North Norfolk
Third time lucky after two postponed trips as a couple of named storms battered most of the UK on consecutive weekends.
We eventually made it and while an invigorating breeze continued to relentlessly hurl its way along the coastline, we were resolute against the elements.
At least Saturday was relatively clear with plenty of sunshine. Heading over to Sedgeford, the Eastern Yellow Wagtail was present on its favoured dung heap. Defying the agricultural odour, the bird was observed for around five minutes before abruptly alighting, calling as it headed east. It did return.
Holkham is a breathtaking place at anytime of the year. Heading along the pine forest, we sat in the Tower hide for around half an hour sheltering from the wind.
Always a great view out across the freshmarsh where at least 100 Russian White-fronted Goose were present grazing on the exposed grass. Ten Spoonbill were feeding distantly and at least three Great Egret were feeding furtively within the marsh.
The path from the hide headed straight-out toward the beach. The sky seemed endless and the sun was struggling to break through the high cloud. The golden beach spread out before us, the wind blew fine sand across the top of the sandy surface, creating cosmic patterns as it hurtled downwind.
Scanning the sea was challenging. The wind and choppy waves obscured most of what was on the sea. A few hardy Red-breasted Merganser bobbed about on the open water with small groups of Common Scoter. Two Long-tailed Duck flew into view and two drake Eider flew by, both a real bonus requiring a bit of luck to catch up with them.
We then headed to the 'roped-off' area along the beach where at least 50 Snow Bunting were feeding on the shingle. Amongst them were some pristine individuals. Further along, four Shore Lark were keen on feeding within the longer sward but with great views of these stunning birds, it was a productive walk.
The following day was quite sedate. Thornham Point held nine Twite that eventually passed by the coal barn. A Spotted Redshank probed for food within an intertidal channel and a Grey Wagtail made a brief stop by the car park.
Titchwell was the quietest I'd ever experienced it. There was very little on the freshmarsh. A group of Avocet were new for the year and a few Knot lingered. An extremely windy few moments spent on the beach scanning through the waders with Bar-tailed Godwit and Sanderling amongst the assemblage.
We eventually made it and while an invigorating breeze continued to relentlessly hurl its way along the coastline, we were resolute against the elements.
At least Saturday was relatively clear with plenty of sunshine. Heading over to Sedgeford, the Eastern Yellow Wagtail was present on its favoured dung heap. Defying the agricultural odour, the bird was observed for around five minutes before abruptly alighting, calling as it headed east. It did return.
 |
| Eastern Yellow Wagtail |
The path from the hide headed straight-out toward the beach. The sky seemed endless and the sun was struggling to break through the high cloud. The golden beach spread out before us, the wind blew fine sand across the top of the sandy surface, creating cosmic patterns as it hurtled downwind.
 |
| Sanderling |
We then headed to the 'roped-off' area along the beach where at least 50 Snow Bunting were feeding on the shingle. Amongst them were some pristine individuals. Further along, four Shore Lark were keen on feeding within the longer sward but with great views of these stunning birds, it was a productive walk.
The following day was quite sedate. Thornham Point held nine Twite that eventually passed by the coal barn. A Spotted Redshank probed for food within an intertidal channel and a Grey Wagtail made a brief stop by the car park.
 |
| Twite |
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