Sue Does Not Choose Good Weather

Monday November 17
We delayed the start until 10.30 when the heavy rain had begun to ease. A detour to Felbrigg in case there were any wintering thrushes, brought all three expected corvids; the Little Owl was absent from its hole.
We can't resist driving down to gramborough at Salthouse and were rewarded with excellent views of a Kingfisher in the dyke. It flew towards us and then banked and arrowed away, its heavenly colours flashing in the sunshine.
Parking on the Triangle, we walked to Daukes where we sat for over an hour scrutinising Simmonds Scrape. A combination of mellow late Autumn light and beautifully plumaged ducks made viewing a real pleasure. At least 80 Blackwits, a few Dunlin and even fewer Ruff were joined by 6 Avocets. Such elegance. I swept the scrape time and time again looking for a Green-winged Teal, without success. Much to my chagrin - and delight - it was called by a woman a few seats away, feeding on the edge of the small island I'd inspected so thoroughly! It was amongst the Godwits, frequently disappearing from view.
I never tire of watching Marsh Harriers hunting over the reeds and one gave us a lengthy and splendid display, much to the joy of a young Scottish couple sat beside me. They were up from London and all the birds were new to them. How exciting - and they obviously found great joy in identifying new birds. I was very happy to help but, only if they asked, sometimes the learning is greater and the pleasure more profound if self generated.
Why didn't I carry my camera.........