A Note on Nest boxes

Yesterday (28 October) my wife Pam bought a nest box for my birthday.  As you can see I have sited the box within an apple tree in my garden.

I just wanted to give a tip on the siting of Nest boxes.  The entrance of box should face North, it should not face the east or west as the rising/setting sun can overheat the birds in the box, it should not face south to south-west as the prevailing wind and rain could chill the nestlings. 

My Birthday present - Nest Box

Hockham 27 October 2024

 Today was an amazing day of weather with wall to wall sunshine giving excellent visibility.  The starting temperature was a cool 7 degrees Celsius rising to about 14 degrees Celsius.  There was a very light westerly wind.

The day started well as I stepped outside when a flock of 50+ Redwings passed over in a westerly heading.

Thetford Forest Park (Hockham)

My morning began with a walk through a large forest clearing which was harvested of its commercial Pine crop a couple of years ago.  The clearing has been replanted with sapling Pines, before these trees grow to a few feet in height the current habitat will be suitable for Nightjars, Tree Pipits, Woodlark, and Stonechat.

A single tall Holly within the clearing had a heavy crop of berries, this required a closer look with binoculars and as expected at least 4 Blackbirds were in the Holly where they will take berries for food and possibly use the thick cover for roosting in.  Also seen in the Holly was 3 Yellowhammers.  The open ground held at least 3 Stonechats, these lovely little birds typically chose bush tops to perch and watch from.

An open area of marsh-like habitat was initially quiet, however, this was to change as my visit wore on. 

A scan of the marsh produced a single Kingfisher sitting on a dead branch and close by a Water Rail gave its loud call.

A flight of six Mute Swans circled for some time before alighting on water, all of these birds were juveniles.

I began to hear the distant and very loud bugling of Cranes, it was clear they were some way off but as they approached it was clear there was a number of birds involved, then, as like a squadron of bombers, the Cranes slowly came into view over the treetops in a disjointed line, calling all the while.  The Cranes circled for a while, some broke away and went to land whilst the remaining birds continued to circle for some time before alighting on the ground.  The total number of Cranes involved in this arrival was 18, a very good local count.  You will notice a Crane which appears more grey-brown and lacking the striking head and neck pattern of the other birds, these less well marked birds are juveniles.

                                            Some of the 18 Cranes seen 27 October

Other than the very welcome arrival of Cranes, the visit was otherwise fairly quiet although a female Marsh Harrier put in a brief appearance as it circled for a while.

 

Thompson Water 22 October 2024 (and a little about the site and my historical Bird records)

Thompson Water is a large Breckland mere which is located about 3 miles south from my home in Watton, Norfolk. This is a man-made lake created in 1845 along the course of a tributary of the River Wissey, a major Norfolk River.  Thompson Water, which is encompassed within the much larger Thompson Common, is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.  

The habitat at Thompson Water comprises the large lake which is surrounded by thick reedbeds, dense willow scrub, and damp woodland carr.  The woodland carr is a mixture of Birch, Oak, Beech, Pine species, and much Holly understorey.  The Peddars Way long distance footpath passes the south and west limits of Thompson Water which in turn runs immediately alongside the outer limits of the very large army training area known as STANTA (Stanford Training Area).  'Live Firing' signs are seen at intervals along the edge of the training area, despite these signs, visitors are often caught out by the opening up of heavy machine gun and artillery firing. 

Birds (Some historical Records)

Thompson Water has provided me with my rarest personal find ever.  In March 1999 I heard a very strange call coming from the water which seemed to resemble a barking dog, once at the water I didn't have to wait too long at all when I found a Pied-billed Grebe (summer plumaged male).  My finding of the Pied-billed Grebe was good for me but sadly, not for the bird, as it was previously at another West Norfolk site but relocated to Thompson Water having been subjected to despicable behaviour from some twitchers who considered it ok to throw sticks into reeds to force the bird out into open water (another example of why I have never, or never will be a twitcher).  

Other notable rare and scarce birds I have seen at Thompson Water included 2 Bearded Tits (1993), a Hooded Crow (1994), Black-throated Diver (1996), Scaup, and up until about 10 years ago, Willow Tit (sadly lost to the area now).  Bittern was formerly an annual winter visitor to the dense reedbeds.

Sadly, the Black-throated Diver (1996) was oiled and later died, it transpired that a number of this species around the British coastline perished due to oiling.  

In January 2017 I was lucky to find a diminutive rarity in the damp woodland carr habitat, this was a Coal Tit (continental race).  The continental race has a much greyer back than the brown-olive tones of the British race, also the continental bird has black 'bleeding' down from the black bib, whilst the British race has a neat and clearly demarcated lower border to the bib.

Coal Tit (Continental race) at Thompson Water January 2018

Less scarce birds includes winter duck species, however, their appearance is quite irregular, these are Goldeneye and Goosander.  Common duck species seen regularly includes Mallard, Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, and occasionally Pintail.

The damp woodland habitat around the water has year round interest with Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Marsh Tits, Coal Tits, and Woodpecker species, whilst in summer, Blackcaps, Garden Warblers, and Chiffchaffs are common.  The reedbeds holds good numbers of Reed and Sedge Warblers in summer, and since 2007, Cetti's Warblers have been present.

22 October 2024

I arrived at Thompson Water prior to sunrise, conditions were calm with a light SW wind.  The morning continued dry, sunny, and eventually quite warm.

The first birds noted was a Nuthatch in the woodland carr, and overhead, early bird movements included Siskins giving their "tsu" flight call.

It was clear once Thompson Water came into view that a number of duck species were present, I therefore positioned myself where I had almost uninterrupted views of the water.

The first duck species seen was Mallard, however, there was one smaller duck with them, a check of this bird revealed a female Mandarin, she has a white ring around the eye and a white line behind the eye which resembles a pair of spectacles.  There is a dramatic difference between the sexes with Mandarins, the male (none seen today) bird is highly decorated and unmissable.

Common duck species seen today included 20+ Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall, 15+ Tufted Duck, and one of my favourite, Pochard, of which 6+ present.  32+ Coot were on the water along with a few Moorhen.

In the reeds a Water Rail called, a loud pig-like squeal.  A single Kingfisher flew by calling.

Tufted Duck (Males) A very conspicuous species

At least 4 Cetti's Warblers present (2 seen and 2 heard) around the water in reedbed and waterside willow habitat.  This resident species first arrived at Thompson Water in 2007 (the first birds arrived in Britain in the early 1970's.  The song is loud and explosive for such a small bird and it can be heard all year round.

Two Chiffchaffs were seen/heard today, the first in waterside thickets, the other was with a mobile Tit flock in a Birch wood. The flock also held a foraging Goldcrest.  The woodland also held Long-tailed Tits (40+), Treecreeper, and Nuthatch.  Both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were present.  A few Bullfinches were in woodland and waterside thickets their soft piping "pew" was heard often.

Whilst overviewing open water a Goshawk appeared low over the water and reeds, then just melted into the peripheral woodland carr.

Species at Thompson Water 22 October 2024

5 Greylag Geese, 5 Mute Swan, 20 Egyptian Geese, 1 Mandarin (female), 20+ Shoveler, 10+ Gadwall, Mallard, 14+ Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Goshawk, 1 Water Rail, 5 Moorhen, 32+ Coot, 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls (south), Wood Pigeon, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Jay, 2 Carrion Crow, 2 Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Skylark, 4+ Cetti's Warblers, 40+ Long-tailed Tits, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, Wren, Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Starlings (east), 3+ Blackbird, Robin, 1 Grey Wagtail, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Reed Bunting.

A significant winter Thrush passage 15 October 2024 (0805-1005)

 A morning of leaden skies and full cloud cover with a light to moderate E to ESE wind.

The conditions of the morning had a feel of a grey autumn day, in fact I call this a 'Shrike day' as these calm, grey days have often been associated in the past with the presence of this winter sentinel sitting in the top of a bush in open country watching its surroundings.  However, just as spectacular is watching passage winter Thrushes overhead.

When I got ready to leave home for a local birding trip, I looked up and could see small numbers of Thrushes passing over from the east to west.

0805. I arrived at my intended destination in Little Cressingham with a two fold aim, to check on the presence of Finch species at a traditional site used for a large game strip, and to witness overhead passage on winter Thrushes.

I stood within a broken hedge to conduct a 'Point Count' (Counting birds in a static position) and immediately Finch species were overhead, shortly followed by the overhead passage of winter Thrushes, the majority of which were Redwings.

Throughout my count period I saw lots of flocks of Redwings passing over in a southerly heading, flock numbers ranged from just 4 birds to over 200+ birds.  The total estimated counts of both Redwings and Finches seen were as follows:

1400+ Redwings (all in a southerly heading)

100+ Chaffinches

150+ Linnets

The majority of these Redwings passed overhead, however, a flock of 50+ birds dropped like stones from height and filled the bushes and trees around me.  I was able to see some of these beautiful Thrushes through binoculars and could easily see the striking facial pattern including the bold, creamy supercillium (eye brow).  After a few minutes of resting and feeding the Redwings departed south giving their distinctive and piercing "seeep" call.

Redwing - a stunningly attractive Thrush with a distinctive head pattern

Redwings are both winter visitors and passage migrants on my Breckland patch.  This small Thrush species abandons its breeding grounds in Scandinavia to seek milder weather and good feeding through the winter months.  Many of these Redwings will stay to winter with us, however, some may migrate to as far as the Iberian Peninsula.

Autumn passage will also see Fieldfares, Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds, pass over, all of which along with Redwings, abandon their Scandinavian breeding grounds.

As well as the fantastic spectacle of Thrush migration and Finch flocks, the morning also saw other fantastic species from my 'Point Count' location.

I heard the highly distinctive call of Ravens to my west, I didn't have too long to wait before two Ravens (pair) flew along a field edge and often calling.

Also seen was a juvenile Goshawk briefly airborne before flying into pine woodland, moments later a male Sparrowhawk passed overhead.

The largest flock of Wood Pigeons seen this morning numbered 450+ birds.

Finally, it is without doubt that given my count of Redwings on passage, the counties totals must have been numbered in the tens of thousands, a significant movement indeed. 

All in all, a very memorable mornings birding.

Game strips/wild bird seed mix plots, buffer areas, and other useful field margin habitats.

 For me, target habitats for birding in autumn and winter are those areas of land created for wildlife and game by farmers. On my Breckland patch as well as other areas of agricultural landscapes, game strips comprising wild seed mixes, field marginal buffer areas (protecting hedgerows and immediate associated ground cover), and other areas left for wildlife such as uncultivated and undisturbed patches of farmland, are extremely important sources of foraging and feeding for our wild seed eating birds as well as providing habitats for game.  Wildflower and game strips also provide a vital habitat for invertebrate species which in turn help to control insect pests on adjoining areas of cereal crops and root vegetables. 

Little Cressingham 9 October

Game strips, wild bird seed mixes, and undisturbed patches of farmland, are often on traditionally used sites, one such area is on a large plot of land in Little Cressingham.  This valuable habitat comprises roadside hedgerows, grass margins, a large area of wild seed and weed mixes, and a large plot of undisturbed land, then the land is cropped.  

Game strip, wild bird seed mixes, and undisturbed land at Little Cressingham 9 October 2024

 I arrived at the above location in Little Cressingham at about 0800 in poor conditions, light quality was variable, often poor with frequent heavy showers and drizzle. Later in the day, conditions improved with better light quality too.

It was clear from my arrival that good numbers of Finches were present, birds I expected to see at such habitats.  Also, there had been a recent arrival of Redwings (18+) which were seen in woodland and scrub habitats where good feeding on winter fruits would provide these migratory Thrushes with sustenance following their flight from Scandinavia..   

The wide margin of weed/seed mixes closest to the hedgerow, as expected, saw good numbers of Chaffinches (80+), Linnets (40+), several Greenfinches, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers, all of these species will find good feeding here throughout the winter months.  As October progresses, the beautiful Brambling, a migratory Finch from Northern Europe will be seen here.  Bramblings have numbered in three figures here in previous years.

Inevitably, a large concentration of Finches will attract predatory species, and as expected a Sparrowhawk (male) flew fast and low along the hedgerow hoping to surprise a Finch, however, the alert obviously went up and just moments before the Sparrowhawk was seen there was a mass, disorganised departure of Finches, this behaviour immediately told me a raptor was in the area and approaching.  The Sparrowhawk appeared to pass through without prey.

Overhead, a Woodlark was singing, this beautiful songster breeds in the area, however, in winter they wander, sometimes in flocks, to areas of good feeding, the undisturbed land in the above picture would be ideal foraging habitat for this species.

Many Dunnock were both seen and heard with six together in one small area, also, a single Chiffchaff was both seen and heard.

Once I was home the conditions improved with some bright spells of weather with a few showers passing through.  Also passing through (our garden) a mixed mobile flock of Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, and Great Tits, included a single Chiffchaff.  In the autumn months look closely in wandering flocks of Tit species where summer migrants such as Chiffchaff may be seen. 

Dawn in Hockham Forest 5 October 2024

 October is undoubtedly the month for witnessing bird migration.  Most summer migrants would have departed in this month and attention turns to winter Thrush migration.  Fieldfares, Redwings, Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds abandon their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and cross the North Sea into Britain.  Many of these Thrush species will winter with us, however, others may migrate to as far as the Iberian Peninsula. 

I love to stand outside on a cold, clear, and calm October night and listen for winter Thrushes passing overhead.  To experience this for yourself, go outside in the aforementioned conditions and listen for the soft "tik" call of Song Thrushes as they pass over, also, listen for the very distinctive "seeep" call of Redwings, this piercing call can often be heard over noisy towns and traffic.

As dawn breaks on October mornings begin to watch flocks of winter Thrushes moving south or west on their passage.  I have seen thousands of Thrushes passing overhead at varying heights both in October and November.  Included within these Thrush flocks there could be migrating Finches with them, both Chaffinches and Bramblings could be present.

This year I saw my first Redwings (2) on 3 October passing over in a west heading (Seen from our garden in Watton)

5 October in Hockham Forest

Dawn in Hockham Forest 5 October (Beautiful to experience)

What a beautiful morning this was.  I arrived in the forest at about 35 minutes prior to sunrise, it was calm, clear, and a thin mist hung over forest clearings, a very autumnal, and indeed, atmospheric feel. A male Tawny Owl was calling within the the habitat shown above.  What also added to this autumnal morning was the distant roaring of two Red Deer stags, a sound I shall never tire of listening to.  Eventually, I located one of the stags visually as it wandered slowly through marshland habitat where it occasionally continued to roar. 

As the sun breached the horizon I could see a distant raptor in the top of a tall tree, this was a female Marsh Harrier, she spent much of my visit preening and preparing herself for the day ahead.  Both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers were calling.

Close to where I was standing a Water Rail was squealing loudly, for anyone not familiar with this bird and its pig-like squeal, this could be an unsettling experience.

With light improving birds became quite active, several Jays seen flying over clearings and overhead the familiar "tsu" call of Siskins was heard.  A single Great White Egret approached in a long glide and settled on marshland habitat.  

Before departing I had a final look at the Marsh Harrier perched in a treetop, she continued busying herself with her preening

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common, Norfolk 27 to 29 September 2024

On 27 September 2024 I found a Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe on the hardstand at the south-west end of Old Runway Lane on the former Deopham Green airfield. This bird was still present on the morning of 29 September.

27 September  

The previous night saw heavy rain, this was followed at dawn with full cloud and frequent heavy showers and a fresh to strong NNW wind veering later N. Light was poor and visibility was fair.

I had a lengthy work break that morning so I visited the vast open landscape of the former Deopham Green airfield with the hardstand along with its muck heaps at the SW end of Old Runway Lane being my destination. There are currently two tall heaps on the hardstand, one typically a muck heap, the other, a white mound of a chalky like material. This location has over the years produced a good range of migrant birds with passage waders being most memorable. Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail have also been recorded here. Having arrived at the hardstand I noticed Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails. Checking the muck heap I saw the very obvious form of a Wheatear on top of the heap. I only had binoculars and scope with me. I had thoughts of this bird probably arriving here during the previous rough night. It was clear through my binoculars that this Wheatear was a 1^st winter bird, given the buff fringes to the wing feathers.

28 September

A totally different day with bright and sunny conditions giving excellent light quality and visibility. On this visit I remembered to take my camera and obtained some lovely shots of the Wheatear and was able to see clearly identification features relevant to a 1^st winter bird.  Also of interest was a small flock of 14+ Golden Plover over.

29 September

A dry day, however, the variable light due to passing clouds affected the quality of light compared to the previous day.

1st winter Northern Wheatear at Stalland Common 28 September 2024

Identification

Ageing of the Wheatear was quite straight forward, the above picture shows plumage features identifying this as a 1st winter bird. 

Of the three days the bird was seen the 28 September provided the best light quality and as such the Wheatear appeared quite a pale sandy-brown bird, although on other dates the bird did appear darker due to the effects of the light.

The picture above shows a bird with an upright, confident looking carriage, although at times a horizontal carriage was seen.

The crown, nape, and mantle is grey-brown and the supercillium is white, however, there is a small buff area forward of the eye, a feature of the 1st winter bird.  The ear coverts are buff and the loral area is blackish.  The bill is black.  In some lights the neck sides and breast are a rich buff and can look clearly demarcated from the paler buff/white underparts.  The dark brown wing feathers are distinctly fringed buff (another feature of a young bird).  The very distinctive black and white tail pattern was seen when the bird was in flight, this appears an black inverted T with a snow white tail base, rump, and undertail coverts.  The legs are black.

1st winter Northern Wheatear at Stalland Common 28 September 2024 (Note the buff fringes to the wing feathers and tertials - a feature of the young Wheatear)

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common (An elegant bird)

1st winter Northern Wheatear

1st winter Northern Wheatear (Searching for food)

1st winter Northern Wheatear (An upright carriage giving a proud appearance)

1st winter Northern Wheatear on Stalland Common

1st winter Northern Wheatear (Seen here with an insect larva for food)

Feeding

This passage Northern Wheatear, along with millions of other migrants in the country, are focussed on feeding to provide the resources needed to migrate south into Africa.  Feeding was the most observed activity.  The picture above shows the Wheatear with an insect larva, the bird was also seen to take and eat a small winged insect.  Wheatears will make flycatching sallies for passing winged insects, this behaviour was seen on one occasion but was a failed attempt.

The Northern Wheatear breeds in the upland areas of Britain and is known on my patch as both a spring and autumn passage migrant.  This is a very rare breeding bird in Norfolk with most historic records coming from the Breckland heaths of Norfolk and Suffolk.  Sadly, the species probably no longer breeds here in Norfolk.