Surely they'd be flying after such a cold, overcast and rainy weekend? To-day dawned bright and sunny. East to west across Norfolk is always a tortuous journey, especially if the driver wants to avoid Norwich. Two hours on the way there (Norfolk's worst kept secret location), one and a half on the return journey when we turned off the SatNav and made for Bawdeswell.
We saw our 2018 bird in the Brecks, we haven't been on this hunt for a few years so it was definitely via the pretty way that we reached the lay-by which allows one to look over a field, to a distant belt of trees. Three other cars parked, their occupants taking up the available space. We squeezed in and then moved to a better situation when two cars-full left.
Scoping from the car, I soon picked up two Goshawks rising from the left of the trees before performing a short courtship display. Their slow, deep, wing flapping reminded me of the flight of a Nightjar. I then had the best - and longest - scope views ever as they flew along the tree line, soon separating. The one I followed spiralled ever higher, staying around for about half an hour. Not visible to the naked eye, a speck in the bins., not much better in the scope. I needed a photo for my year folder. It is a Goshawk..............
After a short ride up the road to try and see what a Buzzard had been feeding on roadside - it was a cock Pheasant with maize spilling out of its gizzard - we returned to the empty lay-by for more views and lunch. Dot and Steve drew up. The fine day had encouraged Steve to take a day off work - he's self employed. The high and distant bird was still around as were four spirallng Buzzards.
What a lovely day.
This is one of the Grey Wagtails I took at Holt Sewage Treatment Works. Another 2019 folder shot.
This is one of the Grey Wagtails I took at Holt Sewage Treatment Works. Another 2019 folder shot.
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