We woke early on our 3rd and final day in Cley, and drove to the visitor centre to look through the scopes. There wasn’t much out there, but in the fields beside us there were 25 Curlew and a dozen Skylark!
We went back to Titchwell to see what we could. Upon arriving, an elegant Water Rail stepped out from its hiding place and we got to watch it for a while before continuing. It did not stay in the open long enough for any good photos, but here’s what there is.
After seeing very little at Titchwell, we (supposedly) went home. 20 minutes after we left, we stopped for the sight of 4 or 5 acres filled with waterfowl. European Wigeon, Brent and Canada Geese, Mallard and a few gulls.
And, was it? It was! Pink-footed Geese! 27 of them couldn’t hold the lime-light for long though, as an elusive Barnacle Goose flew overhead.
Eventually, we left, and managed to make only one more stop on the way home. We were twitching, an activity I try to keep away from when I can, but this time it was well worth it.
After a fifteen minute jog, in the failing light, we crested a hill and hit gold – that is to say, red. Thousands and thousands of Red Knots mingled with 1500 Mallards, 2000 Oystercatchers and 50 – 100 Curlew. So many Knots. It was breathtaking.
And then the light faded, and we could see nothing.
You can see my other 2 posts on Cley here: