A calm fine sunny day on the 29th was followed by three grey windy drizzly
days. On the first day at Weeting Heath there were seven Stone Curlew showing
well outside the two hides, a stoat tried to wreak havoc among the rabbits
on the heath while a Green Woodpecker in splendid plumage hunted near the boundary
fence.
At Lakenheath Fen the highlight was undoubtedly 2 - 3 Golden Orioles (two male,
one female), which flew out across the river several times between the poplar
plantations. Apparently at least two pairs were nesting in the woods. Other
species here included Common Tern, Sparrow Hawk, Stockdove, Little Egret and
Marsh Harrier. A short visit to Lynford Arboretum produced a Muntjac Deer and
Siskins.
On the 30th of June we visited Minsmere on the Suffolk Coast, the ‘Jewel
in the Crown’ of the RSPB. Waders on passage from the north included
Blacktailed Godwit, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank in breeding plumage. Four
Little Egrets, several bearded tits and turtledove were complemented by Bittern
in flight and the loud song of Cettis Warbler. At Lowestoft the Chinese State
Circus and Mediterranean Gull completed the picture.
The 1st of July was spent on Cley Marsh and within five miles of the village.
A 100 plus Avocets, both adults and young, and several Ruff in superb breeding
plumage, Spotted Redshank and Whimbrel, Bearded Tits and Marsh Harrier, Shelduck
and Pintail. At Salthouse there was a first summer Mediterranean Gull and two
Egyptian Geese. In the Cley poplars were Jay, Turtle Dove and Garden Warbler.
We had two sightings of Hobby there then a pair of Red Legged Partridge on
the road at Kelling and three immature Little Gulls on Sheringham beach.
A boat trip to Blakeney Point on the 2nd of July gave us views of Little, Common,
Sandwich and two Artic Terns. Here were Dunlin, Turnstone and Whimbrel. On
the beach were Grey and Common Seal and Shelduck. On the marsh at Titchwell
Marsh Harrier, Ruff, Avocet and Cuckoo delighted us, as did the long staying
(ten years old) Blackwinged Stilt. On the coast were about 50 Common Scoter
and Eider and a summer plumaged Bartailed Godwit. The last birds were two Fulmars
wheeling over Hunstanton Cliffs.
We finally made it home for 11:00pm