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

Wayland Wood (A woodland under threat)

 It has recently come to my attention that a further detrimental impact to our countryside and wildlife is under significant threat of harm, I am talking about the nationally important Wayland Wood, a very important SSSI  which has been existence for thousands of years but is now under threat from a 300 residential housing development plan.  I recently attended an informal meeting chaired by Tina Kiddell  (Breckland Councillor) , the meeting was attended by my good friends Sarah Lister, Darren Cowles, Clare Talbot, and Thomas (NWT).  We were presented with plans for developments in the Watton area which also highlighted the siting of the planned development at Wayland Wood.

We accept the need for housing, however, our concerns lie with the proximity of the planned development to Wayland Wood.  It is inconceivable that anyone with a conscience would consider building homes so close to the wood, a development would not be aesthetically pleasing, and the disturbance including noise and light pollution would alter the character of Wayland Wood forever, also the negative impact upon habitats and wildlife in the wood would be altered significantly for the first time in its several thousand year existence, all with the stroke of a pen by people who have no concerns for their actions upon wildlife.

1. Development plan for Watton 

Picture 1. This picture shows the development plan for Watton. Wayland Wood is the large green area at the bottom of the map. The blue area is the proposed site for 300 homes. Just look at the proximity of the blue area is to the north and north-western boundary of Wayland Wood.

It just seems inconceivable that anyone with good sense would allow such a plan to be drawn up.

As I wrote earlier, we accept that here is a need for housing but we do not accept that this is at the cost of our ever diminishing wildlife.  At the informal meeting we discussed the need for a buffer zone in order to safeguard the remaining valuable wildlife. In the next picture (2) I have provided an aerial view of Wayland Wood, beyond the NW boundary of the wood you will see a natural corridor which we have suggested forms a buffer between the wood and the planned development as a means to protect and safeguard the under threat wildlife.

2. Aerial view of Wayland Wood showing the natural wildlife/habitat corridor NW of the woodland boundary.

Wayland Wood is a vitally important site for habitats, plant life, and birds, I highlight one particular bird which occurs in Wayland Wood, the Woodcock, a ground-nesting bird which has undergone a significant fall in numbers with 35% of the population lost since 2000.  This species is sensitive to disturbance and the increase in the human population, dog walkers, noise, and light pollution, will only serve to further reduce numbers of the highly threatened Woodcock.  Wayland Wood is also home to common species such as Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, and in the summer months, Warblers which visit us from Africa. The Nightingale is now lost as a breeding species from Wayland Wood, increased human population probably has not helped here either.

Wayland Wood is also home to the Yellow Star of Bethlehem, this is the only site in Norfolk where this special plant grows.  

I have noticed with the increase in human population in the Watton area the problem of rubbish dumping in the wood has increased, this will undoubtedly continue to increase as the population grows.

Important

A council meeting is to be held at Queen's Hall in Watton on Friday 5 December 2025 at 1830hrs, I would urge anyone interested and indeed concerned about these development plans attend the meeting to show their support for Wayland Wood.  We also need answers from the council/planners/developers as to how they will safeguard Wayland Wood and the wildlife which calls it home.

Please contact me for further information at:

paulnewport2810@gmail.com  

Cley Marshes and Salthouse 25 November 2025 (with Darren Cowles)

0600 I was picked up by my dear friend Darren Cowles for a trip to Cley Marshes and arrived at the car park off the coast road at 0645.  A mixture of weather seen today included variable cloud, some threatening and eventually with rain, we also had bright and sunny weather. The main feature of the weather was the strong northerly wind and with the tide being high, some dramatic waves with some breaching of the shingle sea wall. Looking east along the beach the spray was driven inland to form a beautiful sea mist.

Immediately upon our arrival at the car park at 0645 Darren and I were greeted by the expected but stunning views of many hundreds of Pink-footed Geese rising up from the marsh and heading off inland to feed, not only great visually but audibly too.  A Cetti's Warbler was singing close to the coast road.  Overviewing the marsh before we set off saw hunting Marsh Harriers.

Heading off east along the path alongside the coast road saw a hunting Kestrel close to the roadside. We turned off the path to make for Bishop's Hide, a small bush held a single Reed Bunting and from the hide we saw a small spring of Teal and a single Shelduck.  Having departed the hide we heard the beautiful 'pinging' call of a number of Bearded Tits, but they remained unseen.

We reached East Bank for the long walk north to the beach where we walked into the strong wind. A check of Salthouse Marsh to the east saw a number of grazing Wigeon and in a nearby pool a single Little Grebe frequently plopped under water.  Further along East Bank a single Grey Heron stood motionless on the marsh.

As Darren and I continued along East Bank we often stopped to look back at the further skeins of Pink-footed Geese rising up and heading off inland.  About 6 Brent Geese also seen.

As we were on East Bank and with the light behind us we had further lovely views of hunting Marsh Harriers. A check of some pools further roosting Wigeon and a few Shelduck too.

We reached the shingle sea wall and spent a few minutes watching the very rough sea and big waves, some of which breached the sea wall with sea spray being driven inland on the strong northerly wind, dramatic but beautiful to watch.  

Myself and Darren returned for a slow walk south along East Bank with the wind now thankfully behind us. Few additional birds were seen on the return walk, other than 3 Little Grebes on a channel on Salthouse Marsh. As we approached the second half of the path we saw 3 Red Kites typically using their skills to remain on a steady course in the strong wind.  At the end of East Bank a single Grey Wagtail was seen and another Cetti's Warbler was heard singing. The walk west along the path to our earlier starting location saw a Buzzard low over fields. 

Having spent a great early morning visit on Cley Marshes, we decided to travel the short distance east to Salthouse. It was here where a very threatening black cloud mass out to sea was to bring someone rain.

At Salthouse Darren and I watched one of my favourite ducks, a stunning Pintail, a very smart duck.  Also a few Mallard, a couple of Shoveler, Moorhen, and a Water Rail were all seen within a small area of marsh and pools. We did have an encounter with a Mute Swan who became quite close and personal, and took a few bites of my camera lens along with the odd hiss, but once he knew he was getting nothing from us he waddled back into a nearby pool.

 

Pintail (a stunning male) at Salthouse was one of a pair seen.

A beautiful male Shoveler

Following our visit to this part of the North Norfolk Coast Darren and myself went for a delicious breakfast and a pot of tea in Cromer.

Finally, I wish to thank my dear friend Darren for taking me this morning to Cley Marshes. Thank you Darren 💖