Stone Curlews, Curlew Sandpipers, Spoonbills and much more...

Brian and Norman were keen to catch up with the Stone Curlew congregation, so first stop was the location visited by Linda and me a couple of days ago. The rain held off and, gratifyingly, there were 140+ Stonies mooching around on the roadside field.

We headed north-east, picking up a Merlin near Ringstead before arriving at Holme. Sad to say there was absolutely nothing in view, so we drove the few miles to Titchwell, staying ahead of the showers. A walk out to Parrinder Hide gave us terrific views of five smart Curlew Sandpipers, as well as a couple of Spoonbills, two Yellow Wagtails and a Bearded Tit. Plenty of 'bread and butter' waders too: Knot, Ruff, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Grey Plover and squillions of Black-tailed Godwits.

As it began to rain, we headed home via Cley: a run out to Bishop's Hide gave us views of a Green Sandpiper and some lovely Godwits (many of which flew off to join Canada Geese on a stubble field near the Reception Centre) Nice to meet professional violinist Paul Barritt,in the hide, who entertained and educated us with stories of his fascinating career.