GREATER SNOW GOOSE

On 12th and 22nd-27th February 2010 at least a white-morph 'Greater' Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens atlanticus) has been intermittently present on the grazing marsh south of the observatory with Pink-footed Geese (pictured above), having toured the north Norfolk coast since late 2009. This is the 3rd record for the observatory recording area, with the previous records detailed below:

5th January 2007 - 1 white-morph 'Lesser' Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) was present on only one afternoon having toured various other north coast sites, sometimes in company with an intermediate-morph bird, both with Pink-footed Geese.

26th February-2nd March 2005 - 1 first-winter white-morph 'Greater' Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens atlanticus) seen on the grazing marsh south of the observatory on several occasions.

Words and picture by Connor D. Rand

Water Rail videos - honest !!!

For technical reasons currently beyond me the usual method of uploading/sharing videos for the blog that I have first uploaded to Youtube is not working. To get round this, click on the links below and the correct video should appear as uploaded to Youtube. Don't you just love technology !!!!!!!!

Water rail video 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiSTOIJkv54

Water rail video 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q8ZkchTZxM

Water Rail 20 Feb

With recent weather giving birds a hard time it has also drawn the local Water Rails into the open - this particular individual has been ringed and spent much of the late morning and early afternoon foraging in front of the dell Hide, providing excelent and prolonged views.

Barn Owl and few extras

Barn Owl perched up by the track near Redwell 13 Feb. Barn Owls hunting regularly in daylight at the moment with up to 7 recorded over the marsh from the Obs.

Stoat with its kill along the approack track to the obs. 11 Feb

Rock Pipit Thornham Harbour 19 January