Pensthorpe Nature Reserve

Had a trip to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Norfolk last Monday (26th) with two friends. Set off from home at 0715 and got there at 0930-ish. As it doesn't open until 10am, we had brekkies at the Morrison's near Fakenham. Jolly good it was too.

Entrance fee to the reserve is £9, which I thought was a bit steep; hosting the 2008 BBC Spring Watch may have something to do with this. But, having been round the joint, I suppose it was worth it, because it is indeed a good place. There is certainly lots to see. Species seen include:-
Avocet
Barnacle Goose
Barrow's Goldeneye

Bearded Tit
Bewick's Swan
Black Stork
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Black-tailed Godwit
Black-winged Stilt
Bufflehead
Curlew
Eurasian Crane
Falcated Duck
Garganey

Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Lady Amherst's Pheasant
Lapwing
Mandarin
Northern Bald Ibis
Oyster Catcher
Peewit
Pintail
Puna Teal
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-crested Pochard
Redshank
Red Squirrel
Ross's Goose
Ruddy Shelduck
Ruff
Scarlet Ibis
Shelduck
Shoveler
Smew
Swan Goose
Teal
Turtle Dove
White Stork
White-cheeked Pintail
White-headed Duck
Wigeon

MSQ

Another early start this today. Got to MSQ by 0600hrs and left at 1200hrs. Lovely bright morning, but the wind was a bit on the chilly side. Heard my first Cuckoo of the year and saw my first Swallows this year. I can't believe they were warming up in sunshine, 'cause the wind coming across the lake was very keen!!



Spring is definitely in the air as there were plenty of coupled Shield Bugs on the Gorse.

As well as the Swallows there was lots of Martins (Sand ones I think) and I must have seen at least 4 Treecreepers. Willow Warblers also seem in abundance on the reserve this year. But I haven't had a decent view of any Blackcaps yet.

This Willow Warbler was singing its heart out

Otter

Was up bright & earlier this morning and headed for Messingham (my local nature reserve). Got there at 0615hrs and left at 1130hrs. It was a very good 5hrs seeing Barn Owl, Wrens, Willow Warbler & Chaffinch, as well as the usual ducks, geese etc.
The highlight was, once again, seeing one of the two otters that have taken up residence on the reserve. It's really magical watching these fine creatures.

Bempton Cliffs

Went to Bempton Cliffs yesterday. Was hoping to get some good images of Puffins, but there wasn't many about. Did get some decent shots of Gannets, Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Razorbills.

The weather wasn't very kind though. The day was pretty good when we (two friends accompanied me), set off at 0630hrs. The further north we drove the cloudy it got and by the time we hit the Cliffs (not literally I hasten to add) at 0830, it was about 85% cloud cover and not looking good for the rest of the day. This proved to be the case as by 1130 it looked like we might get some rain, so decided to have an early lunch break, hoping that things might improve in the afternoon. However, whilst having our scoff, a mist started to roll in and by 1230 the visibility was dire. So we abandoned the trip and drove home.

All the photo's I got can be viewed HERE