Minsmere and North Norfolk

Dave had been forced to take some annual leave and I had a couple of days left too so we decided to travel on a Thursday to Minsmere, go onto Bleydon Water near Great Yarmouth, overnight near Cromer then do some of the North Norfolk coast on the Friday.

So a 5.30 am start and an overcast but mild day led us to Minsmere.

We had not realised that the Environment Agency were shoreing up the coastal defences which meant that Minsmere was not as accessible as it normally would be and our favourite walk up to Dunwich Heath was out of the question.

It all looked a bit devoid of birds and the marshes and lagoons held Brent Geese, the odd Shelduck, normal ducks and just two Avocet and a few Black Tailed Godwits. Not even a Redshank or Plover!

Talk of a Melodious Warbler led us to the bushes by the Sluice but apart from a Green Woodpecker, Meadow Pipits and a pair of Stonechat there seemed little about. Seawatching did produce Gannet but nothing else.

We had seen Marsh Harriers and the usual common birds but were about to give up when we came across a family of Bearded Tits in the reedbeds on the walk back to the Car Park. This was the best views we had ever had and although they were skittish, did manage a photo or two.

A quick bacon and sausage sandwich later we were off to Bleydon Water.

Journey time of an hour and the enforced stop by Dave for a huge portion of chips at a fish shop near Lowestoft later, we arrived.

What was immediately apparent was that there were loads of waders, geese and ducks. All were well out on the mudbanks meaning the scopes were essential. Nothing really special but Ringed Plover, more Avocet, Black Tailed Godwits, Bar Tailed Godwits, Whimbrel, Curlew, Knot, Dunlin, Turnstone and Redshank were added to the list.

On our way back to the car we noticed Skylarks and a lone swan which on further examination turned out to be a Whooper Swan though by this time light was against us.

Onwards and upwards we drove to Overstrand to the White Horse for our overnight stop. This looked a good move as the room was super and the bar had food and three real ale handpumps. However, the beer options were too strong and dark for our tastes so we decided to drive the short distance to Cromer.

Three pints of Wherry and a superb Indian later we were back at the White Horse for an early night.

They did not offer breakfast until 8am so we did not get away as early as we liked but it was a splendid full English, The Pub runs offers in the winter months and gives RSPB members a 20% discount meaning we paid a tad over £30 each for b and b - great value!

First stop of the morning was Cley.

Seawatching was fantastic as everything seemed to be close in compared to other visits.

Highlights were feeding Gannets, a flock of at least 25 Velvet Scoter and a lifer for us -  a pair of Little Auks.

On the small pool there was a single Curlew which stayed long enough for a photo and a flyby Snipe.

The main pool was heaving with ducks and geese with Brents, Wigeon and Teal predominating with a smattering of Pintails.

We added Ruff and Grey Plover to our ever growing list before walking back along the beach in the hope of Snow Buntings (no luck). A single Gull identified by Dave as a Med Gull - turned out to be a Black Headed Gull so no change in his Gull ID skills then!

The later than ideal start and gloomy conditions meant that after a quick coffee at the visitor centre we went straight to Titchwell.

This turned out to be an inspired move.

The main highlights were that the freshwater marsh was home to an enormous flock of Golden Plover which were just stunning to see.

The new Parrinder hide was packed so we went down to the beach for some sea watching. Though this was unproductive, the shoreline was teeming with waders and we added Oystercatcher.

By now, the light was fading fast and so we decided reluctantly to make our way back.

The final highlight of the day came as we looked in the ditch to the side of the path near the visitor centre.

Low and behold was a Water Rail. We had never had such excellent views of this elusive bird and although the terrible light made photography all but impossible I did manage a record shot for posterity.

Overall we had manged a very respectable 81 species and a super couple of days.