Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Before the storm!
The weather forecast for the rest of the week is terrible, so I took a leisurely 7 mile stroll around the patch. Best birds were raptors: 6 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and a squillion Marsh Harriers, but three Little Egrets were good as were the Sedge Warbler and Linnet
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Back on the beat!
A lovely, warm day here in East Norfolk, so I laced up the 'Trespasses' (which, according to my Fitbit, have just notched up 1000 miles since mid-January!) and took a stroll around Strumpshaw, Buckenham and Hassingham.
As you'd expect in June, only the breeders were in evidence, but they included Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Hobby, Lesser Whitethroat, Bittern and Buzzard (Which yet again was identified as a Marsh Harrier by a group from North London when I pointed it out to them!) Additionally, there were a few Swallowtails on the wing, as well as Damselflies (I'll let the experts i/d this one!) and a mint-fresh Large Skipper. I also managed a snap-shot of a weasel carrying what looks like a Water Vole.
One of our resident Turtles spent most of the afternoon sunning himself: this evidently got his juices flowing, because he then proceeded to hump a Collared Dove!
As you'd expect in June, only the breeders were in evidence, but they included Cuckoo, Garden Warbler, Hobby, Lesser Whitethroat, Bittern and Buzzard (Which yet again was identified as a Marsh Harrier by a group from North London when I pointed it out to them!) Additionally, there were a few Swallowtails on the wing, as well as Damselflies (I'll let the experts i/d this one!) and a mint-fresh Large Skipper. I also managed a snap-shot of a weasel carrying what looks like a Water Vole.
One of our resident Turtles spent most of the afternoon sunning himself: this evidently got his juices flowing, because he then proceeded to hump a Collared Dove!
Monday, 18 June 2012
A weekend away..
Linda & I were at a UFO conference in Suffolk, which gave us the chance to spend Saturday birding at Minsmere and in Rendlesham Forest.
Nothing spectacular in the bird line, unfortunately: some Hobbies, a few Little Egrets and so on...
Best finds were half a dozen Glow Worms along Track 10 at Rendlesham and a nice Spiked Speedwell.
Nothing spectacular in the bird line, unfortunately: some Hobbies, a few Little Egrets and so on...
Best finds were half a dozen Glow Worms along Track 10 at Rendlesham and a nice Spiked Speedwell.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Fritz!
Despite almost certainly being intentional releases. Marsh Fritillaries in Norfolk are worth going to see!
Took a cool three hours perseverance by Martin & me, but (after a decent latte break!) we finally connected in the mid-day sunshine! Terrific!
Took a cool three hours perseverance by Martin & me, but (after a decent latte break!) we finally connected in the mid-day sunshine! Terrific!
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Sunny Wednesday!
What a pleasant change!
A walk around Strumpshaw and Buckenham delivered the usual species of warbler, as well as four fly-over Crossbills and a couple of Buzzards. The Meadow Walk is now open, but I didn't see a single butterfly: just a few dragons & damsels and the first Orchids of the year. A Wood Sandpiper flew across in front of Tower Hide, while a Chinese Water Deer was not unexpected at Buckenham.
Our garden is full of young birds feeding: Rooks, Wood Pigeons, Starlings and Blackbirds vie with the Turtles at the feeders....
A walk around Strumpshaw and Buckenham delivered the usual species of warbler, as well as four fly-over Crossbills and a couple of Buzzards. The Meadow Walk is now open, but I didn't see a single butterfly: just a few dragons & damsels and the first Orchids of the year. A Wood Sandpiper flew across in front of Tower Hide, while a Chinese Water Deer was not unexpected at Buckenham.
Our garden is full of young birds feeding: Rooks, Wood Pigeons, Starlings and Blackbirds vie with the Turtles at the feeders....
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Darn sarf!
Just back from a few days away from the patch (and a PC!) in Berks and Bucks. The weather there was no better than it is here, but Red Kites, Buzzards and Ring-necked Parakeets were, as always, much in evidence.
A ten mile walk around the lanes of Hemblington and Blofield Heath produced some additions to the wild flower pages as well as multiple views of a pair of Marsh Harriers hunting over the barley near Pedham and mint fields at Blofield Heath.
The Turtle Doves are now visiting the garden throughout the day and have grown far less timid: they will even 'see off' the grey squirrels!
A ten mile walk around the lanes of Hemblington and Blofield Heath produced some additions to the wild flower pages as well as multiple views of a pair of Marsh Harriers hunting over the barley near Pedham and mint fields at Blofield Heath.
The Turtle Doves are now visiting the garden throughout the day and have grown far less timid: they will even 'see off' the grey squirrels!
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Crossbills!
June is the month for irruptions of Crossbills from the continent: Linda & I heard that a few had turned up at Strumpshaw Fen on Monday night, and we caught up with them early on Tuesday on our way down to meet friends in Suffolk. When we went for a stroll on Hollesley Common, next to RAF Woodbridge, guess what we found? Correct! 200 of them!
We also saw a group of moths (?) with incredible antennae that they used in an amazing and beautiful display 'dance', as well as loads of gorgeous Banded Damselflies
We also saw a group of moths (?) with incredible antennae that they used in an amazing and beautiful display 'dance', as well as loads of gorgeous Banded Damselflies
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| One of six at Strump |
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| Hollesley Common |
Monday, 4 June 2012
Heath tick!
This Hobby tazzed over Hemblington Hall Road about 10.30 as I was nearly home from my daily constitutional! (7 miles today!)
Only other birds of note were two more purring Turtles (north of Hemblington Church) and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Only other birds of note were two more purring Turtles (north of Hemblington Church) and a Lesser Whitethroat.
It's Hammer Time!
Turtle update
A few photos from 6.30 am!
There are two distinct pairs visiting the feeders: this is the most timid. They seem to be 'bullied off' the seed by anything other than House Sparrows: the worst offenders are the many Collared Doves.
The 'new' pair are darker and more assertive!
There are two distinct pairs visiting the feeders: this is the most timid. They seem to be 'bullied off' the seed by anything other than House Sparrows: the worst offenders are the many Collared Doves.
The 'new' pair are darker and more assertive!
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| Pair One |
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| Male 1 |
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| Female 1 |
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| Pair Two |
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| Male 2 |
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| Female 2 |
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Last of the sunshine....
Linda & I took advantage of a good forecast for the afternoon to dart over to Winterton. After a brisk trot across the dunes we quickly found the Woodchat hunting from a wire fence. Other 'goodies' included Stonechat, Whinchat and lots of lovely Little Terns.
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