An early start to avoid the crowds......we arrived at THE field between Docking and Chosely soon after 8 a.m. The beet field opening was conveniently opposite a concrete beet pad, plenty of room for parking. Not so good for bird views though. The birds were far across the field, the other side of a ridge and dip, viewable only as moving blobs in the heat haze.
Spotting a gateway in the far corner of the field and, what looked like a lane leading to it, we set off, finding the lane was metalled and easy access. About a dozen people had beaten us to it, room for my scope though and excellent views of sixteen Dotterel, feeding and making short- step sorties - as they do. After 20 minutes, we vacated our viewpoint to let others in, breakfasting at Thornham.
We set off for Friary Hills Blakeney, soon after leaving Thornham village, a pager alert told us of Wood Sandpipers and a Ring Ouzel at Holme, so we turned round.
Unsure of the location, we walked to Gore Point in a cold north wind and lovely sunshine. Nothing....
Why? The birds were on Redwell! Parking at the hide entrance gate, a passing woman told us they were only viewable from the path leading to Holme village along the back of the marsh. Another reversal and parking near the entry kiosk.
As we walked the path, a Nightingale sang from the same patch in the Paddocks and.......all the birds took off, the waders amongst the gulls and Lapwings. I met Sue Bryan who had just photographed the Wood Sands !
The morning didn't improve. We couldn't find Ring Ouzel at Friary Hills either - no-one else was successful which helped a very little bit.
Tuesday April 29
On the way home from an early hairdresser appointment, a Turtle Dove was seen perched on the wires and then flying off in the 'usual' area near the Seal Sanctuary. Good to see one back.
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