Author | Lightnews

Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · 2d

Amongst all this I added 8 new species for the garden. Some were overdue, others less expected. These were Mute Swan, Marsh Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Woodlark, Grey Wagtail, Firecrest, Crossbill and Reed Bunting #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · 2d

Been off work for 2.5 months due to a back injury, but for the latter part of that time I was about to enjoy some garden vis-mig. Always kept a garden list, but it is amazing what goes over when you can invest the time. Some lovely movements of Mipits and Thrushes in particular #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Aug 9

Went back for seconds of the Zitting Cisticola early morning and was rewarded with some lovely perched views and multiple song flights #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Aug 7

Most unexpected #NocMig recording over the garden at 02:00hr this morning (7.8.25) in the form of Night Heron ##SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Aug 3

Zitting Cisticola was a very welcome and unexpected county tick today. Dodgy back just about survived the experience 🤣 #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Jul 29

Ventured the other side of the river to see the Black Stork at Boyton yesterday evening. Great bird and nice to meet up with some familiar faces #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Jun 15

Another fantastic trip down to Kent on Friday for more orchids. Masses of plants seen, with highlights being Musk, Lizard and Late Spider. But the sheer number of the commoner species was a joy to see #ukorchids

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · May 29

Nothing beats a midweek day off work. Visited Knocking Hoe with @scottmayson.bsky.social yesterday for the Burnt-tips, and they didn't disappoint. Also decent numbers of White Helleborine in a nearby wood #orchids

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · May 19

This was then followed by a trip to west Suffolk for Military Orchid, and east Cambridgeshire for Frog Orchid (thanks @cycle4nature.bsky.social) The latter site was also alive with Common Blue Butterflies #orchids

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · May 19

Had a fantastic trip to Kent on Saturday with @scottmayson.bsky.social orchid hunting. Some of the highlights included Monkey, Man, Lady and Fly, with multiples of all noted. Throw in the Duke of Burgundy and Adonis Blue, and a great day was had #orchids

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · May 6

Spent a lovely couple of hours around a Suffolk meadow yesterday where there must have been 1000+ Green-winged Orchid, including a fair few white varieties #Orchids

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Apr 30

Great addition to my #NocMig garden list here in Felixstowe with a Stone Curlew going over in the early hours this morning! #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Apr 26

Fantastic visit to the Kent coast yesterday, where we saw good numbers of our main target - Early Spider-orchid. Also around the reserve we encountered female Ring Ouzel, male Black Redstart and both Wall Brown and Dingy Skipper #ukorchids

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Apr 22

Do love this time of year when waders are passing through my patch in all their finery. 6 Bar-tailed Godwit were looking absolutely stunning, and a high percentage of the Dunlin flock are now sporting summer plumage. Also 3 Whimbrel were present briefly this evening #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Apr 20

Spent a lovely few hours at a site in Suffolk yesterday afternoon. Both Green-winged and Early-purple Orchids were in flower in their hundreds. Some more advanced than others

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Apr 12

A few bits and pieces around the patch today, including 2 Whimbrel, Swallow, 2 White Wag, Sedge Warblers, and a booming Bittern #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Apr 6

@ukorchids.bsky.social would there be any chance of a follow back please? There is something I would like to clarify via DM. Many thanks in advance

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Mar 25

NocMig recordings picking up these last few nights. Last night quite a bit of duck movement was in evidence, with small groups of Teal, Wigeon and, best of all, Common Scoter passing over #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Mar 8

Not too much to report out on patch this morning. Common Scoter is still present in the ditch - been over a week now #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Mar 5

After work dash to the patch. 1st year Common Scoter still present in its ditch, with single Barn Owl and 2 Little Owl also seen #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Feb 28

Managed to squeeze in a few hours on patch today. Highlights were a 1st year Common Scoter in the ditch approaching Kingsfleet, 3 Spoonbill over the river from Falkenham, Parakeet over the Ferry green and 7 Barnacle Geese north offshore. Good numbers of waders too #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Feb 2

Little stroll around the patch this morning. 5 Corn Bunting and a lone White-front were the best. Did have a wanderer from the north in the shape of @scottmayson.bsky.social #SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Jan 26

Spent a wonderful day yesterday on Texel with the Spectacled Eider, which gave superb scope views. Masses of Geese of various species - including a number of Bean - were also enjoyed. A small group of 9 Smew (7 drake) back on the mainland before departing for home was a bonus

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Jan 17

Spent a few hours on patch this morning. Highlights were 3 Corn Bunting, SEO, Peregrine and Green Sandpiper around Kingsfleet and the Ferry Saltings. Best, however, was a flock of c45 White-fronted Geese that flew low overhead and towards Trimley ##SuffolkBirding

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Craig Holden @craigholden.bsky.social · Dec 31

Late afternoon visit to Boyton resulted in great views of 3 Cattle Egret, plus 20+ White-fronted Geese and single Barnacle Goose ##SuffolkBirding

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