Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Friday, 6 December 2013

Draycote Water as a Consolation Prize!

Goosander with Perch Lunch

My plans had to change at very short notice today! The plan was to meet up with a colleague Joel Warwick at Snettisham or Titchwell! Unfortunately the North Sea surge put paid to that! My thoughts are of course, with all of those affected by the surge. It is so sad to see some of my favourite Norfolk birding areas under deep sea water.

So, it had to be local patch day and a visit to Draycote Water. I was pleasantly surprised that Draycote was not as cold as it can be and the walk of the perimeter road, with Bob Hazell, was very pleasant in sunshine. Previous visits to Draycote have not yielded anything special but today I was to get two year ticks with Long Tailed Duck and Red Breasted Merganser. Also of interest were three Chiffchaff, two male and eight female Goosanders, five Tree Sparrows and a drake Pintail. It was also good to see an immature Great Northern Diver which was too far out for an image (as was the Long Tailed Duck).

Red Breasted Merganser

Comparison with the leading Goosander





Goosander






Redwing


Very embarrassing record shot of Long Tailed Duck!


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