Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve, Norfolk

Our next visit was to Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve, another Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve consisting of open water, reedbed, fenland, grazing marsh and woodland. On arrival, the visitor centre volunteers were very helpful in suggesting the best site to spot Swallowtails and we set off in anticipation. To our right, large numbers of dragonflies and Gatekeeper butterflies, whilst hobbies hunted over the fields to our left.

On approach to the first hide Andrea saw what she thought was a Crane which was confirmed by a gentleman already in the hide who said it was the only bird of note he'd seen all day. We continued on, reaching the spot we'd been recommended as a popular haunt for Swallowtails.

On first pass there was no sign, but on our return a Swallowtail butterfly alighted on Hemp Agrimony and settled low on the flowerhead open winged as the breeze picked up. It was the only one we saw during our visit but what a treat.

I couldn't resist making the most of the persepective with this one, the littlest Little Egret and the most monumental Mute Swan in the Broads. No photoshopping tomfoolery took place I assure you, its straight out of the camera, I just got lucky.

From one of the hides we watched three Common Snipe in the grassy margins

A male Black Tailed Skimmer tucks into a juicy meal.

A Brimstone backlit on thistles.

I think this is an Emerald Damselfly

During our visit to the reserve we also enjoyed a boat trip around the broad, bookable from the visitors centre. Not known for my sea legs I have to admit that it rates as one of my most enjoyable boat trips with no unpleasant side effects whatsoever. Our captain for the journey was knowledgable and friendly and we enjoyed sightings of Ruddy Shelduck, Green Sandpiper, Ringed Plove, Ruff, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Shelduck. Another great place to explore...

Seaton Common, Hartlepool, Cowpen Bewley - Teeside

A trip to Seaton Common on Friday, Curlews, Wigeons, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Lapwing. Walked to Blue Lagoon, waterside we spotted Red Breasted Merganser & Oystercatchers. In the estuary Grey Seals hauled out on the banks & Red Breasted Mergansers battled the breeze on the middle of the river. Inland, in front of the Power Station, Shelduck, Canada Goose & Oystercatchers huddled round a puddle and Skylark provided the soundtrack to the afternoon. On the way back through the dunes spotted my first buttlerfly of the year, Small Tortoiseshell. Returned on Saturday, saw more Curlews, Wigeon, Lapwing, Teal & a Reed Bunting in its natural habitat. Skylark still rolling out the tunes. Knackered, time for a rest!

Visit Teeside Bird Club for more info on the area

Seaton Common

Shelduck, followed by a longshot of the same Shelduck accompanied by Canada Geese and Oystercatcher.
Small Tortoiseshell

Red Breasted Mergansers in the estuary

Wigeon on the Common, perform their best Hilda Ogden mural formation.

One of many Curlew

Lapwing, they maybe a relatively common bird, but I realise that I've underestimated just how colourfully varied their plumage is, what a nice surprise.

A flock of Wigeon with the Ghost Ships in the background
Three Little Egret on the Common, followed by a close up of two of the three birds (in case there's any doubt that 3 white carrier bags were masquerading as Little Egret).Reed Bunting in its natural habitat

Later we walked along Hartlepool Headland. On the way, along the Tees Road we caught a glimpse of a Merlin. At the headland by the tide edge were Oystercatchers, Redshanks, Turnstones and Sandpipers (purple we think).

Get off moy land!

A Little Egret, snapped by Maureen, near Greatham Creek

Sunday, first visit to Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. Lazily, from the car we spotted the usual suspects Finches, Tits, Robin, Blackbirds plus a Yellowhammer and a Reed Bunting. Later on, at Seaton Common 3 Little Egrets. Saltholme Pools, Tufted Duck, Canada Geese, Pink Footed Geese. To cap it off, on the way back to Leeds, on the Ring Road we were welcomed home by a Roe Deer.

Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park
Oliver Reed Bunting (grrrrrr)