Lapwing movements and further Thrush arrivals

The movements of Lapwings in autumn and early winter are governed by just how cold the winter weather becomes.  Birds from Europe will move west to seek warmth, particularly in the west side of Britain and Ireland.  If the weather becomes particularly cold, Lapwings will migrate to France or the Iberian Peninsula.
Locally, on my patch, there has been a couple of small westerly movements of Lapwings:

1 Lapwing west 28th October
40+ Lapwings west over Watton, Norfolk 29th October

Recent cold weather with easterly winds in the low countries of Europe may have triggered the movements of these Lapwings.

Thrush arrivals

I visited the Peddars Way long distance footpath at Great Cressingham this morning to check the lovely old hedges there for evidence of migrant Thrushes.
Firstly, small numbers of Redwings were watched flying into the hedgerow, often turning to show their Orangey axillaries.  Soon afterwards, many Fieldfares arrived (50+) and alighted in either hedgerow trees or lower down in the hedge.  Recently turned field margins were an attraction to these birds where they would have searched for invertebrates to feed upon.

Fieldfare at Great Cressingham 29th October

Starlings associated with the winter Thrushes whilst also present was a few Yellowhammers and a mobile flock of 50+ Linnets.  A number of Blackbirds also seen in the hedgerows here probably comprised migrant birds.

Passage and arrivals

A day of quite volatile weather with a moderate to fresh North-Easterly bringing frequent and at times heavy showers.  Some impressive cloud formations with distant showers and heavy rain seen.
A low of 4 degrees Celsius and high of 10 degrees Celsius, however, the temperature was clearly much lower in the wind.

With the weather and wind direction being favourable for watching passage Thrushes I decided to visit Houghton for a spell of visible migration.  The majority passage was that of Fieldfare with lesser numbers of Redwings, whilst present was a few already arrived Blackbirds feeding upon Hawthorn berries.

1 Lapwing high west
Fieldfare - largest flock 200+
Redwing - 10's and 20's+
Starling - a number of west bound flocks
1 Brambling over calling
Goldcrests

Overnight, and sometimes heavy overnight rain, cleared to give a day of frequent showers with some impressive cloud formations, and it was against the backdrop of this cloud that I witnessed visible migration by many mostly double figure counts of Fieldfare, although the largest flock was of 200+ birds arriving from the north and alighting in tall trees, thus offering great but distant views of these beauties along with a few Redwing as well.

One of the many Fieldfare which arrived early morning 28/10/18

Having relocated to mixed woodland and hedgerow habitat, it appeared that the largest flock of Fieldfares seen earlier were present and feeding upon Hawthorn berries, their harsh "shack shack" calls were heard.  At times brighter conditions offered great views of these stunning Thrushes.
Nearby I located several Blackbirds, with one watched feeding voraciously upon Hawthorn berries, these were probably overnight/early morning arrivals.

One of a number of Blackbirds seen.  This probable migrant was feeding voraciously upon Hawthorn berries.

Also of interest was a number of Starling flocks flying west, an overhead Brambling seen and heard, and a single Lapwing (high) being driven along on the NE wind.

Continental Coal Tit periparus ater ater at Thompson Water 16th January 2017

Continental Coal Tit periparus ater ater at Thompson Water 16th January 2017 

On January 16th 2017 I found this Coal Tit at Thompson Water, Norfolk.  I thought there was something different about this birds appearance and fortunately, a follower of my site suggested I submitted this photograph to the County Recorder for scrutinisation as it was considered a good candidate for the continental sub species of our Coal Tit.
The first I learnt something about this birds identity was in the Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report 2017 when it appears to have been accepted as the continental Coal Tit periparus ater ater.  The bird shows characteristics of the continental form in the lead grey mantle, and in the 'bleed' from the corners of the black bib down the breast sides.
The continental Coal Tit is a very rare bird in the UK, however, it is possible that this form is overlooked.

Visible Migration

Houghton 0655-0820
I arrived at 0655 at Houghton to a slight grass frost and a low of 2 degrees Celsius.  It was initially fine, however, at around 0750, thick fog formed and remained for a while before burning off to become a bright and sunny day.
Some evidence of migration seen and heard with the highlight being c.10 Bramblings seen and heard.

c.30 Golden Plover
c.20 Starlings SE
50+ Wood Pigeons (high) S
1 Kestrel
Redwings
Song Thrush
1 Goldcrest (local migrant)
c.10 Bramblings
Chaffinch

Small numbers of Redwings passed over with the first flock of 5+ seen prior to sunrise.  Further single figure flocks seen over in a southerly heading.  2 Song Thrushes over.
The highlight of the morning was c.10 Bramblings dropping into mostly Sycamores, here they remained for about 10 minutes, calling incessantly before flying off.

50+ Fieldfare seen at 1440 passing over Watton in a westerly heading at about 1440hrs.

Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Burnham Overy Dunes September 2017 (Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report 2017)

Today I received my copy of the 2017 Norfolk Bird and Mammal Report.  Whilst having an initial glance through the report I came across an article on the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler at Burnham Overy Dunes September 2017.
I must show my disappointment in that there is no mention of condemnation of the extremely poor behaviour shown by some twitchers who displayed indefensible, selfish, and at times criminal behaviour whilst in pursuit of this poor bird (you tube account).  Additionally, the account does not offer an apology to the Holkham estate for damage caused to their property.
One idiot even suggested an organised flush of this bird, whilst at almost the same time, another idiot says the Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler is a skulker, the sum of this is that both idiots contradicted statements which ultimately would not have been in the interests of the bird (you tube).  Such statements shows a complete disregard for the welfare of the bird.
I never have, and indeed will never be a twitcher, I am a real birder who cares for the welfare of the bird, and indeed I respect public rights of way without the need for trespassing or damaging property to see a bird.  
Being a public forum, I will choose not to describe my feelings towards these twitchers so as not to offend, however, I would have no problems doing so if I should witness such poor behaviour when in the field.
I will end this post by offering my apologies to the Holkham estate on behalf of the idiots described above.  Throughout the incident shown on you tube, the Holkham estate wardens acted totally professionally throughout the incident shown on you tube.

Visible Migration

This morning was working in Hethersett, Norfolk, and the conditions felt like a good day for passage. It was grey, drizzly, with low light, a beautiful morning.
With improving light a number of mostly small flocks of Redwings passed over from the NE, whilst even higher Finches were also heading in a southerly heading, I was able to ID for certain Chaffinches passing over.
A short visit late afternoon to a woodland edge at Little Cressingham produced 20+ Song Thrushes more or less together, clearly continental migrants.

Additional note 18/10/18 (0216)
Having looked at coastal records made 17th October, some very impressive counts of Chaffinches were seen on passage (many thousands in fact), thus corroborating my Finch observations on the morning of the 17th Oct.

Watton Brook Valley, Norfolk (with Jez Wood) for Goshawk

What a very mild night it was, 17 degrees Celsius, with temperatures during the day rising to 25 degrees Celsius.  Also a major feature was the wind strength, a fresh to strong southerly.  Visibility was good and the light was exceptional.
This morning I was joined by my good birding friend, Jez Wood. It was our intention to locate Goshawk on the patch.
We arrived at our destination at around 0720 and shortly afterwards we heard a Goshawk calling in nearby woodland.  Later, Jez picked out a raptor flying low and north over open country, a stunning female Goshawk, we followed her until lost to view, however, I was confident that if we relocated we could see the bird again.  Meanwhile, Bramblings an a few Song Thrushes passed overhead.  Two gorgeous Roe Deer Doe's exited a stand of tall weeds to offer great views.
We relocated to Watton Brook Valley where we spent the morning in the company of at least 6 Buzzards.  A few single and pairs of migrant Song Thrushes trickled overhead.  In the valley, up to 30 Goldfinches wandered the weedy banks for weed seeds.  Small numbers of Linnets passed overhead as did the odd Meadow Pipit.

Blue Tit visiting us in the Watton Brook Valley 13th October

A check of fence-posts in the valley eventually produced a fine looking male Stonechat.  Also seen was a few gorgeous Yellowhammers on fencing.  A distant Kestrel was seen.  Several Jays were seen along the valley.
Of interest, two flocks of Skylarks flew low over open country, their numbers totalling about 50 birds.  Immediately close by in the valley Dunnock, Wren, and Blue Tit was seen.
As the day started positively, so did the end of our trip out, when at 1030 the Goshawk reappeared and overflew open country before flying into woodland.   Light was particularly exceptional as watched the Goshawk fly on a more or less level course before turning to show us its bright white underparts and underwing in the morning sun.  The large size clearly showing this was a female bird.
Finally, I wish to thank Jez for joining me on this very productive morning.

Little Cressingham, Norfolk

A stunning day of weather with almost wall to wall sunshine and a moderate southerly wind.
The quiet at dawn was interrupted by a Goshawk calling in woodland, the first bird I heard this morning and a remarkable call carrying across the countryside.
I thought I could hear a Woodlark despite the noise of the wind, I walked slowly to the boundary of the army training area and eventually located a singing male Woodlark displaying over heathland.
A scan of distant heathland produced a male Kestrel sitting in a bush, and much closer to me was a calling Chiffchaff.
Small numbers of Song Thrushes passed overhead.

In my garden in Watton this afternoon a stunning female Southern Hawker remained a while on a Dog Rose.

Southern Hawker (female) in my garden 9th October

Visible migration

Highlights 8th October:  An interesting day of movements started at dawn in the garden with overhead movements of Fieldfare (2), several flocks of Redwings (max. flock c.20), and a number of small flocks of Song Thrushes.  All were in either a west or south-west passage.
A mid-morning static watch at Great Cressingham saw 4 Snipe west, 1 Woodlark NW, and more Redwings (largest flock 20+).  One Goshawk, a local bird overflying farmland.

Great Cressingham (overviewing rolling farmland and hedgerows) 0850-1030
A beautiful morning with bright conditions and variable high cloud.  The wind was a feature, a moderate, occasionally fresh south-westerly.

1 Grey Heron - east
4 Snipe - west 0855
Buzzard
2 Kestrel
1 Goshawk 0915
1 Woodlark - NW 0910 (+ 1 heard 0950)
Long-tailed Tit
Goldcrest
Redwing (max. flock 20+)
2 Fieldfare
Yellowhammer

I chose this location for a static watch as it is high ground with fantastic and distant views over rolling Breckland country, a great location for witnessing visible migration.  This is a good spot for watching raptors (previous years have seen Hen Harrier here) and Buzzards featured as the most frequently seen raptor, however, the Goshawk seen at 0915 was not unexpected.
Visible migration this morning saw 4 Snipe together heading west, and a Woodlark seen 0910 would be a local migrant making for feeding grounds for the day.

Little Cressingham

What a cracking autumn day, not too warm but with bright conditions throughout the day.
I decided on a static watch of mixed habitat of arable, a full and varied hedgerow with an adjacent strip of maize, sunflower, and other weed-seeds.  The photograph below shows the hedgerow visited, it is an east-west hedge and descends to the valley to the west, clearly, this picture shows that Norfolk is not a flat county as some would believe.
I expected to see mostly Finch and Buntings species and indeed these did form the majority of birds seen.

The most noticeable species seen initially was many hundreds of Crows in flight above the distant valley.  Much closer in the hedge and adjacent maize and sunflower strip, a mix of Finches and Buntings comprised good numbers of Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Chaffinches, and a few Greenfinches.  A stunning male Bullfinch sat for a while in the hedge offering distant but great views.
A few Song Thrushes were heard and seen, obvious continental migrants, along with a few Blackbirds.  Heard but unseen was Brambling, my first of this autumn

A very productive morning on the patch (with Elaine Elespe)

This morning I met with my good birding friend Elaine Elespe for an early morning visit to a site on my patch within Thetford Forest.  We met up at 0615 and arrived at out destination at 0645 and remained until 0900.  Our primary aim was to see evidence of Red Deer rut.
Upon arrival the weather was mild with full cloud cover, but this cleared to give sunny spells later.
Only minutes following our arrival we saw a fine Red Deer stag showing interest in a nearby hind. No calls were heard and we saw no further sighting of the Deer.

Mute Swan (pair)
5 Mallard
Grey Heron
1 Buzzard
1 Goshawk (juv. female)
1 Kestrel (male)
Wood Pigeon
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Pied Wagtail (several leaving roost site)
1 Woodlark - overhead calling
Carrion Crow
Jay
Magpie
Blackbird
Mistle Thrush
5 Redwing (first of autumn)
Robin
2 Stonechat (male and female)
Wren
Blue Tit
Great Tit
Coal Tit
1 Cetti's Warbler (1st for this site) singing male
Goldcrest
Goldfinch
15+ Siskin
Reed Bunting

Highlights
This was a productive visit with Elaine starting with our observations of the Red Deer stag along with a couple of hinds.
From a birding perspective the following highlight species were heard/seen.

• Goshawk (juvenile female) found by Elaine.  Seen flying over open ground before going into woodland.
• A single Woodlark overflying and calling.
• 5 Redwings over (3+2).  My first of the this autumn.
• 2 Stonechats (male/female)
• 1 singing Cetti's Warbler - my first site record.

And finally, a big thank you to the lovely Elaine for joining me this morning.

For my mid-morning work break today I visited the churchyard at Hethersett near Norwich.   Further evidence of Thrush migration seen and heard when the 'tik' calls of Song Thrushes was heard from three or more locations within the yard, mostly from within dense cover of Yew.  One Song Thrush was seen to fly from a Yew to another thick tree cover.  These migrant birds had probably arrived in the previous night.
Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and Tit species were also present in the churchyard.

Of interest from my garden this afternoon was a single Hobby passing over Watton mid-afternoon in a southerly heading, quite a late record for this migrant Falcon.

Great Melton, Norfolk (Thrush passage)

A short work break mid morning and I decided to visit the small but well-wooded churchyard at Great Melton.  Much of this visit was focussed on the many large, old Yew trees.
Straight away I heard the familiar 'tik' call of Song Thrush, an early passage bird perhaps.
A mixed mobile flock of Tits and other species made their way through the Yew trees, the majority species here was Long-tailed and Great Tits, but also within this flock was Blue and Coal Tits, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Nuthatches, Goldcrest, and a smart looking Chiffchaff.  Higher in an Oak a Mistle Thrush briefly visited.  I continued to hear the 'tik' call of the odd Song Thrush, then, a small flock flew over the tree canopy and away, my first evidence of Thrush passage this autumn.

Hobby Highlight.

The day dawned bright but with a fresh northerly wind.  Cloud increased and by late afternoon there was full coverage.  Dawn temperatures of 7 degrees Celsius rising to a high of 14 degrees Celsius.
I started the day with a walk around high ground at North Pickenham for evidence of passage, however, it was quiet.  The odd Meadow Pipit passed over and there was no sign of any Hirundines.
The highlight was getting close to 3 Goldcrests together in a bush, one a male with its beautiful Orange crest flared, a female with her yellow crown-stripe visible in the dark interior of the bush, and a juvenile bird.

Hobby over Watton
Probably my highlight of the day was 3 separate observations of single Hobbies between 0950 and early afternoon.  The first bird seen at 0950 was quite distant, but viewing the raptor through binoculars suggested this was a juvenile bird, the black and white facial pattern was distinct at range and when the bird was seen in good light the upperparts appeared brownish.
The second observation occurred at about 1010, this bird was an adult, as it entered into a dive the red ventral area was seen.  The last observation of the day was early afternoon with a bird seen soaring over the town.
The Hobby is a late breeder and it is highly likely these were local breeding/raised birds.  Their southbound migration coincides with the southerly passage of Hirundines, birds which are prey species for the Hobby.

The Arms (Little Cressingham)
A late afternoon walk along a thick, mixed hedgerow produced a single male Blackcap, a probable passage bird, and a couple of Mistle Thrushes.

The Rut begins

30th September, Thetford Forest.
What a beautiful morning.  The day dawned 2 degrees Celsius with a slight grass frost, it remained bright for much of the morning until cloud moved in by early afternoon.  High of 15 degrees Celsius.
I visited a large clearing within Thetford Forest to see or listen to rutting behaviour by Red Deer, it was too long before I heard the wonderful roar of a stag, however, it remained out of view throughout my visit, despite this at least 6 hinds appeared from woodland edge, but soon moved on when they sensed me.

Red Deer hinds in Thetford Forest 30th September.  A stag was roaring in the distance.

Also seen at first light was a lovely female Stonechat on the tops of long grasses and sedges, her orange/brown breast and underparts showing well as she was caught in the rising sun.
At least 6 Mistle Thrushes were present along with Chaffinches and 6+ Reed Buntings.

Other Observations.
Whilst in the garden early afternoon, a single Hobby passed over in a leisurely flight, and in a northerly heading.  A single House Martin passed over.
A late afternoon walk in Bodney produced a very good count of 137+ Skylarks, these birds passed over in a loose flock in a west heading, also, 4+ Linnets present and a Buzzard seen.