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Sunday 22nd November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 21 Brent Geese, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Common Scoter, 17 Red-breasted Mergansers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Fulmars, 5 Gannets and 33 Snow Buntings along the beach. Also of interest today were 247 Lapwings west, 10 Fieldfares, 8 Redwings and 2 Jays.

 

Saturday 21st November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching today produced 6 Eider, 4 Long-tailed Ducks, 150 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 26 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Goosander, 13 Red-throated Divers, 17 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 4 Fulmars, 80 Gannets, 1 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas, 15 Kittiwakes and 11 Little Gulls. A Lapland Bunting flew over east and 85 Snow Buntings were on the beach.

 

Friday 20th November 2009

At Holme NOA today seawatching produced 3 Brent Geese, 120 Wigeon, 3 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 40 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Red-throated Diver, 7 Great Crested Grebes and 7 Gannets. A Peregrine was hunting along the beach, a Water Rail and a Barn Owl were of note, and a Rock Pipit flew over calling. 

 

Tuesday 17th November 2009

At Holme NOA today seawatching produced 14 Pintail, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 110 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers, 7 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 19 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Fulmars and 2 Gannets. 101 Brent Geese, 1 Barn Owl, 45 Skylarks, 6 Rock Pipits and a Redpoll sp were also of particular note. Along at the Golf Course 2 Stonechats were of interest, 70 Snow Buntings were on the beach, and a single Great Skua flew through west.

 

NORFOLK NEWS FROM BIRDNET

*2 LAPLAND BUNTINGS HOLME ON BEACH NEAR END OF TRACK THRU GOLF COURSE

10.30AM WITH 70 SNOW BUNTINGS BUT NO SIGN OF ANY SHORELARKS

*2 LONG-T.DUCKS PAST HOLME 8.45-10.15AM+BLACK-T.DIVER, 3 VELVET SCOTER, 11

RED-BR.MERGS, 7 RED-T.DIVER, PEREGRINE & 14 PINTAIL

*2 BLACK-N.GREBES OFF TITCHWELL RSPB THIS A/NOON+BONXIE W/PAST

*G.N.DIVER OFF TITCHWELL RSPB 4.00PM+2 SLAV GREBES

*2 PURPLE SANDS SHERINGHAM THIS A/NOON

 

Monday 16th November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 101 Wigeon, 16 Eider, 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 302 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 7 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Red-throated Divers, 28 Gannets and 7 Kittiwakes. 5 Fieldfares and a Merlin were also of interest.

 

Sunday 15th November 2009

At Holme NOA highlights were a Peregrine, 4 Water Rails, a Barn Owl and 2 Cetti's Warblers.

 

Saturday 14th November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 34 Brent Geese, 64 Wigeon, 226 Common Scoter, 11 Eider, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Goosander, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 8 Gannets west, and 2 Little Gulls east. Also of interest were 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Stonechats, 4 Fieldfares, and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. 3 Shorelark were seen off the Golf Course together with 54 Snow Buntings, and 2 Rock Pipits and a single Lapland Bunting flew over the Observatory during the day.

 

Friday 13th November 2009

A very wet day at Holme, highlights were 2 Velvet Scoter offshore and 6 Rock Pipits flying over. In the Golf Course area 2 Red-throated Divers and a Great Northern Diver were offshore and 3 Stonechats, 3 Shorelarks, 80 Linnets and 35 Snow Buntings were also seen.

 

Thursday 12th November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 4 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 243 Common Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 10 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Red-throated Divers, 16 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Fulmar, 7 Gannets and a single Razorbill. Also of note were 733 Black-headed Gulls, 1429 Common Gulls, a Peregrine, 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Rock Pipits, 2 Stonechats, and at Thornham 35 Linnets and 3 Lapland Buntings together with 48 Skylarks.

 

Wednesday 11th November 2009

At Holme NOA highlights today were a Marsh Harrier and 2 Barn Owls over the marsh, a Waxwing was seen on the Golf Course, 3 Shorelarks on the beach off the Golf Course, 10 Rock Pipits flying over, 33 Pied Wagtails on the beach late afternoon, 2 Stonechats, 4 Fieldfares, 20 Redwings, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warblers, and 2 Siskins and 2 Lapland Buntings flying over.

 

Tuesday 10th November 2009

A very cold and foggy day at the NOA Holme reserve prevented seawatching, but a Marsh Harrier, 2 Barn Owls, 2 Water Rails, a single Rock Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 6+ Fieldfares, 2 Cetti's Warblers and a male Firecrest were of note.

 

Monday 9th November 2009

At Holme NOA today seawatching included 43 Eider, 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 198 Common Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 15 Red-breasted Mergansers, 5 Red-throated Divers, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater west, 2 Gannets, 1 Little Gull west and 9 Kittiwakes. A Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl were seen, together with 2 Marsh Harriers and a Merlin. Also of note were 17 Skylarks, 23 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Stonechat, 1 Firecrest, 191 Greenfinches, 47 Goldfinches, 58 Chaffinches, 2 Siskins, 3 Redpoll sp and 18 Reed Buntings.

 

A Red Admiral and a Peacock were around the reserve.

 

Sunday 8th November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching highlights included 6 Eider, 800 Common Scoter, 2 Velvet Scoter, 21 Red-breasted Mergansers, 10 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 4 Fulmars, 25 Gannets, 1 adult Med Gull, 2 Kittiwakes, 1 Guillemot and 2 Razorbills. Also of interest were 2 Barn Owls, 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Kingfisher, 6+ Cetti's Warblers and 1 Firecrest. Overhead migration included 63 Skylarks, 15 Meadow Pipits, 7 Rock Pipits, 5 Pied Wagtails, 38 Chaffinches, 4 Bramblings, 80 Greenfinches, 30 Goldfinches, 45 Siskins, 25 Linnets, 3 Lapland Buntings, 14 Snow Buntings, 1 Yellowhammer and 40 Reed Buntings.

 

At least 2 Red Admirals were around the reserve.

 

NORFOLK NEWS FROM BIRDNET PAGER

*GREAT WHITE EGRET HOCKWOLD WASHES 11.00AM

*AD SNOW GOOSE (WHITE MORPH) HOLKHAM FRESHMARSH 1.50PM FROM WASHINGTON HIDE

WITH PINK-F.GEESE

*ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD SW/OF FAKENHAM 3/4ML N/OF EAST RAYNHAM BY A1065 8.50AM

*8+SHORELARKS HOLKHAM BAY 1/2ML E/OF HOLKHAM GAP+LAPLAND BUNTING & G.N.DIVER

OFFSHORE

*3 LAPLAND BUNTINGS WEST RUNTON IN STUBBLE FIELD E/OF CLIFFTOP C/PARK

*JUV GLAUCOUS GULL CAISTER-ON-SEA S/PAST SECOND AVENUE 10.15AM+70 SNOW BUNTS

*COMMON CRANE WELNEY WWT MIDDAY

*2 FIRECRESTS HOLKHAM PINES NEAR MEALS HOUSE+RINGTAIL HEN HARRIER E/OF LADY

ANN'S DRIVE EARLY MRNG

*PURPLE SAND HUNSTANTON SEAFRONT BY ARCADE

*HEN HARRIER BWT STIFFKEY & WARHAM

 

Saturday 7th November 2009

At Holme NOA today seawatching produced 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 1 Gannet and 2 Auk sp. A Short-eared Owl was hunting early afternoon and also of interest were a Water Rail, 2 Barn Owls, 15 Skylarks, 2 Stonechats, 12 Redwings, 1 Cetti's Warbler and 1 Firecrest.

 

Around the reserve a Painted Lady, 2 Red Admirals and 3 Common Darters were seen.

 

Friday 6th November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 1 Eider and 1 Red-throated Diver, while around the reserve a Water Rail, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Stonechat were of note.

 

Thursday 5th November 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 209 Common Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Mergansers, 4 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Fulmars and 5 Gannets. Also of note today were a ring-tail Hen Harrier, a Merlin, 2,500 Golden Plover, 25,000 Knot, a Purple Sandpiper, 2 Barn Owls, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Short-eared Owl, 180 Skylarks, 6 Rock Pipits, 1 Stonechat, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Lapland Buntings and 6 Snow Buntings.

 

A Clouded Yellow was on the buddlea and a Red Admiral was also seen.

 

Wednesday 4th November 2009

At Holme NOA today more overhead migration was noted with 25 Skylarks, 12 Meadow Pipits, 15 Rock Pipits, 1500 Starlings, 30 Chaffinches, 48 Greenfinches, 15 Goldfinches, 4 Siskins and 2 Reed Buntings counted. Around the reserve 55 Blackbirds, 6 Song Thrushes, 4 Redwings, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Chiffchaffs, 6 Goldcrests, 3 Bearded Tits and 6 Long-tailed Tits were of interest.

 

A single Large Wainscot was in the moth trap

 

Tuesday 3rd November 2009

Seawatching today produced 400 Common Scoter and 1 Great Crested Grebe. 10 Pochard and 25 Tufted Ducks were on the Broadwater, together with 8 Little Grebes. A Green and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were in the dunes, and a Barn Owl was hunting. 60+ Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, 18 Redwings, 4 Goldcrests, 600+ Starlings, 15 Chaffinches and 3 Reed Buntings were also of interest.

 

A Silver Y moth and 2 Large Wainscots were in the traps.

 

Saturday 31st October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 3 Eider, 4 Common Scoter, 6 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Goosander west and 10 Gannets. 3 Bewicks Swans and 5 Whooper Swans flew over, and 156 Brent Geese were counted. Also counted were 2 Pintail, 1 Buzzard, 2 Water Rails, 227 Golden Plovers, 1650 Lapwings west, 1 Jack Snipe, 14 Snipe, 4 Woodcocks, 4 Barn Owls, 2 Short-eared Owls, 134 Skylarks, 4 Shorelarks, 105 Meadow Pipits, 9 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 6 Pied Wagtails, 44 Robins, 11 Stonechats, 1 Ring Ouzel, 916 Blackbirds, 27 Fieldfares, 59 Song Thrushes, 332 Redwings, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 11 Goldcrests, 3 Bearded Tits, 2 Jays, 11,742 Starlings, 102 Chaffinches, 2 Bramblings, 12 Greenfinches, 28 Goldfinches, 3 Siskins, 14 Linnets, 7 Twite, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Redpoll sp and 29 Reed Buntings.

 

Friday 30th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 199 Common Scoter, 1 Goldeneye, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 53 Gannets. A Great Skua was of particular note. Also of interest were 5 Little Egrets, a ring-tail Hen Harrier, 1 Short-eared Owl, 5 Barn Owls, 3 Common Buzzards, a Black Redstart near the NWT entrance gate, a Ring Ouzel in the dunes, 11 Stonechats, 4 Cetti's Warblers, a female Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Firecrests and 4 Bearded Tits. Three Shorelarks were on the beach north of the Golf Course. Overhead migration included 117 Skylarks, 105 Meadow Pipits, 8 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 7 Pied Wagtails, 239 Blackbirds, 80 Fieldfares, 49 Song Thrushes, 616 Redwings, 4 Msitle Thrushes, 2683 Starlings, 1 Tree Sparrow, 212 Chaffinches, 11 Bramblings, 66 Greenfinches, 37 Goldfinches, 19 Siskins, 12 Linnets, 1 Crossbill, 1 Redpoll sp and 23 Reed Buntings.

 

A Painted Lady was still around the reserve today, and a Rush Veneer, 7 Large Wainscots, 1 Angle Shades and a November moth were also recorded.

 

HELLO TO MAURICE AND AUD!

 

Thursday 29th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 12 Eider, 414 Common Scoter, 13 Red-breasted Mergansers, 13 Red-throated Divers and 4 Great Crested Grebes. Also of interest were 3 Little Egrets, 3 Marsh Harriers, 3 Common Buzzards, 2 Water Rails, 24 Golden Plover, a Greenshank, 4 Barn Owls, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap. Visual migration was good this morning, with 725 Woodpigeons, 63 Skylarks, 88 Meadow Pipits, 5 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 8 Pied Wagtails, 65 Blackbirds, 11 Song Thrushes, 15 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Bearded Tits, 2517 Starlings, 98 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 63 Greenfinches, 39 Goldfinches, 20 Siskins, 11 Redpoll sp, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Crossbills, 3 Bullfinches and 25 Reed Buntings.

 

A Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Large White were seen, and 11 Large Wainscots, 3 Beaded Chestnuts and a Red-line Quaker were in the moth traps.

 

Wednesday 28th October 2009

At Holme NOA today seawatching produced 300 Common Scoter, 9 Red-breasted Mergansers, 3 Goosanders, 2 Great Crested Grebes and a single Gannet. Raptors of interest included Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Peregrine. 2 Water Rails were heard, and 50 Lapwings flew west. 7 Snipe were also counted. 3 Barn Owls were hunting the marsh early evening, and overhead migration included 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 176 Skylarks, 180 Meadow Pipits, 13 Rock Pipits, 10 Pied Wagtails, 215 Blackbirds, 82 Fieldfares, 14 Song Thrushes, 63 Redwings, 53 Jackdaws, 1 Jay, 1845 Starlings, 480 Chaffinches, 10 Bramblings, 49 Greenfinches, 33 Goldfinches, 10 Siskins, 2 Lapland Buntings, 7 Redpoll sp and 47 Reed Buntings. Also of interest were 3 Cetti's Warblers, a tristis Chiffchaff along by the river Hun, 10 Bearded Tits and 25 Snow Buntings along the beach.

 

A Clouded Yellow butterfly was feeding in front of the Observatory early afternoon, and 2 Painted Ladies, 2 Peacocks, 1 Red Admiral and a Large White were also seen. A Silver Y and 3 Large Wainscots were recorded.

 

Tuesday 27th October 2009

A huge fall of thrushes took place today, with totals of 842 Blackbirds, 3582 Fieldfares and 6778 Redwings. At least 2 Ring Ouzels were in the dunes on the NWT reserve. Other migrants of note were a Woodcock, 22 Skylarks, 33 Meadow Pipits, 15 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 5 Pied Wagtails, 2 Stonechats, 590 Starlings, 1 Tree Sparrow, 49 Chaffinches, 40 Bramblings, 36 Greenfinches, 26 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll sp, 1 Yellowhammer and 14 Reed Buntings. On the sea, 33 Common Scoter, 20 Goldeneye, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 64 Gannets and a Guillemot were seen. 6 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 3 Marsh Harriers, 5 Snipe and 5 Barn Owls were also of interest.

 

Monday 26th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching was quiet but produced 26 Brent Geese, 7 Shelduck, 1 Wigeon, 342 Common Scoter, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Gannets and 1 Guillemot. A probable tristis Chiffchaff was ringed mid morning, and a very pale Common Buzzard caused some excitement out on the marsh. A Short-eared Owl was seen in the area of the Broadwater around lunch time and flew off east towards Thornham. Also of interest were a Barn Owl, 1 Little Egret, 1 Stonechat, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Rock Pipits 2 Redpoll sp and 5 Siskins. A Yellow-browed Warbler was reported in the NWT car park.

Moths are still being caught with a Large Wainscot and 3 Beaded Chestnuts in the traps.

 

Sunday 25th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 55 Common Scoter, 8 Red-breasted Mergansers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Gannets, a single Arctic Tern, 3 Guillemots and a Razorbill. A Barn Owl was hunting on the marsh and 4 Little Egrets were of interest. A Yellow-browed Warblers were seen at the west end of the approach road. Overhead migration included 28 Skylarks, 3 Meadow Piptis, 2 Rock Pipits, 2 Pied Wagtails, 35 Blackbirds, 4 Redwings and 3 Siskins. Around the reserve 2 Cetti's Warblers were seen and a Spoonbill flew over the pines west mid morning. Two Stonechats were along Thornham bank.

 

A Large Wainscot, an Angle Shades and a Turnip moth were in the moth traps.

 

Firday 23rd October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 12 Teal, 1 Brent Goose, 2 Red-throated and 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Gannet and 1 Sandwich Tern. Raptors included 3 Common Buzzards low over the observatory and 4 Sparrowhawks in off the sea. Overhead migration included 40 Skylarks, 55 Meadow Pipits, 15 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 8 Pied Wagtails, 51 Blackbirds, 16 Song Thrushes, 12 Redwings, 750 Starlings, 80 Chaffinches, 1 Brambling, 30 Greenfinches, 10 Goldfinches, 25 Siskins, 30 Reed Buntings and 30+ Redpoll sp. At least 3 Cetti's Warblers were on the reserve and 2 Blackcaps were also of interest.

 

A single Large Wainscot and Beaded Chestnut were in the moth traps and a Clouded Yellow was on the east bank briefly early afternoon.

 

Thursday 22nd October 2009

Following yesterdays rain, reasonable overhead movement was visible during the morning, with 15 Brent Geese, 184 Wigeon, 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Buzzards, 1 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock, 15 Skylarks, 1 Swallow, 7 Meadow Pipits, 22 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Pied Wagtail, 47 Blackbirds, 8 Song Thrushes, 26 Redwings, 1 Mistle Thrush, 4 Blackcaps, 3 Chiffchaffs, 1 Jay, 450 Starlings, 180 Chaffinches, 40 Greenfinches, 10 Goldflinches, 11 Siskins, 17 Redpoll sp and 10 Reed Buntings recorded. Seawatching produced 47 Common Scoter, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 45 Gannets offshore.

 

In the moth traps 9 Large Wainscots, 3 Green Brindled Crescents, 2 Beaded Chestnuts, 1 Angle Shades, 1 Pink-barred Sallow, and 1 Rosy Rustic were counted.

 

Wednesday 21st October 2009

Poor weather conditions prevented a census today

 

Tuesday 20th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 201 Common Scoter, 1 Goosander, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 4 Gannets and 1 Kittiwake. 

 

Monday 19th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 186 Brent Geese, 10 Eider, 133 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Gannets, 2 Kittiwakes and 5 Guillemots. Overhead migration included 69 Skylarks, 34 Meadow Pipits, 25 Rock Pipits, 5 Grey Wagtails, 1 Pied Wagtails, 35 Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrushes, 6 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Swallow, 1 Jay, 3200 Starlings west, 65 Chaffinches, 40 Greenfinches, 9 Goldfinches, 18 Siskins, 2 Mealy Redpolls and 10 Redpoll sp, 6 Linnets, 10 Snow Buntings west and 25 Reed Buntings. Also of interest were 2 Little Egrets, 1 Water Rail, 2 Golden Plover west, 1200 Knot on the beach, 2 Stonechats and 2 Chiffchaffs.

 

Butterflies included a Painted Lady, Small Copper, Wall Brown and 2 Red Admirals.

 

Sunday 18th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 84 Brent Geese, 128 Wigeon, 10 Eider, 1 Long-tailed Duck, 454 Common Scoter, 11 Red-breasted Mergansers, 2 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 23 Gannets, 1 Pom Skua and 1 Great Skua. Also of note were a male Marsh Harrier, 5 Common Buzzards, 1 Water Rail, 1220 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Tawny Owl, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Stonechats, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs and 1 Firecrest. Overhead migrants included 24 Skylarks, 1 Tree Pipit, 85 Meadow Pipits, 3 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Pied Wagtail, 125 Blackbirds, 5 Fieldfares, 2 Song Thrushes, 15 Redwings, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Jays, 15 Chaffinches, 6 Bramblings, 60 Greenfinches, 6 Goldfinches, 1 Siskin, 3 Linnets, 6 Crossbills, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 3 Redpoll sp, and 18 Reed Buntings.

 

In the moth traps 1 Large Yellow Underwing, 1 Red-line Quaker, 7 Large Wainscots, 1 Rosy Rustic and 3 Beaded Chestnuts were recorded.

 

Saturday 17th October 2009

North winds continued to provide good seabirds with 102 Brent Geese, 4 Shelduck, 8 Wigeon, 109 Common Scoter, 2 Pintail, 12 Eider, 1 Velvet Scoter, 3 Goldeneye, 24 Red-breasted Mergansers, 9 Goosanders, 7 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Fulmar, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 306 Gannets, 3 Pom Skuas, 6 Arctic Skuas, 34 Great Skuas, 6 Little Gulls, 43 Kittiwakes, 3 Sandwich Terns and 25 Razorbills recorded in 4 hours. Also of note was a Little Auk which flew along the Broadwater and circled before flying off west. Other birds of interest were 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Barn Owl, 21 Skylarks, 65 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, 30 Blackbirds, 4 Song Thrushes, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler in the NWT Car Park, a Firecrest at the west end of the reserve, 15,000+ Starlings, 25 Chaffinches, 70 Bramblings, 250 Greenfinches, 40 Goldfinches, 5 Siskins, 5 Redpoll sp, 1 Mealy Redpoll, 6 Crossbills and 1 Yellowhammer over.

 

Friday 16th October 2009

A stormy day at Holme NOA produced excellent seawatching including 60 Brent Geese, 22 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Scaup east along beach, 2 Eider, 182 Common Scoter, 15 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 female Goosander east, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Northern Diver, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Fulmar, 8 Sooty Shearwaters, 1 Balearic Shearwater west, 11 Manx Shearwaters, 1081 Gannets, 6 Pom Skuas, 33 Arctic Skuas, 38 Great Skuas, 5 Little Gulls, 253 Kittiwakes, 5 Arctic Terns, 4 Guillemots, 3 Razorbills and a Short-eared Owl in off the sea. A Fieldfare dropped in on the reserve and 12,000+ Starlings feeding on the marsh, which attracted a Peregrine mid afternoon. Other birds of note included a single Swallow, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Blackcap and 1 Chiffchaff.

 

Thursday 15th October 2009

At Holme NOA of particular interest was a Grey Phalarope in the channel at Thornham Harbour, and a Great Grey Shrike was on the NWT reserve in the pines during the morning. Other birds included 4 Whooper Swans west, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Water Rails, a Spotted Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, a Stonechat, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, and 1 Willow Warbler. Overhead migration included 2000+ Woodpigeons, 33 Skylarks, 22 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, a Ring Ouzel west near the toilet block, 15 Song Thrushes, 6 Redwings, 11,000+ Starlings, 21 Chaffinches, 9 Bramblings, 230 Greenfinches, 25 Goldfinches, 2 Siskins, 32 Linnets, 23 Reed Buntings and 2 Redpolls. Seawatching produced 1 Pale-bellied Brent Goose, 77 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, 34 Eider, 500+ Common Scoter, 7 Red-breasted Mergansers, 5 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Gannets, 1 Guillemot and 1 Razorbill.

 

In the moth traps a Merveille du Jour was of interest and a Painted Lady was on the reserve. 

 

Wednesday 14th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced, 4 Scaup, 1 Eider, 62 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Red-throated Divers, 1 summer plumage Great Northern Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Gannets, 1 Avocet west, an adult Med Gull on the beach, and 8 Kittiwakes past. Also of note on the reserve were 2 Water Rails, a Firecrest, a Yellow-browed Warbler, and a Willow Warbler. A Great Grey Shrike was reported in the dunes during the afternoon and a Black Redstart was on the roof of the NWT visitors centre. Overhead migration included over 23,000 Starlings. Also moving were 148 Lapwings, 19 Meadow Pipits, 10 Rock Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 5 Pied Wagtails, 56 Blackbirds, 22 Song Thrushes, 60 Redwings, 4 Mistle Thrushes, 14 Chaffinches, 8 Bramblings, 69 Greenfinches, 17 Goldfinches, 7 Siskins, 12 Linnets, 4 Redpolls and 11 Reed Buntings.

 

Tuesday 13th October 2009

At Holme NOA a notable migration took place with 2974 Pink-footed Geese, 228 Brent Geese 297 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 1 Pintail, 45 Lapwings, 3 Snipe, 800 Woodpigeons, 6 Skylarks, 308 Meadow Pipits, 5 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtails, 2 Stonechats, 17 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrushes, 10 Redwings, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 6 Bearded Tits, 28 Chaffinches, 6 Bramblings, 81 Greenfinches, 20 Goldfinches, 11 Siskins, 31 Linnets 1 Crossbill and 45 Reed Buntings passing through during the day. Also of particular note were a single Merlin, 2 Barn Owls, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Stonechats, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Firecrest. A Great Grey Shrike was in the dunes mid afternoon and relocated near the forestry late afternoon. Seawatching highlights were 25 Eider, 3 Velvet Scoter, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 253 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 47 Gannets, 3 Great Skuas, 1 Kittiwake and a single Arctic Tern.

 

Monday 12th October 2009

At Holme NOA a superb morning seawatch included 322 Brent Geese, 185 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 12 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, 4 Eider, 224 Common Scoter, 15 Red-breasted Mergansers, 7 Red-throated Divers, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 5 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Leach's Petrel, 447 Gannets, 1 Pom Skua, 16 Arctic Skuas, 40 Bonxies, 1 Sabine's Gull, 110 Kittiwake, 1 Sandwich Tern, 9 Guillemots and 4 Razorbills. Other birds of note today were 2 Yellow-browed Warblers and a Firecrest near the Observatory, and a Woodcock in off the sea mid afternoon.

 

Sunday 11th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 187 Wigeon, 100 Teal, 2 Pintail, 6 Long-tailed Ducks, 145 Common Scoter, 3 Velvet Scoter, 5 Red-breasted Mergansers, 9 Red-throated Divers, 1 Black-throated Diver, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Gannets, 6 Sandwich Terns and 2 Razorbills. 2 Little Egrets, 2 Water Rails and a Whimbrel were of interest, and 2 Short-eared Owls flew in off the sea and circled over the marsh. Overhead passage included 37 Skylarks, 1 Swallow, 60 Meadow Pipits, 7 Pied Wagtails, 30 Blackbirds, 17 Song Thrushes, 3,000+ Starlings, 2 Bramblings and a Crossbill. Also of note were a single Stonechat, a Cetti's Warbler, a male Blackcap, a single Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Chiffchaff, a female Firecrest and 2 Jays.

 

Moths included a Rosy Rustic, a Silver Y, 6 Large Wainscots and a Red-green Carpet. A Brown Argus and a Painted Lady were also seen.

 

Saturday 10th October 2009

At Holme NOA another busy day of migration included 3 Water Rails, 46 Golden Plover west, 51 Lapwings west, 9 Snipe over, 14 Skylarks, 2 Swallows, 235 Meadow Pipits, 12 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtails, 45 Blackbirds, 56 Song Thrushes, 178 Redwings, 2365 Starlings, 2 Jays, 31 Chaffinches, 7 Bramblings, 22 Greenfinches, 47 Goldfinches, 7 Siskins, 6 Linnets, 10 Reed Buntings and a Redpoll sp. Around the reserve 2 Yellow-browed Warblers were of particular note together with 1 Barn Owl, 1 Green and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Stonechats, a male Cetti's Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff, and 1 Firecrest. On the sea 100 Brent Geese, 61 Shelduck, 429 Wigeon, 81 Teal, 4 Eider, 48 Common Scoter, 1 female Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Red-throated Divers, 70 Gannets, an Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skuas and a single Arctic Tern were recorded.

 

Moth numbers are dropping now with 7 Large Wainscots and 2 Large Yellow Underwings recorded today, however 2 Humming-bird Hawk Moths were seen during the day outside the Observatory. Also of interest were 2 Painted Ladies, 2 Red Admirals, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Tortoiseshell and 2 Large Whites.

 

Friday 9th October 2009

At Holme NOA a brief passerine movement took place early morning including 6 Skylarks, 87 Meadow Pipits, 3 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 5 Pied Wagtails, 12 Blackbirds, 6 Song Thrushes, 15 Redwings, 2 Bearded Tits, 2 Jays, 35 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, 57 Greenfinches, 20 Goldfinches, 5 Siskins, 4 Linnets, 7 Crossbills and 9 Reed Buntings. Also of note around the reserve were single Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 3 Cetti's Warblers, and a female Firecrest. Seawatching produced 24 Brent Geese, 11 Eider, 167 Common Scoter, 3 Red-breasted Mergansers, 9 Red-throated Divers, 172 Gannets, 9 Great Skuas, 1 Sandwich Tern, 3 Guillemots and 3 Razorbills. Over 6,000 Pink-feet were on the marsh.

 

NORFOLK NEWS FROM BIRDNET

*JUV SABINE'S GULL S/PAST WINTERTON DUNES NNR AT 10AM

*BALEARIC S/WTR E/PAST KELLING HARD AT 9.08AM

*YELLOW-BR WBLR HOLKHAM PINES NEAR WASHINGTON HIDE WITH TIT FLOCK THIS MRNG

*3 CASPIAN GULLS 3w+2 1w SE/OF KINGS LYNN AT BLACKBOROUGH END TIP EARLY A/NOON

*FIRECREST GREAT YARMOUTH CEMETERY IN S/SECTION

*LONG-E.OWL CAISTER-ON-SEA IN OFF SEA AT 4.35PM

*POM SKUA S/PAST HOPTON-ON-SEA AT 4.40PM+SOOTY S/WTR,BONXIE & SHAG. FIRECREST ON WARREN LANE

 

Thursday 8th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 42 Eider, 88 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 53 Gannets and 2 Guillemots. A Peregrine was hunting along the beach. 4 Great Skuas flew over high in the afternoon. 3 Water Rails were calling and over 50,000 Knot flew past west at high tide. Other waders of note were a single Ruff, 1 Whimbrel, a Spotted Redshank and 2 Greenshank. Around the reserve a Great Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Goldcrests, 27 Chaffinches and 21 Goldfinches were in the pines. Three Cetti's Warblers were present. Overhead migration included 48 Skylarks, 2 Swallows, 34 Meadow Pipits, 8 Rock Pipits, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 6 Bearded Tits, 3 Jays, 26 Magpies, 20 Jackdaws, 4 Carrion Crows, 292 Starlings, 14 Siskins, 106 Linnets and 13 Reed Buntings. 3 Redpoll sp were also of note.

 

A Humming-bird Hawk Moth was again at the buddlea together with a single Silver Y. Red Admiral, Peacock, Large White and Small Copper were also observed.

 

NORFOLK NEWS FROM BIRDNET

*YELLOW-BR WBLR SW/OF NORWICH NEAR COLNEY LANE AT NORFOLK & NORWICH HOSPITAL IN BIRCHES BY C/PK M AT 9AM WITH LONG-T.TITS

*2 JACK SNIPE TITCHWELL RSPB. 1 FROM ISLAND HIDE & 1 FROM PATH TO ISLAND HIDE. 15 SNOW BUNTINGS & ON BEACH+PURPLE SAND

*5 SPOT/SHANKS BREYDON WATER RSPB FROM SOUTH WALL THIS A/NOON+2 GREENSHANKS & 2 DARK-BELLIED BRENT GEESE

*2 BARNACLE GEESE HOLKHAM FRESHMARSH WITH PINK-FOOTED GEESE

 

Wednesday 7th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced a Leach's Petrel sitting on the sea, 47 Common Scoter, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Gannets, 1 Pom Skua, 2 Arctic Skuas, 3 Great Skuas, 1 Sandwich Tern and 3 Guillemots. A Common Buzzard flew over the Observatory and 6 Pintail, 2 Water Rails, 1 Greenshank, 33 Skylarks, 3 Swallows, 25 Meadow Pipits, 10 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtails, 15 Robins, 2 Stonechats, 3 Song Thrushes, 5 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Cetti's Warblers, a female Firecrest, 42 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings and 2 Redpolls were also counted.

 

A Humming-bird Hawk Moth was at the buddlea early morning and a Merveille du Jour was in the moth trap. A Red Admiral and a Small Copper were also seen.

 

Tuesday 6th October 2009

At Holme NOA poor weather prevented seawatching, but 19 Lapwings, 25 Meadow Pipits, 17 Rock Pipits, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2 Redwings, 3 Redpoll sp and a female Brambling were of note. Over 3000 Pink-footed Geese were on the marsh.

 

Monday 5th October 2009

At Holme NOA a good passage of common migrants was observed. Highlights were1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 53 Skylarks, 5 Swallows, 75 Meadow Pipits, 7 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10 Pied Wagtails, 25 Robins, 2 Stonechats, 4 Song Thrushes, 6 Redwings, 3 Reed Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 1 female Firecrest, 2 Jays, 300 Starlings, 60 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, 20 Greenfinches, 45 Goldfinches, 14 Linnets, 26 Redpoll sp and 6 Reed Buntings. On the sea 9 Brent Geese, 185 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes and 164 Gannets were counted during 2 hours of seawatching. 5,135 Pink-footed Geese, 325 Wigeon, a Marsh Harrier and a Common Buzzard were also of interest.

 

Sunday 4th October 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 215 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 28 Brent Geese, 1 Scaup, 8 Eider, 65 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 5 Red-throated Divers, 14 Great Crested Grebes, 117 Gannets, 890 Bar-tailed Godwits, 8 Pom Skuas, 4 Arctic Skuas, 13 Great Skuas, 7 Kittiwakes, 2 Sandwich Terns and 1 Guillemot. Also of note today were 7 Common Buzzards, 1 Water Rail, 1 Greenshank, 12 Swallows, 3 Rock Pipits, 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Stonechats on the east bank, 4 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Jays and a single Siskin over.

 

Saturday 3rd October 2009

After the last two mornings at Holme NOA seawatching was disappointing, with 6 Brent Geese, 2 Shelduck, 7 Wigeon, 128 Common Scoter, 1 drake Red-breasted Merganser, 3 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 6 Gannets and 2 Sandwich Terns. Also of interest were 1235 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe and a female Red-crested Pochard on the Broadwater. 2 Little Auks were reported past offshore. 

 

Friday 2nd October 2009

At Holme NOA another good seawatch in the morning produced 24 Brent Geese, 18 Shelduck, 8 Wigeon, 45 Teal, 116 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Northern Divers east, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Fulmar, 1 Manx Shearwater east, 66 Gannets, 1 Arctic Skua and 41 Great Skuas. Also of note on the reserve were a Water Rail, a single Whimbrel west, 1 Rock Pipit over, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 50 Linnets and 10 Crossbills.

 

A Painted Lady and a Red Admiral were also of interest.

 

Thursday 1st October 2009

At Holme NOA an excellent morning seawatchi included 34 Brent Geese, 17 Teal, 192 Common Scoter, 1 drake Goldeneye, 4 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Northern Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Fulmars, 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 20 Manx Shearwaters, 298 Gannets, 16 Pom Skuas, 36 Arctic Skuas, 3 Long-tailed Skuas, 29 Great Skuas, 3 Sabine's Gulls east, 3 Kittiwakes, 6 Sandwich Terns and an adult Arctic Tern. Also of note were a single Whimbrel, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Rock Pipits and 20 Snow Buntings along the beach.

 

Wednesday 30th September 2009

At Holme NOA a seawatch between 6.45 and 8.45 produced 41 Brent Geese, 81 Wigeon, 61 Teal, 5 Pintail, 258 Common Scoter, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 6 Red-throated Divers, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 42 Gannets, 1 juv Pom Skua, 1 juv Long-tailed Skua, 6 Great Skuas, 1 adult Kittiwake, 1 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Tern, 2 Guillemots and 2 Little Auks east. Also of note today were 1250 Pink-feet, 2 Marsh Harriers, 4 Grey Herons, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 2 Water Rails, 2 Kingfishers, 15 Skylarks, 1 Swallow, 156 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtails, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Goldcrests, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 2 Jays, 2 Bramblings and 9 Reed Buntings.

 

Tuesday 29th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 2 Great Crested Grebes, 63 Gannets, 1 Arctic Skua and 3 Sandwich Terns. Also of note were a ring-tailed Hen Harrier, 1 Rock Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtails, 1 Redstart, 4 Cetti's Warblers, a female Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaffs.

 

Moths included Feathered Ranunculus, Black Rustic, Lunar Underwing and Lesser Yellow Underwing, while around the reserve a Red Admiral, 1 Large White and 1 Small Tortoiseshell were recorded.

 

Monday 28th September 2009

Of note at Holme NOA were 600+ Pink-feet, 1 Brent Goose, 27 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 154 Gannets, 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Great Skuas, 3 Kittiwakes and 23 Sandwich Terns.

 

Sunday 27th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 167 Common Scoter, 11 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Fulmars, 91 Gannets, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skuas, 7 Guillemots and 16 Sandwich Terns. Waders of note included 300 Golden Plover, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank and 1 Wood Sandpiper. Overhead migration included 18 Skylarks, 5 Swallows, 5 House Martins, 1 Tree Pipit, 80 Meadow Pipits, 2 Rock Pipits, 6 Pied Wagtails, 6 Song Thrushes, 6 Mistle Thrushes, 15 Bearded Tits, 45 Jackdaws, 9 Carrion Crows, 230 Starlings, 3 Tree Sparrows, 37 Chaffinches, 40 Goldfinches, 3 Siskins, 35 Linnets, 2 Crossbills and 8 Reed Buntings. A Stonechat was on the marsh and in the scrub 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 5 Chiffchaffs were seen.

 

Saturday 26th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 60 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, 65 Gannets, 1 Great Skua and 3 Sandwich Terns. A Sparrowhawk and 6 Buzzards were circling over the marsh, and waders included 100 Knot, 60 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Redshank, a Green Sandpiper and 2 Turnstones. A Tawny Owl was calling from the pines and 8 Skylarks, 1 Rock Pipit, 146 Meadow Pipits, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Pied Wagtails, 3 Jays, 80 Starlings, 3 Siskins, 45 Linnets and 14 Reed Buntings flew over during the day. Also of interest were a Wheatear along the approach road and a Whinchat in the dunes. 4+ Cetti's Warblers, 2 Blackcaps and 4 Chiffchaffs were in the scrub.

 

Friday 25th September 2009

A quiet day at Holme NOA, the highlight was a ring-tail Hen Harrier showing well for part of the afternoon over the marsh. Also of note were 8 Common Buzzards, a Greenshank, and a single Green Sandpiper. On the sea 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Gannets, an Arctic Skua and 2 Sandwich Terns were of interest.

 

Thursday 24th September 2009 

Weather in Scandinavia continues to block the exodus of migrants with very strong winds and heavy rain. A huge low sits just North West of Norway and stretches over most of Norway and Sweden. This looks set for a few more days yet. 

Closer to home sea-watching produced some good birds with a very close Manx Shearwater heading west, 22 Gannets west, a lone Marsh Harrier in off the sea and five juvenile Sandwich Terns west. Around the reserve two Whitethroats and three Stonechat are the only birds of note.

 

Wednesday 23rd September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 4 Eider, 6 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Divers, 37 Gannets and 2 Sandwich Terns. A quiet day around the reserve, a single Greenshank, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Chiffchaffs, a Goldcrest and 6 Goldfinches were recorded.

 

Moths included 1 Rush Veneer, 1 Diamond-back, 1 Red-lined Quaker, 1 Sallow, 1 Pink-barred Sallow, 15 Lunar Underwings, a Dark Arches and a Black Rustic.

 

Tuesday 22nd September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 4 Eider, 85 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Divers, 26 Gannets, 1 Arctic Skua and 38 Sandwich Terns. Also of note around the reserve were a Little Egret, 6 Golden Plover over, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Swallows, 143 House Martins west, a Cetti's Warbler was calling, and a Whitethroat, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler were in the scrub.

 

Butterflies included 5 Small Coppers, and in the moth traps 16 Lunar Underwings, 1 Shore Wainscot, and a Frosted Orange.

 

Monday 21st September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 4 Teal, 34 Eider, 270 Common Scoter, 6 Red-throated Divers, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 193 Gannets and 20 Sandwich Terns. Three Greenshank, 4 Swallows, 37 Meadow Pipits, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Jays, 13 Chaffinches and 6 Reed Buntings flew over. Around the reserve 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Goldcrests were in the scrub and 2 Snow Buntings were on the beach. 6 Stonechats were in the dunes.

 

Sunday 20th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 3 Brent Geese, 25 Eider, 2 Red-breasted Mergansers, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 52 Gannets, 5 Arctic Skuas, 4 Great Skuas and 11 Sandwich Terns. 143 Pink-feet and 17 Pintail were of note during the day, a Marsh Harrier and 3 Buzzards were flying along the ridge, a Whimbrel, 400 Grey Plover, 110 Curlew, 1 Green Woodpecker, 13 Swallows, 21 Meadow Pipits, 3 Grey Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, a Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Goldcrests and a Bullfinch were also recorded. Four Snow Buntings flew along the beach mid morning.

Butterflies included Comma, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Large White and Speckled Wood. In the moth traps, a Sallow, a Red-green Carpet, 2 Beaded Chestnuts, 13 Lunar Underwings and a Black Rustic were noted.

 

Saturday 19th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 24 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 1 Eider, 200+ Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 8 Red-throated Divers, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 50 Gannets, 4 Arctic Skuas, 1 Great Skua, 4 Kittiwakes, 17 Sandwich Terns, 1 Med Gull and a single Brent Goose east. Also of note around the reserve were 17 Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Greenshank, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6 Swallows, 42 Meadow Pipits, 1 Rock Pipit, 5 Grey Wagtails, 1 Redstart, 3 Song Thrushes, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Pied Flycatcher, 6 Siskins east, 3 Crossbills west and 2 Bullfinches along the east bank. 2 Whinchats were near the saltings.

 

Moths included a Pale Pinion, 3 Black Rustics, 1 Brick, 2 Feathered Ranunculus and a Large Wainscot.

 

Friday 18th September 2009

Seawatching late afternoon produced 119 Common Scoter, 12 Gannets, 12 Kittiwakes and 8 Sandwich Terns. Around the reserve a Green Woodpecker, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrests, and a Pied Flycatcher were seen. 5 Snow Buntings flew east along the beach late afternoon.

 

Moths included Black Rustic, Diamond-back, Rush Veneer, the Brick, Feathered Ranunculus and Large Wainscot.

 

Thursday 17th September 2009

Seawatching has tailed off considerably with only 41 Gannets recorded in half an hour, a single Pom skua was noted along with a lone Arctic skua. Two Scaup were loged for the first time this year as were seven dark bellied Brent Geese. Around the reserve a Crossbill was ringed.

 

Wednesday 16th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 62 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 3 Pintail, 2 Eider, 125 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Fulmars, 244 Gannets, 6 Arctic Skua, 1 Great Skua, 1 Med Gull, 70 Sandwich Terns, 2 Common Terns. 50 Swallows, 60 House Martins, a Hobby, 4 Wheatears, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 3 Reed Warblers, 1 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaffs and 7 Crossbills were also of note.

 

**NORFOLK NEWS FROM BIRDNET PAGER**

*POSS FEA'S PETREL RPTD E/PAST SHERINGHAM ATc4PM+AD POM SKUA

*RED-NECKED PHAL 12.33PM CLEY NWT FROM NORTH HIDE

*1w RED-BREASTED FLY TILL c2.15PM WELLS WOODS BY C/PK GATE THEN FLEW INTO WELLS WOODS

*GREAT WHITE EGRET COSTESSEY MARSHES

*RED-BREASTED FLY 5.40PM WELLS WOODS IN NW/CORNER OF THE DELL+2 FIRECRESTS ON SOUTH SIDE

*RED-BREASTED FLY NNE/OF WELLS AT EAST HILLS THIS MRNG

*AD LONG-T.SKUA W/PAST SHERINGHAM AT 5.40PM

*LEACH'S PETREL W/PAST CLEY COASTGUARDS AT 7.10AM. LARGE S/WTR sp PAST AT 7.50AM. 2 SOOTY S/WTRS PAST BY 9.30AM+11 ARCTIC SKUAS,8 BONXIES & 2 PUFFINS

*LEACH'S PETREL E/PAST SHERINGHAM AT 8.03AM+2 BALEARIC S/WTRS,STORM PETREL,6 SOOTY S/WTRS,20 MANX S/WTRS,5 ARCTIC SKUAS,11 BONXIES,JUV LITTLE GULL,RED-NECKED GREBE & JUV SHAG

*PROB CORY'S S/WTR E/PAST SHERINGHAM AT 10.30AM

*FIRECREST WELLS WOODS BY DRINKING POOL AT 3.20PM

*6 ARCTIC SKUAS OFF HOLME+3 BONIES, 11 CROSSBILLS IN PINES AT E/END

*WRYNECK HOLKHAM FRESHMARSH ON TRACK 500YDS S/OF JOE JORDAN HIDE

 

Tuesday 15th September 2009

At Holme NOA another excellent seawatch for 7 and a quarter hours produced 50 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 3 Eider, 385 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Divers, 2 Black-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Fulmars, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Leach's Petrel, 569 Gannets, 3 Pom Skuas, 24 Arctic Skuas, 19 Great Skuas, 4 Kittiwakes, 223 Sandwich Terns, 1 Arctic Terns and a Guillemot. Also of note around the reserve today were 2 Redstarts, a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Garden Warblers, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Cetti's Warblers, a Green Woodpecker, 2 Bramblings, and a Wheatear was along the approach road.

 

Monday 14th September 2009

At Holme NOA another excellent seawatch for 8 and a half hours produced 47 Shelduck, 342 Wigeon, 444 Teal, 5 Pintail, 1 Scaup, 1 Eider, 393 Common Scoter, 2 Red-throated Divers, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Fulmars, 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Leach's Petrel, 1339 Gannets, 3 Pom Skuas, 24 Arctic Skuas, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 34 Great Skuas, 6 Kittiwakes, 235 Sandwich Terns and 5 Arctic Terns. Passerines were still fairly scarce around the reserve but a probable Red-breasted Flycatcher was in the sycamore mid morning, though not relocated, and a Wheatear was in the dunes early evening.

 

Sunday 13th September 2009

NOA cricket team loses by 60 runs!!!

At Holme NOA seawatching produced a major passage of seabirds including 280 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, 2 Fulmars, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 328 Manx Shearwaters, 2 Leach's Petrels, 1585 Gannets, 4 Pom Skuas, 63 Arctic Skuas, 1 Long-tailed Skua, 52 Great Skuas, 1 juvenile Sabine's Gull, 200 Kittiwakes and 69 Sandwich Terns.

 

Saturday 12th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 37 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, 108 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Divers, 5 Fulmars, 224 Gannets, 10 Arctic Skuas, 4 Great Skuas, 8 Kittiwakes and 65 Sandwich Terns. Also of note today were 255 Pink-footed Geese in off the sea, 4 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Herons flying west, 5 Common Buzzards, 3 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Tawny Owl, 22 Swallows, 36 Meadow Pipits west, 1 Rock Pipit, 1 Yellow Wagtail east,  3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroats and 2 Chiffchaffs.

 

A Feathered Ranunculus and a Frosted Orange were of note in the moth traps. Butterflies included 2 Speckled Woods, a Red Admiral, 2 Peacocks, 8 Large Whites and a Common Blue.

 

Friday 11th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 96 Pink-footed Geese, 8 Shelduck, 40 Wigeon, 254 Teal, 25 Pintail, 7 Eider, 108 Common Scoter, 3 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fulmars, 450 Gannets, 6 Arctic Skuas, 1 Great Skua, 5 Kittiwakes, 92 Sandwich Terns and 66 Common Terns. A Honey Buzzard flew in off the sea and headed south mid afternoon, and a Common Buzzard, a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel were recorded during the day. Of note around the reserve were a Tawny Owl and a Green Woodpecker.  6 Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper flew over together with 7 Swallows, 24 House Martins, 32 Meadow Pipits, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Tree Sparrow, 17 Chaffinches and 7 Reed Buntings. In the scrub around the reserve 3 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Whitethroats and 3 Chiffchaffs were also of interest. A Pied Flycatcher was ringed late afternoon.

 

A Hedge Rustic was of note in the moth traps together with 2 Diamond Backs.

 

**NORFOLK NEWS FROM BIRDNET PAGER**

*WRYNECK HOPTON-ON-SEA ALONG CLIFFS MID A/NOON THEN FLEW TO GOLF COURSE & NO FURTHER SIGN

*HONEY BUZZARD S/OVER HOLME NOA OBS AT 3.20PM+45 PINKFEET ALSO 3 ARCTIC SKUAS & BONXIE PAST

*PURPLE SAND WINTERTON DUNES NNR AT NORTH DUNES+YELLOW WAG,TREE PIPIT  & JUV HOBBY

*1s CASPIAN GULL ALDEBY LANDFILL SITE AT 1.30PM+2 1s YELLOW-L.GULLS

*AD MED GULL HADDISCO MARSHES FOLLOWING PLOUGH

*3 YELLOW-L.GULLS AD+1s+JUV CLIPPESBY BETWEEN BASTWICK & CLIPPISBY BY B1152+10 MED GULLS 6 ADs+2 2w+2 1w & RUFF

 

Thursday 10th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 42 Wigeon, 98 Teal, 9 Eider, 231 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Divers, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Fulmars, 1 Manx Shearwater, 10 Arctic Skuas, 1 Great Skua, 2 Kittiwakes, 110 Sandwich Terns and a single Little Auk. Around the reserve a Tawny Owl, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroats, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Pied Flycatchers were of note. 3 Whimbrel, 7 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Swallows and 2 Wheatears were also recorded. A Merlin flew east along the beach.

 

In the moth traps 23 Square-spot Rustics, 5 Lesser Yellow Underwings, 3 Setaceous Hebrew Characters, 2 Smoky Wainscots, 25 Large Yellow Underwings, 1 Pale Mottled Willow, 1 Rosy Rustic, 2 Vine's Rustic, 1 Feathered Ranunculus, 1 White-line Dart, 1 Mouse Moth, 2 Archer's Darts and a Silver Y were recorded.

 

**NORFOLK - PAGER NEWS FROM BIRDNET**

*CORY'S S/WTR W/PAST SHERINGHAM BETWEEN 9.30 & 9.40AM+2 PUFFIN

*2 SOOTY S/WTRS PAST SHERINGHAM BETWEEN 6.30 & 11AM+4 PUFFIN

*PIED FLY KELLING WATER MEADOWS IN HEDGE c100YDSYDS ALONG PATH W/OF TRACK

*LITTLE AUK PAST HOLME NOA IN 4HRS+BONXIE,7 ARCTIC SKUAS,MANX S/WTR & 5 RED-T.DIVERS. PIED FLY & GARDEN WBLR TRAPPED & RINGED

*4 HONEY BUZZARDS 2MLS N/OF HOLT FLEW E/ AT c2.45PM

LITTLE STINT HICKLING BROAD NWT ON RUSH HILL SCRAPE

*4 HONEY BUZZARD E/OVER SALTHOUSE HEATH AT 2.45PM

*3 SCAUP CLEY NWT ON ARNOLDS MARSH+3 CURLEW SANDS & 2 LITTLE STINTS ON RES

*22 PINKFEET E/OVER TITCHWELL RSPB 2 JUV LITTLE STINTS ON FRESHMARSH+12 WIGEON

*JUV HEN HARRIER KELLING OVER FIELDS W/OF KELLING WATER MEADOWS AT 6.30PM

 

Wednesday 9th September 2009

At Holme NOA a 4 and a half hour seawatch took place this morning. Highlights were 6 Wigeon, 290 Teal, 139 Common Scoter, 1 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Red-throated Divers, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Fulmars, 85 Manx Shearwaters, 166 Gannets, 78 Arctic Skuas, 4 Great Skuas, 1 Kittiwake, 228 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Terns, 2 Arctic Terns, 2 Black Terns and 3 Little Auks. Also of note around the reserve were 3 Marsh Harriers, 2 Tawny Owls, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Cetti's Warblers, 4 Lesser Whitethroats, 6 Blackcaps, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warblers.  Waders included 107 Ringed Plovers, 98 Grey Plovers, 14 Dunlin, 227 Bar-tailed Godwits, 5 Whimbrel, 7 Curlew, 27 Redshank and 12 Greenshank.

 

Tuesday 8th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 3 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 14 Eider, 20 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 19 Gannets, 8 Arctic Skuas, 205 Sandwich Terns, 45 Common Terns and 4 Arctic Terns. Also of note were 277 Oystercatchers, 348 Ringed Plovers, 105 Grey Plovers, 4000 Knot, 97 Sanderling, 39 Dunlin, 450 Bar-tailed Godwits, 26 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 100 Redshank, 3 Greenshank, and 3 Turnstones. A Barn Owl and a Kingfisher were of note early morning together with a passage of hirundines. This included 419 Swallows and 37 House Martins. A Tree Pipit flew over west. 4 Wheatears were on the Golf Course and a Cetti's Warbler and a Blackcap were in the scrub.

 

Monday 7th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 123 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Fulmar, 12 Gannets, 174 Sandwich Terns, 7 Common Terns, 1 Arctic Tern and 2 Little Terns. Also of note were 2 Marsh Harriers, 2 Greenshank, a Green Woodpecker, 3 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 5 Willow Warblers. An Osprey flew past in the afternoon and a Red Kite was circling east of Holme village.

 

Sunday 6th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching highlights were 8 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 15 Pintail, 12 Eider, 334 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fulmars, 1 Manx Shearwater, 30 Gannets, 12 Arctic Skuas, 96 Sandwich Terns, 4 Common Terns, 15 Arctic Terns and a Black Tern. A Little Stint was feeding on the shoreline. 2 Marsh Harriers, 1 Greenshank, and a Green Woodpecker were around the reserve. Also of note was a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper south of Thornham bank.

 

Butterflies included Comma, Red Admiral, Grayling, Common Blue and Small Tortoiseshell. A Feathered Gothic was in the moth trap.

 

Saturday 5th September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching took place all day and highlights were 3 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, 33 Teal, 9 Eider, 359 Common Scoter, 4 Red-throated Divers, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Fulmars, 8 Manx Shearwaters, 240 Gannets, 28 Arctic Skuas, 52 Great Skuas, 123 Sandwich Terns, 11 Common Terns, 16 Arctic Terns and 22 Black Terns. Around the reserve a Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 10 Swallows, 24 Meadow Pipits, 2 Cetti's Warblers, 2 Whitethroats, 2 Willow Warblers and 1 Blackcap were of note. A single Wheatear was in the dunes.

 

Friday 4th September 2009

At Holme NOA 3 hours seawatching highlights included 1 Shelduck, 12 Teal, 88 Common Scoter, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Fulmars, 7 Manx Shearwaters, 35 Gannets, 5 Arctic Skuas, 6 Bonxies, 36 Sandwich Terns and 6 Common Terns. Also of note offshore were 13 Avocets west, 43 Ringed Plovers, 35 Grey Plovers and 164 Bar-tailed Godwits. A Green Sandpiper and a Greenshank flew along the Broadwater during the day.

 

Thursday 3rd September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 10 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 21 Common Scoter, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 27 Fulmars, 146 Manx Shearwaters west, 32 Gannets, 16 Arctic Skuas, 15 Sandwich Terns, 186 Common Terns and 24 Black Terns. A Garganey was on the Broadwater at 8.30am with Teal and Mallard, but not found later in the morning.

 

Wednesday 2nd September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 1 Common Scoter, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Fulmar, 31 Gannets, 1 Kittiwake, 96 Sandwich Terns, 12 Common Terns and 1 Black Tern. Also of note were a Peregrine, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Greenshank, 6 Swallows, 1 Cetti's Warblers and 1 Willow Warbler.

 

Tuesday 1st September 2009

At Holme NOA seawatching produced 43 Common Scoter, 1 Fulmar, 42 Gannets, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Med Gull, 101 Sandwich Terns, 41 Common Terns, 4 Arctic Terns, 1 Little Tern and 1 Black Tern. Also of interest around the reserve were a Marsh Harrier, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Little Stint, 7 Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Sand Martins, 31 Swallows, 3 Wheatears, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 4 Reed Wablers, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Blackcaps and 1 Willow Warbler.