Wells Wood, and especially the 'Dell' was the first stop this morning. There were a few little flocks of Redwings there, and we then had a Red Kite over. On the walk to the Dell, a Yellow-browed Warbler called from near the Caravan park. But, today the noticeable bird was Jay, they were flying around every couple of minutes, could have been the same ones, but after wandering around the rest of the wood, they were everywhere.....must have been quite a big invasion, wish it had brought other stuff with them.....
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| 'Possible' Siberian Chiffchaff |
Actually at the Dell, there were 4 Common Buzzards, and now 2 Red Kites flying around. A couple of Chiffchaffs, and a possible
tristis type Siberian Chiffchaff. But sadly none of the migrants from last week....bugger.
Anyone got any thoughts on this Chiffchaff?
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| Pink-footed Geese |
Another pointless search for the Rough-legged Buzzard at Holkham, just some flyover Pink-footed Geese. A Grey Partridge was probably the best bird.....
One of the birds i had been hoping for, that had been one of many migrants seen last weekend, was Long-eared Owl. So when was reported from Walsey Hills, along with 2 Yellow-browed Warblers, that was the next stop........or was it? We got to the Walsey Hills car park, and drove straight past....the car park was full, and there were cars all along the road there too. So, we went to Salthouse, forgetting that, there was NO beach car park anymore, what a real shame, i used to really like it around that car park..........Snow & Lapland Buntings, Shorelark, Waders including Purple Sandpiper have been just some of the birds i have seen there in the past. Wont be so easy anymore I'm afraid. So as we drove back to the Wallsey Hills car park, someone pilled out, and i pulled in, good timing....
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| Long-eared Owl |
The Long-eared Owl, showed well, but there were so many people it was hard to get close enough. The light was really harsh from one side too, as you can see from these photos....
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| Long-eared Owl |
Will come back later, when the crowds die down, as long as they don't flush it first!!!!!!
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| Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Adult) |
So, back for the Phalarope, this time it was even harder to photograph today, as the light was too strong. It was there, but no photos this time. But, the light on a flock of Dark-bellied Brents was too much for me to resist. As there were adults, juveniles and family parties, i took quite a few photos too...
Another quick trip to Stiffkey, produced the Yellow-browed Warbler again, but this time, it only showed very briefly when i arrived, and disappeared, it was still there though as i heard it call. But i didn't see it again....
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| Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Juvenile) |
The Chaffinch migration was still going on
though, and this time there was a Brambling
amongst them......
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| Long-eared Owl |
Right then, lets try the Owl again. This time not so many people, and i actually heard one of the Yellow-browed Warblers too. The Owl had moved slightly, and so it was slightly more covered up, but still showing quite well...
So a trip to Norfolk without visiting Titchwell.....shame the migrants had disappeared, but still a decent weekend.
Will be back again soon...................
