Catch Up Time

 Well things are moving on as spring breaks out in our world once again. As for birds in the garden that has come to a stop due to the influx of rats. Now gone to the heavenly reward. So today food went out for the first time since Christmas. Just to say it is lovely weather but oh so dry. 

Carlton Marsh: Over the last few weeks I picked up on two GREEN SAND, more than likely the same bird. Also the first  SWALLOW of the year. 

Pathways: Over the last three weeks I have seen nine BLACK REDSTART which is highest count. One pair where feeding on flies in a poly tunnel. Also a pair of GREY WAGTAIL around the lake.

Lodge Lane, Walberswick; It was good to pick up on a WOODLARK and also two WHEATEAR. As for the local peafowl there is a beautiful white job.

 

CATTLE EGRET

While driving through Somerlyton I caught a glimpse  of two white birds standing with cattle opposite Manor Far Hall. A small flock of PIED WAGTAIL where scampering around the feet of the cattle feeding.

It was the second time that I have caught up with these birds  in a few weeks.

Pathways, Links Hill, Ness Point

 This visit I was with Kyle as we watched birds, mostly ducks from the bird hide. The count is holding up with the GADWALL  standing at 64. I shared with Kyle the principal of how you count. He couldn't believe how well the clock system worked. We had one BUZZARD show and still the SHOVELORE are remaining, But 18 species isn't bad.

Links Hill.... Produced four MED GULLS one of which was well into summer plumage. We also had a fly over COMMON BUZZARD which put every bird in the air for a few minuets.

Ness Point.... Had nine PURPLE SANDPIPER sheltering out of the wind as it was Easterly. Other than that TURNSTONE with them.

Pathways Care Farm

 Call in on a bright day with COMMON BUZZARD in the air seemingly flying of to Oulton Marsh. But what was good was a flock of six GREENFINCH flew into a tree were they often nest. These birds have not been seen for months. So must be incoming to breed. It was also a good day for GADWALL on the lake as 80 birds still on site. Late leaving as normally the numbers drop off. 

 

Somerlyton, Slugs Lane.

 Ride out to a report of CATTLE EGERET in a field with cattle. We were soon on to them and in all five birds were on show. Some were flighty and set off but two birds where very confiding. We also had a pair of JAYS  and a single BUZZARD which flew up from the gutter as we passed.

New Year 2025

 He folks, all the best in birding for the coming year. At the risk of being miserable. As if. No car as it is dock after failing to get us home on Christmas night. Mind you recovery was amazing. Well done to all concerned, but no chance of it being looked at until Jan 6th.

Last years list was not the best, but then what do you expect. No younger. I just remember the times when birding and walking were no problem. My best being on New Years day in a charity race, 101. As for now the list is.

Magpie, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Feral Pigeon.

But perhaps of interest are the following pictures which I have acquired from a book on Fritton Lake. It shows the duck decoy in use at the end of the 1800's. Birds where moved about for this purpose of trapping. This will never be seen again. The only one that I am aware of is Barnby Broad but that is well filled up with rubbish. So take a look.

And a Robin from the bird table.

Pathways Care Farm

 WEBS count today with 11 SHOVLORE, COMMON GULL 1,GADWLL 51, WIGEON 50. No other surprises, but a very low count on MALLARD.