Down the patch on brief almost drive through visits I have added a few birds, getting to 99 spiecies with some fly through Dunlin was nice, but not as good as seeing a Red-head Smew in the failing light last week. I wonder what my 100th will be (my guess would have to be Swallow).
Other birds of note since my last update, this Ad Sum Med Gull at Walcott, Plus lots of Gannets moving through and a Great Northern Diver on the sea.
Followed by the Ad Sum Med Gull at Waxham
The Glaucous Gull was there alsobut didn't want to be photo graphed.
On a different day (Good Friday) at Waxham, many gulls to sift through.
At Sea Palling, we saw 3 Glaucous Gull (all Juv) and a Caspian Gull (ad) but no others.
My Broadband is finally working so I can give an update. Starting with today, I headed for Houghton to try see the White-tailed Eagle and after a few near misses we finally caught up with this most impresive bird, and yes that is a Buzzard next to it!
A mixed flock of Whooper and Bewicks (4 Whooper and 25 Bewicks) flew over the house and in the right direction for me to shoot down the road and see them from the patch.
Yesterday this Purple Sandpiper was showing very well at Walcott.
Wednesday, I took the family to Africa alive, here was this large flock of Barnacle Geese, I guess these are part of the feral flock that go around the Southwold area?
Also at Africa Alive was a huge flock of Brambling of at least 300, big flock of Siskin and Redpolls also.
Last Weekend this Pheasent spent 3 days in the garden, which for a town garden is quite odd.
Last week I went to Yarmouth Library and saw the twelve Waxwings that were there.
The patch proved difficult two weekends ago in the fog, but the Song Thrushes were singing well.
On Valentines Day I popped into Bowthorpe Marshes where the Great White Egret was for a few minutes before flushed by a dog.
It then flew to next to the Bridge by Spire Hospital and showed well.
Last but not least I did run the moth trap on the 15th Feb and got two moths and both new for the garden and to me with this Dark Chestnut...
First off Saturday Witton Woods and this Fungi - James any ideas.
Also a stop at Trimingham produced and unusual flock of Two Shelduck and Three Wigeon on the sea. I had to keep staring and the Shelduck to make sure they weren't Merganser.
I then spent the evening at Ebridge where I got to see Waterail, Reed Bunting and Little Owl.
Sunday I went to Ebridge again the only highlight was this Muntjac
And this Fallow Deer at Witton was nice to see. (Edit its a Roe Deer, oh dear)
I then spent a good hour at Trimingham where after going through the 300 or so Red-throated Diver I found a Slavonian Grebe on the sea, as well as Guillemot and Razorbill. I also got this picture of a Gannet, and added Lesser Black-backed Gull to the patchwork challenge list.
On monday I siffted though the 3000 Teal at lunch for 40mins and was on my 'last look' when I spotted it at the back of the flock.
Its marked with an arrow, but it was easier to see than on this photo.
Tuesday I stopped once again at the swans where I got this great comparison shot.
I never have an actual lunch break (unless there is a bird to go and see) but if I am out and about I will stop off at different sights to see birds, although I do not get much chance to look around.
I stopped for another look at the Bewick's and Whooper Flock and spotted this yellow/pinky legged individual.
This Chinese Water Deer was on the patch.
The rest of the birds were at Salthouse on Friday.
Five Snow Buntings were in and around the car park.
Welcome to my birding blog. I am Gary and I really enjoy birding and wildlife watching. I love going to see new UK birds and really like it when they turn up in Norfolk. I now aim to find a few more birds and hopefully on my two new patches.
More details, photos and reports can be found on my website.
My patches are in North Walsham and Gimingham so if you have any news please contact me at garybirder@hotmail.co.uk
My List Totals
UK - 443 Norfolk - 373 Self Found - 270 From the Pub - 142
