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Norfolk birding (5 Viewers)

Today I got up at the bizarre time of 5.15am, which is pretty good for me at this time of the year!

Dull weather and no sun. Arrived Holme at 7.15am.

Started off at the horse meadow half way down beach road, but could not get out of car because the lady who owns the horses was there with her massive big dog who promptly charged over to car and glared at me with mad eyes and ferocious teeth, so I thought maybe I won't get out of the car and scan the meadow!!!! Carried on and parked up half way down Firs road by 5-bar gate where there was a very familiar white van! 3 weeks today I have not had my scope (Nikon putting new footplate on) and it is EXTREMELY frustrating not having it! As soon as I walked up onto seawall, there seemed to be lots of action. A marsh harrier over the marsh along with a barn owl was a nice start to the morning. Walking towards the forestry, 6 carrion crows, 1 Connor at Gore Point;), 4 stonechats, 1 snipe flew over, 5 shelduck, 1 shoveler, 11 hedgesparrows at least, loads of chaffinches, several blackbirds, 12 goldfinches, 1 curlew, 2 pintail flew over, 2 egyptian geese over marsh, several greylags, 2 wrens, 2 goldcrests, 2 herons, 3 greenfinches on wires, 1 tree sparrow flew over calling, 15 redwings going west, 2 pied wagtails. I walked to reserves via the coastal footpath and then on the board walk past the Broadwater and onto Thornham bank up as far as the sluice, where I saw 3 little egrets, 1 little grebe, 5 linnets, skylark was singing its heart out, 30 oystercatchers were on the shoreline, 2 more stonechats, 15 tufted ducks on the Broadwater along with the ruddy duck still (I presume its been there all week since last Saturday), few pochard, 1 avocet. 2 blue tits in the scrub at end of Broadwater. I sat at observatory and had my mid morning jam sandwich and cup of tea, then carried on along bank and saw 2 bramblings from the hide, 1 coal tit at end of bank and walked back along Firs Road and back through Forestry. 5 more stonechats including several stunning males, 1 great crested grebe on the sea and 3 ringed plover near Gore Point. Had lunch by the car and it started to rain! Left here and went back to my horse meadow to see and hear 1 green woodpecker and 2 pied wagtails. 1 yellowhammer in my parent's garden (had so sort out father's printer, so didn't leave Holme until 3pm!)

Drove all the way along the coast road to Cley to see the shorelarks. Went via the White Crowned Sparrow site and sat and watched from car window, several chaffinches, blackbirds and house sparrows feeding from the seed but no WCS to be seen anywhere. Also goldfinches sitting in the bushes. Went to park at Walsey Hills carpark. It was horrible foggy weather now and I could hardly see along the East Bank, but walked up there anyway. Walked a long way east at the end of the bank and walked up and down the ridge and only saw 3 ringed plover in the mist, some bar tailed godwits and loads of brent geese, but no shorelarks. Walked back and went west quite a way and saw 4 stonechats, but still no shorelarks - couldn't believe it, never mind, thats the way it goes! On the way back I and another couple had fantastic close views of 2 reed buntings and a flock of 19 linnets feeding actually on the path at very close range! When I reached the end of East Bank I crossed the road and a Cettis Warbler burst into song right next to my car! I went up to see Pete at Walsey Hills and his pager bleeped that a wheatear had been seen at 5pm on the pillbox near Coastguards, it was just before 5.30pm when we got there and we walked all round, but sadly found nothing, which was a pity because if I had have seen it, it would have beaten last year's record of 17th March, never mind! Then went and had dinner in all my muddy clothes in the Dunn Cow at Salthouse and marvelled at the excellent chalk drawing that Richard Millington had done of the White Crowned Sparrow on the blackboard!!!!! Left here and had a horrible drive back via A148 in foggy, rainy conditions. I feel like I have been up for 2 days! Work tomorrow, you can bet anything you like there will be something good turn up!!!!

Best Wishes Penny:girl:

P.S. Bumped into a couple at Gore Point, Holme who were down from Richmond on hols and they had seen a Firecrest at Holme yesterday!
 
Didn't spend as much time in the field as some of you guys today but I was pleased to see Chiffchaff out here as well as 4 Stonechats. Saw another different Stonechat here yesterday. There also seemed to be an increase in the number of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes around...

James
 
Bramblings

Hi all.

I have had between 10 and 15 Bramblings in my garden feeding on the feeders and on the floor since november, can any body tell me how long they might stay and could they breed here.

I have not been out latley as i am trying to get a home project finished and also the garden into shape so I will be free in the spring migrant time.

But I keep up to date by reeding Penny and Connor's good reports, keep it up.

Maybe i will catch up with you both one day.

Barry.
 
Was told today that the beach cafe at Cley (The Coastguards) has been bulldozed. Can anyone confirm this please? My bottom lip is beginning to tremble.....

:-C

James
yep ackwrights has gone, but the beach hotel has been given a reprieve until the next storm, it did me proud during the greenish fall last autumn when my campsite was full up, be nice to see a resurrection in 'bookings' before it gets lost for good.
 
Good to see lots of interest in Norfolk's raptors. Have spent the past 13 springs on Incleborough Hill between Cromer and Sheringham so can at least pass some comment on the timing and conditions likely to bring some raptor movement.
As far as timing goes, I agree with Sue regarding the likely source of the recent red kites - usually continental birds start arriving here from the last ten days or so of March with movement continuing to mid-April dependent upon the weather conditions - a hint of easterly usually is the key to good numbers in the county.
In March the most likely raptors encountered along the north coast will be common buzzard and marsh harriers most of which will be heading west. As already indicated, given the right conditions, red kites should start to appear late in the month but it is usually not until early to mid-April when things start to liven up. Not only is there a chance of some early spring migrants in the shape of hobby and osprey but this is also a good time to see some of the over-wintering stuff such as peregrine, hen harrier and rough-legged buzzard heading out to the east. Mid-April is also the best time to see both resident sparrowhawks (4-5 prs) and good numbers of migrating birds, sometimes in small flocks with the occasional goshawk for good measure.
Things continue to liven up through April into May with the chance of both Montys, Honey Buzzard and if you are really lucky black kite.
The Broadland cranes often go on a day trip at this time of year and other good birds seen include both white and black storks, spoonbill and little egret.
As an added bonus there can be some interesting passerine movement with ring ouzel and woodlark regular plus other good birds such as hawfinch, serin and crossbill.
As far as weather conditions go, as a rule of thumb if it's reasonably pleasant weather to be out birding then you are usually in with a chance of some raptor movement. Cloud conditions don't seem to make much difference but the wind coming from anywhere between SE and SW is usually the key to seeing the larger raptors. Wind from the NE and NW are usually the kiss of death!
However, there are always exceptions to the rule and even on 'ideal' days it is possible to spend several hours and see very little - quite often this is due to poor weather to the south either over England or the near continent which stops any movement in it's tracks.
As for the time of day, between 9.00 and 14.00 is usually the most productive but I've seen some good birds both before and after these times.
The secret is to put in the hours!
much appreciated Mick, would you say Incleborough Hill is the best place along the ridge to watch, i was watching facing south just NW of Kelling Triangle the other day and thought it was a pretty good spot with the Buzzards seemingly funnelling down into the valley, i was thinking maybe they start using the thermals generated on the edge of the ridge, possibly these could have been some of the birds being seen later at Fakenham

Where's Incleborough Hill?
 
Great White Egret nr Guist at Bintree Mill for 2nd day this morning (6:15am) per. RBA, with a stunning pic on there as well, but no sign later...

Connor
 
Salthouse today produced my first Wheatear of the year, by Little Eye. A lovely male. 144 year list. Not much else really; c10 Stonechats between Little Eye and Kelling Hard, 10 recently arrived Avocets, paired-up Oystercatchers, displaying Lapwings, Meadow Pipits in song-flight, a pair of Tufted Ducks and a Kingfisher.

Also found a recently killed Jack Snipe on a path by Kelling Hard. Was still warm when I found it, with a Kestrel knocking about. It currently resides in my fridge (nice!) and I'm going to donate it to the Norwich Castle Museum when I can. Question: would it damage the bird if I froze it? I wont be able to get it to Norwich for a few days, so whats the best thing to do with it?

Jason
 
the brecks at their sublime best on Friday, kicked off looking for Hawfinches not at Lynford but no luck there, on to next site and fine views of Goshawk - male skydancing and pummelling a sprawk, then a female trundling along + woodlarks and red-tailed Hawk. Also first Brimstone and Small Tortoiseshell of the year.
Next went in search of Willow Tit, walked/ rode along the river bank between Thetford and Santon Downham, IN 2006 bird report 6 territories recorded on this area, no Willow's but lots of Marsh, + couple of Kingfisher, two pair of Grey Wag, Siskin, Woodcock, Treecreeper ,venison count not bad either with a couple of flushed Roe Deer and confiding Muntjacs, 3 Goosander kept ahead of the game in front of me, would take off and fly up river every time they clocked me. Still no Willows at Santon Downham but a scattering of Brambling, a bellowing of Bullfinches, Nuthatches, Thrushes more Marsh Tit, i hadn't really thought of Lesser Spot cos i was focussing on Willow so was a genuine surprise when a male quickly moved through with a small group of Redwing when i was walking back. Finally caught up with the Goosander with a pair sat on other side of river just near Thetford.
A great day and nice just once to get out of dodge.
 
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It currently resides in my fridge (nice!) and I'm going to donate it to the Norwich Castle Museum when I can. Question: would it damage the bird if I froze it? I wont be able to get it to Norwich for a few days, so whats the best thing to do with it?

Jason



no that is the best thing to do, bung it in the freezer. They are easier to skin if half frozen as well...

I look forward to seeing in on display somewhere.

They are also pretty tasty as well- so dont let the meat go to waste....only a bite i know but save the bird dying for no reason. eat it and use the body for education- not a bad way to go..


Jed
 
much appreciated Mick, would you say Incleborough Hill is the best place along the ridge to watch, i was watching facing south just NW of Kelling Triangle the other day and thought it was a pretty good spot with the Buzzards seemingly funnelling down into the valley, i was thinking maybe they start using the thermals generated on the edge of the ridge, possibly these could have been some of the birds being seen later at Fakenham

Where's Incleborough Hill?

Incleborough is my favourite as you have such a fantastic allround view. On a clear day you can pick up raptors as far east as Northrepps and over Kelling to the west.
You can see raptors anywhere along the ridge but it seems that for birds moving west in the spring their starting point is at the beginning of the ridge around Northrepps. The problem is that on a good raptor day with active thermals the birds are climbing all the time they are moving west. As a result, many of the birds seen at Northrepps and Incleborough at not picked up further down the coast. Also, the ridge swings inland as it goes west so the natural movement takes birds away from the coast and eventually on to Swanton Novers.
Another cracking reason that Incleborough is so good is that there is some really good coverage by other raptor enthusiasts nearby. Ben Murphy and Tony Eadson are usually around at the Overstrand/Northrepps area while Andy Benson is a couple of miles due south in Aylmerton. Also, the Sheringham Obs crew are usually around to the west and between us we usually pick up most of the stuff that goes through (although trying to get the scope on a good bird and make a 'phone call at the same time can be tricky).
Incleborough Hill is National trust land about half a mile south of the main coast road between East and West Runton. Access is via footpaths either from West Runton village (park just west of the duck pond and walk west) or from East Runton where there is a small parking area along the golf course road. You can't miss Incleborough but either way it's then a bit of a trek to the top - folding chair is essential if you want to be comfortable!
The bad news is that Easter weekend looks a definite no-no for migrant raptors (unless of course we get a white gyr...........)
 
Incleborough is my favourite as you have such a fantastic allround view. On a clear day you can pick up raptors as far east as Northrepps and over Kelling to the west.
You can see raptors anywhere along the ridge but it seems that for birds moving west in the spring their starting point is at the beginning of the ridge around Northrepps. The problem is that on a good raptor day with active thermals the birds are climbing all the time they are moving west. As a result, many of the birds seen at Northrepps and Incleborough at not picked up further down the coast. Also, the ridge swings inland as it goes west so the natural movement takes birds away from the coast and eventually on to Swanton Novers.
Another cracking reason that Incleborough is so good is that there is some really good coverage by other raptor enthusiasts nearby. Ben Murphy and Tony Eadson are usually around at the Overstrand/Northrepps area while Andy Benson is a couple of miles due south in Aylmerton. Also, the Sheringham Obs crew are usually around to the west and between us we usually pick up most of the stuff that goes through (although trying to get the scope on a good bird and make a 'phone call at the same time can be tricky).
Incleborough Hill is National trust land about half a mile south of the main coast road between East and West Runton. Access is via footpaths either from West Runton village (park just west of the duck pond and walk west) or from East Runton where there is a small parking area along the golf course road. You can't miss Incleborough but either way it's then a bit of a trek to the top - folding chair is essential if you want to be comfortable!
The bad news is that Easter weekend looks a definite no-no for migrant raptors (unless of course we get a white gyr...........)
this is great Mick, i'll probably carry on watching my bit at Kelling, but will definitely be along to Incleborough the next time there's a Southerly.

I've twigged that you get lots of reports of passing raptors each spring but your not going to see them by wandering around sites hoping to luck out and have one fly over, i've only ever had that with Red Kite, seems the real mccoy is very much like seawatching, need right conditions and as you say lots of patience.

Cheers for the tips
 
A walk around Holkham today produced the Adult Ross's Goose still in with the pink feet and a small group of 5-6 Barnacles (also of unknown origin!)
Got soaked in a freezing hail shower on the beach and then went on to look for Les Spots in Holkham Park...again without any luck. We did however see 4+ Brambling, one of which was starting to get its full summer plumage with a very black head and bright orange in plumage. Also a few marsh tits including one singing bird (I have read recently in British Birds that females sing as well as males!)
No spring migrants yet, but with todays weather i'm not surprised.
 
Please could someone tell me the best place to view the geese at Heigham Holmes. I tried to get there today but couldn't see how to get across the river at Martham Staithe. Thanks.
 
wonderful light for seawatching this morning with the bright sky giving the sea a deep olive brown hue. All the Gannets going past were pristine adults, long winged, snowy white bodied, with wing tips dipped in ink. Regular Norfolk birds but fabulous nonetheless.
 
Please could someone tell me the best place to view the geese at Heigham Holmes. I tried to get there today but couldn't see how to get across the river at Martham Staithe. Thanks.

As far as I'm aware, and unless things have changed, you have to watch from the Staithe. You can walk along the riverbank to vary your viewpoint but that's as good as it gets unless you want to try the footpath opposite, along Candle Dyke, accessible from Potter Heigham church. I do remember that visitors were allowed to cross 'the ferry' as an escorted visit a few years back but I'm not sure if this was a one off event or not.

James
 
There has been a very confiding Glaucous Gull at Gorleston harbour for several days now. I have been to have a look the past couple of lunchtimes and today it was perched on the harbour wall beside the Gorleston Lifeboat station. I was able to approach to within about five metres and got some great views of it.

It's a beautiful very pale cream bird with a pale pinkish bill with a black tip and looks extremely impressive soaring over the water.

There were also about thirty Turnstones running around on the pier headings on both sides of the river at the harbour mouth. They would approach to within a couple of metres and don't seem at all bothered by the presence of people.

It was extremely cold and windy but very exhilarating.

Ron
 
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As far as I'm aware, and unless things have changed, you have to watch from the Staithe. You can walk along the riverbank to vary your viewpoint but that's as good as it gets unless you want to try the footpath opposite, along Candle Dyke, accessible from Potter Heigham church. I do remember that visitors were allowed to cross 'the ferry' as an escorted visit a few years back but I'm not sure if this was a one off event or not.

James

What the broads needs is a few viewing platforms. I'm talking about a hide, or a screen at least, on a base about 10ft of the ground. Not some towering 60 foot metal job that's too dangerous to go up with having your hand held (like the one nr Rush Hill), but a hide on stilts, made of reeds to be befitting. It wouldn't cost that much but would completely transform the viewing experience.
 

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