'Mega' Patch Tick (and General Good Day!)

The day started at Chedgrave Marshes, where the favoured area for the Rough-legged Buzzard was soon pointed out and the bird appeared on cue, landing in full view on posts. It was an intriguing bird, with the lower dark belly creating a barred effect, the head not a light as expected, with distinct eye-stripe with pale areas above and below and pale markings on the back. In flight the white-upper tail showed well, when it flew low over the marsh on its long wings. Also seen were a ring-tail Hen Harrier and 4 Marsh Harriers. A Peregrine did a fly past and Bearded Tits pinged but were not seen.

From here we went onto Lake Lothing (Suffolk), where the Black-throated Diver showed distantly and an imm male(?) Peregrine rested on the local tower.

A very enjoyable time was spent with at least 49 Mediterranean Gulls on the beach at Great Yarmouth. (DA counted 155 Cormorant on the sand bank, where plenty of Seals were hauled up).

From here we moved to Martham Broad where two Red-head Smew were seen, along with 100s of Wigeon and 1000s of Pink-footed Geese and plenty of Marsh Harriers. A Bittern flew over and landed in the reeds, being seen briefly as it moved in.

A hopeful, but primarily fruitless visit to Wroxham Broad supposedly ended the day, until the journey home was interrupted by news of a Black-throated Diver at Holkham Lake, Swanton Morley (as well as Bittern and Goosander). After an anxious drive we were watching the diver, which gave good views, close to the bank - but in fading light. This is believed to be the first for the site and possibly for this part of the Valley!The lake also held good numbers of Mute Swan, Canada Geese and Tufted Duck - obviously another visit is required tomorrow!

Norfolk Bird Info to:
E-mail: ruralchill@live.co.uk
Mobile: 07749779149

Norfolk 364 BOU, 376 UK400, Year 147, Route 86, Sp 64, SM 62, SF 32