9th-11th April

9th April


What a frustrating day! Trimingham was quiet, just one Swallow through plus the possibility of a Common Buzzard nest in nearby woods to keep an eye on. A trip to the farm shop was terminated on the news that Andy had two Red Kites over Hungry Hill, one of which (plus four Buzzards) I managed to see after a quick dash round to near the nursery. Then I probably saw a Common Crane flying right past the house but it was just a shape disappearing behind the neighbours! Some compensation in the garden afterwards with Brimstone and several Commas, Small Tortoiseshells and Peacocks moving through, plus finding that the Blue Tits were still around the nest box and the tadpoles were hatching.

10th April

Another fine day saw a crowd gathered on Incleborough Hill but after several hours with only very distant Sandwich Terns, Sparrowhawks and probably local Buzzards, attention wavered a bit and the micro life on the gorse became compelling. Unfortunately I had no camera to capture the array of shield bugs, spiders and other stuff but I will next time! Just as we were packing up however a Common Crane flew steadily south east, so not only did we see it but also most of the local birders as it flew over Northrepps.

11th April

For the first time this year we put the Actinic trap on in the garden as well as the MV with spectacular results, record numbers of Early Greys and Clouded Drabs. It probably helps that Great Tits haven’t found it and it also covers much the same area as the MV so intercepts moths drawn into the garden by the bright light. Spent all morning at the allotment with Willow Warbler, a couple of Blackcaps and several Chiffs as a reward as well as three or four Small Toroiseshells.