Buckenham

Tuesday March 19

Buckenham marsh is a good place to look for early migrants. Such as Garganey and fly through hirundine. I spent a long time searching the side drains and floodwater pools with no luck. A male Garganey was reported from here a few days ago, not for us. It was enjoyable looking. 

Four Chinese Water Deer in view, several Marsh Harriers, one sporting bright orange wing tags, Grey Heron, Lapwings, Starlings, Canada Geese, Greylag and a lone Cormorant perched on one of the many gates. The clipboard armed man stood in the middle of the marsh will not have helped. The Wigeon looked very smart.




The big pool held a few Avocets, two Gadwall, Mallard and Teal. The biggest number was that of Shovellers, I counted 42 males, the most I have ever seen. The pool is too distant for photos. A few flew off.

Finding one Snipe was bird of the day for us, again partially hidden and distant, with good scope views.

The amount of cawing and chakking from the roost site belied the small number of Rooks and Jackdaws present. Too early for the spectacular evening roost.


The woods were quiet on the way back, earlier they rang with the sound of Chiffchaffs, which arrived in force this week.

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