21st February 2017
On my way into work on Tuesday morning I heard some wild swans calling, and looking up saw a flock of around 40 Bewick's Swans flying over. A very pelasing start to the day, although a shame that I wasn't at Whitlingham where they would probably have been visible and a patch tick!
NORWICH: Marriott's Way Ring-necked Parakeet
19th February 2017
Before heading to Sheringham on the previous day I had received a phone
call from Gary to tell me that he had found a Ring-necked Parakeet along the
Marriott’s Way to the west of Norwich. Ring-necked Parakeets have been slowly
spreading from southern England, and have bred as close as Cambridgeshire in
recent years. There are a few records in Norfolk each year, most probably
wandering birds from established urban populations, although some may be
escapes. This bird is presumably the same individual seen in west Norwich in
the autumn (and possibly the same bird seen in Surlingham before that).
Having not seen Ring-necked Parakeet in Norfolk, I initially set off for
Low Road, to look around trees in the area that Gary had seen the bird head
for. With no luck here I carried on to the parking area for Drayton Green
Lanes, where I did a lap of this small reserve, hearing a Water Rail but not seeing much. I decided the best course of action
would be to go round to Hellesdon Mill and walk along the Marriott’s Way in the
hope of seeing the Parakeet from there.
After quite a long walk I had
rather given up hope, and turned round to come back. I had reached an area near
one of the railway sculptures when I heard a Ring-necked Parakeet calling in
the distance. Despite not having seen one in Norfolk I have heard them quite a
few times in London and Kent, so was confident it must be there somewhere, and
indeed it was. I initially saw the Ring-necked
Parakeet in flight, but then managed to track it as it landed in some tall trees.
It called almost constantly until a Buzzard flew over. After a while I left to
continue my walk home, only to find that it had flown closer, albeit with worse
visibility as it had landed in an area of scrubby woodland.
On my way back I cut through Gunton
Recreation Ground, noting Scarlet Elf
Cup, Blushing Bracket and Alder Bracket. Other birds seen on my walk
included Redwings, Green Woodpecker and Great-spotted Woodpecker.
NORTH NORFOLK: Viking Festival
18th February 2017
On Saturday it was back to Sheringham, not for wildlife this time but to
watch a re-enactment of a Viking Boat burning, which was very enjoyable.
WHITLINGHAM: A couple of new woodland plants
18th February 2017
After my Ringland visit I headed to Whitlingham Woods for a quick walk
around before picking Cathy up from the city. Whilst there I noticed some Spurge Laurel, a plant I’ve not
recorded here before. Further along I went to check a fern (I’m still looking
for Borrer’s Scaly Male Fern here, which was recorded on a vegetation survey
years ago) and was surprised to discover it was Soft Shield Fern, only the second time I have seen this species. I
just had time to check some Box bushes, finding one of the same galls seen at
Catton Park, before heading back.
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