Kelling Heath 18 June 2025 (with Darren Cowles)

 At 0600 on the 18 June I picked up my very good friend, Darren Cowles, for a visit to the beautiful Kelling Heath on the North Norfolk Coast.  This was to be another hot day, the latest of a hot spell with further high temperatures expected in the days to come.  Our journey took us through a number of Norfolk towns and villages including Dereham, North Elmham, Guist, Briningham, Thornage, and Holt.  The beautiful village of Thornage sits in the River Glaven valley and a while to  the long descent to the valley followed by the climb towards Holt offers fantastic views of  the very rolling landscape and as I have said before in previous posts, Norfolk is certainly not flat as some outsiders claim.

We arrived at Kelling Heath at around 0700 when it was already warm.  It has been several years since I last visited this location and it took a while to get my bearings, if only I had researched maps beforehand because it was my intention to show Darren Dartford Warblers, for this species we need open heathland, however, I led Darren on a grand mystery tour of woodland habitat before reaching perfect Dartford Warbler country, we had a good ol' larf though. 

Kelling Heath 18 July 2025. Superb habitat for Stonechats, Linnets, and Woodlark, but no Dartford Warblers today.

Anyway, we set off following our first coffee of the morning through patches of heathland, Gorse scrub, and mixed woodland, and the first birds heard were Chiffchaffs and Garden Warbler, and in an area of Birch and scrub a Turtle Dove was singing.  As we walked along a path Darren saw some birds at distance on the path, these were Linnets, a common bird of heathland and Gorse. A Yellowhammer was heard singing in this area.  The heathland here also held a number of Stonechats, these included adults and juvenile birds in typical open country habitat where they chose raised perches to watch from.  We  also located a pair of Stonechats in typical breeding habitat, the male was alarm calling and the female was carrying food for young.

Stonechat (female). One of a pair in breeding habitat 

Stonechat (Male). This bird was alarm calling, he was paired with the above female.

As we walked through the heathland I was hoping to find Adders, we did not see any, but a young birder we met later did find one.  Darren did locate a Common Lizard which was nice.  Darren found some Common Blue butterflies, these stunning insects put on a great show.  Overhead, a couple of Buzzards were the only raptors seen at Kelling.

A stunning Common Blue Butterfly which Darren located on the heath.

With heat building Darren and myself headed back to the car for some refreshments, it was while we had this break that Darren had a wonderful display of Bees and other winged insects in a lovely Bramble patch.  Following our break we headed out to nearby heathland habitat to have a final search for Dartford Warblers, once again, no luck, however, some great birds were seen to make up for this including Linnets (one male with very bright crimson breast), more Stonechats watching from elevated perches, and finally, a pair of Woodlarks seen with one bird carrying food for young.  It was at this point that the young birder visiting from London approached me, I told him I was watching Woodlarks at which he became quite excited as he had never seen this species before, a very rewarding observation for both of us.

Woodlark on Kelling Heath (One of a pair seen)

Following a great visit to Kelling Heath, we set of at about 1145 and headed back home to Watton, whilst driving through Holt we heard parties of Swifts screaming above the town and between buildings, the epitome of an English summer day.

Finally, I wish to thank Darren for joining me this morning, it was a very rewarding day for both of us. Thank you Darren.

 

1 June 2025

 A later start for me on the 1st, however, this was to be a productive morning visiting a large forest clearing  near Hockham, Norfolk.  The habitat at the site visited is one of regeneration, a few years ago it was harvested of its Pine tree crop and has since been replanted with sapling Pines.  The habitat within the clearing is one of much Bramble and Birch scrub with isolated mature Birch trees within the clearing and as it stands at the current time this habitat should support the species seen today before the young Pines grow too large and those species seen will seek new suitable territories.  The growing Pine compartments will then see different bird species move in whilst those species requiring clearings to breed in will find new suitable sites within which to set up territories.  Pine compartments here in the Brecks are a rotational crop, therefore, the different stages of habitat growth will always be suitable for specialist species.

Forest clearing near Hockham Norfolk 1 June 2025. This site today held Blackcap, Garden Warblers, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, one Tree Pipit, and two Cuckoos.

The location visited today has for some years been the summer home for Nightjars and even though I visited in daylight hours I was hoping to find one of these enigmatic birds roosting on a tree branch, however, none seen on this visit.

Tree Pipit (male) in forest clearing.

Today was all about breeding successes and the first evidence of this was watching juvenile Blackcaps in a small Holly being fed by parent birds.  The clearing is currently well suited for Sylvia Warblers and this visit produced 4 Garden Warbler territories, at one site a pair of Garden Warblers were watched at woodland edge habitat with ground cover, one bird was seen leaving the site with a faecal sac (proof of breeding).  At least 4 singing Whitethroats located along with a single Willow Warbler.  One Tree Pipit was singing and performing it conspicuous song-flight over its territory, this bird often sang in the Holly just left of centre in the above picture.  Two Cuckoos were present, a calling male (unseen) and a female, which was seen moving between trees in the clearing and giving its distinctive bubbling call. 

The only raptor species seen on this visit was a beautiful hunting male Kestrel and two Buzzards.

  

A summary of local Birding in May 2025

May begins to see a slowing of migration as most summer visitors will now be on their breeding territories, however, arrivals and passage birds can still be seen, and indeed heard. Virtually all winter visitors have left our shores by May and will be breeding on their summer territories in Northern Europe, despite this, I occasionally see stragglers passing through in early May, most notably, I have seen a few late Fieldfares in the first week of May. One of our latest summer migrants to arrive back on its breeding territory here in Breckland is the enigmatic Nightjar, this curious bird generally arrives with us in the third week of May

The 1^st of May was the warmest day of the year to date with a high of 27° Celsius. On the 1^st of the month I was working in Wymondham and was making my way to Silfield when I was held up by major construction works and roadworks on the Station Road area, where in a small length of tall hedgerow a male Lesser Whitethroat was singing. If this particular bird had returned to the same locality where it left late last summer then how said for the bird to find completely different surroundings.

It is always exciting to find evidence of scarce birds being present at new localities on the local Breckland patch, and indeed this was the case on 3^rd May when I walking through Lower Stow Bedon and heard a singing Cetti’s Warbler in suitable breeding habitat alongside the Rocklands Road. A singing Reed Warbler was also present at the same site.

At Great Cressingham on the 4^th May a Marsh Harrier was seen at height drifting slowly north, this particular bird was probably a passage migrant.

A visit to a short section of the Pingo trail on the 8^th produced 6+ singing Garden Warblers, this species breeds on commons where there is ground covering scrub, regenerating Birch woods, and woodland edge with ground cover. Also on this date I located a pair of Cranes with a single chick.

Garden Warbler

On the 10^th, whilst driving along the Deopham Road outside Hingham a single Raven passed low over farmland and calling.

A late visit to Thompson Water on the 11^th produced two Cuckoo, a male which was calling, and a female directly above me in a Birch tree, she also called with wonderful bubbling call. Also seen was a single Hobby hunting flying insects, many singing Reed Warblers, and at least 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers.

On the 12^th at Ashill Common I had excellent views of a singing and displaying Turtle Dove, a rare sight these days. The areas of rich habitat here includes an ancient hedgerow, pockets of Birch woodland, and Gorse, these habitats produced at least 4 singing Whitethroats, one singing Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcaps, many Linnets (which can always be found where Gorse grows), and a female Sparrowhawk soaring above the common.

Turtle Dove at Ashill on 12th May

At Bodney on the 18^th a Little Egret was seen flying along the river valley and in a nearby meadow a pair of Oystercatchers were seen mating. Later, on the 18^th a Marsh Harrier flew over the Hingham road at Hackford.

On the 21^st at Little Cressingham a single Little Egret flew close by and settled in the river valley, also here I saw evidence of successful breeding by Stonechats with an adult and juvenile bird seen.

A visit to Thompson late evening and early night on the 22^nd was intended as a search for the very enigmatic Woodcock, specifically, I wanted to see the flight display of the male bird known as ‘roding’ which occurs following sunset over wooded areas. I parked by the church in Thompson following sunset and with a beautiful orange hue in the western sky, I began my watch. With light declining a male Tawny Owl began calling, this was followed by a distant calling male Cuckoo. At some 30 minutes after sunset time was right for Woodcock to display and with just a short time to wait a male Woodcock was seen performing its display (roding) over woodland, this display sees the bird flying in more or less straight lines whilst giving a grunting call “kor-kor-kor...tizzick”. This display behaviour is performed in order to attract a mate and defend its territory from other male birds. It is said that the female Woodcock emits a call on the ground which attracts the male bird down, I have never heard this particular call from the female. Finally, on this pleasant evening I heard a Little Owl call.

On the evening of the 25^th I visited a forest clearing near Hockham specifically to see or hear that most enigmatic of our summer migrants, the Nightjar. As light faded fast the highly distinct “churring” of a male Nightjar was heard within the clearing, this incredible song varies in pitch and can last for 10 minutes or more with each session of song. Nightjars can be seen against a moonlit sky as they fly over the clearing gathering up insects, especially moths, for food. The bill of this bird is small, however, as it makes sweeps over its territory the bill opens to a very wide gape as it catches moths.

On the morning of the 27^th I visited the beautiful village of Great Hockham for a wander around, I was so pleased to see so many Swifts, including screaming parties flying between buildings, a sight and sound which is the epitome of an English summers day. Also noted was at least 10+ Greenfinches, again, their beautiful wheezing song a reflection of a warm day in summer in an English village.

April 2025 - A summary of observations.

April is the month when most summer visitors arrive in Britain to breed, yes, some are early arrivals reaching us from mid-March, and indeed, migration continues into May, but most arrive in April. There is a greater urgency for migrants to reach their breeding grounds in spring as birds need to secure their territories in order to breed, whereas late summer/autumn migration is a more protracted affair.

April also sees the departure of our winter visitors with the most obvious birds being Thrushes, most wintering birds would have left our shores in March but flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings can still be seen moving through in good sized flocks. I have seen Fieldfares on my patch as late as the first week in May.

Selected Diary entries for April 2025

1st April

An early morning visit to Thompson Water was intended as an arrivals day.  Thompson Water held up to 4 singing Cetti's Warblers with one seen which knew how to evade being seen as all views was of the bird within tangled vegetation habitat.  A pair of Mandarins and a single Little Egret overflew.  My first Swallow of the year arrived over the water as I was preparing to leave.

On nearby heathland, a single singing Willow Warbler (first of year) was heard in typical breeding habitat comprising regenerating Birch scrub.

6 April

Wretham Heath (0655-1100). Visited Langmere and Ringmere. Water levels in Langmere remained very high. Wildfowl present were Greylag Geese, Egyptian Geese (Pair with 2 goslings), Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Teal, and Tufted Duck. A single Snipe was seen on the shore of Langmere where probing to feed.

Many species were disturbed and put up when a Goshawk passed by. Although unseen, a Raven was heard calling.

A pair of Woodlarks seen in a large clearing from the path leading to Ringmere, one bird was seen high in a Larch where singing.

A search along the Hereward Way for Snakes produced a single female Adder and two Grass Snakes in trackside heather.

At the wardens house a pair of House Martins were present, also in the area was a three-figure count of Rooks.

10 April

At Bodney Slip two singing Blackcaps and singing Chiffchaff present. A Grey Heron passed over.

Evidence of early morning passage of winter Thrushes seen with 21+ Fieldfare flying east, also 6 Redwings high east before dropping into woodland.

Two Mistle Thrushes in song, one of these distant in largest willow by Watton Brook. An occupied Carrion Crow nest was in a large willow.

Close by along the roadside was a pair of Stonechats in suitable breeding habitat along with a pair of Dunnocks.

2 pairs of Linnets seen and a pair of Starlings on wires. 

12 and 13 April Northamptonshire)

A couple of days spent in the Nene Valley in Northamptonshire produced evidence of passage migrants and recently arrived summer visitors.  Areas visited included Stanwick Lakes and undulating footpaths through farmland near Little Addington.

On the 12 April near the village of Ringstead I walked a small section of the Nene Way, here, Blackcaps were numerous as were Chiffchaffs and Cetti's Warblers.  One singing Willow Warbler located.  A single Little Egret flew over.

The evening of the 12 April I walked the rolling farmland near Little Addington, I wanted to check a large strip of land used for game cover, having arrived at the site it was clear the land had been recently turned and I immediately considered Wheatear as a possibility.  Walking along the strip using a hedgerow for cover, I intermittently checked the turned land, I then saw a flash of white flying low over the land, checking the bird, this was a 1st summer Northern Wheatear. This stunning Wheatear typically had an upright, alert carriage, and ran over the land when chasing probable food items.

An early morning visit along the Nene Way and Stanwick Lakes was of interest with two early singing Whitethroats along the Nene valley.  A number of Cetti's Warblers were heard with one seen singing in the open in a Hawthorn.  A Sedge Warbler and Willow Warbler were singing in suitable breeding habitat.

The return walk along Nene Way ascending from the River Nene produced a stunning 1st summer Northern Wheatear in typical open country habitat.

1st summer Northern Wheatear along the Nene Way near Little Addington 13 April 2025

14 April Titchwell Marsh

An excellent morning at Titchwell with my good friend Andy Egan.  Highlights included two Little Ringed Plovers, one Common Sandpiper, one booming Bittern, displaying Marsh Harrier, and Sandwich Terns fishing offshore.  Several Mediterranean Gulls over the car park area.  At Choseley a single Sand Martin flew west.

One of two Little Ringed Plovers seen on the Freshwater Marsh at Titchwell on the 14th

16 April

A walk along the Peddars Way at Great Cressingham produced a couple of singing Whitethroats along with one singing Lesser Whitethroat (My first of the year).

18 April

A visit to Hockham was to be productive, firstly, 3 singing Garden Warblers was quite an early date for this Sylvia species, also present within fen-like habitat held at least 6 Water Rails and within a forest clearing a Tree Pipit was watched for some time singing from isolated treetop song-posts as well as displaying its conspicuous song-flight.  Also present in the clearing was singing Willow Warbler, a male Stonechat and Marsh Tit.

Singing and displaying Tree Pipit at Hockham 18 April 2025

19 April

At a local site near Hockham the obvious highlight was finding a singing Redstart, a very scarce breeding bird in the Brecks.

20 April

A pair of Stonechats seen at a known breeding site at Bodney and closer to Watton a single Raven was watched for some time circling low over a field, sometimes alighting on the same spot in a field where probable food was present. The Raven was often mobbed by Carrion Crows, it was possible to appreciate the size difference between the species. 

Raven at Threxton 20 April 2025 

21 April

An interesting movement of at least 2 Mediterranean Gulls passing over Watton (from garden)

25 April

At Little Cressingham a Stonechat was food carrying, indicating successful breeding and a single Raven was watched flying low and North and calling as it went. 

26 April

Two Swifts seen over Watton (from garden) were my first records of this species this year.  The last week of April is a typical arrival date for this species which is one of the later arriving summer migrants. 

28 April

Another productive day in the local Brecks.  Firstly, a visit to Thompson Water held 10+ Reed Warblers (although much inaccessible areas will hold more), Sedge Warblers, a Garden Warbler, 3 singing Cetti's Warblers, and two calling male Cuckoos.

A nearby area of heath and common held 6+ singing Willow Warblers, 3 Garden Warblers, Chiffchaff and Blackcaps.

At another site in Thompson a 'reeling' Grasshopper Warbler was present in prime breeding habitat, a good local record. 

Over Watton 4 Swifts seen overhead.

29 April

My first Hobby  of the year was seen over Watton early morning, and a site less than a mile from home held 2 singing and displaying Snipe, one Lesser Whitethroat, four Whitethroats, Stonechat, and several Reed Buntings in good breeding habitat.

One of two singing Snipe near Watton 30 April

 

Titchwell Marsh 14 April 2025 (with Andy Egan)

 Alarm set at 0400, coffee and toast for breakfast, and set off for the drive at 0450 for Titchwell Marsh,  arriving at 0605 where I met my very good friend Andy Egan for a mornings birding together. This was to be a great morning in the company of a genuinely lovely man.

The birding day began on my drive to Titchwell with a hunting Barn Owl on the roadside just before the village of Great Bircham.

Titchwell Marsh 0605-1030

Beginning with a good catch up with Andy in the car park area, our birding morning began with us being greeted with singing Robin and Blackcap and a visit from a couple of male Blackbirds.

Our morning was spent walking along West Bank in a northerly heading to the beach for a sea-watch, our leisurely return included a productive visit to Parrinder hide followed by a walk back to the parking area for a lovely pasty and tea in the reserve café. 

Andy and I set off along West bank at sunrise and with the absence of cloud the rising sun was quite blinding at times.

The reedbeds close to the path held singing Sedge and Reed Warblers along with resident singing Cetti's Warblers, which, despite locating the source of the loud song, remained typically elusive. Within the reedbed the wonderful booming song of a Bittern was heard.

As we walked North along the West Bank, Andy saw a Spoonbill fly directly overhead and off in an easterly heading, we had really good views of this bird.

A number of isolated patches of Bramble scrub within reedbed habitat on Thornham Marsh were worth checking for migrants, I could not see any migrants, however, both Linnet and Reed Buntings were present in what is good breeding habitat.  Looking beyond this scrub a Marsh Harrier was seen distantly, later, up to 4 Marsh Harriers were seen over the marsh.

Continuing North along West bank we passed the Freshwater Marsh and eventually, the tidal marsh, here, Black-headed Gulls were dominant, and noisy.  A number of Redshanks were seen, for me, this wader is the most well proportioned species of the genus.

Several Meadow Pipits displayed over Thornham Marsh, whilst on the ground, usually amongst Sea blight, Linnet was the most abundant Finch species. 

Looking west along the beach from the dunes at Titchwell 14 April

We eventually reached the dunes and had great views of the beach and North Sea.  For me, the highlight here was watching Sandwich Terns fly out to sea and perform their spectacular dives from height into the sea for food.

Small numbers of Shelduck flew west offshore whilst on the shoreline a few Oystercatchers and Godwits roosted, only to move when the incoming tide forced them along.

Having spent a while in the dunes Andy and I walked South back along the West bank and turned into Parrinder hide, here we spent some time looking out onto the Freshwater Marsh, the light quality here was excellent which in turn led to superb views of the birds.

An initial overview of what we were looking at revealed good numbers of Black-headed Gulls, Duck species, and wading birds.  Interestingly, a single Chiffchaff was seen preening in a small bush next to the hide, the location of this Warbler indicated that this Chiffchaff was a recently arrived migrant.

The Freshwater Marsh at Titchwell 14 April

There was a lot of bird activity on the Freshwater Marsh, especially with noisy Gulls and wading birds. Wader highlights included two Little Ringed Plovers, including one close to on the exposed mud in the above picture.  This beautiful little wader runs fast over the land picking at the ground and in flight lacks any white wing bar (Ringed Plover has wing-bars).  The black and white head pattern accentuates the yellow eye ring. 

A single Common Sandpiper dropped in (an addition to Titchwell's species list for the day), its flight over the water was typically made with exaggerated flicking motion of the wings which were held in a slightly downward bowed position.

Also present was a few Ruff, Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, and a single Snipe which flew directly overhead.  A Curlew was heard in song.

Duck species present included Teal and Gadwall, both species were seen very close to and it was possible to appreciate the amazingly delicate vermiculation pattern on the flanks of the Teal, and in the picture shown you can just see a small green patch which is a part of the speculum on the birds wing. The creamy stern is a distinctive feature.  The Teal is the smallest European Duck species. 

Little Ringed Plover at Titchwell 14 April 2025

Teal on the Freshwater Marsh 14 April 2025

An elegant Avocet

Following our success in the hide Andy and myself walked back to the parking area and restaurant for a pasty and tea.  Whilst enjoying our refreshment the waitress said there was an Osprey passing over, however, it appeared to have gone by the time we had a look.

Back at the car park and preparing to go our separate ways we were entertained by a Marsh Harrier at height performing its spectacular 'skydance' display flight.  Marsh Harriers are usually seen passing slowly over the marsh whilst watching for prey below, however, its beautiful and highly spectacular display flight sees the bird performing high speed manoeuvres which includes twisting, tumbling, and rolling, I could watch this all day.

The strong light was perfect whilst watching many Mediterranean Gulls passing overhead, their all white underparts which lacks any black in the wings is stunning and contrasts strongly with the black hood and blood-red bill. 

Following my departure I decided to take a cross-country route passing Choseley Barns and onto the Ringstead Road, Choseley, where I parked up to overview the spectacular and very rolling country to the north.  Many people describe Norfolk as flat, this is not the case. On my home patch in Breckland we have a few very undulating country, however, the road approaching Choseley Barns is a gentle but long climb but beyond Choseley Barns the road descends very steeply for some distance followed by a rise again. I thought Northamptonshire, where we visited the previous weekend, had some decent climbs, and I am sure those visiting Norfolk for the first time will be very surprised by this terrain.   

Looking north towards Choseley Barns 14 April

Looking north from Ringstead Road, Choseley 14 April

My final stop of the morning was on the Ringstead Road at Choseley where I enjoyed these exquisite views looking towards the North Norfolk Coast.

Birds seen here included a lovely male Yellowhammer, singing Chaffinch, and Dunnock in the hedge to the left of this picture.  Several Linnets were also present.  The only evidence of passage seen was of a single Sand Martin flying west.

 

And finally, I extend my thanks to my dear friend Andy Egan for our meet up this morning, it was thoroughly enjoyable.  Until the next time my friend.  Thank you Andy.

Northamptonshire Birding 12 and 13 April 2025

 My wife Pam and myself had a very enjoyable weekend with our daughter and three granddaughters in Little Addington, Northamptonshire, we arrived late afternoon of 11th April and stayed until mid-afternoon on the 13th.  The drive to Northamptonshire, and indeed our return was quite smooth although we did meet some obligatory roadworks.  

12 April

It is very rare for me to sleep in but on the morning of the 12th I awoke at 0845 (I am usually up long before sunrise) and eventually left our daughters at about 0945 for a mornings birding in the River Nene valley near Great Addington, the path is along the route of the former Nene valley railway which passes through Stanwick Lakes.  It was nice to meet people and share my birding day with them, it also goes without saying that I also made fuss of many beautiful dogs, which I also have a passion for.

The habitat comprises numerous lakes, wet meadows, marsh, mature hedgerows alongside the path, and reedbeds. 

Summer visitors were present in good numbers with Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs being the most frequently encountered species. Cetti's Warblers were heard in song all along the route, it is wonderful how this noisy bird has spread throughout England since they first arrived on our shores just over 50 years ago.   A single Willow Warbler was in song in typical breeding habitat.

I remember from a previous visit how Mute Swans gathered on a field close to the River Nene, once again, the field was productive with 75+ birds resting on the ground or grazing.  Also present was a pair of Gadwall and overhead a single Little Egret was seen.    

Late afternoon, I took my daughters beautiful Golden Retriever, Lola, for a walk along footpaths over rolling farmland.  My intention was to search for Wheatear on open land.

Rolling farmland near Little Addington 12 April

I had walked from the path in the above picture down to the low point here, the country here is wide open with great vistas, however, one thing this country would benefit from is more hedgerows along track-sides and field boundaries.

The bare field in the middle left of the picture looked good for Wheatear, the land had recently been turned, this indicated to me that invertebrates may be visible to tired and hungry migrants.  I walked the length of this field, checking as regular intervals for birds, and on cue the distinctive white rump of a bird immediately alerted me and checking through binoculars revealed as I suspected a 1st summer male Wheatear, the bird was typically alert and upright in its carriage, and it often ran fast over the land when it had presumably spotted an invertebrate meal.

1st summer male Wheatear 12 April.

13 April

This morning I was up at around 0430 with a plan to visit the Nene Way and Stanwick Lakes.  My route began at Little Addington, crossing the Irthlingborough Road, and then descending down the long path to the River Nene.

Looking east over rolling Northamptonshire countryside at dawn 13 April

It was quite evident that the rolling landscape here in Northamptonshire is quite stunning with huge panoramic views, however, as I had written earlier, the vast openness of  arable land would clearly benefit from more hedgerows, this would surely prevent soil erosion during high winds, and of course it would be a great boost for wildlife.

Once I reached the beautiful River Nene, I turned and walked towards Stanwick Lakes, I soon reached a lovely area of Bramble, Hawthorn, and Willow scrub where early morning birdsong was clearly evident.  This area of scrub held two singing Whitethroats, singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff, singing Willow Warbler, and two singing Cetti's Warblers, one of which sang in the open from a Hawthorn, a great sight for what is otherwise a very secretive bird.  One Willow Warbler sang from the opposite side of the river as did a male Sedge Warbler.  A  wet meadow over the river held a single feeding Cattle Egret. At least two pairs of Reed Buntings were seen in suitable breeding habitat alongside the river.

Walking back along the track to Little Addington, the weather had warmed up with bright sunshine. As I made the ascent I once again was conscious of the possibility of passage Wheatear.  As I made the climb I watched the track ahead of me as well as the short trimmed hedgerow, as I neared the top of this climb I saw a bird fly onto the hedge, the conspicuous white rump was a giveaway, this was a stunning 1st summer male Wheatear. Some wonderful views were had of this migrant as it searched the ground for invertebrate prey, whilst always remaining alert and upright in its carriage. What a great way to end my walk.

1st summer male Wheatear was initially seen well on the hedge 13 April

Wheatear near Little Addington. Typically in upright carriage 13 April. 

1st summer male Wheatear 13 April. A stunning, alert bird.

My wife Pam and myself had a great time visiting our family in Northamptonshire, as always we always felt very welcomed.  We departed at about 1500 and allowing for roadworks, finally arrived back home in Norfolk at about 1715.  It is always special returning to beautiful Norfolk. 

Thompson Water 1 April 2025

April is the month which sees the greatest arrivals of summer migrants into Britain, whereas autumn migration is a protracted affair, spring sees a great urgency for migrant birds to make for their breeding sites and habitats, territories have to be secured and held in readiness for breeding.

I arrived at Thompson Water at 0615, the conditions at dawn was grey with mist, however, the cloud and mist dispersed with the rising sun, it was quite pleasant but the east wind had a cool edge to it.

The first birds heard was Song Thrush with many singing birds present, which was very pleasing. On the water was small numbers of Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, and an overflying pair of Mandarins.  A single Little Egret passed over in a northerly heading.

Chiffchaffs were by far the most abundant singing migrant with a few Blackcaps present to, the latter will see big increases now we are in April.  

The only evidence of winter migrants was a single overflying Fieldfare.  Most Fieldfares would have departed for their Northern European breeding grounds by now although good sized flocks can still be seen in April.  I have seen Fieldfares on the patch as late as the first week of May

In 2007, I found the first ever Cetti's Warbler here at Thompson Water, this species is now a firm resident at Thompson.  Today, I located 4 singing Cetti's Warblers around the site, one of these was very close, it is at times like this when you can appreciate the amazingly loud song for the size of the bird, for me, it sounds like the bird is shouting loudly at me in a scolding fashion.    

The Cetti's Warbler is a notoriously difficult bird to see, it lives a very secret life in dense cover and moves fast and mouse-like close to the ground, the loud song betrays its presence, however, you search the source of the song but the bird cleverly eludes the observer.  A long wait eventually produced this shot of very brief appearance by a male Cetti's Warbler.

Cetti's Warbler at Thompson Water 1 April 2025

Another very elusive species is the Water Rail, a bird of dense reedbeds, from where it delivers its loud pig-like squealing.  To the inexperienced the call of the Water Rail could be quite unnerving. 

As I was preparing to leave a single Swallow arrived at Thompson Water, a short while later, another first for the year was a singing Willow Warbler in typical Birch scrub habitat.  Willow Warbler was my target species for the day. 

Bodney 22 March 2025

A fantastic morning on the local patch this morning in the Bodney area with the highlights being provided by wader species.  Most of these observations were made on the training area where the habitats here replicate those on the upland moors of Britain.  A species more associated with upland moors, the Curlew, is a scarce but annual breeder in Breckland and this morning 2 Curlews were performing their beautiful, haunting song-flight.

Curlew at Bodney 

Also seen this morning was several Lapwings on traditional breeding grounds where the spectacular display flight, which included sudden twists, turns, and tumbling behaviour, was seen, this behaviour included the call which is wonderful to listen too.   

Lapwing displaying at Bodney 22 March 2025

At least 6 Snipe were seen on a wet meadow and a pair of Oystercatchers visited.  Two Little Egrets seen on a wet meadow where they were seen to stir up water and silt with their feet in their search for food.  In flight the Little Egrets were very distinctive in their all-white plumage, broad, rounded wings, and long trailing legs with yellow feet.

A distant Sparrowhawk was soaring high above woodland where it attracted the attention of a mobbing Crow, the Sparrowhawk gained height and eventually the Crow broke off from it mobbing behaviour.

Stonechat in breeding habitat.  A bird often associated with open windswept country

A pair of Stonechats were seen in suitable breeding habitat, the male occasionally came quite close and at one time perched on a tall weed where it was singing.  Stonechats breed at a number of sites on my local patch, habitat choices included wet meadows and marsh where isolated Bramble patches serve as nesting sites, and in dry areas such as forest clearings where scrub is used for breeding in. 

February 2025 - A summary of observations.

From a birding perspective February was dominated by the two week long (7th to 23rd February) Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust's Big Farmland Bird Count.  This is an annual count on the same dates every year and my count is conducted on a large Breckland farming estate, much of which lies within the army training area known as STANTA (Stanford Training Area) between Threxton, Little Cressingham, Great Cressingham, Bodney, and Hilborough.

The 1st day of February was work day, so I was therefore able to gather a few casual records whilst on my rounds.  At Cranworth was 2 Red Kites over the village and a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker was heard.  At Hingham (Seamere Marsh) was 2 Cormorant, one Buzzard, and a male Kestrel.  Singing Mistle Thrushes were at Garvestone and Scoulton, and a singing Greenfinch was also heard at Garvestone.

On the 2nd, a late morning work break visit to Seamere Marsh produced one Sparrowhawk (female) soaring over the marsh, also present was Red Kite, Buzzard, one Kestrel, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker.  A pair of Ravens overflew the marsh and circled for a few minutes before heading off west.

On the marsh a male Reed Bunting was on a large patch of Bramble and Willow, probable nest site for this species.

Raven (seen at Hockham) An increasing species in Breckland

I used the morning of the 4th to conduct a recce for the forthcoming Game and Wildlife Conservation Trusts bird count.  I visited a mixture of habitats where I could maximise my species count, this comprised wet meadow, a large block of game cover of Brassica and traditional weeds and grasses within, farmland and hedgerows.  Notable highlights included Fieldfare, Chaffinches, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammers, a few Brambling, and a count of 40+ Linnets. 

And so onto the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trusts Big Farmland Bird Count between the 7th and 23rd February.  I have provided three posts of this count period, starting notes, a mid-count update, and the final day of counting, therefore I wish to provide some of my personal highlights. 

My first day of counting was on the 8th February and highlights included a calling Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, a Peregrine flying east along the Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham, and a flock of around 100 Chaffinches visiting a large game strip.

The 9th produced a Merlin at Bodney, a scarce winter visitor to Breckland. Over the years I have seen a few Merlin on my local patch.  A pair of Stonechats were seen in suitable breeding habitat.

The 13th produced a juvenile female Goshawk at Great Cressingham, also in the same area a female Marsh Harrier passed through.  At least 3 Woodlarks seen displaying song-flight too.

On the 17th at Great Cressingham I located a male Reeve's Pheasant, a very large bird, also in the same area was another displaying Woodlark, a flock of 100+ Chaffinches and 40+ Yellowhammers visiting game strips.  Later in the day at Bodney a Kingfisher flew along Watton Brook.

The final day of counting on the 23rd February went out with a flourish of activity.  The day produced a couple of displaying Curlews (my first returning birds of the year), also, an impressive 4 Woodlarks, 25+ Skylarks, 50+ Redwings, a Raven, and an impressive count of 300+ Linnets.

Reeve's Pheasant seen during my GWCT Bird Count (An introduced resident)

Back to patch birding on the 26th with a visit to Hockham. I arrived about an hour prior to sunrise, it was a beautiful twilight and dawn, however, following a bright start to the day conditions did deteriorate.

A walk along a woodland track with just twilight for light, I could just make out the silhouetted shapes (and calls) of a least 4, possibly 5 Mandarins.  With improvement in light I visited a mixture of habitats including heath, woodland edge, and marsh.  I positioned myself with the low, bright sun behind me, with this a stunning Sparrowhawk drifted overhead.  Two Kingfishers were watched chasing each other over Pingos.  Two Woodcock were seen flying up from ground cover, a beautiful, enigmatic woodland wader species.

Later in the morning I saw and heard a large number of Crows all gathered in the crown of a tall Scots Pine, they were all facing the same way and straining their voices towards something, I scanned the nearby treetops and sitting in the crown of a tree was a large female Goshawk.  Crows, Pigeons, Ducks, Geese, Pheasants, and even other Birds of Prey, all show respect for this powerful hawk, especially given that they are all on the menu.   

On the 27th I visited Little Cressingham and my plan was to overview a large bare field and distant heathland.  This plan paid off with a very impressive and high count of 102+ Stock Dove together wandering the land, and occasionally put up if disturbed.  Also noted on this visit was large flock of 300+ Linnets, and to end the visit a Raven was watched flying over fields and woodland. 

GWCT (Big Farmland Bird Count) 23 February 2025 (The Final day of counting for 2025)

The day dawned bright with calm conditions, however, the promise of deteriorating conditions became evident as the morning wore on, the calm conditions saw an increase in wind to a light southerly with leaves flickering in the breeze, later moderate gusts and increasing high cloud foretell of how the day was to become.

Today was the final day of counting for the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trusts Big Farmland Bird Count for 2025, and it was to be a good one.  I chose my position with a variety of habitats in order to gather a good variety and count of bird species.  I overviewed a large recently turned field with a large game strip comprising brassicas and Linseed, field boundary hedgerows, broadleaved woodland, mature Scots Pine woodland, and distant heathland.

23 February 2025. My view for todays final Bird Count for the GWCT 2025

Some common bird species usually associated with this habitat were present in low numbers, or indeed absent.  Notably, Chaffinches, usually present in three figure counts at this location were seen in single figure counts or low double-figure counts only, but the most notable absentee was Brambling, with non seen during the count period, although prior to the count I did see single-figure counts only.  

The highlights for todays count was the following:

4 Woodlarks (Pair + 2 singing and displaying males)

1 Raven - watched flying west over the woodland in left of above picture (Calling)

Curlew - 2 singing males (my first returning birds of the year)

300+ Linnets - wandering the large field

The birds seemed to know this was my final day of counting for the GWCT, especially with my first record this year of displaying Curlews on the patch, also, the sky was occupied by many displaying Skylarks along with another highlight, the presence of 4 Woodlarks (pair + 2 singing males), sometimes directly above me.  These Woodlarks were visiting the field to feed, they will probably breed on a nearby heath or forest clearing.  

A single Raven was watched flying west over woodland and heathland until lost to view.  Calling was frequently heard.  I am so pleased to see Ravens quite regularly on the patch now.

Both Fieldfare and Redwings were present, this included 50+ Redwings high in distant woodland, despite the distance I could see the beautiful head pattern of this Thrush.

Common Thrush species were represented by two singing Mistle Thrushes, singing Song Thrush (a pair seen fly past me) and a number of Blackbirds, including 3 together high in trees in woodland.

The large field shown above held a large wandering flock of 300+ Linnets moving to and fro over the land and dropping to the ground to feed. Often, I could see this large wandering flock of Linnets with Skylarks singing above along with the beautiful sweet song of Woodlark.

The only raptors seen today was a single Kestrel in a Hawthorn within heathland habitat, a single Red Kite over woodland, and a single Buzzard.

GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count 7th to 23rd February 2025 (An Update)

I am currently in the second and final week of this years bird count for the GWCT (Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust).  I am writing this just to update you on my findings thus far.

Raptor species have been well represented by good numbers of Buzzards (I wouldn't have written that 30+ years ago), also Kestrels have featured regularly and Sparrowhawks have been seen on a couple of occasions.  A female Marsh Harrier was seen passing through the area.  Goshawks have been seen twice including a close encounter with a large juvenile female bird, and scarcer still, I have recorded both Peregrine and Merlin within the count period.

Fieldfare - several flocks seen on the count including some heading east.

What has been particularly noticeable is the variable distributions of common species, some sites for example have seen low numbers of Chaffinches in areas of game cover where I would expect to see them, however, reasonable numbers have been seen at other areas where feeding attracts birds with the highest count of Chaffinches being 100+, somewhat down in previous years.  To date within the count period I have not seen a single Brambling (although I have seen a few prior to the start of the count).  Linnets have shown quite well with the highest count being on the 18th with 300+ wandering over a large field and feeding.  A small Alder wood in the Wissey valley held 40+ Siskins (I have seen flocks of 100-200+ birds).

Fieldfares have been present on most days with the highest count numbering 80+ birds.  Today, the 18th, I noticed an easterly movement of Fieldfares, this tells me these birds are moving towards the coast in readiness for their passage to Northern Europe. Lesser numbers of Redwings have also been seen.

One of most eagerly awaited for songsters is the Woodlark, so far during the count period I have seen 4 displaying male birds, yesterdays bird was a particularly enjoyable encounter because I laid back in the grass (just a bit wet) and watched a Woodlark displaying directly overhead, such a magical experience.  Breckland is one of the UK strongholds for Woodlarks, watching their fluttering display and broad-winged and short-tailed appearance, their flight is likened to that of a bat.

Reeve's Pheasant (Male) A brute of a bird.

A number of bird species seen so far on my count are non-natives which are now considered naturalised residents.  The commonest of these of course is the Pheasant along with Red-legged Partridges, however, one bird I have seen on the count is a male Reeve's Pheasant, my area of Breckland is one of the UK's strongholds for this introduced species.  Reeve's Pheasants are much large than the more familiar Pheasant, it is very large, bulky, strong looking, and has been known to be aggressive towards humans.  The Reeve's Pheasant appears in the 2008 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest natural tail feather of any bird at almost 8 feet long.

Egyptian Geese is another non-native, these are quite common in Breckland, and despite coming from the hot continent of Africa, the species has adapted to our cold winters, their hardiness is seen in February when their young appear, despite any frost and snow.  Egyptian Geese nest in holes in large trees.