Sponsored Birdwatch 2002

The 12th day of Chris-mas
BY CHRIS MILLS

I had got the difficult bit out of the way first, and announced Christmas Day in the Mills’ household would be a day late. The Turkey, Christmas pud’ and family visitors were all put on hold until Boxing Day!! The alarm sounded at 5-50am and off I set. Venues to visit; Titchwell, the Obs, Redwell and Choseley.

The first species of the day were Tawny Owl and Barn Owl. I headed for Choseley, where I added Tree Sparrow, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting, then it was time to head off for Holme.

The weather was deteriorating and the light worsened as I scanned for signs of activity. A single Little Egret was on the saltmarsh. The best wader added was Golden Plover, the only raptor was a Kestrel, it was time to move on. After several shorebird and sea-watching stops, Great Crested Grebe, Fulmar, Eider, two Long-tailed Ducks, Red-Breasted Merganser and a host of shorebirds had all been added. My final tramp across the dunes resulted in an excellent covey of 12 Grey Partridge and 2 vocal Redpolls heading west. The species list was now at 50.

I was just west of the NOA building when I heard the trill of Long-tailed Tits, Blue, Great and Coal Tit were all added to the list. A wintering Blackcap was with them, excellent. On the beach 16 Snow Buntings rose in front of me and landed back in the dunes. Heading back to the obs a Water Rail was calling. Atop the sueda bushes a Stonechat obliged. Two Rock Pipits were also added in quick succession. Time to head off for Redwell, Holme village and Marsh.

I collected Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Green Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush and Great Spotted Woodpecker as I passed through the village. The species list now stood at 81, my partner Jacky arrived with lunch and encouragement, and we headed for the hides at Holme Marsh. It was quiet, but as we walked back to the car Fieldfare and Redwing were welcome additions. We then headed off to Titchwell. A swift sortie down Gypsy Lane produced Goldcrest and Bearded Tit, brilliant, a real bonus.

On the Main Marsh at Titchwell, Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Snipe, Pochard and Pintail were additions to the list.

We walked towards the saline lagoon. Where was that Stilt when you needed it? Right under our noses was the answer, feeding gracefully, “Sammy” was as close as we have ever seen him.

The list now stood at 96. A final score of 100 was within touching distance. As the light drew in some minutes sea-watching produced Great Northern Diver and Jacky added a Red-Throated Diver. A Slavonian Grebe took our total to 99.

The light was fading as we quickly headed back for the Harrier roost. Would 100 species be too much to ask for?……… ‘Got it!!’ I screamed as a Marsh Harrier tucked and turned over the reed bed. The total was now at the magical 100, the day was finishing in style. As we walked back, a Woodcock flashed past us and out towards Thornham Marsh – an unexpected bonus. A great day had ended with the antipathy of birding; “you never quite know what you are going to see!”

With the days list ending on 101 we set off for home very contented indeed. Now we could start the festive celebrations.

A complete species list is posted at Holme Bird Observatory. I raised £44 this time. I am intending doing a Spring sponsored bird watch within the boundaries of the Holme recording area, which includes Thornham channel to the east of the Obs, the horizon to the south, beach road to the west and the horizon to the north.

Chris Mills Member