22nd May: An Evening At Cley

Woodchat, Blakeney: Julian Bhalerao

Still Little Reward!

Another 12 hours in the field. The best bird was early on, when we took a little time to nail a ringtail Hen Harrier, although still not sure on age or even sex! There was some good visible migration, with 450 Swift west and similar numbers of House Martin, with fewer Swallow and some Sand Martins, but other highlights were hard to come by.

Hen Harrier at Sheringham - old female?

Missing out on seeing the Black-headed Wagtail reported from Kelling (and flyover Great White Egret), we spent a little time trying to Cate it, ending up at Cley, where a Common Tern hovered in front of Daukes Hide. A Temminck's Stint was seen, with 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 or 3 Spoonbill, Whimbrel and an unusual sighting for me, 2 Redshank chicks. A single Wheatear was the only grounded migrant!

A few shots of Swallows feeding over Eye Pool

Wheatear - the only grounded migrant! Yellowhammer, shot of the day!

We finished off Swanton Novers, where distant Honey Buzzard and Red Kite (different to Sunday's bird) where amongst the raptors seen.

Woodchat Shrike et al

An extremely showy 1st summer male Woodchat Shrike was found at Friary Hills today. I arrived as it had just been lost, but soon relocated it. It was often being harried by other smaller birds, which obviously saw it as a threat.

The Collared Pratincole was still present distantly towards the NE and gave some reasonable flight views. News of a probable Marsh Warbler reached my ears, but had presumably moved through. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Muckleborough, but little else was found. The Temminck's Stint was seen from Daukes at Cley, as well as a Little Ringed Plover and the Godwits. A Hobby flew over, as did 3 Spoonbills.

A return to Blakeney Freshes had the Woodchat showing even more superbly!

Honey Buzzard - 230 and Counting

A few worhwhile hours was spent at Swanton Novers Raptor Watchpoint. A male Honey Buzzard was on view from c2.40 to 3.32, flying directly overhead and very occasionally wing clapping. About 7 Common Buzzard were noted, with both Kestrel and Sparrowhawk present. As I was leaving someone picked up a Red Kite, so I reversed and reparked!

Carl was there with an SLR, imagine what he was able to get!