The Hen Harrier

Earlier in the year, I was pretty fortunate to have quite a few sightings of Hen Harriers. Most, if not all, were seen around our coasts, as they over-wintered or passed through. Most were fairly short glimpses through the binoculars, and on one occasion one was a stunning male. One early morning though on the East Bank at Cley, I caught an early distant sight of a female heading towards me over the reeds. I had time to get me camera ready as this majestic bird glided ever closer and then right across the path in front of me. I probably only had it in view for a minute (if that), but it was enough to make me smile and feel very privileged.

Female Hen Harrier

Great White Egret - Cley

Great White Egrets are becoming increasingly more common across the UK, but especially around our coasts. A few weeks ago I counted 8 all together on a waters edge, and in with them was a Cattle Egret and also a Little Egret. 15-20 years ago these would have been pretty mega birds to see, but they are becoming a regular sight now. That said, I still get quite a thrill when the Great White Egret shows up.

Sat in Bishop's Hide at Cley, one appeared from behind some vegetation and was swiftly followed by another. Such big gracious birds. They don't look as though they belong in this country, or at least only on a wildlife video.

Great White Egret

And then there were two.

Marsh Harrier - Cley

Cley on the North Norfolk coast always has so much to offer. Even at times of the year where there doesn't seem to be too much about, something will pop up that makes the visit worthwhile or memorable. The Marsh Harriers are a regular fixture here now and you'd be unlucky not to see one while here. Sitting in Bishop's Hide I had some really good views of a pair quartering the reeds and water. With good morning light, this one glided straight towards me.

Marsh Harrier

 

Caspian Tern - Sandbach Flashes

Caspian Terns have been quite a common feature of the Summer so far. They seem to have been popping up everywhere, but always just that little bit too far away for me to go and see. Last week when I was in Norfolk, one had been seen the day before I arrived and then again the day I left. I saw neither.

Yesterday morning though, while I was visiting Redesmere, a message came through that one was just 20 minutes down the road at Sandbach Flashes. I aborted my plan and headed straight there. When I arrived, there were at least 20 birders there already, (which did make me think that maybe this bird had been there a little longer than the message suggested). Anyway, I was onto it quickly. It stood out due to it's pure size, putting it head and shoulders above the gulls that it was associating with. The huge red bill was clear for all to see. This is our largest Tern, and I was delighted to add this to my life list. It's been a great year for lifers, with 12 seen so far. 

Caspian Tern

Garganey - Salthouse

The Garganey is not a bird I see very often, and it is usually a case of right time right place, or a dedicated trip to see one. On this particular occasion at the end of April, I was very much in that right place at the right time. I was up early, and visiting my usual sites along the North Norfolk coast near my parents. I  don't know why, but I decided to look at a new site that I'd had always strolled past and never given the time of day. On this morning there was a lot of water on the pools, and as luck would have a cracking male Garganey. This was the first time that I've actually found one myself, and it was superb feeling. 

These are quite small and very shy ducks, similar to a Teal in size, and they love to dabble in the wet grasses. This particular site was spot on for what it needed and I was fortunate enough to be there on that morning to see it. 

Male Garganey, with that lovely white eye stripe.

With a Lapwing flying overhead of the Garganey.

RSPB Frampton Marsh

A late April visit to RSPB Frampton always offers so much. With waders on the move, warblers arriving and the first juveniles leaving the nest, it is an exciting time. There were a few birds that were high on the list to see. A returning Black-winged Stilt that fledged from here last year was the main target and was picked up quite quickly despite the rain that was coming down. 

Close to the car park and in the lagoons were a Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Lapwings, and several Yellow Wagtails. What a great start, without putting in any effort. It almost felt like cheating. Usually you have to walk some distance and then also get lucky in finding your birds. Not at Frampton! There was even a Spoonbill that was awake and actually moving towards us rather than away. That is not normally the scenario with this bird. 

First year female Black-winged Stilt.

Spoonbill

Yellow Wagtail

Juvenile Lapwing

My first Swift sighting of the year, is always a great moment.

Wood Warbler - Binn Green

I'd not seen a Wood Warbler for a few years, and so was really pleased to hear that one had been seen not far from me. I got up nice and early so as to beat the traffic and crowds, and was in place by 6am. I could hear it singing from the moment I stepped out of the car. It was hopping between branches and going up into the canopy, but all the while was really belting out it's lovely song. It was quite dark in the woodland, so I had to wait a little while for the sun to penetrate and give me some light. The longer I stayed the better the light got. Such great birds, that have travelled from Africa to spend it's summer with us here in the UK.

Wood Warbler

Garden Warbler

One bird that I seem to struggle with each year, is the Garden Warbler. and when I say struggle with, it's particularly the song. After so many months of not hearing one and having my ears fine tuned, this bird often sounds like a loud or excitable Blackcap. Add to that their secretive nature, and reluctance to sing nicely out in the open for all to see, it's been a bit of a bogey bird. Fortunately I now have a reliable spot for them just down the road, but it still takes my ears some getting used to distinguish between this and the Blackcap. 

Not a very exciting looking bird, with no obvious colouration or detail. It more than makes up for that with it's song. Nice to have them back for another year.

Long-billed Dowitcher - Norfolk

There has been a Long-billed Dowitcher present around the North Norfolk coast most of the winter. During this time it had been in it's rather grey winter plumage, but over recent weeks it has moulted into it's much more colourful summer breeding plumage. It has been associating with the Black-tailed Godwits, but is much smaller than these and clearly likes the security they provide. From watching this bird it behaves similarly to a Snipe and resembles a large version of one. Great to see and have the privilege of viewing this at close quarters.

Long-billed Dowitcher

Seen here in flight with Black-tailed Godwits and  Avocets just a few weeks earlier. It is the smaller bird just off centre, still looking very grey.

And here on the centre left tucked in behind the Avocet.