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Trip Reports

Sixth Club trip of 2008 – Saturday 28th June – Stone Curlew and Nightjar

No calls from people able to join a group trip and so we set up a late start at four o’clock and headed for the Brecks. We did pop into Hatfield Forest first just as most people were going home. Checks on progress with the grebe and tern young were positive. We were followed by a group with five telescopes. We also had a look at the bits of the marsh that can be seen through the screen of trees..

A drive up the M11/A11 opened up a clockwise loop. We started at Lakenheath with a gentle stroll to look over the washland. Good Whitethroat, Sedge and Reed Warbler as well as Wren and Reed Bunting. Next it was the National Nature Reserve at Weeting Heath. Seven Stone Curlew gave good and easy views at both hides; the nearest one without the need for much more than spectacles as viewing aids. A Barn Owl went hunting. A Spotted Flycatcher did what it says on the tin in the car park. A distant Little Owl gave us a hint of more owl fun ahead. By about nine o’clock we were on our way to May Day Farm.

May Day Farm, quite close to Centre Parcs, normally involves a long walk to what have in the past been the best spots for nightjar. On this occasion the other five people who had chosen this calm but not too warm night had stopped with good views of 180 degrees of horizon to the east. So. We stopped too. If I say that the glow worm just ahead of us was the main highlight I would be telling a porky. There was one faint churring from one nightjar that did not last for long but we were able to help one late-coming couple who were worried it might be too dark to see anything. No flights. One call though from a flying Woodcock. Lots of deer barking. Constant calls from Long-eared Owl were welcome. One bird had crossed the path in low and direct flight on our way in. As we returned to the car a Twit call from a Tawny Owl started up and also continued. Four owls were seen in the same trip. Another good thing to be stored away in that memory bank.

Meadow Brown was the butterfly of the day.
There was odonata at Hatfield Forest but we stopped looking after seeing one.
The orchid stands there were tired as their best before date had expired.

The date for our seventh trip is of course in July: Saturday 12th July 2008.
0730 departure to be confirmed. All welcome.
Bookings please by Thursday 26th – just follow the advice on our website.

57 Species recorded for 28th June 2008. 15 water and 42 land.
1 new water species: Stone Curlew, 14 water species already seen in the year to date.
Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, Woodcock, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Common Tern.

5 new land species seen in the year so far: Little Owl, Long-eared Owl, Nightjar, Spotted Flycatcher, Bullfinch. 37 land birds already seen to date: Kestrel, Hobby, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, House Sparrow, Green Woodpecker, Swift, House Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Whitethroat.

Fifth Club trip of 2008 – Saturday 24th May – Things to learn at and around some well known sites

Three people travelled together in one car on this May trip. 78 species for the day. With seven species added our 2008 list moved to 160.

For the first time we visited the newly acquired Fen Drayton Lakes, renamed by the RSPB. Of course, we had been there under the old management. Progress is for sure being made with the Great/Ouse Fen project. We had time to collect, and later ID the exuviae of a Four-spotted chaser at Wicken Fen. Did our reader reach for their dictionary yet? One of us found our first Scarce Chaser at Fen Drayton.

We have to report that we did miss Red-footed Falcon at Fen Drayton even though by all of the gallery entries photographers were having a field day somewhere close by clicking away at the bird perched in a tree. That was quite a disappointment but is what happens sometimes. With all of the people watching and waiting in such a large area something was missing in our communication skills. That we did later find a Hobby perched in a tree at Fowlmere for more than an hour was a “whoops” moment. No Black Tern was anywhere for us to see. We also could not quite get to a Grizzled Skipper site because of all of the engineering works for the guided bus project from Huntingdon to Cambridge – and presumably back again!

Our route took in the three main targets of Fen Drayton, Wicken Fen and then Fowlmere.
Wicken Fen added Ringed Plover to the Little Ringed Plover that we had at Fen Drayton. All three sites had Hobby. And Newport and all the main fen stops had breeding Coot and Moorhen. Only Wicken Fen gave up Water Rail but we surely missed this species at the other places by our poor timing and possibly hearing. We had Little Grebe and Little Egret and Lesser Black-backed Gull but these names should not make the reader think that this is a minor site. An excellent walk and facilities and good habitat too from what we enjoyed in our short visit. We had sun all day although the wind was gusting a little and the whole of the region was waiting for a few days of rain to arrive – as it duly did and on time for early Sunday morning. We enjoyed much good fortune on that score. We had to check our message systems to check they were working when almost no bird alerts were fielded for East Anglia or the component counties!

Fowlmere in the middle of the afternoon failed to deliver Marsh Harrier. But we were able to look into Drewer Hide from the main hide - which we had not been able to do before – but did we want to? Although the highlights were maybe not birdy ones we did manage to collect some of the common species that had so far eluded us as we travelled round the country – see below.

Back closer to home we stopped on the top of the chalk at Coploe Hill. This look-out over the M11 near Ickleton is gaining a growing reputation for a place to watch bird movements and migration. Our visit was more of an orientation stop as part of a tour of the chalk habitat that is so close to our base in Stortford. Our final stop, before we reached the 10km box around Stortford that is our home territory, was in Newport where we had a look at the birds of the local sewage farm and the surrounding fields and woods.

Many thanks to the driver. About 130 miles.
The date for our sixth trip is Saturday 28th June 2008. 0730 departure to be confirmed. All welcome.
Bookings please by Thursday 26th – follow the advice on our website.

78 Species recorded for 24th May 2008. 29 water and 49 land.
1 additional water species: Common Sandpiper, 28 water species already seen in the year to date.
Mute Swan, Black Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Grey Lag Goose, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Mallard, Feral Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Water Rail.
6 new land species seen in the year so far: Yellowhammer, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Corn Bunting, Swift, House Martin. 43 land birds already seen to date: Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Robin, Wren, Goldcrest, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, House Sparrow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap,
Dwa, 25.05.08.

Three people travelled together in one car on this April trip – often the best day for seeing some of the early summer arrivals and passage birds. Instead of an extra long list of birds in three figures we were happy to get home safely with three highlights – finding the first golden oriole of the year at Lakenheath Fen; having an all-too-brief sighting of 13 Dotterel at Acle and staying on for a fine last minute view of one of the uncommon Lakenheath Common Cranes. We did make a fair collection of summer birds including Tree Pipit, Nightingales, and Whitethroat plus the trio of Grasshopper, Sedge and Reed warblers. On the other hand we missed out on Crossbill at West Stow, an exposed Turtle Dove – if one can say such a thing, at Lackford, Willow Tits at Santon Downham and, because we did not try hard enough, Stone Curlew. At Lakenheath we could not find Garganey. Surprise omissions: House Martin, Jay, Little Grebe and Little Egret. But we did add 24 species for the year.

Our plan, devised at the station before we left was to spend the day around the Brecks. We knew we would be short of coastal habitat for waders. West Stow and Lackford were the first stops. We had done quite well at these sites when we had a message from colleagues: if we drove up to Acle we should find Dotterel. Now that was an attraction. While we did not put the blue lights on we did just get there quickly enough. We were the last ones to see them. They were on the ground as we pulled up and then almost straight away when we were still in the car at the lay-by at the A47 they were in the air and giving us a lap of the field before we lost them from sight. A kestrel did for them.

Back to the Brecks. Our third stop was Santon Downham where we saw Tree Pipit in some style. And one adder slipped into cover from its lounge in the sunshine. The final port of call at 1630 was Lakenheath Fen where we hoped for Common Crane but thought we were too early for an Oriole.

What happened at Lakenheath Fen was this. We spent some time separating Reed and Sedge by voice and enjoyed the reel of Grasshopper Warbler. We heard from those returning to the car park that if one was patient then cranes could be seen. So we made our way to the far end of the reserve and only two people were still “on guard”. As we left the main bank at 1800 one of us turned round – its not only in pantomimes that the best things are often behind you. And there at tree top height flying north-west was a male Golden Oriole. We said we would stay until 1900 hours for the chance of Common Crane. Just after our deadline when we had only glimpses, and Hobby and Bearded Tit and Marsh Harrier for consolation, we witnessed one fairly long and reed clipping flight by one of the Cranes. Will they nest successfully this year? The warden was closing down the site. We reported our Oriole and he said he would be out early for the morning song to check this first bird of the year; much earlier than the start of the 2007 season.

Many thanks to the driver. Especially for the extra 100 miles.
The date for our fifth trip is Saturday 24th May 2008. 0730 departure. All welcome.
Bookings please by Thursday 22nd following the advice on our website.

6 additional water species: Common Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Common Tern, Dotterel, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover. 25 water species already seen in the year to date.
Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Grey Lag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Common Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kingfisher

18 new land species seen in the year so far: Bearded Tit, Golden Oriole, Grasshopper Warbler, Stonechat, Hobby, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Nuthatch, Tree Pipit, Sedge Warbler, Turtle Dove, Nightingale, Barn Swallow and Cuckoo.
37 land birds already seen to date: Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Goldcrest, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Sand Martin.

Six people in two cars made five stops in Essex on a day that had no rain but was mainly grey and cloudy but had a little bit of sunshine. Three new birds were added to the 2008 list.

Hanningfield was first stop. We had unfinished business from February when we failed to find the Long-tailed Ducks as we were on the causeway. From the Rawl Hide this time the ducks were only on sheltering under the far bank. But, even on the other side the view was much better than were the dots seen only at extreme distance from Hunstanton Cliffs in January. We had good groups of Ruddy Duck, Goosander (one male and eight females) and Goldeneye and single Black Swan. The first arrivals for the summer – Sand Martins were seen here (3) and later at Abberton (5).

We again chose Tollesbury as our second stop. As in February we opted for the shorter loop from the car park and this reminded us that this was still winter and that the February trip had been like summer. The authorities had relaid the gravel surface on the sea wall path for us. We saw plenty of Brent Geese and Avocet, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Shelduck and a Rook surprisingly on the saltmarsh, plus a rather fine fly past by a Kingfisher.

Peldon was third stop. This time we failed to find any owls but did add Fieldfare and Little Egret to the day’s tally.

Abberton was fourth stop. There was a cold wind but we found the female Smew sheltering round in a quiet corner with mainly tufted duck. We had a good group of Shoveler. But most birds were sheltering from the elements. A pair of Mute Swans chose this time to display and mate. Earlier in the day a pair of Coot had done the same. Although some birds thought it was spring to us, every time we got out of the cars, the year seemed to have gone back into winter. However, we had no rain despite the forecast and with some sunshine in the morning weather conditions were much less dire than we had been led to expect.

Little Easton was fifth stop – we had not stopped at this village near Great Dunmow before. We added Common Buzzard, Wren and Redwing to the lists and enjoyed a brief visit to the local part of the Saffron Trail that included a walk along the River Chelmer.

Quite a few birds were seen from the car while travelling from site to site. Most of them were also seen during the various stops. Kestrel and the Red legged Partridge (17) that were found in the fields south of Marks Tey were the main exceptions.

Many thanks to the drivers.

The date for our fourth trip is Saturday 26th April 2008. 0730 departure. Please try and book by the Thursday evening – details on the website - so cars can be “commandeered” and best destinations considered.

70 Species recorded for 8th March 2008. 38 water and 32 land.
3 additional species: Black Swan, Mistle Thrush and Sand Martin.

67 species already seen in the year to date.
Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Brent Goose, Grey Lag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Common Teal, Mallard, Feral Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shelduck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Smew, Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher

Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Goldcrest, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and House Sparrow, Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Second Club trip of 2008 – Saturday 9th February – Vectoring round Essex

Five people in one car (not a Vauxhall and not a Vector) made four stops in Essex on a day of clear blue skies. Twelve new birds were added to the 2008 list.

Abberton was first stop in Essex. We hoped for Bittern on the short causeway away from the visitor centre. Not so much of a raceway and no fisherman. And sure enough – it arrived after not much of a wait. This smaller causeway always seems to provide good birding interest. Our trips there that come to mind have come up with Osprey and Great Reed Warbler, for instance. On this visit we also had a good few of the thirty-odd Goosander seen in total. However, at the long causeway there was Red-necked Grebe, Red-crested Pochard and Snipe and Smew and six White-fronted Geese.

Peldon was second stop. Short-eared Owls were our target. Not a good year for reports of these birds but this promised to provide the exception. And so it was with three of the five or six giving some decent views, including the classic of sitting quietly half way up a winter hedgerow. Although we left at 0630 hrs it was already lunchtime before we left this site.

We chose Tollesbury as our third stop. With high tide in the middle of the day we reasoned there should still be a fair amount of bird movement at the coast. We opted for the shorter loop from the car park without walking past the yacht club. This stretch of coastal path affords inspection of another local sewage works and also gives distant views of the inaugural breach of the East coast defences from some years ago. Pintail and Reed Bunting entertained. Plenty of Brent and Avocet and Grey Plover were seen and then more distant groups of other wading birds started to move.

With the time saved at our third stop – Tollesbury can be an all day stay with no boredom - Hanningfield was within reach before the day waned. But rather than another walk and what would have been our first hide of the day we opted to base ourselves on the causeway. No new birds to add. Long-tailed ducks were long gone. Quite a few more Ruddy Duck were seen after only one at Abberton. Have the shooters got all their millions and left the job unfinished and plenty of Ruddy Duck still around?

Many thanks to the driver.
The date for our third trip is Saturday 8th March 2008. 0730 departure should not deprive us of much daylight. Try and book by the Thursday evening – details on the website - so cars can be “commandeered” and destinations considered.

77 Species recorded for 9th February 2008. 45 water and 32 land.
12 additional species: Bittern, Feral Mallard, Canada Goose, White-fronted Goose, Smew, Goosander, Ruddy Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Red-necked Grebe, Meadow Pipit, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker,

65 species already seen in January. Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Brent Goose, Grey Lag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Cormorant, Common Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Shelduck, Goldeneye, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Grey Plover, Godwit sp, Snipe, Knot, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Turnstone turning bread on the banking at Abberton, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull,

Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Short-eared Owl, Pheasant, Three Pigeons and Doves: Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove and Stock Dove. Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Goldcrest, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch and House Sparrow.
Dwa, 19.02.08

Not only were eleven people offered this traditional itinerary but there were five cars. So it was a little tricky to keep everybody together. While one car pulled over to watch a Short-eared Owl the others got on their way and in the end found their Snow Goose. The lost/last car added Brambling, both partridges, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and their own Grey Heron and Little Egret plus they enjoyed a few lanes they had not known about before.

The local constabulary wanted to know why we were trying to see golden pheasant in the bushes at Wolferton; the breakfast bar was not open and the high tide prevented birds being seen at Snettisham Beach car park. So, not everyone was happy to start with and some were both unhappy and hungry. The big idea we inherit from 1974 or some other time in the dark ages was to get to the hides for high tide and see all of the birds that have taken shelter on the pits and then see them and the geese from the fields return over our heads to the mud flats as they get exposed by the falling tide. Choose the best high tide date and hope that the weather will be kind is the simple plan. On both tests the elements in 2008 scored spectacular bulls for us. Woe are we that the walk into the deepest Snettisham reserve seems no longer a must-do all-day group experience.

For 2008 the cliffs at Hunstanton gave us the theatre to open our accounts. Nine Scaup was one bonus. They normally come in ones and twos. Site-wise we were to collect species after Hunstanton at Brancaster Staithe, goose fields further inland from Wighton, Cley, Walsey Hills, Salthouse and finally Warham Greens for the Hen Harrier roost. Some cars tripped into Holkham, to Titchwell and Wells.

Fifty or more Snow Bunting at close range at Salthouse was some compensation for a single Lapland at the same place and only one Twite at Brancaster Staithe.

Cutting to the undoubted moment of the day. A well ordered twitchers’ scrum for the White-crowned Sparrow at Cley. We ensured that those who had not already seen this obliging and doubtless ship-assisted vagrant the previous weekend could add one Western Palearctic tick to their lists. The donation bucket was cheaper than return plane tickets for New York

We know we missed Firecrest at Walsey Hills. Some were looking the wrong way for Barn Owl there too. Some of us missed Water Pipits around the visitor centre at Cley. Of course, all of the birds today were the opening scores in the club 2008 trips. Few could resolve that the dots off Skegness were Long-tailed Duck. Reader, you can be sure that no-one saw all the 114 species. They were seen by eleven sets of eyes from five cars calling in to most of the best spots on offer in North Norfolk.

Thanks to all of the drivers. Stay Happy.
Second date. Saturday 9th February 2008 again at 0630.

114 Species recorded for 12th January 2008. 61 water and 53 land.
Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Black Brant, Grey Lag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Snow Goose, Cormorant, Shag, Gannet, Red-throated Diver, Common Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Pintail, Shelduck, Red-breasted Merganser, Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Eider, Scaup, Common Scoter, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Water Rail, Avocet, Curlew, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Snipe, Knot, Redshank, Greenshank, Oystercatcher, Turnstone pictured on crates at Brancaster Staithe, Sanderling, Dunlin, Woodcock at Wolferton, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Kittiwake, Fulmar at Hunstanton of course, Razorbill, Kingfisher at Holkham.

Six raptor species: Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Common Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Three owls: Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl and Tawny. Three game birds: Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge and Grey Partridge. Four Pigeons and Doves: Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove and Stock Dove. Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Treecreeper, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Redwing, Song Thrush, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Water Pipit, Rock Pipit, Magpie, Crow, Jackdaw, Jay, Rook, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Goldcrest, Linnet, Twite, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Cetti’s Warbler at Holkham. Dwa, 14.01.08

Six people were on this outstanding trip. There were two cars yet only one new bird for the year. So, we failed to register a double ton and find we have 191 as the target for 2008.

The Desert Wheatear that had been at Horsey all week kindly stayed until we were there or should we say kindly stayed alive until we were there. It was located soon after we strolled up and so we did not have to use that time to be patient. In fact, it was the bird that seemed to be a potential patient needing care and attention even though, and perhaps because it had been fed by the visitors, even though it had been so confiding – it had been inspecting round people’s ankles. Anyway, it was cheaper for some of us than buying tickets for Morocco.

Minsmere was the first stop. Much of the water from the inundation of 9th November had drained away and all of the paths were open again. Starting at 0830 we had good views with a favourable sun of the assembled birds especially from the hide with access from the beach. Nothing truly remarkable but checking Dunlin and Whooper and Common Snipe and two not-Great Crested Grebes kept us amused.

When we left at about noon after finding 30+ Siskin and one of us hearing Bearded Tit we were already half way through the hours of daylight. We were enjoying another mild and dry Saturday with clear blue skies that was to be followed by a wet and blustery Sunday. To make the best of our luck the plan was to drive past the Blythbrugh Estuary and potential sites in Lowestoft and Breydon Water and get to Horsey in time to be patient for the Wheatear and then motor round to Hickling so that we could be at the raptor roost.

We regrouped as intended near Breydon Water just in case the Rough-legged Buzzard had got our message to ask if it would kindly be in the middle of a flight over Gampton when we passed by. No luck. No delay at Horsey with the Wheatear and the local Stonechats. So, what would we find to admire next. Well, the grey seal colony on the Horsey beach of course. No wonder we were confused why there were so many cars and so many Broadlands Authority staff present for crowd control measures when the few bird people were so well behaved.

A thousand people come every Boxing Day to see live what enthrals us all on Autumnwatch.
New pups all white and with their mothers and black bulls swimming just off shore to be sure they take the first opportunity offered. There was a voluntary beach closure just like Little Terns are afforded for their ternery. Apparently, where the seals are is not a sealery but should be known as a rookery.

Round at Stubbs Mill Raptor Watchpoint we had about 20 Marsh Harriers and then 25 Common Cranes give us a long fly past. Quite distant but we all knew now where the famous viewpoint was. About forty other people were there as well. We were disappointed by the virtual absence of Barn Owl, Hen Harrier and Woodcock but we had done well and we variously drove and were driven home in good spirits. Thanks to the drivers. Happy Christmas to all.

Next date. 12th January 2008 at 0630 for the traditional trip to North Norfolk.

63 Species recorded for 1st December 2007. 30 water and 33 land.
Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Grey Lag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Pintail, Shelduck, Shoveler, Common Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Wigeon, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Lapwing, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Common Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Kittiwake, Kingfisher.

Three raptor species: Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Green Woodpecker, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Wood Pigeon, Feral Pigeon, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Stonechat, Magpie, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Linnet, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Cetti’s Warbler, Desert Wheatear.

Seven people were on this excellent trip and we were pleased to welcome two birding pals from Oregon. There were two cars and again four new birds for the year were seen. These were Hawfinch at Lynford Arboretum, Jack Snipe and Lapland Bunting at Salthouse and Little Auk from the east bank at Cley. We also had a much better meeting with the Ross’ Goose at Holkham – in arrival flight and on the ground and we had also had another good look at the escaped Sacred Ibis with the egrets at the roost

On the way to Salthouse one car found a field that had both Grey Partridge and Red-legged Partridge. At Salthouse the coffee seller was still in business. With a balmy summer type day his season must be having a welcome shirtsleeve extension, as is ours. Again the sea watching was over a calm sea with good light and the sun behind us. The only problems were with the wave coloured birds such as Red-throated Diver. The black and white ones like Little Auk, the guillemots and razorbills, the waders and the gulls, Kittiwake in particular, and the fulmars and the gannets stood out well. Again there were few sea ducks at either Salthouse or Cley – two Common Scoters and one drake Mallard the only counts.
The red legs of the Redshanks that were everywhere, and highlighted throughout by the sun, required a selection of better colour descriptions from a thesaurus. Red was quite inadequate.

Bird of the day was not polled at the time but all of the ones mentioned here might be contenders. The Swallow at Salthouse flying north justified the shouts of alert and glee. Consulting bird guides at home in the evening it was good to see that our Hawfinch reports were safely listed. No obvious short lifer although a Sparrowhawk at Lynford had its eye on a tree full of finches and thrushes.

Not only was last time’s damaged Avocet not at Arnold’s Marsh but there were precious few birds there at all. A stand of trees had been introduced to the public footpath. The camouflage canvas around the tubs led us to think there had been a film set and that this activity might have scared the birds off.

We were at Holkham at half past two and the refreshment van was not there. This was our second woodland habitat of the day and this might have helped deliver our respectable total. No dunes or beaches could be visited with it being pitch dark at 1700 hours. We had started at 0630 to get a full day in and will do the same in December and January. We did hear Tawny Owl at the final stop at the north of Lady Anne’s drive but we failed on Woodcock (except for a croak from somewhere along the ditch). No Barn Owl appeared so we had to add these to the earlier misses of Firecrest and Brambling

87 Species recorded for 3rd November 2007. 45 water and 42 land.
Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Egyptian Goose, Grey Lag Goose, Canada Goose, Ross’ Goose, Red-throated Diver, Shelduck, Shoveler, Common Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Wigeon, Common Scoter, Little Auk, Guillemot, Razorbill, Gannet, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, (Sacred Ibis) Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Knot, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Jack Snipe, Common Snipe, Oystercatcher, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Kittiwake, Fulmar.

Three raptor species: Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Red-legged Partridge, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Starling, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Redwing, Stonechat, Magpie, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Linnet, Hawfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler.

13th Club trip of 2007 – 13th October – Kelling with a side trip to Holkham.

Two people only were on this excellent trip. There was one car; one driver and one passenger; perhaps not surprisingly. Four new birds for the year were seen. Highlights were the Red-necked Phalarope at Kelling and watching from the Joe Jordan hide at Holkham the Egrets whiffle into their pre-roost pond below the roost trees close to Holkham Fort. The Barred Warblers were still in their bushes at Kelling but with one of us having seen them last week and the other having been with Fair Isle’s best for seven days their novelty value was less than it should have been.

On the fresh water at Kelling the Phalarope was in the good company of a Spotted Redshank. At Salthouse we had many Linnets and a Wheatear but the Snow Bunting and Shore Lark eluded us.
We met the warden at Kelling who explained where the Meadows started and the Quag(mire) ended. The Long-tailed Duck of the previous evening had gone and in all of our watches over a flat sea with excellent visibility we had no ducks at all. Razorbills were seen from Cley and a juvenile Gannet from Kelling. Red-throated Divers were seen in flight at two stops. But to our eyes not much else graced the salt water except geese. One man at Holkham offered the theory that the pink-feet there were preparing to move on to Holland although the clear night did not have the benefit of moonshine and that some small parties of 40 to 60 commuted both ways across the North Sea during the winter.

We had a stop at Salthouse and another at the upper waters at Stiffkey at the path to Cockthorpe but the escaped Ibis was not at its adopted home.

Bird of the day that would not be there next week was the only Avocet. Its left leg was being dragged around Arnold’s Marsh at Cley in a semi-detached way. For us the walk to the sea there required t-shirt order. We enjoyed a summer’s day especially with the late date. Bird calls were one of the highlights with Cetti’s, Water Rails and Bearded Tits to the fore. There were also a couple of Sandwich Terns using light calls as they left the marsh and made their way back to the sea crossing over the backs of some of the many other groups thronging the coastal path – DoE, RSPB, families, self help groups etc.

We were at Holkham late enough to drive to where the refreshment van had already left but too late for much passerine watching. It must have been a good year somewhere for Long-tailed Tits. There were two obliging Goldcrests (but no Firecrest) and all of the regular Robins. Homage was done at the cross paths to the warblers that we did not see. And then we spent time as the sun set watching more than a hundred egrets fly in to the roost. The pink feet seemed to have come into Holkham early and just a few stragglers were seen instead of the serried ranks that flew in at the same stage last Saturday.

Non bird sightings included one seal in the water and for butterflies a comma, small tortoiseshell and whites and a Speckled Wood. Other mentionables included Hawkers and a Common Darter and a Muntjac at the Little Grebe pond at Holkham. The (second crop) blackberries were large, shiny, ripe and tasty and they were also delighting the birds (Barred Warblers) that were interested.

4 species were added to our 2007 club lists: Water Rail, Red-Necked Phalarope, Razorbill and Wheatear. Our total for the year now stands at 186 – only 14 away from 200. Next date. 3rd November.

71 Species recorded for 13th October 2007. 39 water and 32 land.
Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Brent Goose, Egyptian Goose, Grey Lag Goose, Canada Goose (1), Red-throated Diver, Red-necked Phalarope, Shelduck, Shoveler, Common Teal, Mallard, Wigeon, Razorbill, Gannet, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Little Grebe, Water Rail, Avocet (1), Lapwing, Dunlin (1), Curlew, juvenile Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Common Snipe, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Sandwich Tern, Kingfisher.

Only two raptor species: Marsh Harrier and Kestrel. Green Woodpecker, Pheasant, Feral Pigeon,
Wood Pigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Starling, Blackbird, Redwing, Stonechat, Magpie, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Linnet, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Barred Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Bearded Tit, Wheatear.

12th Club trip of the year – 6th October 2007 – Holkham Pines and a side trip to Kelling.

Five persons started and finished this trip. Another balmy day. Warm for the autumn. Cloud cover to start and mostly throughout. No rain again. It will catch up with us again one day soon. We were pleased to catch up with Barred Warbler, a species that had eluded us at Winterton last time. Two birds in a hedge on the path to the coast at Kelling showed us what experts this species is at staying hidden on the inside of cover although we were only ten feet from them! At Holkham we explored west of the Washington hide as a group for the first time. We walked right through to the dunes and found a Northern Great Grey Shrike on the first fence. The Yellow-browed Warblers that we saw had arrived in the week. Bird Track tells us that when the high pressure moved north to let easterlies invite movements from the continent birds were seen on radar flying at an altitude of 2.5km over the Netherlands on their way here. One Redwing had made it from Scandinavia but, although feeding, had given up flying and did not look as if it would be doing the return trip. Most were full of life.

We had two cars and the slower one had much trouble keeping up. Although one car visited more places than the other the species list only includes the birds seen when we all managed to be more or less together with the same birds. Thanks to the drivers anyway and as ever. Excluded from the listings are some regular coastal birds seen by the occupants of the faster car during a stop at Stiffkey and some flyover birds such as Crossbill, Redpoll and Lesser Whitethroat at Holkham. We cannot include Subalpine Warbler because it was no longer on the dunes between Holkham and Burton Overy, as far as we, and quite a few others, could tell.

We did not visit beaches where the species available and mentioned by others included Snow Bunting, Shore Lark, Lapland Bunting, Wheatear and Sanderling. Some of us contrived not to find the Ross’s Goose that came in over Lady Anne’s Drive with Pink Feet at 1218 and went off again at 1620 but was not seen to come into roost. We watched the spectacle of the roost from the ramps to the Washington Hide. We look forward to our next visit this season. We all spent a long time trying to find Greenish Warbler as this was being mentioned as a species that was likely to be around.

We did see the escaped Sacred Ibis as we drove past the wetland at Stiffkey. We saw it again when it was flying into roost with the Egrets and Cormorants at Holkham. We did not see the Great White Egrets that are reported to do the same.

6 species were added to our 2007 club lists: Ross’s Goose, Stonechat, Yellow-browed Warbler, Barred Warbler, Redstart and Brambling. Our total for the year now stands at 182. 220 miles covered today.
Next date. 13th October. All welcome. To book: please get in touch as set out on the trips page.

55 Species recorded on 6th October 2007.
The reader who has got this far might notice that the land species outnumber the water species. 20/35.
Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Pink-footed Goose, Ross’s Goose, Shelduck, Common Teal, Mallard, Feral Mallard, Wigeon, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.

Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Great Grey Shrike, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Starling, Blackbird, Redwing, Magpie, Rook, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Goldcrest, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Redstart, Stonechat, Chiffchaff, Barred Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler.

11th Club trip of 2007 – 15th September – Winterton, Horsey, Waxham, Breydon Water and Lound.

Five persons started this trip – on another day with no rain and unbroken sunshine as far as the weather was concerned. However, the day was not as successful as it should have been. Staying with the weather, there had been no winds to bring autumn migrants onto the coast. The only target (Barred Warbler) had apparently left Winterton overnight although it was found again on Sunday. We had no sign of the single replacement: a Wryneck apparently close to us at Waxham.

With fewer birds to see we started messing with other wildlife and one of us was left behind having hospital treatment after being bested by an adder. There were fine Chinese Water Deer to admire near Horsey but our birds direct system was thwarted throughout and was bested by the NHS Direct system that was engaged to help us out.

So. This report is rather more sober than a mere day with no migrants should have produced.
And. Although we put together a perfectly good list and we saw almost all of the birds in good light and at decent range we have to accept that we were all on a downer.
But. It could have been a whole lot worse. And. Next month we will be a whole lot wiser.

Spots of sea watching at Winterton and Waxham gave good views of Red-throated Diver and Guillemot and some more distant views of passing birds such as the two Skuas and Sooty Shearwater.

Winterton had us 200m south of the Hermanus holiday centre. The blackberries were good. An adder was not doing well at crossing the road in the sand dunes. A Tawny Owl had done even less well and had been run over on the road.

Horsey had us admiring two Chinese Water Deer. There was nothing else to drool over.

Waxham was windier. It was breaking kites that dared to fly. It was a good place for lunch.

Breydon Water was studied for more than three hours. We were close to hand if needed and because there were no better hiding places. We were at the Rugby Club side again and had the sun behind us and witnessed a procession of the best waders and gulls both in flight and resting that anybody could wish for as the tide ebbed. Only one of the five Spoonbill remained but it was active and showed well.

Lound was a new site for us and gave us Hobby as our fifth raptor for the day. With a Barn Owl project, reports of Osprey and Honey Buzzard we should perhaps return.

What with a new caterpillar and Grayling, Small Heath and Small Copper it was not all poor.

5 species were added to our 2007 club lists: Red-throated Diver, Sooty Shearwater, Guillemot, Curlew Sandpiper, and Great Skua. Our total for the year now stands at 176. 250 miles. Next date. 6th October.

78 Species recorded for 15th August 2007.
Pink-footed Goose, Egyptian Goose, Red-throated Diver, Shelduck, Common Teal, Mallard, Feral Mallard, Wigeon, Common Scoter, Guillemot, Gannet, Sooty Shearwater, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake, Common Gull, Common Tern.

Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Starling, House Sparrow, Blackbird, House Martin, Swallow, Magpie, Rook, Crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Siskin, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting.

10th Club trip of 2007 – 18th August – Cley and Breydon Water, Great Yarmouth

Six persons were in this trip. A twelve hour trip with no rain. The rain at waking up time had stopped by meeting time when we accepted that the driest day was likely at our favoured east coast destinations. Which ones exactly would be favoured took a few minutes to resolve. Answer: it was the Norfolk Wildlife Trust mecca of Cley that had the vote. We would then have the choice of deciding whether to go east or west. Depending on whether anything worth writing home about had been found. No such reports came through; never mind.

Maybe many of the absent bird watchers had gone to the Bird Fair at Rutland Water. Where all the birds had gone remained a bit of a mystery but we did in the end manage to find 66 for the day.

A spot of sea watching gave some distant views of passing birds. And we had the opportunity of learning about the various calls of the terns that entertained us rather closer in. None of the Sandwiches resting on the ponds were of the Roseate variety – they must have been on the sea shift.

After Cley it was decided to head for Breydon Water where Spoonbill and White-rumped Sandpiper were likely to be available. The Spoonbill is a big bird. Five were expected. They had been there most of the summer and so the chase was likely to be for the sandpiper. Last year we had been able to locate one at Cley on a cold day and some are available most years. Breydon Water was reached in the middle of the day but it was full tide and a couple of hours were available for lunch and a walk around the riverside park until some suitable mud re-emerged. A favoured spot had been near where we were parked. This mud on the southern side of Breydon water turned out to be on the Suffolk bank. Some local birders joined us when they knew that someone else was already on their target bird. They were in their home county. For them it was good news that the bird was showing increasingly well in good light but it was bad news that the mud that had been chosen was on the far bank and therefore in Norfolk. They were faced with trying to work out how to get it to mid channel so that it could be added to their Suffolk county year list. No such dilemma for us.

Raptors. Apart from a Marsh Harrier at Cley and some kestrels we had little to see. Except that all of the feeding birds were enjoying their lower level part of the food chain.

Seven species were added to our 2007 club lists: Garganey, Spoonbill, White-rumped Sandpiper, Arctic Skua, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern and Bearded Tit. Together we saw 66 species in the day.

Frogs and Hares were seen at Cley. Green parasols maybe are used to mark wrecks only when they are in the boating channel.
An excellent day that made good use of surprise good weather. 250 miles. Many thanks to the drivers.

We look forward to the next trip on Saturday 15th September. You can find out how to come with us on these monthly trips by clicking on the future trips button of this website.

Species recorded for 18th August 2007.
Mute Swan, Grey Lag Goose, Egyptian Goose, Common Teal, Mallard, Feral Mallard, Garganey, Common Eider, Common Scoter, Gannet, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, White-rumped Sandpiper, Turnstone, Arctic Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern. Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Starling, House Sparrow, Bearded Tit, Blackbird, Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow, Magpie, Rook, Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

A hot morning at Oare was shared with a major Swale boat race that had started at 0700hrs and returned for a 1300hrs lunch that was our picnic timetable too – although we were on the beach.
Cars were parked everywhere. Our day was even more memorable for a coastal out and back walk along the western beach path followed by a circular walk around the eastern paths. We had thirty species by the time we returned eastwards to the Harty Ferry boardwalk. Curlews were seen as well as Whimbrel. Tufted Duck and Pochard females were both looking after small ducklings. Every adult Little Grebe had young. Reed Warblers and Reed Bunting. Both Yellow and Pied Wagtail were seen.

We counted 70 species in total for the day and in the process added another four species to the tally for the year that has now reached 164. The species added were the Yellow Wagtails and three of the birds at Connaught Water – Mandarin, of which there were stronghold numbers, Red-crested Pochard, just one, and Nuthatch that had eluded us so far. Today there were a couple in amongst a tit flock.

Later highlights at Oare Marshes, a Kent Wildlife Trust reserve, included one Greenshank and quite a few Ruff. The Sea Hide gave us Avocets. The West Hide gave us Common Tern and two more waders – Dunlin and Green Sandpiper.

Raptors. On our arrival we had a fly by by a Marsh Harrier. We saw another across on the Isle of Sheppey – but it could have been the same one? There was some delight when a peregrine type blob was scoped on a distant pylon. Not long after that most of the waders took to the air. And a Peregrine came right past us. We had to wait for our second coastal walk in Gillingham for the day’s Sparrowhawk – and a big one it was with very slow wing beats as it went out over the water.

Our stop at Riverside Country Park in Gillingham was the third time we can remember stopping there.
We did not get the promised Knot but it was a flat walk with no difficulties by itself. ‘Elf and safety notices warned us of the changing hazards we were facing however and so we took blackberries rather more furtively than usual and ate them without washing them and left the few we dropped on the ground.

Excluding Trim’s Green our final stop was at Connaught water in Chingford. Known to have been a Mandarin stronghold we expected to have to find them tucked away under the surrounding trees. But no. They were virtually everywhere. And still sporting the grey colours of the bird we are seeing at Hatfield Forest lake. Red-crested Pochard was a bonus as was Nuthatch as we are now in August.
We must spend more time in the woods with our eyes and ears open.

Seals were seen at Oare and crabs at Riverside.
But. Did you know that green parasols can be used to mark wrecks?
An excellent day that made good use of the warm weather.
Many thanks to the driver.

We look forward to the next trip on Saturday 18th August. You can find out how to come with us on these monthly trips or on the summer outings by clicking on the future trips button of this website.

Species recorded for 4th August 2007. Mute Swan, Grey Lag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Mandarin, Mallard, Feral Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret at Oare and Riverside, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon,
Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Nuthatch, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Swift, Sand Martin, Swallow, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Three people enjoyed this trip to three sites in Essex and at least one of us came home with sunburn. We saw 77 species and added another four species to the tally for the year that has now reached 160. The species added were Black Swan – 2 at Abberton and 2 at Old Hall, Whimbrel, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper. Thanks to the driver.

We look forward to the next trip on Saturday 4th August. You can find out how to come with us on these monthly trips or on the summer outings by clicking on the future trips button of this website.

We set out westwards along the still new A120 and were in Colchester in no time. We had decided to visit some of the Essex sites. Although we started and ended with the familiar sights and sounds of Abberton and Fingringhoe there were some pleasant surprises. We were fortunate to spend nearly four hours ambling round the short walk at Old Hall Marsh RSPB where we had a permit for the car park.

Abberton. High quantities of waterbirds were seen at the Layer Breton causeway including lots of Pochard that it seemed to us had not migrated north and had not bred either. About four Ruddy Duck were lurking around watching for shotguns and the only pair seen did not seem to have young with them. At the longer causeway we again failed to find Yellow Wagtail.

Old Hall. If we had been speed walking and only checking our footing we would have taken little time to whiz round the 4km short walk. But that was not the point of our visit. As it was we looked down for butterflies and only minutes later realised we had missed a Kestrel box. The red Godwits were prominent even at a distance. We looked at reed buntings and then saw Hobby behind. The male Ruff coming out of breeding plumage was a revelation. The tide was coming while we were there.

Fingringhoe. Yachts were returning upriver with the incoming tide at quite a speed including one like a Thames Barge – the Reminder registered in Norwich. Most of the Curlews and smaller waders had made their way to the saltings before we arrived but the visibility was excellent and we were able to watch their comings and goings and puzzle over why they seemed so nervous and kept flying round.

As we left this EWT reserve we turned north and stopped to investigate the large sand quarry. A major colony of sand martin was hard at work at their nests and, appropriately enough there was a Green Sandpiper in attendance.

The sea lavender provided what constitutes home for many Large Skippers. Altogether we saw ten butterflies plus assorted blues and whites. We identified various skimmers and damselflies and hawkers but were mystified by a day flying bat out in broad sunshine at 1030 hrs.

Species recorded for 21st July 2007. Mute Swan, Black Swan, Grey Lag Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose – 1 at Abberton, Shelduck, Gadwall, Teal at Old Hall, Mallard, Shoveler at Old Hall, Pochard, Tufted, Ruddy Duck at Abberton but no young seen today Derwent May – Feather Notes Times page 79 today, Little Grebe at Old Hall, Great Crested Grebe at Abberton, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret at Old Hall and Fingringhoe, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Abberton, Lapwing, Ruff at Old Hall, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel one at Old Hall, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper at the sand quarry near Fingringhoe, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove at Old Hall and Fingringhoe, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Starling, House Sparrow, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin at same quarry as Green Sandpiper, Swallow, Sedge Warbler at Old Hall, Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Whitethroat and Chiffchaff at Fingringhoe, Jay at Abberton, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

There were only two people on this trip. The monthly trips are advertised well in advance on the club website and it could not be more clear that all are welcome to come. Advice about how to “book” – pick up the phone.

We saw 64 species and drove a 180 miles round trip. We added four species to the club trip 2007 tally that has now reached 156. The additions were Bittern, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Treecreeper. And we had a great outing. Rain. What rain. Our first pictures were of a rainbow. All of the showers came when we were relaxed and watching from the ring of hides.

We arrived at 1700 hours with the intention of walking right round the Island Mere and Canopy Hide circuit before having a picnic supper in the North Hide and driving over to the heath on the road to Dunwich Village to get another view of Nightjar. And this is exactly what we did. And the new path between those two named hides was impeccable through the swamp and the rhododendrons.

Simon Barnes agreed with us again (Lakenheath last time; Minsmere this time) about the best place to be this weekend. Of course, his column in the Saturday Times was able to include a section about his privileged access to parts of the reserve not open to the public. And the reserve had a Nightjar walk at 2100hrs that had been fully booked for a long while that evening too. So, anyway, we got on with it and did our own thing.

We were surprised about a few things. How many breeding Barnacle Geese there are. And one of us had not realised that the Sand Martin nest bank is now empty after they have moved to a sea cliff. After rain on the bank holiday four Bittern nests had been lost but four had survived. No bearded tits appeared. Tufted Duck already had young, at least, one did. After the various trials shown on Springwatch the Shelduck young seemed to be some of the less vulnerable young birds.

Path from visitor centre: lots of young fledged birds being fed including Treecreeper
East Hide: first look at the scrapes and the amphitheatre at the heart of the reserve.
Bittern Hide: Marsh Harriers and the ears of deer
Island Mere: Bittern boom and then flypast and more Marsh Harriers
Heath: Green Woodpecker and Jackdaw plus lots of rabbits of course
Canopy Hide: Jay and the Chaffinch glued to its treetop during a heavy downpour
North Hide: Green Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gulls in numbers and at least 18 Black-tailed Godwits. A small band of starlings gave us an aerial display that could have been a rehearsal for the larger volumes when winter comes.

We had seen the Grey Wagtail at the bridge approaching Middleton that had taken so long to build a few years ago. Other birds added en route were House Sparrow and Goldcrest at the farm shop lay-by shortly after the turn off the A12 at Yoxford.

Highlights included the Bittern coming past with throat patches showing where the booms had been made. Also, the water vole spotted selecting and eating reeds in the pond-dipping pond. The nightjars of course were worth waiting for although again none were seen. And the surprise Nightingale at the turn from the Minsmere road onto the Westleton to Dunwich road stopped us in our tracks. Lots of deer came out, especially crossing the nightjar road after dark, but also a Muntjac chomping away on the scrapes, another skulking in dark brown woodland after we left the Bittern hide - almost as well as that big cat Puma must skulk - and the ears of deer (see above).

Species seen, although one or two just heard, on 16th June 2007 and seen also on earlier trips
Mute Swan, Grey Lag Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Common Tern, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Pheasant, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Nightjar, Green Woodpecker, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Cetti’s Warbler, Goldcrest, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Swift, Sand Martin, Swallow, Nightingale, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Reed Bunting.

Four species added on the day: Bittern, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Treecreeper.

Dwa, 17.06.07

This trip to the Brecks on Tuesday 5th June was upgraded from a scheduled club summer walk. Those who had booked decided that it seemed a better use of time to drive to Lakenheath RSPB and May Day Farm than to spend the afternoon walking along the River Stort from Spellbrook to Pig Lane when sightings there were unlikely to match what the Brecks had to offer.

A couple of weeks ago the RSPB announced that at the Lakenheath (Hockwold Fen) reserve where a new visitor centre had just been completed four Common Cranes had been sighted and that two of the birds were breeding. With the regular rare breeding Golden Oriole not having been looked for this year and the chance of using the 1400hrs planned start for a late night listening to and maybe looking at Nightjar in the Brecks the change of plan fitted our diaries and was thus a no-brainer.

Three people made the trip; in one car of course. 127 miles were driven and 57 species seen. Many thanks to the driver. The fifty-two species seen again are listed as a footnote. Five species were seen for the first time in 2007. As there were three people present these species can be added to our club UK year list for birds seen/heard/identified outside of the local area: Common Crane, Golden Oriole, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Nightjar. Our 2007 list is now 152 species.

Not everyone had seen the Common Cranes on their trips to Lakenheath in the days since the announcement. They love a nice bit of wet, bleak countryside. Simon Barnes in his wildlife column in the London Times of Saturday 2nd June had sung their praises and talked also about how they are good at dancing. But these birds had not favoured him with an appearance. Some people had seen them in the reedy area between two of the poplar plantations. We seized our chance to walk beyond the farthest point of the circular walk to watch two Cranes in the fields across the river. We stood on a concrete roof to give us the necessary height. And they danced.

Not everyone sees Golden Oriole on their trips to Lakenheath. Sometimes one has to be grateful for listening to their fluting call. Sometimes there is just a snatch of the call. So it was for us.

Not everyone sees Tawny Owl. Only one of us was in the right place to hear one at Lakenheath as the day started to get even darker than it had been. At lunchtime we had looked forward to a summer afternoon in shirtsleeves. We drove fifty-four miles north and here was a colder micro-clime.

It is not every year that we get close to a Long-eared Owl. When we left Lakenheath we made for May Day farm between Brandon and Thetford. As we had time in hand before Nightjars were likely to start calling at 2145 or 2200 hrs we decided to have a look around the fields at Weeting. No Stone Curlew were seen and we had a stroll up Area 49 opposite the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Reserve. Pheasants were flying up into the trees to roost. A Wood Lark flew round for us. Song Thrush sang and sang. Up the track there was a large but light shape that flew across the path to the right and then after a while flew back again. LEO we agreed.

While there we tried to remember what the guidebooks say that Chinese Water Deer look like.

And so to the Nightjars. We had seen them at May Day before but this time we did not walk for miles into the forest tracks. We stopped a 100 yards maybe past the bird hide where there was 180 degrees of open sky to watch for their silhouetted shapes. Well, one Woodcock did oblige us but the only Nightjar was churring away almost out of earshot. So we knew that at Santon Downham we could hear them closer to the car although there was no chance of seeing them. And that is what happened.

Home at the witching hour of midnight. Safe, and with nearly all of the boxes ticked. Sightings just a little less than classic on some points. They will have to save for another day.

The fifty-two species seen again were:
Mute Swan, Cormorant, Gadwall, Mallard, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Reed Warbler, Hobby, Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, Swift, Swallow, Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Green Woodpecker, Tufted Duck, Sand Martin, Starling, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler, Moorhen, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Robin, Teal, Cuckoo (pair), Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Reed Bunting, Stock Dove, Wren, Blackbird, Marsh Harrier, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Blue Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Garden Warbler, Rook, Kestrel, Wood Lark, Woodcock.

Change of direction this month. The Osprey project at Rutland Water this year has a nesting pair in front of two of the hides at Lyndon and the female is a bird that was raised in 2004 at Rutland and is the first female to return and breed. So we thought that this deserved a visit. And we were not disappointed. As well as quite a bit of movement and flights by the birds the volunteers answered all of our questions with good humour. And the walk to get to the hide took us past hedges and woods with so many warblers singing that our resolve as to which was which got tested just a little bit. The hides in-between were worth visiting and we had a very photogenic Kingfisher. After lunch we moved to the Egleton part of this wildlife trust reserve. Much quieter here although there was a nest bank made for Sand Martins and from the Shoveler hide a set of sandy islands that was clearly made for birds. Three Hobbies were in the sky and a Great Black Backed Gull flew over and put up all of the nesting and resting birds. The people there said that however much we might be impressed more species had been seen on the previous Saturday. But we accepted its potential and still confirmed some new birds to our lists and had some good birdwatching.

On our way to Rutland Water we had stopped off at Eyebrook Reservoir. As we made the turn down into Stoke Dry we had a fine Red Kite above us – likely to be from the Rockingham reintroduction project? A large group of Dunlin and a couple of Godwits were seen. Lots of Cormorants and Grey Herons – not surprising as this is a big fishing venue? Over the water we added Swift and the two martins to the growing number of birds seen for the first time this year on this trip – see second part of the bird list below. In all we had 80 birds. 63 species we had already seen on earlier club Saturday UK trips and 17 seen for the first time, this year.

On our way home we made two stops. The first was at Paxton Pits close to the A1 just north of St Neots. Although by then the Visitor Centre was closed we had time to walk to the Kingfisher hide. Although the weather forecast had predicted showers in most places, and it had been wet at home, we contrived throughout the day to be somewhere without rain! There was a Turtle Dove purring some way away out of sight as usual to challenge our hearing. And so many Nightingales we gave up attempting an accurate count, especially as we walked an out and back route.

The second stop on the way home was at Sandon near Baldock. We try to go there to find birds of chalkland habitats. In the first field we found a pair of Red-legged Partridge and in the same field another pair turned out to be Greys! Corn Buntings were exactly where we had hoped. And as we made our way to the A10 for the final part of our 200-mile journey we drove past no less than four Little Owls. Well, they do sit out in prominent places as dusk falls but to see four on one day made us realize that we must have done something right to finish our itinerary with these upbeat records.

Many thanks to the driver.
Species list with added birds shown separately.
The year list now stands at 147.

Mute Swan; Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron; Cormorant; Egyptian Goose, Greylag, Canada Goose; Shelduck; Gadwall; Mallard; Feral Mallard, Shoveler; Tufted Duck; Moorhen; Coot; Oystercatcher; Lapwing; Dunlin; Black-tailed Godwit; Black-headed Gull; Common Gull; Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull; Common Tern; Kingfisher; Buzzard; Sparrowhawk; Kestrel; Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge; Wood Pigeon; Collared Dove; Stock Dove; Cuckoo; Green Woodpecker; Skylark; Pied Wagtail, Wren; Dunnock; Robin; House Sparrow; Starling; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Long-tailed Tit; Magpie; Jackdaw; Rook; Carrion Crow; Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Greenfinch; Yellowhammer; Reed Bunting; Corn Bunting; Swallow; Nightingale; Blackcap; Whitethroat; Chiffchaff; Willow Warbler. (63we already had on the 2007 trips list)
Little Ringed Plover, Osprey, Red Kite, Hobby, Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove, Little Owl, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Sparrow, Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Bullfinch. (17 new sightings this month).

Not a surprise after the run of summer temperatures in spring: the weather could not have been more pleasant. Only three of us welcomed the first of the summer visitors onto the cumulative list for 2007. Just a modest haul of 69 species recorded on the day. We were leaving many more to be added on later trips. Ten additional species were seen to bring the 2007 cumulative list to 130 - including a plus one adjustment to earlier lists.

We had hoped to find more migrants and we had to make do without Yellow Wagtail at Abberton and without House Martin or Sand Martin anywhere. Nightingales had been at Fingringhoe for a week and although we failed to see them we had plenty of reminders there and at Abberton about the role the rattle call has in the repertoire.

Particular highlights included the opportunity to watch and photograph the mating display of Mute Swans at Abberton. There was a resting green hairstreak at Fingringhoe with a small copper close by and a fair number of speckled woods and orange tips as well as a few tatty Peacocks that had over-wintered. There was a sunning, and quite large, Adder at Fingringhoe.

Just a word or two about plastic birds. Feral Mallard has been added here because the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has asked that a separate note be made in surveys of full bloodied Mallards and those that are hybrids with various types of farmyard duck. We shall probably try harder than usual to overlook them on most trips but if the experts want to know about them then we can oblige. As any reader will know, Abberton has more than its fair share of such birds. Feral Goose has yet to make a parallel appearance on the lists. Abberton also tested us again with a white plastic bag bird. And then the pond on the approach to Fingringhoe has a pair of Black-billed White Swans tethered together and moving gently in the breeze.

Ruddy Duck. The cullers have apparently been out shooting these birds so that they, the hunters, can qualify for a share of the government’s booty in recognition of their efforts to clear these birds out. One pair was missed. They will not be the only ones. At the major tern raft at Abberton a pair of Oystercatcher had secured part of the main surface for a nest but it looked again as if any Moorhen that were trying to nest at the raft were consigned to the angles in the underpinnings. The more important “news” was that the Government has instructed that water storage capacity at Abberton should be increased by 50 per cent. The visitor center will have to be moved and this is only one of the many changes that seem to be under discussion.

Home for half past four and then an evening visit to Thorley Wash to catch up on what had been happening closer to home with a welcome influx of Grasshopper Warblers.

Mute Swan; Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron; Little Egret; Great Cormorant; Egyptian Goose, Greylag, Greater Canada Goose; Dark-bellied Brent Goose; Shelduck; Gadwall; Mallard; Shoveler; Tufted Duck; Pochard; Kestrel; Marsh Harrier; Common Pheasant; Moorhen; Coot; Oystercatcher; Avocet; Grey Plover; Lapwing; Dunlin; Black-tailed Godwit; Bar-tailed Godwit; Curlew; Redshank; Black-headed Gull; Common Gull; Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull; Woodpigeon; Collared Dove; Stock Dove; Green Woodpecker; Skylark; Pied Wagtail, Robin; House Sparrow; Blackbird; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Long-tailed Tit; Magpie; Jackdaw; Jay; Rook; Carrion Crow; Starling, Cetti’s Warbler; Dunnock; Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Greenfinch; Linnet; Reed Bunting

Feral Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Common Tern, Cuckoo, Swallow, Nightingale, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler.

Third club trip of 2007
24th March to Cley, Titchwell and other North Norfolk coldspots

Surprise! The weather could have been more pleasant. Adverse conditions and a cold northerly wind nagging at a theoretical 6 degrees got us cold and a bit wet at different times. Less than a month ago one of us in Finland at minus 18 degrees had promised never to complain at the cold on the North Norfolk coast. More seriously, earlier in the week storms had flattened some of the sea defences at Cley and Titchwell. Four of us traveled in one car and clocked up 82 species. 17 species seen for the first time in 2007 brought our total to 119.

There were hardly any patrons to pay the attendant at the beach car park at Cley. We had choice of many spaces at the Titchwell car park. When we left that beach at half past three there was no-one else there; although a few latecomers were on their way to try their luck.

Before we arrived at the coast we had picked up Stone Curlew and Green Woodpecker and Common Buzzard and then also Siskin and Wood Lark and Great Grey Shrike at Grimes Graves while still in the Brecks.

In front of the building of Wells Sailing Club we tried to separate Brent Geese into more than dark-bellied but with no success. We took a reluctant picnic at Choseley but did see the Black Redstart that had been around for some time. And Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting also were added to the new birds! Egyptian Geese were in the field across the road from Titchwell and a Green-winged Teal and Little Gull were seen and added to our list. Gannet and Mediterranean Gull were seen over the sea. A Redwing was still with Fieldfares at a time when those returning for our summer were no doubt asking themselves why they had hurried along so much from Africa or wherever.

At Cley a JCB digger was trying to regrade what little shingle was left around the coastguard buildings. The top seemed to have sunk back into the sea from a hundred yards of beach. At Titchwell we could look diagonally from the access path to the people with their beach kite trollies and not just to the kites. Some of that tiny cliff had been wrecked and loose sand had been swept away. There must have been much force in the storm. Watching the waves still pounding in their great power was still evident. A wreck of starfish at an earlier high tide at Titchwell displayed both the gouging that had gone on and also many examples of a 12 star starfish we had not seen before. At both sites there were a great many gulls on the beach in clouds and flying over the waves to take live morsels. An adult Iceland Gull was seen to sweep in while we were waiting for it in the “bus stop/shelter”, having concluded that three hundred yards of marching up Blakeney Point itself to look for it was not a good idea today, let alone trying to concentrate on birdlife when we got into “position”.

Our final location was at Wolferton to see if the Black-eared Kite might pay us a visit as the Glaucous Gull had done. No joy, but at least we had followed directions to a watchpoint new to us. One of us had a glimpse of Barn Owl on the way home just north of Queen Adelaide.

Many thanks to the driver.
Mute Swan; Grey Heron; Little Egret; Great Cormorant; Pink-footed Goose; Greylag, Greater Canada Goose; Dark-bellied Brent Goose; Shelduck; Wigeon; Gadwall; Common Teal; Mallard; Pintail; Shoveler; Tufted Duck; Common Scoter; Kestrel; Sparrowhawk; Red-legged Partridge Common Pheasant; Moorhen; Coot; Oystercatcher; Avocet; Ringed Plover; Grey Plover; Golden Plover; Lapwing; Sanderling; Dunlin; Ruff; Black-tailed Godwit; Curlew; Redshank; Turnstone; Black-headed Gull; Common Gull; Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull; Great Black-backed Gull; Kittiwake; Marsh Harrier; Sparrowhawk; Feral Pigeon; Woodpigeon; Collared Dove; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Pied Wagtail, Robin; Blackbird; Fieldfare; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Long-tailed Tit; Magpie; Jackdaw; Rook; Carrion Crow; Starling, Chaffinch; Goldfinch; Greenfinch; Cetti's Warbler

Egyptian Goose; Green-winged Teal; Gannet; Stone Curlew; Mediterranean Gull; Little Gull;Glaucous Gull; Common Buzzard; Great Grey Shrike; Barn Owl; Green Woodpecker; Wood Lark; Redwing; Black Redstart; Siskin; Yellowhammer; Corn Bunting.

Second club trip of 2007
3rd February to Snettisham and Titchwell with three extra stops not counting Bellybusters for breakfast. We repeated the January trip because we thought we could do better.

High pressure today. Full moon the previous night. High tide at 0730. Clear skies, sunshine, hardly a breeze and good air for viewing (with the sun). So, the seven of us had a result.
80 count. With 16 species added to the birds seen in January we move to 102 for the year. You too could build a year list with us; although we do not all see all of the birds.

One person had a single male Golden Pheasant at Wolferton and another a single female but on the whole once we met together we managed to keep together. At Hunstanton we had trouble finding 2 parking spaces on the cliff top but did get them and Fulmar and lots of beach birds but not Sanderling. At Thornham we did not find twite or short-eared owl but the Lesser Yellowlegs was the champ of the day.

So, how to describe Snettisham. Flat sea draining away. Flocks of birds moving out to better mud. Golden mud in abundance. Four Shore Lark but no snow bunting. No kite. Merlin was photographed on the beach with prey and another gave a fly-by appearance at the Fen Hide at Titchwell. So merlin was runner-up bird. Lots of water birds on the pits. The sun gave us clarity on the mud but silhouettes when looking towards the pits. No winter thrushes seen at any stage. A Scaup still and quite a few Common Goldeneye. One drake Red-breasted Merganser on the pits with another on the sea at Titchwell.

Almost no need to describe Titchwell. But. The last remaining dune looks smaller and smaller each time we visit. Good job the beach slopes up. These open beaches are much better places to find Sanderling. One expects black duck on the sea but today it was brown and white. Wigeon were in charge and many many gulls. Lots of Brent Geese to try to split. Either red-breasted (easy – none) or black brant. Oh, they were there just a minute ago – sixteen in from the left. Then there was the monthly seminar on three birds feeding close together in the pools: Spotted Redshank is pale like the others but is smaller although it has a long bill. Bar-tails don’t have black and white bars on tail or wings. Think about ruff and their feather pattern on the back. Black tails do have bars but also have soft plumage on shoulders and back and a straight bill. Good job they were wading like wading birds should and you could not see where their knees came on their legs. Seven Marsh Harriers came to roost but the little egrets must be roosting somewhere else now. No owls but we could have seen some at Thornham and one of us had a tawny owl on the way home at Worcester!

Many thanks to the drivers. Christmas is now over and for at least one day spring is already here!
Little Grebe, Little Egret; Great Cormorant and dead shag at Snettisham (3).
Mute Swan (1) roadside. Kestrel and Magpie also. 20 Magpie at Titchwell roost.
Four geese (species) Pink-footed Goose; Greylag, Canada and Dark-bellied Brent Goose;
Twelve Duck: Shelduck; Gadwall; Teal; Mallard, Goldeneye, Scaup and Merganser
Pochard, Tufted Duck; Pintail, Shoveler with Wigeon on the sea at Titchwell;
Eighteen waders: Lesser Yellowlegs, Avocet, Oystercatcher; Grey Plover; Golden Plover; Lapwing; Sanderling; Knot; Dunlin; Bar and Black-tailed Godwits; Spotted Redshank; Redshank; Curlew; Turnstone and Ruff; Snipe and Ringed Plover;
Three Raptors: Kestrel already mentioned, Merlin; 7 Marsh harriers at roost
Four: Moorhen, Coot, Common Pheasant; Golden Pheasant;
Five gulls: Black-headed; Common; Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Great Black-backed Three pigeons and doves: Feral Pigeon; Woodpigeon; Collared Dove;
Four Larks, Pipits and Wagtails: Shore and Sky, Meadow Pipit; Pied Wagtail,
Five Garden types: Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Song Thrush; Goldcrest;
Four Tits: Coal, Blue, Great and long-tailed
Four Corvids: Jay; Magpie already mentioned but not counted; Carrion Crow; Rook
Four mixed: Starling and Reed Bunting, Fulmar, Dunnock
Four Finches etc: Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; House Sparrow many at feeders
Two more: Cetti's Warbler (heard) and last of all four Woodcock (which taste good)

First club trip of 2007
6th January to Snettisham and other North Norfolk wetspots

Lots of rain was forecast and perhaps understandably the species list seen by the eleven who motored up the A10 was a modest 86.

A single male Golden Pheasant was noted at Wolferton. It may not be everyone's best technique - verge crawling in the half light round the rhododendron bushes. No matter.

No rain at Snettisham until noon - slightly better than the weather forecast. In that time-gap we took a long walk around the reserve and joined others staking out the ground looking over to Dersingham Bog. We were in vain. Our attempt was to get a sight of the Black-eared Kite that had been present for quite a few days. We were just too late for one sighting and we had no second chance. Worse though, we knew it was lying low somewhere, like all the raptors.

The water loving birds on the pits seemed quite happy. A female Scaup, a drake Smew, and quite a few Common Goldeneye were perhaps the best but good examples of most species could be studied from the hides.

Away from the pits we had been pretty close to getting the full benefit of high tide bringing the birds into towards the land. As the mud appeared while the high tide receded we had good views of Golden Plover and also Knot (aerobatics) and the Pink Devils (formation flying); certainly some of the best examples of mass displays in the bird world. These spectacles should attract more people to the winter high tides – such a mild (wet) day after all.

On the beach we saw a delightful party of four Shore Larks and a male Snow Bunting. With rain starting to fall, the group started to disband, with some of us heading to Hunstanton where a female Eider was the best that could be mustered! Onwards to Thornham and the wintering group of c.25 Twite were showing well on the saltings. With further disbandment, one car continued to Holkham, where the intermediate-phase Lesser Snow Goose was rapidly located as it dozed amongst the thousands of Pink-feet to the west of Lady Anne's Drive. At least one adult Black Brant was noted, along with a very deceptive hybrid. At least 25 European White-fronts and a single Barnacle Goose were seen amongst the Pinks.

The people in the car that went to Titchwell recorded Common Scoter on the sea, Spotted Redshank on the pits and a Cetti's Warbler. Probably just as much at home singing in the rain in January as it is in the summer – OK, now tell me these are different birds in the winter, arriving from zed–land or somewhere, while ours go to Devon or somewhere else.

Many thanks to the drivers, a Happy New Year, and good watching: so much to learn!

Great-crested Grebe; Fulmar; Grey Heron; Little Egret; Great Cormorant;
Mute Swan; Whooper Swan; Pink-footed Goose; Eurasian White-fronted Goose; Greylag, Greater Canada Goose; Barnacle Goose; Lesser Snow Goose; Dark-bellied Brent Goose; Black Brant; Shelduck; Wigeon; Gadwall; Common Teal; Mallard, Pintail; Tufted Duck; Scaup; Common Scoter; Common Eider; Goldeneye; Smew; Red-breasted Merganser; Kestrel; Sparrowhawk; Peregrine Falcon; Red-legged Partridge, Common Pheasant; Golden Pheasant; Moorhen; Coot; Oystercatcher; Grey Plover; Golden Plover; Lapwing; Sanderling; Knot; Dunlin; Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew; Redshank; Spotted Redshank; Turnstone; Black-headed Gull; Common Gull; Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull; Great Black-backed Gull; Kittiwake; Feral Pigeon; Stock Dove; Woodpigeon; Collared Dove; Kingfisher; Shore Lark, Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Rock Pipit; Pied Wagtail, Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Fieldfare
Mistle Thrush; Goldcrest; Coal Tit; Blue Tit; Jay; Magpie; Jackdaw; Carrion Crow; Starling, Chaffinch; Greenfinch; Goldfinch; Linnet; Twite; Snow Bunting; Reed Bunting; Cetti's Warbler

Trip 22 – two species added
9th December 2006
North Kent
Eight watchers and again in three cars. Thanks to the drivers.
Another promised day out in North Kent was preceded by a stop at a new site for us: How had we missed the industrial neighbours of West Thurrock Marshes. Walking round to Stone Point and a broadside view of the Dartford QE2 bridge, we found no clue on the recent Grey Phalarope. We had to be content with three Yellow-legged Gulls (two adults and a first-winter) and a Rock Pipit!
Onwards to Kent. Things failed to improve at Oare Marshes! No clue about the Dowitcher either. An executive decision to head to Sheppey was supported by all. Plan or no plan we did not want to be empty handed for the first time this year in our tally hunting. Everyone was hunting in Kent – for partridge, pheasant and horses with red clad riders.
Over the new bridge and look for the old buzzard size haystack perch. We were soon watching the regular wintering Rough-legged Buzzard. So, we had one new tick for the year at least. Not much else to be had in the immediate areas despite searching from the parking area below the pub at Harty Ferry and at the Capel Fleet Raptor Watchpoint. We did find three adult Bewick's Swans, stacks of Marsh Harriers, a Common Buzzard, two Green Sandpipers and 30+ Corn Buntings. A fleeting Merlin but no Peregrine. We knew we were not missing much new any place else but we also heard that the bird we really wanted at Oare had been relocated.
So, with the light fading we returned to Oare. The first-winter Long-billed Dowitcher was eventually traced to the hidden side of a roost site. Good location for the East hide then. It flew before all of us had located it. We did not spook this one and it did return shortly. Two up for the day but no light remained for anything else.
A single Little Stint, two Ruff and a vocal Cetti's Warbler were the only further distractions at Oare. Rather a quiet day!
But we did find 81 species and increased our 2006 bird tally to what may now be a final 228 and a new record and something to chase in 2007.

Mute Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Grey Lag, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted, Little Grebe, Great Crested, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Green Plover (Lapwing), Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common, Lesser Black-backed, Herring, Yellow-legged, Greater Black-backed Gulls, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Stonechat, Starling, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Cetti’s Warbler, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting.

Upon our Auk and Barnacle!
FHS, LBI, FJI, LCZ
Three of the hams- Snettis, Thorn and Holk

Five new species for the year’s total taking us to 226:
Whooper Swan, Lesser Snow Goose, Little Auk, Shorelark, Snow Bunting

Species list with 72 entries
Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose (12,500), Grey Lag Goose, Lesser Snow Goose, Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose, Goldeneye, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover – including some in the fields at 3 above as the only exception, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Little Auk, Kingfisher, Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Barn Owl, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Skylark, Shorelark, Wren, Robin, Starling, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Twite, Snow Bunting.

This was one of our extra-curriculum Bird Group half-day outings – this time to East Mersea, - one of the many coastal parks Essex has to offer, and potentially excellent for winter birds. But first, a quickie visit to the causeway Abberton Reservoir.
It had been a gloomy start, with thick pockets of fog virtually all the way from home; yet it had begun to clear as the blue splash that was Abberton appeared on the SatNav screen. Unfortunately there wasn’t a great deal to be seen other than the usual selection of duck and waders, namely Coot; Moorhen; Shelduck; Mallard; Wigeon; Ruddy duck; Teal; Pochard; Goldeneye; Cormorant; Grey Heron; Black-tailed Godwit; Canada Goose; Pied and Grey Wagtails; and gulls ............ although none in great numbers, possibly due to the exceptionally low water level.
So, off to East Mersea and the Colne Estuary. Crossing the Causeway which connects Mersea to the Essex mainland, we eventually arrived at Cudmore Park which is a large coastal park, with walks along the shingle banks of the River Colne. The fog was still over the landscape; the sea as still as a millpond.
Along the beach small gatherings of Turnstone were in their usual confiding mood; with the odd Great Crested Grebe creating ripples as they dived. A Rock Pipit gave brief views before being lost to view somewhere on the marshes. In the neighbouring fields impressive flocks of Golden Plover; Brent Geese; Lapwings could be seen, with lesser numbers of Wigeon; Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit literally bringing up the rear.
Suddenly a Skua flew up river – its deep chest and slow, almost labourious flight identifying it as a Pomerine Skua, an unexpected delight, though of course not entirely unknown this time of year (recalling a an adult observed on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent in November 1999 – which gave incredibly close views as it rested literally within fifty feet or so of surprised birdwatchers on one of the main tracks around the marsh).
A small flotilla of Avocet swimming peaceably on the glassy, tranquil Colne was a genuinely ‘pretty’ sight, as it sailed gently in tight circles in sight of several small collections of Redshank; Knot and Dunlin. Regrettably, one poor Dunlin appeared to have a foot trapped in a shell and was seen to be dragging its cumbersome load along the shingle beach, clearly in some distress. It took a while to capture the bird, but once secured, it was possible to see at very close quarters, just what the problem was. The shell was a series of four, one on top of the other; seemingly lifeless to the casual onlooker. But the top shell was evidently very alive; and one could see quite clearly that the Dunlin had somehow managed to get a toe caught as the shell had shut tight, as was evidenced by a bare tendon – the only part of the original toe left. A delicate operation was required, but soon the bird had indeed been freed, and having been returned to the shingle (minus its toe), was seen to be hopping lethargically away to the shoreline, evidently still in shock from recent unfortunate events.
The tide by then was beginning to flood the marsh – threatening to cut us off from the car. It was a close –run thing but keeping to the shoreline we eventually made it back to Cudmore Park proper. The state of the tide had in fact been drawn to our attention by a lady walking her dogs along the shoreline, whereupon she nonchalantly announced that it was a high Spring tide which might just prevent us - at least for an hour or so - from returning to the mainland via the Causeway. And this in fact was how we came to find ourselves literally stranded in rising seawater – watching with baited breath as the water lapped the car; ever higher and higher until it began to look as if we might in fact end up floating over to the mainland. Of course, we weren’t alone, as by then a long tail-back of traffic had accumulated on the approaches to the mainland on both sides. Some larger vehicles attempted the crossing and in the process caused a sizeable ‘bore’ which threatened to swamp the car as they passed by. It was an anxious hour; but then the tide began quickly to recede and we were able to continue our journey home.
Regrettably, the delay prevented us from making a return visit to Abberton Reservoir; but since the consensus of opinion was that there was unlikely to have been much of interest on the reservoir itself, we could decide to call it a day without a heavy heart between us. But, all in all, an excellent trip.

The 63 birds seen include the 221st species seen on club outings in 2006 - Pomarine Skua.

Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Ruddy Duck, Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Pomarine Skua, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Black-backed-Gull,

Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Pied wagtail, Robin, Staling, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting.

Stephen Patmore had the message at 0900hrs. By 12 noon three of us had motored over for a good old hunt, with probably 150 others on the same mission at some time in the day. The bird was on RSPB land just back from the cliff top at the coast at Aldringham close to Thorpeness and the RSPB reserves at North Warren and Minsmere. The land was billed as a disused caravan park but we saw no proof of that.

The bird turned out to be fit and in fine form and well worthy of becoming species number 220 in our club trip listing for calendar year 2006. Four hours of a merry dance and good sport – its here, its moving there, its still one step ahead - ended up with it proudly showing-off to all still assembled. A hush fell for those few minutes. And then there was a bit of a hubbub of admiration when it slipped away to be elusive again. None of us had met this species before. Thanks to those who found it and reported it. Thanks to Stephen for driving etc.

Rule 3 applies. So long as at least three of us are in the field watching outside of the immediate area of Bishop’s Stortford we count the session as a trip and species seen can be counted alongside those seen on the regular planned expeditions.

Just a few token birds recorded as the supporting cast of 19 but the year gets some better quality as well as quantity. 217 is rather less than we had hoped for given a dream year target of 250 but there is still time. We shall trip again on 21st October and possibly twice more in November.

Red-flanked Bluetail, not a male in full breeding plumage, but there we are …
Our bird was accompanied/harried at various times especially by Robins,
And Stonechat, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, and Chiffchaff were in the area,
Also there and sometimes to confuse: Great Tit and Blue Tit and Dunnock and Wren
Flying over: two Little Egret and Pied Wagtail and Greater Spotted Woodpecker
Drove past: eg – Carrion Crows and Black-headed Gulls, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, Pheasant and Grey Partridge.
Species also seen and remarked upon: just one Redwing
and two Mute Swans at a run off water at Stansted Airport viewed from the A120.
No Yellow-browed Warblers claimed at all

I suppose this amounts to a slow blog given all of the private and quick blogs that people are producing these days in their own names. But the 73 pages of record so far on the club site are said to be welcomed by those who watch the page rather than make the trip. And maybe too by those who were actually there. Never mind. If one day these remarks are no longer worth the “effort” we could always (threaten to) switch to finding a way of making the changes to the spreadsheet of species seen – yes, we even hold something back - as exciting as, say, where a club is in the football league tables. Not a light show on the Corn Exchange walls perhaps, you know, but how could we show how for us it is something even more gripping?

Starting the day with 214 species we added Whiskered Tern, Cattle Egret and white-rumped Sandpiper. There were 94 species on our list at the end of the day – see below

Our route along the North Norfolk coast (see, this could even be of help to those young enough to be at school) was designed to collect these two sightings at Titchwell and Blakeney Fresh Marsh and also to pick up the Pectoral Sandpiper at Titchwell, one of the White-rumped Sandpipers at Cley and a Yellow-browed warbler at Holkham. We found them all in except the Pec. We did not wait to witness one of its showy moments.

Five of us fitted into one car. At least there would not be the problem of one “car” seeing something but not the others. We still risk birds being seen only by those in the front, or the back, or the right or the left. And we rotate the privilege of sitting in the middle of the back row. Such are the rules and limits of our comfort zones! Thanks to the driver.

Now. Titchwell attracts so many people that every car park extension that is built will be filled by cars the day the space opens. Everybody seems to want to be driving there for as long as they still have breath. It can be as risky (hence part of the reason for the hit and miss sub title) for some as parking at a supermarket after taking the car for its weekly outing. But, hey, what a success the RSPB must have on its hands. No wonder delegations turn up from all over the world to see how it is done. On this visit we could see the list of species on the reserve displayed on the same illuminated screens just coming into the sales windows of your local estate agents.

This trip rounded off a week when one of us watched four out of six remaining Redwings die at the Northumberland coast after flying across from Scandinavia. Three drowned when they continued their low flight path and misjudged the height of the waves breaking on the beach. The fourth did get to the beach but flopped down exhausted and was breakfast for a black-backed Gull – not even time for passport formalities.

First, at Blakeney Freshmarsh. This was while the Cattle Egret sat out on its gate, preening. Grey lag Geese and Curlews set up a real din and were seen rearing up on the ground with wings open. As far as we could see and make out there was an already injured Curlew trying to escape a return visit by a stoat (or stoats). Had it been tethered for some fowl (sic) play? Closer inspection revealed a bird with only one useable wing that somehow slipped away to the reeds. No doubt any third visit would be final.

Second, at Holkham. Stoats on the ground. Wood Pigeon drops out of tree and sets up the same noisy, wings open, posture while a stoat (or stoats) scurries around some potential tit bit. Wood pigeon flies back into tree. Stoats still scurry backwards and forwards on the ground. Quiet returns. What was happening there?

We found Yellow-brow but with difficulty and only through the help of call identification. We heard many cheeps and while one chiffchaff did materialise from the leaves we did not claim Firecrest.

On safer ground, because they are bigger, we saw thousands of Pink-feet. Their arrival at and after dusk at Holkham could be experienced time and again. Will any small individual geese coming in with them, we ask, be Brent, or Red-breasted or Snow? Today, just one Brent! We saw a few Little Egrets going to roost at Holkham. No time for the African Starling that had entertained at one of the hides.

Apart from a distant Barn Owl at Holkham we had a Tawny Owl dropping off a telegraph pole on the way home in the gathering gloom.

There was a preening Sparrowhawk at Titchwell with a prominent white supercilium.
This caused a few ID flutters for some.

A Kingfisher appeared very close to the beach on the freshmarsh/mallard shooting area.