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Surlingham again and life in perspective


Although Saturday morning was relatively quiet on the reserve, Surlingham has hit the headlines of late with the occurance of at least 3 Short-eared Owls. I was happy with 1, but this blog has some cracking shots of the birds, which according to the much abused sightings board in the hide, may still be present. What is interesting is that the birds are being reported roosting in scrub, which I thought was unusual for Shorties. 
Ben Lewis informed me of both flyover Pink-footed Geese and Lesser Redpoll in the scrub, neither of which I could locate on my visit, but sure signs that that elusive 100th species for the year is not far away. Good numbers of the beautiful Redwing and Fieldfare were present, and Wigeon have returned to graze on the banks of the Yare. What smart looking ducks these are, if a little cumbersome compared to the ever-present Teal. 
The Highland Cattle have been taken off grazing duty for the Winter, Matt and the team from Strumpshaw moving the animals to drier quarters until the Spring.
Ricky made a belated entrance (!) and we headed to Haddiscoe Marshes. Marsh Harrier and Kestrel were our only raptors, but an evening visit here later in the season would no doubt pay dividends.
The news today of the death of the Wales football team manager Gary Speed has left me both sad and frustrated. News such as this certainly puts things into perspective, and what a shame to lose a great man and legend in the game. 

Comments

  1. Anonymous28 November 2011 at 02:40

    Good luck with the big 100 Jim!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jim28 November 2011 at 10:25

    Cheers Jonny, you will hear it here first!
    Jim.

    ReplyDelete

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