Norfolk and Camridgeshire

Saturday 16th - Saturday 23rd May 2015
Dotterels, Choseley
I recently spent a very enjoyable week in East Anglia based in King's Lynn. Although by now means a birding holiday, I naturally found the time and opportunity to visit some familiar and not so familiar sites great for birds and other wildlife. Seeing 15 Dotterels at Choseley drying barns was one of the highlights, as was seeing four species of nesting Tern along with Grey and Common Seals at Blakeney Point on a boat trip from Morston Quay. After several attempts to see a Golden Pheasant at Wolferton, only 15 minutes from our base, and failing, I must conclude they are not easy to see! Oystercatchers on the other hand were everywhere, including at several inland sites: two on a cricket pitch at Castle Rising, one at Flitcham Abby Farm and one near Choseley. Given our cottage was 80 yards from the Great Ouse, we could here and see them almost whenever we stepped outside. I enjoyed seeing Round-leaved Sundews at Dersingham Bog, hearing Nightingale at Foulden Common, seeing Marsh Tit at Oxburgh Hall nearby, and nesting Fulmars at Huntstanton. We also visited Wicken Fen, Welney and Titchwell. We packed a lot in, and I'm still sorting through the photos - but here are some of my faves.
Another Dotterel pic - fab birds
Reed Bunting, Friar's Fleet reed-bed, King's Lynn
Enormous bull Grey Seal, Blakeney Point
A bit of argy-bargy between two Grey Seals
Gey and Common Seals at Blakeney Point
Whooper Swans at WWT Welney
Honey Bees at NT Pecover House, Wisbech - not sure what they were doing on the edge of this pond - collecting tree pollen perhaps?
Speaking of Cambridgeshire, I should also mention a trip to Paxton Pits in Cambridgeshire on the 27th of last month organised by the West Midland Bird Club. In the company of West Midlanders Paul, Matt and Andy ('Team Kestrel') I spent a fantastic day at this new site for me, Highlights were a male Ring Ouzel, Nightingales, my first Hobby and Common Terns of the year, and Great Crested Newts. Thanks to Paul for inviting me along, and to Matt and Andy for their great company.
Male Ring Ouzel, Paxton Pits
The Ouzel was next to the best Nightingale spot

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