Permit Renewal

Tuesday, April 13 

At last. Natural Surroundings was permitted to open its doors to visitors again. Our first moth-ing session of the year did not promise well. The temperature went down to freezing overnight - again - the ground was frost-white this morning. Unsure as to exactly where the traps were to be opened to-day, I believe that the Herb Garden is down the grassy slope below the Pavilion, I stayed in the car. The slope can be slippery. The path down from the car park is also hazardous for the unsure of knee.

I could see that there was a good turnout busying themselves fetching the traps etc. I sat and caught up on some magazine reading, listening to Blackcap song on a beautiful sunny morning.

Mike was the first to appear, coming over for a welcome chat, good to see people again. Pam then returned, accompanied by Val, another pleasant catch-up. Although one keeps in touch by text, email and phone, it's really good to talk face to face again.

Only three moths in the two traps, a paucity, as we all suspected. 

We decided not to stay for coffee as we'd planned a visit to Titchwell, to renew our long overdue permit to drive down at Snettisham RSPB. We then had a chiropodist appointment in Sheringham at 2.00,  the time available was truncated.

Driving west along the coast road was novel, we always drive west inland and return via the coast. A good decision. As we approached Wells, Pam called a large raptor flying almost overhead. The road was straight, we were able to stop safely. Now it came into my view. A White-tailed Eagle using the thermals to climb, its immense, broad, finger-feathered wings majestic, silhouetted against a blue sky. Accompanied by the usual coterie of shepherding raptors, Buzzards on this occasion, dwarfed by their target. They all disappeared.

Armed with the old permit and my Blue Badge, getting a new permit at Titchwell was straightforward - after the long one way system taking Pam around the whole shop. Good sales ploy. More Blackcap song whilst I waited. The toilets are cordoned off, two portaloos in the corner of the car park replacing them. Covid distancing I suppose.

As we drove into Brancaster Staithe, it was obvious that there had been a high tide. The brick-red, summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwits, probing the wet banks,  had soft-mud encrusted legs and beaks.  

 

On to the rise for lunch. A winter plumaged Grey Plover, a couple of Curlew, Turnstones, Redshanks and Oystercatchers kept us amused. As did the groups of Brent Geese rising from the distant marsh. One landed on nearer mud,. leaving only its footprints behind - like all good naturalists.

 

We now have a much improved view from the Meals House road gate. Hedges have been cleared, enabling a panoramic view of the marsh, and the Cormorant and Spoonbill nesting trees. We saw several Spoonbills, a Grey Heron, Red Kites, Marsh Harrier, Egyptian Geese and a herd of Belted Galloway. Retrospectively, we missed the five Cranes seen along the coast, including over Holkham.

Morston's resident Turkey was in full display mode, tail fanned to its extreme, neck arched, wattle and comb bright red and engorged, strutting his stuff. The female looked totally disinterested. 

Inspecting the brackish pool on the west of the far car park, Pam noticed a partially hidden wader, which obligingly climbed the bank into distant view. Our first Whimbrel of the year. Very well camouflaged.

 

One of the wintering Greenshank fed at the southern end of the creek.

Time to endure the 6-8 weekly toenail cutting before driving home for a welcome cuppa.