Little Cressingham (Notable counts of Finches)

A morning of poor light with a moderate westerly wind greeted me for a walk along the Great Cressingham Road between The Arms and Fairstead.  Occasional showers but with a high of 15 degrees at dawn.
A good variety of species seen with the most notable being good counts of Finch species. No passage noted owing to the wind direction, however, an interesting local movement of Grey Heron.

1 Grey Heron - high east
2 Red Kite
5 Buzzards
1 Kestrel
1 Hobby - chasing Finches
21+ Skylarks (flock)
Meadow Pipit
Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
Goldcrest - 2 sites
200+ Goldfinches
250+ Linnets
Chaffinch
1 Siskin south
1 Reed Bunting

The species seen in the above list were noted along the route taken this morning, however, most interest was where a large area of farmland is annually sown with weeds, wild flowers and maize.
Close to bridge crossing over Watton Brook a flock of about 30 Linnets was seen along with a single Siskin overhead flying south.
Approaching the large weedy/maize area, the first birds which held my attention was a small flock of 21+ Skylarks.  This flock is probably a gathering of local birds which will roam the countryside, possibly joining other local birds.  Hard weather on the continent may force Skylarks to join our local birds for the winter, equally, hard weather here may force our birds to warmer areas.
I positioned myself at the end of the weedy area and watched a fantastic gathering of 200+ Goldfinches.  Often, these colourful birds would fly when startled before settling back onto or within the weed.  Memorable observations of this large flock was seeing them against the dark background of distant trees when their diagnostic yellow wing patches flashed in front of me.
Equally amazing at this locality was a large flock of 250+ Linnets, again, quite flighty at times.
Of course, where you have large numbers of small birds such as these Finches, raptor species will be attracted for the opportunity of taking potential prey.  A Blue Tit gave an alarm call, I looked around me straight away saw a Hobby chasing Finches.  The Hobby was powering towards the Finches at an amazing speed and with stunning agility, surely, it must have caught something, but I could not confirm this.
For what was a dull morning on the patch it turned out to be very rewarding.

Little Cressingham, Norfolk (Watton Brook)

With just a couple of juvenile Chiffchaffs calling in hedgerows close to 'The Arms' at Little Cressingham, it is now clear that the majority of Sylvia Warblers have now departed the patch, however, I am sure lingering birds will still be present, most of all, Blackcaps.
A check of Watton Brook valley on the Great Cressingham Road produced no migrant species.  A small charm of Goldfinches wandered the valley and small numbers of Meadow Pipits passed overhead.

Autumn Equinox

The morning started very autumnal with thick fog and a cool 7 degrees Celsius.  The fog was stubborn to clear, however, by 1000hrs, most had been burnt off and the day was then sunny and warm.

Houghton-on-the-Hill 0700-0930
Thick fog greeted me on my arrival along with various bird calls which gave a very typical autumnal feel.  Although hidden in the fog, Robins gave their familiar "tick" calls and Goldcrests a thinner "see-see-see".  A Chiffchaff sang, but what else was moving about within the fog.  Blackbirds gave their "chuck chuck" calls.  The only evidence of passage was calling Meadow Pipit, again hidden in fog.
Conditions slowly improved and it became clear to me that Chiffchaffs were present in good numbers, both adults and juveniles, but strangely, I never saw or heard a single Sylvia species.
A check of the churchyard at St Mary's produced more Chiffchaff, 2 Goldcrests, Blue and Great Tits, a pair of Marsh Tits, and a Treecreeper.

Watton Brook Valley (Little Cressingham)
By the time I reached the valley the fog had just about all burnt off, conditions were then bright with very good visibility.

Watton Brook Valley 22nd September 

 Rather disappointingly, the valley appeared quiet with just Robin and a single Meadow Pipit being seen. An in-flight and calling Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen.  A check of nearby Bramble scrub and other potential 'migrant' habitat seemed quiet.  I bet there was something hidden, watching me and ready to pop up once I had gone.
A Small Copper Butterfly landed in front of me giving a lovely show.

Small Copper Watton Brook Valley 22nd Sept.

Little Cressingham (Great Cressingham Road)
Warm, sunny conditions on this mid-afternoon visit to high ground north of Watton Brook valley produced a nice showing of four raptor species.
A small flock of 30+ Goldfinches were tinkering away in small roadside tree.  Juvenile birds are now starting to develop their familiar red faces.  Both adult and juvenile Goldfinches show the beautiful gold wing-bar, always a good identification feature in both age groups of this species.  
A single male Kestrel was seen in a roadside tree and above me, 4+ Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, and a Sparrowhawk, were all soaring against the beautiful blue sky.

Watton Brook Valley (Enjoying the last light of the day)

With a late afternoon finish at work I decided to take Toby for an early evening walk to the Watton Brook Valley at Little Cressingham.
This was a beautiful sunset, clear skies, little wind, and good visibility.  Few birds were seen on this visit, 3 Meadow Pipits overhead and some Corvid species heading for their roost sites.
Despite the lack of bird seen, it was just great to be at this locality and enjoy the last vestiges of light before darkness sets in.
Looking west along the valley, I could see millions of midges swarming against the light over the Brook, what a magnificent sight this was, I wish I could photograph this remarkable scene.
Walking back to my car, light was now fading fast and I could see two groups of Roe Deer emerging from their daytime woodland retreat to feed in the open fields.
Finally, as I was about to set off, I watched a Noctule Bat flying north over fields towards the valley.
A wonderful end of daylight experience.

Bad Practice

I heard through the grapevine that a rare bird turned up on the North Norfolk Coast over the weekend, a Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler I believe.
Sadly, I learnt that someone attempted to tape lure the bird.....bad practice in birding. If the bird shows, then great, if it doesn't, then leave it.......it remains concealed for a reason.  There is no room in my book for people who do not put the birds welfare first. 
So glad I am not a 'TWIT'cher.

Little Cressingham (The Arms)

• 250+ Goldfinches
• 1 Yellow Wagtail flying west 

I paid a late afternoon visit along the Great Cressingham road near 'The Arms' for a dog walk and immediately upon my arrival a flock of 250+ Goldfinches rose up from a wide weedy strip, over me and into nearby trees.  This very wide strip comprising maize, a mixed wildflower strip now going to seed, and large amounts of Fat-hen, would have attracted the Goldfinches to this mixed seed-fest.

It is worth mentioning here that this same area will be very good for large numbers of mixed Finch flocks in the next few weeks, namely, Bramblings, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Redpoll, Linnets, and of course, Goldfinches.  Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings will also be present here.

A single Yellow Wagtail overflew in a westerly heading.  This beautiful bird is a frequent bird of passage along the Watton Brook Valley.

Also seen in this area was a single Kestrel, Carrion Crow, and Wood Pigeons.

Little Cressingham, Watton, and Deopham, Norfolk

The day started cool and misty with a low of 4 degrees Celsius.  The morning was bright, however, by mid-afternoon heavy rain moved in.

Little Cressingham (Fairstead Lane and Watton Brook)
The most numerous Warbler present in the area this morning was Chiffchaff, with both juveniles and adults being seen and heard from several sites along this walk.  An old, mixed hedgerow off Fairstead Lane has always produced good birds, this morning Chaffinches dominated although one male Blackcap was seen emerging from what might have been his overnight roost.  The occasional Meadow Pipit was heard passing overhead.
A check of Watton Brook valley produced another single Chiffchaff in a large Sallow.  No other migrants seen along the valley.
                                                                                                   
Watton (Garden)

Several House Sparrows watched feeding upon blackberries.  These beautiful birds are often overlooked due to their abundance, familiarity, and by birders who are bent upon searching for rarities.  House Sparrows are highly social birds, their squabbles and chases through a hedge gives great comedy value.
3 Swallows flew north and a very high Sparrowhawk was being pursued by a Corvid species.  Once again, Meadow Pipit was heard overhead.

House Sparrow (male) 15th Sept. (Eating blackberries)

Deopham (mid-afternoon)
This visit saw some very threatening cloud and rain moving in from the west.  This short visit started dry but ended very wet with heavy and persistent rain.
A check of the regularly visited muckheap did not produce anything other than a few Wood Pigeons.
Walking along the road/former runway was generally quiet although over the road on a large field 200+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls were standing around.  Wood Pigeons and 20+ Starlings roamed.
Plentiful habitat of mostly Bramble, Gorse, and Dog Rose, line the edge of the former runway, this habitat was very good for Whitethroat, but now stood quiet for now, until winter Thrushes arrive to feed on the good stock of blackberries.
The only evidence of visible migration was of a single Meadow Pipit watched flying south until lost to view.

Houghton-on-the-Hill (St Mary's Church) 0630-0800

At dawn it was very briefly dry, however, cloud very soon moved in bringing frequent showers.  The wind was a moderate to fresh NW.
I didn't walk too far this morning, instead I decided to sit and watch what was going on around me in the small, beautiful churchyard at St. Mary's.  The habitat of Hawthorn, Elder, Sycamore, and Ash, along with Ivy cover, provided shelter and feeding for birds from the cold, wet weather.
I didn't have to move too much as a good part of habitat was viewable from my seated position.

Wood Pigeon
1 Swallow - high SE
2 Song Thrush
Blackbird (juvenile)
Robin
Blue Tit
Great Tit
2 Coal Tit
Long-tailed Tit
2+ Goldcrest
Wren
Dunnock
Treecreeper
10+ Chiffchaff
2+ Blackcap
30+ Chaffinch
Goldfinch

There appeared to be little evidence during my visit of visible migration other than a single high-flying Swallow heading in a SE direction.
The churchyard was the place to be as birds sought shelter here from the poor conditions.  Migrants seen were in the form of 10+ Chiffchaff, of these some were adults in their fine looking fresh plumage.  Song was heard from one individual.  Most observations of the Chiffchaffs were of birds in bushes and shrubs where they searched for food.
2+ Blackcaps were seen, this included a male in an Elder bush where it took berries for eating.
The most numerous species seen this morning was 30+ Chaffinches, also many Blue Tits were roving about with smaller numbers of Great Tits and a 2 Coal Tits included.

Watton
With light fading fast, 10 Golden Plovers seen flying high NW.

Great Cressingham (Watton Brook valley)

A dry bright dawn with light winds and a temperature of 9 degrees Celsius. The SW wind picked up to a moderate SW by mid-morning.

• Early Song Thrush arrival 
• Single Lesser Whitethroat seen on the move

Song Thrush in Watton Brook valley 12th Sept. (One of 17+ seen)

An interesting record this morning of 17+ Song Thrushes seen along the valley all within a relatively small area of mixed woodland habitat.  A flock of 5 birds overhead gave their familiar "tic" call.  The numbers of Song Thrushes seen clearly indicates they are of continental origin and constitutes an early record.  Continental Song Thrushes are said to appear greyer on the upperparts; close inspection of this photographed bird shows this bird as having a grey nape.
Also seen in this same area was 30+ Mistle Thrushes and Blackbirds which were attracted to Hawthorn and Dog Rose fruits.
Overhead a small count of 5 Meadow Pipits seen.
A Kingfisher was seen flying along the course of the brook.
A single Lesser Whitethroat was seen flying into cover alongside the brook, it was soon relocated in a Sallow, showing off its bright white underparts.  The stunning grey head and ear coverts strongly contrasted with the white-throat and brown-grey upperparts.  This passage Lesser Whitethroat shared the Sallow with Blue Tits, Long-tailed Tits, and a small flock of Goldfinches.
Nearby woodland held 1 Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs, 3+ Goldcrests, Bullfinch, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Jay, and a male Sparrowhawk flying through. 

Lucky Blue Tit

An early morning visit to Hilborough (mixed woodland habitat), followed by a short visit to the Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham to check for evidence of migrants.  The strong westerly wind did not bode well for migrants in the valley, however, I did have a very close encounter with a hunting Hobby.

• Woodlark at Hilborough
• Hobby at Little Cressingham 

A dawn visit to young Pine woodland compartments at Hilborough produced a constantly calling juvenile Buzzard perched in one of the windrows, whilst overhead a single Red Kite soared.
Between the lines of Pine trees a single Woodlark flew up announcing itself with a sweet "tooloeet" call.

Little Cressingham (Watton Brook valley)
In the Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham, the mostly exposed landscape offered little shelter from the strong westerly wind.  A flock of around 12 Goldfinches were seen in the weedy banks of the brook with many birds on teasel from which they were seen to extract seeds from the prickly heads.  A single Swallow was seen nearby perched for sometime on wire fencing, a resting passage bird perhaps..
A Blue Tit was watched crossing the Brook in front of me when in a flash a Hobby stooped on it but just missed the lucky Tit by inches.  This all happened no more than 15 feet from me, the Hobby passed like lightning and produced a sound similar to a stick being swiped fast through the air.  The Hobby continued east along the valley.  The attack by the Hobby was so quick that I feel certain the Blue Tit was not aware of what was happening.

Marlingford, Norfolk 9th September

This was a long working weekend for me and on Saturday, for my afternoon break I visited the lovely old churchyard of St. Mary's in Marlingford.  The church sits adjacent to well wooded parkland whilst the churchyard itself has several fine old Yew trees, as well as Beech and Oak.
This is not a particularly large churchyard, therefore, full coverage of its habitats is easy and rewarding.
The most obvious vocal species seen and heard was calling Nuthatches, a species frequently encountered in this locality. 

Nuthatch at Marlingford 9th September.  A common species here.

Good, but brief views were had of a beautiful Goldcrest foraging amongst the branches and fine leaves of a couple of large Yews.  A family party of Blue Tits passed through the churchyard and into nearby parkland.  A juvenile Buzzard incessantly called.
Nearing the end of this short visit I was rewarded by a mobile flock of 38+ Mistle Thrushes passing through the churchyard.  A wonderful sight to see, however, nowhere near my record post-breeding gathering of 90+ Mistle Thrushes some years ago at Saham Toney.

Goshawk at Little Cressingham

Other than the months of March and April, when Goshawks can be seen displaying, for me, September is the next best time to see this powerful raptor on my patch.  Most are juvenile birds wandering from their natal areas to hunt for themselves.  I have seen young juveniles in many different locations and habitats, including one last autumn passing low over our garden in the small town of Watton.
This afternoon I was checking a ditch for migrants in Little Cressingham, none were seen, therefore I turned my attention to the large rolling fields of arable and wide strips of grass and weeds through the fields and along the weedy edges.
I soon noticed a large raptor species flying back and forth over the long grass strip in a hope to flush prey, I could see straight away that this was a juvenile Goshawk.  I was able to get this shot of the bird, note the streaked breast on this bird, this clearly ages this bird as a juvenile, adult Goshawks have neat barring on the underparts.

Goshawk (juvenile) at Little Cressingham 7th Sept.  Note the streaks on this birds breast, this feature is only seen on juveniles.  Adults have neatly barred underparts. 

 A few minutes later the Goshawk was seen over nearby woodland and arable where it was seen to follow and 'mock attack' a Common Buzzard, the Buzzard reacted by rolling over and showing its outstretched legs and talons to the Goshawk.

Autumn arrivals

This morning I was working in the Wymondham area of Norfolk.  The conditions were grey with some light rain showers.
At one of my calls within a residential area of the town a young Chiffchaff was passing through gardens giving a "seeeo" or "cheeeo" call.  A short time later on Morley Road (heading towards Morley), a good sized flock of 200+ Starlings were seen in arable habitat.  A total of 3 Kestrels were seen on my journey home.

Watton Brook Valley at Little Cressingham (late afternoon)
Parking north of the Watton Brook on the hill which rises to The Fairstead, I initially walked back down the hill to overview the valley for migrants.  Whilst walking downhill a small gathering of House Martins passed over.  A Kingfisher flew upstream and a Great Spotted Woodpecker was also seen.  No migrants were visible at this time along the valley.
Looking back towards the high ground, specifically over a woodland canopy, 60+ Hirundines (a mixture of both Swallows and House Martins) swept back and forth over the treetops, their directional flight appeared to have a westerly bias.
Walking back up the hill and to my starting point, a small flock of 12+ Meadow Pipits flew over, then circled as if to settle in stubble.  These are my first autumn arrivals/passage Meadow Pipits I have seen on my patch, and are quite early too.

Watton Brook Valley at Little Cressingham, Norfolk 1715-1745

A short, pre-evening meal visit was made to the valley to check for migrants.  Full, dark cloud cover resulted in low light conditions, but it was a mild 19 degrees Celsius.
A scan of fence-posts and fencing either side of Watton Brook eventually produced a distant Stonechat.  This bird always remained distant, however, typical behaviour was seen including the bird on posts and wiring from where it launched sallies to the grass below for insect prey.
Much closer to me was an overflying Grey Wagtail giving its sharp "stit" call.  Also close to was a number of Blue Tits, Great Tits, and Marsh Tit flying up from thick vegetation along the banks of the brook from where a plentiful supply of invertebrate food can be taken.
As is always the case, hundreds of Rooks and Jackdaws flocked along the valley.

Watton Brook Valley, Norfolk (Little Cressingham to Bodney)

A starlit night was followed by fog descending prior to sunrise.  Fog, some thick patches, with a cool 8 degrees Celsius, gave a real autumnal feel to the start of the day.  The rising sun burnt off the fog at around 0800.  Blue skies and warming temperatures followed.
My walk this morning more or less followed the meandering Watton Brook between Little Cressingham and Bodney.  Much of the outgoing walk was in thick fog and the brook and adjoining ditches were not seen too well.  Thoughts of Chat species, such as Whinchat, passed through my mind, however, none were to be seen on this visit.

Watton Brook Valley 2nd September.  Looking west from Little Cressingham. Following the lifting of the fog, a single PIPIT species flew over quite high in a SW heading.  No call heard, however, the strong flight suggested this was probably a Tree Pipit.  13 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, and 2 Whitethroats seen in the above habitat.

There was little to see initially other than a few Great Tits leaving their roost for a day of foraging but as the fog cleared, evidence of passage was seen.

1 Hobby (0834)
1 Sparrowhawk
Buzzard
1 Kestrel
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Pied Wagtail
1 PIPIT species 0820 over SW (Prob. Tree Pipit)
3 Song Thrush
13 Mistle Thrush
3 Blackbird
2 Whitethroat
1 Chiffchaff
Chaffinches
12+ Goldfinch

Tree Pipit (Probable)
The majority of my time was spent sitting in an area of rough grassland, arriving in thick fog and leaving with blue skies and warmth.
The fog cleared quite readily at around 0800.  With bright blue skies above me, a single Pipit species flew over quite high in a SW heading.  No call was given, however, the strong flight of this bird suggested this was a Tree Pipit, the commoner Meadow Pipit is a weaker flying bird.
Tree Pipits are scarce birds of passage through the Brecks, however, I do encounter them, usually as singletons, as they migrate through.

North Pickenham, Norfolk, 1st September

With emphasis now well and truly on migration, I decided to make an early morning visit to High ground at Houghton-on-the-Hill to check for migrant activity.  I arrived at about 0630 to a cool autumnal feel, the temperature was 7 degrees Celsius and cloudless skies brought a very bright dawn.
My main focus was on a patch of mostly Elder, Hawthorn, and Sallow habitat, as well as well stocked, long hedgerow corridor on a high ridge which is visible for miles, certainly an attractive staging post for passage birds.  Birds seen today in this area as follows:

1 Hobby drifted overhead, 10+ Swallows, 1 Sparrowhawk, 15+ Whitethroats, 10+ Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs (numerous), 1 Goldcrest, 2 Song Thrushes, Blackbird, 12+ Greenfinches, 30+ Chaffinches, 25+ Goldfinches, 6+ Bullfinches.

Some time was spent watching Elder habitat which was bathed in early morning, warm sunshine, it was here that most Warblers were seen feeding upon elderberries, and on occasions, Blackcaps and Whitethroats shared the same small patch of elder to take their fill.  The true numbers of Warblers in the area would have far exceeded the number I have reported here.
One Song Thrush and a couple of Blackbirds also fed upon elderberries and in nearby taller Sallows,  Bullfinches (juveniles), Chaffinches, Goldfinches, and Yellowhammers were seen.
A check of a small pond near the church produced a good count of 30+ Chaffinches (visiting the pond to drink), 12 Greenfinches, Bullfinch, a few Chiffchaffs, Whitethroat, Blue and Great Tits, and Long-tailed Tits.