Following reports of an Icterine Warbler, I made a brief stop at Wells Wood on Sunday while travelling north to Norfolk. After parking, I headed straight to the reported area, where I met James Hanlon, who had already seen the bird and could point me in the right direction.
Well's Wood
The warbler soon appeared, actively foraging high in the treetops among a lively flock of Long-tailed Tits. It was a pleasure to see the bird so well, particularly as I had not encountered an Icterine Warbler since 2022 in Shetland. In the warm Norfolk afternoon light, it showed superbly, with classic structure and clean plumage.
(C) J Hanlon
Icterine Warbler
Despite an encouraging initial view, the bird proved increasingly elusive thereafter, likely influenced by the cloudier conditions that followed. Nonetheless, the area continued to produce interest, with two Spotted Flycatchers and a Wood Warbler also recorded nearby.
Wood Warbler
Spotted Flycatcher
An excellent afternoon’s birding and a fitting reminder that autumn migration is now well underway.