An early start with an obvious long journey ahead. After such an intense and rewarding fortnight this day was something of an anticlimax. A mid morning message , as I passed northwards of Carlisle, that Long-tailed Skuas were again passing eastwards through the Solway Firth caused me to look skywards and muse that perhaps I was closer than I'd ever been previously and question how high they might be in their migration over land. I guess migration will always be one of the main motivating factors in my love of birds and birdwatching. Simply saying it's fascinating is a wholly inadequate description of such an absorbing, demanding , and still mystifying, activity taken by many of our bird species. Great stuff.
The journey proved uneventful, my arrival back at the house found no problems or surprises following the obvious battering the island had taken in the storms of the weekend before and I suppose now are two or three days ahead sorting out the inevitable jobs that arise following an absence and its constituent activities.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The final chapter ( at least on this occasion ). 28/5/2011.
Early morning saw us set off again into the Peak District in a quest to see Ring Ousel. The weather was not kind with low cloud, drizzle, poor visibility and the like. We parked up near to Stannage Edge where we could usefully keep a fairly extensive length of the gritsone outcrop under surveillance. When all seemed likely to end in frustration a male Ring Ousel saw fit to swoop down, across an expanse of emerging bracken on to an area of relatively open grassland below. Whilst we lost it, the flight views were more than satisfactory, particularly in the conditions. Patience had paid off with, to boot, another couple of Stonechat nearby suggesting this quite local population was more than holding its own.
An amusing interlude amongst all this was when a cat , clearly from the farm just down the road, emerged from the bracken after unsuccessfully stalking the Stonechat pair, only to be chased down the road by two sheep who put some serious effort into their pursuit!
More formal matters then overtook the day......collecting the car, whose problems were thankfully resolved and having a new tyre fitted. Whilst we did fit in a visit to a couple of sites within our return journey, and went through some of my old "stamping ground" locations within the northern part of the Peak Park, for the present time this particular adventure now had to close. Successful, enjoyable and very memorable with many thanks to the Controller in the first week.
The evening ended with a family dinner, Matthew and Rose, Ashley and Mike and myself with a good time being had by all. We didn't know the Man United v Barcelona result at that point........
An amusing interlude amongst all this was when a cat , clearly from the farm just down the road, emerged from the bracken after unsuccessfully stalking the Stonechat pair, only to be chased down the road by two sheep who put some serious effort into their pursuit!
More formal matters then overtook the day......collecting the car, whose problems were thankfully resolved and having a new tyre fitted. Whilst we did fit in a visit to a couple of sites within our return journey, and went through some of my old "stamping ground" locations within the northern part of the Peak Park, for the present time this particular adventure now had to close. Successful, enjoyable and very memorable with many thanks to the Controller in the first week.
The evening ended with a family dinner, Matthew and Rose, Ashley and Mike and myself with a good time being had by all. We didn't know the Man United v Barcelona result at that point........
A more routine day. 27/5/2011.
Flushed with the excitement of yesterday we had no great expectations for today, as little was likely to compare. Whilst there was nothing of especial interest on the east coast we decided to have a visit nonetheless.
Our first port of call en route was North Cave, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserve with an accompanying local community involvement. Always a pleasure to visit, I was interested in the presence of several Pochard, as I had been at some sites in East Anglia, wondering whether this is a species that is possibly increasing its breeding numbers?
We moved on to the Tophill Low Reserve, administered by Yorkshire Water. Again it was interesting to see Gadwall and Pochard numbers, species that, when first I started travelling around Yorkshire, weren't at all prevalent. As usual we had a wide variety of species given the various lagoons are surrounded by woodland and other cover. Finally , after walking the whole site , we had a single Turtle Dove overflying us and heading for cover. This is certainly a species not met up with as easily or frequently as in the past. Of accompanying interest was the presence of Marsh Frogs, and their cacophonous calling from one of the areas near the car park, and Grass Snakes, who appear to make their home deep within the piles of grass clippings which are stacked up on the site.
Our final visit was to Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve, the home of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake Fulmar ,Gannets and , not least, Puffins. Excellent views can be had from the cliff top viewing platforms and it's always a fascinating experience to watch the behaviour of any of these species from such close vantage points. Of equal interest were tremendous views of a singing Grasshopper Warbler, in fact the best I've ever had. It persisted in sitting out atop vegetation and in full view, and singing for quite long intervals. Whilst we're all conversant with the species turning its head whilst singing in order to "distribute" its song more effectively I didn't realise that, whilst singing, its tail was visibly trembling or vibrating throughout. A great experience to bring a good day to a close.
Our first port of call en route was North Cave, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserve with an accompanying local community involvement. Always a pleasure to visit, I was interested in the presence of several Pochard, as I had been at some sites in East Anglia, wondering whether this is a species that is possibly increasing its breeding numbers?
We moved on to the Tophill Low Reserve, administered by Yorkshire Water. Again it was interesting to see Gadwall and Pochard numbers, species that, when first I started travelling around Yorkshire, weren't at all prevalent. As usual we had a wide variety of species given the various lagoons are surrounded by woodland and other cover. Finally , after walking the whole site , we had a single Turtle Dove overflying us and heading for cover. This is certainly a species not met up with as easily or frequently as in the past. Of accompanying interest was the presence of Marsh Frogs, and their cacophonous calling from one of the areas near the car park, and Grass Snakes, who appear to make their home deep within the piles of grass clippings which are stacked up on the site.
Our final visit was to Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve, the home of Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake Fulmar ,Gannets and , not least, Puffins. Excellent views can be had from the cliff top viewing platforms and it's always a fascinating experience to watch the behaviour of any of these species from such close vantage points. Of equal interest were tremendous views of a singing Grasshopper Warbler, in fact the best I've ever had. It persisted in sitting out atop vegetation and in full view, and singing for quite long intervals. Whilst we're all conversant with the species turning its head whilst singing in order to "distribute" its song more effectively I didn't realise that, whilst singing, its tail was visibly trembling or vibrating throughout. A great experience to bring a good day to a close.
Ornithological retribution. 26/5/2011.
One advantage of being based in South Yorkshire is that it is easy to reach a huge variety of nature reserves and other areas without travelling too far. Today we visited the Whisby Nature Park in Lincolnshire which, in relative terms, is not that far from Sheffield. I'd never been there before and , therefore, was eager to visit as I'm a sucker for taking in new areas and exploring. It's a reclaimed area of gravel pits whose various lagoons are regulated to support both recreation and conservation.
It's a really pleasant site to visit whose several claims to fame include the presence of a few pairs of Nightingale. In addition to hearing partial song ( given it was around 0800 hours by then ), we had a couple of birds buzzing around clearly feeding a nearby brood of young in woodland cover alongside the path. Given the recent reports of an ever reducing national population ( 90% in 40 years ) it was a pleasant relief to find birds in residence.
On various ones of the pools there are islands supporting breeding Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns.
A more recent aspect of interest at the site is the presence of visiting Yellow-legged Gulls, of which we recorded three. Sadly poor weather started to intervene , although it improved later, and interrupted our scrutiny of a number of other gulls present. All in all it was an interesting visit with a wide variety of species seen , be they duck, passerines, resident or summer visitors and somewhere I will certainly visit again.
With improving weather we moved on to Hatfield Moors where we had excellent views of Woodlark, Yellow Wagtail and Grey Partridge. This is a really enticing site , a National Nature Reserve and vast in extent but with huge potential and interest. Given the weather was holding up we went on to a site where 5 or 6 Black-necked Grebe are present. The site has little emergent vegetation, as far as we could ascertain from the point we viewed it, and one wonders whether these birds will suddenly move off and breed at a more suitable location in the nearby area despite the relatively late date. An intriguing species to say the least.
Moving on we called in at a well known site, which held our quarry, a male Ruddy Duck. I've never been truly comfortable with the policy being adopted by DEFRA towards the extermination of the species in the UK because of its alleged inter-breeding with White-headed Duck in Spain. Having travelled widely and regularly in Spain previously I've yet to see the species in that country and continue to have serious doubts on the subject. For that reason the location will remain undisclosed.
And so on to our final destination, Old Moor RSPB Reserve. Now , if I'm honest , we only really called in the main car park to see if Lesser Whitethroat was singing in the scrub nearby. But, at the very point of our departure, a pager message suggesting the presence of Temminck's Stint galvanised Matthew into remaining (given he's missed many of those occurring this spring.). Such was fortuitous in many other ways as I bumped into various friends I'd intended to visit , but hadn't due to not having transport. These latter suggested there was some debate ongoing about the ID of the bird and so we sped on to the hide with more than a little curiosity developing.
Such was no Temminck's Stint! The lack of any primary projection, the eye stripe , the back pattern , the rich colouration, the rusty ear coverts, the heavily streaked breast. It didn't look right for any number of considered alternatives and, eventually, all agreed it was a Least Sandpiper. The news was put out and people commenced to arrive in increasing numbers. After my exchanging greetings with a few more past friends we set off home feeling pleased and more than recompensed for the gut wrenching disappointment associated with the skua day! Given there's been less than 40 seen in Britain , and only about 4 in Yorkshire, this was a seriously worthwhile species to connect with. Sometimes there is justice in this world......
It's a really pleasant site to visit whose several claims to fame include the presence of a few pairs of Nightingale. In addition to hearing partial song ( given it was around 0800 hours by then ), we had a couple of birds buzzing around clearly feeding a nearby brood of young in woodland cover alongside the path. Given the recent reports of an ever reducing national population ( 90% in 40 years ) it was a pleasant relief to find birds in residence.
On various ones of the pools there are islands supporting breeding Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns.
A more recent aspect of interest at the site is the presence of visiting Yellow-legged Gulls, of which we recorded three. Sadly poor weather started to intervene , although it improved later, and interrupted our scrutiny of a number of other gulls present. All in all it was an interesting visit with a wide variety of species seen , be they duck, passerines, resident or summer visitors and somewhere I will certainly visit again.
With improving weather we moved on to Hatfield Moors where we had excellent views of Woodlark, Yellow Wagtail and Grey Partridge. This is a really enticing site , a National Nature Reserve and vast in extent but with huge potential and interest. Given the weather was holding up we went on to a site where 5 or 6 Black-necked Grebe are present. The site has little emergent vegetation, as far as we could ascertain from the point we viewed it, and one wonders whether these birds will suddenly move off and breed at a more suitable location in the nearby area despite the relatively late date. An intriguing species to say the least.
Moving on we called in at a well known site, which held our quarry, a male Ruddy Duck. I've never been truly comfortable with the policy being adopted by DEFRA towards the extermination of the species in the UK because of its alleged inter-breeding with White-headed Duck in Spain. Having travelled widely and regularly in Spain previously I've yet to see the species in that country and continue to have serious doubts on the subject. For that reason the location will remain undisclosed.
And so on to our final destination, Old Moor RSPB Reserve. Now , if I'm honest , we only really called in the main car park to see if Lesser Whitethroat was singing in the scrub nearby. But, at the very point of our departure, a pager message suggesting the presence of Temminck's Stint galvanised Matthew into remaining (given he's missed many of those occurring this spring.). Such was fortuitous in many other ways as I bumped into various friends I'd intended to visit , but hadn't due to not having transport. These latter suggested there was some debate ongoing about the ID of the bird and so we sped on to the hide with more than a little curiosity developing.
Such was no Temminck's Stint! The lack of any primary projection, the eye stripe , the back pattern , the rich colouration, the rusty ear coverts, the heavily streaked breast. It didn't look right for any number of considered alternatives and, eventually, all agreed it was a Least Sandpiper. The news was put out and people commenced to arrive in increasing numbers. After my exchanging greetings with a few more past friends we set off home feeling pleased and more than recompensed for the gut wrenching disappointment associated with the skua day! Given there's been less than 40 seen in Britain , and only about 4 in Yorkshire, this was a seriously worthwhile species to connect with. Sometimes there is justice in this world......
Return to the fray. 25/5/2011.
Despite the shattering disappointment of the day previous early morning saw us visiting Padley Gorge in the Peak District National Park on the Yorkshire-Derbyshire border. This mixed deciduous woodland abounds with birds and in improved weather we revelled in the songs of Wood Warbler, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, and Pied Flycatcher. Pairs of the latter were attending nest sites and besides these we also had Lesser Redpoll, Nuthatch and Green Woodpecker as well as a supporting cast of titmice species.
Out on the nearby open moor we had Whinchat and at least one pair of Stonechat with young. Transferring across to the nearby Burbage area our attempts to locate Ring Ousel where we have previously found them met with no success but, again, we had Stonechats, which was very encouraging given widespread reports of various local populations having suffered due to the bad winter. Our journey back to the car around 1300 hours saw a Red Kite flying high to the SW after possibly moving over Sheffield itself.
Further walks in the Stannage Edge area brought no success with Ring Ousel but tantalising views of a Weasel moving its kits, its swift bounding gait across a wide path swinging the small offspring to and fro in what must have been a scary transfer! Further in to urban Sheffield we stopped at Tyzack's Dam where we had 5 male Mandarin Duck tucked along one of the small feed channels. This put the single bird we saw last year to shame and raises expectations of a thriving breeding nucleus begining to form. A single Grey Wagtail overflew the site as we took in the gaudy colours and patterns of the ducks' plumage.
An examination of Sheffield's General Cemetery, ostensibly for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, also generated the products of Matthew's humour with ribald references to prime viewing plots being available, good area to be in residence to start your year list and so on. I told him I'm much converted to the effects of haunting! Having survived all that (!) the area is actually good for birds. It's fully abandoned I believe, but maintained by volunteers with some Local Authority support, and presents some great swathes of dense cover out of which rise some magnificently mature trees, the canopy of which , for some , must be around 40 feet. Such areas must be a haven for birds in severe winters, to which the numbers of Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Treecreeper and Wren lent some credibility separate from the attendant summer migrants which were present.
Out on the nearby open moor we had Whinchat and at least one pair of Stonechat with young. Transferring across to the nearby Burbage area our attempts to locate Ring Ousel where we have previously found them met with no success but, again, we had Stonechats, which was very encouraging given widespread reports of various local populations having suffered due to the bad winter. Our journey back to the car around 1300 hours saw a Red Kite flying high to the SW after possibly moving over Sheffield itself.
Further walks in the Stannage Edge area brought no success with Ring Ousel but tantalising views of a Weasel moving its kits, its swift bounding gait across a wide path swinging the small offspring to and fro in what must have been a scary transfer! Further in to urban Sheffield we stopped at Tyzack's Dam where we had 5 male Mandarin Duck tucked along one of the small feed channels. This put the single bird we saw last year to shame and raises expectations of a thriving breeding nucleus begining to form. A single Grey Wagtail overflew the site as we took in the gaudy colours and patterns of the ducks' plumage.
An examination of Sheffield's General Cemetery, ostensibly for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, also generated the products of Matthew's humour with ribald references to prime viewing plots being available, good area to be in residence to start your year list and so on. I told him I'm much converted to the effects of haunting! Having survived all that (!) the area is actually good for birds. It's fully abandoned I believe, but maintained by volunteers with some Local Authority support, and presents some great swathes of dense cover out of which rise some magnificently mature trees, the canopy of which , for some , must be around 40 feet. Such areas must be a haven for birds in severe winters, to which the numbers of Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Treecreeper and Wren lent some credibility separate from the attendant summer migrants which were present.
Long held dreams dashed. 24/5/2011.
I have long wished to visit the Solway Firth in spring, when there is an appropriate "big blow", to witness the passage of skuas eastwards along the Firth out of the Irish Sea, where they then rise abruptly in the farthest ,narrow confines and continue their journey overland to the North Sea and beyond. Matthew was similarly enthused by the prospect, given the right conditions appeared to be in play, and so we had decided to indulge in a very long day and , hopefully, witness the phenomenon.
An early start saw us call in first at the viewing point associated with the breeding OSPREY at Bassenthwaite. Unfortunately the birds have decided to choose a different nesting tree so views are a little distant and unsatisfactory. Things will improve once the pair are feeding young and more activity is in evidence.
Onward to the Solway where we stationed ourselves at the appointed spot and waited for the anticipated mixture of Arctic, Pomarine, Great and Long-tailed Skuas that must surely flood through given the previous and existing weather conditions. Reports of numbers of Long-tailed Skuas off the Ayr coast ensured our expectations and enthusiasm remained high. Seven hours later, and two ARCTIC SKUA, and we began to flag a little. Then a report of a Ross's Gull a couple of miles down the road came through which, given the lack of activity, obviously caught our interest. Arriving on site all that was to be seen were four LITTLE GULL, with no sign of the rather rarer relative! We fast concluded some mistake had arisen and returned to our previous spot only to discover a small party of Long-tailed Skua had gone through!! Mid evening saw us returning home, dreams and expectations dashed given the surrounding circumstances had been so perfect for not just a good day , but a truly exceptional day. Whether some future opportunity might arise when weather and convenience coincide is anybody's guess.........
The necessary palliative of an Indian take away did little to quell our disappointment, but it restored our energy levels after a rather long day.
An early start saw us call in first at the viewing point associated with the breeding OSPREY at Bassenthwaite. Unfortunately the birds have decided to choose a different nesting tree so views are a little distant and unsatisfactory. Things will improve once the pair are feeding young and more activity is in evidence.
Onward to the Solway where we stationed ourselves at the appointed spot and waited for the anticipated mixture of Arctic, Pomarine, Great and Long-tailed Skuas that must surely flood through given the previous and existing weather conditions. Reports of numbers of Long-tailed Skuas off the Ayr coast ensured our expectations and enthusiasm remained high. Seven hours later, and two ARCTIC SKUA, and we began to flag a little. Then a report of a Ross's Gull a couple of miles down the road came through which, given the lack of activity, obviously caught our interest. Arriving on site all that was to be seen were four LITTLE GULL, with no sign of the rather rarer relative! We fast concluded some mistake had arisen and returned to our previous spot only to discover a small party of Long-tailed Skua had gone through!! Mid evening saw us returning home, dreams and expectations dashed given the surrounding circumstances had been so perfect for not just a good day , but a truly exceptional day. Whether some future opportunity might arise when weather and convenience coincide is anybody's guess.........
The necessary palliative of an Indian take away did little to quell our disappointment, but it restored our energy levels after a rather long day.
Both Dipper and dipped. 23/5/2011.
Early morning showed the wind still to be somewhat fresh and blustery , even within the confines of urban Sheffield. Nonetheless we set off to look at some local areas. Whilst it was difficult to pick up any calls or song due to the breeze within the trees a local woodland near Wortley did produce a large party of Long tailed Tit and a Dipper along the stream. Examining other areas for known resident Little Owl brought no success and, in the time we had available ,we "dipped" on every initiative we took to locate birds. So, in the end, domestic needs took charge, and matters relating to cars ,the location of particular parts and so on took over, plus some necessary shopping. The day did allow time to catch up on things and to plot and plan for the rest of the week, taken by Matthew as holiday with the express intention of us intensively birding throughout.
Obvious change afoot. 22/5/2011.
Reports suggested it was worthwhile spending time at Cley given a couple of interesting birds had turned up. Our walk along the East Bank was wind blown to say the least with an ever increasing westerly impeding progress. None of the reported species could be found ( Little Gull and Little Stint )and so we left a very wind swept marsh behind.
Following this we spent quite some time attempting to see Montagu's Harrier, but without any success. Repeated glimpses of several Marsh Harriers at different places momentarily raised our hopes, but eventually we conceded defeat. The westerly wind was continuing to rise and we discovered that the interior of the car was beginning to gather a film of fine dust as opaque clouds of soil was lifted from the fields. Moving on to Titchwell and the safe confines of the various hides we did obtain good views of BITTERN, ,a pair of PINTAIL, and views of the female RED-CRESTED POCHARD who shortly afterwards flew off towards the reed bed and pool where the male had been loitering earlier in the week. Time and weather suggested we now start to head for home which we reached in the early evening after traversing a rather windy Fens!
Following this we spent quite some time attempting to see Montagu's Harrier, but without any success. Repeated glimpses of several Marsh Harriers at different places momentarily raised our hopes, but eventually we conceded defeat. The westerly wind was continuing to rise and we discovered that the interior of the car was beginning to gather a film of fine dust as opaque clouds of soil was lifted from the fields. Moving on to Titchwell and the safe confines of the various hides we did obtain good views of BITTERN, ,a pair of PINTAIL, and views of the female RED-CRESTED POCHARD who shortly afterwards flew off towards the reed bed and pool where the male had been loitering earlier in the week. Time and weather suggested we now start to head for home which we reached in the early evening after traversing a rather windy Fens!
End to end success! 21/5/2011
As had always been intended the day proved to be intense but extremely rewarding. Early morning saw us at the RSPB Lakenheath Reserve where we had exceptionally good views of a male GOLDEN ORIOLE, BITTERN, GARGANEY, HOBBY, CETTIS WARBLER, as well as of a Barn Owl repeatedly bringing back prey to its nesting site , including a Water Vole.
Moving on to Weeting Heath, a NWT reserve, we had reasonable views of a couple of STONE CURLEW and their youngster, all accompanied by information provided from an undoubted military gentleman complete with a spectacular moustache, "regulation" shorts, impeccable manners and a very useful commentary and background.
Calling in at Santon Downham we caught a party of 8 Common Crossbill in trees nearby to the bridge together with a Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch. Farther north we scoured unsuccessfully a couple of areas for Montagu's Harrier before moving on to Burnham Norton so that Matthew could see the Red-necked Phalarope. Returning to the car , and after standing listening at various points , we encountered a single calling QUAIL at a point when we'd virtually abandoned hope! Later, near to Holkham, a single HOBBY floated through checked for a moment by a Kestrel risng from within its territory.
Moving on to Cley we managed to see one of the Shorelarks, and whilst looking, had a couple of adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL moving west above us. several sandwich Tern moved west along with a couple of Little Tern. Time then dictated that we report to our B and B accommodation, which we did before moving off to one of the nearby heaths located slightly inland. With the weather turning cool, and the wind rising, we soon came across one of the adult DARTFORD WARBLER which are present in the area. Surprisingly it was virtually the only bird we saw! In time honoured fashion we then returned to a nearby pub for a well earned meal and drink after a somewhat exhausting but very rewarding day.
Moving on to Weeting Heath, a NWT reserve, we had reasonable views of a couple of STONE CURLEW and their youngster, all accompanied by information provided from an undoubted military gentleman complete with a spectacular moustache, "regulation" shorts, impeccable manners and a very useful commentary and background.
Calling in at Santon Downham we caught a party of 8 Common Crossbill in trees nearby to the bridge together with a Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker and Nuthatch. Farther north we scoured unsuccessfully a couple of areas for Montagu's Harrier before moving on to Burnham Norton so that Matthew could see the Red-necked Phalarope. Returning to the car , and after standing listening at various points , we encountered a single calling QUAIL at a point when we'd virtually abandoned hope! Later, near to Holkham, a single HOBBY floated through checked for a moment by a Kestrel risng from within its territory.
Moving on to Cley we managed to see one of the Shorelarks, and whilst looking, had a couple of adult MEDITERRANEAN GULL moving west above us. several sandwich Tern moved west along with a couple of Little Tern. Time then dictated that we report to our B and B accommodation, which we did before moving off to one of the nearby heaths located slightly inland. With the weather turning cool, and the wind rising, we soon came across one of the adult DARTFORD WARBLER which are present in the area. Surprisingly it was virtually the only bird we saw! In time honoured fashion we then returned to a nearby pub for a well earned meal and drink after a somewhat exhausting but very rewarding day.
One lost, one gained! 20/5/2011.
I spent the whole morning looking for Montagu's Harrier, unsuccessfully, and even took in a site where three birds had been seen displaying yesterday! Such is the variable pleasure of birdwatching and it's good to be confronted by the reality of things not always being handed across on a plate!
Having realised that time was creeping on and that it was already early afternoon, I decided to go to Burnham Norton where a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE had been seen yesterday and was being reported as still present. The pools concerned were located within what is the vast National Nature Reserve located along Norfolk's north coast and required a "walk in" towards the sea embankment. The area concerned in winter is wind swept and echoes to the call of geese , wildfowl and wading birds. By contrast was much quieter, although groups of Grey lag Geese ,odd Mallard and a few waders provided a fitting background to what was a sunny summer's day. The bird showed well and displayed its bright plumage to good effect. It was never still and either fed with frantic intensity or bathed and preened with equal verve and energy. Mallard, Gadwall, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Avocet, Redshank also shared the pools and watching over the area in splendid weather was a real tonic.
A mistake on my part in missing the required footpath, and going out of my way along the sea wall by at least a couple of miles, produced little else of note other than excellent views of Stoat and a single Marsh Harrier! Given late afternoon had arrived I began to weave my way southwards towards Thetford where I was to rendezvous with Matthew at Ely railway station in the late evening. Checking in at the Travelodge, doing some shopping for "stores" we'd need over the weekend, 2200 hours soon came around and a successful meet up completed. On our way back we attempted to locate some Quail which had been reported, but were unsuccessful, if indeed we were ever at the right spot! Using a web based GPS system in Norfolk's agricultural countryside, or was it Cambridgeshire, is not without difficulty given the number of tracks, dead ends etc! Midnight soon arrived and we reminded ourselves that little time remained before we embarked on a busy weekend's birding!
Having realised that time was creeping on and that it was already early afternoon, I decided to go to Burnham Norton where a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE had been seen yesterday and was being reported as still present. The pools concerned were located within what is the vast National Nature Reserve located along Norfolk's north coast and required a "walk in" towards the sea embankment. The area concerned in winter is wind swept and echoes to the call of geese , wildfowl and wading birds. By contrast was much quieter, although groups of Grey lag Geese ,odd Mallard and a few waders provided a fitting background to what was a sunny summer's day. The bird showed well and displayed its bright plumage to good effect. It was never still and either fed with frantic intensity or bathed and preened with equal verve and energy. Mallard, Gadwall, Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Avocet, Redshank also shared the pools and watching over the area in splendid weather was a real tonic.
A mistake on my part in missing the required footpath, and going out of my way along the sea wall by at least a couple of miles, produced little else of note other than excellent views of Stoat and a single Marsh Harrier! Given late afternoon had arrived I began to weave my way southwards towards Thetford where I was to rendezvous with Matthew at Ely railway station in the late evening. Checking in at the Travelodge, doing some shopping for "stores" we'd need over the weekend, 2200 hours soon came around and a successful meet up completed. On our way back we attempted to locate some Quail which had been reported, but were unsuccessful, if indeed we were ever at the right spot! Using a web based GPS system in Norfolk's agricultural countryside, or was it Cambridgeshire, is not without difficulty given the number of tracks, dead ends etc! Midnight soon arrived and we reminded ourselves that little time remained before we embarked on a busy weekend's birding!
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