North Norfolk

After a 5.30 pick up Jono and I headed for Kelling Water Meadows which was a new location for me.

We arrived in less than two hours.

There were a number of waders with Wood Sandpiper being the star of the show. A good start so off to Cley.

Jono had visited on Monday and it was heaving with birds but not so today. We did get a few waders but sea watching was fruitless and the main highlight was Wheatears - always a good bird.

After an excellent coffee in the visitors centre it was off to Stiffkey Fen which never seems to be busy with birders but was packed with waders, However, seeing 14 Spoonbills in one location was simply stunning. They were a long way out and with a gust blowing, digiscoping was virtually pointless. Of the 30 or so photos I took I only had these two which are no more than record shots.

Next to Titchwell which is always busy and no more so than on a lovely Sunday in school holidays. Nevertheless, it rarely dissappoints and apart from huge flocks of various waders including Golden Plover, we got excellent views of Godwits and Ruff making ideal photos.

Seawatching though also poor did throw up a year lister for both of us in Arctic Skua and another for me in Fulmar. Our plan was to finish here and stop off at Ouse Washes on the way home to pick up the Blue Winged Teal which had been showing all week.

Eventually we found the reserve and must admit, it looked very average to say the least. During a long walk to Stockdale Hide where the bird was last reported the birders coming the other way all said it has not been seen. It seems they were right as although these wre a good head of ducks, gees and waders with a fair few Garganey, there was no BWT. However, the best bird of the day - in fact three of them - came in the form of Common Crane. Although distant we did manage great views and a couple of half decent shots.

Apart from a distant flyover bird on my last visit to Lakenheath, this was easily my best views of this magnificent Crane. Overall a great day with great company as always - roll on the next trip to magical Norfolk!