Hurdles

Thursday, March 19

Reports say that reserves are open, centres, hides, cafes and shops aren't. We haven't been to Hickling this month where, on production of our Blue Badge, we are allowed to drive down to Whiteslea Lodge. As expected, the centre was closed so we drove down the usual track, stopping where possible to scan the area.

Hammering noises didn't help, we saw nothing. Halfway down, a man appeared over the ridge and told us rather aggressively to turn round as the hides were shut and there was no parking (yes there is and we're not parking anyway). Keeping calm, we explained that we usually drove, couldn't walk to the hides so had no intention of doing so and had a Blue Badge. Still the same response. Feeling rather aggrieved at his tone, we reversed until we could turn. The same information put pleasantly would have been fine. In our experience, workers at this reserve have definitely not been to dealing with the public, charm school.

We are social isolating very successfully and being prevented from birding in ever increasing places.

Rant over.

On the way home, the Zwartbles sheep and their lambs were in the field near Sands on the Walcott road out of Stalham. Black sheep with a white face blaze and varying lengths of white tail, and a tight curly coat, I find them very attractive.

Originally from northern Netherlands, bred mainly for their milk I read.

Yesterday, I heard my first Chiffchaff, in Barton Broad disabled parking area. Pam heard one in the garden on Tuesday.