Renowned historian Imogen Corrigan visited the Church to present a talk on pilgrimage from the middle ages to the present. A capacity audience filled the pews and listened attentively to Ms Corrigan's fascinating account, which was followed by tea and cakes and a tour of the Church led by friend Sue: who knew there was a goat carved on a pew end?
Linda and I occasionally treat ourselves to breakfast that we didn't have to cook: today we had two lots of builders in, so it seemed a good excuse! Our choice was 'Fromage & Fizz' in Wroxham: I have to say it was terrific!
Linda, Sue, Peter and I passed a delighful evening cruising along the River Ant from Stalham to Barton Broad and back. Organised by the Museum of the Broads, these trips offer the virtual guarantee of close views of Kingfishers: we weren't disappointed, encountering half a dozen of the beautiful creatures! In addition we saw Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Marsh Harrier.
At a very reasonable cost, the trip was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, not the least for the knowledgeable and amusing commentary of the 'skipper'!
Supper at the 'Wayford Bridge' on the way home completed another great expedition for the Gang of Four!
Yesterday and today we've been visited by lots of Migrant Hawkers plus a couple of Southern Hawkers: what beautiful creatures they are...
Just finished chatting with the delightful Jules Button on my monthly 'Suffolk Sound' radio item: as promised, here are brief notes of what you can expect to see if we get some clear nights!
On the way home from unlocking the Church, Linda and I stopped to enjoy our local Little Owl, dozing at his nest hole high in a roadside Oak.
A very early start found Brian, Norman and me in the Island Hide at Titchwell before 08.00, enjoying close views of Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints and all the other usuals. Eventually one of the two reported White-rumped Sandpipers emerged from behind an island to give us somewhat distant views, before the whole flock scattered for no obvious reason.
Since we were on a time budget, we headed eastwards, enjoying coffee and scones before checking out Bishop's Hide and the three centre hides. We added to the day's tally with Green and Wood Sandpiper, Golden Plover, Greenshank, all three Egrets and - from the beach - a pair of Skuas, one dark, one light phase. I assume these were Arctics: enlarged Skua courtesy of Norman and his super camera / lens
Since it was my turn to unlock Hemblington Church (and since Linda needed the car to attend to her bees) I thought I'd dash out to Hickling NWT Reserve to see if I could find the long-staying Pectoral Sandpiper. Amazingly, despite the awful heat haze even at 07.30, I managed to locate the target creeping along the edge of a fairly distant grassy island. Nearby was a Little Stint: I only noticed it because it landed next to a Reeve I was photographing! Other birds included several Great Egrets, a Green Sandpiper and, most unexpectedly, a Wheatear in front of Cadbury Hide.
A blinding gig in Great Yarmouth last night: three hours of high energy rock and blues until midnight! Thanks to Synergists Jan & Glynn for turning up yet again - and taking the photos!
