Ness Point, Lowestoft.

Wind from the west, good high tide. Bright.

PEREGRINE:  Picked up a bird coming in on the sea, followed it until profile and it was I first though a Peregrine. This bird flew higher and was joined by another bird of the same size and the two birds started to relate to each other. It became increasing apparent that they where not friendly and then into view came another bird which was obviously larger and I assume was a female bird. Hence the reason for the interaction. One of the male birds continued to give grief to the other until after 10 minuets it saw it off. Some view of interaction over the sea. How odd.
FULMER: Bird seen way out but clearly identifiable. As it turned in good light.
COMMON SCOTER: Two birds landed on the sea and one flew back north the way they came.
DIVER: Unidentified bird but very dark and not dipped as a red would be especially with the wind behind it.
GANNET: Bird way out.
CORMORANT:  All flying North inshore.
BRENT GEESE: All birds seen two flocks where pale bellied. One flock 9 birds.

Carlton Marsh

Spent the morning volunteering with Suffolk Wildlife. Windy but bright.

Had a good view of a male MARSH HARRIER over the reed bed adjacent to the centre. Bird decided to land so lost view. But the real thing of interest which in all my life I have never seen was a flock of seven GREY HERONS together. They flew in from the west and landed in a wet meadow near the centre which also had two swans in it. They gained shelter from the nearby hedge and just sat there in a long group. None where feeding and none took any notice of each other. When I first saw this I thought that it was a roving flock of cranes, but obviously not.

Frittone Wood. (Haddiscoe Isladnd)

Seems that this was a good call today. It was brighter but I still have to visit this site and feel warm.

ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD: although there could have been as many as three birds. That is without the MARSH HARRHIER and COMMON BUZARD seen. Had a really good view of common buzzard, but don't let anyone tell you that commons don't hover. They sure do given the right conditions. The Marsh Harrier where two a penny and the males where already trying to sort each other out.
SHORT EARED OWL: I only picked up on a single bird, which compared with last year is a surprise. The one I did manage to sea was having to escape from a flock of gulls and put on a most impressive display in the strong wind.
MERLIN: Now we are talking birds. What an impressive little ball of  fluff. This male bird sat preening himself on a post that was distant but very viewable. I did not see him hunt, but the bird was sitting in good sunlight and was worth the cold.
ROSS GOOOSE and GREAT WHITE EGRET: Both where possible sighting but I will not confirm. Both have been lingering about, but bird where either to distant or view not enough to confirm.

 PINK-FOOTED-GEESE, about 30 birds in all flew around and settled not to distant.

 Other birds seen: GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER, COAL TIT, GREAT TIT, BLUE TIT, BLACKBIRD, CROW, ROOK, GREY HERON, KESTREL, ROBIN, WREN, GOLDCREST, COMMON GULL, HERRING GULL,

Benacre Broad

Bright but cold and a quick walk down the broad. Best bird of the day was four RED HEADED SMEW. No drakes about however. These birds as usual are well over the other side and no chance of a picture. Still what a lovely bird to see on a cold day. Other things of interest is that there was  a dozen GOLDENEYE. Only 3 males. On walk to broad a flock of 8 SKYLARK followed quickly by a KNOT in very unusual circumstances. Just tramping around the field. There where literally thousands of MEW GULL today, scattered in most field around the coastal fringe. KITTYWAKES 3 offshore. There seemed to be several adult LESSER BLACK BACKED GULLS today as well in association with the gull flocks. It is early for me to pick them up in summer plumage.

Today sees my total species list rise to over a hundred without any real struggle. Which I know is not that great for some, but for me it is better than last year.

Ness Point, Lowestoft.

Just a short call in today, to cold for anything to long.

Two small inshore boats came drifting by, I say drifting more like be pitched up in the air with the south wind in there face. But they where followed by 7 KITTIYWAKES. The bird which gave the most however was a SHELLDUCK that was far out and made its way in across the waves. I saw it at about 3 miles out and called it a Shellduck immediately. Good to find that I was on ball with this as it came in closer. There was a large movement of divers well out in the haze. I assume that most where Red-Throated-Divers, but in reality you could not tell.

I received confirmation on the colour ringed Med Gulls from a few days ago. They are as follows:

Ring 8T21 was rung on the 10.06.06 in Belguim.
        E861 was rung on the 17.05.04 in Belguim

Hen Reedbed and Bly river.

Spent two hours here today in the snow, but not that cold. Although overcast.

We had a fly over of  28 BEWICK SWANS and another group of 7, total 35. There was a small party of geese, 7 in all which where obviously a wild group of BEAN GEESE. Also had a single GREEN SANDPIPER. The weather has defiantly brought these birds to the for. A MARSH HARRIER was hunting over Hen reed bed and LAPWING resting up. There was also a MARSH HARRIER quartering the estuary which was not appreciated by the WIGEON. On the smaller side a mixed flock of GOLDFINCH and LINNET as well as MEADOW pipit setting off in small groups on there own and then again joining the main group of birds. Around 15 REED BUNTING a two BEARDED TIT. Which sadly did not stay put. The most challenging of birds was a ROCK PIPIT which had some characteristics of a water pipit so I assume that it was a European Rock Pipit without being in the diffuse colouration that you would normally assign to water pipit. I have placed a picture here and if you disagree with me, all will be well.

I should imagine that within the small area we covered there was about 400 DUNLIN and 130 REDSHANK. AVOCETS counted out at 28 in this bay alone. SHELLDUCK 10 CORMORANTS 7 with WIGEON around 400 birds in total. Also saw a single GREY PLOVER and a 3 GOLDEN PLOVER.
On return we saw a single KINGFISHER fly over the reed bed and CHAFFINCH, GREAT TIT. BLUE TIT and a female BULLFINCH.

ROCK PIPIT or WATER PIPIT?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Links Hill and North Denes

Out today with Suffolk Wildlife and the COD team. Great group of youngsters from Denes High School. Set them a task of orienteering around the cliff. Good see kids who education find it difficult with using the greatest ability they have. Enthusiasm.

On arrival there where three MED GULLS two of which where colour rung. These birds where together, adult and rung as E861 and 8T21 this birds ring was damaged and so could read BT21. which I doubt.

There was a flock of 20 LINNET which with REDWING and FIELDFARE where roving about. These birds where interspersed with LAPWING which have been forced onto the coast by the extremity of the weather. Several crows about, but in view that one was eating the yellow stuff that has turned up on the foreshore it makes you wonder if they will not suffer for it. The environment agency has made a statement that it is none hazardous. What ever that means. So why have the coast guards got surfers out of the water.



Ness and Nicholas Everit Park

A single REDWING was feeding close to the car park under vegetation. It was also being harried by a Blackbird that did not appreciate it on its patch. I also had  a FIELDFARE fly over the house this morning. The only other thing of interest was the white rung HERRING GULL from yesterday turned up.
Found a BRAMBLING for just a very short time, was reluctant to give a good view. But also COAL TIT, BLUE TIT AND GREAT TIT.

Ness Point, Lowestoft.

Spent at least an hour standing in the cold, but then it wasn't that bad. If it had of been I would have been home like a shot.

 

Best bird was a swim by of a SLAVONIAN GREBE. The bird was about two thirds the way out to the left continental buoy. Swimming and diving on the way south. Was a sure sighting and I have had no hesitation in logging it. I watched the bird for about 3 minuets, but then when I called it in I lost sight. How bad is that? Several MED GULLS and RED-THROATED DIVER  north as well as a great adult GANNET flying north. So close to the water, flying through the troughs of the waves. I also picked up on a male EIDER flying north as well as 5 BRENT GEESE flying in the opposite direction. I picked up on two HERRING gulls colour rings. The red one still remains unidentifiable but I managed to get hold of the other one right leg white A65T.

It was so cold and poor little bunny-kins was eating evergreen bushes.

Home

 

Well the winter has set in well and birds are few and far between. But of course this weather also brings some surprises, especially in regards to the garden. So this bird turned up. Not the first time seen in the garden, but at least this Meadow pipit was here for a distinct reason. He had come across some food on the ground and was intent on feeding.
 
Meadow Pipit

 

Tramps Alley and Ness

To cold ?  At tramps a single Med Gull and a SPARROW HAWK high searching for feed on the beach. Other than that the usual stuff with a pair of CARRION CROW.
As for the Ness very cold: But did manage a fly through GREEN SAND. Also feeding on shore was the usual reported white rings Herring Gull, but also a Red rung bird as well.

Fisher Row

Walk out on the wild side with 4 inches of snow and a blustery east wind. What can you say. Mind you well wrapped up and warm.
Up to 20 SNIPE in the air today, with around the same in LAPWING the flock could not make up its mind where to land. I also had three KESTREL and about 7 MEADOW PIPIT and a flock of 25 GOLDFINCH. The REDWINGS that where about were very quick to move and would fly close in on the way through. Other than that a pair of EGYPTIAN GEESE and flock of 50 WIGEON on the Waveney River.

Leath's Ham and Lake Loathingland.

Took the car in to sort out wheel hub bearing. Then walked on through up to Lake Loathingland. Best bird was a KINGFISHER which had taken to hanging around the yacht basin. The bird was very agile and no chance of getting anywhere near it. There where about 10 LITTLE GREBE floating around in small groups of up to 3. Also one REDSHANK with COOTE in the same area. GREENFINCH 4 SONG THRUSH 2 as well as plenty of BLACKBIRDS. A pair of EGYPTIAN GEESE had taken up residence near the toilets to yacht station as well.
At Leathe's there was several PINTAIL and SHOVELORE out on the ice with GADWALL and MALLARD as well as TUFTED DUCK, WIGEON. One KESTREL kept annoying everything. The usual TIT population as well as a flock of 7 GOLDFINCH which seem in short supply this year.

North Cove.

 

Walk round the reserve was fantastic in regards to the small birds. Not just because I found something rare but just to see them feeding in the snow. I suppose the best birds where 3 Male TREE SPARROW which flew into a tree. They did not give me long to view but what a cracking set of birds. The other was a pair of BULLFINCH. These birds are something else when it comes to plumage. No pic's but what brilliant birds. I also came a cross a resting COMMON BUZZARD again very close but took to flight as I turned the corner. Again another bird for the year was a WOODCOCK resting in afield. Nearly a clump of soil. Spot the bird time. I had a flock of some 20 SISKIN and MARSH TIT'S on the feeder where again just good to watch.
                                                                   
                                                                          Marsh Tit

Ness Point

Called in at the Ness and walked down to Hamilton Dock. The Great Northern Diver was still showing. Seems content enough to stay around.
At the Ness very few bird far out except a movement of CORMORANT heading North. The best bird a year list, as I had a fly by ROCK PIPIT. The only other bird of any significance was a white ringed HERRING GUL. As A7Y. I am sure I have had this bird and not long ago.

Ness point

Jonathan picked up on a lone BLACKHEADED GULL today which is exactly what it says on the packet. Black headed. Rather early but then I did see one the other week in still juvenile plumage. So which way do you go.
At the Ness only 2 RED-THROATED flying south and a single GREAT-CREASTED GREBE doing the same. A few TURNSTONE and PURPLE SANDS in appearance. While far out a flock of white gulls. This gave the appearance of a flock of about 30 KITTYWAKE but no real id.

Carlton Marsh

I n respect of birding the most impressive sighting was of a flock of 60 SKYLARK west of middle path. There was also 27 REED BUNTING on the wires running alongside. But I would increase this number to about 36 birds in all as we saw some before in another area and some after. We also saw 3 LITTLE EGRET and 2 REDWING as well as an elusive SONG THRUSH these birds have been well down on other years especially near the cost. A flock of some 50 Geese flew over and plenty of gulls streaming back from Aldeby dump. Only one KESTREL put in an appearance and a pair of EGYPTION GEESE.
When we returned to Lowestoft the PEREGRINE was in station on the silo.

Home and Ness Point

I became aware of a commotion on the grain silo this morning only to see a pair of CROWS giving of to the PEREGRINE. In fact they managed without to much difficulty to make him clear the area. So it just makes you wonder how intimidated she can become. Perhaps this will make her seek a mate for all her efforts.
The G.N. Diver was still position with 6 PURPLESAND at the Ness and Turnstone. Several RED-THROATED out at sea, all flying North.

Ness Point

Call in to see if anything showing. Very dull and PURPLE SANDS where very lethargic to say the least. All fast asleep including the one legged bird. When I say all 5 on view. Two RED-THROATED-DIVER flying north and a flock of COMMON SCOTER far out about 35 birds in all. Very vocal PIED WAGTAILS today on wall as was the BLACKBIRD in my garden last night. Never gave up but sounded of all night.

IMG_3812

Leathe's Ham

Home and Sea front Lowestoft.

I spent an hour sitting in the garden this morning as it was so mild. Very unusual weather to say the least. Only to see a CHIFFCHAFF fly in to the tree next door and to view for a few minuets. It seems that few may have flown in yesterday so managed to catch up with one very early in the year. It was only a bog standard bird but we live in hope.
Also went for a walk along sea from and could view the G.N.DIVER from the South Pier. Also picked up with a MED GULL and several TURNSTONES on the groynes.
Followed this up with bird club in the evening.

Everit Park. Oulton Broad.

Cloudy day but an hours jaunt brought in a few more birds for the year, no real highlights but at least out there. Came across the first large flock of GOLDFINCH. I should think that there was a dozen birds feeding on larst. Also roving flock of Siskin doing there usual fly round over Pet's corner. Nice also to call in the Ham and view the more common stuff around.

 

 

A NEW YEAR

Well I'm glad to see the old year gone. Has been a long one for me, so on with life. My year list was not that high, but I think I will be excused for that. But at least my life list was extended by the addition of a Leach's Storm Petrel and a Hornimans Arctic Redpole. My year list was a miserable 178, so we reach for the sky's in the next year.

With blue sky I just had to get out there and add the local GREAT NORTHERN DIVER to the year list. I also took a short trip over to Haddiscoe Island and met up with another good bird in the shape of a ROUGH LEGGED BUZZARD. There was no sign of the elusive Great White Egret, although going on last years, which I saw from my garden. Who knows? So my list for three hours in the car than walking, hence total was 48. So not the highest by a long shot. But at least a start.