Garden Observations 0835-1000

The purpose of this observation was to count the number of species seen either in, or from my garden in Watton, Norfolk.  I managed to gather 21 species, this included witnessing visible migration and an excellent raptor record. 
Light was poor due to variable and thick cloud cover, the wind was a moderate south-westerly.

Birds occur anywhere and at anytime, and even though we have wonderful habitats in Breckland, as indeed throughout the whole of the UK, your garden can act as your own personal observatory, common and scarce species visit the garden whilst overhead, migrants can be seen on the move.

The following was seen this morning:

1 Sparrowhawk (female)

1 GOSHAWK North

2 Snipe very high West

Lesser-Black-backed Gull

Black-headed Gull
Wood Pigeon
Collared Dove
Green Woodpecker (heard)
3 Skylark West
3 Pied Wagtail
70+ Starling c.50 West + c20 West
Dunnock
Rook
Blackbird
Redwing
Song Thrush (high) 1 NW + 1SW
50+ Fieldfare c.30 West and C.20 West
Robin
Goldfinch
2 Greenfinch
House Sparrows

A single Goshawk was seen 0858 flying N over Watton with two brave Crows mobbing.  Not an entirely unexpected sighting this time of year.  Although not aged I suspect this was a wandering juvenile bird.

Two Snipe seen at height 0924 flying west.  I watched these birds until lost to sight.  

Robin in the garden 31st October.

House Sparrow in garden 31st October 

Stonechat at Bodney, Norfolk

A short afternoon walk along an exposed and very windy road with just this lonesome, but beautiful Stonechat seen along roadside fencing.

Benacre, Covehithe, Hen Reedbed (Suffolk) and Claxton Marshes (Norfolk) with Jim Bradley, 25th October.

Highlights: Today, I met my very good birding friend Jim Bradley for a days birding on his patch.  For me this was a special day as I was reconnecting with areas which I visited back in my youth in the late 1960's and early 1970's from my then home in Beccles, Suffolk.  I owe Jim so much for taking me around locations which were so special to me in my youth.
The earlier part of the day was at both Benacre and Covehithe, and immediately upon our arrival I remembered the distinct Covehithe church, some of which is in ruins, yet such a beautiful church.
Species highlights and migration: Our visit to Covehithe and Benacre was rich in birdlife and for me the most memorable part of this visit was witnessing southbound migration of Finch species, most notably Redpolls, some Siskins, and a probable, unseen, calling Hawfinch which we both remarked upon from in the hide at Benacre.
Visible migration also seen when a small flock of Wigeon flew in very high off the sea.
Raptors featured today with single Peregrines at two sites, the second of which almost took a Wood Pigeon with a glancing blow resulting in a puff of white Pigeon feathers.
Marsh Harriers were seen widely today and at four Kingfishers were seen.

Covehithe and Benacre
Prior to departure, Jim kindly showed me his impressive Moth trap, a number of species of Moth were seen, most I have not heard of, but educational for me. I really must brush-up.  
Our first stop was at Covehithe, Jim parked by the church and immediately memories flooded back of this fine old building from my youth.  The Finch theme was noted straight away with a flyover Brambling.
From the church we first headed north along the cliff edge to Benacre Broad, between our start point and the Broad, Finches featured significantly with a number of species seen.  Firstly, a small flock of Twite flew up from cliff-top weeds.  As we continued our walk it became apparent that Redpolls were on the move with a number of smallish flocks passing south overhead.  Small numbers of Siskins, Linnets, and Goldfinches were all seen.  Having reached the hide to overview the Broad, we both looked at each other when we heard the flight-call of a Hawfinch, and immediately commented on this bird.  With the very impressive counts of Hawfinch along the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts at this time, I suppose the bird we heard was not entirely unexpected.
Benacre Broad looked spectacular in the strong early morning sunlight.  Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gull, Redshank, Dunlin, and Black-tailed Godwit were seen along with Marsh Harrier over the reedbed.  Two Kingfishers were seen.
Waders, Duck, and Gull species took to the wing, typical behaviour of birds when a raptor arrives. Checking the skies, Jim picked out a Peregrine circling over the Broad.  Close examination of the bird showed it to be a juvenile.
Visible migration continued with 10 Wigeon very high flying west (inland) from off the sea.
Walking back south along the cliff, Redpolls continued to pass over south in small numbers.
After a short break we then walked south to Covehithe Broad, here we had good views of in-flight Bearded Tits, and heard their mechanical "ping" calls.

Hen Reedbed (Blythe Estuary)
Another great location, one which I have only seen distantly in my youth from the layby on the A12 road at Blythburgh.
Before setting off a single Kingfisher flew through the car park.
Overviewing from the raised bank, several wader species were seen including Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Curlews, Redshank and Dunlin, also, a few Little Egrets were scattered around the estuary. At least 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing in the reeds.
Our second Peregrine came into view over the water, I watched it fly left over high ground, and then accelerated for an attack on a Wood Pigeon.  The attack was failed, although a puff of white feathers from the Pigeon indicated the intended victim may have suffered wounds.

Claxton Marshes (Norfolk)
Our final destination for the day was a walk through Claxton Marshes down to the River Yare.  This beautiful location is Jim's patch.
A distant Marsh Harrier was seen hunting low over reeds and at the River Yare we saw our 4th Kingfisher of the day.
Jim picked up Bearded Tits on the marsh close to the river, a first for him on his patch.
Viewing over the river we could see Barnacle Geese on the marsh, also a distant flock of Pink-footed Geese approached for landing.
Finally, on our way back through the village a Chiffchaff was heard.  A few Hornets were seen on a sweet-smelling patch of Ivy.

My sincere thanks go out to Jim for making this a very enjoyable day for me, both from the birding perspective, and for reacquainting with locations known to me in my youth.  A big thank you Jim.

Houghton-on-the-Hill and Little Cressingham, Norfolk

Brief Summary: A visit to Houghton early morning produced a number of small flocks of Wood Pigeons flying high and south.  7 Egyptian Geese flew purposefully east until lost to view, and a couple of flocks of Fieldfares passed over in a westerly heading.
A mid-afternoon visit to the Watton Brook valley at Little Cressingham produced impressive numbers of Fieldfares.

Houghton-on-the-Hill (early morning).
A bright, sunny dawn, however, some low cloud moved in from the north giving very light rainfall.
Giving the very bright dawn with little cloud, I think any small bird migration would have been out of visual range.  Despite this some interesting movements were seen including several small flocks of high-flying Wood Pigeons (largest flock 30+) in a southerly heading.  How strange it is that Wood Pigeons moving south this time of year always do so in a slow, unhurried fashion.
Also of interest was a small flock of 7 Egyptian Geese seen flying purposefully east.  These birds initially came into view at 0820, their passage continuing until 0826 when they were lost to view to the distant east.
Two small flocks of Fieldfares passed over in a westerly heading, the largest flock numbering about 50+ birds.
Also noted was a female Sparrowhawk, a couple of small flocks of Starlings west, Bullfinch, Goldcrest.  Also 3 Mute Swans passed over NW.

Watton Brook Valley (Little Cressingham)
Very bright conditions during the afternoon with some high wispy cloud.
A very interesting visit this afternoon with an impressive 200+ Fieldfares on permanent grassland adjacent to the Brook.  These recently arrived Thrushes were accompanied by a few Redwings, 50+ Starlings, and a few Goldfinches.  20+ Mistle Thrushes were present and in trees nearby, a few Siskins were seen.

Some of the 200+ Fieldfares at Little Cressingham 27th October

The Fieldfares seen here offered some good views in the bright light.  These beautifully marked Thrushes showed off their varied colours including a beautiful Ochre breast, Grey head and nape, brown wings and mantle, and large grey rump.  Their harsh"shack shack" calls cannot be confused with any other Thrush species.

On this day....

24th October 1993.  I visited Thompson Water to check for evidence of winter Duck species, in doing so I was very surprised to see a Hooded Crow overfly.  This record constitutes my only observation of this species in inland UK.  A rare find.

Thompson, Norfolk

This morning I took my dog Toby for a circular 4 mile walk starting at Merton, taking in the village of Thompson, along the Griston road, Low Common Road, and back to my starting point in Merton.
At 0820, as I walking along the Griston Road, a notable count of 1,000+ Starlings passed directly over me in a WNW heading.
A few small flocks of Redwings passed over in variable headings and a single Redpoll was seen in flight along Low Common Lane.

Selfish, criminal, disgraceful behaviour by twitchers (Glad I am not one of these idiots)

A Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler turned up on the North Norfolk Coast in September 2017.  Fifty, yes, 50 twitchers were reported to have entered a private field to get a photograph, damaging a cattle fence in the process.  Wardens quite rightly removed these people.
One twitcher demanded that wardens arranged an 'organised flush' so that the poor bird is scared out of its habitat for these idiots to see.
I have never been, and never will be, associated with the twitcher fraternity.  These idiots
clearly do not care for the welfare of the bird, after all, if the bird wanted to show it would do for a reason, equally, if it does not show, it clearly wants to be left alone.
Examples of behaviour seen here clearly indicates that these poorly behaved twitchers give real birders a bad name.
When people see me in the field I get comments such as "You're a twitcher are you", I immediately correct them and tell them I am a birder.  When in the field and I see a bunch of twitchers, I walk the other way, I do not want to ever be labelled a twitcher.
I am lucky to have found a number of rare or scarce species on my patch, I share my finds only with those who I can trust to keep the bird to themselves.

Burnham Overy Dunes, North Norfolk Coast 0730-1400 (with Richard Farrow and Jez Wood).

Highlights:  A very productive day started with a fresh arrival of Blackbirds which included a stunning male Ring Ouzel, a few Redwings, and Song Thrushes.
A steady westerly passage of Starlings was seen throughout the day and a late Wheatear was found in the dunes system near Gun Hill.
Raptors were well represented with Buzzards, Marsh Harriers, Kestrel, and 6 Red Kites overhead together.

I arrived at the parking area off the A149 road west of Holkham at around 0730.  Richard arrived shortly after me with Jez not too long afterwards.  It was dry with a moderate WSW, sunny spells with variable high cloud.  Temperature peaked at 15 degrees Celsius.
Whilst getting myself ready I had that 'hair on the back of neck' feeling when several skeins comprising many hundreds of Pink-footed Geese approached from the north-east against the orange dawn skies and over towards the south-west to their feeding grounds, a magical sight.

Prior to Jez arriving Richard and I decided on a initial stroll north down the track to the first gate where we checked the wonderful hedgerows there.  Things already looked up when many Blackbirds were seen (probable migrants) along with a few Redwings and Song Thrushes.  Goldfinches were also seen.  I checked the fine old field boundary hedgerow running west from the track, again, Blackbirds were seen.  I then saw a Thrush flying away from me, it had pale wings and I immediately thought Ring Ouzel, this bird alighted on the topmost perch in the hedge to reveal a stunning male Ring Ouzel.  Although now quite distant, perfect side-on views showed a more slender upright carriage than Blackbird with very distinct silvery wings. With side-on views only, the end of the white crescent was just visible.

Stonechat - One of several seen at Burnham Overy Dunes 23/10/17

All three of us then set off slowly north along the track towards Burnham Overy Dunes checking all hedgerows as we went.  Blackbirds and Redwings/Song Thrushes continued to feature, whilst smaller passerines were heard and seen including singing Cetti's Warbler, Goldfinches, and a mobile Long-tailed Tit flock.
In the fields immediately east of the track many Greylag Geese were accompanied by 6+ Egyptian Geese, and 2 Barnacle Geese. As our walk continued, and in fact for all of this visit, a steady westerly passage of Starlings was seen, most flocks were small, numbering 40 to 50 birds.
Once at the dunes we had a check of the first patch of scrub, here, Blackbirds were present along with the ubiquitous Dunnock.
We then walked west towards Gun Hill, checking scrub for migrants and open areas for Wheatear.  The commonest species seen was Meadow Pipit, also many Reed Buntings present.  Several Stonechats were seen today, this area appearing to hold two or three.  A check of a short-cropped area of grass within a depression between dunes, produced a single 1st winter female Wheatear (RF).
Just after midday raptors started to appear overhead with Buzzards seen but also a very respectable 6 Red Kites overhead together.
The walk south back along the track to our starting point was fairly quiet, however, a number of singular Red Kites passed low over the fields and inland.

Birds seen and heard
Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose (2), Brent Goose, Egyptian Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Grey Partridge, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe (juv), Red Kite (6 together), Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Grey Plover (1), Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Snipe (2), Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Skylark, Cetti's Warbler (2), Wren, Starling, Ring Ouzel (1 male), Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear (one 1st winter female), Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting  (55 species)

Little Cressingham (Great Cressingham Road), Norfolk

Another day of strong westerly winds, generally cloudy, and cooler with a high of 12 degrees Celsius.  Occasional showers.
A short dog walk this afternoon along a traditional location for Finch gatherings saw a small flock of Chaffinches wheeling overhead, a check through binoculars revealed the large, bright white scapular patch, a useful identification feature of in-flight Chaffinches.  I followed these Finches to check for other species, they alighted in trees and saw that a single Brambling (female) was in this small flock. If we have a 'Brambling year' this location may see three-figure totals of this beautiful Northern European visitor.
Walking along the road to Watton Brook, I wasn't too hopeful of seeing much due to the exposed, and very windy conditions.  A small charm of Goldfinches appeared overhead and alighted in trees, a check through the flock produced 2 Siskins, probably female birds.
Looking along the valley all I could see was Wood Pigeons, Crows, and a single Buzzard sitting alongside the brook.

Watton (my garden)

I felt very tired today, I even had a couple of hours sleep in bed this afternoon.  I didn't go anywhere or do anything.  On the plus side a Blackcap visited our garden at 1000hrs this morning.

Houghton-on-the-Hill (Visible Migration) 0730-0900

A morning of full cloud cover with a moderate SW wind.  Light was poor. Visibility was reasonable. Occasional rainfall. 12 degrees at dawn.
No significant movements of Thrushes as seen yesterday over Hethersett, however, at least seven species were seen on overhead passage.  The following is my list of species seen at Houghton this morning with migrants highlighted in bold type.

1 Goshawk NE 0820
2 Golden Plover SE
6 Skylarks S
6+ Meadow Pipits (high) W 0815
70+ Starlings (40+30) W
Song Thrush
12+ Redwings
1 Blackbird (high) S then SE 0830
1 Chiffchaff
6+ Goldcrest
Treecreeper
1 Brambling S
1 Redpoll S

As soon as I arrived at Houghton 12+ Redwings 'fell' into Hawthorns in rain.  The rain persisted for a while but then cleared for a while before returning later.  It was during this drier interlude when I witnessed visible migration.  Seven plus species were involved in these movements.
A Goshawk was seen drifting NE in a leisurely flight, it then turned more or less W and stooped into woodland scattering Wood Pigeons.
Two flocks of Starlings (40+30) passed over in a westerly heading.  Interestingly, two years ago today, 20th October 2015, I was at Burnham Overy Dunes on the North Norfolk coast and witnessed a heavy westerly passage of thousands of Starlings all of that morning.  Records today indicate high numbers of coastal movements of Starlings.  Could my Starlings seen this morning at Houghton be of Baltic states origin.

Hethersett, Norfolk (Redwings - visual migration)

An early start for me this morning in Hethersett.  Mist and fog was slow to clear, probably not lifting until about 1000hrs.
This morning I witnessed the first significant movement of Thrushes this autumn with many flocks of Redwings, including some large flocks approaching from the north-east, with most ongoing with their passage, and some dropping into berry-laden trees.
I am always excited to find something unusual or rare on the patch such as my recent Yellow-browed Warbler, however, watching commoner species such as todays Redwing passage is equally as thrilling.

Houghton-on-the-Hill, Norfolk 1445-1620

Following a very long weekend at work, I decided on a visit to Houghton to check the wooded areas and hedgerows for evidence of migrants.  The first thing I noticed was the double hedgerow east of the church has been cut since my visit on Friday last.
The recent visit to this site of the Yellow-browed Warbler got me thinking of where the bird was roosting.  Two of my early morning visits saw the YB Warbler initially in the hedgerow east of the church, checking this habitat this afternoon saw lots of dense Ivy, a possible roost-site maybe.
There was no sight or sound of the Yellow-browed Warbler today, indeed, I have received no feedback from friends over the weekend to suggest the bird was still in the area.
A mobile flock comprising mostly Blue Tits, also included Marsh Tit, 3+ Goldcrests, and Long-tailed Tits.  Both Blue Tit and Goldcrest visited the pond to drink.  Coal Tit, Blackbirds and Robins were seen in the churchyard.
Of passage interest, unseen but calling Redpoll was heard overhead.

Thrush passage.

Today was a full day of work mostly in the Costessey (pronounced Cossey) area of Norwich.  One of the most awaited for events in the birding calendar for me is the witnessing of Thrush migration in autumn.  This morning I saw the first Thrushes of the autumn passing over Costessey early morning.
Firstly, I saw 7+ Blackbirds fly from a residential garden together and climb away south-west.  Shortly afterwards a few Redwings passed over calling.
The Dereham road leading into Norwich gets very busy and of course the volume of traffic you would think would drown out bird calls, despite this, a small party of Song Thrushes passed overhead south, I was initially alerted by their "tic" flight call.
My final few calls at around sunset was in Hethersett, I was again alerted by calls overhead given by a couple of high-flying Redwings.
These Thrushes, including Fieldfare (not seen today) originate from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia.  They abandon these areas of Europe for the winter, to either winter with us,  or to migrate further south to the Iberian Peninsula.  The Blackbirds and Song Thrushes which breed with us are generally sedentary, however, some interesting movements of Blackbirds within the UK have been recorded, including a bird which summered in Norfolk but migrated south-west to spend the winter in the same Cornish garden for a few years.

Houghton-on-the-Hill, Norfolk

The weather was wild at dawn with a strong NW wind and spells of driving rain.  The rain cleared to give a bright morning, however, the strong wind remained a feature of the weather.

2 Buzzards

2 Kestrel

1 Yellow-browed Warbler

4 Swallows

Blackcap

Chiffchaff

Goldcrests

5+ Coal Tits

4+ Marsh Tit

Long-tailed Tit

Treecreeper

300+ Goldfinches Little Cressingham mid-afternoon

The drive to Houghton-on-the-Hill early this morning saw lots of leaf and large twig debris on the roads as a result of the somewhat wet and windy weather at sunrise.

The weather conditions made my decision about where to search for Warblers quite easy as most activity would be on the sheltered sides of wooded areas and hedgerows.

Trees were bending in the wind at Houghton, however, a quiet south-east facing woodland edge was productive almost straight away with Marsh Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tit, a male Blackcap, and Goldcrests moving along the woodland edge.  I spent some time here to watch small bird activity, but after some 30 minutes I entered the churchyard to see what was present there.  Again, Marsh Tits, Coal Tit, and Goldcrests featured.  Looking above the churchyard, a single Swallow passed over east being driven along by the strong wind.

From the churchyard I then decided to walk the hedgerow corridor running east of the church, here, it was reasonably well sheltered from the wind.

For some reason I felt hopeful about what I might find in the hedgerow, instinct I suppose, anyway, only a short time passed when at about 0805 I heard the highly distinctive, piercing, high-pitched "tseweest" call of the Yellow-browed Warbler.  I walked a short distance along the hedge, towards the sun sadly, with the call being repeated several times.  I then saw a small bird through the hedge, somewhat concealed by twigs.  The Yellow-browed Warbler then came into view (head area only) in very good light, but only for a matter of a couple of seconds before it flew high into trees in the churchyard.  I was completely in awe of the birds very striking head pattern, a bright, broad, and long yellowish supercillium, greenish above and a dark eye-stripe which enhanced the supercillium.  

I called Peter Dolton who promptly arrived, a thorough search produced roving Tit flocks and Chiffchaffs, however, after a while we did hear the Yellow-browed Warbler calling along the south facing hedgerow, although we did not visually locate it.

During our search for the YB Warbler, we saw 3 Swallows overhead, their directional heading having a north-east to east bias.

Sheltered, sun-bathed edges of woodland habitat also produced Red Admiral and Comma butterflies.

Little Cressingham (NW of The Arms)

A mid-afternoon walk along the Great Cressingham Road produced a very notable flock of some 300+ Goldfinches in and around a large area of weed and maize. 

Yellow-browed Warbler at Houghton-on-the-Hill, Norfolk

On Monday 2nd October I started five days holiday from work and I told myself that the week ahead would be used to find a Yellow-browed Warbler on my patch.  I did not consider this an unrealistic target given the numbers of this bird now occurring in inland Norfolk.
I arrived at Houghton-on-the-Hill at around 0700 on Tuesday 3rd October, initially to walk a circuit with my dog Toby to check the area for migrant species and straight away heard two Chiffchaffs, one a singing bird.  Also on route, at least 3 Blackcaps were encountered.  Overhead, a very light southerly passage of Meadow Pipits was seen.

Blackcap (male) Houghton-on-the=Hill 3rd October.  6+ seen in the area.

Chiffchaff at Houghton-on-the-Hill 3rd October.  Several seen.

 I arrived back at St Mary's Church on Houghton-on-the-Hill at around 0800, and as I always do I sat and waited to see what would pass through.  A male Blackcap was seen as was a couple of Chiffchaffs, also, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, and Blue Tits passed through.  A small flock of Long-tailed Tits passed through, some almost within arms reach, then at 0835, something small dropped almost vertically into a lovely patch of Ivy, Hawthorn, and Sycamore, I immediately raised my binoculars and was amazed to see a gorgeous Yellow-browed Warbler, yes, I was excited but not a totally unexpected species to see.  I did not bother with trying to photograph the bird as I knew I would lose it, therefore I just continued to watch it to pick up the salient features of this Siberian jewel.
I was initially struck by the size of the Yellow-browed Warbler, smaller than the other Warblers, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, which were present.  I was struck by the long, yellow, and very conspicuous supercillium, this was accentuated by the dark eye stripe and green head and upperparts. "Quick, check for wing-bars" I thought to myself, with the bird seen through light cover I did manage to see the most prominent wing-bar, again, this feature accentuated by the darker wing.  This was to be the best sighting of this gem before the bird continued through the churchyard and away.  A call was heard at least once, this was a thin, very sweet and strident, "tseweest"
I called birding friends Peter Dolton and Micky Stainthorpe and told them both about this find, they both arrived and we started our search over roughly a two hour period, however, we did not relocate the bird on this occasion.  Whilst searching for the Yellow-browed Warbler we saw a few Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps (male and female), Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, and Coal Tit.
This was my first inland record of Yellow-browed Warbler, and given the numbers turning up away from coastal locations, I doubt this will be the last.

Hockham, Norfolk

A generally dry day but with almost full cloud cover.  Quite mild with a moderate, occasionally fresh southerly wind.
I arrived at Hockham Heath at dawn and saw that a large area of mature Pine woodland has been clear-felled for the commercial market.  This carefully managed crop rotation may initially appear harsh, however, it is for the benefit not only for those who use the crop/wood, it also gives birth to a new site which will be utilised for some specialist Breckland bird species.  Woodlarks will soon move in next spring as the areas of bare land, low ground cover, and isolated trees will become good breeding habitat for this species.  Another migrant which will use the site is Tree Pipit, isolated trees will become song-posts for this scarce Pipit.  Thirdly, as newly planted Saplings grow, and lines of dead wood called windrows are laid down, Nightjars will move in.  Clearly we see benefit all round.

Observations
A walk around many of the forest rides saw lots of Goldcrests moving about the canopy of tall Pines. Approaching Cranberry Rough I heard the familiar harsh "chip" call of Crossbill, however, the bird(s) remained out of sight.
Cranberry Rough held Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and Blue Tits.  Also, a single male Chiffchaff was singing.  No sign of winter Thrushes on this visit.
Looking to my distant right several Crow species scattered from the woodland, my suspicions for this behaviour was confirmed when I looked through my binoculars and saw a juvenile Goshawk soaring low, the Crows were clearly watching and keeping their distance from the large predator. I then watched the Goshawk as it glided just above the tree canopy before going out of sight.
Three Grey Herons were seen.  Small numbers of Siskins were overhead in variable directions.

Red Deer Stag at Hockham 2nd October.  A fine looking animal.

A fine looking Red Deer stag wandered in front of me, its behaviour clearly indicating it sensed my presence as it turned towards me to smell the air.  This Red Deer appeared in great condition, a lovely red coat and strongly built.