March 1
Awake at 5.20 to a mini dawn chorus of Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Dunnock and a calling Tawny Owl but, not away until 6.10. The sky gradually lightened but not much, it was heavy grey, overcast all day gradually becoming steady misty rain much of the morning. Despite this, we had 30 birds listed by Abbey Farm including Tree Sparrow seen in the Harpley area and 2 Little Owls in the Abbey Farm oak. Abbey was very empty of wildfowl but we had another Tree Sparrow and the first Brambling and Yellowhammer. High tide again at Snettisham which is disappointing for waders as they roost in the far distance. A flock of 150 Avocets was the biggest we've seen on the north coast. A coach party filled the hide and paths but a pair with scopes trained on the beach led us to the single Snow Bunting.

Sea watching at Hunstanton was impossible due to poor visibility and very difficult at Gore Point but at least it had stopped raining by now. Five fly-by Long-tailed Ducks and a good variety of waders plus a Stonechat on the way back just before A and B drove by towards the car park. We met up with them in the NOA hide, adding the Pochard missing at Snettisham.
After a welcome cup of coffee at Thornham, we walked as far as the sea pool at Titchwell, adding a Yellow-legged Gull and Bearded Reedling to the year lists. noting the lack of waders.

At least 30 Corn Bunting at Choseley Barnsbefore lunching at Brancaster Staithe. A few of the usual stops on the coast were fruitless, no geese at all at Holkham for example. Home in time for the last painful minutes of the Carling Cup Final before extra time and a penalty shoot-out which Man U won thank goodness. I'd have been rooting for Spurs if they were playing anyone else.