Wildlife

James Lowen

Then it was to Horsey and Winterton for the stars of the show. After this, with the light deciding that enough was enough, I tried to find some Cranes around Horsey. Three flew close to the windpump, but I can hear two others calling loudly somewhere towards Stubb Mill, Hickling. Heading round there, it was clear that I had missed the best action: a dozen Cranes etc. Nevertheless, with thanks to Philip Precey, leading a Wildlife Travel tour, and the Ilotts, I enjoyed a fair evening spectacle. The highlight was 52 Marsh Harriers in the air at once, with probably nearly 70 individuals all told: amazing. Two Hen Harriers - one of each gender - were fine, as were a total of three Barn Owl encounters. A pair of Cranes showed distantly (and were bugling regularly). The day ended with two Woodcock hurtling past. Then it was football scores and home, thinking fondly of Wheatears all the way. Now wasn't there once afamous football commentator called Des...?

Even putting to one side Seals and Des, the day was good. I started off with the Rough-legged Buzzard at Halvergate Marshes. Scope views only, but nice enough with a backdrop of distant flocks of Pink-footed Geese. A brief stop north of Acle failed to turn up the seven Cranes seen there midweek, but I did watch a Chinese Water Deer browsing a sprout field. Nearer Martham, a recently ploughed field held 1,000 Pink-feet. And a Pheasant.

I was making the most of the today's fabulous winter light to photograph Grey Seals at Horsey Dunes. I will blog about that separately - the seals deserve their own photo-rich post - but while I was prostrate on the beach maxing the gigabytes on a fluffy baby pinniped, Dessie flew in to say hello. It was a very active bird, rarely settling for more than a couple of seconds, but still came close enough for me to enjoy its presence.

WILDLIFE BLOG

6 Dec 2014 Desert Wheatears, London buses

After having seen none for 25 years, I have now seen three in 25 days. Desert Wheatears, that is. I am not complaining. Wheatears of all descriptions are wonderful creatures. And ones that have flown all the way from Asia, and then pose for photos, are even better. Today's bird was at Winterton Dunes in NE Norfolk. I didn't actually intend to go and see it, but it came to see me.