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Patch, California, some Ducks.

Can't seem to magic a Short-eared Owl out of Surlingham at the moment, or much else for that matter. Teal are the sole representative from the Duck family on the lagoon at the moment, looking nice in their Winter plumage. 
A Kingfisher is often heard along the river, but rarely seen. A Tit flock near the church comprised Marsh, Coal, Great, Blue and many Long-tailed. 
A better evening was had last weekend, which included Barn Owl, Snipe and Greylag Geese at dusk arriving on the lagoon to roost. Close to 300 in number.


Went exploring today, first Scratby for some seawatching. Coming from Norwich, this is the nearest coastal spot for me along with Caister. I set myself up inbetween some chalets and watched the waves between 13.15 and 14.30. Here are my totals, in order of appearance:


Diver Sp. 3 North
Common Scoter 2 N
Dunlin 17N
Teal 36 N
Ringed Plover 3 N
Brent Geese 26 N
Shelduck 2 N
Med Gull 1 South
Curlew 2 N
Wigeon 20 N
Great-crested Grebe 1 N
Lapwing 1 N
Kittiwake 3 S
Red-Breasted Merganser 1 N


A dog put up a small flock of birds from the beach, a brief view suggested they were Snow Bunting.
Gutted not to pick up a Skua, but nonetheless an enjoyable afternoon. Forgot how much I enjoy seawatching! 
Popped to California out of curiosity, end of the world stuff there. Little cover for the birds, unless they like caravan parks. Caister next week, weather permitting!

Comments

  1. Simon Litten22 November 2011 at 10:41

    Hi Jim

    You might be interested in my recent blog posts as they're shots from your local patch. Might be of interest.
    Regards

    Simon

    ReplyDelete

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