East Anglia Trip

A full on weekend birding based in Suffolk produced some excellent results. Wicken Fen and Fowlmere in Cambridgeshire were new sites to add to our growing database. So many highlights including White Stork, flying Bitterns, hunting Hobbies and stunning Turtle Doves at Fowlmere and Titchwell

Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire

Summer birding weekend went well in great weather. Plenty of Cuckoo at Lakenheath plus Cetti's Warbler, hunting Barn Owl and a lone Hobby sat in a tree.Sadly no Golden Oriole have arrived this year.  In the evening went to Thetford Forest for my best ever view of a Nightjar.
The following morning it was an early start at Weeting Heath for superb views of at least 6 Stone Curlew one showing in flight and giving its distinctive call. From there we went to Norfolk where we saw Marsh Harrier but no Montagu's Harrier at a favoured spot. On to Cley where there were Red Crested Pochard, Spoonbill and Avocet. We finished up at Frampton where we were rewarded with 3 Turtle Dove. Other highlights of the weekend were Marsh Tit, Red Kite, Lesser Whitethroat, Grey Partridge and Red Legged Partridge

Bridled Tern

Yesterday it was off to Northumberland where we eventually connected with the mega Bridled Tern at Cresswell. Interestingly we were at the very same sight a couple of years ago to see a Greater Yellowlegs. Other decent birds included an adult Little Gull, close views of Arctic, Common and Sandwich Terns. We also saw a Cuckoo, Marsh Harrier, a group of Black tailed Godwit and pair of Stonechat. Looking towards the sea were massive numbers of terns, Puffin, Eider and an adult pale phase Arctic Skua

Tree Pipit

Went over to Wharncliffe Woods this lunchtime in search of Wood Warbler. No joy but saw a close Garden Warbler singing which cleared off when I got my camera out! Several Blackcaps seen, heard a Cuckoo and a  Tawny Owl hooting. Managed to get a record shot of a singing Tree Pipit