Graham

Natural history observations from Diss and beyond.

[Waveney Bird Club @WaveneyBirdClub]

Join us on Tuesday 20th January when Roger Walsh talks about his time in South Africa in 2025, supporting ringers of the SA Bird Ringing Scheme. We meet at 7:30 pm, The Maltings Pavilion, Pirnhow Street, Bungay NR35 2RU. There will be a raffle and light buffet. Only £3 entry.

[Graham @dissbirder]

I have moved to Norwich and migrated to blue sky as NR1-birder. See you on the other side.

[Graham @dissbirder]

I do like Christmas.

And the Waveney Bird Club starts 7 days of birding on Jan 1st. Details on the website.

[Graham @dissbirder]

@Chris_Lansdell Thank you

[Graham @dissbirder]

We found this one clearing the Greenhouse today. Another larger one was found dispatching a Bumbleebee in the spring. We think it is a species of false Widow?

[Graham @dissbirder]

Just back from my first @WaveneyBirdClub foreign trip to Picos de Europa, via Bay of Biscay ferry. Highly recommend the Picos. It was worth the near vertical Cable car ride from Fuente de to see Alpine Accentor, Alpine Chough and Wallcreeper in the dramatic alpine landscape.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Am feeling tired and virtuous after walking to Dickleburgh Moor and back with my son, 10 miles, via Boudicca Way. I forget how rich the landscape is in S.Norfolk, with the hedgerows and ancient trees amongst the fields. I should do this more.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Dickleburgh Moor turns up yet another new tick in the form of a Temminck’s Stint. Showing well at lunchtime. Accompanied by 4 fine Ruff, Common and Green Sandpiper, along with a flyover Swift.

[Graham @dissbirder]

@WaveneyBirdClub visit to Carlton Marsh this morning and the first bird found was a Red Footed Falcon. Nice to start the day with a new tick! A Bittern and Great White Egret were more expected. When the sun came out lots of Norfolk and Brown Hawkers, but no Raft Spider.

[Graham @dissbirder]

@CantleySteve Win win!

[Graham @dissbirder]

@LevParikian Slow Horses gets better. Am sooo looking forward to the new series.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Back from a week at St.Ives. Unfavourable winds for the Island last week, but still a daily passage of Manx Shearwater. Highlight was <5 Risso’s Dolphins off the Island, seen daily. Nice to see Choughs on a walk to Pen Enys point.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Dipped out this am on Black Tern at Dickleburgh Moor and I moved onto Lopham Fen. Cuckoo calling and seen. Willow W. And Garden W, singing, Close views of 3 Hobbies hunting and a Raft Spider by the path.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Returned home to find Swifts over the house. Yay!

[Graham @dissbirder]

Dawn chorus walk at Minsmere today with @WaveneyBirdClub. Started with a Cuckoo over the CP and finished with a SEO over the CP. A long day out in glorious sunshine, lots of good birds. Highlights were a view of a singing Cetti’s, flying Cranes and Bitterns.

[Graham @dissbirder]

The local grapevine reports Cuckoo was heard this morning at Roydon Fen.

[Graham @dissbirder]

I am going to have to listen to recordings now, just in case… A Red kite over the fen is the 3rd local bird in as many months. They are spreading.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Morning walk to Roydon Fen. Cuckoo flower, but no Cuckoo. A Sedge and Reed Warbler singing when it warmed up. Merlin bird app. heard Marsh Warbler, mmm it does tease with birds that are not impossible for the date/habitat.

[Graham @dissbirder]

Topping a great Saturday with @WaveneyBirdClub and @ShonMeale, with lots of first spring migrants, best views of Crane at Hickling, I celebrated with my first ice cream of the year at NWT Hickling centre. #hadtobedone

[Graham @dissbirder]

@DeeksCheryl @WaveneyBirdClub Glad you enjoyed the day. Yes, we covered a lot of ground, but sadly it was not raptor weather.