Norfolk birding (63 Viewers)

[James Lowther]

hello everyone,
despite having a home county list of >300 and a life list of >2000 I have never seen a shorelark!

am thinking of twitching the shorelarks at holkham gap this weekend; does anyone know where they have been hanging out the last few days?

I know a month or so ago they were on the saltmarsh east of the gap, subsequently moved onto the beach to the west, but now are back to the east - but don't know exactly where?

thanks for any help,
James

 

[sacha]

Hi James, the best place seems to be right of the gap (i.e. Follow path / boardwalk and walk right) about 4-500m walk along the flat salt marsh edge. I have seen them mainly nearer the pine belt side of the marsh than the seaward dunes. They do move around depending on disturbance but if around can be quite tame and show well .. good luck . Great birds

 

[crapbirder]

Racing Chiffchaffs.

hello everyone,
despite having a home county list of >300 and a life list of >2000 I have never seen a shorelark!

James

All credit to James Lowther for having the honesty to admit he has yet to see a Shorelark.

As one who has yet to knowingly observe or have in the hand a tristis Chiffchaff, I wonder what criteria was used by those who have happily 'ticked' as Siberian Chiffchaff the phylloscopus warbler seen along the East Bank at Cley recently.

 

[James Lowther]

All credit to James Lowther for having the honesty to admit he has yet to see a Shorelark.

In my defence they are *extremely* rare in Dorset. But anyway, that blocker has now been cleared! 30 birds seen today a little further east than described by Sacha (thanks btw) by the wooden post. Showed down to 10 yards with patience and sensible positioning. Also the black brant hybrid and 4 whitefront from lady Anne's drive, then 53? Snow bunting and a merlin Titchwell beach, plus 2 spotshank on the middle block of marsh (jubilee? )
Cheers
James

 

[Rob_H]

Hi CB

Cley’s tristis and collybita quatro provided an interesting comparative opportunity, especially since they were frequently feeding low down in the post-surge phragmites flotsam off of the East Bank.

Although I didn’t hear a peep out of the bird I understand it was heard to give the classic ‘peep’ call. What was very apparent is the chameleon-like nature of plumage tones in different light; an internet search for this bird will reveal 50 shades of Chiffchaff. However, in overcast conditions it looked very much like a standard tristis with a grey / white feel to the plumage tones.

The Birding Frontiers article provides a good insight into current ID criteria – why not compare and contrast with the many images available of the Cley bird and see what you think? Here’s my picture of the Siberian Chiffchaff as a starter.

There is, of course, still much to learn as we look ever closer at the relationship between phenotype and the classical definition of (sub)species.

Separating the chiff from the chaff will no doubt provide endless fascination and frustration in years to come!

Rob

 

[Mark Batten]

From the Daily fail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4216074/Bird-prey-incinerated-Queen-s-estate.html

 

[crapbirder]

Hi CB

Cley’s tristis and collybita quatro provided an interesting comparative opportunity, especially since they were frequently feeding low down in the post-surge phragmites flotsam off of the East Bank.

Although I didn’t hear a peep out of the bird I understand it was heard to give the classic ‘peep’ call. What was very apparent is the chameleon-like nature of plumage tones in different light; an internet search for this bird will reveal 50 shades of Chiffchaff. However, in overcast conditions it looked very much like a standard tristis with a grey / white feel to the plumage tones.

The Birding Frontiers article provides a good insight into current ID criteria – why not compare and contrast with the many images available of the Cley bird and see what you think? Here’s my picture of the Siberian Chiffchaff as a starter.

There is, of course, still much to learn as we look ever closer at the relationship between phenotype and the classical definition of (sub)species.

Separating the chiff from the chaff will no doubt provide endless fascination and frustration in years to come!

Rob

Rob.

My thanks for offering your thoughts and suggestions on how I might separate the chiff from the chaff.

My problem with using photographs to discern subtle variations in colour tone is knowing as I'm sure you do, the almost infinite number of variables that can and do affect the colour rendition of images from DSLR outfits. I re-read Martin Garner's comments on Siberian Chiffchaff plumage in Birding Frontiers and noted his concern that he may have 'tweaked' some of his images used to illustrate particular points he was making. I further noted he listed other images as 'from camera' which indicates to me that he was aware of the pitfalls in unquestioning reliance on digital images and as a finale, summarised the characteristics to look for as a rough guide only.

In 2007, the BBRC co-opted a 'tristis panel' to investigate the criteria used in identifying tristis and their lengthy report published in 2010 amongst a wealth of other data, clearly indicated the need for scientific analysis of genetic and sonic records in order to support the establishment of credible separation criteria for use in the field. My understanding is that the genetic and stable isotope studies of Chiffchaffs wintering in southern Britain refered to in the report are ongoing so as you say, still much to learn. The panel's investigations also led to the conclusion that reports of Siberian Chiffchaff need no longer be considered by the BBRC but could be decided at county or local level. It is important to note in my view, that as part of its summary remarks, the panel chose the phrase "valuable guidance for local committees." While I may have no great concern if individuals are happy to 'tick' any bird they see simply on the say so of others, I do have a great concern for the completeness and accuracy of county/local records if the utmost scrutiny is not applied by local committees when asked to decide any record submission.

Finally, a couple of comments if I may on the East Bank bird which I hasten to add I failed to see or hear so definitely unqualified to comment.

1. the chameleon-like nature to which you refer is very evident when comparing your image with those taken by another well-known local photographer for example. The latter images are several tones warmer to my eyes.

2. you mention that in overcast conditions, the bird looked very much like a standard tristis. I have to ask what is a standard tristis and is it to be found in the UK.

Again my thanks for your time.

CB

 

[Rob_H]

Thanks CB, you're welcome.

I echo your sentiment on the importance of a complete and accurate county avifauna, and am confident that the Norfolk Birds Records Committee will apply a cautious approach in assessing if the threshold for tristis has been adequately evidenced (on current thinking). Blood, sweat and sonograms seems to be the way forward.

Regarding your comments: yes, I think this chap managed to work through the Dulux tone chart. Perhaps I should've used 'a compelling suite of pro tristis characteristics' rather than 'standard tristis'.

It is clear that Chiffchaffs have no known knowns, just known unknowns!

Good birding, Rob

 

[crapbirder]

Racing Chiffchaffs.

Information to be found on the West Cornwall RG's blog may be of interest.

So far this winter they have trapped a total of 211 Chiffchaffs at waste water works in Cornwall of which 22 were considered as tristis candidates. However, DNA analysis did not always confirm the candidate as tristis.

I am grateful to WCRG's Mark Grantham for pointing out the error, which is mine alone, by mis-quoting one aspect of their findings in the last line of my original post above. The error occured due to a clumsy attempt to paraphrase the following statement on the WCRG blog:-

"Below is one of the least obvious examples, but DNA identification of such birds does always comes back as tristis"

http://cornishringing.blogspot.co.uk/2017_01_01_archive.html

 

[robinchittenden]

Surprise find at Cringleford by Cavell Court at junction of Roundhouse Way & Dragonfly Way was a Black Redstart 13th February 2017

 

[Paul Eele]

Titchwell February 14th

Today's highlights

Water pipit - 3 on drained grazing meadow pool
Long tailed duck - 40 offshore
Velvet scoter - 2 offshore
Red necked grebe - 1 offshore
Slavonian grebe - 2 offshore
Spotted redshank - 1 on tidal pool
Greenshank - 1 on tidal pool

Paul

 

[Paul Eele]

Titchwell February 15th

Today's highlights

Long tailed duck - 114 offshore
Velvet scoter - 80 offshore
Great Northern diver - 1 offshore
Black throated diver - 1 offshore
Slavonian grebe - 2 offshore from Thornham Point
Red necked grebe - 1 offshore + 1 on Volunteer Marsh mid morning
Med gull - 1 on fresh marsh
Avocet - 17 on fresh marsh
Spotted redshank - 1 on tidal pool
Red crested pochard - pair in reedbed

Paul

 

[harrier1234]

Not posted for ages. tend to use twitter as it's realtime.

Today's sightings between 0700-1030hrs

Titchwell RSPB
1 Water Pipit-Thornham pool
1 Kingfisher

114 Long Tailed Duck
72 Velvets
1 Shag

Thornham Point
3 Great Northern Divers
1 Black throated Diver
6+ Red throated Divers
1 Red Necked Grebe flew east
2 Slavonian Grebes
34 Eiders mostly drakes flew east
1 Merlin

Later 1230hrs at Titchwell counted 108 Velvet Scoters as the flock moved location.

 

[Paul Eele]

Titchwell February 16th

Today's highlights

Velvet scoter - 85 offshore
Long tailed duck - 60 offshore
Great Northern diver - 2 offshore
Black throated diver - 1 offshore
Slavonian grebe - 2 offshore
Red necked grebe - 1 on Volunteer Marsh again today
Spotted redshank - 2 on tidal pool
Red kite - 2 west just south of the reserve this morning
Avocet - 32 on fresh marsh
Greenshank - 2 on Volunteer Marsh
Bittern - fantastic flight views over Patsy's reedbed this morning. Pic by reserve volunteer Les Bunyan

Paul

 

[crapbirder]

Wherefore art thou ?

Not a peep out of Paul Eele for 7 days now on this forum, do hope he is OK. His many followers must be suffering withdrawal systems, please put them out of their agony Paul.

 

[Paul Eele]

Not a peep out of Paul Eele for 7 days now on this forum, do hope he is OK. His many followers must be suffering withdrawal systems, please put them out of their agony Paul.

I haven't been in the office much this week so.haven't had time to post any updates.

Out tomorrow too so nothing until.Saturday.

Don't think you have missed much this week. Sea still good, avocets increased to over 100 today and 19 roosting marsh harrier on Monday.

Paul

 

[Penny Clarke]

To any of you that knew my father, it is with great sadness I write to let you know that he very sadly passed away peacefully this morning. http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/my-dear-father-has-sadly-passed-away-my.html

 

[crapbirder]

To any of you that knew my father, it is with great sadness I write to let you know that he very sadly passed away peacefully this morning. http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/my-dear-father-has-sadly-passed-away-my.html

Although never a regular acquaintance of Peter Clarke during his time at Holme BO, I did recognise the stubborn streak daughter Penny refers to in the eloquent tribute to her late father.

Peter was a man of his time as were many of his contemporaries such as Billy Bishop and Bert Axell to name but two. No doubt their methods of visitor engagement would cause apoplexy in today's Visitor Experience Managers but is visiting most reserves today really much different to being in a shopping mall.

 

[string boozel]

I can't claim have been an acquaintance of Peter Clarke either though he certainly plays a part in my birding memories and I'd like to pass my wishes on to his family. The look on his face when I and several other members of the Northants Young Birdwatchers handed him a small unexploded bomb that we had found in the dunes will make me laugh to myself whenever I bring it to mind. Belated apologies Mr Clarke and R.I.P,

James.

 

[MJB]

To any of you that knew my father, it is with great sadness I write to let you know that he very sadly passed away peacefully this morning. http://pennyshotbirdingandlife.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/my-dear-father-has-sadly-passed-away-my.html

I met Peter numerous times a few decades ago, and always looked forward with interest to meeting him each time. I found it paid never to be in a hurry to find out 'what was about' or to express impatience if he was still mulling previous matters in his mind, for then he would open up, often expansively. I have cherished memories of finding my first Barred Warbler thanks to his guidance, but he finished his cuppa first!:t:
MJB