Montagu's magic

Woodland walk at Weeting Heath

Stone Curlews

 RSPB Titchwell

 

Little Tern

Cley

On Saturday I headed to Norfolk with Upton Warren birders, Mike, Jarrad and Craig as a spare seat was available. An awful forecast delayed our departure and scheduled route, so we headed straight to Weeting Heath. This small reserve duly delivered it's fantastic Stone Curlews who were very active unlike on my previous visit. Two chicks had been reported in recent days but I could not locate them. In total we observed 4 adult birds including three displaying. On the woodland walk which starts close to the west hide we all heard a recently arrived Stopped Flycatcher which we then located just above us. A superb start the day.

We then headed to North Norfolk's Choseley Barns via the Wolferton Triangle to see 8 Dotterels showing well in a crop field. The area is regarded as Norfolks best site for Corn Bunting but we only managed to locate one at a distance but we did finally see a Grey Partridge (Red Legged Partridge also present) which has been outstanding on my year list. A single Yellowhammer treated us to a couple of fly passes also. 

Then it was the five minute drive to RSPB Titchwell, probably the best nature reserve in England as you never fail to see some amazing birds. I would recommend the Cornish Pasties from the cafe as once again it hit the spot and recharged me for the walk down through the reserve to the beach. 

We got as far as the reed bed pool when two Garganey dropped out of the sky. The male was a real stunner and a target bird of the day. The only time I'd seen these ducks before was at a distance and sleeping so we got good views even though we had to stand on tip toes. Above us the recently arrived Swifts were so close you could have caught them. Yellow Wagtails flew over and a flock of late staying Brent Geese were present on the marsh land to the left of the path.

A Little Tern offered us some superb view as we moved closer to the beach. I managed to grab the above image using the camera I use for digiscoping. Photos were very difficult all day given how strong the wind was. 

Sea watching was very difficult with the swirling sand but there was good passage of Sandwich Terns, a couple of more Little Terns, Gannets, Common Scoter whilst Sanderling and Dunlin could be seen along the coast. Sadly no Eiders or Great Crested Grebes. Other sightings included March Harrier, Spoonbill, Oystercatcher, Avocets, Greenshank, Grey Plover, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Pintail, Turnstone, Oystercatcher. Whatever I write it doesn't do justice to a trip to Titchwell.

Next stop was a roadside viewpoint that Craig had researched as a good view for raptors. Within the first five minutes we observed Marsh Harriers displaying and Common Buzzards enjoying the thermals. We were just about to leave when one of the other birders on the other side road called "Male" in which we didn't need any second invitation to see the bird he found was a male Montagu's Harrier. What a bird, simply stunning. The bird really stood out against the greying skies and it was amazing to watch the birds powerful and elegant wingbeats giving an impression of total ease. I'd never seen a Montagu's before and he was a bird I will always remember.

Final stop was Cley Marshes however we dipped a pair of Temminck's Stints which had been flushed an hour before we arrived. Highlights were 5 Little Egrets, Spoonbill, Wheatear and two flight views of a Bearded Tit. A super days birding despite Mike reversing his car into me before heading off to home much to the amusement of Jarrad and Craig.