White-crowned Sparrow

Fourwings · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 05:43 PM

I was just wondering how many WAB members have made the trip to see this fantastic little bird that has been resident in Cley Next the Sea on the North Norfolk coast for the past few weeks?
I must admit we did not make a special journey to see it, I am not a twitcher, we had gone to the area to photograph the Snow & Lapland Buntings on Salthouse beach just down the road and thought we would have a look as we were close by.
The bird showed quite well but not close enough for really good photos, I'm certainly thinking of making the trip again early next week if the weather is good as I fancy the chance of bagging a good image of this little beauty.
I think the chances of photographing one of these in the UK are not likely to come along that often.
I would certainly recommend having a look at this bird if you are in the area, combine it with a trip to Salthouse beach to see the Bunting flock and you have a great days birding.

My best image of the bird to date, hopefully I may get the chance to better it!

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 07:02 PM

A fine photo of a handsome bird. Haven't been to see it yet, despite being at Holkham a few weekends back, but may still go + see it.

I gather the collection raised by the twitch has now exceeded £4400!

VinceS · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 07:10 PM

Thats a pretty good photo considering the bird seems to be well hidden in a thick hedge or bush. When I try and photo a bird in such surroundings there is always a twig or leaf across its head or body, i'll just have to keep trying.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to get to see this bird so nice to see the photo. Thanks

Vince

John · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 06:22 AM

I have been three times to see it but it has never been in a position for me to get a decent photo of it. It has always been well back up the drive and in shadows and I only have a 100-400 lens. Only the big guns can get a decent image at those distances.

Here is the best of a bad lot that I have managed so far.

There is a chance that I will go for it again and hopefully this time it will be in a good position for photography.

John

Wild-Woman · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 06:45 AM

I wonder how long it's likely to hang around? If it was still there in half term week I might consider a day-trip.

Chris Hawes · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 07:04 AM

Like you Steve, I'm not a twitcher but was in the area last weekend for the buntings at Salthouse, so stopped at Cley on my way back. This is the best of a bad bunch of images. It was in full view, not too far away, so really I have no excuse not to at least have got something in focus!

Wild-woman, I think you've got a fair chance of it still being around for half time. I believe opinion is that it has probably been around for some time before it was found.

Fourwings · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

I wonder how long it's likely to hang around? If it was still there in half term week I might consider a day-trip.

If the weather outlook stays the same I'm aiming to go back on Monday, its well worth the journey Jules, especially if you have a 5 minute drive down the road to Salthouse beach for the Snow Buntings and Lapland Buntings.

Adam Cheeseman · #8 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 03:58 PM

Been there, seen that

Apparently they are seeding the area opposite the driveway now and the bird is spending more time in the bushes there.

Cheers,

Adam

Hobjob · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

If the weather outlook stays the same I'm aiming to go back on Monday, its well worth the journey Jules, especially if you have a 5 minute drive down the road to Salthouse beach for the Snow Buntings and Lapland Buntings.

Pop inat the Cley visitor centre - they have quite th best home made pork pies I have ever tasted !!!

Hobjob · #10 (**permalink**) 08-02-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwings

If the weather outlook stays the same I'm aiming to go back on Monday, its well worth the journey Jules, especially if you have a 5 minute drive down the road to Salthouse beach for the Snow Buntings and Lapland Buntings.

Steve I might try and meet you there - the little devil moved off into fields yesterday, but is reported back on the drive to-day - my photos were woefully inadequate, but it was a heck of a scrum when I went forcing hand held in shadow - well that my excuse

David