Brecks part 2

 So this Wednesday at 6 am I picked up james(of birdsandbeer fame) & headed to the Brecks to join up with Jim & Ben Lewis. Before we headed for the usual specialities we started off in search of the Golden Pheasent . Jim had taken me to a super little site 4 years back when we had great views of  2x males & a female . This time we drew blank but a close view of a Woodlark was nice

Woodlark

Then after we drew another blank at another site,  Jim( tour leader for the day) suggested we headed to santon downham. From the bridge we had Brambling, lesser Redpoll & a pair of Mandarin ducks flying up river. Then as we made our way along the path we saw a second pair of Mandarin ducks, both settling in the tree .

male & female Mandarin ducks

 Other then some drumming Gt Spotted woodpeckers and some nice showy, calling Kestrels we decided to turn back to the cars but before we left santon Ben picked up a Goshawk . We all got on it, super !After watching it until it disappeared , with  the sun trying to break through we all decided on following Jims advice of the next site. A great decision as we soon had a displaying Goshawk among many Common Buzzard and possibly a second . We all stood and soaked up the performance it put on. Magic!
Other then a passing Curlew & singing YellowHammers we headed off to East Wrethem (but not before we had some easter treats)




 

 

 We gave it 20 mintues and I had to shoot to go to work for the afternoon. I hear the boys had a good afternoon getting views of Red Kites & Stone Curlews among others.
 It was a great days birding, with great company. Thanks again Jim for sorting it out!
Happy birding,
 Shaky