Double Caspians and the Bee-eaters

Both Gareth B and I were pretty keen to see the Norfolk Bee-eater colony in Trimingham, having not got round to going last year. Hearing their initial breeding attempt had not been unsuccessful, we needed to get our arses in gear, in case they gave up and departed!

We decided upon a day off work and headed over on Monday 10/07. The drive was a long one, however we eventually arrived at the quarry watch point late morning and in no time were enjoying all 3 birds perched up on the wires and wizzing around the quarry, albeit at a bit of a distance. But very decent scope views were had and over the next hour or so, we watched them do their thing, swooping around taking bees and dragonflies. There was a fair bit of interest in two holes in the sandy cliffs, but it was relatively half-hearted and didn't necessarily indicate a concerted effort to try again in the near future sadly.

While watching the Bee eaters, we noticed a Caspian Tern had turned up at Potter Heigham Marshes in the broads some half an hour away. It had been absolutely years since my only one, at Stanwick GPs in I think 2003! It would also be a UK lifer for Gareth so worth the drive over.

Having got a tiny bit lost, as to where we needed to go, we eventually found our way down the long bumpy track to the site and parked up at the end - not before getting some nice views of our first Norfolk/Green-Eyed Hawker!

Viewing the marsh was tricky over the reeds, but we soon managed to scope the Caspian Tern from the bank, close to the car. We walked along a path round to the opposite side and gained better views, as it sat with Black-Headed Gulls. However, again it was a bit tricky finding a unobstructed view through the vegetation! The bird departed soon after, towards Hickling but returned a bit later as we walked back to the car. Other birds noted during our time there included 4 Spoonbill, a handful of Ruff, Bearded Tit and a few Marsh Harriers.

By now it was late afternoon, at which point we arranged to meet up with birding pal Johnny P who had by now finished work for the day. We agreed to meet him at Buckenham Marshes where we'd have a short look before heading round the corner to Strumpshaw. Amazingly, another different Caspian Tern had appeared on the Mill Pool at Buckenham and Johnny was already watching it when we arrived. We began the longish walk down to the Caspian, however halfway along, I looked up to see it zooming past us down the river! I scrambled for my camera, but only managed a couple of pics as it was already past us and heading in the direction of Strumpshaw. A shame, as the views of this beast from the east on the Mill Pool would've been lovely!

Not much going on at Buckenham apart from this, so having met up with Johnny, we headed to Strumpshaw as planned. A nice evening stroll around the reserve, with more good views of Norfolk/Green-Eyed Hawkers.

We hung about a bit for the showy juv Long-eared Owl but no show by about 19:15pm so we sacked it off and hit the road home. A tiring, hot old day, but a great day, spent with good friends. Very enjoyable!