Today was spent around the Norfolk Broads with first port of call being Barton Broad. A sizeable flock of Lesser Redpolls and Siskins were in the alders by the boardwalk, and a ringtail Hen Harrier was seen briefly through the tree tops as it passed over. The drake Ferruginous Duck was quickly located amongst an assorted flock including Pochard, Tufted Ducks and Goldeneye. Further back against the reeds at least a couple of splendid drake Smews were located as well as a female.
A brief stop at Wroxham Broad produced a female Ruddy Duck, an increasingly scare bird now following the continuing cull of birds, then it was on to Cantley where despite the now torrential rain, a small flock of Taiga Bean Geese were found, along with some White-fronted Geese.
Final stop of the day was the watchpoint at Stubbs Mill, Hickling where an excellent time was had with at least 19 Common Cranes seen to go to roost, plus others heard calling, a Merlin was perched in a dead tree, 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, numerous Marsh Harriers including a tight flock of about 40 birds all wheeling round together in the air, 5000+ Pink-footed Geese came in to roost and about a dozen Woodcock flying out onto the marshes as dusk approached.
Final stop of the day was the watchpoint at Stubbs Mill, Hickling where an excellent time was had with at least 19 Common Cranes seen to go to roost, plus others heard calling, a Merlin was perched in a dead tree, 2 ringtail Hen Harriers, numerous Marsh Harriers including a tight flock of about 40 birds all wheeling round together in the air, 5000+ Pink-footed Geese came in to roost and about a dozen Woodcock flying out onto the marshes as dusk approached.
