21st March 2 Day Norfolk birdwatching tour
The day started with fantastic views of a group of 25 Crossbills. The birds were initially picked up flying overhead giving their distinctive "kip kip" call but eventually the settled in the tops of pines, resting and feeding amongst the pine cones - there were several superb "red" male Crossbill amongst the group and we savoured them through the scope.
A short walk we added Woodlark, Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & Buzzard. A Woodcock flashed by, a pair of Stonechat were out on the heath
A few minutes later a Great Grey Shrike landed about 25 metres in front of us and we treated to more super views of a much sought after species.
There were many Siskin overhead, a constant movement of small groups, amongst these were a much smaller number of "Redpoll" which were picked up on call.
Having had a very successful couple of hours we headed down to the "The Brecks", here we had nice views of a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, plus a nice supporting cast of Siskin, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch & Grey Wagtail.
The drive back also produced a nice surprise in 7 Corn Bunting, 2+ Common Buzzard & 400+ Fieldfare
22nd March 2 Day Norfolk birdwatching tour
We started today at an inland site, and were treated to superb views of Brambling, inclusive of several males in virtual summer plumage, we also had Willow Tit briefly, along with 3+ Chiff-chaff, wonderful views of Barn owl & Common Buzzard. Apart from the birds we also managed some prolonged views of Wood Mouse & Water Vole, and brief views of Harvest Mouse!
We then headed up to the coast, where we saw a nice selection of waders & wildfowl, but the highlight came mid-afternoon when we had a male Marsh Harrier & a Red Kite in the scope together at Burnham Norton!!
The day started with fantastic views of a group of 25 Crossbills. The birds were initially picked up flying overhead giving their distinctive "kip kip" call but eventually the settled in the tops of pines, resting and feeding amongst the pine cones - there were several superb "red" male Crossbill amongst the group and we savoured them through the scope.
A short walk we added Woodlark, Green Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel & Buzzard. A Woodcock flashed by, a pair of Stonechat were out on the heath
A few minutes later a Great Grey Shrike landed about 25 metres in front of us and we treated to more super views of a much sought after species.
There were many Siskin overhead, a constant movement of small groups, amongst these were a much smaller number of "Redpoll" which were picked up on call.
Having had a very successful couple of hours we headed down to the "The Brecks", here we had nice views of a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, plus a nice supporting cast of Siskin, Marsh Tit, Nuthatch & Grey Wagtail.
The drive back also produced a nice surprise in 7 Corn Bunting, 2+ Common Buzzard & 400+ Fieldfare
22nd March 2 Day Norfolk birdwatching tour
We started today at an inland site, and were treated to superb views of Brambling, inclusive of several males in virtual summer plumage, we also had Willow Tit briefly, along with 3+ Chiff-chaff, wonderful views of Barn owl & Common Buzzard. Apart from the birds we also managed some prolonged views of Wood Mouse & Water Vole, and brief views of Harvest Mouse!
We then headed up to the coast, where we saw a nice selection of waders & wildfowl, but the highlight came mid-afternoon when we had a male Marsh Harrier & a Red Kite in the scope together at Burnham Norton!!
M a r c h 2 0 0 9
6th March Norfolk 1 day Winter bird photography tour
Today I spent time providing tuition to a photographer new to the world of wildlife & birds. As well as evolving his photography skills we were also able to get some nice images of finches from my local feed station. During the afternoon we also worked on techniques & Paul got some great shorebird images.
9th & 10th March Norfolk 2 Day Guided Birdwatching tour
North Norfolk coast
Day one
Yet again the Snow Bunting performed extremely well, & we got some great shots of them feeding on iced over pools. A Barn Owl hunted nearby & a passing Peregrine sent everything to the air.
We again found 2 Pale-bellied Brents amongst 500 Brents and also got some nice shots of a 1st winter Glaucous Gull.
En-route home we also saw 1 Little Owl
Day two
We started at Titchwell and had nice views again of the Water rail, a Cetti's warbler was vocal but invisible! Out on the islands there were plent of Snipe & we found the adult Black Brant.
Also good views of Bearded Tit. Inland I manged to locate several Yellowhammer & 2 Corn Bunting.
The day finished with us watching 2 Barn owls at close quarters hunting.
Today I spent time providing tuition to a photographer new to the world of wildlife & birds. As well as evolving his photography skills we were also able to get some nice images of finches from my local feed station. During the afternoon we also worked on techniques & Paul got some great shorebird images.
9th & 10th March Norfolk 2 Day Guided Birdwatching tour
North Norfolk coast
Day one
Yet again the Snow Bunting performed extremely well, & we got some great shots of them feeding on iced over pools. A Barn Owl hunted nearby & a passing Peregrine sent everything to the air.
We again found 2 Pale-bellied Brents amongst 500 Brents and also got some nice shots of a 1st winter Glaucous Gull.
En-route home we also saw 1 Little Owl
Day two
We started at Titchwell and had nice views again of the Water rail, a Cetti's warbler was vocal but invisible! Out on the islands there were plent of Snipe & we found the adult Black Brant.
Also good views of Bearded Tit. Inland I manged to locate several Yellowhammer & 2 Corn Bunting.
The day finished with us watching 2 Barn owls at close quarters hunting.
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15th March Norfolk 1 Day bird photography tour
Today we ran a photography workshop for two photographers, following on from a 2 hour tutorial they both used our garden hide and used some of their newly learnt skills to get some lovely shots of Golfinch, Greenfinch & a surprise - Siskin!
Today we ran a photography workshop for two photographers, following on from a 2 hour tutorial they both used our garden hide and used some of their newly learnt skills to get some lovely shots of Golfinch, Greenfinch & a surprise - Siskin!
Image of Goldfinch by David Boley taken at our Photography workshop
Image of Siskin by Allan Collison taken at our Photography workshop
