24th May Norfolk - cloudy, fresh NE, 12C

The visit started by heading off to Weeting Heath reserve to see the Stone-Curlew.  The weather deteriorated, and was quite windy and cool,when I arrived there making many birds keep to,cover.  No doubt the Stone-Curlew thought the same as none could be seen on the heath.  Upto five have been seen, and three pairs nested but all suffered predation.  There were lots of Rooks feeding on the heath but not much else, the occasional Skylark braved the wind.

In the woodland the usual birds were present, and a single Spotted Flycatcher was trying to find some flys to catch but ins cuts were spares.  Hopefully there is a pair present that will nest, there often is.

I then headed to the coast, Blakeney, and decided to visit the NWT reserve at Cley, initially visiting the shore area.  Here the wind was even keener and pretty uncomfortable.  A quick look over the sea did not produce much, but a single drake Common Scoter was being tossed about on the sea.   I decided to seek shelter in the main hides and have a snack there.  The Avocets have chicks, they are not very good parents as the chicks roam off regularly, not surprising they are often taken by the Marsh Harriers, however both populations are doing well and growing - that's the way it is in the wild.  A lot of Swifts were hawking over the reserve with fewer Sand Marin and Swallow.  The onset of northerly cool weather had clearly stopped bird movement and very few other waders were present apart from the usual residents.

Later, optimistically, I went to Kelling Heath to see Nightjar, however it became cooler and more windy with spots of rain, so no self respecting Nightjar would bother to 'churr' or fly.  Linnet, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Goldcrest and Long-tailed Tits showed and occasionally sang, but it was hard going to find anything.

I decided to retreat to the warmth of my hotel, hoping tomorrows weather would be better.