29th December 2014 (Norfolk)

Drove up to Norfolk yesterday to visit relatives. Had a single Red Kite on the roadside somewhere between Somerset and Salisbury Plain, and at least 2 flocks of Ring-Necked Parakeets flying to roost while driving through London.

Headed off to Burnham Overy this morning, but stopped off at Mary Anne's Drive for a quick check but had nothing other than pink-footed geese. At Burnham Overy, there were already
a group of birders on the roadside, who had spent a long time watching a distant possible rough-legged buzzard perched on the ground with its back to us. Luckily, another definate one was seen flying about 20 minutes later - Unluckily, I missed it! Fortunately, a second Rough-Legged Buzzard was found on the ground, and was more obliging (if distant) - showing its pale head and chest and dark belly. I was glad I saw it, as the species is exceedingly rare back in the southwest, though I would have liked to be able to see some of the in-flight features.

Distant Rough-Legged Buzzard

Shortly after, a day-flying barn owl was located just behind the rough-legged buzzard. Also seen were brent geese, barnicle geese and more pink-footed geese on the saltmarsh.

Next stop was Snettisham RSPB. We had recieved a tip-off earlier that the Glaucous Gull has been feeding on a seal carcass. I figured that it would remain feeding until we arrived, and it still was when we arrived, so we were able to spot it from a distant. It continued feeding, even as we got close, allowing some close views.

We also had a black-necked grebe, at least 8 goldeneye and even more pink-footed geese.

Black-Necked Grebe (Foreground) with Little Grebe