Holkham

A cold Spring day along the Holkham fresh marsh, and there was plenty to be seen. Brent geese were in good numbers, and there were plenty of waterfowl. Ruff seemed to appear out of thin air, as every time I turned round there were more. Egyptian Geese were making one hell of a racket, and one pair seemed to be nest building high up in the pines. 

On the beach and shoreline, a handful of Sanderling were scuttling about whilst being ably supported in numbers by the loud calling Oystercatchers. Although the sun was out, like many walks at Holkham, it was very much on the cold side.

Brent Goose (dark-bellied)

Egyptian Goose, and a few Ruff.

The lovely Sanderling at the waters edge.

 A pair of Wigeon on the marsh.

Down by the Beach

A cold morning at the beach in Norfolk during the winter months always throws up some good birds. These were taken at the start of this year, when it was cold, but not as cold as it is here right now. 

There were some Pintail on a pool at Cley, and on the sea were several Red-breasted Mergansers. The beach held all sorts of waders, with Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Sanderling, Plovers and Curlew. Geese were flying overhead making lots of noise, just in case I hadn't noticed the vast numbers with my own eyes. The sun had not been long in the sky, so it made for some very nice light.

Pintail

Red-breasted Merganser

Common Redshank

Oystercatcher

Sanderling

Sanderling and Oystercatcher

Sanderling - Hoylake

Waders are my thing. You know where they will be (most of the time). There are no twigs, branches, foliage or fences in the way (if you are on the beach). Plus if you wait patiently they will eventually head towards you. 

This is exactly what happened when I went looking for Sanderling at Hoylake on the Wirral. I realised that I had not ticked these off for my year list and they are one of my favourite waders. They are great fun to watch as they scurry around the shoreline that appears to be chasing them. Definitely not the biggest of birds, but a real joy to see at any time. In good sunlight, it's even better. 

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.

Dunlin and Sanderling

I stopped off recently at Farmoor reservoir in Oxfordshire. I was in the area and a Black-throated Diver had been reported, so it seemed daft not to go and take a look. Unfortunately the reservoir was huge and the diver was asleep right in the middle of it. I got some good views through the scope, but   photos were an impossibility.
A lot closer on the banks of the reservoir, were a nice Dunlin and Sanderling, both in really lovely breeding plumage. I don't think I've seen a Sanderling in this plumage before.
They were both very confiding and gave me a great opportunity to get close. At close proximity you can really appreciate how small these birds are. No binoculars needed, and they are small.

Dunlin with the black front.

The Sanderling, which doesn't have a black front.

Holme-next-the-Sea beach

I love an early start to my bird watching day, so when the opportunity arises I like to grab it. In Norfolk (back in February) I got myself up and out to Holme beach for sunrise. It was cold, but the sun always makes things better when it comes out.
I had no idea what I was hoping to see, so anything was a bonus and there were a few too.
The tide was well out and it took me a good five minutes to get near the shore line. Redshanks were dabbling around the pools left by the outgoing tide and a few Sanderling and Dunlin were scurrying about as if it was last orders at the bar. Some Godwits turned out to be of the Bar-tailed variety.
There was a constant stream of Cormorants going across the sea and then a few flocks of Brent Geese came from the Snettisham direction.
A stunning morning which was just me and the birds.

A Redshank looking none to impressed.

Sanderling

Bar-tailed Godwit

Brent Geese

 

 Some that I found later in the fields feeding.

Sanderling - Hoylake

A bird that I concentrated on while at Hoylake was the little Sanderling. A wading bird similar in size to the Dunlin which was also seen in good numbers at Hoylake. In winter plumage here, it has a lovely silvery grey colour on top and an almost pristine white underneath. It is a winter visitor here but a little bird I love seeing all the same. So apologies if I've over indulged with too many pictures.