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

Red necked Grebe

A quite disappointing day despite all efforts. We bagged the Red necked Grebe at Tophill Low but the Black necked grebe was not there. Also saw Grey Partridge, Red legged Partridge and a pair of Kingfishers. First singing Chiffchaff of the year too

Golden Pheasant

What a day spent yesterday in Norfolk and Suffolk. First off was a Golden Pheasant at the Wolferton Triangle. We bagged Red-legged  and Grey Partridge from the car. Then onto the coast where we failed to pick up a rough-legged buzzard at Burnham Overy Staithe and also failed to see the Shorelark seen recently at Salthouse. We did see however 25 Snow Buntings on the shingle.
We then headed south to Dunwich Heath where we were quickly onto 2 Dartford Warblers although we were hampered by the cold fog which made photography impossible. Lifers for me and Dave. We finished off at Waveney Forest and had cracking close views of a Rough-legged Buzzard flying past despite the dense fog.

Little Auks and more!

On the way to Flamborough Head we saw several small parties of Grey Partridges in the fields. At Flamborough Head we were straight onto Little Auks streaming past mostly heading North in small groups. There were good numbers seen in the couple of hours of seawatching myself and Dave did and the total for the day was recorded at 308. We also saw several Red-Throated Divers close in just off the rocks and 2 Velvet Scoters and a single Sooty Shearwater.
We then went to Easington in hope of a little bunting seen earlier. No luck but there was a group of Black Redstarts by the church one stunning male and three females. We also connected to a fabulous Great Grey Shrike by the cemetery.
Finally on the way home we went to North Cave Wetlands and had good views of the bizarre bobbing Jack Snipe along with a Common Snipe for comparison. We also saw a female Marsh Harrier.