Three Seasons - One Day

 Monday May 11

We had a strong northerly wind, overcast, sun and showers in which to look for birds. Our journey west was very birdless, even Sculthorpe Mill was quiet. This is a stronghold for Collared Doves, none seen all day, remarkable in itself. We saw our first Swifts in North Walsham a few days ago, we expected to see them at West Rudham, but the skies were empty. 

With patience, we saw a few House Martins at Harpley Cottages, no rain equals no muddy areas to use for nest building. This is an area that stayed dry today too. Yet again, no Little Owl in view at Abbey Farm. Ian and Sue have seen one here, so they're still around. 

A lovely blue-hazed field brought us to a stop. Flax. There are many delightful blue flowers, this is one of my favourites.

We arrived at windy Snettisham an hour and half before a lowish high tide - 5.2 metres - that would not bring the birds up close, but better than usual. 

Parked near the chalet end, I lunched watching the water come in. Still too far to identify the smaller waders, but about a hundred Knot, a few ruddy plumaged ones amongst them, took off and landed, restless as always. Dozens of Summer plumaged Grey Plover, stood out, as did the few pied Avocets. Scurrying Dunlin were less obvious. I had hoped to see terns here but none turned up. A volunteer warden did. Regular readers will know that we have had several unfortunate experiences with volunteer wardens here. When today's pulled up, got out, and appeared at Pam's window, she was less than welcoming.' I suppose you've come to ask if we have a permit', she said. Mildly, he replied, 'no I've seen you here for a large number of years'. He followed this with reserve bird chat and general conversation. The wind was easily taken out of our sails. Pam did apologise for her less than pleasant welcome and explained why. I thought he might have been Les Bunyan but his name tag said Tony. We then enjoyed an exhilarating display by the Black Arrows. Three Swifts swooping, gliding, turning, at breathtaking speed over our heads. Ready to leave, our first Cuckoo called distantly from the other side of the pit. I thought we'd missed out this year. Another bird that used to turn up in the wood beyond our garden on May 1 every year. Until it didn't - but we always saw them easily on North Uist.

 We're still wondering why there were no Fulmar on nests in the west cliffs at Hunstanton, nor any flying around prospecting. Too much disturbance?

We have never seen so much water at Thornham, it was level with the marsh, no room for birds to feed. Brancaster Staithe  was just as full. normally marooned boats swinging around madly on their anchors in the strong wind. Pam saw them first. two Little Terns flying and dipping above the far creek. Lovely. They were still there when we left. 

A few padders for the list at Wells pools, such as  Shoveller, and Marsh Harrier . Best was the group of Sand Martins giving us another aerial display. Not as obvious nor as fast as the swifts, their brown backs and flashes of white underside less dramatic in flight. 

Time to make for home, not a brilliant day for birds but some good cameos.