November 2024 - A summary

 Calm, settled overcast and grey conditions (some may call depressing) often accompanies the month of November and the thoughts of a Great Grey Shrike sitting like a sentinel on a bush top in the vast openness of a bleak Breckland landscape, is always at the forefront of my mind when watching suitable landscapes for this solitary species.

The 1^st day of the month I was working in the evening and being in isolated surroundings in almost complete darkness my focus was on listening for Tawny Owls, I was in luck with birds present at two locations in the small village of Carleton Rode. The first was a calling ♀ on Rode Lane in the village, the second bird was one seen flying in a small wooded area on the Old Buckenham Road.

A target habitat for me in autumn and winter are those large game strips and plots of wild seed mixes, so early morning on the 2^nd I visited one such large habitat at Little Cressingham traditionally used annually for the purpose of providing game cover, these habitats also benefit our Finches and Buntings.

Having positioned my self where I had good views of the game strip/seed mix plot, it was apparent that Finches were present in good numbers alongside the roadside by the game strip. Highlights seen included 100+ Linnets 100+ Chaffinches, a few Greenfinches, and also my target species for the morning, a beautiful ♂ Brambling with Chaffinches. Bramblings are winter visitors from Scandinavia in varying numbers. Although just the single Brambling seen this morning I am confident numbers will increase. Numbers are variable year to year, in particularly good years I have seen three-figure numbers of Bramblings. Although now in their winter plumages ♂ Bramblings are still distinguishable from ♀♀ from their brighter orange breast and scapulars and dark heads. Bramblings will remain with us until late March by which time ♂♂ begin developing their breeding plumages, their solid black heads and bright oranges make this a very attractive Finch species.

Sparrowhawk - Often seen where good numbers of Finches occur (from archives)

Inevitably, with high numbers of Finches present, Sparrowhawk is always at the forefront of my mind and as expected a mass ‘putting up’ of Finches announced the arrival of a ♀ Sparrowhawk in a small tree close to me, but rapidly departed as soon as it arrived.

Also seen on this productive morning was a single Goshawk drifting in a slow glide towards woodland, this raptor would not be interested in Finches, its quarry would be larger species like Pigeons, Crows, Pheasant, and duck species.

On the 3^rd I visited the vast expanses of arable habitats and dense field boundary hedgerows in the Great Cressingham area. Highlights once again saw good numbers of Finch species (100+ Linnets) and Chaffinches. In excess of 30 Blackbirds were seen with some feeding upon Hawthorn berries, also a small flock of 17+ Fieldfares dropped into a dense hedgerow where a Bullfinch was seen. Also in the hedgerow was a small flock of 12+ Tree Sparrows, a very scarce species now. Overhead a small flock of 13 Golden Plovers circled.

The main highlight of the morning was seeing 3 Ravens passing overhead calling. I initially heard Ravens calling to the west of my position, not too long after 2 Ravens flew east calling, these were shortly followed by a single Raven following.

 A short work break on the 5^th was spent overlooking Seamere Marsh at Hingham. Thrush species were the highlight with 8+ Blackbirds in a broken hedgerow and in a young Ash tree a small flock of 12+ Fieldfares were seen along with a single Song Thrush which was a probable migrant.

A flock of 8+ Stock Doves arrived and a large number of Wood Pigeons (1000+) were ‘put up’ by a possible passing raptor.

 Early morning of the 7^th I visited a beautiful Alder and Willow Carr in the River Wissey valley at Bodney. The old Alders within the Carr held good numbers of feeding Finches, most notably, a large flock of 150+ Goldfinches which wandered the canopy and settling to feed upon cones. A few Siskins were also present. At least 70 Skylarks were wandering the fields and a similar number of Fieldfares (of which 50+ NW) were noted. A small southerly movement of 14 Lapwings passed over.

On a nearby wet meadow, a single Great White Egret looked very stately.

Great White Egret at Bodney.  Increasing in numbers

The morning of the 11^th was particularly notable for movements of birds. I paid an early morning visit to Little Cressingham to check for Finches and Buntings at a large game strip, this was productive with good numbers of Chaffinches and Linnets present, also a single ♀ Brambling was seen. Two Song Thrushes in treetops were probably migrants.

Whilst watching the Finches and Thrushes I could hear to the distant SW approaching Geese, within a few minutes a skein of 126+ Pink-footed Geese came into view, they passed directly overhead and off in a NE heading in a long and strung out V formation. Later, as I was preparing to leave, a flock of 100+ Lapwings passed directly overhead in a NE heading, these birds approached and departed along the same path as the earlier seen Pink-footed Geese.

A short afternoon visit to Watton churchyard on the 14^th was intended to check for winter Thrushes in the Yew trees, of which there are some fine examples. 32+ Redwings and a few Blackbirds were seen, a good visit.

Redwing - A common winter visitor often seen in Yew trees in churchyard settings

The 14^th was a bright but cold morning with excellent light. I visited Little Cressingham to once again check on Finch numbers at a traditional game strip habitat. Chaffinches and Linnets were the most numerous species, also one Brambling seen.

A large Goshawk was seen flying quite leisurely along woodland edge then chased a Pigeon into woodland. A few minutes later I saw large numbers of Pheasants in a panic flying fast and low over the land, the Goshawk reappeared and was seen to give a half-hearted attempt at chasing another Pigeon. On the last occasion the light was particularly good, this showed off the Goshawks all grey upperparts, which showed this as an adult ♀ bird.

Thompson Water on the 21^st was to prove very productive as the day was to provide me with my highest ever count of Mallard on the water. Several species of ducks were on the water including a couple of sawbills.

I arrived at Thompson Water at 0640, some 50 minutes prior to sunrise and the first birds heard was ♂ and ♀ Tawny Owls in the dawn woodland.

It was clear a high number of ducks were on the water, however, those seen were silhouetted against light of the dawn sky, so in order to wait for light to improve my attention was given to the very noisy chatter of Starlings in their roost habitat of reedbed and Willow Carr. The incessant chatter went on for some time, then at 0712, some 18 minutes prior to sunrise, a noise likened to thunder was followed by the mass departure of 5000+ Starlings, initially a spectacular murmuration was seen before the birds rapidly departed Thompson Water for the day.

Thompson Water

With improving light, it became apparent I was faced with high numbers of Mallard on the water along with several other duck species. With my clicker counter in hand I went through the birds on the water and reached a count of 322+ Mallard on the water, my highest ever count of this species here. Without doubt many more Mallard would have been present but out of sight in reeds, reedbed inlets, and channels.

Other ducks present were 8+ Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall, 37+ Teal, 10+ Pochard, 5+ Tufted Duck, and 2 Goosander, a scarce winter visitor.

Also on the water was 60+ Coot, Great Crested and Little Grebes, and in the surrounding woodland was Marsh Tit, Redwing and Song Thrush.

During a work break on the morning of the 23^rd I visited the wide open and vast expanses of land at Deopham at the site of the former wartime bomber base. It can appear quite bleak here, especially so on this visit when there was fast moving cloud, frequent heavy rain, and poor light due to the cloud cover and reduced visibility due to the rain, but as I have written before, I love bleak. I was parked on the former runway which used to have some fine scrubby cover and Willows, however, in recent years this was grubbed out by the greedy landowner. This former habitat provided good shelter within vast arable land for farmland birds as well as breeding habitat for Warblers, for me, this was tantamount to criminal behaviour.

The wide open expanses of land holds good numbers of Golden Plover and winter Thrushes, I have also seen Merlin here on a couple of occasions, a bird well suited to this bleak landscape.

The visit here today produced little, however, it was just good to be there. 1 Red Kite was seen in awful conditions over the land and clearly demonstrated its mastery of the air in such conditions. A couple of Stock Doves passed by too.

A return to Thompson Water on the 26^th saw less Mallard than the 21^st, however, a pleasant surprise came in the form of a ♀ Goldeneye, a very attractive little diving duck. A Marsh Harrier was briefly seen. 

Thompson Water 21 November 2024 (0640-0900)

I arrived at Thompson Water some 50 minutes prior to sunrise, it was great to be enveloped in the early morning darkness without the effects of manmade light pollution, the only light was from the approaching dawn.

My visit to this beautiful Breckland mere was two fold, to witness Starlings departing their reedbed roost and to see if we have any sawbill duck species.

The first birds of the day was both male and female Tawny Owls calling from mature woodland habitat, I stood still for a few minutes to try and catch the silhouetted Owls through the upper branches against the dim dawn sky, but not seen, it was nevertheless just wonderful to appreciate the differences in calls between the sexes.

Walking along the icy Peddars Way towards Thompson Water I could hear chanting Blackbirds in the dark woodland as well as a few Redwings.

Thompson Water at dawn 21 November 2024

I arrived to overlook Thompson Water at about 0650 with the sound of several duck species, little did I know I would have my highest ever count of Mallard on the water.  At about 0700 I began to hear the incessant chatter of Starlings in the reedbeds, then, at 0712 (18 minutes prior to sunrise) I heard what appeared to be the sound of rolling thunder, this was quickly followed by thousands of Starlings departing their roost, initially, the birds formed tight murmurations to confuse potential raptors and then departed in various directions.   As a rough estimate there was 5000+ Starlings involved in this behaviour, later in the winter months this number may increase up to four fold.

Luckily, much of Thompson Water was free from ice (it does freeze easily following a few frosty nights).  I saw lots of silhouetted views of duck species at dawn, however, as light improved I became aware of hundreds of ducks on the water.  Once light was improved I began a count of each species (which I later record along with other species on BTO's BirdTrack). The counts were as follows:

4 Mute Swans

4 Egyptian Geese

322+ Mallard

2 Goosander

37+ Teal

20+ Gadwall

8+ Shoveler

10+ Pochard

60+ Coot

1 Little Grebe

1 Great Crested Grebe

As can be seen from the above list I counted a high number of 322+ Mallard, this for me is a record count of this species at this locality.  With a number of inlets, channels, and deep reedbeds, it is likely there was many more Mallard present.

Also present was two Goosanders, this species is one of four 'sawbills' which occur in Britain.  There are only six 'sawbill' species worldwide.  The Goosander is a strange looking but beautiful duck, its categorised 'sawbill' name comes from the thin bill which has serrations for catching fish underwater.

In southern Britain Goosanders are scarce winter visitors.  It is a scarce breeder in Northern Britain. 

The Peddars Way footpath between South Pickenham and Little Cressingham 16 November 2024

The Peddars Way is a 46 mile long footpath beginning at Knettishall in Suffolk and linking up with the Norfolk Coast Path at Holme-next-the-Sea.  Approximately 6.5 miles of the Peddars Way passes through my patch and at its closest is less than a mile from my home.  On the morning of 16 November I conducted a number of 'spot counts' on the Peddars Way between South Pickenham and Little Cressingham.

Parkland at South Pickenham Hall 16 November 2024

My first stop of the morning was to overlook the beautiful parkland at South Pickenham Hall.  Wood Pigeons was the most abundant species, the smaller but compact Stock Dove (6) were also seen.  The Stock Dove. although smaller than Wood Pigeon, has a more proportionate appearance and when in flight the pearl grey upperparts contrast with the black borders on the wings and a black terminal band on the tail.  The Stock Dove also lacks white in its plumage (cf Wood Pigeon).

The beautiful Beech tree (closest middle right in the picture) held a few Chaffinches (4), also, two Blackbirds flew into the top of the tree, perhaps these were continental migrants.

Peddars Way at South Pickenham 16 Nov 2024 (Looking North towards the Priory Drove junction)

The Peddars Way between South Pickenham and Little Cressingham is quite undulating in places, in fact the path passes through a few steep climbs, its not hilly, however, it is not flat either as some outsiders would describe it.

The section of path shown in the above picture has good, thick hedgerows either side, here a couple of Bullfinches passed low along the hedge before turning into cover, their white rumps being a conspicuous feature of the birds plumage.

Looking east from the Peddars Way at Great Cressingham.  The small copse in the distant centre of the picture held a few Fieldfares.

My next stop was at the above site on the Peddars Way at Great Cressingham.  I often spend time overlooking large open landscapes, as seen above, the clumps of thickets, small copses, hedgerows, and scattered thorny bushes is suitable habitat for a beautiful but scarce, Great Grey Shrike, this species is well suited to open, bleak looking country, where they perch up high watching its surroundings for prey such as Finches, small rodents, and beetles etc.    

Searching the above open country I eventually focussed on the small copse in the centre of the above picture, here there was a number of Fieldfares feeding upon rosehips and probably other wild fruits. The Fieldfares were quite distant, however, salient features of their appearance could be seen, their large size, the grey head and nape, dark mantle, ochre breast, and large grey rump were all noted. 

Also seen at this stop was a single Bullfinch which gave its soft "piu" call, and a lovely Robin which came close to see what I was up to.

Fieldfare - a stunning winter visitor from Scandinavia (from my archives)

My final stop of the morning was at an area known as North Bridge on the Peddars Way just north of Little Cressingham.  The beautiful Watton Brook flows gently under the bridge and  through Alder Carr, and through grazing meadows.   Once again, the landscape here is very rolling.  Sadly, a beautiful bank of Blackthorn has been grubbed out, for why, I really don't know, this habitat ran alongside a ditch and formed the boundary between the ditch and the grazing meadow, it was wholly unnecessary.  This gorgeous habitat supported Bullfinches and Thrush species, as well having great aesthetic value.

A habitat with abundance in the valley is Alder and Alder Carr, this type of habitat supports flocks of Goldfinches, Siskins, and Redpolls, however, this morning all I could manage to see was a couple of Moorhens on the brook and a single Jay in a small copse. 

 

St. Mary's Churchyard, Watton - 14 November 2024 (1400-1450)

St Mary's Church in Watton was built between 1100 and 1200 with records suggesting a church existed here prior to 1086. The round tower is of the Norman period.

The churchyard is quite well wooded with some tall Yews within the interior of the site.  Mature tree species include Silver Birch, Horse Chestnut, and Beech, the latter looking particularly beautiful now with their bronze coloured leaves.

St Mary's Church in Watton, Norfolk (A lovely Poppy display)

 

Yew trees in Watton Churchyard

14 November

This was a shortish visit to the churchyard, as I approached I was mindful that Thrush species would likely to be in the Yew trees feeding upon the berries (arils).  As soon as the Yews came into view I could see Blackbirds in the trees and as I took position to watch the trees more closely I could also see Redwings (32+) were present.

In the boundary trees at least 17 Goldfinches present along with a single Greenfinch.  A single Kestrel passed through the churchyard.

Yew trees and their berries (arils) are highly toxic to animals and humans and ingestion will prove lethal, even to large animals such as horses and cattle.  The berries are only consumed by Thrush species, the seed inside the berry apparently passes through the bird undigested and without causing harm. Fascinating stuff! 

11 November 2024 - A morning of interesting bird movements

Little Cressingham 0755-0945

Finally, today saw bright sunshine following several days of overcast conditions.  Today, I positioned myself within an area of scrub overlooking a large area of game cover and with the light source behind me I should pick up any flying birds as well as appreciating the colours of the Finches present. 

 An interesting day for movements of birds. Finches comprised the majority species with many Chaffinches (uncounted) 50+ Linnets (low estimate) one ♀ Brambling in the small wooded pit, and a single ♂ Reed Bunting. All of these birds seen in the small wooded area alongside the Great Cressingham Road and in the hedgerow trees, also, occasional movements of Finches to and from the site.

I could hear the distant sound of calling Geese, a short while later a spectacular movement of 126+ Pink-footed Geese approached high from the SW, passed directly overhead, and continued off NE. Calling throughout the observation.  The formation was a huge and strung out V, what a stunning sight.

2 Song Thrushes seen in the top of hedgerow trees with a further 2 birds possible present. A well watched bird (scoped) in a treetop with effort given to the covert tips, these appeared triangular in shape, especially the lesser coverts, thus suggesting a juvenile bird.

100+ Lapwings approached from the SW, passing directly overhead and off NE. These birds followed the same approach and departure as the earlier Pink-footed Geese.

Game strip at Little Cressingham   Viewed from my watchpoint overlooking the large game strip.

  

1st to 7th November 2024 - A summary of highlights on the patch

Calm, settled overcast and grey conditions (some may call depressing) often accompanies the month of November and the thoughts of a Great Grey Shrike sitting like a sentinel on a bush top in the vast openness of a bleak Breckland landscape, is always at the forefront of my mind when watching suitable landscapes for this solitary species.

The 1^st day of the month I was working in the evening and being in isolated surroundings in almost complete darkness my focus was on listening for Tawny Owls, I was in luck with birds present at two locations in the small village of Carleton Rode. The first was a calling ♀ on Rode Lane in the village, the second bird was one seen flying in a small wooded area on the Old Buckenham Road.

A target habitat for me in autumn and winter are those large game strips and plots of wild seed mixes, so early morning on the 2^nd I visited one such large habitat at Little Cressingham traditionally used annually for the purpose of providing game cover, these habitats also benefit our Finches and Buntings.

Brambling (Now in winter plumage)

Having positioned my self where I had good views of the game strip/seed mix plot, it was apparent that Finches were present in good numbers alongside the roadside by the game strip. Highlights seen included 100+ Linnets 100+ Chaffinches, a few Greenfinches, and also my target species for the morning, a beautiful ♂ Brambling with Chaffinches. Bramblings are winter visitors from Scandinavia in varying numbers. Although just the single Brambling seen this morning I am confident numbers will increase. Numbers are variable year to year, in particularly good years I have seen three-figure numbers of Bramblings. Although now in their winter plumages ♂ Bramblings are still distinguishable from ♀♀ from their brighter orange breast and scapulars and dark heads. Bramblings will remain with us until late March by which time ♂♂ begin developing their breeding plumages, their solid black heads and bright oranges make this a very attractive Finch species.

Inevitably, with high numbers of Finches present, Sparrowhawk is always at the forefront of my mind and as expected a mass ‘putting up’ of Finches announced the arrival of a ♀ Sparrowhawk in a small tree close to me, but rapidly departed as soon as it arrived. 

Also seen on this productive morning was a single Goshawk drifting in a slow glide towards woodland, this raptor would not be interested in Finches, its quarry would be larger species like Pigeons, Crows, Pheasant, and duck species.

 On the 3^rd I visited the vast expanses of arable habitats and dense field boundary hedgerows in the Great Cressingham area. Highlights once again saw good numbers of Finch species (100+ Linnets) and Chaffinches. In excess of 30 Blackbirds were seen with some feeding upon Hawthorn berries, also a small flock of 17+ Fieldfares dropped into a dense hedgerow where a Bullfinch was seen. Also in the hedgerow was a small flock of 12+ Tree Sparrows, a very scarce species now. Overhead a small flock of 13 Golden Plovers circled.

Raven - Increasing (It's amazing how just a few years ago this was a very rare bird in Norfolk) 

The main highlight of the morning was seeing 3 Ravens passing overhead calling. I initially heard Ravens calling to the west of my position, not too long after 2 Ravens flew east calling, these were shortly followed by a single Raven following.

 A short work break on the 5^th was spent overlooking Seamere Marsh at Hingham. Thrush species were the highlight with 8+ Blackbirds in a broken hedgerow and in a young Ash tree a small flock of 12+ Fieldfares were seen along with a single Song Thrush which was a probable migrant.

A flock of 8+ Stock Doves arrived and a large number of Wood Pigeons (1000+) were ‘put up’ by a possible passing raptor.

Early morning of the 7^th I visited a beautiful Alder and Willow Carr in the River Wissey valley at Bodney. The old Alders within the Carr held good numbers of feeding Finches, most notably, a large flock of 150+ Goldfinches which wandered the canopy and settling to feed upon cones. A few Siskins were also present. At least 70 Skylarks were wandering the fields and a similar number of Fieldfares (of which 50+ NW) were noted. A small southerly movement of 14 Lapwings passed over.

On a nearby wet meadow, a single Great White Egret looked very stately.

Finch Fest at Little Cressingham 2 November 2024

 For me, this time of year sees me checking game strips and wide field margins for Finches and Buntings. These habitats provide good feeding for birds throughout the long winter months, seed spill and weed seeds being target foods.  

I chose a regular point to watch and count birds from, I had good views along a large game strip, fallow land, and weedy margins.  A hedgerow alongside the road provided birds with a quick place of safety and hedgerow trees were used as a gathering point for birds to watch their surroundings from.

The most numerous species was both Linnet (100+) and Chaffinches (100+), these birds were expected as the habitat provides good feeding.  Also noted within the large numbers of Finches was a single Brambling, although I suspect more may have been present.  Bramblings are winter visitors from Northern Europe, these are annual visitors on the patch in varying numbers, sometimes they are present in three figure counts.

Brambling (Male) A stunning Finch from Northern Europe)

Small numbers of Redwings and Song Thrushes (2) were seen.  I was able to scope a couple of Redwings, these are very attractive wintering Thrushes with a strong head pattern including a very conspicuous and bold supercillium and submoustachial stripe.

Whilst watching these birds I was ever mindful that a Sparrowhawk would turn up given the wealth of prey present.  The collective noise and 'putting up' of Finches told me that indeed a Sparrowhawk was in the area, with this, a female Sparrowhawk flew into a small tree not 30 feet from me, but rapidly departed as soon as it arrived.

With everything settling down it was the turn of larger birds like Crows and Pigeons to be on their highest guard when a Goshawk drifted passed and headed for woodland, a magnificent, powerful raptor.

Goshawk - 2 November (Crows give this raptor the highest respect)

A Note on Nest boxes

Yesterday (28 October) my wife Pam bought a nest box for my birthday.  As you can see I have sited the box within an apple tree in my garden.

I just wanted to give a tip on the siting of Nest boxes.  The entrance of box should face North, it should not face the east or west as the rising/setting sun can overheat the birds in the box, it should not face south to south-west as the prevailing wind and rain could chill the nestlings. 

My Birthday present - Nest Box

Hockham 27 October 2024

 Today was an amazing day of weather with wall to wall sunshine giving excellent visibility.  The starting temperature was a cool 7 degrees Celsius rising to about 14 degrees Celsius.  There was a very light westerly wind.

The day started well as I stepped outside when a flock of 50+ Redwings passed over in a westerly heading.

Thetford Forest Park (Hockham)

My morning began with a walk through a large forest clearing which was harvested of its commercial Pine crop a couple of years ago.  The clearing has been replanted with sapling Pines, before these trees grow to a few feet in height the current habitat will be suitable for Nightjars, Tree Pipits, Woodlark, and Stonechat.

A single tall Holly within the clearing had a heavy crop of berries, this required a closer look with binoculars and as expected at least 4 Blackbirds were in the Holly where they will take berries for food and possibly use the thick cover for roosting in.  Also seen in the Holly was 3 Yellowhammers.  The open ground held at least 3 Stonechats, these lovely little birds typically chose bush tops to perch and watch from.

An open area of marsh-like habitat was initially quiet, however, this was to change as my visit wore on. 

A scan of the marsh produced a single Kingfisher sitting on a dead branch and close by a Water Rail gave its loud call.

A flight of six Mute Swans circled for some time before alighting on water, all of these birds were juveniles.

I began to hear the distant and very loud bugling of Cranes, it was clear they were some way off but as they approached it was clear there was a number of birds involved, then, as like a squadron of bombers, the Cranes slowly came into view over the treetops in a disjointed line, calling all the while.  The Cranes circled for a while, some broke away and went to land whilst the remaining birds continued to circle for some time before alighting on the ground.  The total number of Cranes involved in this arrival was 18, a very good local count.  You will notice a Crane which appears more grey-brown and lacking the striking head and neck pattern of the other birds, these less well marked birds are juveniles.

                                            Some of the 18 Cranes seen 27 October

Other than the very welcome arrival of Cranes, the visit was otherwise fairly quiet although a female Marsh Harrier put in a brief appearance as it circled for a while.

 

Thompson Water 22 October 2024 (and a little about the site and my historical Bird records)

Thompson Water is a large Breckland mere which is located about 3 miles south from my home in Watton, Norfolk. This is a man-made lake created in 1845 along the course of a tributary of the River Wissey, a major Norfolk River.  Thompson Water, which is encompassed within the much larger Thompson Common, is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.  

The habitat at Thompson Water comprises the large lake which is surrounded by thick reedbeds, dense willow scrub, and damp woodland carr.  The woodland carr is a mixture of Birch, Oak, Beech, Pine species, and much Holly understorey.  The Peddars Way long distance footpath passes the south and west limits of Thompson Water which in turn runs immediately alongside the outer limits of the very large army training area known as STANTA (Stanford Training Area).  'Live Firing' signs are seen at intervals along the edge of the training area, despite these signs, visitors are often caught out by the opening up of heavy machine gun and artillery firing. 

Birds (Some historical Records)

Thompson Water has provided me with my rarest personal find ever.  In March 1999 I heard a very strange call coming from the water which seemed to resemble a barking dog, once at the water I didn't have to wait too long at all when I found a Pied-billed Grebe (summer plumaged male).  My finding of the Pied-billed Grebe was good for me but sadly, not for the bird, as it was previously at another West Norfolk site but relocated to Thompson Water having been subjected to despicable behaviour from some twitchers who considered it ok to throw sticks into reeds to force the bird out into open water (another example of why I have never, or never will be a twitcher).  

Other notable rare and scarce birds I have seen at Thompson Water included 2 Bearded Tits (1993), a Hooded Crow (1994), Black-throated Diver (1996), Scaup, and up until about 10 years ago, Willow Tit (sadly lost to the area now).  Bittern was formerly an annual winter visitor to the dense reedbeds.

Sadly, the Black-throated Diver (1996) was oiled and later died, it transpired that a number of this species around the British coastline perished due to oiling.  

In January 2017 I was lucky to find a diminutive rarity in the damp woodland carr habitat, this was a Coal Tit (continental race).  The continental race has a much greyer back than the brown-olive tones of the British race, also the continental bird has black 'bleeding' down from the black bib, whilst the British race has a neat and clearly demarcated lower border to the bib.

Coal Tit (Continental race) at Thompson Water January 2018

Less scarce birds includes winter duck species, however, their appearance is quite irregular, these are Goldeneye and Goosander.  Common duck species seen regularly includes Mallard, Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, and occasionally Pintail.

The damp woodland habitat around the water has year round interest with Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Marsh Tits, Coal Tits, and Woodpecker species, whilst in summer, Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, and Chiffchaffs are common.  The reedbeds holds good numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers in summer, and since 2007, Cetti's Warblers have been present.

22 October 2024

I arrived at Thompson Water prior to sunrise, conditions were calm with a light SW wind.  The morning continued dry, sunny, and eventually quite warm.

The first birds noted was a Nuthatch in the woodland carr, and overhead, early bird movements included Siskins giving their "tsu" flight call.

It was clear once Thompson Water came into view that a number of duck species were present, I therefore positioned myself where I had almost uninterrupted views of the water.

The first duck species seen was Mallard, however, there was one smaller duck with them, a check of this bird revealed a female Mandarin, she has a white ring around the eye and a white line behind the eye which resembles a pair of spectacles.  There is a dramatic difference between the sexes with Mandarins, the male (none seen today) bird is highly decorated and unmissable.

Common duck species seen today included 20+ Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall, 15+ Tufted Duck, and one of my favourite, Pochard, of which 6+ present.  32+ Coot were on the water along with a few Moorhen.

In the reeds a Water Rail called, a loud pig-like squeal.  A single Kingfisher flew by calling.

Tufted Duck (Males) A very conspicuous species

At least 4 Cetti's Warblers present (2 seen and 2 heard) around the water in reedbed and waterside willow habitat.  This resident species first arrived at Thompson Water in 2007 (the first birds arrived in Britain in the early 1970's.  The song is loud and explosive for such a small bird and it can be heard all year round.

Two Chiffchaffs were seen/heard today, the first in waterside thickets, the other was with a mobile Tit flock in a Birch wood. The flock also held a foraging Goldcrest.  The woodland also held Long-tailed Tits (40+), Treecreeper, and Nuthatch.  Both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were present.  A few Bullfinches were in woodland and waterside thickets their soft piping "pew" was heard often.

Whilst overviewing open water a Goshawk appeared low over the water and reeds, then just melted into the peripheral woodland carr.

Species at Thompson Water 22 October 2024

5 Greylag Geese, 5 Mute Swan, 20 Egyptian Geese, 1 Mandarin (female), 20+ Shoveler, 10+ Gadwall, Mallard, 14+ Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Goshawk, 1 Water Rail, 5 Moorhen, 32+ Coot, 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls (south), Wood Pigeon, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Jay, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Skylark, 4+ Cetti's Warblers, 40+ Long-tailed Tits, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, Wren, Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Starlings (east), 3+ Blackbird, Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Reed Bunting.

A significant winter Thrush passage 15 October 2024 (0805-1005)

 A morning of leaden skies and full cloud cover with a light to moderate E to ESE wind.

The conditions of the morning had a feel of a grey autumn day, in fact I call this a 'Shrike day' as these calm, grey days have often been associated in the past with the presence of this winter sentinel sitting in the top of a bush in open country watching its surroundings.  However, just as spectacular is watching passage winter Thrushes overhead.

When I got ready to leave home for a local birding trip, I looked up and could see small numbers of Thrushes passing over from the east to west.

0805. I arrived at my intended destination in Little Cressingham with a two fold aim, to check on the presence of Finch species at a traditional site used for a large game strip, and to witness overhead passage on winter Thrushes.

I stood within a broken hedge to conduct a 'Point Count' (Counting birds in a static position) and immediately Finch species were overhead, shortly followed by the overhead passage of winter Thrushes, the majority of which were Redwings.

Throughout my count period I saw lots of flocks of Redwings passing over in a southerly heading, flock numbers ranged from just 4 birds to over 200+ birds.  The total estimated counts of both Redwings and Finches seen were as follows:

1400+ Redwings (all in a southerly heading)

100+ Chaffinches

150+ Linnets

The majority of these Redwings passed overhead, however, a flock of 50+ birds dropped like stones from height and filled the bushes and trees around me.  I was able to see some of these beautiful Thrushes through binoculars and could easily see the striking facial pattern including the bold, creamy supercillium (eye brow).  After a few minutes of resting and feeding the Redwings departed south giving their distinctive and piercing "seeep" call.

Redwing - a stunningly attractive Thrush with a distinctive head pattern

Redwings are both winter visitors and passage migrants on my Breckland patch.  This small Thrush species abandons its breeding grounds in Scandinavia to seek milder weather and good feeding through the winter months.  Many of these Redwings will stay to winter with us, however, some may migrate to as far as the Iberian Peninsula.

Autumn passage will also see Fieldfares, Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds, pass over, all of which along with Redwings, abandon their Scandinavian breeding grounds.

As well as the fantastic spectacle of Thrush migration and Finch flocks, the morning also saw other fantastic species from my 'Point Count' location.

I heard the highly distinctive call of Ravens to my west, I didn't have too long to wait before two Ravens (pair) flew along a field edge and often calling.

Also seen was a juvenile Goshawk briefly airborne before flying into pine woodland, moments later a male Sparrowhawk passed overhead.

The largest flock of Wood Pigeons seen this morning numbered 450+ birds.

Finally, it is without doubt that given my count of Redwings on passage, the counties totals must have been numbered in the tens of thousands, a significant movement indeed. 

All in all, a very memorable mornings birding.

Game strips/wild bird seed mix plots, buffer areas, and other useful field margin habitats.

 For me, target habitats for birding in autumn and winter are those areas of land created for wildlife and game by farmers. On my Breckland patch as well as other areas of agricultural landscapes, game strips comprising wild seed mixes, field marginal buffer areas (protecting hedgerows and immediate associated ground cover), and other areas left for wildlife such as uncultivated and undisturbed patches of farmland, are extremely important sources of foraging and feeding for our wild seed eating birds as well as providing habitats for game.  Wildflower and game strips also provide a vital habitat for invertebrate species which in turn help to control insect pests on adjoining areas of cereal crops and root vegetables. 

Little Cressingham 9 October

Game strips, wild bird seed mixes, and undisturbed patches of farmland, are often on traditionally used sites, one such area is on a large plot of land in Little Cressingham.  This valuable habitat comprises roadside hedgerows, grass margins, a large area of wild seed and weed mixes, and a large plot of undisturbed land, then the land is cropped.  

Game strip, wild bird seed mixes, and undisturbed land at Little Cressingham 9 October 2024

 I arrived at the above location in Little Cressingham at about 0800 in poor conditions, light quality was variable, often poor with frequent heavy showers and drizzle. Later in the day, conditions improved with better light quality too.

It was clear from my arrival that good numbers of Finches were present, birds I expected to see at such habitats.  Also, there had been a recent arrival of Redwings (18+) which were seen in woodland and scrub habitats where good feeding on winter fruits would provide these migratory Thrushes with sustenance following their flight from Scandinavia..   

The wide margin of weed/seed mixes closest to the hedgerow, as expected, saw good numbers of Chaffinches (80+), Linnets (40+), several Greenfinches, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers, all of these species will find good feeding here throughout the winter months.  As October progresses, the beautiful Brambling, a migratory Finch from Northern Europe will be seen here.  Bramblings have numbered in three figures here in previous years.

Inevitably, a large concentration of Finches will attract predatory species, and as expected a Sparrowhawk (male) flew fast and low along the hedgerow hoping to surprise a Finch, however, the alert obviously went up and just moments before the Sparrowhawk was seen there was a mass, disorganised departure of Finches, this behaviour immediately told me a raptor was in the area and approaching.  The Sparrowhawk appeared to pass through without prey.

Overhead, a Woodlark was singing, this beautiful songster breeds in the area, however, in winter they wander, sometimes in flocks, to areas of good feeding, the undisturbed land in the above picture would be ideal foraging habitat for this species.

Many Dunnock were both seen and heard with six together in one small area, also, a single Chiffchaff was both seen and heard.

Once I was home the conditions improved with some bright spells of weather with a few showers passing through.  Also passing through (our garden) a mixed mobile flock of Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, and Great Tits, included a single Chiffchaff.  In the autumn months look closely in wandering flocks of Tit species where summer migrants such as Chiffchaff may be seen. 

Dawn in Hockham Forest 5 October 2024

 October is undoubtedly the month for witnessing bird migration.  Most summer migrants would have departed in this month and attention turns to winter Thrush migration.  Fieldfares, Redwings, Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds abandon their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and cross the North Sea into Britain.  Many of these Thrush species will winter with us, however, others may migrate to as far as the Iberian Peninsula. 

I love to stand outside on a cold, clear, and calm October night and listen for winter Thrushes passing overhead.  To experience this for yourself, go outside in the aforementioned conditions and listen for the soft "tik" call of Song Thrushes as they pass over, also, listen for the very distinctive "seeep" call of Redwings, this piercing call can often be heard over noisy towns and traffic.

As dawn breaks on October mornings begin to watch flocks of winter Thrushes moving south or west on their passage.  I have seen thousands of Thrushes passing overhead at varying heights both in October and November.  Included within these Thrush flocks there could be migrating Finches with them, both Chaffinches and Bramblings could be present.

This year I saw my first Redwings (2) on 3 October passing over in a west heading (Seen from our garden in Watton)

5 October in Hockham Forest

Dawn in Hockham Forest 5 October (Beautiful to experience)

What a beautiful morning this was.  I arrived in the forest at about 35 minutes prior to sunrise, it was calm, clear, and a thin mist hung over forest clearings, a very autumnal, and indeed, atmospheric feel. A male Tawny Owl was calling within the the habitat shown above.  What also added to this autumnal morning was the distant roaring of two Red Deer stags, a sound I shall never tire of listening to.  Eventually, I located one of the stags visually as it wandered slowly through marshland habitat where it occasionally continued to roar. 

As the sun breached the horizon I could see a distant raptor in the top of a tall tree, this was a female Marsh Harrier, she spent much of my visit preening and preparing herself for the day ahead.  Both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were calling.

Close to where I was standing a Water Rail was squealing loudly, for anyone not familiar with this bird and its pig-like squeal, this could be an unsettling experience.

With light improving birds became quite active, several Jays seen flying over clearings and overhead the familiar "tsu" call of Siskins was heard.  A single Great White Egret approached in a long glide and settled on marshland habitat.  

Before departing I had a final look at the Marsh Harrier perched in a treetop, she continued busying herself with her preening

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common, Norfolk 27 to 29 September 2024

On 27 September 2024 I found a Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe on the hardstand at the south-west end of Old Runway Lane on the former Deopham Green airfield. This bird was still present on the morning of 29 September.

27 September  

The previous night saw heavy rain, this was followed at dawn with full cloud and frequent heavy showers and a fresh to strong NNW wind veering later N. Light was poor and visibility was fair.

I had a lengthy work break that morning so I visited the vast open landscape of the former Deopham Green airfield with the hardstand along with its muck heaps at the SW end of Old Runway Lane being my destination. There are currently two tall heaps on the hardstand, one typically a muck heap, the other, a white mound of a chalky like material. This location has over the years produced a good range of migrant birds with passage waders being most memorable. Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail have also been recorded here. Having arrived at the hardstand I noticed Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails. Checking the muck heap I saw the very obvious form of a Wheatear on top of the heap. I only had binoculars and scope with me. I had thoughts of this bird probably arriving here during the previous rough night. It was clear through my binoculars that this Wheatear was a 1^st winter bird, given the buff fringes to the wing feathers.

28 September

A totally different day with bright and sunny conditions giving excellent light quality and visibility. On this visit I remembered to take my camera and obtained some lovely shots of the Wheatear and was able to see clearly identification features relevant to a 1^st winter bird.  Also of interest was a small flock of 14+ Golden Plover over.

29 September

A dry day, however, the variable light due to passing clouds affected the quality of light compared to the previous day.

1st winter Northern Wheatear at Stalland Common 28 September 2024

Identification

Ageing of the Wheatear was quite straight forward, the above picture shows plumage features identifying this as a 1st winter bird. 

Of the three days the bird was seen the 28 September provided the best light quality and as such the Wheatear appeared quite a pale sandy-brown bird, although on other dates the bird did appear darker due to the effects of the light.

The picture above shows a bird with an upright, confident looking carriage, although at times a horizontal carriage was seen.

The crown, nape, and mantle is grey-brown and the supercillium is white, however, there is a small buff area forward of the eye, a feature of the 1st winter bird.  The ear coverts are buff and the loral area is blackish.  The bill is black.  In some lights the neck sides and breast are a rich buff and can look clearly demarcated from the paler buff/white underparts.  The dark brown wing feathers are distinctly fringed buff (another feature of a young bird).  The very distinctive black and white tail pattern was seen when the bird was in flight, this appears an black inverted T with a snow white tail base, rump, and undertail coverts.  The legs are black.

1st winter Northern Wheatear at Stalland Common 28 September 2024 (Note the buff fringes to the wing feathers and tertials - a feature of the young Wheatear)

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common (An elegant bird)

1st winter Northern Wheatear

1st winter Northern Wheatear (Searching for food)

1st winter Northern Wheatear (An upright carriage giving a proud appearance)

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common

1st winter Northern Wheatear (Seen here with an insect larva for food)

Feeding

This passage Northern Wheatear, along with millions of other migrants in the country, are focussed on feeding to provide the resources needed to migrate south into Africa.  Feeding was the most observed activity.  The picture above shows the Wheatear with an insect larva, the bird was also seen to take and eat a small winged insect.  Wheatears will make flycatching sallies for passing winged insects, this behaviour was seen on one occasion but was a failed attempt.

The Northern Wheatear breeds in the upland areas of Britain and is known on my patch as both a spring and autumn passage migrant.  This is a very rare breeding bird in Norfolk with most historic records coming from the Breckland heaths of Norfolk and Suffolk.  Sadly, the species probably no longer breeds here in Norfolk.

 

Stalland Common (Site of the former Deopham Green WW2 airfield) 27 to 29 September 2024

 The site of the former WW2 airfield at Deopham Green is for me a very special place.  RAF Deopham Green was the home to the 452nd heavy bomb group which operated B17 bombers in WW2.  The layout and general appearance of this site clearly shows evidence of a former airfield, this is an area of vast open spaces with hardstands, remains of runways, and several buildings scattered around reminding us of the extremely busy airfield this was.  There is also a lovely memorial to the men of the 452nd bomb group who served here so heroically and bravely.

A few years ago I spent a couple of hours at the memorial site when some visitors arrived, these visitors were from the USA  and our meeting was so special that we are now very good friends.  I must mention them.  David Moore (his father Joe served at Deopham as an air gunner on B17's), his lovely wife Sheila Jacobs Moore, their son Mike and his lovely wife Kimberly, and their daughter Haley and son-in-law Logan (currently serving in the USAF), and their son Dean (who has a brother now called Ronan).  Our meeting was a very special time for me as I have a very great friendship with these wonderful people.

The site of the former airfield at Deopham is now farmland, it is a vast area of open landscapes, it can appear bleak on a cold and windy day (I love bleak), and it certainly does have an atmosphere, especially when ones mind wanders to the hectic, noisy place these was during the war years.

Birds recorded over the years have been very interesting.  Yes, it appears a monocultural landscape, and there has sadly been some very sad habitat losses in recent years due to the greed of the new landowner, however, patches of habitat, some seasonal man made habitats like muck heaps have shown interest.  With this habitat in mind, these muck heaps have attracted passage waders in late summer and autumn with Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper, and Snipe being seen here.  These mounds of muck provide a good look out for passage Wheatear, and the nature of these muck heaps are such that they provide very good feeding as invertebrate species abound here.

In late summer and throughout the winter months, four figure counts of Golden Plover occur, when disturbed the very large wheeling flocks are very special to watch. Other large counts of birds include throughout the winter months, three figure counts of both Goldfinches and Linnets.   

A few years ago in spring, I remember watching a huge flock of Fieldfare on their N/E passage back to Scandinavia, this was probably the largest flock of this species I have ever seen with numbers well into four figures.  The open landscape helped in estimating the numbers of birds which filled the sky from horizon to horizon.

The huge expanse of uninterrupted views has always looked promising for our smallest raptor and indeed in September 2014 a Merlin passed low and fast over the crop.  I have also recorded Raven here, until recently, a very rare bird in Norfolk.

On a sad note, a number of species have been lost from the former Deopham airfield due to the criminal destruction of some wonderful habitats by the new landowner.  Notable species lost included breeding Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroats, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, and Song Thrushes.  Needless to say I still remain very angry at this loss of vital habitat in the name of greed. 

Stalland Common 27 to 29 September

Stalland Common is an area of the former Deopham airfield which I chose to visit during my work breaks from the 27 to 29 September, and indeed, it was a couple of mounds of muck I visited with the intention of finding passage wading birds and resting/feeding migrants.  There was no evidence of passage wading birds during this period, however, I was very pleased to find a 1st winter Northern Wheatear, this stunning bird was seen here on all three dates and was busily feeding upon insect larva and insects in order to fuel up for their long passage to their wintering in Central Africa.

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common

A few Golden Plover were present on the vast fields, I expect their numbers to grow as autumn progresses into winter.

A single female Kestrel often hunted the area and Buzzard and Red Kite were also seen.  Small numbers of Meadow Pipits were seen, most of these will probably have come from the uplands of Britain, again, I expect this species numbers to grow. 

Finally, I intend to write up an account on the Northern Wheatear seen here during this period which will include notes on identification and behaviour.