I was surprised to find the remains of a hail storm at the Obs this morning before the sun melted the ice away! It turned out to be a lovely sunny day, with a strong north westerly.

It was a decent day birding getting to 50 species just around the Obs, however quiet in terms of migrants so far! There were Crossbill, Siskin, Linnet, Goldfinch and Greenfinch in the Pines, and at least 4 Chiffchaff singing. A Med Gull flew over the grazing marsh in the afternoon and 6 Med Gull were reported on Lavendar Marsh. From NWT Hide 3 there were two Little Grebe feeding very close in to the hide, it was nice to see them diving closely in the crystal-clear water. Four Cattle Egret were with the cattle on Holme Marsh. On the sea, 37 Kittiwake were recorded going into the Wash off Gore Point.

The moth traps were quiet, but busier than I’d have expected given the conditions through the night. We had 1 pristine Early Thorn, and 5 Hebrew Character and 2 Small Quaker.

On Tuesday (24th), one of our regulars got some great pictures of one of the White-fronted Geese bathing in the pool from the car park hide which I wanted to share with everyone. We always appreciate getting sent pictures taken in the HBO recording area, so please so email any pictures to info@noa.org.uk – thank you!

White-fronted Goose – photo by Seamus Griffin

NORFOLK BIRD NEWS FROM RAREBIRD ALERT

Norfolk Spotted Redshank Buckenham Marshes RSPB at Hide Pool at 10.10am 52.5941,1.4653

Norfolk Iceland Gull juv between Waxham +Horsey still on beach by groyne.24 at 12.28pm 52.7663,1.6433: Park at 52.7586,1.6504

Norfolk Glaucous Gull 2w between Waxham +Horsey still on beach north of Waxham Sands Holiday Park at 9.41am 52.7626,1.6485: Park at 52.7586,1.6504; Viewed from 52.7622,1.6478

Norfolk Osprey flew NW over Welney WWT at 8.30am 52.5326,0.3092