It was otherwise very quiet that side with just Coot, Mute Swan, Mallard and a few Tufted Duck about, although as expected we did see a Marsh Harrier or two while we were walking.
So back around to the main part of the reserve and a coffee in the first (Island) hide overlooking the freshwater marsh. The first thing was being treated to what can only be described as a murmuration by the Golden Plover,
Shelduck are always a treat to see,
as are the Teal,
a juvenile Ruff turned up and showed quite well to the left of the hide.
After coffee we decide to walk straight up to the beach and see what was about, as with Snettisham the tide was a long way out so with only bins (as my scope is bust!) it was impossible to see anything. There were plenty of Gulls, Oystercatcher and a few other waders on the shoreline but we decide not to venture further and check them out.
From the path back to the Parrinder Hides overlooking the Salt and Freshwater marshes the Redshanks showed well:
We had great views of the Golden Plover from the South Parrinder Hide, although the weather was rather dismal now, so the photo doesn't do their colours justice:
While we watched though a Pink-footed Goose sauntered past the window,
we normally don't get see any that close.
A highlight was a Water Pipit, this was our first Water Pipit for 8 years! It doesn't look special but it was great to see.
there were also a number of Pintail about, now that is a splendid duck, but they were fairly inactive and distant, but for the record:
We stayed quite late and watched the Marsh Harriers and Little Egrets gathering for the roost.
We counted at least 32 Marsh Harriers in the air, which was magnificent and we lost count of the Little Egrets, but I'm guessing at around the 50 mark.
Oh, I forgot to mention that from the North Pallinder hide we did see a distant (aren't they always) female Hen Harrier.
So a good day as usual.
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