I haven't been able to do a great deal of birding recently, partly cause I don't really have the enthusiasm for birding at this time of year, but also cause I've been busy with other important stuff. I hesitate to mention it, but Christmas is coming up! I know, sorry, you won't hear any more of about it from me, honest.
25th
On an overcast morning, I cycled down to that staple for winter birding, Ferrybridge.
There was little of note on the mudflats themselves, with much smaller numbers of Brent Goose and Mediterranean Gull than last time. It was a similar story in Portland Harbour, where I failed to locate a single notable species, bar a female Common Scoter and at least 6 Razorbill. Red-breasted Merganser numbers had risen to around the 70 mark.
Just as Pete and Debby Saunders were arriving, I happened to look behind their car, and in the distance a pair of Diver were flying high over Chesil Beach. One was obviously bigger than the other, and they were a Red-throated Diver and a Black-throated Diver. Not far behind them were two more Red-throats. They carried on over to the harbour, and thought about landing, but soon decided against it and carried on towards Weymouth Bay.
A few Redwing flew over, as did a Stock Dove, and at least 2 Song Thrush were heard on the deck, all fairly unusual at Ferrybridge. A high-flying flock of four Raven flew over (migrating?).
There was no way I was going to cycle back up Fortuneswell Hill, so instead pushed my bike along the footpath past Chesil Cove. Just like the last time I was here, a Water Rail squealed from the bushes.
One of the local Peregrine made a fly past as I made it home.
Today
With my newly acquired car, came a fresh feeling of mobility, so I thought I would head over to Longham Lakes near Bournemouth, even though the bird on offer was not a lifer.
This was my first visit to the site, and I have to say it looks really nice. I can see why they get a few good birds.
Anyway, on arrival, I found a few forlorn-looking birders watching a reedbed, and no sign of my quarry. I was a little confused, as there were no reed-mace heads (the species favourite haunt) here, and the directions suggested the bird was in a different area entirely. So, I decided to leave the crowd, and walk towards what I felt should have been the correct area. As soon as I got to a small pool fringed with reed-mace, I knew I'd done the right thing, and indeed I soon found the 1st-winter Penduline Tit busy feeding. Funnily enough, these were almost the exact circumstances in which I saw/re-found my first Penduline (at Rainham)!
By now one of the other chaps had caught on that I had something and had arrived, and we both watched the bird for a little while. The rest of the group were on their way, but suddenly, the bird flew from it's seed head and disappeared! A search of the next pond along revealed nothing. After an anxious 20 minutes or so, it thankfully reappeared on it's favoured pool. A fantastic bird!
As you can see, the light was absolutely appalling! If you're as childish as me, you'll enjoy the ending!
Also in the area was a Kingfisher, as well as all the common wildfowl.
I anticipate that I will be doing very little Portland birding till the new year, not only due to the C word, but also cause my new mobility really encourages me to get out a bit further afield. Maybe the Forest of Dean? We'll see.
Plenty to catch up on. Sorry for the length, misjudged yet again!
10th
All the signs were that today could produce a mammoth movement of Woodpigeon, so on what was a gloriously sunny day, I headed out early and positioned myself on the West Weares.
I was surprised to have walked a fair distance without seeing a single bird, so I scoped the mainland. Sure enough, a small number of birds were moving. In the time I was watching, a couple of flocks numbering 70 or so, plus a few stragglers, flew low into Weymouth Bay, before gaining height and heading off north-west. I still to this day haven't seen any migrating Woodpigeon flocks over the island!
Still, the conditions were producing a trickle of movement, which included a flock of 7 Redpoll which came over then headed out to sea south-west, plus another single later. Also 2 Redwing and a Grey Wagtail heading through.
On the way back I found Chat heaven in a horse field near Blacknor, where a fence-line held a Robin, a pair of Stonechat, and a Black Redstart, which yet again evaded my camera.
An extended route then took me towards Reap Lane barns, in what was still perfect weather.
Here I heard, and then saw a male Reed Bunting sitting on a bush. Not all that usual round here.
What was more usual though, were the Raven, but one chose to show itself really well.
I didn't have anything particularly dynamic planned for the afternoon, so when a Yellow-browed Warbler was reported at walking distance, it seemed the logical step to take.
Once I was at the trees behind the former Craft Centre on Weston Street, a couple of guys there told me it had just been showing. A little walk around the area produced nothing bar a single Chiffchaff. There really weren't many trees still with leaves on to choose from!
I remembered that just west of this little wood is a small quarry, that I believe is called Sheat Quarry. It's not at all easy to view, but I thought it worth checking out, so I forced my way there through the overgrown vegetation from Suckthumb. Almost instantly, I heard the Yellow-browed Warbler calling, but where was it? A change in my position, and bingo! In the completely still conditions, it was a sinch to pick up as it moved through a Sycamore. As I was leaving, it went into a calling frenzy, but it had now moved deep into vegetation on the other side of the quarry, and out of view.
I walked round to the road where views of the quarry were pretty poor. Despite this, I managed to see a late female Blackcap, as well as hear a surprise 'cecking' Water Rail. On my way home along Barleycrates Lane, I swear I heard the warbler calling again. If I could hear it from there, it must have been in the Blackthorn thicket at the corner of the roads, and therefore presumably had made it's way through the gardens.
Anyway, while walking back along here at dusk, I disturbed a Sparrowhawk carrying prey, then I immediately looked across to see a Kestrel sitting on a post tearing up something. Everyone was having their dinner, so it was about time for mine!
11th
The day dawned to a very foggy start. Despite this, whilst I was delivering in Fortuneswell, it was clear birds were moving. I heard Redwing going over, and I even had a Grey Heron and a Lapwing head over south, in the fog!
Even though things were happening, I wasn't expecting the news of an incredible migration spectacle going on at the Bill and Ferrybridge. So, after work I rushed down to the Ferrybridge car park.
The island had it's usual lawyers wig of cloud.
Presumably, birds that were heading west close inshore, failed to see the island with this veil of cloud, and so carried on through the Harbour and over the road.
Even though I'd missed the main course, I still succeeded in seeing a couple of large flocks of Little Gull going over, with the help of Debby and Pete of course. It was surprising how many of them were 1st-winters.
Also a few flocks of waders doing the same that included Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, and Dunlin.
I thought it'd it be a good idea to scan through Portland Harbour, just in case any of these migrants had decided to ditch. This watch was indeed a success with a/the Arctic Tern still fishing, a Great Northern Diver and a single Red-throated Diver showing distantly, as well as several Razorbill. However, I now wished I'd looked up just a bit more, as apparently a Grey Phalarope flew over my head! To compound things, myself and the Saunders' later absconded to Chesil Cove, only to hear that the Little Auk we were after had just flown off! What a rollercoaster birding is.
Nonetheless, a very enjoyable day!
13th
The day dawned to another cracker.
Birds were clearly still moving overhead, as on delivery in Fortuneswell, I had the likes of Redpoll, Siskin, Fieldfare, Grey Wagtail, and best of all, a Brambling, pass over.
14th
I attempted to go for the Richard's Pipit at the Bill this afternoon, but it was getting late, and no bird or birders could be found.
16th
I had a nice find this morning of a prefect male Black Redstart on the derelict buildings by the Verne Prison whilst I delivered up there. No bins, but was able to creep up on it using the van as a hide! The whole of that area is private, so on this occasion being a postman paid off!
An afternoon walk round the Reap Lane and Suckthumb areas produced nothing unusual but a single Fieldfare and 2 Chiffchaff still behind the Craft Centre. However, it was just nice to be out on such a beautiful day, and the common birds were entertaining me just as much. See my video of the likes of male Kestrel, Raven, and Stonechat, with a little add-on of my Yellowhammer from today. Please excuse the shakiness of some of it, I was without my tripod!
17th
For no particular reason, I fancied a long walk today.
The forecast was initially showing today as completely still, so the Harbour would have been a millpond. Conditions weren't quite like that, but I certainly thought the Harbour and Ferrybridge were the places to be, so headed out early.
By the time I'd walked to Chesil Cove, I really didn't think walking it had been worth it, as I'd not seen anything remotely notable! But, here at least I heard another rather out of place squealing Water Rail.
I walked to Portland Castle, then along the path through Osprey Quay and the marina. A Little Grebe there was believe it or not, a Portland tick (I haven't birded much here in the winter before)!
On one of the verges was a little group of Pleated Inkcap, sometimes called the Little Jap Umbrella!
Finally at Ferrybridge, and the mud was covered in Brent Goose and Mediterranean Gull. I didn't do a count of Brents, but with the help of the Saunder's, I managed an estimate of 500 Meds. A Great Northern Diver was on the Fleet just beyond the mudflats, and waders included a few Bar-tailed Godwit. I tried my best to find the Black Brants that the Saunder's had found, but to no avail. Just a few Pale-bellied birds were seen.
After Pete and Debby's departure, I found a 1st-winter Yellow-legged Gull amongst the Geese. Check out the pale head and long wings.
The moment when all the birds were spooked by a fisherman was quite spectacular!
I walked further on and did a good scan of the Harbour from Weymouth Watersports centre. A 1st-winter Little Gull was a surprise as it fed with Black-headed Gull, and many Red-breasted Merganser showed well.
The hoped for Black-necked Grebe flock were eventually picked out in the distance, and closer in were the long-staying Red-throated Diver and Red-necked Grebe still about.
I toyed with the idea of taking the bus back home, but my legs weren't actually feeling too bad, so started the long slog back.
Nothing that notable was encountered, till I took a quick glance at the bushes in Chesil Cove again, only to see a female Blackcap, and hear now 2 Water Rail squealing. And still, I'm yet to see Moorhen or Coot on Portland! The weirdness of birding an island.
Once up the towering hill, I made my way down Wide Street, and was surprised to hear a Yellowhammer flying over. The male bird then dropped down and alighted on a bush on the edge of Inmosthay Quarry. The first since I've moved here! See my video above for a little bit of footage of the bird.
Well, we are very much now at the end of autumn, and the short days now lie ahead, virtually of birding entirely in the Harbour/Ferrybridge area. Who knows what will occur though. My birding frequency will go up come the new year, not only cause I'm in the Patchlist Competition, but also because my working hours will be changing on occasion to afternoons. Birding every morning here I come!
Yesterday:
I had my usual early morning look at Ferrybridge on my way to Bridport, but the tide was high. In fact, I didn't realise the tide went this high!
That didn't deter me, and I instead crossed the road to take a look in Portland Harbour. The strong wind made things difficult, but there genuinely did appear to be little to see. Just a close Razorbill of note.
But then I flushed a Lark from the grassland, and I don't know what it was, but my instinct told me it was not a Skylark. I moved over to where it landed, and it again flushed, from almost under my feet. It flew over the road to the rocky verge by the centre, and I again managed to almost tread on it, but fail to get any further detail. My excuse is that it was in half-light, and the bird didn't call.
But, after work I took a look at the bird news, and saw that a Woodlark had been at Ferrybridge the day before. I can't prove it, but I'm 90% certain that's what my bird was. The fact that it flushed at such close range is a big plus point.
On my way home, I popped back in to Ferrybridge to see if I could re-find the bird, to no avail. I did however manage to scrutinise the Brent Goose flock enough to find the Black Brant.
As well as three Pale-bellied Brent Goose. A pair, and this loner.
I then made a brief visit back to Portland Castle, to take a second look at the Red-necked Grebe. It was however further out than before, so no photos.
Today:
Before today, I can confess to having a bit of an 'after the lord mayor's show' feel about birding on Portland. But, today well and truly buried that thought, as it all came to life again.
I had the day off work, and took a fairly lazy option of a short walk around Barleycrates, Suckthumb, the Hump, and Reap Lane, followed by a small added section round Blacknor and Bower's Quarry. I wasn't expecting much, but I was mindful of the smidgens of quality seen at the Hump yesterday.
Indeed, it was there where the highlight was seen, in the shape of the supposed 'Eastern' Lesser Whitethroat, which called to announce it's presence, then showed reasonably well. The call sounded normal to me, and the only thing which seemed odd about it's appearance was a small amount of brown in the head.
Nothing much else was seen, though there were a lot of Skylark and Goldfinch around, particularly in the Reap Lane area. A quick scan out to sea revealed 3 Common Scoter flying past, and I found this Fox Moth caterpillar crossing the path.
My quick loop round Blacknor produced nothing till I found a 1st-winter male Black Redstart at the corner of St. Georges Church graveyard. This species continues to elude my camera!
I was rather looking forward to my lunch, but then I noticed what had been found at the Bill! So I cycled down to the bushes by the Pulpit Inn.
It was rather elusive, but luckily the Dusky Warbler was calling reasonably frequently, so it could just about be followed in the fairly open Elm thicket. I managed to glimpse it a few times in the middle of the bush, but I was also fortunate to catch it out in the open on the edge, but only briefly. Not a lifer, but my first was 3 years ago, so nice to catch up with one again.
Once back home, I was again interrupted from my food by a report of a Surf Scoter in Poole Harbour. I waited for a further report before jumping into my van and driving the 30 miles. It didn't start well as the centre of Weymouth was gridlocked with an accident, and I lost 20 minutes. I thought time was rather critical as the tide was currently going out.
Once there, I had little trouble finding the spot, and it was evident the tide was not a problem at all, as it was still pretty high.
The fantastic 1st-winter Surf Scoter was fairly easy to find, although it was distant. The lack of any other scoter-shaped ducks helped, but the whole visit was made all the more enjoyable by the lack of wind, and flat-calm water at Brand's Bay. I initially watched from the hide, but quickly moved to the much better spot of Redhorn Point.
The bird was showing pretty well now (first with a Red-breasted Merganser).
It did do a little bit of diving and re-surfacing, but it was particularly enjoyable to watch as it preened and bathed, as my video shows.
No way of being sure I know, but I feel it's pretty likely that this is the same bird that made a brief visit to Chesil Cove last week.
A quick scan of the nearby waters revealed a Sandwich Tern (probably attempting to winter here), at least 40 Great Crested Grebe, a few Knot, and 5 Black-necked Grebe viewing towards Brownsea Island.
All in all, quite a day!
Come January 1st, I shall be entering the Patchwork Challenge with Portland Bill. I urge anyone who regularly watches a local patch to do the same. All the details here: http://patchworkchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
The day after the 'storm' certainly had stirred things up a bit, but not produced the wreck of seabirds that had been expected.
Straight after work, I headed for Chesil Cove first, as a Grey Phalarope had been seen there. No sign of that, though I did manage to see the long-staying very late Arctic Tern struggling in the surf. I later learnt of the fact that a Surf Scoter had evidently been present at the same time, which didn't help my mood.
I then had the option of trying Portland Harbour for one or two goodies, or instead try the Bill towards dusk. I went for the latter. The wind was certainly making it's presence felt.
After a hour of careful scanning, I eventually got onto the target, a single distant Storm-petrel. The flight action was rather different to the Leach's I had seen the day before. Virtually a lifer, after the awful views I got of the bird at Spurn.
A Great Skua and a Red-throated Diver also passed by.
29th:
First thing, I took a look at Chesil Cove, then Portland Harbour to check for storm-driven waifs. Only the Red-necked Grebe found the previous day was seen of any interest, but there's no doubt its a good bird. Shame about the shots!
After I'd finished work at Bridport, I heard of a definite young Lesser Kestrel that had been seen down the coast near Torquay. Details were a little sketchy, but decided to give it a stab, as it didn't appear to be a long drive.
The area around Hope's Nose just south of Torquay is certainly a beautiful area, especially in the sun. A view of Thatcher's Rock.
And Hope's Nose itself viewed form Thatcher's View.
Anyway, there was no sign of the bird, just a young Common Kestrel showing nicely in the sun, on which we were able to see it's black claws. Reports I got from the few birders on-site suggested a string of possible/probable sightings of the bird in this area, since the last definite sighting at 11:30. Who knows how many of these were mis-IDs.
The journey home was less than smooth, first getting lost in Torquay, passing the Gleneagles Hotel (apparently the inspiration for 'Fawlty Towers') at least 4 times! Then, a very early rush hour in Torquay itself, an accident near Honiton, and finally, even a never-ending herd of cows crossing the road delayed me!
It was a nice area to be, but I won't be going that distance in my rickety old van on such flimsy news again!
Subsequent days:
Birding in the last few days have merely consisted of fairly uneventful searches of Ferrybridge and Portland Harbour before work. Nothing more dynamic seen than 2 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Red-breasted Merganser, Guillemot, Razorbill, Sanderling, and Bar-tailed Godwit. I also had trouble locating the site where a Sabine's Gull had been showing near Burton Bradstock.
Today:
Yesterday the wind increased to speeds very close to those of the 'storm' earlier in the week, and today was still rather blowy. This morning, I decided on a nice long walk taking in various North Portland sites.
Blacknor still had it's resident 1st-winter male Black Redstart, which was having a really tough time in the conditions, often sheltering under cars. I settled down in Chesil Cove for a seawatch, but it produced predictably little. Just a Stonechat amongst the beach huts.
I walked back up then along the main roads to Grove. On the playing field there was a single Fieldfare feeding on worms. A bit early for that I thought. Maybe the wind has blown all the berries away!
Broadcroft Quarry held various skulking Pipits, which all appeared to be Meadow, and the Sycamores at Wakeham held a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff, but little else. Finally, I took in Windmills and Watery Lane, where a Grey Wagtail was feeding on a manure pile.
After lunch, I learnt that a Sabine's Gull was back in Chesil Cove. No doubt decided to show itself after I left earlier! Luckily however, I did finally manage to catch up with this species after a series of dips this autumn. On arrival at the Cove, it was flying south, and ended up settled in Hallelujah Bay. It was great looking down on it from the cliffs in perfect lighting.
As far as I can see, this winter will be a matter of checking the Ferrybridge/Portland Harbour area for the best birds. Lucky then, that I'm working at Bridport all the way till Christmas (although the lengthening nights will curtail any birding fairly soon)!
A lot to catch up with, as my lack of photo-taking has put me off putting together a post earlier.
18th:
Today I was 'in transit' in Surrey after my Norfolk trip, and I did a recee for my leading of a walk round Tice's Meadow for the Guildford RSPB group the next day.
The place was looking quite a mess, thanks to ground works to divert the River Blackwater creating a scar through the site, plus the electricity company had felled a load of trees and branches under their cables, and just left them.
Nonetheless, it was nice to see the local Peregrine come in with a kill of a Starling, which may well have occurred there and then, but I happened to miss it! The birds in the workings had been unsettled for quite a while before.
The other highlight was at least 2 Yellow-legged Gull in amongst 70 or so Lesser Black-backed Gull. A walk to Tongham GP added a calling Kingfisher and a flock of Fieldfare.
19th:
The walk proper went really rather well, with no rain till we were back at the cars! There had been no real action, until not one, but two Peregrine came in and sat on the islands. One even had a bath, and was a great hit amongst the punters (of which there were 25 or so - a good turnout)!
No Yellow-legs this time, but a couple of Snipe, and fly-over Siskin and Redpoll put in appearances.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the walk, and were delighted to be introduced to a site many had never visited before.
On the way back to Dorset, I thought it was a good opportunity to try for the current 'big thing' in the rarity world, down at Sandy Point, Hayling Island (okay, so it wasn't quite on route!).
On arrival at the seafront, the Semipalmated Plover was roosting with a flock of Ringed Plover and Sanderling, with a large group of birders in attendance. I struggled to find a space to view, and as I got on the bird, the flock took flight! They whizzed off towards Black Point, so I headed round there.
I kept a vigil on the best wader roosting area for some time along with a few others, but the bird was not re-found. A shame, and I don't think I'm going to get an opportunity to go back. That is unless I go through with my plan to start national (but strictly mainland) twitching! I'll need to get rid of my gas-guzzler of a van first though!
20th:
After work, I thought it might be worth popping down to the Bill, as there was a bit of a south-west hooly blowing up.
As is often the case with seawatching, I saw something good on arrival, a Great Skua, before the rest of the time produced next to nothing! Luckily, right at the end I managed the Portland tick of a Little Gull heading east, closely followed by a Red-throated Diver.
On the Obelisk I found a curious Silver-fish (sometimes called a Bristletail) Petrobius maritimus.
21st:
I took a bit of a lazy option today, and just did a short walk around the Blacknor/Bower's Quarry area in the afternoon. A few Black Redstart had been reported from around the island in the morning, so it wasn't a surprise when I stumbled on a calling female amongst a load of boulders on the coast path. Always a great bird to find.
23rd:
I again did the walk round Blacknor, but this time ventured as far as Tout Quarry, and managed to look down into Chesil Cove, that had had a Storm-petrel earlier in the day.
The Cove was virtually empty, bar a distant feeding flock of 80 Mediterranean Gull, and it was great to have a female Merlin whizz by, heading on south along the cliffs.
Blacknor Point was chat heaven today, with now 2 Black Redstart, along with a couple of Wheatear, and at least 6 Stonechat. Clearly there'd been an influx of these too.
26th:
Chesil Cove was again the destination this afternoon, what with the weather as it is. I first tried watching from the top of the West Weares, but saw virtually nothing. That is apart from the Great Skua which flew right over my head being mobbed by Gulls! The rather reddish-brown body indicated a juvenile.
Watching from within the Cove itself made things easier, but all I got was a higher count of Gannet than before! Right at the end, a juvenile Little Gull struggled south. On the walk, a couple of Wheatear really looked miserable as they got blown around by the wind.
Today:
Today was the day when the storm really began to make it's presence felt, hence, seawatching was again the only option.
I made sure I was in position at the Bill at dawn, in preparation for a spectacle. A couple of Great Skua (one of which was chasing GBB Gulls), and a single immature Pomarine Skua raised my hopes. But, other than a trickle of Kittiwakes, Auks, and Gannets, nothing else was seen! Also a Wheatear that was attempting to feed by the Obelisk, despite having the flushing public and the strong wind to contend with!
Imagine my frustration when I later learned of a Leach's Petrel that was briefly present with this feeding flock of mostly Gannet, numbering about 120 at it's height.
I really wanted to try something else, so I imagined the East Weares would be nice, calm and sheltered, so headed there.
Well, somehow the westerly even gusted through here, but I did see my quarry, earlier found by Keith Pritchard. Two fabulous Ring Ouzel were feeding on Cotoneaster berries on the cliff-face, the juvenile of which was ringed. My latest ever. Funny how I've now seen the first, and (possibly) last RO's of the autumn, but none in between (exactly 2 months apart)!
After lunch, I headed out to my favoured spot on the West Weares looking down into Chesil Cove, as the wind increased yet further.
On arrival, I found a Leach's Petrel struggling along close inshore (though bear in mind I wasn't actually that close to the shoreline). Perhaps the bird that had passed Abbotsbury 2 hours earlier. That may not sound correct, but the poor thing really was pondering along.
As always with this sought-after species, it was great to watch, but not easy to get any footage in the wind!
I didn't really have any further opportunity to scrutinise the Cove, as soon after, it started belting down! I had no shelter whatsoever, but had no option but to leg it home. I had to walk against the wind, and in truly horizontal rain.
I was completely soaked through by the time I got home, but pretty happy with the days birding nonetheless!
I really can't imagine what tomorrow will bring with the winds set to strengthen. Sadly, I'm working the morning, so I'll probably miss it all!
Day 4 (16/10)
This morning, I remembered that a few people had recommended to me the area of Warham Greens, just east of Wells, as a good area to bird. I had visited a couple of years ago (for the departed Rufous-tailed Robin) but I was yet to explore it properly.
A woke up in a layby nearby, to the sounds of calling Grey Partridge (uniquely Norfolk!), and soon set off down Garden Drove.
After turning left at the end, and having seen little more than the trip ticks of Green Woodpecker and Red-legged Partridge, suddenly all hell broke loose. First, a single Snow Bunting flew over calling, then a few Redpoll came down to settle with a flock of Linnet, only for me to see that they were 3 Mealy Redpoll. Finally, I scoped over the saltmarsh to the distant pines of East Hills. Soaring over them was 2 ringtail Hen Harrier and a Short-eared Owl! I watched as they interacted, and one of the Harriers went to be on show most of the time, though always distant. What a spot!
In addition, further along the edge of the saltmarsh, 2 Kingfisher chased each other through one of the many channels.
I started inland, and happened to come across a ringing operation. I got to a net that held a struggling Goldcrest and a Wren.
There was no-one in sight, and I set up my scope trained on a nearby hedge, as I thought I'd heard a Ring Ouzel. Half an hour later, no Ring Ouzel, and more importantly, no-one had come to check the nets. I was able to see the area quite a while after I left, and there still appeared to be no-one to attend to the, no doubt quite distressed, birds. Quite naughty really.
On the walk back along the road, a fluttering moth got my attention. It is one of the Epirrita species, and the general sparseness of markings would suggest a Pale November Moth (though strictly speaking, dissection is required to be sure).
The only scheduled walk for the day was to that other essential North Norfolk visit, Cley.
However, I have to say I think today was not my best trip there, by it's high standards. We set off on the long walk along East Bank, the shore, then back via the Beach Road.
There were at least 3 Red-throated Diver out on the sea, an immature Mediterranean Gull went by, and some Bearded Tit showed briefly. There was supposed to be a Black Redstart along the beach, but there was no sign.
The highlight for me though was spotting a Blackbird coming in-off, low over the sea a mile away. Just as it got in-shore, an immature Great Black-backed Gull suddenly appeared behind it, and plucked it out of the sky! The perils of migration. We did however witness several Redwing making the same journey more successfully, and we found some very tired birds feeding just behind the beach in addition.
After this, with rather a lack of conviction, I headed off in the rain to West Runton the other side of Sheringham, in the hope of the Dusky Warbler showing. There was never any real hope in those conditions!
Incidentally, I think all in all we were pretty lucky with the weather this week to be honest, as the forecasts always seemed to be worse than it turned out!
Finally, I finished off the day back at Titchwell, where I'd yesterday overlooked the opportunity to check out the new bit of the reserve, at Patsy's Reedbed. I had little trouble getting on a Jack Snipe from here, though the weather did hinder a little as this site has a screen, not a hide.
Day 5 (17/10)
My final day in Norfolk dawned to perfect weather.
All in all, I slept pretty well in my camper this trip, though last nights sleep was interrupted by a Little Owl calling close-by!
The group walk this morning was at Holkham, so rather than pay the ever-increasing parking charge there, I thought it would be a good idea to walk there via Burnham Overy Dunes, which is an area which has produced plenty in the past.
It was indeed a long walk, though it was very enjoyable, despite the nagging wind. Nothing of particular note was seen, but there was still plenty of overhead passage occurring, including a number of Crossbill seemingly irrupting from the edge of Holkham pines. Only one was seen well, and that was a Common.
The other top sighting was a very dark-looking Peregrine flying over the marsh, which had me scratching my head at first, till I re-found it and got better views, as it sat on the beach.
Once at the pines, I took a route along the seaward edge, and had two Grey Wagtail fly past, as well finding many Common Darter dragonfly. Female and male here.
As well as a fascinating (well, I think so!) Rabbit skull.
I joined up with the group at the end of Lady Anne's Drive, and we set off along the landward edge.
The usual woodland species had been seen, up to the point when a very surprise Woodlark flew over with some Skylark. My first 'out of habitat' sighting.
Both hides were disappointing, and a couple of very promising looking Tit-flocks held nothing more unusual than several Chiffchaff. My walk back to the car was uneventful also. Nonetheless, a very enjoyable ramble.
It was now a matter of making my way back to Surrey, attempting to avoid the traffic (I didn't do a very good job of that!).
But, I had to give those pesky two-bars one last try at Lynford. Far better encounters were had with Common Crossbill than last time. Despite how it appears at first glance, this bird is a young male, as it had quite a bit of red on it, particularly on the head.
But, yet again, there was no sign of the quarry. I've now dipped this species four times this autumn!
After that, I made a brief sortie onto a good Stone Curlew site not far from Weeting, but it appears they have genuinely moved on. A few Yellowhammer were the only consolation.
I got home pretty exhausted but delighted! Final total for the trip was 126 species.
Day 3 (15/10)
This morning, I didn't have anything particularly dynamic in mind for my early excursion, so settled on a long-ish walk from Old Hunstanton north through the dunes to Holme and back, mostly following the edge of the golf course.
There were no particular species highlights, but it was great to experience good 'viz-mig' with lots of Chaffinch heading south, with smaller numbers of Brambling, Siskin, and Redpoll. Many grounded thrushes were feeding on Sea Buckthorn berries.
At the Holme end, I found a Grey Wagtail on the edge of a puddle, and I came across a garden with a load of thrushes and Brambling feeding on fallen pears.
The first scheduled stop of the day was to that staple of Norfolk birding, Titchwell. No visit to the area is complete without a good look at this place.
Good views were had of Bearded Tit on the walk down to the beach, as a small group indulged in one of their dispersal flights over our head. The only bird of real note in front of the hides was a single Little Stint, though others saw Curlew Sandpiper as well.
Once at the beach, the search was on for the famous Snow Bunting. I walked a fair way along to the right before giving up, and attempting the left direction instead. Once at Thornham Point, there was nothing for it but to go back, so I did so along the top of the dunes. As I did so, I flushed two Lapland Bunting, which flew off calling, before coming back down a distance away on the saltmarsh out of view. I got a glimpse of the orange wing-patch on one, plus recognised the call. On that same walk back I also found a Brambling feeding in the low weeds on the seaward side, much of the behaviour of the absent Snow Buntings!
In the dunes, I found a large number of the scarce Dune Waxcap fungus.
I was also able to spot a very distant Great Skua out to sea, and on the marsh was Avocet, Egyptian Goose, and Ruff. On the walk back to the centre, I came across one of the latter feeding right by the path!
This shot shows you what sort of view I had through the scope!
Before the afternoon walk, I decided to rush over to the fields just south of Wells Woods, where the Siberian Stonechat had been reported again. If it's anything like a normal Stonechat, it shouldn't be elusive! Indeed, once there, the fantastic Siberian Stonechat was immediately in view, and fairly close-by too.
I even managed to jam a shot of the diagnostic orangey rump!
I was very lucky, as it then flew off to a distant fence, where it had apparently been most of the time. My only lifer of the trip.
I was also fortunate to meet a very understanding traffic warden once back at my un-ticketed van (I paid for an hour yesterday and only stayed half-hour, as was the same today, so my conscience is clean!).
The afternoon walk was along the sea wall from Burnham Overy Staithe. We only got about halfway towards the quality dunes, but this was far enough to see our second Great Grey Shrike of the trip, as one hunted around a reedy pool, and if anything showed better than the Holme bird.
Rather than walk back the same way like everyone else, I planned to take the inland path back towards the A149, then back along the road. This turned out to be a good decision, as I had a close encounter with a covey of 4 Grey Partridge on the other side of a hedge.
On the way back to Old Hunstanton, I popped into Holme in the hope of Owls. The weather wasn't the best, and none were forthcoming. That's despite my best efforts, even climbing on the top of my van for a better panorama!
