A Foggy Day

March 15

Setting off in thick fog, it persisted - in slightly variable density - until we reached Holme, where we'd arranged to meet Bridget and Aileen.

We took refuge in the NOA hide overlooking Broadwater, where it was sheltered from the NNE wind. Nine Avocets back on the distant pool, a lone Little Grebe paddling fast left and a calling Cetti's were the highlights. Until a small flock of Pinkfeet sprang up from behind a distant murky group of bushes, the Ross' showing briefly before dropping, again out of sight. Unfortunately only Pam and I saw it but, Bridget saw it later, as we were preparing to leave.

After a very low key and rather disinterested discussion, we decided to have a hot drink in the Feeding Station and then walk to the sea. I checked the book whilst they walked to the loo, finding that a Chiffchaff had been reported this morning from the Fen Trail.

I went on ahead, stopped to suss out a black-headed bird which became one of a pair of Bullfinches at the back of the trees. I stood guard waiting for the others to arrive when a bird flitting about in the willows caught my eye. My first ChiffChaff of the year. Apart from a couple of January sightings, it's the first time I've SEEN a spring Chiffy without hearing it. We all saw it well but the Bullies had disappeared.

Sat on a bench with Bridget, scoping the Freshwater Pool, finding Ruff, Pintail, Dunlin, two Lesser Black-backs and a dozen Avocets, a shout from Pam alerted us to a fast fly-past from a Sparrowhawk. She and Aileen were on a further bench, binoculars only, with a wider view, good thing too.

Lunch parked at Brancaster Staithe, the tide well on its way in, added Grey Plover, Bar-tails and a pair of Mergansers to the day list.

One Black Brant amongst the 500 dark-bellied Brent on Wells Putting course, and a lone Pale-bellied amongst a similar number at Cley Coastguards. No sign of Sunday's Wheatear, they tend to be pass-throughs here.

Cold and very dull/foggy still, we repaired to Cley cafe for a hot drink and a chat before a short stop at Salthouse beach, making our farewells and driving home. Again, a very enjoyable outing, despite the weathet.