February 23
The third determined attempt for the Strumpshaw Fen Penduline Tit - and another dip. We were sat in the hide at 7.40 a.m and didn't leave until 11.40, chilled to the marrow and shivering. My fingers were numb. We did have eight views of three, possibly four (Pam says) flying Bitterns and both male and female Sparrowhawks. Three Marsh Harriers, two singing-post perched Reed Buntings and a distant singing Cetti's Warbler helped keep us occupied on the draughty vigil.Early drizzle became wintry sunshine for an hour or two which made for good viewing. The cloud gradually built up and we left in drizzle too.
As Buckenham Marsh is so near, we drove to the Angler's car park to see if the Spoonbill reported from yesterday was still there. No it wasn't. Just hundreds of Wigeon, thousands of Golden Plover and fewer Teal.