ALPINE SWIFT

The first reasonable spring day was superbly headlined by an ALPINE SWIFT which lingered over the marsh 15:23-15:25 hrs before drifting south-west and seemingly gaining height (C. D. Rand, J. Andrews, S. Barker), having previously tracked west along the north coast from Holkham, through Burnham Overy, Brancaster and Titchwell village. Presumably the same bird then flew through east at 16:15 hrs, having been noted at Hunstanton and it was later noted at Titchwell, Brancaster Staithe and back at Hunstanton. This is the 3rd report this century, with all records in that time listed:

1 lingering over marsh then south, before later flying through east, having been tracked around the coast, 23rd March 2010 (photographed; C.D.Rand, J.Andrews, S.Barker)

1 lingered over the pines throughout the late afternoon and evening 9th September 2008 (photographed; G.Barker, M.Eckleshall et. al.) - see here

1 west over the golfcourse 27th April 2003.

The 23rd also produced a host of other notable sightings, including a female Black Redstart (above © Connor Rand), a male Ring Ouzel, a male Firecrest, 13 Twite west, a Red-necked Grebe and a good variety of species overhead, including Grey Wagtail, Brambling, Redoll, Tree Sparrow and Siskin.