Saturday 19th August 2017

A blustery day, but seawatching produced 5 Eiders, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Gannets, 200+ Sandwich Terns, 200+ Common Terns, 15 Little Terns, and a Greenshank. The Great White Egret was seen from the Car Park Hide, and a Stonechat was active around the Observatory lawn.

A small batch of Drinker moth eggs hatched overnight:

 

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Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still in field north of duckpond at 12.04pm
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still PE31 8BB
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cley NWT on Pat's Pool at 8.15am then flew east
Norfolk no sign of ad.Caspian Tern Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape by 10am. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk E to church, north along Church Ln to bend then east on track, N thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk 2.Spotted Redshanks Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh
Norfolk Black Redstart juv near Cockley Cley still at farm

Friday 18th August 2017

Highlights today were at least one Great White Egret, and 3 Swifts passing through, while 2 Stonechats were around the east bank.

In the moth traps a Scarce Bordered Straw was the star:

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Norfolk CASPIAN TERN ad (red-ringed) Hickling Broad NWT still 2.05pm at Rush Hill Scrape. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Ln to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk 11.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh at 10.20am PE31 8BB
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN ad (red-ringed) Hickling Broad NWT again 12.35pm at Rush Hill Scrape. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Ln to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk Osprey flew south over Newton Flotman at 12.30pm
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN ad (red-ringed) Hickling Broad NWT till 10.55am at Rush Hill Scrape then flew towards Swim Coots. Use Potter Heigham village hall c'pk +walk E to church,N on Church Ln to bend then E on track, N thru wood +E NR29 5LW
Norfolk Spoonbill Breydon Water at east end on west side of Lumps
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN ad (red-ringed) Hickling Broad NWT again at Rush Hill Scrape at 9.50am. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Ln to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk 12.Spoonbills y'day Titchwell RSPB again on freshmarsh +Little Gull PE31 8BB
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still north of duckpond at 7.30am
Norfolk no sign of ad.Caspian Tern Breydon Water at east end by 5.50am (but Spotted Redshank 1,300.Avocets

Thursday 17th August 2017

Heavy rain during the morning made for a rather quiet day. On the sea a single Bonxie and 6 Arctic Skuas were recorded. A Greenshank was at Gore Point and the Great White Egret was active at the very west end of the grazing marsh. A young Stonechat was near the Observatory.

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Norfolk CASPIAN TERN still 2.05pm Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Lane to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN still 1.35pm Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Lane to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN still midday Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Lane to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk 4.Wood Sands still Cantley beet factory
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still this a'noon then flew east +landed in grass west of Beach Road north of A149 near 1st pool
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still 10.26am north of duckpond on marshy pools
Norfolk Spoonbill Brancaster Staithe harbour at seaward end by main channel
Norfolk CASPIAN TERN again Hickling Broad NWT at Rush Hill Scrape at 10.15am. Use Potter Heigham village hall car park +walk east to church, north along Church Lane to bend then east on track, north thru wood +east NR29 5LW
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still north of duckpond at 8.15am
Norfolk Great White Egret on Sunday Burnham Market flew over campsite at 8.30am
Norfolk 32.Spoonbills y'day 1ml ENE of Stiffkey just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey

Wednesday 16th August 2017

A calling Crossbill around the Pines between the Obs and the Firs started the day off, though was not seen subsquently. Two Great White Egrets were present in the area, one on the NWT pools the second in flight over the Grazing Marsh mid morning. Other birds seen included a Greenshank and a Kingfisher along the Broadwater.

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Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still 1.50pm north of A149 on pool north of bus stop (+juv.Caspian Gull)
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still late morning north of A149 on pool north of bus stop (+Turtle Dove still)
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still north of A149 on pool north of bus stop at 10.05am (+Turtle Dove flew south)
Norfolk 4.Turtle Doves Seething still
Norfolk WHITE-RUMPED SAND ad y'day again Snettisham RSPB on mud north of 1st hide at 6.10pm tho distant

Tuesday 15th August 2017

A Pied Flycatcher was again around the observatory building, presumably the same bird seen last week. A Hobby was seen early morning and a Stonechat was along the East bank, a Common Sandpiper and three Snipe were on Redwell Marsh.

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Norfolk 2.Wood Sands Cantley beet factory still at east end at 9am +Garganey still
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still 12.20pm north of A149 on pool north of bus stop
Norfolk Pied Fly Trimingham at The Pottery
Norfolk Turtle Dove Seething still
Norfolk no sign of Cattle Egret Titchwell in cattle field between Gypsy Lane +road to Brancaster Golf Course
Norfolk Wood Sand Cley NWT still east of East Bank at north end of The Serpentine at 9.40am
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT still from main observatory. Reserve open 9.30am-5pm. Admission £7.68 for non-members. Memberships from £50; concessions £39 PE14 9TN
Norfolk Glossy Ibis ad Salthouse still north of A149 on pool north of bus stop at 6.30am
Norfolk Wood Sand Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB

Saturday 12th August 2017

At least one Great White Egret was active near the Broadwater and a Green Sandpiper was also of note. A Cetti's Warbler was along the east bank.

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Norfolk 30+Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey still just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen this a'noon. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands Burnham Norton early morning
Norfolk Little Stint Cantley beet factory still +4.Wood Sands 2.Garganey
Norfolk Purple Sand juv Titchwell RSPB still on beach 200yds west of main path +showing well
Norfolk Little Stint Breydon Water
Norfolk no sign of Glossy Ibis Cley NWT (but 4.Spoonbills still)
Norfolk Black Tern Snettisham RSPB from Shore Hide at 9.15am

Friday 11th August 2017

At least one Great White Egret was active at the west end of the grazing marsh today, and a productive morning's ringing included 14 Meadow Pipits and 2 juvenile Stonechats.

A Humming-bird Hawk Moth was feeding on the buddleias near the Obs

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Norfolk Glossy Ibis still 12.30pm Cley NWT on Pat's Pool +showing well then flew west +no further sign by 2.30pm
Norfolk again no sign of ad.Baird's Sand Potter Heigham Marshes this morning (but Wood Sand 2.Spotted Redshanks). Use car park by A149 at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml NR29 5JE
Norfolk 1+Common Crane flew over Strumpshaw Fen RSPB
Norfolk 33.Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk Glossy Ibis Cley NWT at 12.21pm
Norfolk still no sign of Thrush Nightingale Salthouse at Gramborough Hill by 12.50pm. Walk east from north end of Beach Road TG.085.441
Norfolk still no sign of Thrush Nightingale Salthouse at Gramborough Hill by 10am. Walk east from north end of Beach Road TG.085.441
Norfolk Curlew Sand Breydon Water
Norfolk no sign of Thrush Nightingale Salthouse at Gramborough Hill by 9.20am. Walk east from north end of Beach Road TG.085.441
Norfolk Turtle Dove 3/4ml south of Thetford at Nunnery Lakes NR
Norfolk no sign of ad.Baird's Sand y'day Potter Heigham Marshes in evng. Use car park by A149 at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml NR29 5JE
Norfolk THRUSH NIGHTINGALE y'day still 7.30pm Salthouse at Gramborough Hill in brambles on SW side tho elusive but no further sign by dusk. Walk east from north end of Beach Road

Thursday 10th August 2017

A few migrants were around the reserve with a juvenile Cuckoo near the Dell Hide, a Wheatear and a family of Pied Wagtails and Stonechats all active on the east bank. Seawatching was a little quieter with 20 Teal west, 500+ Common Scoters, 2 Fulmars, 28 Gannets, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Arctic Skuas, a Great Skua, 11 Little Terns, a Black Tern, 55 Sandwich Terns, 31 Common Terns and an adult Kittiwake all noted.

Moth traps were very quiet but insect highlights included a Grayling outside the Observatory, and a Brown Hawker dragonfly on the reserve.

Grayling butterfly near the Observatory building

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Norfolk Wood Sand juv Cley NWT still east of East Bank on The Serpentine this morning
Norfolk Purple Sand Titchwell RSPB on beach east of main path at 11.38am
Norfolk Curlew Sand juv Breydon Water
Norfolk 2.Wood Sands y'day Cantley beet factory

Wednesday 9th August 2017

With strong Northerly winds the sea seemed the obvious focus today. Unfortunately this failed to produced the hoped for birds, with the only noteworthy species being Manx Shearwater (4), Bonxie (3) and Little Gull (2). At least three Arctic Skuas were also seen, a conservative count, with birds noted throughout hassling the terns for food. A bonus today though was a Pied Flycatcher seen on several occasions perched on the rope fence outside the obs.


Pied Flycatcher, Holme Bird Obs, August 2017

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Norfolk Sooty S'water flew past Walcott 11am-2.30pm
Norfolk 2.Turtle Doves Seething still
Norfolk 3.Little Gulls flew past Sheringham
Norfolk Pied Fly Holme NOA
Norfolk 10.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still on freshmarsh +Little Gull still PE31 8BB

Tuesday 8th August 2017

A day of forecast rain proved remarkably dry throughout but produced some interest as the day wore on. Between the beach, Thornham Harbour and the pools on the reserve counts included 2 Spoonbills, Great White Egret, 4 Greenshanks, 6 Snipe, 98 Dunlin, 125 Golden Plovers, 7 Grey Plovers, 8 Black-tailed Godwits and 86 Bar-tailed Godwits. Moving through and joining local birds were around 80 Swallow whilst 480 Starlings were over the grazing marsh and roosting on the sand and feeding offshore were around 230 Common Terns and 270 Sandwich Terns.

The moth traps were fairly quiet and a Painted Lady proved the most interesting invertebrate sighting of the day.

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Norfolk 11.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB again on freshmarsh +2 Little Gulls +2 Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk 2 Little Gulls Breydon Water +880.Med Gulls
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv yesterday Cley NWT again from Daukes' Hide in evening Wood Sandpiper Salthouse still by Beach Road then lew west
Norfolk 3 Spotted Redshanks Breydon Water at east end
Norfolk Baird's Sandpiper ad still potter Heigham Marshes on middle pool + 2 Little Stints
Norfolk Great White Egret Welney WWT on Lady Fen
Norfolk Garganey juv Strumpshaw Fen RSPB still from Tower Hide
Norfolk Great White Egret Holme Dunes NWT still on Hun Pool
Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still 2.05 Potter Heigham Marshes on 1st pool by track +3 Little Stints
Norfolk Black Redstart Weybourne Camp this morning +4.Little Gulls flew past
Norfolk 3 Spoonbills Thornham Harbour
Norfolk  Black Tern flew past Sheringham
Norfolk  Wood Sandpiper Buckenham Marshes RSPB still on pool by wind pump this evening
Norfolk Great White Egret Thornham Harbour
Norfolk  2.Caspian Gulls (ad and 2s) Cley NWT again from Daukes' Hide this evening +Garganey +Spoonbill

Monday 7th August 2017

Sunday 6th August 2017

No fewer than 3 Great White Egrets were seen together over the grazing marsh this morning.

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Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still 1pm Potter Heigham Marshes on NW pool along access track. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk 3.Great White Egrets Holme Dunes NWT at 10.30am
Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still 11am Potter Heigham Marshes on NW pool along access track. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk Short-eared Owl Titchwell RSPB on grazing meadow
Norfolk Cattle Egret ad still Potter Heigham Marshes. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still 9.20am Potter Heigham Marshes on NW pool along access track. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still Potter Heigham Marshes on NW pool along access track. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk 2.Great White Egrets Burnham Deepdale Marsh +2.Spoonbills
Norfolk 14.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh PE31 8BB

GO WILD AT DROVE 2017

Barn Storming Day for Go Wild at Drove

 

Go Wild at Drove saw it’s second year hailed an even bigger success with loads to do and see at Drove Orchards. Volunteers from the Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association were on hand to ring visitors to the event, giving out details of birds caught at Drove over the last 7 years, and some of the amazing journeys they have made, together with goody bags which included freshly picked apples from the orchard. There were also moths, caterpillars, and a wide range of real wildlife objects from Drove all on display. The day included two wildlife walks, a tour of the orchard led by owner Andrew Jamieson, the inspection of two moths traps and a series of activities in the barn for kids and families.

A moth trap from the reedbed is emptied

 

A total of 36 species of birds, 43 species of moths, 11 species of butterfly and 5 species of dragonfly were recorded at Drove during the day, the highlight being a rare Tissue moth caught in the reedbeds on the north side of the estate. Good birds recorded on the day included a Great White Egret, Grasshopper Warbler and Crossbill.

Orchard owner Andrew Jamieson explains the different varieties on the orchard walk

The event was very well attended and we would like to thank everyone for coming to take part and find out more about the wonderful wildlife at Drove Orchards. We look forward to repeating the event next year!

Tissue moth caught at Drove on August 5th - photo by Guy Barker

Saturday 5th August 2017

A rather quiet day, with the highlights a Great White Egret flying west along the Broadwater mid morning and a calling Crossbill seen in flight over the southern edge of the grazing Marsh. A single Common Sandpiper and a Greenshank plus four Whimbrel were also noted over the Broadwater during the afternoon.

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Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still 2.45pm Potter Heigham Marshes on NW pool along access track. Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk Temminck's Stint reported still this a'noon Potter Heigham Marshes. Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north
Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad still 12.15pm Potter Heigham Marshes on NW pool along access track. Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE
Norfolk Wood Sand Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Norfolk presumed escape White Stork ad 3mls SW of Long Stratton at Great Moulton flew over Downsland Park at 12.40pm [wings have atypical damage +pigmentation]
Norfolk BAIRD'S SANDPIPER ad Potter Heigham Marshes this morning. Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view nort
Norfolk 2.Garganey (ad +juv) Welney WWT
Norfolk 33.Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen +Whimbrel. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk Garganey Welney WWT
Norfolk 20.Common Cranes Potter Heigham Marshes. Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north
Norfolk 2.Little Gulls flew west past Weybourne Camp 6.35am-8.55am
Norfolk Little Stint Hickling Broad NWT on Rush Hill Scrape +Turnstone
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB still 8.47am TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk Temminck's Stint again Potter Heigham Marshes on SW pool at 8.20am with Dunlin. Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north
Norfolk 2.Garganey y'day Cantley beet factory
Norfolk Wood Sand Burnham Norton Marsh still on last pool on right before sea wall +9.Spoonbills
Norfolk 6.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (male fem 4.juvs) still Potter Heigham Marshes at 6.20am +ad.Cattle Egret still (+Spotted Redshank 10.Common Cranes). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank
Norfolk 10.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB +5.Spotted Redshanks 2.Little Gulls TF.750.438 PE31 8BB

Friday 4th August 2017

Bird activity seemed to be mainly centred around the Broadwater, with a 15 Black-tailed Godwits, three Green and two Common Sandpipers and a Ruff noted. A Greenshank was on Lavender Marsh and a juvenile Cuckoo and at least one Stonechat were on the East bank by the Obs building.


A young Cuckoo perched on a furled net along the East Bank. Holme Bird Obs-Aug 2017

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Norfolk Wood Sand Burnham Norton Marsh on northernmost pool on east side of path from Burnham Norton at 12.35pm
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills Cley NWT by Babcock Hide viewed from A149. 1s.Little Gull Kelling Water Meadows at 9am
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills Cley NWT by Babcock Hide viewed from A149. 1s.Little Gull Kelling Water Meadows at 9am
Norfolk Wood Sand juv Cley NWT still east of East Bank on The Serpentine
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB +5.Spotted Redshanks 2.Little Gulls TF.750.438 PE31 8BB

GO WILD AT DROVE SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2017 - EVENT DETAILS

Please do come and join us for our joint event with Drove Orchards on Saturday.

This free event will offer two wildlife walks, a tour of the orchard from owner Andrew Jamieson, and a wealth of wildlife information at the big barn behind the farm shop at Drove Orchards.

We will be providing complimentary goody bags for kids.

The event begins at 10am with the first of two wildlife walks, taking in some of the most beautiful wildlife areas on the farm, and (hopefully) involving a ringing demonstration.

The first moth trap will be emptied at 11.15am

The second wildlife walk will take place at 12.30pm

The second moth trap will be emptied at 1.45pm

The orchard walk will take place at 2.30pm

Please bring sensible footwear and with a changeable forecast there will be umbrellas available, but most of all do come along and see that there is much more to Drove Orchards than just its apples!

Thursday 3rd August 2017

The Great White Egret flew over Beach Road at 7.45, and on the sea an Eider, 70 Common Scoters, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 50 Little Terns, 50 Sandwich Terns, 10 Common Terns and a Whimbrel were of note.

A Plain Pug was in the moth trap.

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Norfolk Black Tern ad Winterton this morning +Arctic Tern
Norfolk Wood Sand Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh +10.Spoonbills
Norfolk no sign of any Quails Aylmerton west of Church Road in wheat field at top of The Close near concrete pad. Park at village hall
Norfolk Little Gull flew west past Weybourne by 8am
Norfolk 4.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB at 8am +2.Little Gulls Spotted Redshank
Norfolk BLACK-WINGED STILT still Potter Heigham Marshes (+fem.Garganey). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank
Norfolk no sign of Temminck's Stint Potter Heigham Marshes nor any Black-winged Stilts (but Wood Sand). Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north

Wednesday 2nd August 2017

A visit from the Butterfly Conservation group produced 67 species of moths, including 2 Twin-spotted Wainscots, an Antler Moth, Rush Veneer, Diamond-back, Barred Red, Shore Wainscot, and a Kent Black Arches.

Two Turtle Doves were in the paddocks behind Redwell Marsh, the Great White Egret was around, and 42 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpipers, a Green Sandpiper were around the NWT pools. A Hobby was of note.

Tuesday 1st August 2017

Two Great White Egrets were again at the west end of the Broadwater and at least a single Common and Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank were also present. A Turtle Dove was singing early morning opposite Redwell Marsh and a Wheatear and two Stonechat were along the East Bank.

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Norfolk 36.Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen at 2.35pm. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk 3.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (male +3.juvs) still Potter Heigham Marshes at 1pm +ad.Cattle Egret still tho mobile (+7.Spoonbills 4.Garganey Wood Sand). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank
Norfolk Turtle Dove male singing Seething still 8.30am
Norfolk 3.Little Stints Breydon Water briefly
Norfolk Arctic Tern juv Gorleston on groyne
Norfolk Great White Egret Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh +2.Spoonbills 2.Little Gulls
Norfolk BLACK-WINGED STILT y'day still Potter Heigham Marshes still in evng (+6.Spoonbills 2.Wood Sands). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank

Monday 31st July 2017

Two Great White Egrets were reported today at the west end of the grazing marsh.

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Norfolk Turtle Dove male singing Seething still 8.15amNorfolk 3.Little Stints reported flew west past Weybourne at 7am +2.Little Gulls
Norfolk Great White Egret Holme Dunes NWT still on marsh 500yds SE of entry kiosk at 11.17am
Norfolk Wood Sand juv Cley NWT still east of East Bank at north end of The Serpentine
Norfolk 5.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (male +4.juvs) again Potter Heigham Marshes on eastern pool at 9.37am +showing well +ad.Cattle Egret still (+Wood Sand). Use car park at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank
Norfolk Spoonbill Titchwell RSPB still 8am +2.Little Gulls Spotted Redshank PE31 8BB

Sunday 30th July 2017

On the sea today 40 Common Scoters, 2 Little Terns, 300+ Sandwich Terns, 4 Common Terns were seen, and in Thornham Harbour 6 Eiders, 2 Golden Plovers and a Kingfisher were also seen. The Great White Egret was mobile in the south west area of the grazing marshes and on the NWT pools 22 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper were noted. Two Stonechats were along the east bank, and a Cetti's Warbler was near the Obs.

Moths included 2 Garden Tigers, a Pine Hawk Moth, a Brown-veined and a Twin-spotted Wainscot.

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Norfolk 3.Black-necked Grebes (ad +2.juvs) still SE of King's Lynn at Hardwick Flood Lagoon. Park in A149 layby west of roundabout +view from verge TF.642.185 PE30 4BFNorfolk Little Gull Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at 12.21pm
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at 12.13pm. male Turtle Dove singing still in trees NE of car park mid morning PE31 8BB
Norfolk 2.Turtle Doves (both males) singing Seething
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cley NWT again on Simmonds' Scrape from Daukes' Hide

Saturday 29th July 2017

Seawatching today produced 66 Common Scoters, 2 Fulmars, 6 Gannets, a Great Crested Grebe, 12 Little Terns, 562 Sandwich Terns, and 29 Common Terns. Two Arctic Skuas were also seen in the morning. The Great White Egret was showing on the NWT pools and flew off mid afternoon in the direction of Redwell Marsh. Also at the NWT pools 3 Green Sandpipers, 2 Common Sandpipers, a juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 9 Black-tailed Godwits and a single Ruff. Three Stonechats were again around the Observatory and a Green Woodpecker was in the pines. Six Spoonbills flew high over the Broadwater heading west.

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Norfolk 5.Black-necked Grebes (3.ads +2.juvs) still SE of King's Lynn at Hardwick Flood Lagoon at 10.06am. Park in A149 layby west of roundabout +view from verge TF.642.185 PE30 4BFNorfolk 2.Caspian Gulls (ad +juv) Cromer on beach +juv.Yellow-legged Gull
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1s Salthouse on beach east of Grambrough Hill
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills (ad +juv) Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh at 8.30am +5.Spotted Redshanks Little Gull TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk Scaup drk Breydon Water at west end +2.Spotted Redshanks
Norfolk Great White Egret flew west over Titchwell RSPB at 7.25am
Norfolk 3.Black-necked Grebes (ad +2.juvs) still SE of King's Lynn at Hardwick Flood Lagoon at 5.45am. Park in A149 layby west of roundabout +view from verge

Friday 28th July 2017

A seawatch today produced 4 Common Scoters, a Fulmar, a single Gannet, 16 Little Terns, 122 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Terns, and an Arctic Tern. A single Med Gull, 2 Stonechats, and a Green Woodpecker were around the reserve, and on the NWT pools a Little Ringed Plover, 20 Black-tailed Godwits, a Ruff, a Little Stint, 2 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers were also noted.

Thursday 27th July 2017

Highlights today were on the NWT pools, where the Great White Egret, a Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 2 Common Sandpipers and 3 Green Sandpipers were seen. Three Stonechats were around the east bank and Broadwater Hide, and a Green Woodpecker and a Cetti's Warbler were also of note.

Great White Egret, NWT pools, by Steve Newman

A Gold Spot was the highlight in the moth traps.

Wednesday 26th July 2017

An interesting day's birding was cut short by strong winds and rain in the afternoon but during the morning a Great White Egret was seen from the hides, along with 2 Green Sandpipers and good numbers of hirundines. Around Thornham Harbour, the beach and over the Observatory waders included 4 Avocets, 8 Oystercatchers, 5 Whimbrel, 18 Curlews, 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Bar-tailed Godwits, 6 Turnstones, 30 Knot, 110 Sanderlings and 51 Dunlin. Other interest included a Mediterranean Gull and 6 Eider offshore.

Highlights from the moth traps included a male Ghost Moth, Coxcomb Prominent, Pine Hawkmoth and 4 Garden Tigers. 

Great White Egret - Holme Dunes NWT, July 2017 

Wall Brown - Holme Bird Obs, July 2017

Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk 1+Curlew Sand Snettisham RSPB +2.Little Stints 17+Spotted Redshanks Black Tern
Norfolk 5.Little Gulls (all 1s) Salthouse still on pools east of Iron Road. 2.Curlew Sands Cley NWT from Daukes' Hide this a'noon +Spotted Redshank
Norfolk 5.Little Gulls (all 1s) Salthouse still on pools east of Iron Road. 2.Curlew Sands Cley NWT from Daukes' Hide this a'noon +Spotted Redshank
Norfolk Turtle Dove Titchwell RSPB on grazing meadow
Norfolk 14.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB this morning TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk Long-tailed Skua reported y'day Cley offshore (+Scaup)
Norfolk 2.released Corncrakes singing y'day Welney WWT still in evng
Norfolk no sign of ad.Pec Sand Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh by late morning (but juv.Arctic Tern still) TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk Great White Egret Titchwell RSPB again flew west over car park at 7.10am +2.Little Gulls 12.Spoonbills
Norfolk 3.Little Stints Buckenham Marshes RSPB from hide at 7am
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Weybourne Camp on sea
Norfolk Great White Egret Brancaster flew east over marsh mid morning

Tuesday 25th July 2017

Birds of note today included two Garganey and a Ruff on Redwell Marsh early morning. A Great White Egret and Spoonbill were around the Broadwater and on the sea, birds seen again early morning, included two Eider, two Arctic Skuas, an Arctic Tern and a Greenshank flying west.



One of the two Garganey present at Redwell Marsh this morning.








 

Monday 24th July 2017

Northerlies and squally rain made seawatching the focus of the day, with 4 Tufted Ducks, 5 Eiders, 25 Common Scoters, 3 Fulmars, 53 Manx Shearwaters, 18 Gannets, a Great Crested Grebe, 8 Arctic Skuas (one pale phase bird resting on the beach), 313 Sandwich Terns, and 2 Common Terns among the sightings.

Moths included Privet and Pine Hawk Moth, Drinker, Swallow Prominent and a good range of common species.

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Norfolk Garganey Strumpshaw Fen RSPB still from Tower Hide at 2.25pm
Norfolk 2.Arctic Terns (ad +juv) Titchwell RSPB on Tidal Pool early a'noon
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cley NWT still on Simmonds' Scrape this morning +3.1s.Little Gulls 3.Spoonbills
Norfolk Spoonbill Breydon Water +Bittern
Norfolk 3.Caspian Gulls (2.2s +juv) y'day Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape in evng
Norfolk Pec Sand ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+5.Spoonbills Little Gull) TF.750.438 PE31 8BB

Sunday 23rd July 2017

A quiet day for birds, nevertheless the Great White Egret flew west along the south side of Broadwater, and a Greenshank flew through calling.

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Norfolk Curlew Sand ad Cley NWT still 3pm on Pat's Pool from Bishop's Hide +ad.Yellow-legged Gull
Norfolk Spoonbill imm flew west over Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Wood Sand Titchwell RSPB from screen on Patsy's Reedbed at 4.16pm TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk White Stork Norwich on playing field of Hartford Manor School c1.45pm but no sign at c2.30pm NR2 2LN
Norfolk 6.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (2.ads +4.juvs) still Potter Heigham Marshes this morning +Cattle Egret still (+2+Garganey). Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank
Norfolk Caspian Gull 1s Breydon Water from rugby club at 3pm then flew west
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cley NWT still this a'noon
Norfolk Little Gull 1s Kelling Water Meadows
Norfolk 5.Spoonbills y'day Cley NWT briefly then flew west
Norfolk 2.Curlew Sands (both ads) Snettisham RSPB on mud at 9am. 16.Spotted Redshanks on pits at high tide
Norfolk 3.Quails Kelling Water Meadows late morning: 2.in beet field midway along track from Kelling village, 1.in stubble field before clover field
Norfolk 25.Spoonbills 1ml ENE of Stiffkey just north of A149 at Stiffkey Fen at 8.30am. Use A149 layby, walk east +take footpath north along west side of River Stiffkey TF.983.437
Norfolk Great White Egret Thornham harbour still 9.57am tho distant +3.Spoonbills still. 2.dark morph Arctic Skuas between harbour +Thornham Point. 8.Whimbrel on marsh
Norfolk Caspian Gull juv Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk Great White Egret Thornham harbour in main channel at 9.35am +3.Spoonbills
Norfolk presumed escape White Stork till 9.25am Kelling Quags then flew SE [bearing green ring Z9404; presumed to be free-flying bird from group of White Storks ringed in Poland +taken into care at Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, Langmere]
Norfolk Little Gull Gorleston on beach
Norfolk Curlew Sand ad Cley NWT on Simmonds' Scrape
Norfolk presumed escape White Stork Kelling Quags [bearing green ring Z9404; presumed to be a free-flying bird from a group of White Storks ringed in Poland then taken into care at Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, Langmere, Norfolk]
Norfolk 3.Little Gulls Breydon Water +Little Tern 2.Spotted Redshanks Little Stint
Norfolk Great White Egret Brancaster landed on saltmarsh +probably viewable from Gypsy Lane
Norfolk 12.Spoonbills Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh
Norfolk 10.Hawfinches Lynford Arboretum still
Norfolk Pec Sand ad still Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh (+10.Spoonbills Little Gull 2.Spotted Redshanks) TF.750.438 PE31 8BB

Saturday 22nd July 2017

Fairly quiet for birds but on the sea 60 Common Scoters, 18 Gannets, an Arctic Skua, 165 Sandwich Terns, and 7 Common Terns were recorded, while around the marshes 10 Whimbrel and 2 Black-tailed Godwits were seen and 2 Tree Sparrows were along the east bank.

Moths included a Kent Black Arches, Bordered Beauty, Shore Wainscot and a Herald.

The moth day at Hempton produced a record-breaking catch with highlights including a Chevron, Dark Umber, Large Emerald, Bordered Beauty, Purple Thorn, Crescent, Antler, Black Arches, Copper Underwing, Dotted Clay, Rosy Footman, and Scalloped Hook-tip among a species total of 100. Many thanks to everyone who attended!

Chevron photo by Ray Roche

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Norfolk presumed escape White Stork (ringed) 1ml east of Cley still 3.45pm on marsh opposite Walsey Hills NOA then flew towards Salthouse
Norfolk presumed escape White Stork (ringed) 1ml east of Cley on marsh opposite Walsey Hills NOA at 3.40pm
Norfolk presumed escape White Stork (ringed) over Cley NWT at c3.40pm then flew towards Walsey Hills NOA
Norfolk Curlew Sand ad Titchwell RSPB late morning +Spoonbill 2.Spotted Redshanks still
Norfolk Quail male singing Cley NWT audible from Attenborough Walk this morning. Black Tern on Arnold's Marsh
Norfolk Pec Sand ad still 1.10pm Titchwell RSPB on freshmarsh near main path +showing well TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk 2.Spoonbills flew over Titchwell RSPB
Norfolk Pec Sand ad still 10.43am Titchwell RSPB +showing well (+2.Wood Sands thru) TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk 6.BLACK-WINGED STILTS (2.ads +4.juvs) still Potter Heigham Marshes +Cattle Egret (+3.Garganey). Use c'pk at Lathams (£8.50 per day) +take path ENE for 1ml +view north from bank
Norfolk 3.Little Gulls (all 1s) Cley NWT +Arctic Skua. Y'day juv.Caspian Gull on Simmonds' Scrape at 9.15pm
Norfolk 5.Arctic Skuas Thornham Point viewed from small car park at 9.35am. Spoonbill in channel behind stone barn
Norfolk Pec Sand ad still 9am Titchwell RSPB by main path just north of Island Hide TF.750.438 PE31 8BB
Norfolk Arctic Skua Thornham Point at 8.56am
Norfolk Little Stint Breydon Water at east end at 7.50am
Norfolk 2.Little Gulls (both 1s) Breydon Water at east end +Spotted Redshank
Norfolk 5.Hawfinches Lynford Arboretum
Norfolk Pec Sand ad still Titchwell RSPB (+6.Spoonbills) TF.750.438 PE31 8BB

HEMPTON MOTH DAY SATURDAY 22ND JULY

Come and join us for our moth day at Hempton Marsh nature reserve beside the A1065 at Fakenham. With rain forecast, we may not be able to offer a ringing demonstration tomorrow, but we will be emptying our moth traps and identifying all the moths caught.

Free event, all welcome!