Red-backed Shrike and other goodies!

Norman picked up Brian and me at 07.00 for a morning's tour around a couple of Broadland hotspots. First stop was Hickling, where an adult male Red-backed Shrike eventually posed somewhat distantly for photos: we were kept entertained by 18+ Cranes, lots of Whitethroats (Greater and Lesser) and a male Stonechat. A stop at the viewing platform added Green Sandpiper and Great White Egret to the day list.

After coffee and scone at Potter Heigham we decided to head home via Ranworth, parking by the Church and walking out to the Reserve Centre. On the way we enjoyed seeing half a dozen Swallowtail caterpillars, as well as an enormous Longhorn Beetle (Musk?) From the boat stage at the centre we could pick out the comings and goings of the Ospreys as they fed their now-fledged youngster, while another Great White and a Spoonbill side by side were noteworthy.

A stop at the hide on the walk back to the car gave us fleeting views of a male Kingfisher, while yet another Hummer was good to see by the Church cafe.

Hummingbird Hawkmoth

Two of these delightful creatures visited our Buddleia today: always a thrill to see them this well!

Wildlife survey at Hemblington All Saints Church

That time again! Linda, Sue, Sue, Peter and I met at 09.00 - earlier than usual, because the south meadow was being mowed later. Despite the dry conditions there was still plenty to see, although we didn't find any Brown Argus or Purple Hairstreaks this year...

More moonshots!

The crescent Moon looked beautiful last night, hanging over the houses low in the west: Venus was further away to the north, but still a lovely sight.

Still plenty of butterflies

Despite the heavy overcast and cooler weather today, the buddleias are still attracting a good number - and a good variety - of butterflies: Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral and (least common) Meadow Brown.

The Moon and Venus

At sunset, the crescent Moon and Venus were quite close together in the misty western sky.

Dipped - again!

Having been 'late on parade' for the Weybourne Shorelark on Tuesday (by half an hour!) I thought I'd leave early and try again this morning. Despite arriving at 06.45 and staying until 09.00 the bird failed to appear. Some consolation came in the form of a Peregrine heading eastward and a few Stonechats. A large offshore 'gull melee' held a few Meds but nothing exciting. Great to chat with Richard the Hat and local birder Ian....

Stopping off at Cley, I enjoyed sharing a Common Sandpiper with Steve G, but there was little else about.

Frogz!

While watering the pot plants in the garden (with a watering can, naturally!) I was delighted by the number of Common Frogs that appeared: five from just a dozen planters!