Sparham and Swanton Morley

A Marsh Harrier over Lyng Easthaugh was the first of the year, where a Swallow was also seen, quickly followed by a Common Buzzard to the west. An early Common Tern over the Tern rafts seemed to move straight through, although singing Blackcap and Treecreeper were more social. Another Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler and 9 Chiffchaff were singing around the pools. A single Shelduck was new in, but there was little else on the pool. A Kingfisher flew over at head height (for those who know the main pool with realise this is high above the water!)

At Swanton Morley my attention was immediately grabbed by a distant white gull hawking insects over Holkham Lake. It turned out to be a leucistic Black-headed Gull, but still interesting! 3 Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler and 5 Chiffchaff were singing and 4 Swallow flew over. Later another 12+ were seen W of Billingford, and attracted 2 Sand Martin. Best sighting of the day (I found out later(!)) were 3 Curlew flying NW up the valley, calling as they went. Up to 3 Little Egret were also present.

 'Sid the Swan', my pet Mute Swan at Salthouse, taken on Friday!

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

Norfolk 376 UK400, 364 BOU, Year 172, Route 124, Sp 90, SM 92, SF 46