Friday 13 February 2015

Update

Waxwings!

Waxwings have unfortunately been in very small numbers this year, probably due to the amount on berries in Scandinavia hence their presence here in the UK. However, dad took me to see the Waxwings in Ipswich on Sunday 1st Feb. The light was appalling, but still nice to see.






The Patch!

I haven't reported about the patch much on the blog recently, so thought I would give you an update. I'm on a cracking 72 species, highlights being Barn and Little Owl, Golden Plover, Snipe, Water Rail, Barnacle Goose, Peregrine, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Green Sandpiper, Lapwing, Grey Wagtail and Chiffchaff, all great birds for the patch! Only missing Reed Bunting, Red-legged Partridge, Tawny Owl, Jack Snipe, Mediterranean Gull (4 birds - the first in 8 years!), Goshawk (!!!), Little Grebe and Egyptian Goose, all of which have been seen this year but not by me unfortunately.

Norfolk Broads 8th February 2015

Dad took me to the Norfolk Broads last Sunday to try and add to my year list - now standing at 128.

We started off at Halvergate Marshes, where we had good views of the winter-resident Rough-legged Buzzard, with a Peregrine fora supporting cast. It was great to catch up with Robert Wilson and Tom and his dad Kelvin too.

We then went to Ludham, where we saw in total around 400+ winter swans, mostly Bewick's, but about 50 Whooper's in the hazy conditions.



We then went to the Hickling Broad raptor roost at Stubb Mill, where we had: 
  • 3 Hen Harrier (1 male), 
  • 27 Crane, 
  • 1 Merlin
  • 1 Sparrowhawk
  • 1 Tawny Owl
  • 1 Green Sandpiper
  • 1 Barn Owl
  • 1 Fox
  • Plenty of Marsh Harriers
  • 40+ White-fronted Geese over with Pink-foots.
  • 2 Stonechat
  • and 4 cracking Chinese Water Deer




White-fronts

Happy Birding!

2 comments: