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.

Bodney STW 21 September 2024

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

Dawn at Bodney 21 September (Looking east towards Watton.

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

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

Stonechat (juvenile) at Bodney 21 September 2024

Stonechat (adult male) Bodney 21 September 2024

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

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

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

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

Bodney 17 September 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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