More Norfolk

A large proportion of Wednesday 6th October was spent deliberating over a binocular trade-in. Although never any doubt over quality, my trusty Swarovski SLC 8x32s, never gave quite the magnification and field of view I required. After much umming and arring, I struck a deal with the extremely helpful and patient folks at Cley Spy. I came out heavier around the neck and much lighter in the purse, with a pair of 10x42 SLC HDs. I have to say the improvement has been staggering.

Spent the rest of the next day or so testing them around Titchwell and Cley. Titchwell held a fair selection of waders; Greenshank, Ruff, Golden and Grey Plover, Snipe, Sanderling, Dunlin etc, however the place seemed generally quiet with the ongoing work causing some disturbance.




Notable sightings from the Cley area included 2 Spoonbills east over Arnold's Marsh (6th), 3 Whinchats in the reedbed from East Bank, Wheatear, 2 Spotted Redshank on Arnold's Marsh (7th) with other waders including Ringed Plover, Ruff, Knot and Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit. Hunting Barn Owl, Peregrine and 4 Marsh Harriers with 8 Buzzards circling high over the distant church roof. At sea, plenty of Gannets (mainly juvs), Guillemot, Red-throated Diver and Brent Geese. A Tawny Owl was accidentally flushed at Wolsley Hills. Bearded Tits continued to show well.

A flock of 20 or so Snow Buntings were present at Holkham and seemed to be favouring the west of the beach.

By the afternoon of Friday 8th the easterly winds at last began to bear fruit. A cracking juvenille Red-breasted Flycatcher turned up in the pines at Holme NWT and a female Black Redstart hopped around the roof of the visitor centre. There had been a massive fall of Goldcrests and tons of thrushes were passing overhead, with some dropping in; mainly Redwings and Song Thrush but also quite a few Blackbirds. Also a few Chiffchaffs, Wheatears and Siskins around and it was very surprising to see a Cuckoo. Apparentely the latest Cuckoo record for Holme.

The next morning Holme continued to be good. This Pectoral Sandpiper put in an appearance on the marshes NE of the golf course. The long walk out there and the resulting missing of a few other good birds was worth it for the views of this confiding wader.

Also here 3 Common Redstart, 5 Chiffchaff, many Siskin and every bush in sight crawling with Goldcrests. The movement of thrushes continued with 100's of Redwings and smaller numbers of Song Thrush (official counts from Holme included 400 Siskins, 500+ Goldcrests, 1000+ Redwings, 400 Song Thrush and 70 Blackbirds. See here for more sightings from Holme). A Kingfisher was on the marshes.

News came through of an Olive-backed Pipit at Stiffkey, however by the time I got back , the tide was coming in and filling up the channels on the very boggy marsh. I didn't fancy getting caught out overnight so had to wait and hope the Pipit would remain till low tide the next day.

To be continued......