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Norfolk birding (80 Viewers)
- Thread starter Edward woodwood
- Start date
Counted 300 on the fresh marsh at Titchwell yesterday afternoon, only 2 juvs with them!
Titchwell November 26th
Today's highlights
Water pipit - 1 on fresh marsh
Golden plover - 700 on fresh marsh
Teal - 600 on fresh marsh
Avocet - 10 on fresh marsh
Red crested pochard - 3 (2 drakes) on fresh marsh
Twite - 20 at Thornham Point this morning
Spotted redshank - 4 on tidal pool
Paul
Today's highlights
Water pipit - 1 on fresh marsh
Golden plover - 700 on fresh marsh
Teal - 600 on fresh marsh
Avocet - 10 on fresh marsh
Red crested pochard - 3 (2 drakes) on fresh marsh
Twite - 20 at Thornham Point this morning
Spotted redshank - 4 on tidal pool
Paul
crapbirder
Well-known member
Norfolk Records.
In June this year as I recall, observers were urged to submit their Norfolk bird sightings direct to the county recorders and I quote "Direct submission to the Recorders will from now on be the normal route for records to be included in the Bird Report and we will not be extracting records from BirdTrack at this stage."
Having just read through the 2014 Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report and noted the vilification heaped upon the finder of the Short-toed Eagle in Thetford Forest, I can but wonder if this kind of treatment acts as a deterrent rather than encourage observers to submit any sightings for inclusion in the county records. I do not pretend to have any inside knowledge of the situation therefore can only surmise that perhaps the finder lacked the experience to realise the significance of his discovery. Alternatively, he may have sufficient experience to realise the impact that a mass invasion of the area could have on ground-nesting rare birds.
A further alternative could be a deliberate attempt to mislead or even fabricate a record and if those responsible for the content of the county bird report have evidence that this is the case, then I would prefer them to publish this evidence and not resort to innuendo.
In June this year as I recall, observers were urged to submit their Norfolk bird sightings direct to the county recorders and I quote "Direct submission to the Recorders will from now on be the normal route for records to be included in the Bird Report and we will not be extracting records from BirdTrack at this stage."
Having just read through the 2014 Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report and noted the vilification heaped upon the finder of the Short-toed Eagle in Thetford Forest, I can but wonder if this kind of treatment acts as a deterrent rather than encourage observers to submit any sightings for inclusion in the county records. I do not pretend to have any inside knowledge of the situation therefore can only surmise that perhaps the finder lacked the experience to realise the significance of his discovery. Alternatively, he may have sufficient experience to realise the impact that a mass invasion of the area could have on ground-nesting rare birds.
A further alternative could be a deliberate attempt to mislead or even fabricate a record and if those responsible for the content of the county bird report have evidence that this is the case, then I would prefer them to publish this evidence and not resort to innuendo.
93Birder
Well-known member
I imagine it was probably the latter option for the reasoning. Seeing some of the damage that was done to the various sites in Sussex when it visited it's not too much of a surprise that it was suppressed. Frustrating for those who would have liked to of seen the bird and I'm sure with some proper planning access could have been arranged to minimise disturbance.
They'll be another.
Probably.
Probably not.
James Emerson
Norwich Birder
The short article included in the Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report largely reflects the frustrations expressed by the BBRC, who were the body that assessed the record due to its status as a national rarity.
There are two separate issues. The first is the decision by the finders not to release knowledge of a large rare bird never before recorded in the county, on/near lots of accessible land and at a time of year when not many birds would be nesting. This is probably the one that most other birders take umbrage with, but without a statement from the finders is difficult to comment on further.
The second issue, which is the one that has caused more of an issue to the committees is the lack of information/conflicting information provided to them about the record. This is less understandable as once the bird had gone there was no longer any threat (real or perceived) to revealing dates and locations, and if the observers were uncomfortable with this then the location could be published as undisclosed. This was clearly enough of an issue for the bird to only be accepted for one or two days of an apparent month long stay. Given this apparent discrepancy I can understand why all involved with assessing the record would be frustrated. It should also be noted that whilst most people are happy to write up a rare find for websites /magazines, submissions will usually be kept private unless permission in given to release them, so it is not as simple as releasing evidence of one thing or another.
There are two separate issues. The first is the decision by the finders not to release knowledge of a large rare bird never before recorded in the county, on/near lots of accessible land and at a time of year when not many birds would be nesting. This is probably the one that most other birders take umbrage with, but without a statement from the finders is difficult to comment on further.
The second issue, which is the one that has caused more of an issue to the committees is the lack of information/conflicting information provided to them about the record. This is less understandable as once the bird had gone there was no longer any threat (real or perceived) to revealing dates and locations, and if the observers were uncomfortable with this then the location could be published as undisclosed. This was clearly enough of an issue for the bird to only be accepted for one or two days of an apparent month long stay. Given this apparent discrepancy I can understand why all involved with assessing the record would be frustrated. It should also be noted that whilst most people are happy to write up a rare find for websites /magazines, submissions will usually be kept private unless permission in given to release them, so it is not as simple as releasing evidence of one thing or another.
Titchwell November 27th
Today's highlights
Hen harrier - female over the saltmarsh this morning
Chiffchaff - 1 in carpark
Golden plover - 600 on fresh marsh
Spotted redshank - 1 on tidal pool
Lapwing - 500 west in a couple of hours this morning
Fieldfare - 300 west in a couple of hours this morning
Water pipit - 2 on grazing meadow
Merlin - 1 over saltmarsh
Peregrine - 1 over fresh marsh
Snow bunting - 1 at Thornham Point
Bittern - 1 over reedbed
Red crested pochard - drake on fresh marsh
Paul
Today's highlights
Hen harrier - female over the saltmarsh this morning
Chiffchaff - 1 in carpark
Golden plover - 600 on fresh marsh
Spotted redshank - 1 on tidal pool
Lapwing - 500 west in a couple of hours this morning
Fieldfare - 300 west in a couple of hours this morning
Water pipit - 2 on grazing meadow
Merlin - 1 over saltmarsh
Peregrine - 1 over fresh marsh
Snow bunting - 1 at Thornham Point
Bittern - 1 over reedbed
Red crested pochard - drake on fresh marsh
Paul
Stratton Birder
Well-known member
Cracking day at Snettisham. There was a great variety and literally thousands of birds to enjoy on a very atmospheric day.
The Pallid Harrier was performing well mid-morning and there was also Merlin, Spoonbill, Water Rail, Stonechat and Barn Owl in the same general area. There was a significant southerly movement of Starlings and Fieldfares all morning with some large flocks involved. I counted around 2800 Fieldfares and 5000+ Starlings although the true total of both of these species was probably a lot more. We hoped that such a large movement of birds might produce some other goodies among them. We were not to be disappointed and picked up four Waxwings flying through with the masses.
A nice relaxing walk back was to be had after seeing the harrier and popping into the southern most hide, we had a nice surprise with six Grey Partridges huddled down and feeding on the close island, so inconspicuous that we almost missed them! More obvious were six Rock Pipits also close to the hide and showing well. An escaped Bar-headed Goose was also nice to see.
Steve.
The Pallid Harrier was performing well mid-morning and there was also Merlin, Spoonbill, Water Rail, Stonechat and Barn Owl in the same general area. There was a significant southerly movement of Starlings and Fieldfares all morning with some large flocks involved. I counted around 2800 Fieldfares and 5000+ Starlings although the true total of both of these species was probably a lot more. We hoped that such a large movement of birds might produce some other goodies among them. We were not to be disappointed and picked up four Waxwings flying through with the masses.
A nice relaxing walk back was to be had after seeing the harrier and popping into the southern most hide, we had a nice surprise with six Grey Partridges huddled down and feeding on the close island, so inconspicuous that we almost missed them! More obvious were six Rock Pipits also close to the hide and showing well. An escaped Bar-headed Goose was also nice to see.
Steve.
Last edited:
crapbirder
Well-known member
Re. Norfolk Records - Short-toed Eagle.
My thanks to both 93 Birder and James Emerson for their helpful comments.
If I may, I would like to offer my thoughts on James Emerson's second point - "The second issue, which is the one that has caused more of an issue to the committees is the lack of information/conflicting information provided to them about the record."
I wonder if the problem here could be as a result of the manner in which the finder was approached. It is important to repeat that I have no knowledge of the exact detail in which the finder was approached therefore can only relate my own experience of submitting details of species requiring a description. I seldom feel the need to submit records of description species but when I have my arm twisted to do so, I have the feeling I have entered a war-zone without being provided with the rules of engagement.
I do hope these largely self-appointed, self-perpetuating adjudicating bodies will not lose sight of the fact that if observers stop submitting records, their reason for being no longer exists.
My thanks to both 93 Birder and James Emerson for their helpful comments.
If I may, I would like to offer my thoughts on James Emerson's second point - "The second issue, which is the one that has caused more of an issue to the committees is the lack of information/conflicting information provided to them about the record."
I wonder if the problem here could be as a result of the manner in which the finder was approached. It is important to repeat that I have no knowledge of the exact detail in which the finder was approached therefore can only relate my own experience of submitting details of species requiring a description. I seldom feel the need to submit records of description species but when I have my arm twisted to do so, I have the feeling I have entered a war-zone without being provided with the rules of engagement.
I do hope these largely self-appointed, self-perpetuating adjudicating bodies will not lose sight of the fact that if observers stop submitting records, their reason for being no longer exists.
Download form from the Norfolk rarity committee website, fill in form with your notes and observations of description species, email form to email address provided on website. Hardly a war-zone or difficult 'rules' to follow IMO. I've never had a problem myself with any rarities committee, in fact they are normally very helpful as they want to have all rarities for their area documented well.
James Emerson
Norwich Birder
You would be able to report this bird based just on the code on the colour ring (it is nominally white, although rather stained!), by inputting the details here: http://www.cr-birding.org/colourprojects
This bird also spent last winter at Salthouse, so there are details about it on the Cley Bird Club website. It was ringed as a pullus in 2013 at Lanoeyskjaeret, Norway (full details here, about halfway down: http://www.cleybirdclub.org.uk/cbc/content/files/150803_cley_square_2015_ringed_birds_899806.pdf)
This bird also spent last winter at Salthouse, so there are details about it on the Cley Bird Club website. It was ringed as a pullus in 2013 at Lanoeyskjaeret, Norway (full details here, about halfway down: http://www.cleybirdclub.org.uk/cbc/content/files/150803_cley_square_2015_ringed_birds_899806.pdf)
Thanks for that James, have sent the info through to the folks in Norway.
Titchwell November 30th
Today's highlights
Hen harrier - ringtail in/off sea mid morning
Lapland bunting - 1 on volunteer marsh this morning
Avocet - 6 on fresh marsh
Shorelark - 3 on beach this morning
Chiffchaff - 1 on Meadow Trail
Spotted redshank - 1 on tidal pool
Paul
Today's highlights
Hen harrier - ringtail in/off sea mid morning
Lapland bunting - 1 on volunteer marsh this morning
Avocet - 6 on fresh marsh
Shorelark - 3 on beach this morning
Chiffchaff - 1 on Meadow Trail
Spotted redshank - 1 on tidal pool
Paul
crapbirder
Well-known member
Re. Norfolk Records.
I have previously expressed my gratitude to both 93Birder and James Emerson for their helpful comments. May I now extend my gratitude to RyanI for leading me, step by step, through the rarity record submission process.
The instruction "fill in form with your notes and observations" was a stroke of genius IMO and doubt if I would have thought of this for myself in a month of Sundays.
I have previously expressed my gratitude to both 93Birder and James Emerson for their helpful comments. May I now extend my gratitude to RyanI for leading me, step by step, through the rarity record submission process.
The instruction "fill in form with your notes and observations" was a stroke of genius IMO and doubt if I would have thought of this for myself in a month of Sundays.
Titchwell December 1st
Today's highlights
Snow bunting - 6 on beach
Water pipit - 2 on grazing meadow pool
Greenshank - 1 on volunteer marsh
Merlin - 1 at Thornham Point
Peregrine - 2 over saltmarsh mid morning
Great Northern diver - 1 west offshore
Long tailed duck - pair offshore
Paul
Today's highlights
Snow bunting - 6 on beach
Water pipit - 2 on grazing meadow pool
Greenshank - 1 on volunteer marsh
Merlin - 1 at Thornham Point
Peregrine - 2 over saltmarsh mid morning
Great Northern diver - 1 west offshore
Long tailed duck - pair offshore
Paul
fisherfinder
Member
Help please, does anyone know of a current murmeration of starlings in the county? Many thanks in advance of any help.
Archie Opteryx
Well-known member
Strangely enough I was thinking of asking the same question just a couple of days ago. My wife and I were sitting at Burnham Overy Staithe as dusk approached and waves of starlings were speeding through in a westerly direction and we were wondering where they were aiming for - is there a roost at Titchwell?
Rather amusingly, at one point there was just one group flying in the opposite direction. One of the westerly flying flocks evidently spotted them, did an abrupt about-turn, and joined them flying back towards the east!
Nigel
