Astro-ornithology!

Combining two of my major enthusiasms: I was photographing today's rich crop of sunspots when the Sun drifted in front of a distant TV aerial, just as a Wood Pigeon alighted on it!

Jabbed!

Having seen on a recent edition of 'Gone Fishing with Mortimer & Whitehouse' just how badly Bob was affected by a dose of shingles, when I was offered the vaccination I readily agreed. The absolutely charming nurse gave me the jab at the end of my annual diabetes review: I'm delighted to say that she was positive, upbeat and supportive, congratulating me on how well I was controlling the condition with diet, exercise (and metformin!)

Incidentally: there is some evidence that the shingles vaccine imparts a degree of protection against dementia: another good reason to book a jab now!

Odds and ends at Cley

Band practice tonight, so only a short run to the North Coast with Brian and Norman. (My camera / lens continue to give problems, so apologies for the poor images below)

As expected, the Long-billed Dowitcher was on Pat's, mooching about a bit distantly with the Godwit flock: later - as we were walking along the East Bank - it could be picked out as the Godwits moved to Arnold's Marsh.

A few Scoter and Red-throated Divers on the sea, but not much else to report: after coffee we drove the short distance to Kelling Heath, where we saw - but didn't photograph - a somewhat flighty Dartford Warbler

Bright passes by the ISS in November

Plenty of opportunities to see the International Space Station this month: no need to stay up late or get up particularly early, either!

Even spottier!

At the moment early mornings almost always bring the sight - and sound - of Pink-footed Geese flying north west over the house: the garden is full of Goldfinches, Blue Tits and Starlings.
Without yesterday's clouds the Sun can be seen to have literally dozens of sunspots....

More amazing sunspots

Taken through a very small clear patch in an otherwise unbroken cloud base, some impressive sunspot groups this afternoon: let's hope we get some CMEs followed by more lovely auroral displays!

The little things that give us pleasure!

In my case, one of these 'little things' is being able to mow the lawn in mid-October! The hope is, of course, that I won't have to do it too often before the end of the year - but, as they say, 'It is better to travel in hope than to arrive'

The Dowitcher plays peekaboo!

Linda and I had to visit Bayfield Hall to pick up a piece of sculpture we'd ordered on our recent visit with Peter and Sue. While we were there we enjoyed a cup of tea and a somewhat strange vegetarian sausage roll: a few feet from the window a terrific variety of woodland birds visited the feeding station.

A short drive to Cley and a walk out to Bishop's revealed that the Dowitcher was still present, but was inconveniently asleep behind a Teal! A brief seawatch  from the Coastguards added Red-necked Grebe and Velvet Scoter to our short daylist...

Sparrowhawk

Despite the carnage they inflict on the local dove and pigeon population, Sparrowhawks are always wonderful to see as they stoop across the garden at high speed: they often charge right through the middle of our Sycamore tree!

October Survey at All Saints Church, Hemblington

Since Sue was unavailable and Peter is slightly disinclined to early early starts, just Linda and I carried out this months survey. To be honest there was little to report apart from the 'star' bird: a distant Raven that betrayed itself by its 'Gronk' call (and size!)

On the way home (via Potter Heigham!) I noticed a trio of Great White Egrets near the corrugated barn just before Acle Bridge: no longer rare, but still special to see.

Never say never again!

Despite fading to 4th magnitude as it rushes back to the Oort Cloud, the sky was so clear and dark before the Moon rose last night that Comet Tsuchinshan was quite easy to see above the western horizon...

Great morning out in North Norfolk

Still feeling a lot less than 100%, but I thought a little bit of exercise on a sunny day might reduce the old blood sugar and generally improve things. In the event I'm not sure whether it helped or not, but I did enjoy renewing acquaintances with the recently-returned Long-billed Dowitcher at Cley (As well as the charming Jacqui Bridges!) A Water Pipit gave good, close views, as did a fly-through Kingfisher, but a group of Cattle Egrets and a Red-necked Grebe and pair of Velvet Scoter on the sea were a 'little' more distant!

After coffee we decided to return home via Hickling, where yesterday's Glossy Ibis was available on Brendan's Marsh: Little and Great Egrets finished the set!