Bittern

[Norfolkangler]

Now I know I am a bit late in posting this, but I was fortunate enough to hear the Bittern Booming at Somerleyton whilst I was home on leave and out walking the dogs early morning around mid April. I was totally taken aback by the sound as I got out of my car to let the dogs out. I thought I was hearing things as I have walked  my dogs for many years (over 35) at various times of year along the river at Somerleyton to Smock mill and never heard a Bittern booming there before. Talking to another local dog walking couple, they were heard last year and it was apparently  the first time they had heard them. It was great to hear one so close to where I live without having to travel as we do each year to Walberswick marshes as we did in february to hear them.

We did also have an evening stroll round Strumpshaw the following week and heard one there which is really good news as they seem to be making a comeback.

Still not heard a Cuckoo though, and Somerleyton marsh is generally where I hear the first one.

[RS2021]

I had the pleasure of hearing the bitten boom a couple of years ago at Somerleyton. First time and a wonderful experience.

[Norfolkangler]

Its one of my regular haunts during the winter as (please don't take this the wrong way) there is seldom any boats moored up and is so peaceful. Don't usually go there much past easter, but its been quiet so far this year after half term. During the winter months,there are occasionally a pair of hen harriers if you are lucky at dusk making their way back to roost and following the river to guide them. And again a bird that is heard but seldom seen, water rails with their eery call, which until you know what they are can be a bit alarming as its getting dark. 

[Hylander]

We heard the Bittern booming at How Hill.  Wondered what the noise was.  It went on for ages.  Also the cuckoo who was also at Wroxham Broad giving its all.   We saw it fly from tree to tree.

Don't know about anyone else but feel cheated out of 26 degrees everyone else seems to be getting.    

 

 

 

[SwanR]

1 hour ago, Norfolkangler said:

Still not heard a Cuckoo though

We heard them a couple of weeks ago while moored down Oulton Dyke and also Rockland Short Dyke. They're definitely about. :)

[Norfolkangler]

Its amazing how things have changed in my lifetime. Marsh Harriers were a scarce thing during my childhood. Now they are seen everywhere over broadland. Buzzards, again never saw one during my childhood but there is now seldom a day goes by with out seeing one. I remember back in the 80s seeing a load of "twitchers" on the Ashby road at the back of Fritton lake. When I stopped to enquire what they were after I was told that apparently a pair of Red Kites had been seen in the area. Again, I often see Red Kites on my dog walks around Ashby. Never tire of seeing nature at its best. Always out looking for something different.