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Brecks 14/04/10

Began at Weeting Heath, first trip for a number of years. Nothing changes- distant views of the Stone Curlews! Did have a 3-4 birds on the move before disappearing over the mound, but I could just make out one on the nest (shhhh!) for more or less the whole time we were there. A pair each of Stock Dove and Mistle Thrush more than made up the numbers, and a Marsh Tit showed well in front of the hide. No Woodlark though, hit and miss this year according to the warden.
Lynford was quiet, save for Treecreepers and Nuthatch. 'Nuff said.
Santon Downham threatened to go much the same way, until the next big thing on the birding scene, my cousin of 10, called 'Redpoll!' Sure enough, he had spotted 3 birds nearby, but the noise from a little further away suggested more were close by, and a 50-strong flock of Lesser Redpoll was located. Fidgety, sociable birds, great to watch. In the same tree, 3 Common Crossbill were observed. Things had picked up.
East Wretham Heath held the commoner woodland species, and suprisingly our first Great Spotted Woodpecker of the day. Thinking back, no drumming heard at Santon Downham of either spotted species. Have they had a hard winter?

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