17/04/2009

Migrant Hunt

Friday April 17
Sue had to call off the planned half day birding due to a tooth disintegrating and an emergency dental appointment. Undeterred, we happily changed our plans, leaving home at 6.09 (Pam's very precise), arriving at Snettisham coastal park at 7.30. What a dismal grey, overcast and cold morning, a north easterly wind again. We trudged through the scrub, hearing Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Sedge Warblers, adding only Grasshopper Warblers and a Common Whitethroat to the year list. What a difference from yesterday's reported birds. A helpful local birder gave us a short introduction to the area which is new to us. We've only been in the north section once before in the nineties to see a Little Bittern.
Holme did not add anything either - but the cup of coffee was good. Redwell held no waders at all.
Gritting our teeth, we walked into the wind at Titchwell and at last, the sun began to break through. The drake Red-crested Pochard swam into view from the island in the right hand corner of the freshmarsh, an immature Little Gull perched on a rock, the only waders were single Black T Godwit, Snipe, Redshank and two Ruff. Numerous Swallows passing through to-day. Near to the Centre turnoff, on the return journey, we actually saw well a Cetti's and the Blackcap was singing in the open.
Lunch at Burnham Norton, a quick recce at Salthouse Heath and a coffee at Coastguards before home for a rest before going out to supper at Kate and Jim's. Shall we be able to stay awake..........?

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