Thompson, Norfolk

At dawn I parked on Redbrick Road and walked the single track road to the Peddars Way, and then onto Thompson Water.  This initial walk produced many singing Blackcaps, a singing Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler.  At least 3 Goldcrests were in song.

Thompson Water
Summer visitors are now firmly established on their territories, the totals for Blackcaps were impressive and Garden Warbler numbers are building.  In the reeds, several Reed Warblers were in song, I also managed to glimpse a pair moving silently through reeds.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (female) 16/05/15

A male Marsh Harrier appeared over the water and started hunting over the dense reedbeds around the periphery as well as the rapid growing surface Water Soldier.  The Harrier soon drew the attention of Crow species which mobbed the raptor.
My walk from the car to Thompson Water produced an estimated total of 15+ singing male Blackcaps and a further 3 singing Garden Warblers were in song around the water in thick waterside Sallow and woodland.  A blast of song from Cetti's Warbler was heard.  Goldcrests were in song with a total of at least 5 singing males in the area..
Whilst overviewing the water a pair of Common Terns put in an appearance and readily started flying around the water with head down looking for food.
The damp mature woodland held Great Spotted Woodpecker (pair seen), Chiffchaffs, Coal Tit, and at least 4 Siskins (including 3 males).
A single Little Grebe emerged from reeds close to me and quickly submerged when it saw me. 




Siskin at Thompson Water 16/05/16

Siskin (female) at Thompson Water 16/05/15

Encouragingly, at least 4 Siskins were seen (males).  I have noticed that this delightful little species is becoming increasingly more the breeder in the area, however, the vast majority of Siskins are winter visitors from Scandinavia.