Sunday 18 January 2009

Back from Norfolk

And what a fantastic weekend it was. Despite the very heavy rain on the journey which thankfully cleared by the time we reached Lady Annes Drive, Holkham. Pink Footed and Brent Geese were present together with Grey Partridge, Little Egret and Marsh Harrier. Holkham Gap had plenty of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Linnet. Tiddy, Chris and I were also convinced we had two Snow Bunting within one of the Linnet flocks. Holkham Park was very quiet but we had fabulous views of two Woodcock near the hall entrance. Titchwell was next with a very obliging Barn Owl hunting by day at Burnham Overy Staithe. Highlights at Titchwell included a cracking Short Eared Owl, 23 Snow Bunting and a host of waders. We also heard, and some glimpsed, Bearded Tit plus several Water Rail. Briarfields Hotel was very good despite all of our twin rooms being doubles, although this was quickly put right.

A drunken(ish) evening followed and I can heartily recommnend the pizzas at The Old Coach House in Thornham. What I can't recommend is paying £4.25 for a small glass of dry white wine in the Orange Tree. Scandolous.

The next day saw us at Titchwell again after breakfast with Rob picking up the Black Brant on the Lavender Marsh. Other new birds for the weekend were Spotted Redshank, Eider, Fulmar and Water Pipit. Choseley was the next port of call but it was rather disappointing. We have just missed a single Corn Bunting and Stock Dove was the only new bird added.

Welney was the final stop. A whopping £6.30 to get in but stacks of Whoopers, only a few Bewicks and three Tundra Bean Geese (plus Canada Goose which was the first of the weekend!)

With individual lists in the late 90's we had managed a collective 100+ for the weekend despite not catching up with Common Scoter or Song Thrush!!

A cracking weekend and here's to many more like them.....

3 comments:

The Drunkbirder said...

Don't drink a girl's drink then! All hail to the ale! As Al Murray would say.

If you want pricey drink then try Paris... with the euro and the pound basically even the 500ml of crap lager is £9! £9 fucking, only had two halves all weekend but some cracking wines that were well worth the money.

Russ Malin said...

I know when I was in Paris some of the best wine I have ever tasted were the 3 for 2 jobbies in local supermarkets. Incredible quality and cheap as chips. I do like the occassional wine but sunk plenty of IPA and Woodfordes Wherry as well!!

The Drunkbirder said...

Ah Woodforde's Wherry... a fine beer!