Norfolk Birding

Still in Norfolk, and I was on the hunt for Twite once again. They gave me the slip on the first day, but I managed to find one at least on the second day. Really tricky little birds to find and see. The area where they were though meant I could see lots of other really good birds on the way. Lots of waders, such as Redshank, Curlew, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Oystercatcher kept my walk both colourful and vocal.

The odd Marsh Harrier drifted over a few times, and Little and Great White Egrets were on the waters edges and close to the reeds. Although the sun was out, it wasn't particularly warm, but that hadn't put off a few Swallows and Sand Martins that passed through unfazed. A spoonbill appeared from nowhere, which was handy as I wanted that on my year list. A Wheatear hopped onto a post and looked like it was enjoying the sunshine, while in the Blackthorn were a pair of Blackcaps, with the male singing and giving away their cover.

You can watch my latest adventure here:

Female Blackcap, with a rusty brown head

Male Blackcap

Gadwall

Spoonbill

Twite

A distant Wheatear

Twite

A bird that I have only seen fleetingly a handful of times before, is the Twite. I never have much luck with these shy birds. I have gone looking for them on many occasions and usually come up blank. I know where they can be found, but I somehow dodge them, or they don't like me. While out in the Lancashire countryside, I dropped in to a regular area for them, and this time a flock of around 30 birds dropped in over my head to an area of shore that had been seeded by some kind birder. I couldn't believe my luck this time. I'd not even started to look for them and there they were in front of me.

A super little bird with their small yellow bills. Most had colour rings on their legs from the local ringing groups. This helps to identify their movements when seen again and reported. I aim to let the relevant people know so that they can log the birds sighting.