Tuesday 28 April 2009

Badger-ific!

Playing a bit of catch-up had me at the local gravel pits. Eight Swifts increased to 25 and then quickly dispersed, along with c 10 House Martins and fewer Sand Martin and Swallow. At least 2 singing Garden Warblers had joined the summer visitors, as well as a fly over Turtle Dove. A few Reed Warblers were singing amongst the more common Sedge.
Local thrushes, collecting nest material.
Highlight of the day came just before 10.30, when, scanning for waders, I came across a Badger - completely out in the open, near the edge of the lake. It stayed in view for about 10 minutes before slowly sloping off back into the undergrowth. Probably my first live Badger in Norfolk!

Hybrid goose with both parentage in tow! Fluffy Egyptian Goose chicks.
At least 3 male and two female Marsh Harriers are still present, along with the Harris's Hawk and up to 5 Buzzard.

Two more Ring Ouzels were found at Friary Hills (although I wish I had gone back in the evening, which had crossed my mind - I might have found a Grey-headed Wagtail!)
An impressive flock of Ruff on North Scrape, Cley, where hirundines were plentiful. Little Ringed Plover and a male Wheatear were also seen.

Monday 27 April 2009

'Real' Golden Beauty

With the 'tickability' of the Golden Pheasants at Wolferton very much under debate, a trip to find the calling birds in the Brecks seemed neccesary. Having looked before, but not succeeded, I was pleased to hear a bird not too soon after arrival. It was easy to track down, although careful searching of the ground did not reveal the bird, although it was obviously close. The solution was soon obvious, as I looked up to find the bird above my head!


2 Little Tern off Winterton were the highlights there (plus one Wheatear)!
9 Swift over Filby Broad were my first of the year.
Greenshank Burgh Castle, but no sign of the Great White Egret.
Leucistic Egyptian Goose

Just for the 'Ahh!' factor, at Ormsby Little Broad

Sunday 26th


Jackdaws and Rook, Bawdeswell, whilst waiting for my lift!
Hobby over Lyng Easthaugh. A drake Mandarin was seen flying along the river at Guist. This fully winged bird was in the collection at Blakeney!

Broods are starting to be seen, the grebes particularly pleasing.

Marsh Harriers, Friary Hills and Cley.
Showy Sedge at Cley.

This Ring Ouzel was found at Friary Hills, as well as the Wheatear.
These were seen at a local farm - presumably Trumpeter Swan and 'albino' Helmeted Guinea Fowl
Always good to be reflective!

First Hairy Dragonfly seen at Lyng.