Y'day's Sightings: Locality Day

The day began again with the Black-throated Diver, back on Holkham Lake, where 57 Greylag were present, but only 4 Canadas. Numbers of duck were slightly down and a tour of the area was enjoyable, but produced little. Finch numbers were up on the east side, particularly Siskin and Goldfinch, although no Redpoll were noted.

Over at Sparham the main lake was frozen over except for a small central area, where the duck had congregated. The group included a pair of Goosander and Wigeon, with 47 Mallard and 32 Gadwall. Other lakes were very quiet and the expected woodland birds were seen, including a showy Goldcrest. A further male and 3 redhead Goosander were seen further east and a group of 49 Tufted Duck noted.

Lunch was taken at Guist, where at least 3 Common Buzzards showed. On the river 2, maybe 3 pairs of Mandarin were seen, along with a group of c50 Teal.

A late afternoon return to Swanton Morley produced the Diver back on the other lake (it later returned to Holkham Lake and continues to show very well. Hearing that the Bittern had been present for a while, gave hopeful expectation, but there was no sign by dusk. A Barn Owl was seen over fields to the west and then quartering Holkham Lake. The only sign of birds roosting were 10 Pied Wagtails over W and c20 Greylag arriving after dusk!

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

Norfolk 364 BOU, 376 UK400, Year 147, Route 86, Sp 72, SM 73, SF 34