Norfolk birding (49 Viewers)

pomskua said:

...we can't just assume that historic regular sites are still going to produce now.

Like you said they were present in good numbers in '07 (cruddy photo attached just to put your minds at rest ) - there seems to be a tendancy to make lazy identifications when something's 'always there'.

Can't say I agree with the critical mentality in general, but in this case we don't want a repeat of the Willow Tit problem of 'oh dear they appear to have suddenly disappeared' and it's too late to do anything about it.

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jichimmyof 'g said:

[QyoUOT -E=pomskua;1375671]...we can't just fassume that historic regular sites are still going to produce now.

Can't say I agree with the critical mentality in general, QUOTE]

I don't agree with having a critical/cynic approach to birding as a starting point either and try to treat each sighting on an individual basis. I also was slightly surprised by Connor's initial comment but the fact he justifed/ backed up his statement is the key for me.
I'm far more likely to be cynical of a report which isn't backed up by anything - an isolated report on the pager or a statement along the lines of 'it was a (for instance) Red-footed Falcon because it was a Red-footed Falcon and because it wasn't a Hobby'. I'm not likely to be cynical of people who have put in time and effort to justify their claims regardless of their 'level of expertise' - there have been some really good descriptions on here recently - illustrated by Black-throated Thrush - it means everything is out in the open and honest, in turn meaning that people can see that sightings are genuine, in turn meaning the posters on this thread are treated with more respect.

Descriptions or detailed accounts aren't in themselves easy, you are testing your own observation skills but are rewarding in that you can document exactly what you have seen.

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pomskua said:

I don't agree with having a critical/cynic approach to birding as a starting point either and try to treat each sighting on an individual basis. I also was slightly surprised by Connor's initial comment but the fact he justifed/ backed up his statement is the key for me.
I'm far more likely to be cynical of a report which isn't backed up by anything - an isolated report on the pager or a statement along the lines of 'it was a (for instance) Red-footed Falcon because it was a Red-footed Falcon and because it wasn't a Hobby'. I'm not likely to be cynical of people who have put in time and effort to justify their claims regardless of their 'level of expertise' - there have been some really good descriptions on here recently - illustrated by Black-throated Thrush - it means everything is out in the open and honest, in turn meaning that people can see that sightings are genuine, in turn meaning the posters on this thread are treated with more respect.

Descriptions or detailed accounts aren't in themselves easy, you are testing your own observation skills but are rewarding in that you can document exactly what you have seen.

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Peter Dolton said:

Good id point for Twite/Linnet is to look for colour rings as this is a good indication of them being Twite.

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Penny Clarke said:

Can anyone tell me please if I can go to Felbrigg Hall (never been!!!!!!) early morning or do I have to wait for it to open, do you have to pay just to view the lake/hawfinches!!!:

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Irene Boston said:

Pager reports 2 Smew at Saddlebow on Great Ouse relief channel, along with a Slav Grebe and 2 Goosanders. Given Smew are not that easy in Norfolk... if I can escape from Hunstanton by the afternoon, it could be a tempting destination, or I'll be crossing fingers they're still around on Sunday.

Regards,
Irene

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Irene Boston said:

Hi Penny,

This page has the estate walks (which is the bit you need) as being open dawn to dusk http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-felbrigghallgardenandpark/

The donkey paddock mentioned on the pager messages is to the right of the hall, as you face it from the car park and has ..... umm, donkeys in it as a slight clue! The trees between there and the car park were where we had the Hawfinches but admittedly that was on Jan 1st.

For the lake, stand with your back to the hall and look south. You can take any of the paths leading south from the car park to reach the lake. I tend to follow the path leading towards the church over to the left, go through the gate and then go half right on another path towards a wall (the lake is hidden in a dip in the ground to the right of this wall). Sorry .... sounds very complicated but in practice, I'm sure lots of people will be heading this way and I 'think' there are maps in the car park of the layout of the estate.

I've also had Grey Wagtail at the lake and don't forget the Little Owl in the ivy covered tree which I apparently managed to walk right past last time! Not sure which ivy covered tree, mind you...

Good luck
Irene

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pomskua said:

light

No, sorry Connor thats a useless explanation and your still bang out of order :-O:-O

I think what you've highlighted is similar to the Willow Tit situation, Twite are becoming very scarce in the county so any records need to be described and documented thoroughly moreso than when they were regular, last year appeared to be a slight uplift in numbers but as you say this year we seem to be back down to worryingly low no's, we can't just assume that historic regular sites are still going to produce now. It is a concern that the flock at Thornham could be a complete distortion.

when i recover from my Laryngitis :-C:-C, i'll check the flock that is being reported in the Morston/Stiffkey area although, if i do see them i'll write a description of them on here as i now think its becoming increasingly important,
also hoping to get along to Holme soon :t:

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