Waiting....

February 1

Having made the decision to defer our early month birding day out until to-morrow, it turned out to be a warm, sunny day.

We spent an hour sitting in our south-facing sun lounge watching the bird feeders. There was near-constant action, without a mass at any time. Long-tailed Tits, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker, our first garden Greenfinches and Goldfinches of the year and a Nuthatch were the highlights. Blue Tits were numerous with fewer Great and Coal Tit visits.

I only had my elderly Canon bridge 50x to hand but could not resist trying a few shots through double glazed windows and against strong sunlight. The camera performed better than I had reason to expect.

Some of my alpine Irises are also in bloom with others yet to appear.

We also have Camellias, Winter Aconites, Gentians, Polyanthus, Violas and Viburnum Tinus in flower. A tribute to the -so far - mild winter. 

February 2

Just as well that I sleep on my 'good ear'. Pam woke to heavy overnight rain and the forecast of more to come, lasting until mid-day. She crept downstairs and turned my alarm off, I slept until 8.30 after a disturbed night.

At mid-day, we set off for Buckenham, only to find that the lane leading to the level crossing was closed for work to take place. A change to an automated crossing ? 

Very disappointing. After a discussion, we returned to Billockby, becoming the lone car parked at the barn. Eventually, six Cranes were seen, in two groups of three, two adults and a juvenile in each group. Another birder appeared, asking if we'd seen the Owl. Pam then found a Short-eared Owl hunting a distant field.

By now, five other carloads had arrived - organised outing? - one of them blocking our departure. How thoughtful. A judicious beep on the horn soon brought them trotting to move the car.

There are still 70+ northern swans in the Ludham area, including Whoopers, with a good sprinkling of juveniles. Too distant for a decent photo (even for my optimism) but good through the scope. A lane which would have taken us nearer was wet,  thickly muddy and rutted.