More raptors...

23/12/08 North Norfolk Coast, Simeon, James, Connor, Matthew

We finally dragged Matt out birding again and all four of us were together in force once again!

The only problem was, it was winter - finding wasn't really much of an option - neither was twitching anything to be honest! We had a walk at Titchwell and got good views of Peregrine and Marsh Harrier hunting over the marshes. A ringtail Hen Harrier was just visible over Thornham harbour, where we picked out the Peregrine again. A Black Brant on the Fresh Marsh was probably a hybrid, but one on the beach was nice and proper. Seawatching was tedious, with the mist making identification difficult - a probable Red-necked Grebe was the only bird of note, save for an odd Eider. 40 Snow Buntings flew West along the beach and dribbled back in small flocks during our visit to Thornham Point. The bushes held a Dunnock and 2 Magpies - joy to the world!

Back at Titchwell we had a Spotshank with the Blackwits on the Fresh Marsh and delighted in having bacon baps! Perfect presciption for that winter low that lingers for an age.

We then moved on to Salthouse in hope of photographing the Glaucous Gull that had been on the beach there for a few days. Finding the Glauc was one thing - which proved impossible - let alone photographing it! It later showed up at Cley Marshes to roost apparently.

40 Snow Bunts flew East and then a couple of flocks totalling 60 birds flew West, bringing the day total to 100. Brill!

We then checked a large flock of Brents in fields just South of Salthouse but we couldn't find any Red-Breasted Geese.

The last stop was Warham Greens where we were a little late, but still managed 2 ringtail Hen Harriers and superb views of a Barn Owl hunting right in front of us.

A great trip in all, and a good one to end the 2008 birding season - roll on 2009 (especially Spring!)
Merry Christmas everyone - have a good'un!