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Wednesday 28 April 2021

North Coast: Ouzel and Spoonbills at Cley, Woodlark and Dartfords and much more!

It's been a while, so Brian and I were pleased to be able to arrange a meeting at Kelling Heath. Despite a clear sky, the strong easterly wind made conditions just a little too breezy for good views of Dartfords and Woodlarks: nevertheless we saw both, as well as some showy Linnets.

A move to Cley added a male Ring Ouzel to the day list: it was somewhat distant, but still a nice bird. A brief visit to the beach gave us Gannet and Sandwich Tern, but no sign of the anticipated Wheatears: I did pick out a couple of Spoonbills flying east towards the reserve centre. Accordingly, we drove around to the East Bank, where a short (cold!) walk gave us close views of them feeding on the Serpentine.

Brian left for home, but on a whim I carried on to Kelling Water Meadows. The walk down to the pool produced Blackcap, Whitethroat, lots more Linnets and several pairs of Brown Hares, while the pool itself held Common Sandpiper, Sand Martin and Black-tailed Godwit. Nice to chat and reminisce with old acquaintance David...

Walking back to the car I picked up Buzzard and Red Kite, as well as fleeting views of a female Redstart.















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