Cley highlights

[colincurry]

Cordless Dave and I went to Cley very early on a sunny but windy January morning. We had been to Titchwell late last year on a cold, windy and dull day and the birds there were relatively few and a long way away. Cley could not have been more different.

This was my first real successful taste of spotting from a hide. We were virtually alone for two hours and thus able to take full advantage of the facilities. When I think how hard it is to get close to birds otherwise this was pretty special (it still somehow seems a bit like cheating but, to me, the results were very worthwhile). I was able to get 'close-ups' of some birds that I had previously only been able to get fairly near. I also saw birds that I had either not seen before or had only long range glimpses. I am fairly new to this and am fairly limited in my scope as I don't drive.

Here are some pics - some of you will be very familiar with the subjects - others perhaps less so.

The first is of a coot showing its wonderful feet - not always obvious



Next is a Brent Goose - only really seen on TV before



I have often seen Shovellers but have never really got close



This Little Egret dropped in briefly - we saw it twice afterwards but not as clearly as this



We have lots of wigeon locally but they are very nervous and hard to get near - a beautiful bird



I have only seen Black Tailed Godwits from afar and in flight - this one was still fairly long distance but within reach



Another only seen before at fairly long range - this Shelduck was very co-operative



This shorelark was a first for me. It was very skittish and skulked in the grass. We were down by the beach, the wind was strong and these shots hand held - still a thrill



Another first - a snow bunting. An enterprising lady photographer had put down seed and we managed some quite good shots using tripods. I like this one of the flock taking the last of the afternoon sun



Finally, the teal which, though common, is not a bird I have come across very much and I do love the swanky colouring



We also had good views of Marsh Harriers but not good enough for postable pictures; but good enough for the record.

All in all, a super day with (as Semprini would have said) 'some old ones, new ones, loved ones, and neglected ones'. You have to be of a certain age to remember Semprini - google. I hope I have communicated some of my pleasure and excitement.

Colin

[VinceS]

You certainly have communicated your enthusiasm. It is always good to have a day out and see birds at close quarters and be able to photograph them. I like all the photos but particularily the shorelark. I do not think using a hide is cheating, it allows people to see birds close up without disturbing them. Some peolple may wince at double-glazed heated hides but again if it allows people to see birds and appreciate them then I see no wrong in using them. Nodoubt other people have different views. But it was good to share your day out. I am afraid Semprini does not ring any bells.

Vince

[sleipnerofasgard]

Take it away semprini

[Bub-les]

Looks like you had a really good day. Thanks for sharing the photos. Wish I had access to a hide but I only know of one over here and that is in the middle of some willow scrub.
Barbara

[Elizabeth B]

The coot's feet are amazing - I'd no idea they looked like that! Thanks for educating me, Colin.

[JeffH]

That's a nice report with some great photos Colin.

Was that your first trip to Cley? If so, you'll now realise why it's such a mecca for birders

Jeff

[stirling]

Sounds like a great day Colin and some great photos to round it off.
Thanks for showing.

Best from mike.

[rlchew]

Great report Colin and some excellent photos to illustrate it.

I haven't a clue who or what Semprini is but I do know Cley and Salthouse rather well .

Richard

[Hobjob]

Some lovely photos there colin.

Do tell me you went up to the pub and saw the white-crowned sparrow too?

The Snow buntings have been about for some time and become well used to being fed by photographers - many from the list have been

[colincurry]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Some lovely photos there colin.

Do tell me you went up to the pub and saw the white-crowned sparrow too?

The Snow buntings have been about for some time and become well used to being fed by photographers - many from the list have been

We had read about this white crowned sparrow. In fact, we were asked about it by another visitor. As we are not twitchers, we were really not that interested. We wanted to get to the hides whilst it was quiet and play with our camera equipment. I suppose some would call it a missed opportunity but it depends on what your philosophy is. We rarely get to a place like Cley and wanted to make the most of the opportunity especially before it became crowded.

Last year, I did go to see a squacco heron that was about three miles from home. Somehow, that seemed legitimate as it is a European bird. The White Crowned Sparrow appears to me to be a freak and not representative of what I like to try to do. This is probably heresy, but each to his own.

Watch this space

Colin