Jim Lawrence

Water Pipits are always great birds to watch closely as they go about their business. This one at Cley today was picking small red worms from the muddy fringes. #NorfolkBirding

That would be good. Caspian Plover - now you’re talking!

Hi Justin, I hope you are keeping well? I’m doing some travelling soon as February is usually a lull. I’m certainly aiming to keep going after that. I set the current Norfolk yearlisting record with 284 in 2022. The previous record was set by Rob Martin at 279 in 2005.

Thanks, Andy. I hope your yearlist is going well too?

As 2025 closed, I embraced the challenge of seeing as many different bird species as possible, in Norfolk, this January. The variety has been surprising and provided me a huge total of 173 species - quite possibly a new county record? The fitting finale - five fabulous Shags. #NorfolkBirding

Common Crossbills have been performing well in Norfolk this year, since they started arriving in July, but this lovely male, at Dersingham Bog today, surely has to take top billing! #NorfolkBirding

Lovely photo Mike and that flock surely a Fire-crested Phyllosc Fandango!

Ever so slightly 😉

It was great to discover that the Hume’s Warbler found by Roger Skeen at Holme NOA, yesterday, was still present this morning when I visited. I’d seen one a month earlier at Warham, but this one was rather more obliging as it showed better and also called more frequently. #NorfolkBirding

Outstanding images Mike. Congratulations!

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.