Another Shortie

Thursday, January 9

Thank goodness we changed our plans and went to Buckenham this late morning. The railway crossings at both Lyng and Buckenham are closed from Jan 10-14. 

It was a lovely winter morning, low sunshine with very little wind. A field soon after the level crossing at Buckenham often holds thrushes. To-day, there was a lone Mistle Thrush.

I start scoping at the start of the long lane down to the Fishermen's car park at Buckenham. This continues at all possible reed - unencumbered viewpoints until the far end. This gives different angles of viewing at every stop. 

The Taiga Bean Geese are often seen in the far corner, not to-day, the four I could see were further along towards Cantley beet factory.

The marsh was full of Lapwing, thousands of them on the ground and, sporadically, rising in flight before re-settling. I also found at least twelve Ruff, a group of eight and two of two. There were probably more. One of them was the white male we'd seen here last year. I'm assuming that it's the same one!   One Chinese Water Deer raised its teddy bear head and ears from its rest among the sedges. A female Marsh Harrier sat on a raised grassy hummock for ages before flying and scattering the Lapwings.

Reaching the end parking area, Pam parks so that I can scope most of the marsh from the windmill to the beet factory.  She became aware that some nearby trees were apparently being felled. When the perpetrator returned to his vehicle, she asked him what was happening. It was Ben the warden. He was trimming the trees so that visitors had a better view from the bank. Ben said that it was the best viewpoint for the marsh.

He then asked what we'd seen as he was concerned that the Taiga Beans had not returned after yesterday's shooting in a nearby wood. Asked for a number, I said four. Apparently, there is a group of three and another of four, not knowingly seen together. He again expressed his concern that it might be the last year that any bother to come over from the continent. Ben's estimate was two thousand plus Lapwing.

The pool and marsh in front of the hide were covered in whistling Wigeon, looking superb in their new breeding plumage. 

 We also found Gadwall, Shoveller and Teal for the scant year list. 

Another look for the Cranes on the way home drew another blank.