The Sun Makes a Welcome Return.

My brother David, Alan Shorrock and I decided to visit Norfolk today even though most if not all of the good birds that had been reported earlier in the week had clearly done a bunk. One thing in our favour though was the weather which though a bit on the chilly side was nonetheless gloriously sunny. We spent most of our time at Titchwell RSPB reserve which while not at its best was still OK.

A real rarity, cloudless blue skies!

A group of nine Whooper Swans were my first of the Autumn, the warden told us that there had been a movement of this species going through that morning. Also going through were some finches which included numbers of Siskins, we noted several small flocks from near the centre. I don't see too many Grey Wagtails in this part of the world so one passing over the car park was a welcome find.

Dunlins and Teal

Out on the marshes bird numbers seemed down but then again the water levels were high. Alan picked out a Marsh Harrier over the salt marsh and we heard a party of Bearded Tits pinging in the reedbed. Not too many waders were present, a flock of around twenty or so Avocets were still about while there were also Dunlins, a Ruff, Curlews, Redshanks, and a few other species were noted. Quite a large flock of Golden Plovers arrived while we were there easily outnumbering the one Grey.
Among the many Meadow Pipits seen today were a couple of Water Pipits, it's always good to see this scarce visitor to the UK.

Record shot of Water Pipit and Lapwing

Having heard that a Pallas's Warbler had been seen recently at nearby (but not so near!) Thornham Point was incentive enough to take a stroll along the beach for a peek. More waders were seen along the edge of the sea including Bar-tailed Godwits and Oystercatchers. Sadly the point was Pallas free and there was not a great deal of activity to compensate, grumbling bellies now decided our next course of action and we returned to the centre.

Godwit duo, Bar and Black-tailed

While the chaps were enjoying their lunch I went to look for any late season dragons or damsels that had managed to survive the monsoon. A few Common Darters were joined by at least two Migrant Hawkers and I managed to find a hoped for Willow Emerald. This male posed nicely and was also good enough to hang around long enough for Alan to see it, while watching this one a further two were observed.

Willow Emerald, Common Darter and Migrant Hawker

Our final stop of the day was at Thornham Harbour where we hoped to see some of the reported Twite. Luck was not with us today unfortunately and we left Twiteless though no doubt we shall pop back again at some point during the winter and try our luck once more.

Thornham Harbour - rubbish today for Twite but OK for Curlews