The Essex Birdwatching Society's May Field Trip was by luxury coach to the splendid north Norfolk coast, to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Reserve at Cley on a fine, bright day. Even before boarding the coach in Chelmsford a Sparrowhawk was seen perched on the gable roof of the County Hotel. On route Common Buzzard and Kestrel were seen, plus a Barn Owl flying adjacent to the road and farmland species of Bullfinch, Pheasant and Red-legged Partridge.
Once reaching our destination some of the group went to the hides where a selection of waders and water fowl were noted, including Avocet, Redshank, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Bar- and Black-tailed Godwit, Shelduck, Pintail, Gadwall, Pochard, Lapwing with young, Greylag Geese with goslings as well as Little Egret. Others in the group headed along the path leading to the shingle embankment protecting the Reserve from the sea. The elevated path allowed excellent views over the vast reed bed, where Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Bearded Tit were all seen along with three hunting Marsh Harriers.
Another section of the group took a stroll along Blakeney Point where a Bluethroat had been seen the previous day and again reported earlier during the morning. The sun was warm and the sea calm with the aroma of seaweed as the waves broke on the beach. In the clear blue sky Common, Sandwich and noisy Little Tern were returning from fishing trips far out to sea to their nesting colony further along the 'Point'. Cormorant and a group of five adult Gannet flew low over our heads. On the expanse of shingle towards the saltmarsh Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Little Ringed Plover were amongst the nesting species. We were also successful in locating the Bluethroat, a rare visitor from Scandinavia.
The refreshments and homemade cakes served in the Centre were very welcoming and enjoyed while looking out across the Reserve towards the sea where many Swifts, Swallows and House Martin were seen catching insects during the stillness of the early evening. Altogether the group identified nearly 90 species during the full day visit at this 'Mecca' for birds and everyone interested in bird watching. For further details and information about future friendly Field Trips along with other activities see the Essex Birdwatching Society website WWW.EBWS.ORG.UK
