Incarceration Over

Sunday March 4

We have been housebound since Monday February 26. Even though there were snow warnings due to a weather sustem dubbed ''The Beast From the East'', we had to travel to North Walsham so that Pam could have her carpal tunnel op. stitches removed. Already three days late as there wasn't a nurse available. Fortunately, we also did some essentials shopping i.e. milk. We woke on Tuesday to find three inches of snow. 

Not right somehow... ele should be in the greenhouse for the winter, we forgot to take him in.

Roads throughout Norfolk were blocked, most schools closed, nothing could get in nor out of North Walsham. We seemed to have got off very lightly. It was bitterly cold, the wind becoming a gale by Thursday causing further disruption by blowing the snow off the fields and onto the roads.

Birds did not flock to our feeders as expected but we did have a maximum of four feisty Fieldfares. One remains, feeding on the scattered fruit.

A Grey Squirrel arrived to share the fruit.... Not a welcome visitor but just as cute as a Red. Shame they're such virus carrying pests. We only have the occasional visit.

Three Siskins, two males and a female, new for the year. Where have the Nuthatches gone? We ran out of the mixed food at one time and had to buy some from Amazon which arrived in time for the freeze-in.

The thaw began on Friday morning, still no post nor papers. JH brought us some papers and milk from Waitrose on Saturday.. We had bread as a near neighbour bakes and delivers on a Friday. A Malted Multi-seeded small  loaf and a Red Onion and Rosemary Focaccia this week.  A luxury really as we eat very little bread. It was delicious.

Hardly any snow remained in the garden this morning. A newspaper was delivered for the first time since Monday, the roads should be clear. Out we went. Walcott first after an abortive attempt at Bachelors Lane which was deeply snow blocked, must have blown off the fields.Hm, a thick mist, combined with my hazy left eye  made viewing very difficult. A few gulls, no waders.   
Gulls are beginning to gather for their flight north to breed. A few black Black-headeds amongst them.

On to North Somerton via Waxham,  which was more productive. Golden Plover, male Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Egyptian, Greylag, Brent and Pink-footed Geese.  I counted 193 Mute Swans in a single herd, there were probably more. Common

Then it rained.........