randombirder

Today it felt like I was window shopping for owls. First of the vegetative frontages was this extremely brazen short-eared owl , totally unfazed by the modest assemblage of birders lined on the bank of the Cambridgeshire washes at Eldernell. A fabulous site for a variety of species but particularly for wintering owls. Continuing along a hundred metres or so where two long-eared owl were not so confiding, typically tucked away in the dense scrub, one of which was relatively showy compared to some of the LEO experiences most folk have of this species. The second bird was slightly higher up in the thicket that was much more concealed. There have been reports of seven individuals present at this site. And then a hundred metres further along the track, and probably my favourite of all was this glorious tawny owl snugly tucked into a limb cavity. Incongruously, I've definitely seen more long-eared owl than tawny owl so this was a real treat. Also on site apart from thousands of wildfow...

A couple of nights away in the Broads to get away from domestic strife (ie. no hot water in the flat) was the perfect excuse for a bit of peace and relaxation. Most of Saturday was spent at Welney where the highlight were nine tundra bean goose roosting on the large island as viewed from the main observatory.  Whooper swan were rather sparse with most of the wintering population grazing out in the fields. Before heading to the B&B, a quick visit to Hempstead Farms for the  bewick's swan  with only six present but a species that is difficult to come by these days. As storms battered most of the country, it was fortunate that Sunday was set fair and with clear skies and light winds, it felt really pleasant walking along the beach at Sea Palling.  More so when this purple sandpiper appeared at close range feeding on the rocks. Around Hickling Broad, there were very few people there and very few birds apart from this kingfisher that posed beautifully in front of th...

Heading down to Whitwell just over twenty minutes from home for a Short-eared Owl .  When I arrived, I didn't expect to have such amazing views!