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