Tour News

Latest Tour News

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2010

29th July 10 - Breydon & Hickling - A morning tour produced, Hobby, 300+ Avocets, Black & Bar Tailed Godwits, Knot, Golden plovers, 50+ Curlew, 2 Spotted Redshanks, 6 Mediterannean Gulls, 2 Marsh Tits, Marsh Harriers food passing, Little Gull, Bearded Tits (h) and Water Rail (h). Also 6+ Swallowtail catterpillars and Purple Hairstreak.

28th July 10 - Lakenheath - On tour today we saw Yellowhammers, 5+ Tree Sparrow, 3 Grey Partridge, Stone Curlew, Marsh Harriers, 3 Common Cranes in flight and clear views on the deck, Grasshopper warbler (h), 3 Madarins, Marsh Tit, Treecreeper and a family of 5 Blackcaps. Also my first Painted Lady.

27th July 10 - Raptors & Beyond - On tour today we saw Red Kite, 2 Turtle Doves, 6+ Buzzard, Juv MONTAGU'S HARRIER showing well and lots of Marsh Harriers. We were rudely interupted with news from east norfolk so headed off to see the KING EIDER at west runton also 100+ Common Scoter & Whimbrel. Finished off at Cley seeing 11 Spoonbills, 10 Gannets, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls and 19 Species of wader including 10+ Bar Tailed Godwits, 5 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper, c100 Dunlin, Snipe, 10 Spotted Redshanks, LRP's, Greenshank and 2 Curlew Sandpipers.

26th July 10 - Cley - An afternoon tour produced 16 species of wader including, 3 Spotted Redshanks, 8+ Green Sandpipers, Ruff, 3 Little Ringed plovers, Black Tailed Godwits, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 109 Dunlin, 6 Greenshank and Common Sandpiper, other birds inlcuded 6+ Marsh Harrier, 10+ Bearded Tit, 2 Yellow Legged Gulls and 3 Spoonbills.

24th July 10 - Lakenheath - On tour today we saw 3 Hobbys, up to 10 Bearded Tits including a fmaily party of 6 perched in a tree, 3-4 Bitterns, 3 Common Cranes in flight the adults with a juvenile, c15 Marsh Harriers, Turtle Dove, 3 Stone Curlews, Kingfisher and 2 Mandarins. Dragonflies included Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Migrant Hawkers, Brown Hawkers & Emperor Dragonflies.

23rd July 10 - Raptors & Cley - On tour today we saw 4 MONTAGU'S HARRIERS, 2 juveniles showed brilliantly and 2 females more distantly. Also Marsh Harriers, Kestrels, Buzzards, 2 Curlew Sandpipers, 20 Dunlin, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, 3 Green Sandpipers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, Golden Plover and 8 Spoonbills.

22nd July 10 - Hickling - A late afternoon jaunt produced, 39 Ruff, 16 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Bearded Tit, 8 Avocets, Little Gull & Green Sandpiper.

20th July 10 - Lakenheath - A morning spent with a local journalist was farily productive, we saw 3 Bitterns, 2 Juveniles one sitting in a bush for 30 minutes plus one of the parents close in flight. Also a Common Crane moving around in the tall grass, Green Sandpiper, Cuckoo (h), Grasshopper Warbler (h), Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and Kingfisher.

19th July 10 - Breydon Water - A morning produced 4 Greenshanks, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Whimbrel, Golden Plovers, c100 Dunlin and 200+ Avocet but not the reported white rumped sandpipers.

18th July 10 - Lakenheath - On tour today we saw Hobby, a family of Green Woodpeckers, Bearded Tits, 2 Bitterns a juvenile and an adult bringing food, Treecreeper, Common Sandpiper and Black Tailed Godwit. On a nearby heath 4 Stone Curlews and a Eurasian Curlew with young. Later at a site along the river Little Ouse, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Marsh Tits, just fledged Reed Warblers and 11 Species of Butterfly.

17th July 10 - Raptors - On tour today we saw 4 MONTAGU'S HARRIERS, 2 different females, the first fledged young of the year and the male briefly. Also 2 Hobby, 2 Marsh Harriers, Kestrel, 4 Common Buzzards and a Yellowhammer. Unfortuante timing had us miss a Honey Buzzard by 5 minutes !

16th July 10 - Lakenheath - On tour today we possibly heard an Oriole briefly, the strong winds didn't help. We did however see Hobby, 2 Turtle Doves, 2 Kingfishers, c15 Marsh Harriers including losts of juveniles, 2 Green Sandpipers, Cuckoo, Sparrowhawk, 2 Bitterns, 4+ Bearded Tits, 2 Common Cranes, Stone Curlew, male Crossbill perched and 1-2 Spotted Flycatchers. Other wildlife inlcuded a swimming Grass Snake and Dragonflies in the shape of Southern Hawker, Brown Hawker and Ruddy Darter.

14th July 10 - West Norfolk - An afternoon produced flyover Crossbill, Marsh Tit, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, 5 Turtle Doves, Stock Dove, 2 Little Owls and a Kingfisher.

11th July 10 - Raptors & Cley - On tour today we had brief views of the male MONTAGU'S HARRIER carrying food and the female circling the nest and perching in a nearby hedge, also 5+ Common Buzzard and Yellowhammer. At Cley we saw Marsh Harrier, Bearded Tits, Avcoets, Black Tailed Godwits, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Green Sandpipers and 11 Spoonbills.

10th July 10 - Titchwell - An afternoon of waders again produced 17 species including a newly arrived PECTORAL SANDPIPER, the BUFF BREASTED SANDPIPER, 10 Spotted Redshanks, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover and Greenshank. Other birds noted included adult Mediterranean Gull, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harrier.

9th July 10 - Titchwell - An evening looking at waders prodcued 17 species including BUFF BREASTED SANDPIPER, Greenshank, 6 Spotted Redshanks, c20 Ruff, Common Sandpiper, 2000+ Knot, Bar Tailed & black Tailed Godwits, 4 Little Ringed Plover & golden Plover. Other birds included Little, Common & Sandwich Terns, Bearded Tit, Brent Goose! and Marsh Harrier. On the way home I stopped at one of the heaths seeing 2 NIGHTJARS and hearing at least another 4 churring.

8th July 10 - Haddiscoe - An early start paid dividends, the RIVER WARBLER showed well and sang almost constantly between 5am and 5.40am, Superb. Also a family of 4 Marsh Harriers.

7th July 10 - Titchwell - A morning spent looking at waders, we saw 17 species including 130 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 10+ Ruff, 6 Spotted Redshanks, c50 Black tailed and c70 Bar Tailed Godwits, 2000+ Knot, Common Sandpiper & Grey Plover. Also up to 10 Bearded Tits, and Marsh Harrier.

5th July 10 - Haddiscoe - The RIVER WARBLER was heard singing constantly from 9.30pm and possibly seen briefly, also 2 Barn Owls, Hobby and Sparrowhawk.

3rd July 10 - Titchwell & Raptors - An early start failed to produce the Buff Breasted Sandpiper from yesterday but other waders present included c2000 Knot, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, 10+ Ruff, 20 Dunlin, Bar-tailed and Black Tailed Godwits and 10+ Bearded Tit. Late morning we watched the male HONEY BUZZARD for 75 minutes often displaying, superb.

30th June 10 - Raptor Tour - On tour today the pair of MONTAGU'S HARRIERS showed well the female on & off for an hour and the male for 15 minutes. Also Marsh Harrier, 2 Hobbys, Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawks, 15+ Common buzzards, Yellowhammer and Turtle Dove.

28th June 10 - Titchwell & Beyond - On tour today we had good prolonged views of a CAMBERWELL BEAUTY a very rare migrant butterfly from scandanavia. Also Corn Bunting, Cetti's Warbler, c500 Knot, Bar Tailed & Black Tailed Godwits, a black Spotted Redshank and Little Gull. We finished the day with the female MONTAGU'S HARRIER and 2 fem Marsh Harriers.

27th June 10 - Raptor Tour - On tour today the pair of MONTAGU'S HARRIERS showed well for 45 minutes, also 2 Turtle Doves, Yellowhammer, 10+ Common Buzzard, 2 Hobby, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk.

26th June 10 - Lakenheath - On tour today we had a good long flight views of a Bittern, lots of Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits, 6+ Cuckoos showed well, 3 Buzzards, 3 Hobbies, a Grasshopper Warbler showed well, we found 2 Stone Curlews at a new site, 2 Grey Wagtails, heard only Firecrest and saw literally hundreds of Banded Demoiselles.

25th June 10 - Raptors & Cley - On tour today we had good views of the pair of MONTAGU'S HARRIERS for 30 minutes, Also 6+ Marsh Harrier, 6+ Buzzard, 3 Spotted Redshanks in black summer dress, 2 Bearded Tits showed well, Little Terns, c70 Black Tailed and 35 Bar Tailed Godwits, 5 Knot one in red plumage, dunlin, 2 Gannets and 2 Little Ringed Plovers.

8th June 10 - Oriole tour - A very wet tour today, we heard both male Orioles one at times very close but were beaten by the weather, we did however see 4 Bitterns, including 2 together being chased by 2 Marsh Harriers, also 2 Common Cranes, cracking views of Grasshopper Warbler, up to 10 Cuckoos including 3 flying together, Hobby, Mistle Thrushes and a bedraggled Stone Curlew.

7th June 10 - Ranworth Broad - A quick afternoon jaunt produced a very smart Black Tern, c50 Common Terns and a Marsh Tit.

6th June 10 - Blakeney point - An afternoon trip produced 15 Gannets, c50 Little Terns, Willow Warbler, Mediterraenean Gull and a fine male SUBALPINE WABLER.

5th June 10 - Wales & a Norfolk Twitch - An early start had us in Gwent before 9am to get excellent views of the MARMORA'S WARBLER along with Raven, Whinchats, Cuckoo (h), Stonechats and Tree Pipits. We headed home stopping at Titchwell en route, the 5 BLACK WINGED STILTS performed well along with 7 Little Gulls, Ruddy Duck, c400 Knot and 150 Bar Wits.

4th June 10 - Titchwell - An interesting tour in beautiful weather, we saw Cuckoo, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroats, 3 Red Crested Pochards, c200 Knot, 50+ Bar Tailed Godwits, 30+ Black Tailed Godwits, a fine summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Little Gulls, Yellow Wagtail, Bearded Tits, 3 Dunlin and a Spoonbill my first of the year.

3rd June 10 - Cley area - A quiet tour after the recent days of excitement, with 8+ Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 6+ Marsh Harriers, Hobby, Yellowhammer, 2 Cuckoos heard, c100 Black Tailed Godwits, 4+ Bearded Tits, Grey Plover and Little & Sandwich Terns.

2nd June 10 - Cley - An early start failed to produce the nightingale sp. but we had good views of the TRUMPETER FINCH again and a Snow Goose!

1st June 10 - Cley area - started with the male RED BACKED SHRIKE from a few days ago, a Nightingale sp. at walsey hills only heard briefly, MARSH WARBLER showed well and sang at Gramborough Hill, Blakeney point produced 2 Black Redstarts, 5 Wheatears, Yellow Wagtail and Spotted Flycatcher.

31st May 10 - Cley - Cracking views of the male TRUMPETER FINCH plus Manx Shearwater and a Guillemot.

30th May 10 - Oriole tour - An excellent tour with several good views of a male GOLDEN ORIOLE and a second male singing, also 6+ Cuckoos, Bittern in flight, Bearded Tits, Cetti's Warbler, Nightingale heard, 4 Stone Curlews 2 adults with 2 young, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, Grey Wadtail, Crossbill (h) and Kingsfisher. Insect wise Hariy Dragonflys and the first Banded Demoiselles.

27th May 10 - Kelling - an hour out in the morning produced good views of the male RED BACKED SHRIKE plus a Wheatear and Stonechat.

26th May 10 - East coast - A few hours in the afternoon produced an adult and juvenile Tawny Owl, 3 Sanderling, Marsh Harriers, 3 Dunlin, drake Garganey, 25 Ringed Plovers and Common Sandpiper.

23rd May 10 - A day of two halfs - A leisurely walk in NE norfolk produced a suprise singing Firecrest, pair of Garganey and marsh Harrier. Then some late news from Stiffkey fen, we arrived at 9.30pm just as others were leaving, not looking good, a 20 minute wait paid off when the SAVI'S WARBLER gave a few short bursts of song and then miraculously appeared on a reed stem in front of us, in the last rays of daylight and a bright moon we got a reasonable view. Finished on one of the heaths hearing 3 Nightingales, 2 Nightjars and several Tawny Owls.

22nd May 10 - SW Norfolk - An early morning saw us checking norfolk sites for Orioles but to no avail, we only managed Corn Bunting, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Garden Warblers, Marsh Tit and Spotted Flycatcher. Just into suffolk we heard 2 singing and got brief views of one of the GODLEN ORIOLES, also Bittern heard booming, a pair of Marsh Harriers doing a food pass and Grasshopper Warbler, Cettis' Warbler and Cuckoo all heard.

21st May 10 - Cley area - A good tour in barmey weather, we heard 3 Nigthingales, 2 in full song one calling and one showed well, no less than 11 species of warbler seen and heard including, male Dartford Warbler, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler, chiffchaff, Blackcap, Cetti's, willow, reed & sedge warblers and common whitethroat. Other birds included 2 Temminck's Stints, both Bar & black Tailed Godwits, Knot, Avocet, Dunlin, 2 Stonechats, Yellowhammer and Woodlark.

18th May 10 - Oriole tour - A cracking day in beautiful weather produced a good long flight view of a male GOLDEN ORIOLE followed by brief but good views of a second male in the poplars. Other birds included no less than 50 Hobbies, 6 Marsh Harriers, brief Bittern in flight, Bearded Tits, Garden and Cetti's Warbler heard only, 2 male Garganeys, Grey Partridge, Stock Doves, 3 Stone Curlews showed well and half a dozen Tree Sparrows.

17th May 10 - A day off saw me pop over to Frampton in Lincolnshire to see the ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE, very nice it was too, the reserve also produced c5 Little Gulls, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Black Tailed Godwits, c80 Dunlin, Corn Bunting and Wood Sandpiper. News from Ranworth Broad had me out again in the afternoon to see the OSPREY not always an easy bird to catch up with during spring in Norfolk.

16th May 10 - Holme & Titchwell - a pleasant tour in warm sunshine, today we saw 2 Cuckoos, 2 Turtle Doves, cracking views of Grasshopper Warbler, Common, Little & Sandwich Terns, 3 Eider, 6 Scoter, Common Sandpiper, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Red Necked Grebe, Willow Warbler feeding 4 freshly fledged young, 4 Red Crested Pochards, 2 Bearded Tits, a fine red Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtails, c30 Brents Geese and a Hobby.

15th May 10 - Raptor tour - After news of a possible honey buzzard returning, an improptu tour produced, Red Kite, 2 Hobbies, up to 20 Common Buzzards, 2 Marsh Harriers, Kestrel, 3 Sparrowhawks and 2-3 MONTAGU'S HARRIERS 1-2 males & fem. Other birds included Barn Owl, 4 Grey Partridge and Yellow Wagtail. In hindsight it was too early for HB by 2-3 day.

14th May 10 - Cley area - A good tour in warm sunshine, finally. Began with 3 Nightingales, two in full song one seen briefly the other showed well, male Dartford Warbler, 3 Stonechats, 2 Garden Warblers and 6 Buzzards in a kettle, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, fem Black Redstart, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a female Blue Headed Wagtail. On the reserve itself 3 Temminck's Stints, 3 Bearded Tits, Little Ringed Plover, sum plum Turnstone, Marsh Harriers, Black Tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, Knot and still c40 Brent Geese.

12th May 10 - The Broads - A brief forray returned 2 Common Cranes, cuckoo & Cetti's warbler heard, 2 Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, Little Ringed Plover, adult Little Gull and 30+ Common Tern.

11th May 10 - Minsmere - A cracking tour, starting with brilliant views of a Nightingale in full song, also Garden Warblers, 4 Turtle Doves, 2-4 Wood Larks, Stonechat and 4+ Dartford Warblers. Then onto the reserve where we saw Wheatear, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Spoonbills, Sanderling, Bar-tailed & Black Tailed Godwits, Little Terns, 6+ Mediterranean Gulls, 3 Hobbys, Little Gull, 6+ Marsh Harrier, good flight views of a Bittern and all finished off with excellent views of the female MONTAGU'S HARRIER.

7th May 10 - Cley area - A difficult tour in a cold Northerly wind and showers, the highlights were the 3 Nightingales in full song for half an hour two of which showed briefly, also 2 Dartford Warblers both males, 3 Stonechats, 3 Temminck's Stints, Avocets, Marsh Harrier, Black Tailed Godwits, c100 Sandwich Terns, Little Terns, Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and heard only Garden Warbler.

5th May 10 - Cley - A brief visit late afternoon produced Temminck's Stint, 2 Common Sandpipers, Ruff, Avocets, drake Garganey, Wood Sandpiper, 7 Wheatears, 3 Barnacle Geese and a Hobby over Holt on the way home.

4th May 10 - Minsmere - Despite the winter feel to the weather we managed an excellent tour today, highlights were the female MONTAGU'S HARRIER sitting on the scrape in front of the hide, good views of a Nightingale, fem Redstart and a Bittern on view for 15 minutes. Other birds included Cetti's Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, a few Bearded Tits, Mediterranean Gull, male Ruffs coming into sumemr plumage, Little, Common & Sandwich Terns together, 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Hobbies and numerous Marsh Harriers.

2nd May 10 - Holkham - An intertesting tour in very strong NE wind, a short seawatch produced a Manx Shearwater, c40 Gannets, 50+ Common Scoter, 2 Auk sp., Little Terns & Sandwich Terns. In the woods Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warblers, Whitethroat, Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs. A suprise came in the shape of a Common Crane we found in fields east of the drive. Also 2 Marsh Harriers, lots of hirrundines and Swifts, 10+ Wheatear, Avocet, 2 Grey Partridge and a female Ring Ouzel.

30th April 10 - NW Norfolk - On tour today we saw a Golden Pheasant of unknown origin, Marsh Tits, Corn Bunting, Marsh Harrier, good views of the IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Garganey, Little Terns, 3 Red Crested Pochards, c1000 Common Scoter, Eider, Grey Plover, Bar Wit, 20 Red Breasted Mergansers, 8 Wheatears, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Grey Partridge and a Buzzard.

29th April 10 - Cley Area & beyond - A long day in the field, 2 Barn Owls en route to the coast, 2 hours early doors at Sheringham produced 2 Grey Partridge, fem Ring Ouzel, Bar Wit on the Golf Course! 4 Yellow Wagtails, 54 Swifts all west, 6 Fulmars, Fieldfare, 2 Yellowhammers and 29 Wheatears. On tour 2 Dartford Warblers (males), 6 Crossbills, 2 Mistle Thrushes, yellowhammers, Turtle Dove, c200 Sand Martins at a colony, 3 Blue Headed Wagtails with up to 20 Yellow Wagtails, Ruff, 2 Wood Sandpipers, 6+ Wheatear, Dunlin, Sandwich Terns and 3 Bearded Tits. Hot news from Titchwell saw us amongst the first people to see & hear the IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF that had just been identified. Also drake Garganey & Ruddy Duck and 1-2 Bitterns boombing. After the tour at a private site Garden Warbler and a very welcome Wood Warbler were seen.

28th April 10 - The Broads - We were very lucky on tour today, the first broad produced c20 Common Terns, ad Little Gull and Cetti's Warbler. The second 2 Wood Sandpipers, first Hobby of the year, 9 species of warbler including cracking views of a Grasshopper Warbler and a brief Lesser Whitethroat. Moving on to the coast we bumped into a WOODCHAT SHRIKE that had been found earlier, we were the second observers and delighted, also fem Ring Ouzel, 2 Whinchats both males, 5+ Wheatear, 2 Stonechats and Yellowhammer.

26th April 10 - Holme & Titchwell - Before the tour I shot to welney to see the WHITE SPOTTED BLUETHROAT a very rare form of bluethroat only seen in this country every couple of years. Also Barn Owl, Corn Bunting, 5 Swifts, Reed Warbler & Bewick's Swan. On tour we had good views of a Cuckoo, pair of Stonechats, Wheateras, Gropper (h), Mistle Thrush, Blackcaps, 4 Red Crested Pochards, Common Sandpiper 1st of year, 3+ Bearded Tit, 200+ Common Scoter, Eider, Red Necked Grebe, dunlin, sanderling and Whimbrel.

25th April 10 - The Burnhams - Today on tour we visited the B. Mkt. area, Norton and Overy marshes and dunes. A Barn Owl was seen hunting en route to the coast, 6 Grey Partridge, Buzzard, Marsh Harriers, House Martins, Lesser Whitethroats, best ever views of Grasshopper Warbler, Brent Geese, c300 Pink Footed Geese, male Bearded Tit, 8 Whimbrel, c12 Wheatears, male Ring Ouzel, sanderlings and 20+ Little Terns.

24th April 10 - Cley area - On tour today, good views of the male Dartford Warbler again, pair of Stonechats, 2 Bullfinches, yellowhammer, cuckoo heard, a cracking male Ring Ouzel flushed, c5 Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers, 2 Bar-wits, Sandwich Terns, Dunlin, Gannet, Brent Geese, Ruff, 3 Wheatears, 3 Greenshanks, 50+ Black Tailed Godwits, c10 Yellow Wagtails, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, Avocets, Green Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, a neck collared Grey Lag and Grasshopper Warbler.

23rd April 10 - Cley area - Cracking views of a male Dartford Warbler were the highlight of the tour with another one heard and seen briefly, also 2 Grey Partridge, Yellowhammer, Stonechats, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs, Whitethraot, Sedge Warbler, displaying Sparrowhawks, Buzzard, first 2 Swifts of the year, 6 Wheatears, Green Sandpiper, 10 Sandwich Terns, Sand Martins & Swallows and finally c10 Yellow Wagtails.

20th April 10 - North Norfolk - An afternoon out failed to produce either the Iceland gull or hoopoe, we did hear Lesser Whitethroat and see House Martins, Avocets, Marsh Harriers and Whimbrel.

19th April 10 - East Norfolk - A tour of various sites produced, 7 Greenshanks, Black & Bar Tailed Godwit, Knot, Dunlin, pair of Garganey, Avocet, first Cuckoo of the year, Grasshopper Warbler, Whitethroat, Stock Dove, 5 Gannets, 10 Common Scoter, 3 Wheatears, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, heard only Cranes, House Martin, 1-2 Cetti's Warblers, Red Throated Divers and a Porpoise.

16th April 10 - NW Norfolk - Another difficult tour in a cold Northerly wind, the highlight was watching the flock of c10,000 Knot swirling around like a shoal of fish and trying to evade the attention of the local Peregrine, Fantastic. Other birds included the first Whimbrel of the year, Sedge Warblers, 2 Grey Partridge, Marsh Harriers, 2 Mediterranean Gulls, Yellow Wagtail, 4 Red Crested Pochards, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2+ White Wagtail and a Fieldfare.

15th April 10 - The Broads - A fairly quiet tour in cold NE wind, brightened up by the cracking views of a Bittern for the last 20 mins of the day. Also 10+ Marsh Harrier, 50 Pink Footed Geese, Swallows, 4 Bearded Tits, Snipe, Willow Warbler, Cetti's and Sedge only heard, a nice migrant Tree Pipit on the coast, Stonechat and 5 Goldeneye including one drake.

12th April 10 - NW Norfolk - A difficult tour in cold NE wind, c100 Pink Footed Geese, first Whitethroat of the year, Bar Tailed & Black Tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, Marsh Harriers, Sparrowhawk, Sanderling, Ruddy Duck, 2 Buzzards, c200 Knot, Little Gull, Brent Geese & first Yellow Wagtail of the year. After the tour I stopped in at Stiffkey seeing Avocets, 3 Med Gulls, 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper.

11th April 10 - Barton Broad - A brief visit produced Marsh Tit, Willow Warblers, 6+ Common Tern, Swallows, Sand Martins, Cetti's (h) and marsh Harrier. Back in Norwich a cracking Arctic Tern, Sand Martins, Swallows and a Blackcap at Colney pits.

7th April 10 - Cley area - A good early spring tour, before the tour I started at Stifkey fen seeing the first Little Ringed Plover and Sedge Warbler of the year along with 4 Mediterranean Gulls & Barn Owl. On tour we saw 2 Woodlarks, 4-5 Lesser Redpolls, 1-2 Meally Redpolls, Stonechats, Dartford Warbler, Yellowhammers, Willow Warblers, Marsh Harrier, Avocets, Sand Martins, Swallows, 2 Sandwich Terns, Bearded Tits, 5 Wheatears, 3 Gannets and a male Blackcap.

3rd April 10 - The Brecks - The final tour produced my first Willow Warbler of the year, a pair of displaying GOSHAWKS, very nice, 2 Mandarin, brief Lesser Spotted Woodpecker call, Marsh Tits, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, woodlark heard only, pair of displayig Sparrowhawks, 1-2 Firecrests one collecting nesting material, Blackcap, 20+ Crossbill, Redwing and Grey Wagtail.

2nd April 10 - The Brecks - A good tour despite the weather, quickly scored with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and a Willow Tit, also Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Marsh Tits and 4 Bullfinches. Moving on we saw a sub adult GOSHAWK several times in flight and perched. Also Yellowhammer, Sparrowhawk, 12 Crossbills and 2 Woodlarks. After lunch a singing Blackcap, 2 Firecrests singing one seen in flight, a pair of Bullfinches and a furhter 30 Crossbills in 2 groups.

30th March 10 - Suffolk - Fancied another look at the kestrel so headed back to Minsmere, we saw it quickly, this time in sunlight and flying around more, very nice. Also GREAT GREY SHRIKE. Later in Lowestoft one roosting ALPINE SWIFT was still present.

29th March 10 - Suffolk - A very early start saw us on westleton heath for dawn, luckily the LESSER KESTREL was still there, a fine adult male which showed distantly but well in reasonable light. Moving on we saw a Stone Curlew at another site and retraced yesterdays steps seeing the PALLID SWIFT again with 2 Swallows and finally the 2 ALPINE SWIFTS roosting in misty conditions.

28th march 10 - The Brecks & Beyond - The second day of the tour, early on we saw 2 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Sparrowhawk, c25 Crossbills and a Woodlark. With interesting news from the suffolk coast we decided as we'd cleaned up yesterday to twitch some swifts! At Kessingland we had good views of both a PALLID SWIFT and an ALPINE SWIFT. Then at Lowestoft another 2 ALPINE SWIFTS making that 3 for the day and 5 for the week! Also a Woodcock was flushed.

27th march 10 - The Brecks - A superb tour the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was calling as soon as we arrived and showed well, also, 2 Willow Tits, Marsh Tit, Grey Wagtail, Sparrowhawk, c40 Crossbills, Red Tailed Hawk, good views of GOSHAWK, 2 Firecrests with a further 2-3 calling, Blackcap (h), 7 Brambling, Treecreeper, 2 Yellowhammers and 8 Hawfinches.

26th March 10 - North Norfolk - A day on the coast produced a second ALPINE SWIFT, 7 Wheatears, Snow Bunting, 4 White Wagtails, Black Redstart, 2 Barn Owls, Swallow and a cracking male Ring Ouzel.

25th March 10 - The Brecks - The second day of a two day tour, we saw a different female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Kingfisher, 2 Mandarin, c50 Siskin, 3 Mealy Redpolls, 24+ Crossbill, Woodlark, Firecrest, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 4 Stone Curlews, c300 Golden Plovers some in summer plumage and Tree Sparrow.

24th March 10 - The Brecks - A good tour today seeing, 3 Willow Tits, 1-2 Lesser SPotted Woodpeckers, 3 Grey Wagtails, Stock Doves, c30 Crossbills, Red Tailed Hawk, 4 Sparrowhawks, 2 GOSHAWKS both males and one seen sparring with a Buzzard, up to 7 Firecrests, with good views of at least 4-5 of them, 3 Bullfinches, Kingfisher, Marsh Tits, CHiffchaff, Nuthatches and Redwings.

23rd March 10 - East Norfolk & Beyond - Cracking day out today, we started on the east coast with the first Swallow, Gannet, Chiffchaff, 6+ Wheatears & 3 Black Redstarts of the year along with a male Hen Harrier & 2 Cranes. Then the mad dash accross the county to track the ALPINE SWIFT along the coast, fortunately it turned back from the wash and showed brilliantly to us as we drove along the coast road.

22nd March 10 - NW Norfolk - An interesting tour but not much evidence of spring, we saw Water Rail, heard only Chiffchaff, Bearded Tit and Cetti's Warbler, 3+ Marsh Harrier, Water Pipit, 10+ Goldeneye, drake Pintail, c30 Twite, 4+ Velvet Scoter with c400 Common Scoter, Long Tailed Duck, 3 Buzzards, an unexpected Red Kite, c30 Corn Buntings and 10 Yellowhammers.

19th March 10 - The Brecks - Another good tour seeing female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Bullfinches, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, 3 Woodcock, willow tit heard only, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzards, 2-3 GOSHAWKS including a big female and 1-2 males, Yellowhammer, 6+ Crossbills, first Sand Martin of the year, drake Garganey, Marsh Harrier, drake Goosander, 2 Firecrests and 3 Hawfinches.

16th March 10 - The Broads - An afternoon walk at the coast failed to produce any early migrants, a brief look in the broads produced Marsh Harrier, Marsh Tits, 12 Pink Feet and a Bullfinch.

14th March 10 - Norwich - A Crossbill flew over my garden calling, the first I've ever seen in Norwich.

13th March 10 - The Brecks - An excellent tour starting with 2 Grey Wagtails, a female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker which showed well, a Willow Tit just above our heads and Marsh Tits. At the next site 3 GOSHAWKS in the air together, 2 Woodlarks, 2 Sparrowhawks and a few Crossbills. After lunch we had crippling views of a male Firecrest followed by Nuthatch, 4 Crossbills, 40+ Brambling, 3 Bullfinches and a suprise Hawfinch away from the usual site. At the final site we had good views of 2 Hawfinches and a further 12 Crossbills.

12th March 10 - The Brecks - Another tricky tour with nasty weather, we saw Woodcock, Barn Owl, Fieldfares, Redwings, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch, 4+ Marsh Tit, 5+ Crossbill, Woodlark, 6 Bullfinches, 30+ Brambling, Yellowhammers, 2 Willow Tits, 6 Hawfinches including a pair kissing! and heard only firecrest.

11th March 10 - The Broads - A slow paced tour of a few sites produced Barn Owl, marsh Harrier, 2 Chinese Water Deer, 3 Slavonian Grebes, 20+ Bewick's Swans and 4 'wild' Grey Lag Geese.

10th March 10 - The Brecks - A difficult tour in challenging weather, we managed to see Treecreeper, Nuthatch, 2 Willow Tits, Bullfinch, one probable Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drum, 2 Sparrowhawks, 64+ Crossbills, 20+ Siskin, 3-4 Woodlarks, Redpoll, 4 Red Dear, Redwings and Mistle Thrush.

9th March 10 - Norwich - The male Blackcap was seen again eating apples in my back garden.

8th March 10 - The Fleet, Dorset - Couldn't resist another british tick! Had good views of the North American drake BUFFLEHEAD along with 52 Red Breasted Mergansers.

7th March 10 - NW Norfolk - A few hours out produced 12 Shore Larks, Barn Owl, Taiga Bean Goose, c1000 Common Scoter, Water Pipit and Woodcock.

6th March 10 - The Brecks - A productive tour, early on we heard woodlark and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker drummed twice but was not seen. Moving on we saw Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, both common woodpeckers, 3 Sparrowhawks, 3-4 GOSHAWKS including 2 males sparring, 3 Redpolls, Siskins, 30+ Crossbill, 3 Hawfinches and to round the day off 2 Willow Tits.

5th March 10 - Norwich - A brief afternoon foray produced 1-2 Mealy Redpoll, 7 Redpoll sp., Siskin, Redwings and a Sparrowhawk.

2nd March 10 - The Brecks - A cracking morning produced a male GOLDEN PHEASANT very difficult away from wolferton, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Red Tailed Hawk, 3-5 Woodlarks, Yellowhammers, 4 Crossbills, Goosander and no less than 4 GOSHAWKS a female and 3 males including one in full display.

1st March 10 - Yare Valley - A short Visit two sites close to Norwich, we saw Bewick's Swan, Marsh TIt, Treecreeper, 2 Woodcock, Scaup and heard Cetti's Warbler.

25th Feb 10 - North Norfolk - A late afternoon jaunt produced, Mediterranean Gull, Snow Bunting, c1000 Brent Geese, 2 Marsh Harriers, 20+ Avocet, 4 Barn Owls, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Woodcock and best of all a LONG EARED OWL.

23rd Feb 10 - The Brecks - A great tour produced no less than 45 Crossbills, 5 Brambling, Water Rail, Mistle Thrush, 2 GOSHAWKS both seen in flight and perched, 2 Willow Tits, Marsh Tit, Treecreeper, 3 Hawfinches and 100+ Siskin.

22nd Feb 10 - Holkham - A very enjoyable tour despite the bitingly cold wind, we saw at least 8 Barn Owls including 5 from one spot, Rock Pipits, Stonechat, 8 Shore Larks, 100+ Skylarks, 100+ Common Scoter, Fulmar, Mergs, 2 Peregrines, 50+ Curlew, 30 White Fronted Geese, 2 Black Brants, c1000 Dark Bellied Brent Geese, 4 Scaup including a drake, 1st winter drake & 2 females, Bar Tailed Godwits, Sanderling, Knot, Grey Plover, 100 Fieldfares, Marsh Harrier and a male Hen Harrier.

19th Feb 10 - NW Norfolk - A tour of various north west sites produced 8 species of geese, including c1000 Pink Footed (also a leucistic bird), 3 Tundra Bean, 49 Barnacle, 200+ White Fronted, Egyptian, Grey Lag, 500+ Brent and 2 Black Brants. Also Buzzard, c40 Corn Buntings, Yellowhammers, Ruff, Mediterranean Gull, Ruddy Duck, c30 Twite, 31 Snow Buntings, 10 Goldeneye, 3 Velvet Scoters, c1000 Common Scoter, Avocets & 3 Barn Owls.

17th Feb 10 - Cley - On tour today, 25 Avocets, Water Rail, 4 Marsh Harriers, Bar Tailed & black Tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, Knot, 50 Dunlin, c40 Pintail, 1-2 Barn Owls, c1000 Brent geese including several Pale Bellied Brents, c100 Snow Buntings, Water Pipit, Green Woodpecker and Bearded Tit.

8th-15th Feb 10 - Egypt - A holiday to Sinai included lots of sun and some fantastic snorkelling. On the bird front we saw the following. Green Heron, 300+ White Storks, Imperial Eagle, Spur Winged Plover, Pallid Swifts, Desert Lark, Rock Martin, Red Rumped Swallow, coutelli Water Pipit from the caucasus, Red Throated Pipit, 8+ Bluethroat, Sardinian Warbler, HOODED WHEATEAR, White Crowned Black Wheatear, SINAI ROSEFINCH and Tristram's Grackle.

7th Feb 10 - Cley - A damp grey tour seeing 500 Brent Geese, Stonechat, 10+ Red Throated Divers, 20+ Avocet, Pintail, Knot, c200 Dunlin, Grey Plover, Black Tailed Godwits, Rock Pipit, 3 Barn Owls, White Fronted Goose and c100 Snow Buntings.

6th Feb 10 - Holkham - A very foggy tour, best birds included Hen Harrier, c150 White Fronted Geese, Barn Owl, Nuthatch and Pink Feet.

3rd Feb 10 - Holkham - A half day tour in glorious sunshine produced Common Scoter, Red Breasted Merganser, Red Necked Grebe, c10,000 Pink Footed Geese, 49 Snow Buntings, 6 Eider all drakes, 6 Ringed Plovers, Grey Plover, Buzzard and c250 White Fronted Geese. On the way home I stopped off seeing a Barn Owl & 5 Mandarin (2 male & 3 fem).

2nd Feb 10 - The Broads - A good tour around various broads and one coastal site, we saw 10+ Goldeneye, female Scaup, 80 Bewick's Swans, 20+ Stock Dove, drake Smew, Common Crane, Bittern, Knot, Sanderling, Golden Plovers, 4 Purple Sandpipers, 47 Pale Bellied Brent Geese and 2 White Fronted Geese. At the roost site we saw Barn Owl, another 4 Cranes, male Merlin, Harris's Hawk, Hen Harrier and c15 Marsh Harriers.

1st Feb 10 - North Norfolk - A cracking day today, we started with stupidly close views of a Black Throated Diver on an inland lake, moving on 2 Firecrests, flyover Crossbill, a singing male Dartford Warbler, stonechat, 10+ Red Throated Diver, 2 Razorbills, Guillemot, 10+ Avocet, a few Ruff, woodcock and a LONG EARED OWL at dusk leaving its roost and flying past us at about 15 feet!

30th Jan 10 - The Broads - Another good tour, during the day we saw the ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD again, 2 Hen Harriers, Short Eared Owl, 10+ Marsh Harriers, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, 2 Smew Pink Footed Geese and Golden Plover. At the raptor roost, 6 Common Cranes, a Bittern gave a long fly by, 2 Merlins including a male, 25 Marsh Harriers and a Barn Owl.

29th Jan 10 - The Brecks - A cracking tour with a flock of c100 Siskin, 18 Crossbills flew over twice, Firecrest low in the trees giving eye level views, 3 Hawfinches perched close for several minutes, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, c200 Brambling, a Woodcock and finally a very scarce bird in east anglia, a Willow Tit, a truely excellent day.

28th Jan 10 - Chedgrave - A brief sortie found 2 Bewick's Swans, the adult ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, 3 Hen Harriers, 7 Marsh Harriers and c500 Pink Footed Geese.

26th Jan 10 - NW Norfolk - A tour of various sites produced, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harriers, 2 Buzzards, 3 Water Rails, Slavonian Grebe, 2 Velvet Scoter with c400 Common Scoter, Spotted Redshank, Shag, Bar-wit, Grey Plover, 30 Eider and male Merg.

25th Jan 10 - Strumpshaw - A few hours spent hunting Redpolls, we ended up seeing c50 Lesser Redpolls and 2-3 Mealy Redpolls along with c70 Siskin and Marsh Tit.

24th Jan 10 - The Broads - Lots of geese on tour today, c100 White Fronted, c60 Taiga Bean, Canada, Egyptian and Grey Lags, c2000 Pink Footed, 2 Pale Bellied Brent and 19 Dark Bellied Brent. Also 30+ Goldeneye, cracking views of a Cetti's Warbler, 3 Scaup 2 fems and a drake, Grey Plover, 4 Red Throated Divers, perched Merlin, male Hen Harrier, 20+ Marsh Harriers and 2 Common Cranes.

23rd Jan 10 - Norwich - A fine male Blackcap in my garden, obviously overwintering in the neighbourhood.

22nd Jan 10 - North Norfolk - A wet morning produced Little Owl, all 5 regular thrushes, Red Throated DIver, Fulmar, Purple Sandpiper, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, a mixed flock of 30+ Siskin and 10+ Redpoll sp., Woodcock, Marsh Harrier and Barn Owl.

20th Jan 10 - NW Norfolk - The omens looked good on tour today when the first bird we saw was a stunning male Bearded Tit at close range. The rest of the day produced, 15 Ruff, 100 Common Scoter, 60+ Goldeneye, 4 Red Throated Divers, 10+ Eider, a very smart Black Throated Diver, Slavonian Grebe, 8 Grey Partridge, Water Pipit, Water Rail, 2 Merlins both perched one a male, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Yellowhammers, the SNOW GOOSE with several thousand Pink Footed Geese, a pair of Scaup, 2 hybrid Black Brant x Brent Geese with 300 Brent Geese, Barn owl, Peregrine and 2 Hen Harriers including a male.

19th Jan 10 - Norwich - Another hour at Whittlingham lane country park produced Slavonian Grebe, Red Necked Grebe, Great Crested and Little Grebes, Great Northern Diver, 2 Goosander, Smew, fem Ruddy Duck 1st winter male Scaup and Kingfisher. Very nice indeed.

18th Jan 10 - North Norfolk - A tour of various sites today and we saw the following species, Redwings, Fieldfares, Treecreeper, juv GLAUCOUS GULL, 5 Red Throated Divers, juv Peregrine, 2 Barn Owls, 3-4 Hen Harriers including a male, c5000 Pink Footed Geese flew directly overhead and a Sparrowhawk.

17th Jan 10 - Norwich - An hour at Whittlingham lane country park produced Red Necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, 3 Smew all redheads, 20+ Great Crested Grebes, Tufted Ducks and Pochard.

15th Jan 10 - West Norfolk - A productive tour in wet weather, birds seen included 2 Stock Doves, 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Tree Sparrows, Peregrine, Yellowhammer, Brambling, 1st winter CASPIAN GULL, Lesser Redpoll, 100 Eider, 100 Common Scoter, 3 Fulmars, Lapland Bunting, Hen Harrier, 2 Barn Owls, 4+ Marsh Harrier, Spotted Redshank, 70+ Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver, 3 Smew, c3000 Pink Footed Geese, 2 'Pale Bellied' Brents with100+ commoner 'Dark Bellied' Brent Geese and a Bittern.

13th Jan 10 - The Broads - A late afternoon sortie produced 3 Smew including 2 drakes, 30+ Goldeneye, 2 Lesser Redpolls and a Gull roost of at least 5000 birds.

12th Jan 10 - Norwich - A brief jaunt out produced a lovely Waxwing and 10+ Redwings feeding in the city centre.

11th Jan 10 - West Norfolk - Today we spent 3 hours looking at gulls, far too long if you ask me! We saw lots of Herring, Lesser BB, Greater BB, Common, Black Headed and 4 Yellow Legged Gulls of various ages. Other birds included 2 Green Woodpeckers, 29 Snow Buntings, 2 Shore Larks, Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Pale Bellied Brent Goose with Dark Bellied Brents, Goldeneyes, Merganser and Water Rail.

8th Jan 10 - Chedgrave - A brief stop produced the ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, Woodcock, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Marsh Harriers and a Peregrine.

7th Jan 10 – The Brecks – A short tour in Lapland looking forest, birds were hard to come by with the freezing conditions and a blanket of snow. We saw Marsh Tits, Goldecrest, 30+ Siskin, 3 Lesser Redpolls, Nuthatch, Redwings, Fieldfares, Grey Wagtail, 50+ Brambling, Sparrowhawk, Woodcock, Bullfinch and Green Woodpecker.

6th Jan 10 – The Broads – On tour today, in finger numbing conditions, we saw 15 Lesser Redpolls, Siskins, Marsh Tit, 10 Marsh Harriers, 2-3 Chinese Water Dear, c100 White Fronted Geese, c50 Taiga Bean Geese, 30+ Goldeneye, 100+ Bewick’s Swans, c10 Whooper Swans, 2 Common Cranes, 1500+ Pink Footed Geese, Barnacle Goose, 2 Stock Doves, Woodcock, Water Rail and Barn Owl

5th Jan 10 – North Norfolk – Another good tour with 4-5 Barn Owls, 3 Twite, Rock Pipit, 2 Kingfishers, 7 Bearded Tits, Knot, 30+ Dunlin, 20+ Avocet, 8 Bullfinches, Whooper Swan, 4 Woodcock, c5000 Pink Footed Geese, 10 Grey Partridge, Marsh Harrier and m & f Hen Harrier.

4th Jan 10 – North West Norfolk – A good tour with 2 Water Pipits, 15+ Twite, 25 Snow Buntings, Eider, Fulmar, c1000 Common Scoter, Marsh Harrier, 3 Water Rails, Mediterranean Gull, Pink Footed Geese, a flock containing c100 Yellowhammers, 20 Reed Buntings and 10 Corn Buntings, 2 Stock Doves, Redwings, Fieldfares, Mistle Thrush and 2 Barn Owls.

3rd Jan 10 - The Broads – An excellent tour with c60 White Fronted Geese, 55 Taiga Bean Geese, Marsh Harrier, fem RING NECKED DUCK, 3 Sparrowhawks one of which nearly took my ear off ! 20+ Siskin, 50 Goldeneye, Barnacle Goose, drake FERRUGINOUS DUCK, 100+ Bewick’s Swans and c10 Whooper Swans.

2nd Jan 10 - Thornham to Hunstanton - A lovely walk along the coast produced a Red Kite, Spotted Redshank, 3 Long Tailed Ducks, 2 Snow Buntings and 300+ Common Scoter. Back in Norwich a red head Smew had joined the Great Northern Diver and Black Necked Grebe from yesterday.

1st Jan 10 - Norwich - A nice selection of birds at whittlingham lane country park including Great Northern Diver, Black Necked Grebe, Ruddy Duck and Goosander. A late afternoon stop at Holkham produced the SNOW GOOSE with c10,000 Pink Feet also 2 Barn Owls.