[firstreesjohn]

Originally Posted by petehasset

Be carefull when parking at Kelling Heath , I have had my wheel trims on my car tampered with twice in 7days

This is worrying: in addition to avoiding the mounds of dog waste, we now have to consider our vehicles’ security. Kelling has become a no-go area for birders in recent days.

And, for my indulgent readers, I will now provide you with a short respite from my ramblings. Do not pine for me- let the coniferous forests of the Tatras and other ranges of eastern Europe do that ! I aim to ‘resume’ in the middle of the month.

[Tideliner]

MJB I think you have your reverse migration definition well how can I say a little reversed. Reverse migrations are when a birds who’s species is genetically programmed to migrate in a certain direction , say south east in fact migrates in the reverse direction , i.e. north west dur to a genetic abnormality. Turning back in bad weather has nothing to do with it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse...bird_migration)


What you say about immature birds being unlikely to breed in their first year is true to a certain extent especially in medium size birds , but in northern passerine birds its very rare. They cant afford not to breed in their first year because of their high mortality

[Steve69]

With regards to car security, I was broken into at church Norton on the south coast. Low lifes watch car parks, so scan car parks and the roads that lead to them to look for low lifes and if you don't like the look of a car parked up with some dodgy looking persons don't leave the car, They look for cars with the possibility of the occupents leaving the car for a long period and that is what the happened to me. I also now never have NWT or RSPB or any other group on my windows of the car Its an advert for being away from the car for a good period of time

[Locostella]

Originally Posted by Steve69

low lifes watch car parks, so scan car parks and the roads that lead to them to look for low lifes and if you don't like the look of a car parked up with some dodgy looking persons don't leave the car.

How can you tell if someone is a lowlife just by looking at them? Peter Sutcliffe was extremely well presented and he got up to all sorts of mischief in carparks. Maybe you could give us some tips to spot these undesirable types?

I get followed upstairs in that Bookshop in Norwich quiet a bit, maybe the owner thinks I am lifting his ornithological section? Would you suggest any outfit to look less like the birdwatching equivalent of Fagin?

Regards Kieran

[paul1127]

Originally Posted by Paul Woolnough

On 24 Feb I saw two bullfinches north of the railway from Common Lane which runs behind the houses and parish cemetery on Yarmouth Road, driectly north of Thorpe Marshes.

I did a circuit from the railway footbridge, to the river and back over the bungalow lane railway level crossing. Under the Sheringham line railway bridge and then immediately left along the Common Lane path back to the Yarmouth road just east of the Thunder Lane lights.

Many thanks for this bit of info. I've walked around Thorpe Marshes many times since last Autumn but never really thought to explore the Bungalow Lane end of the site. This was probably mainly due to the fact the path leading to it was ankle deep in mud and water most of the time! Having now explored it I would imagine Bungalow Lane/Common Lane could be quite productive at times. Today just past the railway crossing it was literally full of Chiffchaffs. Heard many, spotted four!

Thorpe Marshes was most enjoyable today. I virtually had it to myself. Other observations included 3 Dunlin on the spit (really hard to see against the whitish gravel!), 2 Meadow Pipits that flew up from the marsh, circled around before settling in a nearby tree, and a small flock of Goldfinches near the cattle pen.

Regards Paul

[Paul Eele]

Today’s highlights

Osprey – 1 west @ ca14:30
Red kite – 2 west today
Red crested pochard – female on fresh marsh
Long tailed duck – 9 offshore

Paul

[Connor Rand]

Originally Posted by firstreesjohn

I left it to those arriving later intentionally to flush it: I remember a certain young birder from Dersingham being almost murderous, when this occurred.

Murderous might be overdoing it slightly, although if Penny hadn't relocated it... but yes, having initially missed it by a matter of a couple of minutes I don't think I've been more furious about conduct at a twitch before or since

Of course the suggestion that Mr. Furse's behaviour was in any way poor is completely ridiculous. Thank goodness he did find it and relocate it - just one of the several birds I owe you for John

[dantheman]

Originally Posted by Locostella

How can you tell if someone is a lowlife just by looking at them? Peter Sutcliffe was extremely well presented and he got up to all sorts of mischief in carparks. Maybe you could give us some tips to spot these undesirable types?

I get followed upstairs in that Bookshop in Norwich quiet a bit, maybe the owner thinks I am lifting his ornithological section? Would you suggest any outfit to look less like the birdwatching equivalent of Fagin?

A fair bit of crime is drug related, and whilst many OAP's are heavily into their crack cocaine, one indication of lowlifes, is ummm ... the lowlife look? Dodgy looking geezers and all that?

Read recently one thing is to look out for folk apparently kipping/sitting in their cars. Photographing cars/numberplates of parked vehicles before leaving might work ... any break-in and they know at least some details of their own vehicle have been recorded.

[Locostella]

Originally Posted by dantheman

A fair bit of crime is drug related, and whilst many OAP's are heavily into their crack cocaine, one indication of lowlifes, is ummm ... the lowlife look? Dodgy looking geezers and all that?

Read recently one thing is to look out for folk apparently kipping/sitting in their cars. Photographing cars/numberplates of parked vehicles before leaving might work ... any break-in and they know at least some details of their own vehicle have been recorded.

I will not derail the conversation away from birds any longer, but I will leave you with this one thought.
The world has been done more harm by men in tailored three pieces and camouflage jump suits, than any one hanging around carparks in man made fibers.

In any case, keep safe and keep your valuables out of sight.

Kindest regards Kieran

[Mark Batten]

Originally Posted by Locostella

How can you tell if someone is a lowlife just by looking at them? Peter Sutcliffe was extremely well presented and he got up to all sorts of mischief in carparks. Maybe you could give us some tips to spot these undesirable types?

I get followed upstairs in that Bookshop in Norwich quiet a bit, maybe the owner thinks I am lifting his ornithological section? Would you suggest any outfit to look less like the birdwatching equivalent of Fagin?

Regards Kieran

A number of these types used to work for the news of the world!! I suspect none of these individuals would be easy to spot. They might not break into your car, but could be listening to your voicemails!! Lets hope there are some birds to talk about soon. Keeps people busy rather than going off subject!!

[willowgrouse]

Originally Posted by MJB

...I've seen Richard's Pipits in winter in Portugal ...

There are also around 10 mid-winter records for Norfolk, at least four of which have made lenghty stays, some extending into early spring. Likelihood is that the Kelling bird has overwintered in Western Europe, possibly even at Kelling!

[Archie Opteryx]

It's Magpie's wot do it! Least that's what the public information film from years gone by had it as...

[Touche]

In case any philanthropic millionaires are passing, per Birding World, Pope's Marsh, Cley (East of East Bank) is on the market for a mere 1.2 million (or 24,000 £50 donations )

Increasing the mosaic of managed and protected freshwater pools in this most dynamic and special of environments will afford a greater degree of resilience from the ever present threat of saltwater incursion.

Cheers, Rob

[O.Reville1989]

Originally Posted by willowgrouse

There are also around 10 mid-winter records for Norfolk, at least four of which have made lenghty stays, some extending into early spring. Likelihood is that the Kelling bird has overwintered in Western Europe, possibly even at Kelling!

If it had wintered at Kelling it would indicate 1 of 2 things:
1. I am terrible at observing my patch
2. Its one elusive little so and so!

Chances are it was probably both.

[O.Reville1989]

Originally Posted by Touche

In case any philanthropic millionaires are passing, per Birding World, Pope's Marsh, Cley (East of East Bank) is on the market for a mere 1.2 million (or 24,000 £50 donations )

Increasing the mosaic of managed and protected freshwater pools in this most dynamic and special of environments will afford a greater degree of resilience from the ever present threat of saltwater incursion.

Cheers, Rob

Need 4 new tyres on my car so can't this week

In all seriousness there must be an option somewhere? Some company must need some green publicity? Come on millionaires, dig deep!

[Archie Opteryx]

Originally Posted by Touche

In case any philanthropic millionaires are passing, per Birding World, Pope's Marsh, Cley (East of East Bank) is on the market for a mere 1.2 million (or 24,000 £50 donations )

Wow! If my numbers come up on Saturday, I promise to buy it. Promise.

[Mark Batten]

Originally Posted by Touche

In case any philanthropic millionaires are passing, per Birding World, Pope's Marsh, Cley (East of East Bank) is on the market for a mere 1.2 million (or 24,000 £50 donations )

Increasing the mosaic of managed and protected freshwater pools in this most dynamic and special of environments will afford a greater degree of resilience from the ever present threat of saltwater incursion.

Cheers, Rob

Án appeal to buy popes marsh is something we can all agree on.

[David Norgate]

Originally Posted by Mark Batten

Án appeal to buy popes marsh is something we can all agree on.

I'd rather buy it for myself and then I can suppress anything that I find on it or at least prosecute anyone tresspassing (yes, I know) to flush (sorry, photograph) a bird



PS just to make sure the smilies aren't enough, I don't really mean this and agree wholeheartedly

[Mark Batten]

Originally Posted by David Norgate

I'd rather buy it for myself and then I can suppress anything that I find on it or at least prosecute anyone tresspassing (yes, I know) to flush (sorry, photograph) a bird



PS just to make sure the smilies aren't enough, I don't really mean this and agree wholeheartedly

I would do the same Dave. I of course would ensure no news of rarities were made available until the bird report was published just like other parts of the county!! Do hope that this area is not purchased by those with guns.

[ben_lewis]

To completely change the subject yet again...and look to proper spring.

Can anyone post/pm me dates of past spring/autumn Icterine warblers in Norfolk/suffolk.
From looking at past bird reports it seems to be mid-late May/aug. I'm hoping someone has a program whereby they can just type Icterine and it comes out with dates rather than trawling through years of data.

I know its quite wind dependent but this year I really want to find/see one, so want to book a few days off in peak time in advance.
Many thanks.
PS Strumpshaw now has a few Reed,Sedge and Grasshopper warblers (mon) as well as a noticeable wave of Willow Warblers yesterday

[dwatsonbirder]

I believe that most spring records fall between the 25th May and the 10th June, as this is one of the best periods for finding rares in the UK. I havent got "the birds of Norfolk" to hand but the records will be detailed in there. There is another peak in late august/early september, which often corresponds with easterly winds and mist, though not necessarily a large fall of migrants. The one that I have (co)found myself was on the point, and I seem to remember there being 1 spotted flycatcher, maybe 3 pied flys, a few willow warblers and a wryneck.
Like many classic east coast falls, and area of high pressure with easterly winds and some rain should do the trick, but birds can also be found off the back of a fast moving low pressure from the NW, particularly after a sustained high pressure.
Good luck!

EDIT: Although high pressure is generally a good thing, it can either assist migration letting birds continue without drifting, or alternatively,as was the case for a large period of last autumn, it can hold birds up in scandinavia. Clear skies over central/northern/eastern europe, with a low pressure over the baltic, or a band of rain in the north sea will be your best bet.

[MJB]

Originally Posted by Tideliner

MJB I think you have your reverse migration definition well how can I say a little reversed. Reverse migrations are when a birds who’s species is genetically programmed to migrate in a certain direction , say south east in fact migrates in the reverse direction , i.e. north west dur to a genetic abnormality. Turning back in bad weather has nothing to do with it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse...bird_migration)
What you say about immature birds being unlikely to breed in their first year is true to a certain extent especially in medium size birds , but in northern passerine birds its very rare. They cant afford not to breed in their first year because of their high mortality

To put as subtly as I can, Wikipedia is wrong and Peter Berthold right concerning reverse migration and misorientation. I checked the entry in PB's book before I posted. Wikipedia is very useful, but should never be cited as a primary source.

Re immature birds, you are quite correct in a general sense about small passerines, but late broods of high-latitude breeders are more liable to produce first-year birds that mature later, and so these may not develop the migratory impulse in synch with the majority, and so will not get to the breeding grounds in time to breed successfully; in any case, late return migrants are likely to suffer higher mortality en route (travelling en masse is far more secure). For such species or populations, late breeding is evolutionarily successful usually only if coinciding with sustained patterns of improved conditions over a species'/population's yearly cycle.
MJB

[MJB]

Originally Posted by Locostella

I get followed upstairs in that Bookshop in Norwich quiet a bit, maybe the owner thinks I am lifting his ornithological section? Regards Kieran

Kieran,
Perhaps if you weren't so quiet, no one would come upstairs to see what you were doing...

On second, thoughts maybe he's rhapsodic about young men?
MJB

[Shaky09]

Originally Posted by Paul Woolnough

On 24 Feb I saw two bullfinches north of the railway from Common Lane which runs behind the houses and parish cemetery on Yarmouth Road, driectly north of Thorpe Marshes.

I did a circuit from the railway footbridge, to the river and back over the bungalow lane railway level crossing. Under the Sheringham line railway bridge and then immediately left along the Common Lane path back to the Yarmouth road just east of the Thunder Lane lights.

Just to say that I checked out common lane and was pleasently surprised as this has added 2 new birds to the patch list- coal tit and a pair of goldcrests !
I never ventured over the crossing at bungalow lane and was rewarded straight away with a singing willow warbler . I'm sure that more visits around this area will also give me a bullfinch or two too along with blackcaps and whitethroats .
so many thanks Paul!
Shaky

[john miller]

Originally Posted by Mark Batten

I would do the same Dave. I of course would ensure no news of rarities were made available until the bird report was published just like other parts of the county!! Do hope that this area is not purchased by those with guns.

It would make a great extention to the Cley reserve whoever brought it. But who is going to pay £1.2 million for a marsh, that now the shingle bank in not being repaired again, could flood at any time in the future.

John