Little Bittern - Titchwell RSPB

[PYRTLE]

Just appeared on my pager....male.

[J Moss]

Just seen it on birdguides. Read about it in collins; "Smaller than a moorhen". Madness! Will head down there now. Was on my way anyway. ;)

Jason

[will bowell]

Hardly exactly brilliant directions "in willow- flew into ditch at 12:45."

Will

[postcardcv]

****** can't get up there for hours... I really hope it hangs about for a while and shows well.

[Tim Allwood]

what's the story Paul?

Tim

[Paul Eele]

The bird was seen by 3 people perched briefly in a willow bush before dropping into one of the reedbed ditches at 12:40 but no sign since. For those that know the reserve it is in the main ditch just before the open reedbed pool where the water can be heard running under the path. The bird dropped into an area about 20m from the path.

[postcardcv]

The bird was seen by 3 people perched briefly in a willow bush before dropping into one of the reedbed ditches at 12:40 but no sign since. For those that know the reserve it is in the main ditch just before the open reedbed pool where the water can be heard running under the path. The bird dropped into an area about 20m from the path.

cheers for the info Paul, nice to know the exact area that it was seen in... I'll have to try and get up this this evening.

[Dougie Preston]

I gather they are very difficult to see and very shy?

The only one I've seen in the UK was a very quick flight view after 2 hours wait, not exactly fantastic eh! let's hope this one is a bit more obliging!

[postcardcv]

according to BirdGuides it was seen in flight again at 4:45, typically there is no way I can get there today...

[josh jones]

Bowell had it at 16.45 - it just sat up in the reeds for a while then flew. Apparently its been around a few days and is booming. Reportedly they "didn't know what it was" that was making an odd sound - it was the bittern.

[Connor Rand]

Am going for it now! here's hoping it might show!

Connor

[J Moss]

Excellent views of the bittern at around 16:45, poking its head up through the reeds around 10-15 metersfrom the path. Beautiful bird. Gave decent views for around 10 minutes before flying further into the reeds, near the scrape overlooked by Island hide. Amazing in flight as well.

Good luck to everyone who goes to find it. Just scan the reeds and keep your fingers crossed. It stays hidden for long periods.

Jason

[J Moss]

Here are some of my efforts. Wills were much better though.

Jason

[will bowell]

Here are some of my efforts. Wills were much better though.

Jason

Not a bad effort for phonescoped though Jason!

A real cracker of a bird and I didn't have to wait to long- just half an hour!

cheers
Will

[Connor Rand]

Darn it.... dipped! Waited from 6:30 pm till 8:40 pm with no joy. Hope it hangs on a bit longer...

Connor

[mark riley]

Birdguides have just put out that it's been there for three days. How can a bird like a Little Bittern be on a flagship nature reserve, probably the most visited in the country and not be reported?


Mark

[Lichfield Birder]

Birdguides have just put out that it's been there for three days. How can a bird like a Little Bittern be on a flagship nature reserve, probably the most visited in the country and not be reported?


Mark

Could it be the Monday syndrome. Reports seems to get released on a Monday to allow a steady trickle thru the week and reduce the mad rush at weekends. Just a thought, and I could be wrong, and will probably get told so!!

Alan

[Archie Archer]

Birdguides have just put out that it's been there for three days. How can a bird like a Little Bittern be on a flagship nature reserve, probably the most visited in the country and not be reported?


Mark

Bl**dy carrot crunchers! First the 'Acrolais' Warbler fiasco now this!

AND I still haven't forgotten the Holme Rose-breasted Grosbeak! GRRRRRRRR! :C

[bitterntwisted]

Birdguides have just put out that it's been there for three days. How can a bird like a Little Bittern be on a flagship nature reserve, probably the most visited in the country and not be reported?

Mark


See post #10.

And with suppression rumours up and running, how long before the state of British birding is bemoaned because no-one recognised a booming Little Bittern?

Graham

[SueBryan]

Sorry you missed it Connor. It flew out of the reeds at 9.05pm and into the ditch. We got very wet though! Great views of food passes from the Marsh Harrirers whilst we were waiting for it though.
Sue

[bitterntwisted]

Bl**dy carrot crunchers! First the 'Acrolais' Warbler fiasco now this!

AND I still haven't forgotten the Holme Rose-breasted Grosbeak! GRRRRRRRR! :C

Looks like I spoke too late!

[J Moss]

Sorry you missed it Connor. It flew out of the reeds at 9.05pm and into the ditch. We got very wet though! Great views of food passes from the Marsh Harrirers whilst we were waiting for it though.
Sue


Dont think I could have gotten any wetter than I did out there. Couldn't believe the rain! It just hit us after the Little Bittern had shown itself and flown out of view. (and bollocks to the knobheads that have nothing better to do but complain, despite not having a clue as to what the story is)

Jason

[Tim Allwood]

Found myself on the north coast this evening for some reason or other....As Sue mentioned, we all got very wet. Stuck it out though and it turned out tops in the end. Nice place, nice people and a nice bird. Even managed a pint on the way home.

[Rob Smallwood]

Almost a twitch there Tim?! ;)

[Archie Archer]

Dont think I could have gotten any wetter than I did out there. Couldn't believe the rain! It just hit us after the Little Bittern had shown itself and flown out of view. (and bollocks to the knobheads that have nothing better to do but complain, despite not having a clue as to what the story is)

Jason

Language Jason! Bad boy!

Why don't you enlighten us with the story as to why it wasn't reported until the third day if you know? Not sure of I.D.? No telephone reception? Disruption to breeding birds? Or is it simply the fact that it's difficult to phone out news when you've got webbed hands? :-O

[Paul Eele]

Bl**dy carrot crunchers! First the 'Acrolais' Warbler fiasco now this!

AND I still haven't forgotten the Holme Rose-breasted Grosbeak! GRRRRRRRR! :C

There is the possibility that the bird was present on Saturday but I only heard about this information yesterday afternoon. Apparantly a bittern was seen fly across the reedbed and land in the bottom of a willow bush. The news was put out to the bird information services as soon as we found out that it was present.
Not sure what you mean about the 'Acrolais' warbler fiasco, is that something to do with Titchwell?
The bird is still present this morning, seen in flight at 05:30.

Paul
Titchwell Warden

[James Lowther]

Wow.
People complaining on a rare birds thread about something that didn't actually happen!
that's not something you get much of on birdforum

[johnraven]

I saw the bird this morning, along with a couple of other birders. I had a pretty poor view, at about 5am, of it dropping into the main ditch. The other two got onto the wing pattern, but all I got was something consistent with a Little Bittern in flight. I had (wrongly) figured it could show well on such a glorious early morning.

Hard bird to see, that one.

John

[PYRTLE]

I'm sure those webbed hands from our country cousins will gladly reach out to "welcome you" to the county, - aside... try to get to see and enjoy it if you can, its really much better than whining about why this, that!

Stat (2006)... less than 1 in 5 of home owners in North Norfolk are born in the area!

[J Moss]

I'm sure those webbed hands from our country cousins will gladly reach out to "welcome you" to the county, - aside... try to get to see and enjoy it if you can, its really much better than whining about why this, that!

Stat (2006)... less than 1 in 5 of home owners in North Norfolk are born in the area!


And only 5 in 10 born in the area have webbed hands 3:-)

[Darrell Clegg]

There is the possibility that the bird was present on Saturday but I only heard about this information yesterday afternoon. Apparantly a bittern was seen fly across the reedbed and land in the bottom of a willow bush. The news was put out to the bird information services as soon as we found out that it was present.
Not sure what you mean about the 'Acrolais' warbler fiasco, is that something to do with Titchwell?
The bird is still present this morning, seen in flight at 05:30.

Paul
Titchwell Warden

Hoping for Von Shrenks were you Paul? ;)

DArrell

[Tim Allwood]

Archie

the only thing for it is to bite the bullet and move over here. I remember living in the middle of the country - very frustrating indeed having to drive miles and miles to see a decent bird. I used to envy the people in Norfolk with the birds on their doorstep. So i travelled a bit to see some special birds but ultimately knew i'd end up here. And i did. It's great. Birds on your doortep (or even over your house) morning, noon and night. Plus you get to moan about the weekend influx of knobhead twitchers who need every bird to be found for them. Saturday is a long time for it to hang around for you.. fingers crossed (regulation number of course - I'm an incomer too)

Come and join us...B (: B (: B (:

[Archie Archer]

Archie

the only thing for it is to bite the bullet and move over here. I remember living in the middle of the country - very frustrating indeed having to drive miles and miles to see a decent bird. I used to envy the people in Norfolk with the birds on their doorstep. So i travelled a bit to see some special birds but ultimately knew i'd end up here. And i did. It's great. Birds on your doortep (or even over your house) morning, noon and night. Plus you get to moan about the weekend influx of knobhead twitchers who need every bird to be found for them. Saturday is a long time for it to hang around for you.. fingers crossed (regulation number of course - I'm an incomer too)

Come and join us...B (: B (: B (:

Cheers Tim,

As much as I love North Norfolk I'm afraid my heart lies in Cornwall. Anyways £450,000.00 for a small flint cottage is quite steep considering it'll be under water in circa 20 years. :-O I reckon I'll be stomping around my patch in North Warks for a few years yet getting excited about a fly-over Blackwit or a hunting Hobby. At least I'm always within a few hours drive when that MEGA breaks I suppose.

Hope the itty bitty Heron sticks, it's always a pleasure to visit Norfolk at this time of year.

Your enviously....

[postcardcv]

I went for the bird this morning and had to wait a massive 30 minutes for it to show! First we had it in flight and then had it perched up, what a superb little bird, if you can get there it's well worth a trip.

[PYRTLE]

I went for the bird this morning and had to wait a massive 30 minutes for it to show! First we had it in flight and then had it perched up, what a superb little bird, if you can get there it's well worth a trip.

Were there many twitchers/birders there and how muddy was the main footpath?

[johnraven]

I went for the bird this morning and had to wait a massive 30 minutes for it to show! First we had it in flight and then had it perched up, what a superb little bird, if you can get there it's well worth a trip.

Harsh. I was there for three hours from dawn and got a half second view of its disappearing arse. Stupid bird, probably from Pensthorpe.

Only joking. Really.

[postcardcv]

Were there many twitchers/birders there and how muddy was the main footpath?

There were probably about 40-50 birders there when I was (I got there at ~9:45 and the overflow carpark was only just starting to be used, so not too busy), the paths are fine, the odd puddle but that was all.

[Periwinkle]

Archie,

Surely you don't need such a nappy tick as Little Bittern?! :eat:

Up the Alvecote!

Tom

[Archie Archer]

Archie,

Surely you don't need such a nappy tick as Little Bittern?! :eat:

Up the Alvecote!

Tom

I certainly do Tom it's just one of my many 'bitch ticks'. It's one of those birds that you see all the time on the Continent so I've never been too fussed about travelling far for one. I was on holiday in Cornwall when a male turned up at Kingsbury Water Park in 1980 and I missed the Brandon Marsh bird in 1981 cos my dad's Morris Marina broke down on the way! B'Jesus I'm showing my age now.

I'm sure one will turn up at Alvecote one day. :smoke:

[Periwinkle]

I certainly do Tom it's just one of my many 'bitch ticks'. It's one of those birds that you see all the time on the Continent so I've never been too fussed about travelling far for one. I was on holiday in Cornwall when a male turned up at Kingsbury Water Park in 1980 and I missed the Brandon Marsh bird in 1981 cos my dad's Morris Marina broke down on the way! B'Jesus I'm showing my age now.

I'm sure one will turn up at Alvecote one day. :smoke:

And you look so young!! Not much rare bird stress at the pool of wet nightmares!

[John Cantelo]

Good to hear that so many have seen this little charmer, but the reference to 'booming' Little Bittern is a puzzle. As I recall they have a barking croak rather a distant terrier. Hardly a boom! As for seeing the little blighters, they can be very tough for some and just materialise for others. Often a matter of luck! John

[Richard Abr]

Male showing well again at 7.45pm!!
Richard

[On-Firecrest]

Good, lets hope it stays until saturday!;) (why does school always get in the way of the all the good birds:C )

[Connor Rand]

O i know the feeling well...

cheers,

Connor

[Penny Clarke]

O i know the feeling well...

cheers,

Connor

Work also gets in the way:C !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Penny:girl:

[Connor Rand]

My dad just phoned to say Little Bittern still present this morning at around
5:oo am shwoing quite well.

Connor

[Richard Abr]

My dad just phoned to say Little Bittern still present this morning at around
5:oo am shwoing quite well.

Connor

Sounds like early mornings and evenings are best for this bird.
Richard

[postcardcv]

here's a shot of it from yesterday moring - http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/146643/ppuser/3294

[Connor Rand]

Wow, good pic, what time was that taken?

Connor

[postcardcv]

Wow, good pic, what time was that taken?

Connor

cheers, it was taken at 10:45.

[PYRTLE]

Just knew that after all the talk bout NAWFAWK that the possibility of Archie "needing" this "tart's tick" was high on his list. Haven't larfed so much since going the Essex Pine Grosbeak....there's a bird that should have been suppressed.

[Penny Clarke]

Stunning, sunny evening and looking forward to at last going to see the Little Bittern, but seriously was expected to dip. Talk about luck, people had been waiting for 2 hours apparently for the Little Bittern to appear. I turned up at 7.50pm and suddenly it appeared. Absolutely CRACKING bird, could not believe the views I had - sat wavering on the reeds, quite happily looking at us all as if to say what the h*ll are we all looking at. Good old social gathering too, several people I knew including BF Norfolkbirder. I could have sat and watched that all night, in fact I did stay until nearly 10pm. It showed for quite a while and made the most unusual croaking/barking noise! I hope it is around for everyone on Saturday and if it is Titchwell will be VERY VERY busy in the carpark!!!!!

For anyone going on Saturday/Sunday just follow main path and look for scopes!!!

Also bearded tits and Little Gull there.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[Penny Clarke]

here's a shot of it from yesterday moring - http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/146643/ppuser/3294

As Connor says WOW, amazing picture, I would be over the moon if had taken that - well done.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[Lawts]

Stunning, sunny evening and looking forward to at last going to see the Little Bittern, but seriously was expected to dip. Talk about luck, people had been waiting for 2 hours apparently for the Little Bittern to appear. I turned up at 7.50pm and suddenly it appeared. Absolutely CRACKING bird, could not believe the views I had - sat wavering on the reeds, quite happily looking at us all as if to say what the h*ll are we all looking at. Good old social gathering too, several people I knew including BF Norfolkbirder. I could have sat and watched that all night, in fact I did stay until nearly 10pm. It showed for quite a while and made the most unusual croaking/barking noise! I hope it is around for everyone on Saturday and if it is Titchwell will be VERY VERY busy in the carpark!!!!!

For anyone going on Saturday/Sunday just follow main path and look for scopes!!!

Also bearded tits and Little Gull there.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

Managed to dip the bird today. I was going to go down last night - stay over if unsuccessful and try this morning. In the event I set off in the early hours today. Really curious to know if I'd have seen it last night. The last Birdguides detail was present up to 20.40pm. I would have arrived no earlier than 21.00pm. What time did it show up to?

Cheers.

[Penny Clarke]

Managed to dip the bird today. I was going to go down last night - stay over if unsuccessful and try this morning. In the event I set off in the early hours today. Really curious to know if I'd have seen it last night. The last Birdguides detail was present up to 20.40pm. I would have arrived no earlier than 21.00pm. What time did it show up to?

Cheers.

Hi Steve

Can't remember what time exactly, but 8.40pm would have been about right I think, I left viewing point around that time and walked round Fen Trail and sat in hide in hope of seeing a bittern too (greedy!) and left at 10pm.

Sorry you missed it.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[Richard Abr]

Small consolation but sounds to me like you probably would have been too late to see it in the evening.
Richard
Another dipper (of the Hudsonian Whimbrel)

[Lawts]

Small consolation but sounds to me like you probably would have been too late to see it in the evening.
Richard
Another dipper (of the Hudsonian Whimbrel)

Yes, it's cheered me up a bit. The dip wasn't too painful because I was expecting it. I've missed a few Little Bitterns on more than one occasion in the past. In fact if it wasn't for a brief encounter in Portugal I'd challenge whether the bird actually exists! I even managed to miss the Potteric pair!

But as you know that's birding - yesterday was a day in such contrast to my trip to Caerlaverock which went like clockwork (post on that thread). It's those extremes that create the buzz!

[kev bryan]

havent seen any reports on this bird today ,i am hoping to catch up with it on sunday but looks like i may be to late, has anyone any news either way
cheers
kev

[Gary Jenkins]

I saw the bird late Tuesday evening,mid morning and teatime Weds and went back for the 5 am show on Thursday morning as it had been seen at that time the two previuos mornings.I stayed til 0745 for a no-show.Whilst exiting the reserve to the car park with Ian Roberts of the RSPB he was stopped by another RSPB colleague who told him that the previous evening(Thurs) that RSPB representatives had dragged three men,birders out of the reeds who were searching? for the bird.And people get annoyed with birders who have cameras/lens.I presume the story is legit.The mind boggles.

[marklhawkes]

It has not been seen for a few days now

[ben_lewis]

The Little Bittern's back again. It has just been seen by 5 people at the same location as before.

[J Moss]

Excellent! Where the hell's it been?! Look foreward to hopefully seeing again on tues

[Richard Abr]

I saw the bird late Tuesday evening,mid morning and teatime Weds and went back for the 5 am show on Thursday morning as it had been seen at that time the two previuos mornings.I stayed til 0745 for a no-show.Whilst exiting the reserve to the car park with Ian Roberts of the RSPB he was stopped by another RSPB colleague who told him that the previous evening(Thurs) that RSPB representatives had dragged three men,birders out of the reeds who were searching? for the bird.And people get annoyed with birders who have cameras/lens.I presume the story is legit.The mind boggles.

What the.....were they doing in the reeds? Seems some birders have no regard for the bird or other birders.
Richard

[ben_lewis]

Excellent! Where the hell's it been?! Look foreward to hopefully seeing again on tues

It has probably been nearer to the centre of the reedbed since weds, its small and not very loud so could have easily gone unnoticed.

[J Moss]

I agree. I must admit, when I was there on the 1st day, I didn't think anyone would have much luck searching in one place, where it was last seen, when the reedbed was so vast. But, 3 hours later, there it popped up. Respect to those people who spent the day watching for it. Very good job.

Jason

[Connor Rand]

Yes! Finally saw Little Bittern this afternoon showing well if a little ditstant from c. 3:45 - 4:10 pm when flew into main reedbed. What a super little bird! Very poor record shots from this afternoon attached.

Cheers,

Connor Rand

[Penny Clarke]

Yes! Finally saw Little Bittern this afternoon showing well if a little ditstant from c. 3:45 - 4:10 pm when flew into main reedbed. What a super little bird! Very poor record shots from this afternoon attached.

Cheers,

Connor Rand

Well done Connor:t: :t: :t: - so glad you got to see it!!!!! and an Alpine Swift as well, your text made me laugh!! Congratulations.

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

[josh jones]

was it viewable in the same place today, from the main path?

[Isurus]

Yes! Finally saw Little Bittern this afternoon showing well if a little ditstant from c. 3:45 - 4:10 pm when flew into main reedbed. What a super little bird! Very poor record shots from this afternoon attached.

Cheers,

Connor Rand

Well done Connor - it took me a while to find it in your photo so I can't even imagine trying to find the little devil in a whole reedbed!:-O

[Lichfield Birder]

I saw the bird late Tuesday evening,mid morning and teatime Weds and went back for the 5 am show on Thursday morning as it had been seen at that time the two previuos mornings.I stayed til 0745 for a no-show.Whilst exiting the reserve to the car park with Ian Roberts of the RSPB he was stopped by another RSPB colleague who told him that the previous evening(Thurs) that RSPB representatives had dragged three men,birders out of the reeds who were searching? for the bird.And people get annoyed with birders who have cameras/lens.I presume the story is legit.The mind boggles.

Hopefully these idiots are locked up by now so they can't come back, along with the prat from Walney Island. Orange boiler suits and a cell 3ft sq for all 3 of em.

[Lawts]

Hopefully these idiots are locked up by now so they can't come back, along with the prat from Walney Island. Orange boiler suits and a cell 3ft sq for all 3 of em.


I'm guessing the message should read Wednesday evening rather than Thursday (as it wasn't seen Thursday). It seems these three idiots may have been responsible for pushing it further back into the reedbed - who knows?

All I know is I put a lot of effort in on Thursday, both getting there and on site. These idiots certainly cannot have helped with their antics the night before.

Anyhow seems I may get a second chance, but my annual leave can't support another day - it's going to have to stay until the weekend for me now.

[Gary Jenkins]

Yes Lawts

You are correct.Wednesday evening.Sorry my mistake.

[Ghostly Vision]

Remember in 1984 twitching the Little bittern male at Potterick Carr at this time of year.

Each evening it would fly across the reedbed but otherwise go hidden.

That was until a couple of weeks later it started showing much better - with its wife and newly-fledged kids.

The chances of a repeat seem good in my estimation.

Sean

[postcardcv]

Remember in 1984 twitching the Little bittern male at Potterick Carr at this time of year.

Each evening it would fly across the reedbed but otherwise go hidden.

That was until a couple of weeks later it started showing much better - with its wife and newly-fledged kids.

The chances of a repeat seem good in my estimation.

With that in mind you really do have to wonder about the motives of the three individuals who were found in the reeds last week...

[Lawts]

Any chance we can put today's poor showing down to the weather?

I'm assuming cold northerlies and the reeds blowing about - what has it been like there today?

The possible Cley bird is good/bad - could go either way that one.

Three good days of showing up to Saturday would be what I need for my next brush with this little chap.

Come on Norfolk birders let's have him showing well in the morning!

[dbradnum]

Weather probably hasn't helped today, but I'd guess lack of observer coverage might also be a factor, though it sounds a stupid thing to say about the most popular RSPB reserve in the country! All the keen Norfolk listers will have already seen it, and there will be considerably less people at Titchwell on a weekday, Little Bittern or not. Unless a few people have actually been stood there patiently waiting for the bird to show (and then put the news out when it does!), there won't have been much info.

[Connor Rand]

was it viewable in the same place today, from the main path?

Hi Josh, when I saw it, it was in the same place from the main path.

report of a possible at Cley yesterday, while it was only seen at Titchwell briefly early afternoon.

Had the bird calling quite a bit on Monday evening.

cheers,

Connor

[J Moss]

Hi Josh, when I saw it, it was in the same place from the main path.

report of a possible at Cley yesterday, while it was only seen at Titchwell briefly early afternoon.

Had the bird calling quite a bit on Monday evening.

cheers,

Connor


It was me that reported the possible (probable) at Cley. It showed itself very briefly, flying out of the reeds and then back down. I dont think it could have been anything else tbh; short, broad wings with black wing tips, fawn brown colouration all over, apparent long neck held into its body and a parachute like drop back down into the reedbed. The only things that I could think of that share similar colour schemes to this bird are Egyptian Geese (present in the area) and a Marsh Harrier that is present with fawny brown head and shoulders. However flight ruled out both, as well as size and overall colouration.

I'm almost certain it was a Little Bittern. Sadly no one else spotted it as we were all watching the White Winged Tern. I spent around 3 hours waiting for the bird to re-emerge, but sadly it didn't.

I popped my sighting on birdguides, so hopefully people will keep there eyes open.

Jason

[Rob Smallwood]

Jason,

With multiple arrivals of birds such as Squacco, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Spoonbill it would be a sursprise if there wasn't another somewhere.

I hope for your sake it gets seen again - there's not much worse than seeing something that others don't!

[Binocularface]

Jason,

With multiple arrivals of birds such as Squacco, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Spoonbill it would be a surprise if there wasn't another somewhere.

I hope for your sake it gets seen again - there's not much worse than seeing something that others don't!

Wow a cyber-echo :-O

[Rob Smallwood]

Oops!

[J Moss]

Jason,

With multiple arrivals of birds such as Squacco, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis and Spoonbill it would be a surprise if there wasn't another somewhere.

I hope for your sake it gets seen again - there's not much worse than seeing something that others don't!


Lol, thanks for the double support. It would be brilliant if it is spotted. I keep trying to talk myself out of what I saw, but I really cant! I saw the titchwell bird, and I'm pretty convinced.

Fingers crossed.

Jason

[J Moss]

Here are some less-than-decent photos of the White Winged Tern. Seriously dont do it justice. Mega smart bird.

Jason

[James]

there's not much worse than seeing something that others don't!

Oh yes there is - it's not seeing something that everyone else HAS seen :-(

James

[teamsaint]

OMG it was Jason!

btw are you still crippled?

[J Moss]

OMG it was Jason!

btw are you still crippled?


Lol, what?! Aren't I allowed to find my own?

No, not massively crippled now. Just needs strengthening. All this birding and walking ought to be doing the trick though! I walked most of Blakeney Point the other day without any problems (except the lack of rarities)

Jason

[Rob Smallwood]

Oh yes there is - it's not seeing something that everyone else HAS seen :-(

James

You'd think that would be the case - but there's always a chance that another (insert species name here) might come along - but if no one else sees "your" rarity then you'll have the devil's own job getting it accepted and undoubtedly have to suffer at least some "behind your back" synicism! ;)

[J Moss]

Do you reckon I should submit the sighting? I mean, it hasn't been seen since. Is it worth it? If so, then I think I'd be confident enough with the sighting to submit it. (could someone maybe point me in the right direction for submission?)

Thanks

Jason

[Rob Smallwood]

I think that by your own admission you couldn't be sure that it was a LB, although you could rule out some of the other possibilities - so to submit a claim of LB would be doomed to failure - but you were right to report it to the Information Services - and a note to the county recorder would not go amiss, purely for record purposes.

[J Moss]

Thanks Rob. Thought this would be the case. I'll get in touch with the county recorder though.

Jason

[Lawts]

Jason if you are into turning up Little Bitterns, I'd be happy if you had a go at Titch. today. Nothing through yet!

Looking at the weekend weather I may take a huge gamble on this and wait until a week on Saturday.

Talking of calculated risks I remember my brother leaving the Black Lark until its last day, bearing in mind it had disappeared the day before. He also left the Notts. Little Swift for a few days to settle down before he casually went and ticked it.

[Archie Archer]

Looking at the weekend weather I may take a huge gamble on this and wait until a week on Saturday.

According to the forecasts there should be a window of opportunity this Saturday morning to connect. Unfortunately the dire weather for the weekend will then continue from Saturday afternoon onwards. I'll certainly be on site early Saturday hoping for the lil' bugger to show!

[Lawts]

According to the forecasts there should be a window of opportunity this Saturday morning to connect. Unfortunately the dire weather for the weekend will then continue from Saturday afternoon onwards. I'll certainly be on site early Saturday hoping for the lil' bugger to show!

Yes Archie, I hadn't ruled that out myself - there did look like a small window, plus it may also show in the rain of course.

For me, there are the additional issues of:

1) Brownie points
2) Severe man flu
3) Driving back on the A47/A17 in bad weather.

I may still go. We'll see.

[J Moss]

Jason if you are into turning up Little Bitterns, I'd be happy if you had a go at Titch. today. Nothing through yet!


I tried Lawts. Gave it an hour, but no luck, I'm afraid. However, it's gone missing before, so give it a go regardless.

Jason

[Lawts]

I tried Lawts. Gave it an hour, but no luck, I'm afraid. However, it's gone missing before, so give it a go regardless.

Jason

Were there many looking whilst you were there?

[Richard Abr]

According to the forecasts there should be a window of opportunity this Saturday morning to connect. Unfortunately the dire weather for the weekend will then continue from Saturday afternoon onwards. I'll certainly be on site early Saturday hoping for the lil' bugger to show!

I see on the postscript to your post at 12.50 today:-
Latest UK 400 Club British Lifer: Hudsonian Godwit. ummmmm!!
That would be a BOURC tick for you

[Kevin Clements]

Do you reckon I should submit the sighting? I mean, it hasn't been seen since. Is it worth it? If so, then I think I'd be confident enough with the sighting to submit it. (could someone maybe point me in the right direction for submission?)

Thanks

Jason

Norfolk County Recorder is Giles Dunmore (giles.dunmore@tiscali.co.uk).

I support the recommendations that you do submit your record. As a county recorder myself, I have received records of birds that I do not recall being reported via bird information services at the time (as we know, not everyone reports their sightings at the time, but still submits their records to county recorders, which of course is their choice). There is an outside chance that someone else has seen 'your' bird, has not reported it, but does submit a record to the county recorder, which would support your record and vice versa.

At the end of the day, all annual bird reports are reflections of the quality and quantity of records submitted.

[J Moss]

Norfolk County Recorder is Giles Dunmore (giles.dunmore@tiscali.co.uk).

I support the recommendations that you do submit your record. As a county recorder myself, I have received records of birds that I do not recall being reported via bird information services at the time (as we know, not everyone reports their sightings at the time, but still submits their records to county recorders, which of course is their choice). There is an outside chance that someone else has seen 'your' bird, has not reported it, but does submit a record to the county recorder, which would support your record and vice versa.

At the end of the day, all annual bird reports are reflections of the quality and quantity of records submitted.


Thanks Kevin, and thanks for giving the email. I haven't gotten round to it yet, but may as well do so now.

Thanks again

Jason

[J Moss]

Were there many looking whilst you were there?

Myself and 4 others. It was very windy, so this may have been a factor in the bird not showing (always the optimist!)

Jason

[Archie Archer]

I see on the postscript to your post at 12.50 today:-
Latest UK 400 Club British Lifer: Hudsonian Godwit. ummmmm!!
That would be a BOURC tick for you

Whoops! Wishful thinking or what? The Hudsonian Godwit as been duly replaced by Whimbrel. Sorry if made anyone panic. ;)

[McMadd]

Ya stringy get Arch!

[Archie Archer]

Ya stringy get Arch!

Genuine mistake bro'! So will you be flying back to good old blighty for this LITTLE BITTERN then?

PS: WHITE-TAILED PLOVER (GB) beats LONG-TOED STINT (Finland) every time! :-O

[McMadd]

PS: WHITE-TAILED PLOVER (GB) beats LONG-TOED STINT (Finland) every time! :-O

WTP breed in WP pal...matter o' time, matter o' time

[Lichfield Birder]

Definitely no sign today. For those who all fell asleep on the grass bank/wooden bench/ or went looking for tarts ticks on the beach - thanks for the support - you know who you are;) ;)

Alan

[Archie Archer]

Definitely no sign today. For those who all fell asleep on the grass bank/wooden bench/ or went looking for tarts ticks on the beach - thanks for the support - you know who you are;) ;)

Alan

Apologies 'LB' that 3.45am wake up call really took it outta me today. Boy that sea wall was soooo comfy. I also fell fast asleep in Fen Hide like a tramp for 30 minutes later in the day! :cat:

I reckon the Little Bittern must have left Titchwell to be honest otherwise we should have nailed it today bearing in mind the favourable weather conditions. At least we all gave it a go eh? Mind you we had some decent padders - male Monty's, dozens of Marsh Harriers, 5 Barn Owls, Turtle Doves, dozens of Beardies and crackin' views of male & female Golden Orioles & their 2 x ugly chicks.