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Saturday 7th November 2009
We set off on Saturday morning, and made our way to Manningtree, Sussex. The sun was out, and it was a beautiful day for a trip outdoors. The feeling of the sun make the day sparkle, and the shimmering fields went on for miles and miles. Looking at the countryside as a passenger was a treat. It is amazing what you could see from a trip down a motorway. It was so different to last weekends weather. It was so wet and dull, so that was so disappointing for us after planning our bird watching trip.
As we drove along the A14 to Bury St Edmunds, we past by an open field full of birds feeding and congregating around each other as they do at this time of the year. The field looked earthy and freshly dug up, so lots of food there for the birds. I could see that they where Thrushes – Fieldfares, Redwings and others. There was quite a large flock feeding from what I could see, and felt pleased to see these birds are around and thriving over the winter months.
I had to laugh when we past a signpost for Watch out ‘Duck’ signpost. Wonder who got that idea. Anyway it is showing respect for Wildlife.
We passed by Lynford Reserve at Thetford, on the A134 road. The Reserve had a Wooden Stag statue showing at the Car Park entrance. So it was quite distinguished as Reserves go. This is another place to investigate sometime in the future. Looking forward to another trip or eight.
We arrived at Mistley, and drove along by the River Stour. The water sparkled in the sunlight. Lots of Swans, Gulls and Canadian Geese patrolled the verges at the side always looking out for food from human visitors. I could see a lots of shore birds including Oyster Catchers close to the waters edge. There where some shorebirds - Grey/White coloured birds but I could not see what they where from the car. So that was a missed opportunity – oh well another day. It may have been Knot or similar going by the size, shape and colouration of their bodies.
We proceeded to Manningtree, and collect our car, (it past its MOT with flying colours). The same Pied Wagtail from last weekend strutted about on the garage roof once more …. chirring as they always do. Little characters that they are – never tire of them
We carried on back into Mistley once more, and went straight to Mistley Place Park for a cup of tea and a snack. Once we relaxed for a while, we then headed towards Wells-Next-to-the-Sea (A419). There where lots of flocks of Geese flying overhead. The V formations where very distinctive to see, even sitting in the car you could see and hear the birds flying overhead.. The geese honking could be heard for miles. This was at 3.45pm in the afternoon. So this was the point in the day that most of the birds started to move about in groups as they do to roost.
As we reached Holme Next to the Sea a huge flock of Black Headed Gulls past overhead. I have never seen so many together as these gulls where. Talk about large flocks of everything possible that could fly. We had many birds all passing overhead in all directions to go to their areas they wanted to go to – it was bird highway to heaven.
We reached Hunstanton, and it had got too late in the day to do any bird watching. So we decided to make the most of next day instead as that was the best thing to do. We arrived at our lodgings at the Shellbrooke Hotel, at Cliff Terrace, Hunstanton. Super place and for £85 for two it was really nice, clean, and we both like the place a whole lot. Nice and warm too.
We decided to enjoy our evening out. The weather remained dry but quite cold. We had a delicious fish and chip supper at the ‘Shoreside’ Chip Shop, and we sat in the eating area of the shop, and it made it more special. After that we went to ‘The Wash and Tope’ pub for a few beers and a sing song, and that was a nice ending to a day. We got back to our room at 1am in the morning.
Sunday 8th November 2009
We woke up and had our breakfast, and the breakfast room looked over the sea front. This made breakfast more enjoyable. The weather was fabulous, and the sun was shining once more. The sea was as blue as ever and you could see for miles into the distance – the sea went on for ever. In the distance, a tug boat gleaming white in colour sat in one place so it must be used for fishing purposes. There was a net close to the boat.
After breakfast, we decided to go for a walk along the seafront. It was superb for views across the Wash. We could see Turnstones strutting about everywhere, on the walls, on the ground everywhere. The Turnstones remained in their own little groups. They flew about showing their white striped feathers, and landed on the sea wall. They flew back to the beach, and then back on the wall. The Turnstones where not bothered about people at all, and continued doing what they do naturally. The same birds landed and feed from the well manicured park lawns too. A photographic opportunity had come our way – great opportunity!!
Darn it….I did not have my camera with me, and had to get it from the car. So I went back to the car, and got a hold of the camera, and the binoculars. So we took a lot of pictures of the Turnstones. It was mentioned that some birds had rings, so that was interesting to know about. It would be nice to know where the birds have come from. I will report the rings to the appropriate people now asap.
Lots of Gulls of all types, species, and sizes, where sitting on the roof of one of the beach arcade buildings. They must have been sunning themselves on the hot tin roof LOL. The sun was beautiful today. I was looking forward to some more bird watching at Titchwell Marsh.
Remembrance Sunday showed a gathering of people standing at the local War memorial in town at 11am in the morning. There was silence at 11am – lots of associated music, a voice called out to state the war hero’s life, and the people who fought for their war efforts. There where lots of people standing in rows in silence, heads down, and saying nothing to one another. Poppies everywhere you looked on lapels, medals, more Poppies on the memorial. It was just a poignant time to be close by such an important cause. The local seafront road was blocked by the Police so no local cars could drive by at all. This only added to the importance of the occasion.
We made our way back to the car, and set off to Titchwell Marsh. We arrived and went for a cup of tea, and then made our way to the Garden feeders to see a Female Pheasant eating the food from under the feeders. The garden feeders presented a lot of male and female Chaffinches, House Sparrows, Goldfinches, Robins, Great Tits, and Blue Tits. There was a couple of birds twittering as they flew in circles around each other in combat for food supplies. The feeders where draped in layers of leaves that had fallen of the nearby trees. The ground a-wash with leaves of all types, and it felt like autumn time was here to stay now. It was very crunchy underfoot while we walked about the area.
We moved on for a walk, and took note of the Brent Geese passing over our heads, honking as they did. They just seemed to get closer to our heads overhead, as we walked along the Shore path. Just fabulous to watch while they flew over your head like planes.
We made our way to Island Hide, and made ourselves comfortable in the draughty hide. My goodness it was cold. We set up our scope and we took time to observe birds at their best. There where a lot of Pintails looking their best. Lapwings, Golden Plover, Brent Geese coming and going over the waterways, and simply lots of all types of birds everywhere you looked.
Many groups of Teals, Wigeons, Golden Plover, Shelduck, Oyster Catchers, Mallard, and Shovellers everywhere you looked over the marsh area A few Redshank scattered here and there. The Redshank moved constantly feeding almost non stop. I could hear a Curlew calling in the midst of all the mass of bird calls in the area, but could not see it at all. There where too many birds to counteract any one sighting of one particular bird in the Marsh area.
We looked through the scope at the island to the left, and there was a fluffy chick amongst the Lapwings – a chick at this time of the year – talk about a late arrival. Hope that the chick survives. Wonder what species it was amongst the many birds.
Yet, more Brent Geese join up with the mixed soup of birds. The Brent Geese like to be very vocal birds about their arrival on the marsh area. I could a lot of muffled cries from the rushes and a group of Teal appeared from the Reeds and joined up with the commotion of birds and bird noises.
We moved on and along the Shore walk, and past two Pheasants, a male, and a female, on the left of us strutting about making their presence known. I looked up at the sky, and I could hear a lot of Pied Wagtails calling, along with the odd Skylark once more. The sky was alive with their calls.
In the middle area of the marsh we could see a group of Little Grebes - about 10 of them. The water was silent as the birds moved about diving and reappearing once more. The water made a plopping sound as the Little Grebes dived for their food. The Little Grebes stayed together in the one area very close to one another. In the distance end bank, a few Redshank moved about together. A lone Male Shoveller swam past, and the odd Black Headed Gull moved about. In the distance a lone Black Tailed Godwit stood next to a Redshank, and they seemed to want to be in each other company.
A Black Headed Gull swooped at an angle, and caught ‘fish’ from the marsh area. I have never seen them dive as they did and they meant business. The water produced a loud splash as they hit the water as they did for maximum effect.
We headed towards the new Seawall, and took note of a Male Reed Bunting sitting on the Seas Wall by itself, grubbing about. If it had been closer, we would have taken a picture of the bird in question. More Geese flew over our heads once more, and we looked up at the honking. Then some ducks joined in, and make their calls to keep together as a group.
A loud splashing of water, and a whoosh of flight feathers as the birds from the Marsh area flew up in the air in unison once more. First the Golden Plovers, then the Lapwing’s calling to each other in the madness. I counted 6 occasions the same birds where spooked into flight as they where. They flew with their own species. It was spectacular to watch. The Lapwings ended up all over the place in the confusion making lots of Pee-wits sounds. Everyone stopped in their tracks to look at the birds in motion over the top of their heads. The birds flew in a couple of tight circles and then landed once more as a group one after the other in the marsh area.
We walked on towards the shore path to the beach, and looked over the beach area only to see more birds feeding in the designated areas attached to the reserve. Lots of Oyster Catchers congregated in groups verbally making their presence felt. The sand went on for miles along with many rows of shore birds. A dog barked in the distance and the sea splashed landwards, showing a vivid blue shade, with a lot of white froth. The sea-air was bracing, and cool.
A Black Headed Gull stood there looking at us, and was not in the slightest bit afraid of us being so close by. Wonder if it has grown to trust people with all the tit-bits handed out. As we walked past another noise came from more Pied Wagtails and I could one or two see passing overhead churriping as they did.
We moved on and we could hear the noises of Bearded Tits, staying out of sight, well hidden in the Reed bed. This time we where not so lucky to see them at all. Still it was good to know their presence was there and that is what we noted. At one stage I saw two LBJ bobbing and down in the tall Reeds, and I am sure it was Bearded Tits, but it was not clear cut enough for a proper sighting of the bird.
We aimed back towards the visitor centre feeling cold. It was getting later now in the afternoon so there was a lot of bird activity going on. Birds flying and making their way back to their roosts for the night.
We had a quick cup of tea, and then made our way along the Meadow Walk to the Fen hide. As I walked along the pathway, I scared a Female Pheasant to fly into the sky, and she scared me too. Then she settled amongst the high Reeds, and disappeared once more.
The ‘Fen Hide’ is what I called cosy. It was easier to sit in there without feeling too cold. We stayed in there for 20 minutes or so. We spotted a Water Rail sliding between the reed beds. At one stage it flew up in the air and then dive bombed from the top of the reeds and into the water. We had three good looks at the bird before it disappeared once more.
A Stock Dove came down for a long drink of water from the water way. It drank for a while. A Robin did the same thing. The water rippled with bird and insect activity. The place was full of insects so ideal fodder for any insect eating birds. A group of ducks flew overhead honking at one another.
The birds had now started to congregate in close knit groups as it was getting late in the day. It was time for us to go now, and make our way back home. This outing ended our weekend at Norfolk.
We made our way back home passing a couple of Reserves on the way back. The Welney WWT site took our interest. We will be back for another look once more. So now we will be looking forward to another visit in the coming weeks. We will use the same hotel once more at Hunstanton for another night as it was well worth it for a worthy place to stay any day.
Another two pictures of the Turnstones
Male Teal
Redshank
Male Shoveller
and a couple more pictures to come....
Pheasants under the bird feeders
Fen Hide
View from Fen Hide
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Kathy, thank you for that very detailed and illustrated report of your bird watching weekend. You were certainly very successful in the species numbers you observed but I can also feel how cold you were in that hide. Thanks for sharing your photos, which are really great to see.
A brilliant account and some very nice photo's, thanks for sharing.
It is high on my list of must do's. My inability to pass an opportunity to watch, at the one I'm passing, cost me the day last time as I only got as far as Cley Marshes before the light and the day had gone. I will correct this one day.
John :-)
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi Brenda
Thank you for your kind comments about my report. The hide which was brrr to sit in was the Island one, and the Fen hide in the pictures was the cosier one, To be honest any amount of sitting around chilled you to your bones. So it is time to invest in thermal undies designed for sitting in hides LOL.
Still the birds where fabulous to see any day. As we all know we are all still learning all about species too. We are still picking up a new species each time we go out birding, and new facts too - such a lot of learning to do.
Hi John
Thank you for your kind thoughts about my report. I have not been to Cley yet. I have sat in the visitors centre once a while ago, and that is about all at the moment. We must spend time looking around and seeing what is on offer. I heard that there are no public toilets at Snettisham so that is not so good. Still a lot of places to investigate around Norfolk and there is no shortage of them at all.
I hope that you can pop in for a visit to Norfolk one day, as I am sure that you will enjoy it once more - as long as the weather is good with all the coastal wind and rain.
Hi Blackbird,
Thanks for that super report of your weekend. What a lot of birds you saw! Norfolk sounds wonderful. I have a friend who goes there regularly and she says she will take me with her next time :-)
Looking forward to seeing some more of your photos.
SB
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
hi SB
Thank you once more for you kind reply to this thread.
I wish we had more time with Titchwell Marsh - like a week so we can really get to know all of the bird species there. The odd 'different' bird that got away was hard to see because of the sheer mass of birds to see.
I would work on your friend to take you as it is the best time of year at the moment. There are Sprinter buses that go past the reserves so not all is lost if you are short of transport.
Must work on the photos, and get used to the camera and all of its workings for more precise shots.
Unknown said: Hi Blackbird, Thanks for that super report of your weekend. What a lot of birds you saw! Norfolk sounds wonderful. I have a friend who goes there regularly and she says she will take me with her next time :-) Looking forward to seeing some more of your photos. Regards SB
Another great report Blackbird! You have a flair for writing! What a fab weekend and an excellent selection of birds you saw!! I join the others in hoping to visit Norfolk one day!! Love the pics too!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Thank you MarJus for your kind words about my report, and my pictures.
Maybe we all should have a Norfolk get together in the future.
Norfolk is a stunning place, very old world charm. The scenary is out of this world, and the area is lovely ....very charming indeed.
Rockwolf said: Another great report Blackbird! You have a flair for writing! What a fab weekend and an excellent selection of birds you saw!! I join the others in hoping to visit Norfolk one day!! Love the pics too!