Weeting Heath

[rlchew]

I don't know how many of you know this excellent Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve near Brandon. It is highly recommended at this time of year if you live in East Anglia or visit the area on holiday.

I had my annual trip there today and was rewarded with the best views I have ever had of Stone Curlews. Normally they are very distant at the back of the site (telescope essential) but this year a pair were extremely close to the West Hide allowing great views with binoculars and outstanding views with the telescope. I never realised that their eyes were so yellow!

I also had very good sightings of 2 pairs of Woodlark, several pairs of Lapwing, a Little Owl, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Yellowhammer and several Stock Doves .... and loads of Rabbits as usual! However, I did not see a Wheatear this year.

I have attached 3 photos of the Stone Curlews. Due to the seemingly ever present heat haze at Weeting Heath and the fact that I used my DSLR/telescope combination, they are not the sharpest photos but they are the first I have ever taken of this bird and they are record shots of a very enjoyable day.

Please remember that Stone Curlews are a rare breeding bird in the UK and very sensitive to disturbance. At Weeting Heath there is a 24 hour protection scheme and visitors must follow all on-site directions. Excellent views can be gained from the hides. Use these, stay quiet and you will be rewarded.

Richard

[Mark43]

Nice shots Richard.

Went there In April and another site John told me about and didn't see diddly squat.

Although i had missed a pair by half an hour at Weeting.

Trying again on the 14/6............more luck this time i hope.

What sort of time were you there.

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by Mark43

Nice shots Richard.

Went there In April and another site John told me about and didn't see diddly squat.

Although i had missed a pair by half an hour at Weeting.

Trying again on the 14/6............more luck this time i hope.

What sort of time were you there.

Thanks Mark.

I was there between about 9.30 a.m. and midday and West Hide was packed out appreciating the Stone Curlews.

Best of luck when you visit again shortly.

Richard

[Pete]

often best to get there early. i was there in april and saw them pre 9am. often good for woodlark as well

[eeyore]

I was the seasonal warden at weeting in '99, if anybody does see the stoneys if you get the colour ring combination please let me know what it is, so I can see how my old mates are making out ( remember to tell the Warden too, as they are always glad to get this info from birders.) The ring combination is read in the following order the bottom left leg, top left, top right, bottom right. One position may be vacant and one ring will be a bto steel ring.

Digiscope pictures of Colour ring combos to back up the observation will be highly prized by the wardens ( we didnt have the new fangled technology back in my day)

[canonman]

Hi
Never been there myself but your very lucky to have seen these, you must have been at some distance for the pictures, By the way very good shots
Mick

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by canonman

Hi
Never been there myself but your very lucky to have seen these, you must have been at some distance for the pictures, By the way very good shots
Mick

Mick

As I said, Weeting Heath is highly recommended at this time of year and you are almost guaranteed to see Stone Curlews.

However, this year's views were exceptional. I am no good at judging distances but I do know that these are the closest views that I have ever had of this bird.

Richard

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I was the seasonal warden at weeting in '99, if anybody does see the stoneys if you get the colour ring combination please let me know what it is, so I can see how my old mates are making out ( remember to tell the Warden too, as they are always glad to get this info from birders.) The ring combination is read in the following order the bottom left leg, top left, top right, bottom right. One position may be vacant and one ring will be a bto steel ring.

Digiscope pictures of Colour ring combos to back up the observation will be highly prized by the wardens ( we didnt have the new fangled technology back in my day)

When I was in the hide there was a conversation regarding the colour ring combination but sorry I can not remember what the colours were. I think one of them was red but that probably does not help at all.

Richard

[John]

Originally Posted by eeyore

Digiscope pictures of Colour ring combos to back up the observation will be highly prized by the wardens ( we didnt have the new fangled technology back in my day)

Well how are these from 22/04/06. You can see the leg rings clearly on all these.

John

[Mark43]

Enough pictures of Stone Curlews already........i'm getting mighty jealous here.