Sun and Spoonbills!

A very pleasant run along from Cley to Stiffkey and back with Brian and Norman provided nothing new for the year lists, but was absorbing and interesting nonetheless.

Pat's Pool held a few waders and lots of Teal: best of the bunch was a Spotted Redshank that stayed just a little too far away for good photography. Little Egrets and Herons fished close to Bishop's Hide, while a couple of Marsh Harriers caused panic from time to time. A Green Sandpiper and Water Rail revealed their presence in a reed-obscured ditch by their constant calling, while Curlews, Greenshanks and Godwits dropped in occasionally.

A walk right around the reserve added just Ruff, Redshank and Meadow Pipit to the tally, while a brief seawatch produced just a few Fulmars planing west.

Stiffkey Fen held an astonishing 34 Spoonbills: frustrating that views of the birds are always distant here. Buzzards called overhead, while Migrant Hawkers were everywhere!

Last stop was Kelling Heath, where the only photo I took was of a beautiful Painted Lady butterfly.