Strumpshaw (1 Viewer)

marcia A

Well-known member

• Apr 26, 2009

• #1

Spent a lovely afternoon at Strumpshaw yesterday watching Marsh Harriers, a Kestrel and a Hobby hunting. Mind you one poor Heron was certainly unpopular as every time he took flight he got mobbed by the hoodies (black headed gulls)! Was hoping for the Bittern but he did not materialise. I never get fed up with visiting this wonderful reserve o (although yesterday I was working on reception). You can always be guaranteed of seeing something good there. Just wondered which Norfolk reserve proves to be the most popular and why? Your suggestions.o

 

javva

Caffeine fiend.

• Apr 26, 2009

• #2

I just love Strumpstaw.
I usually call in on a couple times during the week when I’ve been working at Cantley.

I got an early start there yesterday too, though even at 06.30 in the morning there were a number of birders around the site already.
There was plenty about but nothing out of the ordinary, for me at least.
I did see what I ID'd as a common sandpiper on the exposed mud bank across the river when I was on my way to the tower hide. I heard my first cuckoo this year too.
I could hear a grasshopper warbler away in the scrub across the river as I walked back to the old pump house.

I was wondering if it might be a good idea to let people know about the swan nesting over next to the track leading down to the pump house. Could get tricky if there are chicks about soon!

My only criticism, the crunchy path though the wood.
Fare enough that it was done as the path could get very muddy in places at times but I wonder if board walks over the trouble spots would have been a better option.

Still, it’s one of my favourite sites and I look forward to getting over again soon.


.

 

Last edited: Apr 26, 2009

Lightthiscandle

David Bryant

• May 10, 2009

• #3

Two Black Terns and two Hobbies in front of the Fen Hide today: also the Fudge Duck!

 

C

cjay

Well-known member

• May 14, 2009

• #4

Looks like the Fudge Duck is plastic, I was so excited at finding it today shame.
Cuckoo seen and a raiding party of crows taking passerine nestlings to feed their own nestlings

 

Des!

Well-known member

• May 19, 2009

• #5

Hi!

I'm over in Norwich for the Bank Holiday Weekend & possibly popping over to Strumpshaw.

Can anyone tell me what's been showing this week?

Cheers! B

Des

 

Last edited: May 19, 2009

Lightthiscandle

David Bryant

• May 19, 2009

• #6

Best of the bunch:
Hobby
Bearded Tit
Marsh Harrier
Cetti's W
Black Tern
Cuckoo
Ferruginous Duck (plastic!)

 

Des!

Well-known member

• May 19, 2009

• #7

Ferruginous Duck (plastic!) - Are these RARE!

Are the Bearded Tit, Cetti's W, Black Tern & Cuckoo being seen from any particular spots?

Cheers!

Des :t:

 

Lightthiscandle

David Bryant

• May 20, 2009

• #8

Strump!

The Beardies, Marshes & Hobbies (and maybe even Bittern!) are best looked for from the Fen Hide: walk through the woods towards the river and down a path to the right. Cettis & Cuckoos can be heard anywhere, but are often most visible from the path along the river (Turn right towards the Tower Hide. Talking of which, the TH is often good for Kingfisher and Black Tern. If you carry on right round the reserve, Lackford Run and the beautiful cottage garden just over the railway towards the end of the circuit are prime for Swallowtails.
Buckenham (just 5 minutes away across the level crossing) always has Little Egret & Avocet, as well as warblers / Stonechat and a selection of common waders.
Have a good visit!

 

javva

Caffeine fiend.

• Jun 13, 2009

• #9

Re: Strumpshaw fen.
An early morning start and two cuckoos.
A male in a tree over the river on the Surlingham side, and a female coming up out of the reeds as I walked back from the tree hide.
There are two Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) out on the far side of the mere.
Anybody else seen them today?

.