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Christmas 2023 in Norfolk

Jan 012024

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.

Lesser Yellowlegs – RSPB Frampton Marshes

Dark-bellied Brent Goose – North Norfolk

Another Pink Punk on my door-step

2023, Birds, Birds of 2023 No Responses »

Dec 192023

A friend paid me a visit on 16th December to drop off Christmas Cards, just before he left, he picked up a Waxwing perched on a high Conifer tree at the bottom of our road. The bird spent the rest of the late morning feeding in a neighbours secluded garden. My neighbours kindly allowed me access to their garden, and I was able to take a few photographs. It also spent time in the afternoon, perching on the tops of conifers and silver birch trees, covering a wide area, and using them as vantage points. It would then perform flying sorties after insects, it was a mild afternoon, before it disappeared, presumably to roost. It was a first winter male and was still around early morning on the 17th, when I saw it perched high up on what appeared to be its favoured conifer tree. After a brief fly-around it disappeared over houses and I never saw it again.

Such a privilege to have had one of these Scandinavian visitors right on my door step.

A nice “Find” at Foremark Reservoir

2023, Birds, Birds of 2023 No Responses »

Dec 192023

On 13th December 2023 I made one of my regular visits to Foremark Reservoir, and whilst scanning through the Great Crested Grebes, I found a diver. At first I thought it might be a Black-throated Diver, but it was along way off and I couldn’t at this stage rule out Red-throated Diver. I put out the news on the social media platforms, but then when I went to re-look at it, and it took me a further hour before I managed to relocate it. Fortunately it re-appeared just off the dam wall and I could confirm its identification as an immature Red-throated Diver. The first time I have self-found one in Derbyshire, and my second at Foremark Reservoir. Also seen, at least one first winter Shag, and a redhead Goosander of note.

Red-throated Diver – 13/12/2023 – Foremark Reservoir.

Scandinavian visitors finally arrive

Birds No Responses »

Dec 132023

This winter period UK birders are enjoying an invasion of Bohemian Waxwings from Scandinavia. The first big invasion for a number of years. I’ve been fortunate to have photographed these birds many times in the past, and despite wanting to chase after these stunning creatures, I’ve been eagerly waiting for them to arrive closer to home. The morning of 12th December, it happened. I found two birds perched in a large hawthorn tree at the end of my garden. Very thrilled to have found them, but disappointed they were a little distant for the camera, they didn’t hang around and were soon gone, despite plenty of berries nearby.

I’m sure there will be other opportunities during the winter, but always more pleasurable when you find your own.

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