Yesterday I saw and heard a Turtle Dove in the field opposite my house. Seeing this rare bird has inspired me to share any further wildlife sightings I have and hopefully others will add their sightings too. To kick things off we also saw a Buzzard flying and calling over the same field. So it's not just about birds I often hear foxes calling at night. I would love to know what anyone has seen around our village.
Last year while biking from the village towards bunwell,on the bunwell road I also saw a turtle dove sitting on a telegraph wire.
We have egrets regularly visiting the stream behind the railway line.
We are an avid wildlife family that's why we moved here.we are buying some infa red cameras later in the year to put in our back garden to see what comes to visit!
We moved here because we enjoy watching wildlife too.
A couple of days ago I saw a barn owl on land near the railway line between Chapel Road and School Lane. Last week I saw what I think was a kite, or it could have been a buzzard?
It's great news that we have a very rare turtle dove.
I haven't seen a hedgehog here for quite a while, although there always used to be several on the land that has now been developed for housing at the Ridings. Has anyone recently seen a hedgehog in the village?
We look forward every year to the return of the housemartins (not the band....) and the swifts, that is always a good marker that warmer weather is on its way. Housemartins seem to be thriving this year, as they have built three new nests on the side of our house taking it up to eight. Having squeaky chicks outside your bedroom window and bird poop on the sill, is a small price to pay for having these wonderful birds lodging for a few months.
We have also had wrens, dunnocks, woodpeckers and the odd pheasant visit the garden. Plus and amazing site a couple of years ago of a sparrowhawk chasing one of the housemartins, luckily the housemartin just made it to the nest.
We have had numerous pheasants in the garden, a few rabbits, a couple of hares and a muntjac deer in the field beside our house. On our feeders we regularly have robins, goldfinches, blue, great, coal and long-tailed tits, bullfinches, greenfinches and sparrows. A sparrow hawk has perched on our fence a couple of times and one did an impressive fly-past over the garden. We had a few ducks and a crane when we used to have a pond along with plenty of newts and frogs. Despite our house being bordered by mature trees I have never seen a squirrel and there don't appear to be any hedgehogs around either. Finally one must not forget the three-legged cat with half a tail who showed up for a couple of days.
"Last week I saw what I think was a kite, or it could have been a buzzard?" I'm pretty sure that I saw the same bird last week and watched it for quite a while - 99% sure it was a Marsh Harrier.
Spotted a Bullfinch yesterday and regularly see the long-tailed tits fly around in gangs of 10+, oh and the lovely egrets.
A few years ago, we had a visit from an old water vole (definitely wasn't a rat).
We also have a housemartin nesting on the side of our bungalow,never happened before! I've put a dust bin lid with molehill soil in it to try and encourage them to come back next year.
We have hedgehogs in our back garden ,they poo like crazy! Glad to hear people are putting out feeders for the birds,they need all the help they can get.Everything we do in our garden is help wildlife,does anyone know where I could possibly get a secondhand beehive?
I would love to have one in my garden,but to leave it alone and just let them do their thing.
Have just come back along Broom Road and saw lots of Yellowhammers on the telegraph lines. Hoped to see the Little Owl that is often about around there but not tonight. Did see a Buzzard though.
I had a rear visitor a few weeks back , a Wood**** in my back garden. I had never seen one before . Often get Green Woodpeckers either one at a time or as a group of 4-5 . We have Fred the Pheasant who often turns up . Also have the barn owl which flies around the garden at dusk . We have not had any rabbits this year which is strange as there are always rabbits in our bottom garden . Lots of birds have used the nesting boxes but one surprise was to find that Bees had taken over two of them . One nesting box of Bees attracted Woodpeckers who enlarged the nesting box hole so they could get at them !!
There were signs that a Hedgehog was in our garden last night (a little trail of poop across the patio) great to know they're out there even though they are a rarity these days!
Also a neighbour has reported that an enormous caterpillar demolished her Fuschia completely. the photo showed it was the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth. What an awesome creature!
We also had an enormous caterpillar in our garden yesterday. It moved quite fast across the patio. I've looked up the Elephant Hawk Moth and it was one of them.
Regularly walking the dog at the field , it is interesting to note that within minutes swifts appear and track the dog as she disturbs insects as she runs across the field and they feed on the insects so displaced
How lovely to watch and how clever they are to know to follow moving objects to get food! I am thinking that its probably House Martins or Swallows now though as I've noticed the Swifts all left a week or so ago. Last to get here and first to leave. Short season for the Swifts!
Whilst mowing some rough grass at weekend came across several Mice , numerous Newts or small lizards and lots of Voles . At dusk there were plenty of House Martins or the like skimming the field after insects. Look amazing .
Just seen several swallow fledglings waiting on a telephone wire with the parents returning to feed them and a short distance from them, a couple of goldfinches, one of which was also a fledgling. Lovely to see.
Yesterday I saw the most amazing aerobatics above our garden as two swallow parents were taking it in turns to swoop in and feed their fledgling in flight. A beautiful sight.
These August dewy mornings are also now perfect to sit quietly with a coffee waiting and watching for the frogs to return from the flower borders, where they must be feeding at night, to the pond.
There seems to be starting to gather, a small murmuration of Starlings around Station Road area. only about 100 birds as yet but autumn has only just started!
Have heard for the past five days a tawny owl calling from the old farm opposite the church,chapel lane. Usually hear him oct /NOV time.wonder why he is early?
Have just come down Guiler's Lane this morning and have seen; a small flock of Swallows, a Buzzard flying, a Kestrel hovering and several Jays among the trees in the woody part! Not bad for a short trip!
Yes, a buzzard was seen last week towards the top of the vineyard here on Chapel Road. I think that it was working out of the copse that sits at the back of (edited) bungalow.
-- Edited by webstation on Wednesday 20th of September 2017 09:25:47 AM
A Little Egret was in the field behind Queen Street above the stream, yesterday, after it had been ploughed, I eating worms that had been turned over. I didn't know they ate worms! thought it was just fish!
Hi, yesterday afternoon a kingfisher flew along the stream that borders Bunwell Rd. Terrific. I have,nt seen one in the vasinity for at least 12 years. Fingers crossed that they will return.
Today we saw 2 unusual (to us) white birds (waders). They were a similar shape to herons, but much smaller, pure white with long beaks. They seemed to be searching the ditch on Bunwell road, opposite a house called Chestnuts or similar. So sorry to be so vague, I'm sure someone else with better bird knowledge would have said "Oh, look at those ............, I just thought, WoW! I've never seen those before. Any answers please?
At about midnight on Tuesday there were two or more very vocal Tawny Owls! They were calling to mark their territory, I believe. They were around the level crossing area. Worth a listen if you're an insomniac!
Saw a Kestrel hovering over the verge on Station Road towards the roundabout and then, further down, in the field where the river runs, there was a Muntjac Deer thinking about crossing the road, but wisely, changing its mind and treating me the view of it running right back across the field! What a treat!
I love this post Viv! I also regularly hear the owls in the evening, I really enjoy it. I see kites and kestrels every time I drive to Wymondham and saw a single buzzard over my house a couple of weeks ago and two swooping around together on a walk to Attleborough. I have a woodpecker that I see almost daily in my garden and am never without at least two squirrels running around. Please keep posting your sightings everyone.
It was good to see four Lapwings in the field beside Broom Road where the road does right angles. An unexpected pleasure although they're usually in bigger flocks.
Glad to hear that Fieldfares have arrived, shall be on the lookout for them and the Redwings that often accompany them.
This last week we have a field fare guarding our old apple tree.He/she spends their time in the branches ,on look out for any blackbirds who dare to come near.I was surprised how big it is ,it’s quite shy if we go outside .It loves the fallen apples,which are cookers.I learnt from last year to leave a majority for the birds as it’s so entertaining.
father Xmas i think is bringing one of my family a rather expensive camera,can’t wait to see the pictures they achieve!
Also father Xmas again is bringing another member a day/night wildlife camera.Cant wait to see who visits when it’s dark.
This last week we have a field fare guarding our old apple tree.He/she spends their time in the branches ,on look out for any blackbirds who dare to come near.I was surprised how big it is ,it’s quite shy if we go outside .It loves the fallen apples,which are cookers.I learnt from last year to leave a majority for the birds as it’s so entertaining.
father Xmas i think is bringing one of my family a rather expensive camera,can’t wait to see the pictures they achieve!
Also father Xmas again is bringing another member a day/night wildlife camera.Cant wait to see who visits when it’s dark.
He's a clever Santa, they are fabulous present ideas! The Field Fare hasn't visited us for a number of years, not since the last snowy winter, but they are beautiful, if incredibly timid.
We have recently added Nyger seeds to our assortment of feeders and it's a delight to see so many Goldfinches visiting. A family of Long Tailed Tits are proving daily visitors too arriving en-masse with LOTS of noise. They are a joy to watch.
A couple of weeks ago we found a very young hedgehog wandering our shrub border where she had built an impressive dried leaf den. Only 200 grams in weight, so way too small to survive the winter, she was cold and dehydrated as well as very hungry. She is now overwintering at a hog rescue in Acle. On arrival she needed de-fleaing, subcutaneous rehydration and a shot of antibiotics. Careful examination of her poo identified a worm burden (apparently there are several types which have to be specifically identified to treat) so she's had the "full" MOT. This weeks report is that she's already doubled her bodyweight having taken a particular liking to mealworms. In the spring she will come back to us to be released where we found her.
I was very excited to see a Bullfinch on the embankment of the railway! He was enjoying the seed heads of Thistles growing there. Also, this week, on the fllooded part of the field on Station road, the Little Egret gave it a look amongst the Rooks and Gulls. he gave up once he realised there were no fish! And, on a walk, passing the houses on Top Common, spotted a Goldcrest! I so love new bird discoveries in our village!
More strange behaviour by the local Little Egret. It's has taken to walking around the field next to the railway line whereas usually it's seen in the ditch or river. Not sure what its up to. Do Little Egrets eat worms?
Also, on two separate occasions, saw a Roe deer and a fox. They both crossed the road, virtually in the same place, at the roundabout next to the A11 bridge. If you look closely, you can see a well trodden thin path, through the hazel thicket, that is clearly frequented by animals. Sadly they have no road sense!,
Also, a reminder that its the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend. the yearly R.S.P.B. bird count. I, for one, will be doing my count for an hour.
Did anyone else see the red kite soaring over the village around midday today? From where I was watching in our garden I should think it was over the crossroads by The Boars and moving towards the fields up Guilers Lane and along Bunwell Road. Before today the closest I had seen one to our village was at Kimberly.
Hi Saw an amazing spectacle yesterday in and above the field going out of the village near Top Common . 2 Crows were attacking a Buzzard in flight . We stopped to watch what was going on and realized the Buzzard had a mouse in its claws . After a few minutes the 2 Crows brought the Buzzard down into the field and started to attack it again . Guess the Crows were after the mouse . A few minutes later the Buzzard took of , with mouse , heading towards the railway line with 2 crows in pursuit !!
Really enjoying watching all the extra birds on feeders and patio, where I've put further food for the ground feeders. As well as a brave Blue tit which don't often feed from the floor, I watched a pheasant seeing off a Rook which attempted to feed but failed to land due to the garden being so small! There's been more than usual Starlings, House sparrows and Blackbirds (scrapping) too. Also, on a walk yesterday saw a single Fieldfare. I've hardly seen any this winter. I've been remembering to put out daily water too which is being taking advantage of by many birds!
I was unaware that frogs and toads crossed the road by the bridge, will keep an eye out and help them across if I see any, though that's usually at night I believe.
For the past 2 days we've had a single Fieldfare in the garden gradually working its way through the rosehips on the rosebush. Taken lots of photos as its very obliging! Keep putting out fresh water for birds please.
I've been putting out bird food twice a day in this snowy weather. I put some fresh water out and the birds were straight there for a drink. They definitely needed a drink.
On and off for the past few days, we've had a very cheeky Pheasant visiting. He checks out what's to eat, then comes to the door and pecks on the glass and appears to ask for food! He doesn't fly away when fed either. Who can resist feeding a friendly Pheasant! He must have learned this over the years.
The Barn Owl at Top Common was on good form during my afternoon walk today. After tracking the field around the barn it flew right in front of me (and the dog!) over the railway bridge and then doubled back and over a further two times before settling in a tree near the cattle. It's a beautiful bird and so lovely to see up close.
Perhaps not strictly wildlife, but there are sparking yellow primroses in the ditches in Hill Road and yellow celandine on the verges. Lovely sticky buds on the horse chestnuts too.
I also have been watching the Barn Owl on Top Common , it doesn't seem fazed by people. Also been watching a Barn Owl in our back garden , it is quite big so it may be the Owl I saw several times last year . Obviously like the area.
I love watching barn owls flying across fields, I will look out for the one on Top Common. Let's not lose our beautiful fields to unwanted developments.
It shouldn't be long before the housemartins and swifts re-appear, usually the early May bank holiday.
This is always the mark of the beginning of summer for me and a real natural highlight. Criminally the previous owners of our house destroyed lots of the nests, but numbers are growing again and we had two new nests last year.
Hope they all make it back safely from their travels...
Was lucky enough to see a Barn Owl yesterday. It flew along the hedgerow beside the railway line, then when it got to the signal box it flew across the field, then the road and into the field opposite. It was around dusk, so will keep an eye out this evening too in case its habitual.
Just back from a lovely bike to Besthorpe and have seen Swallows and House Martins! First time this year, so glad to see them back! Also many Buzzards soaring, a Pied Wagtail and heard Goldcrests in a fir tree. Plus the usual Tits and Finches! Spring has sprung at last!
'Our' housemartins came back yesterday afternoon. I was starting to think they might not. They were excitedly flying in and out of their old nest and looked like they were dancing with each other in the sky. Just beautiful.
we have small bees nesting on the side of my shed,in a unoccupied bird box which usually has blue tits in it.I can’t believe how many there are in there.
Ive left them to it,any vibration from the shed sends them all out and me running down the path!
We've had leaf-cutting bees building little leaf cells in an old hanging basket which had been left in the greenhouse. It was fascinating to watch them.
For the past two days I've been watching a WHITE fledgling House Sparrow in the garden! I'm guessing it's a genetic anomaly but interesting to observe. Hoping it will survive as it could be easily picked off by a predator, bearing in mind the occasional visit by the Sparrow Hawk and a newly interested Jay that's been turning up regularly.
Walking the dog last week I saw a bees nest in a tree trunk just off Guiler's Lane ... thankfully I spotted it before the dog did!
Maybe a month/six weeks ago as I came over the bridge, two buzzards were perched side by side on the roof of the cattle shed. I was staggered by their sheer size. Unfortunately they heard me "conversing" with the dog and flew off, it would have been nice not to have startled them and been able to observe them for longer.
We've also been seeing some amazing frog activity in the garden during the rain showers. Dozens (lost count at 30 last week) of frogs leaving the pond and borders and all hoping in the same direction, like a migration. Have contacted Froglife who seem as mystified as we are so next chance we get we will be taking photos/video so they can identify them.
For anyone interested in housemartin observations...
We only have one of our six nests occupied this year (we were full last year!) a big drop in numbers.
Although this did happen a couple of years ago, and like this year, when they returned it had been hot and the ground was hard. So maybe the lack of mud to repair nests is a factor, perhaps they chose a different location?
Swift numbers seem down as well, hopefully this is a just temporary dip...
I was out walking the dog on outskirts of village and came across a flock of Francolin ( bit like a pheasant ) I have seen a flock in this area at this time of year for the last couple of years . Not seen any anywhere before . They are very noisy when they see you !
Every morning from around 6 we are visited by dozens of Housemartins. They put on quite a display and circle around chirping. They seem to love the early morning when there are plenty of bugs and flies to eat.
Woken at 4am by what I thought was my 1 year old crying. After wandering round the garden and some early morning research it appears it was a tawny owl! Did anybody else hear it? I’m at Chapel Loke and I am sure those on Chapel Road with windows to their back gardens would have heard it. So, even when my son isn’t getting me up I am waking at 4am exploring strange noises in the garden!
Have just seen a Sparrow Hawk! it landed on the signal box, looked around then flew off up the railway line. Must have hoped for a last meal before it got dark. Don't see them very often so good to see.
28th September to March the BTO launch their new survey.To listen for tawny Owls once a week and to record whether or not you hear them.we do have tawny Owls in spooner row for anyone who’s interested.
Yesterday I was watching a Grey Squirrel collecting food in the garden , after a short while I looked up and a Buzzard was circling very low above the garden . The Squirrel didn't hang around !!!!
Yesterday, traveling up Broom Road I saw what I thought was a pheasant in the field but turned out to be a buzzard. It was running around looking like it was after worms. I have never seen this before and it did not seem to be too bothered by me as i drove past. I also saw a small flock of what may have been Redwings in the same area. Has anyone else seen any Redwings or Fieldfares yet.
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Wildlife watching in Spooner Row (this thread has a second page)
Not really wildlife , but I would be interested to know if anyone has anything unusual in flower at the moment ? I have a white rose with two blooms on it.And I have noticed birds this week have been taking my moss off my doorstep,l wonder if we all are fooled into false lull with the weather!