Catch-up Time

Thursday January 4

Failing to find the Black Brant at Beach Road Cley but, adding a handsome male Stonechat, we tried Salthouse for Buntings. Another blank. 

Driving east, up the hill from Salthouse towards Kelling, a large flock of finches rose from the stubble field opposite Gramborough Hill. Pam thought she'd seen some white birds. We turned in Kelling and parked in the gateway to the horse field. I immediately saw that the stubble field was moving. Dozens of Chaffinch, Linnet, Greenfinch and the Salthouse Snow Bunting flock on the ridge at the back. Typically, for no apparent reason, the flock rose as one , disappearing over the brow. 

Saturday January 6 was a dismal day. Needing to get out, we drove to St Benet's adding a male Sparrowhawk to the year list. The weed field between Ludham and Catfield held the large very active flock of finches again. Mostly Chaffinches but 6 + male Brambling perched in the roadside tree above us.

Sunday January14

The weather man forecast a sunny day and it was. Everywhere looked lovely, the temperature barely rising above freezing point.

We were not optimistic, just as well. The Parrot Crossbills at Santon Downham had not been seen since early morning, in the woods north of the level crossing.There were meandering groups of birders everywhere.One was seen by Dawn B and group later in the day.

I added Nuthatch and Longtailed Tit, Pam had seen them in the garden, we both added several Goldcrests flicking in nearby trees.

As we were comparatively near, we decided to drive to Welney WWT . The SatNav took us to the flooded road route.........where we had to re-trace our drive as far as the Denver Sluice and Ten Mile Bank turning (which I'd suggested we take in the first place). The car was full of unspoken frustration.

It was mid afternoon when we left the car in the car park - to a cacophany of swan calls. It sounded just like the sounds they play in the lifts here. The large pool behind the centre was full of yellow billed swans, viewable through the trees. Lovely.

After a much needed comfort break, and no food at all to-day (me) and a yogurt breakfast for Pam, the cafe was the first stop.We rarely eat main meals out at lunch time (3 p.m. to-day) a sandwich or soup is the general rule. To-day, to save cooking when we got in, I had Chilli Beef and Pam had Sweet and Sour Chicken. My Chilli was excellent, Pam enjoyed hers too. We sat at a window table viewing the mostly, Whooper Swans 

with a few Bewick's, Pink-footed Geese, Wigeon and Mallard on the pool with a flock of Tree Sparrows, Reed Buntings and Goldfinches visiting the feeders below.

Pam's favourite

I think that I prefer this one

Stuffing Tree Sparrows

Cleaning up

The Reception information board had an estimated 2,546 Whoopers and double figures of Bewick's (Tundra) present on the reserve.

The low and late setting sun bathed the scene in a golden light, very beautiful yet difficult for photography. As was the dirty window. I could have stood outside and frozen.........