Isabelline Wheatear

First ever inland record of an Isabelline Wheatear apparently and not too far away – between Ely and the Ouse Washes – so gave it a go. Present since Thursday, but not identified until Friday, and not twitchable until yesterday (but I had things on). Watched it for about an hour at fairly close range.

Then called in at Foxton Sewage Works. A single Grey Wagtail present. Think I’m going to check out this site more this winter.

Wardy Hill
30 October 2016 12:05 - 14:35
Patchy cloud 17C 4SE
Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Skylark, Isabelline Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Reed Bunting

Foxton Sewage Works
30 October 2016 14:20 - 14:45
Overcast 16C 4SE
Cormorant, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Black-headed Gull, Stock Dove, Carrion Crow, Starling, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch

Cornwall (Day 7)

Last day. After packing and a lazy breakfast we went to nearby Pendeen for half an hour or so for a quick look around. Nothing doing really.

Then attempted the Hudsonian Whimbrel again. There were half a dozen other birders present and after about 30-40 minutes of looking it was picked up. We all watched it for about 20 minutes and people were happy with it, but I said we really need to see it fly. Although I’d not seen any white on the rump, I wasn’t 100% convinced, expecting a slightly paler bird below than the rather more warmish brown on this bird. The head pattern was possibly less distinct than expected as well. Everyone was happy for me to go onto the beach and encourage it to fly so off I went. When it flew, the white rump gave it away as a Eurasian Whimbrel! Has there actually been a Hudsonian Whimbrel here recently? Surely most Whimbrels should be well on their way to Africa by now? Were people just assuming that the Whimbrel present was the Hudsonian? Either way, with time pressing on, I decided to press on.

Stopped at the Hayle for a few minutes as there was a crowd of people looking at something. I was hoping it would be the Franklin’s Gull that had been found yesterday but had not so far been seen today. It wasn’t, they were watching a Spoonbill. I had a quick look at it and did a quick scan before moving on as I wanted to get the long-staying Pelican which was recently spending it’s time on the Camel Estuary.

After dropping Michelle and Sam off at nearby Padstow, I went to look for the Pelican. I wasn’t entirely sure of the directions and the bird could wander widely. I found a good vantage point opposite Cave Cove where it was seen yesterday afternoon and was soon joined by another birrder who had been present at the Whimbrel sighting. He said he’d just seen it drift up this way, and we soon got on it over by the far bank (north side) of the esturary. We watched it for about 30 seconds before it took flight, initially heading towards us, giving excellent views, before turning left and heading up stream and out of view. That was close(!) but after several months of it being in Cornwall, Dalmation Pelican was now on the list, even if it is only pencilled in.

Then back to Padstow for an excellent dinner at the Old Custom House before the long drive home.

Pendeen
28 October 2016 11:15 - 12:15
Overcast 12C 9SW
Gannet, Cormorant, Kestrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Chough, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet

Perranuthnoe
28 October 2016 12:30 - 13:30
Patchy cloud 13C 9SW
Gannet, Cormorant, Little Egret, Kestrel, Grey Plover, Whimbrel, Curlew, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Chaffinch

Hayle Estuary
28 October 2016 13:45 - 14:00
Patchy cloud 13C 9SW
Canada Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Linnet

Camel Estuary
28 October 2016 14:45 - 15:30
Patchy cloud 13C 9SW
Mute Swan, Mallard, Little Egret, Dalmatian Pelican, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Redshank, Herring Gull, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Pied Wagtail

Cornwall (Day 6)

A family day with a bit of birding. Went to Cot whilst waiting for them to get ready. Very quiet.

Then went to St. Michael’s Mount and Marazion. Then attempted the Hudsonian Whimbrel nearby at Perranuthnoe. No joy, think the tide was wrong. Reported there later on. A Yellow-browed Warbler was heard.

Then went to Porthgwara and walked to St. Levan and back with a cream tea at the Minack Theatre half way. Yellow-browed Warbler still present by the church.

Cot Valley
27 October 2016 08:50 - 10:25
Overcast 12C 12SW
Buzzard (heard), Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch

Perranuthnoe
27 October 2016 13:00 - 13:45
Cloudy 13C 6SW
Little Egret, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Curlew, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper, Redshank, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Skylark, Swallow, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Rock Pipit, Chaffinch

Porthgwarra
27 October 2016 15:00 - 16:30
Cloudy 12C 6SW
Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Blackcap (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Rabbit, Grey Seal

St. Levan
27 October 2016 16:30 - 17:30
Cloudy 12C 6SW
Gannet, Shag, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff (heard), Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch

Cornwall (Day 5)

Slogged all day. Dawn until dusk. Porthgwara, and walked to St. Levan and back. Three Yellow-browed Warblers (shocking photo) and another Pasty.

Porthgwarra
26 October 2016 08:15 - 15:30
Sunny intervals with occasional showers 15C 7SW
Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Kestrel, Golden Plover, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Chough, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap (heard), Dartford Warbler, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Rabbit, Red Admiral

St. Levan
26 October 2016 15:30 - 17:30
Mostly sunny 14C 9SW
Buzzard, Kestrel, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, Long-tailed Tit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Rabbit, Red Admiral

 

Cornwall (Day 4)

Got up at a reasonable time and walked to Kenidjack. Birded the fields on the way and got to the valley just as the sun poked through: The beginning of  a gloriously sunny morning.

Lots of birds but nothing special apart from the same stuff I found the other day: Siberian Chiffchaff, possible (probable?) Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, and Yellow-browed Warbler.

Walked back to St. Just and got a pasty for lunch and had a change of clothes into shorts. Then all of a sudden, the fog came in. Birded Cot for a couple of hours and then Nanquidno until half an hour before dusk. Think the fog killed the birding, particularly late at Nanquidno when there was no activity whatsoever. Another odd-sounding Chiffchaff (abietnus?) was the only interesting observation.

Kenidjack Valley
25 October 2016 08:05 - 12:20
Misty start but brightening with a high of 16C 8SSW
Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Kingfisher, Chough, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Siberian Chiffchaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaff Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch (heard), Rabbit, Large White, Red Admiral

Cot Valley
25 October 2016 13:01 - 14:51
Misty 14C 5SSW
Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Red Admiral

Nanquidno
25 October 2016 15:45 - 17:48
Mist/fog. 10C 4S
Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap (heard), Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail (heard), Chaffinch, Rabbit

Cornwall (Day 3)

Slow start. Day looked grey and wet. Bed looked warm and cosy. When I eventually got up and drove to Porthgwara things didn’t immediately speed up. Picked up a Redstart by the carpark, but little else. Bumped into Cornish birder John Ryan who I went to Kazakhstan many years ago and we had  quick chat before the rain came in and we went our separate ways.

After a pasty in the cafe I walked over to St. Levan where I found a Yellow-browed Warbler by the church. The only other bird of interest was a very odd sounding Chiffchaff. The “hweet” call was reversed with a down-slur rather than an up-slur. But it looked like a very typical collybita and I assume that’s what it was.

Back at Porthgwara things got more interesting. A chap from Berkshire, Dave Rymes (nice chap, down with his family) had just found a Pallas’s Warbler by the Doctor’s House. However, despite looking for the best part of half an hour, neither of us, nor two other young birders (who needed it) could find it. We did manage to see a rather dull looking Yellow-browed Warbler though.

Having seen Pallas’s Warbler recently, I strolled off to “60 foot cover”. A Tawny Owl (!) was calling from there and I managed to find another Yellow-browed. A different bird as it was much brighter (quite like the bird I’d seen at St. Levan earlier). I was again joined by Dave and told him about the Yellow-browed when the Pallas’s Warbler popped out! It performed well until dusk, though unfortunately the other two birders weren’t present to see it.

Given the lack of reports from elsewhere in Cornwall, Pallas’s Warbler was probably, ignoring Scilly, the bird of the day in the county.

Porthgwarra
24 October 2016 09:30 - 13:45
Changeable; bright sunshine and torrential rain 11C 5S
Gannet (heard), Grey Heron, Kestrel, Peregrine, Golden Plover, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chough (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral

St. Levan
24 October 2016 13:45 - 16:00
Mostly sunny but occasional light rain 12C 5S
Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral

Porthgwarra
24 October 2016 16:00 - 19:38
Patchy cloud 10C 5S
Kestrel, Snipe, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl (heard), Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Pallas's Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral

Cornwall (Day 2)

Decided to go for another car-less day and started by walking from St. Just to Nanquidno, birding en-route. Unfortunately the easterly wind was picking up all the time, and by the time I got to the valley it was quite hard work. I managed to find a Yellow-browed Warbler and, like yesterday, a couple of late House Martins went through, but that was about it.

Walked back via the coastal route and up Cot Valley but the wind was very strong so decided to head back to the house where I met the others and we went for Sunday lunch the next village to the north,  Botallack. We walked there across the fields from St. Just but on the way back went via a longer circular route along the coast via Kenidjack, Cape Cornwall, and Cot.

I obviously kept half an eye open for birds, but with 40+mph winds I didn’t see a lot. We arrived home shortly after 4pm just before heavy rain. Birding over for the day. The forecast is for rain all night, clearing first thing and the wind dropping considerably.

St. Just
23 October 2016 08:30 - 09:30
Patchy cloud 12C 25E
Buzzard, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Red Admiral

Nanquidno
23 October 2016 09:30 - 11:18
Patchy cloud 12C 35E
Gannet, Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, House Martin, Yellow-browed Warbler, Blackcap (heard), Wren (heard), Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing (heard), Robin, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit (heard), Chaffinch, Red Admiral, Rabbit 

Cornwall (Day 1)

Down in Cornwall for another autumn with Michelle and Sam. Last minute thing, this time staying in St. Just. Shocking drive down the previous afternoon and evening, so after awaking late, decided to leave the car where it was and walk for the day. Not too bad a one…

Started by walking to the Cot Valley. Pretty quiet, a single Firecrest and a heard-only Yellow-browed Warbler the only birds of note. Then walked back to meet Michelle for late brunch.

After that, I headed back to the Cot Valley (two more Firecrests) before walking around past Cape Cornwall to Kenidjack.

Whilst thinking to myself that I’d seen very few Chiffchaffs today, I looked in the last set of trees by the end house in the valley (normally the best spot), and it was full of Warblers, mostly Chiffchaffs. But best of all, as well as a Yellow-browed Warbler, a Willow Warbler, an interesting looking Lesser Whitethroat, and several Goldcrests, it held a Siberian Chiffchaff.

A completely monotone individual, probably the best I’ve seen in Britain, reminiscent of the first I ever encountered in Nepal, many years ago: Just grey and white, like a black and white photo. No hint of yellow or green at all, even on the wings and tail. Played call to it and, the first time at least, it came in looking very interested (though to be fair, a Collybitta also came in when I tried again sometime later). Got some poor quality photographs…

Took some better ones of a nearby male Kestrel sometime afterwards…

The Lesser Whitethroat was a very pale individual. Combined with the time of year, the location, and the company it was with, there has to be a reasonable chance that it is a Siberian (blythi) Lesser Whitethroat.

Cot Valley
22 October 2016 09:15 - 11:50
Overcast 12C 12E
Gannet, Buzzard (heard), Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Martin, Yellow-browed Warbler (heard), Chiffchaff (heard), Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral

Cot Valley
22 October 2016 13:15 - 14:15
Overcast 12C 11E
Gannet, Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Red Admiral

Cape Cornwall
22 October 2016 14:15 - 15:15
Overcast 11C 11E
Gannet, Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Wren, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Rabbit

Kenidjack Valley
22 October 2016 15:15 - 18:00
Overcast 11C 11E
Buzzard, Kestrel, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Raven, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chiffchaff, Siberian Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Grey Wagtail (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Rabbit

Edit (23/10/2016): The Siberian Chiffchaff is still reported as being present, along with a probable Siberian Lesser Whitethroat.

Fowlmere

A quick walk around at dusk. Not a lot apart from a Little Egret.

Fowlmere
17 October 2016 17:35 - 18:20
Patchy cloud 14C 8SW
Greylag Goose, Teal, Mallard, Pheasant, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Tawny Owl (heard), Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit (heard), Great Tit, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Wren (heard), Blackbird, Redwing, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting (heard), Brown Hare, Grey Squirrel, Common Rat, Fallow Deer

Languard

Was pouring down with rain in the morning and I was very tired from the day before so didn’t get out until the afternoon. Decided to give Languard a go as obviously didn’t have time to get to anywhere else on the coast. Should probably have just done some local birding instead. Very disappointing. Hardly any migrants at all. The complete opposite of Spurn the day before. Wind had changed from an Easterly to a Southerly and obviously Languard, although it can turn stuff up, just isn’t Spurn.

Landguard
16 October 2016 14:04 - 16:51
Patchy cloud with occasional light drizzle 15C 17S
Brent Goose, Kestrel, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock (heard), House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Linnet (heard), Rabbit

Spurn

Decided to stay overnight near Spurn so I could spend the full day there today. Arrived at dawn and it was packed with birds. Hundreds of Thrushes (mainly Redwings, but quite a few Fieldfare as well as Blackbirds and Song Thrushes). All coming in off the sea along with Robins, Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs. Birds were everywhere!

Parked and started at the Canal Scrape carpark where a Dusky Warbler had been seen the day before. No joy, but found a couple of Twite. Then began a long slow walk to the point (about 3.5 miles away), birding on the way. Highlights of the walk down were two fly-over Lapland Buntings together, at least ten Bramblings and a similar number of Mealy Redpolls, three Short-eared Owls, two Woodcocks and Redstart and Black Redstarts.

I stopped for lunch at the lighthouse before moving on to the point. When I did arrive at the point I was told that an amazing three Dusky Warblers were present (an even more impressive total of seven – including the three at the point – were on the Spurn peninsula). I managed to see two of them in the couple of hours I spent at the point and got a (very) poor photo of one…

… and a rather better photo of a showy Robin whilst waiting for it to reappear…

The point was full of birds but, in comparison to the Triangle, hardly any birders. With so much cover and so many birds, but with so few birders, who knows what may have been found if people had been prepared to make the 7 mile return trip?

After a couple of hours I made a (slightly faster) walk back as I had to get across before high tide. Once back in the Triangle, I tried for a Radde’s without success and then joined in a flushing of a Locustella that was eventually forced into the net. Unfortunately it turned out to be a Grasshopper Warbler (people were obviously hoping for more), so I didn’t go to the release at Church Field as I’d had enough of walking.

Left about 6pm for the drive home, rather tired having been on my feet all day.

Spurn
15 October 2016 07:10 - 17:50
Drizzle in morning, brightening later with sunny afternoon 11C 14E
Mute Swan, White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Woodcock, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Short-eared Owl, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Swallow, Dusky Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Grasshopper Warbler, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Black Redstart, Redstart, Stonechat, Wheatear, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Brambling, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Twite, Lapland Bunting, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Brown Hare, Western Roe Deer, Mealy Redpoll

Siberian Accentor

Siberian Accentor at Easington, Spurn. Found yesterday, second for Britain, with the first only a few days before on Shetland. Could go first thing as needed to work but left at midday and was watching the bird shortly after 3pm. Was apparently chaos at dawn with big queues, but when I arrived there were only about thirty people present and I watched it in peace for about an hour and a half when it was pretty much continuously on show.

When I eventually walked away from it I just had time to see a Shorelark near the Bluebell Café and then a Pallas’s Warbler at the Crown and Anchor.

Spurn
14 October 2016 15:28 - 17:53
Overcast 11C 4NE
Bean Goose, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Golden Plover, Great Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Shore Lark, Pallas's Warbler, Chiffchaff, Starling, Blackbird, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock, Siberian Accentor, Siskin, Roe Deer

Sunsets. Number 328 in a series.

Nice sunset at Shepreth L-moor during an after work walk around. No birds.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens
11 October 2016 14:10 - 14:39
Patchy cloud 13C 12NE
Mallard, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit (heard), Coal Tit (heard), Long-tailed Tit (heard), Wren (heard), Blackbird, Robin (heard), Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Grey Squirrel

Shepreth L-Moor
11 October 2016 17:51 - 18:31
Sunny 11C 9NE
Greylag Goose, Pheasant, Kestrel (heard), Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit (heard), Wren (heard), Blackbird, Redwing, Robin (heard), Chaffinch (heard), Yellowhammer, Rabbit

Jack Snipe

A Jack Snipe on an otherwise quiet walk around last thing.

Fowlmere
10 October 2016 16:42 - 18:12
Sunny spells ending with heavy rain 13C 5NNE
Greylag Goose, Teal, Shoveler, Kestrel, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Jack Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Redwing (heard), Robin, Dunnock (heard), Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Brown Hare

Holme

With yesterday’s Albatross seemingly hanging around the Wash, and with Holme being the nearest decent spot to bird on the Norfolk coast, I headed there for the day.

Fairly quiet, as was most of the coast. Highlight was thousands of Starlings (no idea how many thousand? five?) and a male Ring Ouzel that I managed to find. Unfortunately it was on the public footpath so didn’t linger for long before being flushed. Managed to get a quick shot of it before it flew, never to be seen again. The only other bird of note was, like yesterday, a Rock Pipit.

Holme
09 October 2016 11:01 - 14:45
Showers and sunny periods 13C 12NE
Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Gannet, Cormorant, Little Egret, Little Grebe, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Sanderling, Redshank, Guillemot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Skylark, Chiffchaff, Wren, Starling, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Rabbit, Migrant Hawker, Ruddy Darter

Easterlies

It looked promising all week, but was stuck at work, and so was keen to get out first thing on Saturday morning. Couldn't decide where to go but eventually settled on Languard. Mainly because a) it’s the quickest coastal spot to get to and b) there had been a Stenjeger’s Stonechat there for the last few days.

Arrived shortly after dawn, and pretty much the first bird I got was an in-off Short-eared Owl. Fifteen minutes later I had found a smart male Ring Ouzel. Wow, this was going to be some day!

Over nine hours later, and rather tired, and with the Stonechat not present, I’d only added Redstart, a couple of Wheatears, and a Rock Pipit. Still great to be out birding all day and a huge fall of Robins and Blackcaps was interesting though at times, slightly irritating.

Norfolk only produced a Radde’s and a Dusky (ignoring the Black-browed Albatross which obviously wasn’t from the east!), whilst my other potential destination, Minsmere, didn’t register anything. Odd considering the charts looked so promising.

Landguard
08 October 2016 07:50 - 15:49
Overcast with rain showers 15C 7ENE
Mute Swan, Cormorant, Kestrel, Peregrine, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Short-eared Owl, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Swallow, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Starling, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Redstart, Wheatear, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Rabbit

Fowlmere

Two trips today at the beginning and the end of the day. The first was very birdy with lots of movement including a flock of 50 Redwings over followed by individuals later. I’d have stayed longer but had to work. The second was much quieter but did have an unseen Bearded Tit calling constantly for 10-15 minutes last thing.

Fowlmere
07 October 2016 08:01 - 09:15
Drizzle 11C 5E
Greylag Goose, Teal, Mallard, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Green Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jay (heard), Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Song Thrush, Redwing, Robin, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch (heard)

Fowlmere
07 October 2016 17:15 - 18:51
Overcast 14C 11NE
Teal, Mallard, Grey Partridge (heard), Buzzard, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Bearded Tit (heard), Cetti's Warbler (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Wren, Blackbird (heard), Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Linnet, Grey Squirrel, Fallow Deer

Foxton

Not a lot to see when I walked the fields. A Red Kite was having a tough time being mobbed by a large group of Lapwings (150?). A glorious sunset; looked like the sky was on fire. Managed to capture the church with Graylag Geese flying over.

Foxton
03 October 2016 17:20 - 18:22
Sunny 16C 5NE
Greylag Goose, Pheasant (heard), Red Kite, Buzzard, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff (heard), Wren, Starling (heard), Blackbird, Robin (heard), Dunnock, House Sparrow (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer (heard), Red Admiral, Common Darter

The Naze

Decided to give the Naze another go after my attempt a couple of weeks ago. Habitat there is good. Very few birders (though lots of dog walkers). And just about (along with Languard) the nearest coastal place from home.

Started well as about the second or third bird I saw was a Willow Warbler and Chiffchaffs also seemed abundant. But apart from a Lesser Whitethroat found later, that was about it for migrants.

Gave it about 20 minutes looking out to sea, but don’t think the shape of the coast particularly lends itself to good seabirds. A few Gannets was all I could get.

Walton-on-the-Naze
02 October 2016 10:51 - 15:24
Sunny 16C 5NE
Patchy cloud 17C 7NE
Gannet, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove / Feral Pigeon, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest (heard), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Swallow, House Martin, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Wren, Starling, Robin, Dunnock (heard), Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter

Yellow-browed Warbler at Fowlmere

Well, Doug was right. A first for Fowlmere. Yellow-browed Warbler. Seemed to do a circuit (on it’s own, Chiffchaffs were often with it, but think that was probably coincidental), returning every twenty minutes or so to the Willow where it was seen the night before. Got less and less regular as the morning went on and the best photo I got was after it had been missing for well over an hour (I got lucky and had moved to the hide – seeing nothing – and picking it up on my return).

The bird was always moving around and mostly at the back of the tree. Who alone knows sent the message about “Showing Well”. It wasn’t! It showed occasionally. No sign in the afternoon as far as I know.

Not a lot else, but who cares. After returning home for lunch I went to Linton for a reported Wryneck, but no sign.

Fowlmere
01 October 2016 08:39 - 11:58
Sunny but quickly clouding over and left in rain 13C 9NW
Teal, Mallard, Pheasant, Buzzard, Kestrel, Water Rail (heard), Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker (heard), Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Skylark (heard), Swallow, House Martin, Cetti's Warbler (heard), Long-tailed Tit, Yellow-browed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Muntjac

Edit (03/10/2016): Apparently this is the second official record after one was accepted for 2014.