Not an early start on another dull morning. The herd of c 170 Whooper and Bewick Swans was still grazing peacefully in a roadside field between Catfield and Ludham, very few grey youngsters amongst them.
Our tried and trusted gateway overlooking Cantley Marshes turned up trumps again. There were several birders cars parked in Cantley Village and a large cluster of birders stood on a hill in a farmer's field scoping the marsh. I hope they had permission. The Taiga Bean Geese were feeding in a long straggly line the other side of the railway line, visible in groups between the trees. The first few scans failed to show the Lesser Whitefront reported to be with them but , groups kept wandering into the open. Last scan I said...Pam was cold....and the Whitefront appeared, smaller, in the near line , it's white arch showing clearly. There seem to be two Lesser Whitefronts reported. A suspect one accompanying Greylags and this adult with the Taiga Beans. Norfolk has a few feral / hybrid birds all year round. This one could be 'good'. We already have an acceptable tick for Norfolk and another for the UK, so I'll happily add this one to the year list.
Buckenham Marshes, driving out to the Fishermans car park, was the busiest I've ever seen it. Birders and families with a few fishermen packing up. Thousands of Wigeon, fewer Teal and, after some hard work, one Snipe, about 20 Ruff, a few Dunlin and Golden Plover, 10+ Skylarks and the flock of feral Barnacle Geese. A delightful Marsh Tit was feeding on the hanger near the Railway Crossing hut.
Despite many people on the beach and a family with young children eating a MacDonalds and throwing chips to the birds, there were half a dozen Mediterranean Gulls on the usual beach behind the Sealife Centre.
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'Comes to chips....' |
We added 12 birds to the list to-day and thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
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