Some more great birding on the North Coast

An early start saw Linda and me at Cley by 07.30. First port of call was the Centre Hides, from which we enjoyed good views of a Spoonbill, Cattle Egret, Common Sandpiper, Sedge Warbler and Cetti's Warbler. Marcus Nash and a group of clients arrived, providing lots more eyes to scan the scrapes! A few attractive Ruff appeared, as well as numerous Little Ringed Plovers.

A long walk around to Bishop's Hide gave us better views of a Common Sandpiper, as well as lots of Ruff and Avocets. We decided to visit Babcock Hide, and set off eastwards: we'd only reached the East Bank when the CBC Whatsapp revealed that all the targets at Babcock had flown off, but that Marcus had found a Curlew Sandpiper on Pat's. After a trot back to Bishop's we found this attractive wader with a Ruff some distance across the scrape. A friendly couple from Suffolk let us have a peep through their scope! After coffee and scones we decided to check out Kelling Quags again, and headed east.

All the usual birds were  in evidence: Whitethroats, Stonechats, Linnets, Sedge, Reed and Garden Warblers, but couldn't locate either of the reported Whinchats.

After failing to get served at Holt Garden Centre Cafe, we returned to  Cley, via one of the heaths. We were thrilled to hear - and see - a pair of Turtle Doves! After delicious parsnip soup we headed back to Sheringham, tired but elated!

Fulmar - photo'ed!

An early seawatch from the balcony finally allowed me to photograph the Fulmar that has skidded by a couple of times a day! The only passerine we've seen on the apartments (apart from Starlings) has been this Pied Wagtail

Fulmar

Too slow! While I was drinking a coffee on the balcony of our apartment in Sheringham, a beautiful Fulmar twice passed right in front of me: the second time it was nearly overhead!

After breakfast, Linda and I walked to the station and, following a look around the market (where I bought a Woolly Rhino tooth!) we caught the steam train to Holt. After an enjoyable ride along the North Coast we spent the morning wandering around the shops, buying lots of exciting bits and pieces. Lunch in the little central square, then we caught the bus back to the station for the train ride back to Sheringham.

More North Coast ramblings: five more year ticks!

A visit to the centre hides at Cley gave Linda and me great views of Great White Egret, Sedge Warbler and Wren, but not such good views of Wood and Common Sandpiper and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers (all on South Pool)

A trudge along the beach added Cattle & Little Egret, as well as Swift - first of the year -  before coffee and 'stickies' at the Reserve Centre.

We spent the afternoon fossil hunting at West Runton and Overstrand - unfortunately to no avail - before a walk around Sheringham and another coffee in the afternoon sunshine!

An unexpected bird!

Linda and I were invited for supper in Cromer with Linda's son Simon and his delightful partner Jo. While we were eating I glanced from the dining-room window to see a Hooded Crow perched on an aerial about half a mile away! Excusing myself, I fetched the camera and trotted off around the corner. Once I was close enough I grabbed a few shots before it flew away. (Simon and Jo had previously had the bird on their aerial!)

More year ticks on the North Coast

Linda and I enjoyed some long walks at Cley, Salthouse Iron Road and Kelling Quags, finding some decent birds but missing out on our main target - Whinchat. Still: the Yellow Wagtails more than made up for it!