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 staright 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.

Ringtail Harrier at Carlton Marshes

On Saturday 31st January, I drove to Carlton Marshes, at the Tower Hide Ivan L joined us. At 3pm, Ivan was locking up so we had to vacate the hide, I walked along the path to Share Marsh. From the Octagon Platform, I saw 2 Marsh Harriers, I then saw a third bird it was the superb ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting low just this side of the Peto's Marsh bund and then it flew south along the field. Later on I saw it just south of Share Marsh, the fine female Hen Harrier was flying away, the white rump prominent it flew over some tall reeds athen behind a large bush and I didn't see it again. A Great White Egret was in the pool by the top platform along the Share Marsh trail.

Firecrest at Fisher Row

On Wednesday 28th January, after work I drove to Asda but saw nothing there. Parking at the SWT car park by St.Michael's Church walking down the hill on the fields to the left, a Song Thrush, 2 Blackbirds and a Redwing seen in the field. Onto the Oulton marshes to the left, I heard and then saw a Cetti's Warbler that flew by some reeds. Over the railway line, I saw a perched Buzzard near the railway line. Whilst over the river, 2 Marsh Harriers hunted, 1 male and 1 female. At Fisher Row, walking down towards the railway line, half way down by the group of Holly trees, I first heard and then saw a fine Firecrest hunting and hovering around the Hollies just before dusk. Meanwhile nearby at least 1600+ Jackdaws were roosting. A grand total of 6 Muntjac Deer seen (all singles bar 2 together).

Scant reward

On Sunday 25th January, a look at Ness Point revealed little save for the waves breaking over the defence rocks, 3 Oystercatchers on the walking ledge and 2 Turnstones which soon flew off when a wave came crashing over. A look at Worlingham marshes, 9 Moorhen seen as I walked over the rialway line. no sign of the Hen H. but it was good to see Dick W. and we had a fine calling Green Sandpiper flew north over the track behind us. I also spotted a distant Barn Owl flying in the far south corner of the main field. Around 20 Mute Swans seen a kestrel and a Buzzard. A look around Ellough only revealed 3 Red- legged Partridges close to the road, no sign of any Grey.

Gulls galore at Sea Palling

On Saturday 24th January, I waited until news that the Iceland was still there and rather belatedly at midday I left and I parked up by the roadside and walked down to Sea Palling Lifeboat station walking just north where the rocky reefs were, it has been some time since I was last here. It was immediately apparent there were a lot of Gulls, estimated 3,000 on the sea/ beach. Lots of c1500 Herring Gulls, c1500 Black- headed Gulls with c5 Common Gulls and a Kittiwake seen too. Also on the beach was a charming flock of c100 Sanderling, with fieldcraft they proved confiding and I managed a few shots of these bird. Sadly, I rarely see them these days. It is a hard bird to see in Suffolk currently, the Lowestoft birds around the South pier having disappeared years ago and the former reliable site of North Kessingland they have been absent this year, I suspect this is due to the increased disturbance of both areas. Sadly, Sea Palling beach this Saturday afternoon, had a lot of dog walkers which was occasionally disturbing these flock. I saw a couple I recognised and they kindly pointed out the excellent 1st winter Iceland Gull which was perched just left of the third green sign on the rocky reefs reef just offshore although it was hard to spot initially as it was almost totally obscured by a Herring Gull which had stood right in front of it, but the head, wings and tail could be seen. I then walked back onto the beach took some more sanderling pics and then a Purple Sandpiper appeared amongst them, late on 6 extra Purple Sandpipers appeared, totalling 7 in total plus around 5 Turnstones and 3 Oystercatchers. The couple had said they had seen Little Gull but try as I might I just couldn't see one. The Iceland then flew towards us and settled onto the sea when it promptly disappeared. The Iceland Gull was later seen south of its original position where it was stood on the shore. I quickly walked over but very annoyingly a dog walker was just in front of me and I missed what would have been good pics when the dog flushed all the birds perched on the beach edge. Looking out to sea, I could occasionally pick out the Iceland Gull us but with the deep rolling waves it was soon frequently lost from view. I did however pick up an adult winter Mediterranean Gull flying just over the waves crashing by the shore. After the dog walker had thankfully departed, Gull started assembling on the beach again and I picked out a fine retarded juvenile/ 1st winter Caspian Gull, this is a belated first for Norfolk for me! Typically an elegant slim bird with long wings primaries, a long slender bill deep pear shaped head with the peak of the crown behind the eye. The head was strikingly white. Long slender pink legs. Features included a very pale underwing, classic pear shaped head with long slender bill, streaked neck collar on the nape, anchor markings on the scapulars. Black tail terminal band contrasting on a white basal tail. Unusually I didn't see a single Seal! At Horsey, I saw a flock of c40 Lapwings and 2 female Marsh Harriers. Plus a few Pink-footed Geese flying over, skeins of 30 & 2. A big flock of 60 Greylag Geese and 30 Mute Swans also seen.

Fan- tailed Warblers at Walberswick & an incredible quartet of Whoopers very low over the house!!!

On Sunday 18th January, not being able to use the Walberswick Pay & Display car park as there is no reception on my phone. I parked along the road to Westwood Lodge at Hoist Covert, hearing Wood Lark singing, I couldn't see it though. A walk through the woods and I could hear, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Bullfinch and Long- tailed Tits. All escaped my vision, save for the family party of 12 Long-tailed Tits flying through. and walked to Hoist Covert then took the footpath east where the woods opened out to the marsh. As soon as I was walking along the boardwalk, I heard a load of Bearded Tits either side of the path, at least 8 seen closeby but heavily obscured by the reeds. I took the path east and into a wooded mound, then past a pill box and then east again over a boardwalk by teeds, I saw a chap who had just seen the FTWs just over the river just 10 minutes ago. 50 minutes past and no sign so I decided to walk towards the beach ridge and stopping on the ridge just 100 metres north of the Buckthorn bush. There were 5 other birders present further down on the ridge which I thought was a mistake as heightwould be the key. This proved to be the case as I soon picked up an excellent Fan- tailed Warbler or Zitting Cisticola perched high up on a reed at mid distance just this side of the river, in between 3 posts. It was perched up for several minutes, and showed lovely dark streaks quite thick on its mantle, streaked head and fanned tail with white tail terminal bar, quite a striking bird, I was able to get most of the other birders onto it before it dropped down again. Another birder spotted a second bird. not so well marked with closed tail. A wader calling "chew-it" flew by and right/north proved to be an excellent winter plumaged Spotted Redshank that vigorously fed over the far side of the pool just north of us. A Little Egret flew over the marsh just south of us. As I walked back I saw a fine Avocet on the pool. On the way home, I parked at Wrentham cemetary, and I saw a female Goldcrest in one of the near bushes. As I parked my car on the drive, at 16.08 hours, I heard an odd 'Kree kloo kloo" calls and saw a group of 4 superb Whooper Swans, absolutely huge birds very vocal with a triangular wedge of yellow on the bills, long necks flying in a tight formation, incredibly low just over the roof of out house and they flew right overhead and flew in a north- east direction towards the coast, absolutely incredible and a superb new garden record, wonderful!

Fieldfares on the Oval

On Saturday 17th January from first light I drove to th Oval and walked across and could see no Fiedlfares on the Oval although there were 2 cock Pheasants and Oystercatcher and 1 Herring and 8 Black- Headed Gulls. I walked over to the seawall from Swimming Pool road and as I peered over the seawall, 2 Purple Sandpipers flew a little way north. I walked up and saw another birder sitting on the sewall photographing 2 birds sat on the rocks. I managed a few pics. Rob H. walked up and he said the Fieldfares were back on the Oval, I looked on the Denes and saw a female Stonechat, perched on top of the weeds near the fenced off area. Walking over to the Oval, I saw 8 Fieldfares in the north west corner plus a Redwing and a Song Thrush and a Jay. They flew up to trees along the northern edge and then along the western edge. 20 Greenfinches flew up and into the Pines plus a male and female Chaffinch too When they flew down their number had increased to an increased tally of 13 Fieldfares, which was wonderful to see. No chance of getting any pics, the header pic is a Library photo. I walked back to the sewall and saw David B and his wife, they had seen * Purple Sands, I looked up and the seaward side I saw an incresed tally of 5 Purple Sandpipers.

Journey to Norwich

On Sunday I was visiting family in Norwich and on the way I saw a fine Fieldfare feeding on a berry bush by the roadside. Driving back along the B Hales road, I saw a Red Kite flying over the road exactly where the Early Purple Orchids were. A look around Somerleyton failed to reval any Cattle Egrets but at Somerleyton Church, a covey of 19 Red- legged Partridges seen and 4 free ranging Goats near the Church car park.

East Norfolk birding

On Saturday 10th January, I travelled to Filby, driving past 'Filby Heath' I saw a Red Kite quartering the fields at Filby Broad I parked up and walked across to the Boardwalk. A boat rowing out had disturbed the Smew, so no sign initially. Very little initially seen talking to Dave and Christine H., saying we hadn't seen much a chap siad he had seen the Scaup. sure enough, a female Scaup swam out from the reeds seen by the western edge of the Broad, and swimming out wih her was the excellent female Ring- necked Duck, a second Scaup seen with the female later which looked like an immature male. The same chap spotted the excellent redhead Smew right at the back swimming around the reeds in the south- west corner of the Broad. I bumped into John H. and caught up with news, before leaving and driving up to Ludham airfield and just west of Market road, by the Gas Cannister dump/ Norfolk recycling I scanned from the car and saw a flock of 14 wild Swans, on the left were 6 fine Bewick's Swans and on the right the larger 8 Whooper Swans. I then stopped at Rollesby broad, were a male Goldeneye seen. On Ormesby broad, another male Goldeneye seen and 2 females plus 5 Pochard including 2 males. A large group of c50 Tufted Ducks seen too. still ice on the perimetre of the Broad. I checked the Bird Guides app and Russian White- fronted Geese and 2 Bean Geese only just seen 3 miles away just west of Repps. I drove there and saw a large flock of Pink- footed Geese only problem was I was looking almost directly into the sun, structurally I saw 2 birds that looked like Tundra Beans. A chap stopped and said he was the farmer and the Geese were on his land eating the crops he would drive onto the land in 20. inutes time. So I moved the car round to the west and had a great more distant view and scanning what must have been at least 400+ Pink- footed Geese, included 2 obvious Tundra Bean Geese complete with orange legs and and orange at the base of their bills. Another 70 or so Pink- feet flew in and then suddenly the whole flock got up and flew north, the same farmer I had spoken to earlier was as good as his word and he was driving down in his Land Rover, at least he had given me 20 minutes to see them. I then drove down to Fleggburgh and just before the road to Acle, I parked opposite Roselea cottages and looking west distantly over the marshes near the Mill, I spotted an excellent flock of 21 Cranes, 3 initially flew up and they then walked north along. Back in the garden Jenny put some food out we had a Herring Gull, 5 Black- headed Gulls and an adult Common Gull flew down and briefly settled to retrieve food.

News about the Brileider in care

The Spectacled Eider that had been seen this winter and last off the island of Texel, Holland. / Netherlands was taken into care after being found exhausted and seriously underweight sat on the rocks. The latest news from Ecomare is encouraging as the bird had been feeding independently and gained weight (now weighting over 1kg, after gaining 200 grams, but is still not out of intensive care. Lets hope this wonderful bird continues its recovery and is able to be realised back into the wild once it has fully recovered.

Ice Pools at Kessingland North beach

On Sunday 4th January, I ventured gingerly to Kessingland amid the snow clad landscape, checking the heathlands copse, a Wren was seen here. I then saw Rob H & I walked carefully down the steps. The pools had increased in size and depth and Rob H and I had difficulty traversing the pools as most of them were over a foot and a half in depth. A female Sparrowhawk harried the birds and circled around a few times. We also saw 2 singleton Jack Snipe fly up from the pools edge and a Snipe, in flight too. Finally, we found an area of shallow water we could safely cross and we met Nick & his wife who were scoping the super Shore Larks, 3 initially seen by the edge of the big pool but when we moved further south, we counted all 4 birds. Again in the area just out from the concrete graffittied bunker. After feeding for sometime they flew to the ridge near the sea. Rob H then left and I saw Jon B. and scoping the far south beach area I saw 40+ Snow Buntings in flight by the beach and in the dunes front of the village by the pub area. By the JS marshy area, a Song Thrush and 2 Blackbirds seen. When I arrived back home at 2pm, I saw a super singleton Lapwing flying low over the front garden and heading north west obviously a hard weather migrant.

Snow bound!

On Saturday 3rd January, snow blizzards all day meant we were snowbound in the house.

East Norfolk birding

On Friday 2nd January, a late start 10.30am might have proved disastrous as the only Kite I saw at Ludham Bridge Marshes was the Red Kite when I was driving up. I saw a Grey Heron and a female Marsh Harrier but that was all. After 2 hours still no sign of the BWK that had apparently flown off west out of roost at 9.30am. I saw Jon B. and he walked further down, but a lady walking back said the BWK had been seen hunting from St. Benet's Abbey so I walked back quickly jumped into the car and drove to St. Benet's, I was very lucky as there was 1 space remaining in the car park and I walked up to the Mill, some birders were watching it distantly as I walked up but as soon as I got there it disappeared. But fortunately, the bird was spotted again seen very distantly to the south low near a distant church flying low and right. It then wheeled up and started hovering, it was the excellent Black- winged Kite, seen at 1.05pm. It then flew on slim pakle grey wings and started hovering before it semi- circled up and left further up in the sky. As I had left Jon B. as Ludham Bridge Marshes I tried to contact him but failed dismally. Phil D. walked up from the river and said, amongst the Geese behind us, 15 Greylags, a fine Russian White- fronted Goose was sticking its neck up showing its white facial shield. Driving back along the road, good to see Jon driving to the Abbey car park ( I hope he saw the BWK at 2.40pm) 2 Cattle Egrets flew into the field left and c60 Lapwings and c80 Golden Plover flew over the field to the right before settling down. Next stop Filby broad, where walking past the bridge, I saw a close Great White Egret briefly in the reeds and Steve G. who siad the birds were now along the south end of the Broad. I joined Stve and Dot by the Boardwalk and directly opposite along the south edge of the Broad amongst Pochard, a nice group of around 50 seen included the fine male Ferruginous Duck. Rob Wil and James W. appeared and Rob picked out the excellent female Ring- necked Duck that was amongst this group (having just woken up and over to the left a female Eider seen too. Meanwhile I spotted around 6 Goldeneye, 4 male and 2 females, a close pair was just over to the left. Over to the right, a Great- crested Grebe seen. Meanwhile at Ormesby Little broad, around 45 Coot seen over to the left, 2 Great- crested Grebes, a male Goldeneye and 3 male Tufted Duck seen, walking back a Greater- spotted Woodpecker seen near the top of trees having flown from one tree to another.

Minsmere Bound

New Year meant a trip down to Minsmere as I was keen to see the Temminck's again. and to add to my Christmas break feast of avian goodies! I bumped into David B. and his wife (nice to see them both as I haven';t seen them for a while) in the car park who siad it could be seen distantly from North Hide plus Redpoll in with Siskins on the walk to West hide. I made my way to North Hide and at the pond I met Andrew E. Good to see him too. The sun was shining directly at us and it was clear we wouldn't see the bird this way so we walked to the West hide and no sooner had we entered a packed hide, the a chap announced the Temminck's was on the nearest island and so it proved! The fine Temminck's Stint was constantly walking around feeding and as soon as I got onto it walked around the back of the island out of sight! It then flew to an island further away where there were a bonus 2 Water Pipits. The bird then flew back onto an island close to the left hand side of the hide and I took a few pics of it here before it flew once more. A fine Water Pipit flew in reasonably close too. Andrew E. soon left and not long after I saw 4 Goosander straight out in front of island 191, a roosting Redhead and 3 male Goosander swimming right in front of the East hide. Looking around the scrape, Mallard, Teal, a Wigeon and some Pintail too. Walking back by the Alders I spotted a group of c10 Siskin feeding and about a foot down from the top on the left of the main trunk, a fine Redpoll fed too. Back at the Centre, the feeders were full of Blue and Great Tits feeding, joined by up to 2 Coal Tits, shyer than their brethern a wait of 15 minutes and I saw a fine Marsh Tit briefly feed on the more popular left hand feeder briefly. I drove back to Westleton Health car park, emptied my water bottle in the puddle. I walked east to the Archer's archery area and no sooner had I done so than 2 fine Crossbills calling "chip chip" flew over the track and settled just west in trees but I couldn't pick them out again. At Henham quarry over the grassy fields, I saw 6 Curlew and 1 Common Gull. A look around Mutford and Ellough (and College Road failed to reveal any Partidges (fields had a long grassy type crop) other 2 Red- legged Partridge running around in the Industrial Estate and a few flocks of c20, 30, 30 Lapwings around Mutford, plus a male Pheasant by the side of the road. When I arrived home a delightful family of 10 Long-tailed Tits flew in feeding on insects in the front garden bushes literally inches from me, wonderful!

Review of the Year 2025

2025 has been a really good year for scarce birds, particularly in Suffolk! January: The 4th January was my start to the birding year after appalling weather on the first. Henham weighed in with the now rapidly increasing continental coloniser, a Cattle Egret. Compare that with the rapidly decerasing Grey Partridge, a covey of 7 of these delights were seen at Ellough on the same day. Thorpeness Bound on the fifth revealed an American Ring- necked Duck, 2 'Rossicus' Bean Geese in cliff top fields and a Hoodie in fields in the Snape area.