Saturday 27 August 2011

Finally Got Off My ... Sofa!!

The vaguity of a Bonelli's Warbler sp at Warren Wood, Cromer was enough to bring back my paranoia, having not gone for the 'Booted' Warbler at Sheringham in 2002, even though I was told to (it turned out to be a Syke's!!)! So I arose from my slumber and made my way up to the coast.

I parked up at The warren, unsure as to where to head. I made my way up through the wood, even asking a dog walker if she had seen any birders, not seeing any myself! Worrying for what could be a 'mega'! Into the clearing I noticed some birders watching on the far side, but was fortunately intercepted and returned, up a small hill to a watch point.

It was good to meet up with a number of birders that I hadn't, obviously seen for a while, and the wait began. After a while a 'phyllosc' flew in from the right and from there a Greenish Warbler called loudly. Over the next couple of hours sightings could be pieced together of the whole bird (although I was happy with a good head view!) The bird was even heard singing, a quiet, dainty Wren-like rattle, quite opposite to the harsh Pied Wagtail like disyllabic call! Others noted that one wing bar was much prominent than the other.

Whilst waiting for further views another 'phyllosc' called to the left and flew right landing briefly, tail on. I had just enough time to shout, '*~#*! Bonelli's!' before it was gone. Even in this split second view I was able to notice the contrasting clean white underparts, to the light greyish-brown back and yellow flash in the wing, with rather plain face! Others then confirmed that they had picked up the Bonelli's on call and that this confirmed that it was in fact a Western - with a slight disyllabic hu-it call. Must say, I was rather glad that I didn't 'need' Western Bonelli's for Norfolk (having seen the bird at Wells last year, found by the same observer!) as this was the only other sighting of the afternoon!
From here I moved onto Cley to see the Red-necked Phalarope (with a quick excursion to Gramborough Hill as i thought there were quite a few people watching!) The Phalarope showed well, but in bad light, spinning around as if its life depended on it - which I suppose it does!) Amongst the other waders on view were 7 juv Curlew Sandpiper, with Common and Green.




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