Goshawks, Siskins, Bramblings... Where else but the Brecks?

An early start saw Brian, Norman and me at the well-known layby south of Swaffham which has become one of the most reliable sites for Goshawk in Norfolk. We joined a couple from Sculthorpe and well-known birder David Norgate and quite quickly we managed prolonged if distant views of two birds. Lots of Woodlark flitted about but never came close enough for photos. We moved a few miles to a large clearing where a Great Grey Shrike had been in residence: although we failed to locate it, we did see over a dozen Buzzards, more Woodlark and another Goshawk. Nice to bump into 'Stratton Birder' Stephen...

After a quick lunch Brian navigated the narrow lanes to Lynford Arboretum. By the 'orchard' we met ace photographer Nick Appleton, and enjoyed watching a small flock of Brambling before carrying on to the lake.The feeding station on the bridge was crowded with woodland birds, and we all enjoyed close views of Marsh Tits, Nuthatches and several other species.The walk back to the car park produced more good views of the superbly plumaged Brambling, as well as Strumpshaw regulars Kim and Elaine.

Last stop was Santon Downham: the long walk to the usual site gave us drumming and calling Lesser Spots, but we failed to locate them: we did get some great views of bright Siskins, however.