European Bee-eaters, Norfolk, 2nd July 2022

 On a sunny and quite windy morning, I was joined by my good friend, Bill Noble, for a birding trip to the North Norfolk Coast to watch European Bee-eaters.  We arrived at about 0730 to the site which was well managed and organised by the RSPB.

As soon as Bill and I got out of the car I could hear calling Bee-eaters, a hark back to visits to Cyprus and Turkey in previous years.  Good strong light, very good visibility, but noticeably windy conditions from our arrival with some cloud bubbling up as the morning went on.

Three Bee-eaters were showing well upon arrival, either perched on a sun drenched bank, or on overhead wires.  Calling was frequently heard.  Despite windy conditions, the Bee-eaters showed great agility on the wing as they swept and swooped for insect prey.

In the summer of 2021 a flock of Bee-eaters were touring the North Norfolk Coast, these were undoubtedly pioneering birds prospecting for future nesting sites.  Away from the coast, one Bee-eater passed over my garden in Watton, Norfolk.  With Bee-eaters moving north, expanding their range, and the effects of global warning, I think the presence of this stunningly beautiful bird will become more and more assured.   

Other species seen or heard on this visit included several Sand Martins, Swallows, a few Swifts, and in the scrub habitat Blackcap and Whitethroat were heard singing.

Three raptor species were seen, these were a hunting Kestrel, Hobby which was seen on a couple of occasions passing overhead, and a Sparrowhawk which passed through carrying prey in its talons. 

Overhead wires were often chosen by the Bee-eaters to watch and hunt from, at their perch their splendid exotic plumage was breathtaking in the strong sunlight.

In this picture, a Bee-eater is sharing overhead wires with a Linnet and offers a good size comparison between the species.

This was a very special mornings birding and I thank my dear friend Bill Noble for joining me.