Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Thursday 9 February 2023

Holkham Gap Shorelark

A winter trip to my parents in Norfolk will at some point involve a long trudge across Holkham beach to look for Shorelark. This year it was an early morning visit. The sun was just coming up and a cold wind was blowing across a quite unforgiving landscape. It was a biting cold and meant hat, gloves, snood and extra layers were essential. Walking into the wind on the mile or so walk through Holkham gap had me asking the question, what if they're not there? Thankfully we were rewarded, eventually. We had walked past their usual area and so decided to take a look at the sea, where we spotted a few Sanderling running alone the tide line before being chased off by a marauding dog. Grrrrrr!!

Back to the search, and just as the sun lit the sand dunes behind us I saw movement on the ground in front. I think there were about a dozen or so Shorelark heading towards us. So we stopped where we were and set up the scope to watch them go about their business. Fantastic little birds, just so difficult to spot, but spot them we did and it was mission accomplished. I'll make the same trip I've made many times next year, when hopefully I will catch up with them once again. 

The walk back, which seemed much shorter, had us watching Brent Geese, Redshank and a couple of Egyptian Geese for good measure.







16 comments:

  1. Gorgeous bird portrait. The feathers and the colours are beautiful

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  2. Your cold walk has been rewarded with these beautiful photos.
    Well, dogs running loose on the beach is a disaster.
    Greetings Irma

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  3. Pretty captures of the Shorelark. They look similar to our Horned Lark. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.

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  4. Hello Adam :=)
    Well done for capturing this fantastic little bird in such cold conditions. I have never seen a Shorelark in the wild before. Thank you for sharing your brilliant photos.

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  5. It's a pretty bird. I'm glad you were able to sight it despite the cold conditions and apprehensions.

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  6. It's beautiful and so difficult to see. I know you were happy to spot it!

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  7. Thanks for sharing. Never seen before.

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  8. It is good that the cold walk was rewarded.

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  9. Prettiness. It's charming adventures like these in the lap of nature that keep us going.

    I can't ever get enough of nature. Was in for some tiger adventures, a few weeks ago and here's how it looked, in case it interests you.

    https://natashamusing.com/2023/02/tiger-safari-in-bandhavgarh-experiences-in-bandhavgarh-natasha-musing/

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  10. ...such a sweet little thing, I like the touch of yellow.

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  11. Something must be just perfect for Shorelark to turn up in the same spot every winter, the food, the vegetation and the particular niche that Shorelarks occupy. It was a long cold trek but worth the effort Adam. And I'll bet mom and dad were pleased to see you?

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  12. The yellow on the lovely bird catches the eye ~ wonderful photos

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  13. A pretty little bird, great captures.

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  14. Die Aufnahmen sind wundervoll. LG Romy

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  15. I love the lark it looks much like Horned lark I have seen.

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  16. very beautiful bird.....
    have a great day

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