Birds – Page 14 – Neil Baldwin's blog : Warning contains walking, technology, photography, holidays.

Stiffkey to Blakeney

Got the bus to Stiffkey Fen just outside Stiffkey. On the way to the Fen two bird watchers let us know that there was Temmerick Stint and Little Ringed Plover to be seen. We did our best but it took the help of a friendly couple to track them down. Whilst we were searching we could hear a Cuckoo then after a while it flew across right in front of us We headed on towards Morston where we heard a very vocal bird in a bush which we eventually caught sight of it was a Cetti’s Warbler. The coastal path is fantastic and the blue skies and southerly breeze made for a great day out walking, especially this time of year. We eventually got to Blakeney then got the bus to Cley where we had lunch at Cookes tea room. Later on we plan to walk down the north edge of the reserve hoping to see the Spoonbill on Billy’s Wash, and the Little Terns on Arnolds!

Walk to Weybourne

The plan was to walk from Salthouse, with the wind behind us, to Weybourne. Saw a seal in the sea but he did not hang around for long. Nothing much else to report so we headed into the center of Kelling, where we knew there was a tea shop. After coffee and cake headed back to the Quag via a conservation area. Helen spotted a Cuckoo. We passed what looked to be a weather/environment monitoring station. It had the usual wind monitors and slated cupboards that meteorologists use. There was also a parabolic shaped aerial (possibly microwave) pointing skyward, and a white box shaped instrument that made a strange whistle every 30 seconds. Further on we can across a load of Wheatear, Whimbrel, Stonechat, and a Mistle Thrush. Headed onto Weybourne to catch the bus to Cley NWT, for lunch.

A tank, a boat, a film crew and a Cockatiel

Off to Titchwell today because the weather seems a bit showery. Got some good spots including the elusive Spotted Redshank. Went on the Holkham (£3.50 parking!) and saw a tank on the sands, which seemed to be there to drag an acting boat in to position for the perfect shot at high tide. There was film equipment lying around all over the woods, as well as a railway for cameras, lined up to do a shot along a mossy path framed by vegetation. We popped into the hide over looking the marshes and someone pointed out a parrot like bird which seemed to be very tame, so tame in fact I was able to take a picture with my wide angled lens. Shame it is not tickable!

Barn Owl from the office window

Some of you may know that I keep a list of the birds I see from my office window. Well this morning a Barn Owl flew past along the hedgerow. Unusual to see one so late in the morning (09:00) perhaps it has young so is having to hunt into the day. It also gets added to the 2009 year list, which I need to tally up before we go to Salthouse on holiday.

What a life!

My colleague who works in sales, has an easy life. He sits in his office shed all day bird watching.

See picture he sent me of a pair of Bullfinches, shame he did not clean the window before taking it.

What a day!

Today, Sunday was glorious. After a night on the tiles at the Wool Pack pub in Stoke Mandeville,we managed to get up early. Headed out to the hills around Ivinghoe beacon. The atmosphere was really clear and the clouds were white and fluffy, great day for taking photos, which I did and you can see here.

Walked from the NT car park towards Incombe Hole (where a Ring Ouzel had been reported which we failed to find) , and saw Whitethroat and Willow Warbler, spring is definitely here. Went back to Helen’s folks for coffee and cake, then saw the start of the Grand Prix.

After the Grand Prix we headed out on the bikes to a small nature reserve nearby where there are lots of butterflies. Today we have seen Small White, Large White, Green Hairstreak, Peacock, Tortoise Shell, Spotted Wood, Brimstone, Orange Top, and Comma which is a good start to our butterfly list.

The Independent is running a promotion where you can get a butterfly chart. Goto http://www.independent.co.uk/promo-offers enter your details and a the promotion code BUTTERFLIES, and they will send you the chart.

Stop Press — The Woolpack burnt down over night see the link http://www.bucksherald.co.uk/news/Police-close-road-in-Stoke.5206829.jp

Normal service resumed

Following complaints from blog followers (Angela) here is another blog entry. Out for a walk from end car park of Wendover Woods. Here just for Angela is a bird list.

Blackbird, Red-legged Partridge, Robin, Skylark, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Pheasant, Rook, Lapwing, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Coot, House Martin, Wren, Dunnock, and Collared Dove.

Along the way many spring flowers were out including bluebells and wild garlic.

Eels Foot Inn day 2

Clocks went back, so had to get up earlier than usual. Button won the Grand Prix. Added to list on the way to breakfast Pied Wagtail on the lawn.

Decided to park at Minsmere and walk to Dunwich and back. Weather cold but clear blue skies. Stopped at Dunwich for fish and chips part III, skate and chips was my choice, and very nice it was too. After lunch headed back to Minsmere, but not via the beach as the tide was in and the pebbles looked heavy….but after an ill advised change of mind the draw of the sea was too much, and yes we did regret it! Back at the visitors center by 15:30, on the road by 15:45 homoe by 18:30, a good run with only a slight queue t the M25 Aylesbury turn off.

Pied Wagtail, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Rook, Moorhen, Marsh Harrier, Mute Swan, Greylag, Canada Goose, Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Magpie, Black Headed Gull, Dartford Warbler, Kestrel, Robin, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch. (22 YTD )

Back at the Eels Foot Inn

We are treating Helen’s parents to a weekend away, the pub at Eastbridge is just the ticket. Arrived at around 7:00 on Friday.

Had breakfast the headed off towards Dunwich Heath. Weather showers which seemed to be showering when we were walking. After a tea break at the coast guard cottages we headed off round the hides of Minsmere. Late lunch at the visitors centre, I had the lovely spinach bake. Quick trip to Southwold for the papers then a rest and into the pub for a well earned beer.

Blackbird, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Mute Swan, Greylag, Mallard, Moorhen, Goldcrest, Robin, Green Woodpecker, Carrion Crow, Stonechat, Kestrel, Cormorant, LBB Gull, Red-throated Diver, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Black Tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Avocet, Little Egret, Cormorant, Marsh Harrier, Shelduck, Herring Gull, Coot, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Wigeon, Shoveler, Knot, Oystercatcher, Jay, Coal Tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Snipe, Starling, Curlew, Pheasant.

Dancersend walk

Another great day, so went for a walk round Dancersend, the same walk I did a couple of weeks ago but the other way round, which is a better way to do it. Wood Pigeon, Pheasant, Rook, Blue Tit, Magpie, Jay, Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Red Kite, Yellowhammer, Black-headed Gull, Robin (13). Yellowhammers seem to stay where they are, again today I saw them when I had seem them before.