Titchwell

What a fantastic place the Titchwell reserve is - a nice high bank where the birds can see you and you can see the birds without seemingly worrying them, and a few well placed hides. Having seen teh Monague's Harriers again and had a brief glimpse of the ever more rare Turtle Dove we hoped to see some migrants. We weren't disappointed as Tim found a splendid Grey-headed Wagtail (the Scandinavian version of Yellow Wag) and John found the three Temminck's Stints. We admired these birds for some time along with the large numbers of Little Gulls and assortment of other birds.

John, Bill and I headed back to the Honey Buzzard spot for midday whilst T & J enjoyed the delights of the North Norfolk coast. There was quite a crowd at Great Ryburgh and as the sun beat down and no birds showed, Bill dozed off and entertained the masses with a virtuoso snoring performance! We said that we'd give it to 3 but fortunately we'd forgot the time and at five past a bird appeared briefly over the wood. Five minutes later the Honey Buzzard came out again, circled right over us and then, as it sailed away to the south-west, started displaying, clapping its wings above its back - fantastic! Reward for perseverance.

We met T&J back at Titchwell where a few Black Terns had dropped in.  John had to leave but we finished off at Dersingham Bog where we had an abortive attempt for Golden Pheasant and Woodlark - a singing Gropper was a small recompense.

It was time for home - a fantastic three days with some excellent birds, good company and some hilarity. Bird of the trip - for me, Hobby - I saw more and better views in those three days than I've ever seen.