Forest King

Excellent look out with Mal this morning. Just a few hours before the forecast rain and wind hit. Walking our regular forest and heath spots. First treat of the day was a Lesser Redpoll flock - which was at least 300 strong:

Lesser Redpoll super flock - October 2020

Lesser Redpoll super flock - October 2020

Lesser Redpoll super flock - October 2020

The next gem was a distant Goshawk getting mobbed by crows. Further into our walk we had a super close flyby from the resident pair. I was drinking a coffee at the time. My flask was thrown on the floor quickly enough for me to fire off a couple of distant shots:

Goshawk - October 2020

Goshawk - October 2020

Goshawk - October 2020

There was also a 1000 bird strong Fieldfare flock sprawled out across the heath - quite the spectacle when you add in a few Redwing, Starling, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Stonechat. Birds everywhere! 

Fieldfare super flock - October 2020

There was also some interesting cattle on the heath with the usual sheep. Breckland's answer to water buffalo?

Breckland buffalo - October 2020

The colour ringed Stonechat was still in the same area with her mate - both looking resplendent - even in the low light:

Stonechat - October 2020

Stonechat - October 2020

As if we hadn't been spoiled enough already - the birding gods further smiled on us with ultra close views of the local Red Kites on our drive back to town. Born to lose - live to win... 

Red Kite - October 2020

Red Kite - October 2020