After High Tide

 Sunday, October 19

Longing to see the Rufous Bush-chat present at Stiffkey since Friday, but put off by the stories and photographs of the crowds, flooded marsh, falling over in mud, horrendous parking etc .we drove to Snettisham. Another very high tide this morning, still plenty of water in the Wash, with thousands of birds spread in thick rows from east to west. This morning's count added 140.000 Knot, a new record for the site.

Unusually, an assistant warden asked to see our permit, even chacking the date. Too many people have been driving in without permission.She turned one car back as we waited. A chance to tackle her about the number of dog walkers, joggers, cycling etc. All are allowed . Astonishing. The only check is dogs off the lead - and even then they are allowed across the causeway between pits 2 and 3 which is part of the reserve. 

We enjoyed the spectacle as always, Pam is particularly fond of this reserve, it's the best chance for us to view waders from the car. I caught a glimpse of a Curlew Sandpiper in my scope before it disappeared down one of the many gulleys.

Hunstanton clifftop was full of parked cars, we drove through to Holme beach car park, hoping to find somewhere to park. There was room on the muddy field, buit the constant to-ing and fro-ing of cars encouraged Pam to drive straight out, without having a chance of seeing one of the four Red-flanked Bluetails frequenting the area. Very disappointing. Not a new bird. We saw the very first for the UK at Winspit, and have seen four more in Norfolk. The first was a very early visit to Yarmouth cemetery before work. The gates were shut and I got increasingly agitated, as I was due to arrange staff cover for the day and to take Assembly. I climbed over the tall metal gates, ripping my tights. Saw the bird. Yes!!! Five minutes later, the gate was opened and Pam strolled through to see the bird , now tied down in front of me. Luckily, I had a spare pair of tights in my desk drawer and had time to do all my chores.

I gazed down the approach road to Stiffkey campsite, we drove straight past. 

Most of the boats are out of the water for the winter at Brancaster Staithe, it's still the mussell season.