Knot and Sanderling

I think it's roughly a mile from the visitor centre at Titchwell down to the beach. It's a very open area on both sides, so it's always a pretty breezy walk. In January, when it's cold and the wind is a little stronger, it can be quite an uncomfortable walk.
I left Mum and Dad in the warmth of the café with their hot drinks and trudged off. It was my aim to get to the beach no matter what, but there are always many stops to make on the way. I caught sight of a Snipe in flight over the salt marsh and Marsh Harrier hunting in the distance. Lots of Dunlin and some Avocet kept my mind off the wind for a while.
I got to the beach, and it was windier still. I picked out a Common Scoter on the sea, but not a lot else. The waders were what I was really after, and they were on the shore line even further away.
I kept walking though and got as close as I dare. I never want to frighten the birds, as they are not just there for me, but everyone. I like to let them come to me, and if you keep your distance, keep low and move slowly they will eventually head your way.

A lone Knot.

Sanderling scurrying around as usual, making it hard to photograph.

Sanderling. Shaky shots due mainly to the windy battering me sideways.

Grey Plover - Titchwell

There were a dozen or so Grey Plover at Titchwell when I visited a few weeks ago. I like Plovers of all kinds, (Golden especially) so I was delighted to see the Greys on the tidal marsh. The sun was in the right position too for a change, which was a real bonus.

Nice mud covered beak and legs.

And he's off across the sludge.

More Sculthorpe Moor

Sculthorpe Moor is always a good place to see Bullfinch, and this years visit was no different. A pair were at the first viewing screen as we stopped for a look at the feeders. The male so resplendent with its peachy red colouration, showing up starkly against the bare branches. Not as easy to spot once the leaves are out though. They are quite secretive and even their call is quite low pitched and easy to miss.

A Pheasant looking for easy pickings underneath the feeders.

It wasn't really that cold. Mum and Dad always dress like this. I didn't even notice the writing on the bench. :-)

A lovely view from one of the hides across the marsh. The pale wintry sky even looks cold.

Sculthorpe Moor

One of the sites that I've grown very fond of in Norfolk is Sculthorpe Moor, run by the Hawk and Owl Trust. It's usually quiet, but it has good boardwalk paths through the woodland and along to reed beds and marsh. There are hides and viewing screens along the way and the feeders are always well stocked.
And where there are feeders, you will get plenty of birds. Such a good variety too, with the usual woodland mix and some raptors too.

Male Great Spotted Woodpecker

Long tailed Tit at a feeding table.

Marsh Tit. A Sculthorpe favourite of mine.

A Treecreeper at a feeder.

Pallid Harrier - Flitcham

Last weekend, I spent what is fast becoming a Birthday event for me, a lovely weekend in Norfolk with my parents bird watching. Alongside that is some good food, drink and plenty of laughs and reminiscing. I look forward to it immensely once Christmas is out of the way.
There are always some good bird highlights and possibly one of the best for a while, was the sighting of a Pallid Harrier at Abbey Farm, Flitcham. It has been in the area for a while, but I wanted to catch up with it as this was a lifer for me.
We waited for 15 to 20 minutes before it showed itself, rising up from the stubble before disappearing once again. Another 5 minutes passed before it showed again. This time quartering the field in what was a real spectacle. We lost it over the hedge line before it shot straight through a gap in the hedge close beside us. An awesome sight and one I will remember for a while to come.

All shots are quite distant, but I'm pleased to have got some record shots of this harrier.

While waiting for the Pallid Harier to show, we were entertained by some large flocks of Brambling.

And a pair of Egyptian Geese.

Reed Bunting

I spent a couple of cold icy hours doing the rounds at Pennington Flash a couple of weeks ago. It was one of those where after a few minutes the tips of your fingers begin to hurt. No pain, no gain as the saying goes, so I braved it for as long as I could.
I actually love a cold frosty morning. Birds are more active in their search for food and far less secretive. Gloves, hat and several layers are a necessity though.

Reed Buntings were the most abundant bird this particular morning, which was good because I'd not really paid them too much attention recently. So I sat particularly still in a couple of the hides to do them justice. They didn't disappoint, with some lovely poses for me.

Goldcrest

There has been a real abundance of Goldcrests this winter. Catching a glimpse of one as it flits in and around the trees or bushes is quite often as good as it gets. You have more chance of hearing one with it's constant high pitched call always getting my attention in the bushes or conifers.

This guy stayed still long enough.

I am linking to Nature Thursday, hosted by Jutta. Nature Thursday