During this winter 2023-2024, the UK has been the host to an invasion of Bohemian Waxwings (Aka, Pink Punks due to the account of their Pink Crests). A rather large flock gathered at Hassop, near Bakewell, providing superb opportunities to see these birds at close quarters. The flock, around c300-400 at its best, but regularly around 200 birds, was quite a sight and one of the largest in Derbyshire for many years. We paid them a visit on 29th December 2023, and I was able to obtain some pleasant photographs, as they were making frequent visits to a hawthorn bush by the main cafe centre. Despite large numbers of visitors, including reasonable numbers of visiting bird-watchers, the Waxwings were quite obliging if one was patient, and kept a reasonable and sensible distance.
Latest Moth News for December includes an interesting article by one of the County’s young up and coming Moth Recorders. The December round-up . News update on latest situation re county Moth Recorder.
My wife and I spent our Christmas in North Norfolk. A few days away was just the tonic we both needed, and some good birds to finish off 2023. A detour was in order, via RSPB Frampton, for the very obliging Lesser Yellowlegs that seems to be over wintering at the site, and also gradually moulting into adult plumage. Also 3 Scaup were further highlights during a breakfast bacon “butty” in the Cafe.
Stopping via Cley Marshes for Avocet, Ruff, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier and a Red Kite.
Christmas Eve morning was spent at RSPB Titchwell and I managed to find 3 Velvet Scoter amongst a large flock of Common Scoter just off shore. A few Red-breasted Merganser, 13 species of wader and several Water Pipit, my first of the year, and amazing views of the wintering Siberian Chiffchaff. In the afternoon a visit to Stiffkey Floods for the long staying Glossy Ibis.
On Boxing Day (26th Dec) we paid an early morning visit to Holkham, trying to beat the hoards of people that descended on the place as we were walking back to our car. A good move, as I managed to locate 7 Shore Lark in their favoured wintering area. The most significant spectacle however, was the sight of thousands of Pink-footed Geese in the flooded fields at Holkham Fresh Marsh, on several occasions taking to the air. There must have been the entire North Norfolk population on view, and the sound was incredible. Another Great White Egret, hundreds of Wigeon and Teal and several Marsh Harrier finished off the day. During our trip, I managed 80 species without a great deal of effort and time in the field. Three or four year ticks move my year list on to 232.
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