Thursday 29th September 2016

With an even stronger south westerly wind today things were understandably quiet. a small group of eight Pink-footed Geese were on the western end of the Broadwater, a male Stonechat was along the east bank during the afternoon and the 'white starling' continued to survive, being seen at Redwell Marsh and on the NWT reserve.

White Starling at Redwell Marsh- Holme Bird Obs, September 2016

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Once again a breezy day, though seemingly with  a few more birds around. The best birds on the reserve were a Whinchat and Stonechat along the East bank, with at least one more Stonechat on the NWT reserve. A Peregrine was over the grazing Marsh and a Lapland bunting flew over west mid morning. A Hobby was seen on the NWT reserve and an Osprey was seen to fly South east over Thornham Harbour. The moth catch was again  low, a reflection on both weather conditions and the time of year, with the best moth a Feathered Ranunculus.

Tuesday 27th September 2016

Another breezy day, which resulted in a rather uneventful day bird wise. Birds of note included a Common Sandpiper and six Black-tailed Godwits on the Broad water and counts of 40 Sandwich Terns and 14 Gannets during a brief sea watch early am.

Monday 26th September 2016

Another breezy day with strong winds from the south; highlights included 33 Pink-footed Geese over the grazing marsh before moving off east. Two Arctic Skuas were seen with a pale phase adult resting on the sea during the morning, 200 Teal and 85 Wigeon were seen around the area and at least a thousand Common Scoters were also on the sea. Migrants included around 80 Swallows, 90 Meadow Pipits (with 3 more ringed), 2 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps, 1 Common Whitethroat reported and overhead 2 Grey Wagtails and 7 Siskins moving west.

In the moth traps were 15 Lunar Underwings and a Shore Wainscot and butterflies seen included a Painted Lady, Small Heath, Common Blue and Small Coppers.

 Pink-footed Geese over the Broadwater - Holme Bird Obs, September 2016

Saturday 24th September 2016

A breezy day today with few new migrants, however the Velvet Scoter was again seen offshore together with a Red-throated Diver, 30 Gannets, 3 Arctic Skuas and 25 Sandwich Terns. Two Great White Egrets passed Gore Point at some distance offshore heading west, and on the corner of Thornham sea wall 5 Whinchats, a Stonechat and 3 Wheatears were of note.

Friday 23rd September 2016

With winds increasing from the south west there was less visible migrant activity today, however there was still plenty of interest, including 9 Pintail, 860 Common and a single Velvet Scoter on the sea, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers, 5 Red-throated Divers, 1 Fulmar, 42 Gannets, 4 Great Crested Grebes and 55 Sandwich Terns, Common and Green Sandpipers and Greenshank on the grazing marsh, a Swift past the Observatory in the morning was a late record, Hobby and Peregrine were noted and 5 Buzzards were seen drifting south west, while 3 Bearded Tits were around the Broadwater, 5 Whinchats and a Wheatear were near the corner of Thornham Bank, and 3 Stonechats were also of interest. A single Grey Wagtail was also recorded.

Norfolk News from Birdnet Norfolk Possible Pallid Harrier S/over Walsey Hills NOA 11:05 - 11:1:10 + 2 Honey Buzzard thru S/ NR25 7SA TG062439
Norfolk 3 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods this mrng + 2 Pied Flycatcher NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Sheringham + 2 Pied Flycatcher NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Warham Greens early evng at N/end of Garden Drove with Tit flock NR23 1QD TF943437
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Bump at 16:15 on S/side but elusive NR26 8DB TG167432 Norfolk Caspian Gull W/past Weybourne Camp this mrng NR25 7SR TG111435
Norfolk Lapland Bunting Burnham Overy Dunes E/of boardwalk this a/noon + Whinchat PE31 8JJ TF879455
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Bump at 12:45 near the dell + Redstart NR26 8DB TG167432
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Titchwell RSPB at 12:25 near start of Meadow Trail + 2 Whinchat on East Trail & 3 Curlew Sandpiper on freshmarsh PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk 30 Spoonbill Stiffkey Fen late mrng NR23 1QW TF990438
Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh at 11:10 from Washington Hide NR23 1RN TF888439
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Warham Greens 10:50 at N/end of Garden Drove NR23 1QD TF943437
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods at 08:20 on W/side of The Dell NR23 1DR TF909453 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Holkham Pines at 10:20 300yds W/of Lady Anns's Drive with tit flock
Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh at 10:25 from Washington Hide + Yellow-browed Warbler in wood with tit flock NR23 1RN TF888439
Norfolk Lapland Bunting Mundesley by clifftop path at Mundesley Holiday Village then flew off

Thursday 22nd September 2016

A quieter day but with plenty of interest, the highlights were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers trapped and ringed at 10.20, a seawatch produced a Red-throated Diver, a Fulmar, 4 Gannets, and 12 Sandwich Terns. Around the reserve 3+ Water Rails were calling, 350+ Golden Plover were up over Thornham Harbour, a Common Sandpiper and a Spotted Redshank were around the Broadwater, a Kingfisher was also seen near the car park hide, and 5 Chiffchaffs, 10 Blackcaps, 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Song Thrushes, 1 Redwing, 2 Stonechats, a Rock Pipit and 7 Reed Buntings were also of interest.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Sea Palling + Pied Flycatcher NR12 0UX TG419252
Norfolk 3 Yellow-browed Warbler Holkham Pines at 19:00 1 by Meals House, 2 at W/end
Norfolk Wryneck Burnham Overy 1/2ml W/of boardwalk by ruin at 18:00 + 2 Whinchat PE31 8JJ TF853449
Norfolk 4 Yellow-browed Warbler Happisburgh 2 just S/of Cart Gap Road, 1 St.Mary's Church & 1 by cricket pitch NR12 0PR TG384309
Norfolk Great White Egret E/over Holkham Freshmarsh at 12:25 NR23 1RN TF888439
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Titchwell RSPB by 1st bench along main path PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Red-breasted Flycatcher Blakeney Point at 18:00 in plantation NR25 7DJ TG007464 Norfolk Lapland Bunting Sheringham NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Holkham Pines at 11:00 with tit flock
Norfolk 4 Lapland Bunting W/over Weybourne Camp + Yellow-browed Warbler NR25 7SR TG111435
Norfolk Hoopoe Brancaster on Royal West Norfolk Golf Course PE31 8AW TF772438
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Stiffkey Campsite Wood at 16:20 NR23 1QF TF964439
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Warham Greens this a/noon at N/end of Garden Drove NR23 1QD TF943437
Norfolk Lapland Bunting 1.5mls NNE/of Wells over East Hills + 2 Yellow-browed Warbler, Whinchat, Redstart & Tree Pipit TF925458
Norfolk Pectoral Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh from Parrinder Hide at 14:30 PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 7 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods + 2 Pied Flycatcher & Redstart NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk 3 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods with tit flock NR23 1DR TF909453 Norfolk 32 Spoonbill ENE/of Stiffkey at Stiffkey Fen + Yellow-browed Warbler From A149 layby walk E/& take footpath N/along W/bank of River Stiffkey NR23 1QW TF990438
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Holme NOA trapped & ringed, will be released at The Obs at 10:20 TF717450
Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh from Washington Hide NR23 1RN TF888439 Norfolk Wryneck Norwich in back garden at Trafford Road NR2 1AW TG228084
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Bump in pit NR26 8DB TG167432
Norfolk Lapland Bunting Burnham Overy Dunes at Gun Hill + Redstart PE31 8JJ TF879455
Norfolk 6 Yellow-browed Warbler Warham Greens at N/end of Garden Drove with Tit flock NR23 1QD TF943437

Wednesday 21st September 2016

A good day for common migrants, with some more small parties of Pinkfeet adding up to at least 35, 150 Curlew on the grazing marshes, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Spotted Redshank on the Broadwater, 3 Redstarts around the reserve, a Yellow Wagtail over calling, a Crossbill in the pines on the NWT reserve, a Siskin and a Redpoll over calling, 67 Meadow and 2 Rock Pipits. The day's ringing included 2 Kingfishers, 2 Redstarts, 12 Reed Buntings, 10 Meadow Pipits, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warblers, and 5 Reed Warblers among a total of 43 birds of 13 species.

Tuesday 20th September 2016

A mixed day with a selection of the expected autumn migrants plus the arrival of some of the wintering ones. Pink-feet were more numerous today, with at least two hundred seen arriving over the wash in small numbers. A Merlin put in a brief appearance and was watched chasing Meadow Pipits on the grazing Marsh, at least three Water Rails were calling around the Broadwater, and two Kingfishers were active around there too. A Rock Pipit frequented the East Bank as did a Whinchat and a Wheatear. On the sea two Red-throated Diver, a Red Breasted Merganser and  Bonxie were noted. Other birds of note included a Black Redstart around the coal barn in Thornham Harbour, though pride of place must go to The Hoopoe seen briefly on the NWt reserve early morning.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk Honey Buzzard SSW/over Sheringham at 10:20 + Lapland Bunting over W/ NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Greenish Warbler Gorleston-on-Sea this evng along Warren Lane showing well + Redstart NR31 6PL TG532036
Norfolk 10 Common Crane Hickling Broad NWT over Eastfield Road at 19:20 NR12 0BW TG429221
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler ENE/of Stiffkey at Stiffkey Fen at 11:35 NR23 1QW TF990438 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Winterton N/of church by pond NR29 4BQ TG496198
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Winterton South Dunes 30yds N/of Steps NR29 4BQ TG496198 Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham till 15:30 at W/end og golf course then flew W/ NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Blakeney at Friary Hills NT at 15:30 TG028441
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods at The Dell this a/noon NR23 1DR TF909453 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Holkham Pines E/of Lady Ann's Drive by 1st bench at 15:15 Norfolk Hoopoe Holme NWT at 08:30 briefly in pines then flew towards Thornham TF715449 Norfolk Probable Honey Buzzard s/over Winterton North Dunes at 13:50 NR29 4BQ TG496198 Norfolk Lapland Bunting Waxham + Redstart at Shangri-La chalet NR12 0DZ TG440261
Norfolk 3 Yellow-browed Warbler Holkham Pines this mrng + 2 Great White Egret on freshmarsh Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Great Yarmouth at Bure Park near SW/corner NR30 1EB TG531078 Norfolk Great White Egret Warham Greens N/of Whirligig mid mrng NR23 1QD TF943437 Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods 08:55 at The Dell NR23 1DR TF909453 Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham at W/end of Golf Course, viewable from Sheringham Coast Watch building at 08:30 NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Hoopoe Gramborough Hill at 07:32 in off sea, flew inland & lost to view NR25 7XW TG085441
Norfolk Black Redstart Thornham Harbour TF728441 TF728441
Norfolk Pied Flycatcher Heacham along Fenway at rear of sewage works PE31 7AX TF663376 Norfolk Osprey Titchwell RSPB + Firecrest PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Black Redstart Blakeney Point NR25 7DJ TG007464 Norfolk Black-necked Grebe Burnham Overy in harbour PE31 8JJ TF853449
Norfolk Curlew Sandpiper Breydon Water RSPB NR31 9QB TG464048

Monday 19th September 2016

A relatively quiet day with only a few signs of recent migrants remaining. Wildfowl included 550 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 100 Wigeon and 400 Common Scoters were on the sea. Two Red-throated and a Black-throated Diver were seen in the morning and waders included 500 Oystercatchers, 30 Lapwings, 4 Curlews, 1000 Bar-tailed Godwits and 2000 Knot; away from the beach a Common Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshanks. Passerines included 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Willow Warblers, 5 Blackcaps,3 Garden Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler and 4 Reed Warblers whilst overhead and around the east bank were 2 Grey Wagtails, 70 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits and 25 Linnets.

Sunday 18th September 2016

A good day for migrants following yesterdays storm, including 19 Pinkfeet east, 57 Brent Geese, 260+ Wigeon, 120+ Teal, 11 Pintail, on the sea 1000 Common Scoters, 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, 7 Gannets, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Pom Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Great Skuas, and 10 Sandwich Terns. A Hobby was of note and a Yellow-browed Warbler was again seen in the forestry on the NWT reserve, while around the Observatory 5 Willow Warblers, 10 Blackcaps including a Belgian-ringed bird, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 12 Reed Warblers, a Spotted and a Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstarts, 2 Whinchats, 3 Stonechats, 1 Yellow and 3 Grey Wagtails, a Redpoll and 6 Siskins were all recorded.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk Female/Immature Red-flanked Bluetail East Hills at 16:20 but elusive + Arctic Warbler TF925458
Norfolk Red-flanked Bluetail East Hills at 14:00 but no further sign by 15:30 + 6 Yellow-browed Warbler minimum, 4 Redstart, 6 Pied Flycatcher & Tree Pipit TF924456
Norfolk Red-flanked Bluetail East Hills at 13:10 but elusive + 4 Yellow-browed Warbler, Wryneck & Lapland Bunting TF924456
Norfolk Probable Juvenile Pacific Golden Plover Hunstanton on turf field S/of Marsh grazing stables between 11:10 & 11:20 then flew off PE36 5AH TF672409
Norfolk Red-flanked Bluetail East Hills at 10:40 + Wryneck & Yellow-browed Warbler TF924456 Norfolk Greenish Warbler Reported East Hills but elusive TF925458
Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham showing well at 17:20 on golf course at W/end viewed from Sheringham Coast Watch building NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Waxham at 18:40 in willows N/of pipe dump + 3 Whinchat, 2 Redstart & Tree Pipit NR12 0DZ TG440261
Norfolk 3 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk Lapland Bunting Blakeney Point heard only + 5 Redstart NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Great Yarmouth Cemetery at 16:40 in SE/corner of S/section + Ring Ouzel NR30 1DW TG526082
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Stiffkey Campsite Wood at 16:40 + 2 Redstart NR23 1QF TF964439 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Burnham Overy Staithe at 15:45 N/of A149 in sallow right of track to dunes 50yds N/of 1st stile & just beyond red metal fence
Norfolk 15 Spoonbill Blakeney Harbour at low tide at 15:10 TG028441
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Burnham Deepdale moved towards coast path with tit flock PE31 8FB TF803442
Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham at 15:20 at W/end of golf course viewed from Sheringham Coast Watch building NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods at 14:45 300yds W/of drinking pool + Wood Warbler NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham at 14:50 at W/end of golf course viewed from Sheringham Coast Watch building NR26 8BQ TG159435 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Blakeney Point at Yankee Ridge mid a/noon but mobile & elusive NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Holkham Pines from main track 200yds w/of Joe Jordan Hide at 14:39
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Burnham Overy at 14:30 in sallow right of track to dunes, c30yds N/of stile by red metal fence PE31 8JJ TF853449
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods 300yds W/of drinking pool at 14:30 + Pied Flycatcher NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk Red-breasted Flycatcher Salthouse between here & Kelling Quags at 14:02 in bushes 300yds along Meadow Lane NR25 7XW TG082443
Norfolk Stone Curlew Blakeney Point 300yds E/of Halfway House NR25 7DJ TG007464 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods at 13:35 midway towards Lady Anne's Drive NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Stiffkey Campsite Wood at 13:30 NR23 1QF TF964439
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Burnham Overy at 13:16 in sallow by track to dunes PE31 8JJ TF853449
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Great Yarmouth Cemetery in NE/corner of S/section NR30 1DW TG526082
Norfolk 1st Winter Red-backed Shrike Horsey along Nelson Head Track at 09:00 + 3 Whinchat NR29 4EP TG477228 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Warham Greens at Garden Drove 20yds N/of concrete pad NR23 1QD TF943437
Norfolk 1st Winter Red-breasted Flycatcher Trimingham NR11 8EG TG279388
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Holme NWT half way between entrance gate & firs in little dell N/of entrance track TF715449
Norfolk 2 Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods at 12:50 + 3 Pied Flycatcher NR23 1DR TF909453 Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham at W/end of golf course this a/noon NR26 8BQ TG159435 Norfolk Richard's Pipit Weybourne Camp at 08:00 circled then flew/W NR25 7SR TG111435 Norfolk Hoopoe 1/4ml W/of Brancaster Staithe along coast path E/of fort at 12:45 then flew/E towards harbour PE31 8BJ TF794442
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Burnham Overy in sea buckthorn c200yds NE/of Gun Hill PE31 8JJ TF853449
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Holme-next-the Sea in golf course c/pk + Pied Flycatcher TF717450
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods along main track to drinking pool on S/side at 09:53 + Red-breasted Flycatcher at 08:30 near kissing gate (heard only) NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk 2 Spoonbill flew W/over Cley NWT at 07:50 NR25 7SA TG049441
Norfolk 2 Juvenile Dotterel Sheringham at 08:15 at W/end of golf course NR26 8BQ TG159435 Norfolk 2 Lapland Bunting Cley next the Sea on shingle by fishing boats then flew/W towards Blakeney Point + 3 Sooty Shearwater flew/E past, Puffin, 6 Velvet Scoter flew/W & 8 Curlew Sandpiper NR25 7SA TG049441

Saturday 17th September 2016

With favourable winds sea-watching was very much top of the agenda today. A summary of the more interesting species during the morning is as follows; 2 Leach's Petrels, single Sabine's, Caspian and Little Gulls, Long-tailed, Pomarine (2) Arctic ( 105) and Great (159) Skuas, 2 Sooty and 35 Manx Shearwaters, 112 Pintail, 1,317 Wigeon, 53 Kittiwakes, 3 Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, 515 Gannets and Black Tern (3). Peregrine and Wheatear were two other species logged during the mornings sea-watch. A Spotted Flycatcher was also in the dead trees dune side of the coastal  path behind the Observatory.

Great Skuas passing distantly offshore - Cley next the Sea, September 2016

Friday 16th September 2016

With fog still in situ first thing this morning and rain moving in from the west, some migrants were clearly brought down by approaching weather. On the sea 400 Common Scoters, 2 Red-throated Divers, 3 Gannets and 60 Wigeon were counted. A first group of 5 Pink-feet came in off the sea, and 15 Golden Plover, 4 Whimbrel, a Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 18 Snipe, a Kingfisher, a Hobby, over 300 Swallows passed west, a Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warblers, 6 Blackcaps, 2 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats, 4 Reed Warblers, a Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrushes, at least 2 Pied Flycatchers around the pines, a Redstart, 2 Stonechats and 12 Siskins were recorded before the worst of the rain arrived at 11am.

Thursday 15th September 2016

A sea fog hung over the site all day, with a north-east breeze producing a number of good migrants. Two Spotted Flycatchers were around the reserve in the afternoon, a Yellow-browed Warbler was in the Forestry, a Redstart was along the approach road, and at least 4 Wheatears, 6 Willow Warblers, 10 Blackcaps, a Garden Warbler, a Lesser Whitethroat, 6 Whitethroats, a Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warblers, 2 Stonechats, and 6 Siskins were also recorded. A Kingfisher was around the Broadwater, 2 Common and 1 Green Sandpiper were noted, a Hobby flew over in the afternoon and a Cetti's Warbler was also of interest. Ringing totals for the day were 44 birds including Cetti's Warbler, 2 Spotted Flycatchers and Garden Warbler.

In the moth traps 2 Rusty Dot Pearls were of note.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk No Further Sign of Arctic Warbler NNE/of Wells at East Hills .by 18:25 but Red-breasted Flycatcher present, Pied Flycatcher & Hawfinch TF924456
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Blakeney Point this evng on beach + 7 Pied Flycatcher, 22 Redstart & 6 Whinchat NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk Adult Sabine's Gull Titchwell RSPB briefly flew in to roost at 19:18 then flew off N/ PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk 2 Spoonbill Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BJ TF794442
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Bump at 16:30 by track on E/side of holiday park NR26 8DB TG167432 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Holme NWT 16:40 at Forestry TF715449
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Wells Woods 150yds W/of kissing gate with Long-tailed Tits NR23 1DR TF909453
Norfolk Pectoral Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB at 15:40 from Parrinder Hide PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Trimingham in wood by Pottery Cottage at 14:15 + Pied Flycatcher NR11 8EG TG279388 Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Bump 12:30 at between railway line & dust track + Redstart NR26 8DB TG167432
Norfolk Wryneck Heacham at 12;30 in lone oak left of track just beyond treatment works gate PE31 7AX TF663376
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Titchwell RSPB in c/pk + Redstart near Island Hide PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk Wryneck Burnham Overy Dunes just E/of Boardwalk briefly early + Yellow-browed Warbler at Gun Hill PE31 8JJ TF879455
Norfolk Yellow-browed Warbler Great Yarmouth Cemetery North Section on W/side this mrng NR30 1DW TG526082

Wednesday 14th September 2016

With a promising wind direction hopes were high for some migrant birds. The day started well with a Fieldfare disturbed from the East bank sallows which flew into the pines. It was seen again a short while later before being watched flying off west across the grazing marsh. Next up was a group of four Artic Skuas flying from Thornham over the corner of the Grazing marsh then over the obs, also heading west. A probable Little Bunting was reported flying over calling at Gore point and birds at the Observatory during the morning included a Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail and five Whinchat on the grazing marsh near Thornham Harbour.

The afternoon saw a small arrival of birds with another Tree Pipit, two Pied Flycatchers, three Garden Warblers, Wheatear, two more Whinchat and Redstart trapped and ringed. Eight Spoonbill were in Thornham Harbour, Common Sandpiper, Greenshank and Spotted Redsahnk were noted around the Broadwater and the day ended with an impressive flock of thirty Grey Herons flying past the Obs heading west.

At Walsey Hills a quiet morning was enlivened by a brief Spotted Flycatcher and small numbers of commoner migrants. A similar afternoon arrival included five Pied Flycatchers and two male Common Redstarts feeding around the scrub and a Wheatear whizzed through.

Common Redstart after processing - Holme Bird Obs, September 2015

Tuesday 13th September 2016

A very hot day as predicted, birds of note included a Spoonbill east early morning, Green and Common Sandpiper on the Broadwater, Two Black Tern and an Arctic Skua on the sea and Whinchat and Wheatear along the sea wall at Thornham Harbour. A Humming bird Hawk Moth was a regular visitor to the Buddleia outside the observatory during the day. Norfolk News from Birdnet Norfolk Spoonbill Holme NOA early mrng + 2 Black Tern offshore & Arctic Skua TF717450 Norfolk Pectoral Sandpiper Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape mid-a/noon beware Hornet's Nest in Hide from Potter Heigham Church walk N/along lane to sharp bend then take track E/then N/through wood then E/again NR12 0BW TG429221 Norfolk Great White Egret Holkham Freshmarsh rom Washington Hide at 14:25 NR23 1RN TF888439 Norfolk Great White Egret Titchwell RSPB on brackish marsh + 4 Spoonbill & 3 Little Stint on freshmarsh PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk Pectoral Sandpiper Hickling Broad NWT late mrng on Rush Hill Scrape viewable from hide on Weavers Way NR12 0BW TG429221 Norfolk 2 Whinchat Beeston Bump at 13:30 by pit NR26 8DB TG167432

Monday 12th September 2016

Highlights today were an Arctic Skua around the dunes near the east bank, a Green Sandpiper near the Hun sluice, and 5 Whinchats along the southern fence line of the river Hun, viewable from Thornham Bank. Also of interest were a Yellow and a Grey Wagtail over calling.

Sunday 11th September 2016

After yesterday's rain a number of migrants were noted during the day, including a kettle of 10 Buzzards, a Spotted Redshank, 2 Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Black Terns west offshore, 2 Hobbies, 70 Swallows west, 20 House Martins west, 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroats, 8 Whinchats along the sea wall to Thornham, together with 5 Stonechats and 3 Wheatears, and a total of 5 Yellow Wagtails over calling. Also of interest were a Red Kite drifting east, a Peregrine, and a Kingfisher.

Friday 9th September 2016

A rather quiet day with strong south westerly winds keeping many birds with their heads down. On the sea a Red-throated Diver was of note and 2 Fulmars, 15 Gannets, and an Arctic Skua were recorded. A Manx Shearwater found in a garden near Rugby and deemed fit for release after a veterinary check up was brought up to the coast at Holme for release yesterday, a rare thing to see so close up!

 

Last seen rapidly heading westwards out into the Wash!

Thursday 8th September 2016

Seawatching produced some nice surprises with a Balearic Shearwater flying west and then landing on the sea around midday. Also of note were 11 Common Scoters, 3 Red-throated Divers, 36 Gannets, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Black and 1 Arctic Terns, 130 Sandwich Terns and 2 Common Terns.

In the moth traps 6 Rusty-dot Pearls were noted and an Eyed Hawk Moth was a very late but very welcome record!

 

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk 1st Winter Red-backed Shrike Winterton North Dunes at 18:30 200yds S/of concrete blocks NR29 4BQ TG496198
Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB from Tower Hide at 17:20 + 4 Garganey (3 from Reception Hide) NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk 13 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB on Fresh Marsh + 5 Little Stint PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk Possible American Golden Plover Reported Warham Greens is a Golden Plover NR23 1QD TF943437
Norfolk Probable American Golden Plover Warham Greens in stubble field 100yds E/of centre track NR23 1QD TF943437 Norfolk 1st Winter Red-backed Shrike Winterton North Dunes 100yds N/of concrete blocks at 15:50 NR29 4BQ TG496198
Norfolk Pectoral Sandpiper Salthouse on pool W/of Iron Road at 16:00 NR25 7XW TG082443 Norfolk 11 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh + 2 Little Stint & 5 Curlew Sandpiper PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Juvenile Red-backed Shrike Winterton North Dunes late mrng 100yds N/of concrete blocks NR29 4BQ TG496198
Norfolk Honey Buzzard Sheringham flew SW/over golf course at 10:30 NR26 8BQ TG159435 Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB from Tower Hide + Drake Garganey NR13 4HS TG341066

Wednesday 7th September 2016

A few passage migrants around this morning with 6 Chiffchaffs, 12 Willow Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Sedge and 8 Reed Warblers, a Redstart, 2 Whinchats including our recent colour-ringed bird, a Wheatear and 3 Stonechats. On the sea, 250 Common Scoters, a Fulmar, 20 Sandwich and 10 Common Terns were counted. Two Water Rails were also of note.

Ian Simon's photo of Whinchat (left) and Wheatear (right) on the east bank

Caption reads - 'where did you get those pretty bracelets?!'

Tuesday 6th September 2016

A warm and pleasant day with the main highlight being 3 Stonechats and 2 Whinchats around the east bank all day. Two Wheatears were along Broadwater Road in the afternoon. 3 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpipers and 7 Black-tailed Godwits were also of note.

In the moth traps 3 Rusty Dot Pearls and a Rush Veneer were migrants of note with a Frosted Orange adding some colour.

Monday 5th September 2016

There was little sign of the sea activity seen yesterday evening but 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, a Red-throated Diver, 18 Gannets, and single Arctic and Great Skuas were recorded this morning. Ringing included a new Whinchat and retrap Stonechat. The wandering Arctic Skua was around the grazing marsh again this afternoon, taking several tours of the east bank and sea wall. A Water Rail and 2 Tawny Owls were heard from the platform, and wader activity included 20 Whimbrel, 7 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, 1 Spotted Redshank, a Greenshank and 2 Snipe. Flyover Grey and Yellow Wagtails were of note, and a Whinchat and 2 Stonechats were around the Obs reserve.

Sunday 4th September 2016

A blustery day with occasional showers, much of the interest today was on the sea with at least 32 Manx Shearwaters passing offshore, together with 6 Common Scoters, 5 Fulmars, 48 Gannets, 6 Black Terns, 350 Sandwich Terns, 279 Common Terns, 12 Arctic Terns, and 10 Arctic Skuas also of note. On the NWT reserve a Whimbrel, Common and Green Sandpipers and 2 Greenshank were seen, and at the Observatory a colour-ringed Whinchat was again seen on the reserve, with 2 Stonechats also on the east bank in the afternoon.

On Redwell Marsh the Garganey was again present - Redwell Marsh, September 2016

Saturday 3rd September 2016

A bright start with wet weather moving in during the morning, there was little in the way of migration, with birds of note including a first year male Common Scoter on the bank of the Broadwater, 50 Swallows and 50 House Martins moving ahead of the weather front, and a Whinchat and 3 Stonechats on the grazing marsh south of the Observatory.

At Walsey Hills migrants present included 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Chiffchaffs, 5 Blackcaps and Willow Warbler whilst 11 Teal and 8 Common Snipe were on Snipe's Marsh. On the NWT 3 Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint and Pectoral Sandpiper were noted and a Spoonbill flew west in the morning.

 Common Scoter resting on the edge of Broadwater - Holme Bird Obs, September 2016

Friday 2nd September 2016

A dull and largely wet day seawatching produced a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fulmars, 9 Gannets, 17 Common Scoters, one Arctic and one Great Skua, 206 Sandwich Terns, and 125 Common Terns. Around the marshes 4 Black-tailed Godwits, 220 Curlews, a Common Sandpiper, a Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, a Spotted Redshank, and 4 Snipe.

In the moth traps Silver Y, Frosted Orange, Flounced Rustic, Archer's Dart and Flame Shoulder were of note.

A Garganey was on Redwell Marsh in the morning.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk Spoonbill Stiffkey at 16:30 on saltmarsh NE/of c/pk NR23 1QL TF975431
Norfolk Adult Caspian Gull Cromer on beach at 08:30 NR27 9HE TG219423
Norfolk 17 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB on freshma + 2 Curlew Sandpiper, 4 Little Stint & 6 Spotted Redshank PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Garganey Holme NOA on Redwell Marsh this mrng + Spotted Redshank TF717450
Norfolk 2 Whinchat Cley NWT NR25 7SA TG049441
Norfolk Garganey Titchwell RSPB on Patsy's Pool this a/noon PE31 8BB TF759436 Norfolk 3 Wood Sandpiper Cley NWT on North Scrape this a/noon + 7 Curlew Sandpiper & 4 Little Stint NR25 7SA TG049441

Thursday 1st September 2016

A seawatch today produced 4 Teal, 180 Common Scoters, 5 Fulmars, 31 Gannets, an Arctic Skua, 45 Sandwich Terns and a Common Tern. Over 80 Teal were around the grazing marsh, and waders included an Avocet, 2 Snipe and 2 Greenshank. A Whinchat was in the dunes and 2 Stonechats were at the Observatory briefly, while early morning at least 2 Grey Wagtails flew over calling.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk 27 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB this evng PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Common at 18:30 behind pillbox NR26 8RX TG165425
Norfolk 17 Spoonbill Morston Quay at 08:30 NR25 7DJ TG01144
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Common late a/noon near pillbox but elusive NR26 8RX TG165425 Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB at 16:15 from Tower Hide showing well NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk Wryneck Sheringham 14:00 at Beeston Bump in bushes S/of of pit but elusive NR26 8BQ TG159435 Norfolk Wryneck Reedham briefly in a private garden this mrng
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Common in scrub behind pillbox at 10:50 NR26 8RX TG165425
Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB at 10:35 from Tower Hide + Garganey from Reception Hide NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk 1st Winter Caspian Gull Gorleston-on-Sea at 09:45 on beach NR31 6PL TG532036
Norfolk Whinchat Holme NWT TF715449
Norfolk 8 Curlew Sandpiper Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 2 Wood Sandpiper Cley NWT this evng on North Scrape + 2 Little Stint, 5 Curlew Sandpiper & Whinchat on beach NR25 7SA TG049441
Norfolk Black Redstart Blakeney Point by lifeboat station at 15:45 NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk Osprey Norwich over market early a/noon NR2 1AW TG228084
Norfolk 2 Whinchat Snettisham Coastal Park TF648335
Norfolk Red-necked Grebe Winterton Dunes NNR off c/pk at 15:45 NR29 4BQ TG496198
Norfolk Osprey N/of Coltishall NE/over Little Hautbois at 12:20
Norfolk 2 Wood Sandpiper Cley NWT at 11:30 on North Scrape + 2 Little Stint & 5 Curlew Sandpiper NR25 7SA TG049441

Wednesday 31st August 2016

A breezy but beautiful day clouding over later on, highlights were 4+ Common Buzzards drifting over the pines west, an Avocet, 14 Curlew, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper, a Spotted Redshank, 3+ Greenshanks, 3 Snipe, a Tawny Owl calling from the pines, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers, a Whinchat along the sea wall at Thornham, 3 Stonechats near the lavender marsh, and a Wheatear along Broadwater Road first thing this morning. Butterflies included Brown Argus, Small Heath, Common Blue and Painted Lady.

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk 3 Common Crane Welney WWT PE14 9TN TL548946
Norfolk Great White Egret W/past Sheringham at 20:41 + Pied Flycatcher & Whinchat NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk 14 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh + 4 Little Stint & 8 Curlew Sandpiper PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 3 Wood Sandpiper Cley NWT on North Scrape + 4 Little Stint, 7 Curlew Sandpiper, JUV Spotted Redshank on Pat's Pool & 8 Whinchat between Eye Field & Iron Road NR25 7SA TG049441
Norfolk Black Redstart Blakeney Point at 11:00 NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk Pied Flycatcher Great Yarmouth Cemetery in NE/corner of North Section NR30 1DW TG526082
Norfolk Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper Breydon Water + 2 Spotted Redshank NR31 9QB TG464048 Norfolk Little Stint Welney WWT PE14 9TN TL548946

Tuesday 30th August 2016

Signs of some visible bird migration mid morning with small numbers of House Martins and Swallows moving through the site. Birds of note included Stonechat and Whinchat along the East Bank, both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker in the pines, a Peregrine harassing pigeons and gulls over the observatory, a Spotted Redshank in Thornham Harbour and The Little Stint again present on the NWT pools. The moth trap produced little of note although a rather smart Frosted Orange brought a splash of colour to the proceedings.


Frosted Orange - Holme Bird Obs, August 2016 

Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk Honey Buzzard Cley next the Sea over Artemis Coffee Shop towards Wiveton & landed in trees this evng NR25 7SA TG049441
Norfolk Juvenile Dotterel N/over Sheringham at 19:11 NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk 26 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB at 18:53 on freshmarsh PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB at 17:00 from Tower Hide showing well NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk Red-footed Falcon Reported Sheringham NR26 8BQ TG159435
Norfolk 14 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Pectoral Sandpiper Strumpshaw Fen RSPB at 09:55 from Tower Hide NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk Little Stint King's Lynn at Hardwick Flood Storage Reservoir at 19:15 PE30 2QA TF631204
Norfolk Eclipse Drake Garganey Titchwell RSPB + 8 Curlew Sandpiper PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 2 Wood Sandpiper Cley NWT on Pat's Pool this a/noon NR25 7SA TG049441
Norfolk 4 Little Stint Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 3 Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper Breydon Water off South Wall this a/noon + 3 Spotted Redshank & 3 Whinchat NR31 9QB TG464048
Norfolk Little Stint Holme Dunes NWT on pools
Norfolk Spotted Redshank Thornham in harbour PE36 6NZ TF737438
Norfolk Pied Flycatcher Blakeney Point in plantation NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk Little Stint Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh + 5 Curlew Sandpiper PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 8 Curlew Sandpiper Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape viewable from hide on Weavers Way + 2 Little Stint NR12 0BW TG429221

Monday 29th August 2016

The bank holiday dawned calm and sunny - a Yellow Wagtail  flew over west with small numbers of Meadow Pipits first thing. In the pines 6 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers were feeding in the company of a Long-tailed Tit flock whilst singles of Common and Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Reed Warblers were also noted in the scrub.

In the afternoon 4 Stonechats and 2 Whinchats appeared on the East Bank and remained feeding on the lawn area in to the evening, whilst on the sea highlights included a Great Skua and 200 Common Scoter. Waders noted included Common and Green Sandpipers, Spotted Redshank, 4 Sanderling, 2 Greenshank and 55 Bar-tailed Godwits on the beach.

The moth traps proved relatively quiet but butterflies were much more plentiful; 11 Brown Argus, 8 Common Blue, 3 Painted Lady, 2 Wall Brown and Green-veined White were seen over the course of the day, many on the buddleias around the viewing platform.

One of the Whinchats perched near the Observatory - Holme Bird Obs, August 2016


Norfolk News from Birdnet
Norfolk Cory's Shearwater Cromer from a boat NR27 9HE TG219423
Norfolk 35 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB + 6 Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint & Garganey PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 24 Spoonbill Stiffkey Fen NR23 1QW TF990438
Norfolk Wryneck just E/of Beeston Bump at 15:35 in hollow NR26 8DB TG167432
Norfolk Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB this a/noon from Tower Hide + JUV Garganey from reception NR13 4HS TG341066
Norfolk Wryneck Beeston Bump at 13:27 in hollow NR26 8DB TG167432
Norfolk Juvenile Spoonbill Blakeney Freshmarsh early mrng + AD Little Gull flew/E
Norfolk 3 Common Crane Welney WWT from Nelson-Lyle Hide PE14 9TN TL548946
Norfolk Immature Glossy Ibis Strumpshaw Fen RSPB from Tower Hide NR13 4HS TG341066 Norfolk 3 Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB + 8 Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint & Spotted Redshank PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Balearic Shearwater flew W/past Sheringham at 07:45 NR26 8BQ TG159435 Norfolk 10 Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper Cley NWT on Pat's Pool + JUV Little Stint NR25 7SA TG049441 Norfolk Turtle Dove Welney WWT in c/pk PE14 9TN TL548946
Norfolk 2 Little Stint Gramborough Hill at 11:20 then flew/W NR25 7XW TG085441
Norfolk 2 Wood Sandpiper Cantley Beet Factory at 12:30 from North Hide + 2 Curlew Sandpiper NR13 3JA TG389037
Norfolk 20 Curlew Sandpiper Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape from Weavers' Way late mrng + 2 Little Stint NR12 0BW TG429221
Norfolk 2 Whinchat Horsey along Nelson Head track NR29 4EP TG477228 Norfolk 6 Little Stint Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh early a/noon PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Little Stint Welney WWT from Friends Hide showing well PE14 9TN TL548946
Norfolk Male Black Redstart Blakeney Point at Lifeboat House NR25 7DJ TG007464
Norfolk 4 Little Stint Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh + Garganey on Patsy's Reedbed PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk Osprey Ormesby Broad at 10:55 NR29 3LS TG463152
Norfolk Little Stint King's Lynn by A149 at Hardwick Flood lagoon PE30 2QA TF631204
Norfolk Curlew Sandpiper Welney WWT PE14 9TN TL548946
Norfolk Osprey Rollesby Broad at 09:45 then flew towards Lily Broad
Norfolk 6 Curlew Sandpiper Breydon Water at e/end by mid mrng + 4 Little Stint NR31 9QB TG464048
Norfolk Ringtail Hen Harrier Weybourne in off the sea over coastguard cottages then flew/W NR25 7SR TG111435
Norfolk Little Stint Titchwell RSPB on the freshmarsh this mrng + 2 Spotted Redshank PE31 8BB TF759436
Norfolk 5 Garganey Hockwold Washes on the flash this mrng IP26 4LQ TL727882