Notes from the valley

A visit from 2 friends yesterday meant a proper good grilling of Yare Valley sites either side of the river, and resulted in the best day in the field so far this year. We began mid-morning at Strumpshaw Fen, which was just coming to life in terms of visitors. The main action was around the centre, for we did not have to wait long until a female Brambling flew down onto the feeders. She was joined by the common Tits including Marsh and Coal. A Nuthatch called from the large Oak behind the offices. The main part of the reserve was quiet, but we did take a stroll round to the Tower Hide. Around 10 Snipe probed the mud on the far bank and the odd Marsh Harrier sauntered through. We continued onto Cantley Marshes hoping to view the Geese. I was more than a little surprised to find an absence of White-fronts, Pinks and Beans. Perhaps the Beans have left us by now, but where were the rest? We were however treated to cracking views of 2 Peregrine Falcons, in flight and then on the ground t...

A lot of quality birding time has elapsed since my last update, with an OFSTED shaped bomb right in the middle. However, I'm back and equipped with a brand new scope. The first birds I looked at through this beauty were 30 odd Snow Buntings at Salthouse on Monday. As mentioned in another post, I had planned to do some volunteering this year and my first appointment was at RSPB Buckenham Marshes on the 10th of February. Despite the driving wind and lack of decent birds, I very much enjoyed being guided walk assistant! The Corvid roost at the finish was a real crowd pleaser, and the group were so appreciative of any tit bit of knowledge I shared. Yesterday, I made use of the sunshine and headed into The Brecks. As always, just great to be out. Common Buzzard and Kestrel both displaying, Sparrowhawk, Siskin, Nuthatch, Bullfinch and Marsh Tit all seen or heard. My intended target was not however playing ball, perhaps a little early in the season for Goshawk after all. Today, and ...