One of the many good things about birdwatching is the wonderfully varied places that we get to see in pursuit of our chosen pastime. On this occasion the north Norfolk coast in general and our base, Wells-next-the-Sea, in particular. The coastline has a salt marsh margin, of varying width, behind a sand or sometimes a shingle bank with low lying hills beyond. Wells itself has a tree lined common with classic  buildings and Georgian doorways. Between this area and the quay the architecture gives way to very characteristic (of the north Norfolk coast) red brick lined flint walls and houses.  Following a very very wet journey we managed an early evening walk along the quay. Curlew and Redshank could be heard calling from the mist and rain covered marsh opposite the quay. The September warnings of extreme tides brought fishing boat mast tops level with the quay (low water). In the morning the boats could unload directly into a waiting lorry, high water was within 18” of the quay. Global warning does not bode well for Wells-next-the-Sea. We returned to the Cobblers B&B to dry out.  After breakfast in a sunshine filled glorious blue morning sky, 13 members assembled from various directions, at the Cobblers. Ray said ‘Jay’ and a Jay flew over, then, ‘Little Egret’ and a little egret flew over. I’m not sure if it’s a command or an observation. And so to the RSPB Titchwell reserve. On route to the first hide we were treated to simultaneous views of  Merlin astride its prey, Kestrel in flight/perched and a Sparrowhawk sortie above. Good views were enjoyed by all of Bearded Tit, Water Rail, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier, Grey Plover, Avocet, Blacktailed Godwit and Dunlin. Geese seen were Greylag and Egyptian. On the beach Ray said ‘Scoter’ and Scoter appeared in the waves. A search of the waters edge, near to and amongst mussel beds, yielded Ringed Plover,Turnstone and Sanderling. A look around Choseley Barns, on the way back to Wells, failed to secure the hoped-for Corn Bunting or partridge. We did, however, see a singleton Yellow Wagtail.

Sunday (by John)

I failed to get up in time for the early morning sea watch stroll (I did make it on the last day!) so after the usual trip to the bakers for lunchtime rolls, Tony and I joined the others assembled at Cobblers with another fine day promised.

Today we were to visit the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Cley. Many of you will know this beautiful reserve but, for those of you who don’t, it is well worth the visit. Good walkways, extensive scrapes and reed beds overlooked by spacious hides and great birds. Together with a beach car park for sea watching it makes for a wonderful day out.

Amongst the numerous waders and duck on the scrapes were several Spotted Redshank which are always worth seeing, much more elegant than the common Redshank (and much scarcer). From the beach there was plenty to see with Divers, Common Scoters, Gannets and a Shearwater which prompted much debate. The final decision was that it was probably a Great Shearwater.  After lunch in the sun on the dunes our walk back to the cars was halted by 3 Curlew Sandpipers on the edge of a nearby pond.

The afternoon session was at Holkham Pines, a reserve backing onto sand dunes but containing many more trees. From the hide we were treated to spectacular views of a male Marsh Harrier. We had already seen several Marsh Harriers that day and the previous day but this was by far the best sighting. A Brown Hare was also showing quite well. 69 species had been seen that day and back at the car park everyone was treated to ice creams by Richard Turner (courtesy of Sue!!)

It was Sue’s **th birthday and the evening meal proved very enjoyable and the walk from the pub a bit raucous. [Sue adds: I would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who made my birthday special]