Pre-Christmas run along the North Coast

Brian and I left early and were at the Coastguards while there was still a bright waning Moon over the Eye Field. A seawatch gave us just a juvenile Gannet and a Yellow-legged Gull, so we moved round to Bishop's Hide: same story, with lots of Teal and Wigeon and a distant Kingfisher. The walk along the East Bank was also unproductive, adding a few Little Egrets and four Pintails.

Since the visitors' centre was closed we drove west to Holkham for coffee at the 'Lookout' cafe, before walking to the new Jordan Hide. Distant Egrets, Curlews and Geese were small reward for the long walk, and after half an hour we decided to head home. As we reached the car a small flock of Black-tailed Godwits flew in. Among them was a smaller, well-marked individual with a very bright super: we toyed with the idea that it was the Cley Dowitcher, but better views dashed our hopes! (Brian's excellent photos below)