Brian and I made an early begin and have been at Santon Downham earlier than 07.30. A stroll from the street to the brand new wood bridge and again revealed little or no: a few Nice Noticed Woodies, a Little Egret and each Music and Mistle Thrushes. We crossed the street and, from the iron bridge, instantly noticed two pairs of Mandarins. A brief stroll gave us glorious views of a species I didn’t see final yr! Close to the automotive I picked out the silhouette of a Crossbill: a male, because it turned out.
A ten-minute drive discovered us at Mayday Farm, the place, after a stroll alongside the gravel observe, we settled down by the small, man-made pool. The cool breeze and lack of sunshine did not bode properly, however within the occasion we spent a tremendous hour, with shut views of Siskins, Redpolls, Goldcrests, Coal Tits and – better of all – Crossbills and a few Brambling! We completed the day simply south of Norwich, including Ring-necked Parakeet to the yr record – pictures tomorrow!
