Firecrest

Headed out to Burnham Overy early this morning, expecting a mainly dry morning with the rain forecast to arrive late morning.  It wasn't dry - drizzling for most of the first hour or two - and windier than I was expecting too.

Anyway, spirits weren't too dampened as I headed towards the dunes.  A Chiffchaff was singing at the staithe and a Fieldfare chacked away as a pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls called overhead.  The Pochard x Ferruginous Duck hybrid I saw last time (two weeks ago) was still present.

By time I'd reached Gun Hill and returned to the boardwalk I hadn't added much to the day's tally - Barn Owl and 5 Red-breasted Mergansers was about it, and the only migrant was a Chiffchaff in the sea buckthorn.  

Barn Owl, Burnham Overy, 28th March

Now more raptors were showing - a Red Kite or two and the Rough-legged Buzzard being the best.

Rough-legged Buzzard, Burnham Overy, 28th March

I birded the east dunes more in hope than expectation but it proved worthwhile.  Best was a Firecrest skulking in brambles at the east end. These photos are quite representative of the sort of views it was giving.

Firecrest, Burnham Overy, 28th March

As I walked back through the valley on the north side a smart male Wheatear showed.

 Wheatear, Burnham Overy, 28th March

There are still a few Golden Plover around.  A minority are starting to look quite summery like the first one below, but most are more like the second photo.

Golden Plovers, Burnham Overy, 28th March

As I returned past the reedy pool I noticed a Spoonbill feeding in a wet area beyond the main pool.  Back near the staithe I watched a Red Kite feeding on the ground.  Couldn't tell what it was eating - a Pheasant maybe?

 Red Kite, Burnham Overy, 28th March