Back for Sandpiper seconds!

Since Martin was keen to catch up with the WRS at Cley and I'm always up for a day out birding, we drove up to the north coast and were in the Centre Hides by 9.00am.

As on Wednesday, the White-rumped was immediately on view: if anything somewhat closer, allowing lots of photo ops despite the gloomy light and cool wind.

Today a Little Gull came much closer (but was repeatedly 'bounced' by an Avocet!) and there were eight sleepy Spoonbills.

A move westwards to Holkham produced lots of Buzzards, three fly-through Spoonbills and a Red Kite, as well as an obvious Little Egret nesting colony.

Returning home, Martin had a quick check for Turtles in my back garden before leaving: he missed this little, dark male by two minutes :(

White-rumped Sandpiper at Cley

A 'cameo' expedition to the North Coast for Brian and me (I had to be home early afternoon!) found us at Cley around 8 o'clock. We walked out to the centre hides and soon found ourselves looking at some decent birds: six typically dozy Spoonbills, four Little Gulls and - a new bird for Brian - a White-rumped Sandpiper.

A little patience (and constant fiddling with the camera!) produced some half-decent shots (well - good enough to i/d from, anyway!)

After coffee (and the sad news that Pat, the excellent Vol at Cley, is leaving soon) we moved to Kelling Quags and then Holt Country Park on the lookout for Butterflies and Odonata. Apart from distant views of Hairy Hawkers and Broad-bodied Chasers there was little to see, so we went home!

The Fen: back on top form!

Great couple of hours at Strumpshaw with Brian Tubby this morning: Kingfishers at several points around the reserve, a close fly-past by a Bittern (one of three at the Fen) all the expected insects and a delightful Barn Owl hunting over the meadows. A Common Tern caught an super-sized lunch in front of Fen Hide!

A really confiding, well-grown leveret was nice to see on the river bank.

The talk!

What a great evening! I over-ran by half an hour but no-one seemed to mind! Most of us then went for a walk through the woods and lanes around Hemblington: highlights were a pair of Buzzards and - best of all - a Deadly Nightshade in flower!

Our chums (and neighbours!) Sue & Peter then treated us to a 'Tamarind Special' Indian meal! A wonderful evening: thanks Hemblington!

 

 

If you're around!

I'm giving a talk about the wildlife around Hemblington Church tomorrow: all welcome!

 

 

Despite the odds: the Turtles are back!

While Linda & I were away on business, the 'neighbours' on the north side of the garden decided unilaterally to cut down the nest-tree of our Turtle Doves: those of you who follow this blog will know there used to be a tall conifer behind the sycamore in the picture below.....

They disappeared for ten days, but today they were back on the feed: fingers crossed!

Paddyfield Warbler! And a garden tick!

Martin & I were initially having a morning looking for insects, but he had an appointment in Norwich so I walked around the Fen alone. Great views of Hairy and Norfolk Hawkers plus lots of Swallowtails and Scarce Chasers. Two Cuckoos were good to see, as was my first Black-tailed Skimmer of the year....

I'd hardly put the kettle on when Martin dragged me out the front door to 'see' yesterday's Paddyfield Warbler on Blakeney Point. Since I'd already walked four miles this morning, I was less than keen, but Martin was adamant that I'd hate myself if I didn't make the effort.

After an hour's wait in between carefully regulated 'flogs' of the sueda, this lifer for both of us put in half a dozen brief appearances, allowing me to take the most dismal pictures: but I reckon you can tell what is is!

Finally, before the rain started, Linda spotted a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in our garden: too gloomy for decent photos, but most welcome!