Covid Getaway

Tuesday October 19

Since moth-ing at NS has changed to a Wednesday, we have decided that abandoning the house and garden to Sam and Adrian on Tuesdays is a good idea. It gives them the freedom to carry out their work without our chat and interference, and all of us to avoid unnecessary contact. I am as guilty as others in being ultracrepidarian, ubiquitous and sesquipedalian at times. That should up my vocabulary tally for the week.

Another dull, overcast with some light rain, day. It didn't lighten until early afternoon.Very few birds made an appearance as we drove west, a Red Kite was the highlight - always. 

Finding an RSPB warden checking permits to drive at Snettisham was a surprise. That's only the third time ever. Finding no water at all was not - a surprise that is. An extremely low high tide three hours before we arrived was anticipated. Scoping found a scattering of the commoner waders feeding on the mud. Curlew, Redshank, Dunlin, Grey Plover, a small flock of Golden Plover, a single Knot, Lapwing, with one Greater Black-backed Gull on the far tideline.

The pit was full of Greylag, dossing on the islands. One Little Grebe braved the battalions. 

On the return journey, Pam called a 'very pale Brent', all alone on the middle section of the mud. A Pale-bellied Brent Goose, photos had to be attempted.

 

Earlier in the year, we saw a small flock on North Uist, where they are expected winter visitors.

The road to Thornham marsh was closed. As was the road to Burnham Norton. No reason given.

Favourite Brancaster Staithe, tide rushing out, had avidly feeding Black-tailed Godwits,both deep-thrusting beaks and suctioning legs, mud shrouded.

 

 

Pam noticed a large fish (?) corpse on the edge of the tideline, near the fishing boat pier. Maybe a fisherperson would be able to identify it. I'd love to know.

 

Wells, North Point Pools, didn't look promising. Much less water on the east, none to be seen on the west. Scoping came up with a large Lapwing flock , more Greylag, Wigeon, a few Teal, seven Egyptian Geese asleep in the field and one Ruff amongst the sleeping duck.

Holkham looked very birdless. We eventually added a Marsh Harrier and a Great White Egret to the day list. Best was a heart warming English rural scene. Belted Galloways feeding contentedly on the rich marsh grass, a truly bucolic scene. For the first time to-day, the sun broke through to highlight the painting.