Go West Old Woman

Friday June 1

PC has often said that repeating our 'First of the Month' trip in Norfolk must be really boring. I have always vehemently disagreed, but......it did cross my mind this morning. Setting off in mist which became thick fog at Sheringham, it was a quick repeat of last Sunday's May in Norfolk outing. It was only a fleeting thought as I love the trip and would happily spend the rest of my days birding. Every day, all day. With moth-ing as the start and finish. 

It was less foggy inland, visibility was reasonable at Sculthorpe Mill. How the trees have launched into full green in a few days of warmth. The Spot Fly perch tree is now fully leafed - even the Goldfinch family was difficult to locate, the youngsters frantically vying for the next beakful brought in by harrassed parents. Pam did locate a Spotted Flycatcher, in the garden behind the Hotel, viewable from the car park. The same one, or is there more than the one pair. Still no sign of any Grey Wagtails, their nest may have been washed away by the flooded Wensum. The nest in the lock wall at Ebridge is unused this year. The improvements made to the canal - and therefore disturbance - must have persuaded them to re-locate. There are always people there these days, even parking on the grass next to the lock, canoeists, anglers and dog walkers.

Pause there. A young Muntjac is walking across the lawn. Lovely but unwanted. 

Snettisham in the fog ! Visibility gradually improved but the tide was way out - again. We're in the middle of high tide days too so low is even lower. Apart from Avocets, Shelduck and Oystercatchers the mud was empty. And this lone Ringed Plover.

It was worth it for the singing Cetti's Warblers, definitely two, and a Cuckoo triumphantly proclaiming its success. I always think it's thumbing its beak and going Naa na na na na. 

There's always the possibility of something good here.

Holme NWT to check on the Marsh Orchids. Many more visible and in full spike. Pam got out to take some photographs. I was still holding my camera, which I'd picked up to photograph the two close Tree Pipits - which flew away before I could point and shoot. Two tiny blue butterflies settled on a bramble in the verge which I then found, and  photographed using my 300 mm lens.

Common Blue Pam thinks. 

On the return bump and lurch, it was my turn to  photograph an Early Marsh Orchid-or two.

when  Pam called a Barn Owl making a purposeful flght east about a 100 metres away. A quick re focus and pan........

Lapwings are beautiful birds which I can often pass by as photographic subjects. Despite the lack of sun, their almost iridescent plumage colours are obvious. Couple that with the crazy hairstyle....

Holkham Marsh is always worth a look. Full house to-day. Marsh Harrier sat in a bush, Spoonbills, Great Egret, Grey Heron and LIttle Egret. We'd already seen two Spoonbills, a Brancaster Staithe tick, never too many. 
We both love fine farm animals. Holkham's herd of Belted Galloways, cows, calves and a bull, added another dimension to the marsh view.

I have a better photo, this programme will not accept it !!
Inland at Stiffkey to avoid the coast road, a Little Owl on shed 12B again, sat on the apex this time. 

What an enjoyable day, with 75 species seen, despite the paucity of both waders and duck species.  No Buzzard !! That's part of what makes the day out interesting, there's always something different seen and unseen.