11th July 2023 – Summer in the Brecks & Fens

A single day Group Tour in the Brecks & Fens. It was meant to be raining in the morning and then showers in the afternoon, but thankfully the rain had cleared through overnight and the only shower we saw was very brief and very light (and we were in a hide too). It was rather breezy and mostly cloudy but bright, and once again a much better day than it could have been, given the forecast.

We met in the car park at Lynford. We would normally head off first to look for Stone Curlews, before the heat haze got too bad, but one benefit from the cloud was that we needn’t hurry today, so we opted to switch things around and have a walk around the Arboretum first. A Nuthatch was calling from the trees in the car park.

Across the road, we stopped by the gate just beyond the coffee hut and scanned the garden. We could see a couple of Goldfinches and several Swallows in the trees but nothing else. A Robin was perched on the fence by the coffee hut, presumably waiting for it to open (and crumbs to be available). We could hear Siskins calling from the Arboretum itself and looking from here, there appeared to be some out in the middle towards the road, so we decided to walk in that way.

We hadn’t gone very far, when we saw a pair of Siskins chasing round through the fir trees so we stopped to see if they would land. They didn’t, but then a Spotted Flycatcher flicked out from the side of one of the firs by the path and landed on a bare branch about half way up. We had a nice view of it, as it stayed where it was for several minutes – perhaps not the most colourful of birds (brown!), but full of character and increasingly scarce these days. When it flew again, it shot over the path and up into the tree the other side. It landed face on now, so we could see its very delicate breast streaking.

Spotted Flycatcher – in the Arboretum

There were lots of other birds here too – a pair of Nuthatches were working their way through the trees, a Goldcrest appeared next to the Flycatcher, and there were several Blue and Great Tits as well. A small flock of Chaffinches was feeding under the firs until something spooked them and they flew up into the branches. A Treecreeper flew in to a nearby trunk and worked its way up, before flying on to the next tree. We followed it briefly and realised there were actually at least two Treecreepers together.

All the birds seemed to be in the same place and as we walked on round the Arboretum, it was much quieter. A Song Thrush flew up from the ground ahead of us. We continued round past the folly and came across what was presumably the same group of birds again. A Coal Tit was calling from the firs here and there was a family of Spotted Flycatchers now, including at least two streaky juveniles which were making short flights out after insects but nowhere near as proficient as their parents yet. Back at the coffee hut, another Spotted Flycatcher was in the trees here – presumably a different bird to the family we had just been watching.

Spotted Flycatcher – another

We all got into the minibus and headed over to Lakenheath Fen next. After checking in at the Visitor Centre, we headed out onto the reserve. The weather had brightened up now and there were lots of butterflies on the brambles and thistles by the path – lots of Red Admirals, several Commas, Small and Large Whites. A few Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies were basking on the ground by the path and Common Blue and Azure Damselflies were flying in and through the vegetation on the verge. There were several Reed Warblers still singing, so we stopped to listen to one’s more metronomic song, but only one Sedge Warbler gave a very brief burst of song, not enough to compare.

Comma – on the thistles

We stopped at New Fen Viewpoint. The Marsh Harriers here have recently fledged and a couple of dark chocolate brown ‘copperhead’ juveniles were practicing flying over the reedbed and one landed in a small elder where we got it in the scope. Two Great White Egrets came up out of the reeds and chased each other round before dropping down again towards the back. A couple of male Reed Buntings were singing from small bushes in the reedbed – we could hear their very basic songs – and two families of Coot were out on the water.

A Kingfisher appeared briefly, hovering away to our right, over the dragonfly pool, so we walked down to see if we could find it again. A Willow Emerald damselfly in the reeds on our way was our first of the year. There was no further sign of the Kingfisher from the dragonfly platform, but a young Little Grebe standing on a small mud island looked very ungainly out of the water, and there were a few Greylag Geese and a Moorhen here too. As we turned to go, one of the group noticed a Common Lizard basking on the wooden rail and a Large Skipper butterfly was feeding on the thistles.

Little Grebe – ungainly

Back past the viewpoint, we took the small path on the edge of New Fen. There were lots of Ruddy Darters and Four-spotted Chasers in the reeds here and more Reed Warblers and Common Whitethroats calling from the vegetation. A female Marsh Harrier circled over the reedbed, three Common Buzzards and a single Red Kite drifted over West Wood. At the far end, we could see one of the Great White Egrets feeding in the shallow pool in the reeds.

It was a bit breezier along the path beyond, towards Joist Fen Viewpoint. A juvenile Great Crested Grebe was on one of the pools by the path, but otherwise there was not much of note so we pressed on. We had brought our lunches with us today, so we sat and ate while we scanned. It is a lovely spot to sit and watch the world, but there was not much activity here today. The usual Cormorant wasn’t on its post when we arrived but flew in shortly after. There were another couple of Great White Egrets out here, one of which flew in at one point and landed on the pool right in front of us. A single Hobby drifted over and off towards the river.

Great White Egret – flew in

We were mainly hoping to catch up with Bitterns and Cranes here, but both were proving to be elusive. We did hear Common Cranes bugling, but they were distant and did not fly up so we could see them. This is normally a great time of year to see female Bitterns on feeding flights but they have not been as active as usual this year. It may be there are fewer nests in 2023 (the wardens had been meant to be Bittern surveying today, but they had called it off due to the same weather forecast we had seen for rain this morning!), fallout from some areas of the reserve drying out last summer affecting where they are feeding, or some other reason. Eventually, we did see a Bittern fly across out over the reeds before it dropped down into the edge of the ditch.

Bittern – one flew across

We decided to walk back to Mere Hide. There were a few dragonflies basking on the path ahead of us as we walked and then we happened to look down at one point to see a clearwing moth right in front of us – it looked chunky, with three obvious yellow bands on its black abdomen. It looked just like a Dusky Clearwing! Unfortunately we were too close and it flew before we could get any photos. Dusky Clearwing had not been recorded in the UK since 1924, until it was found in Warwickshire last year and this year has been found in numerous other places, attracted to pheromone lures, including at Lakenheath Fen. Has it been hiding in plain sight all this time? Regular readers of this blog will know that we saw one in Romania just last month, so we should know what we are looking for. Shame we didn’t see it earlier.

When we arrived in the hide, we were told that we had just missed a Kingfisher, which had been on one of the perches right in front of the hide for 10-15 minutes. Never what you want to be told! There were not many other birds here, apart from a couple of young Coot, so we spent a few minutes watching the dragonflies, including several Emperors – an electric blue male patrolling up and down along the edge of the reeds and a couple of greener females ovipositing in the vegetation on the edge of the water.

A Kingfisher called away to our left and the members of the group at that end of the hide looked out of the far window to see it land right on a perch below. It was only a couple of metres from the hide. We all crept up quietly but it seemed totally unconcerned by all the people staring at it. It turned round so it was front on, scanning the water, then launched itself down and came back up with a couple of small fish in its bill, bashing them on the perch. It flew but landed on another perch right in front of the hide now. Close enough for phone photos! It was a male, with an all-black bill.

Kingfisher – right outside the hide

Over the space of 10-15 minutes, the Kingfisher delighted us with some amazing close views. It moved from perch to perch, occasionally diving into the water, sometimes coming up with a fish, sometimes coming up empty-billed, showing us all sides. Everyone in the group agreed it was the best views of Kingfisher they had ever had, and it seemed to be endless. Then we heard another Kingfisher call to our left and looked out of the side window to see a second bird shoot low over the water in a flash of electric blue and disappear behind the sallows. Presumably the female, the male took off from its perch and flew, following it round behind the trees and out of view. What an amazing spell.

Kingfisher – amazing views

Elated, we set off back to the Visitor Centre, where we rewarded ourselves with ice creams. Having not seen the Cranes here, we decided to have a quick drive deeper into the Fens to see if we could find them in the fields nearby. A Corn Bunting was perched in the top of a bush by the road, still a regular breeding bird here, and there were several Yellowhammers singing ‘a-little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese’ too. A male Marsh Harrier was perched on a fence post preening and a Peregrine drifted over. When we got to the most likely fields, where we have seen them in the past, they were very overgrown and then we found a tractor out in the middle of one, presumably topping them. There was no sign of any Cranes.

Our last target for the day was Stone Curlew, so we drove back to Weeting and called in at the NWT reserve. The Stone Curlews have been showing very well this year, and after fledging two young already they are now having another go. Out at West Hide we could immediately see one preening in the cultivated area in front of the hide – nice views again, and with it still being cooler with high cloud there was still no heat haze.

Stone Curlew – still showing well

The wild flowers are growing up now, which makes it even harder to see them when they are sitting down, but looking carefully we could just see a striking yellow iris through the scope scaring back at us, the second Stone Curlew. The nest camera is a bit of a giveaway! We sat for a while and watched them, the off duty bird preening, then settling down into the flowers where it was harder to see. We could see a little patch of dark clouds approaching and it started to rain. The Stone Curlew stood up and made a dash towards the trolley with the solar panels – was it trying to get out of the rain? It stood by it, looking round, then settled down again.

A nice way to finish the day, we packed up and headed back to Lynford where we said our goodbyes.

11th June 2023 – Early Summer, Day 3

Day 3 of a 3-day Summer Tour, our last day. It was a hot & sunny day, with the temperature touching 30C in the afternoon, such a contrast to our first day. We headed down to the Brecks today.

We travelled in convoy for the first past of the journey, leaving cars in Swaffham for those who would be heading off tonight so as to save time later. Then all aboard the minibus, we headed into the Forest. We parked at the start of a ride by a clearing and as soon as we got out of the minibus we could hear a Tree Pipit singing. We could see it song flighting over the far side, fluttering up and parachuting down to the young trees.

Tree Pipit – singing from the top of a pine

As we walked round for a closer look, a Yellowhammer flew across the track in front of us. When we got to the other side, the Tree Pipit was singing from the top of the pines on the edge of the clearing. We found an angle from which we had a clear view, but we had only just got it in the scope when it parachuted back down into the grass and disappeared. It was not long before it flew back up again, singing, and up to the top of the pines again. Again, it didn’t stay long enough to get everyone on to it in the scope, but thankfully when it flew up a third time, this time it stayed there singing and we all got great views of it. Then when it dropped down again, it landed on the top of a small tree in the clearing, where we had a nice look at it face on, getting a good view of its creamy yellow streaked breast and cleaner white underparts.

We could hear a Woodlark singing quietly, and looked over to see two fly up out of the clearing and off over the trees. A Coal Tit and a couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers flew over. A Siskin flew out of the pines fluttering its wings in song flight and a second flew over calling. We could hear a Cuckoo calling in the distance too. One of the Yellowhammers was singing from the top of the pines on the corner of the block as we walked back.

Yellowhammer – singing from the top of a pine

From here, we drove on down to Weeting Heath. Having checked in at the Visitor Centre, we made our way straight out to West Hide. Four Stone Curlews were out on the cultivated area in front of the hide, the two adults with their almost fully grown juveniles. Apparently they were officially due to fledge in the next couple of days. We watched them walking round in the open before the juveniles decided to shelter under the trolley with the batteries for the nest camera! Great views.

Stone Curlews – seeking shade

There was a pair of Oystercatchers in the cultivated area too, one appeared possibly on a nest, along with several Lapwings. Scanning across the heath, we noticed a fifth Stone Curlew, another adult, much further back. We could hear a regular (non-Stone) Curlew calling from somewhere behind us.

Out of the hide, we stopped on the path to look and listen but there was no sign of any Spotted Flycatchers – they have been tricky this year so far. We continued on down to the end, and looked out over the road from the gate, where we could see the head of a Curlew sticking out of the long grass. We had a look in at the Woodland Hide – a Yellowhammer was down in the grass when we arrived and a succession of tits and finches flew in and out to the feeders or to drink and bathe in the small pool.

Our destination for the rest of the day was Lakenheath Fen. We parked in the car park and as we walked up towards the Visitor Centre, we stopped to listen to a mixed-singing Willow Warbler, throwing in bits of Chiffchaff into its song. A Common Whitethroat perched in the top of one of the birches singing.

It was getting very hot already, so we had a rest at New Fen Viewpoint, looking out across the pool and reeds. A Little Grebe swam across and a Coot was feeding its young down on the water in front of us. A couple of Marsh Harriers circled up distantly over West Wood. Continuing on, it was very humid along the path through the reeds. The warblers were a bit subdued in the heat of the day – we heard snippets of Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler. A female Marsh Harrier circled over the reeds closer now and a lone Cuckoo flew over. There are normally a lot of dragonflies along here but there were surprisingly few today – maybe the impact of the recent cold weather.

Little Grebe – swam across

We pressed on to Joist Fen, stopping to admire a few Great Crested Grebes on the pools, including two well-grown, stripy-headed juveniles. It was time for lunch when we arrived at the viewpoint, so we sat down to eat in the shade. There were several Marsh Harriers circling up further back and at least three Hobbys, one for a while hunting over the pool in the middle of the reeds. A Cuckoo was calling in the distance.

Hobby – one of at least three

Several Reed Warblers flitted back and forth around the pool in front and a Cetti’s Warbler flew across. A Kingfisher flashed out from behind the trees to the right, over the reeds and disappeared into the channel before flying back again a few mins later. A pair of Cranes flew in over the railway, but turned and flew away from us, dropping down in front of the distant trees.

Eventually we saw a Bittern fly up, only briefly, across the track behind us before dropping down again, but there was rather little Bittern activity this afternoon – they are normally busier at this time of year, with the females making regular feeding flights. We had just finished lunch, when another Bittern came up from the reeds at the back of the small pool right in front of us. It had obviously been hiding in there all along! We watched it flew off away over the reeds. We waited a bit to see if it might come back in to feed, but there was no further sign.

Great Crested Grebe – adult feeding juvenile

We decided to start making out way slowly back. We broke the journey at Mere Hide, where it was nice out of the sun, with a gentle breeze through the open windows. A family of Great Crested Grebes was on the pool, the two juveniles initially with the female in the weeds while the male was diving on its own off to our right. After a while, the female swam with the juveniles towards the male, catching small fish and them copying her diving. The male swam over and took over childcare duty, while the female swam out into the pool and started fishing, coming up with an enormous fish. We didn’t know how it managed to swallow it!

Great Crested Grebe – with big fish

There were more dragonflies here, flying back and forth over the water in front of the hide, several Four-spotted Chasers and a couple of large electric blue Emperors, and a male Scarce Chaser perched on the reeds. Lots of damselflies too, including a few Red-eyed Damselflies – we could see their red eyes when they landed.

Red-eyed Damselfly – with red eyes

There had been a Kingfisher on one of the posts earlier, apparently, but there was no sign now. But a photographer in the hide spotted a Bittern flying in from the left and we had a great view as it did a long flypast, right across in front of us, before disappearing off to our right.

Bittern – long flight past

We could have spent more time in the hide, but it was time to head back now. We were hot by the time we got back to the Visitor Centre and we stopped for another very welcome ice cream break – several flavours were sampled again! We had thought we might have a quick look at the Washland, but we met someone who had been out earlier and had seen nothing. The water level is still very high apparently. Everyone was tired out after the walk too, so we decided to call it a day.

It had been a very enjoyable three days (and an evening!), with some great birds, and interesting butterflies and other wildlife.

10th June 2023 – Early Summer, Day 2 & Nightjar Evening

Day 1 of a 3-day Summer Tour. What a difference a day makes! Today was bright and sunny, and much warmer, up to 20C already by 9am and a maximum of 22C in the afternoon, despite a freshening east wind. We spent the day down in the Broads and then went out again in the evening to look for Nightjars.

Our destination for the morning was Hickling. As we arrived in the car park, a Willow Warbler was singing. One of the wardens was just setting up for a children’s moth morning in the car park and kindly gave us a couple of his surplus moths to look at – the Reed Leopard was much rarer, found only in the UK in the Norfolk Broads and a couple of other restricted sites, but the Poplar Hawkmoth proved more popular!

Reed Leopard moth

We went to try and check in at the Visitor Centre as the door was open, but we were told they were actually still closed and the door was promptly shut. We thought we would go out for a walk first and check in later. Then we were just walking past when someone came running out chasing us for permits, despite the fact that the Centre was not actually due to open until 10am. It was then very slow to process everyone through and we should probably have gone out and focused on birding first.

We eventually got away, and walked down towards the Stubb Mill track. A Swallowtail butterly flew over the path ahead of us but disappeared straight over the hedge the other side. Still, a good omen to see one on the wing already.

At the first pool, we could see a Spoonbill feeding at the back, but it quickly disappeared into the vegetation. We could hear Common Cranes bugling, but couldn’t see well from here due to the bushes lining the track, although we eventually managed to see one flying round and dropping into the reeds through a gap.

Great White Egrets – four with a Little Egret

There were four Great White Egrets together on the back of the next compartment. We had a better view of them when we got to the first platform and could look over the bank, feeding together with a couple of Little Egrets and a Grey Heron for size comparison. There were a few waders on here too – a single Greenshank with some Redshank, a Common Snipe, lots of Black-tailed Godwits, a couple of Avocets and a few Lapwings, but there was no sign of the Black-winged Stilt which had been here earlier. There was a nice selection of ducks to – another Wigeon, a couple of Teal, plus several Shoveler and lots of Gadwall.

As we continued on along the track, there were several dragonflies flying now in the sunshine – Four-spotted Chasers and our first Norfolk Hawkers of the year (in Norfolk at least!). Damselflies included nice views of Variable Damselfly.

Variable Damselfly

When we got down to the corner, we discovered that the Black-winged Stilt had just flown off. We had only missed it by a few minutes, so we would probably have seen it if it hadn’t taken so long in the Visitor Centre! There were several Tundra Ringed Plover on the scrape still and we had nice views of a Little Ringed Plover in the scope. We could see several Spoonbills in the trees beyond. A Hobby circled high over the middle of the reeds, catching insects on the wing, but drifted off away from us. Two more Cranes flew in from beyond the dead trees, but dropped down out of view.

There was no sign of the Stilt returning, so we set off back along the track. We hadn’t gone far before two more Cranes circled up over the reeds. They were trying to find a thermal so we had much better views now, as they gained height, before eventually heading off to the north, over the track ahead of us and away over the wood beyond.

Common Cranes – circled up

Back at the junction, we turned left and walked out along the Whiteslea Track. A Garden Warbler was singing from the back of the overflow car park as we passed. We had a look back at the first compartment of Brendan’s Marsh from the viewing mound, but we couldn’t see anything we hadn’t seen earlier. We were hoping for more Swallowtails now but it was a bit breezy here, and then a couple of people said the Swallowtails showing very well along the path past the Lodge, so we carried on down towards the Broad.

We stopped briefly by Bittern Hide where we heard a Bittern booming. We were surprised we hadn’t seen any feeding flights, as we normally do at this time of year, though possibly the breeding season is behind schedule this year due to the cold spring weather.

Along the path towards the Observatory tower, we found a couple of people watching a Swallowtail. It was resting on a thistle at first, with its wings up, but then flew round and landed on a grass stem right beside the path. There are not many flowers out after the recent cold weather, no nectar sources, so it was interesting to watch this one feeding on grasses.

Swallowtail – nectaring on grass

We had a quick look from the Observatory, so we could see the Broad. Two Common Terns flew round and landed on one of the posts marking the channel. There were lots of Mute Swans on the water beyond, along with Coots and a couple of Great Crested Grebes, typical of the deep water broads. Further on, a Grasshopper Warbler reeled briefly. We stopped to listen, but unfortunately it had gone quiet.

Further round, once we got into the lee of the trees, we found several more Swallowtails, another 3-4. One was wanting to come down to feed on a Flag Iris by the path, but was possibly put off by all the admiring people and landed on a reed stem a little further out.

A couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers called from the wood and we watched them flying through the trees and landing briefly. As we turned back along the path towards the Visitor Centre, we could hear a Bearded Tit calling, but it went quiet. At the mention of lunch, the walking pace accelerated notably and only the laggards heard more Bearded Tits, and had a couple of brief flight views. At the pond dipping platform, a Willow Warbler was singing in a willow above our heads.

It was time for lunch, so we set in the picnic area – it was so warm and sunny, we even sat in the shade. How different to yesterday! The Garden Warbler was still singing in the trees beyond and another Hobby zipped over just above us. The ice cream at the Visitor Centre proved particularly popular today, with the rhubarb & ginger a personal favourite although various flavours were tried by the group! We were just finishing lunch when another Swallowtail flew in around the bushes in the picnic area.

We had walked a good way already today, and probably couldn’t manage a lot more in the heat, so we headed down to Potter Heigham Marshes to see what we could find on the pools. It was a good day for Swallowtails – as we found another one nectaring on vetch by the track as we arrived and then had several more fly over. They had clearly emerged in numbers in the warmth.

Four-spotted Chaser

Up onto the bank, we had a slow walk along, scanning the pools. There were lots of ducks, including more Wigeon and several Common Pochard, but no sign of any Garganey this afternoon. We noticed a Cuckoo in the trees and got it in the scope. When it took off, it flew across the path in front of us and out into the reedbed, where it landed in a small alder tree. A flock of Avocets flew past, there were a couple of Cetti’s Warblers calling and several Reed Warblers in the reeds.

We walked down along the edge of Candledyke, but once we got out of the shelter of the trees, it was very windy. We were hoping we might find Bearded Tits here, but there was no sign of any now and they were probably hiding in the bottom of the reeds. As we were heading out again this evening, we had to be back in good time today, so with a long drive back to base we decided to call it a day.

Nightjar Evening

We headed out again after dinner, driving up to the coast, past the barn where the Little Owls were last year but which is now almost completed development into a house. Sad. There was no sign of any Barn Owl activity along the coast road, but a Spoonbill flew out of the trees at Cley and dropped down towards Snipe’s Marsh, where it appeared to flush a second Spoonbill up from the pool, and they both flew off. There was no sign of any Barn Owls the other side of Cley either. A Kestrel was still out, and landed in a dead tree.

We decided to try our luck inland, and hadn’t got far when we spotted a Barn Owl disappearing behind some trees. From further up, we could see it again, flying back behind us over the field. We turned round, and tried to follow it, turning down a side road which would take us down to where it was heading, but by the time we got there it had disappeared.

It was already time to be heading up to the heath, so we drove on. We parked in the trees and walked out onto the open heath. We could hear Stonechats calling and spotted a couple perched on the gorse in the gloom, a male with a couple of streaky juveniles. We had not been here long before the first Nightjar started churring – they were early tonight. It was rather distant, right out in the middle, but we stopped to listen.

Another Nightjar churred briefly much closer, so we walked over just in time to hear it call and see the male flying round, flashing the white in wings and tail. One landed on a branch, and although it was hard to see against the dark trees we managed to get it in the scope. Thankfully it stayed for a minute or so, so we could all get a look at it.

Nightjar – perched on a branch

When it took off again, there were now at least three Nigthjars flying round, a couple of males and one female without the white flashes. The original male was still churring out in the middle on and off, and another male started churring further along. It was nice now to just stand and listen. A Tawny Owl hooted in the distance, and we could hear Roe Deer barking too.

Nightjar – a male with white wing flashes

As we stood and listened, we had several more flight views of Nightjars overhead and hunting for moths around the trees. Then as it started to get dark, it was time to head back. We bumped into one of the locals, a regular on the heath, who monitors the Nightjars, and he related the story of a recent egg theft of one of the nests. Shocking that such practices still occur.

On the drive back to base, another Tawny Owl flew over the road and landed on the wires as we passed. Then it was time for bed for a few hours – we were going to be out again tomorrow.

9th June 2023 – Early Summer, Day 1

Day 1 of a 3-day Summer Tour. It was cloudy but dry all day, with a very cold and blustery ENE wind which kept temperatures down noticeably on the coast (little did we know how much that was about to change!). We spent the day along the North Norfolk coast.

The Bee-eaters which bred here last year had returned to Trimingham a couple of weeks earlier, so we decided to head over there first thing this morning to see if we could catch up with them. As we got out of the minibus it was decidedly cold in the wind – not ideal weather for Bee-eaters! We walked through the hedge onto the footpath and stopped to scan the wires in the distance and there were two Bee-eaters, quickly joined by the third. We got them in the scope and enjoyed good, if more distant views from here.

Bee-eater – one of the males

We were then met by one of the locals who has been keeping an eye on the birds while the watchpoint was being set up, and we walked up to the next field. We were closer here, and had great views of the Bee-eaters on the wires, flying down and catching bumblebees in the quarry below. We watched the pair courtship feeding, the male presenting bees to the female, and even mating. The other male kept trying to get involved, but when it landed next to the female with a bee, it was chased off by the primary male.

Bee-eater – one playing gooseberry

There were Linnets and Goldfinches flying around and landing on the wires too, and a Common Whitethroat singing from the bushes. In the cold wind, several Swallows and Sand Martins were hawking low over the grass trying to find any flying insects. A Kestrel circled over the quarry and a Common Buzzard flew over the field beyond.

Having drunk our fill of the Bee-eaters, we drove back to Cley and parked at the Visitor Centre. Having arranged our permits, we set off to walk to the hides. A Hobby shot in over the car park and disappeared straight off over the Centre, but a Kestrel was more obliging, hovering over the Skirts path. We could hear Reed Warblers and Sedge Warblers singing, but they were keeping down out of the wind, whereas a male Reed Bunting was perched precariously on a swaying reed stem singing.

We went in to Teal Hide first. There were lots of birds on Pat’s Pool – several Tundra Ringed Plovers and Little Ringed Plovers, lots of Avocets though with few chicks seemingly left now, a single Black-tailed Godwit and two Dunlin in breeding plumage but no sign of the Little Stint which had been here earlier. We heard Greenshank calling on our way out, but there was no sign of them now either, just Redshanks. A Marsh Harrier patrolled over the reeds beyond.

Teal – one of several

Amongst the regular ducks on the scrape were some more unseasonal wildfowl – including several Teal, presumably mostly returning failed breeders, and a female Wigeon swam past right in front of the hide. A pair of Swallows kept coming into the hide and we realised they had a nest on one of the rafters – they were perched just a few feet away from us!

Swallows – nesting in the hide

It was warm out of the wind in the lee of the hides on the boardwalk as we walked back out. One of the group spotted a Drinker moth caterpillar on a reed stem and we then found a tiny Diamond-back Moth nearby (amazing to think that it had possibly migrated here from foreign climes!). An impressive-looking Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn beetle was on the vegetation here too.

Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn beetle

We had a quick look in Dauke’s Hide. The water level has been raised on Simmond’s Scrape and there were not so many birds on here today – three Oystercatchers being the only notable addition, and there was no sign of the other waders on here either. When we heard everything alarm calling over on Pat’s Pool, we looked over to see the Hobby flying through again, before disappearing off over the reedbed beyond.

As we made our way back to the Visitor Centre, a Red Kite drifted in from the fields beyond and past us over to the reedbed. Despite the wind, we could sit on the picnic tables to eat our lunch. A couple of Spoonbills now flew in and out of Pat’s Pool and a nice male Marsh Harrier flew in across the near edge of the reeds. A smart male Greenfinch was singing, and landed in the big hawthorn bush just the other side of the road.

Marsh Harrier – a male flew past

After lunch, we made our way along to Kelling. It was breezy even in the lane today, and apart from several Goldfinches coming down to bathe in the beck at the top of the lane, a couple of Speckled Wood butterflies, and an impressive Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria), there was not much of note until we got down to the copse, where a couple of Blackcaps were calling. Looking out from the gate, a Brown Hare was on the Water Meadow but ran behind the bushes as we walked up. A Kestrel flew over and there were two more Teal on the Water Meadow pool.

Hornet Hoverfly Volucella zonaria

A Common Whitethroat was singing in the brambles by the track and perched up nicely briefly. We stopped to watch a family of Stonechats on the crosstrack, male, female and one or two streaky juveniles. There were also a few Linnets, Sedge Warbler singing and a Reed Bunting perched up in the bushes. Continuing on down to the Hard, there were more Linnets and Stonechats in the brambles and several Common Blue butterflies in the grassy area behind the beach.

Stonechat – one of the males

We took the permissive path up the hill and stopped to look out to sea. Three Sandwich Terns flew past, and one of the group noticed two drake Common Scoter on the sea, quite close in, which we got in the scope. Up at the gun emplacements, the Wheatear was still present around the pill box below the weather station, but there was no sign of yesterday’s Black Redstart nor Whinchat. As we walked back down, we stopped to look at a lone Bee Orchid which one the group had noticed on the way up.

Bee Orchid – by the path

There had been a Rose-coloured Starling at Titchwell the last few days, but it could be elusive at times and had been reported to have flown off west this morning, so when it reappeared in its favoured garden in the village this afternoon, we decided to head over and see if we could see it. It was a chance to get out of the wind, and we had done a lot of walking already today. When we arrived, it had disappeared into a garden and a small crowd had gathered on the pavement, looking across a field at the bushes on the edge. We joined them and waited a short while.

There were lots of Starlings coming and going, several juveniles, and lots of common garden birds. A couple of Great Spotted Woodpeckers flew in and out repeatedly. We watched for about 45 minutes, before we had to call time – enthusiasm was waning and we had to get back for dinner. By the time we got back to base, we could see it was another 25 minutes after we left before the Rose-coloured Starling finally reappeared. We had thought we might get the chance to have another go on another day, but it was the last time it was seen that evening. Still, lots of other birds for us to see instead!

14th May 2023 – Four Days of Spring, Day 4

Day 4 of a 4-day Spring Tour, our last day. It was forecast to warm up today, but it was slow coming. We were still in our winter coats, hats and gloves in the morning and it wasn’t until lunchtime that the sun finally came out and we couldn’t shed layers fast enough! There was a 10C swing during the day, from 8C in the morning to a high of 18C in the afternoon.

We had an earlier start this morning and headed down to Suffolk, leaving cars in Swaffham where we would finish up later. We were looking for Nightingales, but it was decidedly chilly when we arrived and got out of the minibus and there were few birds singing. We could hear a Yellowhammer in the distance.

As we walked down the road, a few birds started to sing – Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. A Goldcrest sang nearby and a couple of Long-tailed Tits flicked through. We heard our first Nightingale further down and walked on to listen, but it was only singing half-heartedly and quickly gave up. Another started up further along still, so we carried on and a third Nightingale began to sing too. We stopped to listen to the two of them duetting, although still neither of them really giving it both barrels.

We realised that one of the Nightingales was very close to the fence, so we edged down and, looking round from behind the trees, we could see it in a small bush. We were looking through the bare branches and it wasn’t a clear view, but it did remain in view for a couple of minutes so we could all get a good look at it, before it dropped down into the vegetation below.

Nightingale – through the branches

A Green Woodpecker yaffled and flew over and our first Cuckoo of the day called in the distance and we saw it flying off away from us over the trees too. There were a couple of Common Whitethroats singing in the bushes and a smart male Yellowhammer flicked between the tops of the trees. Down at the bottom, we looked out over the airfield and found a single Stone Curlew on the short grass. A Common Buzzard was preening on the fence nearby.

Walking back up the road, one of the Nightingales sang a bit more strongly for a minute, so we paused to listen. We cut in on one of the smaller paths, and found another Nightingale singing in the trees, but it was well hidden and we couldn’t see where it was perched before eventually it stopped.

Out into the open, we stopped to watch another Yellowhammer singing from a small hawthorn and a Willow Warbler flew in, landed below it, and started singing too. There were more Garden Warblers singing in the bushes beyond – perhaps, having arrived later, they were more programmed to keep singing despite the cold weather.

Yellowhammer – singing

It was already mid-morning, and there was still no sign of it brightening up yet. It felt like those birds which had been singing were starting to go quiet, so we decided to move on. As we walked back towards the minibus, we heard a female Cuckoo bubbling behind us and turned to see it perched on the wires. It flew and came across the heath towards us, pursued now by a male Cuckoo which started to call.

Cuckoo – a female

Our next destination was Lakenheath Fen. We checked in at the Visitor Centre and stopped for a hot drink to warm up. As we had some mobility limitations, we were very kindly granted a permit to drive up to the small car park by New Fen today. We disembarked and walked over to the New Fen Viewpoint – there were a couple of Greylags and a Tufted Duck on the pool. We could hear Cuckoos calling and a female flew out of Trial Wood and then back in to the poplars, where it landed briefly. Our first Hobby of the day was a rather distant one, circling over West Wood.

We took the small path through the reeds. A Sedge Warbler was flitting around low down in the reeds and singing occasionally and showed well. Along the path, there were more Reed Warblers singing so we stopped to listen to a couple and try to hear the difference in song between the two species. We heard Bearded Tits pinging from the reeds too, but they remained down out of sight.

Sedge Warbler – singing

Three Marsh Harriers circled low over the reeds, two males and a female. Another Hobby drifted over, catching insects over the reeds before flying away and landing in East Wood. A (Eurasian) Curlew flew over and disappeared over away across the river and having heard them calling we saw two Stock Doves which flew out of Trial Wood and off over the reeds too. A Water Rail squealed from deep in the reeds.

Just past the junction to Mere Hide, we stopped to listen to a male Bittern booming in the reeds – an impressive sound, like a foghorn or someone blowing across the top of an improbably large bottle. While we were standing here, we talked about Bittern movements and related the story of the ringed female Bittern which has been returning here each year to breed. Having been found by a small pond in Letchworth in September 2016, possibly after a brush with a car, it was released at Rye Meads once it had recovered.

We first photographed a ringed female Bittern at Lakenheath in June 2017 and with so few Bitterns ringed, it seemed most likely it would be the same bird, but it was not confirmed until May 2018 when someone else managed to get some more photos and could read part of the ring number. This bird had been seen over the winter back at Amwell, so it appears to commute between the two areas. We had seen it again here last year.

Bittern – flew across

We had just finished the story when someone spotted a Bittern flying towards us over the reeds. It turned across the path in front of us and dropped down into the reeds just a short distance from where we were standing. It couldn’t be could it? Sure enough, checking the photos, it was the female Bittern with the ring on its left leg, back again here for its 7th year! What were the chances of that?!

Bittern – the ringed bird!

There was no sign of the Bittern in the reeds, so we carried on along the path. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were on one of the pools and we could see that one was carrying a couple of stripy-headed juveniles on its back.

Great Crested Grebe – with juveniles aboard

The sun was finally starting to come out and we had brought our lunches with us, so we settled in at Joist Fen Viewpoint to enjoy the view and eat. Gradually the layers of clothes came off, hats and gloves, coats and fleeces too.

As the temperatures climbed, the number of Hobbys increased steadily. There were about 15 when we arrived but by the time we left there were a minimum of 50 – so many, they were increasingly hard to count, but a very impressive sight. From time to time, one or two would drift closer, overhead at times, and we could watch them catching and eating insects on the wing.

Hobby – one of 50+

Hobby – occasionally overhead

Thankfully, some of the group were looking the other way, as a Bittern flew across behind us and landed in the reeds. About an hour later, it came back out and flew over the path, dropping into the reeds at the back of one of the small pools the other side, where it was just visible for a minute or so before it walked deeper in. We had certainly been spoiled for Bittern sightings this week!

There were Cuckoos back and forth at times too and Marsh Harriers circling up over the reedbed. A Lapwing was displaying out over the pool in front, twisting and turning and singing, but struggling to command the attention of the gathered photographers who were all bewitched by the other species on show. A Cetti’s Warbler taunted us from an elder bush to one side of the viewpoint.

As the weather warmed up, there were more insects too. Butterflies out now included Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Peacock and Red Admiral. There were several damselfies in the vegetation too, including our first Variable Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly, plus Large Red and Azure Damselflies.

Variable Damselfly – our first this year

Eventually, we had to tear ourselves away and walk back. It was a bit quieter now, in the heat of the day, but there were several Hairy Dragonflies hawking along the sides of the path by Trial Wood and two Cuckoos flew across over New Fen, bidding us farewell. Back at the Visitor Centre, it was not hot drinks on the menu now, but ice cream. What a difference a couple of hours makes!

We had a quick look at the Washland, but there apart from lots of Mute Swans and Gadwall, there was not much else of note on here today. A couple of Grey Herons circled up in the sunshine.

We had time for one last quick stop on our way back, so we called in at Weeting Heath. The Stone Curlews were showing very well from West Hide, the pair with two chicks now and walking around with them, feeding actively despite it being the heat of the afternoon, although a little bit of high hazy cloud helped to reduce the heat haze.

Stone Curlews – adult & juvenile

Stone Curlews – the pair

A Eurasian Curlew lifted its head, stood up and turned round, and then settled back down to incubate its eggs. When it went back to sleep it all but disappeared. A nice way to end, we headed back to Swaffham and said our goodbyes.

6th May 2023 – Nightingales & Spring in the Fens

A Spring Day Tour today, down in the Fens & Brecks. It was Coronation Day, but the date for this tour had been arranged last year, so it would be a nice way to spend it, away from the TV, for those who didn’t want to stay in and watch. It was a bright start, but clouded over later in the morning and then the rain arrived early in the afternoon. We made the most of the weather while we had it.

We met at Lynford Arboretum and heading off into the Brecks for the morning. As we got out of the minibus, a scan of the surrounding fields revealed a couple of Stone Curlews over towards the back. We got them in the scope and had a good view of them walking round in the short grass, amongst the flowers. A great way to start the day.

Stone Curlews – out in the grass

There were lots of birds singing and as we walked a little further down the road, we stopped to look at a Garden Warbler perched on the front of a bush. A nice view of what can sometimes be a more retiring species. We could hear Blackcap, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler singing too, as well as a Cuckoo off in the distance. A male Yellowhammer was perched in the top of a nearby hawthorn.

We could hear our first Nightingale singing further down still, so we walked on. It was in an area of deep cover and we couldn’t see it but it was lovely just to stand and listen to it for a while. Back up the road, we took a small path in between the bushes. Another Nightingale was singing from deep in the vegetation ahead of us, but again it was well hidden. It sounded like it might be round the far side of the bushes, so after trying different angles eventually we tried to walk past it along the path to view from the other side but it went quiet.

There were several more Common Whitethroats singing, and we got some nice views of one, noting the rusty edges to it wings in particular. There were more Garden Warblers, very vocal today, and as we watched one feeding high in an oak tree, a male Blackcap appeared in a nearby hawthorn. Two Reed Warblers were singing in the brambles too, odd to hear them out here, well away from any reeds and out of context! We could hear a regular (Eurasian) Curlew calling in the distance.

Further on, we could hear another two Nightingales, singing against each other. One was well hidden, but the other was singing up in a young oak tree. We could see it moving through the other side, and eventually managed to get it in the scope, although we could unfortunately only see parts of it. We could see it quivering as it sang. We thought we might be able to get round to view from the other side, but it was a big loop to get on the right path. We passed yet another two more Nightingales and could hear a Woodlark singing, but by the time we got round the bird had gone from the oak. The Nightingales just were not going to perch up for us today!

We decided to try another area. As we walked up, we could hear a Lesser Whitethroat and eventually had nice views of it singing from the top of a small clump of hawthorn. A couple of Long-tailed Tits were flitting around below. There were several Cuckoos calling now, two males, one giving excited ‘cuck-cuck-oo’s and a female bubbling nearby. Walking round the bushes we found one of the male Cuckoos perched on the wires.

Cuckoo – perched on the wires

There were another three Nightingales singing at the top of hill, but the particular bird which had been singing on a very visible perch the other day was not very vocal today. It gave a quick burst of song, so we positioned ourselves hoping for it to hop into view, but it wasn’t going to oblige today. It was mid-morning now and it seemed like the Nightingales might be going quiet so we made our way back round to the road.

Two Nightingales were still singing down by the road, so we stopped to listen. We could see one briefly hopping around in a hawthorn, but it didn’t stay still and disappeared before we could get the scope on it. We had been spoiled with the number singing here today though, at least 10 different males. A fantastic sound, great birds just to listen to, and such a shame the species has disappeared from so many former breeding sites – catch them while you can still!

Time to move on, we drove round to Lakenheath Fen next. As we walked out along the main track, we stopped to watch a Common Whitethroat singing in the sallows. A Reed Warbler was singing its rhythmic song further back and then another Reed Warbler flitted up into the tree in front of us too.

Common Whitethroat – singing in the sallows

We stopped for a rest at New Fen Viewpoint. There was just a lone Greylag and a pair of Tufted Ducks on the pool in front. A Little Grebe laughed from somewhere out of view. Two male Marsh Harriers drifted back and forth over the reeds and a male Reed Bunting started singing from a small bush. We could hear a Cuckoo calling in Trial Wood, and then it flew out over New Fen, turned and came right overhead, before disappearing into East Wood.

We could see several Hobbys way off in the distance, and as we walked on, one appeared hawking over New Fen briefly before drifting off over the poplars. A Mistle Thrush was singing in the trees and another Cuckoo, our third male here, was singing now in West Wood. A couple of Large Red Damselflies fluttered up from the sides of the path, but there were not many dragonflies out yet.

Just before Joist Fen, a Bittern flew up from the reeds to our right. It came low across the track right in front of us, a great view, before dropping back down into the reeds on the other side.

Bittern – flew across the path

We had brought lunch with us today, so we could sit and eat while we enjoyed the view from Joist Fen Viewpoint. Even though it had clouded over now, there was still lots to see. Probably because it had clouded over, there were lots of Hobbys hawking out over the reeds in the middle. We counted a minimum of 36 in the air together, although they were hard to count as they were very mobile and there were lots of Swifts in the air too.

We watched the Hobbys catching flies and eating them on the wing, bringing their feet up to their bills and discarding the hard bits. Occasionally, one came closer and we could see its rusty trousers. There were several Marsh Harriers up too and a Sparrowhawk came over, with bursts of flapping interspersed with characteristic glides.

Hobby – one of at least 36 today

There were a few ducks on the pool in front of the viewpoint, several Mallard and Gadwall and a drake Shoveler, plus a couple of Great Crested Grebes. Then we noticed a smart drake Garganey swimming around behind the reeds. From the far end of the viewpoint we could get the scope on it, and admire the bold white stripe on its head and ornate scapulars.

Garganey – in front of the Viewpoint

A Lapwing was displaying from time to time, flying up from the cut reeds beyond the pool and singing. A Cormorant was loafing on the usual post behind. There were more Cuckoos out here and at one point we picked up a pair flying in towards us over the reeds, the male flying right across in front of us. Periodically, we could just hear one or two Bitterns booming.

Cuckoo – flew past in front of the Viewpoint

It had been threatening for a while on and off, but now it started to drizzle, so we decided it was time to walk back. We hadn’t gone far when a Bittern started booming close to the path now, so we stopped to listen. An amazing sound.

It was still just light drizzle as we got back to the Visitor Centre, but after a stop to use the facilities the rain was already getting a little heavier. We walked out for a quick look at the Washland, and as we got up onto the bank we looked across to see a Great White Egret flying across the middle and drop down into the grass on the far side. There were lots of Mute Swans on the water, and a selection of ducks, including several Shelduck and a pair of Teal.

This is normally a nice place to stand for a while and watch the comings and goings, but we hadn’t been here long when we looked round behind us and could see some very ominous dark clouds approaching. We made a quick exit and hurried back to the Visitor Centre, arriving just in time as a torrential downpour started. We sat inside and had a break for ice cream (the gooseberry is particularly recommended!) or hot drinks. There were Reed Buntings on the feeders, and a male Greenfinch and a Collared Dove dropped in.

The heavy rain eased quickly, but it was still falling steadily. We decided to head back to Lynford. When we got to the Arboretum, the rain wasn’t too bad so we put on our coats and decided to have a short walk round to see what we could find. Mid afternoon and rain is not a great combination and it was rather quiet here now.

Two Swallows were perched in one of the trees by the cottages with the Goldfinches, looking damp. A couple of Yellowhammers were still under the trees from the gate, and a Coal Tit appeared on the fat balls briefly. There were Jays calling and one flew across the path in front of us. Another Coal Tit was on the feeders by bridge and a Cuckoo was singing over towards the battle area – it had been a very good day for them today. We had a quick walk down beside the lake, where a couple of Canada Geese on the lawn beyond were the only birds of note. We made our way back up through the middle of the Arboretum, and found a couple of Siskins feeding on the cones up in the larches.

It was time to head for home. We had enjoyed a very nice day, and the rain hadn’t managed to rain (too much) on our parade!

12th Sept 2022 – Autumn & Waders, Day 1

Day 1 of a three day Autumn Migration & Wader Spectacular tour. After a cloudy start, it gradually brightened up and was hot and sunny by the middle of the day. It was forecast to stay mostly dry today, but it didn’t – it then clouded over through the afternoon and a band of rain moved in. The most reliable thing about the weather forecast is that it is very often wrong! Thankfully we had already enjoyed a good day by that stage.

Our first destination for the morning was Cley. A Common Buzzard was circling out over the grazing marsh as we got out of the minibus. Walsey Hills can be good if there are migrants arriving, so we went in for a quick look first thing to see if anything had come in overnight. A Cetti’s Warbler was practicing singing ahead of us deep in the bushes.

There were lots of Goldfinches around the feeders, and one or two Greenfinches with them. A succession of Blue Tits and Great Tits came in too. Further in, a Blackcap flicked up briefly in the top of a large hawthorn and we stopped briefly to admire the Ivy Bees buzzing around the ivy flowers by the path. There were lots of Chiffchaffs flicking in and out of the willows at the back, but no sign of anything more unusual in here today.

Ivy Bees – on the ivy flowers

We continued along the path just out beyond the bushes and into the fields beyond. Three Red-legged Partridges flew up out of the stubble, and several Pheasants erupted from the other side of the fenceline. The shooting season is upon us again! We could see some distant Woodpigeons on the wires and one smaller bird with them, a single Stock Dove. Through the scope, we could see it lacked a white collar and had dark spots on its wings.

Back out, we crossed the road and made our way over to the East Bank. A Marsh Harrier was hanging in the air distantly over the reedbed. There were three Little Grebes on Don’s Pool this morning, but all adults and no sign of the small stripy juveniles we have been watching here recently. The pair were diving together but there was no sign of them hurrying to feed anything. Two down to zero already?

Little Grebe – no juveniles today

A little further on, we stopped to scan the grazing marsh the other side. There were lots of brown ducks hiding in the grass, mostly eclipse drake Mallards, and a nice selection of Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler further back on the edge of the pool – again all the drakes are currently in their duller eclipse plumage. There were plenty of Greylags too and a flock of Canada Geese flew over the reeds further back presumably heading inland to feed on the stubble fields.

We could see several Lapwings and Curlews in the grass with the ducks. Further back, on Pope’s Pool, there were lots of Black-tailed Godwits and a four Avocets.

On the near end of the Serpentine, there were more Teal and three juvenile Shelduck. A few Pied Wagtails were chasing round on the short grass. Three Black-tailed Godwits were all rusty juvenile Icelandic birds – it looks like it might have been a good breeding season for them this year?

Little Stints – three on the Serpentine today

Further up, we could see a group of small waders in the north-west corner, so we walked up for a closer look. Three juvenile Dunlin were picking around in the shallow water with three juvenile Little Stints, very close to the bank. We had a very nice view of them through the scope, a good size comparison with the two species side by side – Dunlin is already a small wader, but the Little Stints were only about 2/3 the size!

A juvenile Little Ringed Plover was lurking on the mud down in the vegetation at the front too. Through the scope, we could see the ghosting of the pale eye ring which will be golden yellow when it is an adult. A Common Snipe was even better hidden, asleep in the longer grass behind. We could hear Bearded Tits calling on and off behind us, but despite regular turning round to scan, there was no sign of them emerging from the reeds. It was perhaps a bit breezy here this morning.

Little Ringed Plover – a juvenile

Continuing on to Arnold’s Marsh, there were four Sandwich Terns out on the small shingle islands. We got the scope on them and admired their yellow-tipped black bills and shaggy crests. There were plenty of Redshank feeding in the water and lots of Dunlin roosting on here today, asleep on the shingle islands and hiding in vegetation at back, probably pushed out of Blakeney Harbour by big spring tide. We couldn’t find any sign of the Curlew Sandpipers which had been reported here earlier, but they could easily have been lurking in the vegetation too, out of view.

A Wheatear flicked out onto the sand right at the back, but disappeared almost immediately into the samphire before anyone could get onto it. A huge flock of Meadow Pipits flushed from the grass at the back and flew round calling.

Out at the beach, the sea was flat calm today. It looked quiet, but the more we scanned the more we found. A distant Red-throated Diver flew east and a small flock of Common Scoter flew past along the horizon. Three Gannets, an adult and two juveniles, circled out over the sea before continuing on east.

Five Mediterranean Gulls, all 1st winters, were bobbing on the sea to the east of us – we had a look at them in the scope before they took off and flew past. Then we noticed a larger gull coming in off the sea in the distance to the west. It landed on the beach with a couple of Herring Gulls towards Coastguards and through the scope, we confirmed out suspicions – it was a 1st calendar year Caspian Gull (moulting from juvenile to 1st winter). It lingered just long enough for everyone to have a look through the scope, before it disappeared off to the west.

Suddenly several Sandwich Terns started calling and diving down to the sea a short distance to the east. We looked over to see fish jumping out of the water around them – something was obviously attacking the bait from below. Any gulls in the vicinity immediately flew in to join them and two Common Terns appeared, a juvenile begging from the adult ahead of it.

While we were enjoying the action out to sea, we heard a Raven kronking behind us. We turned round to see two flying over the East Bank and out over Arnold’s. A scarce bird here, they are on the increase but still a delight to see and hear.

As we turned to walk back, we could see all the Dunlin flying round on Arnold’s, so we stopped in the shelter for another look. Unfortunately they had landed and gone straight back to sleep and there was still no sign of any Curlew Sandpipers. However, the stop here did produce a Hobby perched on one of the posts at the back.

Hobby – on a post

The Little Stints were still showing well on the Serpentine and there were two Little Ringed Plovers now, both juveniles. Two winter adult Black-tailed Godwits had joined the three juveniles. The Bearded Tits were calling again, but this time we turned round to see four fly up out of the reeds. They landed and disappeared in, but then a male shuffled up to the top of a reed stem. Unfortunately it didn’t stay long, and they were all off again flying away over the reeds.

Black-tailed Godwits – three juveniles and an adult

Back at the minibus, we had a quick look at Snipe’s Marsh. There were lots of birds flitting in and out of the reeds at the back, dropping down to feed on the mud – several Blue Tits, lots of Chiffchaffs, and a single Reed Warbler with them.

We still had a little bit of time before lunch, so we drove round to Cley Coastguards. We thought we would would walk down towards North Scrape to have a quick look for any chats around the Eye Field and in the weedy grass behind the beach, but it was rather quiet here today. We did flush a couple of Skylarks though, which were an addition to the day’s list.

We stopped to scan from the ridge at the top of the Eye Field. A flock of Dunlin flew in and landed on North Scrape, and through the scope we could see a Little Stint in with them. They didn’t linger long and we watched them fly off west past us, over the Eye Field. A Common Buzzard was perched on a post in the middle of the grazing marsh and we looked up to see several more circling up behind. It was warming up nicely now.

We couldn’t see anything else, so we decided to head back and round to the Visitor Centre for lunch in the sunshine. Looking out from the picnic area, we could see a Marsh Harrier quartering over the back of the reserve, flushing all the Rooks up out of the grass.

After lunch, we drove east to Kelling village and took the track down towards the Water Meadow. A couple of Migrant Hawker dragonflies hawked up and down the hedges and a Comma butterfly landed with its wings closed showing off its white comma mark.

Comma butterfly – showing the white comma

We had a quick look from the gate beyond the copse – the hillside beyond the Water Meadow was full of Rooks – but we were on a mission so we didn’t linger here. We were told on the way down that the Barred Warbler had been showing and there were a few people standing further down the track, looking over the fence through a gap in the brambles.

The Barred Warbler had been very difficult to see yesterday – they can be very skulking – but we figured it was worth a quick look to try our luck. We stopped where the others were standing but there wasn’t enough room for all of us to see through the small gap, so we walked on and down to the gate at the far end, on the cross-track. There was more room here and we could all look back at the bush where the Barred Warbler was hiding. We hadn’t been there more than a minute when it appeared on the edge of the bush!

We got the Barred Warbler in the scope and everyone got a look at it before it disappeared back in. The pressure was off now, but we didn’t have to wait long before it came out again and starting eating berries. A 1st winter, it lacked the heavy barring below of adults but did have some scalloping on the flanks and under tail. A scarce drift migrant from the continent, it had originally turned up here yesterday, so it was nice that it had hung around for us to see it.

Barred Warbler – eating berries

When the Barred Warbler flew out of the bush it was in and disappeared back towards the fence, we decided to walk on. Along the path to the Hard, we stopped to watch several Stonechats in the brambles along the fence. A Common Whitethroat flicked in and out with them. We counted at least 10 Stonechats today, a mixture of mainly one or two adult males and several moulting juveniles. We stopped for a quick scan of the bramble field beyond, but there was no sign of the Wryneck which was here last week. It hasn’t been seen for a couple of days and has presumably gone this time.

Stonechats – there were 10 here today

There were lots of Willow Emerald damselflies in the lane today, it seems to be a very good year for them, and the first Wall butterfly of the tour flew past. We walked up the permissive path towards Weybourne Camp but there was no sign of any Wheatears or Whinchats around the gun emplacements today – things can move on quickly. It was clouding over now, and we felt a couple of spits of rain, so we decided to head back just in case.

We stopped for another look at the Barred Warbler, which was back in its original bush again, but it was starting to rain a little harder, so we walked quickly back up the lane. A Sparrowhawk briefly landed in an ash tree ahead of us.

Thankfully the rain was only light, and we were not too wet by the time we got back to the minibus. The rain hadn’t been forecast earlier, but looking at the Met Office weather app now it was suggesting that it could set in for several hours. We drove back round to Cley Coastguards to have a quick look out at the sea from the shelter while we waited to see if it was likely to clear through.

It was nice and dry in the shelter, but quite murky offshore. A Sandwich Tern and a small flock of Cormorants flew past. A lone Knot went west and a single Dunlin east. We only stayed about 15 minutes, and the rain seemed to be getting heavier. It was almost time to finish anyway so we decided to call it a day half an hour early and head back. There was no point getting wet for the sake of it – we would have plenty more time over the next couple of days.

14th July 2022 – Summer 3-day Tour, Day 3

After a bright and sunny start it clouded over a bit more from late morning and there was a fresh breeze at times, which meant it thankfully didn’t get too hot today, maxing out at a pleasant 21C. We spent the day down in the Brecks and Fens.

Our first stop was Weeting, before it got to hot. We walked out to West Hide, and immediately found the Stone Curlews on the cultivated strip in front of the hide. They are back on eggs now, a second brood attempt, and their first brood young have been pushed out.

One of the adults was tucked down in the grass, sitting tight on the scrape. The other Stone Curlew was initially stood up behind, but sat down before we could get the scope on it and completely disappeared! We turned our attention to the first and could see its staring yellow eye. The second Stone Curlew then stood up again and let us get a good look now. Prehistoric-looking birds! A Green Woodpecker flew in over the heath and over the trees.

Stone Curlew – one of the adults

Having had a good look at the Stone Curlews, we went back outside. There was no sign of any Spotted Flycatchers by the hide – apparently their first nesting attempt has failed. We walked slowly down to the far end to see if there was anything in the trees, but it was rather quiet this morning.

We had a quick look from the hide at the end and there was lots of activity around the feeders in front – a selection of tits and finches coming in to the seed. A Marsh Tit appeared on one of the feeders briefly, and another came down to drink at the small pool in front. A smart male Yellowhammer was down in the grass below the feeders.

Yellowhammer – under the feeders

We walked back past the Visitor Centre and on to East Hide – but there was no sign of any Spotted Flycatchers down this end either, just a Jay high in the trees. There was nothing from the hide either, so we walked back. After a quick look at some of the scarcer speciality plants around the car park with the warden, James (including the rare naturalised tunic flower), we decided to move on.

Our next destination was Lakenheath Fen. As we walked out along the main track, there were still a few butterflies around the brambles – Small Tortoiseshells and a Comma. There were dragonflies too, several Ruddy Darters, Brown Hawkers, Common Blue and Azure Damselflies. A Southern Hawker was hanging on one of the poplars.

Southern Hawker – hanging on a poplar

We sat for a while on the benches at New Fen Viewpoint, looking out over the reeds. A juvenile Marsh Harrier circled up in the distance, before landing in a bush in the reeds. We got it in the scope and admired its burnt orange head. A little later it took off again and drifted much closer, eventually circling over the pool right in front of us, a great view. A female Marsh Harrier was perched on a bush further back, we could see its much paler head and pale markings on its wings.

Marsh Harrier – a juvenile

A Bittern appeared from the back of the reedbed, over in front of West Wood, and we watched it as it flew across towards the river. It passed right in front of a second Bittern going the other way! The first flew over the riverbank and disappeared, so we turned our attentions to the second and watched it fly out over the reeds and drop down at the back. A short while later, it flew up again – it turned and looked for a second like it might fly towards us but then dropped down again.

We heard a Kingfisher call but it didn’t appear. There were several Four-spotted Chasers and an Emperor Dragonfly hawking low over the water. There was no more sign of the Bitterns, so we decided to move on.

We walked down the path on the bank beside the reedbed. A family of Common Whitethroats was feeding in the hemlock, and flicked off ahead of us before flying across the path. We heard a Bearded Tit call and had a brief view as it skimmed over the top of the reeds. There were more dragonflies and butterflies along here, and we stopped to admire a mating pair of Ruddy Darters.

Ruddy Darter – a mating pair

We had just got in to Mere Hide when we heard a Kingfisher call and looked out through the window at the far end to see two flying across low over water. One landed briefly but out of view from where we were and unfortunately didn’t linger and flew off calling again.

There were lots of damselflies on the islands of weed out on the water in front of the hide. Looking through them, we found both (Large) Red-eyed Damselflies and a Small Red-eyed Damselfly, the first time we have seen the latter here. A nice bonus. There was not much else going on in here, and it was nearly lunch time so we decided to press on. On our way back to the main path, a Black-tailed Skimmer was basking on the gravel in front of us and a female Common Blue butterfly was nectaring on the thistles.

Small Red-eyed Damselfly – on the blanket week

When we got to Joist Fen viewpoint, we stopped for lunch on the benches. It was rather quiet here today, the Bitterns probably having fledged already, and there was no sign of either pair of Cranes. The Cormorant was on its usual dead tree, drying its wings, and several Marsh Harriers circled over the reedbed in the distance. We did see a nice juvenile Bearded Tit feeding low down in the reeds in front of the viewpoint.

One of the wardens was cutting the grass paths with an ATV and having done the public paths drove out along the track across Joist Fen beyond the barrier. Everything flushed from the pools – and we looked over to see eight Great White Egrets in flight together, along with at least three Grey Herons and a selection of ducks. A Green Sandpiper appeared over the reeds closer to us briefly, but unfortunately dropped down again almost immediately.

After lunch, we walked back along the riverbank, and not surprisingly activity was subdued in the heat of the afternoon. A Grey Heron was standing motionless on the far bank and a few Banded Demoiselles fluttered over the river. We stopped for a quick scan of Hockwold Washes. There were lots of Lapwings, a large group of Black-tailed Godwits and two moulting male Ruff right at the back of the remaining water. Several Teal, a pair of Shoveler and a few Gadwall were swimming around in the middle.

When everything erupted from the water, we looked up to see a Peregrine flying over. It came over to our side of the river and circled slowly over towards East Wood. It looked rather tatty, a moulting young brid.

Peregrine – over Hockwold Washes

A Cetti’s Warbler shouted from the sallows as we made our way back to the Visitor Centre for a well-deserved ice cream and/or cold drink. The warden kindly showed us some nice trail cam video of one of the pairs of Cranes with their two young, from a couple of weeks ago, just before they fledged.

We hadn’t seen any Cranes ourselves so we decided to have a drive deeper into the Fens to see if we could find any. We didn’t have to go too far today. Scanning an overgrown meadow, we could see two heads sticking out of the long grass. We managed to get out and get them in the scope, a pair of Cranes.

Common Crane – one of the pair

A little further on, we noticed a Hobby hawking low over a set aside field beside the road. We watched as it caught and ate several dragonflies or butterflies.

Hobby – and discarded butterfly wing!

It was great to pick up both Crane and Hobby, as we hadn’t seen either at Lakenheath Fen today – a nice way to round things off. With long journeys ahead for some of the group, it was time to wrap things up now and head back. It had been a really exciting three days, with some really good birds and a nice selection of other summer wildlife.

14th May 2022 – Spring 4-day Tour, #3

Day 3 of a four day Spring Tour in Norfolk. The wind had dropped today and it was a gloriously bright and sunny day, with just enough high hazy cloud at times and light breeze to stop it getting too hot. We spent the day down in the Broads.

It was a long drive down to Hickling Broad, but as we got out of the minibus in the car park the bushes were alive with birds singing. Walking out from the car park, a Blackcap was singing above our heads and then we stopped to admire a Willow Warbler singing in the top of a tree. We could hear a Cuckoo but way off in the distance.

Willow Warbler – singing in the top of a tree

We turned onto Whiteslea track and walked up towards the viewing mound. As we passed the wood, a couple of Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies were hawking for insects around the trees and one perched nicely on the reeds in the ditch by the path.

Four-spotted Chaser – hawking around the trees

Scanning Brendan’s Marsh from up on the viewing mound, the first bird we saw was a very smart summer plumage Bar-tailed Godwit, very rusty underneath with the colour extending from the head right down to underneath the tail. There were really good numbers of Ringed Plover and Dunlin here too, though mostly asleep, and a Greenshank just behind the line of reeds in the next pool.

A Common Crane came up out of the reeds, and circled round in front of the dead trees. It never gained much height though, and quickly dropped down again out of view.

Common Crane – came up out of the reeds

One of the wardens stopped to catch up and told us where the Temminck’s Stints had been earlier, viewed from over the other side of the marsh. So we walked back to the corner and turned down along the track towards Stubb Mill.

From up on the platform we could see the two Temminck’s Stints. They were close in, on the nearest sandy spit, but partly obscured behind the reeds. Still we had a good view of them in the scope. One of the scarcer spring passage waders here, this is the peak time so it was good to catch up with a couple.

Temminck’s Stint – one of two

A Common Sandpiper was nearby too. There is only space for two people on the platform, so we took it in turns. But there were more people waiting to come up now, so we descended and scanned the marsh from the path below. We could see a Greenshank now in front of the reeds at the back and a very smart Spotted Redshank dropped in, looking its absolute best now in its jet black breeding plumage with silvery spotting.

Walking on, we scanned the next field on the other side of the track and quickly located the male Ring Ouzel on top of a straw bale on the corner of the hedge. We had a look at it in the scope and then it dropped down to feed in and out of the long grass around the base of the trees. Most of the Ring Ouzels which pass through in the spring have gone north already but there are often one or two stragglers, so another nice bird to catch up with here.

We carried on to the far end and up onto the bank. The Black-winged Stilts had been here but there was no sign of them now. Scanning around the marsh we did see another Greenshank and a single Common Snipe feeding in the vegetation. The Spotted Redshank flew past us calling and disappeared off east towards the coast.

Eventually a couple of Black-winged Stilts came up out of the reeds, circled round calling and dropped back in out of view again. A good start, but we really wanted to see one on the ground. While we waited to see if they would come out, we walked up a little further to look at a Wood Sandpiper on another smaller pool. We had a nice view in the scope, but we were distracted then.

First a Bittern came up in the distance, back towards the Whiteslea track. It flew up high and towards us, but rather than dropping in quickly it flew high all the way across the reeds and over the dead trees, before turning and heading out towards Horsey Mere. It brought up another Bittern from the reeds below it and the first turned back, back past the dead trees before finally dropping down. An unusually long flight for a Bittern here at this time of year, but speaking to the warden it seems to be a bird which is wandering widely around the Broad (it has a distinctive feather missing in its left wing).

Bittern – on its long flight

While we were watching the Bittern, the first Hobby of the day appeared, and flew low across over the reeds the other way. And the Stilts came up again at the same time and dropped down towards the scrape. We didn’t know which way to look! Unfortunately the Stilts flew straight back into the reeds again.

We stood for a while and watched, hoping the Stilts would come back again. Another Crane came up over the reeds behind us. There were a couple of Hobbys up now up, and one drifted high overhead. Two Common Buzzards circled up over the trees. The second Bittern was booming from the reeds now, presumably stirred into action by the interloper flying over.

By the time we turned our attention back to the Wood Sandpiper, it had disappeared in all the excitement earlier, before everyone had seen it. We walked back to the viewing platform, where there were meant to be a couple of others. A male Marsh Harrier circled over the path ahead of us. The Ring Ouzel was now out in the middle of the field, next to a Stock Dove, but there was more heat haze now.

Marsh Harrier – circled over

Before we got back to the platform, we spotted a Black-winged Stilt now sat down on a sandy spit out on the marsh. We got it in the scope, a female with a mostly white head and browner back. It was spooked by a Dunlin, and stood up, showing off its extremely long pink legs. It stood and preened for a second or two, then flew over and landed much closer, right behind bank. There was no one on the platform now, so we had a great view of it from up there.

A Wood Sandpiper emerged from the dense clump of rushes in the middle of the marsh now and while we were watching it a second Wood Sandpiper appeared nearby. Everyone managed a nice view in the scope this time, without any distractions!

As we made our way back, there were several Azure Damselflies and Blue-tailed Damselflies around the bushes and more Four-spotted Chasers. A Grey-patched Mining Bee landed on the path and several Flavous Nomad Bees buzzed around the gorse.

Blue-tailed Damselfly – on the way back

We had planned to walk back round to the mound on the Whiteslea track, as we had been told there was a Black-winged Stilt there, but we had already had good views of one now. However, one of the group had left a camera there earlier, so we went back round to look for it. We were glad we did!

There was a male Black-winged Stilt now further back, blacker and with a black patch on its head, where the female had been earlier in front of the viewing platform. Then we heard calling and looked over to see the female on a spit much closer. It took off and flew straight towards us, landing down on the edge of the water right in front of us and then proceeded to pick its way even closer. Great views!

Black-winged Stilt – great views eventually

Six Common Cranes came up in the distance and flew round. A couple of Little Grebes swam across behind the line of reeds. Then it was time to head back for lunch. We cut back along the path through the wood. There were more Four-spotted Chasers here and a Small Copper butterfly landed on the path. A Common Whitethroat was singing in the top of a dead tree.

Almost back to the Visitor Centre, something flicked out of the oaks up in the canopy. A Spotted Flycatcher! It flew again and disappeared back deeper into the trees. A scarce bird here and presumably just a migrant stopping off. Unfortunately, not everyone saw it before it disappeared so we waited to see if it would come out again. There was no further sign, but we had nice views of a Treecreeper on the tree trunks.

We had lunch on the picnic tables in the sunshine, listening to Willow Warblers singing and with Cranes bugling in the distance. We had been thinking about going somewhere else this afternoon, but while we were eating someone walking back told us that there were several Swallowtails out by the Broad, showing very well. We decided to try for those next.

As we made our way round, we had a quick look at the Broad. A single Great Crested Grebe was out on the water, as well as lots of Mute Swans. A Hobby raced in over the Broad, and disappeared back the way we had come. Another circled high over the wood behind us. Along the path towards the Observatory, a couple of Green Tiger Beetles flew up from the path ahead of us.

We hadn’t gone too far before we saw a Swallowtail flying out over the reeds. It landed on a reed head, wings open, basking in the sunshine, but we were looking at it from behind and it was hard to get an angle to see it front on. A good start, but we knew they had been showing better than this earlier. We carried on to the Observatory and looked out over the Broad. There were a couple of Common Terns out over the water. We sat down in the cool for a rest and another Swallowtail flew past over the reeds.

We walked back the way we had come, hoping for a Swallowtail on the path and found some people watching one basking high on a sallow on the other side of the track from the reeds. It was a much better view now, with the sun behind us. Having only just emerged, the Swallowtails are absolutely fresh and pristine.

The Swallowtail then fluttered round and landed on a hawthorn bush right in front of us, only a metre or so off the ground, where it nectared on the flowers. Stunning! It kept flying up and round between us, gliding back in to the flowers, or up onto the sallow in the sunshine. It almost landed on someone’s head at one point! We stood and watched in awe.

Swallowtail – stunning views

The Swallowtails are out early this year and there are not many flowers out yet. The hawthorns are about the only things in flower, which is why they are nectaring on the bushes. Lucky for us, as it meant we were treated to such an amazing display. Eventually we had to tear ourselves away and walked back round towards the Visitor Centre. The first Swallowtail was still basking on the reeds as we passed.

We stopped to watch one of the Hobbys again, high over the scrapes, when it suddenly turned, folded its wings back and plummeted vertically, disappearing behind some trees. When it came up again it was eating a dragonfly. From a little further round, we could see the Hobby zooming back and forth repeatedly low over the scrape. It seemed to be doing well, catching a dragonfly on every pass. Great to watch.

Hobby – catching dragonflies

We had another quick look in the wood, but there was still no further sign of the Spotted Flycatcher. We had heard one calling earlier and we did now see a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the dead trees. Then it was back to the Visitor Centre for an ice cream before the long drive home.

Nightjar Evening

We met again in the evening. We hadn’t prearranged a Nightjar Evening for this tour, but the first Nightjars are back so by popular demand we headed out to see whether we might be able to find one.

As we drove out of the village, we noticed a shape on the roof of an old barn. Little Owl! We stopped and manoeuvred the minibus so everyone could get a look without disturbing it. It stared down at us disapprovingly, the went back to staring out at the fields across the road. These barns are in the process of being developed into houses – some of them are already being converted now – so it may only be a few more months before this Little Owl loses its home.

Little Owl – stared at us

We drove over to one of the local heaths with a beautiful sunset in the sky to the west. As we walked out onto the heath, a couple of Roe Deer were feeding in the field next door and we flushed a Muntjac from the path which ran out past them.

We stopped to look at a female Stonechat, perched on the gorse alarm calling in the gathering gloom. We caught the back end of a Woodcock, unusually silent, disappearing off away from us.

We had only just got ourselves into position when the first Nightjar churred from the trees right behind us. It was obviously churring from where it was roosting, and there was no sign of it. It churred again and then called and we saw it fly up over the treetops hawking for insects. It came past us again, a male with white flashes in the wingtips, and then disappeared out over the heath.

Another Nightjar started churring further away, with possibly a third further off still. The first Nightjar then started up again, this time out in the middle of the heath. We were hoping it might come back in towards us but it stayed out in the middle of the heath for some time before it eventually did so – it came in low over the gorse, flashing its white wing flashes and up into the trees behind us. Unfortunately, it was too dark to see where it landed and it didn’t stay too long before it was off again.

It was lovely standing here on the heath listening to the Nightjars. The Woodcock reappeared a couple of times, flying over roding. A Tawny Owl hooted from the trees. It was getting dark now and we decided to call it a night. We had another day’s birding to look forward to tomorrow.

1st May 2022 – May Day

A Spring 1-day Tour up on the North Norfolk coast today. It was forecast to rain, but it didn’t (no surprise there!). It was cloudy in the morning, but bright and warm, and progressively brightened up with some sunny spells in the afternoon.

Our destination for the morning was Burnham Overy Dunes. As we set off down the track across the grazing marshes, we could hear Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing in the hedge. A Goldfinch in the trees ahead of us was joined by a male Yellowhammer which flew in. There were several Shelducks out on the grass from the first gate and we could hear a Cuckoo calling off in the distance over towards the village.

Over the stile and out into the open, we scanned the grazing marshes beyond. A male Marsh Harrier was preening on the top of a bush on the edge of the reeds and another was flying round behind. Out on the grass, we picked up four Whimbrel and while we were watching them a single Bar-tailed Godwit appeared with them. We could see the rusty colouration of the godwits underparts extending right down under its tail. With the improvement in the weather and change in wind direction, birds are on the move now and we watched as they all flew off east.

Whimbrel – on the move today

There were lots of Sedge Warblers singing all the way along the track now and we had great views of one perched up in a hawthorn, which stayed in the same place long enough for us to even get the scope on it. A Cetti’s Warbler shouted from the bushes.

Sedge Warbler – singing from a hawthorn

The smaller pools on the grazing marsh are drying up fast now, but the larger pools still have quite a bit of water. We could see several Lapwings, Redshanks, Avocets and Oystercatchers here. We put the scope on a smart male Lapwing. A pair of Egyptian Geese were picking around on the mud, a Canada Goose was an addition to the list down in the grass at the back, and there were a few Teal, Shoveler and Coot too.

Talking to one of the wardens who was on his way back from an off-duty visit to the dunes, a Spoonbill flew over and disappeared off towards the colony. We could hear Mediterranean Gulls calling high overhead on the way out and one flew past now at eye level, a smart adult with jet black hood and clean white wing tips.

Mediterranean Gull – flew past

By the far gate, below the seawall, our first Reed Warbler of the day was singing in the reeds. It’s more rhythmic song was noticeably different from the Sedge Warbler singing nearby (which seemed to have included an impression of a squeaky toy into its varied repertoire!). We could actually see the Reed Warbler perched up in the reeds, noticeably plainer than the Sedge Warblers.

Reed Warbler – singing in the reeds

Up onto the seawall, the tide was out now. There were a couple of Grey Plover on the mud below, one getting into its smart breeding plumage, and several Black-tailed Godwits, plus lots more Avocets and Redshank. Further up, we could see lots of lingering Brent Geese out on the saltmarsh.

A Bittern boomed from the reeds behind us. We turned to scan the reedbed pool, which held a lone Great Crested Grebe. A Great White Egret flew past, showing off its long legs and black feet, and another Great White Egret was distantly out on the grazing marsh beyond. Several Common Pochard were swimming round in a small pool in the reeds further up.

Great White Egret – flew past

There had apparently been lots of Yellow Wagtails on the move along the coast this morning, so we stopped to look at the cows out on the grazing marsh beyond the reedbed. Most of the cows were lying down, but we could see at least one bright Yellow Wagtail around the feet of one which was standing. They were hard to see here though, as the cows were in the longer grass on the edge of the reeds..

Further out, we stopped to scan the harbour from the seawall. Two Little Terns were out fishing over the water in the distance, and one landed on one of the shingle spits. Our first Little Terns of the year, just returned for the breeding season.

Continuing on to the dunes, we bumped into one of the locals who told us he had just seen two Ring Ouzels to the west, so we walked out towards Gun Hill. We couldn’t find any sign of the Ring Ouzels now, although they can be very mobile out here. There were a few hirundines trickling through all morning, migrating west, mostly Swallows, but we saw a couple of House Martins and one Sand Martin with them.

A male Wheatear was perched on the rope fence down by the houseboats, but there was no further sign of the Little Terns in the harbour now. As we cut back round through the middle of the dunes, we came across a pair of Stonechats, the first of several, a big flock of Linnets and a few Meadow Pipits

Stonechat – several in the dunes

We had a message now to say the Ring Ouzels had just been flushed by dogwalkers in the dunes further east, so we made our way back past the boardwalk. Another Wheatear flushed ahead of us flashing its white rump and tail base.

As we came over a crest in the dunes, we could see a female Ring Ouzel distantly in the top of a bush beyond the fence. We had a good view of it through the scope, its pale crescent noticeably off white. It seemed to be catching insects in the top of the bush, hopping round through the branches. A brighter male Ring Ouzel appeared briefly in another bush beyond, so we decided to walk down for a closer look.

Two Red Kites chased each other over the dunes and hung in the air, one a very tatty young bird, moulting its wings. A Kestrel was circling low nearby and scanning the sky we picked up a more distant Hobby hawking for insects over the grazing marshes by the west end of the pines. A male Marsh Harrier was displaying miles up into the sky, little more than a dot unless viewed through the scope.

Ring Ouzel – the male landed in a bush

The male Ring Ouzel flew in and landed in a bush in front of us now, and we had a good look at it through the scopes, blacker than the female with a whiter crescent on its breast. The female dropped in with it, then they both flew off over the dunes.

There was no news of anything else interesting turning up further down towards the pines, so we turned round to head back. As we walked back through the dunes, there were two Wheatears now which flicked along the line of fence posts ahead of us and then out into the dunes – a smart male with black face mask and a browner female without.

Wheatear – a male

There were a few butterflies out in the dunes too, now that it was a bit warmer. In particular, we saw several Wall, our first of the year today.

Back along the seawall, there were more cows and calves now, and even better they were standing up and feeding. There were more Yellow Wagtails too, and the more we looked the more we counted. By the end, we had seen at least 15 at the same time and there could have been more. There were some very smart bright yellow males, and we watched as they fed in and out of the cows feet and round their noses. Amazing they don’t get trodden on!

Yellow Wagtail – and cows tail

Back along the track over the grazing marshes, another Spoonbill flew over, heading off west this time. Then it was time for lunch, and we drove round to Holkham to The Lookout. It was nice there, sitting out in the sunshine on the picnic tables, even if a bit too busy. Over lunch, we counted at least twelve Pink-footed Geese still on the grazing marsh by Lady Anne’s Drive. Several Whimbrel flew back and forth and a few raptors of various shapes and sizes drifted over. A Mistle Thrush was out on the grass at the back.

After lunch, we headed on through Stiffkey. There were several Roe Deer feeding in the field next to where we parked. As we made our way down through the copse, we could hear Blackcaps singing. Down by the river, there were a couple of people looking for the Dusky Warbler, but there had been no sign all day. It was the middle of the day now though, and perhaps a bit busy along the path. We did have nice views of a Chiffchaff above us and we heard a Lesser Whitethroat singing along the path ahead of us.

The tide was out now in the harbour. We could see a large mob of Sandwich Terns distantly out on Blakeney Point which flushed and swirled round in the sunshine. A single Whimbrel was feeding in the harbour channel.

Turning our attention to the Fen, there were quite a few Black-tailed Godwits and two Ruff. A single Little Ringed Plover was hiding behind the reeds and not easy to see. A White Wagtail was feeding around the edges of the islands with several Pied Wagtails. There were a few ducks, most notably a lingering drake Wigeon out on the water.

A Spoonbill flew in over the seawall and dropped down onto the Fen. It started feeding briefly, walking around and sweeping its bill side to side through the shallow water. Then it decided to have a bath, splashing and whipping up showers of water, its bushy nuchal crest flapping around as it did so. We could see the yellow tip to its bill too, and the mustard wash on its breast, an adult in breeding condition.

Spoonbill – bathing

A male Marsh Harrier was feeding on something in the reeds at the back. It was flushed by a female, but didn’t want to give up its prey, landing back down on the ground. It was then the turn of a Grey Heron to see if it could get a free lunch, but the harrier took off and took its lunch with it.

We had a slow walk back along the permissive path, but there was still no sound of the Dusky Warbler. So we decided to move on and made our way back to Wells. There were a couple of Grey Partridges in the field opposite where we parked. It was definitely a day for Yellow Wagtails, and we could hear more calling now. We looked across the other side to see another four with the cows out on the grazing marsh.

Scanning the pools, there were lots of Common Snipe, but we couldn’t find the Jack Snipe today – it was presumably hiding somewhere in the dense rushes. One Lapwing had a couple of small chicks. As we walked down the track, a Spoonbill appeared on the far edge feeding. A few Swallows came over, birds still on the move this afternoon. A Marsh Harrier was displaying overhead and another circled low above us.

Marsh Harrier – circled over

A Little Ringed Plover was out on the mud – much better views here compared to the one at Stiffkey, we could even see its golden-yellow eye ring. It was lovely here in the afternoon sunshine, we could have stayed for hours, but unfortunately we had to be heading back. Home time.