Three Days in North Norfolk - 2

Bearded tit

I mentioned that I would add some more Cley photos in a second post, so here they are. We were thrilled to see Bearded tits in the deep reedbeds with the Sedge Warblers. We stood poised on the path, listening for the ping that often precedes their presence. These beautiful birds are extremely elusive!

But it was not just tits and warblers in among the reeds. It was lovely to see a few butterflies, including this Peacock in a sheltered spot below the raised path to Cley from Morston Quay. 

 

We were just about to enjoy our picnic lunch when I noticed what I took from a distance to be a female Orange Tip, but when I drew near I realised it was actually a Green-veined White, another seasonal first for me. We actually saw several flying about near a patch of dandelions. 

Unlike the Peacock butterfly, this black beetle was strolling along the top of the bank in the sunshine. 

David noticed a streak of red in the brambles at the edge of the raised path, and it turned out to be the chest of a Linnet. I think this is my best view to date of a Linnet's back. What lovely pied markings on the tail.

There are usually quite a few Avocets on the Cley reserve. I was so hoping to take a photo of one in flight, but this will have to wait for another occasion. I see it is the 70th birthday of RSPB Minsmere (down the coast, into Suffolk) this weekend and that there is a new Avocet mug to mark the occasion. 

These Bearded tit pictures below are definitely 'click-and-shoot' shots, but who could resist these magnificent little birds? And it seems to me that the 'beard' is definitely more of a moustache!

There were several ladybirds along the path to the sea at Cley. 

 I am puzzled by this one, though, as it looks very like an Eyed Ladybird, 

but I don't think the habitat is quite right 

as these insects are usually found on pine trees and other conifers. 

Another insect for the UK Ladybird Survey...

I love this landscape of mere, reedbed, sea and sky. Tides and migrant birds come and go, just like the light and the shadows. 

There was just time for a slice of malteaser cake on the terrace at NWT Cley before heading home to Suffolk.

Species list to follow, but do click on the yellow background and take a look at a wonderful post on North Norfolk from fellow blogger, Adam Tilt.

RSPB Minsmere - those delightful but elusive Bearded tits

We saw few garden birds at Minsmere this weekend, but it was terrific to have such a good Bittern sighting. We enjoyed listening to the Bearded tits from the walkway up to Island Mere hide. We had a few fleeting glimpses of these beautiful but elusive birds; but were not able to take any photographs, so I have posted a few of a female Beardie from a previous sighting.

We also saw a Marsh Harrier and a Hobby on the reserve. I'm afraid the hobby record shot below is also from a previous occasion. Nearly all of my photos from this last visit were of the Bittern and you can see some of them here.

More images from RSPB Minsmere

The Water Vole on my previous post may have been the highlight of our visit to Minsmere this last weekend, but there were many other lovely things on offer. Spring is burgeoning and the willows and birches are bursting forth. 

We were really hoping to see Bearded tits, but it was the afternoon and like a number of other birds, they were deep in the reedbeds. Every so often we heard the distinctive 'ping', but they eluded us. We were told we should get there much earlier in the day.

Bearded tit - from last year. Such fabulous birds ...

There was quite a gathering in the woods on the way to Island Mere and we were told that the excitement had been caused by a female Blackcap, not that you can tell very easily from my photo!

We nearly always hear the Green Woodpecker's yaffle. This time we only saw one, and it was a fair distance away, almost beyond the reach of my zoom, so apologies for the blurry image below. 

This handsome Snipe had perched in the reeds a short distance from the Island Mere hide.

We were able to get a good view through the open windows.

I could award these two in the photo below the 'noisy' prize, but perhaps that should go to the Little Grebe!

A couple of Marsh Harriers were flying high over us in the thermals.

The photo below shows the view from the BBC Springwatch cabin, looking down towards Island Mere. The sea is off to the left, beyond the confines of this photo, where - unfortunately - the view is rudely interrupted by the white dome of Sizewell Power Station.

The path back to the entrance to the reserve was very muddy. How about this for a sign ...

We called in at Snape Maltings on our way home, unable to resist a quick photo of the rainbow over the reedbeds ...

RSPB Minsmere ... Best of the Rest

Those of you who read my last post will have seen my Adder photographs from RSPB Minsmere, here in Suffolk, UK.

The snakes were undoubtedly a highlight, but there were other wonderful wildlife moments, too. This Robin was singing its heart out near the Visitors' Centre. 

There were more than a few signs that the BBC Springwatch crew

were in the area, such as this red tag. 

I wonder what is special about this particular bramble patch!

 

The weather improved a bit, but the conditions were not ideal for butterflies. 

This Red Admiral was resting in a sheltered spot.

 We watched the Avocets on the scrapes.

Some were doing what waders do best ...

and others were sitting on their nests. 

There were some chicks, but we failed to see these. 

There were also some stately Little Egret ...

... and a Bittern. 

We saw a second Bittern (above) later on,

flying past Island Mere Hide. 

We came face to face with a couple of well-fed Red-legged Partridges

who were 'hanging out' near the tea room. 

The air was filled with Sand Martins,

and while they took to the skies,

the rabbits scampered about in the sand bank. 

These fluffy goslings commanded a lot of attention, particularly since they were easy to see ...

... unlike the fabulous but elusive Bearded tits,

who kept disappearing in the reedbeds. 

The one above is a male 

(note the 'beard' or moustache).

This is a female, though she is hard to see!

 

I believe this tiny insect is a grasshopper,

my first one in 2015.

It is hard to tell how long those antennae are!  

Update: 27 May - I now think it is a Groundhopper. 

The Common Tern

kept us entertained while we waited

for the Bearded tits to emerge. 

While I was watching the Adders, I fell into conversation with an artist-illustrator,

Narisa Togo, who was sketching the snakes.

Narisa gave me details of her wonderful blog here.

Do take a look ...