I was going out with Dave today but he wasn't available until 9 as he was swimming or somesuch (he's on a health kick!! REALLY) and I fancied an early start. I mentioned to Trish if she fancied going and so we set off at 6:20am. Annoying the breakfast stop wasn't open at 7:10!!!
Went to Weeting Heath first for distant views of Stone-Curlew.
Then went to Sculthorpe Moor, a really lovely local nature reserve. I ought to mention at this point the light was dull and I mean dull. Trish couldn't see 2 feet in front of her, but I think she may have been exagerating.
I had hoped for Willow Tit but a Barn Owl was a nice substitute.
Sculthorpe is the home of the Springwatch Marsh Harrier cams.
Got to see the cam feed as well.
So where next? As the Bee-eater had flown I decided on an off chance. I wasn't certain quite where the target bird was and never mentioned it to Trish but in the right area were two birders. It was "there a few minutes ago" but not long to wait as virtually immediately I spotted a male Montagu's Harrier. Woo Hoo!! Also two Buzzard's, Hobby and Yellowhammer. And the SUN came out!!
We wandered to Titchwell and decadently had an early meal at Briarfields. Scallops for starter - yummy.
Now, idiot that i am, I didn't set VR to near the end. Birds too far anyway, water levels seemed high.
Some decent birds seen Black Tailed Godwit, Marsh Harrier, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Bearded Tit, Cetti's (well heard), Little Gull (pete picks up in flight SHOCK!!), Avocets (with young ;) ) Eider, Sandwich Terns, lots of Egrets, Skylark, Mipit.
All very good but we were walking back to the centre when I said "what on earth are the?"
Quickly took naff photos (sorry birds distant)and stuck scope on them and flipping hell I never expected to see.....
Crossbill!
I thought I ought to report this so popped into the visitors centre and said
"there are two crossbill just off the path"
I detected just a hint of scepticism (and I would have been in there place!!) and so I showed them the camera screen. Apparently a good find for Titchwell.
The weather was lovely (please be like this starting next Saturday thank you) and the company excellent.
3 comments:
Fantastic day and some great lifers for me - thanks Pete :)
Crossbill pics came out well too.
Looks like you had a lovely time!
Excellent find with the crossbill :)
It's been very hot here today, and I spent most of the day out in it :D
What an exciting day you had. Great pictures.
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