Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk, was the meeting place for this months venue. On arrival all the
off road parking spaces were already taken, so we opted to park further up the lane. This was not
as easy as you might expect, the lane wasn't that wide and the verges quite narrow.
Eventually parked, we ambled down the long track toward the dunes. Mark had made us aware of two rare wheatears that might be available so hopes were high.
Good job we had a bit of nosh or "nosebag" as Dave Young would
call it, before we left as it was a fare trek.The weather was very kind, bright and sunny with a slight breeze. But as a budding photographer a bit contrasty (one excuse).
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| Isabelline Wheatear |
The first rare Wheatear we came across was a Isabelline. A rare eastern vagrant, a second for
me within a week as I had seen the Spurn bird earlier. Shortish tail accentuated by long legs
upright stance with a prominent dark alula , possibly the best features to look for.
Most people with a telescope had good views but it was flighty (excuse two). We only managed
distant shots.
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| The Stonechats would have looked like this, but with no leg iron |
Two or three nice Stonechats performed but as I didn't want to incur the wrath of others they
remained distant.
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| Desert Wheatear |
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| Desert Wheatear |
Moving on the mobile Desert Wheatear was more obliging giving nice views, a more confiding
bird altogether but it nearly caused altercations amongst a couple of photographic plonkers.
Satisfied with the rather cute Desert Wheatear we wandered back toward the Isabelline.
However the small crowd we joined were waiting for a Pallas's Warbler. As ever Mark was quick
off the mark pun intended in locating this little gem. A gorgeous little thing preening in the
bushes. How these tiny mites ever arrive here is just amazing!
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| John and Wendy |
Reaching the Isabelline again but it was still remaining distant. Slowly but surely we made our way
back when ever observant Mark noticed a couple of Grey Partridge slowly wander across the adjacent
field, this number magically rose to 5 or 6.
Now this bird has been in decline in recent years so I was quite excited to get some images even
though they were not that close and in high contrast light.
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| Last of the summer wine |
Wandering up the narrow lane towards Bob's transport I could not believe the parking of vehicles after we had arrived. Virtually in the middle of the road with wing mirrors still stuck out, no way would a tractor have been able to get by.
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| WHHOOSH |
A group of Waxwings had been seen at Burnham Norton so that seemed a good place to go. Just behind a picturesque windmill a small flock were perched in bushes.
Within a couple minutes a sparrow hawk appeared, whoosh the lot took flight.
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| Oops gotta go |
Moving to Hunstanton cliffs where a short period of sea-watching was performed then off home
to watch the recorded F1 qualifying.
Many Thanks to Bob Gill as always and for Trish and John for their pleasant company.
