Wash-out

 Tuesday March 28

The day was dry but overcast when we left home for  Rollesby Broad,  where the lack of sun would make viewing much easier. Alone in the pull-off, we could position ourselves as well as possible for scoping ,most of the broad. After half an hour, I had enjoyed at least four pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 10+ Coots, one male Pochard, a scattering of diving Tufted Ducks and, Mallard. Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls in their breeding slaty grey wings with bright yellow legs, and a Cormorant, loafed on the jetty. No viewing of the wintering ducks I wanted - especially the drake Smew.  

As we left for Buckenham, the heavens opened. Whilst engrossed in scoping, the clouds had thickened and looked set for the day. We cut our losses, driving to Winterton to watch an empty sea whilst drinking a hot chocolate from the cafe.

Saturday March 24 

Deciding to make an effort to see the two Alpine Swifts ranging between Cromer Golf Course area and Sheringham, we parked roadside near the Cromer club house. A row of cars and a group of birders standing in a gateway, gave hope. I thought that I'd seen a small speck hurtle through - it could have been dirt on the screen! Hail speckled rain increased. We drove east to park in a double gateway well set back from the road. This gave us a better view of the sky over the golf course. I regretted leaving my DT cryptic crossword at home so read a book, whilst Pam, who has much better distant eyesight  these days, watched the sky.

A call. Whilst watching some circling gulls, both Alpine Swifts flashed through her bins. Bingo. I managed to see both of them before they - swiftly (!!) - disappeared over the trees.

Not the best of views, yet very tickable when not a tick for the UK nor Norfolk. My last views were of about thirty circling low overhead in Bulgaria.

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