Further On Down The Road - Eric Clapton

After a much needed and comfortable nights sleep, I arrived at breakfast to the strains of Carlos Santana's classic 'Smooth' closely followed by the weather forecaster predicting icy rain. That didn't develop but the day was mainly grey with just a couple of sunny spells and up here there's no getting away from the cold even though what wind there was came from the south. However, further north things had not been quite so kind as Yorkshire, and more pointedly South Cave, had experienced heavy overnight snow, precluding my mate Jim the Medic from getting here to annoy me for a couple of days. The adage is true, "it's an ill wind that doesn't blow somebody some good". Don't forget to get the wine in the post mi lado!

The advert had said that the breakfast would be large, but gargantuan would have been a better description and if I'd seen the notice in the dining room I may well have stayed in my bunk.

Today the plan was to venture a little further afield and follow up on some reports I had received both locally plus by text from Sheila Edwards and Paul Harris. That would involve a fair bit of driving firstly to Cromer at the north east tip of Norfolk, and then south along the east coast with a few sorties inland. On the way there was chance to take a look at some of the villages, including a browse around the streets and in some cases inside and outside of the churches. As an example the village of

is typical, and though no larger than a hamlet as with other Norfolk towns the

church is of monolithic proportions. The large Essex churches I know were founded on the Wool Trade, and I would suspect that many of these here were financed by agriculture.

Happisburg also boasts a lighthouse, and it will be interesting to find out, when I visit them next week-end, if the Lifton's (lighthouse twitchers) have seen this one, I suspect they have.

Stopping for just a cursory look to see if the Waxwings had returned to the feeding place of yesterday, found they had not but soon after the first 'covey' of

Red-legged Partridge came into view. Fairly confiding getting the car into the farm gate was vantage point enough to rattle off a photo or two. Further on down the road,

Horsey Mill hove into view, probably the datum for those seeking Common Crane but despite a prolonged search there seemed to be none today. That was unfortunately the same with 'birders'
which is often the best way to locate these large but oh so elusive Stork like creatures, but there was still plenty of time.

Unlike Horsey, which remains pretty much in tact from when it was a working machine, many of Norfolk's abundance of windmills have been converted to private dwellings of business premises such as this one.

Up ahead there were half a dozen Swans in a field, which around here often means the truly wild version, but again unfortunately they were Mute Swans. and on the subject of agriculture there is none more prominent than

Sugar Beet which is grown in thousands and thousands of acres, then

transported to the factory by huge lorries (this is just one of the smaller ones) where it is

stored and processed in these massive silos.

Eventually I arrived at Cantley and as there was no school today took advantage of their car park. Not totally sure of my next direction I stopped a driver arriving at the same park for directions. He too had come to twitch the same bird, so we made for the marshes together where we came across a group of birders purposefully looking through their telescopes. There were in fact 2 birds of interest, both being Geese

and this photograph taken looking across the railway line to the marsh where they were shows them quite adequately! A Bean Goose (of the Taiga sub-species) is second from left while the Lesser White-fronted Goose is directly below the right hand window of the cottage in the distance. Of course with a 'scope you could almost see them better than this. However, for those with failing eye-sight here are a couple of photies I've blagged from Wikipedia for illustration.

Taiga Bean Geese

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Cantley was the furthest south I was to reach today, and as I started north other Geese on view while heading for Wroxham Broad were

Greylag Goose (already seen in Dorset) and on departure as I rounded a bend there were

c2 Egyptian Geese, looking every bit as though they had just flown in from Cairo, feeding in a field close to the road.

My information told me that there were potentially c2 male Smew at Wroxham something I haven't seen since one on Radipole lake in the late 70's, and would, if seen, likely be the bird of the day?

One was there alright, but like so many of today's quarry, at great distance - keep looking it's there!

Even 'blown up' it takes a bit of seeing, but it did take pride of place but almost lost out to an adult, female Hen Harrier, at point blank range alighting from a field as I was driving, the likes of which I had not beheld before! Continuing to gather information 'on the hoof' as it were, I learnt of a mixed herd of both

Whooper and Bewick's Swans

in roadside fields between Catfield and Ludham only a few minutes drive away. It was felt well worth it to publish

these 4 panoramas as it really was a sight to behold,

the highest total of both species I have ever witnessed together.

There were Bewick's there, honest

and among the throng, of what were about 300 birds, a few juvenile Whoopers.

Last port of call, Hickling Broad, was also a last attempt to see

Common Crane. This is the traditional roost site, where a specially raised observation mound has been constructed, for these birds as it is for up to an estimated 100 assorted Harriers. My best count of the Harriers in the air together was 16 but many more were appearing and disappearing so impossible to tell just how many. The decision was to stay until last light, and in the gloom hope was fading but a Merlin that arrived and perched in a tree was something of a bonus. Others were not so patient and had already left leaving just 7 of us as c17 then c3 straggler Common Cranes flew in from the east, past about half a mile away from us before fading from view. Man, what a finish to another remarkable day.

With 9 additions the 2011 Great Britain List now stands at 131

There was intent to describe the place I am staying, which I can tell you after one lovely night, is great. At some stage I'll get around to that but it's getting late and I could do with my cheese sandwich and glass of Wincarnis - so Good Night!

PS
Yes I know the Clapton classic is Further on 'UP' the Road but that didn't seem to fit.

Everything Neat & Tidy At Titchwell - Sir!

First things first - Thank You for the 'texts' today Paul.

When I left home at 02-45 this morning it was snowing in Weymouth! OK only very light and in minor flurries but nonetheless snow, so what chance Norfolk if almost the most southerly part of England is getting it. Worry, wot me worried, as it got no worse, and after yet a third time (unlucky) looking for the Barn Owl again there was none after leaving Dorchester. Reaching Sandringham at 08-00, the priority was Golden Pheasant* a very hit or miss business here, but happening upon a couple of Derby lads I joined them to wait for a sighting. It didn't happen, but as the * denotes we did hear at least one in addition to which Lesser Redpoll and Brambling were both seen and added to the Year List.

Muntjac too were on offer, our tally being 4, but they were extremely nervous and the only shot possible was through the car wind screen at distance. By 09-30 my wait for the Peasants was over so made my way to the RSPB Reserve at Titchwell where birds, compared to my many visits in the past, seemed nonexistent. By and large just the more common species including

Black-headed Gull,

Shoveler and

Common Redshank whilst a fine looking

Spotted Redshank first of all swimming,

then paddling

and finally wandering along the beach made for some scarcity value, but none of these increased the list. That came by way of a couple of Marsh Harriers quartering the reeds some distance off, and one of what had been c7 Twite associating with a flock of Skylarks, then I turned my attention to the reserve itself. I have no need to pick fault with the RSPB as they serve it up, as far as I am concerned, in copious amounts. Having always considered Titchwell one of the finest in Great Britain, and certainly their 'flagship' reserve it made me wonder where their meddling is all going to end. This is what met my eye as I continued down the main path

what used to be a rugged, undulating bank, likely supporting loads of wildlife has be converted into a symmetrical barrier with what can only be described a military style fence. Yes, the grass will grow and maybe there are ideas for natural hedges, but with the pristine path all neatly dressed with lathes of wood surely it looks more like a park? Then, if that were not enough, this appeared before me

it's what they call 'a hide', which for my money would be better placed

on the South Bank of the Thames next to the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery or Tate Modern. The doors don't even close quietly -Shuuuuuuush!

Disappointment isn't the word, but taking a straw poll of one or two people wandering around, they seemed to like it so I guess it's me 'out of step', but it will only be a Cerulean Warbler that will drag me back there!

Time for a little light relief, and that arrived as did this smart Water Pipit, not only the first for the year but also the first I have ever photographed.

Down on the seashore and exposed to the biting wind, things were much the same with a couple of large rafts of Common Scoter, an Eider, someone did report a Long-tailed Duck plus very few (at least in Norfolk terms) Waders. None were additions to the list, and all kept their distance but among the few Sanderling, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover were a few

Grey Plover

and Knot.

Bun and coffee time at the car park, and the

Wood Pigeons, bold here, were laying in wait for scraps

as several Blue Tits were investigating this nest box, maybe as a roost site? But things were about to get much more exciting. Visiting the Choseley Barns, where once Tree Sparrow, Corn Bunting and Yellowhammer outnumbered the Starlings, there wasn't a bird to be seen except I did record Red-legged Partridge but the 'covey' only comprised c3 individuals. There I met 3 likely lads who had ALL the latest information which set me off with a twinkle in my eye. First stop was Lady Anne Drive, historically about the closest you'd ever get to Pink-footed Geese but while there were plenty flying high none had as yet joined the large number of

Eurasian Wigeon already feeding the waterlogged meadows.

Travelling even further east, past the windmill close to Burnham Overy Staithe, there we numerous 'pockets' of Twitchers and Birders alike but if you stopped to talk to only half you wouldn't get home in time for tea! One group though seemed intent on a distant object across the fields and alighted to be rewarded with not one, but 2 Rough-legged Buzzards. It's been a long time (20 years at least) since I've seen one of these beauties, and the analogy of No58 buses sprang to mind.

Cley East Bank was the next port of call, where the fellow my lads had said a Ross's Goose, American Wigeon and Smew might be seen. 'Dipping' on the latter, it was a dash to Muckleburgh Hill, as the light was now fading fast, to where Waxwings were said to be feeding. Alas, they too didn't reach the notebook but what a heart pumping afternoon it had been. Well pleased, and now needing my tea, it was time to slake my curiosity as to where I was going to stay tonight. Advertised as a Wooden Cabin the garden of Pip & Alison Weston who live at

Blakeney, this being the church, the ad went on to say well appointed, cosy, warm, en-suite, comfortable and clean complete with huge English breakfast and 'free' Internet access. For 35 quid a night it sounded like I was on my way to paradise? First impressions are all favourable, and as I write this it won't be long before I test the en-suite and indulge in a little comfort - Ill make my report tomorrow. Till then, I have to admit to another omission from the list of Sparrowhawk yesterday which should have made the total 111. Including today's addition the

GB Year List now = 122 - Good Night!

Another Wild Goose Chase

We start today by returning to yesterday for an amendment plus a couple of new items. Firstly, while writing up my 'fair log' and committing my records to the computer, I discovered that both Mallard (one of the first birds seen) and Ringed Plover (Ferrybridge) had been omitted from the day tally. That means the total for the first day and year stood at 98.

Following that, my friend Dave Penney also took to a days 'birding' part of which was taking this photo of a

part albino Blackbird (unless any one supports my theory that it is in fact a White-headed Vanga, though somehow I doubt we'll get away with that) on his local patch on the outskirts of Northampton.

As previously noted, the year ended with the Central American country of Honduras joining the readership on the very last afternoon. Maybe to welcome in the New Year,

the People's Republic of China also signed in after publication last nights post. Readers may remember the request to pass this Blog Link on to ALL family and friends, but with an estimated population of 1.33 Billion (2009) China could almost double the readership on its own?

Nevertheless, we extend a huge welcome to China and please pass the link on.

Weather wise, today started in a similar way to yesterday, except there had been a couple of outbreaks of rain overnight and a noticeable drop temperature, as did the 'birding'. Again, 06-00 found me prowling the Came Wood / Coombe Valley / Broadmayne area in search of Barn Owl but in similar fashion drew a blank. There followed a moment of indecision, whether to head east or west with good prospects in either direction, but continued by driving slowly toward the village of Poxwell (east). Just before entering the hamlet, a Woodcock put up from the roadside grass verge, flying at eye-level for about 10seconds before dropping into the adjacent field, which was the first 'year tick' of the day.

Bestwall, a vast expanse of water meadows, reed beds and flooded old quarry workings just outside of the town of Wareham, had thrown up a number of good species over the past few days so was well worth a try and almost immediately notched up the 100th species for the year as c2 Peregrines were seen tussling with a Sparrowhawk - number 101. Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Stock Dove quickly followed, but there was no sign of a much hoped for Harrier, Smew or even a Water Pipit. Instead, White-fronted Goose was the next list addition, in fact c19 of them feeding in the meadows. Like the Woodcock, I have no idea when the last ones were seen in Dorset but it must be a couple of decades at least.

all 19 White-fronted Geese

of the Eurasian sub-species

in oppose to the Greenland variety

which occur far less often,

but I found it magical to see such birds once again!

From there it was decided to try for the Great grey Shrike at Coombe Heath, Arne which is also on the perimeter of Wareham, which didn't take too long to find albeit at quite a distance. Time then to start heading back west to utilise every moment of daylight, in these all too short days, with a short stop at Waddock Cross where a Common Buzzard had either killed of found dead a Crow of sorts which it was now devouring right in the middle of one of the watercress beds. However, the highlight of this supposed brief stop was once again encountering Mr Charles Barter the Managing Director of the site, who I first encountered what must be nearer 4 decades ago. The cress beds have always been an enormous attraction to birds, especially in the winter, and having always believed in asking (as they can always say no) approached Mr Barter all those years ago to seek his permission to bird watch on his property. A kindly man, we have met on a couple of occasions since, I made a short detour to wish him Happy New Year and thank him for his kindness over the years - thanks again Charles!

Via Monkey's Jump and Golden Plover, my track then led me past

Hardy's Monument and through the back road to Abbotsbury. Known as White Road, the track is only one vehicle wide but looks across a stunning valley over the whole of Weymouth Bay, Portland and most of Chesil Beach and the Fleet. It was half way down the steep incline, with two other cars behind me, that I spotted what looked like a huge Lapwing, lopping across the valley, which was in fact an

adult male Hen Harrier

much to the disgust of those following 'line astern' I swerved into a most convenient 'passing place', dashed across the road and rattled off a couple of shots. Not brilliant, agreed but enough to tell the story! The reason for coming this way will soon be apparent, but being so close Abbotsbury Beach (part of the Chesil) was always going to be worth a look, and there added 3 more species to the list by way of Velvet & Common Scoter plus c2 the c6 Red-throated Divers, the day was becoming very good.

In my search, which was now becoming extended, for the intended birds there were dozens of Pheasants to be seen, which was already on yesterday's list, I needed to summon some help from Paul Harris but before he could reply a skein of

Barnacle Geese appeared over the old World War II gun emplacement

and headed in our direction. Saying 'our', as I had just bumped into long time friend and fellow (Somerset) birder Julian Thomas (thanks Paul) who was on the same mission. He and I have had quite a rapport over the last few years as his name appears on my mobile phone immediately before my daughter Julie. It is not unusual for me to select his number when sending a text which of course always ends "I love you darling"!

The Great Britain Year List now stands at - 110

and to close, I can inform the readership that at 03-00 tomorrow I set course for Norfolk for 4 days birding, followed by visiting maybe 3 lots of friends on the way back to Weymouth - I'll keep you posted every step of the way - bon voyage!

New Years Day Twitch - 2011

New Year, New (heading) Photograph (my favourite of 2010)

With weather conditions just about perfect, considering the time of year, what better way to set out on the long awaited New Years Day Twitch. Complete cloud cover but a reasonably clear atmosphere, wind little more than a zephyr, from the west not east as predicted, and little or no sigh of precipitation I 'kicked off at 05-30 as planned. The idea was to make a short stop at Radipole, just to get a few species in the book to keep up moral, then zoom of a little in land and quickly 'tick' the 3 most common Owls by listening for their 'calls'. The first part went almost like a dream, except I didn't see the expected Hooded Merganser, but starting with Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Water Rail*, Shelduck, Black-headed Gull plus the sound of both Robin & Redwing (later also seen) all hit the log in quick succession. An * denotes a species that was only 'heard' on the day.

For the next hour I patrolled the Coombe Valley, Came Wood, Poxwell to Broadmayne areas, north of Weymouth, in a vain search for the wretched Owls but it wasn't until Warmwell a few more miles on that a Tawny Owl was heard (another 'seen' later at Arne) above the crowing of 2 Cockerels in a nearby farmyard.

Tawny Owl (archive)

Blackbird was the only addition between there and a traditional Woodcock roost at Soldiers road, some distance away, but once there, stationed on a hillock for best all round view, Herring Gull, Carrion Crow, Song Thrush, Wren, Canada Geese, Curlew, Chaffinch, Siskin, Fieldfare, Teal and even a calling Common Buzzard were seen or heard in the fast fading dark.

Curlew

At Arne, the success rate improved 10 fold as it is rare to bag nearly all the common woodland birds at the same site. Nuthatch was first, followed by Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Jackdaw, Great Spotted & Green Woodpecker, Goldcrest and no less than c3 Treecreepers all feeding together.

Treecreeper

It was then I met Tony Conway, fellow 'birder' and long standing friend, who pointed me in the direction of the roosting Tawny Owl, and as if in repayment I quickly located a Firecrest on call which about half a dozen of us managed to see. It was time to crack on, but immediately leaving the car park a Marsh Tit was heard and soon located.

Marsh Tit

The next planned stop was the 'hide' at Middlebere where, if my calculations were right, it would be low tide giving prospect to a host of things. On the way Magpie, Starling, Meadow Pipit, Dunnock and Raven (8) were notched up, whilst from the hide Avocet, Grey Plover, Wigeon, Lapwing, Dunlin & Redshank were present in good numbers, there were were a few Shoveler and Black-tailed Godwit and singles of Brent Goose, Spotted Redshank, Reed Bunting, Grey Heron and a Jay just outside of the door as I left.

On the way back to the main road, Skylark, Greenfinch plus Dartford Warbler* were logged, as were Pheasant, Yellow Hammer, House Sparrow and Rook before arriving at Studland. Things took a severe nose dive there as a number of Waterfowl, reported in good number over previous days, simply couldn't be found. All that were booked included Oystercatcher plus Great Crested & Little Grebes. Continuing to cover the vast rim of the second largest natural harbour in the world (after Sydney, Australia) I arrived at The Littlesea where Gadwall, Pochard, Pintail, Goldeneye, Goosander along with Great Black-backed & Common Gulls were noted, while between there and the chain ferry Greenshank, Knot, Sanderling and Red-breasted Merganser were also added.

These Sanderling photographs

were in fact taken at the Poole side of the harbour entrance

where there were probably as many as a dozen?

From the Studland side the ferry runs to Sandbanks, which at the last count was the most expensive 'real estate' in the world, but for all its star-studded quality all it produced was Cormorant and Shag. So, on to Evening Hill from where it is possible, with a telescope, to view the lagoon on Brownsea Island, the home and foundation of the Boy Scout movement. Spoonbill was the target there, but again drew a 'blank', but the adjoining fore-shore had produced Bar-tailed Godwit, Mediterranean Gull, Turnstone, Rock Pipit and Pied Wagtail - the numbers were now clocking up!

Bar-tailed Godwit and

Turnstone

Greylag Goose was next to be added, along with Feral Pigeon but I am sworn to secrecy of the location as we don't want hundreds of people arriving and 'flushing' them out of Poole Park.

The only Collared Dove of the day was seen in transit to the Tincleton watercress beds where a Green Sandpiper took to the air immediately, while down the road at the sister 'beds' there was a single Grey Wagtail but nothing else!

Lodmoor, the next stop, was for a proper 'twitch' as the Long-billed Dowitcher (an uncommon American vagrant) had remained there into the new Year. A new species for my ongoing Dorset/January List (getting exciting isn't it?), it was soon bagged along with Common Snipe, but no time to look for the reported Ruff. Quickly on to Radipole where only

Lesser Black-backed Gull was added, before Portland the final destination where Guillemot and Gannet joined the others while the approach of a charming couple from Reading alerted me to a passing

Eider happily moving down

with the tide while preening. I had already looked for the

Purple Sandpipers, to no avail, and it was the same gentleman

who drew these to my attention as well. I would like to confirm that the invitation for him to join me on next years 'twitch' still stands - thanks again.

Before closing I should announce that 96 species were recorded during the day, and I must thank the 2 ladies (Tess Lifton & Sheila Edwards) who had much more faith in me by predicting or guessing 100 & 105 respectively and those who helped me during the day. They include Paul Harris and Daragh Croxson for directions and sightings, and the Secret Lemonade Drinker for

the loan of his ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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No sorry that has to remain a SECRET!