Gate Open - Reserve Closed

Monday January 24
We are both members of Sculthorpe Moor Reserve, how could we both have been unaware that the reserve shuts on Mondays? I thought that ALL Norfolk reserves are now open seven days a week and didn't think to check. The car park had several cars and one gate was open because there was a meeting at the centre. Very disappointing. We made the best of it and drove towards home along the coast.
Hundreds of Pinks from Lady Anne's, a mere fraction of the numbers seen there last week though. The park gates were still closed to all but deliveries, no info as to why.
About high tide at Wells, the water was barely a foot below the quay, not as high a tide as that expected to-night either, we've never witnessed it as high. It looked lovely, boats and wildlife almost level with the marsh stretching away to the shore.
Our first 2011 visit to Stiffkey, expecting to see the usual dozens of Redshank on the small amount of mud left uncovered in the creeks. One lovely silvery grey Spotted Redshank the only bird in view.
The 25 Snow Bunting at Salthouse allow remarkably close parking but are in constant flight from one side of the area to another and along the shingle bank, hardly settling to feed. I took a few photographs but am not really happy with any.

Male Snow Bunting

We always said that Sheringham was the coldest place in Norfolk but have added several other contenders. To-day.....it took first place. A biting easterly which led to streaming eyes and nose as we walked the seafront, inspecting the rocks for Purple Sandpipers. Thank goodness we soon found them, just east of the steps on rocks near the out jutting shelter. The reported two, there together - along with up to 20 Turnstones. Such delightful little waders. Not showy but with endearing ways, scuttling mouse-like along and down the rocks, dodging the waves.

Purple Sandpipers