Today was my first day back to work and it was lovely to return to Spring! I had a great time in the Gambia ringing at Kartong Bird Observatory, it was such a valuable experience seeing and handling such a variety of species. Exotic highlights from the trip were ringing Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Hooded Vulture, Blackcap Babbler, Purple Glossy Starling, Painted Snipe and Northern Puffback. It was great to ring/process things we catch here like Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Redstart, and also some things I’m hopeful may turn up at the Obs over the next few years, including Western Subalpine Warbler, Melodious Warbler and Great Reed Warbler!!

At the Obs today it was lovely and sunny, with a brisk wind. On the car park pools there were 16 Curlew and 2 Avocet, which were lovely to see back. When I was scanning through a large flock of Pink-footed Geese (c110) from the car park hide, a flock of White-fronted Geese dropped into my scope view and landed on Holme grazing marsh, but completely out of view and obscured by the reeds unfortunately! There were at least 40 birds but probably more. There were a few Chiffchaff about today with at least 3 individuals and 2 singing birds around the NOA car park. The Little Grebe, Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Coal Tit were also all singing.

I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and catching the first Chiffchaff.

Shannon

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RAREBIRD ALERT

Norfolk 8+Tundra Bean Geese Snettisham Coastal still at Ken Hill Marshes at south end tho distant c52.8876,0.4625

Norfolk Glaucous Gull 2w Waxham still by groyne.26 at 11.20am c52.7678,1.6406. Viewed from 52.7673,1.6401

Norfolk 3.Glossy Ibises just east of Stiffkey still late morning on flood south of A149 c52.9541,0.9431

Norfolk 3.Glossy Ibises just west of Stiffkey still on flood south of A149 opposite The Red Lion pub at 10.30am 52.9512,0.927. Park at 52.9524,0.9244 along Greenway; don’t park along A149

Norfolk 6.Tundra Bean Geese Snettisham Coastal still at Ken Hill Marshes at south end c52.8876,0.4625

Norfolk Bewick’s Swan Saddlebow at Seeche Farm 52.6997,0.3858

Norfolk Eastern Black Redstart (form murinus /phoenicuroides /rufiventris) 1w.male Sheringham still at The Esplanade in flower bed at 8.09am 52.9456,1.2059. Park at c52.9448,1.2068. Viewed from 52.9455,1.206