The night sky in May and ISS transits over Norfolk

Still some good things to see in the sky in May, although the days are lengthening, meaning late night observation is generally necessary!

Yaffle!

While Linda and I were setting up our garage sale this morning, we heard the distinctive call of a Green Woodpecker from our Sycamore tree. We quickly went through to my office, from where I took these photos (through a somewhat grimy window!) before the bird flew off. This is an 'often heard, seldom seen' species for the garden!

Strumpshaw Fen: it's been a while....

Since Linda needed the car, I took a quick run around Strumpshaw, half hoping to catch one of the resident Barn Owls still out hunting. Since it was a somewhat late start, I wasn't surprised to miss out (although there was one sat in its nest box!)

Lots of recently arrived migrants: Cuckoos, Sedge Warblers, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats, with Bearded Tits and Marsh Harriers as backup - at least two booming Bitterns as well.

I had thought I might bump into 'Summer Winer' Norman, but it wasn't to be - nice to chat with long-time acquaintance 'Blonde' Liz, who had the same set up as me, with the addition of a 1.4 converter. (Too dear for me!) A teneral damselfly (Large Red?) was my first odonatid of the year.

Thankyou!

To the many visitors to this blog - some I know, some I'll never meet. Today the total visits crossed another threshold...

Hairy-footed Flower Bee

The garden is full of these engaging little creatures at the moment: here are some roly-poly females.

More astronomy!

For a change the sky has been beautifully clear at sunset, allowing great views of the Moon, Venus and Jupiter. Last night I was able to photograph the curious double crater Messier, which looks a bit like a comet flying in front of the Moon. Jupiter's four galilean moons were spread out nicely: Jupiter is slightly over-exposed!

New bird for Hemblington Church - and the year!

Linda and I drove up to the top of the Heath to unlock the 'Little Church on the Hill': it was cool and overcast, so we didn't expect to see anything unusual: nevertheless, we had bins and camera with us!

First surprise was a Great Spotted Woodpecker, initially high in one of the trees in the copse, subsequently bashing its brains out on a telegraph pole by the Hall! Then, driving slowly back along High Noon Lane, we stopped to scan the temporarily-flooded field corner, right by the road. To our surprise a Green Sandpiper was feeding along the edge, occasionally throwing back its head to call. Other birds included Red Kite, Stock Dove and Blackcap.

The Moon and Jupiter

It's amazing the detail that can be achieved using just my Canon R7 and 100 - 400 zoom lens!

Monstrous!

Yesterday I was contacted by the son of a former business partner: his father (who passed away last year) co-authored a book with me over fifty years ago about the Loch Ness Monster! This has long been unavailable - even I only have the original galley prints. Amazingly Luke (the son!) has decided to republish the book, and has forwarded the cover to me. I hope to have a copy for my collection in a few weeks!

Iberian Chiffchaff

Norman's turn to drive: we headed south-east to Westleton Heath, where - after a false start - Norman quickly located the long-staying Iberian Chiffchaff. It took a bit of time to get decent photos, but it was calling incessantly, so, with a little patience, we both managed good views. The first of three Nightingales was calling from the car park: none of which surrendered for a photo!

Minsmere was a bit of a slog, resulting in several year ticks (two species of Tern, Whitethroat etc) and a somewhat shy Bittern, but the veggie sausage  bap was a suitable reward! A male Ring Ouzel was fleeting, but very welcome! We moved on to the Quarry on the heath, where two more Nightingales, two Cuckoos, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Stonechat and Woodlark were the best we managed.

You can never have too many....

Photos of the crescent Moon, that is. Last night my favourite crater, Petavius, was showing well at bottom centre: it's the one with a long, thin companion (Palitzsch)

New bird for the Church

It was my turn to unlock the Church this morning: as always, I took a camera and was pleased to add Common Snipe to the list of birds seen in and around All Saints. A Red Kite and Buzzard were quartering the field east of High Noon Lane..