No, not an exclusive brand of local tobacco nor the other thing you might be thinking of – but a fine example of this rare Norfolk Phalacrocorax!

Shag, adult non-breeder – Wells Harbour 24th January 2015

If you’re viewing this blog, chances are that you’ve got an interest in the birds of Norfolk – in which case you might like to know about the creation of a brand new Bird Club, here in this bird-rich corner of of the county!
The North East Norfolk Bird Club (NENBC), serving the birding communities of Melton, Briston, Holt, Sheringham, Cromer, North Walsham and Aylsham, contains within its designated recording area some of the county’s premier birding locations, together with acres of under-watched or undiscovered habitat and has played host to over 350 species. With a full programme of indoor meetings, outdoor bird walks and other social events, our aim is to bring together those people with a love and concern for birds in our area, to share knowledge and information, encourage participation in exploring our rich wildlife heritage and promote awareness of our threatened natural environment. We aim to be a sociable, inclusive and informative club, which plays a vital role in the local birding community.
If you are interested in becoming part of Norfolk’s newest birding initiative, visit our website for details or come along to our inaugural Indoor Meeting with Moss Taylor – ‘father of Sheringham birding’, with a string of rarities to his name.

Can’t believe it’s close on a month since we returned from our two week package holiday in Goa. This post catches up on the last couple of days birding back at the coast, as well as filling in some of the gaps from earlier in the holiday. Once back at the Marinha Dourada we made full use of our guide Rayman (govekar.rama@gmail.com 9922271840) who certainly knew all the sites and was able to find some great birds for us.

First up, Asian Openbill

Intermediate Egret

Purple Heron

Striated Heron

Pacific Golden Plover

Great Knot, with Greater & Lesser Sand Plover

The gorgeous Small Pratincole

Scaly-breasted Munia

Siberian Stonechat

Long-tailed Shrike

Barn Owl, roosting just above our favourite hotel bar!

Indian Peafowl, easy enough to see in the distance, but surprisingly difficult to photograph

White-bellied Sea Eagle on an early morning ‘fly by’

Female Pallid Harrier

Finally, a couple of species seen on a bit of waste ground close to Panjim City – Desert Wheatear

and to close, the superbly cryptic Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, contender for ‘bird of the trip’