Bohemian like you!

Back (early!) for seconds! Absolutely terrific views of three very confiding birds, with good company in the form of Red, Liz and Brian. (None of whom will understand the title of this posting!)

Wax(w)ing lyrical!

Finally! Reasonable views of five Waxwings at Strumpshaw today - would have been better if some anal sphincter (whose lens was slightly larger than the Hubble telescope) hadn't tried to climb into the bush they were feeding in! As they flew off, he had the cheek to say: "Too many photographers!"

A seven o'clock start for Linda and me delivered good views of virtually all the Strumpshaw specialities: Bittern, Otter, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, Marsh Tit etc. A great little session!

Usual day at the office..

I must beware of becoming blase about the 'regulars' at Strumpshaw Fen: let's be honest: this is quality nature-watching!
A walk round with Brian T produced some good birds and highlighted the limitations of my camera!
Still: a great day and six miles walked.... Highlights included several Otters & Bitterns, a couple of Buzzards, Siskins & Redpolls and two Water Rails.

One Swallow doesn't make a Summer: how about ten?

A walk around the Fen with old friend Red O'Hara was fairly unproductive by recent standards: Bittern, Bearded Tit and Kingfisher as usual, but too fleeting to photograph. The Riverside and Lackford Run are impassable, so not much scope for walking. Amazing thing, though: up to ten Swallows were hawking in front of Fen Hide: a late date for so many, I would imagine....

Just a nice walk in the patch....

...but not without its highlights!
Bearded Tits were still in evidence along the Sandy Wall (despite the wind!) while Buckenham Marshes produced Buzzards, a Peregrine and a big female Sparrowhawk. Returning to Strump, I surprised this Water Deer before jamming in on a Bittern at Reception Hide.

Strumpshaw in the frost!

A very cold couple of hours at the Fen failed to produce yesterday's Waxwings, but I had lovely views of the confiding Nuthatches!

A few days in France

OK: this blog is supposed to be about my local patch, but:
a) It's become a personal diary of sorts
b) Only a few people look at it, so I can post more or less what I like!

A three-day break in the Pas de Calais was surprisingly unproductive in terms of expected winter birds (Although not without some memorable foody experiences!) The drive down to Dover produced dozens of Kites, Buzzards and Sparrowhawks, while we didn't encounter a single raptor in France! The Channel crossings were calm and enjoyable, with plenty of Gannets, Kittiwakes & Guillemots. I saw (but didn't manage to photograph) a couple of Little Auks.
Most interesting birds in France were at Hardelot Plage: a late Sandwich Tern, lots of Sanderlings and a pair of Crested Larks.
A diversion through the back lanes between the A11 and A140 on the way home was enlivened by a Lanner or Gyr hybrid (with jesses) that dashed across the road in front of us!

North Coast with Martin!

What a fabulous day out! No Bluetail or Arctic Warbler, but just terrific birding in great company....
Thrushes were moving through Stiffkey all morning: thousands of Redwings, Fieldfares, Song Thrushes and continental Blackbirds, as well as 30+ Ring Ouzels and a stunning richly-coloured Black Redstart. Also encountered was this 'interesting Bunting': helpful comments welcome!

Moving on to Cley produced Gannets and Kittiwakes close inshore, as well as a somewhat-distant Red-necked Grebe. Lots more thrushes and a group of Brents including a pale-belied example.

Last stop was Walsey Hills: frustrating glimpses of a Firecrest and lots of crests & Willow-Chiffs.

Robin Day!

No, not the old gentleman with the bow tie: just a perfect description of a few hours at Horsey Gap. There were literally hundreds of Robins sitting on every bush & bit of wire! Redwings, Blackbirds & Song Thrushes (and a few Ring Ouzels) were drifting in off all morning, as were parties of Jays. Best finds were a Slavonian Grebe on the sea and a Black Redstart on the fence of the digger enclosure (Thanks to Mick Saunt!)