Kessingland Beach to Beach Farm

What can you say about this walk when at the overflow outlet they are pile driving and smashing concrete. There was enough noise to wake the dead let alone to scare every bird within miles. So birding was rather restricted to say the least. I did manage to gain a reasonable photo of a RINGED PLOVER the real sad thing about this was that I only saw two pairs. It was not long ago when there was 10 to 15 pairs about. The usual HOODED CROW a hybrid job, but always worth a look. Only one CHIFFCHAFF about with other small stuff in the form of again only (4) MEADOW PIPIT. There was a few LINNETS about in small roving groups about 20 birds in all. Also a DABCHICK being harassed by a BLACK-HEADED-GULL who seemed to find it funny just following him as he was diving, with no purpose as I never saw him eat anything.

Links Road and Gunton Cliff

In real terms the highlight of the day was watching the moon not only because it is very close but because while watching in it in the space of thirty minuets I saw 11 birds fly East. I would have thought that they were Redwing by there gizz. Over the last few days you can here them in the cloudy sky as they fly over. I also picked up this morning with ICELAND GULL in his normal spot however he did not stay long with the dogs about. Other significant things about RED-THROATED-DIVER (4) all flying north a way off shore. Some of those odd BLACK H-GULLS again in odd plumage inter really it just seems odd that they turn up now. GOLDCREST,GOLDFINCH,LINNET,MEADOW PIPIT,GREENFINCH, and the noisy KITTIWAKES at the entrance to dock all getting ready to nest.

FERRUGINOUS DUCK

Chaffinch with attitude

Fisher Row, Oulton Broad,Suffolk

Although I had seen the FERRUGINOUS DUCK previously,  I wanted to take a closer look seeing as it was on the door step. So  managed this and some reasonable photos for my album. The hour and a half also produced a recent migrant in a singing CHIFFCHAFF and 10+ SKYLARK which in itself is good to hear and see. A pair of STOCK DOVE over some stables feeding from the paddock was a good pick-up to. JAY were noisy with at one point (5) showing. 50+ WIDGEON, LITTLE EGRET (1) AND ALSO REED BUNTING (2) both male. GREEN WOOD put in a quick appearance as did a pair of MONKJACK. It was also a the day of my first BUMBLE BEE of the year. Other things about CHAFFINCH who tried to make up to the wing mirror on the car, sad but true.

Ness Point, Lowestoft.

The day started bright ane blustery from the South South West. So with this in mind headed for the Ness. Nothing that would spark you out but a good movement of birds out at sea. In all saw (21) GANNET all flying North most about 3 miles off shore. Only 2 immiture birds in this group which seems rather low. Also running North (5) RED-THROATED-DIVER.

Norwich, Catton Grove Road.

Called in at the daughters today only to find when I parked the car up a flock of WAXWINGS. Some 19 birds in all, made a pleasant surprise. Photograph wise not so easy, not because they where flighty but just because it was so dull. Still managed something which is presentable anyway. Cant wait till I manage my next camera.