Linda and I have a lot to do this week, with our major astronomy event of the year coming up. Nevertheless: the lure of a 'left and right' of Phalaropes just an hour from home was too much to resist, so, following an early breakfast, we headed north to Cley, arriving at 8.30. There was just one space free at the end of the East Bank, but strangely no sign of the occupants of most of the other cars. Just before the new screen hide, a couple of birders (one of whom - Tony from Essex - was an old acquaintance) were watching two Otters in the drain. Despite the poor light, these were good to watch, before turning our attention to the dapper little Grey Phalarope that was playing hide and seek on the small pool to the east. Being on a somewhat tight time budget, we enjoyed this delightful wader for ten minutes before returning to the car and taking the short drive to Kelling.
Following a brisk walk down to the Quags pool, we quickly found the target Red-necked Phalarope feeding close to the path. Also still present were the two Spotted Redshanks, although somewhat more distant than last week. We made time for a cup of tea at the Kelling Tearooms, which was more than several other birders did, despite using their car park. The pleasant couple of guys who own this great little stopping place were a little disenchanted...
Back to the Phalaropes: what a terrific pair of birds to enjoy at such close range: wish they could all be like that!
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