Jim Lawrence

Thanks, Rob. A smart bird indeed!

A rare trip south of the Waveney border delivered stunning views of my fifth shrike species in East Anglia this year. This adult, male, Red-tailed (“Turkestan”) Shrike showed remarkably well in calm, sunny conditions, in the great company of some fine, old, Suffolk birding pals. #SuffolkBirding

Thanks, Nicholas.

Luckily, the Greater Short-toed Lark, found by Nathan Pickering at Snettisham late yesterday evening, was relocated at dawn before vanishing for several hours. A teasing glimpse late-morning stimulated further relocation efforts, with rich rewards for those who braved the rain. #NorfolkBirding

Thanks, Tim. That’s an extraordinary thought.

Thanks, James. Appreciated.

Yes, indeed, and many other rarities too!

This fabulous Lesser Grey Shrike at Winterton Dunes in East Norfolk today was another great find by Barry Jarvis. I don’t recall seeing one in this intriguing plumage before. Thoughts on a postcard please… #NorfolkBirding

While White-rumped Sandpipers have become a regular bird at Snettisham RSPB Reserve in late July, adults in breeding plumage are much rarer. So it was very rewarding to relocate this pristine bird at high tide yesterday evening. #NorfolkBirding

Let’s see if my luck holds out. I’m guessing it’s the same bird. Cheers James.

Thanks, Rachel. I hope to get there before it goes travelling again.

Sorry - Ouse Fen…

I’m so jealous it didn’t come our way in Norfolk. But if it had to go anywhere else, I’m glad it came your way. Big bonus you nailed it before Ouze Fen Birdfinder General - Richard Grimmet! 😉

Congratulations, Rachel! That’s some find!

A reverential, hushed silence was observed by all as we waited with bated-breath for an adult Great Grey Owl to come in to feed its two young. Thanks Jari Peltomaki for providing another spellbinding Finnature experience!

Another priority target on our Finnish trip was the elusive Three-toed Woodpecker. Remarkably, this nominate race adult male chose a telegraph pole to drum from, while deep in a 1,000 acre old growth forest.

I guess I sensed it wasn’t. You seemed pretty clued up to me and deserved better…

I couldn’t just stand by and listen to Richard Brooks patronising you any longer!

Thanks, Icelass. I’m still buzzing from the experience of this encounter.

My pleasure Icelass. It was great to meet you.

A fabulous private birding trip to Finland last week enabled me to catch up with several longed-for world lifers, as well as a hatful of other Scandinavian specialities. At the very top of my list was Ural Owl. With expert guiding by Jari Peltomäki of Finnature, we soon scored!

Thanks, John

What’s in a name? Would a Rosy Starling, by any other name, smell as sweet as this beauty in Melton Constable today? #NorfolkBirding

Thanks, Sbialas. European Turtle Doves are stunners close up.

When this beauty dropped in out of the blue I was pleased to capture the moment. #NorfolkBirding

The number of Temminck’s Stints at Cley NWT has been slowly building over the past week, with ten or more present yesterday and today. This one came a little closer than the others, presenting a rare opportunity not to be missed. #NorfolkBirding

I’m glad you connected Mike!

Thanks Dave, it was a breathtaking moment!

In recent days, small numbers of elegant, migrating, Wood Sandpipers have been pausing to refuel, at favoured Norfolk wetland habitats, before continuing north to breed. Usually only glimpsed along distant reedy fringes, few are as obliging as this bejewelled beauty. #NorfolkBirding

I most enjoy exploring new places - wherever the birds take me…