First tick - Snettisham

Last week I listed some things that I want to do...... and here's the first one achieved (OK, it was set up). We spent the weekend in Snettisham and suffered snow and minus-3 temperatures to watch the waders fly at high tide early each morning.
Uncountable numbers of knot, dunlin, godwit, oystercatcher and smaller numbers of others wheel and turn over the reducing sandbars, making for an awe-inspiring sight.
On the other side of the beach is a long line of pits, holding widgeon, goldeneye and other ducks, along with a feral population of greylags. A vast flock of knot settled on the bank, and flew in a cloud back over the sea.

Pink-footed greylag

Over the last twenty years or so, a winter flock of pink-footed geese has grown to thousands in the Wash, and they fly over Snettisham to reach fields of beet each morning. After the early-morning birding, large breakfasts were served overlooking a bird-filled garden, with views of overflying geese and curlews.



So that's one ticked off the list - hummingbirds would be good next, as at least it should be warmer. May have to be London Zoo though.