The Phil More's Corner Podcast - Episode 3

The third episode of The Phil More's Corner Podcast is all about sounds and mimicry. From Norfolk we hear singing Blyth's Reed Warbler and Savi's Warbler. We listen to possibly the only recording of a Lesser Whitethoat singing in Ireland. Sean regails us with the sounds of the pre-Pyrenees and Brian shocks the ornithological world to its core when he reveals the stunning similarity between the bubbling call of female Common Cuckoo and that of the cartoon character Roadrunner. Meep, meep!!

Episode 3

Spring keeps springing

We may be about to enter the birding doldrums but spring isn't giving up just yet. Unfortunately with work I wasn't able to get in on the Blyth's Reed or Rosy Pastor action. However, with east winds and rain for several days I decided to take a holiday on Friday and was out at Happisburgh at 7am looking for migrants. I realise that at this time of year migration will have virtually stopped so it'll be a case of all or nothing. It wasn't quite nothing, I did find this Corn Bunting at the end of Dogget's Lane near Cart Gap.

I believe its been four years since the last site record so it was a decent enough find. In fact, when I think about it, in my lifetime, I've not seen many Corn Buntings. I've seen more Ortolan Buntings and I've not seen many of them!

On Saturday morning I hared across to Thorpe Marshes when news broke of a singing Savi's Warbler, so far I've only heard them in the UK, so although views for me were poor, at least I could add it to the list.

I didn't hear the Corncrake but its still there apparently. Two Cuckoos chasing each other around were a nice diversion while I waited for the Savi's to show.

On Sunday afternoon, I also added a further UK tick with this Swedish ringed Caspian Tern at Potter Heigham.

I counted five Spoonbills also plus plenty of Common Terns, Reed Warbler, Avocets and Marsh Harriers.

The Difficult Second Episode

In this the second episode of The Phil More's Corner Podcast, Harry and the ex-pats fill us in on what they've been up to in the last few weeks. The lads manage to bring the mood right down by talking about their biggest ever dips. But spirits are lifted as they reminisce about Cape Clear Island's Yankee triumvirate of 2008.

Available through this link on Apple Podcasts

Episode 2