Could Have Been Yesterday

 Thursday March 21

After a moth trap opening session at Cley - very few moths of only seven species - and an enjoyable lunch with Pauline, we drove to Cley Beach car park. We'd also driven down there yesterday, after Natural Surroundings. Despite a scanning session, we had found nothing on the Eye Field - apart from Lapwing and Wood Pigeons. 

After leaving, a message came through from Sue G to say that there was a Wheatear on Eye Field! Bother.

Today, it was raining, not much, but unpleasant as the wind had a cold edge to it. There weren't many cars parked, we could park sideways on to view the field ,without having to use the obstacle of the tinted and slanted windscreen. Pam soon picked up a male Wheatear. The grass was long and tufted, the bird was active and difficult to see. Eventually I did, also seeing a second bird, a female. The first Wheatear of the year is always a joy, the real harbinger of spring for me. Many of the Chiffchaffs already in, have over-wintered. It doesn't matter how many we shall see in Scotland, each one is a delight.

We moved the car to a wider section of the road overlooking the pool area, hoping for better views and a photograph. We achieved both. When we got home, I discovered that none of my full bird photos were sharp. Very disappointing. I did have trouble centering the focussing square at the angle at which I had to hold the camera. My first shots where the male was hiding behind a tuft of grass were acceptable. For now.






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