WESTERN SANDPIPER at Cley

1st winter WESTERN SANDPIPER

  Well I've been in Norfolk for a week and I made the effort to go and see the WESTERN SANDPIPER at Cley. Like a lot of other birds that I've seen while visiting Norfolk, it was a new species for me. I
arrived in the hide overlooking Pats Pool at 8.30, but it was not until at least an hour later that the sandpiper was located from the Avocet Pool. For the next 2 hours I observed it through the scope, but it never came closer enough for me camera.

Avocets on Pats Pool

Female Shelduck

Black-tailed Godwits were all over the shop

Side by side with a Dunlin and the Western is tiny

  It was warm and bright and for the last hour I returned to Pats Pool and enjoyed the birds on show. Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon and Shoveler, were all at very close range, dark-bellied Brent Geese came in briefly before moving on into nearby fields and Marsh Harriers were sweeping over the reeds on the far side.
Unfortunately this was the last day of a great week with the girlfriend. Birds weren't bad either

The Avocets were still asleep

2 Adult Whooper Swan kept their distance

This male Marsh Harrier was a delight to watch

Female Shelduck

Male Shoveler

Male Teal

Lapwing

The amazing Ben Harper singing live on Letterman 'She's Only Happy in the Sun'