Spoonbills, Water Pipits and more at Cley

Brian, Norman and I spent a very enjoyable morning at Cley: we arrived in overcast, drizzly conditions, but by the time we'd walked out to the centre hides the sky was beginning to break up. The keen north-easterly kept the temperature down, but we managed to catch up with some interesting birds: no Godwits, but lots of Avocets, Dunlin and Ruff still.

A move to Bishop's hide and a walk along the East Bank were both unproductive (apart from the first Gannet of the year!) The high tide and strong wind were bringing the waves crashing to the top of the beach: we retreated to the Visitor Centre for coffee. Almost as soon as we sat down a group of three Spoonbills dropped in on Pat's: we drank up quickly and hurried back!

This time there was much more to see: Ruff, Snipe, Pintails and the three Spoonbills. I noticed a Water Pipit fly in: while we were photographing it a fourth Spoonie joined the trio on Pat's.

Last stop was Letheringsett Mill, where we located a decent flock of 30+ Siskins. I'm pretty sure I glimpsed a couple of Redpolls among them, but didn't manage a shot.