19th Feb - sunny, 8C, keen SW

Today's observations in Norfolk and pics will be added tomorrow.

Old Hunstanton; a quick look over the sea for a while did not find too much, but several Fulmar were flying towards the cliffs, they nest here and seem to be doing well.

Thornham Harbour; a visit to the harbour area particularly to see the Twite was next.  these small finches are really great, although at first they look plain and dull a close look shows them to be really well marked with a yellow bill.  30 were counted in one flock and close views were had.  They breed in upland areas and move down and to the coast for the winter where conditions are less severe.

On top of a channel marker a Kingfisher surveyed the scene.  Walking along the bank towards Holme there were plenty of Skylarks and meadow Pipit, a Rock Pipit flew past calling and settled on the marsh.  On the pastures Pink-footed, Brent, Canada and Greylag Gees grazed, accompanies by Lapwings, Golden Plover, Starlings and Wigeon. The hoped for Merlin never showed, but Marsh harriers were over the fen areas.

The next stop was Brancastor Staithe to see the Red-necked Grebe that has been there awhile, it was in the main channel just off the car parking area, with a Little Grebe and Goldeneye.  around the harbour area were a variety of other birds, including Brent Geese, Curlew, Turnstone, Godwits and Oystercatchers.

A visit to Choseley barns area next for the Rough legged Buzzard resulted in one very brief view as it dissapeared over the crest and hedge, but then not re-located.  However, 3 Buzzard, a Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were seen there.  Grey and Red legged Partridge were present on the fields as well has many Hare, easily more than 20 were visible.

Titchwell RSPB reserve was the next place, first a coffee and check the feeders.  A good mixture of Tits and Finches were on the feeders including a female Brambling.  its always worth looking in the ditch as you go down the main path for  Water Rail, and sure enough one was feeding there oblivious to those walking past.  Looking over the freshmarsh a single Water Pipit was feeding with several Meadow Pipits.  On the main marsh there was a good selection of birds, including both Black-tailed and Bar-tailed Godwits and a good flock of Avocets.

Reaching the shore the tide was well out making space for waders to be feeding along the edge, including Sanderling, Turnstone and many others. Out on the sea a very distant flock of Common Scoter, several Red-breasted Mergansers were close to shore and a single Great-crested Grebes.
In all, nearly 60 species were seen at Titchwell.