Easter - 5.4.15

Before we headed home we popped into Weybourne in the hope of some more year ticks. On the small pool adjacent to the car park the pair of Garganey were still present. These were only my 3rd and 4th of this stunning duck in Norfolk so were a pleasure to see. Next stop was the coastguard cottages east of the car park. On the walk up a Chiffchaff was singing and 2 adult summer Mediterranean Gull flew past but there was no sign of the hoped for Iceland Gull during our visit. Arriving at the field just east of the cottages I was dismayed to see the size of it and the thought of trying to find the target birds in it. Luckily after about an hour an old couple waved us over and sure enough on the field edge were 2 male Lapland Bunting. One had more chestnut on the nape and the other had an almost black throat. Both nice to see as were the 3 Yellowhammer at the other end of the field and lots of Skylarks.

Easter - 4.4.15

As we were in Norfolk we headed over to Caister to see my dad but not before an hour or so seawatching from the end of second avenue. It turned out to be quite fruitful with 11 Red-Throated and 3 Great Northern Diver, a single Razorbill and 1st winter Mediterranean Gull going past along with 50+ Gannet.

Easter - 3.4.15

We had an early start as a drive up to a B+B in Holt was needed for a couple of days away. We arrived in Cromer just after 9.30am so we parked up and walked into the town for a spot of breakfast. Once finished we walked along the seafront and as luck would have it a couple of Fulmar flew past! A Rock Pipit was also heard.

Seeing as we couldn't get into our lodgings until 4pm we drove along the north coast through some of the top birding sites Norfolk has to offer. I popped into Cley visitor centre for a toilet break and ended up buying a new Moth book and getting new eye cups for my bins costing a total of £50! As news was quiet on the reserve I fancied a seawatch from the beach car park. After another £1.50 to get in I scanned the sea for about an hour. 30 odd Brent Geese flew past as did the odd sight of a Grey Heron but the about half way out I picked up 5 Sandwich Terns heading east. A quick scan of the reserve picked out singles of Redshank, Shelduck and Avocet.

Heading back to our B+B I slammed on the brakes as off in a roadside field were 2 Grey Partridge. Dinner was had in Wells with a view over the marshes. Hundreds more Brent Geese were roosting and 2 Little Egret were doing likewise.

Riverside Rec - 2.4.15

Spot the Little Egret!

 

I found a Little Egret on the mud alongside the river which was an unusual site.

Whippendell Woods - 25.3.15

While sat at the lights at J20 of the M25 a Lapwing flew over a nearby field.

As a large tree had come down over one of the paths in the woods 3 of us were sent to clear it. No sooner as a chainsaw had been started up a Woodcock flew out from its roost and disappeared from view. This was a welcome tick for my Cassiobury Park and WW list. Though how many more I'll add seeing as I don't work in there anymore is anyones guess!

VRC - 23.3.15

Another morning in the cemetery but today it was Meadow Pipit vismig day with a total of at least 50 heading north and that's the one that I saw or heard!

Wilstone Reservoir + College Lake - 22.3.15

Another walk around Wilstone for patch year ticks saw a couple of additions. A male Yellowhammer was a sight for sore eyes up on the dry canal but a lone Egyptian Goose on the Drayton Bank was a huge relief after missing it a few times. 2 Oystercatcher and at least 6 Chiffchaff were also noted.

As I had a few minutes to spare I popped into College Lake to see what was about. I bumped into Ed Griffiths who said there was a Shelduck on the far side and so with a quick scan I picked it up and onto the list it went.

Wilstone Reservoir - 20.3.15

 

Common Scoter

 

As it was the 3rd anniversary of when we first met myself and Carey booked into the Pendley Manor hotel in Tring for a romantic night away. This was good news as first thing in the morning a drake Common Scoter was found at Wilstone! So after nervously asking if we could make a very minor and very quick detour I found myself at the top of the car park steps and thanks to Steve Rodwell I got straight onto the scoter. A quick couple of photos later (albeit after sunset) and we were off for dinner and our night away!

VRC - 12.3.15

A Peregrine circled over the cemetery before heading towards the town centre.

VRC - 11.3.15

A singing fly over Skylark and a calling Bullfinch which is a good bird in the cemetery (possibly even a first record) were noteworthy as was a fly over Rook.