens on a tripod. I have found this bird often quite elusive unlike other observers experiences. Just by the path to the wood I sadly found a dead but still beautiful female Emperor Moth, a species I still want to see the adult form alive. I saw 3 Painted Ladies, mainly on the walk up and back, 1 briefly settled on the ground near the IBCC trees but typically flew off when I got my 180mm macro lens camera out. As I walked back, a Dartford Warbler flew around 100 metres away over heather and a male Stonechat perched on a gorse bush.

Lesser Whitethroat seen along fence

On Thursday 30th April, parking up at the back gravel overflow car park James Paget, I heard and saw a fine Lesser Whitethroat singing its scolding call from a rear fence, it soon dropped down though. SAdly one of the Bee Orchids has disappeared, so 9 plants left and they were watered in the exceptionally dry spell.

Finally, the Ring Ouzel

On Sunday 26th April, having to wait 25 minutes for breakfast, I was slower getting to Kessingland Beach car park than anticipated, I rang Jane F. for precise directions of the RO and she said her and Paul were watching it now. I said I would be 20 minutes and they kindly agreed to stay. the 2 previous nights I had failed to see the bird despite extensive searching. Twenty minutes later, I walked to the top of the Dunes and could see Paul & jane F & another chap watching the bird in the south- west corner, I couldn't see it. Inevitably it had gone by the time I joined them just minutes later. As we walked round Jane spotted it on the path ahead of us, I raised my bins to be greeted with the gloriuous sight of a resplendent male Ring Ouzel, an elongated black bird with silvery wings, a gorget of white on its breast and lemon- yellow bill. Before I could take this all in the bird flew left and out of sight. TBC

Early Purple Orchids

On Saturday 25th April in the morning, I drove over to Wex, on the way I stopped off at a roadside location and spotted the fine Early Purple Orchids there were 9 spikes in a clump and a separte plant with a single spike so 10 in all. I couldn't park where I usually park as the farmer was ploughing the field so had to park elsewhere and walk the 0.4 of a mile to the spot, as I did so, I noticed a dead Mustelid, almost certainly a Ferret on the other side of the road, opposite a sign. I also heard at least 3 Whiethroats singing and saw one fly down.When I walked back there was a kettle of 4 Buzzard and a Red Kite circling overhead. An evening trip to Kessingland sluice revealed little save for 2 Wheatears, a Sand Martin, a Swallow and around 50 Linnets, no RO in sight.

First Lesser Whitethroat back

On Friday 24th April again parking up at 8.25am, at the gravel overflow staff car park at the back of James Paget Hospital I heard the scolding call of a Lesser Whitethroat in the only scrubby area remaining. My first of 2026 of this species.

Back to the Iberian Chiff- Chaff

On Sunday April, I headed back to the Iberian Chiff- Chaff and as I walked up I saw the excellent Nightingale moving in the roadside bushes. I walked up to the spit and the Iberian Chiff- Chaff was again singing again by the 3 trees by the track and again difficult to see, it even moved into the wood further south, where a Great- spotted Woodpecker seen and heard bu the Iberian Chiff- Chaff flew to the 3 trees where I saw it singing near the top of the 3 trees but once again the best and photographable views were from the northernmost tree where it sang near the very top right of the tree and good views were obtained. again, Wood Lark, Nightingale and another call heard here before I took the track east and over the field I saw 3 Wheatears2 males and a female and a pair of Stonechat. PHOTOS TBA

Iberian Chiff- Chaff at Westleton Heath

After work on Friday 17th April, I drove down to Westleton Heath parked in the car park. Some birders had parked just after me but there would have given Usain Bolt a good race as I thought I followed them out and they had completely disappeared disorienated I had great trouble finding the right location for the IBC, I tried the first metal swing gate (a swing gate was described in the rather vague directions) but it didn't look right. Fortunately Jane F. was able to literally direct me onto the right track, I walked up east along the road, hearing Nightingale from the roadside bushes and then found the wooden gate and the kissing gate beside it, so I walked directly south nearing the end of the southerly path at a crossroads heading either east or west, I took the path as directed west by some trees along the edge of a track and I immediately heard the song of the Iberian Chiff- Chaff. There were 3 trees in a line and the aforementioned birders were standing just south of the southernmost one looking in the tree but I couldn't see it at all. I walked over the short bracken area to join them but theree were off in Usain Bolt mode so there were no help whatsoever. Two other birders and a lady birder arrived and I saw a Warbler fly to the northern most tree. It was singing it was the fantastic Iberian Chiff- Chaff. With a supercilia yellower before the eye and thinner cream white after. It had a slight breast band and longer primaries. A Chiff- Chaff was also singing from this tree but I managed to get pictures of the super Iberian Chiff- Chaff too. I also heard Wood Lark and another call. PHOTOS TBA

First Whitethroat back

On Friday 17th April, whilst parking my car at the back of the Hospital, the first Whitethroat was heard singing at the back of the gravel overflow car park.

Two Shelduck over the garden

On Wednesday 15th April at 4pm, 2 Shelduck flew south- west directly over our back garden.

Local patchwork

On Saturday 11th April after it had stopped raining early afternoon, I looked around Corton Old Sewage works, a male Blackcap was feeding near the entrance, as I walked up to the compound a fine Swallow flew low over and west (my first of the year). By the cliffs I saw up to 8 Sand Martins flying around. Back along the west path, 3 Greenfinches (1 male, 2 females) and 3 Chaffinches (1 male, 2 females). Around 3 Goldfinces seen too and the Cetti's Warbler also gave a quick exposive burst from the ditch. By the trees opposite a female Blackcap seen feeding. At Corton ORT, a Great- spotted Woodpecker flew across the track and up into the tree. 2 Chiff- Chaffs also heard singing and a scolding Wren flew up from the undergrowth near the copse.

Eider and Early Purples

Leaving work at 2.15pm, on Wednesday 9th April, the closure of the A47 southbound at Hopton, I had to divert via Lound and this took me 3X as long to get back home. My plans to visit Minsmere were abandoned & instead I drove straight out to the South Pier where by Children's corner, people were on the beach and the female Eider seen earlier was on the sea 50 metres out with a couple of Gulls. Actively feeding just beyond the rocky breakwater. A trip further out to deepest Suffolk revealed 6 Early Purple Orchids, 5 just starting to flower but there were many more plants unseen that will flower over the coming weeks. A trip back to Children';s corner and the female Eider was still in the same area 50 metres out on the sea.

Early spring Migrants along the coast at Lowestoft

On Sunday 5th April, I started at Corton Old Sewage works, a female Blackcap popped up on a branch briefly and the male popped up slightly further along. I also heard the brief explosive song of a Cettis Warbler comong from the dyle just south of the compound. No sign of the Willow W but a Chiff- Chaff seen along the western edge. Nothing along the road by the Holiday parks. I heard Blackcaps singing at least 2 male along Corton ORT plus near the bridge a Firecrest was heard calling. A look oin the north end of Corton woods, I could heard a Great- spotted Woodpecker drumming nearby plus the laughing call of 2 Green Woodpeckers, dog walkers flushed one out of a tree and it flew left a little way. I parked up along Gunton Cliff and took the newly restored path down as I walked just north of the Oval, by the edge of the Oval, 3 Wrens heard including 1 briefly showy bird. I heard the Willow Warbler's song and one Willow Warbler was in a bush half way up the slope it gradually made its way to the right of the bush. A second Willow Warbler was heard singing further south. I saw Jon B. who said he'd seen a Wheatear at Ness Point park. I walked over and initially there was no sign until a rain shower had me sheltering under the wooden walkway up to the seawall, as it fnished I made my way out and the fantastic male Wheatear emerged just ahead of me and perched on a post on the right side of the walkway. I edged my way and took a few shots before it flew onto the fence off the fenced off area and I made my way along the fence and obrtained some shots before it flew on the grassy area to feed. Here I was able to get to within 4 metres of the bird without disturbing it and I managed a few pics before I was joined by Dale, just as the weather started to cloud over. I then walked to Ness Point, initially very little seen except for Josh walking down the road. But I did hear briefly the song of a Black Redstart and walking back just north of the point, I saw first 5 and then 6 Purple Sandpipers on rocks, on the inner ledge of the seawall 5 Turnstones were seen on the inner seaward side ledge too. Nice to see Julie & Rob Win seen here too. I walked back to Ness Point park and finally saw a Chiff-Chaff around the base of one chopped sycamore tree.

Kettle of Buzzards over the garden

On Saturday 4th April, in the morning we had 4 mewing Buzzard flying directly over the garden and spiralling upwads in a kettle.

First Chiff- Chaff in the garden for 2026

On Friday 3rd April, at 5pm in our garden by the Honeysuckle and Jasmine bushes by the wall just outside the kitchen window, a Chiff- Chaff was prospecting for food almost at ground level.

No April Fool kettle

On Wednesday April 1st after work I left late at 4pm driving along the A47 south approaching Hopton roundabout, over the wood just west of the road i saw a Red Kite and 3 Buzzards soaring around like a Kettle. Maybe the same birds James W had seen earlier at Gunton?

Red Kite in tree

On Monday 30th March at 8.15am driving to work along the A47, just past the Corton Long Lane large roundabout, a Red Kite sat in the usual Buzzard tree in the middle of the arable field just east of the road.

RIP Whooper & dipped Eagle

On Saturday 28th March I drove straight to Blythburgh on the strength of a resting WTE on the estuary, unlike some fortunate people, sadly by the time I got there it had flown west, another message from Brian B. stating it was circling over Reydon Church, by Station rd, Reydon, I saw a Red Kite, driving to Potter's Bridge I saw 2 female Marsh Harriers quartering the reeds and another/ or the same Red Kite. Very sad but not totally unexpected to hear the Whooper had been found washed up on the defence rocks at South Pier. RIP Whooper.

Whooper Swan at Children's Corner, nr South Pier

On Friday March 27th directly after work, after picking up bins and the Nikon gear, I headed straight for the South Pier, one space nearby had me walking to the Children's corner, the fine Whooper Swan was still there sleeping stood on the beach/ waters edge, it woke up looked around, I took a few quick pics without disturbing it and after a few minutes left. A starnge palce for it to rest and I fear for its safety/ well-being.

Fudge Duck and Garganey at Carlton

On Sunday 22nd March, Andrew found a trio of good birds at carlton and I headed staright there. The fine male Ferruginous Duck was at the back with 4 Pochard, 3 males and a female. Whilst a little further west the male Garganey could be seen asleep with the duck just left of it was the female Garganey.

3 Brents at Ness Point

On Thursday 19th March, early afternoon, I drove to Ness Point and saw 3 Brent Geese, of the dark bellied variety, feedining on the jetty' finger at Ness Point generally half way along sometimes the birds would sit down and have a nap. I walked to the northern end of the point and on distant rocks I saw 7 Purple Sandpipers with 9 Turnstones closer in by the rocks. I was unlucky with the Hume's in Sparrow's Nest as it had been just been seen before my visit and it reappeared again about an hour after I left, despite checking the whole park, where I saw a Coal Tit in a Pine and the Oval and Flycatcher Alley, I couldn't see it.

No Adders

On Wednesday 18th March, I drove to Minsmere, I initially looked by the Sand Martin bank and was pleased to see 1 and then 4 Sand Martins flying around here but I could not see any Adders in the usual spot. This was repeated along the Dunes despite a 2.5 hour search I didn't see any Adders here either, although one was seen near the public hide path to the beach, but not by me. Very disappointing. In my search I saw my first butterfly of the year a Peacock that briefly settled plus a Viviparous Common Lizard, scuttling over the grassy fronds and into cover. No sign of the Slav grebe on South Scrape but several 5 Mediterranean Gull heard and seen. From east Scrape I couldn't see the Little Stint over on west but I did see 1 Ruff and 4 Black- tailed Godwits. I walked back to the path back from the North wall near the SC field and on its eastern border I saw Carl B and John G. and they pointed out a delightful female Black Redstart perched on the edge of a bush. I joined Carl walking over to West Hide and aftr a short while, I added to my Ruff tally when we saw 2 Ruff on the muddy bund stretching out east from the hide and then the fine Little Stint flew in here, gradually working its way feeding closer along the southern edge. It had a subdued greyish back (rather than the striking yellow lined back of immatures in autumn) but the legs were black.

RIP Brileider

I heard on Monday March 16th, the famous Brileider, the Spectacled Eider that had been seen on the sea off the island of Texel had passed away. Not a good week at all this week. I was very fortunate to see this fabulous bird last year on 25th January 2025 with Rob H. where we travelled over to Holland and saw this bird on the sea off Texel, a fabulous bird. We are indebted to Ecomare and De Wulp at The Hague, which cared for this bird after it was taken into care. Initially he responded well to treatment but ultimately sucuumbed, possibly due to a worm infection. RIP Brileider. On Friday March 20th at Greenfields Colney Woodland Burail as I drawing into the car park, I heard the "chip chip" of Crossbills overhead.

Hume's back in Sparrow's Nest

On Friday 13th March, I walked into Sparrow's Nest and saw a chap looking from the side by the 5 Holm Oaks just behind the Movie Makers theatre in the north- east corner of the Sparrow's Nest. Typically hyper active the fine Hume's Warbler was actively feeding at 10.40am but when it came down low, the grey plumage, wing bar and striking head pattern seen well but the grey day meant photos would be virtually impossible to obtain but I enjoyed watching the bird until another birder turned up asked where it was and walked directly underneath the trees causing the bird to fly off. No fieldcraft whatsoever and he deprived himself of seeing the bird. At this point I left. A Lesser black- backed Gull was seen slap bang in the middle of the Oval. A Long-tailed Tit seen nearby with nest material plus 5 Goldfinch. Nothing at the Net Posts, a cat in the fenced off area didn't help. A trip to Ness Point included 13 Turnstone and by seaweed encrusted promentary I call 'the finger' first 5 and then up to 7 Purple Sandpipers seen actively feeding, the original quintet joined by additional duo when a large waves crashed across the rocks on its southern side. I waited, sat down quietly waited and was instantly rewarded when 3 of their number came realy close, having a quick nap and a then a very thorough active preen, so I managed to get some nice close up shots of these charming birds that always a pleasure to see. On Sunday March 15th travelling south along the A12 at Fostendon, a low flying Red Kite was just over the A12, several seen over M25 and several along M4 particularly Reading & newberry. UPDATE: In light of events on Monday 16th March; I didn't post on Wednesday 11th March, on a previous visit I saw an odd looking Herring Gull with a blackish face/ hood caused by staining on the left side of its face perched on the southern most groyne just north of the Point, but it was completely white ie. normal for a Herring gull on its right side, on a previous visit to Ness Point, other than that... nothing of note seen on that visit.

Hoodie on the North Denes

Early on, on Wednesday 11th March, following a tweet the previous night I made my way to link's Road car park, I saw Andrew E and Josh, even though there were around 30 carrions Crows around there was no initial sign of the Hoodie. Until Andrew E. spotted it on the beach just north of Link's Road car park, I saw the fine Hooded Crow, but it was with a pack of Crows following a dog walking walking along the shore line It followed back across the beack to Warren House Wood and then flew to the trees just west the wood, before it flew back to Link's Road car park, another dog walker flushed it further south and David & his wife appeared and he spotted it on the wall by railing near the beach where again it was disturbed and it was seen on the North denes, before another dog walker flushed it over to sycamore trees along a cliff. I managed a few pics of it in a tree before 3 dogs rampaging completely out of control flushed it over to the group of tall Pines where I lost it. I walked back to the car park and we suddenly at 8.35am, Kevin B. spotted a trio of Red Kites flew in off the sea and inland. I was loading up the car ready to depart, with the door still open I spotted the Hoodie on rocks just on the beach but danger yet another dog walker walking towards it along the shoreline. I literally leapt into action grabbing the Canon camera and lens and jumped over the wall and headed off the dog walker who condiderately stopped and I was able to get a few pictures of the bird before it flew off on its own accord back onto the beach north of there at 9.40am. I then looked for the Hume's despite looking wuth a newly arrived Derek B. we couldn't see it just a Red- legged Partridge running along the path in the Oval grounds running along the path west of the tennis courts. I also saw a Buzzard in off by Gunton Heath.

A trip for early spring migrants and watch winter visitors

On Sunday 8th March, I took a look down Fisher Row, near the bowl, I saw and heard a trio of Treecreepers and a Firecrest plus several Long-tailed Tits and another Firecrest nearby. Walking back I saw Andrew E. and I carried on back by the entrance track, a Buzzard flew just west of the track and was sitting on posts by the horse paddocks. I saw by the dyke just past the entrance track another Firecrest in the scrub. A fine adult male White Wagtail briefly alighted on the track behind me and flew into the horse field. I couldn't relocate it, although a couple were in the horse field. As I was looking I saw an additional female Grey Wagtail in the horse paddocks that then flew south. there was also a lot of Redwings heard flying over and I saw 1 or 2 birds. Back at Ness Point in the afternoon, I was pleased to count at least 11 Purple Sandpipers (my highest persnal tally this winter), on the rocks near the Compass plus the blue-ringed Rock Pipit seen on the shelf just south of there at 2.30pm

Frogs a croaking!

It was lovely to hear a Frog croking chorus last night Friday 6th March at around 1pm, this morning Saturday 7th March, one was still croaking and I even saw a mid sized Frog in the wildlife pond early morning.

Finally, a Short- eared Owl: courtesy of a Norfolk coastal locality

Mid afternoon on Sunday 1st March, a visit to coastal strip in neighbouring Norfolk was long overdue. This locality had been a haunt for wintering SEOs, but initial prospects didn't seem too promising with grey leaden skies and a bit of a breeze. I met a very friendly, helpful and informative dog walker who knew all about the SEOs (he even had a stunning flying pic of a SEO on his phone, now these dog walkers are ones I like!) and directed me a little way of south of where I was by the first ridge seawards up to where the white house was in the distance was the best area for the Owls, there had been 6 but their number had dwindled as winter turned to spring down to 2. He said he would walk the next ridge line and keep an eye onwhere he was just in case he disturbed. I needn't have worried as I walked the marram grass area and one flew up directly in front of me, finally a fine Short- eared Owl for this winter after many unsuccessful previous attempts at various locations. It settled in the valley in full view but didn't stay long and flew a little way north. Another birder appeared to have picked it up, a birder called Paul and I walked the next valley and behind so I didn't disturb the bird. Paul kindly showed me the owl in his 'scope. Other birders soon joined us and we were able to get a little closer and I even managed one or two shots too. Around half a dozen Sky Larks were seen too.

Very distant Slavonian Grebe at Barton Broad

After the Hume's visit, I changed my gear Nikon set up for the canon big lens and drove mid moring on Sunday 1st March to Barton Broad, I found the disable car park OK but was struggling to find the main car park, carring along the road and turning left at the main house I eventually found it parked up and walked back right and left following a farm track along a hedge which then rejoined the corner of the road I had just driven thena an 800 metre stroll lead me to directional signs left of the road to the boardwalk. I found the viewing platform and having met some birders they advised if I was lucky I'd only see it with a scope and was right at the far back difficult to see as it was spending time within the reeds and when out on the water it was diving a lot. After just 10 minutes I spotted it a fine Slavonian Grebe, its black and white bicolouration prominent but seen at extreme range, exactly where they said right at the far back, it was regularly diving first left and right of a rusty bouy situated close to the far reeds. Unfortunately first a passing boat and then a low flying male Marsh Harrier spooked it and later a female Marsh Harrier quartered the reeds it swam into the reeds and didn't come out during the next 90 minutes. Meanwhile I scanned the Broad at least 6 Goldeneye seen, 4 males and 2 females plus 9 GC Grebes together one fairly close in. Plus 2 Chiff- Chaffs were singing heralds of spring. A Kingfisher darted by twice and a Buzzard flew left.

Hume's Warbler re-visit

Early on Sunday 1 March, I drove to Whapload Road and parked up saw Andrew E. and Rob W. walking to the car park, following my perambulation along the road it wood good to see Steve H. from Norfolk peering over the partly collapsed Oval south Oval wall just beyond the ravine and we saw the fine Hume's Warbler darting about the bushes by the green and the ones adjoining Flycatcher alley. I made my way around to the Alley and through the diamond shaped aperture I saw the lovely Hume's flitting around at the top of the bush just 4 foot away alas into the sun so no pics here. As I chatted with Steve, we saw and heard a Siskin flying north, the drumming of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. I left Steve to look in the north east corner of Sparrow's Nest after the bird had flown east a little. My hunch was correct as the Hum's was feeding in the hedge by the grass cuttings corner, I waited patiently for a minute then it popped out in full view and I managed a few shots with the Nikon.

Glaucous Gull on groyne no.25 Waxham Beach

On Wednesday 25th February, after I finished work at 2pm I drove straight to Money Lane at Waxham parked up and took the path to the beach, entering the concrete steps, I walked right (south) for 3/4 of a mile going through groynes 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25. But initially there was no sign of the Glaucous Gull. The groynes were made up of large rocks extending out to sea and these barriers were attractive to a large number of Grey Seals, at least 500+ , in groups of 50-80, who had gathered on the beach. I checked all the groynes and the beach and I couldn't yet see the Glaucous. I met another chap who walked up from the south and as we were talking, I could see a large very pale biscuit coloured Gull, the excellent second winter Glaucous Gull flying south and it settled on the end of groyne number 25. It had a large pink bill with black at the tip. A immature bird but the pale iris and paler bill indicates second winter/ 3rd calendar year bird. I can only assume it was on the beach as I walked up and perhaps concealed by the Seals. It perched on a rock right at the end of groyne 25 and spent the nexr hour here before it eventually flew north and onto the beach by the shoreline. It probably had plenty of food to feast on as I saw at least 1 dead Seal pup carcass. On the wayback walking in the dunes, I saw 30 Linnet, gathering on some gorse, a female Stonechat and walking back along Money Lane, I saw another female Stonechat and heard the 'tic' of a Yellowhammer but the bird was not seen.

Back to the muddy quagmire

On Sunday 22nd february, having just returned from a very successful trip to Georgia, in the early afternoon I made my way to Carlton Marshes and took the long walk down to the North hide (1 and a half miles). Checking the Geese at the west end of Share Marsh, amongst the Greylag, I could see 2 White- fronted Geese, 1 sitting down and 1 feeding. Unfortunately they were against the sun. I carried on and just before the first hide, they were lots of ducks very close to the path, mainly Wigeon and Teal but no sign of the American Wigeon or GW teal, at the North Hide Pool there were very few ducks so I walked back to the first hide before I reached there I spotted the excellent American Wigeon at mid distance amongst some duck but it swam behind a 30 metre line of reeds and I temporarily lost it. walking back half way towards the first hide, I potentially spotted it again, a very grey headed Wigeon asleep. I kept the scope on it and sure enough when it woke up and looked around it confirmed itself as thye fine male American Wigeon.

Georgia Day 8

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Georgia Day 7

Georgia Day 7

Georgia Day 6

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Georgia Day 5

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Georgia day 4

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Georgia day 3

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Georgia Day 2

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Georgia day 1

On day 1 Friday 13th I was kindly picked up by Rob H. at the house and he drove down to Stansted where we had "Meet and Greet" parking, parking close to the airport this was really convenient and highly recommended! Meeting Oli for the first time and seeing Johnny P. again I had feeling this was going to be a really good trip. Check in was straight forward and we went through passport control OK and all the scans and checks and were called onto the Pegasus Flight an Airbus A300, we had initially got seated when we were asked if we could move to the extra we had a 3 hour and 40 minute flight to Istanbul airport landing on a new runway, so there was about 20 minute taxing until the plane stopped. Getting off the plane and especially in the airport felt like high summer, very crowded and hot and stuffy (no air conditioning) I couldn't wait to catch the next flight to Iblisi, georgia. Before that we had a Burger King Meal which we needed. Then we took the 2nd 2 hour flight to Tiblisi. Passport control was interesting at Tiblisi with a stony faced operative (even oblivious to the charm of Rob H!) barking orders at you, "take your glasses off!", "step back and face the camera" having survived that ordeal (all 4 of us had the same treatment) we were meant outside the airport building by a friendlier (not difficult) car hire represntative. He walked us to the car and kindly wheeled my luggage bag for me. As we drove through the centre of Tblisi in the darkness, I heard a Wren singing our first bird species for Georgia. This was added to as we parked up on a journey north to Ananuri Castle, a potential Wallcreeper haunt although none seen. Was a little bit wary as 3 large feral dogs came up to the car but fortunately weren't aggressive, Great Tit & Blue Tit were seen here. As we passed through the mountainous region on our way to Stepantsminda, through the Gudauri Pass, Chough and a small group of around 15 Alpine Chough seen plus several Ravens seen. Our first visit to Sno valley was really good, we saw a grand tally of 20 Guldensta

Mudbath at Carlton & finally a Lowestoft American Wigeon!

On sunday 8th February in the afternoon, after some much needed sustanance, I took the long walk out to the south- western corner of Peto's, as I was walking along the bund, it was really good to have a brief catch up with Paul & Sara, who kindly showed me the Rossicus Bean, the Tundra Bean Goose in their scope, a lovely bird. It was with around 20 Greylag and 10 Canada Geese plus 2 Egyptian Geese. I carried on reaching the end and then walking north for 50 metres until I joined the throng of people, as usual Paul & Jane F were leaving, Carl b. very kindly let me see the bird, a fine American Wigeon, asleep amongst some Wigeon behind a clumpy wisp of grass. 2 Great white Egrets, 5 Little Egrets and 5 Black- tailed Godwits seen around the Wigeon and the lapwing. TBC

Hume's Warbler again along Sparrows Nest/ Flycatcher Alley

After the rain early on Sunday 8th february, as I was walking up to the Oval, I heard frequent calls of the Hume's Warbler and it was in the north- eastern most Pine by the Wall in Sparrow's Nest, a look in the Nest itself saw the bird in a bush in the far north eastern corner and then feeding for several minutes on bark mulch put on the flower beds, I daren't get any closer as i didn't want to disturb it. meanwhile Phil D. found a male Common Scoter close in just off Swimming Pool road, on the sea, it was preening a lot sadly indicating it was probaly oiled but a smart bird nonetheless. Looking over the seawall I saw a lone Purple Sandpiper briefly along the ledge. TBC

North Swansea Premier Inn and journey birds

On late Friday 6th February, a quick family visit to Wales included at North Swansea Premier Inn, a Song Thrush was singing in late into the night and on early saturday, 2 calling Siskins flew into the Alder trees then flew off again. Again the usual Red Kites c15 seen, the occasional one along the M25 and several seen around the Newberry Reading area.

Hume's Warbler along Flycatcher Alley but no luck with SEOs (again!)

On Wednesday 4 February, it was good day to have A/L, as a message about a Hume's Warbler was What's App'd and I made my way there but no sign initially. Once James W and Jon B who had initially looked from along the cliff top joined me, the bird was soon picked up. The excellent Hume's Warbler, it moved quickly through ivy clad trees along the south end of Flycatcher Alley and then along the trees by the Oval wall and then disappeared in bushes just the other side of the wall. It repeated this circuit 3X although went missing for long periods. It never showed that well for me. 2 Treecreepers recorded 1 seen, hopping up a tree by the Oval wall and another bird heard just west of the path. A Firecrest was seen aroundd the trees along the slope. meanwhile in the north- east corner of the Oval, the fine flock of 13 Fieldfares, 2 Redwing and a Song Thrush seen in the corner near the cricket nets. They eventually flew to trees bordering the Oval north wall. I then went to a site for SEOs which was incredibly difficult to find, a verge cutting tractor also hampered my drive down for 20 minutes, when I got to the Church, I viewed from the field as there appeared to be no footpath leading out to the marshes. A chackling Fieldfare was heard and Song Thrush seen plus a female Marsh Harrier quartering the marshes. I have now had no luck with SEOs at 5 sites this year.

Ness Point goodies

On Sunday 1st February, I drove to Ness Point and I saw Brian & Janet, who were gazing intently at the ledge, they pointed out the fine Rock Pipit, the blue- ringed bird but it was looking into the sun. I walked over and it was feeding intently, it then flew over to the rocks, where it perched for several minutes before flying south. A walk further south to Hamilton road, failed to reveal anything. So I walked north along the seawall and re-joined Brian and Janet by the sewall just opposite the Caravan park, we saw 1 Purple Sandpiper on the seaward side of the sewall. I then saw a second Purple Sandpiper flying north. Meanwhile back at Ness Point, 2 Oystercatchers were feeding on the rocks just the seaward side of the compass. Later on a message from Brian and Janet, stating they had seen the Grey's by the field opposite PCE Automation at Ellough (just off the roundabout), I drove up and saw Nick C. and Neville. There was no sign of the Grey's, just 5 Red-legged Partidges and 2 female Common Pheasants. A dog walked walking round the side of the field didn't help. The others left, I checked this large field nearer Beccles and then checked by the bypass the first turning, I parked up and from the gate, I spotted 2 fine Grey Partridges, not too far away but unfortunately the rain was increasing. I quickly What-app'd a messgae on the Lounge Lizards group as I knew Nick & maybe some Beccles birders would probably pop back if they had been refound. There was a male and female Grey Partidge crouched close together with the female walking over to the male. I spotted a cyclist heading my way from along the bypass it was Carl B. and Nick soon arrived back and fortunately I was able to get both onto these elusive birds.