Kimberley, Norfolk

Between 0915 and 1030 on Friday 5th August I walked footpaths close to the River Tiffey valley on the boundary between the parishes of Kimberley and Carleton Forehoe.  This beautiful Norfolk river flows partly through the Kimberley Hall estate.  The rolling parkland was designed by Capability Brown.  Some very fine, and indeed very old trees graces the land there.

The River Tiffey at Kimberley

As is often the case at this time of year much more was heard than seen with a variety of high pitched calls of young birds within tree canopies and hedgerows.  Most were Tit species with a few Goldcrests also heard.

Bullfinch (juvenile) near Kimberley.

A small pond surrounded by large Sallows, Hawthorn, and Oak held several species. Goldfinches present (juveniles) seen, Great Tits, a female Yellowhammer and a couple of juvenile Bullfinches were seen through a gap in a hedge.
The juvenile Bullfinch pictured here was viewed briefly through a gap in a hedge.  This is a useful identification photograph of the species and shows the bright white rump which is present in all age groups of this species.  The Bullfinch is quite a thick set Finch and in winter there should be no confusion with this species and the more slender Brambling (also with white rump) when flying away from you.
A stop at the beautiful River Tiffey at the Kimberley/Carleton Forehoe parish boundaries produced an in-flight Kingfisher and 3 Mallard on the river. 

Kelling Heath and Kelling Quags, Norfolk (with Richard Farrow)

At 0700 on Thursday 4th August I set off for a leisurely drive up to Shreringham on the North Norfolk Coast to meet up with my very good friend Richard Farrow for a days birding on his patch.  I arrived at Richards to the smell of cooking bacon and shortly afterwards sat down to have a wonderful bacon and egg sandwich and coffee with Richard along with the company of 30+ House Sparrows in his garden.  Shortly afterwards we were joined by Richards lovely wife Di and enjoyed a great time of chat and discussed our birding day ahead.
Fuelled up, Richard started our tour off today with a visit to a new site for me, Selbrigg Lake, a wonderful large body of water surrounded by mature woodland habitat.  In and around the water we saw a pair of Mute Swans with 3 cygnets and Moorhen, also a single Grey Wagtail dropped into the muddy fringes of the lake.  Nearby mature, mixed woodland habitats held Marsh, Coal, Great Tits, Robin, and Blackbirds.  Also of particular interest was the range of insect species seen.  Peacock, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Comma, and Dragonfly and Damselfly species all seen, and in fact, Butterflies held our attention throughout our birding day.

Kelling Heath
What a wonderful place to visit, Kelling Heath represents a vital habitat, which I believe from previous reading, is not only of great national importance, but probably internationally as well given how few examples of this habitat remains throughout the world.  The rich colours of Kelling Heath are indeed to behold, from the gorgeous purples of the heather, interspersed with patches of Gorse, Broom, and Birch habitats.   Kelling Heath is located on the Cromer Ridge, its elevation is such that some fine views are had looking down on the small coastal town of Weybourne.

Weybourne from Kelling Heath

Our visit today to Kelling Heath was warm, however, the wind was a noticeable moderate westerly in force.
Richard gave me an idea of what to expect at Kelling Heath, therefore all suitable habitats were explored.
Linnets were as expected seen and heard passing overhead and Yellowhammers also noted.  A couple of distant Stonechats were seen in suitable habitat.
Warbler species would have now departed their natal areas to undertake post-breeding dispersal, and indeed we reached a recently cleared area where I heard the distinctive yet quiet chattering of young Whitethroats and very soon afterwards we were rewarded by some nice but brief views of 3 Whitethroats together in mixed bracken/Birch habitat.

Slow Worm on Kelling Heath

This time of year brings a variety of 'different' calls, mostly "squeaks, peeps, seets, and heets", and at one such location a strange piping "heet" call given by an unseen species was probably a young Chiffchaff.  Further along the distinctive two syllable "hooweet" call of a Willow Warbler was heard, the bird then flew directly above us to relocate elsewhere on the heath.
Our walk back proved very interesting for Butterfly species, most were Meadow Brown, with Red Admiral and Peacock also seen, and new for me, a Grayling.
Walking along a narrow path and a Slow Worm was basking, this delightful creature remained for a few minutes to offer some lovely views.
Back to the car and Richard brought out some welcome foldaway chairs where we enjoyed coffee and a light lunch.

Kelling Quags
Our next destination was Kelling Quags, a site I have not visited before, and one which I am so grateful to Richard for introducing me to.  A wonderful location and lots to see.
Richard parked up and we walked north along the track leading to the Quags.  The tall, wild hedgerows here are readying themselves for the forthcoming passage of Warbler and Thrush species over the next two to three months.
This afternoons visit started with Whitethroat, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, and adult and juvenile Goldfinches, whilst a little further along a couple of Mistle Thrushes rose from the hedge with their usual rattle-like call.

Chaffinch (female) at Kelling Quags 

A check of the water and muddy fringes produced a good array of species. A single Shoveler and Mallard were present whilst on the muddy fringes, 2 Little Egrets, 3 Lapwings, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Pied Wagtails, and juvenile Starlings were all seen.  At least 3 Sand Martins and Swallows swept over the Quags.  Later, a pair of Egyptian Geese flew in.  The only raptor species for the day was a hunting Kestrel.
A check of the ditches, ditch-side habitat, and fencing was also productive.  The dominant species here was Goldfinch with adults and juveniles wandering around undoubtedly attracted to the wealth of weed-seeds for feeding.  It was here that I heard a Yellow Wagtail pass overhead calling.  The odd Whitethroat was also seen passing through cover in the ditch here.  Meadow Pipits were also present.

Stonechat (male) at Kelling Quags

Following the fence-line I saw a Chat-like species in a lone Elder, this was a heavily spotted juvenile Stonechat, this was to be the first of up to six Stonechats seen in the area. 

As the afternoon wore on we spotted some very threatening black cloud approaching from the west, it was about this time that Richard suggested we take another path to check a site he know was good for Stonechat.  This area had some thick cover where once again Goldfinches dominated.  A weedy slope produced another Whitethroat clambering about within tall weeds.  A very fine looking male Stonechat was watched at close range at times, always on the top of a hedge. or on a post, giving his distinctive call.  On one occasion the Stonechat approached to almost within touching distance.

Stonechat (juvenile) Kelling Quags

We watched the black cloud drift inland from us, however, we caught the edge of a heavy shower from this cloud, Richard donned his rain-coat and I thanked Tilley for my fine hat. 
Walking back to our start point it was clear that the rain had forced insects close to the ground as a number of Swallows flew up and down the hedgerows for their quarry.
It was about 1600 that we arrived back at the car, feeling a bit wet, however, we arrived back at Richards for a lovely hot cup of tea.
I must finish this post by thanking my dear friend Richard and his lovely wife Di for keeping me fed and watered, and for their hospitality overall.  A great day with great company. 

Song Thrushes at Marlingford, Norfolk

For my work break this afternoon I visited the lovely churchyard at Marlingford.  A beautiful setting with a wonderful selection of mature trees within the yard and nearby parkland.  Beech, Oak Yew, Sycamore, and Hazel tree species surround the beautiful church.
As I strolled around the churchyard I noticed a couple of birds fly into a Hazel together, these were  juvenile Song Thrushes.  Both birds sat quietly for several minutes allowing lovely views of them both within the sun-dappled woodland.

Song Thrush (juvenile) Marlingford 26/07/16

 

Song Thrush (juvenile) Marlingford 26/07/16

The mottled head, speckled mantle, pale tips to the wing coverts, and pale gape flanges on both birds ages them as juveniles.  A further Song Thrush was heard to give an alarm call and another flew out of a Yew and into nearby parkland.  A great breeding record.
Little else seen or heard on this visit other than Coal Tits passing through and Wood Pigeons.

North Pickenham and Stow Bedon, Norfolk

North Pickenham 0530-0700
A great morning for Bullfinches starting with a single male near St Mary's Church at Houghton.  This bird was seen flying up from a weedy field margin where it would have taken seed.  A further pair was found along a leafy lane, however, the most memorable sighting for me this morning was

Bullfinch (juvenile) photographed Sept 2011.  Lacks the adult birds black cap.

watching 5 juvenile Bullfinches together, initially in thick Elder, Sallow, and Hawthorn, and then altogether on wires, undoubtedly siblings and evidence of a brood well tended to.  From my angle, the young Bullfinches all appeared to a mousey brown-grey upperparts, the typical thick neck small bill appearance, and the lack of the black caps of adult Bullfinches.  A memorable observation.
Also seen was a Sparrowhawk, a few Whitethroats and Yellowhammers, including a juvenile bird.

Stow Bedon (midday)
I visited a traditional site for evidence of migrant waders and was pleased to see 4+ Green Sandpipers around a mud-fringed pool.  Despite trying to be as quiet as possible, all four birds flew up revealing their stunning dark, unmarked upperwing and highly contrasting snowy-white rump.
Two Oystercatchers overflew.

Lakenheath Fen, Norfolk/Suffolk border, 21st July (with Bob Wright)

Gone are the recent temperature highs of 33 degrees Celsius and high humidity to be replaced by a pleasant 23 degrees and a refreshing northerly wind.
During the evening of 20th July my cousin, Bob Wright, who lives in Southern Spain, stayed with us for the night in readiness for a days birding together at RSPB Lakenheath Fen. 
We departed my home at 0800 and duly arrived at Lakenheath for 0830.  Our plan was to initially check the area close to the car park before making off to do a large circuit of the reserve, this would take in a walk along the bank overlooking the Washland, the River Little Ouse (Norfolk/Suffolk county boundary), and the vast wetland habitats.

The departure from the car park started with a check of the wetland and woodland habitats close by, one of the first birds seen was a single Lesser Whitethroat moving between Hawthorn cover.  We then discovered a family party of Whitethroats with one of the adults giving an alarm call due to our presence.  Also within this immediate area was singing Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, and Reed Bunting.

Whitethroat in Hawthorn at Lakenheath Fen 21/07/16

We made to the bank to overlook the Washland (Norfolk) where both Sedge Warblers and Reed Buntings were found.  The Washland held 30+ Mute Swans, a pair of Gadwall, Coot with young, Great Crested Grebe with young, a single Little Egret in the shallows, a couple of Black-headed Gulls, and a single hunting/hovering Common Tern.  A small flock of 30+ Lapwings approached and settled on the Washland.  On the far bank of the Washland a single adult and three juvenile Grey Herons were standing motionless.  A pair of Stock Doves flew past showing off their mostly grey plumage with black wing borders.

Whitethroat in Hawthorn at Lakenheath Fen 21/07/16

Continuing our walk along the bank Sedge and Reed Warblers were in song.  I then heard an attention-grabbing "swee-swee-swee" call, the caller was a single Common Sandpiper flying along the Little Ouse, it landed briefly before flying off with a second Common Sandpiper.
A long walk along the bank was then dominated again by Sedge, Reed Warbler, and Reed Bunting song.  On a sad note, what a pity that the Poplar woodlands we passed along the route no longer hold the stunning Golden Oriole.
Myself and Bob decided to sit and overview the reed-beds and wetland from Joist hide.  By now the sun was very warm but thankfully the north wind remained pleasantly refreshing.  We didn't have to wait too long before a Bittern rose up from the reeds just yards in front of us, it settled in reeds deeper into the marsh but later flew out again.  A second Bittern soon flew from the same marsh.  A Water Rail was heard to give its 'pig-like squealing call.  Bob called to me "Cranes Paul", we then watched for some time as four Cranes flew circuits over the marsh before settling to the ground.  Whilst watching the Cranes a high Marsh Harrier circled, whilst very distantly two Buzzards soared low over woodland.  A second distant flock of 60+ Lapwings arrived. A single Kestrel hunted nearby whilst a further 3 Common Terns were seen flying along the channels.
After our productive visit to this section of the reserve we then walked back along the track taking in visits to a couple of hides along the way.  The ubiquitous Reed and Sedge Warblers continued to be seen and heard and a darting Kingfisher provided glorious colour as it flew along a channel.  A single Blackcaps song echoed through a Poplar wood where once the fantastic fluty song of Golden Oriole used to be heard.  Also seen in the top of a dead Poplar branch was a singing Stock Dove, a small compact and well proportioned member of the Pigeon family.
We then stopped at a raised viewing point over another area of wetland where we saw several Bearded Tits flying between reed cover.  Even in flight the males distinctive black moustache is clearly visible.  Also at this location another Water Rail announced its presence on a couple of occasions with its strange call.  Bob and myself then headed back to the visitor centre following what was a great days birding.
Lakenheath Fen is a stunning RSPB reserve which will now forever be the home to an array of birdlife, mammals, reptiles, and insects.  I congratulate the RSPB for creating what is a beautiful site.
Bob and I met several members of RSPB staff today, all were very nice, pleasant people who always had time to stop and talk.  We also met some lovely people visiting Lakenheath today.
Finally, I offer my thanks to my cousin Bob for visiting and taking me to Lakenheath during what has been a busy schedule for him.

Hottest day of year so far (Waders on the move).

Before the predicted heat of the day I decided to take Toby for an early morning in the relative cool.  I drove out to Little Cressingham to check the Watton Brook valley for early signs of migrants.  A mist hung over the valley, however, the rising sun quickly burnt this off.
Arriving at 0500 close to 'The Arms' I walked along the Great Cressingham Road to Watton Brook where I was greeted by two singing Whitethroats, presumably these birds are now tending second broods.  Also seen was a pair of Yellowhammers, the female was carrying nesting material.
It is at this time of year when I am conscious of passage wader species and with low levels of water in the Brook, any exposed patch of mud could attract a Green Sandpiper.
Walking back towards my start point at 0550 and with temperatures already rising, two Greenshanks passed overhead giving their highly distinctive "tyew-tyew-tyew" flight call, a wonderful call of a cracking wader species.  

Wells-next-the-Sea
Every year I like to take my wife Pam to Wells where we act tourist like for a while before I leave her on the shove-halfpenny machines to walk along the harbour and its channels.  We arrived at 1030 with temperatures at 29 degrees Celsius and rising.

Wells-next-the-Sea 18/07/16. The distant trees is East Hills, a migrant trap only accessible at low tide. 

A very hot walk along the coast road this morning with few birds seen.  Black-headed and Herring Gulls were loafing on exposed sandbars along with Redshank and Oystercatcher, and along the channel pictured here a couple of Little Egrets stealthily hunted for prey in the shallows.
A single Reed Warbler was heard singing and a few House Sparrows frequented Sea Blite (Sueda) close to the town.
The most abundant species over the town was several screaming parties of Swifts, a quintessential sight and sound in summer over this beautiful North Norfolk town.
The drive home saw temperatures of 29 degrees with a promise tomorrow of 32, 33, or possibly 34 degrees Celsius.

Stow Bedon and Lower Stow Bedon (Bird Track survey)

Between 0635 and 0835 today I conducted a count for BTO's Bird Track and gathered some good counts of common species as follows:
20+ Swallows
12+ House Martins
8+ Swift
10+ Blackbird territories
6 Song Thrush territories (included food carrying)
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers at 2 sites
30+ Starlings
2 Stock Doves (pair)
Wood Pigeons
12+ Skylarks (singing individuals)
8+ Blackcap territories
1 Lesser Whitethroat
16 Whitethroat at same number of sites (song and food carrying behaviour)
2 Chiffchaff at 2 sites
10+ Wren (including juveniles seen)
12 Yellowhammer at 12 sites
4 Bullfinch (pairs at 2 sites)
3 Linnets
8 Goldfinch (pairs at 4 sites)
4 Greenfinch

1 Reed Bunting (singing male)

Wren (juvenile) seen during my survey at Stow Bedon 01/07/16