Norfolk Enchants

Another trip to Norfolk with my brother which despite a couple of dips turned out to be pretty good. We began at the Nunnery Lakes at Thetford where a Little Bittern had been seen the previous day. Though we spent some time looking for the bittern we sadly struck out on the target bird having to settle for distant views of a Cuckoo as compensation. I did see a first for the year in the lovely shape of a Small Copper though the major interest was to be had watching some F15 Eagles zooming around.

Cuckoo and Small Copper

Weeting Heath was our next stop and our luck had improved as we saw the Stone Curlews very soon after arriving. A pair showed well in front of the East Hide but heat haze made sure that any photos were of the dodgy variety. We missed out on the Spotted Flycatchers that had just arrived but hopefully we can catch up with these a little further into the Spring. A good selection of common birds were visiting the drinking pool and I took a few half decent photos.

Hazy Stone Curlew and Yellowhammer

Once we'd finished at Weeting we turned northwards towards the coast where the Great Spotted Cuckoo that eluded us last week had been seen. True to form the bird did not show again while we were present around the Weybourne area but we did see a Wryneck near the camp. This was my first in the UK since 1988 so I was more than happy though the record shots were dire.

Rubbish Wryneck pic and Swallow.

Having stopped for some grub in Wells we moved on to Chosely to look for the Dotterels that had been reported. While it took a little bit of time to find them they did show rather well at this traditional site. A total of fourteen were seen as they fed quite close to the road providing some good views. Other decent birds in the area were a Wheatear, several Corn Buntings and two Marsh Harriers. Butterfly interest was provided by a Wall Brown and a Green Hairstreak.

Dotterels and Green Hairstreak

Our final port of call was at Holme where we had a quick look for the reported Hoopoe. Sadly we didn't manage to find it but there were a few other good birds on offer and these included at least three Cuckoos, a calling Turtle Dove and a Stonechat. We also got to watch a male Marsh Harrier passing food to its mate but with time getting on we left for the journey home.

Meadow Pipit,