15th August

I am back from a few enjoyable days in Norfolk. On the whole it was a little quiet, with the only things moving were a few waders. The best being Baird's Sandpiper, Wood, Green and Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints and plenty of commoner species. It was good to see a good proportion still in summer plumage, as these were mainly the adults, the juveniles will be along shortly. The only notable movement of passerines involved Lesser and Common Whitethroats. The sea was very disappointing with only a handful of Arctic Skuas seen, two Roseate Terns plus a few Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns. There was a day when Marsh Harriers and Hobby's were seen coming in off the sea.

I managed to miss a couple of goodies in the park while I was away, highlights below

Common Sandpiper: one was present 9/8.
Nuthatch:
one was in Nursery Lodge 9/8.
Pied Flycatcher:
one was in the grounds of the old golf and tennis school, area 30 on 10/8.
Garden Warbler: Two in same area as above 10/8.
Common Whitethroat: Two in same area as above 10/8.
Willow Warbler: ten in same area as above 10/8.
Peregrine Falcon: one over on 11/8.
Common Buzzard: one over at 5.00pm 12/8.
Hobby: one over at 5.30pm 12/8.
Common Swift: 50+ over the lake at 5.45am 13/8.

Today

Sparrowhawk:
a pair were present in area 14 for a couple of hours this morning.
Swift:
six over the lake at 6.00am.
Common Whitethroat:
two in area golf/tennis area 30.
Blackcap: three in area 29.
Willow Warbler: three in area 30

If anyone is interested I am leading a bird walk at 8.00am tomorrow. It will leave the Nature Study Centre, area 1 promptly. Free parking is available on Prince Albert Road, area 33. It could last for up to 2 hours depending on the birds.


Below are some of pics taken in Norfolk, I didn't take many but these are a few that I like for one reason or another.
Summer plumaged Turnstones always look smart.

Barn Swallows are one of my favourite birds, these two youngsters were two good an opportunity to turn down.


This Sand Martin colony is on a rapidly disappearing piece of Norfolk coastline. Fortunately the birds can dig a new whole every year if need be.



Comments