O.Reville1989
I started off with nothing and I've still got some
Fab Pictures!:t:
Thanks Penny
Fab Pictures!:t:
Thanks Paul.
It was myself and my mate George who had the Redstart this morning. I've been off work this week, the birding has been very enjoyable and finding birds like this helps to keep the momentum and general good feeling going.
We also had the 11 Little Terns, two pairs of Red-crested Pochards, two Spotted Redshanks, four Pied or White Wagtails in off the sea, three Yellow Wagtails west, Cuckoo, Bullfinch and a Grasshopper Warbler showing reely well (sorry! ).
There were three Corn Buntings, 30 Yellowhammers and two Wheatears up at Choseley Barn but we missed the Dotterel which was a shame for him because he's never seen one before.
I took George to Nelson's Birthplace at Burnham Thorpe in the afternoon in the hope of a Red Kite because he's never had a really good view of one. There's a nice stretch of river valley here. We had only just got out of the car when I picked up nine birds flying up from the valley and landing in a tall tree. One look through the bins and I knew what they were. They were all Ring Ouzels. Try saying "Nine Ring Ouzels at the top of the left hand tree" with your mouth stuffed with a cheese and pickle sarnie - it ain't easy!!
George got onto them however just before they flew over the back of the rectory never to be seen again. Unfortunately, something spooked them and it wasn't us. If only we'd got there a few minutes earlier we probably would have seen them all on the ground but it was still a fab moment.
We also got the aforementioned Red Kite when George picked one up, flying in with some carrion. Some interesting behaviour ensued when the kite deliberately dropped it before diving down to catch it just before it hit the ground. It then flew several more metres, gained some height and dropped it again, this time in a rather indifferent manner, leaving it to hit the ground and not retrieving it. Needless to say some great views and George was very happy.
We arrived back at his house on the Dereham road and he had counted his species tally for the day and realised he was only three off his all time day record so we popped into Norwich Cemetary where we got Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a single Fieldfare which was an unexpected surprise to help him achieve this.
Some excellent points from two Norfolk RSPB wardens in defence of Strumpshaw's management plan: http://birdsoftheheath.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/strumpshaw-fen-dialogue-with-assistant.html
My problem at Titchwell is the sun, can you please sort it out so I can see something in the morning, my retina has had enough - its frazzled. Keep up the marvellous work guys.
I don't really understand your amusement at my photography: I've obtained some decent pictures this year of Woodlarks, GG Shrikes, Bitterns, Dartfords any many other birds other people struggle to even see!
Thanks for the support Foon. I will see what I can do about the sun
We are looking into new ways to view the reserve but this is a long-term project that we are only just starting
Paul
You are always turning the common into something rare - it never is.
Reading through your blog there are so many stringy entries it is unreal.
Why do birds appear photoshopped on your blog?
I can put a freakin' Dodo on there if I want!