Norfolk birding (15 Viewers)

[dwatsonbirder]

I believe that they are all rather busy firstreesjohn, though not for lack of trying. Rich had 3 red rumpers in 2 weeks earlier this year & I believe that hanging around with Rob has had the affect of "projective bad luck"...
Im sure they'll find something big to make up for it later in the year...

 

[Locostella]

Evening everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knew anything about the birdwatching potential of Taverham mill? I am moving just over the road from the site and from what I can find on the internet they are setting up a reserve there. Any information would be great.

Regards Kieran

 

[Kieren Allinson]

Do (“siberian seven-striped sprite”) you mean the Palliteration Warbler, Kieran ?

Aye, that's the fella.

 

[grahamarchy]

I'm guessing he means seeing? Certainly didn't wee it!

apologies for the typo.

i did mean 'see it' that i trust you did go back with a camera and get picture.

however as nothing more is forthcoming my guess is that you did not. and therefore probably know that you did probably did not see a wood warbler.

has anyone else (non kin) seen this wood warbler?

 

[dendroica]

Hello all,

Two groups (or the same flock twice) of 4 Crossbill over my garden in Taverham this afternoon.

Locostella - PM sent

 

[O.Reville1989]

apologies for the typo.

i did mean 'see it' that i trust you did go back with a camera and get picture.

however as nothing more is forthcoming my guess is that you did not. and therefore probably know that you did probably did not see a wood warbler.

has anyone else (non kin) seen this wood warbler?

Are you assuming I am a photographer? I may not even have a camera.
My lack of birding has been due to a near fatal car crash 12 days ago. So no I do not doubt what I saw, not in the slightest, I am simply unable to get out a lot right now.
Your attitude is quite bizzare considering you do not know me or the local patch I visit on which I saw the Wood Warbler.

 

[grahamarchy]

Although my view was brief it was prolonged enough to get a good analysis of colours etc and it did stand out as being of a greener colour as opposed to browner on the back.
The eye stripe was the big thing for me, It was of sedge brightness but the habitat and overall colour of the bird doesn't fit.
Just wish I had my camera to hand when it appeared! Will look tomorrow and report back.

Re-read your post- you claim to be a photographer- who wished he had his camera to record.

I am a recorder and am trying to validate records for a certain project that needs accurate data. hence my interest in this very unusual record. If it is correct then it is worthy of a record in the main databases- i.e. birdguides etc- that can feed into useful distribution/movement information analytical projects. if wood warblers are moving back through now- earlier than usual- it is good to know- or if there has been a local breeding attempt not records- also good to know...etc.

The main worry is -as posted by someone else- you appear to have quoted salient features from an ID guide in your later posts- and this (in my experience) indicates a dubious record. people often get an idea and the force the ID to match the bird guide- it is really very common.

Your record would not be included for these reasons- and so i was following up-as an interested sceptic. I follow local forum posts for several counties and try to pick up on records that do not get submitted to useful data bases- you would really be surprised what people see but do not think to submit to sites like birdguides/birdtrack etc.

 

[O.Reville1989]

The one thing I never do is use a bird guide to identify birds unless I am 100% clueless. The reason for my vague description first time round was due to my view being limited to a fraction of a second, all i knew was it was a warbler that stood out.
My claim of wood warbler came after my 2nd viewing. I in no way expected or hoped it to be a wood warbler, i am not a serial lister so it is of no concern to me whether a bird is new to me or not, i just enjoy observing wildlife.
Had you come to me explaining your motives via a private message then I may have been more receptive in offering more information and submitting the bird to bird guides etc.
I don't have any doubts over the bird I saw, backed up by my father who has 40 years bird watching experience to add to 15 of my own.

Re-read your post- you claim to be a photographer- who wished he had his camera to record.

I am a recorder and am trying to validate records for a certain project that needs accurate data. hence my interest in this very unusual record. If it is correct then it is worthy of a record in the main databases- i.e. birdguides etc- that can feed into useful distribution/movement information analytical projects. if wood warblers are moving back through now- earlier than usual- it is good to know- or if there has been a local breeding attempt not records- also good to know...etc.

The main worry is -as posted by someone else- you appear to have quoted salient features from an ID guide in your later posts- and this (in my experience) indicates a dubious record. people often get an idea and the force the ID to match the bird guide- it is really very common.

Your record would not be included for these reasons- and so i was following up-as an interested sceptic. I follow local forum posts for several counties and try to pick up on records that do not get submitted to useful data bases- you would really be surprised what people see but do not think to submit to sites like birdguides/birdtrack etc.

 

[black kite 1964]

Not sure I agree with your comments on using fieldguides. At the recent northants greenshank there was not a Collins in sight!!. Would have been very useful!!!

 

[O.Reville1989]

Not sure I agree with your comments on using fieldguides. At the recent northants greenshank there was not a Collins in sight!!. Would have been very useful!!!

That is fair enough, I try to use logic/identification skills first of all but if I can't come to a conclusion that fits perfectly then I will resort to a field guide. Accuracy is key for me and if something doesn't check out then obviously will use a field guide but I have confidence in my abilities to identify a bird based on past experience and knowledge. But as with that greenshank, everyone can make mistakes.

 

[black kite 1964]

That is fair enough, I try to use logic/identification skills first of all but if I can't come to a conclusion that fits perfectly then I will resort to a field guide. Accuracy is key for me and if something doesn't check out then obviously will use a field guide but I have confidence in my abilities to identify a bird based on past experience and knowledge. But as with that greenshank, everyone can make mistakes.

Agreed. Birding is a slow learning curve. The more u do it u realise how little you actually know!!

 

[lilyfenn]

if someone is "not a serial lister" why put a year and life list on your own thread!

 

[Lightthiscandle]

With due respect: if a Wood Warbler was a lifer for you, then your ' past experience and knowledge' doesn't really amount to much....
Much more experienced birders offered you their help and you replied in an aggressive manner.
When I was a 'sub-300' birder 30 years ago, I kept quiet and listened to people like John Eaton, Peter Allard and Richard Millington.

 

[grumps]

Agreed. Birding is a slow learning curve. The more u do it u realise how little you actually know!!

How very very true. After 50 odd years at the game still learning but thats surely the fun.

Hugh

 

[Paul Eele]

Titchwell July 26th

Today’s highlights

Curlew sandpiper – 3 on fresh marsh late afternoon
Dunlin – 50 on fresh marsh
Ruff – 10 on fresh marsh
Greenshank – 2 on fresh marsh
Spotted redshank – 5 offshore
Green sandpiper – 2 on fresh marsh
Yellow wagtail – 4 juvs on fresh marsh

Paul

 

[Locostella]

With due respect: if a Wood Warbler was a lifer for you, then your ' past experience and knowledge' doesn't really amount to much....
Much more experienced birders offered you their help and you replied in an aggressive manner.
When I was a 'sub-300' birder 30 years ago, I kept quiet and listened to people like John Eaton, Peter Allard and Richard Millington.

Well said sir.

Kieran

 

[grahamarchy]

No sign of the Marsh Harriers at my local patch this evening but around 25 Whitethroat and several flocks of Goldfinch. Quite a fascinating area, a SSSI apparently and seems fantastic for butterflies, looks like a nice day tomorrow so I know where I am off to if I get time!
Have a feeling something a bit special could turn up there, my bet is on Wood Warbler, or perhaps a flycatcher or maybe even a Shrike! Enough small birds around for any potential visitor of that persuasion.

The other interesting post made a few days before your claim of wood warbler is above. predicting that you would see..... yep a wood warbler.
This is what is called projective creation i believe. anyway

i cannot stress more that the location of this sighting and the timing is just so unusual as to be very very surprising. That the bird hung around for a couple of days as well is also surprising.

Anyway at the risk of labouring the point this record does not warrant inclusion i'm afraid. As with all unusual records a number of different factors have to be considered and this does is too out of place without corroboration.

 

[graeme782]

Anyway at the risk of labouring the point this record does not warrant inclusion i'm afraid. As with all unusual records a number of different factors have to be considered and this does is too out of place without corroboration.

Yes, you are labouring the point. I wouldn't have thought that Oliver (i think that's his name) could care less whether his record warrants inclusion and i'm not sure why you feel the need to point it out to him or anyone else reading this thread. He's happy that he saw a Wood Warbler, i wouldn't have thought most people care either way, give the guy a break.

 

[grahamarchy]

Yes, you are labouring the point. I wouldn't have thought that Oliver (i think that's his name) could care less whether his record warrants inclusion and i'm not sure why you feel the need to point it out to him or anyone else reading this thread. He's happy that he saw a Wood Warbler, i wouldn't have thought most people care either way, give the guy a break.

fair point and will do.

 

[O.Reville1989]

if someone is "not a serial lister" why put a year and life list on your own thread!

Why? Because yes I keep 1 life list and this is the first year I have done a year list. I don't do a patch list, county list, month list, week list, trip list, etc etc. 1 list for life, 1 for this year which is the first time.

With due respect: if a Wood Warbler was a lifer for you, then your ' past experience and knowledge' doesn't really amount to much....
Much more experienced birders offered you their help and you replied in an aggressive manner.
When I was a 'sub-300' birder 30 years ago, I kept quiet and listened to people like John Eaton, Peter Allard and Richard Millington.

Agreed on your first point, hence why I consulted my father who has seen Wood Warbler every year for as long as he can remember.
I have been birding for far longer than my total suggests, a 4 year absence to focus on my university degree meant I missed out numerous species.

The other interesting post made a few days before your claim of wood warbler is above. predicting that you would see..... yep a wood warbler.
This is what is called projective creation i believe. anyway

i cannot stress more that the location of this sighting and the timing is just so unusual as to be very very surprising. That the bird hung around for a couple of days as well is also surprising.

Anyway at the risk of labouring the point this record does not warrant inclusion i'm afraid. As with all unusual records a number of different factors have to be considered and this does is too out of place without corroboration.

It is what is called coincidence! The habitat (from my knowledge and from reading) suits Wood Warbler, as it does other species, it isn't the first time I've used logic to come to a conclusion on what I might possibly come across.
The bird was sighted twice on the same day...Once briefly at 5pm and once more for a longer period around 7:45pm.
And as Graeme says, do you think I mind that it isn't? Trust me I won't be losing any sleep tonight over it! I'm just happy to have seen one as I am when I see any bird.
Also to add, Just because no one sees it doesn't mean it isn't there! Maybe you should be careful how much you value your records! Chances are there are many more birds like this that we don't expect to see but are actually present....

Yes, you are labouring the point. I wouldn't have thought that Oliver (i think that's his name) could care less whether his record warrants inclusion and i'm not sure why you feel the need to point it out to him or anyone else reading this thread. He's happy that he saw a Wood Warbler, i wouldn't have thought most people care either way, give the guy a break.

Thank you Graeme...Nail on head! As I said above I am just happy to have seen one, as I am when I see any bird.