A really wet start at the Observatory this morning, and noticeably cooler, with a continuing brisk southerly wind, however it turned out to be quite a nice sunny day.

At Thornham end, there were 7 Cattle Egret in the field where the cows usually are, however they were being moved into trailers and the Cattle Egret were left looking rather lonely! They eventually dispersed to join the ponies instead. Starling have continued to come in today with c2200 birds this morning, many passing out at sea and some appearing over the pines and dunes. There were 15 Crossbill showing well again between NOA/NWT pines.  A female Goldeneye was on the Broadwater. Still some small flocks of Chaffinch passing over with 24 birds including at least 1 Brambling.

One of the many wigeon feeding in the saltmarsh at Thornham, and being somewhat camouflaged!

Six species in the moth traps today with 4 Large Wainscot, 7 Rusty Dot Pearl, 1 Satellite, 1 Turnip Moth, 1 White Point and another Oak Rustic! The Satellite was quite an orange individual, the spots on the wings can range from white to orange among individuals.

Satellite (left) and Oak Rustic (right)

Shannon Clifford – Assistant Warden

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RAREBIRD ALERT

Norfolk 5.Snow Buntings West Runton still at west end of Seaview car park in taped-off area at 10.55am 52.9413,1.2487. Park at 52.9412,1.2499

Norfolk Velvet Scoter flew NW past Walcott mid morning c52.8425,1.5012

Norfolk 2.Glossy Ibises north of Salthouse tho mobile c52.9521,1.0865

Norfolk Shorelark Cley NWT at Arnold’s Marsh c52.9606,1.0651

Norfolk Curlew Sand Titchwell RSPB still on Freshmarsh from Parrinder Hide 52.9692,0.6068. Park at c52.9629,0.6063

Norfolk Long-tailed Duck juv Snettisham RSPB still on pit behind chalets +5.Hawfinches in trees by beach car park c52.8606,0.4475. Viewed from 52.8602,0.4476

Norfolk Grey Phal Cley NWT still east of East Bank on Pope’s Marsh c52.9579,1.0688

Norfolk Glossy Ibis y’day Cley NWT still c52.958,1.0542

Norfolk Caspian Gull 2w y’day Titchwell RSPB c52.9672,0.6048. Park at c52.9629,0.6063

Norfolk Water Pipit y’day Buckenham Marshes RSPB c52.5941,1.4653

Norfolk 2.Water Pipits y’day Strumpshaw Fen RSPB c52.6075,1.4498