November 1

A calling Tawny Owl saw us on our way for our 'first of the month' outing. Not to begin with, but eventually, a beautiful late Autumn day. Warm sunshine with little wind enhanced the warm russet, yellows and red of the still well-leafed trees. We both like ploughed fields too, a soul warming morning.
Three different coveys of Grey Partridges, one before Abbey Farm and the others after, skeins of Pinkfeet making their constantly pattern-changing waves across the sky, what could be lovelier.

 Actually seeing a Little Owl at Abbey probably......we're too early for raptors to be flying there.
Beautiful Snettisham. Acres of glistening mud reaching out to a low tide sea. Snaking, water filled gullies, scoping for heads appearing from the multitude of crevices.

The clouds of Knot springing from the shore, swirling and morphing before settling again. About 600 Golden Plover rose as one, soaring skywards, flashes of gold and then pale under body as they careered about in a cloud mass - for no apparent reason.

Plenty of Little Grebes on the pits, no Goldeneye yet.

Finding a Grey Plover feeding on the grass verge of Snettisham beach car park was surprising.



Plenty to eat



Not able to walk, my calf muscle is still too sore for more than a short stroll - and instructed to rest it (how frustrating) by a physio - Holme was a visit to the hide overlooking Broadwater only.
A Common Buzzard sat on an NWT hide roof, almost impervious to bold Magpies creeping ever nearer - until one tweaked its tail. Even then, it only moved its head.

A few Redwings and Fieldfare still hanging about, we saw many more of the former to-day.
For the first time in three months, there were Corn Buntings in the hedge opposite Choseley barns, plus a few Yellowhammers.
Lunch at Brancaster Staithe watching the tide come in was quite delightful. So enjoying the view that I forgot to photograph until there was too much water. Mud adds texture and depth to the scene.
Despite trying hard, scoping towards Gun Hill and Burnham Overy Marshes from the roadside, I couldn't find either of the two Rough-legged Buzzards. Neither could anyone else. Got home before a pager message announced one sitting in a field late afternoon.
Cley to add a few list birds after failing to see any Waxwings or the reported Great Grey Shrike in Old Woman's Lane.
Eighty species from the car was very pleasing, especially after such a lovely day. Bliss for me, sunshine, birds and photography - not necessarily in that order.