The southerly wind picked up today at the Observatory and to say it made birding challenging would be a bit of an understatement, especially on the sea wall to Thornham! It felt much quieter for birds in most areas, with birds seeking out sheltered spots like these Starling which were exclusively sticking to the northern side of the seawall to feed.

There were 21 Little Grebe and 6 Tufted Duck on the Broadwater. The northern side of the pines where the public coastal footpath is, was just about the only sheltered spot in the area, with the tit flock and Goldcrest hanging out here, however, no sign of the Firecrest today. There were at least 15 Blackbird, 2 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare in a few Hawthorn trees in the NOA car park.

Quiet in the moth traps with 5 Rusty Dot Pearl, 1 White Point, 3 Large Wainscot and 1 Red-green Carpet.

Shannon Clifford – Assistant Warden

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RAREBIRD ALERT

Norfolk Water Pipit Cley NWT still on Pat’s Pool from Bishop’s Hide c52.9566,1.0576. Viewed from 52.9561,1.0582. Park at 52.9544,1.0567

Norfolk Snow Bunting Cley NWT on beach at end of East Bank briefly 11am c52.9622,1.0644

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

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