North Norfolk Birding

I had a brilliant Bank Holiday at my parents in Norfolk recently. It's possibly the best time of year to visit this marshy coast line, as the reeds, pools, marshes and sea hold so many different varieties of wildlife all at once. Sedge Warblers were in abundance, singing constantly from their chosen bush or reedbed, while the accompanying Reed and Cetti's Warblers, Whitethroat, and Lesser Whitethroats all added to the cacophony.

There were plenty of waders on show too, with the Redshank particularly active as they defended their territories. These were supported by good numbers of Avocet, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, Bar and Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Knot, Avocet and Curlew. Add in raptors such as Marsh and Hen Harrier and it really was a bird field weekend.

You can see my latest wanderings here:

Lesser Whitethroat

Little Ringed Plover

Garganey

Redshank

Reed Warbler

Ringed Plover

Sedge Warbler

Wood Sandpiper

Sandbach Flashes

I followed up some news of a Wood Sandpiper and Garganey at Sandbach Flashes on Sunday morning. As I left Manchester it was raining. The further I headed into Cheshire the sunnier it became. Always a good thing.
On arrival I couldn't locate either targets, but was soon pointed in the right direction but some very helpful birders, who kindly came and found me to let me know.
The Wood Sandpiper shot is worse than a record shot, so apologies, but it's the first one I've seen so it deserves a place here.
The Garganey are slightly better but light and distance were both against me. I was surprised to see how small this dabbling duck is. Not much bigger than a Teal and much smaller than a Mallard, that can be seen in the pictures for comparison.

3 Garganey towards the back with a Mallard at the front.

 Wood Sandpiper. (Digiscoped)