The Strand, Mistley Quay & Abberton – 24th February 2008

Quite overcast with the possibility of rain later in the day. So a more local trip was in order. First off, on the bank of the river Orwell there was two Shags and on the far bank at least five Pintails, mid stream several Goldeneye and Widgeon. Next off Mistley Quay in the deeper water were three Black-necked Grebes, over ten Great-crested Grebes, lots of Black-tailed Godwits and Little Egret over. Additionally, on the quay, a good selection of Gulls (Black-headed, Common, Lesser Black-backed and Herring), plus Turnstone, Mute and Black Swan all very close. Finally at Abberton, we had brief views of a Bittern skulking in the reeds, Red-necked Grebe, Smew, White-fronted Goose and Egyptian Goose.

Life bird count: 359 Year bird count: 100 Month bird count: 84

Thetford Forest – 17th February 2008

Starting at Barnham Cross with a view to seeing Hawfinch, however it was not to be, but we picked up Mistle Thrush, Coal Tit and Long-tailed Tit before heading off to Lynford. Here there was more of the same with the addition of Nuthatch and Green Woodpecker; things were very quiet for sure! Finally we headed off to Santon Downham, a little more luck here with Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Song Thrush, Brambling and Siskin, along with all the other common Finches and Tits.

Life bird count: 359 Year bird count: 95 Month bird count: 68

Loom Pit Lake & Bawdsey – 9th February 2008

The forecast promised a bright sunny weekend and thankfully it delivered. So Saturday we set off to two locations where we knew we would get birds to photograph and hopefully prove the camera’s performance in bright conditions with birds in flight.

Loom Pit was busy with Greylag and Brent Geese on the water plus Coot, Widgeon and Goldeneye. The tide was just right, slightly out and incoming pushing waders closer. We saw Knot, Dunlin, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank. Walking along, off the lake towards the Trimley Marsh, numerous passerines in the trees Great Tit, Blue Tit, Robin & Goldfinch.

We then headed to Bawdsey. First sights were of Brent, Greylag and Mute Swans in the fields off East Lane. Then in the pools there were Pochard, more Brent, Greylag and Mute Swans plus Wigeon. Good opportunities here for flight shoots of incoming Swans and Herring Gulls going over. Life bird count: 359 Year bird count: 88 Month bird count: 59