firstreesjohn
Well-known member
On the trail of Pretty Polly- or, billing and cooing ?
Finally able to emerge, after a morning of rain, I decided to check Gramboro’. A slightly depleted flock of Snow Buntings was still frequenting the beach car park at Salthouse. Obviously, people are still spreading seed.
I walked out along a very wet path. Just before I reached the Hill, the pager informed me that a possible Parrot had been seen in Sheringham Park. I decided to do my check first and was pleased to see that the Reed Bunting flock had doubled in size- to 6. The male Stonechat persisted.
Driving all the way back to Upper Sheringham, I trudged along the main drive, where the bird had been reported. I was surprised to find no birders (and no Crossbills), although there was much loud ‘hooting’ from Stock Doves. A ‘phone call helped me in the right direction- all the way up to the top car park. There were Crossbills flying around and perching inconveniently together with several birders (who weren't flying around!), but I didn’t see any with the head-shape of male cattle ! Neither did I hear any ‘odd’ calls.
Nonetheless, I learned that one of our more dependable local birders, very familiar with the Park, had seen the beast and seemed confident of his ID.
Finally able to emerge, after a morning of rain, I decided to check Gramboro’. A slightly depleted flock of Snow Buntings was still frequenting the beach car park at Salthouse. Obviously, people are still spreading seed.
I walked out along a very wet path. Just before I reached the Hill, the pager informed me that a possible Parrot had been seen in Sheringham Park. I decided to do my check first and was pleased to see that the Reed Bunting flock had doubled in size- to 6. The male Stonechat persisted.
Driving all the way back to Upper Sheringham, I trudged along the main drive, where the bird had been reported. I was surprised to find no birders (and no Crossbills), although there was much loud ‘hooting’ from Stock Doves. A ‘phone call helped me in the right direction- all the way up to the top car park. There were Crossbills flying around and perching inconveniently together with several birders (who weren't flying around!), but I didn’t see any with the head-shape of male cattle ! Neither did I hear any ‘odd’ calls.
Nonetheless, I learned that one of our more dependable local birders, very familiar with the Park, had seen the beast and seemed confident of his ID.