Our day's (first of the month) birding was booked for to-morrow - until Pam decided that she needed to spend Monday morning with Kevin, directing him in the garden.
We set off at 7.10 wondering why we were going at all. Thick sea fret hampered visibility, keeping it down to about 50 metres, not good for birding. Matters didn't improve until we approached Sheringham where the fret disappeared and the clouds gradually lifted.
Sculthorpe Mill Race really was. The most water I've ever seen spewed forth from under the bridge as if jet propelled, the water churning wildly before charging downstream.The relief stream was half again as wide and overflowing its banks. As Pam looked from the bridge, I noticed the first of the two Grey Wagtails, only three feet away from her, hidden by the ivy on the lower side of the humpbacked bridge. The second was on the edge of the pond, out of sight at first.
The meadow beyond the Mill had two hunting Barn Owls, we saw another later.
Sculthorpe Mill Race really was. The most water I've ever seen spewed forth from under the bridge as if jet propelled, the water churning wildly before charging downstream.The relief stream was half again as wide and overflowing its banks. As Pam looked from the bridge, I noticed the first of the two Grey Wagtails, only three feet away from her, hidden by the ivy on the lower side of the humpbacked bridge. The second was on the edge of the pond, out of sight at first.
The meadow beyond the Mill had two hunting Barn Owls, we saw another later.
Valley Farm Lane gave up the expected Tree Sparrows and the unexpected Yellowhammers.
Our favourite gamekeeper was waiting for us on the return journey, we haven't seen him this year. They had four feet of snow but the farm equipment unblocked the road. His garden birds were getting through 30 fat balls a day and he used up 2 sacks of birdseed and peanuts.
Our favourite gamekeeper was waiting for us on the return journey, we haven't seen him this year. They had four feet of snow but the farm equipment unblocked the road. His garden birds were getting through 30 fat balls a day and he used up 2 sacks of birdseed and peanuts.
Abbey Farm is a benchmark numberwise, we've done well if we're in the thirties, to-day it was 42.
The car park showed a mass of snowdrops, most of them past their best. These double ones around a tree were reasonably fresh.
Very little viewable from the hide, we didn't linger.
A distant Muntjac at the end of a track as we entered Flitcham Village did not look in the best of health.
A distant Muntjac at the end of a track as we entered Flitcham Village did not look in the best of health.
North of Flitcham Village, a tree has the biggest nest of Mistletoe that I've ever seen.
No sign of the Snowy Owl this morning. I told Pam that we would see it at Snettisham - if it hadn't crossed the Wash to Lincolnshire.
I can't resist Grey Partridges, even if I do have to shrink down in my seat in order to peer through a gate to take a photo.
No sign of the Snowy Owl this morning. I told Pam that we would see it at Snettisham - if it hadn't crossed the Wash to Lincolnshire.
I can't resist Grey Partridges, even if I do have to shrink down in my seat in order to peer through a gate to take a photo.
The appalling track through the chalets to Snettisham RSPB was at its worst. Huge puddles as well as holes - farmyard ducks were swimming in one.
Yes, the tide was well out, with plenty of birds in a wet mud swathe near enough to scope and identify. Nothing unusual, really great to see so many waders again. Mostly Knot with Bar-tailed Godwits, Dunlin, Teal, Shelduck, Wigeon, Redshank and a lone Ringed Plover. 73 Avocets huddled together on the mud and another 30+ on the pit. Deserted this morning, apart from a red car I think is the warden's and, a couple walking their dog, off lead and chasing a ball.
The Hares were also very distant to-day, another much loved animal, a Curlew in the background.
The Hares were also very distant to-day, another much loved animal, a Curlew in the background.
20 Fulmar on the sea off Hunstanton Cliffs before another 'orrible ride out to Holme, where we added Pinkfeet, Buzzards and Marsh Harriers.
Via another road closed detour, we circled Thornham, continuing east.
Pulling off onto Gun Hill layby, I added White-fronted Geese on the marsh and Pam found a Red Kite drifting south over the wood.
Hoping for another view of the Great White Egret and a Little Egret (one of these eluded us all day!) we squeezed into the steeply sloping bare area in front of a gate, overlooking Holkham. Several trees holding Cormorants, their branches mere skeleton outlines, killed by their guano I should think. We had a total of three adult Spoonbills, long white head plumes flying in the small breeze produced by their flight and then tree perch. A low hunched Grey Heron was the first this month.
The adjacent rape field had 25 Egyptian Geese hunkerd down for a rest.
The adjacent rape field had 25 Egyptian Geese hunkerd down for a rest.
Oh no. News through. The Snowy was at Snettisham, behind Shore Hide and showing really well all afternoon. She must have been there whilst we were but out of sight ? Penny C did write that her sister reported seeing a Snowy Owl late morning, flying towards Snettisham as they drove to Holme for Mother's day (Or Moth-ers Day as its being mooted).
Sue and Ian had good views, which is excellent, I hope that Mick did. Penny's videos are good too.
Pam says that neither of us could have done the walking and standing anyway..........
Today's total was a respectable 72.
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