Further Norfolk Notes

The second little posting deals with Wells harbour and Holkham NNR, a walk on the 9th producing some nice records. The tide was again high and there were few waders on the outward leg but two of what I thought to be Grey Seals were seen from near the coast watch point. If you thought that the Twite pictures were rubbish then cop a load of this, no Countryfile calendar for this I think!

Grey smudge, I mean Seal and Muntjac.

Walking along through the pinewoods a Muntjac ran across the path, minutes later I used my superb stalking skills to get a decent picture of one. Not much birdlife about, a few Jays and some smaller passerines but little else. Good sized Vs of Pink-footed Geese were seen, they're such a part of any winter visit to North Norfolk. What's also becoming a regular winter sight for some is Great White Egret and I watched one from Washington Hide. A Marsh Harrier gave some excellent views while a small party of Bearded Tits pinged from the reeds. Two Stonechats posed very nicely close by.

GWE and Marsh Harrier.

Conditions for the walk back were rather warm and I saw at least eight Common Darters taking in a few Autumn rays. I've seen them here on a previous visit so it seems a reliable spot for November sightings of this species. One memorial bench in particular seemed a favourable basking spot with up to four males settling.

Stonechat.

Common Darters.

Bird numbers had risen by now with several large mixed flocks moving through the woods and a few Redpolls and Siskins flying over. The tide in the harbour had dropped quite a bit and my walk down towards the town produced some good views of waders. Commonest were Redshanks but they were joined by a few individuals of other species and also a large flock of Brents.

Wader Gallery.