Amazingly, the sky cleared before dawn, allowing wonderful views of this morning's near-total lunar eclipse. I find these events even more impressive than solar eclipses (I've never seen a toital solar!) because of the eery red colouration of Moon's eclipsed portion.
While Brian and I were searching for the Red-necked Phalarope at Wells on Tuesday, we chatted with Tom Whiley, a fellow birder who had seen the phalarope just before we arrived. He mentioned that he was a follower of 'Birds of the Heath' and ran a blog himself: he asked if we could post reciprocal links - this I have now done! Tom is a tremendous artist and photographer - his blog is just one of the best!
I used to visit the Fen several times a week: it's where I met Brian, Norman, Mark and many others. Sadly it has steadily metamorphosed into a country park, with all kinds of 'activities' for kids. However, it still attracts interesting wildlife, and if you visit early and avoid weekends / holidays it can still be a peaceful, enjoyable venue.
My visit today was a quick walk round to Tower Hide, in an attempt to finally add Garganey to the year list: I think I probably did, in that one of the female-type 'Teal' had a blue speculum. Lots of other confusing waterfowl, including the 'mini female Red-crested Pochard' below!
Great and Little Egrets were abundant, as were Migrant and Brown Hawkers, Emperors and Willow Emeralds... Naturally there were a few Hummers too!
...until the near-total lunar eclipse: but will the clouds stay away? Last night visibilty was perfect - fingers crossed for Friday morning.
Brian and I headed straight to North Point Pools at Wells, in an attempt to grab Red-necked Phalarope for the year. Despite a hike round to the high ground to the north, we failed to find the target, although fellow-blogger Tom had seen the bird earlier. (Hobby was a bonus)
The move to Cley was not desperately productive: lots of the expected waders - including three Green Sandpipers - but no Garganey. After coffee we moved to Gramborough Hill, where a Glossy Ibis was good to see. A good search added Stonechat, Ringed Plover and Wheatear to the day list.
We decided to have a last bash at North Point, but had to be content with a Little Gull, lots of Spoonbills and another Glossy Ibis
Up to four hummers on the Buddleia still, despite today's drizzle and overcast: I assume they're probably egg laying... Last night's waxing gibbous Moon showed the major craters Tycho, Copernicus and Plato especially well: sadly, the weather forecast for the lunar eclipse early on Friday morning isn't looking very promising.
This Brown Hare managed to escape the attentions of the Red Kite that flew right over him by All Saints, Hemblington.
