"Up Birding North 2!

 Saturday 31 October

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

The last day of the month and over to RSPB Titchwell for the better part of the day.  But not the coastal road, rather the A148 Cromer road and then down to Doking, with a Mallard on the small village pond and the very narrow country lane down to the A149 and Titchwell village.  This final part of the journey, with the overnight fog now rapidly lifting, proved most productive with many small bords including Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Great Tit in and out of the hedges on both sides of the lane.  In addition, at least a dozen Pheasants and a score of Red-legged Partridges.  But no Barn Owl on this occasion. 

Finally arriving the RSPB car park at 08.55, I headed straight Patsy's Pool to spend some quality time checking out the bird life both on the water and nearby hedges and general vegetation.  Blackbird, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon and Magpie noted on the outward walk and once at the pool area Robin, Wren and Dunnock.  As I checked the Shelduck, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard and Shoveler on the water a small flock of Pink-footed Geese flew over on their way to the day's feeding grounds.  In the reeds below the viewing area, both Cetti's Warbler and Blue Tit and then a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew past we birders - but I missed both the Little Grebe and Kingfisher.

Dunnock Prucella modularis

In the trees at the far right and the area beyond both resting Red Kite and Buzzard and then the first Marsh Harrier put in an appearance.  A short walk to the back of the area produced Carrion Crow and Magpie followed by Blackbirds and a few Redwing.  A Dunnock posed atop a bare tree.  Time to make my way back along the boardwalk to the main reserve and stopping near the hide overlooking a small, but empty, pool a number of Goldfinches and a Siskin in the top of a tree.

Red Kite Milvus milvus

Time to take the long footpath down to the shore. To the west on the open marsh a couple of Little Egrets plus a Water Rail followed by a Curlew.  The pools to the east held a large mixture of geese and, mainly, ducks. Having seen both a Great White Egret and a Little Grebe, I then recorded Wigeon, Shoveler and Mallard plus a small number of Greylag Geese and a score or more of Brent Geese.  Both Grey Heron and Black-headed Gulls were also noted.  One of the small islands held a number of resting Lapwing.

Great White Egret Ardea alba (Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis on left)

Carrying on down the path I then came across the resting flock of hundreds of Golden Plover.  What a beautiful sight to behold as the now open sun lit up their colours and doing great justice to their given name.  Nearby on the next lagoon a few more Golden Plover along with a few Dunlin and the occasional Redshank. 

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Beyond the turn to the new hides, the next pool eld a few Black-tailed Godwits at the rear along with a Grey Plover.  In front of me more Dunlin and a trio of Ruff.  To the left and on the path itself in front of me, a female Stonechat and later joined by a male.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax 

Finally, I made it to the sandy shore with the tide now out but very calm water giving an opportunity to check the sea birds. Both Great Crested Grebe and a Great Northern Diver noted along with a small collection of Oystercatchers off to my left on the shore.

Once back at he two big hides I took the opportunity to check the inner waters and found many more of species already recorded.  However, I did add a single Avocet and a Snipe immediately in front of the hide and then a wandering Pied Wagtail.  Whilst a single Meadow Pipit was seen to my right (west), I did also note the three Water Pipits to my left.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Now back at the ca park I ae my picnic lunch then decided, rather than take the coastal road for the return journey, go back via Doking to check what else might be on the narrow lane leading up the hill from Titchwell village.  More of the small birds a Collared Dove and a few Pheasants, but also counted the number of Red-legged Partridges seen, often in what looked like family parties, and came up with no less than 39.  And, of course, more would most likely have also been under and beyond the roadside hedges.  Most pleased to see that the final number of species recorded in the two days finally totalled 71, including two new birds for the year, Pink-footed Goose and Whooper Swan.

Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa

Birds seen:

Pin-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal,  Pheasant, Red-legged Partridge, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Heron, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard,  Kestrel, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Avocet, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel, Ruff, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Water Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Redwing, Cetti's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Carrion Crow,  Starling, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin.

Brent Geese Branta  bernicla

Curlew Numenius arquata

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Greylag Geese Anser anser

Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Stonechat Saxicola oenanthe

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

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"Up North Birding: 1!"

 Friday 30 October

Having driven up to Lincolnshire to visit my former colleague who is seriously ill, I then stayed on for a few days to do some local birding in the county before continuing over to the north Norfolk coast.  So, first thing on Friday morning saw me at RSPB Frampton Marsh  near Boston at just after 8am - and that is where the good news ended. Thick fog travelling the approximate ten miles from my overnight stop with the only seeable birds being those in the hedgerows as I approached the entrance, including Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Blackbird and Chaffinch.

I could make out the main water behind the Visitors Centre but taking the path onwards, next to the water itself, apart from the two Moorhen in the car park and a few Mallard resting at the shore line, all others with simply foggy shapes and unidentifiable. Taking the path towards the 360 Hide a couple of Teal near the path and then on to the far hide overlooking the back of the main water.  Once inside a single Little Grebe fishing close to the shore and in front of the small island before me a couple of Shoveler.  

Using the scope I could just make out a handful of swans about fifty yards in front and then a couple more flew over and joined the party with a little calling and as "Merlin" indicated a Whooper Swan I was fortunate to catch sight of the yellow beak as one of the swan turned to face me.  making my way back to the 360 Hide I discovered in the gloom that, basically, other than the main water all the lagoons were dry and devoid of birds.  making my way back to the car p[ark a score of Canada Geese flew over me.  I, therefore, decided to count my losses, drive back towards Boston, noting the Goldfinches in the hedge as I exited the reserve, to recharge the car before continuing on to the my evening lodging in Kings Lynn.  Not until almost 11.30 did the sun finally break through with still about twenty miles of driving to complete the journey.

Record shot of the Red Kite Milvus milvus

Before leaving home I came across a reference to "Abbey Hide" about 9 miles inland from Kings Lynn, so took the decision to pay a visit before checking in at the accommodation.  Driving into Flitcham, Norfolk to take the final lane to Abbey Farm and the hide I had a Red Kite overhead and, once again, arrived at the hide to find no sign of water.  However, perfect timing to settle down and enjoy my picnic lunch.  No sooner had I unpacked the food than a Kestrel came to perch on the wires immediately in front of the hide and then I noticed the Buzzard resting on a distant electricity pole.

Resting Buzzard Buteo buteo

Time, obviously, for some activity so suddenly the Buzzard up in the air and the arrival of two Red Kites and a passing Woodpigeon.  A cock Pheasant casually strolled across the open field and a couple of Jackdaws put in an appearance.

Cock Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Thinking of the fields back on the other side of the lane opposite the entrance to the hide, I took a stroll and no sooner arrived than many calling Jackdaws up in the sky above the farm house as the pair of Red Kites flew over.  Meanwhile, at the far side of the field on the opposite side of the road, a soaring Buzzard and then a I picked up the pair of Short-eared Owls that were quartering the field's edge, low over the grass near a low hedge.  The birds gradually disappeared to the right with one coming to rest in a very low tree at the back but unable to get a clear view of the perched raptor. back to the hide and, joined by a couple of visiting birders from Birmingham, we watched the arrival of a Jay and soon followed by both a Meadow Pipit and Pied Wagtail.  A Robin was also seen in the bushes to our left.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

Still only 1.30 so decided a drive RSPB Snettisham seemed a good idea as it was on the way back to my new accommodation in kings Lynn for wo nights. Come 2.15 I was in the car park and preparing for the long walk through the reserve to the beach where, unfortunately, the tide was now well out. Walking on the eastern bank of the lagoon, I noted the Mallard and a couple of Black-headed Gulls whilst the bushes and shrubs to my left produced Robin, Chiffchaff and overflying Starlings and Redwings.  Reaching the end of the lagoon and the steps up to the beach a couple of Little Egrets and a Coot on the water.  Approaching the sea wall and view of the empty beach a small flock of Greylag Geese flew over and heading south along the coastline.

The beach at Snettisham with the tide well out into The Wash

Looking out over the muddy beach towards the, now, very distant sea, I could see a number of Shelduck and small groups of other resting ducks including both Teal and Wigeon.  Way further out a small skein of Golden Plover and a greater number in the  murmuration of Knot towards the horizon.  Nearer to me, the odd small groups of Dunlin and a single Bar-tailed Godwit.

Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Time to head back towards the car park and this time following the sea wall to complete a great circuit (not realising that the return distance would be about two miles!).  On the way I cam across the odd Woodpigeon and then a group of about a dozen House Sparrows.  Also seen with the sparrows a handful of Goldfinch and a single Greenfinch.  A couple of Pied Wagtails were on the grass near the end of the beach cabins and atop the electricity poles individual Herring Gulls. Finally, the occasional Carrion Crows as I entered the car park and then made my way back to Kings Lynn.

Goldfinches Carduelis carduelis with a Greenfinch Carduelis chloris (on right)

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Whooper Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Red Kite, Buzzard, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Knot, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin,  Blackbird, Redwing, Chiffchaff, Jay, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling,  House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Wigeon Anas penelope

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