Anne's Journal

 Tuesday December 9 Between Pam's  visit to Specsavers and the predicted weekly shopping delivery, we took a chance and drove to Ludham Airfield, where a group of Whooper Swans and two Bewick's had been reported earlier in the day. It was getting on for sunset on a grey and dull December day. At least it had stopped raining. The airfield is a regular stopping off place for weary swans to recover after crossing the Channel, or a  long flight from the north.They rarely stay long, it's a transient flock. The airfield is extensive and not easily viewed. We drove to the west before finding the remains of an old concrete runway which takes one as near as possible. And that's a good 400 metres viewing distance. I counted 28 swans in all, mostly Whoopers. Two Bewick's had been reported, I only found one. The birds were all asleep, feeding avidly or drinking rainwater from the furrows. They were widely spread in a line too.    

Tuesday December 3 Natural history experiences always brings joy to my life. Even if the weather is dull and gloomy, it lightens the spirit. On Tuesday, we decided to do what we know as the Winterton run. Nothing in particular in mind, just to have a look around. We both love the winter geese flocks in Norfolk, and Horsey did not disappoint. Several hundred Pink-feet were grazing in a roadside field, their soft contact calls filling the air. Occasionally, for no apparent reason, a group would spring into flight, circling around before returning to a similar position in the field. The RNLI men were on duty at the gate to Winterton Dunes car park. All today's entry fees were a donation to their association, the kiosk was closed, their money bucket sounded generously full. There were more cars than expected. It was quickly obvious why. The Atlantic Grey seals were pupping on the beach below.  All photos, apart from the Fulmar, are Pam's.      This is part of the Horsey/...

 Thursday November 27 Mike H alerted me to a male Pintail which had taken up residence on Salthouse duck pond. After a drink and a natter with moth-ing friends at Cley Centre, we stopped just before Salthouse duck pond and immediately saw the duck ,swimming actively in the small pool below. As well as upending in search of a meal, it also took to swimming rather fast in circles, splashing vigorously - much to the apparent bemusement of the Mallard present.  I enjoyed taking some photos, usually failing to see an eye, they're well hidden, black on black - unless one is lucky enough to catch a glint. Thanks Mike.   

 Wednesday November 27 Wakimg to a beautiful sunny morning with very little cloud and wind, I suggested a day out where photographing any available birds was the aim, rather than a list. Pam embraced this idea, first stop Brancaster Ovary Staithe. This has always been one of our favourite north coast stops.Sea, birds, boats and marsh. Bathed in winter sun today, it was at its best. A receding tide too so that the birds present were busy feeding on the exposed mud. The tide rises and fall very quickly, the view is constantly changing. Just two other cars, we were able to drive around and change position.  As usual, the two cars present were in pole position, their owners reading the newspaper. They have every right to do so BUT, it's maddening.  A fishing Cormorant barely broke the surface before it dived again. The stubby part of its wings showing look like flippers.   A small flock of Pinkfeet flew over.   Ducks moved with the tide too. We had Wigeon and M...

 Monday November 17 A day of menacing black cloud, showers, rainbows, sun and overcast. All of these as we drove west. The Wash had the fewest birds we've ever experienced.  Mindful that my 2025 bird folder is missing some common species, we stopped to photogtaph House Sparrow on the chalet feeders.    The Long-tailed Duck was still present, just as active too. Pam saw it, I didn't. We both enjoyed the first year Great Crested Grebe, actively diving in search of a meal.     A Redshank in a hurry  and a Jackdaw which actually stayed as we stopped. They usually fly away. Although against the light, its brilliant yellow eye stood out as it strutted about on the grassy verge.   The wind was so strong as we left home, that the car door blew shut whilst my left leg was still on the drive. No real harm seems to have occurred.  A late influx of Sibes along the coast has been so frustrating, none of them available for us. Pallas's, and Hume's Yellow-b...

 Wednesday November 12  Needing to post a birthday card, we set off for Bacton Post Office, Walcott PO is shut on Wednesday afternoons. We then drove to Bacton car park, finding an enormous truck parked in the disabled parking spots with the lowest railings. I spent a quarter of an hour finding nothing but Herring Gulls, when news came through of a Pallid Swift over West Runton car park. One or more of this species has been present along the coast for the last few days. As we approached the village, we saw a group of four birders roadside, pointing long lenses into the sky. Bingo. We turned and parked almost opposite the Duffs' house. Pam immediately saw the Pallid Swift soaring distantly over the houses. The sky was empty for me, an indication of how bad my eyesight is these days. Using my binoculars, and looking through the front screen, I quickly picked up the Pallid Swift in constant swooping, diving, flight. Pam tried for some photos, as she could see it through her open ...