Norman and I decided to make best use of the predicted fine weather by visiting Cley NNT Reserve. Nothing spectacular had been reported, so we decided on a search from the Centre and Bishop's Hides before walking the entire perimeter. As expected, nothing too special, but a couple of Spoonbills were good to see, as were Sedge Warblers, Golden Plovers and a possible Caspian Gull. Swallows have arrived in numbers and were already prospecting Dauke's Hide for nest sites! Overhead a C130 patrolled the coast, while both F35 and F15 fighters were 'top gunning' all morning! A walk out to Gramborough ..read more

Since Linda and I had a bit of shopping to do, we thought we'd combine a visit to ASDA with a quick look for the reported Ring Ouzel at the Lakenham Car Boot field. There were only a couple of small gaps in the hedge, but - with perseverance - we managed distant, fleeting views and a couple of photos. Incidentally: I've never seen so many rabbits in my life ..read more

Since Brian and Norman are both off on their travels, I was in need of a morning in the fresh air. Accordingly Linda and I decided on a walk around Hickling NNT reserve, before a visit to buy bird food at nearby Latham's.  Despite the watery sunshine, the air was still coolish, but Wilow Warblers had obviously arrived in some numbers and were calling from every suitable copse! Also new for the year were several Whitethroats and - star birds - at least half a dozen Garganey on Brendon's Marsh, including four males. A confiding Crane was good to see, as were three Cootlets taking their firs ..read more

Despite a cool breeze and the threat of rain, Linda, Sue, Peter and I managed to fit this month's survey in among all our other planned activities! Just a few signs of spring, but the low temperature (just 8 degrees) kept most species hunkered down. Best bird, I suppose, was the female Merlin that flew low right in front of our car by Hemblington Hall. On the short drive home Linda and I stopped to say hello to one of 'our' local Little Owls: angry-looking little chap, isn't he ..read more

Here are the passes by the ISS for the next few weeks: these include several incredibly bright transits. Sadly, however, they are all very early in the morning ..read more

A very sad day for Linda - and me - as the beehives are transported fifteen miles away to their new location on a Broadland farm. Many thanks to Katie and Pete for their advice, help and new site. Our visit from the Environmental Protection Officer confirmed that we were under no obligation to move the hives: he described our garden as a '...haven for wildlife' and gave us his card in case our 'neighbour' (I use the term as a purely geographical term) caused us any further distress. Hopefully Linda can continue to keep hives and produce quality honey for years to come ..read more

Linda and her bee-keeping colleague Pete spent the morning 'packing up' the bees, ready for a move to a new site (about twenty minutes away) Luckily the weather was perfect: warm, still and sunny. Time for Snowie to put in an appearance ..read more

The comet is low in the western sky at sunset, making it hard to pick out in the gloaming: however, with a ten secxond exposure (and up to date star charts!) it was just possible to pick out Pons-Brooks below Jupiter. Just above was another gas giant planet, Uranus, which has a definite greenish tinge ..read more

Taken from Island Mere ..read more

Last night I was invited to give a presentation about dragon and damselflies to the Acle Women's Institute. Despite it being over twenty years since I was a teacher at the village school, there were quite a few present who remembered me: I'd even taught some of their children! Most enjoyable evening: thankyou, ladies. On the way home the clouds parted briefly and I was able to grab a photo of the waxing crescent Moon, just above Jupiter in the western sky ..read more