Avoiding Noise
Wednesday September 20
We certainly would not have chosen to spend the day out with the forecast of strong wind and rain, the tail end of a gale from the Atlantic. The annual hawthorn hedge trimming had begun before we left home. Today, the hedge was also due to be taken down in height, long overdue. I used to be able to trim it from standing, it now needs a platform. Preparation had begun a few weeks ago when the side border had needed severe pruning and clearing so that Adrian could actually get to the hedge. He started by using his father-in-law's more powerful petrol trimmer today - until it leaked. He then had to go back to his electric model. Sam picks up the pieces, not a nice job, especially as she doesn't wear gloves. Her hands are tiny and she can't get a pair that fits. We were glad to escape.
Nothing of note in our stops along the way, we arrived at Snettisham about two hours after a high, 6.7 metre tide. Early enough to see a pit island still heaving with Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff which then flew off in a giant cloud, dispersing onto the glistening mud in the far distance. Huddled on the sheltered bank of the pit were three separate groups of Spoonbills. Not possible to make an accurate count but there were probably over 50 in total. The most I have ever seen in the UK.
Returning to the shore, Pam saw a leucistic Oystercatcher, this year's young, closely following its parent on the near edge of a pool. It appeared to be mirroring his/her movements, keeping a close eye on the actions required to get food from the mud. The youngster had a yellow beak and a dark eye so was not an albino, although its plumage was mostly white. The photographs are Pam's, taken with her Canon Bridge camera.
The increasingly strong wind was now hurling rain at the windows, we made our way back along the north coast. Holkham had a tractor and men working on the marsh, no sign of the White-tailed Eagle reported yesterday.
North Point Pools, Wells had a tractor and trailer parked strategically overlooking the west pool. The driver was using binoculars, we envied his elevated view. I worked my way through the hundred plus Greylags on the meadow and pool, finding Lapwing and a Redshank. The tractor driver opened hus door to call out that the Pec Sand had just flown to the east pool but he hadn't seen it land. Thank you very much, most helpful.
Pam moved the car so that I could scope the east pool, fortunately, the rain blew against the other side of the car. I found several Ruff and eventually our second Pectoral Sandpiper of the year. Our first was on North Uist.
Some of the ducks are beginning to look very smart again, moulted into their full plumage. Wigeon,Teal, and a pair of handsome Gadwall among the many Mallard. To Pam's delight, five Pink-footed Geese splashed in, preening and enjoying a good bathe. Probably fresh in. They didn't stay long, taking off to join a bigger flock flying overhead.
More than time to drive home. Not a surprise to find that the hedge would not be finished until Thursday morning. It's a big job and the tools had been faulty. They still filled two of those giant two handled builders' bags with clippings, which went to the Tip.
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