Happisbirder
Always looking, seldom finding...
Tim Allwood said:
Sounds like Stubb Mill used to be when I first started going there over 25 years ago!
Didn't manage to get out yesterday, a dodgy fridge put paid to that :C
James
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Norfolk birding (25 Viewers)
- Thread starter Edward woodwood
- Start date
Sounds like Stubb Mill used to be when I first started going there over 25 years ago!
Didn't manage to get out yesterday, a dodgy fridge put paid to that :C
James
Geoff Pain
Rural Member
Penny Clarke said:
Down in 3 weeks,must visit the bird table myself,where abouts is it???
Geoff
Helenelizabeth2
What?!?
Penny Clarke said:
Well done, Penny. Obviously we should have been following you around. Instead I think we were ahead of you (started at Snettisham at dawn) and got less everywhere. The wind at Snettisham was so bad that the kids revolted and wouldn't stay there so got almost nothing. Then they refused to go to near the sea again apart from a very brief spell at Titchwell. I'm making another trip tomorrow (when they're back at school) and hoping to make up the numbers a bit.
Helen
Happisbirder
Always looking, seldom finding...
A bird table at Sandringham eh?? By royal appointment...
When I was a wee lad (mid '70s) my father, myself and a few others would always hit west Norfolk ~Snettisham, Heacham, Hunstanton etc, finishing at Roydon Common~ from first light on January 1st each year. Lunch would always be taken parked up on one of the wide verges at Sandringham and for me this was the highlight of the day, the reason being that many different birds would actually come and eat the sandwiches from our hands! Various tits, finches and Nuthatch were totally fearless, approaching us as soon as we pulled up. Whether this behaviour persists here I don't know, it would be nice to think it does.
James
When I was a wee lad (mid '70s) my father, myself and a few others would always hit west Norfolk ~Snettisham, Heacham, Hunstanton etc, finishing at Roydon Common~ from first light on January 1st each year. Lunch would always be taken parked up on one of the wide verges at Sandringham and for me this was the highlight of the day, the reason being that many different birds would actually come and eat the sandwiches from our hands! Various tits, finches and Nuthatch were totally fearless, approaching us as soon as we pulled up. Whether this behaviour persists here I don't know, it would be nice to think it does.
James
SueBryan
Well-known member
Geoff Pain said:
Hi Geoff
The bird table is at TF685283 (about 1/2 mile west of the entrance to Park House on the opposite side) I put lots of seed on it and filled up the peanuts today. Like all woodland birding it is best visited in the early morning but it acts as a great attaction for all the usual species. Take some seed and you could get some great photos.
Sue
Penny Clarke
Well-known member
SueBryan said:
Thanks Sue for answering this (and much more accurately than I would have done!), only just turned computer on, been off work today ill.
Best Wishes
Penny
Happisbirder
Always looking, seldom finding...
Forgot to mention yesterday (and I don't suppose too many people will be upset!) but there was what appeared to be an Emperor Goose on Wroxham Broad with the Greylags yesterday afternoon. 1,000's of gulls preparing to roost too.
James
James
Geoff Pain
Rural Member
Thanks for that Sue shall take so food with me and give it a go.
DaveB
birding.daveb.co.uk
Our visit, 2nd & 3rd January
Sixty eight different species were seen during our 2 day visit to the North Norfolk Coast.
A Barn Owl was seen on the outskirts of Kings Lynn shortly before arriving at Cley for day break. Up to seven Marsh Harrier and a ringtail Hen Harrier were seen here, but no sign of the reported Black–eared Kite. A Kingfisher was seen before departing for Morston.
A mixed flock of finches included good numbers of Brambling (approximately 85 near Walshingham) before seeing a blue phase, intermediate Snow Goose amongst Pink–footed Geese (1000+) near Morston.
Nine Shorelarks, nineteen Snow Buntings and five Sanderling were seen at Holkham. Ten White–fronted Geese and at least a hundred Brent Geese were amongst at least another ten thousand Pink–footed Geese.
To end the day, we headed for Stubb Mill were Marsh Harrier (30+, including adult 2 males), Hen Harrier (1 male and 3 ringtails), Merlin (2+), Harris Hawk (escaped), Barn Owl (1) and Common Crane (2) were added to the list.
On the second day, Avocet (10+), Pintal (5), Gadwall (3) and Egyptian Goose (1) were amongst several hundred Wigeon at Cley before seeing a Common Buzzard at Holkham.
Titchwell produced very good views of five Bearded Tits, five Little Egrets, two Lesser Black–backed Gulls and several more Pintail. Large numbers of Common Scoter were on the sea. Red–throated Diver (1), Grey Plover (10+), Arctic Skua (1) and Black–tailed Godwit were also there.
An excellent two days slightly spoilt by high winds, showers and poor light. During our return journey, a report of the Black–eared Kite returning to Snettisham was received, meaning that a return visit may take place in the coming weeks.
Thanks,
DaveB
Sixty eight different species were seen during our 2 day visit to the North Norfolk Coast.
A Barn Owl was seen on the outskirts of Kings Lynn shortly before arriving at Cley for day break. Up to seven Marsh Harrier and a ringtail Hen Harrier were seen here, but no sign of the reported Black–eared Kite. A Kingfisher was seen before departing for Morston.
A mixed flock of finches included good numbers of Brambling (approximately 85 near Walshingham) before seeing a blue phase, intermediate Snow Goose amongst Pink–footed Geese (1000+) near Morston.
Nine Shorelarks, nineteen Snow Buntings and five Sanderling were seen at Holkham. Ten White–fronted Geese and at least a hundred Brent Geese were amongst at least another ten thousand Pink–footed Geese.
To end the day, we headed for Stubb Mill were Marsh Harrier (30+, including adult 2 males), Hen Harrier (1 male and 3 ringtails), Merlin (2+), Harris Hawk (escaped), Barn Owl (1) and Common Crane (2) were added to the list.
On the second day, Avocet (10+), Pintal (5), Gadwall (3) and Egyptian Goose (1) were amongst several hundred Wigeon at Cley before seeing a Common Buzzard at Holkham.
Titchwell produced very good views of five Bearded Tits, five Little Egrets, two Lesser Black–backed Gulls and several more Pintail. Large numbers of Common Scoter were on the sea. Red–throated Diver (1), Grey Plover (10+), Arctic Skua (1) and Black–tailed Godwit were also there.
An excellent two days slightly spoilt by high winds, showers and poor light. During our return journey, a report of the Black–eared Kite returning to Snettisham was received, meaning that a return visit may take place in the coming weeks.
Thanks,
DaveB
KayD
Ochruros
Hi folks,
Another out of towner here, hoping to get the year off to a flyer. I am coming down tommorrow morning, leaving sunday afternoon.
Please could anyone tell me if there will be any 'good' tides at snettisham over the weekend to see the wader flocks? Is Snet good this time of year?
Also I am planning a walk around the Horsey Area, particulary in the hope of seeing Cranes. Anyone know if they are still in the area and how are the chances of seeing them?
Many Thanks,
Kstar
Another out of towner here, hoping to get the year off to a flyer. I am coming down tommorrow morning, leaving sunday afternoon.
Please could anyone tell me if there will be any 'good' tides at snettisham over the weekend to see the wader flocks? Is Snet good this time of year?
Also I am planning a walk around the Horsey Area, particulary in the hope of seeing Cranes. Anyone know if they are still in the area and how are the chances of seeing them?
Many Thanks,
Kstar
SueBryan
Well-known member
Hope to see you guys down there and a great weekend to all :gh:[/QUOTE]
I think the high tide at Snettisham is around 8am. Look out for the Smew and the Black-eared Kite,
The Cranes are always around somewhere. Try around Horsey Corner or at the Stubb Mill roost at Hickling.
Have a good weekend
Sue
I think the high tide at Snettisham is around 8am. Look out for the Smew and the Black-eared Kite,
The Cranes are always around somewhere. Try around Horsey Corner or at the Stubb Mill roost at Hickling.
Have a good weekend
Sue
Penny Clarke
Well-known member
Birdline today: Snettisham RSPB - Black Eared Kite south east of reserve, 4 Shorelark, Drake Smew on south pit. 13 hawfinchs and 1 firecrest at Lynford Aboretum.
From NOA website (noa.org.uk): at Holme - 6 Wigeon, 2 Eider, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers, 100+ Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 1 Pom Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 55 Little Gulls, 24 Kittiwakes, 8 Guillemots, 9 Razorbills and 100+ Auk species. Also of note were a Marsh Harrier, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders, and 20 Twite along Thornham bank.
Have not been out at all this weekend due to rotton virus that I have had since Tuesday the bl***y 2nd!!!!!! :C :-C (screaming to get out now birding - oh its Monday tomorrow and I suppose I am well enough to go back to work!)
From NOA website (noa.org.uk): at Holme - 6 Wigeon, 2 Eider, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers, 100+ Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 1 Pom Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 55 Little Gulls, 24 Kittiwakes, 8 Guillemots, 9 Razorbills and 100+ Auk species. Also of note were a Marsh Harrier, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker on the feeders, and 20 Twite along Thornham bank.
Have not been out at all this weekend due to rotton virus that I have had since Tuesday the bl***y 2nd!!!!!! :C :-C (screaming to get out now birding - oh its Monday tomorrow and I suppose I am well enough to go back to work!)
KayD
Ochruros
Trip Report
Here is my trip report from last weekend:
Friday - Arrived in Wells in time for breakfast, then had a stroll round the harbour to limber up. Plenty of Turnstones about and a flock of Brent Geese, along with the usual gulls. Drove to Titchwell, stopping at Holkham to see the Pink-footed Geese which were grazing on the fields near the roadside. Feeders at Titch very busy; all the common finches and tits along with Tree Sparrows. Had fantastic views of 2 male and 1 female Bearded Tits clinging to the reeds in the wind just at the side of the path. On the pools there were many Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Pintail and Wigeon. Smaller numbers of Tufties and Goldeneye the males had started displaying already. Many Lapwings and Golden Plovers. Other waders present were Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff, Avocet and Redshank. Other notable sightings were Common Gull, Little Egret and Reed Bunting. Down at the beach there were more of the aforementioned waders plus Oystercatcher and Sanderling. Also a seal pup. Didn't stay on the beach for sea watching as the weather had become very windy and we are inexperienced in this form of birding. Decided to check out the Fen Hide instead - glad we did as we observed a Barn Owl resting in field. Saw another Barn Owl when we returned to wells too, this one was out hunting o
In total 52 species today.
Saturday - On the advice of a recent article in Birdwatching Magazine we decided to take a trip to the Horsey Mere area. The weather turned very rainy on our way there and was pouring when we got there so we opted against the 4 mile walk from the mag and thought we might see more birds if we drove round a bit. Had a look at the mere - wasn't a lot of activity, just many Wigeon and Teal. Unfortunately we didn't spot any Cranes - Birdwatching had failed to mention Hickling Broad and Stubb Mill Roost - Many thanks to Sue and Frootshoot - will follow your advice next time We went to the beach at Horsey Gap and our luck started to turn for the better and the weather became more tolerable. Saw Ringed Plover and Sanderling at close range on the beach Stonechat on the dunes and Divers out at sea, allthough they were too far out (at least for my eyes) to determine if they were GN or BT. Several seals passing by. Weather worsened again, so we decided to cut our losses and head back to Cley to take refuge in the hides! At Cley we just went to the 3 hides nearest the main road, similar waterfowl and waders as yesterday with the additional sightings of Little Grebe, Bar Tailed Godwit and 2 wintering Marsh Harriers. We were pleased to have spotted 40 species on this very miserable day B
Sunday - Went to Cley again this morning and had a bracing walk along the beach. Finally began to get the hang of Seawatching - getting my first 'proper' sighting of a GN Diver as it settled briefly not too far off. Also Guillemots and a large raft of Common Scoter. Visited Snettisham later in the day and allthough the tide was out it was well worth the walk up there. My favourite sightings from there were 2 lifers: a stunning drake Smew and a Red Breasted Merganser B Usual waders, ducks etc also observed today the day list finished on 48 species.
All in all a very enjoyable start to the year!
Kstar
Here is my trip report from last weekend:
Friday - Arrived in Wells in time for breakfast, then had a stroll round the harbour to limber up. Plenty of Turnstones about and a flock of Brent Geese, along with the usual gulls. Drove to Titchwell, stopping at Holkham to see the Pink-footed Geese which were grazing on the fields near the roadside. Feeders at Titch very busy; all the common finches and tits along with Tree Sparrows. Had fantastic views of 2 male and 1 female Bearded Tits clinging to the reeds in the wind just at the side of the path. On the pools there were many Teal, Shoveler, Shelduck, Pintail and Wigeon. Smaller numbers of Tufties and Goldeneye the males had started displaying already. Many Lapwings and Golden Plovers. Other waders present were Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Ruff, Avocet and Redshank. Other notable sightings were Common Gull, Little Egret and Reed Bunting. Down at the beach there were more of the aforementioned waders plus Oystercatcher and Sanderling. Also a seal pup. Didn't stay on the beach for sea watching as the weather had become very windy and we are inexperienced in this form of birding. Decided to check out the Fen Hide instead - glad we did as we observed a Barn Owl resting in field. Saw another Barn Owl when we returned to wells too, this one was out hunting o
In total 52 species today.Saturday - On the advice of a recent article in Birdwatching Magazine we decided to take a trip to the Horsey Mere area. The weather turned very rainy on our way there and was pouring when we got there so we opted against the 4 mile walk from the mag and thought we might see more birds if we drove round a bit. Had a look at the mere - wasn't a lot of activity, just many Wigeon and Teal. Unfortunately we didn't spot any Cranes - Birdwatching had failed to mention Hickling Broad and Stubb Mill Roost - Many thanks to Sue and Frootshoot - will follow your advice next time
We went to the beach at Horsey Gap and our luck started to turn for the better and the weather became more tolerable. Saw Ringed Plover and Sanderling at close range on the beach Stonechat on the dunes and Divers out at sea, allthough they were too far out (at least for my eyes) to determine if they were GN or BT. Several seals passing by. Weather worsened again, so we decided to cut our losses and head back to Cley to take refuge in the hides! At Cley we just went to the 3 hides nearest the main road, similar waterfowl and waders as yesterday with the additional sightings of Little Grebe, Bar Tailed Godwit and 2 wintering Marsh Harriers. We were pleased to have spotted 40 species on this very miserable day B Sunday - Went to Cley again this morning and had a bracing walk along the beach. Finally began to get the hang of Seawatching - getting my first 'proper' sighting of a GN Diver as it settled briefly not too far off. Also Guillemots and a large raft of Common Scoter. Visited Snettisham later in the day and allthough the tide was out it was well worth the walk up there. My favourite sightings from there were 2 lifers: a stunning drake Smew and a Red Breasted Merganser B
Usual waders, ducks etc also observed today the day list finished on 48 species.All in all a very enjoyable start to the year!
Kstar
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Penny Clarke
Well-known member
Hi Kstarkstar_76 said:
Lovely report, glad you had a good time in Norfolk, the bearded tits have been showing really well lately, the Smew and RBM are beautiful, saw these 1st Jan.
Best Wishes Penny :girl:
[ Feeders at Titch very busy; all the common finches and tits along with Tree Sparrows.
Kstar[/QUOTE]
Hi Kstar
You said that you had tree sparrows on the feeders - how many did you have?
I haven't seen any records in the logbook in the visitor centre and it is a good reserve record.
Cheers
Paul
Kstar[/QUOTE]
Hi Kstar
You said that you had tree sparrows on the feeders - how many did you have?
I haven't seen any records in the logbook in the visitor centre and it is a good reserve record.
Cheers
Paul
KayD
Ochruros
[/QUOTE]Hi Kstar
You said that you had tree sparrows on the feeders - how many did you have?
I haven't seen any records in the logbook in the visitor centre and it is a good reserve record.
Cheers
Paul[/QUOTE]
I remember seeing 3 on the feeders at the same time, allthough there may have been more about. I didn't report them as I didn't realise this was unusual for the site? I saw some near the reserve last time I was in Norfolk in september (near the In-Focus shop on the A149). I have seen Tree Sparrows using feeders before at Rutland water where they have a stronghold, so I really didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary to be honest.
You said that you had tree sparrows on the feeders - how many did you have?
I haven't seen any records in the logbook in the visitor centre and it is a good reserve record.
Cheers
Paul[/QUOTE]
I remember seeing 3 on the feeders at the same time, allthough there may have been more about. I didn't report them as I didn't realise this was unusual for the site? I saw some near the reserve last time I was in Norfolk in september (near the In-Focus shop on the A149). I have seen Tree Sparrows using feeders before at Rutland water where they have a stronghold, so I really didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary to be honest.
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No problem, I will add them to the reserve database.
Tree sparrow used to be a regular visitor to the reserve feeders but unfortunatly that is now a thing of the past although they can still be found in reasonable numbers in the surrounding area.
There was a bird present on and off last year but a difficult one to catch up with.
Hopefully they will stay around as I am doing a 2007 Titchwell reserve yearlist.
Paul
