Leaving home after lunch we headed north to Cley: a longish walk was predictably not over-productive, although Peter did find a Little Ringed Plover. After coffee and scones at the visitor centre we moved east to Kelling Quags. The water levels were very high, so the only waders were a few Avocets and Oystercatchers: however, a confiding Meadow Pipit and a Red Kite were good to watch.
Returning eastwards (needing to pass a few hours before dusk) to Stiffkey Fen, solitary Spoonbill dozed distantly on an island, while a Marsh Harrier and Buzzard had an altercation overhead: Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Yellowhammers provided a delightful soundtrack. By the 'flint barn' there was a terrific field of poppies....
Next stop was the 'Two Swallows' for a delightful supper (veggie Wellington!) which took us through to early dusk: time to stake out the 'jars!
As we passed the Beach Road turnoff at Cley a ghostly leucistic Barn Owl flapped by: we followed it towards the beach, getting some reasonable photos, considering how gloomy the evening had grown.
Our chosen location was just a shortish drive, and we were parked and in position as it grew dark. As if by magic the evening was filled with the churring of at least half a dozen Nightjars (but probably more!) We had great close-up views of several birds and heard plenty of 'kewick-ing' and the odd wing clap.
A great expedition in great company!
No comments:
Post a Comment