Two Weeks Holiday in Norfolk.

Well what can I say, fantastic time, fantastic weather, only down side was not a great deal of rare birds about, but two out of three ain't bad! Arrived late morning and went straight to Titchwell for the Little Bittern, stood for four hours with not a sign, had to leave to get settled in the Caravan and have a bite to eat, could stand on the old pins a moment longer! only to find people we had stood by for all that time had great views only half an hour after we left, after that it became a real thorn in the side and all we could think about, hence going back again the next morning to give it another four hours, still no luck and again seemed to wait until we had disappeared before coming out, all be it fleetingly. Must have had the shakes that day, must have been low sugar level or frustration not sure which but could not use any shots taken that day at all, all got dumped, did get good views of the Little Bittern on day three for over an hour but not clearly enough for any shots, but glad I got to see it at last, so below are the best of day three, slowly working through each day, thankfully they do improve.

Redshank.

Open Wide!

Turnstone.

What Now Mum!

Herring Gull (Juvenile)

Ruff.

Ruff.

Curlew Sandpiper.

Rutland Bird Fair!!

Well what can I say, I can finally say I have met Bill Oddie, having been brought up on The Goodies, its been my one ambition knowing that he has been known to frequent this Fair, I have to say what a Gentleman no matter how many people approached him, he had time for all who wanted a few moments of his time," we who are not worthy ", Goody Goody Yum Yum!!
As for Big Bird this was made of plastic bags and tissue paper. Had a great day!!!

Star Struck.

Entertainment.

Big Bird.

One of the Stands.

Gailey Res.

Well another early start to have another go at the Red Necked Grebe, but forgot about the V Festival took three hours to get there from Stoke but had a good four hours there and although better weather the Grebe did not venture much closer than the other two visits, but what a lovely setting to spend the day, it was no hardship, also had another look through my Spotted Redshank shots from the other day and cannot believe I almost dismissed these two shots, I sometimes get a little too excited and eager to get my shots on my blog and have to remind myself to do a double take.

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Spotted Redshank.

Spotted Redshank.

Gailey Res. & Blithfield Res.

Just a couple more shots from today's trip.

Yellow Wagtail (juvenile)

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Gailey Res. & Blithfield Res.

Started early at Gailey Res. for the Red Necked Grebe but after a couple of hours the draw of the Spotted Redshank at Blithfield got the better of us and at the time we had not better'd the shots from yesterday, (you'll be please to know there was no further damage to one's posteria today) and the trip was well worth it as the Spotted Redshank performed well. Hope to get a last attempt at the Grebe on Friday.

Spotted Redshank.

Spotted Redshank.

Spotted Redshank.

Gailey Res. Take Two!

Sorry to be milking what few shots I have, but due to the indignity of suffering my nettle stings, in undescribable places, I'm sure you will indulge me this once!!

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Gailey Res.

Think we may have taken too long this morning debating whether to go or stay, Red Necked Grebe was reported to be showing well but would the weather hold out, toss up between seeing the bird for the first time (in my case of course, not he who must be obeyed) and getting a good shot for the records, cost of petrol always comes into these equations and would it be better to leave it for another day, then again would it then still be there, decisions, decisions, in the end as most of the time we could not resist the call, as it turned out we could have done with being there 30 mins earlier as it had just been seen quite close to the bank and in full sunshine, but we persevered for about four hours and although never venturing that close again and with the sun most of the time behind the clouds, I got a few shots some of which below, still have a few more to check out, but will have to see if we can return to have a better crack at it, these however were worth the nettles I ended up sitting and kneeling in!!!!

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.

Red Necked Grebe.