Tuesday Vacation

 Tuesday October 26

The moth traps were emptied first. Our first December Moth, one of my favourites, plus a Rusty Dot Pearl, which is an immigrant, amongst the expected

Maybe Hickling NWT reserve would have put moth traps out last night. No, they hadn't, their season is over already. We drove to Whiteslea Lodge. A Jay, there's a shortage of acorns this year,  they are regularly seen in flight, two Stonechats and a Cetti's Warbler enhanced the onward ride. We actually saw the Cetti's, alerted by its burst of song - as usual. Parked at the end for a short while, a mixed flock of Blue Tits and Greenfinches passed through. One Bearded Tit gave us a race as we drove the long straight back to the Centre. A hardy Red Admiral and a single Common Darter were the only insects obvious.

We haven't been to Ludham Marshes for some time. Half term is not sensible as it's a popular walking spot, where both dogs and children abound. St Benet's car park was not full, but viewing was hamperd by tall weed growth. We found a relatively sparse area from which we could scan the marshes, with a distant Thurne in the background. Always incongruous to see sails moving through the land without any water in sight. The confluence of the rivers Ant and Bure is nearby.. Pam called 'Cranes'. Appearing from the Thurne end came a large flight of Cranes. As soon as they came into my line of vision, I shot off a few photos, more in hope than belief.

 

When I got home and loaded the photos, I counted 26 birds in the flock. What a splendid sight they are, the most we've seen together for a couple of years. 

Apart from a couple of sparring Kestrels , that was it.

 

Home to view Steve and Wayne's handiwork. Their visit has been anticipated all year. Lack of materials and pressure of work were the reasons given for the delay. They have completed the renewal of the brick archway over the side wrought iron gate. Pam's dad built it. He was very proud of it too, as it was his first ever effort. Unfortunately, it had become unstable. The garage door, which had started peeling, has been sanded. We bought the undercoat and paint in North Walsham this afternoon, on our return. That should happen tomorrow.