Tour News
Latest Tour News
I am available to guide most days of the week, if there is nothing scheduled please contact me, rates can be negotiated for small groups on customised tours.
2012
30th Jan 12 - I have my say on garden birds..
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16743212
29th Jan 12 - Holkham area - On tour today we saw, 4 SHORELARKS, c45 Snow Buntings, 4+ Buzzard, Pink-footed Geese, 2 Eider, 6+ Razorbill, 5 Red-throated Divers, 100+ White-fronted Geese, 32 Barnacle Geese, Marsh Harriers, Barn Owl, 7+ Goldeneye, 2 Short-eared Owls, Greenshank, Grey Plovers, 3 Mergansers, Red Kite and finished with GREAT GREY SHRIKE.
28th Jan 12 - NW Norfolk - Another good tour today, seeing Barn Owl, Grey Partridge, 2 ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS both juveniles, 32 Barnacle Geese, 300+ White-fronted Geese, lots of Pink-footed Geese along the coast, Marsh Harriers, 50+ Lapland Buntings, Water Rail, 10+ Lesser Redpoll, Mealy Redpoll, Cetti's Warbler, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, 10+ Goldeneye, Red-throated Diver, Razorbill, Common Scoter, Spotted Redshank, Buzzard, ARCTIC REDPOLL, Peregrine and finished with 3 Short-eared Owls and 3 Barn Owls hunting over the same fields, lovely.
27th Jan 12 - Cley area - A glorious sunny tour today seeing, 60+ Red-throated Diver, Guillemots, Razorbills, c70 Snow Buntings in flocks of 40 & 30 some of which showed down to a few feet!, Marsh Harriers, c1000 Pink-footed Geese, c1000 Brent Geese including one Pale Bellied Brent, 5 Tundra Bean Geese, 14 Avocets, WESTERN SANDPIPER, 20+ Ruff, Black-taield Godwits, Snipe, 10+ Bearded Tit, c120 Dunlin, Grey Plover, 2 Lesser Redpolls and a Barn Owl.
26th Jan 12 - The Broads - On tour today we saw, Peregrine, Bullfinch, Marsh Tit, 5 Cetti's Warbler (h), LESSER WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, c80 Taiga Bean Geese, c30 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, c300 Pink-footed Geese, Greylag, Canada & Egyptian Geese, Yellowhammers, 10+ Marsh Harrier, Merlin & 6 COMMON CRANES.
25th Jan 12 - Titchwell area - A good tour today seeing 10+ Lesser Redpoll including my closest ever views on the ground, 2 Cetti's Warblers (h), 5 Long-tailed Ducks including 2 males one with a full tail, Goldeneyes, 2 Red-throated Divers, Scoter, 3 Eider, Knot, both Godwits, Rock Pipit, 30 Ruff, Mandarin, c1000 Golden Plover, Spotted Redshank, good views of the ARCTIC REDPOLL, Peregrine, 3 Short-eared Owls showed very well, 3 Barn Owls, Water Rail and ROSS'S GOOSE in flight with Pink-footed Geese.
22nd Jan 12 - The Brecks - A fairly quiet tour in very windy conditions, we saw, 10+ Crossbills, Nuthatch, Redwings, Marsh Tit, c100 Siskins, a flock of 30+ Brambling including some lovely bright males, 2 Kingfishers and 4+ Bullfinch.
21st Jan 12 - The Broads - On tour today we saw, 30+ Waxwings, c40 Redwings, 2 Marsh Tits, Water Rail, Cetti's Warbler, Bittern in flight twice, LESSER WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, 40+ Taiga Bean Geese, c100 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, c1000 Pink-footed Geese, RING-NECKED DUCK, Hen Harrier, 30+ Marsh Harrier, 2 Merlins bombing around chasing each other & 9 COMMON CRANES.
20th Jan 12 - NW Norfolk - A grey wet tour today, but we still managed to see, GREAT GREY SHRIKE, 3 Grey Partridge, ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Common Buzzard, Red-throated DIver, 6 Scoter, c35 Snow Buntings, 4 Rock Pipits, Pink-footed Geese, c40 White-fronted Geese, Marsh Harriers, c10 Lapland Buntings, ARCTIC REDPOLL with 10+ Lesser Redpolls, Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Water Rail and finished with a Short-eared Owl.
18th Jan 12 - Redpoll tour! - Today was all about redpolls, we saw 2-3 COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLLS, a classic looking bird, a 2nd bird that probably is one and the long staying Titchwell bird, also a good selection of 25+ Mealy Redpolls and 80+ Lesser Redpolls. Seeing c100 Redpolls feeding on a lawn a matter of yards away was an amazing site. Other birds along the coast included Pink-footed Geese, 20+ Barnacle Geese, 20+ White-fronted Geese, 40+ Comon Scoter, Red-breasted Mergansers, an awesome flock of 70+ Lapland Buntings, Water Rail, Marsh Harriers & Buzzard.
15th Jan 12 - The Broads - On tour today we saw, 30+ Siskin, 3 Cetti's Warbler (h), LESSER WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, c75 Taiga Bean Geese, c100 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, a few Barnacle Geese, RING-NECKED DUCK, 6+ Goldeneye, Chiffchaff (h) singing!, Peregrine, 10+ Red throated Divers, Eider, 2 Hen Harriers including a superb male, 30+ Marsh Harrier, male Merlin & 3 COMMON CRANES.
14th Jan 12 - North Norfolk - A cracking tour today with 100 species, starting with the GREAT GREY SHRIKE and finishing with good close views of a hunting LONG-EARED OWL. In between we saw 6 Grey Partridge, 2 Bullfinches, c2000 Pink-footed Geese, 2 Tundra Bean Geese, 4 SHORELARKS, c100 Common Scoter, Eider, Red-throated Diver, 2 Firecrests at point blank range, Chiffchaff, ROSS'S GOOSE, c500 Golden Plovers, c200 White-fronted Geese, 8 Barnacle Geese, 2 Lapland Buntings in flight, ARCTIC REDPOLL, Lesser Redpolls, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, 20+ Ruff, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 4 Long-taield Ducks, Black-throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, 4 Barn Owls and found a ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD.
13th Jan 12 - North Norfolk - Another good tour seeing, GREAT GREY SHRIKE, 5 Grey Partridge, c5000 Pink-footed Geese, Brent Geese, ROSS'S GOOSE, Peregrine, c1000 Golden Plover, c100 White-fronted Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese, ARCTIC REDPOLL, Lesser Redpolls, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Spotted Redshank, both Godwits, Knot, Grey Plover, Sanderling, 36 Ruff, 2 Barn Owls, Short-eared Owl and finished with a hunting LONG-EARED OWL.
11th Jan 12 - NW Norfolk - Another good tour in sunshine seeing, GREAT GREY SHRIKE, 20+ Grey Partridge, c5000 Pink-footed Geese, 300+ White-fronted Geese, 30 Barnacle Geese, 5 Bean geese, Marsh Harrier, c10 Lapland Buntings, superb close up views of the ARCTIC REDPOLL on the ground with 10+ Lesser Redpolls and a very pale Mealy Redpoll, Spotted Redshank, 1000's Golden Plover, Mergansers, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, 20+ Goldeneye, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, 2 Chiffchaffs, Yellowhammer and finished with 3 Short-eared Owls hunting.
9th Jan 12 - Central Norfolk - A late afternoon jaunt produced, Bullfinch, Redpoll, Buzzard, Woodcock, Barn Owl & Tawny Owl (h).
8th Jan 12 - The Brecks - On tour today we saw, c10 Crossbills, 4+ Nuthatch, 2 Firecrests showed very well, lots of Redwings, Stock Dove, 3+ Marsh Tit, c100 Siskins, 3+ Redpoll, Treecreeper, a fantastic flock of at least 300 Brambling including some lovely bright males, Great Spotted & Green Woodpeckers and finished with a perched HAWFINCH.
7th Jan 12 - The Broads - On tour today we saw, Marsh Tit, Bittern in flight, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Chinese Water Deer, 3 Bullfinches, c50 Taiga Bean Geese, c200 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, a few Barnacle Geese, c1000 Golden Plover, RING-NECKED DUCK, 30+ Siskin, 10+ lesser redpoll, a smart Mealy Redpoll, Great Northern Diver, 10 COMMON CRANES and 2 Purple Sandpipers. At the roost we saw 200+ Fieldfares, Yellowhammers, Kingfisher, Peregrine, c30 Marsh Harriers, 2 Hen Harriers, Merlin and 8 COMMON CRANES.
6th Jan 12 - Central Norfolk - A late afternoon jaunt produced, Bullfinch, Redpoll (h), 2 Woodcocks flushed, Barn Owl showing very well, Cetti's Warbler (h), Tawny Owl (h), then at dusk my dad saw the LONG-EARED OWL leaving its roost, unfortunately I was in the wrong place! Better luck next time.
4th Jan 12 - The Broads - On tour today we saw, Marsh Tit, 2 Bitterns in flight, Cetti's Warbler (h), Treecreeper, LESSER WHITE FRONTED GOOSE, c60 Taiga Bean Geese, c100 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, a few Barnacle Geese, c1000 Golden Plover, RING-NECKED DUCK, 30+ Siskin, 5+ lesser redpoll, Great Northern Diver, 4 Goldeneye, 10 Whooper Swans, c20 Marsh Harriers, Merlin & 5 COMMON CRANES.
1st Jan 12 - North Norfolk - An awesome day today seeing 90+ species which included, GREAT GREY SHRIKE, c10 Grey Partridge, 100's Pink feet, Brambling, 2 Bearded Tits, 500+ Brent Geese, Peregrine, WESTERN SANDPIPER, 10+ Avocet, 30+ Ruff, c1000 Golden Plover, Merlin, Pale bellied Brent Goose, Tundra Bean Goose, c200 White-fronted Geese, 30+ Barnacle Geese, ARCTIC REDPOLL, Lesser Redpolls, 2 Scaup, Mandarin, Yellow-legged Gull, 10+ Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl and finished with a hunting LONG-EARED OWL, with enough daylight to see plumage detail, awesome, looked like a giant nightjar in flight.
2011
27th Dec 11 - The Broads - Cracking tour today, started with an OTTER and finished with 4-6 COMMON CRANES, in between we saw Marsh Tit, Bittern in flight, 2 Chinese Water Deers, Kingfisher, heard up to 6 Cetti's Warblers, 86 Taiga Bean Geese, co-found LESSER WHITE FRONTED GOOSE presumably the returning bird form last year, c20 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, a few Barnacle Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, 2 Peregrines, 10+ Ruff, c2000 Golden Plover, 150+ Pink-footed Geese, 3 Greylag Geese with neck collars (wild birds from Orkney), 2 Merlins, redpoll over calling, Hen Harrier, 300+ Fieldfare and 30+ Marsh Harriers. Not a bad day!
21st Dec 11 - NW Norfolk - An afternoon tour produced, c10 Tree Sparrows, 10+ Yellowhammer, Bullfinch, 100+ Redwing, Buzzard, Marsh Harriers, Hen Harrier, 2 Short-eared Owls, Bar-tailed Godwits, 20+ Ringed Plover, 500+ Pink-footed Geese and a distant Barn Owl.
18th Dec 11 - Slimbridge - A family trip to Gloucestershire had its upside with a visit here, seeing the female LESSER SCAUP, a wintering Blackcap, 120+ Bewick's Swans, 160 White-fronted Geese, 100+Dunlin, Golden Plovers & 6 Black-tailed Godwits.
14th Dec 11 - NW Norfolk - On tour today we saw, Greenshank, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Eider, Red-throated Diver, Little Gulls, 1000+ Pink-footed Geese, Marsh Harriers, Buzzard, Grey Plover, Goldeneye, c10 Lesser Redpolls, 4 Spotted Redshanks, Merganser, Sanderling, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, c1000 Golden Plover, 2 Water Pipits, 20+ Ruff, 4 Avocets, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and finished with 2 Short-eared Owls.
12th Dec 11 - Titchwell - A frustrating day off today spent around the reserve, a very brief view of the ARCTIC REDPOLL good views of 3+ Mealy Redpoll and c10 Lesser Redpolls, also Chiffcahff, Marsh Harrier, c1500 Golden Plover, ring tail Hen Harrier and brief views of a LONG EARED OWL closer to home.
7th Dec 11 - The Broads - A good tour today despie gale force winds, we started with flight views of a Bittern be harassed by Marsh Harriers, Marsh Tit (h), Cetti's Wabler (h), 3 Bewick's/Whooper Swans in flight, c1000 Golden Plover, 7 species of Geese at one site with Greylag, Canada, Egyptian, 50+ White-fronted, 35 Taiga Bean, 15 Pink-footed and 10+ Barnacle, also 2 Peregrines, 2 COMMON CRANES at lunchtime, 30+ Scoter, 3 Eider, Gannets, Little Gulls, 2 Purple Sandpipers, Yellowhammer, superb views of male Hen Harrier, Redpoll over calling and finishing at the roost 4 COMMON CRANES, 100+ Fieldfare, 30+ Marsh Harrier and Chinese Water Deer.
6th Dec 11 - Titchwell - A morning tour produced a great find in the shape of a COUES'S ARCTIC REDPOLL, 2+ Mealy Redpoll, 3-4 Lesser Redpolls, 11 Whooper Swans, 9 Spotted Redshanks, Kittiwake, 4 Goldeneye, Fulmar, Brent Geese, a few Pink-feet, Grey Plover, Knot, Golden Plovers, good views of the YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER and Chiffchaff.
5th Dec 11 - North Norfolk - A very productive tour today, we started with a Spoonbill seen from the hotel! Heading towards Cley we had good views of Barn Owl, ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD & Marsh Harriers. On the reserve a Pale Bellied Brent Goose with 300+ Dark Bellied Brent, c20 Avocets, GREEN WINGED TEAL, Ruff, Sparrowhawk, 30+ Dunlin, the WESTERN SANDPIPER & the probable arctica dunlin. On the sea Guillemots, c10 Little Gulls, Red-throated Diver, 40+ Common Scoter, Kittiwake and 40+ Snow Buntings on the beach. Heading back west c15 White-fronted Geese, closer views of the Rough-leg and finished with another Barn Owl and cracking close up views of a Short-eared Owl.
3rd Dec 11 - Cley - A second look at the now confirmed WESTERN SANDPIPER was much appreciated, also an unidentified wader probably an arctica dunlin with very short bill, looking like a semi-p on steroids! Also 20 Avocets, 3 Bearded Tits, Water Pipit, Water Rail (h), Marsh Harriers, Razorbill, Guillemots, a very late Sandwich Tern, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Little Gulls, Red-throated Divers, GREEN WINGED TEAL and 30 Ruff. Moving on to the Holkham area we saw 80+ White-fronted Geese, Buzzard, Pale Bellied Brent Goose with a flock of Dark Bellied Brents and 2-3 Lapland Buntings with a flock of Skylarks.
30th Nov 11 - Cley - A morning out produced good views of the WESTERN or SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER with a flock of Dunlin, a very rare visitor from america and potentially a first for the county, the jury is still out! plus a Water Pipit. Moving on to the beach a seawatch produced 20 LITTLE AUKS, Puffin, 2 Velvet Scoter, Goosander, lots of Guillemots, a few Razorbills, Kittiwakes, Little Gull, Red-throated Divers and c40 Snow Buntings.
27th Nov 11 - Snettisham & Holkham - A pre breakfast, pre dawn trip to snettisham produced a ROSS'S GOOSE with c10,000 Pink-footed Geese roosting on the wash then flying inland to feed, swirling flocks of c15,000 Knot, lots of Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlew, 20+ Goldeneye on the pits and 15 Snow Buntings on the beach. Heading back for breakfast we saw 6 Grey Partridge. Holkham produced a few Gannets in a westerly gale force wind, in the pines Treecreeper and Goldcrests. Burnham Overy dunes held 10+ White-fronted Geese, Yellowhammer, 50+ Skylark, probable Lapland Bunting and ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
26th Nov 11 - Titchwell - On tour today in strong winds we saw, a very smart Mealy Redpoll close up with 3 Lesser Redpolls, Chiffchaff, brief Hen Harrier, Marsh Harriers, Snow Bunting, small flock of Pink-footed Geese, Bar-tailed & black-taield Godwits together, Grey Plover, Sanderling, 20+ Goldeneye, 10 Eider, Long-tailed Duck, 20+ Mergansers, Slavonian Grebe, 2 Avocets, 23 Ruff, Snipe, c500 Golden Plover, YELLOW BROWED WARBLER heard only possibly seen by one of the group and finished with cracking views of 2 Short-eared Owls hunting at dusk.
23rd Nov 11 - Holkham - A morning tour produced, Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, a few Pink-footed Geese, 50 Snow Buntings, 10+ Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver, 2 Scoter, Gannets, a few Little Gulls, Peregrine, ring tail Hen Harrier, c50 Twite, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Grey Plover & Bar-tailed Godwit. On my way home 20+ Grey Partridge.
22nd Nov 11 - Titchwell - A wet tour today seeing, male Hen Harrier, 7 Snipe, 500+ Golden Plover, c500 Pink-footed Geese, Brent Geese, Water Rail, 4+ Redpoll, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits together, Sparrowhawk, 6+ Marsh Harrier, Grey Plover, 30+ Red breasted Merganser, 10 Eider, Sanderling, YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Goldcrest, 4 Grey Partridge and finished with 2 Short-eared Owls and further views of the Hen harrier.
21st Nov 11 - Cley area - Another good tour today seeing, c20 Bearded Tits on a path eating grit to help digest their seeds, 15+ Ruff, 20 Dunlin, 80 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Avocets, Snipe up close, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 4 Water Rail, Gannets, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Guillemots, 20+ Little Gull, Arctic Skua perched close on beach, Marsh Harrier, 2 Tundra Bean Geese, 24 Barnacle Geese, a few Pink-feet and the CATTLE EGRET.
20th Nov 11 - Titchwell - On tour today we saw, Yellowhammer, Siskin, good views of Cetti's Warbler, Pink-footed & Brent Geese, c1000 Golden Plover, Water Rail (h), 4+ Redpoll, Chinese Water Deer, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits together, Ruff, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Grey Plover, 40+ Red breasted Merganser, 10 Goldeneye, 10 Eider, Lapland BUnting (h), Sanderling, Red throated Diver, 10 Little Gulls & 50+ Gannet. I saw the YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER & a Chiffchaff in the car park, unfortunately while the group were ordering lunch! Heading back along the coast we saw Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl and finished with brief views of a male Hen Harrier.
19th Nov 11 - The Broads - On tour today we saw, Bittern in a long fly by, Bullfinch (h), Cetti's W (h), Bearded Tit (h), 3 Snipe, 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Treecreepers, Siskin, Redpoll, cracking views of Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Yellowhammer, Merlin perched, 30+ Marsh Harrier, 2 Hen Harriers including a male, 100+ Fieldfare, 18 COMMON CRANES, c2000 Pink-footed Geese going to roost and finally the planet Jupiter plus 5 of its moons.
18th Nov 11 - Cley area - Another good tour today seeing, 16 Snow Buntings, Gannets, Red-throated Diver, Guillemots, Razorbill, 20+ Little Gull, Common Scoter, 5+ Marsh Harrier, 2 Redpoll over calling, Water Rail, 10 Avocets, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 5 Snipe up close, 10+ Ruff, c40 White-fronted Geese, c40 Barnacle Geese, CATTLE EGRET, Chiffchaff (h), 2 COMMON CRANES, Bearded Tit (h), Cetti's Warbler (h), 2 Grey Partridge, c500 Brent Geese, 100+ Pink-footed Geese, 2 Mergs, Kingfisher, Peregrine, 2 Hen Harriers including a male and Short-eared Owl.
16th Nov 11 - Cley area - An excellent tour today seeing, Water Rail, Kingfisher perched very close, 4 Avocets, c100 Black-tailed Godwits, c300 Golden Plovers, Snipe up close, Ruff, Gannets, Red-throated Divers, Guillemots, probable Little AUk, 10+ Little Gull, Black-throated Diver, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Velvet Scoter both drakes, Bonxie, juv Arctic Skua, Ring Ouzel in off the sea, 15+ Common Scoter, c80 White-fronted Geese, c70 Barnacle Geese, CATTLE EGRET, male Sparrowhawk, tons of Thrushes, ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD in flight and perched fairly close, c2000 Brent Geese, 100+ Pink-footed Geese, c9 Lapland Buntings, Peregrine, 3-4 Hen Harriers including a male and finished with a Woodcock.
15th Nov 11 - Horsey - A brief visit mid morning produced flight views of the DUSKY WARBLER which called fairly regularly, 9 White-fronted Geese over, Redpoll over calling, Chiffchaff & Marsh Harrier.
13th Nov 11 - Holkham - A morning tour produced, White-fronted Goose, Yellowhammer, 10+ Grey Partridge, Stock Dove, a close flock of c200 Pink-footed Geese, Chiffchaff (h), Buzzard, 55 Snow Buntings, Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Eider, Red-throated Diver, 2 Scoter, Wheatear, Dunlin, Sanderling, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Green Woodpecker and finished with a Ring Ouzel. On my way home a flock of c8000 Pink-footed Geese.
12th Nov 11 - Holme & Titchwell - A cracking tour today with, Grey Plover, Lapland Bunting (h), Peregrine, Stonechat, male DESERT WHEATEAR, Northern Wheatear, 5 Mergs, c30 Scoter, Eider, juv POMARINE SKUA, flight views of Bittern, 6 Little Gulls, c10 Redpoll over calling, Redwings, Fieldfare, excellent views of Short-eared Owl, c8000 Pink-footed Geese, YELLOW BROWED WARBLER, Cetti's Warbler breifly, Water Rail, c1000 Golden Plover, 5 Spotted Redshanks, 10+ Goldeneye, fem Scaup, Hen Harrier and 8+ Marsh Harrier.
10th Nov 11 - Happisburgh - An afternoon jaunt produced 3 Waxwings my first of the autumn, male Black Redstart, Chiffchaff and flyover calling Redpoll. At the roost 4 COMMON CRANES, 2-3 Hen Harriers including 1-2 males, 10+ Marsh Harrier, Merlin, Kingfisher (h) and lots of Fieldfares.
9th Nov 11 - Happisburgh - A late morning jaunt provided reasonbale views of the MELODIOUS WARBLER in one of the large clifftop gardens, only the 4th record for Norfolk!
6th Nov 11 - Cley area - A cracking tour today with the undoubted highlight being the LEACH'S PETREL which flew very close to us over the shingle bank and headed off inland! my best ever view. A morning seawatch produced, 4 Pomarine Skuas, 9 Bonxies, 3 Arctic Skuas, 30+ Little Gull, c100 Kittiwake, Gannets, c100 Auks past, 8 Red-throated Divers, 37 Eider, 30+ Common Scoter, 4 Red-breasted Mergansers and lots of other wildfowl including Shelducks, Wigeon, Teal & a few Tufted Ducks. Also 2 Woodcock flushed from beach, 5 Avocets, 6+ Marsh Harrier, 20+ Snow Bunting, 6 Snipe, Ruff, 2 Knot, the CATTLE EGRET at Blakeney, 10 Lapland Buntings, Greenshank and we finished with 3 Hen Harriers including a fine male.
5th Nov 11 - Titchwell & Holme - A gloomy tour produced 7 species of Geese, including 3 White-fronted (my first of the autumn), 4 Barnacle, Brent, Pink-feet and the 3 feral species. Also c800 Golden Plover, the YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER showed reasonably well with perseverance, also SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Common Chiffchaff, Avocet, Redpoll (h), Grey Plover, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Eider, Red-breasted Merganser, RT Diver and Bearded Tit (h). We finished with a seawatch at Holme seeing 40+ Kittiwake, 12 Little Gulls, 3 Bonxies, Arctic Skua and Gannets.
3rd Nov 11 - North Norfolk - An excellent tour today seeing, Great Skua, Arctic Skua, 20+ Scoter, Guillemots, Razorbill, Gannets, c50 Kittiwakes, c300 Golden Plover, 2 Stonechats, Water Pipit, Little Stint, Ruff, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, 4 SHORELARKS, Red-throated Diver, 3 Red-necked Grebes, male Bullfinch, 4 Snipe, Wheatear, Short-eared Owl in off the sea, Black Redstart, Redwings, 13 Grey Partridge, c2000 Brent Geese, 21 Lapland Buntings, 2 Hen Harriers (including a male) and 6+ Marsh Harrier.
2nd Nov 11 - NW Norfolk - On tour today we heard the YELLOW BROWED WARBLER three times but didn't see it, Bullfinch (h), Siskin, Stonechat, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Redpoll over calling, Bar-tailed Godwtis, Water Rail, Gannets fishing offshore, 3 Little Gulls, Common Tern, 2 Red-throated Divers, Razorbill, 2 Snow Buntings, Grey Plover and Peregrine.
1st Nov 11 - North Norfolk - On tour today we saw, Buzzard, 6+ Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, c100 Dunlin, c500 Golden Plover, 3 Little Stints, Bearded Tit, 2 Cetti's Warblers (h), 3 Hen Harriers, 10 Snow Buntings, Gannets, Razorbill, Kittiwakes, the CATTLE EGRET, Barn Owl, c2000 Brent Geese and 4 Lapland Buntings over calling. We finished with good views of Jupiter & four of its moons through the telescope.
30th Oct 11 - Cley area - A good tour today with lots of waders on pat's pool including c200 Dunlin, 3 Little Stints, c20 Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, Avocet and snipe. Also Water Pipit, Marsh Harrier, Greenshank, we found only the 4th reported (UK) SHORELARK of the autumn, 2 Stonechats, 2 Red-necked Grebes, Shag, Red-throated Diver, Arctic Skua, Bearded Tits (h), Cetti's Warbler (h), 2 Kittiwakes ont he sea, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits and finished with a Jack Snipe.
29th Oct 11 - Snettisham & Titchwell - The high tide certianly produced the goods with c30,000 Knot on the pits, c5000 Oystercatchers, 5000+ Pink-footed Geese coming off the wash, the spectacle of the waders going back out was very impressive with lots of swirling flocks. Along at Titchwell we heard the YELLOW BROWED WARBLER four times but didn't see it, also c300 Brent Geese, 5 Avocets, Water Rail and 5 Little Gulls offshore.
28th Oct 11 - Holkham area - A good tour in warm sunshine, we saw Bullfinches, 2-3 Redpoll over calling, 6+ Treecreeper, YELLOW BROWED WARBLER, c3000 Pink-footed Geese, 500+ Brent Geese, Chiffchaff, Kingfisher, 3 Marsh Harriers, male Hen Harrier and finished with superb close views of Short-eared Owl.
27th Oct 11 - Sheringham - A day of two halves, the morning saw me battling to get up beeston bump with a pushchair to see my first Norfolk PALLID SWIFT plus a wheatear. The afternoon saw us walk out to East Hills - we saw Lapland Bunting, Blackcap, Greenshank and the male Hen Harrier.
24th Oct 11 - Horsey - An afternoon walk with family produced excellent close up views of the ISABELLINE SHRIKE.
23rd Oct 11 - Holkham area - A quiet tour today in strong southerly winds, we saw 6 Mistle Thrushes, lots of Pink-footed Geese, Brent Geese, Treecreepers, Goldcrests, Chiffchaff, male Bullfinch, Redwings, Fieldfare, Redpoll (h), Marsh Harrier, c4 Lapland Buntings and Hen Harrier.
22nd Oct 11 - Titchwell - On tour today we saw, Siskins, 4 Mealy Redpolls, YELLOW BROWED WARBLER, Bearded Tit, Marsh Harrier, c200 Golden Plover, 10+ Ruff, Grey Plover, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits, Twite, 35 Great Crested Grebes on the sea, 10+ Red breasted Merganser, 7 Snow Buntings, Knot, Sanderling, Gannets, Kittiwakes, 30+ Red-throated Diver, Pink-footed Geese and Hen Harrier.
21st Oct 11 - North Norfolk - An interesting tour today with, CATTLE EGRET being the rarest bird seen, also Long-tailed Duck, Arctic Skua, Razorbills, Guillemots, Red-throated Diver, Gannets, Kittiwakes, c200 Golden Plover, 2 Sandwich Terns, 18 Common Scoter, Marsh Harrier, 3 Fieldfares in off sea, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, Spotted Redshank, Pintail, 4 Snow Buntings, Shag, 10 Crossbills, 2 Merlins, 3 Barnacle Geese, c10 Ruff, 2 Red-breasted Mergnasers, Grey Plover, 'Pale' Bellied Brent Goose with dark bellied's, 2 Cetti's Warblers (h) and Peregrine.
20th Oct 11 - Cley & Holkham - On tour today we saw, Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbill, 20+ Dunlin, Merlin hunting dunlin!, 2 Stonechats, water rail (h), Marsh Harrier, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Red-throated Divers including one in summer plumage, c300 Golden Plovers, 10+ Ruff, Knot, Little Gull, c5000 Pink-footed Geese, Treecreeper, 2 Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, 3 Mistle Thrushes and to finish the day a Short-eared Owl and a male Hen Harrier hunting very close giving superb views.
19th Oct 11 - Sheringham - A short seawatch produced, BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 1-2 Manx Shearwaters, 3 Arctic Skuas, Bonxie, Shag, 100+ Auks, Gannets, Common Tern and an Arctic Tern. Along at Cley while eating a bacon roll we saw 7+ Whooper Swan on the reserve.
16th Oct 11 - Burnham Overy Dunes - A quieter day today with 100+ Golden Plover, c3000 Pink-footed Geese in the air together, some good visible migration with 100+ Siskin over in small flocks, c30 Crossbill in four groups, Mealy Redpoll (h), 2 Swallows and juv Hobby. Also Treecreeper, Cetti's Warbler and YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER in Holkham pines.
15th Oct 11 - Stiffkey & Cley - On tour today we saw 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 8 Greenshank, 15+ Ruff, Stonechat, Merlin, YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, 3+ Wheatear, Marsh Harriers, superb close flight views of a Bittern, Avocet, Grey Plover, Knot, c20 Black-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, a Short-eared Owl hunting and perching on the ground, ringtail Hen Harrier in off the sea and 6 Bearded Tits.
14th Oct 11 - Wells & Titchwell - On tour in the woods today we saw 3+ Redpoll flew over calling, 15+ Grey Partridge, Siskins, 2 Bullfinches, 2 Blackcaps, 15 Crossbills perched including a few nice red males, Brambling flew over calling & Pink-footed Geese. Along at Titchwell, Whinchat, 2 Cetti's Warblers (h), YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Water Rail, 6+ Snipe, Spotted Redshank, Knot, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Red-throated Divers, c300 Golden Plover and 6 Brambling over calling. Mega news then reached us in the car park, we headed west but only managed glimpses of the RUFOUS TAILED ROBIN at warham greens in fading light, the one that got away.
13th Oct 11 - East Hills - An afternoon jaunt produced, 2 Short-eared Owls, 5 Lapland Buntings, Crossbill, Marsh Harrier, Greenshank, Grey Plovers, Fieldfares, Redwings, song thrushes and Blackbirds fresh in, 2 Chiffchaffs and a Common Redstart. A Barn Owl flew alongside the car on the way home.
9th Oct 11 - Holkham & Titchwell - A tour of two halves, wet in the morning and windy but bright in the afternoon we saw c1000 Pink-footed Geese, 10 Snipe, 10+ Mistle Thrush, 10+ Redwing (first of autumn) and then got up close and personal with the tit flock, manouvering ourselves in to position we got point blank views of lots of Long-tailed, Blue, Great & Coal Tits, along with Goldcrests at touching distance, 2-3 Chiffchaffs and 4 Treecreepers, no sign of the yellow-browed warbler though. Also 5 Common Crossbills flew over calling. After lunch titchwell produced lots of Bar-tailed and a few Black-tailed Godwits, side by side, 20+ Dunlin, 40 Ruff, Sanderling, Knot, Grey Plovers and to finish 3 SPOONBILLS.
8th Oct 11 - Cley area - On tour today we saw, lots of Gannets, 4 Arctic Skuas, Great Skua, c20 Common Scoter inlcuding a close drake on the sea, 90 Golden Plover, 65 Dunlin, Grey Plover, Brent Geese, Pintail, Yellow-legged Gull, c100 Black-tailed Godwits, 20+ Ruff, 2 Avocets, Marsh Harrier, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Manx Shearwater, Red-throated Divers, 2 Purple Sandpipers, Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Snipe, Little Stint, Lapland Bunting, a few Bar-tailed Godwits and a pair of Stonechats.
7th Oct 11 - North Norfolk - A morning & afternoon seawatch off cley today produced 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 7+ Manx Shearwater, 10 Bonxies, 8+ Arctic Skua, c10 Red-throated Divers, lots of Auks, 100+ Kittiwakes, lots of Gannets and Pink-footed Goose. Along the coast we saw 4+ Treecreeper, male Bullfinch, 4 Crossbills, Chiffchaffs, 300+ Brent Geese, c100 Bar-tailed Godwits, c50 Knot, Grey Plovers, Sanderling, Peregrine, 13 Greenshanks, 5 Snipe and 10+ Black-tailed Godwits.
6th Oct 11 - Cley - A morning tour produced, lots of Gannets, Auks & Red-throated Diver, Common & Sandwich Terns & a Black Tern in strong westerly winds, on the reserve 20+ Ruff, 5 Grey Plovers, Dunlin, c150 Black-taield Godwits, Snipe, drake Pintail, 3 Pink-footed Geese and 2 Spotted Redshanks.
5th Oct 11 - Titchwell - On a short tour today we saw, Spotted Redshank (h), Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits together, Sanderling, brent Geese, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Cetti's Warbler (h), Gannet, 2 Red throated Divers, Red-necked Grebe, Wheatear, Knot, 3 Avocets, Golden Plover and Pintail
4th Oct 11 - The Broads - On tour today we saw c10 Bearded Tits, 7+ Cetti's Warbler (h), 2 Marsh Tits, Bittern in flight, Kingfisher perched, 2 Redpoll over calling, 2 Marsh Harriers, Snipe, a mixed flock of c20 Martins, Water Rail (h), male Bullfinch, Siskin, 13 COMMON CRANES feeding in the open and a Chinese Water Deer a few feet away.
3rd Oct 11 - Titchwell - On tour today we saw, Spotted Redshanks, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwits, Peregrine, Cetti's Warbler (h), c10 Gannets, 5 Red throated Divers, Sandwich Tern, Arctic Skua, Red-necked Grebe, 3 Wheatears, 300+ Knot, Guillemot, Little Stint, Avocet, 30+ Ruff, c100 Golden Plover and Pintail.
2nd Oct 11 - Cley area & Beyond - Another sweltering tour with the mecury hitting 28 degrees C! We saw 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 3 Little Stints, c50 Dunlin, 20+ Ruff, 5 Snipe, 3 Barnacle Geese, Bullfinch (h), Redpoll sp. flew over calling, 4 Siskin, Crossbills (h), Stonechat, Chiffchaffs, Spotted Redshanks, 2 Grey Plovers, Brent Geese and 2 Bearded Tits. After the tour a mad dash to suffolk to see the american SANDHILL CRANE, mega bird, only the 4th record for Britain?
1st Oct 11 - Snettisham & Titchwell - Awesome flocks of waders today, with, c25,000 Knot at one point all up in a swirling flock, c5000 Oystercatcher, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, 500+ Curlew, 100's Redshank, 100+ Grey Plover, 500+ Golden Plover, 10+ Spotted Redshank, Little Stint, 20 Ruff, Sanderling & Dunlin. Also Red-necked Grebe, 2 Guillemots, Red throated Diver, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, a few Pink-footed & brent Geese, Pintail, 2 bearded Tits showed well, and Cetti's Warbler (h). En route to the coast 10 Grey Partridge.
29th Sept 11 - Snettisham & Titchwell - lots of waders today, c2000 Oystercatcher, c2500 Knot on the pits plus c10,000 swriling more distantly in the wash, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, 500+ Curlew, 100's Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 100+ Grey Plover, Golden Plover, 20+ Spotted Redshank, 4 Little Stints, 20 Ruff, Sanderling & Dunlin. Also Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, a few Pink-footed & brent Geese, Pintail, Wheatear, bearded Tit (h), 2 Red-breasted Mergansers and Cetti's Warbler showed well.
28th Sept 11 - The Broads - Another hot tour with clear blue skys and warm wind from africa ! We saw c20 Bearded Tits, 2 Marsh Tits, Bittern in flight, Kingfisher perched, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Greenshanks, Green Sandpiper, c25 Snipe, 2 Ruff, 7 Eider, 3 Brent Geese, 2 Chiffchaffs and finished with 13 COMMON CRANES feeding in the open, lovely.
27th Sept 11 - Minsmere - Another tour in glorious weather, we saw Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 2 Cettis' Warblers, c10 Bearded Tits, Sparrowhawk, Reed Warbler, c300 Barnalce Geese, 2 Dunlin, 2 Grey Plovers, 3 Bar-tailed & 30+ Black-tailed Godwits, Ruff, Knot, Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, Kingfisher, Hobby, Marsh Harrier, water rail (h) and a few Red deer. Also two exotic species in the form of Cape Shelduck and Greater Flamingo !!
26th Sept 11 - Cley area - Another tour in warm southerly winds, we saw 30+ Gannets, 12 Common Scoter, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, c200 Black-tailed Godwits, 6 Brent Geese, c30 Dunlin, Pintail, 2 Wheatears, 40 Ruff, 3 Little Stints, Golden Plover, Cetti's Warbler, 3+ Stonechat, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 3 Grey Plovers, Sandwich & Common Tern, 2 Avocets, 3 Arctic Skuas past, 3 Bullfinches and a Dartford Warbler.
25th Sept 11 - Holkham - A quiet tour in glorious sunny weather, we saw c3000 Pink-footed Geese, c10 Chiffchaff, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwit, a few Knot, Treecreepers, Goldcrests, Peregrine, c10 Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Marsh Harriers, Arctic Skua, Sandwich Terns, c300 Wigeon and Green Sandpiper.
18th Sept 11 - The Broads - undoubted highlight today was the OTTER which hauled out on to the bank of a pool and ate a fish, it then swam around flusing all the ducks, awesome. Other goodies on offer were 1-2 Kingfishers posing, a Bittern close in flight, 2 Cetti's Warblers seen plus 2 more heard, Sparrowhawk, Reed Warbler, Stonechat, Wheatear, Mediterranean Gull, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Redstarts including a bright male and we finished with 4 COMMON CRANES. Also a Hornet, lots of Grayling butterflies & a Chinese water deer.
17th Sept 11 - Holkham - Despite the SW winds we scored big time with a cracking YELLOW BROWED WARBLER the first mainland english record for the year. It was with a mega flock of Goldecrests, Coal tits, Treecreepers, a few Chiffchaffs, Long-tailed tits, Blue Tits and Chaffinches. Also 3 Grey Partridge, c1500 Pink-footed Geese already, Blackcap, Green Sandpiper, Knot, Grey Plover and a steady strem of vis-miging Swallows heading west.
16th Sept 11 - NE Norfolk - A better tour today with some time spent looking at the sea and the rest hunting for migrants, we saw GREY PHALAROPE, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 20+ Ruff, 5+ Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Backcaps, Cetti's Warbler (h), lots of Gannets, Sooty Shearwater, BALEARIC SHEARWATER, 3 Arctic Skuas, 3 Great Skuas, Fulmars, 25+ Common Scoter, Manx Shearwater, 4 Stonechats, 5+ Red-throated Divers and finished with a Short-eared Owl coming in off the sea freshly arrived from scandanavia.
15th Sept 11 - Snettisham & Titchwell - lots of waders today, c5000 Oystercatcher, c5000 Knot, Black-tailed & Bar-tailed Godwits, 100's Curlew, 100's Redshank, 7 Greenshank, 15+ Spotted Redshank, 6 Curlew Sandpipers, 2 Little Stints, Ruff, Sanderling & Dunlin. Also Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Bullfinch, c20 Yellowhammer, 5 Yellow Wagtails, Marsh Harrier, Gannets, bearded Tit (h), Cetti's Warbler (h) and 2 Water Voles.
14th Septt 11 - Cley - A fairly quiet tour in strong westerly winds, we saw 2 Manx Shearwaters, Gannets, Buzzard, 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, Golden Plover, Wheatear, 3 Spoonbills, Sparrowhawk, Sandwich & Common Terns, c40 Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Marsh Harrier, 3 Barnacle Geese, 4 Knot, c200 Black-tailed Godwits, Common Sadnpiper, the first 12 Pink-footed Geese of the autumn, ad Yellow-legged Gull, Avocet, Spotted Redshasnk, 2 Red-throated Divers, bearded tit (h) and a Weasel.
12th Sept 11 - Cornwall - The final morning was spent Seawatching in strong westerly winds, we spent 45 Minutes at Gwenapp head but it looked very quiet with just 1 Sooty Shearwater, 6 Balearics & a Storm Petrel. We headed up to Pendeen, this turned out to be where the action was! In a little over 2 hours we saw WILSON'S STORM PETREL, 4 SABINE'S GULLS 2 adults & 2 juveniles, 4 GREAT SHEARWATERS, 8 Balearic Shearwaters, 12 Sooty Shearwaters, c600 Manx Shearwaters, 5+ Storm Petrel, 5 Great Skuas, 8 Arctic Skuas, Kittiwakes, Shags, Fulmars, lots of Gannets & a few Auks. A cracking end to an excellent weekend trip.
11th Sept 11 - Cornwall - Seawatching today from Gwenapp head at Porthgwarra, a 3 hour morning watch was fairly quiet but the 6 hour afternoon watch was more productive. We saw 2 GREAT SHEARWATERS, 40 Balearic Shearwaters, 20 Sooty Shearwaters, c70 Manx Searwaters, c20 Storm Petrel, 8 Great Skuas, 3 Arctic Skuas, Puffin, Mediterranean Gull, Kittiwakes, Shags, Fulmars, lots of Gannets, Guillemots & Razorbills. Away from the headland we enjoyed brilliant views of the BLACK KITE, Peregrine, Buzzards, 3 Ravens and 2 CHOUGHS.
10th Sept 11 - Cornwall - Seawatching today from Gwenapp head at Porthgwarra, a 5 hour morning watch and 3.5 hour afternoon watch produced, 5 GREAT SHEARWATERS, 60 Balearic Shearwaters, 30+ Sooty Shearwaters, c500 Manx Searwaters, 5+ Storm Petrel, 5 Arctic Terns, 12 Great Skuas, 7 Arctic Skuas, 2 Puffins, Kittiwakes, Shags, Fulmars, lots of Gannets, Guillemots, Razorbills and 2 CHOUGHS.
9th Sept 11 - Cornwall - Arriving mid afternoon we visited the Hayle estuary seeing, BUFF BREASTED SANDPIPER, 9 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, 3 Bar-tailed & 5 Black-tailed Godwits, c50 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpipers, Whimbrel, Kingfisher & Saprrowhawk. Marazion was quiet with just 2 Gannets in the bay, Green Sandpiper & Cetti's Warbler (h).
28th Aug 11 - Holme & Titchwell - After the excitement of the last two days a much quieter tour today in strong westerly winds, we saw Pied Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Wheatear, 2 Stonechats, c2000 Knot, Bar-tailed Godwits, Marsh Harrier, 12 Curlew Sandpipers, 6 Little Stints, Grey plover in sum plum, Sparrowhawk and 4 gannets over the sea. Unfortunaltey no sign of the reported red backed shrike or wryneck despite much searching.
27th Aug 11 - Cley - Another good tour today, we saw Arctic Skua, a few Gannets, 3 Wheatears, c5 Yellow Wagtails, 7 Little Stints, Sanderling, Knot, c50 Dunlin, a juv RED-BACKED SHRIKE, Blackcap, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, 8 Spoonbills, Green & Common Sandpipers, no less than 25 Curlew Sandpipers just on one pool! all juvs apart form one adult, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, one adult one juv, 2 Spotted Redshanks, c300 Black-tailed Godwtis, Bearded Tit (h) & Greenshank.
26th Aug 11 - Cromer & Cley - Mega tour today, we headed to cromer first and after a short time found our quarry, the GREENISH WARBLER found yesterday with a tit flock, also a few Chiffchaffs. Then in off the sea flew a BONELLI'S WARBLER which landed in full view in the closest tree for a couple of minutes, awesome. Other birds seen 2 Nuthatches, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap & Willow Warbler. ALong the ocast we saw a Peregrine, 3 Bar-wits and 2 Stonechats. FInally a brief stop at Cley produced, juvenille RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, c10 Curlew Sandpipers, Green & Common Sandpipers & a few Ruff.
24th Aug 11 - Blakeney point - A short afternoon jaunt produced the goods with excellent views of GREENISH WARBLER, Barn Owl, 3 Wheatears and a smart male RED-BACKED SHRIKE.
23rd Aug 11 - East Hills - A day full of anticipation with NE winds and rain, we managed to see 8 Pied Flycatchers, Common Redstart, 4 Whinchats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, 3 Wheatears, 5+ Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Whimbrel, Marsh Harrier & Goldcrests.
22nd Aug 11 - Titchwell area - A glorious sunny tour today, we saw 21 species of wader including, 4 Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, whimbrel, 3 Spotted Redshanks including a black summer plumaged bird, Greenshank, c1000 Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwits, c250 Curlew, Grey Plover, 30+ Ruff, Avocet, c100 Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Sanderling & Knot. Also Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Buzzards, fresh juv Willow Warbler, Cetti's Warbler (h), Grasshopper Warbler (h) and 2nd Summer Mediterranean Gull. Plus Small Heath, Common Blue & Wall Butterflies.
19th Aug 11 - Rutland - A very enjoyable day at the bird fair, no birds but lots of birders !
13th Aug 11 - Cley area - A good day for waders today with 21 species including 2 juv Little Stints, 3-4 Wood Sandpipers, 11 Whimbrel, c6 Spotted Redshanks, 5+ Greenshank, c15 Green Sandpipers, 3 Common Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, Golden & 2 Grey Plovers, c200 Dunlin and a few Ruff. Other birds included Black Tern, Lesser Whitethroat, Sparrowhawk, Yellow Wagtail, Garganey, Wheatear, 2 Marsh Harriers, 3 Bearded Tits and 10 Spoonbills. Along at Stiffkey Fen another Spoonbill, 4 Green & 2 Common Sandpipers and c100 Black-tailed Godwits.
9th Aug 11 - Sheringham & Cley - A morning produced, 2 Great Skaus, c15 Arctic Skuas, Fulmar, Gannet, 6 Manx Shearwaters, Razorbill, c150 Dunlin, 2 Little Stints (adult & juv), PECTORAL SANDPIPER, 3 Knot, Ruff, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and 13 Spoonbills.
2nd Aug 11 - Cley & beyond - A tour in very hot weather, we saw juvenille Yellow Wagtail, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Greenshanks, 4 Spoonbills, Curlew Sandpiper, c230 Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Sandwich, Common & Little Terns, 3+ Green Sandpiper, a few Bearded Tits, Black-tailed Godwits, Stonechat and Dartford Warbler. Butterflies included, Brimstone, Small Copper, Painted Lady, Brown Argus and lots of Chalkhill Blues.
31st July 11 - NW Norfolk - The highlight today was the superb close up views of a female MONTAGU'S HARRIER plus brief views of a juvenile, also c10 Buzzards, lots of Marsh Harriers, Greenshank, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 2 Green Sadnpipers, Turtle Dove, Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 juv Yellow Wagtails, flyover Spoonbill, a few Yellowhammers and 3+ Tree Sparrows.
30th July 11 - Cley - On tour today 12 Spoonbills, 20+ Common Scoter, c15 Gannets, Little, Common & Sandwhich terns, 2 Fulmars, 80+ Dunlin, 3 Green Sandpipers, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, juv Yellow Wagtail, Hobby, Whimbrel, c10 Ruff, dark phase Arctic Skua buzzed the scrapes, Yellow-legged Gull, 5+ Spotted Redshanks, 3 Bearded Tits, 2 Greenshanks, c100 Black-tailed & one Bar-tailed Godwit and Grey Plover. Along at Stiffkey fen - 2 Chinese Water Deer, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sands, Dunlin, Ruff, Greenshank, c20 Black0tailed Godwits and 2 Wall butterflies.
29th July 11 - The Brecks - A fairly quiet tour today the highlights being 2 COMMON CRANES and the family of 4 Stone Curlews, also a flyover calling Crossbill, a few Bearded Tits seen briefly, Turtle Dove, a reeling Grasshopper Warbler seen briefly, Marsh Harriers food passing, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Siskin, Hobby, male Bullfinch and 3+ Tree Sparrow.
24th July 11 - The Brecks - It was all about babies today, highlights being 3 COMMON CRANES 2 parents with junior, 4 Stone Curlews 2 adults with 2 tiny chciks only a few days old and a male Bearded Tit with juvenile showed exceptionally well down to a few feet. We also saw 3 Bitterns well in flight, 1-2 Hobbies, lots of Reed Warblers, Whitethroats and a few Blackcaps, Sparrowhawk and a Mandarin. Also Southern, Migrant & Brown Hawker dragonflies and a few Brimstones.
23rd July 11 - Cley & Holkham - A good tour in strong NW winds, we saw Gannets, a total of 18 Spoonbills, c100 Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Common Sandpiper, Yellow Wagtail, Spotted Redshank, Little terns, Sanderling, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Arctic Terns both adults, 100+ Sandwich Terns, Greenshank, c150 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Green & Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaffs, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Warblers.
22nd July 11 - North Norfolk - A good tour today, Cley produced a ROSEATE TERN in full breeding plumage, with 30+ Sandwich Terns, a few Common & 2 Little Terns, also c150 Black-tailed Godwits, Spotted Redshank, 2 Red Knot, 6 Dunlin, 3 Guillemots, 3 Greenshank, 5 Whimbrel and Bearded Tit. Another site produced good views of a female MONTAGU'S HARRIER and Buzzard. Then along at Titchwell, Little Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtails all juvs, Curlew Sandpiper, c300 Knot, 2 Green Sandpipers, 12 Spotted Redshanks, c30 Ruff, Garganey, Turtle Dove, Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Scoter, Gannets and a dsitant Arctic Skua. On the way home another Turtle Dove.
20th July 11 - Birds of prey tour - Today we saw 2 MONTAGU'S HARRIERS a female and a Juvenille the first of the year, also c10 Marsh Harriers, 3+ Buzzard, 4 Sparrowhawks, 2 Hobbys and Kestrel. Other birds included 2 Turtle Doves, Yelowhammers, 2 Little Owls, Bullfinch, c500 Bar-tailed Godwits, Bearded Tit, Red-crested Pochard, Whimbrel, 5 Spotted Redshanks, c20 Ruff, Dunlin, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, c50 Black-tailed Godwtis, a few red Knot, 3 Green Sandpipers, adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtails including 3 juvs, Curlew Sandpiper in full summer plumage, Common Sandpiper, Corn Bunting and a family of Grey Partridge.
17th July 11 - NW Norfolk - Today we had good views of a female MONTAGU'S HARRIER, 3 Buzzards, 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Mistle Thrushes, Marsh Harriers, yellowhammers, 3 Yellow Wagtails including 2 juvs, a cracking summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 3 Spotted Redshank, Green Sandpiper, 4 Mediterranean Gulls, c30 Ruff, a few Dunlin, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, a few Black-tailed and c100 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Greenshanks and a fine summer plumaged red Knot.
16th July 11 - Cley - On a very wet tour we managed to see 12 Spoonbills, my first Arctic Skua of the year, Guillemot, 4 Common Scoter, 2 Eider, a few Gannets, 18 Species of wader including 2 Curlew Sandpipers in summer plumage, 2-3 Spotted Redshanks, Greenshank, Green & Common Sandpipers, c10 Dunlin, Whimbrel, c50 Black-tailed Godwits & Little Ringed Plovers also Little Tern and 2 Mediterranean Gulls an adult and juvenile.
15th July 11 - The brecks - On tour today we had good close flight views of 2 COMMON CRANES, also Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Green Sandpiper (h), Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Cuckoo (h), c10 Bearded Tits showed well, 2 Water Rails an adult & Juv, lots of Marsh Harriers, Cetti's Warbler (h), Nuthatch, Firecrest (h), Spotted Flycatcher, Kingfisher and Stone Curlew. Also 2 Roe Deer, lots of Brown Hawkers, Black-tailed SKimmers, Purple Hairstreak and a Hornet.
13th July 11 - The brecks - On tour today we had good prolonged views of a Bittern perched plus another in flight, also 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Hobbys, Cuckoo, Bearded Tit, lots of Marsh Harriers, 2 COMMON CRANES briefly, Firecrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Kingfisher and 2 Stone Curlews.
12th July 11 - NW Norfolk - A short morning tour produced good prolonged views of a female MONTAGU'S HARRIER en route to the coast also Grey Partridge, Marsh Harriers, Spotted Redshank, c30 Ruff, summer plumage Knot and 3 Little Ringed Plovers.
11th July 11 - Cley - A half day tour produced 12 Spoonbills, c8 Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers including a food pass between adults, c100 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Gannets, 6 Little Gulls, 2-3 Spotted Redshanks, Greenshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Mediterranean Gull and lots of Ruffs.
10th July 11 - Birds of prey tour - Today we had prolonged views of a female MONTAGU'S HARRIER, 8+ Buzzard, Marsh Harriers food passing, Sparrowhawk, kestrels and a Hobby sparring with the hawk. Other birds included Barn Owl, Corn Bunting, yellowhammers, Sandwich Terns with lots of fledged young, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Red-crested Pochards, 12+ Spotted Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 100+ Black-tailed and 300+ Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Greenshanks, c1000 Knot, Spoonbill and Bearded Tit.
9th July 11 - The brecks - A good tour today seeing, 2-3 Hobbys, Cuckoo, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Bearded Tits, lots of Marsh Harriers, Harris Hawk, 2 COMMON CRANES, 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Bitterns one giving a superb overhead flight view, Firecrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Nuthatch and Stone Curlew.
8th July 11 - Cley - On tour today we saw 10 Spoonbills mainly asleep but also flying around and preening, also 5 SPotted Redshanks, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, c10 Ruff including a male with at least half of his ruff intact, c5 Green Sandpipers, 3 Little Gulls, 100+ Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Greenshanks, 7 Dunlin, Bearded Tit, family of Marsh Harriers including a food-pass, Gannet, 20+ Common Scoter & a fulmar.
6th July 11 - The brecks - After holidays to Yorkshire and Provence it was nice to get back to work! On tour today we had some brilliant close up flight views of Bitterns with at least 4 different birds seen, 20+ Marsh Harrier with lots of recently fledged young, 2 Bearded Tits, Green Woodpecker, Hobby, Red Kite, 5 Stone Curlews, Spotted Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Siskin and 3+ Tree Sparrow.