Pre-Christmas run along the North Coast

Brian and I left early and were at the Coastguards while there was still a bright waning Moon over the Eye Field. A seawatch gave us just a juvenile Gannet and a Yellow-legged Gull, so we moved round to Bishop's Hide: same story, with lots of Teal and Wigeon and a distant Kingfisher. The walk along the East Bank was also unproductive, adding a few Little Egrets and four Pintails.

Since the visitors' centre was closed we drove west to Holkham for coffee at the 'Lookout' cafe, before walking to the new Jordan Hide. Distant Egrets, Curlews and Geese were small reward for the long walk, and after half an hour we decided to head home. As we reached the car a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits flew in. Among them was a smaller, well-marked individual with a very bright super: we toyed with the idea that it was the Cley Dowitcher, but better views dashed our hopes! (Brian's excellent photos below)

Christmas thrash at the Blues Bar!

As expected from the fabulous Lowestoft Blues Bar and its terrific crowd, SYNERGY had a thoroughly enjoyable session, with lots of dancing, merriment and audience participation! Thanks to the many 'Synergysts' who turned out on a cold, rainy day: especial thanks to Glynn and Jan for their continued support and to Sue and Mark who took the photos!

A Woodpecker comes to call!

A male Great Spotted Woodpecker has been a frequent visitor to the garden this year, but today he excelled himself by pecking away at his favoured Gingko for over five minutes: even I managed a few photos (through the somewhat hazy office windows!)

I believe in Father Christmas

At this time of year I often look back on the CDs that I recorded 25 years ago with the choir I co-ran at Acle Primary School. This one (with the endorsement of composer Greg Lake!) made quite a few pounds for the Children's Society and school funds. I played guitars, while my TA Sue played keyboard. Drums were Chris Gray, who also owned the 'Shades of Gray' studios where we recorded and mixed the track. Chris's wife (and fellow-muso) Jann produced the CD cover and did all the artwork!

Waning gibbous Moon

Just briefly (at around 10pm) the sky was fantastically clear here in East Norfolk...

Christmas knees-up!

If you're anywhere on the East Coast, our last gig of the year is next Sunday in Lowestoft!

Wildlife survey, Hemblington Church

Poor Sue has fallen foul of the cold bug that's going around, so it was just Peter, Linda and yours truly that carried out this month's survey. (Amazing to think we haven't missed a month for over six years!) Probably as a result of the very gusty wind, small passerines were not much in evidence, but we nevertheless reached a decent total for an exposed chunk of arable land!

Occultation of Mars, December 18th, 2024

A montage of shots from 04.30 - 08.30 as the Moon drew closer to the red planet!

The Moon and Mars

The Moon is close to Mars in the pre-dawn sky: later (when it's daylight, unfortunately) the Moon will occult (pass in front of) the red planet.

Last run out before Christmas

My turn to drive, so Brian and Norman met at mine for a trip up to the North Coast. First stop was Blakeney, where a good, long walk failed to produce the hoped-for Twite - nor anything else much! The 'highlights' were several Marsh Harriers, lots of Brents and a frosty-looking Stonechat.

Next stop Cley: the centre hides were empty, quite possibly because there were very few birds other than geese. We gave it an hour before adjourning to the visitors' centre for coffee. A visit to Bishop's Hide gave fleeting glimpses of the Dowitcher, as well as a few Golden Plovers, so we decided to finish the session at Stiffkey, where a brief 'grill' of the flooded meadows opposite the Red Lion revealed that the Glossy Ibis has returned for the winter!

Despite all attempts at resets, maintenance and setting changes, my camera just will not focus sharply at the moment: I'll have to bite the bullet after Christmas and get it serviced...

Cranes and Cattle Egrets while Christmas shopping!

Linda and I had to drive north to Potter Heigham to visit Latham's for a few odds and ends. On the way home via Acle I noticed a couple of adult Cranes right by the road, and managed a few ropey shots through the car window! On a roll, we carried on via Branch Road, Halvergate, where we enjoyed amazing views of nine or more Cattle Egrets, at least one of which still had the remains of its breeding coloration.

60's night with the O'Fenders

Always good to have a night out with friends! Tim, Linda, Sue, Peter and I strolled down to Heathlands for the pre-Christmas performance of local band the O'Fenders. A full house enjoyed a night of sixties nostalgia: other than the Rolling Stones they are probably the only band still gigging that are older than Synergy! (Note the incredible collection of vintage Gibsons and Fenders!)