mr.sim
Honourable founding member of the "day late" gang
NOoooooooooo, don't say thatI am on holiday all next week!!!!!!!:eek!:
What conditions are needed for "Yank passerines" by the way?
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Norfolk birding (126 Viewers)
- Thread starter Edward woodwood
- Start date
What conditions are needed for "Yank passerines" by the way?
Tractorboy69
Well-known member
Certainly the clear weather had a big effect on what was grounded on the coast. The front and associated rain that clipped the south-east earlier in the week dumped a fair bit in Kent (e.g per the Sandwich Bay Obs site) so guess we were just unlucky that it didn't stray further north.
Also given that the biggest amount of birds were being reported from the Wells/Holkham area I guess the shelter that that area benefits from inclined birds to hang around whereas they probably quickly moved on from other wind-swept coastal areas if they did make landfall.
As you say there was a westerly element to the winds over the continent for a fair while of the period of our north-easterlies, and obviously its far more important what the weather is doing where the birds are, rather than what it is doing here, as they need to be pushed westwards and have clear weather etc to start any southward journey down the North Sea.
Anyway its good to see that there were some good numbers of migrants coming through, albeit not predominantly here, as with a very noticeable lack of common migrants passing through not just this last week but over the autumn as a whole, I was beginning to wonder if there was something amiss with this years breeding success which is something that we certainly don't want with more and more species seemingly getting scarcer year on year.
Anyway there is still time for a nice fall, although as already noted the forecasted westerlies for next week isn't going to help yet.
Simon
firstreesjohn
Well-known member
Penny-less in Wells
Having trawled a few places, with no notches on my bins, I decided to drive west.
I'd only just arrived at the pines, when the pager bleeped, informing me of the location of the Yellow-browed. "Gate in trees, plastic seat" ? ? I hadn't been here since spring, so these improvements (?) were new to me and I had no idea where they were.
Fortunately, I met two birders I knew, who first put me on to a Firecrest (upper 50% below) and then proffered more comprehensible directions to the YBW.
For the record, the new seat (pictured below) is at the major intersection of the paths, where they diverge west of the caravan site.
On my return to look for the Firecrest, I managed the Southern Hawker below- lovely in the sun. The Redstart was in the same area, hard by the intersection.
The snaps were with my new Lumix FZ-38; needless to say, I'm rather pleased with it.
No stalks today !
Having trawled a few places, with no notches on my bins, I decided to drive west.
I'd only just arrived at the pines, when the pager bleeped, informing me of the location of the Yellow-browed. "Gate in trees, plastic seat" ? ? I hadn't been here since spring, so these improvements (?) were new to me and I had no idea where they were.
Fortunately, I met two birders I knew, who first put me on to a Firecrest (upper 50% below) and then proffered more comprehensible directions to the YBW.
For the record, the new seat (pictured below) is at the major intersection of the paths, where they diverge west of the caravan site.
On my return to look for the Firecrest, I managed the Southern Hawker below- lovely in the sun. The Redstart was in the same area, hard by the intersection.
The snaps were with my new Lumix FZ-38; needless to say, I'm rather pleased with it.
No stalks today !
Attachments
stuart white
Well-known member
The firecrest looks like it doesn't have any eyes ?
Hirundapus
Well-known member
John, you didn't say whether you saw the Yellow-browed or not, but I suspect not, as you were at the wrong seat! There are two new plastic seats and the bird was all day in the trees behind the second one, which is another 400 yards west. It's the trees where the 1976 Olive-backed Pipit was.
Same tatty looking critter I saw yesterday. It did have a better looking companion with it.
firstreesjohn
Well-known member
Eyeless Firecrests ? A state of affairs that would be highly irregulus.
"The firecrest looks like it doesn't have any eyes ?"
I thought that, too, when I looked on camera. If you move your head around your PC monitor, you should be able to see one (!) eye, exactly where it should be. Black eye, black eye-stripe: not much contrast, there. It looks better in my editing software.
". . . you didn't say whether you saw the Yellow-browed or not"
I did. A long way down the main track, in the direction of the US. It wasn't all that close and I gave up trying for some shots after about 10 minutes. There were some birders there who seemed to think it was verboten to stray off the path.
"The firecrest looks like it doesn't have any eyes ?"
I thought that, too, when I looked on camera. If you move your head around your PC monitor, you should be able to see one (!) eye, exactly where it should be. Black eye, black eye-stripe: not much contrast, there. It looks better in my editing software.
". . . you didn't say whether you saw the Yellow-browed or not"
I did. A long way down the main track, in the direction of the US. It wasn't all that close and I gave up trying for some shots after about 10 minutes. There were some birders there who seemed to think it was verboten to stray off the path.
Irene Boston
Well-known member
What's this wet stuff across the road then?
I always enjoy doing a WeBS count on one of the big tides at Brancaster, if only for the entertainment in watching motorists charging through the water down the Beach Road before the tide has dropped fully. One guy today was a classic though - although I've had similar experiences down there before! A 4x4 forged through as if it was intent on doing a submarine impersonation. On getting out, the guy sauntered over - obviously mistaking me being doubled over my tripod in hysterics for a swoon of admiration. 'No problem in tackling water like that with my car - overtook some wimps waiting up the road' says he. 'Perhaps they don't like to drive through the sea,' says I. 'The sea?! The sea's over there!' says he pointing north. 'Yes, and that's the sea too, and that's saltmarsh. There's a sign on the road back there saying Tidal Flooding, which may give you a slight clue' says I, pointing south. 'You mean, that's salt water?!' He's quick this guy .... 'Yes, that bow wave that washed over your bonnet and up under your wheel arches was pure salt water.' Left him gesticulating and arguing with his passenger and on the way back, found him going back and forth filling a bucket from the tap by the loo and throwing it over his bonnet and up under the wheels!
On the birding front, the lane / rough track west of the Beach Road (about halfway down - my contribution to today's mystery 'secret' location) was quite lively. Masses of finches, handfuls of Blackcaps, Chiffys, a few Whitethroats, several Garden Warblers which I totally failed to string into a Barred, quite a few Blackbirds and the back end of quite a few things which never gave themselves up. The place is heaving with berry bushes and if it doesn't have a Barred wobbly at some point, I'll eat Penny's hat ..... sautee'd with chips!
Irene
I always enjoy doing a WeBS count on one of the big tides at Brancaster, if only for the entertainment in watching motorists charging through the water down the Beach Road before the tide has dropped fully. One guy today was a classic though - although I've had similar experiences down there before! A 4x4 forged through as if it was intent on doing a submarine impersonation. On getting out, the guy sauntered over - obviously mistaking me being doubled over my tripod in hysterics for a swoon of admiration. 'No problem in tackling water like that with my car - overtook some wimps waiting up the road' says he. 'Perhaps they don't like to drive through the sea,' says I. 'The sea?! The sea's over there!' says he pointing north. 'Yes, and that's the sea too, and that's saltmarsh. There's a sign on the road back there saying Tidal Flooding, which may give you a slight clue' says I, pointing south. 'You mean, that's salt water?!' He's quick this guy .... 'Yes, that bow wave that washed over your bonnet and up under your wheel arches was pure salt water.' Left him gesticulating and arguing with his passenger and on the way back, found him going back and forth filling a bucket from the tap by the loo and throwing it over his bonnet and up under the wheels!
On the birding front, the lane / rough track west of the Beach Road (about halfway down - my contribution to today's mystery 'secret' location) was quite lively. Masses of finches, handfuls of Blackcaps, Chiffys, a few Whitethroats, several Garden Warblers which I totally failed to string into a Barred, quite a few Blackbirds and the back end of quite a few things which never gave themselves up. The place is heaving with berry bushes and if it doesn't have a Barred wobbly at some point, I'll eat Penny's hat ..... sautee'd with chips!
Irene
Jono L
Well-known member
Waxham this morning revealed Whinchat, 4 Wheatear, 12 Golden Plover + 3 Snow Bunting at Horsey Gap yesterday.
Buckenham Marshes this arvo; Red-breasted Goose still with 78 Egyptian Geese, plus Wheatear, 5 Hobby and Marsh Harrier.
Two Chiffchaff in my Strumpshaw garden and lots of Mippits going various directions.
Cheers
Jono L
Buckenham Marshes this arvo; Red-breasted Goose still with 78 Egyptian Geese, plus Wheatear, 5 Hobby and Marsh Harrier.
Two Chiffchaff in my Strumpshaw garden and lots of Mippits going various directions.
Cheers
Jono L
Happisbirder
Always looking, seldom finding...
Norfolk Bird Report 2008
Can anyone tell me if this has been published yet? If it hasn't, when is it likely to become available?
Cheers,
James
Can anyone tell me if this has been published yet? If it hasn't, when is it likely to become available?
Cheers,
James
Penny Clarke
Well-known member
Sunday afternoon.
After finishing work decided to drive to Cley again! and walk to Half Way House to attempt to see the Blythe's Reed Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler.
Exhilarating walk out there in the sunshine, BUT looking for the Blythe's was a completely waste of time - it doesn't exist!!!!!!:-C and walking through sueda starts to blow your mind after a while - had a brief glimpse 2 or 3 times of the YBW but not enough to ID, several people said it was, but can't really count it for my list!!! Neither bird was very helpful this afternoon. Not bothering looking there for either of them anymore! Walked back where bird of the afternoon was a nice Wheatear sitting on the wire fence in front of Coastguard's carpark. I then relocated myself to Walsey Hills where it was equally productive!!! Quick stop at MY 'House on the Hill' at Blakeney produced 11 Pinkfeet flying through the sunset.
Wells - chips and onto parents to show them latest photos of RBflys, spot fly, wryneck, glossy ibis etc.
Best Wishes Penny:girl:
After finishing work decided to drive to Cley again! and walk to Half Way House to attempt to see the Blythe's Reed Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler.
Exhilarating walk out there in the sunshine, BUT looking for the Blythe's was a completely waste of time - it doesn't exist!!!!!!:-C
and walking through sueda starts to blow your mind after a while - had a brief glimpse 2 or 3 times of the YBW but not enough to ID, several people said it was, but can't really count it for my list!!! Neither bird was very helpful this afternoon. Not bothering looking there for either of them anymore! Walked back where bird of the afternoon was a nice Wheatear sitting on the wire fence in front of Coastguard's carpark. I then relocated myself to Walsey Hills where it was equally productive!!! Quick stop at MY 'House on the Hill' at Blakeney produced 11 Pinkfeet flying through the sunset.Wells - chips and onto parents to show them latest photos of RBflys, spot fly, wryneck, glossy ibis etc.
Best Wishes Penny:girl:
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stuart white
Well-known member
Red Breasted Flycatcher at Winterton
I didn't see this bird myself unfortunately but my dad raised the possibility of it being Taiga ? The bill appears all dark in Adrian Webb's photo on surfbirds. Not sure if there are any photos that might show the upper tail coverts ?
I didn't see this bird myself unfortunately but my dad raised the possibility of it being Taiga ? The bill appears all dark in Adrian Webb's photo on surfbirds. Not sure if there are any photos that might show the upper tail coverts ?
Kevin Groocock
Well-known member
Sunday afternoon.
After finishing work decided to drive to Cley again! and walk to Half Way House to attempt to see the Blythe's Reed Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler.
Exhilarating walk out there in the sunshine, BUT looking for the Blythe's was a completely waste of time - it doesn't exist!!!!!!:-C
Wells - chips and onto parents to show them latest photos of RBflys, spot fly, wryneck, glossy ibis etc.
Best Wishes Penny:girl:
Hey Penny when are we going to see your pics? Super posts:t: but would love to see more of your photographic efforts :t:
Heres hoping
ben_lewis
Well-known member
Hi,
Just thought I'd say thanks to all the norfolk birders I have met and who have helped me enjoy the past 3 years in the county. Having spent the past 3 years with the RSPB at Titchwell and in the Broads I have finally got a full time post as Warden of Sandwich and Pegwell Bay in Kent with the wildlife trust. (Fan-tailed Warbler on the first day cant be bad!)
So thanks for good birds and great company to all those who know me, I'll be back!
Just thought I'd say thanks to all the norfolk birders I have met and who have helped me enjoy the past 3 years in the county. Having spent the past 3 years with the RSPB at Titchwell and in the Broads I have finally got a full time post as Warden of Sandwich and Pegwell Bay in Kent with the wildlife trust. (Fan-tailed Warbler on the first day cant be bad!)
So thanks for good birds and great company to all those who know me, I'll be back!
Connor Rand
Norwich resident, Holme devotee
poss Pine Grosbeak fem or 1st-winter Kelling in hedge 300yrds N of A149.
Dave Hawkins
Dear diary, what a day it's been...
john miller
Well-known member
Birdline E.Anglia received a email, re bird just prior to 6pm. description grey, with orange around head ,bit of white on wing and a large grey bill. with Bullfinches initially feeding on berries. Larger than a Bullfinch. Observer had got home and looked through his book and P Grosbeak was what he came up with!
Nobody has heard of observer. I was there from 6pm to dusk but no sign. Most birds had gone to roost. Will have a good look on morning dog walk
John
http://kellingnaturegallery.fotopic.net/
Nobody has heard of observer. I was there from 6pm to dusk but no sign. Most birds had gone to roost. Will have a good look on morning dog walk
John
http://kellingnaturegallery.fotopic.net/
Penny Clarke
Well-known member
Jobs and errands to do today, eventually got out late afternoon and decided to follow the footpath adjacent to golfcourse at Brancaster and walk east as far as I could which I did, but also resulted in wet feet:-C - because of the very high tides, there were lots of pools to contend with on route! No birds whatsoever apart from the odd meadow pipit, a couple of wrens. It was a very desolate, lonely walk. Walked back along the beach and had a nice surprise of a single Snowbunting who also looked fedup! at 6.05pm and again at 6.15pm approximately 1/2 mile east of Brancaster Club House. Back in the car having a cup of tea, the pager goes off 'possible Pine Grosbeak.......'and so do I, but only got as far as Morston when message bleeped up, no sign of by 6pm..... just got home.
Best Wishes Penny:girl:
P.S. Parking at the clubhouse carpark is £3.50 for a car, but is only £1 after 4pm.
which I did, but also resulted in wet feet:-C - because of the very high tides, there were lots of pools to contend with on route! No birds whatsoever apart from the odd meadow pipit, a couple of wrens. It was a very desolate, lonely walk. Walked back along the beach and had a nice surprise of a single Snowbunting who also looked fedup! at 6.05pm and again at 6.15pm approximately 1/2 mile east of Brancaster Club House. Back in the car having a cup of tea, the pager goes off 'possible Pine Grosbeak.......'and so do I, but only got as far as Morston when message bleeped up, no sign of by 6pm..... just got home.Best Wishes Penny:girl:
P.S. Parking at the clubhouse carpark is £3.50 for a car, but is only £1 after 4pm.
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