On our way to, and on our way from, the Solway last month, we called at some prime birding locations. Among the delights around us were a host of Snipe feeding in reedy shallows. Earlier we had a small flock of Pintail. these are duck that are hard to get close to in Norfolk. I particularly like the rear view shot of the drake as it swam away revealling an angle of the neck stripes not often seen in photos.
We took in a swan feed at Caerlaverock on the Goose Tour to the Solway. The Whoopers manage to somehow squabble amicably; never quite losing their aloofness. After feeding they walk to the far side of the pool and in turn small squadrons clear a runway to take off and get airborne; passing by the hide for us to photograph as they do so. Simply quite stunning.
Next Februarys’ Solway Winter Geese Tour is now open for bookings. See the link at http://www.wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk/solway-winter-geese/4554361874
What we all loved on this year’s tour was the sheer number of Barnacle Geese we encountered. We came across a random flock in a roadside field. Regrettably even though we were still quite distant when we pulled up they became very wary and took flight despite us remaining in the vehicle. The noise alone was an experience but the sight of so many in the air at once was just breath-taking. Throughout the day we estimated we had seen between 8 and 10 thousand Barnacles.
Of course as with any of our trips it’s just not about one species or location there are many other species we encounter too. One thing I particularly like to see is Tree Sparrow. Although we can still find them in Norfolk rarely do they show as well as one place we visited.
We were looking through a load of ducks and swans up at Caerlaverock the other day and this little chapess was swimming among the maelstrom of feathers, beaks and webbed feet. Scaup are not unusual in the area. We found several on the estuary. More about the tour to the Solway and what we saw in future posts.
Letter From Norfolk 