Sunday May 28
Norfolk roads and coast at Bank Holidays are teeming with cars, people and caravans. To-day was dry too. The birding call was too strong. Maybe if we avoided the main attractions all would be well. As it turned out, the roads were not bad at all, the only crowded place was Snettisham chalet park, where Pam counted over 50 parked cars. Good to see so many chalets/caravans/ cottages being used.
Sculthorpe Mill, our usual banker for Spotted Flycatcher, did not oblige to-day. We both enjoyed watching a pair of Grey Wagtails carrying food for their young. At last a few photos where the tail wasn't wagging all the time.
Two birders already ensconced in Abbey farm hide, had enjoyed watching a Little Owl, perched on a nearby post, from which it had recently 'dropped down'. Not seen by us. Mandarin Duck was a surprise year tick, well hidden, grazing in long grass.
We couldn't have reached Snettisham on a lower tide. Miles of mud with a few scattered birds - not even the usual surfeit of Shelduck. A couple on the ever picturesque mud (my opinion).
One pretty sick looking Knot, a few Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Turnstone.
I have to photograph an Oystercatcher sitting tight on eggs, the challenge lies in finding the most attractively situated. They're not fussy.
Why isn't there a notice asking the public to keep dogs and children on leads to protect nesting birds?
The Horned Poppies are bursting into bloom.
Marsh Orchids at Holme are all in meadows behind roadside fencing.Parking is not allowed, we err on the side of 'just stopping briefly'.
We ended with over 70 species seen from the car, so good to be out and about.
Thursday June 1
Two Turtle Doves at White Horse Common on the way to mothing at Cley. Red Kite, Buzzard and Marsh harrier seen from the cafe platform.
Sculthorpe Mill, our usual banker for Spotted Flycatcher, did not oblige to-day. We both enjoyed watching a pair of Grey Wagtails carrying food for their young. At last a few photos where the tail wasn't wagging all the time.
Two birders already ensconced in Abbey farm hide, had enjoyed watching a Little Owl, perched on a nearby post, from which it had recently 'dropped down'. Not seen by us. Mandarin Duck was a surprise year tick, well hidden, grazing in long grass.
We couldn't have reached Snettisham on a lower tide. Miles of mud with a few scattered birds - not even the usual surfeit of Shelduck. A couple on the ever picturesque mud (my opinion).
One pretty sick looking Knot, a few Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Turnstone.
I have to photograph an Oystercatcher sitting tight on eggs, the challenge lies in finding the most attractively situated. They're not fussy.
Why isn't there a notice asking the public to keep dogs and children on leads to protect nesting birds?
The Horned Poppies are bursting into bloom.
Marsh Orchids at Holme are all in meadows behind roadside fencing.Parking is not allowed, we err on the side of 'just stopping briefly'.
Thursday June 1
Two Turtle Doves at White Horse Common on the way to mothing at Cley. Red Kite, Buzzard and Marsh harrier seen from the cafe platform.
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