A Norfolk weekend 1-3 February 2013

The traditional February weekend away now re-located to Norfolk during which we encountered some spectacular north sea sleet squalls brought in by a bitingly fierce northerly wind.

The weekend kicked off on Friday with an en-route visit to the Ouse Washes at Welches Dam where in addition to rather distant views of wild swans  a flock of c.200 Golden Plovers allowed closer scrutiny but were eclipsed by a series of impressive large overflying flocks of Goldies totaling c 2000, 5 Ruff (all males) were around and a couple of Goosander were just about it.. 

Saturday morning dawned with massive storm clouds coming in over the north sea and a light dusting of snow as we walked along the Wash bank at Snettisham. The crystalline clarity and fiercely bright light enhanced the high tide wader roost spectacle. In addition to the anticipated large numbers of Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwits etc the numbers of Pintail, Wigeon and Brent Geese were impressive; three Long-tailed Ducks which flew north close inshore were an added bonus.  

Oystercatchers

Knot and a lone Turnstone

We then headed for Holkham for the afternoon, several skeins of Pinkfeet flew overhead en-route. The weather deteriorated with massive rain and sleet storms sweeping in limiting our visit to a couple of hours, the best sightings were an adult Black Brant or hybrid with a small flock of  bernicla Brent Geese which also held a single adult hrota; some decent sized flocks of Pinkfeet were around with flocks arriving from the south and engaging in some frisky flight displays; just 4 White-fronted Geese and 2 Barnacle Geese. 

A strong westerly wind for the Sunday morning walk from Cley to Salthouse and back made birding hard work with 3 Red-throated Divers, a single adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Marsh Harriers and an impressive grazing flock of c.900 Brents being the best sightings. 

A final stop off at Woodwalton Fen was too late for any roosting Harriers but we did manage a single Woodcock at dusk and a couple of heard only Long-eared Owls.