Stubb Mill Raptor roost and stuff on the patch

Roost watches on the patch proving fruitless in terms of the scarcer stuff right now. Been at it in the late afternoon pretty solidly since the 20th, spending time all over the patch. Most Marsh Harrier were c7 going to roost at Stumpshaw, seen from Wheatfen. There were also around 1000 Starling here, swirling around in a cloud before dropping off into the reedbed. Rather worryingly, the only Barn Owl I have seen was at Claxton Marshes on the 23rd. Swathes of Wigeon and Lapwing on and around the river here as usual, a wonderful sight and sound.

Bullfinch have been a real flavour of the month, picked up by their mournful calls and often found feeding high up in the trees. Maximum only a pair though.

So, on Boxing Day Debs and I ventured a little further afield to Hickling Broad and the Raptor roost at Stubb Mill. I haven't visited for a couple of years and Debs it transpired never has, so a perfect place to spend the afternoon. I would estimate we had around 40 Marsh Harrier, and then 2 Kestrel, 22 Crane and 2 Whooper Swan. Brambling heard wheezing.The Cranes of course the highlight, an absolute delight to see and hear. The 'new' track takes you back to the carpark via the marsh edge, and so we were treated to more sightings and bugling calls of the Cranes. A fabulous site and we agreed to spend more time here in the Spring. Being totally honest- a little disappointed not to see a Hen Harrier and/or Merlin (someone called a ringtail but it was just a young Marsh Harrier) and whilst we were probably a little unlucky with respect to the former, this Winter has been rather ordinary and both Owls and Harriers are thin on the ground.

Off out to Ludham in a bit, perhaps we will get lucky there.

Track through Surlingham Wood, Wheatfen

View across to Hickling Broad and Marshes

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Everything is about edge

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Finally, just in time for the tail end of Spring migration........

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Grey Phalarope- a new patch bird

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Notes from the valley

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