Tim saw it first. The scythe of a crescent cut the air this morning at Happisburgh. No Radde’s Warbler, but on the windy ridge of the church, a Pallid Swift was consolation.
A phone call from Paul midday told of another over Temple Wood and it was heading my way. One of these beasts over the garden would be good. I stood willing it to fly by; and guess what? It did!
As I stood on the lawn I was treated to a flypast worthy of a Spitfire. The features stood out as if someone held up a field guide. When I returned with my camera it was on the horizon – you can’t have everything.
I followed it and over the cliff top fields it performed wonderfully.
Two birds … this darker bird and the paler Cromer individual were together over Northrepps at one point. I feel the Happisburgh bird was the darker individual relocating further north west.
Note the length of the second primary
… and the deep fork in the tail
primary length again …
… and look at that eye patch and throat colour.
Letter From Norfolk 