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Arrivals on the patch and on the coast.

A superb couple of days birding. Not only was I able to add a few much needed year ticks to the patch list, I also made it out to the coast and saw 3 very special birds.
Firstly, the patch. On Saturday, Willow Warbler was a new addition at Surlingham, max 2 birds present. There were 4 Green Sandpiper at Wood's End, and finally a Swallow flew down the Yare. I was pleased to catch up with a group of at least 20 Redwing, some in song, and a single Fieldfare. Over at Rockland, plenty of common Raptors were on the wing including a pair of Common Buzzard. 2 more Swallow flew away high to the east, and on the ground I encountered Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies and a Common Toad catching some rays.
Today, a similar picture as above but Blackcap and Sedge Warbler were new in at Church Marsh. No sign of the reported Garganey at Rockland, gutted.

News broke of 2 Long-eared Owls at Winterton, and having missed the Yarmouth bird I couldn't resist. Thankfully a kind gentleman had let birders use his garden as a vantage point, viewing down onto the dunes allowing great views of 2 snoozing Long-eareds. Magic! I stayed for a while, enjoying the birds and company. I then bumped into Gary, who gave me the nudge I needed to go and see the Red-flanked Bluetail at Horsey. So, after a poke around Hemsby (Comma the only thing of note) I joined the small crowd at Horsey and picked out the Bluetail amongst the scrub and pines. Smashing stuff!
I tried Sea Palling on the way home, hoping for Ring Ouzel, but instead saw 2 House Martin, my first of the year.

Classic couple of days. Plus, the Bat survey season starts today and I am looking forward to getting involved.


Comments

  1. Ben Moyes14 April 2013 at 09:51

    Sounds like you had a fantastic day. Thats 2 lifers of mine you've got that I haven't. Lucky. Hope to see you soon. Ben.

    ReplyDelete

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