Annual Goshawk Trek

Sunday April 5
Pam asked if I wanted a cuppa at 6.05. I was awake so gratefully accepted. We were able to set off for Olley's Farm at 7.30. after packing lunch etc, and had a clear run through Norwich, the journey only took us an hour. We were lucky to find room in the tiny 4 car parking area off road. It took us 25 minutes, on a lovely warm spring morning, to reach the viewing area, where we found a convenient pile of logs on which to sit. And there we sat for two hours. Not many birds seen but amongst them were : singing, displaying, Woodlarks. 1 male Crossbill, Siskin, Buzzard and 2 Goshawks. A third Gos returned from the same direction as the previous two had disappeared and, did a mini display flight, which is when we left.


On the walk back, we took a comfort break, returning in time to see a large (2 feet) Adder glide across the path. It was beautiful, brand new and gleaming. Pam took some photos with her Ixus.

We then spent the next hour and a half in the West Hide at Weeting, looking - in vain - for the elusive two pairs of Stone Curlews. No-one had seen them but the wardens were still taking £2.50 from non members. We all agreed that there should be a public hide or at least, guided walks, to view the section of the field over the brow of the hill.
Pete Milford reported seeing a Garganey at Hockwold Washes, it had proved to be elusive for him. After a Ronaldo's chocolate ice-cream and a coffee, we gave it a go.
We just parked, walked up the path to view the
washes and there was
a pair of Garganey showing well.



I attempted some photos through my scope of the distant birds against the light (excuses for poor shots !).
A return visit to Weeting proved to be as fruitless as the first - with even more disgruntled birders.
Home in time to see Man U recover from 1-2 to win 3-2 against Aston Villa. Phew! A wonder goal from 17 year old Federico Macheda in injury time. What a debut.