18th April

Just to say sorry for the lack of sightings recently. I had to pop up to Norfolk to visit my mother in-law, who has been unwell recently. Dave kept an eye open, but the weather patterns were not that favourable, so little turned up apart from our 2nd Wheatear of the spring and a handful of Willow Warblers and 3 Linnets.

Today was slightly better.

Reed Warbler: two were singing from the reed beds close to Hanover Bridge and near the Boathouse, areas 1 and 5.

Common Whitethroat: a male was singing in the Cricket Pen, area 31.

House Martin: two birds were over the lake throughout the day.

I was slightly frustrated this afternoon when a phone call from Adam Wilson relaying a message from Franco that 1st a Honey Buzzard and then a couple of hours later that a male Montagu’s Harrier were heading in the general direction of the park. Due to the absence of any cloud cover at the times the birds might have passed close to or over the park, searching was virtually hopeless, but I gave it ago.

Norfolk was slightly better and here are a few photos from the trip.

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Shorelark

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Northern Wheatear

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Avocet

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male (above) female (below)

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Sandwich Tern

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Ruff

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note the diagnostic split rump

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Eurasian Curlew (above) Black-tailed Godwit (below)

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Marsh Harriers

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Linnets were on the move in good numbers.

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Woodlark (above) and Skylark (below)

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White Wagtail (above) and odd looking Yellow Wagtail (below)

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Meadow Pipit (above) and Wren in full voice (below)

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Comments

Michael said…
Went to take a look at the tawny owl roost near Charlbert street this morning and found it occupied - by a duck! I think it was a female Mandarin (there have been a couple hanging out in that area recently). Most odd. Lovely views of the owl in residence on Friday. all best
Michael
Tony,really enjoying reading your blog,something a little different. I have signed up as a follower.If you get amoment i would be grateful if you could take a look at my blog. Best Wishes Phil Parker,The Broadstairs Birder.
stuart said…
Great photos as always Tony. Especially jealous of the Shorelark pictures. Hope to see one of these myself one day.
Hi Michael:

Apparently the Mandarins have been prospecting sites in that tree for several weeks. I just hope that the owl finds an appropriate tree to nest in, if it hasn't already done so.
Hi Phil.

I have just had a look at your blog, it makes good reading. It is an area that I have rarely been to, as I normally head to Norfolk or in the autumn to Cornwall. I see you are heading away so I hope that go's well and you connect with some good birds.

Cheers

Tony
Hi Stuart.

Thanks for the kind comment, I still like to combine birding with the chance of a photo if the opportunity arises. The Shorelarks were fantastic, normally I have to wear thermals, winter coat, hat and gloves. This time I could sunbathe with the larks few metres away, almost not caring about my presence. Hopefully we can all meet up for a drink. We might need to have a few Hienekins to refresh the parts needed when all these Peregrines fledge.

Cheers for now

Tony