Go North

 Tuesday January 16

No snow, and the sun was shining. Sam had warned us that the road to North Walsham was closed at Bacton with diversions in place. We sailed past the first one which would have taken us to Ebridge Mill via the Dilham Road, then, we also flew past the diversion takng us via the coast road to Walsham. What now. 

A field full of Redwing and Fieldfare took our attention. Yes, the crossroads at Bacton Woods was barricaded in all directions. There was ample room for turning before stopping to try and photo the thrushes through narrow gaps in the thick hedge.It was worth the road nuisance to do that. Mostly Fieldfare with a few Redwing.


Eventually passing through North Walsham, the next stop was Selbrigg. As we stopped to view the pond, a small wader flew towards us across the water, veering away to show off its white rump and flicking-winged flight. Our first Green Sandpiper for two years, having managed to miss it last year. The pond was frozen, a few Mute Swans and a scatter of Mallard in the few unfrozen patches.

Turning into the parking area near the gate, I was horrified to find that the tree used by the birds to perch en route to and from the fenceposts, had been hacked down. A young, well branched specimen, not in anyone's way, nor diseased. The remains were neatly dumped the other side of the fence.Why? Was it an attempt to stop people feeding the birds here? I'd like to know the answer.

The birds still came, warily dashing in from a distance to grab food and then fly to cover. We added, Nuthatch, Coal Tit and Marsh Tit to the year list. The Great Tit appears at home so is not new. All backlit by mid morning sun.



 

Cley Waterworks is always worth a look. Closed gates and at least one tank in use - we could see the top of the arms going round - the Grey Wagtail was sat on top of a concrete wall, giving us prolonged view of this delightful, bright yellow-breasted male. Glandford's finch flock was still in evidence, including Brambling and Greenfinch amongst the Chaffinches. We have a male Brambling visiting our feeders at the moment but it's always good to see them.

Via Morston and Cley we drove home after a thoroughly enjoyable and successful morning. We added well over 30 birds to our year list and enjoyed the countryside in the sun. Pam had a dental appointment, so it was morning only,

Pam has no ill effects from driving again, so roll on tomorrow.The biggest problem is getting into the car on her op side but it's manageable.


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