Eaton Park moth night

3rd July 2010

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As part of a drive to encourage people to use Eaton Park, the friends of Eaton Park organised a moth night. Around 30 people turned up, and Peter Walton was part way through his introduction when classical music started from the rotunda. Apparently its a new deterrent to stop troublemaking young people from loitering. Rather amusingly despite the people who had it installed being present, they couldnt turn it off, so we passed around moths to music.

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So the important question, does it work? No. Two teenagers walked into the rotunda and started to slow-dance, which was quite funny, but most of the other groups of young people (or nomadic tribespeople, it was dark by now) just shuffled through and loitered out of earshot. Most just made tired "I've got moths in my wallet" jokes, although two drunks did come over and pestered everyone for rizzlers. Anyway, a mediocre 14 species of moth were caught, the most spectacular a Lime Hawk Moth and scarcest a Clay Triple Lines.

Flycatcher at last

2nd July 2010

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Deciding to finally nail this Spotted Flycatcher I spent a while scanning all of the open areas of scrub along the lane. After giving up with this I walked down the lime avenue, and looking out over the ruined hall I saw a bird fly out and then back to a tree branch out of the corner of my eye. It sat there long enough to get a good look at my latest patch tick, Spotted Flycatcher at last. It then flew onto one of the old walls, within photographic range but facing the wrong way. I didn't mind, a lovely little bird.

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In a good mood I conducted a wildfowl count:

Mute Swans - 76 (5 cygnets)

Canada Goose - 30 (1 gosling)

Egyptian Goose - 62* - this is what I recorded but it seems high, maybe I wrote a number in the wrong column?

Greylag Goose - 143

Hybrid Goose - 3

Domestic Goose - 3

Mallard - 113

"Peking" type Duck - 1

Tufted Duck - 14

Pochard - 1 female (unusual for July)

Gadwall - 1 female

Coot - 79 (61 in the conservation area bay, two on nests)

Great Crested Grebes - 5

Moorhen - 1

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I also had a good day with dragonflies, including my first site Norfolk Hawker, 3 Emperors, 30+ Black-tailed Skimmers and thousands of damseflies. In terms of butterflies I saw Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White and Red Admiral. Last but not least I saw a Honey Bee swarm on a willow branch over the path.

Taswood Lakes

1st July 2010

As last year I accompanied a group to stay the night at the fishing lakes near Tasburgh in order to have a look at the wildlife at this otherwise private site. Unfortunately the grass had been mown short and "tidied" around the edges of the lakes, and I was unable to find any glowworms. Check this link to see last years hot glowworm action: http://jamesbirdsandbeer.blogspot.com/2009/07/taswood-lakes.html.

What I did see was some good typical lakey stuff, a constantly feeding Common Tern was present for the whole time we were there, and a Kingfisher and a Barn Owl were flybys. A Black-tailed Skimmer jostled for possesion of the nearest swim, and a Dark Arches moth made itself at home in Michelle's tent. Unlike last year there was no sign of breeding from the Tufted Ducks.

Whitlingham Orchids & Triathlon warning

27th June 2010

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Another quick visit to Whitlingham before the England game. The only bird of note was a Grey Wagtail on the river just before Whitlingham Marshes. I had more luck with insects, seeing my first Ringlet of the year, along with Red Admiral, Comma etc. I went back to photograph the Mullein Moth caterpillars that I found last week, and also saw my first Cinnabar moth caterpillars (and one adult moth) of the year. Between the sewage works and the bypass a lone Bee Orchid spike was on the edge of the path and a number of Pyramidal Orchids are now flowering in one of the meadows.

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In case anyone cares, Whitlingham is pretty much a no-go area next weekend as the Norwich Triathlon is on, so people will be swimming in the broad, running around the CP and biking down Whitlingham Lane. Good luck you crazy individuals.

Trowse Meadows & environs

26th June 2010

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I decided to follow up on reports of a possible Cattle Egret seen heading in the direction of Trowse on Friday. The bird could well have continued east to Berney or south towards Caistor, but I was content to check the meadows along the river between Old Lakenham and Whitlingham. There was an immediate score with a Little Egret in the river near the Cock Inn. This is only my second record in the Norwich area, and only a mile or so from becoming my first patch record. Not knowing anything more about the Cattle Egret this was probably coincidental, so I kept searching. Walking along the river I saw thousands of small fish, a Lapwing and some dragonflies, and that was about it.

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I could think of two more local herds of cattle, the first being at Trowse Common. A quick walk across it was enough to rule it out of the equation. Walking down Whitlingham Lane I encountered my first Meadow Brown of the year whilst scanning the cattle in the fields opposite Whitlingham. I completed my circuit by going up the Lime Avenue, round by Whitlingham Hall and back through Trowse , seeing a number of butterflies but no more birds of interest. On getting home I began to plan for a trip to Strumpshaw to look for the reported Marsh Warbler (a bird I'm yet to catch up with), only to then find that it had been re-identified as a Reed Warbler. Drat.

Whitlingham Woods

22nd June 2010
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Ignoring hayfever and the ridiculous heat, Cathy & I went to Whitlingham in the evening. Rather than concentrate on the broads I decided to spend a couple of hours in the woods in the hope of locating the Spotted Flycatcher that Adam had reported the day before. I'm also yet to get Coal Tit or Goldcrest on the years patch list, so the potential was pretty good. Despite walking along all of the woodland edges and some of th other paths, we failed on all three accounts. A Treecreeper taking food to a presumed nest site and recently fledged Blue & Great Tits occupied us for a bit, but on the whole birdlife was quiet. Insect-wise my 3rd Red Admiral of the year, 2nd Brown Silver-line Moth and 1st ever Mullein Moth caterpillars were around the far end of the country park.

Flamingos and local wanderings

20th June 2010

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Father's Day in the Emerson household tends to involve a walk in the morning and then a family meal. With dad having no preference as to where we went, I suggested Cley in the hope that the Chilean Flamingos were still present. Whilst accepting they are probably from the Dutch/German feral population, I would presume that it is not self-supporting and have no illusions as to their BOU eligibility, but still thought that flamingos in a wild setting were well worth a visit. As it was, the pair were visible from the car park, and showed brilliantly from Bishop's Hide, feeding constantly around Pat's Pool. We spent an hour or so on the reserve but saw little else of note with the exception of an adult Spoonbill on Whitwell Scrape. The leg tags were orange-yellow-orange if that means anything. It was behaving like a typical Spoonbill, in that it was asleep for 99% of the time.

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For lunch we went to the Greens on the outskirts of Aylsham for a carvery, which was excellent as ever. Having foolishly agreed to attend a surprise 90th birthday party in the evening (anyone else think this sounds like a dangerous idea?) I had the afternoon to kill in North Walsham. I had a walk around Pigney's Wood, seeing little except my 2nd Red Admiral and 1st Speckled Wood of the year. I was puzzled to not be able to find the hide, until I noticed a clear rectangle of ground and scorched trees. Presumably arson, I'll add that to my book of reasons why I don't like people. Incidentally I can't remember seeing a good bird from the hide, but it did contain the sightings book, so thats years of records gone. A walk around Witton Woods was notable only for a family of Coal Tits, the party went off without a hitch at the Poacher's Pocket (no seabird passage visible to the naked eye from the pub either) and a Buzzard flew over the road near Ridlington on the way back.

Midsummers Eve at Whitlingham...nearly

18th June 2010
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I wouldn't actually want to spend Midsummers Eve at Whitlingham, its creepy enough at night without the local chavs dressing as druids and sacrificing stuff. Instead me & Cathy went a few days early to the annual moth night. As the sun began to set I finally got my 101st patch bird of the year when a hulking Great Black Backed Gull flew lazily eastwards. Following a month long wait for a tick, the 102nd followed 10 minutes later when a Barn Owl flew along the rivers edge. Only my second ever Whitlingham Barn Owl, despite a guy who works at the sewage works telling me they have had up to 5 pairs there in recent years.

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As it got darker we turned our attention to bats, detecting and getting good views of four Noctule Bats, before a Soprano Pipistrelle began hunting the edge of the lime tree avenue. The main event was curtailed somewhat, the low temperature and light drizzle limited us to a poor ten moth species. That said, two of them were new for me, Shoulder-striped Wainscot and Small Clouded Brindle. As we packed up to go at 11.45, a Reed Warbler was singing strongly from the southern edge of the Great Broad. Sadly we didn't hear any Tawny Owls, but maybe the light evening meant that any birds present were yet to begin calling.

Blakeney Point

12th June 2010

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A week too late but with eternal hope Gary, Adam & I set off for everyones favourite shingle ridge. On the way Adam announced his latest plan to gain credibility from his birding peers, by calling binoculars "binos" (pronounced "bye-nose"). You may laugh now, but remember when you hear people talking in a hide at Titchwell, you heard it here first. The walk along as far as Long Hills was uneventful, a Great Crested Grebe on the sea the only bird worth stopping for. As feared, the Subalpine Warbler was long gone, and (Subalpine) Skylark and Meadow Pipit were little consolation. The ghost of Pallas' Reed Bunting and some mating Sand Digger Wasps later and we had reached a new low in birding. A Gannet offshore upgraded the trip from "complete bollocks" to "nearly complete bollocks."

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With time in North Walsham before we got our train back, we went to the Bluebell for a drink. A nice beer garden round the back of the pub was teeming with birds, which was a nice change. Blackbirds, Starlings and Goldfinches zoomed around, and we were serenaded by a Song Thrush from the corner of the garden. That means "singing" for all you Reservoir Cats fans, I apologise for attempting to use an unrestricted lexis. The bird of the session was a recently fledged Great-spotted Woodpecker clinging on for dear life to a dead tree on the other side of Bacton Road.

Marston Marshes

6th June 2010
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Rather than face the crowds at Whitlingham, I went for the quieter option and headed for Marston Marshes. Bird action was fairly muted, six warbler species but no Gropper for me still. After the possible oriole at Colney I paid particular attention to the poplar belt, but turned up nothing more exciting than a Great Spotted Woodpecker bringing in caterpillars. Down the river a female Grey Wagtail flew into the scrub. Before the storm hit a number of dragonflies and damselflies were hunting over the marsh, and my first Red Admiral of the year flew along the northern edge.

Oh go on then, I'll go and see the Stilts

5th June 2010

Today was going to be a relatively straightforward couple of hours at Whitlingham before it got stupidly hot and busy. I was up early and getting ready to go when I got a text from Gary about 5 Black-winged Stilts at Titchwell. Nice birds, but too far, still going to Whitlingham. A second text announced they had buggered off east. Fair enough, definitely Whitlingham then. Next a knock at the door from Adam "get dressed we're going to Titchwell, Black-winged Stilts!" Titchwell it is then.

We arrived to find Paul Eele emptying last nights moth trap. Loitering around for a few minutes we saw four different Hawk Moths and loads of others that never visit my actinic trap. Moving on towards the freshmarsh we joined the end of the line watching the Black-winged Stilts. Five were present, but I never saw more than four at any one point. My only previous Stilt was Sammy here about six years ago. They were showing so well I took this photo:

Whoops, wrong photo. In birding terms "showing well" means "visible." I had gone before the Gull-billed Tern did its flypast, which is a shame.

[Edit] I went on my planned visit to Whitlingham in the afternoon, and as predicted it was hot and full of scantily clad people (not a good thing), with an added sewagey smell. The only thing of note was a newly fledged brood of Whitethroats sitting in the brambles near the river.

Now I'm up-to-date: Trumpeter Finch

2nd June 2010
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I had planned on getting an early train to Sheringham whilst crossing my fingers that the Trumpeter Finch had stayed the night. As it was I managed to get a lift, so me & Cath set off at 7 and arrived at Cley just after 8. Walking along the reserve I noticed that a pair of Mute Swans had two "Polish" cygnets. The other five were normal. I seem to remember that a few years ago one out of four was Polish, which together suggests that the parents are heterozygous for this mutation, which would of course be recessive. I think that it the first time I have used something from my degree since I graduated. The shame.

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Anyway, we walked along East bank, seeing Bearded Tits and Sedge Warblers etc etc. The Trumpeter Finch had moved about a mile east of the end of East bank, but quite frankly I could have jogged it if I'd needed to. A small group of birders were watching it from a sensible distance, I had a look from a bit further back before joining them. The Trumpeter Finch was feeding quite contentedly, and as the sun came out the pinkish tinge to the body stood out, and despite the red beak and legs it blended in quite well with the shingle. We watched it for a while, also seeing a Wheatear, before heading back. As I was getting a lift we didn't stop to look for the Thrush Nightingale, although I later found out that it had gone anyway. Ironically a Marsh Warbler is now at Minsmere, but you can't win them all. On the way back to the car I saw my first Wall Butterfly of the year.

Minsmere

1st June 2010

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I usually arrange to go out a few days during half-term, and today was a trip to Minsmere. Usually this would be a very good thing, I like the reserve and its big enough to spend the day and not get bored. Unfortunately whilst I was in Suffolk, not only was I missing the Cley Trumpeter Finch (and I didn't see the 2008 one either), but I could also have seen my first Marsh Warbler and Thrush Nightingale (maybe. Did anyone record the song?) Still, never mind, until I learn to drive I'll just have to get used to it.

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In the morning we did the main lap around the scrapes. There was a lack of decent waders, two summer-plumage Knot the best I could find. A nice Med Gull swam past North Hide, and the young Avocet, Shelduck and Oystercatchers were cute. Someone could make a really nice pie out of those Black-headed Gulls nesting everywhere, maybe I should suggest it. Having done the usual thing and thanked people for pointing out a marsh-harrier (I know, I know, they're rare everywhere else. If I have some "grumpy local" badges made up, who wants one?) we found a Drinker Moth caterpillar by the pathside.

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After lunch it began to drizzle, so we decided to sit in the Bittern hide for a while. We were entertained by a sleeping Fox and a close Cetti's Warbler before a Bittern was called flying over the reedbed. A Sparrowhawk and ten minutes later it was my turn to find one, watching it climb up the reeds, stick its neck upwards in a snake-like fashion before launching into flight. The trip ended on a good note, as a volunteer warden spotted the 1st-summer Purple Heron that has been hanging around, fly up out of the reeds. It appeared to be chased by an adult Grey Heron, giving us good comparison views as it flew through 60 degrees before dropping back down into the reeds.

Orchids & Insects

31st May 2010

About this time last year I remember reading Connor's Blog and seeing some great pictures of Military Orchids. I thought "ooh I'll go and see those", only to find out that the reserve only opens once a year. Nonetheless I remembered, and this year dad agreed to drive me there. The omens weren't good, it rained early on, and the thick cloud cover was bad for photography. The bright side is that the poor light is a great excuse for hundreds of out-of-focus pictures. My best effort is below, for some better ones check here. Incidentally the open day is usually on the second May Bank Holiday, however next year it is proposed to be Saturday 28th May. It's probably best to check with the Forestry Comission nearer the time if you plan to go.

After lunch I optimistically wanted to look for butterflies. We didn't really see many. However all was not lost, with my first Scarce Chaser dragonfly, and two day-flying moths, Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion.

Bird Race 2010

30th May 2010

Its the second bank holiday weekend in May, and that means Bird Race time! We had learnt a few things from last year, when we racked up 113 species over Norfolk and North Suffolk. This year we planned to leave earlier, start in a woodland and avoid King's Lynn at all costs. We left Norwich at 04:00 and headed for the brecks...

Breckland Leg

In order to maximise the dawn chorus, we headed to a woodland on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. We started well, seeing Treecreeper and Great Spotted Woodpecker, and hearing many other species. Unfortunately it was then that the rain started to fall. Other than the obvious problem (you and your optics get wet!), the rain reduced visibility and the activity of birds in the area. We did get a Kingfisher, and in brief spells between showers also got Bullfinch and Green Woodpecker. Tantalisingly Siskin and Crossbills flew over calling, but remained unseen.

A brief stop at Weeting Heath was all we needed to add Stone Curlew, one out in the open from the west hide. At Lakenheath we waited in vain for a Bittern or Crane, but were quickly accumulating commoner birds, including Cetti's Warbler, Barn Owl, Common Tern and Marsh Harrier. After a 20 minute wait a Golden Oriole emerged in a poplar right in front of me, I got a quick picture whilst birders converged on us to get a glimpse. A Hobby over the trees and a Cuckoo playing hide-and-seek peering around a tree were also good birds here. Whilst in the brecks we also visited last year's Tree Pipit site, which came good for us this year too.

The Fens and West Norfolk ("don't become a victim of car crime"*)

Having lost time and potentially a number of birds, we decided to bite the bullet and go to Welney. The guy at the entrance told us honestly that we were unlikely to see the Bluethroat because of the strong winds, but we figured it was still worth it. From the main hide we were straight onto male Garganey, Little Ringed Plover & Whooper Swan**, whilst a Yellow Wagtail flew in not long after. As predicted the Bluethroat wasn't showing, but a 1st summer Red Kite flew over. Someone reported it to the staff as a Black Kite, but the tail fork was clearly too divided to entertain that (see photo).


A couple of stops on our way north saw us add Woodlark, Buzzard and Little Owl, before arriving at Titchwell. Whilst admiring a male Ruddy Duck, a Bittern flew along the edge of the freshwater pool to the west of the path, landing at the top of the reeds and edging its way down. Excellent stuff. We sheltered in the hide whilst a violent storm passed overhead, before continuing to the beach. Here we picked up more waders and a flypast Gannet, though sadly no seaducks.

North Norfolk & the finale

Driving along a back road we stopped and scanned, and came up with the useful triumvirate of Lesser Whitethroat, Tree Sparrow and male Montagu's Harrier. Cley was not yet ready for any Trumpeter action, we only managed flyby Sandwich Tern and four Dunlin. The Dunlin were my 112th bird, one short of last years total. Beating my record should have been a formality, but with ever increasing rain, could we find anything else? We tried in vain for Little Grebe, Nightingale (heard only), Garden Warbler and Dartford Warbler, but dipped all. Finally a Stonechat popped up, enough to equal last year. After dipping Grey Wagtail and Turtle Dove, we called Phil, who supplied us with news of a Spotted Flycatcher near his house. Bird number 114! We finished the day at a heath in mid-Norfolk, where two churring Nightjars were out early, giving good views. Final total - 17 hours, 115 birds (+ 3 heard only).

* If you don't understand this, go to the loo at Titchwell.

** In the original Bill Oddie Bird Race days of the early 1980s, injured birds didn't count. I'm not that strict.