Monday, 16 March 2009

Lesser Spots in the Brecks - and some bonus pheasants



Saturday 14 March.Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Breckland Norfolk. After good views of the 2 Rough Legged Buzzards in the Wolferton area the previous week-end, Saturday saw an early start, heading to the Brecks - and superb views of at least 3 Lesser Spots - 2 females 1 male.The escaped Red Tailed Hawk showed well at a nearby site, and 5 Hawfinches were at Lynford. A flock of 30+ treee Sparrows were found in a hedgerow and the real surprise if the day was a group of male Reeves Pheasants found on the return journey. Stunning birds, even if their origins will be as escaped or released birds. A roadside Tawny at Snettisham at the end of the day was a near perfect end to a long days birding. A return to Wolferton on Sunday failed to produce a repeat show from the Rough Legged Buzzard but did provide views of 2 Hen Harriers, a Peregrine circling over our heads, as well as Common Buzzards, Marsh Harriers Sparrowhawks and Kestrel, and good numbers of Crossbills - at least 25 in 1 flock.




Male reeves Pheasant 14 March






Red Crested pochard Bedford 16 March - a case of back to the escaped/released birds but showing well in bright sunshine







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