The last full day was originall planned as a day mving along the coast the Cley and the surrounding areas. We decided to change this though, due to a lack of spring birds arriving - and we were getting a bit fed up of waders and ducks. So, a trp to Thretford Forest was undertaken.
Again, we were a little disappointed with what was around, but we did get a few nice birds at Lynford aboretum. Nuthatch, GS Woodpecker, Song thrush, Goldcrests, Siskins and another first, a CROSSBILL. No sign of our other target for the area though - Hawfinch. We'll just have to come again! We did meet a nice old couple who gave us a few tips for areas to see things later in the year.
Now at a bit of a loose end, we popped over to Welney for an hour or so - usual stuff their - before heading back to Frampton Marsh for an hour. Both Marsh harrier and Hen harrier (female this time) were flying past. As the light faded, we set off back to our Travelodge (this time in Newark - the closest £10 night to Rutland Water we could find!) Anyway, as we drove away from Frampton Marsh, we both saw a Barn Owl sitting on a gate post at the side of the road. We were ten feet away at most. Unfortunately, as i stopped the car and went for my camera, the damn thing decided to leave. Great views of it fying away - but i wish i'd been a bit quicker with the camera - there's a great photo of it, but it's only in my head i'm afraid.
The final day was a trip to Rutland Water before heading for home. We weren't expecting much. Spirits rose when we arrived and discovered an Osprey had been seen the day before. We were told that it hadn't been seen since, but it might be around somewhere. Needless to say, we didn't find it, despite following directions to the best viewing place (outside the reserve). Never mind, we didn't stand much chance anyway as the weather was pretty bad - could hardly see to the far side of the lake.
As we set off for home, Sue suggested a brew and a cake at the marina part of the water. OK, why not?! We drank our tea and were heading back to the car when i spotted some brownish thrushlike birds in the field. They couldn't be, could they? Surely not Fieldfares which we'd been searching for for ages! But yes, FIELDFARES, and Redwings. Very nice. We managed a count of nearly 50 at Rutland water - not bad for such a miserable day, and considering we didn't stay long.
Well that's it. Our week in Norfolk turned out to be not quite what we had hoped for, but we left not too disappointed considering the weather and the fact that spring was running late. It gives us the perfect excuse to get down there more often though. We still managed a total species count in excess of 100 (including NINE firsts), and i'm sure that next time we can do a lot better - there are still plenty of "easy" birds for us to find!
Excellent set of posts Rezmole. Many thanks.
Shame you didn't get much at my old stomping ground of Rutland Water but it sounds like the weather let you down. Still, just a big excuse to go again.
I make it 10 lifers for you if you include postcardcv!
Matthew