I decided to make the most of the day and headed up to the coast for 'first light'. A quiet drive came to life with a Lesser Whitethroat on Old Woman's Lane (with another heard at Salthouse). Immediately as I turned onto the A149 Sedge Warblers could be heard, with at least 4 on the south side of the reserve. A quick stop at the NWT Centre produced plenty of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit (with 45 of the latter counted at Salthouse) and a solitary Green Sandpiper. At least 4 Marsh Harriers were over the reedbed (but no Swifts seen!) Walsey Hills was alive with Willow Warblers and Blackcaps (and Chaffinch etc), punctuated by a roving Cetti's Warbler - which gave one of those, 'What the...oh, it's a Cetti's' moments, as it briefly showed out in the open - and a Reed Warbler gave a couple of blasts of song. A walked round Salthouse and Gramborough Hill lacked many passerines, with a Common Whitethroat and 3 Reed Buntings being the main haul, but this was balanced by others. A Common Sandpiper called as it flew W and the sea produced 3 Fulmar W, Gannet E and 6 Common Scoter, which eventually flew W. A calling Whimbrel flew E (I was expecting it to be going W - but parity was gained when 2 more birds flew W over the marsh.
An afternoon return produced a Yellow Wagtail over Weybourne, 4 Wheatear E of Salthouse Car park (new arrivals or late risers?) and two Mallard broods on the 'duck pond'. Walsey Hills was much quieter, although the Cetti's was still making the occasional racket! I then took the opportunity to visit Bishop's Hide (now part of the 'Route Patch'!) Two Little Ringed Plover were present, along with a summer plumaged Spotted Redshank and 8 Ruff. A single Dunlin and still plenty of Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit, as well as a call from a (the) Green Sandpiper also graced the stage.
Norfolk Bird Info to:
E-mail: ruralchill@live.co.uk
Mobile: 07749779149
Norfolk 376 UK400, 364 BOU, Year 184, Route 137, Sp 92, SM 100, SF 48
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