Kestrels

Kestrel busy hunting during storm Eunice 18th Feb 2022

Kestrel busy hunting during storm Eunice 18th Feb 2022

Kestrel next to fallen tree, 80 mph winds .... one hungry bird !

Kestrel next to fallen tree, 80 mph winds .... one hungry bird !

Any of you mice move and I'm gonna ............

Any of you mice move and I'm gonna ............

Ducks

In front of Kitchen Window

In front of Kitchen Window

First Batch of Ducklings on the Broad 19th April 2021

First Batch of Ducklings on the Broad 19th April 2021

www.sofluffy.co.uk

www.sofluffy.co.uk

Reed Buntings

Reed Buntings

Reed Buntings

Reed Buntings seem to like the gardens until May when they can be seen up Fleet Dyke nesting.

Swans

Hungry Swans Feb 2020

Hungry Swans Feb 2020

Please keep dogs on leads and drive slowly around the slipway.

Egyptian Geese

Slipway 16th September 2018

Slipway 16th September 2018

4th March 2018

4th March 2018

The Egyptian Geese are now classified as a native species. They can be rather aggressive with the ducks, especially when food is around. 

The young appear in February (or earlier), often when there’s snow and ice around. All 7 goslings survived in the photo - good going.

"MEGA" bird spots

Penny's Hot Birding and Life website gives an idea of the "MEGA" bird spots.

Best way to see King Fishers I've found is from a canoe. Be quiet and paddle away from the bank whilst looking forward at branches about 2 feet above the water. When disturbed they fly dead horizontal and zig / zag up the bank stopping every 80m or so.

Cranes from can be heard early in the mornings and sometimes seen doing a "meet and greet" with a neighbouring group above Fleet Dyke. NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes is the best place to see Cranes and Swallowtails.

Bitterns can also be heard from both Upton and Ranworth marshes, especially around dusk and dawn from the middle of March to the middle of May. It's a very low frequency Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom (usually 3 or 4 booms).

A good spot to see both Bitterns and Cranes flying is up Fleet Dyke just past the second set of moorings.

Barn Owls (white) and Marsh Harriers (look scruffy and like the wind) are common on the marshes. Hen Harriers (males have white body) also can sometimes be seen out on the marshes towards St Benet's Abbey.

Ospreys are a rare visitor, South Walsham broad is probably too murky once the boats arrive at Easter. Ranworth floating visitors centre is a better location to see them and has a board of local bird spots.