Notes from the valley

Earlier in the week, Thursday, I visited Surlingham Church Marsh and was lucky enough to equal my site record count for Green Sandpipers- 3 individuals. I noted that one of the three did not have a clear cut border between breast streaking and white underparts; infact, a white streak went straight up to the throat. My excellent 'Shorebirds of the Northern Hemisphere' by R.Chandler informs me that this is usual on juvenile birds. More ammo for the future article in The Norfolk Bird Report! Today, no Waders and not too much else. Standard fair for the time of year I suppose. 2 broods of Reed Warblers were briefly watched, as was a female Blackcap. A Sedge Warbler was showing well in a Buddleia bush, picking away at the unsuspecting insects. One juvenile Shelduck remains on the lagoon. The first Gatekeepers of the year were out, along with plenty of Small Whites, Comma and Red Admiral. I also saw the moth pictured below; I do not recognise it, so I assume it might be a day-flying ...

Two visits to Surlingham this weekend, a rather smart Black-tailed Godwit present both today and yesterday is new for the patch list. Also of note yesterday was a single Green Sandpiper, which I initially mistook for a Wood Sand! It was a rather smart looking bird, and at first looked quite delicate and dainty, just as a Wood should. Despite seeing plenty of Greens on the patch this last year, I am seeing them in all of their guises, and having poured over my Shorebirds book I can see how I made the mistake, and a lesson learnt! If I wasn't regularly watching a patch, I would not have had the opportunity to make such a balls up, and then correct myself! The 2 Little Owls were showing well today, and nearby Ricky picked up a pair of Treecreeper- the third territory on the patch. 2 Green Woodpecker on the tree belonging to the Owls were probably youngsters, and 2 Marsh Harrier passed through. A total of 9 Lapwing were seen: 5 at Wood's End, 2 on the lagoon and one with a chick on...

What was looking like a quiet evening on the patch picked up considerably as I made my way round the circular trail by now so familiar. A Chiffchaff was the lone songster by the river, and Swallows were a welcome site over at Wood's End. The lagoon was quiet, the resident wildfowl loafing on the low level of water. The Shelduck family are still hosting their Egyptian Goose shadow, and the female Tufted Duck has managed to hold onto 6 young. 3 other pairs of Tuftie were present, new arrivals. 3 Lapwing were on or around the lagoon and a single chick is hanging on! A noisy Kingfisher on the reserve was always going to get the pulse rate going, not only because its a Kingfisher (!) but because they have been a difficult bird to come by on the patch. The noise was coming from the firing range, and although only brief flight views were obtained the bird may have a nest on the steep muddy bank usually used for target practise. Not the safest place to raise a family, if indeed that is the...

Set the Moth trap at the folks' on Friday night in ideal conditions. We were not disappointed, a great haul including both Privet and Poplar Hawk, Peppered, Scalloped Oak, Dot and Common Footman amongst others. Some of the duller, more worn individuals have proven tricky to ID, so the pictures have been emailed to my Moth expert. A full list to follow! Surlingham Saturday evening was glorious as usual, although bird life was restricted to a reeling Grasshopper Warbler and soaring Sparrowhawk. I will hold back from saying the Lapwing chicks have all been predated until I can visit again. Debs and I managed a good Butterfly list: Large White Small White Green-veined White Red Admiral Ringlet Large Skipper Comma Common Blue Meadow Brown. Also, can anyone ID this snail?? I believe Surlingham is known for its invertebrates, and one snail in particular. Maybe this is the critter? Sunday afternoon looked promising for more Butterflies, so we again grabbed the camera and headed out, first...