chris.mills@norfolkbirding.com
Double click to ed December 2006
norfolkbirding with chris mills
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2nd December - Stubb Mill, Hickling - Clear, cold - Light SW - Max temp 7c
The only birding I managed this weekend after a couple of nights of howling gales and squally rain. This afternoon the weather settled and it was nice sunset and nice to watch the recent phenomen of a big winter Marsh harrier roost.
The biggest challenge was trying to count them in; anyway I reckon on a minimum of 45 Marsh Harriers roosted, the vast majority were either females or 1st/2nd years, just 1-2 or adult males noted. A single Merlin flashed up and down a couple of times, and presumably the same Harris Hawk (escape) from last winter was present.
4 Cranes flew over distantly, and 500+ Pink Feet passed over en-route to their roost.
A Brambling and 10+ Redpoll flew over, but we finished short with no Barn Owl or Hen Harrier to be seen.
12th December - Snettisham/Wolferton area - Clear, cold -2 overnight. Light SW - Max temp 7-8 PM
With the Black Kite ( Black-eared Kite - race linnaetus) wandering over the border into Norfolk, and taking up residence at Snettisham - it was high time I made the effort to see it, having already aborted one trip to Lincs.
I wandered in from the Wolferton end and avoided the crowds, met up with Robin Abel "aka THE NORFOLK YEAR LISTER". We had great views of the Black Kite on and off as the bird tangled with an immature Marsh Harrier. The main features to the underside of the primaries and the very clear defined dark line through the eye were not difficult to discern through the scope during prolonged views.
Also in the same area were 2 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & 10 Grey Partridge.
Also a big thumbs up to the local gamekeeper whom took an interest & allowed us move slightly away from the footpath to get better views.
Holkham
Following some excellent food in the new Cafe at Burnham Deepdale (highly recommended!!) I wandered Holkham Bay.
35 Snow Bunting, 1 Great Northern Diver, 150 Common Scoter & 10 Red-breasted Merganser. The day was finished of watching 40,000 Pink-footed Geese going to roost. Also 25 Little Egret & 30 Pintail.