Again, a great morning and one that just begged for a good exploratory walk around a given area. I decided to go to Holkham Hall Park first and then visit the NNR area opposite.
The park was at its best in some ways, full of bird song in calm conditions and pleasant weather. A slow walk through the woodlands produced numerous Nuthatch, and both Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker , but no sign of the desired Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Other birders were clearly listening out for birds, but with no success. Finally only a couple of us were left at which point we had a bird calling nearby. Try as we might we couldn't get a view of the bird, although we could track its movements. This was like trying to pin down the "elusive drummer" at Santon Downham!! It moved away from us at intervals , quite openly advertising its presence by calling , but disguising its actual location with very effectively. Whilst we followed it over quite a distance as it moved back towards the entrance avenue and main gates , we never did see it! It seems the days when the park played host to around nine pairs are long gone in keeping with the reduction in numbers in many other areas. This demise seems to have closely paralleled the increase in numbers and range of Nuthatch and I wonder the extent to which there has been overt competition between them leading to Lesser Spotted Woodpecker "losing out".
Following that I walked over to the lake where various common duck and a lot of gulls were present along with the odd Egyptian Goose on the periphery. Retracing my route I also saw the large herd of Fallow Deer for which the Park is famed, which give good views providing you keep a reasonable distance away.
I made my way coastwards and commenced to walk through the coastal woodlands, acknowledging that it was early afternoon already!! There was no sign of geese or duck in the nearby fields west of Wells as would be the case earlier in the winter, which made for rather a strange atmosphere. I guess I'm too used to the Barnacle and Greenland White-fronted Geese on Islay hanging on well into April.
Chiffchaff was singing lustily alongside the path as I made my way onwards. Around the wetland area Wigeon fed along with Grey lag Geese and good views were had of a close pair of Egyptian Geese too. Cormorants, Grey Heron and Spoonbill were all present and showed to good effect , but the star of the show was a Bittern that has apparently been there all winter, but has been somewhat elusive. A cry from a lady in the hide that a Bittern had just emerged thankfully focussed us all on the individual concerned that then entertained us for a considerable period. Stalking quite openly between the clumps of waterside Juncus, the bird gave us an unprecedented view of it hunting behaviour. We've all seen Bitterns patiently standing on the periphery of a reedbed, but actively stalking potential prey is quite another matter. The controlled frozen stances whilst leaning forward at a 45 degree angle, the cat like stalking movement through the vegetation with its neck partially extended and close to the ground ,and then the abrupt pause as it sensed something was present. This was privileged birding at its best, not just seeing the bird and its beautiful plumage details , but its quite open and confident behaviour too. All too soon it simply slipped away into a patch of ditch side vegetation. What an experience !
And so, with the end of the afternoon rapidly appearing I made my way back to the car and onwards to Hunstanton, happy and not a little smug too!!
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Quality birding played slowly! 27.3.2014
The weather looked reasonable so I decided to complete a trip down into the heartland of west Norfolk. I have an awful past record of getting lost in the area , mainly due to arrogantly continuing on when I didn't really know where I was, but convinced myself otherwise, and this trip was no exception.
The first part was the easiest and I easily located the area which I was going to patiently stake out and, hopefully, see Goshawk in display. As predicted, the weather was relatively calm , although a bit hazy, so it seemed the task was "on". After sitting scanning for an interminable period I'd had not a suggestion of a Goshawk , never mind good views or display. Common Buzzards were doing their own stuff and raised hopes on each occasion as they emerged at a distance through the haze. Eventually, amidst a small "swirl" of three or four Buzzards at a lower level, I then found a Goshawk circling at a much greater height. But that was it! After a short period it somehow disappeared and didn't return despite an intensely elongated period of scanning. OK, I thought , you'll have to make do with that, although in reality I'd little option.
Having memorized the route to the next venue I confidently buzzed down lanes and byways, only to arrive at the considered location which looked nothing like that described. Patient back-tracking then led to a combination of previous mistakes being identified that will forever ensure my admiration for SatNav gadgets!!! I was on the look out for Stone Curlew! First of all I bumped into the birder who I'd seen at Waveney Forest previously, who confirmed I was in the right location, but that the birds were in a different field. I felt sure I'd been told there were several around but, apparently , only two had been found. Patient scanning then found one of them which gave pretty good views, so one up on the endeavours with Goshawk I also managed to get Lee Evans on my Year List given we found ourselves drawing up in unison at the same vantage point. After further reasonable views and a quick chat I set off again and quickly linked up with the correct route I needed to get back northwards.
By the time I got back on the caost the weather and visibility had deteriorated and what had been a nice away day ended up being truncated, which is the luck of the draw.
The first part was the easiest and I easily located the area which I was going to patiently stake out and, hopefully, see Goshawk in display. As predicted, the weather was relatively calm , although a bit hazy, so it seemed the task was "on". After sitting scanning for an interminable period I'd had not a suggestion of a Goshawk , never mind good views or display. Common Buzzards were doing their own stuff and raised hopes on each occasion as they emerged at a distance through the haze. Eventually, amidst a small "swirl" of three or four Buzzards at a lower level, I then found a Goshawk circling at a much greater height. But that was it! After a short period it somehow disappeared and didn't return despite an intensely elongated period of scanning. OK, I thought , you'll have to make do with that, although in reality I'd little option.
Having memorized the route to the next venue I confidently buzzed down lanes and byways, only to arrive at the considered location which looked nothing like that described. Patient back-tracking then led to a combination of previous mistakes being identified that will forever ensure my admiration for SatNav gadgets!!! I was on the look out for Stone Curlew! First of all I bumped into the birder who I'd seen at Waveney Forest previously, who confirmed I was in the right location, but that the birds were in a different field. I felt sure I'd been told there were several around but, apparently , only two had been found. Patient scanning then found one of them which gave pretty good views, so one up on the endeavours with Goshawk I also managed to get Lee Evans on my Year List given we found ourselves drawing up in unison at the same vantage point. After further reasonable views and a quick chat I set off again and quickly linked up with the correct route I needed to get back northwards.
By the time I got back on the caost the weather and visibility had deteriorated and what had been a nice away day ended up being truncated, which is the luck of the draw.
A very mixed day! 26.3.2014.
Well, I thought I had it all worked out! Start at Salthouse, go to Cley and then on to Kelling Heath. It worked out , but only sort of!
Starting at Salthouse I managed to see the Richards Pipit which has been in residence for a little time. Not particularly good views, but conclusive and better than some I've had in the past. Later the bird appeared to move into the centre of the field and was lost to view. It was then that the rain started! Thank goodness for Radio 4!
With conditions improving slightly I called in at the Cley centre to say "Hello" to Patrick (Dwyer) and then returned to Salthouse to see if conditions might improve and closer views might be had of the pipit. It didn't work out so I sat it out and, eventually, things improved a little in that the rain stopped. I moved on to Kelling with the intention of then calling back to Cley late in the afternoon. After a walk around the reserve I was considering my next move when I bumped into local resident, John Wagstaff, who is closely connected to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and spends a deal of his time on the heath. So commenced what was a fascinating afternoon with us discussing a wide range of natural history topics. John's knowledge is immense, no doubt based on what appears to be a couple of visits each day to the heath! Whilst touring around the heath our discussions ranged over Adders and their movements and emergence times, Hen Harrier roosting and site selection, Silver-studded Blue butterfly introductions and monitoring, Dartford Warblers and Woodlark and the habitat management work being undertaken on the heath. I now feel guilty at the bombardment of questions I put John's way, but he didn't seem to mind. Given most of my own birding activities are on a solo basis on Islay meeting someone like this provided for an utterly fascinating and absorbing afternoon. I certainly went away having had various questions answered more than adequately and I hope we'll be able to meet up again when I'm in the area.
The idea of visiting Cley never reached fruition as we didn't part company until after 1800 hours, which meant most of my journey westwards was during the dusk or in darkness. The compensation was that I had sightings of four individual Barn Owls whilst travelling back to Hunstanton!
Starting at Salthouse I managed to see the Richards Pipit which has been in residence for a little time. Not particularly good views, but conclusive and better than some I've had in the past. Later the bird appeared to move into the centre of the field and was lost to view. It was then that the rain started! Thank goodness for Radio 4!
With conditions improving slightly I called in at the Cley centre to say "Hello" to Patrick (Dwyer) and then returned to Salthouse to see if conditions might improve and closer views might be had of the pipit. It didn't work out so I sat it out and, eventually, things improved a little in that the rain stopped. I moved on to Kelling with the intention of then calling back to Cley late in the afternoon. After a walk around the reserve I was considering my next move when I bumped into local resident, John Wagstaff, who is closely connected to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and spends a deal of his time on the heath. So commenced what was a fascinating afternoon with us discussing a wide range of natural history topics. John's knowledge is immense, no doubt based on what appears to be a couple of visits each day to the heath! Whilst touring around the heath our discussions ranged over Adders and their movements and emergence times, Hen Harrier roosting and site selection, Silver-studded Blue butterfly introductions and monitoring, Dartford Warblers and Woodlark and the habitat management work being undertaken on the heath. I now feel guilty at the bombardment of questions I put John's way, but he didn't seem to mind. Given most of my own birding activities are on a solo basis on Islay meeting someone like this provided for an utterly fascinating and absorbing afternoon. I certainly went away having had various questions answered more than adequately and I hope we'll be able to meet up again when I'm in the area.
The idea of visiting Cley never reached fruition as we didn't part company until after 1800 hours, which meant most of my journey westwards was during the dusk or in darkness. The compensation was that I had sightings of four individual Barn Owls whilst travelling back to Hunstanton!
North Norfolk at its best! 25.3.2014
First of all went up to Chosely Barns where, sadly, the hedge which provided shelter for birds arriving to feed on grain spillage has been removed, with no evidence of discarded food being available either. It seems close views of Corn Bunting and Yellowhammers are possibly a thing of the past. It would be useful to see the justification of what has prompted the action which, at face value, appears nothing short of prejudicial vandalism. At least a nearby field provided views of around 750 Golden Plover, some of which showed signs of their summer plumage.
On to the RSPB Reserve at Titchwell where I spent most of the day. A quick call to see past colleague Lawrence Rose who is now based here overseeing visitor initiatives and then on to the reserve proper. With time available I did full justice to each of the hides or lookouts, but was disappointed the circular walk has been closed temporarily following the effects and damage from the winter storm surge. Thankfully the "new" sea wall constructed previously held the water levels back otherwise the effects could have been much worse. As ever the variety of waterfowl was good to say the least ( Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Shelduck, plus Coot and Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe , Grey lag Goose and Brent Goose ), which was supplemented by an equally good variety of waders ( Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe, Grey Plover, Avocet, Ruff, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit ). Some of the latter were roosting just off one of the hides and provided exceptionally good views.
Later they chose to fly past and provide a very artistic image against the backdrop of the lagoon.
At least 6 Red-crested Pochard were present on the main lagoon, but later moved, and the large rafts of Common Scoter offshore had, collectively, reached around two thousand compared to yesterday. A single Red-breasted Merganser put in a brief appearance offshore before moving on.
Persistent watching eventually produced a single Bearded Tit, an observation that was surprisingly interrupted when this Grey lag Goose sought to gain attention in front of the hide.
I suspect this could be a feature of its regular behaviour.........an avian groupie no less!
Much later I called in at the Holme NWT Reserve and, although there was nothing new, it was pleasant to have walk around.
On to the RSPB Reserve at Titchwell where I spent most of the day. A quick call to see past colleague Lawrence Rose who is now based here overseeing visitor initiatives and then on to the reserve proper. With time available I did full justice to each of the hides or lookouts, but was disappointed the circular walk has been closed temporarily following the effects and damage from the winter storm surge. Thankfully the "new" sea wall constructed previously held the water levels back otherwise the effects could have been much worse. As ever the variety of waterfowl was good to say the least ( Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Shelduck, plus Coot and Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe , Grey lag Goose and Brent Goose ), which was supplemented by an equally good variety of waders ( Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe, Grey Plover, Avocet, Ruff, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Knot, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit and Bar-tailed Godwit ). Some of the latter were roosting just off one of the hides and provided exceptionally good views.
Later they chose to fly past and provide a very artistic image against the backdrop of the lagoon.
At least 6 Red-crested Pochard were present on the main lagoon, but later moved, and the large rafts of Common Scoter offshore had, collectively, reached around two thousand compared to yesterday. A single Red-breasted Merganser put in a brief appearance offshore before moving on.
Persistent watching eventually produced a single Bearded Tit, an observation that was surprisingly interrupted when this Grey lag Goose sought to gain attention in front of the hide.
I suspect this could be a feature of its regular behaviour.........an avian groupie no less!
Much later I called in at the Holme NWT Reserve and, although there was nothing new, it was pleasant to have walk around.
Return to north Norfolk. 24.3.2014
Left Acle Travelodge and found my way north eastwards to the coast. Sadly the Kingfisher Cafe at Walcott was closed on a Monday, a definite bad start to proceedings. Given the pattern is to grab a bacon butty and a cup of tea, and then seawatch from the roadside, this latter had to be completed without such benefits. As it was things were again very quiet and I eventually moved on.
Reaching the north coast I called in at Salthouse and was amazed at the effects the storm surge had had on the area. The former car park is no longer there, but covered in a deep layer of pebbles/gravel. Reaching the top of the bank to overlook the sea you find a more immediate drop than previously. Clearly clean up work had been completed previously, but evidence of continuing work occurred nearby at Cley where the East Bank was closed to allow the passage of large plant and other vehicles. The area had certainly taken a bashing and must be a real headache from the point of reserve management.
I soon moved on as I'd agreed to meet with Robert and Sue Cookson at the Titchwell RSPB Reserve. Given I had the whole week in the area I could obviously explore the coastal strip at leisure during ensuing days. The rest of the afternoon was spent on the reserve or overlooking the sea where a large raft of Common Scoter (1000+ ) was just offshore. Reports of four Velvet Scoter led to repeated scrutiny of the birds but with no luck, even when they took to flight.
And so with evening upon us we did what self respecting Yorkshire folk do whenever the excuse arises and that's repair to the pub!!! A nice meal , a relaxing pint and a good chat, accompanied by detailed instructions from Sue of where I should go to find various birds soon saw mid-evening arrive and the point at which we all needed to leave...... Robert and Sue to get ready for an early departure next day and myself to locate Garganey House in Hunstanton where I'd be looked after very ably by Robert Sturgess for the next few days.
Reaching the north coast I called in at Salthouse and was amazed at the effects the storm surge had had on the area. The former car park is no longer there, but covered in a deep layer of pebbles/gravel. Reaching the top of the bank to overlook the sea you find a more immediate drop than previously. Clearly clean up work had been completed previously, but evidence of continuing work occurred nearby at Cley where the East Bank was closed to allow the passage of large plant and other vehicles. The area had certainly taken a bashing and must be a real headache from the point of reserve management.
I soon moved on as I'd agreed to meet with Robert and Sue Cookson at the Titchwell RSPB Reserve. Given I had the whole week in the area I could obviously explore the coastal strip at leisure during ensuing days. The rest of the afternoon was spent on the reserve or overlooking the sea where a large raft of Common Scoter (1000+ ) was just offshore. Reports of four Velvet Scoter led to repeated scrutiny of the birds but with no luck, even when they took to flight.
And so with evening upon us we did what self respecting Yorkshire folk do whenever the excuse arises and that's repair to the pub!!! A nice meal , a relaxing pint and a good chat, accompanied by detailed instructions from Sue of where I should go to find various birds soon saw mid-evening arrive and the point at which we all needed to leave...... Robert and Sue to get ready for an early departure next day and myself to locate Garganey House in Hunstanton where I'd be looked after very ably by Robert Sturgess for the next few days.
Searching for a Rough-legged Buzzard 22/23. 3. 2014.
Necessarily I had to deal with some paperwork and other matters on the 21st March and so got no birdwatching done. I did use the time to research details of where a Rough-legged Buzzard was occurring at Waveney Forest with the intention of looking for the bird later. Matthew finally identified a Web site ( Danny's digiscoping) where detailed directions were given to a vantage point that I don't think would have been found so easily without the precise instructions!!
The Saturday morning saw me duly exploring back lanes and finding my way through the woodland to a wide vista lookout over Haddiscoe Marshes. It was somewhat hazy and cold too , so the vigil wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been. Marsh Harriers there were aplenty, odd Buzzards and Kestrel too, but of the Rough-legged Buzzard no sign. I eventually left after a pleasant chat with a local birder about places and personalities we had some mutual acquaintance with. After exploring other possible vantage points around Burgh Castle ,and for what was left of the day, I then tried finding a suitable seawatching spot, but not without difficulty given developments of one kind or another. I eventually found a large car park not too far north of the Port Ness area and quite close to the Travelodge. Odd Mediterranean Gulls put in an appearance, odd Gannets moved north and a Grey Plover flew south ......and that was it. Not exactly a prolific afternoon, in fact a bit of a wasted day all round.
Sunday arrived and I was out very early, mainly given my inherent dread of Lowestoft's traffic system and with the objective of finding my way to Port Ness. A single Turnstone duly appeared , but no Purple Sandpipers, and a discrete examination of the industrial complex showed no migrant Black Redstarts to be in evidence. The sea was also very short on bird activity.........surely not another desperate day?
So I found my way again to Waveney Forest and commenced yet another long vigil, but in slightly warmer conditions and with less haze this time. Staring out across an expanse of marsh providing not a lot of bird activity is sapping to the resolve to say the least. Scanning and examining every fence post yet again, but with no luck, begins to generate negative vibes, particularly on a second day of effort and so I eventually decided to abandon the quest. Not long after I set off on my return journey to the car the piercing call of Common Buzzard rang out and there, immediately above me were two circling birds which, almost immediately were joined by the Rough-legged Buzzard. Bright sunlight, blue sky, perfect conditions and ever circling birds.....who could have asked for more. It was good to be able to compare both species and to get prolonged views. As so often occurs the activity cycle suddenly subsided and the birds disappeared, but not before two Sparrowhawks had also joined the circling throng, although at a higher level. And then there was nothing and neither could I locate the birds. My lucky break had come to an end , but left a very satisfying feeling too. With no other plans decided on I went across to the Horsey area and did some general birding, the majority constituents of which were Marsh Harriers, which are everywhere!! Certainly not volume, but a real quality day.
The Saturday morning saw me duly exploring back lanes and finding my way through the woodland to a wide vista lookout over Haddiscoe Marshes. It was somewhat hazy and cold too , so the vigil wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been. Marsh Harriers there were aplenty, odd Buzzards and Kestrel too, but of the Rough-legged Buzzard no sign. I eventually left after a pleasant chat with a local birder about places and personalities we had some mutual acquaintance with. After exploring other possible vantage points around Burgh Castle ,and for what was left of the day, I then tried finding a suitable seawatching spot, but not without difficulty given developments of one kind or another. I eventually found a large car park not too far north of the Port Ness area and quite close to the Travelodge. Odd Mediterranean Gulls put in an appearance, odd Gannets moved north and a Grey Plover flew south ......and that was it. Not exactly a prolific afternoon, in fact a bit of a wasted day all round.
Sunday arrived and I was out very early, mainly given my inherent dread of Lowestoft's traffic system and with the objective of finding my way to Port Ness. A single Turnstone duly appeared , but no Purple Sandpipers, and a discrete examination of the industrial complex showed no migrant Black Redstarts to be in evidence. The sea was also very short on bird activity.........surely not another desperate day?
So I found my way again to Waveney Forest and commenced yet another long vigil, but in slightly warmer conditions and with less haze this time. Staring out across an expanse of marsh providing not a lot of bird activity is sapping to the resolve to say the least. Scanning and examining every fence post yet again, but with no luck, begins to generate negative vibes, particularly on a second day of effort and so I eventually decided to abandon the quest. Not long after I set off on my return journey to the car the piercing call of Common Buzzard rang out and there, immediately above me were two circling birds which, almost immediately were joined by the Rough-legged Buzzard. Bright sunlight, blue sky, perfect conditions and ever circling birds.....who could have asked for more. It was good to be able to compare both species and to get prolonged views. As so often occurs the activity cycle suddenly subsided and the birds disappeared, but not before two Sparrowhawks had also joined the circling throng, although at a higher level. And then there was nothing and neither could I locate the birds. My lucky break had come to an end , but left a very satisfying feeling too. With no other plans decided on I went across to the Horsey area and did some general birding, the majority constituents of which were Marsh Harriers, which are everywhere!! Certainly not volume, but a real quality day.
RSPB's Flagship Reserve. 20.3.2014
I set off in beautiful weather to make the journey eastwards to the coast and to then spend the day at Minsmere. It's many years since I was at Minsmere and I was certainly looking forward to it. The last part of the journey seems to go on forever and I was pleased I'd direct experience of driving on single track roads as the winding and twisting route was noticeably different to elsewhere in East Anglia where long direct roads are often the norm.
And I had a very pleasant breakfast in the on-site cafe, which certainly broke with tradition as far as visits to reserves are concerned. But it was good, enjoyable and pleasant and nicely set the tone for a trip that I was determined to enjoy. Sadly, whilst the weather overall was good , the southerly wind was strong and challenging when making walking in less sheltered places. Certainly the potential precursor to migrants flooding in?
I concentrated on the wetland part of this large reserve, although, as it eventually transpired, I had no time spare for the woodland route. And I went in each and every hide too!
This was a very obliging Little Egret which retained my attention for ages. Whilst the reserve wasn't teeming with birds, other than Black-headed Gulls, there was a good selection of species to seek out. Whilst sitting in a hide looking westwards over the large lagoons littered with islands on which gulls and Avocets were vociferously staking out claims, these two adult Mediterranean Gulls turned up, one of which was ringed. Despite efforts enlarging the photograph, the ring number couldn't be read.
I spent quite a time at this particular hide and began to clock up an appreciable list of birds, nothing special , simply a good variety. I couldn't resist taking a photograph of this Common Teal given it's a species that we so often take for granted. An examination of its plumage details reveals a really attractive species that more often than not we don't give the attention it clearly deserves. Click the photograph to enlarge it and see it at its magnificent best!!
From there I eventually made my way to the Island Mere Hide, sadly filled with a rowdy, territorial bunch of photographers !! Whilst little was on offer ( and the regular Water Pipit of late had temporarily moved ) we were all then treated to some superb views of a Bittern which emerged from the reeds right in front of us. It remained for a while, extended fully its impressive neck, showed off its markings, shrank back into the reeds on occasions and then flew past the hide in full view. Great stuff!
I finally left the reserve well satisfied with my visit and vowing I'd return again in due course, perhaps in winter or autumn. It certainly deserves its reputation as one of the Society's flagship reserves and I guess anyone "trying" birdwatching for the first time would return home suitably impressed.
And I had a very pleasant breakfast in the on-site cafe, which certainly broke with tradition as far as visits to reserves are concerned. But it was good, enjoyable and pleasant and nicely set the tone for a trip that I was determined to enjoy. Sadly, whilst the weather overall was good , the southerly wind was strong and challenging when making walking in less sheltered places. Certainly the potential precursor to migrants flooding in?
I concentrated on the wetland part of this large reserve, although, as it eventually transpired, I had no time spare for the woodland route. And I went in each and every hide too!
This was a very obliging Little Egret which retained my attention for ages. Whilst the reserve wasn't teeming with birds, other than Black-headed Gulls, there was a good selection of species to seek out. Whilst sitting in a hide looking westwards over the large lagoons littered with islands on which gulls and Avocets were vociferously staking out claims, these two adult Mediterranean Gulls turned up, one of which was ringed. Despite efforts enlarging the photograph, the ring number couldn't be read.
I spent quite a time at this particular hide and began to clock up an appreciable list of birds, nothing special , simply a good variety. I couldn't resist taking a photograph of this Common Teal given it's a species that we so often take for granted. An examination of its plumage details reveals a really attractive species that more often than not we don't give the attention it clearly deserves. Click the photograph to enlarge it and see it at its magnificent best!!
From there I eventually made my way to the Island Mere Hide, sadly filled with a rowdy, territorial bunch of photographers !! Whilst little was on offer ( and the regular Water Pipit of late had temporarily moved ) we were all then treated to some superb views of a Bittern which emerged from the reeds right in front of us. It remained for a while, extended fully its impressive neck, showed off its markings, shrank back into the reeds on occasions and then flew past the hide in full view. Great stuff!
I finally left the reserve well satisfied with my visit and vowing I'd return again in due course, perhaps in winter or autumn. It certainly deserves its reputation as one of the Society's flagship reserves and I guess anyone "trying" birdwatching for the first time would return home suitably impressed.
Friday, April 4, 2014
East Anglian bonanza! 19.3.2014
Central Norfolk ( as I describe it! ), Thetford Forest, heaths , fenland habitat has always had a fascination and one that never diminishes. I'm not sure I'd want to live there, but frequently visit, then ," Yes. please! ".
After a night based at Barton Mills Travelodge I travelled early to Lynford Arboretum. Despite the hour the visit was spoilt in some respects by an idiot with dogs, who successfully disturbed the whole area by casting some projectile far and wide, which caused the posse of dogs to complete a "seek and find" exercise amidst great excitement, noise and clamour. Good for the dogs ( they were lovely dogs! ), but not for birding, particularly as the projectile whizzed a bit close on a couple of occasions. Equal usage of the countryside maybe, but we need to respect each others interests too!
Anyway, I managed four Hawfinch, a singing Firecrest, Marsh Tits, Nuthatch, Bullfinch and Chiffchaff, besides a wide variety of commoner species, so I wasn't too unhappy. I then moved on to Santon Downham ( still earlyish so had breakfast ) and commenced to birdwatch along the river. Whilst I heard Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming , could I find it!! I gave up in the end, having been rewarded with Siskin, Brambling, a brilliant view of a single Common Redpoll ( although I suspect there were other redpolls present that I couldn't see and I daren't move!), both other woodpecker species and commoner birds.
Late morning saw me moving on towards Lakenheath. As I approached the general area I decided to have a lunchtime break located at the Lakenheath Airfield Base observation area and, hopefully, see some activity. I thoroughly enjoyed it!! F15 aircraft successively rolled up and took off amidst noticeable vibration, a phenomenal roar of engines and the bright glow as afterburners were switched on. For any birders with young sons who are visiting the area I'd recommend it. It's certainly quintessential young lads stuff, but I think wives and young daughters might need persuading! Strange then to contemplate the later announcement that the USA might be in the process of considering withdrawal from the base after many years of tenure. Incidentally I'm not sure I enjoyed the air manoeuvres as much later in the afternoon as the self same aircraft roared over Lakenheath Reserve!!
And so I made my way to the RSPB Lakenheath Reserve with the intention of remaining there for the rest of the day. Whenever I visit this reserve I marvel at what the area used to be rather than what the reserve looks like today. It epitomises, in my view, what can actually be created as a viable alternative to what previously was rather unproductive land as far as wildlife was concerned, as the photograph of the information board sets out. Click on the photograph to enlarge it.
I may be wrong in the following assessment, in a way I hope so, but it does seem that, in raising the water table, it has led to a destabilisation of part of the woodland on the reserve, as the photograph below shows.
Various ones of the mature trees appear to have keeled over which is a great shame. Whether this is a retrievable situation is a challenge for the future for which every success is expressed.
Turning to birding , Cettis Warblers sounded off in a couple of places.Whilst I sat patiently in the hope of seeing Bittern , it wasn't to be. Various Marsh Harriers floated around over the reserve and I was reminded of how close to extinction these birds had been in past times. Now they are breeding widely in the UK and seem set to increase even further.
However, such success is not always the unmitigated improvement desired. It's suspected that , last year, Marsh Harriers on the Lakenheath Reserve possibly predated Common Crane young, which is a very cruel consequence of hosting rare species on a single reserve. Moving to Common Cranes, I have to admit sitting at the foremost hide until I was frozen and close to giving up any hope of seeing them until.......one suddenly appeared on the river bank way over to the right!! And then two more flew across the whole reedbed and landed nearby to the first bird. A couple of minutes ensued within which good views of the three birds were obtained, but then two of them started to display and for several minutes too. Tremendous, unexpected and way beyond what had been hoped for!! A mixed, but very successful day!
After a night based at Barton Mills Travelodge I travelled early to Lynford Arboretum. Despite the hour the visit was spoilt in some respects by an idiot with dogs, who successfully disturbed the whole area by casting some projectile far and wide, which caused the posse of dogs to complete a "seek and find" exercise amidst great excitement, noise and clamour. Good for the dogs ( they were lovely dogs! ), but not for birding, particularly as the projectile whizzed a bit close on a couple of occasions. Equal usage of the countryside maybe, but we need to respect each others interests too!
Anyway, I managed four Hawfinch, a singing Firecrest, Marsh Tits, Nuthatch, Bullfinch and Chiffchaff, besides a wide variety of commoner species, so I wasn't too unhappy. I then moved on to Santon Downham ( still earlyish so had breakfast ) and commenced to birdwatch along the river. Whilst I heard Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drumming , could I find it!! I gave up in the end, having been rewarded with Siskin, Brambling, a brilliant view of a single Common Redpoll ( although I suspect there were other redpolls present that I couldn't see and I daren't move!), both other woodpecker species and commoner birds.
Late morning saw me moving on towards Lakenheath. As I approached the general area I decided to have a lunchtime break located at the Lakenheath Airfield Base observation area and, hopefully, see some activity. I thoroughly enjoyed it!! F15 aircraft successively rolled up and took off amidst noticeable vibration, a phenomenal roar of engines and the bright glow as afterburners were switched on. For any birders with young sons who are visiting the area I'd recommend it. It's certainly quintessential young lads stuff, but I think wives and young daughters might need persuading! Strange then to contemplate the later announcement that the USA might be in the process of considering withdrawal from the base after many years of tenure. Incidentally I'm not sure I enjoyed the air manoeuvres as much later in the afternoon as the self same aircraft roared over Lakenheath Reserve!!
And so I made my way to the RSPB Lakenheath Reserve with the intention of remaining there for the rest of the day. Whenever I visit this reserve I marvel at what the area used to be rather than what the reserve looks like today. It epitomises, in my view, what can actually be created as a viable alternative to what previously was rather unproductive land as far as wildlife was concerned, as the photograph of the information board sets out. Click on the photograph to enlarge it.
I may be wrong in the following assessment, in a way I hope so, but it does seem that, in raising the water table, it has led to a destabilisation of part of the woodland on the reserve, as the photograph below shows.
Various ones of the mature trees appear to have keeled over which is a great shame. Whether this is a retrievable situation is a challenge for the future for which every success is expressed.
Turning to birding , Cettis Warblers sounded off in a couple of places.Whilst I sat patiently in the hope of seeing Bittern , it wasn't to be. Various Marsh Harriers floated around over the reserve and I was reminded of how close to extinction these birds had been in past times. Now they are breeding widely in the UK and seem set to increase even further.
However, such success is not always the unmitigated improvement desired. It's suspected that , last year, Marsh Harriers on the Lakenheath Reserve possibly predated Common Crane young, which is a very cruel consequence of hosting rare species on a single reserve. Moving to Common Cranes, I have to admit sitting at the foremost hide until I was frozen and close to giving up any hope of seeing them until.......one suddenly appeared on the river bank way over to the right!! And then two more flew across the whole reedbed and landed nearby to the first bird. A couple of minutes ensued within which good views of the three birds were obtained, but then two of them started to display and for several minutes too. Tremendous, unexpected and way beyond what had been hoped for!! A mixed, but very successful day!
Fenland future! 18.3.2014.
Given the pleasure I always gain from visiting the RSPB Lakenheath reserve I'd promised myself a look at the newly emerged initiative aptly named the Great Fen Project ( follow this link for details Great Fen Project ). This is a very ambitious project aimed at linking the two last remaining remnant areas of true fenland, Woodwalton Fen and Holme Fen, both of which are National Nature Reserves, in what will be a representative fenland area of 3700 ha. in extent, 60% of which has been acquired already. Commencing in outline as far back as 2001 evidence of its presence is now beginning to emerge. I have to say that finding key locations in an essentially flat landscape is difficult, sign-age is not yet at its best, but eventually you get there.
It's fascinating, deserves success and I'll certainly visit again in the future. Click on the above picture to gain an enhanced view of this ambitious initiative. I'm told not everyone is supportive and I'm a bit intrigued as to how the purchase of high grade agricultural land has been so easy!! There is some in-built flood protection measures involved and perhaps that has helped. The detailed boards in the main car park facility were detailed and deserved to be pored over.
Certainly the depiction of times past show how immensely rich in wildlife this area once was and, undoubtedly, will be once again, although clearly much work remains to be done. Nonetheless this is the sort of broad brush, big canvas type thinking that conservation in the UK needs set against the patchwork quilt of small sites upon which our wildlife heritage so often relies that are so easily affected, even destroyed, as a consequence of planning decisions at local level. I was fascinated by the collection of what I took to be fossilised trees retrieved from the bogs of yesteryear that provide a more than adequate boundary for the car park!!
And so more than satisfied with declared intent I too moved on to try and see the long staying Great Grey shrike at Holme Fen, one of the main constituent areas of the Project. No, I didn't see it despite tramping around for ages, although I did have a magnificent Red Kite overhead, ca.150 Fieldfare, Chiffchaff, Buzzard and Green Woodpecker.
Moving on I went south and popped into what has become a bit of a favourite area when in transit, Little Paxton Gravel Pits Reserve. A great place with a good variety of birds, particularly duck species and passerines. Nothing special, at least today, but a great place and always worth a visit. I then took on my locational challenge.....Fen Drayton. A fairly new RSPB reserve. How the hell do you find this place? There's no Sat Nav reference in the BirdWatchers Yearbook, the road sign-age is pathetic and starts as you almost enter the reserve, .......a job to improve on I'd suggest!! Visitors casting around, wasting fuel, is not particularly "green", folks! Having said all that, it's a great place and one I always try and visit, ( but with repeated difficulty when it comes to locating the damned place! ). On this occasion everything I saw was pretty routine , but it's just a very pleasant place to be in.
And so I launched myself across the Fens as I know them, flat, featureless ( I'm too used to using the Paps of Jura as reference point! ) and, today, with not a lot of birds. Contrasted to , say, January, when I usually visit, much of the area has already been tilled or is in the process of preparation for future crops. However, close to Welney I had around 250 Whooper Swans in a field near the reserve and, later, a group of at least 25 Little Egrets, plus a couple of Grey Heron, feeding around a lens of water. Perhaps not the day I'd intended , but rewarding nonetheless!
It's fascinating, deserves success and I'll certainly visit again in the future. Click on the above picture to gain an enhanced view of this ambitious initiative. I'm told not everyone is supportive and I'm a bit intrigued as to how the purchase of high grade agricultural land has been so easy!! There is some in-built flood protection measures involved and perhaps that has helped. The detailed boards in the main car park facility were detailed and deserved to be pored over.
Certainly the depiction of times past show how immensely rich in wildlife this area once was and, undoubtedly, will be once again, although clearly much work remains to be done. Nonetheless this is the sort of broad brush, big canvas type thinking that conservation in the UK needs set against the patchwork quilt of small sites upon which our wildlife heritage so often relies that are so easily affected, even destroyed, as a consequence of planning decisions at local level. I was fascinated by the collection of what I took to be fossilised trees retrieved from the bogs of yesteryear that provide a more than adequate boundary for the car park!!
And so more than satisfied with declared intent I too moved on to try and see the long staying Great Grey shrike at Holme Fen, one of the main constituent areas of the Project. No, I didn't see it despite tramping around for ages, although I did have a magnificent Red Kite overhead, ca.150 Fieldfare, Chiffchaff, Buzzard and Green Woodpecker.
Moving on I went south and popped into what has become a bit of a favourite area when in transit, Little Paxton Gravel Pits Reserve. A great place with a good variety of birds, particularly duck species and passerines. Nothing special, at least today, but a great place and always worth a visit. I then took on my locational challenge.....Fen Drayton. A fairly new RSPB reserve. How the hell do you find this place? There's no Sat Nav reference in the BirdWatchers Yearbook, the road sign-age is pathetic and starts as you almost enter the reserve, .......a job to improve on I'd suggest!! Visitors casting around, wasting fuel, is not particularly "green", folks! Having said all that, it's a great place and one I always try and visit, ( but with repeated difficulty when it comes to locating the damned place! ). On this occasion everything I saw was pretty routine , but it's just a very pleasant place to be in.
And so I launched myself across the Fens as I know them, flat, featureless ( I'm too used to using the Paps of Jura as reference point! ) and, today, with not a lot of birds. Contrasted to , say, January, when I usually visit, much of the area has already been tilled or is in the process of preparation for future crops. However, close to Welney I had around 250 Whooper Swans in a field near the reserve and, later, a group of at least 25 Little Egrets, plus a couple of Grey Heron, feeding around a lens of water. Perhaps not the day I'd intended , but rewarding nonetheless!
Little return for a great deal of effort! 16.3.2014. / 17.3.2014.
We set off directly to the Worsborough Reservoir area with the intention of looking for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker yet again! Birds seen were much as on our previous visit with no success as far as the woodpecker was concerned. Highlight of the trip was bumping into Tim Melling (RSPB) who I'd not actually seen for several years. Besides the inevitable "bird conversations", the occasion provided an opportunity to have a catch up on a whole variety of subjects. Sad to hear that a couple of past colleagues are facing health problems to whom best wishes are extended. Life's ingredients can be both bitter and sweet in so many respects! It all left me feeling more than a bit dejected in all honesty , but it was good to see Tim , who hasn't changed a bit.
Despite time spent exploring all past known areas for LSW we had no success and returned home earlier than intended.
The 17th , being a Monday, Matthew was back at work and I'd arranged a southward bound itinerary with the intention of spending a day, first of all, at Rutland Water. Well, plans didn't quite work out as I'd hoped, as I felt sick as a pig, and geared things up to arrive at the Travelodge I'd booked as early as possible, devoting the rest of the day to being in bed. The reason never manifested itself, led to a deal of frustration as I'm never ill, and, all in all, was a complete failure and loss of a day!! Not pleased!
Despite time spent exploring all past known areas for LSW we had no success and returned home earlier than intended.
The 17th , being a Monday, Matthew was back at work and I'd arranged a southward bound itinerary with the intention of spending a day, first of all, at Rutland Water. Well, plans didn't quite work out as I'd hoped, as I felt sick as a pig, and geared things up to arrive at the Travelodge I'd booked as early as possible, devoting the rest of the day to being in bed. The reason never manifested itself, led to a deal of frustration as I'm never ill, and, all in all, was a complete failure and loss of a day!! Not pleased!
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