Classic April....
Post date: Apr 09, 2010 9:6:44 PM
Northrepps/Sidestrand
NNW2-3 Bright sunny
0730-1500
With a big area of high pressure, and us slap bang in the middle of it, my expectations were fairly low today. However although as expected it was rarity free, it turned out to be a mighty fine days birding and classic for the time of year.
A walk to Sidestrand first thing produced 8 Crossbill north, 2 White Wagtails with Pieds on a newly sown potato field, a smart male Ring Ouzel, and a singing Willow Warbler (FOTS).
White Wag
Rouzel
From the cliff top Linnets were moving west with the odd Mipit but little else, met up with Greg here who showed me another potentially good spot on the way back home. On the way back a scan eastwards just before midday picked up two Red Kite slowly drifting westwards together, these were subsequently tracked along the coast. Back home and constant scanning of the skies picked up another Red Kite going west, up to six (local) Common Buzzard along with Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. A Common Crane that had been seen further west thankfully took an easterly track back to the Broads and passed us mid afternoon. Last, but definitely least, a probable Hen Harrier moved north well inland from us, but was just to far away to nail, shame. Late afternoon had a quick look in at Gunton Park where a House Martin (FOTS) was with Swallows and Sand Martin.
Red Kites
