Breckland Birding, In search of Goshawks

It's been a frustrating few days, Storm Eunice bringing 70 mph winds, heavy rain, hailstones, and fallen trees. Having checked the weather forecast last night, there seemed to be a vast improvement, with clear skies and sunny spells throughout the morning, giving us a chance to go searching for Goshawks. We set off early and arrived just after first light at Santon Downham, hoping to connect with Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The walk down to the Little Ouse River gave super viewing of several singing Woodlarks.

We walked our normal route looking and listening for any presence of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Robert spotted a single bird high up on a broken tree branch. thankfully it stayed long enough for all to enjoy. We spent the next hour watching both male and female birds coming to various trees, with almost constant drumming throughout.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

With an eye on the weather, we set off in search of Goshawks. Reaching the site we joined a small group of birders and began scanning the distant trees. It wasn't long before we were enjoying our first views of Goshawks. Plenty of Buzzards were present and we watched a Goshawk mobbing a Buzzard several times. We followed one Goshawk flying low across the treetops and watched it land at the top of a pine tree, giving some fantastic scope views. Some of the best views of Goshawks I have ever had. A couple of hours later, we decided to leave, but as we were about to drive off another birder called us back saying he had spotted a White-tailed Eagle flying among the Buzzards! We all jumped out and enjoyed good if brief views of the bird before it disappeared north.

Brian reported the Eagle sighting and received news back that it was G463 a male from the IOW reintroduction programme. It was the first of the IOW eagles to cross the English Channel last year spending time in France and Denmark before returning to England.

Goshawk perched in treetops

Lynford is about eight miles away and would be our final stop before heading home. As we approached the car park, there was a small group of birders looking closely at some ivy-clad trees. We joined them and were told they had seen a Firecrest. We could see it flitting about among the ivy and soon it popped out onto the outer branches.

Firecrest

After spending some time enjoying the Firecrest we scanned the feeding area by the wooden gate. It was alive with birds, Plenty of Yellowhammer, Brambling, Siskin, Nuthatch, and Coal Tit were seen and a single Hawfinch also dropped in to take advantage of the scattered seed.

Both main targets were seen and both gave stunning views, along with a supporting cast that only added to a super day's birding.