As Jen was looking after the pub this weekend I had the chance to go on my own. This meant that although I had meetings at the house from 10am I could get an hour and a half at Titchwell before picking up the keys from the agents.
The Spotted Crake that had been there some time was my main target so I made my way to the Island Hide.
The big lens brigade were already in the best places and it was a good 15 minutes before a movement against the reeds. This tuned out to be a juvenile Water Rail. I tried to get a photo but was barged out by a guy with the largest lens I have ever seen. I was unsure whether he was taking photos or bringing down Malaysian planes - it was that large!
Fearing that if the Crake did appear, I would struggle to see it I left the hide and waited on the path. The light was poor with the sun shining straight at me but at least I had room to see. After a patient half an hour it briefly appeared and I managed to get a poor record shot and a lifer.
In fact you can just see the juvenile Water Rail behind!
I only had about 40 minutes left to see the whole of Titchwell so quickly made my way to the beach. On route I saw the normal array of waders and ducks.
On the way back I saw hidden in the reeds by the freshmarsh a Chinese Water Deer,
By now it was time to get the key and so headed for Wells.
The way my appointments were scheduled meant that I had about an hour and a half at lunchtime between appointments. I decided to have a quick scan at Cley which is only 15 minutes drive away.
Nevertheless, there was simply not enough time to do everything so I made my way to Bishops Hide to see if I could get Wood Sandpiper - another year lister.
I had just the perfect view in great light so managed to get a decent photo.
I also managed at greater distance Green Sandpiper and even Common and Curlew Sandpiper but they were even further away.
Overall a very good day but birding under time constraints is just no fun!
