Just for a change, Mrs WJ & I had a long weekend in Norfolk. I don't have any problems in Norfolk - though a Suffolk boy, I speak fluent Norfolk when required - indeed, better than most residents. At least I can pronounce the place names properly! With some odd weather around, we were a bit restricted in sites, but it's nice to get away regardless. The Grey seals off Cley beach were as inquisitive as always
and the Little Egret was getting a bit friendly for the big lens
Stonechats were also conspicuous on the fence rails
Although Titchwell was the better spot for the various waders, with Redshank
Black Tailed Godwit
and what I think is a Grey Plover all busy poking around
Various ducks were around of course, but the smart Pintail was the nicest. They never come too close, though this one was at least close enough for SOME sort of shot!
Down on the beach, little Sanderling were scurrying along the tide line looking for tasty treats
Turnstones are the masters of tide line hunting though, everything gets chucked around when they're searching
Don't snigger at the mess though, you'll get a dirty look...
Leaving the reserves behind, we had a stroll around Holkham Hall grounds. It's a nice place to stretch the legs - and there's a large deer park too, so plenty of Fallow Deer about
There were also plenty of incredibly unobservant people walking their dogs - not one of them noticed the Kestrel watching them walk underneath, despite this daft bloke stood beside the path pointing a camera in the air! Ah well, can't win 'em all I suppose :-)
The Norfolk climate certainly did you proud with your sightings, and superb photos.
Unknown said:Ahhh, summer, that long forgotten time when it wasn't lashing it down and you're not nervously checking the car's spec sheet for its wading capability before attempting puddles!
A distant memory......
Hazel C said:Yes, I remember back in the Spring of1979 in Somerset going through about 100 yds of floodwater in our old Triumph herald & the water came up through the floor, got through it ok. We had about 20mm yesterday & 30mm since midnight today & that's on rain-sodden ground. There are a few interesting waders in the fields though, just need the wind to drop a tad to get out there.
I used to love sitting on the front wheels of the old Triumph Heralds (and Spitfires, GT6's and Vitesses') while servicing them, or doing engine repairs!