Birds seen at Cley Marshes nature reserve on 5th March 2024

It was drizzling in the morning during my second day on the North Norfolk coast, so I headed for Cley Marshes nature reserve where there are several bird hides in which to shelter.

There was a group of Avocets relaxing in the lagoon in front of one of the hides

After I left the hide, the birds were up in the air as they had been disturbed by a Marsh Harrier

A Redshank was wandering around one of the little islands in the lagoon

Then it decided it was time for a nap!

Here's another flight from a Marsh Harrier

Avocet with reflection viewed from the path along the East side of the reserve

Couple of male Shovelers passed one another on the lagoon

One decided to fly away

A group of Shovelers decided it was time to move on too

A Male Wigeon was having a bath

Group of Wigeon in front of one of the other bird hides

Pair of Shelducks looking very graceful

Mute Swan leaving the lagoon while another still remains in the distance

Lapwing flapping a large wing

Birds seen in Brancaster Staithe and Titchwell during my first day on the North Norfolk Coast - 4th March 2024

 After I arrived on the bus from Kings Lynn, I dropped my suitcase off at my accommodation and walked along the footpath through the saltmarsh from Burnham Deepdale to Brancaster Staithe.  Below are photos of the birds that I saw during that walk.

Oystercatcher in front of a fishing boat

Dunnock admiring some lovely daffodils

Male Eurasian Teal in the mud

Little Egret

I caught the bus from Brancaster Staithe to RSPB Titchwell Marsh nature reserve.  There were lots of Brent Geese flying above the fields just outside the reserve.

Two Greylag geese were feeding in a muddy field by the nature reserve

I think that this is a Marsh Harrier that landed briefly in the reeds

It was a bit windy for this Avocet

Pair of Avocets feeding in the Freshwater lagoon

A multitude of Golden Plover were standing on a little spit of land at the back of the lagoon

I was fascinated by the raptors flying around in the distance while I waited for the bus outside the reserve

Mid-February 2024 visit to Battersea Park for birds and blossom

I went for a walk round Battersea Park in mid-February and enjoyed seeing the wildlife and signs of Spring in various parts of the park.

I began with a visit to the Mandarin ducks on the lake

Great Crested Grebe with golden reflections in the water

Patch of beautiful little Violets near the edge of the lake

I followed a Magpie along the path until it turned round and posed for me

A Moorhen walked tentatively along a horizontal branch

White Quince flowers at the edge of the path

A Grey Squirrel was practising some aerobatics and having lunch at the top of a tree

There were mini Irises in the Old English Garden

Pink Cherry blossom at the edge of the lake

A male Gadwall had something to quack about

Coral and white Quince blossom further along the path around the lake

Later on, several Mandarins were standing at the edge of the lake

Two Common Pochards swam past

Very relaxed male Mandarin duck