Last weekend in Norfolk...

We joined the Bedford RSPB Group on a trip to the North Norfolk coast - starting at Cley. When we arrived it was overcast and raining lightly - so we decided hot chocolate & cake would buoy our spirits and see us through until we enjoyed a late lunch! A Marsh Harrier hunting over the marshes close to the visitor centre was our first raptor of the day, quickly followed by a Hobby flying over whilst refreshments were consumed. Along the East Bank we were treated to good views of Black-tailed Goodwit feeding on the marsh with Greylag and a large group of Egyptian Geese plus a single Ruff in the margins.

A seawatch produced Arctic Skua, Gannets, Merganser, Common and Sandwich Terns, Cormorants and an elusive seal.

There had been reports of a flock of Lapland Bunting in the area but we felt lucky to have found just one, which was skulking in the vegetation at the top of the dunes. When it was in full view it was a beautiful little bird but it did not stay still for long.

The North Hide produced the usual suspects - Teal, Cormorants, Gadwall along with a Little Stint close by. Another spell of seawatching before we walked back down the road to the visitor centre produced a trio of Common Scoter fairly close to the shore.

We then went west along the coast to Thornham Harbour where we found Spoonbill, Oystercatchers, various Gulls and waders feeding on the exposed mud of the estuary.

These were all seen as we walked to Holme NOA where a Barred Warbler had been seen earlier in the afternoon.

Unfortunately for us it was a 'no show' but Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Dunnock did their best to entertain us while we waited. The return walk produced Kingfisher and Pied Wagtail.