Snettisham 11.02.12

An early start (5a.m.) to pick up Gary at Green Tye for a drive to RSPB Snettishamn Norfolk for the high tide spectacle. Leaving home in -17C was cold and things hadn't improved as we walked along the snow covered beach at 7.30. A few snow buntings seemed appropriate in now -12C as the sun rose. Out on the sea was ice! Plus, hundreds of shelduck, teal and mallard along with a few pintail and wigeon. Overhead, flights of dunlin, knot, sanderling and gulls kept us warm. Eventually the spectacle began as tens, if not hundreds of thousands of waders swarmed in the sky: mainly oystercatchers and knot but also black tailed and bar tailed godwit, grey plover, sanderling and dunlin. Excellent viewing. Then a quick check on the lakes, almost all frozen gave a few views of goldeneye but little else. A reed bunting was heard before we headed off to the village for a warm breakfast and espresso. Then, on to Welney. Here, the mute, whooper and bewick's swans were the attraction but we also added pochard, snipe and a few regular finches and tits. By now a veritably balmy -6C before the drive home. Super morning. Photos show a selection of the birds, several frozen seas and trees and a spectacular sun rise albeit not a hot one. Also a snap of the crowd gathered to watch the wader flyby.