Barn Owl, Grey Partridge & Hares etc near Snettisham, Norfolk 24/2/17

A fairly early start along  the coast road back towards Kings Lyn for our journey back to Somerset. Storm Doris had gone through though it was still a little blustery. Along the road we suddenly glimpsed a Barn Owl. So lucky that there was a pull in, we grabbed our cameras and binoculars and found the owl on a fairly nearby post. I guess it was out hunting now because of storm Doris the day before. Just couldn't believe our luck as we haven't seen a Barn Owl in ages.  We stood and watched the owl for a good 10 minutes before continuing our journey.

We decided to pay a quick visit to RSPB Snettisham. As we travelled the road leading to the reserve we spotted some Hares in a field. There was a convenient gate we could park next to and wow we were so glad we stopped. Not only for at least 6 Hares running around a field full of Snowdrops but our first ever sighting of Grey Partridge and good numbers to. There were also Red Partridge, Pheasants and a Green Woodpecker as well. We spent at least an hour watching the antics of the Hares and birds - what a field, a 'magic field'.

We reached the reserve and along the way had a great view of some more Grey Partridges in a field along the way. We didn't realise the male was so striking. Close to the reserve carpark in the fields were Greylag and Egyptian Geese. No time now to stop and explore the Snettisham reserve as we have to journey home but not before stopping at the 'magic field' one more time! 

In summary... Norfolk is an amazing place - we will definitely return.

    Stunning Barn Owl

               

                   

    On the look out

               

                   Spotted!

    So beautiful in flight

               

    

               

                    So 'ghost' like in flight

                

                    So privileged to see this beautiful owl

   Grey Partridge - another lifer

               

               

                    Crash landing! 

   Handsome fellow

                

                    Brown Hare 

                

   The Hare looks massive as it runs across the field

                

                 

               

                   Hare and Snowdrops 

               

    The dreamer!

                

               

                   Wash time

    

               

   Egyptian Goose

                

                    Bonding! 

Westhay Somerset Levels 21/9/16 - Beardies & Barnie etc

An early start at Westhay in the hope of spotting an Otter as there have been several reports recently. The weather was sunny and warm with just one prolonged shower at the end of our trail. We walked around the whole reserve which takes in London Drove and Daggs Lane Drove but alas no Otter. We did however get some great views of Bearded Reedling all over the reserve but mega views from the Island Hide Boardwalk. Over the moon as well to see a Barn Owl and watch it preening for a while until it spotted us!

Good views also of chasing Kingfishers and a Marsh Harrier, Bittern, Water Rail, and also a single late Hobby. A fantastic day and walk with 29 bird species seen and we also met some great people along the way. Good to see that the building of the new North Hide is underway.

   Preening Barn Owl in the Autumn sun

               

                  Beautiful wing detail

   Balancing act!

               

    We've been Spotted!

                

                   Bearded Reedling (male)

                

                

                   Female Beardies

               

   Strike a pose! Stunning little bird

Westhay - Somerset Levels 24-2 , Redpoll & Barn Owl

Our first walk around Westhay for a few months and indeed all winter! A lovely cold and sunny frosty start to our walk all around the Westhay reserve. Not too much to see from the Virador hide but for some Snipe, Gadwall and Mallards. Walking to the 'tall' hide we had a lovely view of a male Bullfinch and plenty of squeals from the Water Rails hiding in the reeds. A Great Spotted Woodpecker was busy 'drumming' and later seen. The screen area was full of activity. Great & Little Egrets, Herons, Goosander & Tufted duck. A Kingfisher landed in a Willow right next to us for 2 seconds but what a view! Then a Bittern took flight from a reed area in front of us - is was all happening! 

Out on the track high up in the Alders we spotted both Siskin and Redpoll and got a sighting of a lovely Fieldfare. At the end of the track where it joins the road and Mudgley farm we met some other birders who had caught sight of the Cattle Egret amongst a group of Little Egrets and cows. Unfortunately the Cattle Egret was a little too distant for a shot, still we saw it that's the important thing.

On the drove road back we had a glimpse of a Barn Owl, now that really took us by surprise. We had always suspected that there would be Owls in the area but to see one was a jaw dropping moment.

No sign of a Marsh Harrier today though.  A superb walk in beautiful part of the Somerset Levels with stunning scenery and wildlife.

Birds of note for the day Bittern, Kingfisher, Goosander, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Redpoll, Siskin, Barn Owl, Reed Bunting, Great Crested Grebe, Chiffchaff and Snipe etc

    Little Egret, Great Egret & Heron - all in their own space!

                

                  Goosander - still a few present but never near for a good shot

   Goosander

               

                  Redpoll - a small flock seen high up in the Alder trees

   Redpoll

                

                    Fieldfare - these will be heading back east soon

    Barn Owl just coming into land on the ledge

                

                   Barn Owl with catch

                

                   The face at the window!

   Reed Bunting

               

                  Reed Bunting - looking in the mirror

   Chiffchaff- overwintering in the reeds

                

                   Long tailed Tit - often seen climbing the reeds around the levels