Norfolk Sensation.

Our Norfolk trip continued with a trip to Holme Nature Reserve, hoping to see a small party of Snow Buntings that had been seen in the area over the past few weeks. As we walked away from the car park towards where the birds had been reported, we followed three other birdwatchers. They arrived at the site just ahead of us, and although we saw a small group of Snow Buntings, unfortunately they were not too keen on being watched and they soon flew away. Despite further searching we didn't see them again.

We then went down to the sea where we caught up with more Turnstone, including one that allowed a close approach. Following this we headed to Holkham hoping for Shorelarks. This year though had been too mild for the birds to come down this far south, so we wandered around seeing very little, although several Deer were out in the meadows. Pink-footed Geese too were seen quite close. 

Turnstone.

After a slightly disappointing day, the only one of the trip, we headed the following day to Cley. A very long walk around the reserve was very rewarding with great views of many species of wader and my best close views of Marsh Harrier.

Pied Wagtail.

Male Marsh Harrier.

Female Marsh Harrier.

Avocet.

Last summer our favourite day had been at Hickling Broad. We were keen to head that way again just to see what an early spring day would bring. Obviously there would be no signs of the Swallowtail, which had been our main target last year, but I was hoping for lots of Small Tortoiseshell coming out of hibernation. As it happened, we did see Brimstone and Peacock, but that was about it for the butterflies. We were very surprised though to find a ride with several Adders in it. One female Adder was very tolerant, totally ignoring the footfalls from us and a few other people that walked past it, While I was photographing the snake, Lisa walked further along the track and found a Grass Snake. We ended up spending most of the morning along this lovely ride. 

Female Adder.

Grass Snake.

 After lunch I stupidly decided that I wasn't going to carry my heavy lens all around the reserve, so left it behind. However, after entering the Bittern Hide, to be told that two Bittern had just been seen flying into the reedbed, I began to question my decision. About ten minutes later a Bittern appeared at the back of the reedbed and I kicked myself. A further ten minutes later I really started to regret my decision as a Bittern made a fabulous show. Lisa of course had her 600mm and when she showed me her results I made the decision to walk quickly back to the car a get my 600mm. All the way back I was cursing myself at being so lazy. After the half hour walk I thought I was unlikely to see any more Bitterns now I had the big lens!!

The Bittern along the reedbed.

Entering the hide again I was sort of relieved to find that I hadn't missed any action, but also worried that my walk was going to be in vain. However, as the sun lowered and gave a fabulous evening light, another Bittern appeared. Further away this time, but with the longer lens, that was fine. It walked slowly away from us but also stopped several times where it posed beautifully. An absolutely superb bird

Bittern.

Whilst we were waiting for the Bittern action we were also treated to a distant fly-by from a pair of Common Cranes. A beautiful Grey Heron also flew in and spent time fishing in front of us.

Grey Heron.

Also joining us was a Great White Egret.

Great White Egret coming into land.

Hickling Broad once again delivered the goods for us, on such a beautifully sunny day too.

Our last day in Norfolk proved to be the only damp day. Fortunately it wasn't raining all day, and it takes a lot to stop us going out. We headed back to Titchwell as there would be plenty of hides to use if the weather did get worse.

I was lucky to find a Woodcock hiding in the cover. It was extremely difficult to get a clear shot of the bird, but by looking through the camera and moving slightly about I did manage to find a small window in the Bramble to get a reasonable image. We were so pleased that we had both found a Woodcock on the trip. A species that we had been hoping to see, as there are lots more in Norfolk than in our local Sussex woodlands.

Woodcock.

Once again Norfolk had given us a trip we will remember for a very long time. This trip had been to celebrate Lisa's birthday. We now have my birthday trip to look forward too later in the year when we head to Bempton, a place I have never been to before.