Was it Michael Fish? Pam's forecaster that is. We set off at 7.40 when it was still dark - and raining. The sky started to lighten at about 10.00 and the sun was out as we started the track through the chalets to Snettisham Pits.
We'd had trouble reaching double figure bird species, the hedges and sky very empty. One Red Kite shortly before Valley Farm was the highlight. Even the farm lane was empty. Barry the gamekeeper appeared for a chat, largely centred on the lack of Yellowhammers and the rats in his garden. His Jack Russell, Molly, disposes of the latter. Tales of his 12 bore sawn-off shotgun had us making a hasty farewell.
We heard Tree Sparrows, their distinctive choop call well recognised by now. They were keeping low to-day.
Yes. The tide was at its lowest. We could have walked to Lincolnshire I reckon - in previous years. We did see our first, winter, male Goldeneye on the far pit but couldn't find the redhead Smew reported yesterday. Viewing the pit into the sun is not good.
A highlight for me was the large flock of Golden Plover gleaming gold in the low sun. They frequently took off - for no apparent reason - before settling again on the same area of mud.
We lunched on Hunstanton cliffs, my drink soon gone so I amused myself trying to photograph the Fulmars enjoying the thermals along the cliff edge. Jack in the Box strikes me as a suitable definition of their appearance and disappearance. It brought back memories of trying to forecast which fruit bat would drop into flight from their tree hanging roost in Thailand.
The tide was rushing in at Thornham. We found ourselves parked very near to JG and SB, also on the muddy area in front of the car park. Pam noticed them of course, I'm hopeless. John came over for a chat, asking about the Smew at Snettisham. They'd walked to the sea at Titchwell which had finished S off as she is recovering from a bad virus infection. He told Pam that the Twite were on the marsh, she set off to look for them - unsuccessfully. No sooner was she back than a mixed flock of Twite and Godfinches bounced along over the sluice pool, landing in the car park puddles. Unfortunately they took off again before I could take any sort of photo. It needs a quieter day than a Sunday and some patience. The puddles are often used by them.
Our favourite Brancaster Staithe was bathed in low evening sun - at 1.30 ! This cast a golden tinge to the Little Egret fishing the inrushing water. One of these days I will be truly happy with a shot of these very photogenic birds.
Who can resist Black-tailed Godwit? I can't.
Slowing down to turn into the Gun Hill layby, Pam saw the P's waiting to cross the road. Their car was in the car park. The marsh was largely devoid of birds, when there are usually geese flocks. A Buzzard and a Marsh Harrier added to the day list. On the third scan, I found the Barnacle Geese flock. By the time I'd managed to get Pam onto them - and then the P's - they'd virtually disappeared again. There are no real points one can use as markers for directions. One metal gate/ group of pines/dunes/bramble bushes can easily be mistaken for another. At least everyone was successful.
A little early for Stiffkey raptor roost but hey, worth trying. Yes it was. A distantly hunting Barn Owl, nearer to Wells than it was to us. An agonising wait until Pam saw it, as it dropped and was successful, staying on the ground until spooked by a Marsh Harrier. Stopping for an eye rest, I lifted the scope again in time for a superb adult male Hen Harrier to fly through before disappearing out of sight. Fortunately it re-appeared, giving lengthy views flying the full extent of the marsh at dune level.
Only 50+ species to-day with some delightful experiences.
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