The first day of the New Year was a particularly rough one with a
very strong SW wind and frequent rain of which one was very heavy and
squally for a while. There was a complete cloud cover which coupled
with the rain significantly reduced light quality.
My birding year began with a visit to East Wretham Heath where particular attention was given to Langmere and Ringmere. I visited Langmere first where the water level was very high, this expanse of water had attracted hundreds of Gulls and many species of Duck. Ringmere also had high water and as expected there was less numbers of birds seen, however, there was still a good variety of species seen.
The walk over the heath from the car park revealed few birds due to the very strong wind, it was however dry to begin with but this changed about an hour following my arrival with frequent rain.
As I approached the hide overlooking Langmere I found a large caterpillar on the heath, not knowing the species I sent a picture onto a social media site and it was confirmed as being the caterpillar of the Fox Moth.
Once in the hide it was clear that Gulls were the dominant group present, the most numerous was Black-headed Gull (800+) with a good showing of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (150+). Ducks were well represented with Shelduck (10+), Teal (50+), Shoveler (17+), Gadwall (25+), also present was Tufted Duck and Mallard. 5 Mute Swans and 10+ Egyptian Geese also present.
Good numbers of Coot (120+) were present along with a few Moorhen. Two Little Grebes were on the water.
Walking through the magnificent Scots Pine wood, known as Waterloo Plantation, it was evident that due to the wind strength, few birds were seen.
I arrived at Ringmere with the onset of a particularly heavy and prolonged period of rain, the hide here is effectively a screen, therefore it was a case of sitting out the rain before checking the site.
Ringmere held fewer birds than Langmere, nevertheless, a good species variety was seen. Gadwall (25+) were seen with several Teal around the fringes of the mere. A single male Pochard was on the mere. 26+ Coot and 2 Mute Swans were present.
Collectively between Langmere and Ringmere the following counts were made:-
50+ Gadwall
100+ Teal
9 Mute Swans
150+ Coot
Finally, my walk back over open heath revealed 2 Stonechats in typical in open and exposed country. Despite the wind strength the Stonechats chose tall grasses and weeds to perch on whilst looking to the ground for food
