Cold Brancaster

A damp morning, with rather a fresh (flipping cold) breeze (wind), but a good walk, along the beach at Brancaster. The rain stopped fairly quickly and it was good to be out. On the way back, once again a nip into Titchwell and a coffee....and a good view of a solitary Ruff. 

Looking back down the beach.

And up....

Mussel beds.

Razor Shells.

A decent tide line...

With Green Urchins and Painted Topshells.

Given the wind and waves, this inlet was remarkably calm. Sheltering were Eider Ducks, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Mergansers, Great Crested Grebes and a Black-necked Grebe.

Black-necked Grebe.

A drizzly day

Not a great forecast but drizzle was much better than the rain forecast. We opted to go to Holme Dunes and walk out onto the beach. The highlight was undoubtedly seeing Snow Buntings as there aren't many around this year. The conglomerate lumpy things were nice too! And head to the bottom of the blog for a quick and very rewarding stop at Titchwell.

Some interesting and attractive, (if you like this sort of thing!) conglomerate lumps.

Spot the four Snow Buntings.

It wasn't ideal conditions for photography, with driving drizzle!

After Holme we popped into Titchwell RSPB reserve, being as we were passing. Weren't we glad we did! 

Firecrest!

... and a well hidden Tawny Owl.

Cley: Harriers, Reeds and a Murmuration

After going to Sheringham, where there was an Eastern Black Redstart, which we didn't see, it was back to the reserve at Cley. Lots of Marsh Harriers and Avocets and also, in the visitor facility, a collaborative tapestry weaving installation called 'Murmuration'. An international group of 12 textile artists worked together, on their individual pieces to reflect the beautiful sinuous movements of a murmuration.

Plenty of Marsh Harriers...

Plenty of reeds..

Long-tailed Duck.

Looking along the beach..

Avocets, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwits.

Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits - one coming into nice colours.

'Murmuration' tapestry. Close ups below.

Snettisham mud

I always enjoy seeing the patterns and textures of the mud at Snettisham! A walk along the coast in 15 degrees and sunshine. Spring might be on the way! 

Knott.

Avocets and Oystercatchers.

And a Crane flypast!

Avocets and a Mediterranean Gull.

Grey Plover.

More mud!