Anne's Journal

  Saturday December 13 Another calm, sunny day after the rain.  First stop was Selbrigg, with positive signs that the birds are being fed again - and not just by us. A short length of new fencing on the right of the entry gate, had been used as a deposit for seed. We added to it, one Blue Tit actually helped itself as Pam turned from the first post. I didn't see it again. But I did see and enjoy, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Robin and Coal Tit in the ten minutes we spent there.   For you P Three Moorhens were fossicking below the gate near to the pond, Mute Swans and Mallard on the water.  Our luck was in at Brancaster Staithe, the tide was an hour away from full, we could watch it slowly covering the mud, small groups of birds adjusting to the mud made available to them by the changing water level. Black-tailed Godwits, Teal, Curlew and Turnstone fed near the car park.   Four Grey Plover, Wigeon, a few Dunlin, Redshank, and a solitary Little Egret, chose the far golf c...

 Wednesday December 10 Welcome sunshine prompted a visit to Buckenham Marshes. At first scan, the area looked birdless. We have favoured watching places along the approach path to the fishermen's car park and the bird hide, from which it is possible to scan the vast area without too many dead reeds and brambles getting in the way. It's a very deceptive place. There were thousands of birds feeding and resting on the rough pasture with occasional water filled dykes.Most of them were nearer to the Cantley Beet Factory than they were to us. The ducks were mainly Wigeon with a good smattering of Teal, several Shovellers, Shelduck and Mallard.   Hundreds of Rooks' cawing punctuated the whistling of the Wigeon. At intervals,  very large flock of Lapwing, an equal number of Starlings amongst them, rose restlessly into the air. We did find a few geese, most of them headless behind large clumps of sedge. A few Pinkfeet, one Canada and a flock of Greylag, no sign of any Whitefronts....

 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...