It was a very cold morning after snow after night, but the sight and sound of so many Wigeon made the walk well worthwhile. But, the Bean and Whitefronted Geese were absent, but there was a single Pink-foot and two Barnacle Geese. We didn't see any Bearded Tits that had been reported from a ditch there but while we were there was a group of Bewicks, followed by a smaller group of Whooper Swans passing overhead, and a Water Pipit on the marsh.
A look over the marshes at Cantley also brought no Bean or White-fronted Geese, just some Mute Swan, Lapwing and two Chinese Water Deer.
We spent some time at Halvergate Marshes where we managed to find two Rough Legged Buzzards, a Peregrine and saw a small group of Bewick Swans. It was disappointing to see a wing-tagged Marsh Harrier whihc failed to remain long enough on the ground to get the scope set up.
We then dropped in at Ludham were there was mixed flock of Bewick and Whoopers, possibly the same birds that had flown over Buckenham early morning. We did manage to find one white darvic, but just too far and muddy to read.
A look for the Smew at Ormesby Broad drew a blank but at least we saw a Bittern on top of the reeds at roost.
Wigeon
A look over the marshes at Cantley also brought no Bean or White-fronted Geese, just some Mute Swan, Lapwing and two Chinese Water Deer.
We spent some time at Halvergate Marshes where we managed to find two Rough Legged Buzzards, a Peregrine and saw a small group of Bewick Swans. It was disappointing to see a wing-tagged Marsh Harrier whihc failed to remain long enough on the ground to get the scope set up.
We then dropped in at Ludham were there was mixed flock of Bewick and Whoopers, possibly the same birds that had flown over Buckenham early morning. We did manage to find one white darvic, but just too far and muddy to read.
A look for the Smew at Ormesby Broad drew a blank but at least we saw a Bittern on top of the reeds at roost.
Record shot through the rain and failing light.