Hemblington Church birdwatch

Thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Hemblington Church, this year's RSPB garden birdwatch was once again a great success. The advance publicity and the fine weather at the start of the day brought good numbers to the church, including lots of youngsters, who enjoyed being photographed and interviewed by the EDP journalists (one of whom I'd taught years ago!) Local birder Mike joined Peter and me for five hours of light-hearted birdwatching and chat with the steady stream of visitors. You can read the EDP's take on events HERE (And no: I never claimed we'd seen 100 species!)

Around midday the clouds rolled over and the temperature dropped considerably (making Sue's parsnip and pear soup even more popular!). The number of different birds of  a pleasing variety of species steadily grew, highlights being three Marsh Harriers, two Pink-footed Geese, several 'blue' Pheasants,  half a dozen Mistle Thrushes and a flock of Fieldfares. Other non-bird wildlife included six delightful Brown Hares. (Numbers of birds would have probably been higher had the local landowner not decided to hold a pheasant shoot!)

Back home to lay the table for a Burns Night supper of veggie haggis en croute with Linda, Peter and Sue!