Brazilian Birder
Norfolk & World Birding
December
31/12/06
I've forgotten to say that I had 2 Forest Owlet on the 27/12/06 at Melghat (M.T.R.)! And got some good pictures of it to be uploaded in 2007. I'm a very happy birder!
That's it! Now I'm in the Mumbai Airport waiting for my flight to Udaipur.
Have a very good 2007 birding year!
29/12/06
Just popped around to say that I've seen a Mottled Wood Owl in Nagpur after a 7 hours search!
Some local kids showed me a dead palm tree that there was a Collared Scops Owl roosting. I've taken some pictures of it, but will only be able to post them when I'm back home.
Oh, the first bird I've seen when I got out of the N. Delhi Airport was a Black-eared Kite and can see them almost daily now...
I'll update the website when I'm back to Norfolk.
Shukryaa.
Happy New Year!
23/12/06
Had great views of the Barrow's Goldeneye in Forth! It was displaying early in the morning. It was too dark early in the morning to take a decent pic of it. Also there a pair of Goosander (male was a bit distant of the female), 4 Siskins, 5 Mallard and 3 Little Grebes.
Still in Callander I've seen 6 Dippers, wonderful birds.
Tomorrow morning I'll be finishing my X'mas shopping and doing a bit of birding around Marham, Narford, Fincham Road and Pentney, hopefuly. Later I'll be finishing my packing for X'mas Day.
22/12/06
I'm just getting my stuff ready for packing now, so excited that I'm going to India!
Tonight I'm heading to Scotland with Ashley, S. West and Grahame to see the Barrow's Goldeneye that's been hanging around there!
17/12/06
Early in the morning I've been to Fincham Road to see a group of 6 Corn Buntings, but I forgot put on the website. Sorry guys!
A good local patch bird-watching today at Narborough Railway Line, towards the second bridge. Lots of walking gave me few continental Black Birds (w/black bills), 4 Tree Sparrows, 6 Bramblings, 3 Bullfinches, 1 Reed Bunting (Ashley had 5!), 10 Yellowhammers and towards the first bridge I heard 2 Woodlarks and saw 1.
Next year I'll be birding on that patch more often.
16/12/06
This morning I've been to Salthouse to see the Balearic Shearwater, but I'd missed it by 10 minutes. But I've seen 1 Arctic Skua about 15 Razorbills, approximately 10 Red-throated Divers and more than 20 Guillemots.
Then I headed to Cley and after a long wait I managed to see the Balearic Shearwater. Had great views of it. I've seen 1 adult Great Northern Diver, more than 20 Razorbills, more than 25 Red-throated Divers and more than 30 Guillemots, including 1 adult in summer plumage.
It was so cold!
15/12/06
Just looking forward to my India trips. Yes TRIPS! I'll spend the day learning my Indian birds.
Hopefuly, next weekend I'll be able to go to Scotland to try to see the Barrow's Goldeneye.
10/12/06
Local patch exploration today. Early in the morning at Marham Chalkpits (in a private property - w/authorisation only) I've seen 3 Tree Sparrows, 5 Whooper Swans flying over, 7 Yellowhammers, 1 Goldfinch, Chaffinches and Greenfinches. Approximately 100 Bramblings at Marham Fen and 1 Marsh Tit.
Later in Great Massingham I've seen another group of probably more than 50 Bramblings, 20 Greenfinches, 5 Yellowhammers, 2 Coal Tits, 7 Redwings, more than 20 Fieldfares, 3 C. Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, Chaffinches and Greenfinches.
09/12/06
What a thrill! I'm very happy to announce that I'm going to India this X'mas. Hope everything goes ok.
Just read the article on Birdguides about the reappearance of the Caatinga Woodpecker, very good news for my country.
From Wolferton Cliffs: 1 Black-eared Kite - seen flying along the seawall heading north from well within Narvos towards the South hide at Snettisham! Also there 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers.
Late afternoon I went to Lynn Point, wonderful sunset and 1 Peregrine at Lynn Docks.
Very upset that the Black-throated Diver was one caught and released from RSPCA. But, at least I've seen a good bird. Unfortunately cannot count it in my Narvos list.
05/12/06
Late in the afternoon I went to Pentney to see 1 Black-throated Diver that John Lyons found. Although it was very cold and getting dark I could see it well, but too dark for a photo. 1 female Goosander was also there. During the search for the B.T.Diver 1 Greywagtail flew over Pentney.
November/2006
26/11/06
Geese-watching with Carl Donner and Ashley today. During the morning we were driving from one point to the other to see the Blue morph Snow Goose, Flitcham and Holkham. We headed to Flitcham to try to see it. Nothing. But I found 1 ring-tailed Hen Harrier flying over a flock of 200 Pink-footed Geese instead. Also there 3 Skylarks, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Stock Dove, 1 Curlew and lots of Starlings.
We went to Wells' Harbour to see 1 Shag. When we got there was also 1 female C. Scooter not less than 4 metres far from us. That was great, I never thought I could see one that close. Its bill is much heavier than I imagined. Amazing views.
Back at Holkham in the afternoon, we saw the Blue morph Snow Goose. It was difficult for me to find it, my fingers were freezing and I was thinking about quit the search for it. Then I scanned with my 'scope' for the last time: I saw 1 Whooper Swan, then, suddenly the Blue morph Snow Goose was up feeding. I was shouting like crazy: "I can see it, I can see it!". Those Brazilian Birders are so noisy, I don't like them (hehehe!). I felt very proud of myself because at the end I didn't need anyonelse's help to see it. It worth the sacrifice of getting my fingers frozen.
On the same field there was 1 Icelandic type Greylag Goose - it was smaller than the ordinary Greylag Goose, same size of a Pink-footed with a heavy orange bill, that was nice, a wild Greylag!
Also at Holkham 1 C. Buzzard, 1 Barnacle Goose and 1 Barn Owl.
Then the geese flew off to roost at Lady Ann's Drive, and of course we followed them. Good job that the car park was closed by that time, it's just too expensive. We stayed there and watched it for about 20 minutes and Ashley shared his 'scope' with a friendly group of Italians, they got amazed to hear that about 'venti mile' Pink-footed Geese were roosting there. Eco! Meanwhile, Carl found 1 White-fronted Goose on the field behind us.
Ciao amici!
25/11/06
The weekend started different than I thought.
Crossing the Wales Farm (private road, permit only) to go to Pentney I saw 2 Little Egrets, 30 Bramblings and 40+ Fieldfares. There wasn't much in Pentney, so then I went apple picking.
23/11/06
It's 9.54 a.m. now I just read the SE Brazil Trip Report compiled by Andres Jihmanner, they had a very productive trip. But, unfortunately his group had some unluck with the Varig Airlines (it's broke, since the 90's, but they just admited it later on 2004). It's very sad to admit that right now Brazil is in a big trouble puzzle with its air traffic, specially after some news that I put here on the begging of October.
I would like to advice to all birders/travellers that wish to go to Brazil to check New York Times world news. It's of course in English and you can check the economic situation of my country and others as well. I use the www.globo.com for Brazilian news, but, unfortunately it's only in Portuguese!
Back again to Andres trip report, he had really good birds, but poor, was ripped off for a caipirinha. Shame on those Brazilians! Caipirinha is so easy and cheap to make.
What else?! Now I really want to go back to Itatiaia NP! I want to go to my country birding!!!
Tonight I'm going to start reading Jim Corbet's book about India. Getting ready for the trip now! I'm so excited!
Dunno if I'm going to have some time to go birding this weekend. It's quite busy here.
Write, speak, to you later.
20/11/06
At 03.40 p.m. I've seen 1 Grey Phalarope in the pond at Snettisham's Caravan Park. Had great views of it, the G. Phalarope was no more than 1 meter far from me. It was walking on the edges of the pond, feeding all the time. What a magnificent bird, I just love it! I have a not decent photo of it, but it's here anyway.
19/11/06
At Wales Farm today there were more than 30 Bramblings!
I've been to Snnettisham RSPB to see my first Little Auk, had good views of it, but it was a bit distant to take a decent photo of it with the Coolpix. Also there I've seen my first Scaup.
18/11/06
As soon as I crossed the boarder between Norfolk and Linconshire a Sparrowhawk was greeting me.
I've been to St. Mathew, Holbeach to see the Black-eared Kite, despite the distance I was able to see its paler underwing and the longer 6th wing finger as it was discribed on Birdguides. On the way back I've seen 4 Corn Buntings, 2 Stonechats, 1 Goldfinch and lots of Greenfinches and Chaffinches.
On the way back to Norfolk I've seen 1 Barn Owl.
I feel very lucky of seeing two first sightings for Britain in 1 week. And, probably, the only Brazilian birder to see the Long-billed Murrelet in Dawlish last weekend. If another Brazilian also seen it, send me an e-mail, ok?
15/11/06
The time now is 4.30 p.m. and I just arrived from Wales Farm and Marham Fen. On the wires, right before the River Nar, there was 19 Bramblings (!), 13 Greenfinches, 7 House Sparrows, 9 Chaffinches, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Coal Tit, didn't see any Corn Buntings there. I was in Wales Farm from 2.45 p.m. until 3.30 p.m.. I've seen 2 Muntjac Deers, 1 Roe Deer, 3 massive Rabbits, 3 Chaffinches, 5 Greenfinches, 2 Robins, 2 Long-tailed Tits, 1 Great Tit and 4 Blue Tits.
If the weather is nice tomorrow morning I will be there very early.
12/11/06
Yesterday Ashley and myself went to Devon at 6.30 p.m., we got there after 0.00 a.m. and overnight at Dawlish Warren in our sleeping bags. We woke up at 06.38 a.m and headed to Dawlish straight away, getting there around 07.00 a.m., it was full of birders, never seen that much in my life. Probably more than 1000.
Anyway, we parked and walked to the very left side of the beach near a cliff/wall where the Long-billed Murrelet was. What a bird!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Had a really good view of it. It was coming to the beach no more than 5 meters away from us. Mobile it was feeding all the time. I tried to take some pictures, but it was quicker than I was. I used my binoculars instead.
We saw the Long-billed Murrelet for about 35 minutes maybe more. This moment will be on my mind forever.
I've also seen about 6 Shags, few Rock! Pipits and 1 Razorbill. Then I headed to the car quick, to have a cup of Colombian coffee (from Ashley's last trip) and a sandwich.
Now I wonder if I am the only Brazilian who'd seen this Long-billed Murrelet (?!)...
... On the way back I saw 2 C. Buzzard crossing the A379, 1 Grey Heron towards Heathrow, 1 C. Buzzard at A303 and 1 Kestrel towards Ely.
We had to stop at Stonehenge, because I've never been there. Apart from the tourists it's magical!
Back to K.L. around 3.45 p.m. Didn't have time to see the Black Kite at Holbeach! But I am happy anyway!
Looking forward to go to Devon on Summer to see butterflies.
October 2006
28/10
I've been to Titchwell today with Steve West to see the Surf Scoter, we got there around 10.00 a.m.. As I was heading to the beach I've heard a Cettis Warbler, I've seen 2 Bearded Tits and a few Redwings flying over. And in the beach, after an apprehensive search I managed to see the Surf Scooter in two occasions: first one closer to the boardwalk twice very briefly and the second one it was to the very left side of the beach. Also in there was 100's C. Scoters, 1 Velvet Scoter, few Dunlins, 1 Long-tailed Duck flying left, few Coots and 1 Diver species. But, unfortunately it was a very poor view to identificate it.
In the hides (Island and Parreinder) I've seen about 10 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Redshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 10 Ruffs (that I manage to train some photos), 1 Curlew with a very pale crown stripe, possibly 1 Whimbrel, 20 Wigeons, 3 Long-tailed Ducks, 30 Teals, 40 Mallards, 5 Dunlins, 13 Shovelers and 1 Water Rail. On the way back I've seen 3 Skylarks, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Reed Buntings.
20/10
It's 07.15 a.m. now...
On the 18th October, before yesterday, between 05.20-06.10p.m., Ashley, Steve and myself went to Welney to check out the American Golden Plover that was supposedly comes into roost on the field in front of the road.
Then as soon as started scaning the warden for Welney stopped his car and got out to tell Ashley that this American Golden Plover wasn't reported, actually, he just didn't know about it. Holman came over from the reserve and said that there was no signs of it.
Unfortuantely, we didn't have the luck to see it either, we've seen few Ruffs, almost 100 Lapwings andmore than 100 Golden Plovers but defenitely no American Golden Plover. We realized that it was very dark. We waited and waited and no bird came to join into roost. No signs of the American Golden Plover there at all!!!
15/10
I've been to Holkham Pines today from 09.30 to 12.45 and I haven't seen the Yellow-browed Warbler all that time I was there. Anyway, I've seen 1 Ring Ouzel, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Wren, 5 Goldcrests, 4 Chaffinches, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 9 Blue Tits, 3 Coal Tits, 2 Great Tits and 8 Greenfinches. About 10 Redwings flying over.
At Titchwell I tried to see the Whiskered Tern for a last glance, but it was hidding somewhere.... On the Y.B.W. search at Fen Trail, no success either.
I just hope that tomorrow the American Golden Plover is still at Hilgay Fen is still there and I need to see a Y.B.W.!
Oh, I hope that there wasn't anything especial that was oculted!
14/10
I've finaly seen the Snow Goose today at Docking. It was hiden behind the geese in front of the corn. It was not an exciting view, but I can say that it is a very good looking goose.
Unfortunately after going to Docking I had no success in finding the Yellow-browed Warbler from Stiffkey...
Later going with Ashley to Chris Mills b'day party we crossed with a Tawny Owl on the road to Billington, at the same road we've seen a Badger and a Hedgehog.
I would like to ask to all YOU drivers to slow down when YOU see a Badger or a Hedgehog! They are slow by nature. Please do not kill those lovely animals!
13/10
Friday 13th! Fortunately I had a Whiskered Tern today, although it should be here on Spring I suppose. It's a kind of magic.
I had wonderful views of it at Titchwell! Comparing the pictures to the book it is a juvenile first winter. Couldn't get a decent photo of it. Then had to head to the Fen Trail and the Picnic area in search of a Yellow-browed, but no signs. But still hopeful that one will turn up there, as it did last year.
Afterwards a quick look for it at Gypsy Lane, it was a great end of afternoon, but no Y.B.W.. Just heard couple Redwings flying over, more than 20 Little Egrets and Cormorants going to roost, Robins, Chaffinches and 3 Goldcrests.
11/10
Got bored so then we went to Pentney... Crossing the Marham Fen we've seen a female Brambling among a group of Chaffinches and Greenfinches! Didn't have a Yellow-browed Warbler there yet!
Anyway, Ashley and myself had the invitation to go a very nice place in Pentney, the Heath, and there I got some nice pictures of some funghae like the Stink Horn and the fly agaric. It's a wonderful place! Saw 4 Goldcrests there. We had a really pleasant afternoon.
By the way, I'm enjoying my Coolpix E-4500!
10/10
What a run! We decided to go to Blakeney Freshmarshes to see the Cattle Egret, we did it, indeed.
Then we headed to Salthouse to see the White-rumped Sandpiper, but a dog scared it and it flew off.
Then we headed to Cley beach to try our luck, nothing, so we headed to the Daukes Hide, there was nothing there apart from Teals, Mallards and 3 C. Snipes. We didn't give up that easy, but I was feeling pretty nervous of not managing to see that particular bird. Anyway, we headed to Salthouse again, we saw a group of birders, and there it was, the immature White-rumped Sand! Had some pretty good views of it, I was able to see it very well -smaller than a Dunlin, wings longer than its tail and a well marked supercillium (did I spell it right!? I'll check the Oxford Dictionary later.
I've got some good pictures of the sunset tonight.
09/10
Oh yeah, not a good weather today, but I'm still smiling because on Saturday my camera was delivered by post. It's a simple Nikon Coolpix 4500 with not so simple commands, but I just need to get used to it. Don't stop me now!!!...
08/10
At Hunstanton I saw 7 Gannets, more than 20 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Swallow, more than 20 Greenfinches, 3 Chaffinches and a very cold wind!
Later headed to Holkham to try to see that Snow Goose... Pfff... Anyway, me & Ashley managed to see 1 Barnacle Goose! I've seen also the Pink-footed Goose (1000's), 3 Goldcrest, 5 Chaffinches and 7 Greenfinches.
At Titchwell I've seen 2 Little Stints, 1 Lt. Egret, 4 Spotted Redshank and more than 10 Ruffs.
Lunch break at Brancaster Staithe, time to cook the bacon sandwiches. As he cooked I tryed unsuccessfuly to get some pictures of a group of Turnstones feeding on a crab. It was a big crab! Nothing more apart some C. Gulls and Black-headed Gulls.
07/10
Good morning!
Well it's not tomorrow, but it was yesterday...
Anyway. Finaly the Autumn Watch super girl Kate admited that the Super Goose Douglas was shot dead. It was killing me watching her sad face everytime she turned up to Bill and to us to talk about the Super Geese. I know she meant to say something, but for some reason, maybe the boss or maybe the Super Geese Project Crew!
Hey what was that about Simon King making his impression of a Red Deer? Oh dear, oh dear. He was like a monkey.
It's almost 8.00 a.m. now, it's a bit sunny and I hope to do some proper birding today!
Oh well, guys and girls. Speak to you later.
Looking foward to my ammunition to come on Monday! I'm not about to shot Geese. Hahaha.
03/10
I will talk about Autumn Watch tomorrow!
September 2006
My heart is broke in 155 pieces.
Same day as my B'day I heard very sad news: a Gol Airlines 737 boeing colided with a Legacy jet between Para e Manaus (Brazil) killing 155 passengers, including cabin crew.
Brazilian Airforce said that the Legacy pilots ignored the allert sent by radio and switched off the transponder (a machine that identifies the plane by radar and integrates the anti-collision system). They just replied the radio allerts after the collision, Brazilian Airforce supposed they could avoid it.
Anyway, this is not an issue to me to solve, leave it to the experts.
I just wish to send my sincere apologies for those Braziians who'd lost their familiars in this fatal accident.
30/9/06
MY BIRTHDAY!!!
I'm sick of hearing that on my b'day it's a good day for birding in Norfolk!!! IT'S MY B'DAY TODAY, HOORAY!
Had to stay in Norfolk and delay the plans that I had... That's ok.
It was a lovely sunny day. We didn't have any good wind conditions today, but at Narborough Railway Line I found I Clouded Yellow Butterfly was a mala with a very deep orange colour. I was over the moon. When I first saw it by far I was thinking "this is new for me" then I realized the colour yellow and shouted to Ashley: "Ashley, Yellow". Then he tried to pick it up for a picture, but the butterfly was quicker than him. My first B'day present of the day!
Also in the N.R.L. I saw 2 Marsh Tits, 2 Nuthatches, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Chaffinches, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Black Birds, 6 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Great Tits, 5 Blue Tits. Forgot to state that I've seen also 4 Wood Larks that had to fly because of the threat of 1 Sparrowhawk.
On the way back to the car when I was celebrating a little bit. I saw a very usual bird of prey flying a few meters above us, but I thought it was a C. Buzzard and showed it to Ashley, yet another present: "It's a Honey Buzzard!". It was a juvenile with a very light coloured head, was a typical Honey Buzzard comparing to the C. Buzzard longer wings, longer neck and longer tail, Ashley said.
It flew over the R.L. heading towards the Black Hangar, Ashley had time to phone his mate Alan Curl and Alan was quick enough to be able to see it from the Black Hangar. Getting to the Black Hangar Curlew, Ashley and me (I?!) saw a Sparrowhawk as well, but the Honey Buzzard was far away by then.
Coming back home, was nice to know that there was a few other records of the Honey B. in Britain today...
Later we went to West Acre, because we heard that last week there was a Camberwell Beauty B'fly there during all week. But no signs of it, as we couldn't invade someonelse's garden. Anyway, I saw 5 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Goldcrests and 4 Great Tits.
Still had some time for birding when we were leaving the Stag Pub in West Acre, a good one by the way. During our walking we saw 1 Barn Owl.
That's it, folks.
23/9/06
Today Ashley gave a lift to our mate Steve West to see the Pallid Harrier and then, it came on the pager that the Rose-coloured Starling was nearby, we had to be quick and fly on our Cinquecento. As soon as we got there we saw some birders, then we stayed for about 5 minutes, but no further signs of the Pallid Harrier. We asked a birder passing by and he said that it was a bit further... We just lost 5 minutes of birding standing beside, oh well.... Anyway. Getting there it took us no longer than 5 minutes to see a beautiful juvenile Pallid Harrier flying behind an oak tree just after a Grey Heron came out of the same spot. Oh my Godness, it was a nice view of it! Wonderful neck colar and a rufous brown belly, that was it.
Until then I didn't realize that I was watching the third record of a Pallid Harrier in Norfolk! - Ashley said that on our way to see the Rose-coloured Starling - hope he is right. Anyway, afterwards we went a bit further to see the Rose-coloured Starling that was a bit more tricky to find it on someone else's backyard fence, but after about 20 minutes search we saw it and I quite pleased, because even knowing that it was a juvenile with a dull colour plumage it is a wonderful bird.
Sorry for my writing today, I'm in hurry....
Am I being blessed because my birthday is coming? Dunno, but it feels quite good.
Now I need to go to the kitchen to see my cooking... See you, guys.
18/9/06
HOORAY! Botaurus stellaris! YES IT CAME FROM THE STARS ON DAYLIGHT TO ME!
Today I went to Titchwell around 4.00 p.m. to see 1 Pectoral Sandpiper that was there, when I had finaly seen it, Ashley shouted: "Bittern flying low!", I knew that was my turn, so then quickly I put my bins on and saw that magnificient bird for no more than five seconds, but time enough to realy be sure that I realy love this bird since the very beginging of my search for it, almost two years ago. I felt just like I never did before birdwatching: over the moon, super! It was great because I didn't expect to see the Bittern after the Spring, but I think I am blessed by the Gods! Then the Ashley's phone rung, it was the tiller waiting for us in front of our house! Back to reality of housewife (not good)! Now I know what birding means to me!
Need to celebrate with a pint of Wherry next weekend!
Now I'm looking forward to see the Golden Pheasant.
Ah, the had wonderful views of the Pec. Sand. by the way. But I love the Bittern!
16/9/06
Oh, well, as long as you're getting older you are getting funny or with a horrible memory that's my case! Anyway, I think the realy good birder is the one that can correct you, but not at your back! Yes indeed I invited a new species, maybe because I'll get older by the end of the month, I know it's not because of diying issues. Hehehe! Joking... Good that I'm not a stringer!
My God, it's 01.44 a.m. I'm sleepless and trying to be funny... Save me Sun!
I couldn't believe how fast I was walking today in Burnham!? Why did I said that?
Oh yes! Let's get down to birding now... Today around 04.00 p.m. I saw two Red-breasted Flycatchers (one in Burnham Overy Dunes flying around the apple tree with 1 Pied Flycatcher and 1 Redstart, 1 Great Grey Shrike was in the dunes and the second RBF was much brighter at Gun Hill with 6 Garden Warblers and 3 Dunnocks). I got very happy to the RBF at same place as last year, Gun Hill.
Then I headed to Warham Greens to see 1 Wryneck, that I saw first than Ashley during my walk trying to take a picture of a nice spider-web, also there got 1 Red-backed Shrike, that Ashley found easily by hearing it. On the way back to the car park we've seen one Marsh Harrier.
It's 02.35 a.m. now... I'm sleepy... Night night.
10/9/06
I'm tired today... Had to make two trips to Holme today first 6.00-10.00 a.m. and second 06.00-06.45 p.m. On my first trip I've seen 1 immature Pied Flycatcher (year tick), 1 female Stonechat, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 3 female Blackcaps, 2 Sedge Warbler, 4 Reed Warbler, 9 Gannets, 2 Arctic Skuas and 13 Eiders. On my second trip I've seen 6 Whinchats (year tick), 8 Chiffchaffs, 1 Whitethroat, 4 Reed Warblers again and 1 Barn Owl.
I also had to go to Titchwell twice today from 10.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m. and at 05.00 p.m.. On the first trip I've seen 13 C. Scooters, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 2 Curlew Sandpipers and 3 Curlews. On my second trip I've heard 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Spotted Redshank, I've seen 3 Bearded Tits and the Barred Warbler (my first!).
Who said I didn't go to Scolthead today?! Yes, ladies and gentlemen! I did it again. I just got upset because there wasn't too much there. What about 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Meadow Pipits and 5 Dunnocks. I was too tired to go seawatching with Ashley, but it was poor anyway. I'm still hopeful that next we go we are going to find something really good.
06/9/06
At Wissington today we've seen 1 Wood Sanpiper, 3 C. Sandpipers, 2 Greenshanks, 5 Green Sandpipers and 4 C. Snipes.
04/9/06
Today I've seen in Shouldham 1 C. Buzzard. Then going to Pentney Ashley found 1 immature Arctic Tern, glad I've seen it, it was clearly a more contrasting white than the other terns. Also there 4 C. Terns, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Little Owl.
03/9/06
Today at Nar-Valley Fisheries, I've seen 1 C. Buzzard!
02/9/06
It's becoming a routine going to Scolthead on weekends. Anyway, guess where I've seen 2 Knots, 6 Wigeons, 2 Teals, 7 Sandwich Tern, 4 Greenshanks, 10 Ringed Plovers including 1 Scandinavian, 17 Gannets, 2 Redshank, 3 Green Sandpiper300 Golden Plovers (probably more!), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 15 Mallards, 35 Dunlins, 5 Meadow Pipits, 11 Greenfinches and 1 C. Seal that was acting like it was in a sealife park, rolling and jumping, intimidating the Terns that were after its fishes? Never seen that in my life, was amazing! Yes I was in Scolthead!!! I don't need going to the gym though.
Had to go to Holme on the way back, because it's a wealthy tradition. There I've seen 11 Goldfinches, 19 Greenfinches and 1 Swift, but no Whinchat!
August 2006
28/8/06
I was sleepless in the tent last night, felt realy awful, but I could cope with going to Sheringham at 4.30 a.m. to get a seat in the hide. At 05.30 I got all my stuff plus my sleeping bag in case it was too cold there. Getting in the hide there was just no wind, had to wait about 2 hours until a bit of wind came, but not as the Radio 4 said.... Anyway, I've seen more than 60 Gannets, more than 20 Arctic Skuas, 3 Black Terns, 6 Fulmars, 11 Pintails, 1 Shoveler (thanks Holman), 4 Teals, 1 Great crested Grebe, 20 Common Scooters, 1 Kittiwake, 1 Greenshank, 1 Swift and 1 Great Skua (why Bonxie?!) P.Q.P. (still my first for the species!). The sea-watching was finished at 12.30 p.m.
At 01.30 p.m. on the way back home home I've seen my first Ruddy Shelduck in Salthouse. It's not good to put it on the list but it is a good looking duck indeed!
In the Ashwicken South I've seen 3 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers.
Later picking up my blackberries in Pentney I saw 1 Kingfisher and 2 Greenshanks coming to the lake. There wasn't anything else there, it was sunny and I suppose the jet skis been swinging in the lake all day long.
27/8/06
Early in the morning at the Cliffs in Hunstanton I saw 11 Gannets, 2 Cormorants, 2 Eider, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Grey Wagtails, 8 Fulmars, 7 Sandwich Terns, 3 Common Terns, 12 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Shelducks and 8 Teals. The wind wasn't very good though.
After that I went to Titchwell and saw 1 Little Stint, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 30 Dunlins, 5 Black-tailed Godwits. NO BITTERN!
At 12.40 I was heading to Brancaster to cross to go to Scolthead the trip wasn't very productive I've seen there 1 Knot, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Kestrel, 5 Grey Plovers, 3 Greenshank, about 130 Golden Plovers, 20 Sandwich Terns, 2 Brent Geese and on the way back 1 Little Tern and 2 Spoonbills.
Long day, but not a very good birding day... Had to go to Daukes hide at Cley to see that Caspian Gull and I did it after 2 hours waiting for it, but saw it only for 2 minutes. Also there I've seen 1 Hobby, 3 Marsh Harriers, 1 Sparrowhawk, 20 Dunlins and 7 Black-tailed Godwits. Oh, by the way, I got very happy to see that work that was done in Cley it will be very nice for the waders.
It was about 07.30 when I had to rest my bones, so then me and Ashley I went to Weybourne and put our tent there in order to wake up early in the morning and go to Sheringham to make some sea-watching, the Radio 4 said the wind would be North West with gales.
26/8/06
After a long time I finally went to Nar-Valley Fisheries again! I saw there 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Wigeon and 1 Hobby.
Later I've seen 5 Green Sandpipers and 1 Common Sandpiper in Ashwicken South (authorised personel only).
Getting back with the tradition I had to go to Lynn Point before shopping. Anyway, there I've seen 3 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Greenshank.
23/8/06
Today I saw a Hedgehog crossing the road at Pentney.
22/8/06
Today in my garden I saw 8 Swallows. Insectwise: 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Painted Lady B., 2 Large White B. and 1 Brimstone.
No signs of the Clouded White nor of the Camberwell Beauty hanging around my porch!
21/8/06
I've been to the Nar-Valley Fisheries, and getting there I saw 18 Pochards, more than 30 Tufted Ducks and 6 Great Crested Grebes including 3 juveniles (2 of them very young indeed).
After N.V.F. had to see what's going on at the new part of the Ashwicken Heath (authorised personnel only) and saw 8 Greensandpipers,1 Common Sandpiper and 8 Lapwings.
At someone else's garden in my village I saw 2 Hummingbird Hawk-moth and 1 Painted Lady Butterfly, but no signs of the Camberwell. Couldn't see the Hummingbird from my garden, because Ashley scared it trying to get some butterflies with his new net. Anyway, in my garden there are lots of Swallows flying around and 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker living at the back (garden's back).
20/8/06
We woke up very early for the Bird Fair at Rutland Water, got there at 09.15 a.m.. Lots of good stands but I didn't see last year's Brazilian' stand, saw other Brazilian stands though. I am looking foward to go to Serra dos Tucanos.
Wish I can go next year to Peru as well... Oh, well.
On the way back home still in Rutland I saw 1 Marsh Harrier.
19/8/06
This morning in my garden I saw 1 Green-veined White Butterfly, 1 Peacock Butterfly, 4 Large White and 2 Small White.
In the afternoon I went to Gypsy Lane hoping to see that Camberwell Beauty Butterfly, but I've seen none. Got there my first Holly Blue Butterfly instead, 2 Large White, 5 Common Darter and 10 Migrant Hawker.
Birdwise there I saw 1 Whimbrel, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Coots, 1 Moorhen, 1 Mute Swan, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Kestrel and 1 Great Tit.
With no signs of the Camberwell Beauty at Gypsy Lane we decided to go to Titchwell, I didn't go very far there today 'though. I've seen only, probably my last Swift (1), 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 5 Swallows, 1 Whimbrel and 5 Egyptian Goose.
We had to run to Choseley Drying Farms to see some Dotterels that were among some Golden Plovers, I had nice views of four of them, quite close, including 2 juveniles, Ashley counted 12 Dotterels on total.
Then it was late and I was hungry, we went back home.
Hopefuly I will see something interesting at the bird fair tomorrow. Looking foward to see the Brazilian companies, don't know why.
16/8/06
I really love this part of the summer, the lost potatoes are on the road, the sunflowers are hypnotizing my eyes, the smell of the corn being cut and the wild plums ready to pick. By the way, I think I have been bitten by the 'love to the countryside mosquito'. Oh yes!
This morning chilling out in my garden (after the cooking) I saw 1 Peacock Butterfly, 1 Brimstone and 2 Large White. Later I had to go to the shop, so then on the way I saw 17 Swallows.
Later in the afternoon on my way to Pentney, Marham Fen, I saw 3 Small White Butterflies (m... a trois?!...) and 5 Migrant Hawkers. At Pentney there wasn't too much to see, as the jet-skies (is it spell right?!) were disturbing the piece of quiet of the place, but, fortunately, there was a couple of Whimbrels to the right of the field feeding with the Coots.
15/8/06
Well, I know it's a long time... It's not easy to combine the duties of jobseeker, housewife, interior designer and birder, but I promise by now I'll make my best.
Today going to Watlington train station today I've seen 1 Kestrel at Tottenhill. At the station's car park I've seen 5 Swallows and about 20 House Martins. No Swifts, though.
08/8/06
I've just been reading all those coments about the Swifts from the Narvos Group. I've seen four Swifts flying over my garden at 07.00 p.m..
July 2006
31/7/06
Well, well, well, you just can't tell!... Nevermind it's a chorus of a song...
Nothing exciting this week, apart from my first ever seen Painted Lady Butterfly.
Last week I managed to take some pictures of the Hummingbird Hawk-moth, just hope they are good enough to show you, guys. Apart from that my last week was quite lazy. The storm is scary. Hahaha!
Mrs. Blackbird was flying to a tree with some food - more Blackbirds hatched! I've seen a juvenile Wren today.
The weather is just crazy. Everybody told me England was cold, but this summer ctan compete with Rio de Janeiro's summer.
25/7/06
Today I had a Sparrowhawk flying over the garden, plus the usual Swifts and the young Blackbird, about 2 weeks, is strong and fit. Hope the Woodpigeons won't drop the egg out of their nests again.
Butterflies from my garden: 1 Speckled Wood, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Brimstone, 5 Large White, 3 Small White, 2 Red Admiral, 3 Meadow Brown and 2 Comma.
Tomorrow I will stop being lazy and will have a walk down the Fen.
Nite nite.
24/7/06
Not too much birding activities for me today. 04.33 p.m. I know that probably there was Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Hickling Broad very briefly, so then I'm waiting for the news. Anyway, I can hear a Cuckoo now.
I got thrilled with a cloud of 7 Large White Butterflies flying all around the garden, realy gorgeous scene. I can say that I had a pretty good day for other butterflies today, the weather is inviting for them: 1 Small Skipper, 4 Small White, 2 Gatekeeper, 1 Comma, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Brimstone, 1 Common Blue, 3 Meadow Brown and 1 Small Tortoiseshell. Got hypnotized with a freak-flyer Hummingbird Hawk Moth that was feeding on my Buddleia. It made my day...
23/7/06
Oh, well, not much today. Had one Great Spoted Woodpecker flying over the garden and the Hedgehog hidding from me while I was watering my plants.
22/7/06
Today in Marham on my way to Holme I saw one Hobby crossing the road.
The butterflies I've seen in Holme: 1 Peacock, 3 Meadow Browns, 2 Gatekeeper, 3 Comma and 4 Red Admirals. As you can see, I just can't enough of Holme. Bidwise: 2 Cormorants, 1 Little Tern, 5 Sandwich Terns, 14 Black-headed Gulls and 6 Swallows (probably migrants, Ash said).
21/7/06
I just love going to the beach! Reminds me so much my Rio... Anyway, I've been to Holme for a swim but had time for a quick birding at the sea, I've seen 1 Little Tern, 3 Sandwich Terns and more than 10 Black-headed Gulls.
At the entrance of the reserve I've seen: 2 Gatekeepers, 1 Grayling, 3 Red Admiral and 4 Meadow Browns.
Back home, Marham, I got a Kestrel being chased by Swifts. Butterflying: 2 Comma, 1 Gatekeeper, 2 Large White and 1 Small White.
20/7/06
Hooray! Yet another year tick! At Titchwell 1 female Red-necked Phalarope was wadding in front of Parreinder Hide. It had it's food, was chased by Avocets and a juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, it pruned and it had a rest. Bright summer plumage. Also 1 Little Grebe.
Also there I've seen 1 Sandwich Tern, 3 C. Terns, 1 C. Sandpiper, 5 Ruffs, 7 Pied Wagtails, 3 Linnets, 2 Ringed Plovers, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Spotted Redshanks, 1 male Knot (bright summer plumage) and 1 Little Egret.
Then I went to Holme for a swim at 4.30 p.m. water was really nice, bit cold and tide going out, was heaven. In the sea I've seen 4 Sandwich Terns, 15 C. Terns (probably more), 1 Little Tern and 100's of gulls feeding on the fish that was coming closer to the beach.
Holme is a very nice place for butterflies too and there I've seen my first Grayling and my first Small Copper, 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock, 5 Meadow Brown and 8 Red Admirals. Got 1 Hummingbird Hawk-moth as well.
Afterwards I've been to Snettisham Coastal Park with Ashley, but I headed to the beach in search of a Med. Gull there, but nothing, only 1000's Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, 100's Dunlins and more than 10 Whimbrels. But no Med. Gull... Well I did't search enough, probably. I was kinda lazyyyy!!!
19/7/06
Didn't go birding today but there was 1 Privet Hawk Moth in my garden... It's huge!
18/7/06
I've been to Narborough Railway Line this afternoon, just heard some Yellowhammers and Goldcrests, the only bird I've seen was a moulting C. Buzzard.
At the same place I've seen the following butterflies: 3 Common Blue, 1 Green-veined White, 7 Meadow Brown, 1 Large Skipper, 1 Purple Hairstreak and 1 Essex Skipper.
On the way back home I've been to Pentney and seen: 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Common Sandpiper and 3 Pied Wagtails.
Later tonight I've seen 1 Large Elephant Hawk Moth in my garden, wonderful creature.
17/7/06
I haven't gone birding today, but, fortunately, there is a Little Owl living on the back of my garden, so then, I can enjoy its company and it can enjoy the welcoming Marham environment.
Got a Common Frog living in my garden as well, maybe I need to have a pond. Maybe next year...
16/07/06
Oh, what a hot summer day! Today I enjoyed the sunshine at Narborough Railway Line, it was very quiet for birds there 'though. I've seen 1 Long-tailed Tit, 1 juvenile Nuthatch, 2 Chaffinches and 2 Yellowhammers. Not very good for birds, but better for Butterflies: more than 10 Brimstones, 5 Large White, 3 Small White, 10 Meadow Brown (maybe more), 2 Six Spots Burnet (my first sighting, realy stunning!), 2 Red Admiral, 3 Common Blue and 2 Brown Hawkers.
Back in my garden, Marham, I've seen 2 Blackbirds, including the juvenile that just got out of his nest, 3 Greenfinches, 2 Chaffinches and more than 10 Swifts. Butterflies: 1 Comma, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Large White.
15/07/06
Today I left home very early, 06.30 a.m., to see the Roseate Tern at Breydon Water, got there at 07.30 a.m. and after 20 minutes I saw 2 Roseate Terns, great views, nice looking white foreheads, black bill and black legs, realy stunning! Also there I've seen 100's of Sandwich Terns, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, 9 Mediterranean Gulls, 4 C. Terns, 2 Greenfinches (from the back of the hide), 5 Hooks and hundreds of Oystercatchers, Starlings, Hering Gulls and Shelducks.
At approximately 11.00 a.m. I went to Horsey and during my sea-watching I've seen: 1 Arctic Skua, 6 Gannets, 3 C. Terns, 4 C. Scooters and 1 Kestrel. At Horsey Corner I've seen a family of Stonechats (male, female and 2 juveniles), got also there 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylarks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Pied Wagtails and 2 House Martins. The butterflies I've seen there were: Small Skipper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown.
Got back home at 12.30, then, I got the news that a Caspian Tern was hanging around, well, flying at Breydon Water... Guess what? At 03.30 I was at Breydon looking for the Caspian Tern, but, unfortunately I haven't seen it. Maybe next time, maybe tomorrow. Anyway, I've seen on my second journey: 2 Whimbrels, 6 Redshank, 100's Sandwich Terns again, some Avocets and some more Black-tailed Godwits.
That's it for the day... I'm going to get my tea!
09/07/06
Today at Titchwell I've seen 3 Ruffs, 4 Dunlins, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Shovelers, some Mallards, 1 Little Gull, 2 Bearded Tits, 2 Gannets and some Scooters. Was very windy at the beach.
Late afternoon in Pentney it was very quiet, finaly, without jet-skis and boats. So peaceful that there was 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 2 C. Sandpipers and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Driving back in the Fen there was 1 Little Owl. A good end of the afternoon!
08/07/06
Today I've been to Lundham I've seen 3 Gatekeeper Butterflies and I found the first White Admiral Butterfly of the year for me and Ash. Oh that was cool!
In Strumpshaw we've also seen the Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly, it was sunbathing for about 30 minutes. Ashley took some nice pictures of it! Got a Brown Hawker traped in my hair, scaryyyy! Well, it was noisy, actualy. Got also 1 Meadow Brown Butterfly, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and more than 10 Comma Butterflies!
Oh, by the way, finaly I saw 1 Swallowtail Butterfly! Corr!
Birdwise, I've seen 1 Garden Warbler, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Marsh Harriers and 1 Kingfisher.
06/07/06
I've been to Narborough Railway Line this afternoon, around 06.00 p.m. I heard a Quail, never saw it 'thogh. Also there I've seen one Nuthatch. It was a lovely late afternoon.
05/07/06
Got another Hobby today, now at East Winch Irrigation Lake.
04/07/06
Today I had a long day trip to Derbyshire, we left home at 05.00 a.m.. It was a very long wait but we were able to see 1 Lesser Emperor Dragonfly, what a stunning creature! The male C. Emperors were chasing him for a fight. It was a lovely lake with stunning views!
02/07/06
I hope I will survive I feel so poorly! But I'm still alive! Not too much birding, more "butterflying" and going for a whistle in Glapthorn I saw a Red Kite, moulting feathers, really cracking views of it!
I'll write down the name of the places I've been today later.
It's so good to be back!
June 2006
22/06/06
Back to England! Not very well though, but well enough to see one Mediterranean Gull in Marham Fen this afternoon. Will go back to my rest now!
11/06/06
Unfortunately I didn't have time to the Botanical Gardens. I will have sometime next time I come to Rio.
08/06/06
Just had a wonderful hot winter day, very summery. I'm so happy, this is paradise in hell, but I love it!
On Sunday I'll go birding in Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens at Jardim Botanico.
05/06/06
Had today one Great White Egret, one Great Kiskadee (I'll put the right spelling later) and two Lesser Kiskadee. Plus more than twenty House Sparrows and more than twenty "Pardal" (will check the name in English).
I miss the birding in England... Hoopoe, wait for me!!!
01/06/06 - 21/06/06
Gone to Brazil! Churrasco, caipirinha, praia, amigos & pássaros. Translate that if you can.
Cya!
Well, today at Barajas Airport, Madrid I've seen two Barn Swallows, three Great Tits (don't ask me how they got there) and one House Sparrow, all living on the roof... Oh well. Can someone explain me that? Mother Nature...
May 2006
31/05/06
I'm very excited today, it's 12.00 p.m. and I'm finishing packing. Hopefuly later there will be my last day birding before my holiday.
Oh, well, it's 08.06 p.m. I bet you are all glued to the telly watching Spring Watch, but don't put Kate's and Oddie's tits, Blue and Great Tits, on your year list, it's cheating! Hehehehe!
Anyway, I've been garden-watching: got three Blackbirds, one Wren, four Dunnocks, two House Sparrows, one Lapwing running after a Kestrel, five Greenfinches and three Chaffinches.
It's my time to get ready now, see you in three weeks.
Coming soon: Butterfly 2006 List!
29/05/06
I'm really enjoying the environment in the Narborough Railway Line. It's peaceful and superb.
'Butterflywise' today I've seen a Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Orange Tip, three Brimstones, one Small Heath, Green-veined white, Orange Tip, White Ermine, and one Speckled Wood and I've found one Mother Shipton Moth, Ash took some great pictures of it on his website. Cool!
'Birdwise' there I've seen two juvenile (quite young really) Siskins, two Great Tits feeding, one Willow Warbler feeding, two Yellowhammers, one Blackcap, one Blue Tit feeding, Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs and Greenfinches.
28/05/06
At Narborough Railway Line today I've seen a Green-veined white Butterfly, Common blue Butterfly, Brimstone Butterfly, Yellowhammers, Greenfinch and Chaffinch.
At Titchwell I've seen a Large red Damselfly and some small orchids (I'll discover it's name soon). A Cetti's Warbler was singing on the background (Fen Trail).
25/05/06
No Spotted Fly still... Weather! S*
I've been to Narborough Railway Line late this afternoon and three Crossbills were flying over. Also there three Yellowhammers, one Willow Warbler bringing food to its nest.
22/05/06
This weather is being crap those days! I need some sun and birds! No signs of the Spotted Fly this weekend. It's probably sheltering from the rain, like me! Maybe I have to shelter in Rio, even knowing that there is raining as well.
Do you know the meaning of the Portuguese word "saudades"? If you do so, you know what I mean! "Estou com saudades do Brasil!".
21/05/06
I've just heard that there was some earlier Spotted Flycatchers for Narvos area this year, so then, mine was probably the third.
I've been to Great Ryborough Raptor Watchpoint from English Nature, and waited more than three hours to see the Honey Buzzard (!) but it realy worth the wait. Had great views of it, it was perched up on a tree. Amazing bird.
18/05/06
The Spotted Flycatcher is still in my garden, as usual! Hehehe... Well, one member of Narvos Group told me it could be possibly the first record for Narvos area this year. I'll check it with an expert/local tomorrow.
I got a picture of it today, but it's not good enough as last year's picture. So then, I will try to take a decent picture of it tomorrow and put it here.
17/05/06
I'm blessed by the gods, I just had my Spotted Flycatcher in my garden at 11.07 a.m.. It is still calling and singing too much, hope it have his/her baby here. It's very welcome!
What a lucky begin of the day!!! Year tick from my garden, it's priceless.
16/05/06
I've been to Narborough Railway Station this afternoon and saw a "baby" Siskin, two Yellowhammers, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Blue Tits and Great Tits. Got to make my butterfly records page now.
I had no year tick, but was a very pleasant day birding. The "baby" Siskin was soooo swwwweeeeeeeeeetttttttttttttt!
14/05/06
Early today at Holkham Freshmarshes I saw four Spoonbills, four Little Egret, about fifty Swifts, one Long-tailed Tit, Avocets and Oystercatchers. Watching the Spoonbills were very nice, they are wonderful birds, but a bit boring, they just sleep! Now I need to see the Brazilian Spoonbills.
Been to Scolthead today, one day after the Spotted Fly turn up there, but no sign of it today. Well, had Little Terns, C. Terns and Black-headed Gulls instead.
12/05/06
Had two adults Black Terns at Pentney and one Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula tundrae), according to Carl one birder that Ash knows that was there with us. There was seventeen C. Terns there as well.
11/05/06
This afternoon I saw the Black Tern in Snettisham. What a year tick, it is just a wonderful bird! Then on the road to Snettisham I had great views of the Hobby! Oh, what a day... I could even see its red legs... amazing bird.
The Spotted Flycatcher still didn't turn up in my garden.
08/05/06
Today looking the photo-gallery on Surfbirds I realized that the Laughing Gull I've seen yesterday in North Hide, Cley, was the same as the one that was seen in Cromer.
In Marham Fen today I got very disappointed, because I discovered that someone had destroyed the Moorhen's nest. Shame on you who did that! I'm very sad, how can someone be so evil?
In Pentney got two Common Terns, one Green Sandpiper, one Common Sandpiper and two Dunlins are still there.
Ash had seen earlier in the morning some Corn Buntings in Shouldham, so then in the afternoon I had three Corn Buntings on the wires there. From the same field I've seen two C. Buzzards.
After that I've been to N.V.F. and got eight C. Terns, one Grey Heron and one Cuckoo.
07/05/06
Today in Titchwell it took me more than 3 hours to see the Purple Heron in flight very briefly, about 10 seconds, well it always worth the wait! Also there found two Garganeys, one Little Stint, two Reed Warbler, Dunlins, one Spotted Redshank, two Ruffs - including a black male, one Marsh Harrier, one Sparrowhawk and heard one Bittern and two Cetti's Warblers.
After that I headed to Cley to see a Nightjar there, I had great views of it, was an adult male. On the way to Blakeney got one Wheatear. In Blakeney Point I saw one Common Rosefinch, one Wheatear and one Garden Warbler. I was very tired at the end, but had great views of the C. Rosefinch, it was a pitty that wasn't an adult male summer plumage. Maybe I need to go somewhere else to see it like this.
Later, around 7.30 p.m. I heard about a Black Stork that was in a field between Saxlingham and Holt, but no signs of it nor signs of birders there. Then I had to go back to Cley to see a male Laughing Gull in the North Hide that still had some white on his bill, it was sleeping and woke up to change his position around 8.25 p.m.. Excellent views! I'm very happy now... Ai, ai...
06/05/06
Lol! I've seen the Montagu's Harrier today perched on the ground in Burnham Market, was an adult male, saw it about 15 minutes, then it flew off.
At Titchwell I've seen a Temminck' Stint, saw it for more than 15 minutes, but it was far away.
05/05/06
Oh, well got three year ticks today! I'm not 'Captain Ticker' 'though, wish I was... At the Serpentine in Cley East Bank I saw a Wood Sandpiper, then at the Arnold's Marsh also in C.E.B., saw a Little Stint, six Common Terns, two Little Terns and a Knot. In Salthouse at Boroughill I've seen one Curlew Sandpiper, it was very close.
I've been to the East of Holme village, but no signs of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak... Just wonder who were the nine "blesseds" that hide the information... They really should be banned from the birder's community! Hehehe! Sometimes I'm so rude... But am I joking or not?!... Hehehehe!!! I'll make an article about the supressed information sometime, but who should I interview, or should I interrogate? Anyway, probably, some of them will report it tomorrow, just to redeem the group. Well hopefuly, the bird will turn up again, if it is not dead, after being in a box for one hot night. Wish all the people that was looking for today, including me, can see it tomorrow! Bye...
04/05/06
This afternoon I saw two Little Terns, six Common Terns and four Common Sandpipers at Pentney. In the evening I went to West Bilney to get the Nightjars, but it didn't call, I saw one Woodcock instead. Hopefuly I'll see the Nightjar tomorrow.
03/05/06
I assume I've been quite lazy lately... Anyway, later, in the evening I heard a Nightjar and saw two Woodcocks in West Bilney Road, heard few Tawny Owls there and saw one going to Pentney.
02/05/06
Not too much birding today. This morning in my garden I had two Swifts, four Goldfinches and I heard the babies Robins and Great Tits. In front of my house I've seen a baby Black Bird that wanted to come through my window, but couldn't. I went to Pentney in the evening, got there a pair of Garganeys in the little island, found by Ash! Also there got more than twenty Swallows.
April 2006
30/04/06
From the camp site at Holme I've seen more than fifty Bar-tailed Godwits, Whimbrels, more than ten Curlews.
In the morning went to Titchwell and the best bird I heard was a Bittern (NOW I KNOW IT EXISTS!), now I just need to see it (fingers crossed).
My Scolthead mission training was today. There wasn't too many birds in there, just thousands of Black-headed Gulls and Sandwich Terns, hundreds of Meadow Pipits, Linnets and Skylark. Also there one Little Egret and one Black-tailed Godwit male summer plumage. Waiting next bank holiday to go there again. Hope it won't be that cold!
On the way back at Burnham Harbour got a Greenshank, year tick again!
29/04/06
Been to Titchwell today, got one Little Gull, two Spotted Redshanks, one House Martin, five Eiders and hundreds, maybe thousands of Common Scooters.
28/04/06
Lol! It's 06.00 p.m. and I just arrived from my birding. Had to go quickly to Foulden to watch one Dotterel that was there, then I headed to Weeting Heath N.W.T. to watch one Stone Curlew, also got there one Common Buzzard, one Wood Lark, two Pied Wagtails, one Mistle Thrush and four Stock Doves (?!). On the way back got one Kestrel in Stoke Ferry.
Going to Pentney and N.V.F. later, it's a lovely sunny evening today! No more year tick after that!
27/04/06
The best from this sunny day was all the butterflies I've seem: Orange-tip, Peacock, Small tortoiseshell, White and Brimstone. Biked again through Marham Fen to go the N.V.F., I jumped scared of a Turtle Dove that flew over me and called that strange way! Well, it was a year tick anyway. I only heard the Nightingale in Pentney because they were doing some noisy work at the back of the Caravans Park.
Later in the afternoon been to N.V.F. again (!) and got there two Turtle Doves and two Common Sandpipers. Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats were singing, as usual.
26/04/06
Woke up very early today to bike to Pentney and get the Nightingale singing, and it realy worked. Also there got a male Bullfinch just sat behind the Nightingale. Great views and lovely singing, I could spend all day there listening to it. Nothing much this morning at Pentney one drake Wigeon is still there, two Pied Wagtails and the usual stuff.
Biked to the Nar-Valley Fisheries as well and the most exciting birds I've seem late morning was one Common Tern, three Sedge Warblers, two Little-Ringed Plover, four Linnets, one Kingfisher and six Whitethroats.
Well, now that I'm back home I got to get ready for my second duty birding later. Hopefuly with another year tick. Wish me luck! Cya later... Will rest from the biking this morning....
... I just knew this was going to happen today! It's past 8.00 p.m. and I finished my birding at 7.00 p.m. in King's Lynn next to the train line watching the stunning White Stork, was the second view of it today me and Ash here stuck in the traffic in Gaywood at 2.41 p.m. trying to head to Dersingham to catch the White Stork, but it just flew off right in front of us. Was hilarious, first complaining about the traffic then saying thanks for the red lights... Oh... what a day!
We've been to the Fisheries as well and I saw more than twenty Sand Martins, Swallows, one Cormorant drying its wings, one Reed Bunting and another Nightingale.
Got a Nightingale mission tomorrow, cya then.
25/04/06
What a long day! Today I spent nothing more than three hours waiting for the Wood Warbler at Titchwell, but finally after almost giving up it showed off in the pinic area. I felt blessed! Got a Swift and a drake Garganey (Hooray!) simply wonderful duck. Was long but made my day.
24/04/06
It's definetely Spring! Got two Garden Warblers in Pentney today, but I still haven't seem the Nightingale. New mission!
There wasn't too many birds today at the Nar-Valley Fisheries. Maybe tomorrow.
23/04/06
Had a briefly view of the Lesser Whitethroat at Lavander Marsh, had nice views of Willow Warblers, one Wheatear on the Gulf Course, two Chiffchaff.
At Titchwell got a Reed Warbler, finally. Had wonderful views of six Bearded Tits.
22/04/06
Oh, was so easy to see the Whitethroats at Nar-Valley Fisheries. What a great bird. I've also seen a Kestrel and a Sedge Warbler, but couldn't find the Nightingale. Maybe tomorrow.
At Lynn Point got hundreds of Brant Geese, two Avocets, one Whimbrel, two Cormorants and one Green Woodpecker. A Common Seal was also there.
21/04/06
I've been to Pentney today and got one Artic Tern, two Common Terns, two Little Gulls and three Yellow Wagtails. Nothing more, 'cause I'm still lazy.
20/04/06
I reckon I've been a bit lazy this week, blame it on the weather.
Well, anyway, had five Wheatears in Marham Fen, four males and one female, including a male from Greenland.
In the Fisheries (N.V.F.), finally got a Cuckoo, it was far away 'tho.
Hope to get more year ticks this weekend, it isn't good being number six on the list.
18/04/06
Nothing too exciting today, well there was a Brant Goose in Pentney, it was alone and feeding like crazy. Also there two Little Ring Plover.
Still a movement of jet-skys that doesn't make the wildlife rest and the birders to enjoy their birdwatching.
17/04/06
Just had a relaxing day, not too much was reported today, so then after enjoying the sun, the wind and the mud from Burham Overy Staithe trying to find a short detour to Scolthead Island, I joined my last forces to see a Common Sandpiper and a Green Sandpiper gathering togheter. Easy like Monday morning!
Looking foward to my next Bank Holiday.
16/04/06
Been to West Bilney early in the morning and got one Tawny Owl and one Greater-spotted Woodpecker.
Got up at 5.15 a.m. today just to avoid the excess of people at Snettisham Coastal Park, it was very good, peace and quiet. There got one Goldcrest, four Reed Buntings, stunning views of one Grasshopper Warbler, and heard a second one. Had again one Sedge Warbler, lots of Chaffinches, Chiffchaff and Greenfinches, two Wrens and one Willow Warbler.
Heading to Holme in Lavander Marsh saw one male Redstart, five Siskins and at Holme N.W.T. got one female Eider.
15/04/06
Bank Holiday. Hooray! Will have plenty of time to enjoy birding with Ashley.
Had a good start of the day, there was three Little Gulls (two adults and one juvenile) being chased by the Black-headed Gulls over the lake at 9.00 a.m..Then, later at 6.00 p.m. there was one more adult Little Gull joining the group. Had great great views of them flying, superb! Cool! Also at Pentney two Yellow Wagtails, thirteen Swallows perched on the wires, fifteen Meadow Pipits, one Little-ringed Plover, twenty-three Fieldfares, four Linnets and three Wigeons are still there.
At Nar-Valley Fisheries got one Heron, two Jack Snipes, three Common Snipes and a Common Buzzard flying over the pine trees next to the wires.
Got no problems to see the Blackcaps at all, at Ashwicken Heath - a pair was hanging around there and I could hear about four others. The Whimbrel was also there as so the Curlew.
Been to Titchwell and saw an owesome Bullfinch in Fen Trail, also one Willow Warbler, one Wren and one Chiffchaff, heard a Cetti's Warbler there as well. Going to Island Hide I heard some Bearded Tits but didn't see it, but I saw the Sedge Warbler. That was cool!
At lunch time been to Holme, it was a lovely sunshine there. Laid down on the grass to have a rest, seven Goldfinches, four Greenfinches, three Meadow Pipits and a Tree Pipit.
Just a lovely windy and sunny day!
10/04/06
I've been to Pentney today and the Ashy-headed Wagtail is still there. Also one White Wagtail, four Yellow Wagtails, more than ten Pied Wagtails and eight Swallows perched on the fence by the other side of the lake.
Had to walk down the Nar-Valley Fisheries, was freezing cold! Two Green Sandpipers are still there, saw more than ten Sand Martins, one House Martin, more than ten Swallows, one Brambling, one Grey Wagtail, two Willow Warblers (Y.Tick!) and four Reed Buntings. A male Fox was hunting next to the last lake, wonderful!
Got 170 sightings in my Norfolk 2006 list. I'm gonna get ya!
09/04/06
Today early in the morning got more than ten Swallows at Pentney. Later also there got a Ashy-headed Yellow Wagtail (cinereocapilla), two Wheatears, more than twenty Meadow Pipits, more than twenty Pied Wagtails and one White Wagtail.
At Nar-Valley Fisheries got one Little Ringed Plover, two Yellow Wagtails, one Black-tailed Godwit, two Green Sandpipers, one Dunlin, one Pochard, one male Goldeneye, one Little Owl, one Kestrel, one Pied Wagtail, one Kingfisher, one House Martin (year tick finaly!).
Been to Cley East Bank, the Arnold's Marsh and there I got two Bearded Tits (Parrotbill), one Bar-tailed Godwit and as another year tick one Sandwich Tern.
08/04/06
Not a bad day... At Pentney got two Yellow Wagtails and more than ten Swallows. At Pentney two Little Egrets, Oystercatchers, Sandmartins, Swallows, six Yellow Wagtails, four White Wagtails, two Pied Wagtails, one Linnet, one Meadow Pipit and two Common Snipes. Finaly got the Whimbrel in Ashwicken Heath. There was no Stone Curlew at Cockley Cley area, but I got one Woodlark, one Mistle Thrush and more than twenty Lapwings.
07/04/2006
What a world, what a life! I've just seen the Kildeer tonight. Hooray! It was at Friary Farm at Cley, just there in the mud sharing some space a Pied Wagtail sometimes. Finally after one year of having pain in my ears and tears of mourning, me and Ash we haven't seen it 'cause I was in Brazil and him in Cameroon. But, tonight, realy worth to delay the dinner, what a lovely bird. It was a perfect behavour as well it had its #2, it washed, it spreaded its wings, it ate and it was trying to find the food with his feet. All birds should act like that. And that place is owesome, great views!
PS.: Maybe we can see this bird in Brazil, possibly Pantanal, but, unfortunately, 90% of the Brazilian population doesn't know what bird-watching is. Now I feel sorry for them.
05/04/06
Suddenly I saw the Little Ringed Plover today at Pentney, nothing new, but a year tick. Well, Ashley saw it first! Also there one Sparrowhawk, six Redshanks, two Oystercatchers, more than fifty Pied Wagtails and still there the couple of Ringed Plovers.
04/04/2006
I'm just very proud of my improving, tonight got again a Ring Ouzel, wasn't a year tick, but I confirmed 100% that I really saw a Ring Ouzel from the N.V.F.. It was in Heacham South Beach close to the left side cafe where there are some posh holiday homes for sales - the R. Ouzel that wasn't reported on the pagers, but some people was looking for it three days ago and it was reported on Birdguides only today.
I'm very glad also that I don't need to cheat my sightings.
03/04/2006
It was a lovely sunset tonight! At Pentney the two Ringed Plovers are still there and at Nar-Valley Fisheries got one male White Wagtail, nice views! Had a lovely sunset tonight! Spring!
02/04/2006
I've been to N.V.F. this morning, got a Little Egret perched on a pine tree, probably its home for the summer, also there saw briefly a Swallow. At Holme there was a Black-necked Grebe moulting to summer plumage, two Great Crested Grebes, eight Common Scooters and three Meadow Pipits. Got a Jack Snipe at Bishops Hide at Cley. At Kelling got a Chiffchaff, three Long-tailed Tits and a Robin. Oh my God I can't believe it! Finaly, at Waxham got a Northern Long-tailed Tit, cracking views, a Chiffchaff and a Great Tit, I didn't get the Firecrest!
01/04/2006
Today at Titchwell there was nothing new for me: three Ruffs, Goldeneyes, Shelducks, three Marsh Harriers, including an old male with very pale grey, almost white. Also there Reed Buntings and Bearded Tits. At the feeders I got a Brambling.
March 2006
31/03/2006
Yet another new bird for the year at Pentney around 06.00 p.m. there was a pair of Wheatears in the shingles. Great bird.
29/03/2006
Another year tick! Hoohay! Had to go to NVF biking, it's a good exercise. Waited about thirty minutes to the Ring Ouzel and no sign of it, then Steve (who didn't see it) and John Lines (who had seem it earlier, two hours before me at same place) got off. Then there I was, by myself in front of the field and birdwatching 'though the high movements of lorries. Fifteen minutes after my lonely wait I saw a male Ring Ouzel with a group of Mistle Thrush and Fieldfares in the field in front of the main gate (close to the hedge). Only a minute view, the lorries traffic were a disturbing, but worth the wait. I waited one more hour to get another view of it, but didn't show off again. Saw also a Siskin and Linnets at the area. At Marham Fen I heard about five Chiffchaffs, saw one of them, also got three Great Tits.
27/03/2006
Spring is here! And so the Sand Martins, got two at Pentney plus a Yellowhammer, two Pied Wagtails, Wigeons and Fieldfares. More than thirty Sand Martins at Nar-Valley Fisheries plus two Common Snipes, six Gadwalls, Tufted Ducks and Black-headed Gulls are starting to get their piece of land in the islands. One Chiffchaff was looking at a Weasel, oh I love the Spring!
26/03/2006
Lazy day! On the way of the first hide at Titchwell got Great Tit, Blue Tit and Long-tail Tit. A pair of Eider at Titchwell's Beach, hundreds of Common Scooters and a group of more than twenty Bar-tailed Godwits flying to the beach. Also at the beach two Meadow Pipits that I've seen before flying in front of the last lake and at the last lake got three Redshanks, two Spotted Redshanks, one Grey Plover, Avocets, Lapwings, Black-tailed Godwits, Mallards, Shovelers, Pintails and Oistercatchers. Saw about four Black-headed Gulls with a pinkish summer plumage, I've seen a Herring Gull with some mud on the top of its head as well, I first thought it was something extraordinary, but it was only mud. On the way back got a pair of Reed Bunting chasing each other, one Wren, Chaffinches, The Marsh Harrier was resting perched on a tree, nice plumage. No Black Brant at this time...
25/03/2006
Had the luckiest day birding after one month so quiet for me - got a female Ruddy Duck, two Ringed Plovers and seven Shovelers at Pentney. And luckly at Nar-Valley Fisheries got great views of one drake Smew on the last lake. Also there was one Little Egret, one Common Buzzard, eight Goldeneyes and a hybrid of Tufted Duck x Pochard. After many trips trying to find the Smew, finally there was one closer to home. Birding should be always like that.
24/03/2006
Got one Little Egret at Marham Fen and at Pentney one adult Whoper Swan and four Oistercatchers.
23/03/2006
Only garden-watching today. No signs of the Sparrowhawk this week, but early in the morning, to be more precisely at 06.00 a.m. a pair of Hooks and a Jackdaw were feeding on the piece of bacon that I put there yesterday. Also got Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Starlings, Black-headed Gulls, Mistle Thrush and from the big tree at the back of the garden Fieldfares, Redwings and luckly a Linnet, moulting to summer plummage. That was great! Still very cold 'though.
19/03/2006
Not too much today, got one drake Goosander at Pentney and at West Bilney Road got a female Brambling, two Goldcrest and six Siskins.
18/03/2006
Nothing much today, no Iceland Gull at Blackborough End yet and no Med. Gull either! Don't know anyone that have seem a Med Gull there this year anyway! Got there a Scandinavian Herring Gull instead. And on my way back home got four Pink-footed Geese among a group of Greylag Geese in front of the irrigation lake. At the same way there was a Kingfisher on the river. At Marham Fen a Grey Heron eating a huge rat... no coments.
13/03/2006
Looked for the Iceland Gull for more than two hours at Blackborough End, no signs of it. Instead there was two couples of Mallard, five Tufted Ducks, six Moorhens and some Coots.
12/03/2006
Oh, well, to relieve the sorrow I made some garden-watch today. Nice therapy. The result for it? Four Chaffinches, ten Greenfinches, four Black-headed Gulls, three Starlings, one Wren, but I still haven't find the S. Flycatcher. Gotta wait I know...
11/03/2006
Four Teals are still at Marham Fen also found a Grey Wagtail, two Bramblings and more than fifty Yellowhammers, including five male adults summer plumage. Got two Dunlins at Pentney, two Oystercatchers and still the five Goosanders from yesterday. Next to the fisheries got more than fifty Fieldfares, more than fifty Redwings and a very fat Mistle Thrush feeding on a "snaky" worm. At Nar Valley Fisheries got three more Goosanders, about sixteen Goldeneyes and a stranger in one of the lakes, a Chiloe Wigeon that crossed the Atlantic to see me! Long time no see, mate.
10/03/2006
Funny, I just could not see it properly, I've seen only the Sora Rail's head! Need to see it again (and properly!) next year. Well to my joy, or not, got five Goosanders at Pentney.
05/03/2006
I'm wandering if there's any rare/scarce bird coming up, weather is not too helpful, but I can sense it coming! But, please, not today that I'm at home for the afternoon! At Pentney in the morning there was a Ruddy Duck (not a Ruddy Shelduck from the zoo!), a Redshank feeding in front of Ashwood Lodge. The Teals were still at Marham Fen. Nothing major. Saudades... I miss Rio, but I miss Spain. God: "Sorry for not seeing birds that no one else's see! Sorry if I just can see the real birds! I mean - thank you!". (?!)
February 2006
26/02/2006
Not too much birding today. Got one Jack Snipe plus two Common Snipes and a Woodcock at Nar Valley Fisheries.
25/02/2006
Just after five minutes the Rough-legged Buzzard left I get there! *** I waited almost two hours, but no signs of it after that! Anyway, three Common Buzzards were there, displaying. It feels like Spring to them already. Not to me.
24/02/2006
Very cold day, but finally saw the Goshawk at Wolferton Cliff, after two hours of waiting. Very nice views! A pair of Treecreepers and some Coal Tits were there as well. And more than ten Crossbills at Dersingham Walk - really great views, males were in their summer plumage. At Hickling two Bullfinches, including a male on summer plumage. A great day, but still didn't get the Golden Pheasant.
22/02/2006
Getting colder each day, but we (me + Ash) had courage enough to go sea-watching at Sheringham - cool (and cold) - lots of Kittiwakes, Gannets and a long movement of Guillemots and Divers (Black and Red-necked).
Was pretty lucky at Hickling today, finally got the Cranes: total of eight seen, including a family of three (juvenile, female and a displaying male - he was dancing and singing).
At Hickling Broad an adult summer plumage Mediterranean Gull was my best view, but no signs of the Smews.
21/02/2006
Just hoping something good might turn up in Norfolk tomorrow.
Great views of the Red Kite at Colkirk (B1146). Wonderful flight. A Little Egret on the road at S. Creake was good, very unnusual 'though it's a common bird.
Weather is freezy, didn't get any Gannets nor Kitiwakes today at Titchwell, but there was a female Ruddy-Duck in there. At the feeders a bright Brambling, at the entrance 10+ Goldfinches and at the car park lots of Long-tailed Tits. Didn't get the Bittern yet!
Been to Wolferton Triangle at the afternoon, no signs of the G. Pheasant, it seems it's trying to hide from me!
I miss the weather in Rio - I'm missing the Carnival now and I missed the free Rolling Stones gig as well. I definetely need to see the Bittern and the Golden Pheasant!
19/02/2006
Thanks Ash, couldn't do all this without you. L.O.L.
It was a good weekend, even without birding all day. Have you seen a Bittern?! Me neither.
Great first views of the Red-necked Grebe today at Holme, it was very cold. Also there I had good view of a Cetti's Warbler at the car park.
18/02/2006
Stilll got the Mealy Redpoll from West Newton flashing in my memory - lots of pink on their breasts and a lovely red head. The mud-tour at Cley was nice as well, finally got a Water Pipit. Thanks Ash.
17/02/2006
Oh, Gosh, I'm just so proud of myself! Found the Purple Sandpiper before Ashley at Titchwell... Really great first views. Took about one hour to see it, but the bird wasn't too shy later - when the tide started to came up, around 4.40 p.m.. By the way, it was cold!