Watton Brook Valley

Lapwings have featured in the valley in recent weeks, however, a visit to the valley this afternoon produced the highest count so far with an estimated 700+ Birds present.  A passing Buzzard spooked the birds into a spectacular mass of black and white above the fields.

Fieldfare near the Watton Brook Valley 23 Feb.  Soon to be returning to Scandinavia to breed.

Also present, and scattered widely, was good numbers of Fieldfares, it won't be too long now before they are heading back to Scandinavia to breed.  A flock of 400+ Starlings were mixed in with the Fieldfare.
Today I also saw my first displaying male Greenfinch of the year in Watton, I love to watch their slow wing action and twisting and turning display over their chosen territory.

Great White Egret.

I recently found this fine and elegant Great White Egret.  Close by was a Little Egret which offered a nice comparison with its larger cousin.  Although considered a rare bird to the UK, it is obvious from recent records that the Great White Egret is an increasing visitor.

Here be Monsters!

In deepest darkest Breckland on a recent early morning, this incredible creature rose from a swamp.  In the name of science it shall be named Crocodilius Brecklandica Newportii 

Crocodilius Brecklandica Newportii

Impressive Song Thrush count.

A great visit to this swampy habitat near Watton this morning. Birds included an impressive 12+ singing Song Thrushes, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, singing Treecreeper, Marsh, Coal, Blue, Long-tailed Tits, and Goldcrest.   T

he habitat in this picture held calling Water Rails, and at least 4 Woodcock seen.

Marsh Tit. A fairly common Breckland species.