Bodney STW 21 September 2024

 Early morning on 21 September had a very autumnal feel to it.  The previous night was clear and dawn was met with misty conditions in low lying areas.  As with much of the week, today the wind direction was from the north-east veering east.  I arrived at my destination at sunrise and looking back at where I journeyed from the horizon had a beautiful delicate pinkish colour, this along with the calm and misty conditions suggested a warm, sunny day ahead.

Dawn at Bodney 21 September (Looking east towards Watton.

As is the case at dawn, the first birds heard and seen was the 'ticking' and song of the Robin, at least 5 were present around this small site.  Following on from Robins the next calls heard was the "hweet" of migrant Chiffchaffs, of which 10+ were present.  Chiffchaff was the only Warbler species recorded here this morning, there was no Blackcap or Whitethroats on this visit.

As the sun rose, Stonechats began to appear in some leylandii (where I suspected they had roosted) and throughout my visit this beautiful species was a constant.  The Stonechats would often come quite close, I could hear their alarm call, a harsh "weet trak trak".  Stonechats are birds of open, often bleak landscapes, they choose the tallest weeds or bush to perch on to observe from as they nervously flicks their wings.  I watched one juvenile Stonechat in an Elder taking and eating a berry.

Stonechat (juvenile) at Bodney 21 September 2024

Stonechat (adult male) Bodney 21 September 2024

Whilst watching the Stonechats a single 1st winter Whinchat dropped into one of the Elders, however, its stay was all too brief when it flew off.

Also seen today was a single Grey Wagtail which promptly flew off into the nearby river valley.

A single Mistle Thrush flew overhead giving its football rattle-like call whilst on the ground 30+ Goldfinches fed from tall weed seeds.  Two Marsh Tits were seen throughout the visit flying between cover, also one took an elderberry.

One male Yellowhammer was seen, his back was to me, this allowed me to see his beautiful rust coloured rump.  A couple of Reed Buntings also visited.

Bodney 17 September 2024

 A dry but cloudy start to the day with a light Northerly wind veering NE.

This morning I visited the STW which serves Bodney army camp.  I was checking the various habitats for migrants, but also I intended watch the sky for evidence of passage raptors once temperatures had warmed sufficiently to witness movement.

Migrants appeared thin on the ground this morning with just 4+ Chiffchaffs being seen around the STW, however, attention turned towards expected species in the area.

Within the STW a single Grey Wagtail was seen along with 2 Pied Wagtails.  Typically, the Grey Wagtail seen this morning was a stunning bird with its contrasting grey cap and mantle and bright yellow undertail coverts and rump, hint of yellow on the breast and white belly.  The flight is deeply undulating.

Also present was two Stonechats (male and female) and 50+ Goldfinches wandering the area to feed upon weed seeds.

With warming temperatures attention turned towards the sky for evidence of raptor passage, I didn't have too long to wait when a Peregrine passed over at height.  As it passed over a Sparrowhawk mobbed the larger raptor, on one occasion this was met with some aggression by the Peregrine towards the Sparrowhawk when it was clearly seen to make a mock attack which included showing its talons to the Sparrowhawk.  The Peregrine appeared to drift west.

Houghton-on-the-Hill (Late summer and autumn)

 August through to November sees me visiting Houghton-on-the-Hill on several occasions because this special, elevated location is great to witness visible migration with its huge vista ranging from the N/W to the N.  Also, the natural and manmade features have undoubtedly served as focal points for migrating birds over the centuries/millennia. 

Many years ago, I identified Houghton-on-the-Hill as a superb visible migration watchpoint.  I have witnessed some spectacular movements of birds here ranging from high counts of common passage migrants such as Meadow Pipits and winter Thrushes, including four-figure counts of Fieldfare and Redwings in a single morning along with heavy movements of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes in autumn. I have also seen some excellent Finch movements including Bramblings and one record of Hawfinch.

Raptor passage has at times been exceptional with Honey Buzzard, Ospreys, Montagu's Harrier, and Hobby being seen heading south.

Late summer and autumn sees large counts of Warbler and Pipit species visiting to feed and rest on their journey south.  Blackcaps, Whitethroats, and Chiffchaff numbers easily reach double figures for each species on single days with smaller numbers of Lesser Whitethroats and Garden Warblers feeding.  I have one record of Yellow-browed Warbler in October 2017.  I have seen single Tree Pipit pass overhead here in autumn.

Movements of Wader species in autumn has proven interesting with single Whimbrel and Greenshank on passage, and in a westerly heading. 

16 September 2024

Passage migrants seen at Houghton-on-the-Hill on 16 September included a single Wheatear arriving from the north, a few Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs (10+) present.

With warming temperatures I spent a couple of hours at the migration watchpoint.  Many Buzzards were seen including two birds very high directly overhead engaged in grappling behaviour.  The only passage raptor seen on this watch was a Peregrine high overhead in an easterly heading.

16 September 2024.  Migration watchpoint at Houghton-on-the-Hill.  On this visit I was rewarded with a high overhead Peregrine in an easterly heading.  A single Wheatear was seen arriving from the north.

   

Bodney 12 September 2024

This morning I visited the sewage treatments works which serves the army camp at Bodney.  A definite feel of autumn this morning with a cold start at 4 degrees Celsius, however, the bright conditions soon warmed things up.  The wind today is a moderate NW.  Conditions seems much more favourable for migrants than yesterday when the wind was a strong W.

This small site with its rough grassland, Hawthorns, and Elder, has always attracted migrants in late summer and autumn, where the fruits provides energy for passing migrants and the rough grassland holds invertebrate species for food.

This visit was to see good numbers of migrants sharing the same habitat as a good food source.  Within the area of rough grassland is a large Elder which I always pay good attention to at this time of year, here, and in the immediate surrounding area throughout my visit I recorded 4 Blackcap (3 males and a female), 3+ Whitethroat, 13+ Chiffchaffs, 4 Robins, 1 Stonechat (male), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Marsh Tit, Robin, 2 Dunnock (both preening), 2 Greenfinch, 1 Yellowhammer (female), 4+ Pied Wagtail, and many Goldfinches (the most abundant species here).

Blackcap (from my archives)

Whilst checking some conifers a small Chat very briefly perched in one of the trees before flying out of sight, I was confident it would return, and it did, this time I got the scope on it, a beautiful Whinchat, again it remained all too briefly but I was able to see the striking and bold supercillium, before the bird flew off strongly east.

Common species were well represented with 4+ Robins, Wren, and 50+ Goldfinches feeding from tall weeds stems.  A single Kestrel was seen off by a couple of corvids and a Nuthatch was heard.

Warbler species are now plundering bushes for their soft fruits, these high energy foods are an important food source for these migrants as they build energy for their journey south to Africa.  This morning I witnessed both Blackcap and Whitethroat eating elderberries, I also saw a male Blackcap eating a red berry from a Bryony climber.

I have a week off beginning 16th September and checking the conditions for the week the wind is coming from the N/E and E, these conditions will undoubtedly be favourable for bird migration which may include early winter Thrush and Finch movements. 

7th September 2024

September is a pivotal month for bird migration.  The weather for the beginning of the month can see very warm and balmy days, however, decreasing amounts of daylight, highly variable weather conditions, and the descent into autumn, sees bird migration picking up apace.  Large falls of summer migrants can be seen along the North Norfolk Coast, which includes interesting movements of birds through my own patch here in Breckland, whilst from the North and East we see the first substantial movements of autumn, especially with winter Thrushes and Finch species.  

7 September Little Cressingham

The early morning weather held promise for finding migrants along the Watton Brook Valley, there was an early morning light mist hanging over low lying areas, it felt humid and calm.  Notable highlights seen were:

1 Sedge Warbler in cover in the valley

1 Water Rail - calling frequently in thick vegetation in the brook

1 Meadow Pipit - An overhead migrant heading south (My first movement of this species this autumn)

1 Whinchat - on fence/posts in the valley

Upon my arrival in the valley I did an initial scan of the fence, posts, and thick cover along Watton Brook and immediately found Robin, Dunnock, and Wren all perched together on fencing whilst more distantly along the valley I could see another Robin, 3+ Yellowhammers, and 2+ Dunnocks together.  A small flock of 4 Egyptian Geese flew S/E.

Beginning my walk along the valley it was apparent that many Blue Tits were on the move in search of food.  Two more Robins were present.

As I stopped to check a dense patch of weeds along the brook a single Sedge Warbler flew up onto the fence and offered good views before it went back into cover.  Sedge Warblers are common migrants as they pass through the valley on their passage.

Migrant Sedge Warbler 7 September

A further good record in the valley was of a calling Water Rail.  Although not seen its frequent squeal-like call and movements of vegetation betrayed its presence.  Close by a couple of juvenile Moorhens were seen. 

As I continued west along the valley I heard a familiar call "seep-seep", looking up a single Meadow Pipit passed over in a southerly heading, undoubtedly this was an autumn arrival which probably began its journey on upland areas of Britain.

Also noted on the visit was at least two Stonechats, two Reed Buntings, and a small flock of 10+ Linnets.  

At the end of my walk I decided to finish where I started by checking the valley, the fence and posts, for signs of migrants, especially given the amount of common bird activity seen earlier on.  Scanning the fence line I picked up a small bird perched on the fence, I had a good idea what it was so I fetched the scope and my suspicions were correct, this was a Whinchat, a scarce passage migrant through the patch.

Whinchat at Little Cressingham (from my archives)

When first located with binoculars, I was confident this was a Whinchat, but being at some distance, the scope was needed to see the salient features.  First impressions at range was of a bird similar in size and structure as the more common Stonechat, however, the plumage is much different.  The head area is particularly striking with the bold, creamy-white supercillium which separates the dark streaked crown from the dark ear-coverts.  Stonechats do not have a supercillium. The overall appearance of the Whinchat is of a paler bird than Stonechat.  The Whinchat often behaved like a Stonechat by flying from the fence to the ground to collect food and return to its perch. 

As with many species, the Whinchat has seen a significant decline in Britain.  The species breeds in the upland areas of Britain, it is most numerous in Wales.  The Whinchat was a former breeder in Norfolk, however, habitat destruction now sees this beautiful bird only as a passage migrant.  

Whinchats are summer visitors to Britain, the species winters in Central and southern Africa.  I have read of a report of a bird ringed in Scotland being relocated in Ghana, West Africa.

 

Rain, rain, and more rain, but search for migrants goes on.

 Today, the 24th August, saw poor weather conditions, full cloud cover and persistent rain, some heavy, remained throughout the day.  Light was poor but visibility was good. A light SW wind.

I had a couple of locations on my patch in mind to visit today in the hope of finding migrant species. Weather plays an important factor with migrating birds and todays persistent rain may have forced passage birds to the ground and into cover until fine weather allows a continuation of passage.

My first visit was to an area of rough grassland with scattered Elders near Bodney.  A search of the Elder bushes did not produce signs of migrants, however, the rough grassland held a male Stonechat.  Nearby a calling Grey Wagtail was present.  This was a quiet visit so I decided to move onto my next location in the Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham.

I arrived in the Watton Brook valley with persistent rain becoming heavier.  My first stop was to overview a close section of Watton Brook where thick reeds in the brook and heavy growth of Rosebay Willowherb are the dominant plant species.

Whilst checking cover I noticed a slight movement of a blade of reed, then, a small brown bird flew into Rosebay Willowherb, it was a migrant Reed Warbler, a very neat looking bird.  The bird moved about cover, including reeds, it also flew into a roadside hedge where an agitation call was heard, a short, sharp "trr" or "trret" 

Despite the poor conditions I was pleased with my migrant find.

Also noted was a light westerly passage of Swallows.

Migrant Reed Warbler in the Watton Brook Valley 24 August

Reed Warbler in the Watton Brook Valley 24 August

Migrants in the Watton Brook Valley at Bodney

 The morning started cool with slight mist patches in the valley, it certainly felt like an early autumnal day. The sunshine was hazy and indeed it remained mostly cloudy throughout the day. It remained warm. 

Walking downstream along Watton Brook, a sudden flash of 'black and white' skimmed just above the tops of reeds, my suspicions were realised when a Green Sandpiper climbed away north, then turned west and watched until lost to view.

I reached a large willow wood alongside Watton Brook, I was confident that this habitat would hold migrants and within a short period of time, at least 8 Chiffchaffs were seen skulking amongst the leaves and branches, also here was a pair of Marsh Tits, Coal Tits, Long-tailed Tits, 2 Treecreepers, 3 Blackbirds, (included a male and juvenile female).  The highlight at the willow wood was an unseen Cetti's Warbler which occasional gave a contact call. 

Willow wood in Watton Brook valley 19 August 2024.  8+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Treecreepers, Coal Tits and a Cetti's Warbler all present here today

Walking east along the Watton Brook valley, I checked several habitats for signs of migrants, especially a small Hawthorn bush which stands a little higher than surrounding plants.  Nothing seen in the Hawthorn as I passed it, but a turn and check of this habitat once safely passed it saw a handsome male Wheatear alight in the upper branches.  Although partially hidden from view by branches, some striking detail seen on the head was seen.  The crown is brown with a little white above the eye and a black mask through the eye.  The upperparts are brown and the tail has a very striking white pattern which was seen very briefly as the bird settled on the bush.   

I arrived back at the car at 0930 having had a good morning for migrants in the valley.

A trio of Sylvia's - 16 August 2024

 I had a short break this morning, therefore, I decided to check Seamere Marsh near Hingham for signs of migrants, especially given the overnight rain which may have grounded birds.  I arrived at 0945, remaining until 1020 .  It was sunny and warm with a light NW.

Initially quiet, with the exception of a calling Green Woodpecker and two Buzzards overhead, my attention was drawn to a Sylvia Warbler moving about in a broken hedgerow.  I followed this bird, lost it, then quickly relocated it in a Hawthorn/Bramble mix straight ahead of me, this was a very smart looking juvenile Whitethroat Sylvia communis whilst watching the Whitethroat a Garden Warbler Sylvia borin was seen nearby over-reaching in the bush to take and eat a blackberry.  A further search around the bush produced another Sylvia, a male Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla.  At first the Blackcap was sitting quietly, then it became active within the bush and was seen to eat a blackberry.

Seamere Marsh 16 August 2024. Garden Warbler, Blackcap, and Whitethroat were all seen together in the Hawthorn in the centre of this picture. 

I have been and always will be awe of bird migration, especially watching specific locations or habitats for evidence of resting and feeding migrants or indeed witnessing passage.

This mornings records of all three Sylvia species feeding socially and within close proximity of each other is clear evidence of migrant birds sharing mutual behaviour for the purpose of fuelling for migration south to Africa.   

Saham Toney 15 August 2024

 I am fortunate to be allowed to walk large areas of farmland and some parts of the large Army training area known as STANTA (Stanford Training Area), this morning I visited some beautiful habitats within this area.  The habitat visited included the beautiful Watton Brook valley and adjoining marsh and meadows.

This visit began with a small flock of Linnets flying into a willow, the male bird looked stunning with its beautiful bright crimson breast. 

No evidence of passage seen save for a single Whitethroat passing purposefully south through a well vegetated ditch.  The meadows here often hold passage Yellow Wagtails at this time of year, these beauties are seen feeding around grazing livestock.  I think the fresh SW wind probably prevented any notable passage, although I did find 3 Chiffchaffs, one of which was in a small Hawthorn alongside Watton Brook. 

Watton Brook and the adjoining marsh has an abundance of plants which attract invertebrate life, the sides of the brook are dominated by Rosebay Willowherb and Burr reed, the adjoining marsh has an abundance of knapweed and Ragwort. Goldfinches were present in good numbers (80+) and were often seen feeding upon seeds of tall weeds whilst overhead 100+ Swallows gathered to feed upon flying insects.

Watton Brook Valley 15 August 2024 - Just a single Chiffchaff seen in the valley but 100+ Swallows overhead.

A closer look at some fresh cow dung saw some interesting invertebrates, one particular attractive large fly on dung was the Mid Day Fly, this insect has beautiful golden coloured bases to the wings.  Mid Day Flies lay eggs in the dung and I understand the larvae predates other life forms in the dung.   

Mid Day Fly on fresh dung 15 August 2024

Mid Day Fly 15 August 2024 (Showing its lovely golden wing bases)

A walk around a large meadow to finish my visit produced just a single, unseen, alarm calling Lesser Whitethroat in a tree-lined hedgerow.  Finally, given the strength of the wind I decided to walk the sheltered side of a hedgerow filled with various fruits in the hope of finding a migrant Warbler species, I did see something move but was not quick enough to ID it.  I did see a couple of Greenfinches however.

Notes from the garden 11 August 2024

 Today I decided to make visits throughout the day to my garden to check on common species present and to check for evidence of passage.  About eleven years ago, when we arrived at this property, the garden was bordered by Leylandii, these had to go.  In their place I planted a 40 foot native hedgerow purposely created for the benefit of wildlife.  The hedge comprises Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog Rose, Dogwood, Ash, Goat Willow, Birch, and Alder.  Checking the hedge today I could see masses of Hawes ripening, hips of the Dog Rose growing, and the fruit of the Dogwood (Dogberry) is heavy in clusters of fruit.  I have found that Starlings especially love dogberries, they strip these in no time, but I expect the odd Warbler passing through has a few.

Ripening Hawes in the garden 11 August.  Winter Thrushes will enjoy these.

  Wood Pigeons bred in the garden this year, their simple platform of sticks was located in the Goat Willow.  For much of the day the juvenile Wood Pigeon remained in the garden with a parent nearby. Wood Pigeons are attractive birds, however, I often think the young squab in the nest takes the prize for one of the ugliest chicks.  Even the juvenile bird has some way to go appear as attractive as its parents. Young Wood Pigeons appear quite dull and lack the white neck ring of the adult bird

An attractive Wood Pigeon in the garden 11 August 2024

 

Juvenile Wood Pigeon in the garden 11 August 2024

House Sparrows are generally present in good numbers throughout the year, sadly, their abundance sees these beautiful birds being overlooked by rarity chasers.  I often have 50+ House Sparrows coming to feed.

A very attractive male House Sparrow in the garden.

 As far as my garden records are concerned, I like to include species I see from my garden as well as those which actually visit.

This morning 5 Linnets overflew the garden in an easterly heading, also Greenfinch, Goldfinch, and a couple of Buzzards seen too.

As the day was getting very warm I heard at least 2 Cranes somewhere to the north-east, however, these magnificent birds were out of sight. 

Migrants in the Watton Brook Valley 10 August 2024

 0815 arrival.  The visit began with a singing Linnet in hedgerow alongside Southwater Lane and just south of there along the track heading south a Whitethroat gave an alarm call from within a Hawthorn.

The area of marsh immediately south of Southwater Lane and east of Watton Brook held a single ♀ Reed Bunting on the top of long grasses feeding from seed heads.

Watton Brook, as with elsewhere in the valley, is heavily choked with Burr reed whilst the bank has lots of Rosebay Willowherb, Purple Loosestrife, and one large Willow.  

The main focus of this visit was the search for migrants, especially acrocephalus Warblers along the river.  The first of two Sedge Warblers was heard from deep within cover near the large Willow, the bird remained concealed in cover.  Nearby, a single “hooweet” call of a Willow Warbler was heard.  Again, in a similar area a calling Yellow Wagtail was heard the other side of Watton Brook on grassland currently grazed by sheep.  A repeated “tsweeep” call was heard from the bird out of sight on the ground, then it flew off and climbed away to the north when it was joined by two more birds (also possibly Yellow Wagtails).  As the Yellow Wagtail flew off the key features seen included a shortish tail and greenish upperparts.

A successful morning for migrants in the Watton Brook Valley 10 August 2024

Continuing a slow walk south alongside Watton Brook the most abundant species seen was Goldfinch with wandering birds seen feeding from knapweed.

An acrocephalus species flew past me low and speed and darted in cover in the valley, it was not located visually although a call of Sedge Warbler was heard.

At least 3 Reed Buntings were seen in the valley typically in lush vegetation, one at least was a juvenile bird showing a lovely reddish panel on the wing.

Having reached the large Willow wood I returned alongside Watton Brook, a couple of Bullfinches were present (one seen) and a little further along a Hobby passed overhead north and then circled above the Southwater Lane area.  Other raptor species seen this morning were 2 Red Kites, Buzzard, and a hunting Kestrel.

At the end of this walk I reflected upon what I considered a good morning for migrant species in the Watton Brook valley.

Watton Brook Valley 7 August 2024

 From August through until late September/early October I spend a lot of time searching for migrant acrocephalus Warblers along Watton Brook in Little and Great Cressingham.  The lush vegetation in the valley which includes the dominant Rosebay Willowherb and Burr reed always gets close attention as I slowly walk along looking for a sudden movement of a blade of reed or of a bird out of the corner of my eye flying low between cover.

A migrant Sedge Warbler in the Watton Brook Valley

The morning of 7 August was spent doing just that, searching for migrants.  As I approached a patch of Rosebay Willowherb I heard a single, short, sharp "chet" call, this familiar call took my immediate attention and a short while later a single migrant Sedge Warbler was seen flying low and fast between the cover of Rosebay Willowherb, Burr reed, and other lush vegetation.  The "chet" alarm was heard a few times coming from within Rosebay Willowherb.  Although not seen too well, the very presence of this migrant is a good local record.

A very elusive Whitethroat was also seen all to briefly flying in and out of dense cover along Watton Brook.  Finally, on this visit I was rewarded by a family gathering of 5+ Stonechats on roadside fencing, a delightful way to finish  this visit.

Houghton-on-the-Hill - 5 August 2024 (0605-0900)

Houghton-on-the-Hill sits upon an elevated ridge of land visible distantly from the north and south. At the west end of the ridge sits the beautiful St Mary's Church, a very old church with 11th century murals depicting characters and events from the bible.  There has been a church on this site since 630, this was constructed of wood, the current church of stone has been in existence since 750. 

The prominent topography of this site along with man-made features such as the church has undoubtedly served as focal point for migrating birds over the centuries and probably millennia.

 

St Mary's Church at Houghton-on-the Hill 5 August 2024

Given its elevated position Houghton-on-the-Hill provides me with a superb migration watchpoint with views to the distant west through to the north-east giving huge expanses of sky to watch and follow migrating birds approaching from the north and north-east.  In the right conditions, common bird passage can be spectacular, I have witnessed the passage of many hundreds of Meadow Pipits and winter Thrushes.  Also, given the right conditions, raptor passage can be very good, examples of birds species picked up distantly from Houghton include Osprey and Honey Buzzard (both species on one September day) and with one record of a passage Montagu's Harrier.  Scarce migrants over the years in the area of the church have included a single Yellow-browed Warbler in October 2017, (I remember driving to Houghton on that day with Yellow-browed Warbler on my mind), Hawfinch and Firecrest.  Common migrants in autumn includes double figure numbers of Blackcaps, Whitethroats, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, and small numbers of Lesser Whitethroat and occasional passage Tree Pipit.   

5 August 2024

Today was my first visit to Houghton for the late summer/autumn migration season, this is where I do much of my birding from now through to November.

0605. I decided to begin the morning with a stroll around the small churchyard at Houghton and within a few minutes I could hear several Blackcaps alarm calling in boundary woodland, this alarm is a distinctive "tac", often given if a threat is nearby, such as a local friendly birder !!.  Blackbirds present included a juvenile, also Goldfinch (15+ over), Chaffinch and Blue Tit.  At least 3 Chiffchaff also present.

A well stocked hedgerow corridor runs east from the church and straight away I could hear more "tac" calls of Blackcap, also I could hear alarm calling Whitethroats, a distinctive "churr" or "churrit" and the "hweet" calls of Chiffchaffs.

Whilst standing between the hedgerow corridor I was watching a well stocked Elder bush where 3+ Blackcaps, Whitethroat, and a stunning Lesser Whitethroat were gathered in a social feeding gathering. One word for me describes the Lesser Whitethroat in late summer/autumn, this is 'immaculate', a truly beautiful Sylvia Warbler which even without optics stands out within the hedge as a bird with pure white underparts and throat contrasting strongly with the grey head and brown upperparts.

Common species seen here included Yellowhammer, Red Kite, Buzzard, and Kestrel.  Isn't it strange describing Red Kites as common.

Hedgerow on Houghton Common.  The Elder in the centre of this picture held feeding Whitethroats, 3+ Blackcaps, and a stunning Lesser Whitethroat

 

Whitethroat at Houghton 5 August (eating Elderberry)

The above picture shows a Whitethroat consuming an Elderberry, this is a favoured soft fruit for this and other Warbler species late summer and autumn.  Although insectivorous, Warblers change much of their diet to fruit in order to build up energy reserves for their long journey south to Africa.

Lesser Whitethroat at Houghton 5 August (always a special migrant to find)

As I ended my walk I intended to stop by an old Elder which has always been a good habitat for feeding Warblers.  As I approached I could hear the "tac" of Blackcaps and a short sharp "chit" of a Lesser Whitethroat.  Standing back from the Elder I could see Warblers flying across the path and back, there was clearly several birds involved.  The Elder I watched held Whitethroat, 3+ Blackcap, one Lesser Whitethroat, and a single Garden Warbler.  Resident species included a feeding juvenile Blackbird and Blue Tit.

For my first 'migrant day' I must say I am pleased with my finds.

Little Cressingham 31 July 2024

 This is my first post for a while following a fall at home which caused some extremely painful ligament and tendon damage.  On the 19th July, the day of my fall, I was taken to hospital via ambulance due to some worrying swelling in my leg, which thankfully did not result in a clot.  Having spent 13 hours in hospital I had issues with regard to getting home, fortunately, my dear friend Andy Egan came to collect myself and my wife Pam and took us home.  Thank you so much Andy.  I must also thank my dear wide Pam for driving me around in the wheelchair.  I had my right leg on a raised rest and such was her driving skills, thoughts of a Laurel and Hardy sketch came to mind as she drove into a wall or caught the door of a lift which resulted in a loud "Oh sh*t", but we had a good laugh afterwards.  We did meet Lauren Hemp (England ladies footballer) who stopped for a lovely chat, what a very pleasant young lady.

Anyway, today was my first trip out since the 19th July, I took it nice and easy of course.  

Lots of visible changes along the Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham with the river itself choked up with Burr reeds and the banks were looking overgrown and lush with the most abundant plants being Rosebay Willowherb, knapweed, lots of beautiful Teasel, Purple Loosestrife, and the usual patches of thick cover comprising Bramble and Hawthorn.

It is this time of year that I spend lots of time along Watton Brook in Little Cressingham as the lush vegetation holds migrant acrocephalus, phylloscopus, and Sylvia Warblers .

Stonechat (One of 5+) along Watton Brook 31 July 2024

This first visit of the Warbler migration season was quite productive.  I became aware of approaching Blue Tits (30+) in the valley, as they came closer I readied myself in the knowledge that this flock could hold other species, including Warblers.  As the Blue Tits passed me a single Chiffchaff was seen in Bramble briefly, a very short while later a single Willow Warbler briefly stopped in the same Bramble patch.  The Willow Warbler had a strong yellow supercillium and yellow cheeks, there was no tail-dipping, a habit seen with Chiffchaff.

In the same area of the valley a single Whitethroat was in a ditch along with one juv/female Reed Bunting, but the most visible species was Stonechat (5+) which typically chose prominent perches to watch from.

Not a bad first day out, but I am off for a week from Monday 5th August, Warbler and Flycatcher migration will be under way, I have encountered both Spotted and Pied Flycatcher in the valley in August, so hopefully I will have plenty to report.     

Saturday 13 July 2024

Little Cressingham (Watton Brook Valley) 1345-1600

A few changes to the habitat in the valley since my previous visit, the riversides are very full and lush, Burr reed is beginning to thicken in the brook, and it was good to see the roadside verges looking very attractive to invertebrate species with knapweed, umbellifer species, and long grasses.

The meadows in the valley are very wet with isolated patches of flood water looking good for passage wader species. 

Highlight species seen included a juvenile female Goshawk, one Little Egret on a meadow, evidence of breeding success with at least 3 juvenile Stonechats seen, adult Whitethroats with food for young, and a single Kingfisher flying downstream.

Whitethroat Little Cressingham 13 July 2024

Upon my arrival in the Watton Brook valley, I was greeted by a rather curious Whitethroat which flew up onto a post and stayed alert as it looked around.   Later in the valley, Whitethroats gave alarm calls when I was close to the nest, also, food was being carried for young.

The immediate area here saw plenty of long grasses with various tall weed species including knapweed and umbellifers, which provided a rich

habitat for invertebrate species for bird species including our Whitethroat pair, to gather for their young from.

Little Cressingham 13 July 2024. Insect rich habitat 

Whilst scanning the tops of a nearby woodland, I saw a very erratic, disorganised departure of birds, such behaviour suggested a Goshawk was present and as I looked above the woodland canopy I saw the menacing approach of a Goshawk clearly intent on taking prey, once over the woodland it entered the trees, this bird was a juvenile female Goshawk, a very large, powerful raptor. 

Still looking west along the valley a single Little Egret searching for prey in the grass.  An Oystercatcher was also probing into the soft ground.

Checking the valley I saw 3 Stonechats (juveniles), quite distantly, on fencing posts and tall weeds,  From these perches the birds would fly to the ground to presumably take an invertebrate and then return to its perch. 

Also here was a number of Goldfinches which fed from knapweed and thistles

Watton Brook.  A lush valley rich in insect life

Species Focus

Raven Corvus corax in Breckland

Recent years have seen a welcome return to Bird species in British Isles and indeed to Norfolk, most notably all three Egret species, and the Raven.  The following account provides a brief historical review of Ravens in Norfolk along with the current status of this very impressive corvid.  

The Raven was until just a few years ago described as a rare vagrant in Norfolk.  The last breeding record occurred in 1859, however, it's numbers were greatly reduced due to persecution by farmers and gamekeepers.  Since the 1950's, Ravens numbers in Northwest Europe began to increase, this was due to reduced persecution and by the introduction of Ravens into Germany, Belgium, and Holland.  The occasional visit by a Raven to our shores were thought to have been from birds reintroduced in Europe.  

Although a reintroduced species in north-west Europe, the appearance of Ravens in Norfolk has been as a result of range expansion.  Ravens have increased significantly in a few short years with their status moving from being a rare vagrant to an increasing but still scarce species.

Here on my Breckland patch and in nearby surrounding areas, Ravens, in line with the regional picture, has seen increasingly frequent observations of this species.  The following are my records of Ravens on my patch.

Little Cressingham (Green Lane) 15 November 2019

A pair of Ravens approached from the north passed directly overhead and alighted in trees on Green Lane

Little Cressingham (The Arms and Hopton Bridge) 13 November 2020

I thought I heard a distant Raven approaching from the south, a while later a single bird flew through 'The Arms' area, low over fields towards the Watton Brook Valley.  I relocated about a mile of my position and eventually relocated the Raven in a distant Scots Pine, it then flew into the dead branches in the canopy of an Oak where it called along with uttering a few clucks.  A Carrion Crow and Mistle Thrush in the same tree offered great comparison between the species. 

Raven at Little Cressingham 13 November 2020

Raven in Oak at Little Cressingham 13 November 2020

Little Hockham 28 February 2022

A very memorable observation involving 3 Ravens which were watched from some time in clear conditions.  Behaviour seen included chasing, tumbling, rolling, and lots of calling.

Raven at Little Hockham 28 Feb 2022

Ravens 28 Feb 2022 (Two of 3 birds seen in display) 

Great Ellingham (Deopham Road) 15 March 2022

A single Raven seen in a roadside tree.  Flew off calling. 

Watton (Garden) 21 March 2022

A single Raven directly overhead in a westerly heading.

Little Cressingham 22 May 2022

Single calling bird in the Watton Brook valley

Little Cressingham 15 September 2022

Two Ravens (pair) watched flying east along the Watton Brook valley.  Calling heard.

Cranberry Rough 8 October 2022

Single bird seen and calling.

Little Cressingham 3 February 2023

Single bird seen.

Little Cressingham (The Arms) 1 May 2023

Two Ravens (pair) flying west from The Arms along the STANTA boundary and off in the direction of Bodney.

Little Hockham 7 May 2023

Pair seen.

Bodney 21 August 2023

Pair seen

Cranberry Rough 21 September 2023

One bird present

Hingham (Deopham Road) 16 January 2024

One bird calling

Garvestone 3 March 2024

Pair seen and calling.  On one occasion seen directly overhead and quite low, also pair seen in association with electricity pylons where seen to alight on to.

Little Hockham 20 April 2024

At least one Raven present and calling.

In a very short period of time, Ravens have increased rapidly in Norfolk with three-figure numbers being reported annually along with breeding successes also being seen.  It is fair to report that the future of Ravens looks very bright indeed in Norfolk, and indeed, in other counties where the species was formerly, and recently, regarded as a rare vagrant.  How wonderful it is to now hear the call of this magnificent corvid in Breckland, and beyond.

Mattishall (Windmill Lane) 1845-1930) Following the storm.

When I am at work between calls and if time allows, I like to park up at a new location and obtain counts of bird species for BTO's bird track project.  For this early evening count I stopped on Windmill Lane, Mattishall.  Just 30 minutes prior to my visit a very heavy thunderstorm passed through which you can see on the horizon in this picture.

 Arriving on Windmill Lane for this short visit I was first of all greeted by 3 Carrion Crows in the crown of an old Oak, also, a single Yellowhammer sang from the same area.  A single Green Woodpecker was heard calling further along the Lane.

Other common species seen here included 3 Blackbirds (including a juvenile), Robin, Magpie, and a pair of Goldfinches.  Male Blackcap and male Whitethroat briefly heard in song.

A pair of Stock Doves overflew a field, a beautiful, well proportioned Dove readily identified in flight by their blue-grey upperparts, pale grey rump and black borders to the wings.  If seen on the ground look for their iridescent green patch on the neck sides.  The breast is pinkish.  The Stock Dove can be separated from the Wood Pigeon by its smaller size, also, the Stock Dove has no white in its plumage, as does Wood Pigeons.  

From the Archives

Great White Egret at Caston 13 March 2003

On 13 March 2003 a Great White Egret was at Caston in the Breckland area of Norfolk.  Back in 2003 this species was considered rare in the UK, however, it's current status sees it as scarce but increasing.

I see this very elegant, stately looking bird quite often at a number of sites on my patch, this includes an occasional bird overflying our garden in Watton, Norfolk. 

From the archives: .

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator badius at Great Cressingham July 1995

On 3rd July 1995, I decided on an early morning visit to the Peddars Way at Great Cressingham, I parked at the Watton Road crossroads and concentrated my birding efforts along the Peddars Way north of the Watton Road to as far as the Priory Road junction, however, my walk did not quite go to plan.

As I got out of the car I saw an interesting bird perched on the old wooden Watton to Great Cressingham road sign.  From this sign the bird flew down to a puddle on the side of the road to bathe, straight away I could see this was a Woodchat Shrike.  It was not until some time later that I learnt that this bird was the Balearic form Badius, I also became aware that this stunning bird had actually been reported the day before by another local birder.

Throughout it's stay, the Shrike was seen between the Peddars Way and Watton Road crossroads north along the Peddars Way to as far as a woodland belt running west from the road.  It was in the Larch pictured here that the bird was occasionally seen. Fence posts, hedges, trees, and a road sign were all used for lookouts and to hunt from.  A particular delicacy was bumble bees, from it's perch the Woodchat Shrike made flycatching sallies and bring the prey back to the perch for consuming.  Although not witnessed by myself, the Shrike would impale food on a thorn or barbed wire for returning to later when needed, such behaviour has earnt Shrikes the name of 'Butcher Bird'.

The Woodchat Shrike is about 7 inches in length and as with other Shrikes, it has an appearance of a small bird of prey, although it is fact a song bird.  The beak is hooked, this is used for tearing up prey, it is essentially a striking black and white bird with a chestnut cap and nape.  I was later to find out this bird was the Balearic form badius, it was identified by the lack of a white wing patch seen in other forms.

This beautiful Larch tree along the Peddars Way is where the Woodchat Shrike occasionally visited, it was seen mostly up in the crown of the tree.

This Woodchat Shrike remained in the area until the 5th July and as of 1995, I believe this was only the third example of the Balearic form badius to have reached the British Isles.  I have seen this form on Majorca, this included finding a pair with young in a Larch, or similar tree species.

A magical Breckland dawn 4 July 2024

 

0310 at Little Cressingham.  I spent about 90 minutes this morning just watching the dawn sky brighten. It was a dry morning with a moderate westerly wind.

The first bird heard was a single Skylark singing overhead at 0310.  Later at 0335 a Song Thrush started singing followed just minutes later by a second bird.  As I was about to leave a Blackcap broke into song, also Wren and a Bullfinch gave its piping call.

I departed at about 0440.

Hingham (Seamere Marsh) 1 July 2024

I had about an hour long break late morning on 1st July and as I was in the Hingham area I decided upon a short visit overviewing Seamere Marsh from the Deopham Road.  This beautiful habitat is a jewel within a sea of arable farmland, a very valuable site for inland Norfolk.

Over the years, Seamere has produced excellent records of both common and rare bird species, and without doubt, my personal highlight was not an exotic wanderer to the area, but a Corn Bunting, a rather drab looking bird which is very rare in this part of Norfolk, in fact the species does not breed here, I have only seen this large Bunting as a breeding bird, in the fens and in the vast rolling arable lands of Docking and Ringstead in the north-west of the county.  Corn Buntings are a sedentary species, which makes the Hingham bird all the more remarkable.

Upon my arrival for this short visit I was initially greeted by 50+ Hirundines (mostly Swallows), along with a few House Martins, skimming low over crops and marsh, as well as gathering around the canopy of a few large Oaks in their pursuit of insect prey.  At times, several Swallows gathered on overhead wires whilst others alighted on the upper branches of an old Elder, one was seen preening, it was a male with its long tail streamers.

A broken hedgerow near Hingham (Seamere). A valuable habitat for several species. 

I was particularly interested in watching a short length of broken hedgerow just to my left, this habitat comprised Hawthorn, Elder, Oak, and lovely dense ground cover.  Within a very short period of time this valuable habitat held a good range of species, firstly, a Lesser Whitethroat gave a frequent "chit" alarm, a second bird responded in another area of hedgerow, also, a couple of Common Whitethroats were seen, 1 Chiffchaff, a singing Yellowhammer in the Hawthorn in the middle of this picture, Goldfinch, Linnet, a singing Greenfinch in the Oak in the left of the picture, singing Wren, and a pair of displaying Stock Doves which alighted in the Oak  to the right where singing was heard.  The value of such a short section of broken hedgerow both demonstrates the value of  such habitats as well as the importance of paying attention to such sites.

Seeing both Lesser Whitethroat and Common Whitethroat almost together on this visit provided an opportunity to see the obvious differences between these two Sylvia species.  The Lesser Whitethroat is a very smart looking bird with a dark grey head contrasting strongly with the white throat, the upper parts are a uniform grey brown and the underparts are white.  The Lesser Whitethroat usually delivers its rattle-like song from cover.  The Common Whitethroat is a marginally larger bird and is always, in all age groups, readily identified by the two-tone colour on its upperparts, most notably brownish wings with a lovely rusty coloured panel.  Unlike the Lesser Whitethroat, the Common Whitethroat is a very conspicuous songster, often delivering its loud scratchy song from the topmost sprig on a bush which is often accompanied by a highly visible song-flight.

Lynford Water 29 June 2024

The early morning drive from my home in Watton to Lynford Water and Arboretum takes in stunning Breckland habitat, much of which lies within the large army training area known as STANTA (Stanford Training Area), in fact the drive to Lynford follows the northern and western limits of STANTA.

The morning began with cloudless skies and very warm sunshine, the day became increasingly warmer, however, high cloud moved in later in the morning.

I arrived at the Lynford Water car park at 0710, several visitors were already here to enjoy some early morning swimming in the larger lake.

Upon my arrival, I recorded Blackcap, Song Thrush, and Coal Tit singing in the wooded surrounds, also here was a singing Stock Dove.  Walking the track towards the lakes I heard Wren singing along with calling Nuthatch and Treecreeper.  I detected movement in the top of a tall Sycamore, I soon located a lovely female Blackcap searching for small invertebrates under the leaves, she was readily identified by her brown cap.  

1. Woodland trail near Lynford Water

The woodland trail from the car park eventually leads to open country between the woodland and Lynford Water, here, this open country was dominated by the beautiful blues of Viper's Bugloss, a stunning looking plant.  This open area also had patches of Broom and Gorse along with areas of young woodland scrub and the edges of the lakes mostly comprised dense willow habitat.

At least 4 Linnets were seen on Broom and Gorse scrub, one bird, a stunning male had a crimson forecrown and especially bright crimson breast patches, a very handsome bird.

2. Open area at Lynford Water with beautiful Viper's Bugloss

3. Open country with scrub habitat which held at least 4 Linnets

 

4. Young Conifer and Birch habitat holding Willow Warblers

The woodland edge adjacent to the clearing held a mobile party of Long-tailed Tits which included juvenile birds, these birds passed through woodland but also visited patches of scrub in the clearing in their search for food.  Blackcaps appeared to be the most common Warbler heard with several males singing, most were in mature patches of woodland whereas a couple of Willow Warblers were present in typical habitat of young conifer and birch (picture 4) with ground cover for nesting.  Once these conifers have become well established the ground beneath will become devoid of light and ground cover, thus rendering this habitat being unsuitable for ground nesting Warblers.

A calling Great Spotted Woodpecker and singing Blackbird were present here.

5. Blackcap (male) The most numerous Warbler present at Lynford Water

A beautiful area of Hawthorn and Birch scrub hosted singing Blackcap and Whitethroat, also present here was 2 singing Garden Warblers and Chiffchaff.  Nearby in Willow scrub by the lake, two male Reed Buntings sang. A check of the lakes saw two pairs of Great Crested Grebes, both pairs having two juveniles each.  A mixed habitat of young Birch and Hawthorn held my third singing Garden Warbler of the morning.  A single Hobby passed by high overhead whilst nearby a pair of Buzzards were soaring. 

Lynford Water held two pairs of Great Crested Grebes (each pair had two juveniles)

The final part of my visit was a gentle stroll around the car parks where 2 male Goldcrests were singing in mature conifer habitats.  A single Siskin passed over calling.

Mature woodland held beautiful Scots Pines

My delightful visit to Lynford Water ended when I met up with my friend Thomas Adcock who stopped for a good chat and very kindly bought me a coffee.  Thank you Thomas, it was good to see you and 'Patch'.

Lynford Water Birds

Mallard, Great Crested Grebe (2 pairs + 4 young), 1 Cormorant, 2 Buzzard, Moorhen, Stock Dove (2 singing males), Wood Pigeon, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Hobby, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, 3+ Coal Tits, Blue Tit, 1 Skylark, Swallow, Long-tailed Tit, 2 Willow Warblers (singing males), 6+ Chiffchaff, 10+ Blackcap, 3 Garden Warblers (singing males), 1 Whitethroat, 3 Goldcrests (singing males), Wren, 1 Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Blackbird, 4+ Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, 4+ Linnets, Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings (singing males)