Although there had not been any overnight frost, it was damp and decidedly chilly but at least we would be on the move in order to cover all the ground. The aim was simple, to record the birds that we saw within the square and it was not long before our tally began to rise. Within a few minutes we encountered a flock of about 30 linnets, delightful little finches that were once popular as cage birds. Seen in flight, the flock was heading for one of the little blocks of game cover, rich in the small seeds favoured by these birds. There were other finches too: chaffinches and greenfinches in good numbers, fewer goldfinches and a single bullfinch. The bullfinch can be difficult to connect with, perhaps because it is rather secretive in its habits and has such a soft call note. We were also treated to a couple of winter visitors, with a handful of fieldfares and redwings, though nowhere near the number we might expect to see later in the winter. The highlight of the morning was the sight of a barn owl. A pale individual, probably a male, was perched in the lower branches of an oak. Effortlessly, the bird dropped from the branch to pounce on something in grass, where it remained for half a minute before rising up into nearby tree. A brief view but nonetheless sufficient reward for our efforts. After an early start, and nearly five hours in the field, we had some very useful data for the Atlas and had seen some really nice birds, making the survey work a pleasurable way of spending Sunday morning
Showing posts with label birdwatching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birdwatching. Show all posts
Friday, 16 December 2005
Practical birdwatching
Birdwatching is often regarded as a recreational pastime, an excuse for getting outside and enjoying the Norfolk countryside. However, it can also serve a practical purpose by providing valuable information on the distribution and numbers of Norfolk’s birds. The submission of records gathered during recreational birdwatching, to the County Bird Recorder or to national schemes like BirdTrack (www.birdtrack.net), is something that many birdwatchers do routinely. However, fewer birdwatchers take part in the systematic surveys that underpin much of our knowledge about the changing fortunes of our avifauna. This is a shame, not least because participating in such surveys can lead you to visiting parts of the county that you would not otherwise have gone to. Last weekend, for instance, I visited a survey square that I had been jointly allocated for the Norfolk Bird Atlas – a project that aims to map the distribution of birds across the county. This took me to part of Breckland that I had only previously viewed in passing. Sat between the A11 and Bridgham, the landscape was a mixture of arable farmland, pasture and small blocks of woodland.
Although there had not been any overnight frost, it was damp and decidedly chilly but at least we would be on the move in order to cover all the ground. The aim was simple, to record the birds that we saw within the square and it was not long before our tally began to rise. Within a few minutes we encountered a flock of about 30 linnets, delightful little finches that were once popular as cage birds. Seen in flight, the flock was heading for one of the little blocks of game cover, rich in the small seeds favoured by these birds. There were other finches too: chaffinches and greenfinches in good numbers, fewer goldfinches and a single bullfinch. The bullfinch can be difficult to connect with, perhaps because it is rather secretive in its habits and has such a soft call note. We were also treated to a couple of winter visitors, with a handful of fieldfares and redwings, though nowhere near the number we might expect to see later in the winter. The highlight of the morning was the sight of a barn owl. A pale individual, probably a male, was perched in the lower branches of an oak. Effortlessly, the bird dropped from the branch to pounce on something in grass, where it remained for half a minute before rising up into nearby tree. A brief view but nonetheless sufficient reward for our efforts. After an early start, and nearly five hours in the field, we had some very useful data for the Atlas and had seen some really nice birds, making the survey work a pleasurable way of spending Sunday morning
Although there had not been any overnight frost, it was damp and decidedly chilly but at least we would be on the move in order to cover all the ground. The aim was simple, to record the birds that we saw within the square and it was not long before our tally began to rise. Within a few minutes we encountered a flock of about 30 linnets, delightful little finches that were once popular as cage birds. Seen in flight, the flock was heading for one of the little blocks of game cover, rich in the small seeds favoured by these birds. There were other finches too: chaffinches and greenfinches in good numbers, fewer goldfinches and a single bullfinch. The bullfinch can be difficult to connect with, perhaps because it is rather secretive in its habits and has such a soft call note. We were also treated to a couple of winter visitors, with a handful of fieldfares and redwings, though nowhere near the number we might expect to see later in the winter. The highlight of the morning was the sight of a barn owl. A pale individual, probably a male, was perched in the lower branches of an oak. Effortlessly, the bird dropped from the branch to pounce on something in grass, where it remained for half a minute before rising up into nearby tree. A brief view but nonetheless sufficient reward for our efforts. After an early start, and nearly five hours in the field, we had some very useful data for the Atlas and had seen some really nice birds, making the survey work a pleasurable way of spending Sunday morning
Saturday, 19 November 2005
Highlights of a quiet afternoon birding
Dropping down from the ridge running west from Burnham Market you get a wonderful view over Titchwell marsh. On a bright November Sunday, you can see dozens of birdwatchers making their way to the hides that overlook the scrapes on Titchwell Reserve. At this time of year there are many different birds to be seen from these hides and, with lots of eyes scanning the flocks of waders and wildfowl, there is always the chance of something rare or interesting. But today I want to avoid the bustle of the crowds and find some solitude worthy of such a clear day. For me, one place to do this is at Gypsy Lane. Situated to the east of Titchwell, a small lay-by marks the entrance to a narrow lane running north to the coast and passing through a sequence of habitats.
The first part of the track is bordered by a strip of linear woodland, with a range of bushes and shrubs, from which the soft call-notes of foraging birds can be heard. It is well worth pausing to watch and listen as mixed feeding flocks, often of tits and late warblers, work their way past in search of insects and seeds. On this occasion there is no hoped-for rarity, like a Pallas’s warbler, but there are goldcrests in with the tits. As the trees thin, there is a glimpse of two jays, another bird that, like the goldcrest, is much in evidence this autumn. There are also glimpses out across Titchwell Marsh, over which hunting harriers may sometimes be seen – though not today. Then it is out from the cover of the woodland and onto the bank that puts you above the reeds, pools and saltmarshes which flank either side.
Almost immediately I can hear the scolding call of a wren from low down in the vegetation just a few metres away. Further off, I can hear the ringing calls of a small party of bearded tits as they move excitedly through the tops of the reeds. These are one of the birds I have come to see. Standing by my scope, I wait and listen as they move closer, slight movements in the reeds giving away their location. Finally they show themselves, brightly coloured and almost comical in appearance, these delightful little birds are always a joy to watch. Although they are scarce (nationally there are about 500 pairs), the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex hold about 40% of the breeding population and provide some of the best opportunities to see these birds. Only part way through my walk, and with the prospect of more birds to see, the journey up to the coast has already proved worthwhile, something I can reflect on over tea.
The first part of the track is bordered by a strip of linear woodland, with a range of bushes and shrubs, from which the soft call-notes of foraging birds can be heard. It is well worth pausing to watch and listen as mixed feeding flocks, often of tits and late warblers, work their way past in search of insects and seeds. On this occasion there is no hoped-for rarity, like a Pallas’s warbler, but there are goldcrests in with the tits. As the trees thin, there is a glimpse of two jays, another bird that, like the goldcrest, is much in evidence this autumn. There are also glimpses out across Titchwell Marsh, over which hunting harriers may sometimes be seen – though not today. Then it is out from the cover of the woodland and onto the bank that puts you above the reeds, pools and saltmarshes which flank either side.
Almost immediately I can hear the scolding call of a wren from low down in the vegetation just a few metres away. Further off, I can hear the ringing calls of a small party of bearded tits as they move excitedly through the tops of the reeds. These are one of the birds I have come to see. Standing by my scope, I wait and listen as they move closer, slight movements in the reeds giving away their location. Finally they show themselves, brightly coloured and almost comical in appearance, these delightful little birds are always a joy to watch. Although they are scarce (nationally there are about 500 pairs), the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex hold about 40% of the breeding population and provide some of the best opportunities to see these birds. Only part way through my walk, and with the prospect of more birds to see, the journey up to the coast has already proved worthwhile, something I can reflect on over tea.
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