Thompson Common 8 March 2026

 Spring has come early this year with some very warm days at the beginning of the month accompanied by warm southerly winds.  These conditions saw a number of early Chiffchaffs on the patch with my first singing bird of the year on March 2 at Wretham Heath.  I did think that this may have been an overwintering bird, which it may well have been, however, with numerous records of Chiffchaffs in the first few days of the month, then the bird on March 2 could have been a genuine migrant.

On the morning of 8 March I visited the beautiful Thompson Common, a large area dominated by numerous pingos, dense thickets, Willow scrub, and open common.  The moment I arrived the small parking area saw two singing Stock Doves, two singing Song Thrushes, Coal Tit, Wren, singing Great Tit, Chaffinch, and two drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Thompson Common 8 March 2026

As I set off through the wooded area and onto the common another Great Spotted Woodpecker was watched drumming.  Common species on the common included 6+ singing Song Thrushes, a singing Mistle Thrush, Blackbirds, numerous Robins and Wrens, and a singing Yellowhammer.  At least 4 Chiffchaffs were located in song.  At least 3 Greenfinches were noted in song, also, 2 birds were seen overhead performing their song-flight. A total of 3 Nuthatches were recorded and a total of 5 singing Stock Doves noted.

Much of the common is dominated by patches of Gorse, here, as expected, a number of pairs of Linnets were seen in typical breeding habitat.  At least 3 Reed Buntings seen, these included a singing ♂ and a pair in suitable breeding habitat.  3 Grey Herons were seen.

Goshawk (female) overflying Thompson Common 8 March.

I heard a number of Crows in what appeared to be a state of panic, as expected, moments later a ♀ Goshawk appeared through trees and then overflew the common, whilst a second Goshawk was heard calling in woodland.

A pair of Ravens appeared over the common with either one, or both birds, attempting to rob the contents of an active Crows nest.  A third Raven overflew the common.

Two calling Water Rails were in good breeding habitat comprising dense reeds in a pingo and rank vegetation.

As part of the reserve management plan the Norfolk Wildlife Trust uses the hardy, and beautiful, Polish Konik ponies, these ponies graze the common and keep encroaching scrub down which in turn benefits ground nesting birds. I watched one pony eating Gorse without any concerns.

Two of the beautiful Konik ponies on Thompson Common 8 March.

East Wretham Heath 2 March 2026 (0707-1100)

 Following a clear night the morning dawned dry but with a cool moderate southerly wind. As the morning progressed the warm sunshine certainly gave the morning a feel of spring.

This was to be a productive visit with 42 bird species recorded, but, my reasons for visiting this wonderful heath was to search for Adders.

I arrived in the car park at 0705 to the cacophony of calling Crows in the trees around the reserve house, it was clear there was occupied nests in the tall Scots Pines.  Leaving the car park and walking over the heath saw a Kestrel amongst the scattered Hawthorns, and as I approached the stunning Scots Pine woodland I could hear Song Thrush, Coal Tit, Robin, Wren, and Chaffinch, all in song.

I took a short coffee break on a wooden seat, from here, I saw a single Curlew pass over at height and heading west.  Also here I heard a singing Stock Dove and Chaffinch.

I then headed off through Waterloo Plantation where another singing Chaffinch was heard along with a ♀ bird in a Hawthorn. Continuing through the woodland I met a lovely couple, Anita and Chris, with whom I had a good chat with about Wretham, during this meeting I could hear a Woodlark singing high above the wood, and a calling Nuthatch was high in the canopy.

Waterloo Plantation Wretham Heath (Planted 1815 to celebrate Wellingtons victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

By the time I reached the Harling Drove the sun was bringing some warmth but the wind still had a cool edge to it.  With conditions improving I started my search for Adders alongside the track amongst heather and bracken habitat.

Ringmere and Fenmere

Ringmere was to prove to be most rewarding, especially so as there was still plenty of water in the mere. Birds noted on and around the mere included 60+ Teal, 58+ Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Shelduck, 9 Egyptian Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, Moorhen, Coot, 2 Mute Swans, and 4+ Little Grebes. Other species noted here was Greenfinch, Green Woodpecker, singing Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, and Dunnock.

At the beautiful Fenmere, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Mallard, 1 Gadwall (♂), 2 Coot, and in the dense woodland and scrub habitat a single Chiffchaff was briefly heard in song.

First views of the partially concealed Adder on Wretham Heath 2 March 2026

Leaving Fenmere I decided to revisit my earlier route, it was getting warmer and more suitable for Adders to show.  I explored a wonderful area of grassland/heath habitat with Hawthorn scrub and lots of Bracken. Notable species here included a calling Marsh Tit and an overhead and calling Crossbill.

I next decided to visit a grassy bank where I have previously seen Adders, a slow and careful walk alongside the bank eventually produced what I was looking for, a beautiful Adder sunning itself in a sheltered warm position.  There was a little movement seen and whilst I could only initially seen the body, I soon saw through the blades of grass the beautiful head of this snake. .

Adder on Wretham Heath 2 March 2026

Each year in spring I invite people to join me for an 'Adder Walk', but before that I like to recce the area for productive sites for Adders, therefore, this mornings visit to the beautiful Wretham Heath was rewarding in readiness for the walk.

A summary of sightings in January 2026

 

For the 1^st day of the new year I spent some time at Thompson Water and the nearby Peddars Way, I chose these sites as they are usually productive and a good way to get the new years birding underway.  My first bird of the new year was Tawny Owl with 3 calling ♂♂ in woodland around the water closely followed as always by the ticking call of Robin. A Song Thrush was singing with another bird in woodland carr habitat giving an alarm call.

A very good visit to Thompson Water (partially frozen) with a good count of common wildfowl species. Mallard (209+) was the most numerous duck with smaller numbers of Gadwall.

Two Marsh Harriers (♂♀) over the reedbeds, the presence of these birds often unsettled the wildfowl on the water. Cetti's Warblers were heard in song and calling Crossbills passed overhead.

The Peddars Way alongside Flag Heath and Black Rabbit Warren was particularly productive beginning with two Crossbills (♂♀) in Hawthorn on the path at Flag Heath. The ♀ Crossbill was best seen briefly in the Hawthorn where calling, both birds flew off directly overhead. The woodland between Flag Heath and Black Rabbit Warren held Great Spotted Woodpecker and nearby two Mistle Thrushes and Fieldfare were present.  The highlight of the day occurred on the Peddars Way at Black Rabbit Warren when a pair of Ravens passed directly overhead, quite low, and headed off into the training area. Some throaty calls were heard.

The return walk was particularly productive for common species on the Peddars Way and in thickets and carr at Thompson Water. Blue Tits seen with one feeding from a windfall crab apple, also here was Great Tit, a Goldcrest foraging amongst hanging dead leaves, Coal Tit, and a pair of Marsh Tits.

Raven. An increasingly seen and welcome Crow species

A visit to the Watton Brook valley at Bodney on the 4^th produced Stonechats at a couple of localities, whilst in the dense cover of reeds in the brook a Water Rail was heard calling its pig-like squeal. Of interest at the sewage treatment works at Bodney at dusk several Blackbirds were seen flying into tall conifers to roost.

Water Rail. A secretive species more often heard than seen.

On the 5^th at Threxton a flock of 80+ Lapwings were seen, also, 28 Stock Doves flew around the sewage treatment works, and a single Great White Egret flew west along Watton Brook.

The morning of the 6^th saw my first Goshawk of the year near the Clermont estate, its presence was betrayed by the disorganised and rapid departure of Wood Pigeons. The highlight of the 6^th came in fading light at the end of the day when an impressive flock of 23 Cranes passed directly over the Wick Farm estate.

I had a short but productive visit to Seamere Marsh towards the end of daylight hours on the 12^th.. A check of distant trees beyond the marsh saw many Wood Pigeons sitting quietly, after a while, the Pigeons dispersed erratically with behaviour indicating the presence of a raptor, a short while later I picked up a large raptor approaching from the NE in a glide, I suspected Goshawk, and indeed it was, a juvenile ♀ bird which continued in a level flight over the marsh and then off over farmland to the SW, once out of sight, the Goshawks presence was obvious when panicking Crows called loudly.
On the marsh a ♂♀ Reed Bunting were seen on the largest Bramble patch and willow scrub by a ditch, a typical habitat for this species.

Early in the morning of the 14^th I visited Thompson Water and following a series of night frosts the majority of Thompson Water was frozen with only an area of open water in the middle of the lake where all of the present wildfowl were congregated. The counting of the wildfowl was made easy by the enforced gathering with Mallard (292+), Wigeon (3), and several Gadwall noted. A single Marsh Harrier (♀) sat throughout my visit in dead trees within a reedbed, even at range, the creamy coloured head and overall dark plumage is distinctive.

On the morning of the 16^th I had a pleasant walk along Fairstead Lane in Little Cressingham and a check of a large game strip produced an impressive 300+ Linnets and a number of Bramblings and Chaffinches too, all three of these Finch species are attracted to good feeding within the game strip which is a source of various seeds and grains for the birds to feed upon. Nearby, a single Woodlark was overhead performing its wonderful display and song-flight. It is worthy of note that our local Breckland is one of the strongholds for Woodlarks in Britain.

Woodlark. Breckland is one of this beautiful birds stronghold in Britain 

On the 25^th I had an early morning walk beginning at St. Botolph’s Church in Stow Bedon, passing through Lower Stow Bedon, following the Rocklands Road to as far as Mere Road, and back to Stow Bedon. Walking along Rocklands Road I approached a large game strip and immediately thought of good numbers of Finches here to feed, and I was right as there was a very large flock of 350+ Linnets and 250+ Chaffinches, all of which were attracted for the good feeding. Also of interest a flock of 20 Golden Plovers flew over.

On the 26^th a visit to Thompson Common was to prove rewarding with lots of birds in song, a sure sign of better weather to come. Many Song Thrushes were seen and heard, also Nuthatches and Treecreepers were in song as was Marsh Tit. A reed-filled pingo held a singing Reed Bunting, and nearby two Woodcock were seen, a very enigmatic species which has sadly suffered big in recent years.

Singing Marsh Tit

On the 29^th I met friends Darren Cowles and Carl Moss for a mornings birding at Lynford Water and Arboretum. Lynford Water held about 60 Tufted Ducks, also a pair of Great Crested Grebes with their resplendent head-dress were seen on the water. Also present here was a single Great White Egret, and a Water Rail. The highlight at Lynford Arboretum was the presence of 25+ Crossbills, a superb Finch whose bill has evolved to extract seeds from cones. A check of ‘Hornbeam Alley’ produced a singing Marsh Tit. The morning was rounded off with a lovely coffee in the relaxing surroundings of the café.

Little Cressingham and Watton 6 January 2026

 A severe overnight frost and no sign at all of lying snow thawing.  Following a clear and starlit night the morning was again very bright but very cold (well into the minuses).

A check of one of my favourite winter destinations, a large game strip comprising linseed and brassicas near 'The Arms' produced several Chaffinches, a few Greenfinches, and 60+ Linnets, all species were attracted to the area for feeding and shelter.  20+ Yellowhammers arrived and a single Bullfinch passed directly overhead and calling.

A juvenile ♀ Goshawk flew low over the game strip and made a half-hearted chase for something but continued to fly low and east.

Watton (1542)

A flock of 23 Cranes seen passing quite high and directly overhead (seen from garden) in a 'V' formation and continued east. What a fantastic sight....and sound.

Little Cressingham and Threxton 5 January 2026

 The 5th January began with a moderate to severe frost, there had been snowfall overnight and the morning eventually turned out stunning with beautiful snowscapes in the bright sunshine.  Even though the landscape looked beautiful, my thoughts rather strangely, were with the small Norfolk and Suffolk Dartford Warbler population, a species which is vulnerable in such conditions.

The highlight of the morning was watching 80+ Lapwings flying in wide arcs over the land before settling on sloping land to the north of Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham, when caught in  bright sunshine the alternating black and white plumage of these birds was both stunning and conspicuous. 

Watton Brook Valley 5 January 2026

Looking north along Great Cressingham Road 5 January 2026

The only raptors seen this morning was a single Red Kite and single Buzzard, other observations were of low numbers of passerine species, these included one Mistle Thrush, 2 Greenfinches, 3+ Meadow Pipits, and one Pied Wagtail.  4 Stock Doves flew by.

Threxton

A late afternoon leading into a dusk visit to Watton Brook saw a single Great White Egret flying west along the valley, usually a very conspicuous bird, however, in todays conditions the bird totally blended into its wintry surroundings.

A flock of 28 Stock Doves arrived at dusk, circled for some time and then entered dense conifers to roost.  A few Blackbirds were also seen flying into these conifers at dusk to roost.  

 

Thompson Water and the Peddars Way footpath 1 January 2026 (0710-1100)

 I arrived at Thompson Water about an hour prior to sunrise and my first bird record for the new year was 3 calling ♂♂ Tawny Owls.  Ticking Robins took second place this year, Robins are usually the first birds to be heard in the woodland.

An alarm calling Song Thrush was heard in damp woodland with a second bird soon heard singing.  A single Cetti's Warbler was singing, the later months of last year at this site held 5 Cetti's Warblers.

With sunrise approaching the horizon saw some wonderful colours which were quickly changing from red, bright pinks, and fading to grey, one had to be quick on the ball for photographing this natural wonder.

Dawn at Thompson Water on New Years Day 2026

Wildfowl on Thompson Water included 209+ Mallard, a few Gadwall, and a single Teal. 15+ Coot and 5 Mute Swans were present.

Crossbills were passing overhead quite frequently, their distinctive calls always alerts one to the presence of this beautiful Finch.

Woodland thickets around the water held Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tit, Coal Tit, and two Marsh Tits. A Goldcrest was seen foraging amongst bunches of dead leaves and in thicket habitat.

Peddars Way

A walk along the Peddars Way near Thompson Water produced further Crossbills on the move, but a pair was seen close to in Hawthorns, the ♀ was seen best in her dull green plumage, however, as the pair flew off the brick red ♂ Crossbill was seen reasonably well. 

Both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were present.  Both Fieldfare and Mistle Thrush were noted in woodland.

A pair of Ravens passed low overhead and flew into the army training area, one bird gave a few resonating "koorp" call.  Magnificent birds.

As I returned to finish my mornings birding further overhead calling Crossbills were heard and small flocks of Redwings passed over with some alighting in tall Birch trees.

November 2025 (A summary of observations)

1 November

November got off to a good start with a visit to Thompson Water on the 1st. where an excellent count of 294+ Mallard and 47+ Gadwall on the water. Smaller numbers of wildfowl included 10 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 3 Greylag Geese and 7 Mute Swans. A single Great White Egret was present and wading in the shallows as well as stealthily walking over surface weed.  One Little Grebe was on the water and a single Snipe circled.  At least 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing, a Crossbill passed over, and a very impressive 5 Ravens together seen overflying the water and into the training area.   A single Stonechat was in low cover on the far side of the water and one Mistle Thrush also present.  Of interest was 3 Blackbirds high in trees with Fieldfares, these were probable migrant birds.

A single Sparrowhawk was seen over Watton and a Red Kite was over Shipdham.

Great White Egret at Thompson Water

2 November

Some time spent on the Peddars Way north of the village of Little Cressingham where the country is quite rolling with some commanding views over this vast landscape.

A single Goshawk betrayed its presence by the disorganised and rapid departure of many Wood Pigeons.

Thrush species dominated with 400+ Fieldfares present, also 4+ Mistle Thrushes high in 'stagshead' branches of tall Oaks where they typically sat even during poor weather conditions.  A single Stonechat was seen in typical open country habitat of ground covering scrub and bushes, and overhead a single Crossbill passed over and was singing.  A small flock of 12 Golden Plovers passed over.

5 November

Following my arrival at Wretham Heath I firstly wanted to check the large heath east of the main road, this is classic habitat for Great Grey Shrike, no sign, however, a pair of Stonechats were seen in open heathland.  

This visit to Wretham Heath saw some changes from recent visits with Langmere having no water in it, I therefore went onto to spend some time at Ringmere where 101+ Mallard, 77+ Teal, 2 Gadwall, and 4 Little Grebes also seen.  A Sparrowhawk entered woodland.

6 November

A visit to Thompson Water was productive with 298+ Mallard and 58+ Gadwall on the water. A single Great White Egret was again present and Water Rail was present.  Overhead, 3 Crossbills passed over as did a Lesser Redpoll.  At least 3 singing Cetti's Warblers heard.

Water Rail at Thompson Water (Heard more than seen)

10 November

Hilborough.  A visit to heathland where I encountered some of heaviest crops of Blackthorn (Sloes) and Hawthorn I have ever seen.  It goes without saying that both Redwings and Fieldfares were present in good numbers and feeding upon the bounty of berries.  A large arrival of 200+ Chaffinches seen which included some Bramblings too, at least two were stunning ♂♂ with bright orange scapulars and bright breasts.  Overhead a Woodlark was singing and in the very top of a tall pine a single ♂ Crossbill was alert, watching its surroundings and calling.

 

11 November

Merton.  A particularly memorable day with my largest ever count of Stock Doves (200+) at a very large maize game strip.

15 November

Thompson Water. Another good visit with 44 species recorded. A good count of 277+ Mallard on the water, also an arrival of 35+ Teal.  Two Goosanders (♂♂) arrived on the water and remained for a while before departing.  Goosanders are scarce winter visitors at the water with most seen in harsh weather.

A Goshawk was seen on a couple of occasions, a lucky Wood Pigeon escaped the clutches of the talons and flew off tail-less.  A few Redwings seen in the top of some Birch trees along with 8+ Blackbirds which were undoubtedly migrant birds.  At least 8 Crossbills were present.

Goosander on Thompson Water 15 November

16 November

Thompson. I visited a large area of land which has been acquired by The Woodland Trust, notable sightings included 300+ Linnets wandering grassland, 100+ Skylarks, an arrival of 3 Woodlarks, lots of Meadow Pipits, 150+ Starlings, and two Stonechats.

19 November

Thompson Water.  A excellent 4 singing Cetti's Warblers recorded on this visit.  Good numbers of uncounted Mallard on the water and a single ♀ Wigeon seen. A Goshawk drifted overhead spooking Wood Pigeons.  100+ Redwings present in the damp woodland carr habitat, also two Bullfinches in a thicket where also two Marsh Tits present.  A single Stonechat in reedbed scrub and 3+ Crossbills overhead.

25 November

Cley Marshes and Salthouse. Visited these beautiful areas with my dear friend Darren Cowles. Skeins of several hundreds of Pink-footed Geese seen throughout our visit, however, dawn saw some spectacular numbers of Geese rising from the marsh and departing inland.  5+ Marsh Harriers were seen over the marshes where they often displaced many duck species.  Bearded Tits were heard on a couple of occasions, but not seen.  

At Salthouse, a short stop at a roadside pond and marsh produced a pair of Pintail, two Shoveler, Mallard, Moorhen, and a single Water Rail calling and seen moving between cover.

28 November

Wayland Wood. A visit to the wood with my friend Darren Cowles produced an overhead and calling Raven.  The wood also held Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, and at least 4 Bullfinches.

30 November

Thompson Common. A walk around the common produced a ♂ Sparrowhawk passing low and at speed between cover.  Two Ravens passed over the common and calling, some interaction between the two birds was seen including chasing.  One ♂ Tawny Owl called a few times from dense cover. Two Bullfinches were seen in typically bushy habitat and in the damp Birch and Alder woodland many Siskins seen along with 6+ Lesser Redpolls feeding in the Birch trees.

Lesser Redpoll. At least 6 birds feeding in Birch trees