East coast migrants and a cracking Kingfisher at Hickling!

Just a morning free, so Norman, Brian and I decided to spend it at Horsey, in the hope of a few migrants. This was definitely a triumph of hope over experience, the wind having been in the west for two days, but it was a pleasant morning and we actually found a few bits and pieces.

We took the Nelson's Head track to the blue container, where almost immediately we began to see Wheatears, Stonechats and (always distantly along fence-lines) Whinchats. Some large flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches needed sorting through, but nothing special turned up.

We stopped off at Hickling on the way home, where a long, largely birdless walk found us at the Bittern Hide. We were just about to leave when an obliging male Kingfisher flew in to feed: maybe my best-ever shots of the species were the result!

Kingfisher Central: Strumpshaw Fen

I had a Dr's appointment this morning, so, having only a couple of post-dawn hours to spare, I was at the Fen by 6.15. It was pretty much still dark - and very overcast - so high ISOs and slower shutter speeds were the order of the day! Nevertheless, I enjoyed good views (if not images!) of five or six Kingfishers, an otter (on the Sandy Path) and Marsh Harrier VT being photo-bombed by a distant Hobby. Good to bump into all the Tuesday regulars: Brian, Brian, Norman, Kevin and Adrian, as well a really pleasant couple on holiday from Essex: hope they got their Kingfisher!

Beautiful waxing Moon

The Moon won't be full until Wednesday, but already it's a splendid sight, rising in the east just after sunset. The photos show two splendid craters: one dark (Grimaldi) and one super-bright ray crater (Tycho)

Doug and Dinsdale: the Hedgehog twins!

Our garden is currently being investigated by a delightful pair of young Hedgehogs. No more than 8" long, the duo make nightly appearances on Linda's trail camera, snuffling loudly around the feeders looking for beetles and slugs.

Earlier in the day, while Linda and I were mowing the lawn, cleaning the pond pumps etc, a Clouded Yellow flew straight through the garden without stopping.

A sky full of Buzzards! Buteos and sub-buteos!

It was a glorious afternoon here on the Heath, but I was stuck in the office putting together a large order. Nevertheless: every time I glanced from the office window there was a raptor sailing by. Most of these were Buzzards (including this well-marked displaying pair) but four Hobbies, two Sparrowhawks and at least five Kestrels came to the party as well!

Pectoral Sandpiper at Buckenham: second helpings, but a blank at Cantley BF

With part of the morning free, Linda and I took a walk down to the hide at Buckenham, this time with the 'scope! No problem finding the bird - it was somewhat nearer than on Monday, and several familiar faces were already watching it. It spent a fair time asleep in the heat haze, but occasionally wandered about among a group of Snipe and Ruff. Also present (but even more distant!) were a couple of Green Sandpipers and a few Dunlin. Steve Smith mentioned that the Cantley BF Pec had been much closer on the previous evening, so we thought we'd go and investigate.

I suppose the fact that Linda and I were given permits 1 and 2 at the security office should have suggested something! In the event a good walk round and scrutiny of every pool, margin and island failed to produce the Pec. We did see some nice flocks of mixed waders that included Green, Common and Wood Sandpipers, lots of Ruff, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank and - possibly - a couple of Curlew Sandpipers. As the rain started, we beat a hasty retreat, getting soaked but having enjoyed the walk.

Back garden delights!

There's something extra special about seeing birds from your own window: following yesterday's plovers and raptors, it was good to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the Oak at the end of our garden this morning!