Haddiscoe Marsh, Norfolk.

I was aware of ROSS GOOSE at Haddiscoe, so with all call in at Beccles I also managed a the local pair of BLACK SWANS on the west side of the River Waveney. Just as I was driving into St Olaves bridge a pair of BARN OWL'S where quartering just west of the road. There was three birders on arrival and I set alongside. The bird was visible even with normal sight, but was distant. Just so good to see it moving around so well. Behind it sitting on a post was a male ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD, which took to low flight along a channel and must have landed on the deck only to be followed by a male HARSH HARRIER. Not a bad hour out considering one of the guys near me had just travelled from Kent to have a look.

Covehithe to Benacre

First birds of real interest happened to be a pair of RED-BREASTED-MERGANSERS swimming rather unperturbed at the sea end of Covehithe. One SCAUP with POCHARD, MALLARD, WIDGEON,GOLDENEYE (3) and one PINTAIL. Plenty of small stuff around with 23 RED-THROATED-DIVER offshore with only one giving a favourable view. Also came across a lone CHIFFCHAFF high up on the cliff feeding on low scrub. At Benacre Broad GOLDENEYE (5) and PINTAIL (15)  Female MARSH HARRIER (2) and a male put in an appearance. TEAL here was a surprise as they seem to have been rather thine on the ground. Which in many respects is rather odd. On way back home came across one of the WHITE STAGS from the Henham Estate. This buck was well away but had a fair share of antlers. In fact the best set I have seen on a white stag.

Lowestoft, Leathes Ham.

Unable to go out much today, been placed on the sick however just a drive down the road to the doctors was well worth it. Our usual PEREGRINE was back in his usual spot today on the West side of the silo. Looked like he had just made a kill and was still tucking in when I passed. When he is like this he looks so much smaller than when he all puffed up and keeping himself warm. At Leathes Ham a single PINTAIL was putting on a show with plenty of TUFTED and a few GADWALL. It seems that the CORMORANTS are back after the big freeze and the one in today was a typical (Sinensis).

Acle Strait, Norfolk.

On the way to work turned into lay-by to look through large flocks of geese. Conclusion of visite was as follows. BARNACLE GEESE (2) with good numbers of BEAN GEESE also just flowen in was PINK-FOOTED-GEESE. The best however was a pair of WHITE-FRONTED-GEESE. Also a good scattering of GOLDEN PLOVER and LAPWING. One GREY HERON put in an apperance.

Links Hill

At last a little while to spend birding. First off Ness Point, with an immediate PURPLE SANDPIPER  altogether three birds  feeding around boulders with TURNSTONE as friendly as ever. Fed the gulls who enjoyed there meal but nothing to write home about. Then off to Links Hill and caught up with the ICELAND GULL. Sitting on the groyn passing his day. Not the best photo in the world but that's not everything. Met up with other birders from Norwich and enjoyed the brief conversation. Also MED GULL put in an appearance. Late afternoon of to Loathingland Lake and Oulton Broad. Plenty of DABCHICK  but best of all was pair of GOLDENEYE adjacent to the Wherry Hotel. Close view as they can be a bit scatty.

First day out Leaths Ham

First bird in view was when leaving work in Norwich, at the unearthly hour of 2:30 am. BLACKBIRDS 4 of them, feeding close to the old city wall. In real terms the best of the day is not what was seen, but what was heard. In the few short minutes before sunset, if that's what you call it a Blackbird in the garden was singing his head off to his mate, only feet away. No sooner is the new year in and it all changes. The weather has broken and although we are bound to get some more bad stuff our way birds are already again on the move. With WIDGEON out at sea moving North at Gorleston. Some 80 birds in all way off shore. So today was not the easiest of starts seeing out of bed was not till 10:50am.  So for the best birds of the day were SCAUP (3) at Leathes and a flock of PINK-FOOTED-GEESE (80?) flying between Belton and Breydon. I also managed a pick up on an adult MED GULL at Gorleston and a hybridised HOODED CROW at Hopton. So start list is a meagre 36 no  worry.