Holkham Birds

Sighting of a Great White Egret led some of the party to explore a side creek of the lake at Holkham where we discovered a whole community of water birds hunting for food in the reeds or just resting in the sun. A bit distant for my lens but the photos give an idea of the diversity there.

 

Summer Leys Birds

A few birds from Summer Leys reserve including a family of Bullfinches, which was great as they are a bird so rarely seen now.  

Punting Trip

It was great to meet up with Alistair, Bev and Rowan after too long a break due to Covid restrictions. Alistair very expertly punted us up to the Granta from Mill Lane and then down as far as St Johns before returning. The river was very busy but the swans with their 7 cygnets didn't seem to worry about all the punts and people provided bits of picnic were being shared.

Spring Migrants Arrive at Paxton

Last week's warm southerly obviously brought in lots of summer visitors. Paxton Pits was full of singing Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, and a short burst of Nightingale was heard together with sightings of Swallow and Sedge Warbler. The Grebes are still working on their nest site but making little progress with the high water level. 

Bradgate Park: Birds

Although most photographers go to Bradgate for the deer, especially in the autumn, there are plenty of birds to snap. Starting with the shyer species - Grey Heron, Buzzard, Jackdaw and Pied Wagtail. Jackdaws are born with blue-grey eyes. Their irises change to brown in the first winter and white once they gain their adult plumage. The Black Headed Gulls and Mallard ducks gave plenty of opportunities for 'action' shots as well as portraits.