2017 Patching......

So its been a bit quiet on the blog of late but now planning to be back to normal with regular updates.
   Not too much to write as end of December ,January and February was mainly taken up with family stuff, busy with work and plans for a loft extension, but enough of that! Main highlights being the Scaup that was around Whitlingham and was lucky to be on the patch the day it dropped in on the broad (114). Also the Black necked grebe I got on the patch on the 3rd Feb with good friend Yorkie. A cracking bird for the patch and my 115 patch species which was a pleasant surprised!


Black neck grebe no.115



 Away from the patch I picked up the Tree Sparrow that's been see in Hethersett  mixing with the local House Sparrows. Also a trip to Strumpshaw Fen to get great views of the Jack Snipe outside of the Reception Hide. Watched it for around 45 minutes bobbing away as it fed, superb bird!


Jack Snipe

 March meant more visits to the patch as things starting to move from and to.On 23rd I was joined by fellow birder Matt who brought the luck with him as we were soon watching a Male Marsh Harrier which I picked up from the Bridge,quickly added 2x C Buzzards and Sparrowhawk as we made our way to the Broad.As Chiffchaffs sung from the trees we spotted a pair of Oystercatchers and drake Wigeon. Wigeon not a easy bird to pick up here and although I'm sure the odd bird appears here throughout the year this was only my 3rd sighting .


Drake Wigeon and 2x Oystercatchers

It was thren that Matt said he spotted a small wader on the West shingle beach and quickly said it was  a Dunlin! Another cracking bird for the patch.5xStock Doves and a couple C Snipe were soon added to the day list before a couple of Grey Wagtails dropped in! A great bird to watch ,as the sun hit its beautiful colours .


1 of the pair of Grey wagtails



Dunlin

As we made our way back to the Bridge a pair of Kingfishers flew across the path in front of us....Magic !
 Happy birding,
 Ricky