31st May. - cloudy, keen north wind all day, rain during afternoon and evening, feeling cool, 15C

A very miserable day weather wise, with little out and about.

30th May - mostly cloudy, brisk northerly most of the time, 16C

I visited an event in Lamport Hall today, on arrival, I noticed a Red Kite over the adjacent village area.  At the hall it was good to see House Martins busy building nests on the out buildings around the court yard. Then a few Swifts came over and 'screamed', I then noticed one enter a hole in the wall, only two feet or so above people's heads (I don't think anyone else noticed at all).  Sometimes two Swifts entered the hole, hopefully it is a safe nesting place for them.

Later, when home, I visited the arable farm I am surveying to the west of the village.  There is a good number of Yellowhammers pair in territory. The adjacent field was being ploughed and at least six were also feeding on the newly turned earth.  A Yellow Wagtail flew over and landed in spring oats, possibly it has a nest there.  

A couple of Buzzard were flying about, also Swallow and Swift were feeding overhead.  Six Stock Doves were feeding on a recently sown area.  Two Tree Sparrows were in the hedge trees, possibly nesting in a hole.  A Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat were singing from an hedgerow.

29th May - cloudy start and cool ~11C. Very slowly brightening by late afternoon reaching 17C. Light- mod Northerly wind

I visited Stanford reservoir during the afternoon, the usual residents and summer migrants were around, but the wind kept things mostly out of sight.  Three Common Terns were present, and about 20 Lesser black-backed Gulls passed through.   The Greylag Geese flock of 12 has two broods with them of 9 goslings.  The male Goldeneye was showing still with only about 15 Tufted Ducks seen.

A Cuckoo was calling from various points around the water and nearby wood, a Jay crossed the reservoir from one wood to another.  Buzzards from it suitable weather for soaring, with lots of thermals, but harassed by the Carrion Crows when they came low.

Disappointing weather meant no Dragonflies again, and only one each of Large White and Orange-tip butterflies.

At nearby pools two Canada Geese broods consist of six and nine goslings respectively.

This evening while, sitting in the garden catching up on some reading, three Mute Swans flew over low eastward.  I think this may be the first record of these in the village area for me.

28th May - sunny and warm, 18C, light NW

Late morning I visited the local lake to see what was about, especially Dragonflies, unfortunately none were found.  However, the Mute Swans still have their nine cygnets, a Little Grebe was feeding three reasonable sized youngsters (there is three pairs here), and the first young Coots are now big.

Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat were all singing, a Green Woodpecker called and a single Swallow visited the lake.  A Buzzard circled high overhead, while the Reed Bunting sang and a cock Pheasant displayed making the distinctive call and wing flapping.

A Large White butterfly was seen along with a male and female Orange-tip.  The female Orange-tip may be mistaken for a 'Small White' as it does not have the orange wing tips.

I then spotted a day flying moth, yet to be ID'd.

This afternoon I visited my Brothers, there is a small lake and other good habitat, orchard etc.  Recently they have seen a Grass Snake and I was hoping it would be out sun bathing.  I did not see it, but I did see a small Grass Snake, about 10 inches long, slide in to cover, so they must have bred which is great news.

On the lake a Moorhen had two chicks and was giving the warning call and flashing its white under tail coverts at me in alarm.

In a nearby Ash tree a Starling had young, and was bringing food, in an old Green Woodpeckers hole.  I later noticed a Grey Squirrel climb down the tree, so I hope it did not raid the nest as they are quite prone to do so.  Later a group of about 15 Starling, mostly this years young were squabbling and feeding on the grass field.

A pair of Goldfinch were in the trees, the male occasionally singing, at least three Blackbird were singing and defending territory, then a Song Thrush joined in singing loudly.  There are a least  four Swallows present, building nests in a shed.

My sister-in law then said there was a bird trapped in the back porch area, on checking it was a Spotted Flycatcher, I was very surprised.  It got out safely through the open door and flew to the nearby Horse Chestnut.  Near the door there are a number of creepers on the house walls, I wonder if it was investigating a possible nest site.  Let's hope it succeeds.

27th May - Mostly sunny and warm, 18C

I took a walk along the village street this afternoon to have a look at the pond, that we hope becomes a village wildlife area.  There were several cock Blackbirds singing against each other in between seeking food for youngsters along with the hen birds.

House Sparrows were also very busy popping in to holes in the houses to feed young.  Wrens, Robins and Great spotted Woodpeckers were all dashing about.  A Moorhen called on the pond, although I did not see any young today.

Greenfinch were singing and displaying near the church.  At least four Collard Doves were on TV aerials and displaying,

Two Linnet flew up from a gate way near the pond, Dunnock and Wood Pigeon were all nearby. A Pied Wagtail flew passed to feed the young which have now left their nest.  A Starling was taking a break from finding food for its youngster for a quick preen.

I think this year we have more swallows around the village than in recent years, like this male on the telegraph wires singing.

Although warm no Butterflies or Dragonflies were found around the pond area, some nice wild flowers were in bloom though.

Finally, in the garden I noticed a Blackbird with a white head patch (crown) and managed a very quick photo through the window in which you can spot the white patch.  Its not unusual to see Blackbirds that have varying amounts of white in their plumage.

26th May - cloud slowly breaking, sun late pm, 16C max, still

This morning a Whitethroat and Yellowhammer were singing to the west of the village near the cross-in-hand roundabout.  The Nuthatch and Green Woodpecker were both heard in the woods, presumably these now have young.

25th May Norfolk - Cloidy, brisk northerly, 10C, light rain/drizzle

My day started early at 5-00 arriving at Cley and turning down the lane to the shore.  At the corner a Barn Owl flew on the the fence post carrying a large rat, it seemed to be finding it rather heavy, but hung on to it.   It was cloudy, windy and drizzled not an ideal may morning.  I ventured along the landward side of the shingle and looked over the reserve, not too much was happening due to the weather.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, I then met-up with Marcus Nash, he is a local bird and wildlife guide, and off to the east bank at Cley.  There were lots of Sand Martins hawking for insects over the pools just beyond the car park, and many of them were stopping to perch in the reeds.  The female Pochard was with ducklings, although I couldn’t see how many she had, as they kept tucked in to the reeds.

A couple of Sedge Warblers were still singing away and song flighting from the reeds beside the path, an occasional Reed Warbler was singing too.  Across the Serpentine towards Pope’s Marsh, several Lapwings and their chicks, a single Ringed Plover was feeding on the open mud on the edge of the pool.

There were plenty of Avocets and Redshanks feeding and more Ringed Plovers were to be found. Over towards the back was a large group of Bar-tailed Godwits.  Hiding in amongst them was a smaller  single Knot.

A couple of adult Gannets just breaking the horizon also some distance offshore a Fulmar passed in the other direction, an occasional Sandwich Tern flew past just offshore. Walking back along the east bank a Bearded Tit flew up from the reedy ditch and out across the reed bed the other side.

Next stop was the Heath, heading to where a family of Dartford Warblers have been seen. A male Stonechat perched on the top of a dead tree, Yellowhammer  and Linnet were singing, while a male Linnet removed a feacal sac from its nest.

Eventually small birds were seen flitting low in the gorse, Dartford Warblers. The adult Dartford Warblers were keeping down in cover, but eventually the male flew in and perched right on top of the gorse for a few seconds.  Also, they were bring food to the fledglings that were low in the shelter of the gorse, and brief views were had.

 A pair of Stock Doves were feeding out in the clearing. A pale male Stonechat perched up on the gorse, with three streaky juveniles hopping about on the low vegetation below, looking for food.

A dark shape looked out of place on a much paler stump. Stopping abruptly, we had a quick confirmatory look through binoculars and there in front of us was a Nightjar.  I have never had such fantastic views of a Nightjar, it was awesome.

Photo courtesy of Marcus Nash

We stopped off at the local gull colony at Wells. . Scanning through the mass of Black-headed Gulls, we could see quite a few Mediterranean Gulls  too. 

A  pair of Common Gulls and herring Gulls too and lots of terns were wheeling round over the colony. Three Sandwich Terns were chasing each other noisily, one of them had a small fish. A couple of Little Terns were fishing over the channel beyond, dwarfed by a nearby Common Tern.

In the harbour channel a pair of Great Crested Grebes diving. Down in a smaller side channel a  drake Eider,  it was  catching small crabs.

Then off to Holkham grazing marshes and pine woods.  There were lots of geese Greylags and Canada Geese, together with a good scattering of Egyptian Geese.  Also a couple of Pink-footed Geese, these are injured birds which can not make the flight to there northern breeding grounds.

A couple of Spoonbills flew out east, and a steady flow of Little Egrets in and out too.  here a great WHite Egret made an appearance flying on to the marshes, one had been wintering here.  Swifts and House Martins zooming about low over the pools, the best place to look for insects in the cool and cloudy conditions. A male Marsh Harrier appeared from the reeds in front of us and flew slowly round before crashing back in.  A flock of over 150 Black-tailed Godwits flew up from the marshes . A female Marsh Harrier flew up from the reeds and circled over, before chasing off a second Marsh Harrier which had drifted into the area.

Several Spoonbills were circling over the trees from time to time.  Another Spoonbill appeared on the pool, it was feeding.

Photo courtesy of Marcus Nash

Given a awful weather for a late May day I ended up having a fantastic day birding.

24th May Norfolk - cloudy, fresh NE, 12C

The visit started by heading off to Weeting Heath reserve to see the Stone-Curlew.  The weather deteriorated, and was quite windy and cool,when I arrived there making many birds keep to,cover.  No doubt the Stone-Curlew thought the same as none could be seen on the heath.  Upto five have been seen, and three pairs nested but all suffered predation.  There were lots of Rooks feeding on the heath but not much else, the occasional Skylark braved the wind.

In the woodland the usual birds were present, and a single Spotted Flycatcher was trying to find some flys to catch but ins cuts were spares.  Hopefully there is a pair present that will nest, there often is.

I then headed to the coast, Blakeney, and decided to visit the NWT reserve at Cley, initially visiting the shore area.  Here the wind was even keener and pretty uncomfortable.  A quick look over the sea did not produce much, but a single drake Common Scoter was being tossed about on the sea.   I decided to seek shelter in the main hides and have a snack there.  The Avocets have chicks, they are not very good parents as the chicks roam off regularly, not surprising they are often taken by the Marsh Harriers, however both populations are doing well and growing - that's the way it is in the wild.  A lot of Swifts were hawking over the reserve with fewer Sand Marin and Swallow.  The onset of northerly cool weather had clearly stopped bird movement and very few other waders were present apart from the usual residents.

Later, optimistically, I went to Kelling Heath to see Nightjar, however it became cooler and more windy with spots of rain, so no self respecting Nightjar would bother to 'churr' or fly.  Linnet, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tits showed and occasionally sang, but it was hard going to find anything.

I decided to retreat to the warmth of my hotel, hoping tomorrows weather would be better.

23rd May- sunny morning, clouding during the day, thundery/rain hail short sharp showers mid afternoon, 17C

I stopped at the local lake this morning, the Mute Swan has hatched and has nine cygnets, that's a good number, greater than last year.  They all looked healthy and of equal size, so they have a good chance to survive, but a long way to go yet.

Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow Warbler were all singing.  Amazingly the reed bed is now full of Reed       Warblers, very few at the last visit, seemingly more that last year, but Sedge Warblers were missing today.  A pair of Reed Buntings have taken up residence.  A single Swift past overhead.

Two stunning 'golden' Broad Bodied Dragonfly were flying and setttling next to me, shame I did not have my camera.  Another Dragonfly species dashed by, to quick to identify.  Two Speckled Wood butterflies and a Large White were flying too.

22nd May - bright sunny start, slowly clouding over, by late afternoon thundery and heavy shower, 17C

While taking a rest from planting in the veg garden this morning I noticed just how many flowers there are on the Holly trees and how many bees and other insects were feeding on them.  Then a blue butterfly appeared high up initially, a Holly Blue, then it came closer and lower, it spent some while around the Holly and other bushes.

Stanford reservoir produced some good sightings this afternoon.  Three Hobbies were hawking insects over the adjacent wood and reed bed area, these falcons are so graceful when doing this.  On the water the drake Goldeneye, Pochard and Gadwall and 29 Mute Swans.  One Mallard pair had four mid-sized ducklings out on the water, quite a few predated eggs came be found around the path, some no doubt will have second clutches and will be safer no the cover is thick.  A single Common Tern was sitting on a duck decoy (the fishermen use these to mark baiting spots), since losing the rafts the terns have no places to rest on the water where they are safe.

All the usual warblers were seen, with at least 7 Whitethroat singing.  While standing near the reed bed several Reed Warbler were singing, I spotted a Sparrowhawk fly over quite low, as it did the volume of warbler song and calls quadrupled until it had past over.

A Little Egret flew along the reservoir eastward, and a Grey heron flew off calling as it did.  Four Cormorant were present and a family of Pied Wagtails fed at the out-flow.

There were a lot of Damselflies and some Dragonflies emerging (Hobby food), but disappointingly few butterflies were seen.  Three Large white, a Small White, two Peacock, a Orange-tip and a Green-veined White (photo).

21st May - cloudy, mod, brisk SW, 15C, light rain evening

Another poor Spring day for the weather, we need the warmth and sunshine back.

Shawell lagoons were quiet today, however the Shelduck pair flew in and mating occurred several times.

While travelling past some factories near Dodwells at Hinckley the other day I noticed a flock of gulls around the roofs and thought it possible they may have nests.  Not being able to stop then I informed Carl who lives that way, he took a look today and confirmed at least one Lesser Black-backed Gull was sitting on a nest.  So, if you have factories/warehousing near you and gulls are currently present, check them out for breeding and report them if they are.  I shall have to take a look and see if a photo is possible.

20th May - Mostly cloudy, light-mod SW, 17C

I heard the Nuthatch calling near the village this morning and a Mistle Thrush was singing from a Yew tree top near the church, these soon should have some young to feed.  Several Starlings are flying to nests in or near the village with food for their hungry young.

This evening I visited Stanford reservoir, not the best late spring evening, but some interesting sights.  A Common Sandpiper was feeding on the dam, five Swifts came over and distantly House and Sand Martins fed over the wood, these were joined briefly by a Hobby.  The drake Goldeneye is still present, all alone apart from the Great crested Grebes.

Two Hares were feeding in the fallow field next to the reservoir, just their ears sticking out the vegetation.  A Muncjac was feeding along the path.

Yesterday evening I had a short walk in a local wood and spotted the following fungi and flower.

19th May - Cloudy, but mild, 17C, light breeze. light rain evening

I had a meeting in London today, having some time before this I managed a walk through Regent's park, where many, many years ago I used to watch regularly and was the co-official park bird recorder for a while, it was interesting to see how the park has changed.  Although much is unchanged, open play areas, manicured gardens etc, there is now several small reed beds and some areas left to grow more naturally for birds and other wildlife.

The small reed beds have a  population of Sedge Warblers singing and presumably breeding.  There was a lone Reed Warbler singing to, although it does not appear to have a mate (yet).  On the lake many Coots with young, Moorhen, Pochard, mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Egyptian, Canada and Greylag Geese. There is a captive wildfowl collection in the park too, which means some species are not wild, but still good to see.

Regent's Park had a Heronry, so it was good to see that it was still occupied, it was noticeable just how tolerant and approachable the Herons were (not years ago).

A pair of Grey Wagtails were collecting food for young, and a Pied Wagtail may have been doing the same. A couple of Swifts were overhead.  The inevitable Ring-necked Parakeets were noisy around the park. At least two Song Thrush were singing, a disgruntled Mistle Thrush made its presence heard and a Goldcrest sang too.

In all I spotted 41 species during my short walk, also I met a local birder who told me that there was a pair of Whitethroat feeding young in the park, I did not see these, but clearly the increased diversity of habitats in the park is having a good effect on the wildlife.

18th May - A showery day, dull at times, light SW, 11C

Not as wet as forecast, but 'on-off' showers made it a poor day for observing.

A Wren has again used an old Swallows nest to raise it's brood which it is now busy feeding, spotted once with a bill full of insects despite the rain.  As indeed are the Pied Wagtails, it is good to see them bringing food regularly, so hopefully soon their young will leave the nest.

In the last few days Swallows have been prospecting in two sheds at the farm, flying in, sitting on the doors and much song from within, so hopefully they will decide to nest there, I'll keep an eye on them.

17th May - Sunny start, cloudy pm, wind SW, freshening and becoming cloudy

A quick look see at Stanford reservoir this morning produced all the usual species and the drake Goldeneye. I wonder how long it will stay here, occasionally one will stay the summer.  A couple of Common Tern sat on the railings, we lost the nesting rafts in a storm a few years ago, since then they have looked a little unhappy with no raft for resting or nesting.  Only one Peacock butterfly and a few 'whites' were seen, I hope the butterfly numbers increase soon, as they seem quite low in this area.

At Shawell lagoons this evening there was a single Cormorant and 23 Canada Geese.  Surprisingly there was a 'pair' of Wigeon, like the Goldeneye, occasionally some will stay the summer, this pair are likely to move on, but we'll see.

16th May - sunny day, warming up to 17C pm, light NE breeze

Wolvey has a small wetland area as you enter the village via the sharp bend, it is next to the main road, brook, works and house with wooded grounds.  It actually is a very productive area, a good selection of birds, not in large numbers, and also a good selection of butterflies and dragonflies as the summer progresses.  It may not look much as you pass by on the road, but is well worth a visit and then just wait and see what turns up.
This evening there was a Kingfisher at the pond, a Reed Bunting pair next building, a Great spotted Woodpecker, Swifts, Swifts and House Martins overhead.  A Mistle Thrush was singing along with Song Thrush and Blackbirds.  In all I saw 28 bird species, plus many insects.

15th May - chilly night, quickly warming, max 18C pm, light NE, sunny periods

The village allotment gardens are currently very attractive to Goldfinch and Linnets at the moment, no doubt the weeds and hedges are very attractive to them.

The male Pied Wagtail, when not bringing food to the nest, likes to sit on the near roof and keeps an eye on things.

I went to Paxton Pits this afternoon to hopefully see/hear the Nightingales and possibly the great Reed Warbler that has been there a few days.  This is a large warbler that is a rare visitor, less than 10 record a year, overshooting on migration from Africa to mainland Europe.  I heard a couple of Nightingales singing, but they were not showing themselves today.  If you have never heard a Nightingale, then you are missing an amazing song.  The Great Reed Warbler was singing from a reed bed that was difficult to see due to bushes, but there were gaps that one could peer through.  The loud song could be heard enabling a fix on the bird, but it was not showing.  After a considerable wait and peering I did see the bird sitting on a reed low down singing away.

There were lots of other birds to see, several Hobbies were hawking insects high, four could be seen at once on occasions.  There are also Heron and Cormorant nesting colonies present.

There is much more wildlife to be seen here, a number of butterflies were on the wing and my first Banded Damoiselle of the year was seen near the river.  Bracket fungi were noticeable, like the one photographed, however I ran out of time to look at everything, I shall return.

14th May - sunny periods, light NE, 15C max pm

An afternoon visit to Draycote reservoir was made, hoping for some Black Terns before Spring passage finishes, it was worth it as five were present out on the water with about 8 Common Terns. They were mobile and sometimes distant but with patience good views were had.

For those that know Draycote it is a pretty busy 'recreational' reservoir, especially on sunny days, yet it holds a good selection of passage and breeding birds. Today, during my walk round the water there was at least 4 Garden Warblers singing around the reservoir, no doubt the full survey would produce several more. Other warblers were also singing, so a good place to get to know your warbler songs and calls.  During the walk I often got a face full of insects of one sort or another, getting in the eyes, nose and ears, a nuisance to me but the Swifts, House and Sand Martins and Swallows present were having a feast.  Pied Wagtails nest around the rocky shores, and several were collecting food for their nestlings.

13th May Norfolk - cloudy, steady fresh wind, now northerly and cool, 12C max

A very early morning visit to Choseley barns (0530h), this time success in finding two Corn Bunting feeding on the ground and a further one singing from the telegraph line.  Also, four Stock Doves and a Collared Dove were present too.  No Dotterel were in the usual field, a Marsh Harrier was quartering the field, so this may have made them move to another field until it has finished hunting there.

Next a pre-breakfast walk at Titchwell reserve, no-one about still.  Very similar birds as yesterday, however the Temminck's Stint was right in front of the Parinder hide, the close views were great with all the fine plumage and subtle colours visisble.  Also present was a Greenshank that looked very smart, and two Bar-tailed Godwit along with a couple of Common Sandpipers.

12th May Norfolk - sunny periods, 15C, steady SE light wind

Arrived at Choseley barns (near Titchwell) about mid-day to see the Dotterel which have been present about a week.  On the usual large field, the Dotterel were resting in a tight bunch.  However due to distance and lots of heat shimmer the view of them was no too good.  Then two hares ran straight through the flock and they took flight, this gave better views of them, 26 in all.  They circled around a little while, before returning to the same field and landed a little closer, they then started to feed and spread out over the field giving better views.

This area is also good for our two Partridge species and Corn Bunting, today only Red-legged Partridge could be seen and lots of Hares.

The afternoon was spent at the RSPB Titchwell Marsh reserve, a really good reserve for birds and much more wildlife.  Walking along the main beach path birds can be seen both sides, hearing the 'ping-ping' call of the Bearded Tit i watched and waited for these little reed dwelling gems to appear.  After a considerable while it was realized that, in fact, the sound was being made by a Reed Warbler that was mimicking their call, so no joy.  On the mud edge a Little-ringed Plover was feeding, along with other waders that included Redshanks, 4 Common Sandpipers, Dunlin, Lapwing and Avocet, Turnstone, a single Whimbrel and Grey Plover.

 After a lot of searching a Temminck's Stint, this a a very small wader, smaller than the LRP in the photo above, was found.  It breeds in the high north Europe and Russia and winters in Africa, each year a few pass through on migration.

A good selection of duck were present, Pochard, Teal, Shelduck, Gadwall, Pochard, two drake Red-crested Pochard and a smashing drake Garganey came out of the reeds to feed.  Apart from the usual Greylag and Canada Geese, there was about 30 Brent Geese present, not having yet migrated north.

Two Cuckoo were flying about, one calling.  Marsh harriers were hunting over the reed beds while a considerable number of Swifts, House Martins and Swallows hawked insects everywhere.  Meadow Pipits were coming to the pool edges and there was one Water Pipit spotted, these winter here and usually move away.  The woods and reed beds were full of warblers and other birds singing and holding territories.  In all nearly 70 species were seen during this visit to Titchwell

11th May - Showers, SE light wind, 15C

Had a look at Shawell lagoons this evening.  Two Common Sandpipers were present, soon the Spring passage will be over for these waders.  All the other regular birds were seen including a single Red-legged Partridge in the vegetation.  A Fox was picking up morsels in the Sheep field, the Sheep taking no notice of it.

Off to Norfolk tomorrow.

10th May - light to steady rain from morning till evening. Wind light to mod NE turning SE, 14C

During a very brief gap in the rain this afternoon two Swift flew low over the village, first past here this year.

Even in the rain, the Pied Wagtail pair kept finding insect food for their young as fast as they could.

Even though the evening was drizzly and gloomy I popped to Stanford res in case some Black Terns had dropped in.  There was 14 Common Tern, the highest count so far this Spring,  but no others passing through.

Four Commin Sandpipers were on the dam, and Swallows, Hoise and Sand Martins.were feeding low over the water. Later several Swifts were noted above the tree line.

A Muncjack deer was feeding along the path, no doubt having sheltered most of the day.

9th May - Another day developing hot, 26C, light fresh at time E/SE. Cloud high in evening

A day of jobs, however when news broken of two White-winged Black Terns at Draycote it was too tempting not to go and hope they would still be there.  There were and good views of both, very smart birds, were had.  Too far off for a photo though whilst I was there.  

I saw a WWBT many years ago at Stanford reservoir, a single, which I reported.  In those days it was a national rarity, however the national record committee did not accept my record, no idea why.  The very following day the length and breath of the country had one of the largest falls of WWBTs ever recorded, so mine must have been a forerunner.

In the village The Pied Wagtail pair are now feeding young.  This evening a Sparowhawk dashed through, 6-8 Swallows gave chase, plus the wagtails, it now has an escort 'out' party when it appears in the village.

8th May - Very warm/hot 26C, high broken cloud loyts of sun, light - mod SE breeze

An exceptional hot day for early May, we seem to bounce from one weather extreme to another, I'm sure that the natural world is appreciating this spell of warm, dry weather.  Certainly, the Blackthorn and tree blossoms look great.