Mon May 18: Grime’s Graves, Stone-Curlews, Water Voles

We departed The Old Blacksmith’s around 9am and drove an hour to Grime’s Graves. We hadn’t planned this, but it was on the way so we stopped and had a look at the 4500-year old flint mines. There are around 430 filled-in mine shafts, making hollows in the landscape. We went down Mine Shaft Number …

Fri May 15: Birds, etc

First thing, walked the few paces into Burnham Market and bought some fish and shrimps from the fishmonger and some lamb chops from the butcher, then got a coffee. Then we went to Titchwell and saw lots of birds. Then to the White Horse at Brancaster Staithe for lunch: oysters, crab, salad, nice. There were …

Thu May 14: to Norfolk

R went to Minsmere early: in the Island Mere hide shortly after 6am. It was cold: 3.5 degrees C on arrival. Bitterns, Terns, Harriers, Sedge Warblers. Water Rails calling. We checked out of the Eel’s Foot (great location, nice beer, friendly people, food a bit dodgy this time) and drove two hours to Cley Marshes …

Wed May 13: Minsmere 2

Total bird species seen at Minsmere in two days: 66. Heard not seen: 4. Today, most of the Terns, including Roseate. Also, among other things, Bitterns. Marsh Harriers passing food, Tree Creeper nest.

Tue May 12: Walberswick

We checked out of the Brudenell and drove half an hour up to Walberswick. We parked over the narrow bridge by the beach. We walked alongside the River Blyth, and then back inland past the derelict cottage called Tinker’s House on the map. We had lunch at the Anchor in Walberswick. Oysters and ploughman’s. Then …