FAB-U-LUS Apologies
to Craig Revel Horwood
AB
– FAB (Absolutely Fabulous) Apologies
to Edina and Patsy
FABLUS Apologies to Mary’s Welsh cousin
…..but there are no better words to describe the
marvelous birding weekend I have just enjoyed with Christine and her husband
John.
Be warned.. this post is the longest I have ever
written, but nothing could have been left out!!!!
Despite all the foreboding news of the weather I
referred to in my blog last week, we set off for Norfolk at 9.30 on Saturday
morning, with the principle objective of joining a High Tide Spectacular on
Sunday 15th organised and led by Chris Mills of Norfolk Birding.
Saturday we drove to Hunstanton, ticking Red Kite on the way, but a search at the Wolverton triangle for a Golden Pheasant was abortive despite laying some seed as a lure. We were told later in the weekend that one had been seen prior to our passing by, but isn’t birding so often like that.
With the afternoon free, John drove to Titchwell in
time for some lunch, and then a good look at the reserve. When I tell you that
my personal count for the 2 days was 82, and my additions to the year total was
33,
you can conclude there were some absolute gems. I am on this occasion not
colouring my additions in Red.. there would be too many, but read on for the
Goodies.
5 species of Gull were seen, and freshwater added
Shelduck, handsome Pintail, both Godwits, Avocet, Snipe and Meadow Pipit.
Redshank, with one Spotted Redshank, Grey Plover and a few Golden Plovers and
Ringed Plovers favoured the salt marsh.
We got right down to the waters edge, but with the
strong wind, even telescopes picked up nothing on the turbulent sea. John was
happily photographing Turnstones and Sanderlings and Dunlin. I gather that the
photos of the latter 2 were pondered in detail with his bird guide book.
Darkness rolled in so early, and we were in the
last few to leave Titchwell, but not before watching up to 9 Marsh harriers
patrolling the reeds behind the Briarfields hotel. Someone said they would
trade 9 Marsh Harriers for one Hen Harrier, but they were to be disappointed.
We stayed at the Marine hotel in Hunstanton, and as
there was a good varied menu, we decided to dine in.
Sunday… 6.35am…yes, honestly, Chris Mills is waiting outside the hotel with
his people carrier, and I sleep walk downstairs and into the back of the
van! Oh, and it’s raining. Picking up 4 other birders around the town,
we set off for Snettisham.
I’ve been to Snettisham a few times, and I know the
walk from the car park, to the hides on the beach and the action area, is a
long walk, so it was good that Chris had a pass to allow him to drive right to
the best viewing spot. So booted, waterproofs and everything warm, we venture
from the vehicle to the calls of the Pink Footed Geese.
The light progressively lifts, and we start to see
thousands of Pink Footed Geese, Oystercatchers and Knot on the remaining areas
of uncovered mud, until, as the tide rises, they all start flying in in groups, in many
cases right above us, to the large pool behind where we are standing. We can
also see some huge murmurations (if I am allowed to say that about Knot) on the
other side of the wash near Frieston Shore, although they don’t come our way. Geese
fly further inland, but when we move to the hide overlooking the pool, one
small island is absolutely solid with Knot, all huddling and standing shoulder
to shoulder. Oystercatchers are more on the bank, with a bit more space, but
the site is amazing. Chris estimates that we are looking at about 4,000 Knot,
out of a wash Knot population of c50k.
Shortly after as we start to leave, the 4,000 lift off, flying low over
our heads with just the roar of the wings.
Phew!!! Worth the rain, and the frozen fingers and
toes, so we reckon we have earned a visit to the Copper Kettle for 10.30am
coffee and bacon butties. After a look at the beach at Hunstanton, mainly to
see the Fulmars, the next stop is Holme Dunes where we watch c20 frisky Twite,
including one with a ring. Rock Pipit and Stonechat are added to the list.
Chris gets a tip that there is a Ferruginous Duck
at Holme reserve, prompting us to get that on the list before we enjoy the warm
and dry hospitality of the Holme observatory for our packed lunches.
With not many hours of daylight left, we hi-tail it
back to Titchwell, and fairly yomp down to the beach. But how worth while. 3
Scoters, including one Velvet is found straightaway, then 5 Long tailed Ducks
close inshore (with some Goldeneye) Yet another huge flock of birds are spotted
offshore, this time Scoters (probably with some Velvet) estimated at c2,500
birds.
Now the dark is well in, but John spots a
Kingfisher on the walk back from the shore, which duly overtakes us so that we can
all have a look. And to cap it all,
twice as many Marsh Harriers as yesterday – probably c20… but still no Hen
Harrier.
If my enjoyment and enthusiasm has come across,
then you will know that this was a cracking weekend, and Chris Mills of Norfolk
is well worth patronising if you have the chance. He does holidays as well as a
few day tours, so watch his website, and especially for one of the 3 or 4 days
in the year when the hi-tide makes it…………………
FAB-U-LUS !!
