A Norfolk Interlude

A bit of county treachery today as my brother and I headed off to Norfolk to meet up with an old birding chum from the days of the Northants YOC group. We arranged to meet at Kelling Water Meadows where a Red-necked Phalarope was putting people in a spin. After a short walk we reached the pool to find the target showing very well indeed. Having taken a few record shots and enjoyed watching the bird at close quarters we moved on.

A good day for Phalaropes, Red-necked and Grey.

Next on the agenda was another Phalarope, this one was of the Grey variety, that was showing from the east bank at Cley. Once again fortune favoured us and the bird showed well meaning a two Phalarope day, not a common occurrence and quite a treat. Both Water Rail and Bearded Tit were heard and several Marsh Harriers seen before we left.

Rubbish picture, good bird. A male Bearded Tit.

Titchwell was the next port of call, the siren call of bacon rolls proving difficult to resist. The car park was even more packed than usual and it took a while to get settled, I wonder how many non birders take up spaces? Having fortified ourselves with the required amount of pig we set off to explore the reserve. A Siskin was heard then seen, the first of the Autumn and then a group of six Bearded Tits were heard pinging and then flying over the path. Further examples showed well and I managed a duff photo which was my first of this species. Several Cetti's Warblers were heard singing and further Marsh Harriers seen.

From the top, Ruff, Curlew, Redshank and Little Stint.

From the first hide a selection of waders were on view, mainly the normal sort of characters but also including two Little Stints and there was also an impressively large flock of Golden Plovers. Continuing on to the beach we were treated to great views of a female Stonechat near the end of the path. The beach itself had good numbers of waders and Brent Geese, amongst the former were Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits and Turnstones. A look at the sea produced a trio of Common Scoters sharing their space with a Goldeneye and also a Red-throated Diver.

Black and Bar-tailed Godwits.

Returning to the car some news came through from Gypsy Lane, Titchwell village, that suggested a number of goodies had been discovered. We paused long enough to enjoy a look at a Little Owl which is apparently rather a rare event on the reserve before setting off. No sign of any of the reported stuff but excellent views of a Barn Owl more than repaid us for our efforts. With time moving on we bid our farewells and returned home, perhaps a bit of treachery is not so bad after all.

Stonechat.