Graham

Out in Thetford Forest today, on a reconnoiter for the WBC Brecks walk on 14th. Found displaying Goshawk at a new site, which is promising.
At Lyndford Arboretum, fresh looking male Brambling and Yellowhammer in the alley. Crossbills in the paddock and a Raven flying over.

In St.Ives for a couple of days. Visited Hayle estuary and over 2 days highlights are; 6 Goosander, Little Gull, Curlew Sandpiper and flock of c.100 Golden Plover to finish. Quiet on the Island due to southerly winds, despite this, 3 RT divers in the bay and a Dolphin breaching.

Two male Blackcaps came to bathe in the garden this morning. My wife thought she had heard one singing recently, but gets them confused with Dunnock, which has now started singing.

Taking advantage of the day to start reconnaissance for the WBC Brecks walk in March. First Woodlarks of the year singing at Santon Downham. Lots of Buzzard displaying. Nice view of a male Sparrowhawk after his unsuccessful hunt. Siskins and a Brambling on the feeders on the way back.

Leading the WBC walk today around Whitlingham. Found a female Goosander, 2RN Parakeets, Redwings. Siskins were flighty at the marsh end and Grey Wagtail was at Thorpe ferry. There was a whooping great Pike! Under the first wooden bridge over the ditch.

A new bird for me at Whitlingham today, heard but not seen, RN Parakeet. Heard my first Song Thrushes of the year. A Grey Wagtail by the river and Siskins in Alders at the marsh end of the park.

Whitlingham CP today. Usual duck and a flyover drake Goosander. Two Buzzards sparing over the wood. I presume sorting territories.

To Alton Water today, but failed to find the Smew. Found Goldeneye and a ringed GW Egret. First Fieldfare of the year. The local cycling vicar blessed me with good birding this year, so it takes flight now. 😇

And a tree next to Commissioner’s cut held a Magpie roost. Counted 15 birds.

Saturday pm - to Whitlingham. Thinking the cold spell may have bought something in. Little Broad still frozen. Fem. Goldeneye, new duck. I was told 3 Goosander had been here, but not today. I walked to the river and as dusk came down, 2 Cetti’s sang briefly. A GWE flew past on the walk back.

Led a Waveney Bird Club walk around Walberswick marsh today. Very cold! But not freezing, bar most of the pools. Highlights were 2 Spotted Redshank, 2 GW Egret, a Sanderling & 2 flyby Bitterns. A flock of Snow Buntings at the feeding station.

An icy lunchtime walk around Whitlingham. A pair of Widgeon were new. Gadwall are in courtship mode and the gypsy geese are now very raucous.
Two Water Rail heard in little broad. With the perishing cold and ice I did not linger.

NYD walk at Whitlingham CP and I found a GWE and a RB Merganser flying away heading down the Yare. Two new site ticks. Very cold wind! HNY to my followers. From now, I will be adding my sightings.