These days out never start early as Sue has to drive here from Burghapton. We didn't get to Titchwell Reserve until 10.30. The west pool had 2 young Red-crested Pochards, a Common Pochard, Tufted Duck and 2 Little Grebes.
As we passed the Reedbed Pool, I looked down to adjust my scope and.......Pam and Sue saw a Bittern make a brief flight. Bother. We met Dave H soon after who said that they were showing frequently this week. Not for me.
Settling on the bench before Island hide to view the reedbed and part of the Fresh Pool, we had a lovely half an hour listening to Cetti's, watching a male Bearded Tit feeding on Rosebay Willow Herb and a family of two + juvenile and one adult Reed Warbler. Pam called a Hobby flying over, much to the delight of the group we'd gathered behind us.
The Fresh pool held a host of rather distant waders. I scoped, 8+ Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Greenshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin and Ringed Plover. I had counted 22 Avocets when Ray K, passing by, told us that a Wryneck had been seen at the back of Fen Hide. I'd been looking forward to walking on and seeing more waterbirds but that news was too tempting.
In the vanguard of a general exodus, we made our best pace (still slow) along the Meadow Trail. Seeing that the shorter part of the trail leading to the Centre was now closed, new boardwalk being layed, was not encouraging for the return walk.
The Wryneck had appeared, very briefly, in the hedge to the south of Patsy's Pool. A good dozen still looking, no-one had seen it - apart from Dave H. I sat on the bench overlooking the pool. finding Snipe and the usual ducks, before turning to scan the hedge where 'loads of warblers' had been reported. I saw one Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff.
Lunch was eaten sitting on the newish seat at Thornham, which was lovely. Not as many birds to-day, still some noisy terns but far fewer. The sea was calm and empty too. Our first winter Pinkfeet flock flying in off the sea, was a bonus.
We now had an ominous sky and the first drops of rain. A quick visit to Burnham Overy before driving to Cley. I had hoped to walk East Bank for the Wryneck followed by Walsey Hills for migrant passerines. All parking places were full. After a consoling ice-cream at Salthouse, we drove home.
Moth trapping has been enjoyable lately. We saw a rare for Norfolk, Micro moth at Cley, Argyrotaenia Ljungliana. Someone brought it in to be identified.
Our own garden produced these - amongst others - on Friday night.
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| Bordered Beauty |
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| Frosted Orange |
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| The excitingly named...Cabbage Moth |
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| From the left, Cabbage, Elephant Hawkmoth, Small Cream Wave |
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