Indeed, we gave Snettisham a miss.
Wishing to visit as many habitats as possible, we started by going to Selbrigg. The feeding positions were all occupied by Grey Squirrels. The resident pair of Mute Swans shepherded a flotilla of week old cygnets, always a delight. Pam's photograph.
We have heard Song Thrush since we've been home, one sang throughout our time at Natural Surroundings on Tuesday. This one, at Sculthorpe Mill, also showed briefly behind some twigs.
At last, two Tree Sparrows in our usual place, maybe they haven't totally deserted after all.
We probably saw fifteen Buzzards to-day. Five of them in the air together, low over the back lane leading to Abbey Farm. One took off from the lane verge, maybe guarding some food, the others joined it from surrounding trees. As did two Red Kites.
Owing to it being half term, with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations starting tomorrow, we curtailed our visits. Lunch was at Holme's first parking area hoping for warblers. Sedge and Cetti's Warblers obliged. We'd heard Blackcap and Whitethroat earlier. Our first Reed Warbler's more guttural song, reminiscent of that of a Great Reed Warbler, was also heard from some undergrowth.
Holkham Marsh was bathed in warm sunshine. Pam's photograph of the herd of Belted Galloways shows the western end reaching to the dunes and the sea.
At least three Spoonbills and a Great White Egret eventually showed, flying into and from their nests. Cormorants huddled low in their large round bowls. Only Greylag and Egyptian and a Canada Goose plus Shelducks galore, Lapwings, Avocets and one Shoveller, on the marsh.
The last coastal stop, before turning inland, was Wells North Point Pools. We had it to ourselves, the first time ever. Gadwall, Teal and several Redshanks were new for the list. As were the over a hundred motley coloured Black-tailed Godwits resting on the shores of the eastern pool.
A most enjoyable birding day, enough birds to keep us happy, with a few mammals to add interest. Muntjac, Brown Hare, Rabbits and Grey Squirrels.
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