The Golden Pheasant of the Wolferton Triangle - an update!

It's no secret that I love bright and colourful birds, and the Golden Pheasant at Wolferton Triangle is no exception. Having last seen this magnificent bird over a year ago now back in December 2014, we took the opportunity to revisit the area at the end of 2015 during our trip to Norfolk in an attempt to get further views of this most charismatic of birds.

Dividing birders opinions, with many regarding him as part of the “Plastic Fantastic” crew, I am firmly in the ‘admirers’ camp, loving the touch of colour and vibrancy that he brings to the woods of Norfolk. Love him or loathe him, there is no denying that with a fiery golden plumage and sporadic sightings, the Golden Pheasant is a very special bird indeed.

Parking up at the favoured spot where he is most often seen (on the northern edge of the triangle just before the ‘Give Way’ sign), we watched and waited for any hint of crimson and gold amongst the thick Rhododendron undergrowth.... 

Waiting for the Golden Pheasant to emerge.....

With mornings being the best time of day to catch a sighting, we were there bright and early, arriving at just after half 8. We didn’t have to wait long – a little before 9am we struck gold – a hint of vibrant yellow and striking red emerging slowly from the hedge line – our Golden Pheasant.

We watched on as he ventured across the verge and on to the road, stopping to pick at seeds along the roadside edge before crossing over to the other side. Foraging for around 20 minutes, this was our longest encounter by far, and we enjoyed fantastic views as he paraded in front of the car in all his fiery glory, eventually disappearing back in to the undergrowth of his favoured triangle. Always an amazing experience with this bird, it was brilliant to watch him at length, and interestingly, unlike our visit a year earlier, this time we didn't see any Common Pheasants in the area at all.

With a number of birds once present in this particular location, it is now possible that sadly just one male remains. Comparing my photos from this winter with those taken over a year earlier and studying the head markings, it is clear to see that this is the same individual - the feather patterns on the neck match up perfectly.

Both photos show the extensive dark patch in the bottom corner of the golden hood.

Not as easy to see on the bird's left hand side, looking closely, both photos show the same black stripe patterns and gold spacing.

I also took a look at many of the recent photographs of the Wolferton Golden Pheasant taken in the past few months to ascertain whether these too were all of the same individual. Again, looking at the patterns on the neck feathers, the position and thickness of the stripes are identical, indicating that they are indeed all of the same male. In particular, the thick patch of black stripes in the bottom corner of the bird's right hand side can clearly be seen on all photographs.  

Photos kindly supplied by David Johnstone (Top Left), Christopher Teague (Top Middle) Max Hellicar (Bottom Left) and Harry Murphy (Bottom Middle).

Whilst not as obvious, the black stripes and the gold spacing in between are also identical on the bird's left hand side. 

Photos kindly supplied by Steve Gantlett (Top Left) and Harry Murphy (Bottom Right)

Whether there are indeed other individuals present in the triangle remains to be seen - there could well be females remaining undetected in the secrecy of the Rhododendron cover or other males that rarely venture out on to the road, meaning that the same showy male gets repeatedly photographed. However, the fact that each photograph I've found over the past year depicts the same individual indicates it is highly likely that he is indeed the very last Golden Pheasant in the Wolferton Triangle - an extremely sad fact if true. If anyone has any photos that possibly depict a different bird, or if two birds have been seen together, I would be interested to hear. 

One thing is for certain, once this particular male’s time is up and he is no longer found to be strutting proudly around the triangle, it will become much harder to see this elusive species in Britain, and the Wolferton Triangle will most certainly be a lot less colourful as a result.

For a further look in to the history behind the Wolferton population and an in depth analysis of the genetics regarding the black throat patch on the birds, check out last year’s blog post here. 

Norfolk Birding - Shore Larks, Rough-legged Buzzards, Bean Geese and the Golden Pheasant of Wolferton

Me and Alex decided to take a New Year’s trip to Norfolk in order to catch up with all the birding goodies that were on offer in what is surely one of the most productive of counties for birds. With a wealth of species concentrated in a small area near Kings Lynn, we had three days to connect with an impressive line-up of great birds.

Staking out Flitcham that afternoon for the resident Pallid Harrier unfortunately drew a blank (although we had already seen an individual last autumn in Somerset) but we were rewarded with a beautiful flock of feeding Bramblings, a hunting Merlin and a pair of gaudy Egyptian Geese as consolation prizes.

Phone-scoped shot of one of the Bramblings

The next day saw an early rise and the obligatory trip to the now famous Wolferton Triangle in order to catch up with the resident Lord of the Estate – the legendary Golden Pheasant himself, before heading over to Choseley Drying Barns to try and spot one of the two Rough-legged Buzzards that have been calling this area home. 

After eventually finding the right location and after a fair bit of driving and scanning fields, I managed to pick out a pale coloured Buteo heading over the ridge with pronounced black carpal patches and a white upper tail – our target bird.

Enjoying brief views, we drove over to the field in question and after some careful scanning, I picked up our sought after Buzzard, this time perched in the field next to us. Taking flight and being harassed by two persistent crows, we both got excellent views as this majestic raptor flew along the edge of the field, the white inner tail above distinctive along with the much paler wings and characteristic markings.

With the Rough-legged Buzzard now out of sight and perched in a distant tree, we headed over to Cley for our final stop of the day in an attempt to catch up with one of the four Bean Geese that had been present on the reserve associating with the regular Pink Feet. Travelling past many farm fields, it was a refreshing change to see coveys of both Grey and Red-legged Partridges in large numbers as we drove through Norfolk, with both species being plentiful.

Arriving at Cley, we immediately locked on to a Barn Owl gracefully quartering the reeds in the afternoon sun, while several Marsh Harriers patrolled the reserve.  Entering the hides, the Bean Geese were extremely difficult to pick out amongst the large flock of Pink Feet, and after some careful scanning it wasn't until the other birders in the next hide along pointed them out to me that I was able to pick them out. Extremely similar to Pink Footed Geese, the good views really enabled us to note the subtle differences - their orange bills really stood out from the pink bills of the Pink Feet. Having only ever seen one Bean Goose before at Telford a few years ago, this was a great opportunity to really get my eye in on these two confusion species.

Two orange billed Bean Geese interspersed with the Pink Feet

A quick check on the fields further up the track resulted in us also trying to pick out the Black Brant that had been present in the Brent goose flock for several weeks. Alex eventually managed to pick it up in what was becoming fast fading light, and we both admired this attractive American subspecies - my first in the UK. 

Differing from our Brent Geese by sporting a complete white neck collar and having much bolder white markings on the sides, once we had our eye in we could easily pick out this American stray amongst the hundreds of Dark-bellied Brents. 

The Dark-bellied Brent Geese - Black Brant at the bottom left!

With the light now disappearing, we headed back to the hotel for a feast of pizza and pasta before our final day in Norfolk and what would be our first birds of 2016. 

With New Year’s Day dawning and just one full day left, we decided to head over to Thornham Harbour where 3 Shore Larks had been present on the shingle beach next to the estuary mouth. One of my favourite small shore birds and a species I don’t often come across in the North West, I was keen to catch up with these delightful Bumble Bee patterned larks.

Stopping to admire the flock of around 30 Twite that had been feeding amongst the salt marsh plants right next to the car park and giving excellent views, we headed off in to the dunes to locate the Shore Larks.

With an ever present stream of New Year’s Day birders having scopes set up watching the birds, they weren't hard to find, and we were soon enjoying close views as the three birds fed along the tide line in the debris washed up by the waves.

Having only ever seen the Rossall Point bird last winter, it was great to admire these brightly coloured birds as they went about their business and it was a fantastic end to what had been a hugely successful trip to Norfolk.

A (very) belated round-up of the year!

With my computer setting on fire over Christmas, I never had a chance to do a round up of the year and list my favourite birds of 2014. Although it's a month late, without further a do, here are the best birds from the year that was...

Narrowly missing out on the top ten were the Great Spotted Cuckoo in Pembrokeshire back in March, the White-winged Black Tern that dropped in at Cemlyn Bay and the Bridled Tern up in the Farnes. The Farne islands were one of the best birding experiences I’ve ever had and it was great to see the sea birds in abundance along with the classic view of Puffins complete with sandeels in their beaks! Cattle Egret, Ross’s Gull at Leighton Moss, the Black-winged Pratincole that gave us the run around all summer and the male Red-breasted Flycatcher at Beachy Head, Sussex were also all noteworthy additions and great to see.

Record shot of the White-winged Black Tern at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey

The Bridled Tern on the rocks by the Jetty upon landing on the Farne Islands

Distant pic of the Cattle Egret living up to its name...

The Red-breasted Flycatcher at Beachy Head was truly stunning

Also deserving of a mention was the Snow Goose up in Lancashire. Derived by some and nastily accused of being “plastic” this bird was absolutely 100% legit and it managed to capture a spot in my heart despite the haters….

Snow Goose!

And now on to the best....

In 10^th place for the year was the ever-loved Ring-billed gull down at Gosport Marine Lake in Hampshire. Returning for its remarkable 13^th winter, this individual provided close quarter views, offering me an opportunity to really admire his plumage. Having dipped a first winter a couple of years back on an Asda roof in Liverpool, it felt much better to catch up with this cracking adult bird instead.

"Waldo" as he is known.... I refuse to call him that!

In 9^th position were the Cirl Buntings at Prawle Point in Devon. These deserve a mention as this was my first solo birding visit ever (I always prefer to have some company) and it was great to find them on the Clifftop fields with very few people around. Showing well, I timed it just right – ten minutes later a Sparrowhawk dived after the flock which scattered and weren’t seen again!

The Cirl Buntings were little beauties

Coming up in 8^th was the Wryneck seen at Spurn during the Autumn. Having never seen one, this was a key target for the year and when told there was one showing really well just down the road whilst we were searching for a Barred Warbler, we legged it down. After giving us the run around for ten minutes, it eventually flew out of the nearby garden and perched in the hedge right in front of me – breath-taking views and great to finally nail one!

7^th place belongs to the drake King Eider (affectionately known as ‘Kingy’) up in the Ythan Estuary near Aberdeen. Flying up to Scotland for the weekend this was a completely relaxed long-distance twitch – a complete change to the usual far away goodies. ‘Chequebook Birding’ it may be to some, but this was one of my favourite twitches to date, with the drake showing really well on the sand in front of us for the couple of hours we were there. Complete with the absolutely hundreds of close in Common Eiders, seals, terns and waders, this will be a twitch that will remain firmly in the memory.

Kingy chillin' on the beach 

6^th place for the year was the Parrot Crossbills at Budby Common right at the start of the year. Arriving as part of an influx, we tracked them down to a tree amongst the heathland. I definitely wasn’t expecting what happened next, as the whole flock of birds landed in the group of trees underneath where I was standing, proceeding to flit almost over my head at eye level, completely surround me, with many even going as far as to take drinks from the puddle in which I was standing. This went on for a good ten minutes, and was a truly amazing birding experience I will never forget.

The Parrot Crossbills provided a great start to 2014

In 5^th position was the absolutely majestic White-tailed Sea Eagle on Mull from our long weekend up there at the beginning of June. Having never been before it was fantastic to see the wildlife up there – Corncrakes, Mountain Hares and Golden Eagles all adding to the magic. Arriving at a well known eagle car park in front of a favourite perch tree by the loch, we were disappointingly told the eagle had just flown off. However, no more than two minute later I turned to see a huge shape soaring low down over the car park to our right, gliding effortlessly along and back in to the tree all the scopes were trained on. A truly amazing and breath-taking sight, and one of my favourite in birding.

Showing just how huge the wingspan actually is

4^th place for the year goes to the Surf Scoters at Pensarn back at the end of January. Having failed to connect with these for FOUR winters, it was about time I broke the curse of the Surf Scoter. Having been promised views by a certain individual who failed to deliver (TWICE!) I went with my Dad on the third attempt of the New Year, in perfect calm and bright conditions. A local birder from Chester managed to find two drakes and got me on them – and just like that the curse was broken – Surf Scoter – FINALLY!! I even managed to pick them out and show them to someone else myself later in the afternoon!

The dreadful view of distant scoters in the scope...

In bronze position (somewhat ironically given the name) and 3^rd in the best birds of the year was the majestic Golden Pheasant at the Wolferton Triangle just before Christmas. Arriving in the pitch black ready for a dawn vigil on the quiet Norfolk Lane, it was looking bleak until 9am when we spotted him at the side of the road feeding on the seed we had laid out the previous night. Relief – he was there!! Showing right in front of us for 10 minutes, it was great to see him in all his fiery glory – a real high!

He was there. 

The runner up and achieving second place was the brilliant Shore Lark that rocked up at Rossall Point in Lancs for the winter. Having wanted to see one since my childhood and with it being my ‘most needed bird’ according to BUBO, nothing was going to stop me, and within minutes of arriving we were enjoying views of this charming little horned wonder on the shingle beach in front of us. A long anticipated bird and one that was well worth the wait!

Shore Lark!!!! 

Claiming the top spot and the unquestionable bird of the year without a shadow of a doubt was the remarkable Short-toed Eagle in Dorset. The first twitchable mainland bird ever coupled with the individual in question going to roost in a pine tree on the day it was found meant an overnight drive down to Morden Bog in Dorset and me arriving at the car park at around 4am. Approaching the site in the dense mist, seeing the silent figures of a steady line of twitchers all heading to the ridge had a complete air of magic about it, and is something I will never forget. With daylight revealing the shape of the bird in its pine tree as the mist slowly cleared, the views got better and better throughout the morning, with the bird remaining sat until around 11:30am when it eventually alighted and displayed its magnificent wingspan for the assembled crowd to admire, before disappearing off in to the distance. If this bird hadn’t been relocated in Hampshire (and later Sussex) and become twitchable for the best part of a month, then this would truly have had the potential to be one of the all-time greats and one of the best British birds of all time.

The magnificent eagle

Waiting for the mist to clear

The Eagle crowd - this photo really doesn't portray just how many people were there!

My international bird of the year was without doubt the Wallcreeper in the high Pyrenees. The ultimate birding highlight to date and in the breath-takingly beautiful settings of the Spanish mountains, we were incredibly lucky to track down a male that had set up home on the rock face in mid-April. After a scenic treck along the mountain trail we arrived at the cliff face, and before long Chris had spotted the bird flying across the rocks, leaving that magnificent call of     in its wake. After another fly-by, we located the bird further on, busy feeding on the rocks and affording amazing views relatively low down in front of us. We watched in awe for a good 20 minutes as the bird went about its business, often showing off the amazing crimson butterfly-like wing patterns and admiring the remarkable long curved bill. In such beautiful surroundings and with an accompanying cast of Lammergeiers, Griffon Vultures and Rock Buntings amid the stunning settings of crystal clear rivers and waterfalls, pure white snow and delicate alpine flora, this was one of the best days birding ever and will stick in the memory for years to come. 

The Wallcreeper - best bird I have ever seen!

Lammergeier!

Griffon Vulture

Rock Bunting

Absolutely beautiful view in the Pyrenees 

A perfect trip