The Broads

A couple of nights away in the Broads to get away from domestic strife (ie. no hot water in the flat) was the perfect excuse for a bit of peace and relaxation.

Most of Saturday was spent at Welney where the highlight were nine tundra bean goose roosting on the large island as viewed from the main observatory.  Whooper swan were rather sparse with most of the wintering population grazing out in the fields.

Before heading to the B&B, a quick visit to Hempstead Farms for the bewick's swan with only six present but a species that is difficult to come by these days.

As storms battered most of the country, it was fortunate that Sunday was set fair and with clear skies and light winds, it felt really pleasant walking along the beach at Sea Palling.  More so when this purple sandpiper appeared at close range feeding on the rocks.

Around Hickling Broad, there were very few people there and very few birds apart from this kingfisher that posed beautifully in front of the bittern hide.  A great egret was also present around the main pool where scores of wildfowl were scattered within the waterbody.

A bit too early to be waiting around at the raptor watchpoint, choosing instead to head to St. Benet's Abbey and rewarded with a short-eared owl hunting around the grassland before being harrassed by two herring gull that eventually grounded the bird for at least 20 minutes. Not sure whether it was exhausted or devouring a catch but always a magnificent sight. A distant barn owl was seen hunting along a large reedbed.