Milk Tray is a cert in the 1.30 at Fakenham.
Chocolate-tip
Moth Quiz 13
Adam's Apple
Thursday, May 14
What a wonderful day. The first real birding day since April 1st. Our stops were limited by both allowed access and distance. Even the gate openings at Holkham have been roped off. I can't quite see the logic in that. It was good to see that, even though there was heavier traffic now that driving is allowed, there were few people out and about. Petrol down to £1 a litre for the first time in years - 50 cents in Australia where the exchange rate is almost 2 dollars to £1. This reflects more accurately the current world price for crude oil.
Although the weather looked uncertain when we set off soon after 9, we had blue sky, fluffy cumulus, and cold wind all day. Sitting in the car was lovely. The thermometer read a steady 8C.
The first year tick was a Little Tern at Thornham, closely followed by a Tree Pipit. The latter flew into and perched on top of a nearby suaeda bush giving me a very good view. The pity is that taking a photograph never entered my head. Still plenty of Brent Geese around too, not unusual in May but always a surprise.
Thornham approach road's muddy pools were a magnet for nest building House Martins and Swallows. They were probably building on the houses near the pub, so their arrival was sporadic. We persevered for ten minutes or so and managed a few photos.
If it hadn't been for a Reed Bunting deciding to land on the top, we'd never have noticed that Kent Wildfowlers own the shooting rights to this marsh.
Pam decided to drive through Thornham village, which we both appreciate. The reward was a Cuckoo calling and then seen, showing its unmistakeable wing action, flying rapidly away.
As we left the village, Pam's chosen bird to see to-day. a Red Kite appeared overhead. I had time to stick my camera out of the window and take a few shots before it disappeared.
Another two Little Terns at a tide-full Brancaster Staithe, at least three Curlews still lingering.
Our first Sandwich Tern flew amongst the boats moored in the channel.
Two paddle-boarders were a novelty here. Pam decided that wet suits did not flatter a middle-aged man's paunch. The woman was slim.
Black-headed Gulls really are quite handsome in their summer garb.
Reports of a Red-necked Phalarope at Cley this morning and then, at North Pools Wells, encouraged a visit. Plenty of water in the pools but, despite careful scoping from the car park, no sign of the bird. Avocet, Gadwall, Pochard, and a goony-headed Spoonbill, added to the day list. The Spoonbill was tossing its head, long white plumes thrown about like a Secretary Bird's.
Holkham Park looked lovely. Blue pools, frothing Hawthorn trees - don't they look extra good this year - a back drop of pine trees and then deciduous and a herd of Belted Galloway.
It's also possible to see the dead trees festooned with Cormorant nests where their guano has caused the damage. One Great White Egret flew, landed, and fished, three Spoonbills flew away.
Time to drive home and for me to catch up on some magazine reading after a very calming, good for the soul, day.
Moth-ing is very slow at the moment, maybe as a result of the winter weather according to Paul Waring in Wildlife magazine. Yesterday morning's superb Pine Hawkmoth was a beauty. This is a big moth, 35-41mm in length. Very elegant with velcro feet.
The previous day, our first 2020 Poplar Kitten was found absolutely soaked in the bottom of the trap. Here it is, still drying out in the pot.
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