Jan 26th

The new patch boundaries are indeed proving more productive for species as predicted. The PatchBirding total currently stands on 98 species 120 pts, which is about 10 species up from last year at the same stage. Birds such as Bearded Tit, Water Rail, Little Egret and Cettis Warbler are the difference but I still havent seen a Sparrowhawk or Bullfinch. The boundary change may cost me Yellowhammer and Little Owl but the gained species like those above from Carlton should more than make up for it. Highlights on the patch so far this year have included Glossy Ibis, Siberian Chiffchaff, Velvet Scoter, Great Skua, Firecrest, Nuthatch, Little Gull, Purple Sand and Eider.

Jan 1st 2014

Limited time available due to attrocious weather setting in at midday. Targetted the new patch and fortunately the Glossy Ibis was still present and viewed from the new boundary edge in flight, then settled down to feed by the viewing platform on Oulton Marshes. A Cettis Warbler sang here. Missed the Bewicks Swans reported in the area despite walking briskly out to the Carlton Marshes viewpoint, a bird I didnt see at all last year either. 11 Purple Sands fed north of Ness Point and a Rock Pipit was noted in Hamilton Dock. Tried Corton Woods for Firecrest and heard a possible but couldnt see it. 2 Goldcrests and a Treecreeper noted here. Better weather predicted tommorow, when I can have a better look around.