Cley on Monday felt like Spring had arrived – only problem was that no-one had told the birds! The only passerine migrant in evidence were several singing Chiffchaff along the Skirts. A nice selection of waders on Arnolds and prolonged views of the Long-billed Dowitcher on Pat’s kept the visitors amused. Best birds were undoubtably the two Hen Harriers – a ‘ring-tail’ in the morning and a superb male at lunchtime. Yesterday’s sea-watch turned out surprisingly well. Plenty of Scoter on the move, an adult summer Mediterranean Gull – scarce since the influx last Autumn – and our first Sandwich Terns of the year. We’d just packed up and were walking back through North Lodge Park when a flock of c.20 small passerines flew low over our heads – giving a constant ‘insect buzzing’ call. It took me a few moments to work it out – they were Twite! They did a circuit of the park before continuing east along the cliffs. A remarkable sighting. We’re now on a count-down to our departure on another American birding road-trip – this time to the mid-west. This will be my last posting on this site until next month but I hope to publish the odd travelogue on my other website: TrevorOnTour – do follow us if you get the chance.
Cromer Nature Notes 