Friday 4 November 2016

Norfolk Waxwings

A trip to Norfolk this morning in search of Waxwings, started with a 2 hour seawatch at Cley. Almost immediately a single Little Auk was seen flying low and fast heading West towards Blakeney. It would be the only one seen during the 2 hours. 
Long-tailed Ducks were seen and close scope views were had of a pair as they dropped down onto the water relatively close. Plenty of Red-throated Divers were seen flying East and and 2-3 sat on the sea close to the shore. Small numbers of Gannets were also seen along with five male Eiders providing another welcome year tick.
We left Cley and headed towards Burnham hoping to connect with some Waxwings. The reported birds around Burnham Overy Staithe failed to appear so we set about trying to find our own. Which we duly did when we reached Burnham Norton. Driving the back roads we came across a flock of 20+ birds perched on telegraph wires and nearby trees.
Light conditions were terrible, very grey overcast conditions with light rain mixed in, but that didn't stop us trying to get a photo.




A brief stop at Brancaster, with the usual Turnstones and Redshanks present. A single Grey Plover was also busily feeding on the exposed mud.



A stop at Ttichwell for coffee allowed a brief seawatch from the beach. Producing 3 Velvet Scoter among a flock of Common. Several Red-breasted Mergansers were also seen close by.
There was plenty of activity along the shoreline with Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwits, Grey Plover, Knot and Oystercatchers all present.

Before heading for home we took another drive to Burnham Norton, but the Waxwings had moved on to feed elsewhere. We did the same!

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